bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss of Ethanol Inhibition of N‐Methyl‐D‐Aspartate Receptor‐Mediated Currents and Plasticity of Cerebellar Synapses in Mice Expressing the GluN1(F639A) Subunit
Authors: Zamudio‐Bulcock Paula A. , Homanics Gregg E. , Woodward John J. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundGlutamatergic N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are well known for their sensitivity to ethanol (EtOH) inhibition. However, the specific manner in which EtOH inhibits channel activity and how such inhibition affects neurotransmission, and ultimately behavior, remains unclear. Replacement of phenylalanine 639 with alanine (F639A) in the GluN1 subunit reduces EtOH inhibition of recombinant NMDARs. Mice expressing this subunit show reduced EtOH‐induced anxiolysis, blunted locomotor stimulation following low‐dose EtOH administration, and faster recovery of motor function after moderate doses of EtOH, suggesting that cerebellar dysfunction may contribute to some of these behaviors. In the mature mouse cerebellum, NMDARs at the cerebellar climbing fiber (CF) to Purkinje cell (PC) synapse are inhibited by low concentrations of EtOH and the long‐term depression (LTD) of parallel fiber (PF)‐mediated currents induced by concurrent activation of PFs and CFs (PF‐LTD) requires activation of EtOH‐sensitive NMDARs. In this study, we examined cerebellar NMDA responses and NMDA‐mediated synaptic plasticity in wild‐type (WT) and GluN1(F639A) mice.MethodsPatch‐clamp electrophysiological recordings were performed in acute cerebellar slices from adult WT and GluN1(F639A) mice. NMDAR‐mediated currents at the CF‐PC synapse and NMDAR‐dependent PF‐LTD induction were compared for genotype‐dependent differences.ResultsStimulation of CFs evoked robust NMDA‐mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in PCs that were similar in amplitude and kinetics between WT and GluN1(F639A) mice. NMDA‐mediated CF‐PC EPSCs in WT mice were significantly inhibited by EtOH (50 mM) while those in mutant mice were unaffected. Concurrent stimulation of CF and PF inputs induced synaptic depression of PF‐PC EPSCs in both WT and mutant mice, and this depression was blocked by the NMDA antagonist DL‐APV. The synaptic depression of PF‐PC EPSCs in WT mice was also blocked by a low concentration of EtOH (10 mM) that had no effect on plasticity in GluN1(F639A) mice.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that inhibition of cerebellar NMDARs may be a key mechanism by which EtOH affects cerebellar‐dependent behaviors.
A simple, light clip‐cage for experiments with aphids
Authors: Haas Jucelaine , Lozano Everton R. , Poppy Guy M. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Clip‐cages are a useful experimental tool for confining small insects to leaves when aiming to study their behaviour and/or other biological parameters. Nonetheless, clip‐cages are usually heavy and may damage the leaves, which renders them less useful for numerous research studies. We propose a very simple clip‐cage, which is cheap, extremely light, and easy to make and handle, and which has less of the negative, damaging nature of traditional clip‐cages.
Each clip‐cage was prepared using two discs of foam‐floating tubes: one for support and one for confining the insects. On the upper surface of the latter, a rectangle of microperforated plastic flower sleeve (8 cm2) was glued using a nontoxic glue stick. To bind the two parts to the leaf, four staples (23/13) were used. We tested the clip‐cages by confining Myzus persicae to Brassica oleracea and Brassica rapa leaves and then compared the results obtained with those acquired using classic clip‐cages.
Each foam clip‐cage was assembled in less than 2 min. Our experiments confirmed the M. persicae escape rate of 6%, which compared favourably with the escape rate of 40% for the classic clip‐cage. Furthermore, the clip‐cages did not interfere with the growth rate of the aphids.
The foam clip‐cages are up to 200% cheaper than the classic clip‐cages. They are light, durable, easily put together and transported, and have the potential to be easily used in field experiments.
