bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antibodies to MOG and AQP4 in adults with neuromyelitis optica and suspected limited forms of the disease
Authors: Höftberger Romana , Sepulveda María , Armangue Thaís , Blanco Yolanda , Rostásy Kevin , Cobo Calvo Alvaro , Olascoaga Javier , Ramió-Torrentà Lluís , Reindl Markus , Benito-León Julián , Casanova Bonaventura , Arrambide Georgina , Sabater Lidia , Graus Francesc , Dalmau Josep , Saiz Albert 
Published: October 2014

Objective: We aimed to report the frequency and implications of antibodies to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG-ab) in adults with demyelinating syndromes suspicious for neuromyelitis optica (NMO). Methods: Samples from 174 patients (48 NMO, 84 longitudinally extensive myelitis (LETM), 39 optic neuritis (ON), and three acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) who presented initially with isolated LETM) were retrospectively examined for AQP4-ab and MOG-ab using cell-based assays. Results: MOG-ab were found in 17 (9.8%) patients, AQP4-ab in 59 (34%), and both antibodies in two (1.1%). Among the 17 patients with MOG-ab alone, seven (41%) had ON, five (29%) LETM, four (24%) NMO, and one (6%) ADEM. Compared with patients with AQP4-ab, those with MOG-ab were significantly younger (median: 27 vs. 40.5 years), without female predominance (53% vs. 90%), and the clinical course was more frequently monophasic (41% vs. 7%) with a benign outcome (median Expanded Disability Status Scale: 1.5 vs. 4.0). In eight patients with paired serum-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples, five had MOG-ab in both samples and three only in serum. Antibody titres did not differ among clinical phenotypes or disease course. MOG-ab remained detectable in 12/14 patients (median follow-up: 23 months) without correlation between titres’ evolution and outcome. Conclusion: MOG-ab identify a subgroup of adult patients with NMO, LETM and ON that have better outcome than those associated with AQP4-ab. MOG-ab are more frequently detected in serum than CSF and the follow-up of titres does not correlate with outcome.
All-cause mortality and estimated renal function in type 2 diabetes mellitus outpatients: Is there a relationship with the equation used?
Authors: Fabbian Fabio , De Giorgi Alfredo , Monesi Marcello , Pala Marco , Tiseo Ruana , Misurati Elisa , Parisi Claudia , Volpi Riccardo , Graziani Roberto , Mikhailidis Dimitri P , Manfredini Roberto 
Published: October 2014

Background: We investigated the relationship between serum creatinine (SCr) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), evaluated by different formulae, and all-cause mortality (ACM) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) outpatients. Methods: This observational cohort study considered 1365 T2DM outpatients, who had been followed up for a period of up to 11 years. eGFR was estimated using several equations. Results: Seventy subjects (5.1%) died after a follow-up of 9.8 ± 3 years. Univariate analysis showed that diagnosis of nephropathy (odds ratio (OR): 2.554, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.616–4.038, p < 0.001) and microvascular complications (OR: 2.281, 95% CI: 1.449–3.593, p < 0.001) were associated with ACM. Receiving operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that the areas under the curve for ACM were similar using the different eGFR equations. eGFR values were predictors of ACM, and the hazard ratios (HRs) of the different equations for eGFR estimation were similar. Conclusion: In our cohort of T2DM outpatients, different eGFR equations perform similarly in predicting ACM, whereas SCr did not.
Reconstruction of the transverse and dorsal-oblique amputations of the distal thumb with volar cross-finger flap using the index finger
Authors: Erken H. Y. , Akmaz I. , Takka S. , Kiral A. 
Published: October 2014

We performed a retrospective review of 12 patients with dorsal oblique and transverse amputations of the distal thumb who were treated with a volar cross-finger flap from the index finger. The mean patient follow-up period was 28 months postoperatively (range: 19–43 months). There were no instances of flap loss, infection, or donor site complication in our series. The mean Semmes–Weinstein monofilament testing scores on the injured thumb and the donor site were 0.65 g (range: 0.16–2 g) and 0.51 g (range: 0.16–1 g), respectively. The mean 2-point discrimination testing scores on the injured thumb and the donor site were 4.5 mm (range: 3–8 mm) and 4.3 mm (range: 3–7 mm), respectively. This study suggests that the volar cross-finger flap using the index finger is a reliable technique in repairing dorsal oblique and transverse amputations of the distal thumb. Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic IV
A hyperactive Mpl-based cell growth switch drives macrophage-associated erythropoiesis through an erythroid-megakaryocytic precursor
Authors: Belay Eyayu , Miller Chris P. , Kortum Amanda N. , Torok-Storb Beverly , Blau C. Anthony , Emery David W. 
Published: October 2014

