bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Merkel Cell Carcinoma of Left Groin: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Abu-Zaid Ahmed , Azzam Ayman , Al-Wusaibie Ahmed , Bin Makhashen Maraei , Jarman Abdulaziz , Amin Tarek
Published: May 2013

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon highly aggressive skin malignancy with an increased tendency to recur locally, invade regional lymph nodes, and metastasize distally to lung, liver, brain, bone, and skin. The sun-exposed skin of head and neck is the most frequent site of involvement (55%). We report the case of a 63-year-old Caucasian male patient who presented with a recurrent left inguinal mass for the third time after surgical resection with safe margins and no postoperative radio- or chemotherapy. The presented mass was excised, and pathological diagnosis revealed recurrent MCC. The patient underwent postoperative radiation therapy, and 6 months later, he developed a right groin mass which was resected and pathological diagnosis confirmed metastatic MCC. Six months later, patient developed an oropharyngeal mass which was unresectable, and pathological biopsy confirmed metastatic MCC. Patient was offered palliative radio- and chemotherapy. In this paper, we also present a brief literature review on MCC.
Phylogenetic Relationship of the Longhorn Grasshopper Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from Northwest Tanzania Based on 18S Ribosomal Nuclear Sequences
Authors: Matojo Nicodemus D. , Hosea Keneth M.
Published: May 2013

Previously, the biology of the longhorn grasshopper Ruspolia differens Serville (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from northwest Tanzania was mainly inferred based on the morphological and behavioural characters with which its taxonomic status was delineated. The present study complements the previous analysis by examining the phylogenetic relationship of this insect based on the nuclear ribosomal molecular evidence. In the approach, the 18S rDNA of this insect was extracted, amplified, sequenced, and aligned, and the resultant data were used to reconstruct and analyze the phylogeny of this insect based on the catalogued data.
Novel Approaches for Concurrent Irradiation in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: Platinum Combinations, Non-Platinum-Containing Regimens, and Molecular Targeted Agents
Authors: Mountzios Giannis , Soultati Aspasia , Pectasides Dimitrios , Dimopoulos Meletios A. , Papadimitriou Christos A.
Published: May 2013

Despite the available prevention and early detection strategies, squamous-cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix is still diagnosed as locally advanced disease in a considerable proportion of patients. As a potent sensitizer of cancer cells, cisplatin has been the “traditional partner” of external beam irradiation in this setting for more than two decades. Induction chemotherapy strategies followed by concurrent chemoradiation or surgery and preoperative concurrent chemoradiation have been recently implemented in clinical trials in an effort to optimize local control and to minimize the risk of distant metastases. In this context, cisplatin has been combined with a number of other potential radiosensitizers, including 5-fluorouracil, capecitabine, and gemcitabine. In patients resistant or intolerant to platinum compounds, numerous non-platinum-containing regimens have been developed, implementing various antimetabolites, taxanes, antineoplastic antibiotics, and topoisomerase II inhibitors. More recently, molecular agents targeting critical pathways in cervical malignant transformation are being assessed in early clinical trials in combination with external-beam irradiation. In the current work, we review the evolving role of cisplatin and other platinum compounds, either alone or in combination regimens, in the context of other potent radiosensitizers. The emerging role of molecular targeted agents, as candidate partners of external beam irradiation, is also discussed.
A Novel Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for the Selective Removal of Chlorophyll from Heavily Pigmented Green Plant Extracts prior to Instrumental Analysis
Authors: Batlokwa Bareki Shima , Mokgadi Janes , Majors Ronald , Turner Charlotta , Torto Nelson
Published: May 2013

A novel molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) powder designed for the selective removal of interfering chlorophyll pigment from heavily pigmented green plant extracts during pesticide residue analysis or analysis for bioactives in natural product research is reported. The polymer powder imprinted with chlorophyll a was synthesized by copolymerizing the functional and cross‐linking monomers, methacrylic acid (MAA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), respectively. During batch rebinding experiments, the MIP effectively removed chlorophyll from neat chlorophyll standards, green medicinal plants, and spinach extracts with determined absorbance as high as 2.501 absorbance units (Au) to as low as 0.084 Au after the optimum quantity of the MIP (170 mg mL−1) was added as the adsorbent prior to instrumental analysis. The determined 0.084 Au absorbance was far below the absorbance of 2% chlorophyll (0.401 Au) regarded as the cut‐off point for interfering chlorophyll. Thus the newly developed polymer presents itself as a suitable adsorbent for the selective removal of chlorophyll from heavily pigmented, chlorophyll
containing extracts.
Coexistence of Ankylosing Spondylitis and Klinefelter's Syndrome
Authors: Kobak Şenol , Yalçin Murat , Karadeniz Muamer , Oncel Guray
Published: May 2013

Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by inflammatory lower back pain and morning stiffness and accompanied by spine and sacroiliac joint involvement. Klinefelter's syndrome is a genetic condition that only affects males. Affected males have an extra X chromosome. This paper reports a 30-years-old male on followup with the diagnosis of Klinefelters syndrome. The patient admitted with complaints of inflammatory lower back, and neck pain and morning stiffness and was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and salazopyrine treatment resulted in significant regression in his complaints.
Recurrent Ameloblastic Fibroma: Report of a Rare Case
Authors: Kulkarni Ravikumar S. , Sarkar Amitabh , Goyal Sandeep
Published: May 2013

