bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of cytomegalovirus reactivation and its treatment on the course of inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Delvincourt M. , Lopez A. , Pillet S. , Bourrier A. , Seksik P. , Cosnes J. , Carrat F. , Gozlan J. , Beaugerie L. , Roblin X. , Peyrin‐Biroulet L. , Sokol H. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBackgroundConsequences of latent cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection reactivation on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) flare, as a flare‐worsening factor or simple bystander, are debated. Impact of anti‐viral treatment on IBD course is poorly known.AimTo assess the impact of CMV reactivation on patients hospitalised for IBD flare and the effect of anti‐viral treatment on IBD flare in patients with CMV reactivation.MethodsFirst, a population of UC patients from Saint‐Antoine hospital, in flare with positive blood CMV PCR without anti‐viral treatment (n = 26), were compared to matched patients with negative blood CMV PCR in a case–control study. Secondly, a total of 110 hospitalisations between October 2003 and May 2012 for IBD flare‐up with CMV reactivation (80 diagnosed on blood PCR, 33 on tissue PCR) were identified in three French referral centres. Evolution following CMV reactivation diagnosis was compared between patients receiving anti‐viral treatment and those who did not.ResultsIn the case–control study, no differences were observed between the two groups regarding length of hospital stay and colectomy rate. Comparing treated and untreated patients, no differences were observed at inclusion regarding age, gender, IBD type, immunosuppressant, CRP and haemoglobin level. No differences were observed regarding CRP level decrease at 10 days and colectomy rate at 3 months. Anti‐viral treatment was associated with lower serum albumin level at inclusion and longer hospitalisation.ConclusionsCMV reactivation does not appear to alter the course of IBD flare. CMV treatment does not seem to impact the course of IBD. These results should be confirmed prospectively.
Analysis of unique liver volume restoration after laparoscopic fenestration of liver cysts
Authors: Iimuro Yuji , Okada Toshihiro , Kondo Yuichi , Suzumura Kazuhiro , Uyama Naoki , Uda Yugo , Yamanaka Junichi , Fujimoto Jiro 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic fenestration is a standard procedure for the treatment of non‐parasitic liver cysts. After fenestration, the remnant liver often restores its volume. However, no systematic analysis of the phenomenon exists. In the present study, the pattern of liver volume restoration after laparoscopic fenestration of liver cysts was analyzed, and the mechanism for the unique restoration was investigated.MethodsSeven patients with giant non‐parasitic liver cysts underwent laparoscopic fenestration. Liver volume restoration in each section and changes in the diameter of the portal branch were analyzed after fenestration with CT or MRI. In two patients, regional liver volume restoration was assessed in detail using region‐growing software, and change in portal flow distribution was estimated using computational fluid dynamics. Then, the regional liver volume restoration rate was compared with the portal hemodynamic changes.ResultsLiver volume restoration after fenestration was dependent on the size and position of the cysts; it not uniform throughout the remnant liver. The liver volume restoration in sections that had been compressed by giant cysts was significantly greater than in other areas after fenestration. This volume restoration was accompanied by an increase in the diameters of the portal branches in these sections. In addition, a strong correlation between the regional liver volume restoration rate and the changes in portal flow distribution existed in the computationally analyzed cases.ConclusionLiver volume restoration after the fenestration of giant liver cysts non‐uniformly occurs in the remnant liver. Improved portal vein circulation in the hepatic area adjacent to the excised giant liver cysts most likely regulates the greater regional volume restoration rate in the area.
