bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐infliximab IgE and non‐IgE antibodies and induction of infusion‐related severe anaphylactic reactions
Authors: Vultaggio A. , Matucci A. , Nencini F. , Pratesi S. , Parronchi P. , Rossi O. , Romagnani S. , Maggi E. 
Published: November 2009

To cite this article: Vultaggio A, Matucci A, Nencini F, Pratesi S, Parronchi P, Rossi O, Romagnani S, Maggi E. Anti‐infliximab IgE and non‐IgE antibodies and induction of infusion‐related severe anaphylactic reactions. Allergy 2010; 65: 657–661.AbstractBackground:  Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody against TNF‐α useful in the treatment of many chronic inflammatory diseases. Severe anaphylaxis has been reported during therapy, although the exact mechanism has not been fully defined. The reactions have been related to the infliximab immunogenicity and development of specific antibodies.Aims of the study:  Evaluation of the development of IgE and non‐IgE antibodies to infliximab and their relationship with infusion reaction.Methods:  Seventy‐one patients (11 reactives, 11 therapeutically nonresponders, and 49 unreactive therapeutically responders) and 20 non–infliximab‐exposed control subjects (ten rheumatoid arthritis, five spondyloarthropathies, five vasculitis) were evaluated for the presence of IgE (ImmunoCAP assay), IgM, and non–isotype‐specific (ELISA assays) anti‐infliximab antibodies. Sera were obtained at baseline and during the course of treatment, before each infliximab infusion.Results:  Eleven out of 71 patients had a hypersensitivity reaction to infliximab. Non–isotype‐specific anti‐infliximab antibodies were detected in eight reactive and two nonresponder patients. Three patients with severe reactions displayed anti‐infliximab IgE antibodies and positive skin testing. Detectable levels of anti‐infliximab IgM antibodies were shown in three additional IgE‐ and skin testing‐negative patients. IgE and IgM antibodies to infliximab were not detectable in the two nonresponder patients. Antibodies developed before the 2nd and the 3rd infusion, and their appearance was strictly related to the timing of the reaction.Conclusions:  This report indicates that in some patients with infliximab‐related severe reactions, IgE or IgM antibodies against infliximab were detectable. The majority of reactions could be predicted by the appearance of anti‐infliximab antibodies.
THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN RETRACTED: What caused the mid‐Holocene forest decline on the eastern Tibet‐Qinghai Plateau?
Authors: Herzschuh Ulrike , Birks H. John B. , Liu Xingqi , Kubatzki Claudia , Lohmann Gerrit 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTAim  Atmospheric CO2 concentrations depend, in part, on the amount of biomass locked up in terrestrial vegetation. Information on the causes of a broad‐scale vegetation transition and associated loss of biomass is thus of critical interest for understanding global palaeoclimatic changes. Pollen records from the north‐eastern Tibet‐Qinghai Plateau reveal a dramatic and extensive forest decline beginning c. 6000 cal. yr bp. The aim of this study is to elucidate the causes of this regional‐scale change from high‐biomass forest to low‐biomass steppe on the Tibet‐Qinghai Plateau during the second half of the Holocene.Location  Our study focuses on the north‐eastern Tibet‐Qinghai Plateau. Stratigraphical data used are from Qinghai Lake (3200 m a.s.l., 36°32′–37°15′ N, 99°36′–100°47′ E).Methods  We apply a modern pollen‐precipitation transfer function from the eastern and north‐eastern Tibet‐Qinghai Plateau to fossil pollen spectra from Qinghai Lake to reconstruct annual precipitation changes during the Holocene. The reconstructions are compared to a stable oxygen‐isotope record from the same sediment core and to results from two transient climate model simulations.Results  The pollen‐based precipitation reconstruction covering the Holocene parallels moisture changes inferred from the stable oxygen‐isotope record. Furthermore, these results are in close agreement with simulated model‐based past annual precipitation changes.Main conclusions  In the light of these data and the model results, we conclude that it is not necessary to attribute the broad‐scale forest decline to human activity. Climate change as a result of changes in the intensity of the East Asian Summer Monsoon in the mid‐Holocene is the most parsimonious explanation for the widespread forest decline on the Tibet‐Qinghai Plateau. Moreover, climate feedback from a reduced forest cover accentuates increasingly drier conditions in the area, indicating complex vegetation–climate interactions during this major ecological change.