Ameloblastic fibroma (AF) is an uncommon mixed neoplasm of odontogenic origin frequently seen in the second decade of life. It mainly presents as an intrabony lesion but can even occur peripherally. Histologically, our case showed hypercellular areas, an uncommon feature seen in typical AF. Whether this benign lesion is treated by mode of enucleation and curettage or by extensive surgery is still a topic of debate. An extensive surgical treatment is suggested as the initial approach due to its high recurrence rate (18%) and the greater chances of recurrent AFs transforming into ameloblastic fibrosarcoma (45%), together with a long-term followup. We report a case of recurrent AF with hypercellular ectomesenchyme which developed a year after its conservative removal. We conclude that in recurrent AF sufficient sections of the pathological specimen are to be taken to rule out any malignant changes that might have begun in focal areas.
Modeling the Effect of Crude Oil Impacted Sand on the Properties of Concrete Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Ajagbe W. O. , Ganiyu A. A. , Owoyele M. O. , Labiran J. O.
Published: May 2013

A network of the feedforward-type artificial neural networks (ANNs) was used to predict the compressive strength of concrete made from crude oil contaminated soil samples at 3, 7, 14, 28, 56, 84, and 168 days at different degrees of contamination of 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25%. A total of 49 samples were used in the training, testing, and prediction phase of the modeling in the ratio 32 : 11 : 7. The TANH activation function was used and the maximum number of iterations was limited to 20,000 the model used a momentum of 0.6 and a learning rate of 0.031056. Twenty (20) different architectures were considered and the most suitable one was the 2-2-1. Statistical analysis of the output of the network was carried out and the correlation coefficient of the training and testing data is 0.9955712 and 0.980097. The result of the network has shown that the use of neural networks is effective in the prediction of the compressive strength of concrete made from crude oil impacted sand.
A Para-Canalicular Abscess Resembling an Inflamed Chalazion
Authors: Almaliotis Diamantis , Nakos Elias , Siempis Thomas , Koletsa Triantafyllia , Kostopoulos Ioannis , Chatzipantazi Maria , Karampatakis Vasileios
Published: May 2013

Background.Lacrimal infections byActinomycesare rare and commonly misdiagnosed for long periods of time. They account for 2% of all lacrimal diseases.Case Report.We report a case of a 70-year-old female patient suffering from a para-canalicular abscess in the medial canthus of the left eye, beside the lower punctum lacrimale, resembling a chalazion. Purulence exited from the punctum lacrimale due to inflammation of the inferior canaliculus (canaliculitis). When pressure was applied to the mass, a second exit of purulence was also observed under the palpebral conjunctiva below the lacrimal caruncle. A surgical excision was performed followed by administration of local antibiotic therapy. The histopathological examination of the extracted mass revealed the existence of actinomycosis.Conclusion.Persistent or recurrent infections and lumps of the eyelids should be thoroughly investigated.Actinomycesas a causative agent should be considered. Differential diagnosis is broad and should include canaliculitis, chalazion, and multiple types of neoplasias. For this reason, in nonconclusive cases, a histopathological examination should be performed.
Analysis of Third-Grade Fluid in Helical Screw Rheometer
Authors: Zeb M. , Islam S. , Siddiqui A. M. , Haroon T.
Published: May 2013

The steady flow of an incompressible, third-grade fluid in helical screw rheometer (HSR) is studied by “unwrapping or flattening” the channel, lands, and the outside rotating barrel. The geometry is approximated as a shallow infinite channel, by assuming that the width of the channel is large as compared to the depth. The developed second-order nonlinear coupled differential equations are reduced to single differential equation by using a transformation. Using Adomian decomposition method, analytical expressions are calculated for the the velocity profiles and volume flow rates. The results have been discussed with the help of graphs as well. We observed that the velocity profiles are strongly dependant on non-Newtonian parameter (β~), and with the increase inβ~, the velocity profiles increase progressively, which conclude that extrusion process increases with the increase inβ~. We also observed that the increase in pressure gradients inx- andz-direction increases the net flow inside the helical screw rheometer, which increases the extrusion process. We noticed that the flow increases as the flight angle increase.
Effect of Extraction Conditions on the Antioxidant Activity of Olive Wood Extracts
Authors: Pérez-Bonilla Mercedes , Salido Sofía , Sánchez Adolfo , van Beek Teris A. , Altarejos Joaquín
Published: May 2013

An investigation to optimize the extraction yield and the radical scavenging activity from the agricultural by-product olive tree wood (Olea europaeaL., cultivar Picual) using six different extraction protocols was carried out. Four olive wood samples from different geographical origin, and harvesting time have been used for comparison purposes. Among the fifty olive wood extracts obtained in this study, the most active ones were those prepared with ethyl acetate, either through direct extraction or by successive liquid-liquid partitioning procedures, the main components being the secoiridoids oleuropein and ligustroside. An acid hydrolysis pretreatment of olive wood samples before extractions did not improve the results. In the course of this study, two compounds were isolated from the ethanolic extracts of olive wood collected during the olives’ harvesting season and identified as (7′′R)-7′′-ethoxyoleuropein (1) and (7′′S)-7′′-ethoxyoleuropein (2).
N2O and NO Emissions from CFBC Cofiring Dried Sewage Sludge, Wet Sewage Sludge with Coal and PE
Authors: Li Zhiwei , He Hongzhou
Published: May 2013

