bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Migraine homocysteine‐related: Old and new mechanisms
Authors: Cacciapuoti Federico 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this review, we discussed how homocysteinemia can induce migraine. Vascular and neurogenic mechanisms of migraine‐onset, such as the classical “triggers”, were examined. Favourable effects induced on the syndrome by folate supplementation were also illustrated. However, it was recently shown that hyper‐homocysteinemia can favor migraine by the production of homocysteic acid.This acts as an agonist of the N‐acetyl‐aspartame‐D receptor, and is a potent neurotoxic stimulus causing migraine. Its detrimental effects seem to be antagonized by N‐acetyl‐cysteine, calcium chelators, a naturally‐occurring dipeptide widely distribuited in the muscular and nervous systems. This compound showed positive results in animal models. Elevated homocysteic acid levels secondary to hyper‐homocysteinemia could sensitize the dura mater and cerebral arteries and favor the activation of the trigeminovascular system, predisposing to migraine attacks. However, other experimental and human studies are requested to ratify the negative effect of homocysteic acid on migraine and the positive results obtaining with of its antagonists.
Bolus clearance in esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction is associated with strength of peristalsis
Authors: Jain A. , Baker J. R. , Rubenstein J. H. , Chen J. W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundA manometric diagnosis of esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) without a mechanical cause creates a therapeutic conundrum. The aim of this study was to assess esophageal bolus clearance in EGJOO and assess manometric factors associated with clearance in EGJOO.MethodsBolus clearance was assessed using line‐tracing method and contour method to determine Complete Bolus Transit (CBT) and Functional Clearance (FC), respectively, on combined High‐Resolution Impedance Manometry (HRIM). HRIM studies of EGJOO patients, as well as a sample of achalasia types I‐III and asymptomatic controls, were retrospectively analyzed. In EGJOO, associations between Integrated Relaxation Pressure (IRP) or Distal Contractile Integral (DCI) and clearance were assessed using receiver‐operating‐characteristic (ROC) curves.Key ResultsSeventy‐five EGJOO, 28 achalasia, and 11 normal subjects were included. Agreement between CBT and FC was good (Kappa=0.75). CBT across swallows in each group was as follows: type I achalasia: 14%, type II achalasia: 8%, type III achalasia: 61%, EGJOO: 86%, and normal: 98% (p values .023, .006, and <.0001 for EGJOO vs normals, type III achalasia, and all achalasia, respectively). In idiopathic EGJOO, CBT ≥60% of swallows was seen in 96.4% of patients when mean DCI>610 mmHg‐s‐cm (accuracy 87.7%, P=.004). Complete Bolus Transit( CBT) across individual swallows was 97.8% when DCI>884 mmHg‐s‐cm (accuracy 81.9%, P<.0001). IRP was poorly associated with bolus clearance.Conclusions & InferencesBolus clearance in EGJOO is impaired compared to normal, but not as severely as in achalasia. In idiopathic EGJOO, weak peristalsis is associated with poor bolus clearance. Bolus transit appears to be unimpaired when DCI>900 mmHg‐s‐cm.
Analgesia and mouse strain influence neuromuscular plasticity in inflamed intestine
Authors: Blennerhassett M. G. , Lourenssen S. R. , Parlow L. R. G. , Ghasemlou N. , Winterborn A. N. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundMouse models of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) identify an impact on the enteric nervous system (ENS) but do not distinguish between Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis phenotypes. In these models, analgesia is required, but its influence on different strains and disease outcomes is unknown. Therefore, changes to the ENS and intestinal smooth muscle were studied in trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced colitis to identify the effects of analgesia, and compared between two mouse strains.MethodsColitis was induced in CD1 or BALB/c mice receiving analgesia with either buprenorphine or tramadol. Euthanasia was on Day 8 (DSS) or Day 4 (TNBS). Outcomes were Disease Activity Index and cytokine assay, and quantitative histology and immunocytochemistry were used to evaluate effects of inflammation on neurons and smooth muscle.Key ResultsIn BALB/c mice, both models of colitis caused >2‐fold increase in smooth muscle cell number. DSS caused axon proliferation without neuron loss while TNBS caused significant neuron loss and axonal damage. Buprenorphine (but not tramadol) was generally anti‐inflammatory in both strains, but correlated with lethal outcomes to TNBS in BALB/c mice.Conclusions and InferencesSmooth muscle growth is common to both models of colitis. In contrast, ENS damage in TNBS is correlated with the severe response of a Crohn's disease‐like phenotype, while DSS correlates with a milder, ulcerative colitis‐like outcome in the deeper tissues. Analgesia with tramadol over buprenorphine is supported for mouse studies of IBD.
In irritable bowel syndrome, postprandial abdominal distention is associated with a reduction of intestinal tone
Authors: Di Stefano M. , Bergonzi M. , Miceli E. , Klersy C. , Pagani E. , Corazza G. R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe pathophysiology of abdominal distention in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is still a matter of debate, but the relationship between modifications of intestinal tone and abdominal volume has never been analyzed.MethodsEighty‐four patients affected by IBS and reporting moderate to severe abdominal distention were enrolled. Thirty‐nine presented abdominal distention immediately after and forty‐five presented abdominal distention independently of meal intake. Twenty healthy volunteers (HV), comparable for gender and age, were also enrolled. All the subjects underwent fasting and postprandial recto‐sigmoid volume monitoring with barostat and abdominal girth measurement to evaluate abdominal distention.Key ResultsIn comparison with HV (75±13 mL) and with patients with meal‐unrelated abdominal distention (135±56 mL), in the subgroup of patients with severe meal‐related abdominal distention recto‐sigmoid tone response to the meal was significantly reduced (mean increase of balloon volume 184±89 mL; P<.001), paralleling abdominal girth increase and occurring immediately after test meal intake. Meal‐induced abdominal girth modification was significantly correlated with meal‐related modification of recto‐sigmoid tone (r=.71) and abdominal symptoms.ConclusionsIn patients with IBS suffering from severe postprandial abdominal distention, a postprandial reduction of intestinal tone is associated with this bothersome symptom. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether drugs acting on the modification of intestinal tone could be useful in the treatment of these patients.
Bryophyte gas‐exchange dynamics along varying hydration status reveal a significant carbonyl sulphide (COS) sink in the dark and COS source in the light
Authors: Gimeno Teresa E. , Ogée Jérôme , Royles Jessica , Gibon Yves , West Jason B. , Burlett Régis , Jones Sam P. , Sauze Joana , Wohl Steven , Benard Camille , Genty Bernard , Wingate Lisa 
Published: May 2017