Key PointsIncreasing receptor stability of an Mpl-based cell growth switch improves ex vivo expansion from cord blood CD34+ cells. Expansion includes Epo-independent, macrophage-associated erythropoiesis from a novel erythroid-megakaryocytic precursor population.
Recurrent ETNK1 mutations in atypical chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Gambacorti-Passerini Carlo B. , Donadoni Carla , Parmiani Andrea , Pirola Alessandra , Redaelli Sara , Signore Giovanni , Piazza Vincenzo , Malcovati Luca , Fontana Diletta , Spinelli Roberta , Magistroni Vera , Gaipa Giuseppe , Peronaci Marco , Morotti Alessandro , Panuzzo Cristina , Saglio Giuseppe , Usala Emilio , Kim Dong-Wook , Rea Delphine , Zervakis Konstantinos , Viniou Nora , Symeonidis Argiris , Becker Heiko , Boultwood Jacqueline , Campiotti Leonardo , Carrabba Matteo , Elli Elena , Bignell Graham R. , Papaemmanuil Elli , Campbell Peter J. , Cazzola Mario , Piazza Rocco 
Published: October 2014

Key PointsWhole-exome sequencing reveals the presence of recurrent somatic mutations of ETNK1 in patients with atypical chronic myeloid leukemia. ETNK1 mutations impair the catalytic activity of the enzyme, causing a decrease in the intracellular levels of phosphoethanolamine.
Differentiation-inducing and anti-proliferative activities of lupeol on canine melanoma cells
Authors: Ogihara Kikumi , Naya Yuko , Okamoto Yoshiharu , Hata Keishi 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Canine melanoma is the most common oral malignant tumor reported in the field of veterinary medicine. We found that lupeol, a lupine triterpene, inhibited mouse melanoma cell growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing cell differentiation. In the present study, we examined the differentiation-inducing activities of lupeol on 4 canine melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
The induction of canine melanoma cell differentiation by lupeol was confirmed by evaluating some differentiation markers such as tyrosinase with real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, we transplanted canine melanoma cells into a severe combined immunodeficiency mouse, and studied the anti-progressive effects of lupeol on tumor tissue.
The gene expression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor, tyrosinase, and tyrosinase-related protein-2, which are markers of pigment cell differentiation, was induced in 4 canine oral malignant melanoma cells by lupeol, and the agent markedly inhibited tumor progression in canine melanoma-bearing mice.
MicroRNA‐15b promotes neurogenesis and inhibits neural progenitor proliferation by directly repressing TET3 during early neocortical development
Authors: Lv Xiaohui , Jiang Huihui , Liu Yanli , Lei Xuepei , Jiao Jianwei 
Published: October 2014

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of mouse brain development. However, their precise roles in this context remain to be elucidated. Through screening of expression profiles from a miRNA microarray and experimental analysis, we show here that miR‐15b controls several aspects of cortical neurogenesis. miR‐15b inhibits cortical neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation and promotes cell‐cycle exit and neuronal differentiation. Additionally, miR‐15b expression decreases the number of apical progenitors and increases basal progenitors in the VZ/SVZ. We also show that miR‐15b binds to the 3′ UTR of TET3, which plays crucial roles during embryonic development by enhancing DNA demethylation. TET3 promotes cyclin D1 expression, and miR‐15b reduces TET3 expression and 5hmC levels. Notably, TET3 expression rescues miR‐15b‐induced impaired NPC proliferation and increased cell‐cycle exit in vivo. Our results not only reveal a link between miRNAs, TET, and DNA demethylation but also demonstrate critical roles for miR‐15b and TET3 in maintaining the NPC pool during early neocortical development.
Constant rate of p53 tetramerization in response to DNA damage controls the p53 response
Authors: Gaglia Giorgio , Lahav Galit 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe dynamics of the tumor suppressor protein p53 have been previously investigated in single cells using fluorescently tagged p53. Such approach reports on the total abundance of p53 but does not provide a measure for functional p53. We used fluorescent protein‐fragment complementation assay (PCA) to quantify in single cells the dynamics of p53 tetramers, the functional units of p53. We found that while total p53 increases proportionally to the input strength, p53 tetramers are formed in cells at a constant rate. This breaks the linear input–output relation and dampens the p53 response. Disruption of the p53‐binding protein ARC led to a dose‐dependent rate of tetramers formation, resulting in enhanced tetramerization and induction of p53 target genes. Our work suggests that constraining the p53 response in face of variable inputs may protect cells from committing to terminal outcomes and highlights the importance of quantifying the active form of signaling molecules in single cells.
Gobierno corporativo y sector público: un estudio bibliométrico en las principales revistas ISI
Authors: Flórez-Parra Jesús Mauricio , López-Pérez María Victoria , López-Hernández Antonio Manuel 
Published: October 2014