Experiments on cofiring dried sewage sludge, wet sewage sludge with coal and polyethylene (PE) were carried out on a pilot scale 0.15MWt circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) plant, and the influence of furnace temperatures, cofiring rates on N2O and NO emissions was investigated. Temperature is an effective parameter influencing N2O emission, and higher temperature leads to significant N2O reduction and decrease of conversion ratio of fuel-N to N2O. Increasing in cofiring rates leads to higher nitrogen content in the mixed fuel, which could result in higher NO and N2O emissions from combustion. With more sewage sludge addition, higher NO but lower N2O emissions are observed. N2O emission from cofiring wet sewage sludge with coal is higher than that from cofiring dried sewage sludge with coal and PE, and fuel-N conversion ratio to N2O and NO is much higher in cofiring wet sewage sludge with coal than that in cofiring dried sewage sludge with coal and PE.
Lyapunov Control of Quantum Systems with Impulsive Control Fields
Authors: Yang Wei , Sun Jitao
Published: May 2013

We investigate the Lyapunov control of finite‐dimensional quantum systems with impulsive control fields, where the studied quantum systems are governed by the Schrödinger equation. By three different Lyapunov functions and the invariant principle of impulsive systems, we study the convergence of quantum systems with impulsive control fields and propose new results for the mentioned quantum systems in the form of sufficient conditions. Two numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control method.
The Role of Magnesium in the Management of Cerebral Vasospasm
Authors: Odom Mitchell J. , Zuckerman Scott L. , Mocco J
Published: May 2013

Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is characterized by bleeding into the subarachnoid space, often caused by ruptured aneurysm. Aneurysmal rupture occurs in 700,000 individuals per year worldwide, with 40,000 cases taking place in the United States. Beyond the high mortality associated with SAH alone, morbidity and mortality are further increased with the occurrence of cerebral vasospasm, a pathologic constriction of blood vessels that can lead to delayed ischemic neurologic deficits (DIND). Treatment of cerebral vasospasm is a source of contention. One extensively studied therapy is Magnesium (Mg) as both a competitive antagonist of calcium at theN-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, and a noncompetitive antagonist of both IP3and voltage-gated calcium channels, leading to smooth muscle relaxation. In our literature review, several animal and human studies are summarized in addition to two Phase III trials assessing the use of intravenous Mg in the treatment of SAH (IMASH and MASH-2). Though many studies have shown promise for the use of Mg in SAH, there has been inconsistency in study design and outcomes. Furthermore, the results of the recently completed clinical trials have shown no significant benefit from using intravenous Mg as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of cerebral vasospasm.
Targeting Natural Killer Cells to Acute Myeloid LeukemiaIn Vitrowith a CD16 × 33 Bispecific Killer Cell Engager and ADAM17 Inhibition
Authors: Wiernik Andres , Foley Bree , Zhang Bin , Verneris Michael R. , Warlick Erica , Gleason Michelle K. , Ross Julie A. , Luo Xianghua , Weisdorf Daniel J. , Walcheck Bruce , Vallera Daniel A. , Miller Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2013

Purpose: The graft versus leukemia effect by natural killer (NK) cells prevents relapse following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We determined whether a novel bispecific killer cell engager (BiKE) signaling through CD16 and targeting CD33 could activate NK cells at high potency against acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) targets.

Experimental Design: We investigated the ability of our fully humanized CD16 × CD33 (CD16 × 33) BiKE to trigger in vitro NK cell activation against HL60 (CD33+), RAJI (CD33−), and primary AML targets (de novo and refractory) to determine whether treatment with CD16 × 33 BiKE in combination with an ADAM17 inhibitor could prevent CD16 shedding (a novel inhibitory mechanism induced by NK cell activation) and overcome inhibition of class I MHC recognizing inhibitory receptors.

Results: NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine release were specifically triggered by the CD16 × 33 BiKE when cells were cultured with HL60 targets, CD33+de novo and refractory AML targets. Combination treatment with CD16 × 33 BiKE and ADAM17 inhibitor resulted in inhibition of CD16 shedding in NK cells, and enhanced NK cell activation. Treatment of NK cells from double umbilical cord blood transplant (UCBT) recipients with the CD16 × 33 BiKE resulted in activation, especially in those recipients with cytomegalovirus reactivation.

Conclusion: CD16 × 33 BiKE can overcome self-inhibitory signals and effectively elicit NK cell effector activity against AML. These in vitro studies highlight the potential of CD16 × 33 BiKE ± ADAM17 inhibition to enhance NK cell activation and specificity against CD33+ AML, which optimally could be applied in patients with relapsed AML or for adjuvant antileukemic therapy posttransplantation. Clin Cancer Res; 19(14); 3844–55. ©2013 AACR.
To Treat or Not to Treat? Cost-Effectiveness of Ace Inhibitors in Non-Diabetic Advanced Renal Disease - a Dutch Perspective
Authors: Adarkwah Charles Christian , Gandjour Afschin , Akkerman Maren , Evers Silvia
Published: May 2013

Background: Treating non-diabetic proteinuric patients with advanced renal disease with an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor is still subject to discussion. This study aims to determine the cost-effectiveness of ACE inhibitor therapy in this patient population in the Netherlands. Methods: We compared two strategies: first, treating patients with advanced renal disease with an ACE inhibitor and no-treatment. A lifetime Markov decision model was developed simulating the progression of renal disease and using published data on costs and health outcomes. A health care perspective was adopted. Results: In the base-case analysis, treatment with ACE inhibitors leads to higher benefits and lower costs and dominates the no-treatment strategy. Sensitivity analysis shows that the probability of savings is 83%. Conclusion: ACE inhibitor treatment for non-diabetic patients with advanced renal disease in the Netherlands is highly cost-effective and should therefore be considered.
Understanding the Growth Hormone Therapy Adherence Paradigm: A Systematic Review
Authors: Fisher Benjamin G. , Acerini Carlo L.
Published: May 2013

