bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Morphology and Vascular Layers of the Choroid in Retinitis Pigmentosa Using Spectral-Domain OCT
Authors: Adhi Mehreen , Regatieri Caio V. , Branchini Lauren A. , Zhang Jason Y. , Alwassia Ahmad A. , Duker Jay S. 
Published: May 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To analyze choroidal morphology and vascular layers in eyes with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Cross-sectional, retrospective analysis of 14 patients (14 eyes) with RP and 33 healthy subjects (33 eyes) who underwent high-definition one-line raster scanning at a single center. Two independent raters evaluated the morphology, thickness, and vascular layers of the choroid in both groups.

RESULTS:

The choroid had an irregular shape in 11 of 14 eyes (79%) with RP. The thickest point of choroid was not subfoveal as in healthy eyes, and exaggerated nasal thinning of the choroid was observed in nine of 14 eyes (65%) with RP. Mean subfoveal total choroidal thickness and large choroidal vessel layer thickness were significantly lower in eyes with RP (
P
= .04 and
P
= .02, respectively) than in healthy eyes.

CONCLUSION:
Choroidal morphology is altered and an exaggerated thinning of the large choroidal vessel layer is observed in eyes with RP. Further studies involving correlation of disease stage and severity with choroidal changes may provide further insight into the involvement of choroid in RP and other inherited retinal dystrophies.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina.
2013;44:252–259.]
Rôle des représentations des apprenants : expérimentation relative au climat motivationnel
Authors: Breton Linda 
Published: May 2013

