bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of Shiga Toxin Receptor CD77/Gb3 and Interleukin‐1β Expression in the Brain of EHEC Patients with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and Neurologic Symptoms
Authors: Hagel Christian , Krasemann Susanne , Löffler Judith , Püschel Klaus , Magnus Tim , Glatzel Markus 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn 2011, a large outbreak of Shiga toxin‐producing enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) infections occurred in northern Germany, which mainly affected adults. Out of 3842 patients, 104 experienced a complicated course comprising hemolytic uremic syndrome and neurological complications, including cognitive impairment, aphasia, seizures and coma. T2 hyperintensities on magnet resonance imaging (MRI) bilateral in the thalami and in the dorsal pons were found suggestive of a metabolic toxic effect. Five of the 104 patients died because of toxic heart failure. In the present study, the post‐mortem neuropathological findings of the five EHEC patients are described. Histological investigation of 13 brain regions (frontal, temporal, occipital cortex, corpora mammillaria, thalamus, frontal operculum, corona radiata, gyrus angularis, pons, medulla oblongata, cerebellar vermis and cerebellar hemisphere) showed no thrombosis, ischemic changes or fresh infarctions. Further, no changes were found in electron microscopy. In comparison with five age‐matched controls, slightly increased activation of microglia and a higher neuronal expression of interleukin‐1β and of Shiga toxin receptor CD77/globotriaosylceramide 3 was observed. The findings were confirmed by Western blot analyses. It is suggested that CD77/globotriaosylceramide upregulation may be a consequence to Shiga toxin exposure, whereas increased interleukin‐1β expression may point to activation of inflammatory cascades.
A 9‐Year Prospective Case Series Using Multivariate Analyses to Identify Predictors of Early and Late Peri‐Implant Bone Loss
Authors: Vervaeke Stijn , Collaert Bruno , Cosyn Jan , De Bruyn Hugo 
Published: July 2014

AbstractPurposeThe study aims to identify predictors of early and late peri‐implant bone loss following complete implant‐supported rehabilitation using multivariate analyses.Materials and MethodsFifty patients (28 women, 22 men; mean age 58, range 35–76) in need of a complete implant‐supported rehabilitation on five to eight implants were consecutively treated. Patients were reinvited for a clinical and radiographic examination after an average 9 years of function. Implant survival and peri‐implant bone loss were considered the dependent variables. Multivariate analyses were adopted to identify predictors of early and late peri‐implant bone loss.ResultsIn total, 39 patients were examinated. Two implants failed after 4 years of function, resulting in an overall survival rate of 99.2%. After a mean follow‐up of 9 years, mean bone loss of 1.68 mm (SD 2.08, range −1.05 to 10.95) was found. The abutment height was a significant predictor of early peri‐implant bone loss (1 year) (p = .024), whereas smoking (p = .046) and history of periodontitis (p = .046) affected late peri‐implant bone loss.ConclusionWithin the limits of this study, it can be concluded that initial bone remodeling was affected by soft tissue thickness as reflected by the height of the abutment, whereas smoking and history of periodontitis affected long‐term peri‐implant bone stability.
Disease‐Modifying Effects of RHC80267 and JZL184 in a Pilocarpine Mouse Model of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Ma Lei , Wang Li , Yang Feng , Meng Xian‐Dong , Wu Chen , Ma Hui , Jiang Wen 
Published: July 2014

SummaryIntroductionPatients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) often suffer from comorbid psychiatric diagnoses such as depression, anxiety, or impaired cognitive performance. Endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling is a key regulator of synaptic neurotransmission and has been implicated in the mechanisms of epilepsy as well as several mood disorders and cognitive impairments.AimsWe employed a pilocarpine model of TLE in C57/BJ mice to investigate the role of eCB signaling in epileptogenesis and concomitant psychiatric comorbidities.Methods and ResultsWe sought to alter the neuronal levels of a known eCB receptor ligand, 2‐arachidonylglycerol (2‐AG), through the use of RHC80267 or JZL184. Pilocarpine‐treated mice were treated with RHC80267 (1.3 μmol) or JZL184 (20 mg/kg) immediately after the termination of status epilepticus (SE), which was followed by daily treatment for the next 7 days. Our results indicated that RHC80267 treatment significantly reduced the percentage of mice suffering from spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) in addition to decreasing the duration of observed seizures when compared to vehicle treatment. Furthermore, RHC80267 attenuated depression and anxiety‐related behaviors, improved previously impaired spatial learning and memory, and inhibited seizure‐induced hippocampal neuronal loss during the chronic epileptic period. In contrast, JZL184 administration markedly increased the frequency and the duration of observed SRS, enhanced the previously impaired neuropsychological performance, and increased hippocampal damage following SE.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that RHC80267 treatment after the onset of SE could result in an amelioration of the effects found during the chronic epileptic period and yield an overall decrease in epileptic symptoms and comorbid conditions. Thus, alterations to endocannabinoid signaling may serve as a potential mechanism to prevent epileptogenesis and manipulation of this signaling pathway as a possible drug target.
