bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A mouse model reveals an important role for catecholamine‐induced lipotoxicity in the pathogenesis of stress‐induced cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shao Yangzhen , Redfors Björn , Ståhlman Marcus , Täng Margareta Scharin , Miljanovic Azra , Möllmann Helge , Troidl Christian , Szardien Sebastian , Hamm Christian , Nef Holger , Borén Jan , Omerovic Elmir 
Published: October 2012

AimStress‐induced cardiomyopathy (SIC), also known as takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is an acute cardiac syndrome with substantial morbidity and mortality. The unique hallmark of SIC is extensive ventricular dysfunction (akinesia) involving apical segments with preserved function in basal segments. Adrenergic overstimulation plays an important role in initiating SIC, but the pathomechanisms involved are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that excessive catecholamines cause perturbation of myocardial lipid metabolism and that cardiac lipotoxicity is responsible for the pathogenesis of SIC.Methods and resultsA single dose injection of isoprenaline (ISO; 400 mg/kg) induced SIC‐like regional akinesia in mice. Oil red O staining revealed severe lipid accumulation in the heart 2 h post‐ISO. Both intramyocardial lipid accumulation and cardiac function were normalized within 1 week post‐ISO and no significant amount of fibrosis was detected. We found that gene expression of lipid importers and exporters (ApoB lipoprotein) was depressed 2 h post‐ISO. These results were confirmed by similar findings in SIC patients and in ISO/patient serum‐stressed HL‐1 cardiomyocytes. Moreover, overexpression of ApoB in the heart was found to protect against the development of ISO‐induced cardiac toxicity and cardiac dysfunction. We also found that ISO‐induced intramyocardial lipid accumulation caused electrophysiological disturbance and stunning in ISO/patient serum‐stressed HL‐1 cardiomyocytes.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrates that lipotoxicity is closely associated with catecholamine‐induced myocardial dysfunction, including neurogenic stunning, metabolic stunning, and electrophysiological stunning. Cardiac lipotoxicity may originate from direct inhibition of myocardial ApoB lipoprotein and subsequent decreased lipid export, caused by supraphysiological levels of catecholamines.
Extragalactic number counts at 100 μm, free from cosmic variance
Authors: Sibthorpe B. , Ivison R. J. , Massey R. J. , Roseboom I. G. , van der Werf P. P. , Matthews B. C. , Greaves J. S. 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
We use data from the Disc Emission via a Bias-free Reconnaissance in the Infrared/Submillimetre (DEBRIS) survey, taken at 100 μm with the Photoconductor Array Camera and Spectrometer instrument on board the Herschel Space Observatory, to make a cosmic variance independent measurement of the extragalactic number counts. These data consist of 323 small-area mapping observations performed uniformly across the sky, and thus represent a sparse sampling of the astronomical sky with an effective coverage of ∼2.5 deg2.
We find our cosmic variance independent analysis to be consistent with previous count measurements made using relatively small area surveys. Furthermore, we find no statistically significant cosmic variance on any scale within the errors of our data. Finally, we interpret these results to estimate the probability of galaxy source confusion in the study of debris discs.
Diagnosis of Skull Fractures According to Postmortem Interval: An Experimental Approach in a Porcine Model
Authors: Jordana Fabienne , Colat‐Parros Jacques , Bénézech Michel 
Published: October 2012

AbstractMost studies on fracture morphology of fresh or dry bones, specifically skull bones, have a limited focus, and they are often based on observations rather than experimental tests. This study characterized pig cranial fractures sustained under known impact conditions. An impact machine (mobile carriage guided by columns) was used to perform a fracture on each skull. Impacts were performed at the same energy level on fresh and dry bones, with two types of impactor: a sharp striker (n = 50) and a blunt striker (n = 50). We found distinct features under different conditions, including osseous flakes on fresh bones, 90° fracture angles on dry bones, and more fractures with greater fragmentation on dry bones. These features highlighted the effects of time on perimortem fracture characteristics and the importance of bone storage conditions in the study of fracture genesis.