Large‐scale pattern of biomass partitioning across China's grasslands
Authors: Yang Yuanhe , Fang Jingyun , Ma Wenhong , Guo Dali , Mohammat Anwar 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTAim  To investigate large‐scale patterns of above‐ground and below‐ground biomass partitioning in grassland ecosystems and to test the isometric theory at the community level.Location  Northern China, in diverse grassland types spanning temperate grasslands in arid and semi‐arid regions to alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau.Methods  We investigated above‐ground and below‐ground biomass in China's grasslands by conducting five consecutive sampling campaigns across the northern part of the country during 2001–05. We then documented the root : shoot ratio (R/S) and its relationship with climatic factors for China's grasslands. We further explored relationships between above‐ground and below‐ground biomass across different grassland types.Results  Our results indicated that the overall R/S of China's grasslands was larger than the global average (6.3 vs. 3.7). The R/S for China's grasslands did not show any significant trend with either mean annual temperature or mean annual precipitation. Above‐ground biomass was nearly proportional to below‐ground biomass with a scaling exponent (the slope of log–log linear relationship between above‐ground and below‐ground biomass) of 1.02 across various grassland types. The slope did not differ significantly between temperate and alpine grasslands or between steppe and meadow.Main conclusions  Our findings support the isometric theory of above‐ground and below‐ground biomass partitioning, and suggest that above‐ground biomass scales isometrically with below‐ground biomass at the community level.
Tau oligomers and aggregation in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Meraz‐Ríos Marco A. , Lira‐De León Karla I. , Campos‐Peña Victoria , De Anda‐Hernández Martha A. , Mena‐López Raúl 
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem.(2010)112, 1353–1367.AbstractWe are analyzing the physiological function of Tau protein and its abnormal pathological behavior when this protein is self‐assemble into pathological filaments. These aggregates of Tau protein are the main components in many diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent studies suggest that Tau acquires complex oligomeric conformations which may be toxic. In this review, we emphasized the possible phenomena implicated in the formation of these oligomers. Studies with chemical inductors indicates that the microtubule‐binding domain is the most important region involved in Tau aggregation and showed the requirement of a pre‐arrange Tau in abnormal conformation to promote self‐assembly. Transgenic animal models and AD neuropathology studies showed that post‐translational modifications are also implicated in Tau aggregation and neural cell death during AD development. Therefore, we analyzed some events that could be present during Tau aggregation. Finally, we included a brief discussion of the possible relation between glucose metabolism dysfunction in AD, and data of Tau aggregation by using aggregation inhibitors. In conclusion, the process Tau aggregation deserves further investigations to design possible therapeutic targets to inhibit the toxicity of these aggregates and it is possible that could be extended to other diseases with similar etiology.
GABA synthesis in Schwann cells is induced by the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone
Authors: Magnaghi Valerio , Parducz Arpad , Frasca Angelisa , Ballabio Marinella , Procacci Patrizia , Racagni Giorgio , Bonanno Giambattista , Fumagalli Fabio 
Published: November 2009

J. Neurochem. (2009) 112, 980–990.AbstractRecent evidence showed that neurotransmitters are synthesised in glial cells, such as the Schwann cells, which form myelin sheaths in the PNS. While the presence of GABA type A (GABA‐A) receptors has been previously demonstrated in these cells, the evidence of GABA synthesis remained still elusive. In an attempt to demonstrate the presence of GABA in rat Schwann cells, we adopted a strategy, using several integrated neurochemical, molecular as well as immunocytochemical approaches. We first demonstrated the presence of glutamic acid decarboxylase of 67 kDa (GAD67) in Schwann cells, a crucial enzyme of the GABA synthesis mechanism. Second, we demonstrated that GABA is synthesized and localized in Schwann cells. As the third step we showed that allopregnanolone (10 nM), a potent allosteric modulator of GABA‐A receptors, stimulates GABA synthesis through increased levels of GAD67 in Schwann cells. Analysis of intracellular signalling mechanisms revealed that the protein kinase A pathway, through enhanced cAMP levels and cAMP response element binding protein phosphorylation, modulates the allosteric action of allopregnanolone at the GABA‐A receptor in Schwann cells. Our findings are the first to demonstrate that this GABA mechanism is active in Schwann cells thus establishing new potential therapeutic targets to control Schwann cell biology, which may prove useful in the treatment of several neurodegenerative disorders.