Hepatocyte Growth Factor Promotes Long‐Term Survival and Axonal Regeneration of Retinal Ganglion Cells after Optic Nerve Injury: Comparison with CNTF and BDNF
Authors: Wong Wai‐Kai , Cheung Anny Wan‐Suen , Yu Sau‐Wai , Sha Ou , Cho Eric Yu Pang 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAimsDifferent trophic factors are known to promote retinal ganglion cell survival and regeneration, but each had their own limitations. We report that hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) confers distinct advantages in supporting ganglion cell survival and axonal regeneration, when compared to two well‐established trophic factors ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).MethodsGanglion cells in adult hamster were injured by cutting the optic nerve. HGF, CNTF, or BDNF was injected at different dosages intravitreally after injury. Ganglion cell survival was quantified at 7, 14, or 28 days postinjury. Peripheral nerve (PN) grafting to the cut optic nerve of the growth factor–injected eye was performed either immediately after injury or delayed until 7 days post‐injury. Expression of heat‐shock protein 27 and changes in microglia numbers were quantified in different growth factor groups. The cellular distribution of c‐Met in the retina was examined by anti‐c‐Met immunostaining.ResultsHepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) was equally potent as BDNF in promoting short‐term survival (up to 14 days post‐injury) and also supported survival at 28 days post‐injury when ganglion cells treated by CNTF or BDNF failed to be sustained. When grafting was performed without delay, HGF stimulated twice the number of axons to regenerate compared with control but was less potent than CNTF. However, in PN grafting delayed for 7 days after optic nerve injury, HGF maintained a better propensity of ganglion cells to regenerate than CNTF. Unlike CNTF, HGF application did not increase HSP27 expression in ganglion cells. Microglia proliferation was prolonged in HGF‐treated retinas compared with CNTF or BDNF. C‐Met was localized to both ganglion cells and Muller cells, suggesting HGF could be neuroprotective via interacting with both neurons and glia.ConclusionCompared with CNTF or BDNF, HGF is advantageous in sustaining long‐term ganglion cell survival and their propensity to respond to favorable stimuli.
A case of pulmonary sarcoidosis with endobronchial nodules
Authors: Ji Xiao‐Qing , Wang Li‐Xia , Lu De‐Gan 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSarcoidosis is a multisystemic disorder of unknown cause that is characterized pathologically by noncaseating granulomas and predominantly affects the lungs and the lymphatic system, especially intrathoracically. Diagnosis is based on the association of a compatible clinical and radiological presentation, the presence of characteristic histopathological lesions and the exclusion of other potential causes of granuloma. Although the lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes are almost involved, endobronchial nodular lesions of sarcoidosis with lung involvements are rare. We report a case of sarcoidosis with lung involvements and endobronchial nodules as confirmed by bronchial biopsy.
Imaging findings from a case of pleural low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma similar to mesothelioma with pleural effusion
Authors: Liang Wenjie , Xu Shunliang 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLow‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma as a rare type of tumor shows no specific clinical symptoms and is mainly treated via total or partial surgical resection. We present a 40‐year‐old woman accompanied with respiratory symptoms. The chest contrast‐enhanced computed tomography scan revealed pleural lesions mimicking pleural mesothelioma. Further chest contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a cystic solid mass in the right cavity. The mass was partially resected. Pathological examination revealed pleural low‐grade fibromyxoid sarcoma. We report the imaging manifestations of this case. Contrast‐enhanced MRI examination is a necessary step for those cystic solid masses that occur in the pleura.