Hepatoprotective effect of DT56a is associated with changes in natural killer T cells and regulatory T cells
Authors: Shabat Yehudit , Lichtenstein Yoav , Zolotarov Lydya , Ben Ya'acov Ami , Ilan Yaron 
Published: October 2012

ObjectiveTo determine the metabolic and immunological effects of the oral administration of DT56a, an enzymatic isolate of soybeans.MethodsDT56a was orally administered to mice in three animal models: leptin deficiency, high‐fat diet (HFD) supplementation and immune‐mediated hepatitis. Liver damage and immunological status were assessed.ResultsOral administration of DT56a to leptin‐deficient (ob/ob) and HFD mice led to a significant reduction in serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. DT56a‐treated mice in both models exhibited a significant reduction in hepatic levels of TG and marked alleviation of glycemic control as indicated by significant decreases in fasting blood glucose levels and glucose tolerance tests. The levels of liver enzymes were reduced. These metabolic effects were associated with altered distributions of regulatory T (Tregs) and natural killer T (NKT) cells. DT56a suppressed the immune‐mediated liver damage induced by concanavalin A indicated by decreased liver enzymes and serum interferon‐γ levels and by improved histology and decreased hepatic apoptosis. Oral administration of DT56a also alleviated immune‐mediated hepatitis and affected Tregs and NKT cells.ConclusionsOral administration of DT56a promotes a hepatoprotective effect associated with an alteration in the distribution of Tregs and NKT cells.
DNA barcoding in a biodiversity hot spot: potential value for the identification of Malagasy Euphorbia L. listed in CITES Appendices I and II
Authors: Aubriot Xavier , Lowry Porter P. , Cruaud Corinne , Couloux Arnaud , Haevermans Thomas 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe island of Madagascar is a key hot spot for the genus Euphorbia, with at least 170 native species, almost all endemic. Threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection of wild plants, nearly all Malagasy Euphorbia are listed in CITES Appendices I and II. The absence of a reliable taxonomic revision makes it particularly difficult to identify these plants, even when fertile, and thereby compromises the application of CITES regulations. DNA barcoding, which can facilitate species‐level identification irrespective of developmental stage and the presence of flowers or fruits, may be a promising tool for monitoring and controlling trade involving threatened species. In this study, we test the potential value of barcoding on 41 Euphorbia species representative of the genus in Madagascar, using the two widely adopted core barcode markers (matK and rbcL), along with two additional DNA regions, nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the chloroplastic intergenic spacer psbA‐trnH. For each marker and for selected marker combinations, inter‐ and intraspecific distance estimates and species discrimination rates are calculated. Results using just the ‘official’ barcoding markers yield overlapping inter‐ and intraspecific ranges and species discrimination rates below 60%. When ITS is used, whether alone or in combination with the core markers, species discrimination increases to nearly 100%, whereas the addition of psbA‐trnH produces less satisfactory results. This study, the first ever to test barcoding on the large, commercially important genus Euphorbia shows that this method could be developed into a powerful identification tool and thereby contribute to more effective application of CITES regulations.
Quantitative vs qualitative vegetation sampling methods: a lesson from a grazing experiment in a Mediterranean grassland
Authors: Golodets Carly , Kigel Jaime , Sapir Yuval , Sternberg Marcelo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractQuestionHow well does a time‐saving, qualitative sampling method compare with an intensive, quantitative sampling method in identifying the effects of reduction and cessation of cattle grazing on compositional change in a Mediterranean grassland?LocationUpper Galilee, northern Israel.MethodsExperimental treatments involved two levels of grazing intensity and protection from grazing for different time periods. Sampling methods included a quantitative method, involving harvesting of vegetative biomass from small (25 × 25 cm) quadrats within 10 × 10 m exclosures, and a qualitative method, involving recording presence only of plant species within the same exclosures.ResultsBoth sampling methods revealed differences between protected vegetation and grazed vegetation; however they were not comparable in the way they described differences in species composition between grazed and ungrazed vegetation, and neither method could discriminate between the two levels of grazing intensity. The discrepancy between the two methods in the number and identity of species recorded ranged from 37% to 51% per plot for species recorded by both methods.ConclusionsQualitative sampling highlighted species that are indicative of protection from grazing; however it did not satisfactorily describe alteration in community composition, since the studied grassland is characterized by changing dominance of common species among treatments, instead of major species turnover. Suitable methods of data collection and monitoring will depend primarily on manpower and the specific characteristics of the studied community.
