bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shank–cortactin interactions control actin dynamics to maintain flexibility of neuronal spines and synapses
Authors: MacGillavry Harold D. , Kerr Justin M. , Kassner Josh , Frost Nicholas A. , Blanpied Thomas A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe family of Shank scaffolding molecules (comprising Shank1, 2 and 3) are core components of the postsynaptic density (PSD) in neuronal synapses. Shanks link surface receptors to other scaffolding molecules within the PSD, as well as to the actin cytoskeleton. However, determining the function of Shank proteins in neurons has been complicated because the different Shank isoforms share a very high degree of sequence and domain homology. Therefore, to control Shank content while minimizing potential compensatory effects, a miRNA‐based knockdown strategy was developed to reduce the expression of all synaptically targeted Shank isoforms simultaneously in rat hippocampal neurons. Using this approach, a strong (>75%) reduction in total Shank protein levels was achieved at individual dendritic spines, prompting an approximately 40% decrease in mushroom spine density. Furthermore, Shank knockdown reduced spine actin levels and increased sensitivity to the actin depolymerizing agent Latrunculin A. A SHANK2 mutant lacking the proline‐rich cortactin‐binding motif (SHANK2‐ΔPRO) was unable to rescue these defects. Furthermore, Shank knockdown reduced cortactin levels in spines and increased the mobility of spine cortactin as measured by single‐molecule tracking photoactivated localization microscopy, suggesting that Shank proteins recruit and stabilize cortactin at the synapse. Furthermore, it was found that Shank knockdown significantly reduced spontaneous remodelling of synapse morphology that could not be rescued by the SHANK2‐ΔPRO mutant. It was concluded that Shank proteins are key intermediates between the synapse and the spine interior that, via cortactin, permit the actin cytoskeleton to dynamically regulate synapse morphology and function.
Forebrain‐independent generation of hyperthermic convulsions in infant rats
Authors: Pospelov Alexey S. , Yukin Alexey Y. , Blumberg Mark S. , Puskarjov Martin , Kaila Kai 
Published: November 2015

SummaryFebrile seizures are the most common type of convulsive events in children. It is generally assumed that the generalization of these seizures is a result of brainstem invasion by the initial limbic seizure activity. Using precollicular transection in 13‐day‐old rats to isolate the forebrain from the brainstem, we demonstrate that the forebrain is not required for generation of tonic–clonic convulsions induced by hyperthermia or kainate. Compared with sham‐operated littermate controls, latency to onset of convulsions in both models was significantly shorter in pups that had undergone precollicular transection, indicating suppression of the brainstem seizure network by the forebrain in the intact animal. We have shown previously that febrile seizures are precipitated by hyperthermia‐induced respiratory alkalosis. Here, we show that triggering of hyperthermia‐induced hyperventilation and consequent convulsions in transected animals are blocked by diazepam. The present data suggest that the role of endogenous brainstem activity in triggering tonic–clonic seizures should be re‐evaluated in standard experimental models of limbic seizures. Our work sheds new light on the mechanisms that generate febrile seizures in children and, therefore, on how they might be treated.
Deficiencies in the health care system contribute to a high rate of late HIV diagnosis in Sweden
Authors: Brännström J , Svedhem Johansson V , Marrone G , Wendahl S , Yilmaz A , Blaxhult A , Sönnerborg A 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to identify factors in HIV‐infected patients and the health care system which contribute to late diagnosis.MethodsAll patients who were newly diagnosed with HIV infection at 12 clinics in Sweden over a period of 2.5 years (n = 575) were included in the study, corresponding to three‐quarters of newly diagnosed HIV infections in the country. The patients were classified as non‐late presenters or late presenters (LPs), defined as those with a CD4 count < 350 cells/μL or AIDS. LPs were subdivided into those without and those with advanced HIV disease, which was defined as a CD4 count < 200 cells/μL or AIDS. Demographics, missed AIDS and HIV‐associated symptoms in the preceding 3 years, immigration date, and health examination at immigration were recorded.ResultsFifty‐eight per cent of the patients were LPs, of whom 66% had advanced disease. Age > 30 years, origin in sub‐Saharan Africa or Eastern Europe/Asia/the Pacific region, and country of transmission being in sub‐Saharan Africa or unknown were associated with late presentation. Half of the patients of non‐Swedish origin had lived for more than 1 year in Sweden at diagnosis and 66% had a missed HIV testing opportunity at immigration. Twenty‐seven per cent of all patients had presented for health care with AIDS‐ and/or HIV‐associated conditions without having an HIV test. Sixteen per cent had a history of symptoms without seeking care.ConclusionsDeficiencies in the health care system with missed HIV testing opportunities contribute to the high proportion of late presenters in Sweden, especially among migrants. With increased testing at immigration and further incorporation of “indicator‐guided” testing in general practice, most patients could be diagnosed earlier.