Confocal imaging and phylogenetic considerations of the subcutaneous neurons in the Atlantic hagfish Myxine glutinosa
Authors: Zaccone Giacomo , Fudge Douglas S. , Winegard Timothy M. , Capillo Gioele , Kuciel Michal , Funakoshi Kengo , Lauriano Eugenia Rita 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe used confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry to characterize the morphology of the subcutaneous neurons and the innervation of the slime glands and striated muscles in the hagfish Myxine glutinosa. A rich plexus of 5HT‐, ChAT‐ and TH‐positive neurons is described in the capsule of the slime glands. These neurons, like those of the subcutaneous plexus, receive pericellular terminations from the axons of central cells. Capsular neurons receive innervation from 5HT‐positive and nNOS‐positive nerve fibres. Other nerve endings belonging to two separate nerve populations are identified in the striated muscles. They contain TH and nNOS immunoreactivity. Due to the lack of any topographical labelling, the cell origin and the projections of the neurons into the cranial and spinal nerves are unknown. This study provides anatomical evidence of multiple (5HT and nNOS) peripheral innervation of the neurons. However, it does not provide information about the function of these neurons in the hagfish. We suggest that hagfish neurons have a phylogenetic relationship with the spinal group of the dorsal cells of lampreys and the supramedullary cells of teleosts.
Locomotion pattern and trunk musculoskeletal architecture among Urodela
Authors: Omura Ayano , Ejima Ken‐Ichiro , Honda Kazuya , Anzai Wataru , Taguchi Yuki , Koyabu Daisuke , Endo Hideki 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe comparatively examined the trunk musculature and prezygapophyseal angle of mid‐trunk vertebra in eight urodele species with different locomotive modes (aquatic Siren intermedia, Amphiuma tridactylum, Necturus maculosus and Andrias japonicus; semi‐aquatic Cynops pyrrhogaster, Cynops ensicauda; and terrestrial Hynobius nigrescens, Hynobius lichenatus and Ambystoma tigrinum). We found that the more terrestrial species were characterized by larger dorsal and abdominal muscle weight ratios compared with those of the more aquatic species, whereas muscle ratios of the lateral hypaxial musculature were larger in the more aquatic species. The lateral hypaxial muscles were thicker in the more aquatic species, whereas the M. rectus abdominis was more differentiated in the more terrestrial species. Our results suggest that larger lateral hypaxial muscles function for lateral bending during underwater locomotion in aquatic species. Larger dorsalis and abdominal muscles facilitate resistance against sagittal extension of the trunk, stabilization and support of the ventral contour line against gravity in terrestrial species. The more aquatic species possessed a more horizontal prezygapophyseal angle for more flexible lateral locomotion. In contrast, the more terrestrial species have an increasingly vertical prezygapophyseal angle to provide stronger column support against gravity. Thus, we conclude trunk structure in urodeles differs clearly according to their locomotive modes.
Adrenalin, noradrenalin and heart rate responses to psychosocial stress in young adults born preterm at very low birthweight
Authors: Kaseva Nina , Pyhälä Riikka , Wehkalampi Karoliina , Feldt Kimmo , Pesonen Anu‐Katriina , Heinonen Kati , Hovi Petteri , Järvenpää Anna‐Liisa , Eriksson Johan G. , Andersson Sture , Räikkönen Katri , Kajantie Eero 
Published: February 2014

SummaryObjectiveAdults born preterm at very low birthweight (VLBW; ≤1500 g) have high levels of cardiovascular risk factors and altered responses to psychosocial stress including higher blood pressure and lower cortisol. Our aim was to investigate adrenalin (A), noradrenalin (NA) and heart rate (HR) responses to psychosocial stress in adults born preterm at VLBW.Design and participantsWe studied 50 young adults, aged 19–27 years, born at VLBW and 39 term‐born controls, group‐matched for age, sex and birth hospital. They underwent a standardized psychosocial stress test, the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).MeasurementsDuring TSST, A, NA (baseline and 0, 10 and 90 min after stress) and HR were measured. Data were analysed with mixed‐effects and linear regression models, adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, hormonal contraception, time of day and highest parental educational attainment.ResultsBaseline concentrations, peak after stress, increments and area under the curve for A and NA were similar in VLBW and control groups. In women, NA concentrations were 27·7% lower (95% CI; 3·1–52·2) in VLBW compared with control women; in men, there was no significant difference. A concentrations were similar for VLBW and control groups in both sexes. Mean HR at baseline, task and HR reactivity was also similar in VLBW and control groups.ConclusionsVery low‐birthweight women seem to have a lower NA response to stress compared with term‐born peers. If replicated, this could be a protective characteristic for cardiovascular diseases.
