bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of Macular Photocoagulation Scars With Confocal Infrared Reflection Imaging
Authors: Kotoula Maria G. , Chatzoulis Dimitrios Z. , Tahmitzi Sofia , Tsironi Evangelia E. 
Published: August 2009

Background and Objective:
To study the diagnostic reliability (specificity and sensitivity) of confocal infrared reflection in detecting threshold argon laser photocoagulation scars in the macula.

Patients and Methods:
Fifty-six maculae with diabetic macular edema were evaluated by biomicroscopic slit-lamp fundus examination, digital color fundus photography, digital fundus fluorescein angiography, and digital infrared reflection images. Three examiners evaluated whether the eye had undergone any laser photopexy in the macula.

Results:
Sensitivity, specificity, and false-positive and false-negative results were calculated for each method. Fluorescein fundus angiography and infrared imaging, although using different approaches, both detect pigment epithelium changes such as laser scars. It seems that both methods are of equal specificity. On the other hand, both biomicroscopic fundus examination and digital color photography showed poor reliability.

Conclusion:
Infrared reflection imaging is an easy, noninvasive method with excellent sensitivity and specificity in detecting photocoagulation scars from previous threshold laser treatment. It may be useful in estimating photocoagulated areas, especially if threshold treatment has been applied.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:385–388.]
Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography as a Screening Tool for the Assessment of the Anterior Segment Angle
Authors: Pekmezci Melike , Porco Travis C. , Lin Shan C. 
Published: August 2009

Background and Objective:
Anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) is an alternative method for the assessment of angle width. The purpose of this study is to assess the accuracy of AS-OCT for detecting occludable angles and compare the results of high- and low-resolution images with gonioscopy.

Patients and Methods:
Visante AS-OCT (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) images of 303 eyes (155 patients) presenting between February 1 and July 15, 2007, were retrospectively analyzed. Angle recess area (ARA) and angle opening distances (AOD) at 250, 500, and 750 µm were measured and correlated with the corresponding gonioscopic measurements.

Results:

AS-OCT parameters showed a nonlinear relationship with gonioscopy, ARA having the highest correlation. Correlations between high- and low-resolution images were modest. Cut-off values were 0.180 mm
2
(70.3% sensitivity, 87.4% specificity) for ARA and 0.264 mm (71.8% sensitivity, 84.8% specificity) for AOD at 500 µm.

