bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical Study of Hyaluronate Receptor (CD44) in Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Urashima Sachio , Tsutsumi Mikihiro , Ozaki Kazuaki , Tsuchishima Mutsumi , Shimanaka Koshi , Ueshima Yasuhiro , Takase Shujiro 
Published: November 2018

Background: It has been suggested that the elevation of serum hyaluronate (HA) levels in liver diseases may be due to increased synthesis of HA by hepatic stellate cells or decreased degradation by sinusoidal endothelial cells. The increase in serum HA levels in patients with cirrhosis is thought to be a response to a reduction in HA receptors (CD44) in hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells. To learn more about how alcohol affects the number and distribution of HA receptors of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells, we immunohistochemically studied CD44 levels in liver biopsy obtained from patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD patients) and also from patients with nonalcoholic liver disease (non‐ALD); ALD patients were evaluated when they were currently drinking and again after they became abstinent. Normal liver tissue obtained from three autopsy cases served as a control.Methods: Liver biopsy specimens were obtained from 18 ALD patients and 12 non‐ALD patients. In ALD patients, liver biopsy was performed twice within 3 days and 4 to 8 weeks after abstinence when serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase became normal. CD44 in liver specimens was stained with anti‐CD44 antibody by streptavidine‐biotin‐peroxidase complex. The intensity of the staining of CD44 in liver tissue was determined by a computer‐assisted imaging analyzer. We also measured serum levels of CD44 in both ALD and non‐ALD patients.Results: The intensity and the number of CD44 staining increased in both ALD and non‐ALD patients compared with those in normal liver, which was negative. The staining intensity of CD44 in liver specimens obtained from patients with ALD who were active in alcohol consumption were significantly higher when compared with patients with ALD after abstinence. Serum levels of CD44 in patients with liver disease increased compared with those of healthy subjects.Conclusions: The results suggest that HA receptors may increase to degrade the increased HA in serum and/or liver.
Cyanamide‐Induced Liver Dysfunction After Abstinence in Alcoholics: A Long‐Term Follow‐Up Study on Four Cases
Authors: Suzuki Yukako , Yokoyama Akira , Nakano Masayuki , Okuyama Keiji , Takahashi Hisao , Tamai Hironao , Maruyama Katsuya , Ishii Hiromasa 
Published: November 2018

Background:Cyanamide, an aversive agent widely used in Japan, is known to induce various degrees of hepatic lesion with ground‐glass inclusion bodies. When cyanamide‐treated alcoholics relapse into drinking, more severe inflammation develops in the liver. However, it is controversial whether progressive hepatic lesions develop in complete abstainers as a result of long‐term cyanamide treatment.Case Reports:Case 1: A 53‐year‐old male alcoholic received cyanamide treatment for 4.5 months and completely abstained without cyanamide treatment for 6 years. A liver biopsy shortly after abstinence showed extensive pericellular fibrosis, but a biopsy after 6 years showed very mild fibrosis. Case 2: A 43‐year‐old male alcoholic remained completely abstinent with cyanamide treatment for 5 years and complained of general fatigue. His serum transaminases were slightly elevated and hepatic hyperechogenicity was observed on ultrasonography. Only mild pericellular fibrosis was present in the liver biopsy specimen obtained shortly after abstinence, but after 5 years the second liver biopsy showed that thin septum‐like fibrosis that formed portal‐to‐portal and portal‐to‐central linkage had developed and ground‐glass hepatocytes had emerged extensively. Case 3: A 29‐year‐old female alcoholic complained of general fatigue and a slight fever after 1.5 years of abstinence with cyanamide treatment. Slight elevation of serum transaminases and hepatic hyperechogenicity were observed. The liver biopsy showed extensive ground‐glass hepatocytes and thin septum‐like fibrosis that formed portal‐to‐portal linkage. Case 4: A 61‐year‐old male alcoholic who remained completely abstinent while taking cyanamide for 3 years showed slight elevation of serum transaminases. Liver biopsy showed extensive ground‐glass hepatocytes and extension of thin septum‐like fibers from portal tract to the lobule. Ultrasonography revealed hepatic hyperechogenicity.Conclusion:In some abstainers who take cyanamide for several years, thin septum‐like liver fibrosis progresses along with the emergence of ground‐glass hepatocytes. Hepatic hyperechogenicity on ultrasonography and slight elevation of serum transaminases might erroneously lead to a diagnosis of hepatic steatosis without liver histology.