Abnormal serum free light chain ratio predicts poor overall survival in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Furtado Michelle , Shah Nimish , Levoguer Alison , Harding Stephen , Rule Simon 
Published: October 2012

SummarySerum free light Chain (sFLC) ratios have been correlated with survival outcomes in Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes. This study was undertaken to investigate the prognostic impact of abnormal sFLC ratios in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). two patient cohorts were analysed for sFLC parameters: a preliminary retrospective cohort and a uniformly treated cohort of 20 relapsed/refractory MCL patients, enrolled in a phase II clinical trial of single agent lenalidomide treatment. 52% of patients had an abnormality of one or more sFLC parameter (71% of the first cohort and 40% of the second cohort). In cohort two, a high baseline SFLC ratio correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) compared to a low/normal ratio (median OS: 1·4 months vs. 19 months respectively; P = 0·001). For patients presenting with an elevated sFLC ratio at trial entry a rise of >35% in the sFLC ratio correlated with disease progression and a sFLC ratio of >2× normal at trial entry correlated with aggressive disease. These data are the first to show a clear clinical correlation between sFLC ratios and survival outcomes in a uniformly treated cohort of MCL patients. We suggest that these markers may be useful in managing patients with MCL in the future.
How we decide when a neonate needs a transfusion
Authors: Venkatesh Vidheya , Khan Rizwan , Curley Anna , New Helen , Stanworth Simon 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe decision to transfuse a neonate can be approached by addressing a series of questions that cover the cause of anaemia, alternatives to transfusion, the need for transfusion and the risks. Recent clinical trials of red cell transfusions have started to inform evidence‐based transfusion practice, but have raised uncertainties about neurological outcomes when policies advocating use of fewer red cell transfusions at lower haemoglobin concentration (Hb) thresholds were tested. Red cell transfusions should be considered when the Hb <120 g/l for premature neonates requiring mechanical ventilation support, with lower thresholds applying for oxygen‐dependent neonates not requiring ventilation or for late anaemia (Hb <70–100 g/l, depending on gestational and post‐natal age). There is no recent high quality evidence to inform thresholds for prophylactic platelet transfusions in stable non‐bleeding premature neonates with platelet count levels of 50 × 109/l, although common practice has become more restrictive, using lower safe thresholds for platelet transfusion between 20 and 30 × 109/l. A more appropriate transfusion strategy for fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in neonates is one that emphasizes the therapeutic use of FFP in the face of bleeding, rather than prophylactic use in stable non‐bleeding neonates who often have mild to moderate apparent abnormalities of standard coagulation tests, after allowing for appropriate reference ranges.
Circulating phenotypic B-1 cells are decreased in common variable immunodeficiency and correlate with immunoglobulin M levels
Authors: Kraljevic K , Wong S , Fulcher D A 
Published: October 2012

Summary
B-1 cells are innate-like lymphocytes characterized by spontaneous production of ‘natural’ polyspecific antibodies, often of self-specificity, and thought to be responsible for tissue homeostasis, mucosal protection, maintaining resting serum immunoglobulin (Ig)M levels and for early immunoglobulin production following infection. Although defined most clearly in mice, a human B-1 cell counterpart, defined by the phenotype CD19 or 20+CD27+CD43+CD69 or 70–, has been proposed recently, facilitating a study of their role in human humoral immunodeficiencies, such as common variable immunodeficiency (CVID). This study examined circulating B-1 cells in 27 CVID patients in comparison to age-matched controls (n = 28). Phenotypic putative B-1 cell proportions varied widely, but there was an overall 60–70% decrease in CVID (0·039 ± 0·033% of lymphocytes, mean ± standard deviation) compared with controls (0·110 ± 0·159% of lymphocytes, P = 0·0012). This decrease was, however, explained largely by concomitant loss of total CD27+ memory B cells characteristic of CVID, although those with higher memory B cell proportions appeared to show a true decrease. No age-related effects were apparent in B-1 cell proportions. However, among CVID patients, there was a strong positive correlation between the B-1 cell proportion and serum IgM levels, a relationship that was not evident for IgA, nor was there a relationship between memory B cell proportions and serum IgM. Patients with CVID have fewer circulating putative phenotypic B-1 cells, which largely reflected the overall decrease in memory B cells. However, B-1 cell proportions correlated with resting serum IgM levels, suggesting a possible role in IgM deficiency in CVID.