Conclusion:
AS-OCT appears to be a promising screening tool for narrow angles.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2009;40:389–398.]
CCR7 Deficiency in NOD Mice Leads to Thyroiditis and Primary Hypothyroidism
Authors: Martin Andrea P. , Marinkovic Tatjana , Canasto-Chibuque Claudia , Latif Rauf , Unkeless Jay C. , Davies Terry F. , Takahama Yousuke , Furtado Glaucia C. , Lira Sergio A. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
CCR7 is involved in the initiation of immune responses and has been recently implicated in the control of tolerance. To analyze the role of CCR7 in autoimmunity, we backcrossed CCR7ko/ko mice (in which ko signifies deficient) onto the autoimmune-prone NOD background. Surprisingly, NODCCR7ko/ko mice never developed diabetes, but showed severe inflammation in multiple tissues including thyroid, lung, stomach, intestine, uterus, and testis. NODCCR7ko/ko mice had a marked enlargement of the thyroid gland (goiter) that was associated with circulating autoantibodies against thyroglobulin, and development of primary hypothyroidism (decreased levels of serum thyroxin, and augmented levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone in the pituitary gland), features found in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Cells isolated from diseased thyroids and activated splenocytes from NODCCR7ko/ko animals induced goiter in NOD.SCID recipients, demonstrating that autoreactive cells were generated in the absence of CCR7. Moreover, thyroid disease could be accelerated in young NODCCR7ko/ko mice by immunization with thyroglobulin. These results demonstrate the complexity in the generation of multiple autoimmune phenotypes in NOD mice and indicate that CCR7 is a key molecule in their development.
12/15-Lipoxygenase Counteracts Inflammation and Tissue Damage in Arthritis
Authors: Krönke Gerhard , Katzenbeisser Julia , Uderhardt Stefan , Zaiss Mario M. , Scholtysek Carina , Schabbauer Gernot , Zarbock Alexander , Koenders Marije I. , Axmann Roland , Zwerina Jochen , Baenckler Hans W. , van den Berg Wim , Voll Reinhard E. , Kühn Hartmut , Joosten Leo A. B. , Schett Georg 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Eicosanoids are essential mediators of the inflammatory response and contribute both to the initiation and the resolution of inflammation. Leukocyte-type 12/15-lipoxygenase (12/15-LO) represents a major enzyme involved in the generation of a subclass of eicosanoids, including the anti-inflammatory lipoxin A4 (LXA4). Nevertheless, the impact of 12/15-LO on chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis has remained elusive. By using two experimental models of arthritis, the K/BxN serum-transfer and a TNF transgenic mouse model, we show that deletion of 12/15-LO leads to uncontrolled inflammation and tissue damage. Consistent with these findings, 12/15-LO-deficient mice showed enhanced inflammatory gene expression and decreased levels of LXA4 within their inflamed synovia. In isolated macrophages, the addition of 12/15-LO-derived eicosanoids blocked both phosphorylation of p38MAPK and expression of a subset of proinflammatory genes. Conversely, 12/15-LO-deficient macrophages displayed significantly reduced levels of LXA4, which correlated with increased activation of p38MAPK and an enhanced inflammatory gene expression after stimulation with TNF-α. Taken together, these results support an anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective role of 12/15-LO and its products during chronic inflammatory disorders such as arthritis.
Crucial Contribution of Thymic Sirpα+ Conventional Dendritic Cells to Central Tolerance against Blood-Borne Antigens in a CCR2-Dependent Manner
Authors: Baba Tomohisa , Nakamoto Yasunari , Mukaida Naofumi 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThymic dendritic cells (DCs) as well as thymic epithelial cells are presumed to be major sentinels in central tolerance by inducing the apoptosis of autoreactive T progenitor cells. The thymic DC population is composed of heterogeneous subsets including CD11c+B220+ plasmacytoid DCs, CD11c+B220−CD8α+ signal regulatory protein α (Sirpα)− and CD11c+B220−CD8α−Sirpα+ conventional DCs (cDCs). However, the distinctive role of each DC subset remains undefined. We show herein that Sirpα+ cDCs, a minor subpopulation, was disseminated in the thymic cortical area with some of them uniquely localized inside perivascular regions and nearby small vessels in the thymus. The Sirpα+ but not Sirpα− cDC subset can selectively capture blood-circulating Ags. Moreover, in CCR2-deficient mice, the thymic Sirpα+ cDC subset, but not other thymic cell components, was moderately decreased especially in the perivascular regions. Concomitantly, these mice exhibited a modest impairment in intrathymic negative selection against blood-borne Ags, with the reduced capacity to uptake blood-borne Ags. Given their intrathymic cortical localization, CD11c+B220−CD8α−Sirpα+ cDCs can have a unique role in the development of central tolerance against circulating peripheral Ags, at least partially in a CCR2-dependent manner.
Self-Peptides Prolong Survival in Murine Autoimmunity via Reduced IL-2/IL-7-Mediated STAT5 Signaling, CD8 Coreceptor, and Vα2 Down-Regulation
