bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Making maxillary barbels with a proximal‐distal gradient of Wnt signals in matrix‐bound mesenchymal cells
Authors: Figueroa Francisco , Singer Susan S. , LeClair Elizabeth E. 
Published: October 2015

SUMMARYThe evolution of specific appendages is made possible by the ontogenetic deployment of general cell signaling pathways. Many fishes, amphibians and reptiles have unique skin appendages known as barbels, which are poorly understood at the cellular and molecular level. In this study, we examine the cell arrangements, cell division patterns, and gene expression profiles associated with the zebrafish maxillary barbel, or ZMB. The earliest cellular organization of the ZMB is an internal whorl of mesenchymal cells in the dermis of the maxilla; there is no epithelial placode, nor any axially‐elongated epithelial cells as expected of an apical ectodermal ridge (AER). As the ZMB develops, cells in S‐phase are at first distributed randomly throughout the appendage, gradually transitioning to a proliferative population concentrated at the distal end. By observing ZMB ontogenetic stages in a Wnt‐responsive transgenic reporter line, TCFsiam, we identified a strongly fluorescent mesenchymal cell layer within these developing appendages. Using an in vitro explant culture technique on developing barbel tissues, we co‐localized the fluorescent label in these cells with the mitotic marker EdU. Surprisingly, the labeled cells showed little proliferation, indicating a slow‐cycling subpopulation. Transmission electron microscopy of the ZMB located these cells in a single, circumferential layer within the barbel's matrix core. Morphologically, these cells resemble fibroblasts or osteoblasts; in addition to their matrix‐bound location, they are identified by their pancake‐shaped nuclei, abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum, and cytoplasmic extensions into the surrounding extracellular matrix. Taken together, these features define a novel mesenchymal cell population in zebrafish, the “TCF+ core cells.” A working model of barbel development is proposed, in which these minimally mitotic mesodermal cells produce collagenous matrix in response to ectodermally‐derived Wnt signals deployed in a proximal‐distal gradient along the appendage. This documents a novel mechanism of vertebrate appendage outgrowth. Similar genetic signals and cell behaviors may be responsible for the independent and repeated evolution of barbel structures in other fish species.
Relationship of functional disability after a recent stroke with recurrent stroke risk
Authors: Park J.‐H. , Ovbiagele B. 
Published: October 2015

Background and purposePost‐stroke disability status is primarily focused on recovery prognostication but the influence of post‐stroke disability on future vascular risk is unknown. The relationship between functional disability after an index stroke and risk of recurrent vascular events was examined.MethodsA cohort analysis of 3680 recent non‐cardioembolic, non‐to‐moderate disabled [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) ≤3] stroke patients aged ≥35 years and followed for 2 years was reviewed. The mRS measured at a median of 35 days after the index stroke was analyzed as a dichotomous variable (mRS 3 vs. ≤2) and in a stepwise manner. Independent associations of post‐stroke disability by mRS score with ischaemic stroke (primary outcome), stroke/coronary heart disease/vascular death as major vascular events (secondary outcome) and all‐cause death (tertiary outcome) were analyzed.ResultsAmongst study participants, 435 (11.8%) had an mRS of 3. Compared with mRS ≤2 as no/slight disability, mRS 3 as moderate disability was associated with a higher risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.99). Compared with mRS 0, there was a progressively higher independent risk for each of the study outcomes: stroke, mRS 1 (1.42, 0.97–2.08), mRS 2 (1.46, 0.97–2.20), mRS 3 (1.89, 1.20–2.97); major vascular events, mRS 1 (1.31, 1.01–1.70), mRS 2 (1.31, 0.99–1.74), mRS 3 (1.46, 1.06–2.01); and all‐cause death, mRS 1 (1.75, 1.03–2.98), mRS 2 (2.49, 1.44–4.31), mRS 3 (2.72, 1.43–5.19).ConclusionCompared with no/slight disability, moderate disability after a recent stroke is linked to a higher risk of recurrent stroke.
