bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deficiency of decay-accelerating factor and complement receptor 1–related gene/protein y on murine platelets leads to complement-dependent clearance by the macrophage phagocytic receptor CRIg
Authors: Kim David D. , Miwa Takashi , Kimura Yuko , Schwendener Reto A. , van Lookeren Campagne Menno , Song Wen-Chao 
Published: June 2008

AbstractComplement activation on human platelets is known to cause platelet degranulation and activation. To evaluate how normal platelets escape complement attack in vivo, we studied the fate of murine platelets deficient in 2 membrane complement regulatory proteins using an adoptive transfer model. We show here that deficiency of either decay-accelerating factor (DAF) or complement receptor 1–related gene/protein y (Crry) on murine platelets was inconsequential, whereas DAF and Crry double deficiency led to rapid clearance of platelets from circu-lation in a complement- and macrophage-dependent manner. This finding contrasted with the observation on erythrocytes, where Crry deficiency alone resulted in complement susceptibility. Quantitative flow cytometry revealed that DAF and Crry were expressed at similar levels on platelets, whereas Crry expression was 3 times higher than DAF on erythrocytes. Antibody blocking or gene ablation of the newly identified complement receptor CRIg, but not complement receptor 3 (CR3), rescued DAF/Crry-deficient platelets from complement-dependent elimination. Surprisingly, deficiency of CRIg, CR3, and other known complement receptors failed to prevent Crry-deficient erythrocytes from complement-mediated clearance. These results show a critical but redundant role of DAF and Crry in platelet survival and suggest that complement-opsonized platelets and erythrocytes engage different complement receptors on tissue macrophages in vivo.
StAR: a simple tool for the statistical comparison of ROC curves
Authors: Vergara Ismael A , Norambuena Tomás , Ferrada Evandro , Slater Alex W , Melo Francisco 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
As in many different areas of science and technology, most important problems in bioinformatics rely on the proper development and assessment of binary classifiers. A generalized assessment of the performance of binary classifiers is typically carried out through the analysis of their receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) constitutes a popular indicator of the performance of a binary classifier. However, the assessment of the statistical significance of the difference between any two classifiers based on this measure is not a straightforward task, since not many freely available tools exist. Most existing software is either not free, difficult to use or not easy to automate when a comparative assessment of the performance of many binary classifiers is intended. This constitutes the typical scenario for the optimization of parameters when developing new classifiers and also for their performance validation through the comparison to previous art.

Results
In this work we describe and release new software to assess the statistical significance of the observed difference between the AUCs of any two classifiers for a common task estimated from paired data or unpaired balanced data. The software is able to perform a pairwise comparison of many classifiers in a single run, without requiring any expert or advanced knowledge to use it. The software relies on a non-parametric test for the difference of the AUCs that accounts for the correlation of the ROC curves. The results are displayed graphically and can be easily customized by the user. A human-readable report is generated and the complete data resulting from the analysis are also available for download, which can be used for further analysis with other software. The software is released as a web server that can be used in any client platform and also as a standalone application for the Linux operating system.

Conclusion
A new software for the statistical comparison of ROC curves is released here as a web server and also as standalone software for the LINUX operating system.
Comparison of slow and fast neocortical neuron migration using a new in vitromodel
Authors: Nichols Anna J , Carney Laurel H , Olson Eric C 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Mutations, toxic insults and radiation exposure are known to slow or arrest the migration of cortical neurons, in most cases by unknown mechanisms. The movement of migrating neurons is saltatory, reflecting the intermittent movement of the nucleus (nucleokinesis) within the confines of the plasma membrane. Each nucleokinetic movement is analogous to a step. Thus, average migration speed could be reduced by lowering step frequency and/or step distance.