Authors: Gutermuth Jan , Nograles Kristine E. , Miyagawa Fumi , Nelson Emily , Cho Young-Hun , Katz Stephen I. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Although the pathogenic role of B cells and CD4 T cells has been studied extensively, less is known about the role of CD8 T cells in autoimmunity and self-tolerance. To evaluate the role of CD8 T cells in autoimmunity and its modulation using self-peptides, we used mice expressing soluble OVA (sOVA) under control of the keratin-14 promoter. Spontaneous autoimmunity occurred when sOVA mice were crossed with OT-I mice, whose CD8 T cells carry a Vα2/Vβ5-transgenic TCR with specificity for the OVA257–264 peptide. Eighty-three percent of OVA/OT-I mice died during the first 2 wk of life due to multiple organ inflammation. In contrast, preventive or therapeutic OVA257–264 peptide injections induced a dose-dependent increase in survival. Healthy survivors exhibited reductions in peripheral CD8 T cells, CD8 coreceptor, and Vα2 expression. Furthermore, CD8 T cells from healthy mice were anergic and could not be activated by exogenous IL-2. A block in IL-2/IL-7 signaling via the STAT5 pathway provided the basis for low surface expression of the CD8 coreceptor and failure of IL-2 to break CD8 T cell anergy. Thus, the soluble TCR ligand triggered multiple tolerance mechanisms in these sOVA/OT-I mice, making this treatment approach a potential paradigm for modulating human autoimmune diseases.
Neurobiophysics
Authors: Kolomytkin Oleg V. , Marino Andrew A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAttempts to understand the individual and collective properties of neurons are made from numerous scientific perspectives. We describe the results of traditional approaches that emphasize the importance of physical laws and the elucidation of mechanisms, and discuss recent developments regarding the properties of interacting neuronal systems. The present view of the structure of ion channels is summarized, followed by an explanation of their role in the generation and propagation of action potentials. Important dynamical processes that occur in systems of neurons are treated, including processes that occur in sensory systems, neural networks, and in the volume transmission of electrical and chemical systems in the central nervous system. Uses of nonlinear analysis to characterize brain electrical activity are delineated, and new experimental methods for studying memory and learning are outlined. Further insights into how the nervous system mediates behavior seems likely to emerge from an approach that integrates well‐established reductionistic strategies with reliance on abstract concepts and the use of nonlinear methods.
Molecular Dynamics Computations for Proteins: A Case Study in Membrane Ion Permeation
Authors: Vorobyov Igor , Allen Toby W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractComputer simulation can provide an atomic‐level view of protein structure and function that is unattainable with experiments alone. In this chapter, we demonstrate how molecular dynamics (MD) simulation can reveal the microscopic mechanisms of biomolecular activity. In particular, we illustrate the quantitative value of MD simulation by exploring ion channel proteins that allow selective permeation of charged molecules across cell membranes to control our nervous systems and chemical activity in the body. We begin by introducing the basic statistical mechanical formulation and methodological aspects of modern day MD simulations. We then discuss how to analyze a simulation to obtain mechanistic insight through calculation of various molecular properties. Special attention is given to quantitative thermodynamic calculations, which are the driving forces of protein function. We explain how to calculate free energies and equilibrium constants using potential of mean force (PMF) and free energy perturbation (FEP) techniques as well as the use of more advanced sampling approaches. These methods are then used to study ion permeation through the gramicidin A (gA) channel as well as the energetics of arginine side chain translocation across a lipid bilayer to assess models of voltage‐gated ion channel activation.
Chiral
R
aman and Single Molecule Spectroscopy
Authors: Abdali Salim , Blanch Ewan W. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Chiral Raman spectroscopy, widely known as
Raman optical activity (ROA)
, is a vibrational tool, which besides information on structure and folding of molecules, provides information on their chirality. This tool has been employed since the early 1970 s; however, it has been limited to very few groups within the vibrational spectroscopy community, because using this tool several requirements for the instrumentation as well as the sample condition and detection have to be fulfilled. Although the first requirement concerns full control of the polarization state of the light, simultaneously for the right‐ and left‐circular polarization states, the latter requirement concerns high concentration of the sample. Consequently and because of the signal collection involving subtraction of the left‐ and right scattered light, the ROA signal is much weaker than the Raman, thus requires much longer acquisition times. After the discovery of the surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect in 1974, the hope of combining SERS with ROA (into surface‐enhanced Raman optical activity (SEROA)) grew high, in that the giant signal provided by SERS was thought to enable much faster ROA measurements and for much lower concentration, even down to the single molecule level. Nevertheless, three decades passed before SEROA studies began to appear in the literature. In spite of the fact that these studies are not yet at the single molecule level, they do provide SEROA from very low concentration (below μM). Here, we introduce SEROA's historical background, theory, instrumentation, and the recent results, achieved by the authors' research groups.
Biosimulation and Computations in Systems Biology