En ce qui concerne l'apprentissage de l'anglais, une partie du public des étudiants ingénieurs voit sa progression freinée par une mauvaise représentation de sa compétence, de l'efficacité de ses efforts et du but à atteindre. La théorie de l'Attribution causale fournit des pistes pour étudier l'apprentissage en tant que comportement d'accomplissement, dans le but d'agir favorablement sur cette représentation, qui est une variable psychologique importante. Il est suggéré qu'un apprentissage en autonomie-guidée spécifiquement conçu pourra mieux convenir à cette catégorie d'étudiant.
Spontaneous Miscarriages Are Explained by the Stress/Glucocorticoid/Lipoxin A4 Axis
Authors: Xu Zhangye , Zhao Jie , Zhang Huafeng , Ke Tang , Xu Pingwei , Cai Wenqian , Katirai Foad , Ye Duyun , Huang Yingping , Huang Bo 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Despite various suspected causes, ranging from endocrine and genetic to infectious and immunological aspects, the molecular mechanisms of miscarriage still remain enigmatic. This work provides evidence that downregulation of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD) type 2, the key enzyme inactivating glucocorticoid activities, insults the pregnant inflammatory milieu by inhibiting the biosynthesis of lipoxin A4 (LXA4), a metabolite of arachidonic acid, leading to an early loss of the pregnancy. Both LXA4 and its biosynthetic enzymes were found to be decreased in women with spontaneous miscarriages and in the murine miscarriage model. Replenishing LXA4 reversed LPS-induced miscarriages in mouse models, whereas blocking LXA4 signaling resulted in miscarriages in the pregnant mice. The protective effect of LXA4 might be explained by LXA4’s role in regulating uterine and placental inflammatory factors and mast cells. The underlying molecular mechanism involved miscarriage-inducing infections or stresses that downregulate the expression of 11β-HSD2, but not 11β-HSD1, resulting in increases in glucocorticoid activity and decreases in LXA4. Together, these findings suggest that the stress/glucocorticoid/LXA4 axis might be a common pathway through which miscarriages occur.
Pseudogout-Associated Inflammatory Calcium Pyrophosphate Dihydrate Microcrystals Induce Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps
Authors: Pang Lan , Hayes Craig P. , Buac Kristina , Yoo Dae-goon , Rada Balázs 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Pseudogout is an autoinflammatory condition triggered by calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD) crystal deposition in the joints. The innate immune system is irritated by and responds to the presence of the crystals with an inflammatory response. The synovial fluid contains activated inflammatory macrophages and neutrophil granulocytes. Several details of crystal-induced macrophage activation were recently uncovered, but very little is known about interactions of CPPD crystals with neutrophils. In this study, we show that human neutrophils engulf CPPD crystals and form large amounts of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in vitro. Released extracellular DNA binds myeloperoxidase and citrullinated histone H4. CPPD crystal–stimulated neutrophils and their nuclear DNA undergo morphological changes characteristic for NET formation. The ERK/MEK signaling pathway, heat shock protein 90, PI3K, and an intact cytoskeleton are required for CPPD-induced NET formation. Blocking crystal-activated respiratory burst has, however, no effect on NETs. Human neutrophils release IL-1β and IL-8 in response to CPPD crystals, and blocking CXCR2, the main IL-8R, diminishes NET formation. Proinflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, GM-CSF, and IL-1β, increase NET release by the crystals. Enhanced bacterial killing by CPPD-induced NETs demonstrates their ability to cause cellular damage. Our work documents and provides details about extracellular trap release in human neutrophils activated by CPPD microcrystals. We suggest that crystal-triggered NET formation can be a novel contributor to inflammatory conditions observed in CPPD crystal–driven synovitis.
Identification of a Novel Mode of Complement Activation on Stimulated Platelets Mediated by Properdin and C3(H2O)
Authors: Saggu Gurpanna , Cortes Claudio , Emch Heather N. , Ramirez Galia , Worth Randall G. , Ferreira Viviana P. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Elevated numbers of activated platelets circulate in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases, including atherosclerosis and coronary disease. Activated platelets can activate the complement system. Although complement activation is essential for immune responses and removal of spent cells from circulation, it also contributes to inflammation and thrombosis, especially in patients with defective complement regulation. Proinflammatory activated leukocytes, which interact directly with platelets in response to vascular injury, are among the main sources of properdin, a positive regulator of the alternative pathway. The role of properdin in complement activation on stimulated platelets is unknown. Our data show that physiological forms of human properdin bind directly to human platelets after activation by strong agonists in the absence of C3, and bind nonproportionally to surface CD62P expression. Activation of the alternative pathway on activated platelets occurs when properdin is on the surface and recruits C3b or C3(H2O) to form C3b,Bb or a novel cell-bound C3 convertase [C3(H2O),Bb], which normally is present only in the fluid phase. Alternatively, properdin can be recruited by C3(H2O) on the platelet surface, promoting complement activation. Inhibition of factor H–mediated cell surface complement regulation significantly increases complement deposition on activated platelets with surface properdin. Finally, properdin released by activated neutrophils binds to activated platelets. Altogether, these data suggest novel molecular mechanisms for alternative pathway activation on stimulated platelets that may contribute to localization of inflammation at sites of vascular injury and thrombosis.
Test-Retest and Interrater Reliability of the Functional Movement Screen
Authors: Shultz Rebecca , Anderson Scott C. , Matheson Gordon O. , Marcello Brandon , Besier Thor 
Published: May 2013

Context:
The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) is a popular test to evaluate the degree of painful, dysfunctional, and asymmetric movement patterns. Despite great interest in the FMS, test-retest reliability data have not been published.

Objective:
To assess the test-retest and interrater reliability of the FMS and to compare the scoring by 1 rater during a live session and the same session on video.

Design:
Cross-sectional study.

Setting:
Human performance laboratory in the sports medicine center.

Patients or Other Participants:
A total of 21 female (age = 19.6 ± 1.5 years, height = 1.7 ± 0.1 m, mass = 64.4 ± 5.1 kg) and 18 male (age = 19.7 ± 1.0 years, height = 1.9 ± 0.1 m, mass = 80.1 ± 9.9 kg) National Collegiate Athletic Association Division IA varsity athletes volunteered.