Introduction: Growth hormone (GH) therapy is used to treat a variety of growth disorders in childhood/adolescence. Its efficacy is thought to be dependent on patients' adherence to their treatment regimen. Methods: PubMed was searched using the keywords ‘growth hormone', ‘child'[Mesh], ‘adolescent'[Mesh], and ‘patient compliance'[Mesh]. Results: Most studies of adherence to paediatric GH therapy have used either issued/encashed GH prescriptions or questionnaires. Estimates of prevalence of non-adherence vary from 5-82%, depending on the methods and definitions used. Different studies have variously demonstrated an association (or lack thereof) between adherence and age, socioeconomic status, treatment duration, injection device used and injection-giver. A number of interventions have been proposed to improve adherence, including offering a choice of injection device, but none are supported by trials. Poor adherence is associated with reduced height velocity and likely increased economic costs; evidence for other effects is circumstantial. Conclusion: Adherence to paediatric GH therapy is suboptimal, which may partially explain why the mean final height attained is below that of the general population. Analysis of the causes of non-adherence is complicated by conflicting evidence from different studies. Multifactorial interventions are most likely to be successful in improving adherence. We make recommendations for further research.
Role of Calcium Ionophore A23187-Induced Activation of IkappaB Kinase 2 in Mast Cells
Authors: Hosokawa Junichi , Suzuki Kotaro , Nakagomi Daiki , Tamachi Tomohiro , Takatori Hiroaki , Suto Akira , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: May 2013

Background: Mast cells are known to play a pivotal role in allergic diseases by releasing granules containing histamine and other preformed chemical mediators. Cross-linking of high-affinity receptors for IgE (FceRI) on mast cells results in rapid increases in intracellular free calcium concentration [Ca2+]i and consequent activation of many transcription factors, including NFAT, NF-κB, JNK and CREB. Ca2+ signaling is essential for many cellular activities such as proliferation, gene expression and degranulation in mast cells. In addition to Ca2+ signaling, previous reports have shown that IkappaB kinase 2 (IKK2 or IKKß), a central component of the IKK complex mediating NF-κB activation, also plays a crucial role in FceRI-mediated degranulation and cytokine production. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that activation of PKCß, a calcium-dependent PKC isoform, leads to IKK2 activation in many cell types. However, the roles of Ca2+ signaling and PKCß in the activation of IKK2 in mast cells remain largely unknown. Methods: We investigated the effect of PKC inhibitor Gö6976 on calcium ionophore A23187-induced activation of IKK2 in mast cells. We also examined the role of IKK2 in A23187-induced NF-κB-dependent gene induction, degranulation, proinflammatory cytokine production and extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation by using IKK2-deficient (IKK2-/-) fetal liver-derived mast cells (FLMCs). Results: A23187 activated IKK2 and NF-κB even in the presence of Gö6976 in mast cells. A23187-induced degranulation, cytokine production and activation of ERK1/2 were diminished in IKK2-/- FLMCs compared to those in wild-type FLMCs. Conclusions: Ca2+-IKK2 signaling is involved in the degranulation and cytokine production in activated mast cells by a mechanism independent of PKCß.
Interleukin-5 Plays a Key Role in Mouse Strain- Dependent Susceptibility to Contact Hypersensitivity through Its Effects on Initiator B Cells
Authors: Itakura Atsuko , Ikutani Masashi , Takatsu Kiyoshi , Kikuchi Yuji
Published: May 2013

Background: Elicitation of contact hypersensitivity requires antigen-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies that trigger recruitment of effector T cells to the local tissue. These antigen-specific IgM antibodies are produced by B-1-like ‘initiator B cells'. In this study, we compared susceptibility to hapten-induced contact hypersensitivity between BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Methods: BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were sensitized by painting oxazolone onto the skin and were challenged on the ears with the same hapten on day 4. Ear thickness and serum hapten-specific IgM levels were measured at 24 h post-challenge. Peritoneal cells were harvested and the numbers of B cell subpopulations were counted. Interleukin (IL)-5 was intraperitoneally injected into BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice, and the change in numbers of B cell subpopulations and serum IgM levels was monitored. Results: Oxazolone induced stronger ear swelling and specific IgM responses in BALB/c mice than in C57BL/6 mice. BALB/c mice had higher numbers of peritoneal B-1 cells than C57BL/6 mice at steady state. IL-5 injection increased the number of peritoneal B-1 cells and serum IgM levels more significantly in BALB/ mice than in C57BL/6 mice. Conclusions: BALB/c mice exhibit higher susceptibility to hapten-induced contact hypersensitivity than C57BL/6 mice, most likely because they have a higher number of B-1 cells, leading to massive production of hapten-specific IgM antibodies upon contact sensitization. The differences in the number of B-1 cells and IgM responses between the two strains of mice may be attributed to the difference in responsiveness of B-1 cells to IL-5.
The Expression of Protease-Activated Receptors in Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Yoshida Takuto , Matsuwaki Yoshinori , Asaka Daiya , Hama Takanori , Otori Nobuyoshi , Moriyama Hiroshi
Published: May 2013

