bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical and epidemiological analysis in 149 cases of rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma
Authors: Yoshikawa Momoko , Sumikawa Yasuyuki , Hida Tokimasa , Kamiya Takafumi , Kase Kimi , Ishii‐Osai Yasue , Kato Junji , Kan Yuji , Kamiya Shiori , Sato Yuki , Yamashita Toshiharu 
Published: November 2016

AbstractRhododendrol‐induced leukoderma is an acquired depigmentation that develops mainly at the contact site after repeated use of skin‐whitening cosmetics containing rhododendrol. In most cases, cessation of further depigmentation or occurrence of repigmentation is observed after discontinuing the use of cosmetics. However, some patients develop vitiligo vulgaris through the spread of depigmentation into the non‐exposed areas. Our study aims to investigate the patient‐specific factors that may affect the extent of depigmentation or repigmentation, as well as development of vitiligo vulgaris. The degree of depigmentation of the face, neck and hands where exposed to rhododendrol was scored using photographs over time. The relationships between depigmentation score at first visit/improvement rate of depigmentation score and patient demographics were evaluated and three important clinical observations were made. First, repigmentation of the face was superior compared with that of the hands and neck, suggesting a possible role for the migration and differentiation of melanocyte stem cells from hair follicles, as a mechanism of repigmentation. Second, the intensity of rhododendrol exposure did not contribute to differences in the severity of depigmentation. This suggested a possibility of underlying genetic susceptibility to melanocyte cytotoxicity or immune reaction. Third, depigmentation score at first visit and past history of atopic dermatitis were significantly high in patients who developed vitiligo vulgaris. This suggested that severe chemical damage of melanocytes by rhododendrol leads to a higher risk of developing vitiligo vulgaris through the possible involvement of an immune reaction. These clinical observations may help to further understand the pathogenesis of rhododendrol‐induced leukoderma.
Morphological analyses in fragility of pili torti with Björnstad syndrome
Authors: Marubashi Yuki , Yanagishita Takeshi , Muto Jun , Taguchi Nobuhiko , Sugiura Kazumitsu , Kawamoto Yoshiyuki , Akiyama Masashi , Watanabe Daisuke 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPili torti is an extremely rare hair phenotype characterized by short length of hairs with hair shafts being easily broken. However, the mechanism of fragility in pili torti is unclear. In this study, we examined the underlying morphological features responsible for pili torti formation using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We used pili torti samples from a patient with Björnstad syndrome and normal hairs from a healthy subject as a comparison. The macroscopic morphological features of the samples agreed with the results of a previous study showing that pili torti is twisted, flattened, thin and with partial trichorrhexis. Young's modulus of the samples was lower than that of normal hairs. Because the cross‐sectional area of the pili torti samples was also smaller than that of normal hairs, it was clarified that the tensile strength of pili torti is 2.1‐times lower than that of normal hair. Assessment of morphological features by TEM showed that the cuticle layers of the samples had wavy shapes with different thicknesses. Additionally, the cortex in the samples showed loose keratin intermediate filaments (IF). Our results suggested that these abnormalities in pili torti had already occurred below the infundibulum. Thus, the weakness of pili torti in tensile strength is thought to result from loose IF because of dysformation of disulfide bonds.
Disruption of plant–soil–microbial relationships influences plant growth
Authors: Keymer Daniel P. , Lankau Richard A. 
Published: November 2016

Summary

Differential dispersal of plant and microbial propagules may result in the geographical disassociation of plant populations from their local abiotic conditions and microbial communities, especially in the face of species introductions and changing climates.

To assess the potential consequences of disrupting historical relationships between plant populations, microbial communities and soil conditions, we grew Carpinus caroliniana seedlings from populations across the species range in combinations of sterilized soils and soil microbial communities, in soils collected from sites with or without conspecific trees. This controlled environment study simulated the consequences for seedling growth of independently or jointly disrupting the historical plant population–soil match, plant population–microbial community match and microbial community–soil match.