Influence of oval and circular post placement using different resin cements on push‐out bond strength and void volume analysed by micro‐CT
Authors: Uzun I. , Keleş A. , Arslan H. , Güler B. , Keskin C. , Gündüz K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the percentage volume of voids within cement layers, to determine the push‐out bond strength of circular and oval fibre posts luted with different commercial resin cements in oval cross‐sectional root canals, and to correlate push‐out bond strength values and volume of voids of circular and oval fibre posts.MethodologySeventy‐two mandibular premolars with oval‐shaped root canals were selected. The specimens were divided into two main groups according to the post type (oval and circular). Groups were further divided into three subgroups (n = 24) according to resin cement type: Maxcem Elite, Rely‐X Unicem and Duo‐Link. The volumes of voids within the cements were analysed by micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT). The bond strength was then measured using a push‐out test with an Instron universal testing machine. The failure modes were evaluated. Statistical analyses were performed using a three‐way anova, Tukey's post hoc, Pearson's correlation and chi‐square test (P = 0.05).ResultsThe push‐out bond strength values were significantly affected by root canal region, post type and cement type (P < 0.001). Root canal region, post type and cement type also significantly affected void volume (P < 0.001). There was a significant interaction between post type and cement type (P < 0.001). The most frequent failure type was adhesive failure in all the groups. There was no significant correlation between the push‐out bond strength and void volume (P > 0.05).ConclusionsVoid volume did not affect push‐out bond strength of oval and circular posts luted in oval canals.
Vesiculobullous and hemorrhagic erythema migrans: uncommon variants of a common disease
Authors: Paul Suchismita , Song Philip I. , Ogbechie Oluwatobi A. , Sugai Daniel Y. , Morley Keith W. , Schalock Peter C. , Kroshinsky Daniela 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of Lyme disease relies on the accurate diagnosis of erythema chronicum migrans (ECM) because serologic tests, culture, and polymerase chain reactions are often inaccurate. Although ECM is classically associated with a targetoid rash, there are many variants of this lesion. These variants of ECM are often initially diagnosed as cellulitis or spider bite reactions and treated with oral antibiotics. Inappropriate treatment further delays the diagnosis of Lyme disease, leading to late complications.MethodsWe present four cases of vesiculobullous and hemorrhagic ECM, a less common variant of ECM.ResultsAll four patients had a history of exposure to wooded areas in Massachusetts during the summer months. In these patients, ECM presented with central vesicles and bullae with hemorrhage, crusting, and in some cases necrosis. Serologic testing was positive in three of the four cases at presentation. In one case, microscopic examination of a skin biopsy showed epidermal spongiosis with parakeratosis, focal necrosis, papillary dermal edema, erythrocyte extravasation, and a superficial and deep perivascular lymphocytic infiltrate with neutrophils and eosinophils of the dermis. No fungal organisms or bacteria were identified. All four patients were treated with doxycycline with complete resolution of symptoms.ConclusionsIt is important to recognize the vesiculobullous and hemorrhagic variants of ECM in order to minimize the provision of inappropriate antibiotic treatment for other diagnoses. Early diagnosis of ECM and the initiation of appropriate antibiotics may prevent late complications of Lyme disease.
microRNA level is raised in the hair shafts of patients with dematomyositis in comparison with normal subjects and patients with scleroderma
Authors: Inoue Minami , Jinnin Masatoshi , Wang Zhongzhi , Nakamura Kayo , Inoue Kuniko , Ichihara Asako , Moriya Chikako , Sakai Keisuke , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of dermatomyositis is sometimes difficult. We tried to evaluate the possibility that levels of Homo sapiens microRNA‐214 (hsa‐miR‐214) in hair roots or hair shafts can be a useful marker of the disease.MethodsA single hair root and five pieces of hair shafts were obtained from nine patients with dermatomyositis, 15 normal subjects, and 18 patients with scleroderma before treatment. RNAs were purified from the hair roots and hair shafts using commercially available kits. cDNA was synthesized from the RNA, and miR‐214 levels were measured with quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of hair microRNA levels.ResultsThe levels of miR‐214 in hair shafts of patients with dermatomyositis were significantly higher than those of normal subjects and patients with scleroderma. By receiver operator curve analysis of hair shaft miR‐214 levels to distinguish patients with dermatomyositis from normal subjects, the area under the curve was 0.90. The duration between symptom onset and the first visit to the hospital was significantly shorter in patients with elevated hair shafts miR‐214 levels, suggesting that they have more severe subjective symptoms. On the other hand, we could not find significant differences in hair root miR‐214 levels among normal subjects and patients with dermatomyositis and scleroderma.ConclusionsHair shaft miR‐214 levels are useful for diagnosis and evaluating the disease severity of dermatomyositis. Hair microRNA levels may have potential to be a novel and less invasive biomarker.