The rs75932628 and rs2234253 polymorphisms of the TREM2 gene were associated with susceptibility to frontotemporal lobar degeneration in Caucasian populations
Authors: Su Wen‐Hua , Shi Zhi‐Hong , Liu Shu‐Ling , Wang Xiao‐Dan , Liu Shuai , Ji Yong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPolymorphisms of the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) gene have been reported to be potentially associated with the risks of developing frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), with inconsistent conclusions. This study aims to comprehensively investigate the potential role of TREM2 variants in FTLD risks via a meta‐analysis. We included a total of eight eligible articles. For TREM2 rs75932628, we observed a significantly increased FTLD risk in the models of T vs. C [Association Test, odds ratio (OR) = 2.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.43∼4.14, P = 0.001], CT vs. CC (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.39∼3.71, P = 0.001), CT + TT vs. CC (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.38∼3.71, P = 0.001), and Carrier T vs. C (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.38∼3.69, P = 0.001). Similarly, we observed positive results for TREM2 rs2234253 in all of the genetic models (all OR > 1, P = 0.030). Nevertheless, we did not observe any statistical difference between the case and control groups in the pooled analyses of TREM2 rs142232675 and rs143332484 (all P > 0.05). Our findings identified the rs75932628 and rs2234253 polymorphisms of the TREM2 gene as risk factors for FTLD in Caucasian populations.
Prevalence of pollen‐induced allergic rhinitis with high pollen exposure in grasslands of northern China
Authors: Wang X.‐Y. , Ma T.‐T. , Wang X.‐Y. , Zhuang Y. , Wang X.‐D. , Ning H.‐Y. , Shi H.‐Y. , Yu R.‐L. , Yan D. , Huang H.‐D. , Bai Y.‐F. , Shan G.‐L. , Zhang B. , Song Q.‐K. , Zhang Y.‐F. , Zhang T.‐J. , Jia D.‐Z. , Liu X.‐L. , Kang Z.‐X. , Yan W.‐J. , Yang B.‐T. , Bao X.‐Z. , Sun S.‐H. , Zhang F.‐F. , Yu W.‐H. , Bai C.‐L. , Wei T. , Yang T. , Ma T.‐Q. , Wu X.‐B. , Liu J.‐G. , Du H. , Zhang L. , Yan Y. , Wang D.‐Y. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of epidemiologic and physician‐diagnosed pollen‐induced AR (PiAR) in the grasslands of northern China and to study the impact of the intensity and time of pollen exposure on PiAR prevalence.MethodsA multistage, clustered and proportionately stratified random sampling with a field interviewer‐administered survey study was performed together with skin prick tests (SPT) and measurements of the daily pollen count.ResultsA total of 6043 subjects completed the study, with a proportion of 32.4% epidemiologic AR and 18.5% PiAR. The prevalence was higher in males than females (19.6% vs 17.4%, P = .024), but no difference between the two major residential and ethnic groups (Han and Mongolian) was observed. Subjects from urban areas showed higher prevalence of PiAR than rural areas (23.1% vs 14.0%, P < .001). Most PiAR patients were sensitized to two or more pollens (79.4%) with artemisia, chenopodium, and humulus scandens being the most common pollen types, which were similarly found as the top three sensitizing pollen allergens by SPT. There were significant regional differences in the prevalence of epidemiologic AR (from 18.6% to 52.9%) and PiAR (from 10.5% to 31.4%) among the six areas investigated. PiAR symptoms were positively associated with pollen counts, temperature, and precipitation (P < .05), but negatively with wind speed and pressure P < .05).ConclusionPollen‐induced AR (PiAR) prevalence in the investigated region is extremely high due to high seasonal pollen exposure, which was influenced by local environmental and climate conditions.
Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic reoperation for treatment of anastomotic leakage after laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery
Authors: Numata Masakatsu , Yamaguchi Tomohiro , Kinugasa Yusuke , Shiomi Akio , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Yamakawa Yushi , Furuatni Akinobu , Manabe Shoichi , Yamaoka Yusuke , Torii Kakeru , Kato Shunichiro 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntroductionThe safety and feasibility of laparoscopic reoperation for anastomotic leakage remain unclear.MethodsA total of 3321 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery for primary colorectal cancer at a tertiary referral center from September 2002 to May 2016. Of these, 31 patients who underwent reoperation for treatment of anastomotic leakage were enrolled in this study and divided into two reoperation groups: laparoscopic (n = 15) and open (n = 16). Data regarding patient demographics, operative outcomes, morbidity, length of hospital stay, mortality, and stoma closure after reoperation in the two groups were compared.ResultsNo significant difference was observed in the primary surgery procedure between the two groups. Estimated blood loss (1 vs 9 mL, P = 0.020), total postoperative complications (26.7% vs 68.8%, P = 0.032), wound infection (0.0% vs 31.2%, P = 0.043), and postoperative hospital stay (18 vs 31 days, P = 0.017) were significantly better in the laparoscopic group than in the open group. Although the rate of stoma closure after reoperation was higher in the laparoscopic group, the difference was not significant (86.7% vs 62.5%, P = 0.220).ConclusionsLaparoscopic reoperation exhibited better short‐term outcomes than open reoperation for selected patients with anastomotic leakage.