Anal fistula plug: a prospective evaluation of success, continence and quality of life in the treatment of complex fistulae
Authors: Adamina M. , Ross T. , Guenin M. O. , Warschkow R. , Rodger C. , Cohen Z. , Burnstein M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimCuring complex anal fistula without compromising continence can be extremely challenging. This study investigated the healing rate, continence and quality of life of patients after treatment of complex anal fistula of cryptoglandular origin with a bioprosthetic plug.MethodConsecutive patients were prospectively followed in four referral centres. Following seton conditioning, a bioprosthetic plug was inserted into the fistula and sutured to the anal sphincter. Clinical evaluation was performed at 10 days, 6 weeks and 6 months after surgery, and was completed by telephone interviews. Anal continence and quality of life were evaluated using the Fecal Incontinence Score Index and the Short Form‐36 Health Survey, version 2 (SF‐36 v2) questionnaire.ResultsForty‐six patients presenting with a complex anal fistula and a median of three previous fistula surgeries were included. The 6‐month recurrence rate was 30.7% (95%CI: 15.9–42.8%), increasing to 48.0% (95%CI: 30.6–61.1%) after 2 years. Follow up was continued for a median of 68.1 months, and 26 (56.5%) recurrences were identified. Anal continence improved from a median of 19 points to 12 points at 6 months of follow up (P = 0.008). Quality of life markedly improved in all scales. The physical summary score increased from 47.2 to 56.2 (P < 0.001), and the mental summary score increased from 48.5 to 55.3 (P = 0.013).ConclusionThe bioprosthetic fistula plug demonstrated a healing rate close to 50% in complex cryptoglandular fistula. Also, it markedly improved anal continence and quality of life. These data support the use of a bioprosthetic plug as first‐line therapy for complex fistula instead of more aggressive and potentially debilitating surgical options.
Uncommon aetiologies of chylothorax: superior vena cava syndrome and thoracic aortic aneurysm
Authors: Gomes Ana O. , Ribeiro Sofia , Neves João , Mendonça Teresa 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundChylothorax, an uncommon cause of pleural effusion, results from the accumulation of lymph in the pleural space due to damage or obstruction of the thoracic duct. The high content of triglycerides and the presence of chylomicrons in the pleural fluid sets the diagnosis.ObjectiveTo present a case report of a chylothorax due to superior vena cava compression or a thoracic aortic aneurysm, discuss the particularities, the investigation of chylothorax as well as its treatment options.MethodsA review of the literature on chylothorax was performed using PubMed to assess the different aetiologies, investigation and treatments usually performed.ConclusionChylothorax is usually secondary to malignancy, trauma, congenital diseases and infections. However, less common causes are also described, as the ones described in our case report. The gold standard for diagnosis is the identification of chylomicrons in the pleural fluid. Conservative management is recommended in most cases of chylothorax.
Ligustilide attenuates inflammatory pain via inhibition of NFκB‐mediated chemokines production in spinal astrocytes
Authors: Zhao Lin‐Xia , Jiang Bao‐Chun , Wu Xiao‐Bo , Cao De‐Li , Gao Yong‐Jing 
Published: February 2014

AbstractLigustilide (LIG) is a major component of Radix Angelica Sinensis, and reportedly has neuroprotective and anti‐inflammatory effects. Recent studies have demonstrated that spinal astrocyte‐mediated neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of chronic pain. Here we investigated the anti‐nociceptive effect of systemic treatment with LIG on chronic inflammatory pain and explored possible mechanisms. Unilateral hindpaw injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced persistent pain hypersensitivity. Repeated daily intravenous treatment with LIG, either before or after CFA injection, attenuated CFA‐induced thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia. The same treatment also inhibited CFA‐induced keratinocyte‐derived chemokine (KC) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) mRNA and protein increases in astrocytes of the spinal cord. In vitro study showed LIG dose‐dependently reduced lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced upregulation of KC and MCP‐1 mRNA in astrocyte cultures. Interestingly, LIG treatment did not affect CFA‐ or LPS‐induced glial fibrillary acidic protein upregulation, but did inhibit CFA‐induced phosphorylated nuclear factor‐κB (p‐NFκB) upregulation in spinal astrocytes. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of NFκB inhibitor attenuated CFA‐induced pain hypersensitivity and upregulation of KC and MCP‐1 in the spinal cord. Finally, single intravenous injection of LIG attenuated intrathecal injection of LPS‐induced mechanical allodynia. The same treatment also decreased LPS‐induced NFκB activation and KC and MCP‐1 upregulation in the spinal cord. These data indicate that LIG attenuates chronic inflammatory pain potentially via inhibiting NFκB‐mediated chemokines production in spinal astrocytes. These results provide direct evidence of the anti‐nociceptive and anti‐inflammatory effects of LIG, suggesting a new application of LIG for the treatment of chronic inflammatory pain.