Long‐Term Ethanol Consumption in ICR Mice Causes Mammary Tumor in Females and Liver Fibrosis in Males
Authors: Watabiki Toshimitsu , Okii Yutaka , Tokiyasu Takuma , Yoshimura Sumitaka , Yoshida Manabu , Akane Atsushi , Shikata Nobuaki , Tsubura Airo 
Published: November 2018

Background: Although epidemiological studies indicate that ethanol consumption and the risk of breast cancer are positively associated in women, experimental animal models have not yet been developed that provide evidence to support this relationship. To clarify alcohol‐related liver injury, it is important to reproduce, in laboratory small animals, the liver fibrosis observed in human alcoholics. However, in mice the induction of fibrosis has failed. The present study describes the first experimental models to produce mammary tumors in female ICR mice and liver fibrosis in male ICR mice treated long‐term with ethanol.Methods: The study consisted of two parts. To induce mammary tumors, female ICR mice were given 10% to 15% ethanol solution as the sole drinking fluid for 25 months, with solid diet supplied ad libitum. To induce liver fibrosis, male ICR mice were given 10% to 15% ethanol solution as the sole drinking fluid for 10 to 15 months. Control female and male mice were given tap water.Results: In 9 (45%) of 20 ethanol‐treated female mice, mammary tumors occurred at 8 to 24 months after ethanol intake began, whereas spontaneous mammary tumor was not found in the 20 control female mice. The tumors were composed histopathologically of either papillary adenocarcinoma or medullary adenocarcinoma of glandular epithelial origin. In the ethanol‐treated male mice, early hepatic fibrosis at the centrilobular and pericellular areas and central‐central bridging were observed at the 10th month, and marked fibrosis at the centrilobular, pericellular, and periportal areas and bridging between the neighboring vascular tissues were observed at the 15th month, which suggested that the initial fibrosis arose from the centrilobular area. No abnormalities other than mild fatty infiltration were found in livers of the control male mice.Conclusions: These murine models may be useful to study the role of ethanol in mammary tumorigenesis and the pathogenetic mechanisms of ethanol liver injury.
A forest canopy as a living archipelago: Why phylogenetic isolation may increase and age decrease diversity
Authors: Hidasi‐Neto Jose , Bailey Richard I. , Vasseur Chloe , Woas Steffen , Ulrich Werner , Jambon Olivier , Santos Ana M. C. , Cianciaruso Marcus V. , Prinzing Andreas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimAn individual tree resembles a living island, a small spatially distinct unit upon which colonizers maintain populations. However, several differences exist compared to oceanic islands: a tree is relatively young, is composed of numerous differently aged branches, may be phylogenetically isolated from neighbours, and some of its colonizers are specific to particular tree lineages. We suggest that these specificities strongly affect both alpha‐ and beta‐diversity within trees, including positive effects of isolation on the diversity of generalists, and strengthening of the effect of isolation with tree age.LocationRennes, Bretagne, Western FranceTaxonLittle‐dispersive, generalist oribatid mites (Acari) and highly dispersive, specialist gall wasps (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) on oak (Quercus sp.) trees.MethodsWe tested the effects of tree and branch age, tree and branch habitat diversity, and tree phylogenetic isolation on per‐branch and per‐tree alpha‐diversity, and on within‐tree beta‐diversity of both taxonomic groups.ResultsFor gall wasps, no variable explained diversity patterns at any level. In contrast, for oribatid mites, we found that high phylogenetic isolation of trees and high branch age increased alpha‐diversity per tree and per branch (in young trees) as well as turnover among branches. High tree age decreased alpha‐diversity per branch (in phylogenetically isolated trees) and increased turnover among branches. Increasing habitat diversity increased alpha‐diversity per tree, but decreased alpha‐diversity per branch (in young trees).Main conclusionsFor mites, contrary to common expectation, we suggest that: (a) phylogenetically distant neighbours are a source of immigration of distinct species and (b) with the increase of tree age, species‐sorting results in a few species colonizing and dominating their preferred patches. In gall wasps, strict specialization on oaks, and efficient dispersal may render oak age or isolation unimportant. The positive relationship between isolation and within‐tree turnover is a new contribution to biogeography in general.