Seedlings grown in soils from areas without conspecifics had lower biomass, but benefited from inoculation with their historical microbial communities. For conspecific‐cultured soils, growth was optimized when seedlings grew with novel microbial communities, but only when microbial communities were local with respect to abiotic soil conditions. Correlative evidence suggests that this may stem from alignment of ectomycorrhizal fungal communities to abiotic soil conditions.

Synthesis. Maintaining historical plant–microbial community relationships may benefit plant species spreading into new areas; however, for movement within current ranges, maintaining the historical relationship between microbial communities and the abiotic aspects of soils may have more important consequences for early growth.
The evolution of weak standards: the case of the Swedish rheumatology quality registry
Authors: Essén Anna , Sauder Michael 
Published: November 2016

AbstractResearch in sociology suggests that the effects of standards are not nearly as straightforward or as homogenising as they first appear. The present study extends these insights by demonstrating how even standards designed simply to collect data can produce extensive and unanticipated effects in medical fields as their uses evolve across actors and contexts. We draw on an embedded case study exploring the multifaceted consequences of the use of a practice‐driven voluntary documentation standard: the Swedish rheumatology quality registry from 1995–2014. Data collection included document analysis; 100 interviews with specialists, patients and stakeholders in the field; fieldwork; and observations of physician‐patient encounters. Our findings show that the scope and influence of the registry increased over time, and that this standard and its evolution contributed to changes in rheumatologist clinical practice, research practice, and governmental practice. These findings suggest that even initially ‘weak’, voluntary forms of standardisation can generate far‐reaching and unpredictable consequences for the performance and delivery of care as well as for the development of a medical field. Future work about how standards can contribute both to uniformity and diversity is warranted.
Psychiatric, Demographic, and Brain Morphological Predictors of Relapse After Treatment for an Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Durazzo Timothy C. , Meyerhoff Dieter J. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundRelapse in alcohol use disorders (AUD) is related to a complex interplay among multiple biological, psychiatric, psychological, and psychosocial factors, which may change dynamically during and after treatment. At treatment entry for AUD, morphological abnormalities in anterior frontal regions and the insula have been observed in those who ultimately relapse following treatment. The goal of this study was to determine whether anterior frontal and insula measures of brain thickness, surface area, and volume predict posttreatment drinking status (i.e., relapser or abstainer) over an extended period after outpatient treatment for AUD, while concurrently considering common psychiatric, psychological, and psychosocial factors previously associated with relapse.MethodsAlcohol‐dependent individuals (n = 129) were followed for 18 months after treatment to determine posttreatment drinking status (abstainers [n = 47] or relapsers [n = 82]). Brain morphometrics were derived from FreeSurfer. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to identify the regional brain thickness, surface area, and volume (all scaled to intracranial volume), demographic, psychiatric, other substance use (e.g., cigarette smoking), and alcohol consumption variables, obtained at entry into treatment, that best predicted posttreatment drinking status. Survival analyses determined variables that were related to duration of abstinence after treatment.ResultsROC analyses indicated that mood disorders, education, and volumes of the right caudal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), right rostral ACC, and total right frontal gray matter were significant predictors of posttreatment drinking status. Among relapsers, survival analyses showed smokers and individuals with a comorbid medical condition relapsed earlier after treatment. Additionally, a greater frequency of smokers relapsed within 6 months of AUD treatment.ConclusionsResults reinforce that relapse in AUD is a function of multiple biological, psychiatric, psychological, and psychosocial factors. Effective treatment of depressive disorders and cigarette smoking concurrent with AUD‐focused interventions may promote better treatment outcomes.
Alcohol Misuse and Co‐Occurring Mental Disorders Among New Soldiers in the U.S. Army
Authors: Stein Murray B. , Campbell‐Sills Laura , Gelernter Joel , He Feng , Heeringa Steven G. , Nock Matthew K. , Sampson Nancy A. , Sun Xiaoying , Jain Sonia , Kessler Ronald C. , Ursano Robert J. ,   the Army STARRS Collaborators
Published: November 2016