Apically extruded debris during root canal preparation using Vortex Blue, K3XF, ProTaper Next and Reciproc instruments
Authors: Topçuoğlu H. S. , Zan R. , Akpek F. , Topçuoğlu G. , Ulusan Ö. , Aktı A. , Düzgün S. , Ağırnaslıgil M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimTo assess the amount of debris extruded apically during root canal preparation using various nickel–titanium instrumentation systems.MethodologySixty extracted single‐rooted mandibular premolar human teeth were randomly assigned to four groups (n = 15 teeth for each group). The canals were then instrumented with the following instrument systems: Vortex Blue (VB; Dentsply Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK, USA), K3XF (SybronEndo, Orange, CA, USA), Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) and ProTaper Next (PTN; Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). Apically extruded debris during instrumentation was collected into pre‐weighed Eppendorf tubes. The Eppendorf tubes were then stored in an incubator at 70 °C for 5 days. The weight of the dry extruded debris was established by subtracting the pre‐instrumentation and post‐instrumentation weight of the Eppendorf tubes for each group. The data were analysed using one‐way analysis of variance (anova) and Tukey's post hoc tests.ResultsVortex Blue and PTN files were associated with significantly less apically extruded debris than the K3XF and Reciproc files (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between the VB and PTN files or between the K3XF and Reciproc files (P > 0.05).ConclusionsAll instruments were associated with apical extrusion of debris. VB and PTN files were associated with less debris extrusion compared to the other systems.
Dislodgement resistance of calcium silicate‐based materials from root canals with varying thickness of dentine
Authors: Ulusoy Ö. İ. , Paltun Y. N. , Güven N. , Çelik B. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the dislodgement resistance of DiaRoot BioAggregate and Biodentine from canals in roots with varying amounts of remaining dentine thickness.MethodologyA total of 90 maxillary incisor teeth with similar dimensions were used. The teeth were extracted for periodontal reasons from adult subjects aged between 52 and 61 years. They were decoronated at the cemento‐enamel junction. Simulated internal cavities with a depth of 3 mm were performed by widening the canals on the coronal thirds of the roots, leaving varying amounts of remaining dentine thickness. The canals were enlarged progressively using round diamond burs until the desired dentine wall thickness was obtained. The samples were divided into three main groups (n = 30 each) according to the dentine thickness as follows: group 1: dentine thickness of 0.75 mm, group 2: dentine thickness of 1.50 mm and group 3: dentine thickness of 2.25 mm. Then, these main groups were further divided into two subgroups (n = 15 each) according to the filling material (DiaRoot BioAggregate or Biodentine). Horizontal root slices of 1 mm were obtained from each specimen. Vertical loading was applied to the filling materials at a cross‐head speed of 1 mm min−1 using a universal testing machine. The force that led to dislodgement of the filling was recorded in Newtons. The resistance to dislodgement was calculated in megapascals (MPa) by dividing the load in Newtons by the area of the bonded interface. The data were statistically analysed with two‐way anova with Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test.ResultsBiodentine had significantly higher resistance to dislodgement than DiaRoot BioAggregate (P < 0.001). The specimens with thinner remaining dentine had lower dislodgement resistance compared to those with dentine thicknesses of 1.50 and 2.25 mm (P < 0.001). The lowest mean value for dislodgement resistance was obtained from the DiaRoot BioAggregate group with 0.75 mm dentine thickness (2.72 ± 0.90 MPa).ConclusionThe dislodgement resistance of Biodentine and DiaRoot BioAggregate from root dentine was influenced by remaining dentine thickness, which determines dentinal tubular density.