Background: A recent study suggested that protease-activated receptors (PARs) are involved in allergic respiratory diseases, such as asthma. Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is one of the most common chronic airway diseases, but little is understood about its pathogenesis. The purpose of this study was to compare the expression and distribution of PARs in biopsy specimens obtained from CRS and control patients. Methods: Biopsy specimens were obtained from 7 pituitary tumor patients as controls, 8 CRS patients with aspirin-tolerant asthma (ATA), 7 CRS patients with aspirin-induced asthma (AIA), and 7 CRS patients without asthma (CRS). Sections were stained for PAR-1, PAR-2, PAR-3 and PAR-4 using specific polyclonal antibodies. Staining was scored semiquantitatively for both intensity and distribution. To confirm the presence of PARs on inflammatory cells, double staining with eosinophil cationic protein (EG2) and elastase was also performed. Results: Both the epithelium and the infiltrating inflammatory cells in the CRS with asthma groups showed significant upregulation of the expression of PAR-2 and PAR-3 compared with the CRS without asthma group and the control group. In the patients with CRS complicated by asthma, eosinophils were increased among PAR-2- and PAR-3-positive cells. In the patients with CRS not complicated by asthma, neutrophils were increased among PAR-2-positive cells. Conclusions: Differences in the expression of PAR-2 and PAR-3 on epithelial cells, eosinophils and neutrophils may be involved in the pathogenesis of CRS. CRS may be able to be treated by targeting PAR-2 and PAR-3.
Significantly High Levels of Anti-dsDNA Immunoglobulin E in Sera and the Ability of dsDNA to Induce the Degranulation of Basophils from Chronic Urticaria Patients
Authors: Kashiwakura Jun-ichi , Hayama Koremasa , Fujisawa Daisuke , Sasaki-Sakamoto Tomomi , Terui Tadashi , Ra Chisei , Okayama Yoshimichi
Published: May 2013

Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) appears to be of autoimmune origin in about half of all patients, since several autoreactive immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs), such as anti-FcεRIα and anti-IgE, are detected in the sera of such patients. However, whether autoreactive IgE is associated with CU remains unclear. In this study, we attempted to identify autoreactive IgE antibodies in sera from patients with CU. Methods: Sera were collected from 67 normal subjects, 85 patients with CU and 28 patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). An autologous serum skin test (ASST) was performed on 27 of the CU patients. Autoreactive IgE and IgG levels against self-antigens were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The basophils were activated with dsDNA, and the CD63 expression level was examined using a fluorescence-activated cell sorter. Results: The anti-dsDNA IgE levels were significantly higher in patients with CU and AD than in normal subjects, but no differences in the anti-dsDNA IgG levels were seen. The levels of thioredoxin-, peroxiredoxin- and thyroglobulin-reactive IgE and IgG were not significantly higher in the CU patients than in the other 2 groups. There was no significant difference in the levels of anti-dsDNA IgE between ASST-positive and ASST-negative patients. The basophils from 2 out of 9 CU patients exhibited degranulation in response to dsDNA. Conclusions: Our data suggest that anti-dsDNA IgE is involved in the pathogenesis of some cases of CU.
Increased Interleukin-27 Production by Antigen-Presenting Cells Promotes Regulatory T Cell Differentiation and Contributes to Inducing a Remission in Patients with Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
Authors: Saito Hiroshi , Tsurikisawa Naomi , Oshikata Chiyako , Tsuburai Takahiro , Akiyama Kazuo
Published: May 2013

Background: We investigated the cytokine production profiles of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and the status of patients with eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) in order to identify the cytokine profile that contributes to inducing differentiation of CD4+ effector Th cells and regulatory T cells. Methods: We counted the number of CD4+FOXP3+ T cells, CD4+CD25+CTLA-4+ T cells, CD4+ T cells that predominantly produce IL-10 (Tr1 cells) and IL-17 (Th17 cells) and monocytes and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (mDCs) expressing Toll-like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 in the peripheral blood of 47 EGPA patients and 40 bronchial asthma patients (who did not have EGPA) and calculated the percentages of monocytes and mDCs that produced IL-23p19 and IL-27 in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Results: Lower TLR4 expression was observed on the monocytes of relapsed EGPA patients and lower expression of both TLR2 and TLR4 on their mDCs than on the cells from EGPA patients in remission or non-EGPA patients. The percentages of monocytes expressing TLR4 were positively correlated with the percentages of regulatory T cells in peripheral blood. In addition, the percentages of monocytes and the percentages of mDCs that produced IL-27 and IL-23p19 in response to LPS stimulation were positively correlated with the percentages of Tr1 cells and Th17 cells in peripheral blood. A positive correlation was also found between the percentages of mDCs that produced IL-27 and the percentages of Tr1 cells. Conclusion: Increased dominancy of IL-23p19 and IL-27 production by the APCs of EGPA patients may be linked to differentiation of Th17 cells and Tr1 cells.
Extensive Multifocal Mammary Infarction - a Case Report
Authors: Aggon Allison A. , Eakin Lori Oetting , DeSimone Nicole , Snyder Justin A.
Published: May 2013