Summary

Carbonyl sulphide (COS) is a potential tracer of gross primary productivity (GPP), assuming a unidirectional COS flux into the vegetation that scales with GPP. However, carbonic anhydrase (CA), the enzyme that hydrolyses COS, is expected to be light independent, and thus plants without stomata should continue to take up COS in the dark.

We measured net CO2 (AC) and COS (AS) uptake rates from two astomatous bryophytes at different relative water contents (RWCs), COS concentrations, temperatures and light intensities.

We found large AS in the dark, indicating that CA activity continues without photosynthesis. More surprisingly, we found a nonzero COS compensation point in light and dark conditions, indicating a temperature‐driven COS source with a Q10 (fractional change for a 10°C temperature increase) of 3.7. This resulted in greater AS in the dark than in the light at similar RWC. The processes underlying such COS emissions remain unknown.

Our results suggest that ecosystems dominated by bryophytes might be strong atmospheric sinks of COS at night and weaker sinks or even sources of COS during daytime. Biotic COS production in bryophytes could result from symbiotic fungal and bacterial partners that could also be found on vascular plants.
The role of pride in women with anorexia nervosa: A grounded theory study
Authors: Faija Cintia L. , Tierney Stephanie , Gooding Patricia A. , Peters Sarah , Fox John R. E. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTheory and clinical literature suggest that pride may play an important role in the maintenance of restrictive eating disorders. A grounded theory study explored experiences of, and reflections on, pride among women with a current or past diagnosis of anorexia nervosa.DesignThis is a qualitative study using grounded theory.MethodSemistructured interviews were conducted with 21 women recruited from an eating disorder unit in England, and from aUKself‐help organization. Grounded theory from a constructivist lens was used. Analysis involved coding, constant comparison, and memo‐writing.ResultsPride evolves over the course of anorexia nervosa. Two overarching conceptual categories were identified: ‘pride becoming intertwined with anorexia’ and ‘pride during the journey towards recovery’. These categories encompassed different forms of pride: ‘alluring pride’, ‘toxic pride’, ‘pathological pride’, ‘anorexia pride’, ‘shameful pride’, ‘recovery pride’, and ‘resilient pride’. Initially, pride contributed to self‐enhancement and buffered negative emotions. As the condition progressed, pride became a challenge to health and interfered with motivation to change. During recovery, perceptions of pride altered as a healthy approach to living ensued.ConclusionsThe evolving nature of pride plays a central role in development, maintenance, and treatment of anorexia nervosa. Understanding of pride and its role in psychotherapeutic work with this client group may increase motivation to change and promote recovery. Future work should investigate whether tackling pride in eating disorders increases treatment efficacy and reduces the risk of relapsing.Practitioners pointsPride associated with anorexia appeared to evolve in nature.During early stages of the eating disorder, it stopped people from seeking help. Later on, it prevented them from seeing pride in healthy domains of life (outside anorexia). Over time, pride in anorexia became an overwhelming emotion that interfered with motivation to change.It is important for practitioners to assess and discuss pride in anorexia and its evolving nature during treatment.Understanding of pride and its role in psychotherapeutic work with this client group may increase motivation to change and promote recovery.
Novel regulation of melanogenesis by adiponectin via the AMPK/CRTC pathway
Authors: Bang Seunghyun , Won Kwang Hee , Moon Hye‐Rim , Yoo Hanju , Hong Areum , Song Youngsup , Chang Sung Eun 