Altered expression of keratin 14 in lesional epidermis of autoimmune skin diseases
Authors: Wei Xiaoying , Fricker Katharina , Enk Alexander H. , Hadaschik Eva N. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundKeratin 14 (K14) is an intermediate filament protein that is mainly expressed in the basal layer of healthy stratified epithelia. K14 has been identified as an autoantigen in the autoimmune‐mediated skin disease of Scurfy mice and patients with the “immune dysregulation polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, and X‐linked” syndrome.ObjectivesTo examine whether K14 is a target protein in autoimmune skin diseases (ASD), we analyzed the expression pattern of K14 in lesional skin of patients with lichen ruber, cutaneous lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, graft‐versus‐host disease, psoriasis, and pemphigus vulgaris, and evaluated the reactivity of patient sera with recombinantly expressed and epidermis‐derived K14.MethodsK14 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin‐embedded tissue sections of 17 healthy individuals and 58 patients with ASD. Sera from 10 healthy individuals and 41 patients with ASD were analyzed by Western blot for the presence of anti‐K14 autoantibodies.ResultsIn skin of patients with ASD, K14 expression is retained in suprabasal layers. In ASD with interface dermatitis, we observed focal loss of K14 within the basal layer and in hair follicles as well. A scattered dot‐like K14 staining is seen in papillary dermis, most prominently in cutaneous lupus erythematosus and lichen ruber. Using Western blot, we show that sera of different patients with ASD recognize recombinantly expressed K14.ConclusionWe show focal loss of K14 in the basal epidermis correlating with interface dermatitis and hair follicle involvement. Moreover, enhanced reactivity of sera of patients with atopic dermatitis with K14 suggests K14 may function as an autoantigen in ASD.
Requirement for vitamin D supplementation in patients using photoprotection: variations in vitamin D levels and bone formation markers
Authors: Bogaczewicz Jaroslaw , Karczmarewicz Elzbieta , Pludowski Pawel , Zabek Jakub , Wozniacka Anna 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundAvoiding sun exposure is obligatory in photodermatoses; however, the need for oral supplementation with vitamin D appears unrecognized. The aim of the study was to investigate the seasonal variation of vitamin D level and bone formation markers in healthy individuals and to compare it with vitamin D status in patients using photoprotection.MethodsThirty‐four healthy inhabitants of the Lodz region, Poland, a country in central Europe (51° and 52° north latitudes), were examined at the baseline visit within 2 weeks of peak sun exposure during recreational activity on vacation, after 8, and after 16 weeks. The group of patients using photoprotection comprised 104 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D, procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide (PINP), and osteocalcin levels were measured.ResultsThe serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D concentration was lower and vitamin D deficiency more common in patients using photoprotection than in healthy individuals during the warm and the cold season (P < 0.05). In healthy individuals, vitamin D deficiency was more prevalent after 8 and 16 weeks than at baseline assessment (P < 0.001). PINP level was 39.56 (30.51–53.22) ng/ml, and elevated in 50% of individuals, whereas osteocalcin was 18.88 (13.52–21.33) ng/ml, and within reference range.ConclusionsDiagnoses of vitamin D deficiency and oral supplementation in patients using photoprotection need to be included in practice. Peak 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels are probably achieved from vitamin D skin synthesis during the summertime and fall over time, starting from August. Elevated levels of PINP appear in line with the process of bone remodeling related to age.