BackgroundProblem drinking that predates enlistment into military service may contribute to the overall burden of alcohol misuse in the Armed Forces; however, evidence bearing on this issue is limited. This study examines prevalence and correlates of alcohol misuse among new U.S. Army soldiers.MethodsCross‐sectional survey data were collected from soldiers reporting for basic combat training. The survey retrospectively assessed lifetime alcohol consumption and substance abuse/dependence, enabling estimation of the prevalence of lifetime binge drinking and heavy drinking in a sample of 30,583 soldiers and of probable alcohol use disorder (AUD) among 26,754 soldiers with no/minimal lifetime use of other drugs. Co‐occurrence of mental disorders and other adverse outcomes with binge drinking, heavy drinking, and AUD was examined. Discrete‐time survival analysis, with person‐year the unit of analysis and a logistic link function, was used to estimate associations of AUD with subsequent onset of mental disorders and vice versa.ResultsWeighted prevalence of lifetime binge drinking was 27.2% (SE = 0.4) among males and 18.9% (SE = 0.7) among females; respective estimates for heavy drinking were 13.9% (SE = 0.3) and 9.4% (SE = 0.4). Among soldiers with no/minimal drug use, 9.5% (SE = 0.2) of males and 7.2% (SE = 0.5) of females had lifetime AUD. Relative to no alcohol misuse, binge drinking, heavy drinking, and AUD were associated with increased odds of all mental disorders and other adverse outcomes under consideration (adjusted odds ratios [AORs] = 1.5 to 4.6; ps < 0.001). Prior mental disorders and suicidal ideation were associated with onset of AUD (AORs = 2.3 to 2.8; ps < 0.001), and prior AUD was associated with onset of mental disorders and suicidal ideation (AORs = 2.0 to 3.2, ps < 0.005).ConclusionsStrong bidirectional associations between alcohol misuse and mental disorders were observed in a cohort of soldiers beginning Army service. Conjoint recognition of alcohol misuse and mental disorders upon enlistment may provide opportunities for risk mitigation early in a soldier's career.
Alcohol Exposure Causes Overexpression of Heart Development‐Related Genes by Affecting the Histone H3 Acetylation via BMP Signaling Pathway in Cardiomyoblast Cells
Authors: Shi Jin , Zhao Weian , Pan Bo , Zheng Min , Si Lina , Zhu Jing , Liu Lingjuan , Tian Jie 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundAbusive alcohol utilization of pregnant woman may cause congenital heart disease (CHD) of fetus, where alcohol ignites histone H3 hyperacetylation leading to abnormal development of heart morphogenesis and associated genes. Knowledge about the regularized upstream genes is little, but bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling may actively and prominently take part in alteration in acetylation of histone H3. The supreme objective of this study was to unearth the involvement of BMP signaling pathway in alcohol‐driven hyperacetylation of histone H3 in cardiomyoblast cells.MethodsCardiomyoblast cells (H9c2 cells) were addicted with alcohol (100 mM) for 24 hours. Dorsomorphin (5 μM) was used for the inhibition of BMP signaling pathway. We detected the phosphorylation activity of SMAD1/5/8, mRNA expression, histone acetyltransferases (HAT)/histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, and acetylation of histone H3.ResultsFollowing alcohol exposure, phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 and HAT activities was increased to a significant extent, while histone H3 acetylation and expression of heart development‐related genes were also increased. The said phenomenon influenced by alcohol was reverted upon dorsomorphin treatment to the cells without effecting HDAC activity.ConclusionsThe data clearly identified that BMP‐mediated histone H3 acetylation of heart development‐related genes might be one of the possible cellular mechanisms to control alcohol‐induced expression of heart development‐related genes. Dorsomorphin, on the other hand, may modulate alcohol‐induced hyperacetylation of histone H3 through BMP targeting, which could be a potential way to block CHD.
Most preschool children hospitalised for acute rhinosinusitis had orbital complications, more common in the youngest and among boys
Authors: Schollin Ask L , Hultman Dennison S , Stjärne P , Granath A , Srivastava S , Eriksson M , Lindstrand A , Ryd Rinder M 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimThis study established the incidence of acute rhinosinusitis and related orbital complications in tertiary care in Stockholm County and surveyed the clinical outcomes.MethodsThis was a population‐based, retrospective, observational study, from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2007, of the hospital admissions records of 213 children up to five years old, with a diagnosis of sinusitis and related complications.ResultsPreseptal cellulitis was present in 171 of the 213 admissions, which equated to an incidence of orbital complications due to acute rhinosinusitis of 36 per 100 000 people per year (95% confidence interval 26–49). Postseptal complications occurred in seven cases. The incidence rate ratio for hospitalisation of children less than two years old with rhinosinusitis compared with children aged 2–5 years was 2.8 (95% confidence interval 1.8–4.4). The incidence among boys was 53 per 100 000 people per year and 36 per 100 000 people per year for girls, and the incidence rate ratio was 1.5 (95% confidence interval 1.0–2.3). The most common bacterial finding was Streptococcus pneumoniae.ConclusionMost children hospitalised for acute rhinosinusitis had an orbital complication, and this was more common in children under the age of two years and boys. Severe postseptal complications were rare.
Gene therapy with mesenchymal stem cells expressing IFN‐ß ameliorates neuroinflammation in experimental models of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Marin‐Bañasco C , Benabdellah K , Melero‐Jerez C , Oliver B , Pinto‐Medel M J , Hurtado‐Guerrero I , de Castro F , Clemente D , Fernández O , Martin F , Leyva L , Suardíaz M 
Published: November 2016