Distinct effects of CGRP on typical and atypical smooth muscle cells involved in generating spontaneous contractions in the mouse renal pelvis
Authors: Hashitani Hikaru , Lang Richard J , Mitsui Retsu , Mabuchi Yoshio , Suzuki Hikaru 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose: We investigated the cellular mechanisms underlying spontaneous contractions in the mouse renal pelvis, regulated by calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP).Experimental approach: Spontaneous contractions, action potentials and Ca2+transients in typical and atypical smooth muscle cells (TSMCs and ATSMCs) within the renal pelvis wall were recorded separately using tension and intracellular microelectrode recording techniques and Fluo‐4 Ca2+imaging. Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies were also carried out.Key results: Bundles of CGRP containing transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1‐positive sensory nerves were situated near both TSMCs and ATSMCs. Nerve stimulation reduced the frequency but augmented the amplitude and duration of spontaneous phasic contractions, action potentials and Ca2+transients in TSMCs. CGRP and agents increasing internal cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) mimicked the nerve‐mediated modulation of TSMC activity and suppressed ATSMCs Ca2+transients. Membrane hyperpolarization induced by CGRP or cAMP stimulators was blocked by glibenclamide, while their negative chronotropic effects were less affected. Glibenclamide enhanced TSMC Ca2+transients but inhibited ATSMC Ca2+transients, while both 5‐hydroxydecanoate and diazoxide, a blocker and opener of mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive K+channels, respectively, reduced the Ca2+transient frequency in both TSMCs and ATSMCs. Inhibition of mitochondrial function blocked ATSMCs Ca2+transients and inhibited spontaneous excitation of TSMCs.Conclusions and implications: The negative chronotropic effects of CGRP result primarily from suppression of ATSMC Ca2+transients rather than opening of plasmalemmal ATP‐sensitive K+channels in TSMCs. The positive inotropic effects of CGRP may derive from activation of TSMC L‐type Ca2+channels. Mitochondrial Ca2+handling in ATSMCs also plays a critical role in generating Ca2+transients.
Differential actions of urocortins on neurons of the myenteric division of the enteric nervous system in guinea pig distal colon
Authors: Liu S , Ren W , Qu M‐H , Bishop GA , Wang G‐D , Wang X‐Y , Xia Y , Wood JD 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  Urocortins (Ucns) 1, 2 and 3 are corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF)‐related neuropeptides and may be involved in neural regulation of colonic motor functions. Nevertheless, details of the neural mechanism of action for Ucns have been unclear. We have, here, tested the hypothesis that Ucns act in the enteric nervous system (ENS) to influence colonic motor behaviour.Experimental approach:  We used intracellular recording with ‘sharp’ microelectrodes, followed by intraneuronal injection of biocytin, and immunohistochemical localization of CRF1 and CRF2 receptors in guinea pig colonic tissue.Key results:  Application of Ucn1 depolarized membrane potentials and elevated excitability in 58% of AH‐type and 60% of S‐type colonic myenteric neurons. In most of the neurons tested, depolarizing responses evoked by Ucn‐1 were suppressed by the CRF1 receptor antagonist NBI 27914, but were unaffected by the CRF2 receptor antagonist antisauvagine‐30. The selective CRF2 receptor agonists, Ucn2 and Ucn3, evoked depolarizing responses in 12 and 8% of the AH‐type myenteric neurons, respectively, and had no effect on S‐type neurons. Antisauvagine‐30, but not NBI 27914, suppressed these Ucn2‐ and Ucn3‐evoked responses. Immunohistochemical staining identified CRF1 as the predominant CRF receptor subtype expressed by ganglion cell somas, while CRF2‐immunoreactive neuronal somas were sparse. Ucns did not affect excitatory synaptic transmission in the ENS.Conclusions and implications:  The results suggest that Ucns act as neuromodulators to influence myenteric neuronal excitability. The excitatory action of Ucn1 in myenteric neurons was primarily at CRF1 receptors, and the excitatory action of Ucn2 and Ucn3 was at CRF2 receptors.