Association of clinical properties and compatibility of the QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test with the tuberculin skin test in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Karataş Toğral Arzu , Muştu Koryürek Özgül , Şahin Muzaffer , Bulut Cemal , Yağci Server , Ekşioğlu Hatice Meral 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with psoriasis show conflicting responses to the tuberculin skin test (TST), a commonly used screening test for latent tuberculosis infection. An alternative to TST is QuantiFERON‐TB Gold In‐Tube test (QFT‐GIT), an in vitro interferon‐gamma release assay. This study aimed to determine the effect of the clinical properties of psoriasis (disease severity and koebnerization status) on TST results and the agreement between the TST and QFT‐GIT results in psoriatic patients.MethodsOne hundred patients with mild to severe psoriasis were enrolled in this prospective cross‐sectional study. Psoriasis properties, including disease severity (psoriasis area and severity index score and koebnerization status), latent tuberculosis infection risk factors, and bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination history, were recorded. All patients underwent a TST and QFT‐GIT. TST positivity cut‐off point was ≥10 mm for bacillus Calmette–Guérin‐vaccinated patients and ≥5 mm for non‐vaccinated patients.ResultsPsoriasis area and severity index scores and koebnerization status did not correlate with TST diameters. Only one of the 23 koebnerization‐positive patients developed koebnerization in response to TST. QFT‐GIT positivity was prominently higher in the TST‐positive group, and this was the only factor that differed between the TST‐positive and TST‐negative groups (P < 0.001).ConclusionTuberculin skin test results were not affected by psoriasis severity or koebnerization status. QFT‐GIT positivity was prominently higher in the TST‐positive group (P < 0.001). Overall agreement between TST and QFT‐GIT results was moderate (κ = 0.413). Concurrent negativity (44%) was higher than concurrent positivity (27%).
RNA polymerase III autoantibodies may indicate renal and more severe skin involvement in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Terras Sarah , Hartenstein Hans , Höxtermann Stefan , Gambichler Thilo , Kreuter Alexander 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multiorgan autoimmune disorder characterized by sclerosis of the skin and organs as well as the presence of antinuclear autoantibodies. Several types of antinuclear autoantibodies have been described in SSc, associated with distinct disease entities and differences in prognosis.MethodsThe aim of this study was to screen for the presence of antibodies reacting with RNA polymerase III (anti‐RNAP3) in a large cohort of patients with SSc treated at a tertiary referral center and to evaluate correlations with disease severity.ResultsAnti‐RNAP3 antibodies were detected in 11 of 158 patients (7.0%). Eight of the 11 (72.7%) anti‐RNAP3‐positive patients had diffuse cutaneous SSc (P < 0.01). A higher modified Rodnan skin score, associated with diffuse SSc, correlated with the presence of anti‐RNAP3 (P < 0.0001). The detection of anti‐RNAP3 antibodies strongly correlated with the presence of renal involvement (P < 0.0001). The odds ratio of RNAP3‐positive patients to develop renal involvement was 80.1 (95% CI 9.3–690.1).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the detection of anti‐RNAP3 antibodies in patients with SSc correlates with renal crisis and severe cutaneous involvement. The possibility to detect specific antibodies with a prognostic value can lead to a better risk management of patients with SSc.