Attenuation of islet-specific T cell responses is associated with C-peptide improvement in autoimmune type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Brooks-Worrell B M , Palmer J P 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThe clinical efficacy of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) agonists in cell-mediated autoimmune diseases results from down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and autoimmune effector cells. T cell islet autoimmunity has been demonstrated to be common in patients with phenotypic type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and islet-specific T cells (T+) to be correlated positively with more severe beta cell dysfunction. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of the PPAR-γ agonist, rosiglitazone, therapy in autoimmune T2DM patients is due, in part, to the immunosuppressive properties on the islet-specific T cell responses. Twenty-six phenotypic T2DM patients positive for T cell islet autoimmunity (T+) were identified and randomized to rosiglitazone (n = 12) or glyburide (n = 14). Beta cell function, islet-specific T cell responses, interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-γ responses and islet autoantibodies were followed for 36 months. Patients treated with rosiglitazone demonstrated significant (P &lt; 0·03) down-regulation of islet-specific T cell responses, although no change in response to tetanus, a significant decrease (P &lt; 0·05) in IFN-γ production and significantly (P &lt; 0·001) increased levels of adiponectin compared to glyburide-treated patients. Glucagon-stimulated beta cell function was observed to improve significantly (P &lt; 0·05) in the rosiglitazone-treated T2DM patients coinciding with the down-regulation of the islet-specific T cell responses. In contrast, beta cell function in the glyburide-treated T2DM patients was observed to drop progressively throughout the study. Our results suggest that down-regulation of islet-specific T cell autoimmunity through anti-inflammatory therapy may help to improve beta cell function in autoimmune phenotypic T2DM patients.
Influence of the vitamin D plasma level and vitamin D-related genetic polymorphisms on the immune status of patients with type 1 diabetes: a pilot study
Authors: Rose K , Penna-Martinez M , Klahold E , Kärger D , Shoghi F , Kahles H , Bayer M , Hintermann E , Pfeilschifter J M , Badenhoop K , Ramos-Lopez E , Christen U 
Published: October 2012

Summary
Vitamin D (VD) has been implicated in type 1 diabetes (T1D) by genetic and epidemiological studies. Individuals living in regions with low sunlight exposure have an increased T1D risk and VD supplementation reduced the risk in human individuals and mouse models. One possibility of how VD influences the pathogenesis of T1D is its immunomodulatory effect on dendritic cells (DC), which then preferentially activate regulatory T cells (Tregs). In the present pilot study, we collected blood samples from a small cohort of patients with T1D at baseline and months 6 and 12. VD-deficient patients were advised to supplement with 1000 IU/day VD. We found a considerable variation in the VD plasma level at baseline and follow-up. However, with higher VD plasma levels, a lower frequency of interleukin (IL)-4-producing CD8 T cells was observed. We further performed a comprehensive genotyping of 13 VD-related polymorphisms and found an association between VD plasma level and the genotype of the VD binding protein (DBP). The frequency of DC and T cell subsets was variable in patients of all subgroups and in individual patients over time. Nevertheless, we found some significant associations, including the 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 hydroxylase (CYP27B1) genotype with the frequency of DC subtypes. In summary, our preliminary results indicate only a limited influence of the VD plasma level on the immune balance in patients with T1D. Nevertheless, our pilot study provides a basis for a follow-up study with a larger cohort of patients.