Este artículo está dirigido a analizar el Gobierno Corporativo (GC) en el área del sector público. El concepto del GC ha venido adquiriendo en los últimos años una gran importancia, convirtiéndose en un tema ampliamente estudiado desde diversos puntos de vista, especialmente en el sector privado. Este interés se pone de manifiesto en el fuerte incremento de trabajos publicados en las diversas revistas internacionales. En el sector público, el estudio del GC presenta una serie de diferencias debido a la naturaleza de las organizaciones y al diferente papel que juegan los grupos de interés, que hacen necesario su estudio en profundidad. Para tal fin, se realiza un análisis bibliométrico comprendido entre los años 2000-2008, donde se analizan las temáticas más relevantes y significativas, los autores más citados y las teorías más empleadas. Para este estudio se toman 26 revistas de diferentes áreas del conocimiento, incluidas en el Social Science Citation Index (SSCI), en las que se aborda el estudio del GC. Este trabajo permite, primero, poner de manifiesto las principales líneas de trabajo desarrolladas en un área de estudio todavía incipiente y, segundo, ver cómo los enfoques sobre la aplicación de códigos de buenas prácticas, ética corporativa y responsabilidad social difieren de los adoptados en el ámbito privado, aunque en estos trabajos pioneros el marco teórico predominante es la teoría de la agencia y no otros que de entrada podrían pensarse más adecuados, como la teoría de los stakeholders o la teoría de stewardship.
Los determinantes de la rentabilidad primaria de los bonos de titulización hipotecaria: la influencia de las estructuras multitramo
Authors: Peña-Cerezo Miguel Á. , Rodríguez-Castellanos Arturo , Ibáñez-Hernández Francisco J. 
Published: October 2014

Este artículo analiza los determinantes de la rentabilidad primaria de los bonos de titulización hipotecaria (conocidos en la literatura como mortgage backed securities, o MBS) emitidos en España durante el periodo 1993-2011, periodo en el que el mercado español llegó a convertirse en el más importante de Europa continental. Los resultados obtenidos sobre el análisis de la población completa de MBS emitidos (262 tramos configurados sobre 94 fondos de titulización) indican que la estructuración multitramo de los MBS ha ayudado a reducir el riesgo percibido global de las emisiones de MBS, mediante la generación de mercados más completos y la reducción de los problemas derivados de la existencia de asimetrías informativas implícitas en el proceso de selección de los activos transmitidos por parte de la entidad cedente. Esta reducción del riesgo percibido ha tenido un efecto directo sobre la rentabilidad ofrecida por los bonos de titulización emitidos. Además, no se encuentran evidencias de que la emisión de MBS persiga la transmisión efectiva de riesgos, más bien al contrario. Las entidades de crédito, por lo general, han retenido los tramos de primeras pérdidas, lo que ha contribuido a mantener en niveles muy bajos (por debajo de la rentabilidad de la deuda soberana) la rentabilidad ofrecida por los MBS. Precisamente, el escaso diferencial ofrecido por los bonos de titulización se debe a que los tramos retenidos no han ofrecido primas de rentabilidad ajustadas al riesgo inherente.
La netnografía como herramienta de investigación en contextos on-line: una aplicación al análisis de la imagen de los servicios públicos de transporte
Authors: Casas-Romeo Agustí , Gázquez-Abad Juan Carlos , Forgas-Coll Santiago , Huertas-García Rubén 
Published: October 2014