Intervention(s):
Each athlete was tested and retested 1 week later by the same rater who also scored the athlete's first session from a video recording. Five other raters scored the video from the first session.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
The Krippendorff α (K α) was used to assess the interrater reliability, whereas intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to assess the test-retest reliability and reliability of live-versus-video scoring.

Results:
Good reliability was found for the test-retest (ICC = 0.6), and excellent reliability was found for the live-versus-video sessions (ICC = 0.92). Poor reliability was found for the interrater reliability (K α = .38).

Conclusions:
The good test-retest and high live-versus-video session reliability show that the FMS is a usable tool within 1 rater. However, the low interrater K α values suggest that the FMS within the limits of generalization should not be used indiscriminately to detect deficiencies that place the athlete at greater risk for injury. The FMS interrater reliability may be improved with better training for the rater.
Reformas de la televisión regional europea con lengua propia en el contexto actual de crisis
Authors: Azurmendi Ana 
Published: May 2013

La crisis económica europea ha estado en el origen de las reformas de algunas de las televisiones regionales europeas con lengua propia más importantes, como son la escocesa BBC Alba, la galesa S4C y la irlandesaTG4. Tras el estudio de la situación de cada uno de estos operadores regionales en términos del cumplimiento de su misión de servicio público, su financiación y su gobernanza, se hace un apunte comparativo con la situación actual de las televisiones autonómicas con lengua propia, EITB, CCMA, RTVG, RTVA e IB3. La hipótesis que se mantiene en el artículo es que sólo en algunos aspectos parciales sería deseable que la televisión autonómica española siguiera para su reforma el modelo de otras televisiones regionales europeas, puesto que la envergadura y la misión de servicio público de las autonómicas tienen una entidad mayor que el de aquellas.
Correlations and Comparison between Repeat Computed Tomography Scores, Endoscopy Scores and Symptomatic Improvement before and after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Pilot Study
Authors: Deepthi NV , Menon Indudharan R 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Background
Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, nasal endoscopic findings and computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses (CT PNS). Where indicated, functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) is the surgical treatment.

Objective
To determine correlations between subjective symptom severity and objective endoscopic and radiologic findings in CRS and to compare these before and after FESS.

Materials and methods
Analysis of prospectively collected data of 20 patients undergoing FESS at a tertiary care medical center followed up for a minimum period of 6 months after surgery. RSI questionnaire-based symptom score, Lund-Mackay system-based endoscopic and CT finding scores were recorded preoperatively and at 8 weeks and 6 months postoperatively.

Results
Significant positive correlation was noted between the three parameters before surgery, especially endoscopic and radiological scores (r = 0.94 in the latter, p < 0.01 in all three). Postoperative improvement was statistically significant for all three parameters, even at the 6 months stage (p < 0.001). Postoperative correlations reduced significantly, especially between endoscopic and radiological scores.

Conclusion
This study showed the relevance of objective evaluation of routine parameters of CRS, preoperatively. It also confirmed the usefulness of FESS in indicated cases, in terms of statistical improvement of these parameters. However, repeat CT scans and the methods of scoring used by us may not be equally applicable in the long-term postoperative scenario.

How to cite this article
Deepthi NV, Menon UK, Menon IR. Correlations and Comparison between Repeat Computed Tomography Scores, Endoscopy Scores and Symptomatic Improvement before and after Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: A Pilot Study. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2013;6(1):32-40.
Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors
Authors: Juan Manel , Pedrosa Edurne , Colobran Roger 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Chemokines (CKs) are a family of small proteins secreted by a great variety of cell types. Their name (derived from chemoattractant cytokines) is due to their ability to induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. Some CKs are considered proinflammatory and can be induced during an immune response to promote cells of the immune system to a site of infection. Furthermore, they have different functions under physiological conditions such as homoeostasis, development, tissue repair and angiogenesis and also in pathological disorders including infectious and autoimmune diseases, cancer, metastasis, allergic process and organ transplantation; in fact, in any situation where immune components are involved.
CKs are found in all vertebrates, some viruses and in some bacteria. These proteins exert their biological effects by interacting with G protein‐linked transmembrane receptors called CK receptors (CKRs) that are selectively found on the surfaces of their target cells.
Although their role in human immunodeficiency virus infection is still the main aspect of relevance, other applications have been appearing during the past years, as to establish new therapeutic compounds able to target the CK/CKR system.