Results
To assess the kinetic features of cortical neuron migration we developed a cell culture system that supports fiber-guided migration. In this system, the majority of fiber-apposed cells were neurons, expressed age-appropriate cortical-layer specific markers and migrated during a 30 min imaging period. Comparison of the slowest and fastest quartiles of cells revealed a 5-fold difference in average speed. The major determinant of average speed in slower cells (6–26 μm/hr) was step frequency, while step distance was the critical determinant of average speed in faster cells (>26 μm/hr). Surprisingly, step distance was largely determined by the average duration of the step, rather than the speed of nucleokinesis during the step, which differed by only 1.3-fold between the slowest and fastest quartiles.

Conclusion
Saltatory event frequency and duration, not nucleokinetic speed, are the major determinants of average migration speed in healthy neurons. Alteration of either saltatory event frequency or duration should be considered along with nucleokinetic abnormalities as possible contributors to pathological conditions.
Tuberculosis screening of travelers to higher-incidence countries: A cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Tan Michael , Menzies Dick , Schwartzman Kevin 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundTravelers to countries with high tuberculosis incidence can acquire infection during travel. We sought to compare four screening interventions for travelers from low-incidence countries, who visit countries with varying tuberculosis incidence.MethodsDecision analysis model: We considered hypothetical cohorts of 1,000 travelers, 21 years old, visiting Mexico, the Dominican Republic, or Haiti for three months. Travelers departed from and returned to the United States or Canada; they were born in the United States, Canada, or the destination countries. The time horizon was 20 years, with 3% annual discounting of future costs and outcomes. The analysis was conducted from the health care system perspective. Screening involved tuberculin skin testing (post-travel in three strategies, with baseline pre-travel tests in two), or chest radiography post-travel (one strategy). Returning travelers with tuberculin conversion (one strategy) or other evidence of latent tuberculosis (three strategies) were offered treatment. The main outcome was cost (in 2005 US dollars) per tuberculosis case prevented.ResultsFor all travelers, a single post-trip tuberculin test was most cost-effective. The associated cost estimate per case prevented ranged from $21,406 for Haitian-born travelers to Haiti, to $161,196 for US-born travelers to Mexico. In all sensitivity analyses, the single post-trip tuberculin test remained most cost-effective. For US-born travelers to Haiti, this strategy was associated with cost savings for trips over 22 months. Screening was more cost-effective with increasing trip duration and infection risk, and less so with poorer treatment adherence.ConclusionA single post-trip tuberculin skin test was the most cost-effective strategy considered, for travelers from the United States or Canada. The analysis did not evaluate the use of interferon-gamma release assays, which would be most relevant for travelers who received BCG vaccination after infancy, as in many European countries. Screening decisions should reflect duration of travel, tuberculosis incidence, and commitment to treat latent infection.
Therapeutic effects of antibodies to tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin in mice with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase induced arthritis
Authors: Matsumoto Isao , Zhang Hua , Yasukochi Takanori , Iwanami Keiichi , Tanaka Yoko , Inoue Asuka , Goto Daisuke , Ito Satoshi , Tsutsumi Akito , Sumida Takayuki 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Immunization with glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (GPI) induces severe arthritis in DBA/1 mice. The present study was designed to identify the cytokines and co-stimulatory molecules involved in the development of GPI-induced arthritis.

Methods
Arthritis was induced in DBA/1 mice with 300 μg human recombinant GPI. CD4+ T cells and antigen-presenting cells from splenocytes of arthritic mice were cultured in the presence of GPI. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-12 levels were assessed using cytometric bead array. Monoclonal antibodies to TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12, CD40L, inducible co-stimulator (ICOS), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (CTLA-4Ig) were used to block TNF-α and IFN-γ production, examine clinical index in mice with GPI-induced arthritis, and determine anti-GPI antibody production.