Background: Breast infarction can occur in benign breast lesions, such as fibroadenomas, as well as healthy breast tissue, typically in the gravid or lactating patient. Few theories, however, exist to explain this unusual lesion. Case Report: We present a very rare case of a 27-year-old female patient with extensive, multifocal, bilateral mammary infarction. A literature search was also performed to confirm its rarity. Although solitary or limited areas of spontaneous infarction have been documented, there are no documented cases where such a large, multifocal area of involvement has occurred without obvious explanation. Conclusion: Extensive multifocal post-partum breast infarction is a rare occurrence that has potential long-term effects. This should be considered when taking patient history in post-partum patients, as well as those with extensive calcifications on mammogram years after giving birth.
Lack of Genetic Associations of PPAR-γ and PGC-1α with Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease with Dementia
Authors: Shibata Nobuto , Motoi Yumiko , Tomiyama Hiroyuki , Ohnuma Tohru , Kuerban Bolati , Tomson Katrin , Komatsu Miwa , Shimazaki Hiromi , Hattori Nobutaka , Arai Heii
Published: May 2013

Background and Aims: Similar clinical and pathological features have been observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease with dementia (PDD). Both the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) gene and the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) gene are candidates modifying the risk for both diseases. The aim of this study was to clarify whether common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the PPAR-γ gene and the PGC-1α gene affect the onset of AD and PDD genetically. Methods: Four exonic SNPs of both genes (rs1801282 and rs3856806 of the PPAR-γ gene, rs3736265 and rs8192678 of the PGC-1α gene) were genotyped in 171 AD patients, 136 age-matched controls and 53 PDD patients. Haplotype analysis and logistic regression analysis with apolipoprotein E (APO E) status were performed for AD. Results: There was no statistical difference between AD cases and controls for the 4 SNPs, nor was there any statistical difference between PDD cases and controls for the 4 SNPs. We could not find any synergetic associations between these SNPs, APO E4 and AD. Conclusions: The 4 SNPs studied here did not influence the risk for AD in a Japanese population. As the number of PDD cases was small, comprehensive genetic studies considering diabetes would be needed.
Prevalence and Clinical Implication of Microbleeds in Dementia with Lewy Bodies in Comparison with Microbleeds in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Fukui Toshiya , Oowan Yoshiyuki , Yamazaki Takahiro , Kinno Ryuta
Published: May 2013

Background: Cerebral microbleeds (MBs) have been well investigated in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but not very extensively in non-AD dementias or in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). Aims: To elucidate the clinical significance of MBs in DLB. Methods: We compared the prevalence, locations and risk factors for MBs in 59 DLB and 81 AD patients. We visually counted MBs in each of the cortical and subjacent areas (frontal, temporal, parietal and occipital), the basal ganglia and the thalamus, and the brainstem and the cerebellar hemispheres on 1.5-tesla T2*-weighted gradient-recalled-echo MRI images. White matter lesions were semiquantified in fluid-attenuated inversion recovery images according to the Fazekas rating scale. Results: While the prevalence of MBs was comparable, MBs tended to be more abundant in DLB than in AD in all brain areas with the exception of the occipital lobes. The number of MBs was positively associated with the severity of white matter lesions but not with other vascular risk factors in either AD or DLB. The presence of MBs could be associated with cognitive impairment at onset. MB-positive DLB patients showed less impairment on 123I-metaiodobenzylguanidine myocardial scintigraphy (MIBG scintigraphy) images, supporting the notion of an inverse relationship between vascular lesions and Lewy body pathology. Conclusion: It was suggested that an intricate association between Lewy body pathology, AD-type pathologies and vascular lesions seems to be related to the initial symptoms and results of MIBG scintigraphy in DLB.
A Case of Arteriovenous Fistula after Renal Biopsy in an IgA Nephropathy Patient with Macroscopic Hematuria
Authors: Horikoshi Satoshi , Takahata Akiko , Shiraishi Akihiko , Fukuda Hiromitsu , Ohsawa Isao , Kuwatsuru Ryohei , Tomino Yasuhiko
Published: May 2013

Macroscopic hematuria is a common symptom in IgA nephropathy and is also one of the most frequent complications after a percutaneous renal biopsy. Here, we describe a patient with IgA nephropathy and recurrent macroscopic hematuria who developed an arteriovenous fistula after renal biopsy.
Brain Abscess after Transanal Hemorrhoidal Dearterialization: A Case Report
Authors: Berkel A.E.M. , Witte M.E. , Koop R. , Hendrix M.G.R. , Klaase J.M.
Published: May 2013

A relatively new therapy in the treatment of hemorrhoids is transanal hemorrhoidal dearterialization (THD). We report a case of brain abscess caused by Streptococcus milleri following THD. Although a brain abscess after drainage of a perianal abscess has been described in the literature, no report exists of a brain abscess following treatment of hemorrhoids. A healthy 51-year-old man with hemorrhoids underwent THD. Two weeks later he presented with a headache, bradyphrenia, flattened behavior and a left hemiplegia. No perianal complaint and/or perianal abscess was present. A contrast CT scan of the cerebrum showed a right temporoparieto-occipital abscess, with edema and compression of the surrounding tissue and lateral ventricles. MRI showed an abscess with leakage in the right lateral ventricle. Treatment with dexamethasone and intravenous antibiotics was started. Because of progression of symptoms, 3 weeks later ventriculoscopy was performed and the abscess was drained. Culture of the punctuate showed S. milleri. Because of developing hydrocephalus 3 days after ventriculoscopy, first an external ventricle drain and later a ventriculoperitoneal drain was placed. Hereafter the hemiplegia and cognitive disorders improved. This case report describes a severe complication following treatment of hemorrhoids with THD which until now, to our knowledge, has never been described in the literature.
Two Genomic Regions of Chromosomes 1 and 18 Explain Most of the Stroke Susceptibility Under Salt Loading in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat/Izm
Authors: Gandolgor Tsend-Ayush , Ohara Hiroki , Cui Zong-Hu , Hirashima Tsukasa , Ogawa Toshiko , Saar Kathrin , Hübner Norbert , Watanabe Takeshi , Isomura Minoru , Nabika Toru
Published: May 2013