Critical role of RIG‐I‐like receptors in inflammation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Zhang Qiurui , Wan Huanying , Huang Shaoguang , Zhang Yan , Wang Yanchun , Guo Xiaokui , He Ping , Zhou Min 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroductionViral infection is a significant cause of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and acute exacerbation of COPD. Retinoic acid inducible gene I (RIG‐I)‐like receptors (RLRs), including RIG‐I and melanoma differentiation associated gene 5 (MDA‐5), are important pattern recognition receptors for viral elimination.ObjectiveThe study aims to investigate the role of RIG‐I and MDA‐5 in COPD pathogenesis.MethodsWe examined the expression of RIG‐I and MDA‐5 by immunohistochemistry, real‐time PCR and Western blots in COPD patients and control subjects.ResultsOur results showed that MDA‐5 expression was upregulated in lung tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cells of COPD patients and there was a negative correlation between MDA‐5 mRNA levels and forced expiratory volume in 1 s %pred. COPD patients had higher interleukin (IL)‐1 and IL‐8 mRNA expression levels, and these inflammatory cytokines positively correlate with MDA‐5 levels. However, there was no difference in the expression of RIG‐I between COPD patients and control subjects.ConclusionOur results suggested that MDA‐5, but not RIG‐I, may play a critical role in airway inflammation in COPD.
The clinical significance of hematologic parameters in patients with sarcoidosis
Authors: Dirican Nigar , Anar Ceyda , Kaya Sule , Bircan Haci Ahmet , Colar Huseyin Halil , Cakir Munire 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundSarcoidosis is a multisystemic inflammatory granulomatous disease of unknown etiology. No suitable biomarkers are available to evaluate the prognosis of this disease, which still has an unpredictable clinical course. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of hematologic markers.Materials and MethodsWe investigated 172 subjects: 116 patients with sarcoidosis and 56 healthy individuals at Suleyman Demirel University and Dr. Suat Seren Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training Hospital. Complete blood count, demographics and pulmonary function test data from sarcoidosis patients between 2008 and 2013 were evaluated and collated retrospectively. The cut‐off values were determined by calculating the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and mean platelet volume (MPV) of the patients.ResultsThe cut‐off values were determined as 2 and 8.95 for NLR and MPV, respectively. NLRs were significantly higher in sarcoidosis patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.001) and were directly correlated with erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) levels (R = 0.183, P = 0.017). Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed a 0.83 [confidence interval (CI) 68.8%–88.4%] area under the curve, 80% sensitivity and 59% specificity at the cut‐off of NLR. Higher NLRs (≥2) were detected in patients with sarcoidosis than in the control group (P < 0.001). Also, high NLRs were more frequent in patients with extrapulmonary involvement (P = 0.031). MPV values were not different between control and patient groups.ConclusionsNLR may be a biomarker with good sensitivity that is easily detected in serum. It can be proposed in clinical practice to identify a patient's prognosis. However, large prospective studies are required to further demonstrate the prognostic significance of these values.
Red cell distribution width is increased in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Wang Wang , Liu Jie , Yang Yuan‐hua , Zhai Zhen‐guo , Wang Chen , Wang Jun 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIntroductionChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) is a life‐threatening condition characterized by single or recurrent pulmonary embolisms, which promotes pulmonary vascular remodeling. There is significant relationship between red cell distribution width (RDW) and pulmonary hypertension; however, the usefulness of RDW as biomarker for the diagnosis of CTEPH remains poorly defined.ObjectiveThis study sought to assess the change and the diagnostic value of RDW in CTEPH.MethodsThis retrospective study included 56 CTEPH patients and 56 sex‐ and age‐matched healthy controls treated at Beijing Chao‐Yang Hospital. Correlations between RDW and hematological and hemodynamic parameters were assessed. A logistic regression model was applied to test independent parameters in relation to the diagnosis of CTEPH, and receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted to determine the diagnostic value of RDW in CTEPH.ResultsRDW values were significantly higher in CTEPH patients (13.82% ± 1.14%) compared with healthy controls (12.75% ± 0.49%) and in World Health Organization (WHO), functional class III–IV cases (14.39% ± 1.24%) compared with class I–II cases (13.32% ± 0.78%) (both P = 0.000). RDW levels in CTEPH patients showed negative correlations with hemoglobin (r = −0.357, P = 0.007) and cardiac index (r = −0.288, P = 0.031), and positive correlations with pulmonary vascular resistance (r = 0.292, P = 0.029) and WHO functional class (r = 0.450, P = 0.001). Moreover, RDW was an independent parameter in the diagnosis of CTEPH (95% confidence interval: 2.866–13.698, P = 0.000); in particular, an RDW level ≥ 13.05% was the most useful cut‐off value, with a sensitivity of 82.1% and a specificity of 71.4%.ConclusionIncreased RDW level may be an acceptable diagnostic parameter for CTEPH.