Migraine is associated with a higher risk of transient global amnesia: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Lin K.‐H. , Chen Y.‐T. , Fuh J.‐L. , Li S.‐Y. , Chen T.‐J. , Tang C.‐H. , Wang S.‐J. 
Published: February 2014

Background and purposeThe association between migraine and transient global amnesia (TGA) is not determined. Only two clinic‐based studies showed that TGA patients had a higher frequency of migraine history. Our population‐based study aimed to investigate whether migraine patients were associated with a higher risk of developing TGA.MethodsPatients with migraine aged ≥18 years were identified from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 2005 and 2009. Each migraine patient was randomly matched to one subject without migraine or other headache disorders based on age, sex and cardiovascular comorbidities. Patients with antecedent stroke, epilepsy or TGA were excluded. Both cohorts were followed up until the end of 2010. The incidence rates of TGA were compared and risk factors were identified.ResultsA total of 158 301 patients in the migraine cohort and 158 301 patients in the matched control cohort were enrolled. During a mean follow‐up of 3.0 years (range 0–6 years), the migraine cohort had a greater risk of developing TGA than the control cohort [7.59 vs. 3.06 per 100 000 person‐years, incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.48, P = 0.002]. Compared with the matched cohort, only female migraine patients aged 40–60 years showed a significantly higher risk of TGA [IRR = 3.18 (1.31–8.82), P = 0.005]. Of note, the incidence rates did not differ between migraine patients with and without aura.ConclusionsThis population‐based study demonstrates that migraine is associated with an increased risk of TGA, particularly in female patients aged 40–60 years.
Absence of CD4 or CD8 lymphocytes changes infiltration of inflammatory cells and profiles of cytokine expression in skin wounds, but does not impair healing
Authors: Chen Lin , Mehta Nisha D. , Zhao Yan , DiPietro Luisa A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe involvement of lymphocytes in skin wound healing has not been studied extensively. This study shows that CD4 and CD8 cells are present in significant numbers in skin wounds with peak levels at days 5–10 and 7–10, respectively. Both subsets expressed inflammatory and/or regulatory cytokines. To examine the function of CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes in tissue repair, wound healing was examined in mice deficient for either CD4 or CD8 cells. Wounds in CD4 deficient mice exhibited an initial delayed infiltration of CD8 cells followed by a relative increase in CD8 cells at day 10 and thereafter. Wounds in CD4 deficient mice also displayed up‐regulated expression of IL1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, IFN‐γ, CXCL‐1 and down‐regulated expression of IL‐4 as compared to wild‐type mice. In contrast, wounds in CD8 deficient mice showed significantly decreased infiltration of CD4+ cells, neutrophils, and macrophages along with down‐regulated expression of IL1β, IL‐6, TNF‐α, CXCL‐1, CCL‐2 and up‐regulated expression of IL‐4 as compared to wild‐type mice. Despite these significant changes in cytokine expression and inflammatory cell infiltrate, the rate of wound closure, wound breaking strength, collagen content and angiogenesis in either CD4 or CD8 deficiency showed no significant difference from that of wild‐type mice. The results suggest that, despite being present and involved in wound inflammation, neither CD4+ nor CD8+ cells play critical roles in the healing process of skin wounds. Further studies are needed to investigate whether these cells might play critical roles in wounds that experience stress such as ischemia or infection.