Case of cecal volvulus successfully treated with endoscopic colopexy
Authors: Sakamoto Yuki , Hiyoshi Yukiharu , Sakata Kazuya , Toyama Eiichiro , Takata Noboru , Yoshinaka Ichiro , Harada Kazunori , Baba Hideo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe herein report a case of cecal volvulus successfully treated with endoscopic colopexy. A 73‐year‐old man with a high fever and abdominal fullness was diagnosed with ileus caused by cecal volvulus. CT showed a dilated cecum and small intestine without bowel strangulation as well as acute pneumonia. Because the pneumonia increased the risk associated with general anesthesia, we attempted decompression of the bowel using endoscopy to avoid surgery. On day 1, a transanal ileus tube was inserted to the terminal ileum through the dilated cecum. On day 7, the bowel torsion spontaneously released. On day 8, we performed percutaneous endoscopic colopexy to fix the cecum on the abdominal wall and prevent re‐twisting. The patient was discharged on day 15 without postoperative complications. Percutaneous endoscopic colopexy for cecal volvulus may be a treatment option when the risk associated with general anesthesia or surgery is high because of a comorbidity.
Transcription factor Foxc1 is involved in anterior part of cranial base formation
Authors: Mya Nandar , Furutera Toshiko , Okuhara Shigeru , Kume Tsutomu , Takechi Masaki , Iseki Sachiko 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTThe cranial base is a structure mainly formed through endochondral ossification and integrated into the craniofacial complex, which acts as an underlying platform for the developing brain. Foxc1 is an indispensable regulator during intramembranous and endochondral ossification. In this study, we found that the spontaneous loss of Foxc1 function in a mouse (congenital hydrocephalous), Foxc1ch/ch, demonstrated the anterior cranial base defects, including unossified presphenoid and lack of middle part of the basisphenoid bone. Hypoplastic presphenoid primordial cartilage (basal portion of the trabecular cartilage [bTB]) and a lack of the middle part of basisphenoid primordial cartilage (the hypophyseal cartilage) were consistently observed at earlier developmental stage. Foxc1 was expressed robustly and ubiquitously in undifferentiated mesenchyme of the cranial base‐forming area in E11.0 wild‐type fetuses. Once chondrogenesis commenced, the expression was downregulated and later limited to the perichondrium. Detection of transcripts of Collagen type2 A1 (Col2a1) revealed that both bTB and the anterior part of the hypophyseal cartilage developing anterior to the persistent epithelial stalk of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland were suppressed in the Foxc1ch/ch. Proliferation activity of chondrocyte precursor cells was higher in the Foxc1ch/ch. Loss of Foxc1 function only in the neural crest cell lineage (Wnt1‐cre;Foxc1ch/flox) showed ossification of the posterior part of the hypophyseal cartilage derived from the mesoderm. These findings suggest that Foxc1 is an important regulator to further chondrogenesis and initiate the ossification of the presphenoid and basisphenoid bones.