Two speed invasion: assisted and intrinsic dispersal of common mynas over 150 years of colonization
Authors: Ewart Kyle M. , Griffin Andrea S. , Johnson Rebecca N. , Kark Salit , Magory Cohen Tali , Lo Nathan , Major Richard E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimDespite the common myna's widespread distribution, and the significant impact it has caused in parts of its non‐native range, there have been no comprehensive genomic studies of its invasion of any region. We aimed to characterize the common myna invasion of the Australian continent to understand its population genetic landscape, introduction history, dispersal characteristics, and the interconnectedness between different source populations and invasive fronts.LocationCommon mynas from 26 geographical locations spanning the Australian continent were utilized in this study.TaxonCommon myna (Acridotheres tristis).MethodsWe used a reduced genome representation method (DArTseq) to generate thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism markers in 462 common mynas. We then applied population genomic techniques to identify the common myna's population attributes such as gene flow, genetic diversity, and effective dispersal, all of which are critical for understanding geographical range expansion of pest species.ResultsWe found significant genetic structuring across the common myna's Australian distribution, indicating limited levels of effective dispersal amongst the populations founded from historic introductions in the 19th century. The historic introduction points were found to be genetically distinct, such that in the region on the invasion front where admixture did occur, myna populations exhibited higher genetic diversity than in the source populations. Significant isolation by distance was evident amongst populations derived from the same founding population, with genetic diversity decreasing moving away from the point of colonization, and in general, higher levels of gene flow from source to front than vice versa.Main conclusionsThis study indicates that despite a 150‐year colonization history of mynas in Australia, contemporary genetic structure still largely reflects human‐mediated dispersal. However, expanding populations are now connecting and the consequent increased genetic diversity may improve evolutionary potential. These results suggest that more management focus should be directed towards the invasion fronts, rather than the large, historic source populations.
The relationship between environmental niche breadth and geographic range size across plant species
Authors: Cardillo Marcel , Dinnage Russell , McAlister William 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimA positive association between environmental niche breadth and geographic range size across species (RS‐NB association) is considered a major macroecological pattern and a key mechanism explaining differences in commonness and rarity among species. It is typically assumed that niche breadth determines range size. We explore ways in which spurious positive RS‐NB associations can arise through sampling artefacts, in the absence of any ecological or evolutionary link between the two variables.LocationAustralia and Africa.MethodsWe used a process‐based simulation model to explore the influence of spatial autocorrelation in the environment, and the rate of neutral range evolution, on the slope of the RS‐NB association. We quantified niche breadth in four large plant genera (Banksia, Hakea, Protea and Moraea) using up to 12 environmental variables and accounting for variable numbers of occurrence records, and we tested RS‐NB associations using phylogenetic generalized least‐squares (PGLS) models. We compared observed patterns to two null models that break the link between species occurrences and environmental conditions in different ways.ResultsThe simulations show that positive RS‐NB associations are generated even under random diversification and neutral range evolution, when the environment is spatially autocorrelated. There were strong positive interspecific RS‐NB associations in all four plant genera, but in most cases, PGLS slopes for the four genera were similar to those generated by the null models. After accounting for sampling effects under the two the null models by calculating the standardized effect sizes of species’ niche breadths, there was little evidence of general, positive associations between range size and niche breadth.Main ConclusionsPositive RS‐NB associations in our four plant genera do not necessarily result from an ecological or evolutionary link between niche breadth and range size but may largely reflect the historical legacy of speciation and limited dispersal, biotic interactions or other constraints on range expansion. Our results suggest that niche breadth as a general determinant of range extent among species should not be assumed without testing and correcting for spatial sampling effects.