Results
Large amounts of TNF-α and IFN-γ and small amounts of IL-2 and IL-6 were produced by splenocytes from mice with GPI-induced arthritis. Anti-TNF-α mAbs and CTLA-4Ig suppressed TNF-α production, whereas anti-IFN-γ mAbs, anti-IL-12 mAbs, and CTLA-4 Ig inhibited IFN-γ production. A single injection of anti-TNF-α and anti-IL-6 mAbs and two injections of CTLA-4Ig reduced the severity of arthritis in mice, whereas injections of anti-IFN-γ and anti-IL-12 mAbs tended to exacerbate arthritis. Therapeutic efficacy tended to correlate with reduction in anti-GPI antibodies.

Conclusion
TNF-α and IL-6 play an important role in GPI-induced arthritis, whereas IFN-γ appears to function as a regulator of arthritis. Because the therapeutic effects of the tested molecules used in this study are similar to those in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, GPI-induced arthritis appears to be a suitable tool with which to examine the effect of various therapies on rheumatoid arthritis.
Threonine 66 in the death domain of IRAK-1 is critical for interaction with signaling molecules but is not a target site for autophosphorylation
Authors: Neumann Detlef , Kollewe Christian , Pich Andreas , Cao Ping , Resch Klaus , Martin Michael U 
Published: June 2008

AbstractLigand binding in the TLR/IL-1R family results in the transient formation of an intracellular signaling complex, which contains, amongst others, the serine/threonine-specific kinase IL-1R-associated kinase 1 (IRAK-1). Concomitantly, the kinase function of IRAK-1 becomes activated, resulting in massive autophosphorylation and finally in the dissociation of the initially constituted signaling complex. The death domain (DD) of IRAK-1 mediates the interaction with other molecules of the signaling complex, e.g., the adaptor MyD88, the silencer Tollip, and the activator kinase IRAK-4. The conserved threonine at position 66 (T66), located within the DD, is a putative autophosphorylation target site. Here, we provide evidence that T66 critically impacts the secondary structure of the IRAK-1 DD. Thereby, it ensures the transient manner of interactions between IRAK-1 and the other signaling molecules. This essential role, however, is not regulated by phosphorylation of T66 itself.
The Reaction of Hemoproteins with Hypochlorous Acid
Authors: Ozaki Shin-ichi , Dairaku Chisato , Kuradomi Yoko , Inoue Junko 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
We have studied absorption spectral changes and heme modifications in the reaction of horseradish peroxidase (HRP), myoglobin (Mb), or bovine liver catalase (BLC) with hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Under acidic condition, HOCl is easily released from an FeIII–HOCl complex. In contrast, the O–Cl bond cleavage in an FeIII–OCl intermediate occurs under neutral and alkaline conditions. The heterolysis proceeds in HRP and BLC, but the homolysis in Mb seems to be associated with the generation of meso-chlorinated heme adduct.
New Synthesis Route to Uniform-sized β-Zeolite in the Presence of a Cationic Surfactant Containing Siloxane Moiety
Authors: Venkatesan Chithravel , Komura Kenichi , Sugi Yoshihiro 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Nanosized β-zeolites (BEA) with different SiO2/Al2O3 ratio were hydrothermally synthesized by using tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH) as SDA and a small amount of cationic surfactant containing siloxane moiety: [3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]octadecyldimethylammonium chloride (ODSCl). Among them, BEA100 with SiO2/Al2O3 ratio of 100 showed spherical morphology with size of 50–100 nm, and all aluminum species are tetrahedrally incorporated in the framework.
FIMEC Tests on SPS sintered FeMo Ultra-Fine-Grained Alloys
Authors: Iacovone B. , Libardi S. , Molinari A. , Zadra M. , Montanari R. , Plini P. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The difference between yield strength measured by flat-top cylinder indenter for mechanical characterization (FIMEC) and by conventional tensile tests on micrometric, submicrometric, and nanostructured Fe-Mo alloys produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS) of high energy milled powders is less than 7 %, provided that materials have some tensile ductility. In the case of materials with a nanometric structure (grain size less than 100 nm) and some residual porosity, FIMEC results are not representative of tensile properties. In addition, FIMEC, due to its localized character, allows the material homogeneity to be evaluated.
Tachykinins in endocrine tumors and the carcinoid syndrome
Authors: Cunningham Janet L , Janson Eva T , Agarwal Smriti , Grimelius Lars , Stridsberg Mats 
Published: June 2008