Recognition memory is associated with altered resting‐state functional connectivity in people at genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Matura Silke , Prvulovic David , Butz Marius , Hartmann Daniel , Sepanski Beate , Linnemann Katja , Oertel‐Knöchel Viola , Karakaya Tarik , Fußer Fabian , Pantel Johannes , van de Ven Vincent 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) allele not only represents the strongest single genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease, but also imposes independent effects on brain function in healthy individuals where it has been shown to promote subtle memory deficits and altered intrinsic functional brain network connectivity. Based on previous work showing a potential relevance of the default mode network (DMN) functional connectivity for episodic memory function, we hypothesized that the ApoE ε4 genotype would affect memory performance via modulation of the DMN. We assessed 63 healthy individuals (50–80 years old), of which 20 carried the ε4 allele. All participants underwent resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), high‐resolution 3D anatomical MRI imaging and neuropsychological assessment. Functional connectivity analysis of resting‐state activity was performed with a predefined seed region located in the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), a core region of the DMN. ApoE ε4 carriers performed significantly poorer than non‐carriers in wordlist recognition and cued recall. Furthermore, ε4 carriers showed increased connectivity relative to ε4 non‐carriers between the PCC seed region and left‐hemispheric middle temporal gyrus (MTG). There was a positive correlation between recognition memory scores and resting‐state connectivity in the left MTG in ε4 carriers. These results can be interpreted as compensatory mechanisms strengthening the cross‐links between DMN core areas and cortical areas involved in memory processing.
Dissociation of part‐based and integrated neural responses to faces by means of electroencephalographic frequency tagging
Authors: Boremanse Adriano , Norcia Anthony M. , Rossion Bruno 
Published: July 2014

AbstractIn order to isolate the repetition suppression effects for each part of a whole‐face stimulus, the left and right halves of face stimuli were flickered at different frequency rates (5.88 or 7.14 Hz), changing or not changing identity at every stimulation cycle. The human electrophysiological (electroencephalographic) responses to each face half increased in amplitude when different rather than repeated face half identities were presented at every stimulation cycle. Contrary to the repetition suppression effects for whole faces, which are usually found over the right occipito‐temporal cortex, these part‐based repetition suppression effects were found on all posterior electrode sites and were unchanged when the two face halves were manipulated by separation, lateral misalignment, or inversion. In contrast, intermodulation components (e.g. 7.14–5.88 = 1.26 Hz) were found mainly over the right occipito‐temporal cortex and were significantly reduced following the aforementioned manipulations. In addition, the intermodulation components decreased substantially for face halves belonging to different identities, which form a less coherent face than when they belong to the same face identity. These observations provide objective evidence for dissociation between part‐based and integrated (i.e. holistic/configural) responses to faces in the human brain, suggesting that only responses to integrated face parts reflect high‐level, possibly face‐specific, representations.
No impact of current therapeutic strategies on disease reactivation after natalizumab discontinuation: a comparative analysis of different approaches during the first year of natalizumab discontinuation
Authors: Capobianco M. , di Sapio A. , Malentacchi M. , Malucchi S. , Matta M. , Sperli F. , Bertolotto A. 