Electrophysiological effects of anandamide on rat myocardium
Authors: Li Qian , Ma Hui‐Jie , Zhang Hao , Qi Zhao , Guan Yue , Zhang Yi 
Published: November 2009

Background and purpose:  The endocannabinoid, anandamide, has anti‐arrhythmic effects. The aim of the present study was to explore the electrophysiological effects of anandamide on rat myocardium.Experimental approach:  Evoked action potentials (APs) were recorded using intracellular recording technique in rat cardiac papillary muscles. In addition, L‐type Ca2+ current was measured and analysed using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording technique in isolated rat cardiac ventricular myocytes.Key results:  In cardiac papillary muscles, anandamide (1, 10, 100 nM) decreased AP duration in a concentration‐dependent manner. Furthermore, 100 nM anandamide decreased AP amplitude, overshoot and Vmax in partially depolarized papillary muscles. These effects were abolished by AM251 (100 nM), a selective antagonist for CB1 receptors, but not AM630 (100 nM), a CB2 receptor antagonist. Furthermore, an agonist of L‐type Ca2+ channels, Bay K 8644 (0.5 µM), a K+ channel blocker tetraethylammonium chloride (20 mM) and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor l‐NAME (1 mM) had no effect on anandamide‐induced decrease in AP duration. In isolated ventricular myocytes, anandamide (1, 10, 100 nM) decreased L‐type Ca2+ current concentration‐dependently, and shifted the current–voltage relationship curve of the Ca2+ current. Anandamide (100 nM) shifted the steady‐state inactivation curve to the left and the recovery curve to the right. Blockade of CB1 receptors with AM251 (100 nM), but not CB2 receptors with AM630 (100 nM), eliminated the effect of anandamide on L‐type Ca2+ currents.Conclusions and implications:  These data suggest that anandamide suppressed AP and L‐type Ca2+ current in cardiac myocytes through CB1 receptors.
Self‐Improvement
Authors: Sedikides Constantine , Hepper Erica G. D. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis article approaches the topic of improvement from a self‐evaluation perspective, namely the interplay between the self‐improvement motive and social or evaluative feedback. The self‐improvement motive is reflected in conscious desire. It is also reflected in preferences for continuous upward feedback trajectories, upward comparison feedback, and feedback that may be self‐threatening in the present but is likely to be useful in the future. The last type of feedback preference is stronger following a resource‐bolstering experience (e.g., good mood, success feedback, self‐affirmation). Moreover, both direct and indirect activation of the self‐improvement motive facilitates recall of improvement‐oriented feedback. Such feedback is associated with increased satisfaction or positive affect, a pattern qualified by individual differences (e.g., self‐esteem, self‐theories). Finally, improvement‐oriented feedback yields better performance, a pattern also qualified by individual differences (e.g., self‐enhancement, self‐appraisal) as well as feedback attributes (gradual versus sudden). This territory‐mapping review will hopefully prove useful to future theorizing and research.
The Psychology (and Economics) of Trust
Authors: Evans Anthony M. , Krueger Joachim I. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractInterpersonal trust is a mental construct with implications for social functioning and economic behavior. We review contemporary theories of trust from behavioral economics and social psychology. Neoclassical economic theory considers trust in strangers to be irrational, but observed behavior reveals widespread trust and trustworthiness. Theories of social preferences and adherence to social norms have been proposed to rationalize trust. Psychological approaches investigate trusting behavior in terms of an underlying disposition, intergroup processes, and cognitive expectations. The breadth of these approaches illustrates the multi‐faceted nature of trusting behavior. The determinants of trust are related to the relevant characteristics of the individual, the situation, and their interaction.