ObjectiveA new antibody, active against the common tachykinin (TK) C-terminal, was used to study TK expression in patients with endocrine tumors and a possible association between plasma-TK levels and symptoms of diarrhea and flush in patients with metastasizing ileocecal serotonin-producing carcinoid tumors (MSPCs).MethodTK, serotonin and chromogranin A (CgA) immunoreactivity (IR) was studied by immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from 33 midgut carcinoids and 72 other endocrine tumors. Circulating TK (P-TK) and urinary-5 hydroxyindoleacetic acid (U-5HIAA) concentrations were measured in 42 patients with MSPCs before treatment and related to symptoms in patients with the carcinoid syndrome. Circulating CgA concentrations were also measured in 39 out of the 42 patients.ResultsAll MSPCs displayed serotonin and strong TK expression. TK-IR was also seen in all serotonin-producing lung and appendix carcinoids. None of the other tumors examined contained TK-IR cells. Concentrations of P-TK, P-CgA, and U-5HIAA were elevated in patients experiencing daily episodes of either flush or diarrhea, when compared with patients experiencing occasional or none of these symptoms. In a Spearman partial rank test, the correlation of P-TK with daily diarrhea was independent of both U-5HIAA and CgA levels.ConclusionWe found that TK synthesis occurs in serotonin-IR tumors and that P-TK levels are significantly correlated with symptoms of flush and diarrhea in patients with MSPCs. This is, to our knowledge, the first report demonstrating an independent correlation of P-TKs with carcinoid diarrhea, a symptom that is customarily regarded as serotonin mediated. Further investigations may present opportunities for new therapeutic possibilities.
Ossification of a Collagen Membrane Cross‐Linked by Sugar: A Human Case Series
Authors: Zubery Yuval , Nir Eran , Goldlust Arie 
Published: June 2008

Background: Collagen membranes cross‐linked by glycation (GLYM) for guided bone regeneration (GBR) and guided tissue regeneration (GTR) are used extensively with proven safety and efficacy. Complete GLYM ossification, when placed in contact with bone, was described in a canine jaw model, suggesting that GLYM may serve as an ossification substrate. The purpose of this case series was to histologically evaluate GLYM in GBR procedures in humans.Methods: We retrospectively selected seven consecutive patients with implant‐related bony defects who underwent GBR with GLYM. Six defects had bone grafts, and one had a barrier alone. Selection criteria were primary closure upon post‐surgical examination and tissue that was 2‐ to 3‐mm thick over the implant's cover screw. Tissue was removed when the implants were uncovered after 20 to 29 weeks. Decalcified sections were stained and analyzed under light microscopy.Results: In five of seven specimens, GLYM was identified and preserved its barrier effect. The mean membrane thickness was 0.17 ± 0.054 mm. In two cases, the bone grafts under the membrane were embedded in new bone, whereas in five cases, they were embedded in fibrous connective tissue. Formation of new dense bone was observed along the side of the membrane facing the original bone, and various degrees of membrane ossification were evident in all five cases.Conclusions: GLYM maintained its barrier effect in five of seven cases for 25 weeks and induced dense new bone along its interface with underlying tissues. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on GLYM ossification in humans with direct mineral apposition on glycated collagen and suggests a new concept of tissue‐integrated active barriers.
Periodontal Disease in Children and Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes in Serbia
Authors: Dakovic Dragana , Pavlovic Milos D. 
Published: June 2008