Background and PurposeRecombinant IFN‐ß is one of the first‐line treatments in multiple sclerosis (MS), despite its lack of efficacy in some patients. In this context, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent a promising therapeutic alternative due to their immunomodulatory properties and multipotency. Moreover, by taking advantage of their pathotropism, these cells can be genetically modified to be used as carriers for delivering or secreting therapeutic drugs into injured tissues. Here, we report the therapeutic effect of systemic delivery of adipose‐derived MSCs (AdMSCs), transduced with the IFN‐β gene, into mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).Experimental ApproachRelapsing–remitting and chronic progressive EAE were induced in mice. Cells were injected i.v. Disease severity, inflammation and tissue damage were assessed clinically, by flow cytometry of spleens and histopathological evaluation of the CNS respectively.Key ResultsGenetic engineering did not modify the biological characteristics of these AdMSCs (morphology, growth rate, immunophenotype and multipotency). Furthermore, the transduction of IFN‐ß to AdMSCs maintained and, in some cases, enhanced the functional properties of AdMSCs by ameliorating the symptoms of MS in EAE models and by decreasing indications of peripheral and central neuro‐inflammation.Conclusion and ImplicationsGene therapy was found to be more effective than cell therapy in ameliorating several clinical parameters in both EAE models, presumably due to the continuous expression of IFN‐β. Furthermore, it has significant advantages over AdMSC therapy, and also over systemic IFN‐ß treatment, by providing long‐term expression of the cytokine at therapeutic concentrations and reducing the frequency of injections, while minimizing dose‐limiting side effects.
Investigating interactions between epicardial adipose tissue and cardiac myocytes: what can we learn from different approaches?
Authors: Rietdorf Katja , MacQueen Hilary 
Published: November 2016