Abnormal lipid storage related to adipocyte shrinkage in acquired partial lipodystrophy (Barraquer–Simons syndrome)
Authors: Velter C. , Messaddeq N. , Levy E. , Morruzzi C. , Cribier B. , Dali‐Youcef N. , Lipsker D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundAcquired partial lipodystrophy (APL) is characterized by the gradual symmetrical loss of subcutaneous fat starting from the face, spreading towards the upper part of the body and sparing the lower extremities.ObjectiveWe report a 33‐year‐old woman with facial lipodystrophy, loss of buccal fat pads and breast fat tissue. The subcutaneous fat was preserved in other anatomic regions, and we noted some excess of fat accumulation in the lower abdomen and thighs. She had a low serum level of C3 that was positive for a polyclonal immunoglobulin C3NeF in the serum. She was diagnosed with APL.MethodsWe examined fat from lipoatrophic and healthy areas and compared it to subcutaneous fat samples from a healthy control.ResultsUsing scanning electron microscopy, we saw shrunken adipocytes with numerous small lipid droplets detaching from the surface of the adipocytes as compared to the classic aspect of adipose tissue in the control subject where the cytoplasm is occupied by one big lipid droplet. A loss of contact between adipocytes was observed in the APL patient when compared to the normal network of adipocytes in the control subject. The healthy fat seemed not affected by lipoatrophy; we observed normal‐sized adipocytes, though their surface was not as regular as in the control samples.ConclusionThe significance and mechanism of the electron microscopic findings are unknown, but they suggest adipocyte shrinkage related to a defect in the retaining triglycerides, which could contribute to the pathogenesis of this disorder.
High Prevalence and Endemism of Trypanosomatids on a Small Caribbean Island
Authors: Votýpka Jan , Kment Petr , Kriegová Eva , Vermeij Mark J.A. , Keeling Patrick J. , Yurchenko Vyacheslav , Lukeš Julius 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe describe the monoxenous trypanosomatids parasitizing true bugs and flies on the island of Curaçao. Out of 248 examined true bugs belonging to 17 species, 93 individuals were found to be infected (overall 38% prevalence) by at least one trypanosomatid species (referred to as typing units; TUs). Out of 80 flies, six were infected. All detected trypanosomatids were compared based on their 18S rRNA sequences with TUs parasitizing bugs and flies described from mainland South America, allowing us to assess their diversity and distribution. Besides Leptomonas pyrrhocoris and Leptomonas seymouri, two known species of the subfamily Leishmaniinae, our analysis revealed six new TUs falling into the groups ‘jaculum’, Blastocrithidia and Herpetomonas. Moreover, two new members of the genus Phytomonas and three new TUs belonging to the monophyletic group designated as ‘new clade II’ sensu Mol. Phylogenet. Evol, 69, 255 (2013) were isolated. The detected trypanosomatids were characterized by moderate diversity (13 TUs) species richness. Out of nine and four TUs from the heteropteran and dipteran hosts, respectively, 11 TUs have not been encountered before. Although a sampling bias may partially affect the comparison between trypanosomatid communities on Curaçao and the mainland, the high proportion of unique TUs from the former location suggests that the prominent role of islands in increasing the global diversity of macroscopic organisms may also extend to their protistan parasites.
Hospital at Home‐Plus: A Platform of Facility‐Based Care
Authors: DeCherrie Linda V. , Wajnberg Ania , Soones Tacara , Escobar Christian , Catalan Elisse , Lubetsky Sara , Leff Bruce , Federman Alex , Siu Albert 
Published: November 2018

OBJECTIVESTo describe the evolution of a hospital at home (HaH) program to a HaH with a 30‐day posthospitalization transition period (HaH‐Plus) and results of a retrospective review of cases.DESIGNAfter launching HaH‐Plus, we used the same interdisciplinary clinical team to provide acute home‐based care for a broader range of home‐based acute‐level services than originally conceived in the Hospital at Home model. These included a palliative care unit at home (PCUaH), an observation unit at home (OUaH), a post‐acute care rehabilitation at home (RaH), and a program for the hospital averse – those patients needing to be in the hospital but who refuse.SETTINGUrban health system.PARTICIPANTSIndividuals 18 years or older residing in specified catchment area with Medicare fee‐for‐service or accepted Medicare/Medicaid Advantage plans requiring facility‐based care.INTERVENTIONProvision of facility‐based acute‐level care at home to 685 participants.MEASUREMENTSLength of stay, readmission, and mortality.RESULTSHaH‐Plus cared for 685 individuals. The PCUaH had the oldest participants (mean age 87), and all groups were predominantly female and dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid. Diagnoses and length of stay were similar in all groups except that those in RaH had a larger group of diagnoses, than those accepted in to HaH‐Plus and those in OUaH had a shorter stay. Rate of readmission was highest for RaH (19%). Mortality during the active treatment episode was highest for PCUaH and hospital averse as compared to HaH‐Plus, OUaH and RaH.CONCLUSIONProviding a broader range of facility‐based care in the home has significant advantages for patients and increases the scalability of HaH. Developing a spectrum of services was possible by leveraging a robust, 24‐hour HaH team. Community‐ and home‐based care could become a greater part of the U.S. healthcare system if a platform of HaH services along with advances in technology and payment models were developed. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:596–602, 2019.