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate periodontal health in young patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Serbia.Methods: Periodontal disease was clinically assessed and compared in 187 children and adolescents (6 to 18 years of age) with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 178 control subjects without diabetes.Results: Children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus had significantly more plaque, gingival inflammation, and periodontal destruction than control subjects. The main risk factors for periodontitis were diabetes (odds ratio [OR] = 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.42 to 5.44), bleeding/plaque ratio (OR = 1.25; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.48), and age (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.21). In case subjects, the number of teeth affected by periodontal destruction was associated with mean hemoglobin A1c (regression coefficient 0.17; P = 0.026), duration of diabetes (regression coefficient 0.19; P = 0.021), and bleeding/plaque ratio (regression coefficient 0.17; P = 0.021).Conclusions: Compared to children and adolescents without diabetes, periodontal disease is more prevalent and widespread in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus and depends on the duration of disease, metabolic control, and the severity of gingival inflammation. Gingival inflammation in young patients with diabetes is more evident and more often results in periodontal destruction.
Agenesis of the gallbladder as a rare misdiagnosis
Authors: Karatepe Oguzhan , Altiok Merih , Battal Muharrem , Adas Gökhan , Bilgin Gülcicek Osman , Acet Ersin , Karahan Servet 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Anatomic anomalies of the biliary tract are not uncommon, but gallbladder and cystic duct agenesis is rare, with an incidence of 0.01% to 0.04% and a frequency of 0.016% at autopsy. It is usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Although this congenital anomaly is infrequent, it may be encountered in clinical practice; thus, the surgeon should be aware of the associated problems. A correct preoperative diagnosis of this congenital anomaly is difficult to establish because of the nonspecific nature of the symptoms and the relative inaccuracy of the currently available diagnostic tests. Here we report a patient with a preoperative false diagnosis of cholelithiasis that was found on laparoscopy and open surgery to be agenesis of the gallbladder.
Concentrations of selected heavy metals in Ligula intestinalis L., 1758 plerocercoids (Cestoda) compared to it host’s (Tinca tinca L., 1758) organs from Beyşehir Lake (Turkey)
Authors: Teki̇n-Özan S. , Barlas M. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
The accumulation of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, Zn and Mn) was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in some organs of tench (Tinca tinca L., 1758) and tissues of its parasite collected from Beyşehir Lake, and compared with the data from sediments and water. The Cu levels in L. intestinalis L., 1758 plerocercoids were 1.69 times, respectively, higher than those in fish gill. Zn level in L. intestinalis plerocercoids was 2.13 times higher than those in fish liver, was 5.53 times higher than that of the muscle and 3.33 times higher than that in the gill. Significant negative (for Mn) correlation was found between the quantity of heavy metals in water and tissues of L. intestinalis plerocercoids while there was significant negative (for Cu) correlation between the quantity the heavy metals in bottom sediment and tissues of L. intestinalis plerocercoids. This study supports the idea that cestodes aren’t very useful to determine the heavy metal pollution in aquatic system when they are located in their intermediate host’s body cavity.
Redescription of the female of Mexiconema liobagri (Nematoda: Daniconematidae), a little-known parasite of the rare endemic catfish Liobagrus reinii (Amblycipitidae), in Japan
Authors: Moravec F. , Shimazu T. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract
Gravid females of the little-known dracunculoid nematode Mexiconema liobagri Moravec et Nagasawa, 1998 (Daniconematidae), a parasite of the rare endemic catfish Liobagrus reinii Hilgendorf (Amblycipitidae), were found in the body cavity of this fish from two new localities in Japan: the Takami River at Kotsugawa, Higashiyoshino, Nara Prefecture and the Tenryu River at Ina, Nagano Prefecture, representing the second record of this nematode species since its original description. Light and scanning electron microscopical examinations of these specimens enabled us to supplement the original description of M. liobagri and to recognise biometrical variability in this species. Details of the cephalic structure of M. liobagri (presence of the small triangular mouth armed with six denticles, surrounded by a pair of large lateral amphids and four submedian pairs of small cephalic papillae) are described for the first time. In addition to M. liobagri, another specific nematode parasite, Rhabdochona japonica Moravec, 1975, was recorded in the intestine of L. reinii from the Takami River.