Gastrointestinal stromal tumours: A clinico‐radiologic review from a single centre in South India
Authors: Singh A , Chatterjee P , Pai MC , Chacko RT 
Published: November 2009

SummaryGastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) are rare tumours but are the commonest mesenchymal neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract. To our knowledge, there is no large case series in Asian countries in which a clinico‐radiological descriptive analysis of these tumours has been carried out. In this retrospective study, we analysed our experience of 70 patients with histopathologically proven GISTs, who were presurgically investigated by using CT, and describe the demography, anatomical distribution, imaging features and clinical course of the GIST. We found an unusually large predominance of males in our study, stomach and small bowel appeared to have been involved similarly and small bowel tumours had a higher rate of metastases. We also highlight some unusual CT features of these tumours that we encountered during the study, such as the presence of metastatic lymphadenopathy and satellite nodules, relapse in appendices epiploicae of the bowel, metachronous liposarcoma, adrenal and lung metastases, multiplicity of lesions and aneurysmal dilatation of the bowel. Two of our patients also had multiple neurofibromas, whose association with GIST has been seen in earlier reports. To the best of our knowledge, this article presents one of the largest series of articles on GISTs, to date, in Asian countries. We conclude with a differential diagnosis of GIST, with salient features distinguishing each entity.
Reader practice in mammography screen reporting in Australia
Authors: Reed W , Poulos A , Rickard M , Brennan P 
Published: November 2009

SummaryReader variability is a problem in mammography image reporting and compromises the efficacy of screening programmes. The purpose of this exploratory study was to survey reader practice in reporting screening mammograms in Australia to identify aspects of practice that warrant further investigation. Mammography reporting practice and influences on concentration and attention were investigated by using an original questionnaire distributed to screen readers in Australia. A response rate of 71% (83 out of 117) was achieved. Demographic data indicated that the majority of readers were over 46 years of age (73%), have been reporting on screening mammograms for over 10 years (61%), take less than 1 min to report upon a screening mammogram examination (66%), report up to 200 examinations in a single session (83%) and take up to 2 h to report one session (61%). A majority report on more than 5000 examinations annually (66%); 93% of participants regard their search strategy as systematic, 87% agreed that their concentration can vary throughout a session, 64% agreed that the relatively low number of positives can lead to lapses in concentration and attention and almost all (94%) participants agreed that methods to maximise concentration should be explored. Participants identified a range of influences on concentration within their working environment including volume of images reported in one session, image types and aspects of the physical environment. This study has provided important evidence of the need to investigate adverse influences on concentration during mammography screen reporting
Guidelines for patient selection and performance of carotid artery stenting
Authors:   The Carotid Stenting Guidelines Committee
Published: November 2009

SummaryThe endovascular treatment of carotid atherosclerosis with carotid artery stenting (CAS) remains controversial. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) remains the benchmark in terms of procedural mortality and morbidity. Consensus Australasian guidelines for the safe performance of CAS were developed using the modified Delphi consensus method of iterative consultation.Selection of patients suitable for CAS needs careful consideration of clinical and patho‐anatomical criteria. Randomised controlled trials and pooled analyses have demonstrated that CAS is more hazardous than CEA. The CGSC therefore recommends that CAS should not be performed in the majority of patients requiring carotid revascularisation. There is currently no evidence to support CAS as a treatment for asymptomatic carotid stenosis. The use of distal protection devices during CAS remains controversial with increased risk of clinically silent stroke. The knowledge requirements for the safe performance of CAS include an understanding of the evidence base from randomised controlled trials, carotid and aortic arch anatomy and pathology, and recognition and management of periprocedural complications. It is critical that all patients being considered for a carotid intervention have adequate pre‐procedural neuroimaging and peri‐procedural, independent, neurological assessment. Maintenance of proficiency in CAS requires active involvement in surgical/endovascular audit and continuing medical education programmes. These standards should apply in the public and private health‐care settings.These guidelines represent the consensus of an intercollegiate committee in order to direct appropriate patient selection to perform CAS. Advances in endovascular technologies and the results of randomised controlled trials will guide future revisions of this document.