La netnografía es una nueva metodología de investigación cualitativa que adapta técnicas de investigación etnográficas al estudio de culturas y comunidades emergentes a través de la comunicación mediada por ordenador, y surge como respuesta al fenómeno cultural del crecimiento de Internet y al creciente número de consumidores que utilizan la Red para mantenerse informados y para crear relaciones y comunidades con otros consumidores que tienen similares estilos de vida y que consumen productos y/o servicios similares. Si bien, desde finales de los noventa la netnografía está tomando mayor protagonismo, se hace necesario un mayor número de trabajos que desarrollen aspectos relacionados con esta metodología; especialmente, en el contexto de la literatura de marketing, donde existen pocos trabajos centrados en la netnografía como herramienta de investigación comercial. Dada la escasez de trabajos, este estudio pretende analizar a nivel teórico la utilidad de la netnografía como herramienta de investigación en contextos on-line. Adicionalmente, se ilustra dicha utilidad a partir de un estudio desarrollado para el análisis de la imagen del servicio de autobuses de la ciudad de Madrid.
Preliminary evaluation of the suspending properties of Brachystegia eurycoma gum on metronidazole suspension
Authors: Uhumwangho Michael U , Ileje Ikechukwu Louis 
Published: October 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the suspending properties of Brachystegia eurycoma gum on metronidazole suspension. The suspending properties of Brachystegia eurycoma gum (family leguminosae) were evaluated comparatively with that of compound tragacanth powder at concentration range of 2.5  10.0%w/v in metronidazole suspension. The following parameters were determined; sedimentation volume (%), viscosity, pH and re-dispersion number. The values obtained were used as basis for comparison of the suspending agents studied. Brachystegia eurycoma and compound tragacanth gums had a pH range between 4.7 to 4.9 and between 3.9 to 4.1 respectively which indicates that they are slightly acidic. Particles suspended with tragacanth gum at concentration ? 7.5%w/w redispersed easily than those formulated with the Brachystegia eurycoma gum at ? 10% w/w. It was observed that with increase in concentration of the gum the viscosity of the suspension increased correspondingly. For instance, at concentration of 2.5%w/w viscosities of the suspensions are 490 poise (Brachystegia eurycoma gum) and 603 poise (compound tragacanth gum) while at concentrations of 7.5%w/w their viscosities were 914 poise (Brachystegia eurycoma gum) and 1709 poise (compound tragacanth gum). There was a direct proportionality between viscosity of the gums at different concentrations and the sedimentation rate of the suspensions, as the viscosity of the gum increases, the rate of sedimentation of the suspension decreases. Brachystegia eurycoma gum at predetermined concentration can be exploited as an alternative excipient in the formulation of pharmaceutical suspensions of insoluble substances.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i11.20727 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, October 2014, 3(11): 328-330
Distribution models for Panicum virgatum (Poaceae) reveal an expanded range in present and future climate regimes in the northeastern United States
Authors: Ahrens Collin W. , Meyer Thomas H. , Auer Carol A. 
Published: October 2014

• Premise of the study: Expanded area cultivated with the bioenergy crop Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) could alter the genetics of native populations through gene flow, so understanding current and future species distribution is a first step toward estimating ecological impacts. We surveyed switchgrass distribution in the northeastern United States and generated statistical models to address hypotheses about current distribution relative to historical records and responses to climate change.• Methods: Surveys were conducted on 1600 km of road verges along environmental gradients. Switchgrass abundance became the training data for two multivariate generalized linear models that generated maps representing the probability of switchgrass in road verges. Models were evaluated and the superior model was used with variables from three climate change scenarios for 2050 and 2099.• Key results: Switchgrass populations were found in 41% of roadside plots and up to 188 km from the coast. The environmental variables temperature, urban areas, and sandy soils were positively correlated with switchgrass presence, while elevation, soil pH, and distance to the coast were negatively correlated. The model without spatial autocorrelation performed better. Models and maps incorporating climate change predictions showed a sharp northward shift in suitable habitat.• Conclusions: Switchgrass populations in the northeastern United States occur on inland road verges, supporting the idea that species distribution has expanded relative to historical descriptions of a restricted coastal habitat. The optimal model showed that mean temperature, elevation, and urban development were important in switchgrass distribution today, and climate change will increase suitable habitat for future bioenergy production and wild populations.
Des biens communs au bien commun. Une lecture économique de la pensée sociale de l'Église
Authors: Lasida Elena 
Published: October 2014