Alexithymia and temporomandibular joint and facial pain in the general population
Authors: Kindler Stefan , Schwahn Christian , Terock Jan , Mksoud Maria , Bernhardt Olaf , Biffar Reiner , Völzke Henry , Metelmann Hans Robert , Grabe Hans Jörgen 
Published: November 2018

SummaryBackgroundAssociations of alexithymia with temporomandibular pain disorders (TMD), facial pain, head pain and migraine have been described, but the role of the different dimensions of alexithymia in pain development remained incompletely understood.ObjectivesWe sought to investigate the associations of alexithymia and its subfactors with signs of TMD and with facial pain, head pain and migraine in the general population.MethodsA total of 1494 subjects from the general population completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale‐20 (TAS‐20) and underwent a clinical functional examination with palpation of the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. Facial pain, migraine and head pain were defined by questionnaire. A set of logistic regression analyses was applied with adjustment for age, sex, education, number of traumatic events, depressive symptoms and anxiety.ResultsAlexithymia was associated with TMD joint pain (Odds Ratio 2.63; 95% confidence interval 1.60‐4.32 for 61 TAS‐20 points vs the median of the TAS‐20 score) and with facial pain severity (Odds Ratio 3.22; 95% confidence interval 1.79‐5.79). Differential effects of the subfactors were discovered with difficulties in identifying feelings as main predictor for joint, facial, and head pain, and externally oriented thinking (EOT) as U‐shaped and strongest predictor for migraine.ConclusionAlexithymia was moderately to strongly associated with signs and symptoms of TMD. These results should encourage dental practioners using the TAS‐20 in clinical practice, to screen TMD, facial or head pain patients for alexithymia and could also help treating alexithymic TMD, facial or head pain patients.
Automatic identification of sleep and wakefulness using single‐channel EEG and respiratory polygraphy signals for the diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Sabil AbdelKebir , Vanbuis Jade , Baffet Guillaume , Feuilloy Mathieu , Le Vaillant Marc , Meslier Nicole , Gagnadoux Frédéric 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPolysomnography (PSG) is necessary for the accurate estimation of total sleep time (TST) and the calculation of the apnea–hypopnea index (AHI). In type III home sleep apnea testing (HSAT), TST is overestimated because of the lack of electrophysiological sleep recordings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a novel automated sleep/wake scoring algorithm combining a single electroencephalogram (EEG) channel with actimetry and HSAT signals. The study included 160 patients investigated by PSG for suspected obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Each PSG was recorded and scored manually using American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) rules. The automatic sleep/wake‐scoring algorithm was based on a single‐channel EEG (FP2‐A1) and the variability analysis of HSAT signals (airflow, snoring, actimetry, light and respiratory inductive plethysmography). Optimal detection thresholds were derived for each signal using a training set. Automatic and manual scorings were then compared epoch by epoch considering two states (sleep and wake). Cohen's kappa coefficient between the manual scoring and the proposed automatic algorithm was substantial, 0.74 ± 0.18, in separating wakefulness and sleep. The sensitivity, specificity and the positive and negative predictive values for the detection of wakefulness were 76.51% ± 21.67%, 95.48% ± 5.27%, 81.84% ± 15.42% and 93.85% ± 6.23% respectively. Compared with HSAT signals alone, AHI increased by 22.12% and 27 patients changed categories of OSA severity with the automatic sleep/wake‐scoring algorithm. Automatic sleep/wake detection using a single‐channel EEG combined with HSAT signals was a reliable method for TST estimation and improved AHI calculation compared with HSAT.