Leishmaniasis in Yemen: a clinicoepidemiological study of leishmaniasis in central Yemen
Authors: Al‐Kamel Mohamed A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundLeishmaniasis is a serious public health problem in Yemen.ObjectivesThis study was designed to identify clinical and epidemiological features of leishmaniasis in Yemen.MethodsThe study was conducted at the Regional Leishmaniasis Control Center in central Yemen. Data sourced from the medical records of 152 patients with confirmed active leishmaniasis, managed during April–August 2013, were analyzed.ResultsA total of 94.1% of patients were rural residents. Al Bayda was the most endemic governorate (59.9%). Children represented the group at highest risk (57.2%), followed by adult females (32.9%); together these groups accounted for 90.1% of all patients. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis was the most prevalent form (49.3%), followed by cutaneous leishmaniasis (47.4%), and visceral leishmaniasis (3.3%). The wet ulcer was the most common type of lesion (49.7%) and the single lesion (69.4%) represented the most common presentation. All patients were ignorant of the nature of the disease, and 55.9% had a history of using “popular” treatments.ConclusionsCutaneous, mucocutaneous, and visceral leishmaniases have significant endemicity in Yemen, especially in central areas. Al Bayda is the governorate with the highest endemicity, and rural children and women represent the populations at highest risk. Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis seems to be the most prevalent form and a single wet ulcer is the most common presentation. Infected refugees may represent new foci for imported Leishmania species. Ecology, geography, climate change, cultural gender‐ and age‐specific duties, urban night activities, and use of popular treatments are among proven risk factors.
Quality of life in South African Black women with alopecia: a pilot study
Authors: Dlova Ncoza C. , Fabbrocini Gabriella , Lauro Carlo , Spano Maria , Tosti Antonella , Hift Richard H. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlopecia has been shown to have a significant impact on quality of life (QoL), particularly in women. However, there are no data for African populations. This study was conducted to pilot an original questionnaire and a model‐based methodology to measure QoL and its determinants in a sample of South African Black women of African ancestry with alopecia.MethodsFifty participants aged 21–79 years were randomly chosen from patients presenting to dermatologists with alopecia. We used an original questionnaire consisting of 24 items grouped into those assessing the respective impacts of subjective symptoms, objective signs, and relationship issues, measured on a four‐level scale. These were then combined using component‐based structural equation modeling to return a QoL index (QLI) and to rank the factors contributing to this.ResultsOn a scale ranging from 0 (high QoL) to 100 (severely decreased QoL), we found a mean QLI of 67.7. The negative impact of alopecia on QoL was higher in younger patients than older patients. The factors with the highest impact were those relating to the subjective experience of alopecia and self‐image (56.3%), followed by those relevant to relationships and interaction with other people (34.8%). The presence of objective symptoms and signs such as pruritus was of minor importance (8.9%).ConclusionsAlthough not a life‐threatening condition, alopecia may seriously impair QoL, particularly by inducing anxiety and reducing self‐esteem among African women. Healthcare practitioners should be mindful of this and intervene appropriately to mitigate these effects.
Contact allergy in cheilitis
Authors: O'Gorman Susan M. , Torgerson Rochelle R. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundRecalcitrant non‐actinic cheilitis may indicate contact allergy.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of allergic contact cheilitis (ACC) in patients with non‐actinic cheilitis and to identify the most relevant allergens.MethodsWe used an institutional database to identify patients with non‐actinic cheilitis who underwent patch testing between January 1, 2001, and August 31, 2011, and conducted a retrospective review of patch test results in these patients. Additional data were obtained from institutional electronic medical records.ResultsNinety‐one patients (70 [77%] female; mean age: 51 years) were included in the study. Almost half (41 [45%]) had a final diagnosis of ACC. Patch testing was performed in line with universally accepted methods, with application on day 1, allergen removal and an initial reading on day 3, and the final reading on day 5. The allergens of most significance were fragrance mix, Myroxylon pereirae resin, dodecyl gallate, octyl gallate, and benzoic acid. Nickel was the most relevant metal allergen.ConclusionsContact allergy is an important consideration in recalcitrant cheilitis. Fragrances, antioxidants, and preservatives dominated the list of relevant allergens in our patients. Nickel and gold were among the top 10 allergens. Almost half (45%) of these patients had a final diagnosis of ACC. Patch testing beyond the oral complete series should be undertaken in any investigation of non‐actinic cheilitis.