Authors: Sosnovtseva Olga , Laugesen Jakob L. , Mosekilde Erik 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe give an overview of the physical basics, experimental techniques, and selected applications of single molecule fluorescence in biophysical research. The photophysical principles underlying single molecule fluorescence resonance energy transfer (smFRET) experiments are treated. Its application in protein biophysics, in particular protein folding and conformational dynamics associated with enzymatic activity, is outlined with selected model systems.
R
aman Spectroscopy in Medicine
Authors: Krafft Christoph , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
Raman spectroscopy is an emerging tool in medicine to study tissues and body fluids. This contribution gives an overview of experimental techniques and selected applications. The methodological section presents Raman spectra of biomolecules, the near‐infrared advantage, combination with microscopy, Raman imaging, fiber‐optic probes, and signal enhancement principles. Pathological applications of Raman spectroscopy were reported in the context of oncology, for mineralized tissue such as bone, teeth, and calculi in organs, for blood vessels, for skin, and for the visual system. Raman spectroscopy in clinical chemistry was applied to determine glucose in diabetic patients; to analyze serum, hair and nails; and to investigate malaria.
Design of a two‐step pulsed pressure‐swing adsorption‐based oxygen concentrator
Authors: Rao V. Rama , Farooq S. , Krantz W. B. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA two‐step pulsed pressure‐swing adsorption (PPSA) process has been modeled to assess the extent to which an oxygen concentrator might be miniaturized for medical applications. The process consists of a single bed of packed adsorbent particles that is alternately pressurized and depressurized at the feed end. An enriched oxygen product is withdrawn at ambient pressure from the product end when the bed is pressurized at the feed end. The product end remains closed during depressurization. The model development addresses the manner in which axial dispersion enters into the describing equations and the formulation of proper boundary conditions, both of which have not been handled rigorously in some prior modeling studies. The describing equations are solved using COMSOL® Multiphysics software. The effect on the performance of the adsorption time, desorption time, bed length, particle diameter, and imposed pressure drop across the bed have been investigated. An interesting novel result is that for a chosen particle size, bed length, and applied pressure drop, there is an optimum combination of adsorption and desorption times that maximizes the product purity. The results suggest that there are operating windows for both 5A and partially Ag‐exchanged Li‐substituted 13X zeolite adsorbents wherein the product oxygen purity is greater than 90%. At a given product flow rate within this operating window, the extent of miniaturization is limited by the (maximum) cycling frequency that is practically achievable. Sizing of an oxygen concentrator for personal medical applications is also discussed. A principal conclusion is that a compact oxygen concentrator capable of producing a highly oxygen‐enriched product is possible using commercially available adsorbents and implementable operating conditions. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Towards a unified classification of the ectodermal dysplasias: Opportunities outweigh challenges
Authors: Irvine Alan D. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe ectodermal dysplasias include a complex and highly diverse group of heritable disorders that share in common developmental abnormalities of ectodermal derivatives. The broader definition of ectodermal dysplasias (as heritable disorders involving at least two of the ectodermal derivatives nails, teeth, hair, and eccrine sweat glands) encompasses 170–200 conditions. Some conditions included by this definition are relatively common; others are rare and, in some cases, family‐specific. Classification of the ectodermal dysplasias has largely been approached by categorizing patterns of clinical findings (phenotypic grouping). In the last 2 decades great progress has been made in understanding the molecular pathogenesis and inter‐relatedness of some of these conditions and a new consensus approach to classification that incorporates this new information is needed. A comprehensive and definitive classification of these disorders would be highly valuable for the many stakeholders in ED. As disease‐specific molecular treatments are developed, accurate classification will assume greater importance in designing registries to enable rapid identification of those with rare disorders who may wish to participate in clinical trials. Ideally a working classification of such a disparate collection of conditions would have a design and architecture that would facilitate easy accessibility by each of the key stakeholder groups and would encourage enhanced interaction between these parties. Attaining this objective is a major challenge but is achievable. This article reviews the historical‐clinical perspective and the impact of recent developments in molecular biology in the field. Reflections are offered as to the future direction of classification systems in these disorders. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Classifying ectodermal dysplasias: Incorporating the molecular basis and pathways (Workshop II)
Authors: Wright J. Timothy , Morris Clark , Clements Suzanne E. , D'Souza Rena , Gaide Olivier , Mikkola Marja , Zonana Jonathan 
Published: August 2009