Chromium(III) release from chromium‐tanned leather elicits allergic contact dermatitis: a use test study
Authors: Hedberg Yolanda S. , Erfani Behnaz , Matura Mihály , Lidén Carola 
Published: January 2018

SummaryBackgroundChromium (Cr) is a common skin sensitizer. The use of Cr(VI) in leather is restricted in the EU, but that of Cr(III) is not.ObjectivesTo assess whether prolonged exposure to Cr‐tanned leather with mainly Cr(III) release may elicit allergic contact dermatitis in Cr‐allergic individuals.MethodTen Cr‐allergic subjects and 22 controls were patch tested with serial dilutions of Cr(III) and Cr(VI), and with leather samples. They then conducted a use test with a Cr‐tanned and a Cr‐free leather bracelet over a period of 3 weeks, for 12 h per day. Cr deposited on the skin from the bracelets was measured in the controls, and the diphenylcarbazide test for Cr(VI) and extraction tests for Cr(III) and Cr(VI) were conducted for the different leathers.ResultsFour of 10 Cr‐allergic subjects developed positive reactions to the Cr‐tanned bracelet within 7–21 days, whereas only 1 of 10 had a positive patch test reaction to this leather. Cr released from the Cr‐tanned leather was most probably entirely Cr(III), with a quantifiable amount being deposited on the skin.ConclusionsThis study strongly suggests that prolonged and repeated exposure to Cr‐tanned leather with mainly Cr(III) release is capable of eliciting allergic contact dermatitis in Cr‐allergic individuals.
Antibiotics vs no antibiotics in the treatment of acute uncomplicated diverticulitis – a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tandon A. , Fretwell V. L. , Nunes Q. M. , Rooney P. S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimAcute uncomplicated diverticulitis (AUD) is common and antibiotics are the cornerstone of traditional conservative management. This approach lacks a clear evidence base and studies have recently suggested that avoidance of antibiotics is a safe and efficacious way to manage AUD. The aim of this systematic review is to determine the safety and efficacy of treating AUD without antibiotics.MethodA systematic search of Embase, Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, Science Citation Index Expanded and ClinicalTrials.gov was performed. Studies comparing antibiotics vs no antibiotics in the treatment of AUD were included. Meta‐analysis was performed using the random effects model with the primary outcome measure being diverticulitis‐associated complications. Secondary outcomes were readmission rate, diverticulitis recurrence, mean hospital stay, requirement for surgery and requirement for percutaneous drainage.ResultsEight studies were included involving 2469 patients: 1626 in the non‐antibiotic group (NAb) and 843 in the antibiotic group (Ab). There was a higher complication rate in the Ab group; however, this was not significant (1.9% vs 2.6%) with a combined risk ratio of 0.63 (95% CI 0.25–1.57, P = 0.32). There was a shorter mean length of hospital stay in the NAb group (standard mean difference −1.18 (95% CI −2.34 to −0.03, P = 0.04). There was no significant difference in readmission, recurrence and surgical intervention rate or requirement for percutaneous drainage.ConclusionTreatment of AUD without antibiotics may be feasible with outcomes that are comparable to antibiotic treatment and with potential benefits for patients and the National Health Service. Large scale randomized multicentre studies are needed.
Donor CD163 and nestin‐positive cells predict graft function in living donor liver transplant
Authors: Nigam Neha , Bihari Chhagan , Lal Deepika , Rastogi Archana , Kumar Senthil , Pamecha Viniyendra , Kaur Savneet , Kumar Anupam , Sarin Shiv K. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimsTo evaluate the effect of donor liver resident mesenchymal cells, M2 macrophages on liver graft outcome after living donor liver transplantation.Materials and methodsSeventy donor biopsies were included in the study. Outcomes at day 3, 7, 30, and 180 postliver transplantation were assessed. Mesenchymal stem cells and M2 macrophages in donor liver biopsies were evaluated.ResultsMean age of recipients was 40.9 ± 13.6 years. Sex mismatched transplants were 44 (M→F = 9; F→M = 35). On area under receiver operative curve analysis, donor biopsy (DB) nestin ≥3 and CD 163 ≥ 32/200x at day 3; CD163 ≥ 32 at day 7; CD 163 > 32, pRBC of <6.5 units at day 30, and DB nestin ≥3, CD 163 ≥ 32 and pRBC<6.5 units at day 180 predicted adequate graft functions. On multivariate analysis, higher DB nestin (P = .009) and lower cryoprecipitate (P = .009) usage at day 3, higher DB CD163 (P = .006) at day 7, higher DB CD163 (P = .018) and reduced transfusion of packed cell (pRBC) (P = .014) at day 30 and higher DB nestin (P = .011), higher CD163 (P = .009), and reduced pRBC (P = .045) at day 180 were the predictors of better outcome.ConclusionsDonor liver biopsy nestin+ and CD163+ can predict early graft outcome in living donor liver transplantation.