Published: May 2017

SummarySeveral studies observed that adiponectin, an important adipokine that improves glucose metabolism by regulating AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, is dermatologically beneficial. In our recent microarray data, we found that adiponectin expression was lower in lesional skin than in non‐lesional skin of melasma patients. Given that AMPK is a key adiponectin signaling mediator, we investigated the role of adiponectin and AICAR, a cell‐permeable AMPK activator, in melanogenesis. We herein showed that adiponectin and AICAR downregulated MITF, tyrosinase, TRP‐1, and DCT expression and reduced melanin content in normal human and mouse melanocytes. The depigmenting effect of adiponectin was mediated via AMPK activation, which induced the inhibitory phosphorylation of CREB‐regulated transcription co‐activators (CRTCs) and subsequent suppression of the novel CRTC/CREB pathway in melanocytes. These findings suggest that adiponectin and its analogs are useful as a clinical strategy for treating hyperpigmentation disorders.
Adenoviral nephritis in a renal transplant recipient: Case report and literature review
Authors: Veer Manik , Abdulmassih Rasha , Como James , Min Zaw , Bhanot Nitin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAdenovirus (AdV) infections in transplant recipients may cause invasive disease. We present a case of granulomatous interstitial nephritis secondary to AdV infection in a renal transplant recipient that was initially interpreted as acute graft rejection on histopathology. Specific testing based on clinical suspicion, however, aided in making an accurate diagnosis. We present a retrospective review of all cases of AdV infection in renal transplant recipients to date, and analyze outcomes based on different treatment modalities for this disease.
Arabidopsis thaliana FLA4 functions as a glycan‐stabilized soluble factor via its carboxy‐proximal Fasciclin 1 domain
Authors: Xue Hui , Veit Christiane , Abas Lindy , Tryfona Theodora , Maresch Daniel , Ricardi Martiniano M. , Estevez José Manuel , Strasser Richard , Seifert Georg J. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryFasciclin‐like arabinogalactan proteins (FLAs) are involved in numerous important functions in plants but the relevance of their complex structure to physiological function and cellular fate is unresolved. Using a fully functional fluorescent version of Arabidopsis thaliana FLA4 we show that this protein is localized at the plasma membrane as well as in endosomes and soluble in the apoplast. FLA4 is likely to be GPI‐anchored, is highly N‐glycosylated and carries two O‐glycan epitopes previously associated with arabinogalactan proteins. The activity of FLA4 was resistant against deletion of the amino‐proximal fasciclin 1 domain and was unaffected by removal of the GPI‐modification signal, a highly conserved N‐glycan or the deletion of predicted O‐glycosylation sites. Nonetheless these structural changes dramatically decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER)‐exit and plasma membrane localization of FLA4, with N‐glycosylation acting at the level of ER‐exit and O‐glycosylation influencing post‐secretory fate. We show that FLA4 acts predominantly by molecular interactions involving its carboxy‐proximal fasciclin 1 domain and that its amino‐proximal fasciclin 1 domain is required for stabilization of plasma membrane localization. FLA4 functions as a soluble glycoprotein via its carboxy‐proximal Fas1 domain and its normal cellular trafficking depends on N‐ and O‐glycosylation.
Adult extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an international survey of transfusion and anticoagulation techniques
Authors: Esper S. A. , Welsby I. J. , Subramaniam K. , John Wallisch W. , Levy J. H. , Waters J. H. , Triulzi D. J. , Hayanga J. W. A. , Schears G. J. 
Published: May 2017