AbstractHereditary conditions are traditionally classified based either on physical/physiological attributes or using the names of the individuals credited with identifying the condition. For the 170 plus conditions classified as ectodermal dysplasias (EDs), both of these nosological systems are used, at times interchangeably. Over the past decade our knowledge of the human genome and the molecular basis of the EDs have greatly expanded providing the impetus to consider alternative classification systems. The incorporation of the molecular basis of hereditary conditions adds important information allowing effective transfer of objective genetic information that can be lacking from traditional classification systems. Molecular information can be added to the nosological system for the EDs through a hierarchical‐ and domain‐based approach that encompasses the condition's name, mode of inheritance, molecular pathway affected, and specific molecular change. As new molecular information becomes available it can be effectively incorporated using this classification approach. Integrating molecular information into the ED classification system, while retaining well‐recognized traditional syndrome names, facilitates communication at and between different groups of people including patients, families, health care providers, and researchers. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Genetic testing in ectodermal dysplasia: Availability, clinical utility, and the nuts and bolts of ordering a genetic test
Authors: Bale Sherri J. , Mitchell Allison G. 
Published: August 2009

Abstract“Ectodermal Dysplasia syndromes” comprise a diverse group of heritable conditions characterized by congenital anomalies of one or more ectodermal structures and their appendages: hair, teeth, nails, and sweat glands. Genetic testing is available for many types of ectodermal dysplasia (ED) through clinical and/or research laboratories. We address the distinctions between genetic testing as performed on a clinical versus research basis, and summarize the clinical aspects, testing methodology, and sensitivity for those ED syndromes for which testing is available in a clinical laboratory. Lastly, we leave the laboratory for the clinical setting to discuss the utility of genetic testing for patients and their families, and summarize the practical issues involved in ordering a genetic test. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New clinico‐genetic classification of trichothiodystrophy
Authors: Morice‐Picard Fanny , Cario‐André Muriel , Rezvani Hamid , Lacombe Didier , Sarasin Alain , Taïeb Alain 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTrichothiodystrophy (TTD) is a congenital hair dysplasia with autosomal recessive transmission. Cross banding pattern under polarized light plus trichoschisis and a low sulfur content of hair shafts define the disorder, which is associated with variable and neuroectodermal symptoms. So‐called photosensitive forms of TTD (with low level of in vitro UV‐induced DNA repair, not constantly associated with marked clinical photosensitivity) are caused by mutations in genes encoding subunits of the transcription/repair factor IIH (TFIIH). Ten percentage of nonphotosensitive patients are known to have TTDN1 mutations, the specific role of which is unknown. We studied nine patients recruited at our institution and reviewed 79 with molecular analysis out of 122 TTD patients reported in literature with the aim to collect systematically the clinical findings in TTD patients and establish genotype–phenotype correlations. The frequency of congenital ichthyosis, collodion‐baby type, was significantly higher in the TFIIH mutated group. Hypogonadism was significantly more frequent in the non‐photosensitive group. There was no statistical difference regarding osseous anomalies. Mutations in TFIIH sub‐units leading to abnormal expression in genes involved in epidermal differentiation could explain the particular dermatological changes seen in photosensitive cases of TTD. We suggest a new clinico‐genetic classification of TTD, which may help clinicians confused by the current acronyms used (IBIDS, PIBIDS…). Understanding the TTD ichthyotic phenotype could lead to therapeutic advances in the management of TTD and other types of ichthyoses. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.