Key Concepts:

Chemokines (CKs), as chemoattractant cytokines, are pivotal elements for defining immune cell localisation and, therefore, efficient immune responses.

Beyond their role in chemotaxis, CKs and their receptors develop several physiopathological functions: angiogenesis, haematopoiesis, growth regulation, embryologic development, evolution of tumours, etc.

CKs have three types of receptors: ‘classical’ G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs), decoy receptors and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs).

After activation, GPCRs become either partially or totally desensitised to repeated stimulation with the same or other agonists; desensitisation is critical for maintaining the capacity of the cell to sense a chemoattractant gradient.

Decoy receptors are ‘silent’ receptors that control the CK activity through regulation of CK levels in the body.

CK immobilisation through the GAG interaction stabilises the formation of CK gradients and enhances their concentration at the site of production.

All CKs have a common structure, being the first couple of cysteines (Cs) a distinctive element that allows classifying them into CC, CXC, CX
3
C and C CK families.

Most of the inflammatory CK genes are clustered in two main chromosomal regions: the CXC cluster, located in chromosome 4q12–21 and the CC cluster, located in chromosome 17q11.2.

The ‘evolutionary choice’ of HIV‐1 to exploit CKRs as cellular entry gateways has turned their CK ligands into endogenous antiviral factors that can variably modulate viral transmission, disease progression and vaccine responses.
Hypersensitivity: Immune Complex Mediated (Type
III
)
Authors: Eggleton Paul 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

An immune response in the form of antibody production against a foreign substance is often mounted to remove any detrimental antigen from the host. In type III hypersensitivity, overproduction of immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM to a foreign or self‐antigen can lead to the formation and deposition of excessive amounts of insoluble intermediate‐sized immune complexes, which can be difficult to remove from various tissues by phagocytosis. This in turn may trigger classical complement activation, leading to overproduction of other inflammatory mediators, leading to the recruitment, activation and degranulation of peripheral blood granulocytes, such as basophils or an influx of marginating neutrophils to specific tissues, such as the kidneys, lungs and joints culminating in damage. Depending on the frequency of exposure and route of entry, type III hypersensitivity reactions can develop over hours, weeks or years. Examples of type III hypersensitivity reactions include drug‐induced serum sickness, farmer's lung and systemic lupus erythematosus.

Key Concepts:

Hypersensitivity type III reactions involve the interaction of IgG or IgM immunoglobulins with antigen to form immune complexes.

Intermediate‐sized immune complexes are difficult to remove by the process of phagocytosis.

Complement proteins bind to immune complexes as part of the normal physiological process.

During hypersensitivity type III reactions sustained complement–immune complex interaction leads to the production of activated complement components, responsible for the recruitment of phagocytes.

Cell‐mediated tissue damage occurs as part of type III hypersensitivity, involving activated basophils in the peripheral circulation and marginating neutrophils in the vascular and other tissues.

Fc receptors on the surface of granulocytes are important in inducing the immunecomplex‐mediated inflammation.

Type III hypersensitivity reactions can manifest as acute or chronic reactions and can occur systemically or in specific tissues.

Self and foreign antigens can provoke type III hypersensitivity reactions.