Background and objectivesExtracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a method of life support for either isolated cardiac failure or respiratory failure, with or without cardiac failure. When used for hemodynamic support, the ECMO circuit presents a non‐endothelialized, artificial surface to blood inciting an inflammatory response which activates haemostatic pathways. Anticoagulation may complicate a pre‐existing coagulopathy and/or inadequate surgical hemostasis of varying severity. There is no standardized method to achieve and monitor anticoagulation or guide transfusion therapy during ECMO. We tested the hypothesis that institutions across the world conduct similar management of anticoagulation and transfusion during adult ECMO support.MethodsThis is a descriptive, self‐reporting cross‐sectional survey of anticoagulation and transfusion practice for patients age 18 or older on ECMO. This 38 multiple‐choice question survey was sent to 166 institutions, internationally, utilizing adult ECMO. About 32·4% (54) of institutions responded. Responses were anonymously collected. Descriptive analyses were calculated.ResultsOur findings indicate there appears to be a significant practice variation among institutions regarding anticoagulation and transfusion during adult ECMO support.DiscussionThe lack of standard practices among institutions may reflect a paucity of data regarding optimal anticoagulation and transfusion for patients requiring ECMO. Standardized protocols for anticoagulation and transfusion may help increase quality of care for and reduce morbidity, mortality and cost to patients and healthcare centres. Further study is required for standardized, high quality care.
Large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel activation by apical P2Y receptor agonists requires hydrocortisone in differentiated airway epithelium
Authors: Zaidman Nathan A. , Panoskaltsis‐Mortari Angela , O'Grady Scott M. 
Published: May 2017

Key points
Hydrocortisone (HC) is required for activation of large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ current (BK) by purinergic receptor agonists.
HC reduces insertion of the stress‐regulated exon (STREX) in the KCNMA1 gene, permitting protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent channel activation.
Overlapping and unique purinergic signalling regions exist at the apical border of differentiated surface cells.
BK channels localize in the cilia of surface cells.
AbstractIn the present study we investigated the role of hydrocortisone (HC) on uridine‐5ʹ‐triphosphate (UTP)‐stimulated ion transport in differentiated, pseudostratified epithelia derived from normal human bronchial basal cells. The presence of a UTP‐stimulated, paxilline‐sensitive large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (BK) current was demonstrated in control epithelia but was not stimulated in epithelia differentiated in the absence of HC (HC0). Addition of the BK channel opener NS11021 directly activated channels in control epithelia; however, under HC0 conditions, activation only occurred when UTP was added after NS11021. The PKC inhibitors GF109203x and Gö6983 blocked BK activation by UTP in control epithelia, suggesting that PKC‐mediated phosphorylation plays a permissive role in purinoceptor‐stimulated BK activation. Moreover, HC0 epithelia expressed significantly more KCNMA1 containing the stress‐regulated exon (STREX), a splice‐variant of the α‐subunit that displays altered channel regulation by phosphorylation, compared to control epithelia. Furthermore, BK channels as well as purinergic receptors were shown to localize in unique and overlapping domains at the apical membrane of ciliated surface cells. These results establish a previously unrecognized role for glucocorticoids in regulation of BK channels in airway epithelial cells.
Non-invasive diagnosis of portal hypertension in cirrhosis using ultrasound based elastography
Authors: Grgurevic Ivica , Bokun Tomislav , Bozin Tonci , Matic Vladimir , Haberle Sara , Sporea Ioan 
Published: May 2017