Published: July 2014

Background and purposeNatalizumab discontinuation induces the recurrence of multiple sclerosis disease activity: currently no therapeutic approach has been found able to abolish disease reactivation.MethodsThe recurrence of disease activity after natalizumab discontinuation was retrospectively evaluated in 79 patients who had been treated with immunomodulating agents, other first‐line therapies, fingolimod or not treated.ResultsNo differences have been found in clinical or magnetic resonance imaging recurrence of disease activity amongst the groups. Interestingly, no disease reactivation was observed only in one patient treated for 6 months with monthly pulses of cyclophosphamide.ConclusionDisease modifying treatment or ‘no treatment’ is unable to abolish disease activity reactivation after natalizumab discontinuation.
Blood–brain barrier dysfunction can contribute to pharmacoresistance of seizures
Authors: Salar Seda , Maslarova Anna , Lippmann Kristina , Nichtweiss Julia , Weissberg Itai , Sheintuch Liron , Kunz Wolfram S. , Shorer Zamir , Friedman Alon , Heinemann Uwe 
Published: July 2014

SummaryObjectiveWe tested the hypothesis that interstitial albumin can contribute to pharmacoresistance, which is common among patients with focal epilepsies. These patients often present with an open blood–brain barrier (BBB), resulting in diffusion of drug‐binding albumin into the brain interstitial space.MethodsSeizure‐like events (SLEs) induced by 100 μm 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) were monitored using extracellular field potential recordings from acute rat entorhinal cortex–hippocampus slices. Effects of standard antiepileptic drugs (phenytoin, valproic acid, carbamazepine, and phenobarbital) were studied in the presence of albumin applied acutely or by intraventricular injection. Unbound antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were detected by ultrafiltration and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).ResultsContrary to the absence of albumin, conventional AEDs failed to suppress SLEs in the rat entorhinal cortex in the presence of albumin. This effect was partially caused by buffering of phenytoin and carbamazepine (CBZ) by albumin. Increasing CBZ concentration from 50 μm to 100 μm resulted in block of SLEs. In slices obtained from animals that were pretreated with intraventricular albumin application 24 h prior to experiment, CBZ suppressed SLEs similar to control slices. We also found that application of serum‐like electrolytes transformed SLEs into late recurrent discharges (LRDs), which were no longer responding to CBZ.SignificanceA dysfunctional BBB with acute extravasation of serum albumin into the brain's interstitial space could contribute to pharmacoresistance. In such instances, choice of an AED with low albumin binding affinity may help in seizure control.A PowerPoint slide summarizing this article is available for download in the Supporting Information section here.
Acute effects of simvastatin to terminate fast reentrant tachycardia through increasing wavelength of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia circuit
Authors: Khori Vahid , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad , Moheimani Hamid Reza , Zahedi Mahdi , Aminolsharieh Najafi Soroosh , Shakiba Delaram , Nayebpour Mohsen 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSimvastatin (SV) leads to reduction of ventricular rhythm during atrial fibrillation on rabbit atrioventricular (AV) nodes. The aim of our study was (i) to determine the frequency‐dependent effects of SV in a functional model, and (ii) to assess the effects of SV to suppress experimental AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Selective stimulation protocols were used with two different pacing protocols, His to atrial, and atrial to atrial (AA). An experimental AVNRT model with various cycle lengths was created in three groups of perfused rabbit AV nodal preparations (n = 24) including: SV 3 μm, SV 7 μm, and verapamil 0.1 μm. SV increased nodal conduction time and refractoriness by AA pacing. Different simulated models of slow/fast and fast/slow reentry were induced. SV caused inhibitory effects on the slow anterograde conduction (origin of refractoriness) more than on the fast anterograde conduction time, leading to an increase of tachycardia cycle length, tachycardia wavelength and termination of slow/fast reentrant tachyarrhythmia. Verapamil significantly suppressed the basic and frequency‐dependent intrinsic nodal properties. In addition, SV decreased the incidence of gap and echo beats. The present study showed that SV in a concentration and rate‐dependent manner increased the AV effective refractory period and reentrant tachycardia wavelength that lead to slowing or termination of experimental fast AVNRT. The direction‐dependent inhibitory effect of SV on the anterograde and retrograde dual pathways explains its specific antireentrant actions.