Kaposi varicelliform eruption in patients with autoimmune bullous dermatoses
Authors: Lehman Julia S. , el‐Azhary Rokea A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundViral superinfection of skin affected by preceding dermatosis has been studied extensively in eczema and reported anecdotally in pemphigus. Little is known about its involvement and complications in patients with other immunobullous diseases.MethodsTo investigate clinical features and complications of viral superinfection in patients with immunobullous diseases, we performed a retrospective chart review.ResultsWe identified 12 patients with immunobullous diseases (linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis, n = 2; pemphigoid, n = 3; pemphigus, n = 7) and superinfection by herpes simplex virus 1 (n = 9) or 2 (n = 3). Complications included inpatient hospitalization for intensive management of skin lesions during viral flare (n = 6), herpes keratitis (n = 1), and death due to sepsis (n = 1). Five patients previously had a skin swab negative for herpes simplex virus polymerase chain reaction before a positive test. Nine patients were taking systemic corticosteroids or corticosteroid‐sparing agents at herpetic infection; two with linear immunoglobulin A bullous dermatosis and one with a new diagnosis of pemphigus vulgaris had not.ConclusionsViral superinfection is a potentially serious complication in patients with immunobullous diseases. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for this phenomenon, even when patients are not otherwise immunosuppressed or when previous viral skin assays have been negative.
Expanded Strain‐Specific RT‐PCR Assay for Differential Detection of Currently Known Citrus Tristeza Virus Strains: a Useful Screening Tool
Authors: Cook Glynnis , van Vuuren Stephanus P. , Breytenbach Johannes H. J. , Burger Johan T. , Maree Hans J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractGenotypic characterization of Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) strains has progressed significantly, but their phenotypic expression is poorly established as CTV naturally occurs as mixed‐strain populations. A screening system for the analysis of mixed‐strain populations is required for population studies and the correlation with symptom expression. In this study, a published CTV strain‐specific detection assay was expanded and improved to facilitate detection of currently known CTV strains. Supplementary RT‐PCR assays were developed for two variant groups of the RB strain and the HA16‐5 strain, and assays for the T36 strain and generic CTV detection were improved. The value of the strain‐specific assays was shown by the ability to identify the strain components of two CTV cross‐protecting sources, GFMS35 and LMS6, used in the South African budwood certification scheme and to demonstrate the segregation of strains in budwood source trees.
Sixteen years later: Occurrence, group size, and habitat use of humpback dolphins (Sousa plumbea) in Algoa Bay, South Africa
Authors: Koper Renée P. , Karczmarski Leszek , du Preez Derek , Plön Stephanie 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCoastal dolphins are more prone to cumulative impacts of environmental and anthropogenic changes than pelagic species. However, few studies use historical comparisons to evaluate those impacts across a temporal scale. The study presented here describes the pattern of occurrence, group size, behavior, and habitat use of humpback dolphins in Algoa Bay and compares these to a similar study conducted in the early 1990s. Results indicate a considerable change in the frequency of occurrence. Furthermore, the mean group size has decreased from six to three individuals, mainly due to an increase in occurrence of solitary individuals (36.3% vs. 15.4%). Foraging, which was previously the predominant activity (64%), has now been replaced by traveling (49%). Moreover, dolphins showed a negative reaction towards a variety of watercrafts and swimmers. These observed differences could be due to a change in prey abundance, direct anthropogenic disturbance, and/or population decline. We emphasize the need for long‐term environmental and biological data series and long‐term monitoring of the demographics of this population to accurately assess any changes observed in future.