To clarify the genetic mechanisms of stroke susceptibility in the stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHRSP), a quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis was performed. Using 295 F2 rats of a cross between SHRSP/Izm and SHR/Izm, 2 major QTLs for stroke latency under salt loading were identified on chromosomes (chr) 1 and 18. Evaluation of 6 reciprocal single and double congenic rats for these QTLs showed that substitution of the SHRSP for the SHR fragment at the chr 1 and 18 QTLs increased the relative risk for stroke by 8.4 and 5.0, respectively. The combined effect of the 2 QTLs was 10× greater than that of the background genome (by Cox hazard model). Blood pressure monitoring by radio telemetry indicated that the combination of the 2 QTLs had a clear effect on the salt-dependent blood pressure increase, suggesting an important role for the salt-sensitive blood pressure increase in the susceptibility of SHRSP to stroke. A haplotype analysis of 11 substrains of SHRSP and SHR using 340 simple sequence repeat markers in the chr 1 QTL suggested that the 7-Mbp fragment between D1Rat260 and D1Rat178 was most likely to harbor the responsible gene(s), which was confirmed by a study of additional subcongenic strains. This study indicated a major role for 2 QTLs on chr 1 and 18 in stroke susceptibility in SHRSP under salt loading. The salt-sensitive blood pressure increase was implied to play a key role in the stroke susceptibility.
The Osmopressor Response Is Linked to Upregulation of Aquaporin-1 Tyrosine Phosphorylation on Red Blood Cell Membranes
Authors: Chu You Hsiang , Hsu Yu-Juei , Lee Herng Sheng , Ho Shung-Tai , Tung Che-Se , Tseng Ching-Jiunn , Li Min-Hui , Lin Tso-Chou , Lu Chih-Cherng
Published: May 2013

Studies in patients with an impaired efferent baroreflex led us to discover that ingesting water induces a robust increase in blood pressure and vascular resistance. This response was also present in healthy subjects with intact baroreflexes, described as osmopressor response. This study was to discover the physiology of the osmopressor response by determining functional activation of the aquaporin-1 water channel receptor on red blood cell membranes in young healthy subjects. In a randomized, controlled, crossover fashion, 22 young healthy subjects (age, 19–27 years) ingested either 500 or 50 mL of water. Heart rate, blood pressure, cardiac index, and total peripheral vascular resistance were measured using a Finometer hemodynamic monitor. Blood sampling was performed at 5 minutes before and at 25 and 50 minutes after either the water ingestion or control session. Immunoblotting for aquaporin-1 tyrosine phosphorylation was performed before and after subjects ingested either 500 or 50 mL of water. At 25 minutes after the ingestion of 500 mL of water, total peripheral resistance increased significantly, and plasma osmolality decreased. Functional expression of aquaporin-1 tyrosine phosphorylation on red blood cell membranes increased significantly at 25 and 50 minutes after subjects ingested 500 mL of water compared with that before water ingestion. This study concludes that water ingestion produces upregulation of aquaporin-1 tyrosine phosphorylation on red blood cell, which presents as a novel biological marker that occurs simultaneously with the osmopressor response.
Taxonomic revision of the genus Neopleurophora Brown (Diptera: Phoridae), with the description of thirty seven new species
Authors: AMENT DANILO CESAR , AMORIM DALTON DE SOUZA
Published: May 2013

Thirty seven new Neotropical species of the phorid genus Neopleurophora are described—N. acrensis, sp. nov., N. acro­chaetopyga, sp. nov., N. atlantica, sp. nov., N. balbii, sp. nov., N. boliviana, sp. nov., N. brachypyga, sp. nov., N. brachytarsus, sp. nov., N. browni, sp. nov., N. carcharopyga, sp. nov., N. cauca, sp. nov., N. ceratopyga, sp. nov., N. cho­coensis, sp. nov., N. colobopyga, sp. nov., N. costaricana, sp. nov., N. dichaeta, sp. nov., N. dicrodrilus, sp. nov., N. diffusa, sp. nov., N. dolichopyga, sp. nov., N. dorsimaculata, sp. nov., N. hymenodrilus, sp. nov., N. kleini, sp. nov., N. kungi, sp. nov., N. lamasi, sp. nov., N. manauara, sp. nov., N. marquesi, sp. nov., N. megalopyga, sp. nov., N. microssoma, sp. nov., N. odontopyga, sp. nov., N. platypyga, sp. nov., N. polychaetopoda, sp. nov., N. prionotopyga, sp. nov., N. ptychodrilus, sp. nov., N. reginensis, sp. nov., N. scleropyga, sp. nov., N. setiventris, sp. nov., N. synaptodrilus, sp. nov., N. tanytarsus, sp. nov. The female holotypes of N. scutellata and N. scutellata var. jamaicensis could not be associated to any male spec­imen and there is no sufficient morphological evidence to consider either as different species. Neopleurophora setipes is redescribed and illustrated. The hypopygial morphology is studied in detail and the first illustrations of the phallus of the genus are presented. An identification key for the species of the genus is provided and groups of species are proposed.
Taxonomic Revision and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Genus Elytroleptus Dugés (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Trachyderini)
Authors: GRZYMALA TRACI L. , MILLER KELLY B.
Published: May 2013