At the landscape level, birds respond strongly to habitat amount but weakly to fragmentation
Authors: De Camargo Rafael X. , Boucher‐Lalonde Véronique , Currie David J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimIt is usually thought that habitat fragmentation acts negatively on species survival, and consequently, on biodiversity. Recent literature challenges whether habitat fragmentation per se affects species richness, beyond the effect of habitat area. Theoretical studies have suggested that fragmentation may matter most when the amount of available habitat is small or at intermediate levels. However, a recent review suggests that the effect of fragmentation on species richness is usually positive. Here, we dissect the richness–fragmentation relationship. What is the effect size? Does it depend upon the amount of habitat cover? How do individual species respond to fragmentation?MethodsApplying a macroecological approach, we empirically related avian richness and the probability of occurrence (pocc) of individual species to fragmentation (number of patches), after controlling for habitat amount in 991 landscapes, each 100‐km2, in southern Ontario, Canada.ResultsSpecies richness was strongly related to total habitat amount, but habitat fragmentation had no detectable additional effect. Individual species’ pocc related strongly to habitat amount. For some species, pocc also related secondarily to habitat fragmentation within landscapes. Logistic models revealed that pocc related significantly negatively to fragmentation after controlling for habitat amount for only ~13% of forest‐ and 18% of open‐habitat species bird species. However, pocc related significantly positively to fragmentation for even greater proportions of species, including some red‐listed species. Fragmentation effects were not stronger at low or intermediate levels of habitat amount within landscapes.ConclusionIn earlier studies, negative effects of isolation were observed at the patch level in experimental manipulations. However, at the landscape level, avian species richness in southern Ontario apparently responds primarily to habitat amount and negligibly to fragmentation. We argue that the evidence is inconsistent with the hypothesis that reducing habitat fragmentation per se would be an effective conservation strategy for birds at the landscape level.
Brand‐to‐generic levetiracetam switching: a 4‐year prospective observational real‐life study
Authors: Trimboli M. , Russo E. , Mumoli L. , Tripepi G. , Fortunato F. , Mastroianni G. , Abate F. , De Sarro G. , Gambardella A. , Labate A. 
Published: January 2018

Background and purposeThe purpose of this study was to determine whether switching from branded levetiracetam (Keppra®) to a levetiracetam generic equivalent product (Matever®) in an epilepsy cohort could provide adequate results in terms of seizure control and tolerability.MethodsTo be eligible for the study, patients had to have been taking Keppra® as monotherapy or polytherapy for at least 6 months. Between March 2013 and April 2017, patients were invited to switch to Matever® as part of their follow‐up. We evaluated the number of seizures per month, drug‐related adverse events and electroencephalography before the switch (T0, baseline) and 6 months after switching (T1). Furthermore, we reported the long‐term follow‐up of patients who continued to use Matever® after the end of the study, considering the most recent visit for each patient (T2).ResultsA total of 55 patients refused the switch. Among the remaining 125 patients, 59 (47%) were treated using Keppra® as monotherapy and 66 (53%) were on Keppra® as polytherapy. All 125 patients were subjected to switching from Keppra® to Matever®. Comparing patients before (T0) and after (T1) switching, we found no statistically significant differences in terms of seizure frequency and occurrence of adverse effects. There were no significant differences (number of seizures/month and drug‐related adverse events) between patients treated with Matever® as monotherapy and patients who refused the switch and continued to use Keppra® as monotherapy for a long‐term follow‐up of 48 months. Electroencephalography findings were also unchanged.ConclusionIn our sample, brand‐to‐generic levetiracetam switching was effective and safe in both monotherapy and polytherapy regardless of the epilepsy syndrome.
Computed tomography in equine orthopaedics – the next great leap?
Authors: Riggs C. M. 
Published: January 2018

SummaryComputed tomography (CT) generates sectional, multiplanar images based on x‐ray attenuation properties of the subject. Contrast within images is based on differences in relative tissue density. It can resolve subtle structural abnormalities within bone and soft tissue and, as such, it has potential, among other uses, to screen for pathology within bones of the appendicular skeleton in racehorses, which could predispose to catastrophic fractures. Recent technological advances have made the possibility of performing CT imaging in the standing horse a viable clinical alternative. This commentary reviews some recent developments in this field of clinical imaging in the horse.