Dkk1‐dependent inhibition of Wnt signaling activates Hesx1 expression through its 5′ enhancer and directs forebrain precursor development
Authors: Matsuda Kazunari , Kondoh Hisato 
Published: February 2014

Development of the anterior forebrain precursor (AFBP) in the anterior neural plate (ANP) depends on the activation of the Hesx1 transcription factor gene. The Hesx1‐expression domain of the ANP is underlain by Dkk1‐expressing tissues, initially proximal‐most anterior visceral endoderm (AVE), and later anterior mesendoderm (AME). As Dkk1‐null embryos fail to develop the Hesx1‐expressing domain, it is likely that Wnt signal inhibition in the ANP is required for the Hesx1 activation. To investigate the regulation of the AFBP development, we took advantage of epiblast stem cells (EpiSCs), which develop into the ANP in the absence of activin signaling. Expression of Hesx1 and Six3, both involved in the AFBP development, was strongly activated 2 days after activin removal and concomitant addition of Wnt signal inhibitors, Dkk1 or XAV939. Furthermore, we showed that activation of the 720‐bp Hesx1 5′ enhancer is responsible for Hesx1 expression in the AFBP and depends on Wnt signal inhibition. In addition, we showed that Wnt inhibition during the first day has larger impact on the activation of Hesx1 and Six3 than the second day, suggesting that in embryos Wnt inhibition caused by the AVE‐derived Dkk1, rather than the AME‐derived Dkk1, contributes greatly in the establishment of the AFBP.
Mapping Space and Mobility in the Red Sea Region, c.1500–1950
Authors: Miran Jonathan 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTSituated between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean and separating Northeast Africa from the Arabian Peninsula, the Red Sea is one of the most unique maritime spaces in the world and among the first to be mentioned in recorded history. This essay debunks past perceptions of this space as merely a maritime corridor and a transit space between the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. Instead, it promotes an effort to recast the history of the region with the Red Sea as an organizing framework for analysis, allowing us to imagine it as an integrated region sui generis characterized by multilayered, interconnected, and overlapping circuits and networks operating within and across it while still linked to both the Mediterranean and the Indian Ocean. The essay proposes a materially based analytical framework which can underpin several possible avenues for future research.
Evaluation of potential side activities of commercial enzyme preparations used in winemaking
Authors: Fia Giovanna , Canuti Valentina , Rosi Iolanda 
Published: February 2014

SummaryTwenty‐one commercial enzyme preparations used in winemaking were characterised for the α‐L‐rhamnosidase, α‐L‐arabinosidase, β‐D‐xylosidase, β‐D‐galactosidase, β‐D‐glucosidase, esterase, protease, cinnamoyl esterase and laccase activities. A new rapid fluorimetric method to assay esterase activity was developed. Enzyme preparations differed for the level of each enzyme activity assayed rather than for the type of enzymatic activity detected. High levels of protease, glycosidase, esterase and cinnamoyl esterase activity were found among enzyme preparations for different technological applications. A drastic reduction in the level of cinnamoyl esterase was observed in commercial grape juice, pH 3.6, total acidity 5.3 g L−1, sugar 170 g L−1. Protease activity was only weakly reduced, from 10 to 20%, in commercial grape juice. β‐glucosidase activity levels are reduced in the presence of increasing concentration of glucose but are still present at the higher glucose concentration (100 g L−1). The extent of the reduction observed was dependent on the enzymatic preparations tested.
Unusual complication of male urethral catheterization: intussusception of prepuce into urethral meatus
Authors: Amend Gregory , Ghazipura Saad , Miao Yimei , Khan S. Ali 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTWe present a patient who experienced urinary retention with a comorbid phimosis and redundant prepuce, most likely complications of diabetes mellitus. Additionally, we report a rare complication of difficult catheterization, where the prepuce intussuscepted into the urethral meatus. Attempts to change the catheter with poor visualization of the external meatus secondary to diabetic phimosis resulted in telescoping of the prepuce into the urethra. Circumcision and meatotomy of the external meatus alleviated the acute issue and prevented potential problems with future catheterizations.