Nonspecific immunosuppressive treatments are commonly used to treat type III hypersensitivity reactions.
Root Apical Meristems
Authors: Sebastian Jose , Lee Ji‐Young 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Apical root growth requires iterative processes of cell division, elongation and differentiation. Root apical meristem localised at the root tip harbours stem cells that divide asymmetrically and generate initial cells for all the cell types in the root. Fates of these initial cells are determined by positional signals that integrate both intrinsic and extrinsic cues. The quiescent centre maintains the stem cells and thereby sustains a constant supply of cells for root growth. Another important aspect of root growth regulation is to balance the rate of cell division and differentiation. The crosstalks between plant hormones auxin and cytokinins help to establish this balance. Gene regulatory networks that govern root meristem activities and growth have been discovered over the years in the model plant

Arabidopsis thaliana

. This introductory article provides an overview of the organisation of the root meristem and the underlying regulatory mechanisms.

Key Concepts:

Roots support the areal parts of plants and absorb water and nutrients that are essential for plant growth and survival.

Roots, which made their first appearance in vascular plants, have evolved into a multitude of sizes and shapes.

A root is composed of the outermost epidermis, ground tissue and the innermost stele as well as the quiescent centre and root cap.

Root apical meristem serves as the source of new cells for root growth.

In the root apical meristem, the stem cell niche sustains pluripotent stems cells to ensure a constant supply of cells for continuous root growth.

Two transcription factor pathways led by the SHORTROOT–SCARECROW and the Auxin–PLETHORA play a central role in maintaining the root stem cell niche.

Crosstalks between auxins and cytokinins establish a balance between cell proliferation and cell differentiation in the root meristem.

In the root meristem, cell fate decisions are made based on positional information and various intrinsic and extrinsic signals.

Cell‐to‐cell communications mediated by mobile transcription factors, peptides and small RNAs play critical roles in the root cell type patterning.

Owing to the vital importance of roots in overall plant health and survival, study of roots and root meristem poses utmost significance in plant biology.
Olfactory Bulb: Synaptic Organisation
Authors: Lowe Graeme 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Odour information is encoded by sensory neurons expressing a large family of ∼10
2
–10
3
distinct olfactory receptors, and is mapped to an equally numerous population of glomeruli in the olfactory bulb. Each glomerulus is a modular circuit composed of a variety of local interneurons and bulb output neurons that receive primary afferent signals encoded by a single olfactory receptor. Incoming signals are filtered by inhibition from periglomerular cells and amplified by mutual excitation of mitral and tufted cells. Odour codes are further transformed by lateral inhibition between glomeruli mediated by short axon and granule cells that communicate through specialised dendrodendritic reciprocal synapses. These network mechanisms interact with a diversity of cell biophysical properties to shape spiking patterns of bulb output neurons. Synaptic processing in the bulb is also dynamically regulated by feedback from olfactory cortex, centrifugal modulation from basal forebrain nuclei and plasticity of local circuits sustained by adult neurogenesis.

Key Concepts:

Odour information is mapped to discrete glomeruli in the olfactory bulb that receive sensory inputs encoded by different olfactory receptors.

Sensory neuron terminals in glomeruli release the excitatory transmitter glutamate, under control of presynaptic inhibition by dopamine and GABA receptors.

Glomeruli contain multiple excitatory and inhibitory circuits for coordinating odour‐evoked spike activity of bulb output neurons, the mitral and tufted cells.

Most olfactory bulb circuits include dendrodendritic reciprocal synapses with closely linked glutamatergic excitatory and GABAergic inhibitory transmission.

Mitral and tufted cell responses are triggered and amplified by dendrodendritic excitation of glomerular dendritic tufts, and are controlled by periglomerular cell inhibition.

Glomeruli are connected by pervasive short‐ and long‐range networks of inhibitory superficial short axon cells.

Granule cells form complex webs of lateral inhibitory connections between mitral and tufted cells of different glomeruli.

Synaptic inhibition in the bulb is coordinated by networks of deep short axon cells that inhibit periglomerular and granule cells.

Synaptic inhibition in the bulb is strongly influenced by centrifugal inputs from olfactory cortex and subcortical modulatory centres.