Clinical study of 20 patients with incontinentia pigmenti
Authors: Poziomczyk Claudia S. , Bonamigo Renan R. , Santa Maria Fernanda D. , Zen Paulo R. G. , Kiszewski Ana E. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundIncontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare genodermatosis with early prenatal lethality in affected males. Clinical manifestations are usually more exuberant in sporadic than in familial cases. Cutaneous manifestations occur in all sporadic cases and about 96% of familial cases. As well as the skin, other tissues arising from the neuroectoderm may be affected.ObjectivesThis study was designed to evaluate dermatologic, dental, neurologic, and ophthalmologic manifestations in patients with IP.MethodsFindings in IP patients and family members also diagnosed with IP in Porto Alegre, Brazil, during 2003–2012, were analyzed.ResultsThirteen children and seven relatives were diagnosed with IP; 38.4% of cases were familial, and 61.5% were sporadic. Mean ± standard deviation follow‐up was 46.08 ± 39.47 months. Frequencies of 100% and 85.7% for dermatologic manifestations, 23.0% and 0% for neurologic manifestations, 62.5% and 71.4% for dental manifestations, and 11.1% and 42.8% for ophthalmologic manifestations were found in affected children and relatives, respectively. Associated diseases include Wilms’ tumor, myasthenia gravis, Still's syndrome, and congenital hypothyroidism.ConclusionsThese findings reinforce the heterogeneity of dermatologic findings and the numerous extracutaneous manifestations requiring a multidisciplinary approach. The follow‐up of patients with IP is important in the detection of serious associated diseases. The relationships between these disorders and IP raise the need for additional longitudinal studies with longterm monitoring of these patients. The management of IP in clinical practice may benefit from early efforts to detect associated diseases.
Daily, seasonal, and latitudinal variations in solar ultraviolet A and B radiation in relation to vitamin D production and risk for skin cancer
Authors: Grigalavicius Mantas , Moan Johan , Dahlback Arne , Juzeniene Asta 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundSolar ultraviolet (UV) radiation varies with latitude, time of day, and season. Both spectral UV composition and ambient UV dose lead to different health outcomes at different latitudes. Finding the optimal time for sun exposure, whereby the positive effects of UV exposure (vitamin D) are facilitated and the negative effects (skin cancer, photoimmunosuppression) avoided are the most important consideration in modern skin cancer prevention programs.ObjectivesThis paper focuses on the latitude dependency of UVB, UVA, vitamin D production, and skin cancer risk in Caucasians.MethodsBiologically effective UVB (280–315 nm) and UVA (315–400 nm) doses were calculated using radiative transfer models with appropriate climatologic data for selected locations. Incidences of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and cutaneous melanoma (CM) were retrieved from cancer registries and published articles.ResultsAnnual doses of UVA radiation decrease much less with increasing latitude than annual doses of UVB. Incidences of CM also decrease less steeply with increasing latitude than incidences of SCC. As SCC is caused mainly by UVB, these observations support the assumption that UVA plays an important role in the development of CM. The variations in UVA (relevant to CM) and UVB (relevant to vitamin D production) over 1 day differ: the UVB : UVA ratio is maximal at noon.ConclusionsThe best way to obtain a given dose of vitamin D with minimal carcinogenic risk is through a non‐burning exposure in the middle of the day, rather than in the afternoon or morning.
Stanniocalcin1 gene expression in patients with acute leukemia: impact on response to therapy and disease outcome
Authors: Abaza H. M. H. , Elmougy M. I. , El Maraghy H. M. A. , Mahmoud H. M. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIntroductionStanniocalcin1 (STC1) is a hormone that regulates cell growth and survival; this study aimed to evaluate the STC1 gene expression in patients with acute leukemia and assess its prognostic significance.MethodsSeventy‐six patients with acute leukemia were enrolled for determination of mRNA STC1 by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction at diagnosis and at day 28.ResultsMedian STC1 gene expression was 16.2 and 4.43 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and 9.67 and 2.37 in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia on days 0 and 28, respectively. A cutoff level for STC1 gene expression was established subdividing patients into high‐ and low‐STC1 gene expression groups. Median STC1 gene expression at days 0 and 28 was significantly higher among patients who were nonresponders to therapy than among those who were therapy responders in both groups. Patients achieving complete remission had significantly lower baseline STC1 gene expression than those in relapse. High STC1 gene expression was associated with shorter overall and disease‐free survival times.ConclusionSTC1 gene expression at diagnosis might be a useful prognostic marker for clinical outcome and monitoring therapeutic response in patients with acute leukemia.