Heart disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Some cardiovascular conditions can be modulated by lifestyle factors such as increased exercise or a healthier diet, but many require surgical or pharmacological interventions for their management. More targeted and less invasive therapies would be beneficial. Recently, it has become apparent that epicardial adipose tissue plays an important role in normal and pathological cardiac function, and it is now the focus of considerable research. Epicardial adipose tissue can be studied by imaging of various kinds, and these approaches have yielded much useful information. However, at a molecular level, it is more difficult to study as it is relatively scarce in animal models and, for practical and ethical reasons, not always available in sufficient quantities from patients. What is needed is a robust model system in which the interactions between epicardial adipocytes and cardiac myocytes can be studied, and physiologically relevant manipulations performed. There are drawbacks to conventional culture methods, not least the difficulty of culturing both cardiac myocytes and adipocytes, each of which has special requirements. We discuss the benefits of a three‐dimensional co‐culture model in which in vivo interactions can be replicated.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Perivascular Adipose Tissue – Potential Pharmacological Targets? To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.20/issuetoc
Ectomycorrhizal fungi are shared between seedlings and adults in a monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei rain forest in Cameroon
Authors: Michaëlla Ebenye Helvyne C. , Taudière Adrien , Niang Nogaye , Ndiaye Cheikh , Sauve Mathieu , Awana Nérée Onguene , Verbeken Mieke , De Kesel André , Séne Seynabou , Diédhiou Abdala G. , Sarda Violette , Sadio Omar , Cissoko Maïmouna , Ndoye Ibrahima , Selosse Marc‐André , Bâ Amadou M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractEctomycorrhizal networks may facilitate the establishment and survival of seedlings regenerating under the canopies of tropical forests and are often invoked as a potential contributor to monodominance. We identified ectomycorrhizal fungi in a monodominant Gilbertiodendron dewevrei (Fabaceae) rain forest in Cameroon, using sporocarps and ectomycorrhizae of three age categories (seedlings, intermediate trees, and large trees) and tentatively revealed nutrient transfer through ectomycorrhizal networks by measuring spontaneous isotopic (13C and 15N) abundances in seedlings. Sporocarp surveys revealed fewer ectomycorrhizal fungal taxa (59 species from 1030 sporocarps) than molecular barcoding of ectomycorrhizal roots (75 operational taxonomic units from 828 ectomycorrhizae). Our observations suggest that ectomycorrhizal fungal diversity is similar to that in other mixed tropical forests and provide the first report of the Tuber‐Helvella lineage in a tropical forest. Despite some differences, all age categories of G. dewevrei had overlapping ectomycorrhizal fungal communities, with families belonging to Thelephoraceae, Russulaceae, Sebacinaceae, Boletaceae, and Clavulinaceae. Of the 49 operational taxonomic units shared by the three age categories (65.3% of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community), 19 were the most abundant on root tips of all categories (38.7% of the shared taxa), supporting the likelihood of ectomycorrhizal networks. However, we obtained no evidence for nutrient transfer from trees to seedlings. We discuss the composition of the ectomycorrhizal fungal community among the G. dewevrei age categories and the possible role of common ectomycorrhizal networks in this rain forest.
Family Correlates of False Belief Understanding in Early Childhood: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Devine Rory T. , Hughes Claire 
Published: November 2016

This meta‐analysis seeks to integrate findings from 25 years of research on family correlates of young children's false belief understanding (FBU). Using data from 93 studies of 3‐ to 7‐year‐old children, we examined the correlations between FBU and four of the most widely studied family factors: parental socioeconomic status, number of siblings, parental mental‐state talk, and mind‐mindedness. FBU exhibited modest associations with each family variable and these associations held even when individual differences in verbal ability were taken into account. Moderator analyses revealed key child‐related factors (e.g., age, gender) as well as methodological factors that amplified or attenuated the relations between FBU and each family variable. Crucially, available longitudinal data highlight the importance of family factors in the development of FBU.
Diagnosing occupational asthma
Authors: Vandenplas O. , Suojalehto H. , Cullinan P. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryMaking an accurate diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA) is, generally, important. The condition has not only significant health consequences for affected workers, but also substantial socio‐economic impacts for workers, their employers and wider society. Missing a diagnosis of OA may lead to continued exposure to a causative agent and progressive worsening of disease; conversely, diagnosing OA when it is not present may lead to inappropriate removal from exposure and unnecessary financial and social consequences. While the most accurate investigation is specific inhalation challenge in an experienced centre, this is a scarce resource, and in many cases, reliance is on other tests. This review provides a technical dossier of the diagnostic value of the available methods which include an appropriate clinical history, the use of specific immunology and measurement of inflammatory markers, and various methods of relating functional changes in airway calibre to periods at work. It is recommended that these approaches are used iteratively and in judicious combination, in cognizance of the individual patient's circumstances and requirements. Based on available evidence, a working diagnostic algorithm is proposed that can be adapted to the suspected agent, purpose of diagnosis and available resources. For better or worse, many of the techniques – and their interpretation – are available only in specialized centres and where there is room for doubt, referral to such a centre is probably wise. Accordingly, the implementation or development of such specialized centres with appropriate equipment and expertise should greatly improve the diagnostic evaluation of work‐related asthma.