Maintenance of perioperative antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy for vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Ryan Andrea , Saad Tahira , Kirwan Caitriona , Keegan David J , Acheson Robert W 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to prospectively assess the risk of bleeding from vitreoretinal surgery in a continuous unbiased cohort of patients taking unsuspended antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy.DesignProspective hospital‐based study.ParticipantsEighty‐five patients taking unsuspended aspirin, clopidogrel and/or warfarin therapy undergoing all forms of vitreoretinal surgery at The Mater Misericordiae University and The Mater Private Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.MethodsConsecutive patients undergoing vitreoretinal surgery taking unsuspended antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy over a 1‐year period were included in this prospective study to evaluate the intraoperative and postoperative bleeding complications.Main Outcome MeasuresThe intraoperative and postoperative bleeding rates.ResultsOne hundred and seven vitreoretinal procedures were performed on 85 patients taking unsuspended antiplatelet or anticoagulant therapy. The intraoperative bleeding rate was 23%, the majority of which consisted of mild bleeding into the vitreous cavity during vitrectomy. The postoperative bleeding rate was 22%, consisting of 3.7% anterior chamber haemorrhage, 11% dispersed vitreous cavity haemorrhage, 4.7% dense vitreous cavity haemorrhage, 0.9% subretinal haemorrhage and 1.9% localized choroidal haemorrhage. The single greatest significant independent predictor of intraoperative bleeding was proliferative diabetic retinopathy and of postoperative bleeding was the presence of diabetes mellitus.ConclusionsThere were no cases of uncontrolled intraoperative haemorrhage or serious postoperative choroidal haemorrhage. Mild haemorrhagic oozing during vitrectomy and dispersed vitreous cavity haemorrhage postoperatively were common. For the majority of patients taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant medication, these agents can be safely continued in the vitreoretinal surgical perioperative period.
Spreading Activation in an Attractor Network With Latching Dynamics: Automatic Semantic Priming Revisited
Authors: Lerner Itamar , Bentin Shlomo , Shriki Oren 
Published: October 2012

AbstractLocalist models of spreading activation (SA) and models assuming distributed representations offer very different takes on semantic priming, a widely investigated paradigm in word recognition and semantic memory research. In this study, we implemented SA in an attractor neural network model with distributed representations and created a unified framework for the two approaches. Our models assume a synaptic depression mechanism leading to autonomous transitions between encoded memory patterns (latching dynamics), which account for the major characteristics of automatic semantic priming in humans. Using computer simulations, we demonstrated how findings that challenged attractor‐based networks in the past, such as mediated and asymmetric priming, are a natural consequence of our present model’s dynamics. Puzzling results regarding backward priming were also given a straightforward explanation. In addition, the current model addresses some of the differences between semantic and associative relatedness and explains how these differences interact with stimulus onset asynchrony in priming experiments.
Effect of 2 days of intensive resistance training on appetite‐related hormone and anabolic hormone responses
Authors: Goto Kazushige , Shioda Kohei , Uchida Sunao 
Published: October 2012

SummaryThis study was designed to determine endocrine responses during 2 days of strenuous resistance training. Ten healthy men performed resistance training twice a day for two successive days to induce acute fatigue (excessive physical stress). The resistance training consisted of four exercises for the lower body in the morning and seven exercises for the upper body in the afternoon. Maximal isometric and isokinetic strengths were measured from day 1 (before the training period) to day 3 (after the training period). Fasting blood samples were taken on days 1–3. Maximal isometric and isokinetic strengths significantly decreased with two successive days of training (P<0·05), with significant increases in serum creatine phosphokinase and myoglobin concentrations (P<0·05). Significant reductions in the fasting concentrations of serum insulin‐like growth factor‐1, free testosterone, insulin and high‐molecular‐weight adiponectin were observed on day 3 (P<0·05), whereas there were no changes in the serum cortisol concentration or the free testosterone/cortisol ratio. Plasma active ghrelin and serum leptin concentrations decreased by −20·7 ± 2·8% and −29·6 ± 4·1%, respectively (P<0·05). Two days strenuous resistance training significantly affects the profiles of anabolic hormone and endocrine regulators of appetite and energy balance, such as ghrelin and leptin. The present findings suggest that decreased ghrelin and leptin concentrations might reflect excessive physical stress and may be early signs of accumulated fatigue.