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by ultrasound-based elastography may be used to non-invasively discriminate between the stages of liver fibrosis, rule out cirrhosis and follow its evolution, including the prediction of the presence of oesophageal varices. The same is possible in order to diagnose clinically significant portal hypertension, referring primarilyto transient elastography and LSM values ≥20-25 kPa. The same approach may be used to reliably rule out the presence ofoesophageal varices (LSM <20 kPa + platelets >150x109/L). These recommendations refer primarily to patients with viral aetiology of chronic liver disease (hepatitis C), while additional studies are required for other aetiologies. While spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) also poses a logical choice in this indication, controversial results have nevertheless been published on this issue. It should be emphasized, however, that more recent data indicate that this parameter should be included in the diagnostic algorithm for portal hypertension, if not as the sole then as a part of a sequential algorithm, combined with LSM. Until now, transient elastography has been most extensively studied and founded on scientific evidence, although the results of other ultrasound-based elastography techniques demonstrate the same trend for the non-invasive assessment of portal hypertension.
Plasma Membrane Association by N-Acylation Governs PKG Function in
Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Brown Kevin M. , Long Shaojun , Sibley L. David 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Cyclic GMP (cGMP)-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase G [PKG]) is essential for microneme secretion, motility, invasion, and egress in apicomplexan parasites, However, the separate roles of two isoforms of the kinase that are expressed by some apicomplexans remain uncertain. Despite having identical regulatory and catalytic domains, PKG
I
is plasma membrane associated whereas PKG
II
is cytosolic in
Toxoplasma gondii
. To determine whether these isoforms are functionally distinct or redundant, we developed an auxin-inducible degron (AID) tagging system for conditional protein depletion in
T. gondii
. By combining AID regulation with genome editing strategies, we determined that PKG
I
is necessary and fully sufficient for PKG-dependent cellular processes. Conversely, PKG
II
is functionally insufficient and dispensable in the presence of PKG
I
. The difference in functionality mapped to the first 15 residues of PKG
I
, containing a myristoylated Gly residue at position 2 that is critical for membrane association and PKG function. Collectively, we have identified a novel requirement for cGMP signaling at the plasma membrane and developed a new system for examining essential proteins in
T. gondii
.

IMPORTANCE
Toxoplasma gondii
is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite and important clinical and veterinary pathogen that causes toxoplasmosis. Since apicomplexans can only propagate within host cells, efficient invasion is critically important for their life cycles. Previous studies using chemical genetics demonstrated that cyclic GMP signaling through protein kinase G (PKG)-controlled invasion by apicomplexan parasites. However, these studies did not resolve functional differences between two compartmentalized isoforms of the kinase. Here we developed a conditional protein regulation tool to interrogate PKG isoforms in
T. gondii
. We found that the cytosolic PKG isoform was largely insufficient and dispensable. In contrast, the plasma membrane-associated isoform was necessary and fully sufficient for PKG function. Our studies identify the plasma membrane as a key location for PKG activity and provide a broadly applicable system for examining essential proteins in
T. gondii
.
The impact of temperature extremes on mortality: a time-series study in Jinan, China
Authors: Han Jing , Liu Shouqin , Zhang Jun , Zhou Lin , Fang Qiaoling , Zhang Ji , Zhang Ying 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between temperature extremes and daily number of deaths in Jinan, a temperate city in northern China.MethodsData ondaily number of deaths and meteorological variables over the period of 2011–2014 were collected. Cold spells or heat waves were defined as ≥3 consecutive days with mean temperature ≤5th percentile or ≥95th percentile, respectively. We applied a time-series adjusted Poisson regression to assess the effects of extreme temperature on deaths.ResultsThere were 152 150 non-accidental deaths over the study period in Jinan, among which 87 607 people died of cardiovascular disease, 11 690 of respiratory disease, 33 001 of stroke and 6624 of chronic obstrutive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cold spells significantly increased the risk of deaths due to non-accidental mortality (RR 1.08, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.11), cardiovascular disease (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.10), respiratory disease (RR 1.19, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.27), stroke (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.17) and COPD (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.38). Heat waves significantly increased the risk of deaths due to non-accidental mortality (RR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.05), cardiovascular disease (RR 1.03, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.06) and stroke (RR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.13). The elderly were more vulnerable during heat wave exposure; however, vulnerability to cold spell was the same for the whole population regardless of age and gender.ConclusionsBoth cold spells and heat waves have increased the risk of death in Jinan, China.