The longhorned beetle genus Elytroleptus Dugés (Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae: Trachyderini) is revised to include fif­teen species. One new species is described: E. quadricostatus sp. nov. Grzymala & Miller. Three new synonymies are proposed: E. dichromaticus Linsley, 1961 syn. n. = E. divisus (LeConte, 1884); E. luteicollis Skiles & Chemsak, 1982 syn. n. = E. ignitus (LeConte, 1884); E. peninsularis Hovore, 1988 syn. n. = E. immaculipennis Knull, 1935. A lectotype is designated for E. scabricollis Bates, 1892. The genus is generally distributed throughout the southwestern United States, Mexico, and Central America (Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica) with one species, E. floridanus (LeCon­te), extending the range to the northeastern and southeastern United States. Elytroleptus is of interest to both naturalists and taxonomists as several species are lycid (Coleoptera: Lycidae) mimics with three recorded as predaceous on their own models (E. apicalis (LeConte), E. ignitus (LeConte), E. limpianus Skiles & Chemsak). Descriptions of all species are pro­vided with an emphasis on clarifying intraspecific polychromatic variation. A key to the adult species, distribution maps, habitus images, and illustrations of mouthparts and genitalia are presented. A phylogenetic analysis of Elytroleptus is per­formed using twenty-one adult morphological characters. Six most parsimonious trees (L = 59; CI = 50; RI = 75) are re­covered. Results suggest that Elytroleptus is monophyletic and is supported by four unambiguous synapomorphies.
Revision of Nearctic Dasysyrphus Enderlein (Diptera: Syrphidae)
Authors: LOCKE MICHELLE M. , SKEVINGTON JEFFREY H.
Published: May 2013

Dasysyrphus Enderlein (Diptera: Syrphidae) has posed taxonomic challenges to researchers in the past, primarily due to their lack of interspecific diagnostic characters. In the present study, DNA data (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase sub-unit I—COI) were combined with morphology to help delimit species. This led to two species being resurrected from syn-onymy (D. laticaudus and D. pacificus) and the discovery of one new species (D. occidualis sp. nov.). An additional new species was described based on morphology alone (D. richardi sp. nov.), as the specimens were too old to obtain COI. Part of the taxonomic challenge presented by this group arises from missing type specimens. Neotypes are designated here for D. pauxillus and D. pinastri to bring stability to these names. An illustrated key to 13 Nearctic species is presented, along with descriptions, maps and supplementary data. A phylogeny based on COI is also presented and discussed.
Review of the systematics, distribution, biogeography and natural history of Moroccan amphibians
Authors: BEUKEMA WOUTER , DE POUS PHILIP , DONAIRE-BARROSO DAVID , BOGAERTS SERGÉ , GARCIA-PORTA JOAN , ESCORIZA DANIEL , ARRIBAS OSCAR J. , MOUDEN EL HASSAN EL , CARRANZA SALVADOR
Published: May 2013

The amphibian fauna of the Kingdom of Morocco was traditionally regarded as poor and closely related to its European counterpart. However, an increase in research during the last decades revealed a considerable degree of endemism amongst Moroccan amphibians, as well as phenotypic and genotypic inter- and intraspecific divergence. Despite this increase in knowledge, a comprehensible overview is lacking while several systematic issues have remained unresolved. We herein present a contemporary overview of the distribution, taxonomy and biogeography of Moroccan amphibians. Fourteen fieldtrips were made by the authors and colleagues between 2000 and 2012, which produced a total of 292 new distribution records. Furthermore, based on the results of the present work, we (i) review the systematics of the genus Salamandra in Morocco, including the description of a new subspecies from the Rif- and Middle Atlas Mountains, Salamandra algira splendens ssp. nov.; (ii) present data on intraspecific morphological variability of Pelobates varaldiiand Pleurodeles waltl in Morocco; (iii) attempt to resolve the phylogenetic position of Bufo brongersmai and erect a new genus for this species, Barbarophryne gen. nov.; (iv) summarize and assess the availability of tadpole-specific characteristics and bioacoustical data, and (v) summarize natural history data.
Finescale Radar Observations of Tornado and Mesocyclone Structures
Authors: Wurman Joshua , Kosiba Karen
Published: May 2013

A variety of vortex configurations observed at finescale with Doppler On Wheels (DOW) radars in and near the hook echoes of supercell thunderstorms are described. These include marginal/weak tornadoes, often with no documented condensation funnels, debris rings, or low-reflectivity eyes; multiple-vortex mesocyclones; multiple simultaneous tornadoes; satellite tornadoes; cyclonic–anticyclonic tornado pairs; multiple vortices within other multiple vortices; tornadoes with quasi-concentric multiple wind field maxima; lines of vortices outside tornadoes; and horizontal vortices. The kinematic structures of these different phenomena are documented and compared. The process of multiple vortex circulations evolving from and into tornadoes is documented. DOW observations suggest that there is no clear spatial-scale separation between multiple-vortex tornadoes and larger multiple-vortex circulations.

These different vortex configurations motivate a refined definition of what constitutes a tornado, excluding many multiple, weak, embedded, and tornado-associated vortices.