Optimal support techniques when providing mechanical ventilation to patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Parissopoulos Stelios , Mpouzika Meropi DA , Timmins Fiona 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTBackgroundAdult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a type of acute diffuse lung injury characterized by severe inflammation, increased pulmonary vascular permeability and a loss of aerated lung tissue. The effects of high fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) include oxygen toxicity manifested by damage to the lung parenchyma in the acute phase of lung injury. There is still a high mortality rate among this group of patients, so clinically sensitive evidence‐based interventions are paramount to maximize survival chances during critical care.Aims and objectivesThe aim of this article is to explore the current opinion concerning optimal mechanical ventilation support techniques for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.Search strategy, inclusion and exclusion criteriaA literature search of clinical trials and observation studies, reviews, discussion papers, meta‐analyses and clinical guidelines written in English up to 2015, derived from the databases of Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library databases and PubMed was conducted.ConclusionsLow tidal volume, pressure limitation and prone positioning in severe ARDS patients appear to be of some benefit. More research is required and further development and use of standardized protocols is an important strategy for reducing practice variations across disciplines, as well as giving clear guidelines to nurses practising in critical care. There is also evidence that this syndrome is under‐diagnosed and the utilization of lung protective ventilation is still variable.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is important that nurses have underlying knowledge of both aetiology of ARDS and ventilation management, and that they monitor patients very closely. The adoption of a low tidal ventilation protocol, which is based on quality evidence guidelines, the value of rescue therapies and patient observation practices in the overall patient management, and the need to place emphasis on long‐term patient outcomes, all these emerge as key factors for consideration and future research. However, there is also a need for more research that would explore the unique contribution of nurses in the management of this patient group, as it is difficult to discern this in the current literature.
Differences in the accommodation stimulus response curves of adult myopes and emmetropes: a summary and update
Authors: Schmid Katrina L , Strang Niall C 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPurposeTo provide a summary of the classic paper “Differences in the accommodation stimulus response curves of adult myopes and emmetropes” published in Ophthalmic and Physiological Optics in 1998 and to provide an update on the topic of accommodation errors in myopia.SummaryThe accommodation responses of 33 participants (10 emmetropes, 11 early onset myopes and 12 late onset myopes) aged 18–31 years were measured using the Canon Autoref R‐1 free space autorefractor using three methods to vary the accommodation demand: decreasing distance (4 m to 0.25 cm), negative lenses (0 to −4 D at 4 m) and positive lenses (+4 to 0 D at 0.25 m). We observed that the greatest accommodation errors occurred for the negative lens method whereas minimal errors were observed using positive lenses. Adult progressing myopes had greater lags of accommodation than stable myopes at higher demands induced by negative lenses. Progressing myopes had shallower response gradients than the emmetropes and stable myopes; however the reduced gradient was much less than that observed in children using similar methods.Recent FindingsThis paper has been often cited as evidence that accommodation responses at near may be primarily reduced in adults with progressing myopia and not in stable myopes and/or that challenging accommodation stimuli (negative lenses with monocular viewing) are required to generate larger accommodation errors. As an analogy, animals reared with hyperopic errors develop axial elongation and myopia. Retinal defocus signals are presumably passed to the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid and then ultimately the sclera to modify eye length. A number of lens treatments that act to slow myopia progression may partially work through reducing accommodation errors.
Anxiety, depression and autonomy–connectedness: The mediating role of alexithymia and assertiveness
Authors: Rutten Elisabeth A. P. , Bachrach Nathan , van Balkom Anton J. L. M. , Braeken Johan , Ouwens Machteld A. , Bekker Marrie H. J. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectiveAutonomy–connectedness (self‐awareness, sensitivity to others, and capacity for managing new situations) reflects the capacity for self‐governance, including in social relationships. Evidence showed that autonomy–connectedness is related to anxiety and depression. Little is known about the underlying mechanisms. We hypothesized that alexithymia and assertiveness would mediate the relationships between autonomy–connectedness and anxiety and depression.MethodRelationships among the variables were investigated in 100 patients with a mean age of 42.2 suffering from anxiety and/or depression using a cross‐sectional design.ResultsThe relationship between self‐awareness and both anxiety and depression was mediated by alexithymia. For anxiety, there was also a direct effect of sensitivity to others that was not explained by either alexithymia or assertiveness. Assertiveness did not have any mediational effect.ConclusionsThe results indicate that particularly alexithymia explains the association of autonomy–connectedness with anxiety and depression.Practitioner points

The study confirmed the relevance of autonomy–connectedness in anxiety and depression.

In treating symptoms of anxiety, it is advisable to give attention to normalizing the patient's sensitivity to others.

Treatment of patients with symptoms of anxiety and depression should include assessment of emotional awareness and, in the case of impaired emotional awareness, should be tailored as to promote increased awareness.