L’article se propose d’examiner et de comparer deux approches différentes du bien commun, l’une issue de la pensée sociale de l’Église, l’autre de la science économique. La première est présentée à travers différents textes du magistère romain y faisant référence, en essayant d’en dégager les principales caractéristiques du bien commun. L’approche économique est quant à elle présentée, dans un premier temps, à travers la notion habituellement utilisée de « biens communs ». Dans un second temps, la notion de biens communs est mise en résonance avec trois concepts provenant de théories économiques différentes : la « capabilité » d’Amartya Sen, le « capital social » de Robert Putnam et les « ressources communes » d’Elinor Ostrom. Enfin, parallèlement à l’analyse politique développée par Émilie Tardivel, cet article établit certaines conditions pour penser une économie ordonnée au bien commun.
Human L-Ficolin Recognizes Phosphocholine Moieties of Pneumococcal Teichoic Acid
Authors: Vassal-Stermann Emilie , Lacroix Monique , Gout Evelyne , Laffly Emmanuelle , Pedersen Christian M. , Martin Lydie , Amoroso Ana , Schmidt Richard R. , Zähringer Ulrich , Gaboriaud Christine , Di Guilmi Anne-Marie , Thielens Nicole M. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Human L-ficolin is a soluble protein of the innate immune system able to sense pathogens through its fibrinogen (FBG) recognition domains and to trigger activation of the lectin complement pathway through associated serine proteases. L-Ficolin has been previously shown to recognize pneumococcal clinical isolates, but its ligands and especially its molecular specificity remain to be identified. Using solid-phase binding assays, serum and recombinant L-ficolins were shown to interact with serotype 2 pneumococcal strain D39 and its unencapsulated R6 derivative. Incubation of both strains with serum triggered complement activation, as measured by C4b and C3b deposition, which was decreased by using ficolin-depleted serum. Recombinant L-ficolin and its FBG-like recognition domain bound to isolated pneumococcal cell wall extracts, whereas binding to cell walls depleted of teichoic acid (TA) was decreased. Both proteins were also shown to interact with two synthetic TA compounds, each comprising part structures of the complete lipoteichoic acid molecule with two PCho residues. Competition studies and direct interaction measurements by surface plasmon resonance identified PCho as a novel L-ficolin ligand. Structural analysis of complexes of the FBG domain of L-ficolin and PCho revealed that the phosphate moiety interacts with amino acids previously shown to define an acetyl binding site. Consequently, binding of L-ficolin to immobilized acetylated BSA was inhibited by PCho and synthetic TA. Binding of serum L-ficolin to immobilized synthetic TA and PCho-conjugated BSA triggered activation of the lectin complement pathway, thus further supporting the hypothesis of L-ficolin involvement in host antipneumococcal defense.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Regulate Immune Response in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection through PD-1–Induced IL-10
Authors: Huang Ang , Zhang Bo , Yan WeiWei , Wang Bo , Wei HuaFeng , Zhang Fan , Wu Lang , Fan KeXing , Guo YaJun 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Although myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are well known for their immunosuppressive function in several pathological conditions, the role of MDSCs in hepatitis B virus infection remains obscure. In this study, we investigated the frequency and function of MDSCs in the peripheral blood and liver of 91 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. A higher percentage of MDSCs, defined as CD14+HLA-DR−/low, was detected in peripheral blood of CHB patients than that of the healthy controls. Moreover, high expression of programmed death 1 (PD-1) and secretion of IL-10 in this population were determined. The frequency of MDSCs was positively correlated with serum viral load, but it was negatively correlated with liver inflammatory injury. These cells were also abundant in liver tissue of CHB patients and were related to necroinflammatory activity. Furthermore, we found that these cells could suppress hepatitis B virus–specific CD8+ T cell response, including reduced proliferation and IFN-γ production, and inhibit degranulation of CD8+ T cells, including reduced production of granzyme B and perforin. Importantly, PD-1–induced IL-10 production by MDSCs was responsible for the suppressive activity. To our knowledge, for the first time our study proved that CD14+HLA-DR–/lowPD-1+ MDSCs in CHB patients contribute to an inadequate immune response against the virus and lead to chronic infection, which represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention.