bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Properties of submucosal venules in the rat distal colon
Authors: Mitsui Retsu , Miyamoto Shun , Takano Hiromichi , Hashitani Hikaru 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposeVenules within the gut wall may have intrinsic mechanisms for maintaining the circulation even upon the intestinal wall distension. We aimed to explore spontaneous and nerve‐mediated contractile activity of colonic venules.Experimental ApproachChanges in the diameter of submucosal venules of the rat distal colon were measured using video microscopy. The innervation of the microvasculature was investigated using fluorescence immunohistochemistry.Key ResultsSubmucosal venules exhibited spontaneous constrictions that were abolished by blockers of L‐type Ca2+ channels (1 μM nicardipine), Ca2+‐ATPase (10 μM cyclopiazonic acid), IP3 receptor (100 μM 2‐APB), Ca2+‐activated Cl− channels (100 μM DIDS) or store‐operated Ca2+ entry channels (10 μM SKF96365). Transmural nerve stimulation (TNS at 10 Hz) induced a phasic venular constriction that was blocked by phentolamine (1 μM, α‐adrenoceptor antagonist) or sympathetic nerve depletion using guanethidine (10 μM). Stimulation of primary afferent nerves with TNS (at 20 Hz) or capsaicin (100 nM) evoked a sustained venular dilatation that was attenuated by calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) 8‐37 (2 μM), a CGRP receptor antagonist. Immunohistochemistry revealed sympathetic and primary afferent nerves running along submucosal venules.Conclusions and ImplicationsSubmucosal venules of the rat distal colon exhibit spontaneous constrictions that appear to primarily rely on Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum and subsequent opening of Ca2+‐activated Cl– channels that trigger Ca2+ influx through L‐type Ca2+ channels. Venular contractility is modulated by sympathetic as well as CGRP‐containing primary afferent nerves, suggesting that submucosal venules may play an active role in regulating the microcirculation of the digestive tract.
An in vitro model for the pro‐fibrotic effects of retinoids: mechanisms of action
Authors: Rankin A C , Hendry B M , Corcoran J P , Xu Q 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposeRetinoids, including all‐trans retinoic acid (tRA), have dose‐dependent pro‐fibrotic effects in experimental kidney diseases. To understand and eventually prevent such adverse effects, it is important to establish relevant in vitro models and unravel their mechanisms.Experimental ApproachFibrogenic effects of retinoids were assessed in NRK‐49F renal fibroblasts using picro‐Sirius red staining for collagens and quantified by spectrophotometric analysis of the eluted stain. Other methods included RT‐qPCR, immunoassays and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity assays.Key ResultsWith or without TGF‐β1, tRA was dose‐dependently pro‐fibrotic, notably increasing collagen accumulation. tRA and TGF‐β1 additively suppressed expression of mRNA for MMP2, 3 and 13 and suppressed MMP activity. tRA, in the presence of TGF‐β1, induced plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) mRNA and they additively induced PAI‐1 protein expression. A PAI‐1 inhibitor, a pan‐retinoic acid receptor (RAR) antagonist and a pan‐retinoid X receptor (RXR) antagonist each partially prevented the pro‐fibrotic effect of tRA. The dose‐dependent pro‐fibrotic effects of a pan‐RXR agonist were similar to those of tRA. A pan‐RAR agonist showed weaker, less dose‐dependent pro‐fibrotic effects and the pro‐fibrotic effects of RARα and RARβ‐selective agonists were even smaller. An RARγ‐selective agonist did not affect fibrogenesis.Conclusions and ImplicationsAn in vitro model for the pro‐fibrotic effects of retinoids was established in NRK‐49F cells. It was associated with reduced MMP activity and increased PAI‐1 expression, and was probably mediated by RXR and RAR. To avoid or antagonize the pro‐fibrotic activity of tRA, further studies on RAR isotype‐selective agonists and PAI‐1 inhibitors might be of value.
Neuropeptide Y and peptide YY protect from weight loss caused by Bacille Calmette–Guérin in mice
Authors: Painsipp Evelin , Köfer Martin J , Farzi Aitak , Dischinger Ulrich S , Sinner Frank , Herzog Herbert , Holzer Peter 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposeImmune challenge of mice with Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) has been reported to cause transient weight loss and a behavioural sickness response. Although BCG‐induced depression involves the kynurenine pathway, weight loss occurs independently of this factor. Because neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY (PYY) are involved in the regulation of food intake, we hypothesized that they play a role in the BCG‐induced weight loss.Experimental ApproachMale wild‐type, PYY knockout (PYY−/−), NPY knockout (NPY−/−) and NPY−/−;PYY−/− double knockout mice were injected with vehicle or BCG (approximately 108 colony‐forming units per mouse), and their weight, locomotion, exploration and ingestion were recorded for 2 weeks post‐treatment.Key ResultsDeletion of PYY and NPY aggravated the BCG‐induced loss of body weight, which was most pronounced in NPY−/−;PYY−/− mice (maximum loss: 15%). The weight loss in NPY−/−;PYY−/− mice did not normalize during the 2 week observation period. BCG suppressed the circadian pattern of locomotion, exploration and food intake. However, these changes took a different time course than the prolonged weight loss caused by BCG in NPY−/−;PYY−/− mice. The effect of BCG to increase circulating IL‐6 (measured 16 days post‐treatment) remained unaltered by knockout of PYY, NPY or NPY plus PYY.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese data show that NPY and PYY are both required to protect from the action of BCG‐evoked immune challenge to cause prolonged weight loss and disturb energy balance. The findings attest to an important role of NPY and PYY in orchestrating homeostatic reactions to infection and immune stimulation.
Evaluation of the insulin releasing and antihyperglycaemic activities of GPR55 lipid agonists using clonal beta‐cells, isolated pancreatic islets and mice
Authors: McKillop A M , Moran B M , Abdel‐Wahab Y H A , Flatt P R 
Published: August 2013

Background and PurposeG‐protein coupled receptor (GPR)55 is a novel lipid sensing receptor activated by both cannabinoid endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids) and other non‐cannabinoid lipid transmitters. This study assessed the effects of various GPR55 agonists on glucose homeostasis.Experimental ApproachInsulin secretion and changes in intracellular Ca2+ and cAMP in response to glucose and a range of GPR55 agonists [endogenous ligands (OEA, PEA), chemically synthetic cannabidiol (CBD) analogues (Abn‐CBD, 0–1602), an analogue of rimonabant (AM‐251) and antagonist (CBD)] were investigated in clonal BRIN‐BD11 cells and mouse pancreatic islets. Cytotoxicity was assessed by LDH release, cellular localization by double‐staining immunohistochemistry and in vivo effects assessed in mice.Key ResultsThe most potent and selective GPR55 agonist was the synthetic CBD analogue, Abn‐CBD (pEC50 10.33), maximum stimulation of 67% at 10−4 mol·L−1 (P < 0.001) in BRIN‐BD11 cells. AM‐251 (pEC50 7.0), OEA (pEC50 7.0), 0–1602 (pEC50 7.3) and PEA (pEC50 6.0) stimulated insulin secretion. Results were corroborated by islet studies, with no cytotoxic effects. Concentration‐dependent insulin secretion by GPR55 agonists was glucose‐sensitive and accompanied by elevations of [Ca2+]i (P < 0.01–P < 0.001) and cAMP (P < 0.05–P < 0.01). GPR55 agonists exhibited insulinotropic and glucose lowering activity in vivo. GPR55 was expressed on BRIN‐BD11 cells and confined to islet beta cells with no distribution on alpha cells.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results demonstrate GPR55 is distributed in pancreatic beta cells and is a strong activator of insulin secretion, with glucose‐lowering effects in vivo. Development of agents agonizing the GPR55 receptor may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Clinical characteristics of Graves' orbitopathy in patients showing discrepancy between levels from TBII assays and TSI bioassay
Authors: Jang Sun Young , Shin Dong Yeob , Lee Eun Jig , Yoon Jin Sook 
Published: August 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate clinical characteristics of patients with Graves' orbitopathy (GO) who showed discrepancies between levels of thyroid‐stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and thyrotropin‐binding inhibitory immunoglobulin (TBII).DesignComparative case series.PatientsA total of 317 patients with GO in whom Mc4‐TSI and M22‐TRAb (third‐generation TBII) were measured simultaneously. Patients were divided into four groups according to TRAb levels as followings: Group 1, TBII and TSI < median value; Group 2, TBII ≥ median, TSI < median; Group 3, TBII < median, TSI ≥ median; Group 4, both TBII and TSI ≥ median.MeasurementEndocrine and ophthalmic clinical manifestations in each group.ResultsThe median value of M22‐TRAb was 6·11 IU/l and that of Mc4‐TSI was 415·1 (SRR%). One hundred seventeen patients were classified as Group 1, 41 patients as Group 2, 41 patients as group 3 and 118 patients as group 4. Mean CAS was significantly higher in Groups 3 (2·2) and 4 (2·2) than in Groups 1 (1·6) and 2 (1·4; P = 0·001, anova). Mean modified NOSPECS scores were significantly higher (P < 0·001, anova) in Groups 3 (4·1) and 4 (4·1) than in Groups 1 (3·1) and 2 (2·3). The proportion of patients with hyperthyroidism was larger in Group 2 (85·4% [35/41 patients]) than in Group 3 (48·8% [20/41 patients]; P = 0·002).ConclusionsGO is more active and severe in patients with predominant Mc4‐TSI than in patients with predominant M22‐TRAb. Patients with hyperthyroidism were more likely to be included with patients with predominant M22‐TRAb than with predominant Mc4‐TSI.
Treated and untreated women with idiopathic precocious puberty: long‐term follow‐up and reproductive outcome between the third and fifth decades
Authors: Lazar Liora , Meyerovitch Joseph , de Vries Liat , Phillip Moshe , Lebenthal Yael 
Published: August 2013

SummaryContextCentral precocious puberty (CPP), treated or untreated, may have implications in adulthood.ObjectiveTo assess the reproductive outcome and social adjustment of former CPP women between the 3rd and 5th decades of life.DesignCross‐sectional study of an historical cohort.MethodsDemographic data and gynaecological history of 214 CPP women aged 25–56 years [135 GnRH analogue (GnRHa)‐treated, 18 cyproterone acetate (CyA)‐treated, 61 untreated] and of 446 controls with normal puberty, matched for age and year of birth, were recorded in a structured interview.ResultsMarital status, education and number of children were similar in CPP women and controls. Clinical hyperandrogenism (acne/hirsutism with oligomenorrhoea) was more frequently reported in CPP women than in controls: GnRHa‐treated 29·6% vs 17·4% (P = 0·006), CyA‐treated 50% vs 20·4% (P = 0·04), untreated 34·4% vs 17·2% (P = 0·003), with no significant difference between CPP groups. Spontaneous pregnancy was similarly achieved by treated CPP and controls: GnRHa‐treated 90·4% vs 93·4%, CyA‐treated 86·7% vs 90·2%. Assisted fertilization rate was higher in untreated CPP than treated CPP groups (P = 0·006) and controls (P = 0·03). Untreated CPP was the only parameter associated with clinical hyperandrogenism (OR=2·04, 95% CI, 1·0–4·16, P = 0·07) and fertility problems (OR=3·40, 95% CI, 1·15–10·0, P = 0·047). Course of pregnancy was uneventful in 90·2% of CPP women and 90·9% of controls.ConclusionsThe increased rate of clinical hyperandrogenism among CPP women implies that the underlying neuroendocrine dysfunction persists into adult life. Pubertal suppression treatment may have a protective effect as fertility problems were more prevalent only among untreated CPP women. Educational achievements and marital status were unaffected by CPP.
Adrenal ganglioneuroma: features and outcomes of 27 cases at a referral cancer centre
Authors: Shawa Hassan , Elsayes Khaled M. , Javadi Sanaz , Morani Ajaykumar , Williams Michelle D. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Waguespack Steven G. , Busaidy Naifa L. , Vassilopoulou‐Sellin Rena , Jimenez Camilo , Habra Mouhammed Amir 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundAdrenal ganglioneuroma (AGN) is a rare neurogenic tumour that can mimic other adrenal neoplasms. Limited information, mostly derived from small cases series, is available for AGN.MethodsA retrospective review for AGNs seen at a tertiary referral centre describing important features to distinguish AGN from other adrenal neoplasms.ResultsOf 53 ganglioneuromas, 27 were AGNs. Median age was 31 years (range, 1·7–64 years) and median tumour size was 8 cm (range, 1·5–20 cm). Seventeen AGNs (63%) were detected incidentally and nine patients (33%) presented with abdominal/back discomfort. Catecholamine levels, available for 21 patients, were normal. On computed tomography (CT), most AGNs were homogenous and well circumscribed with a median density of 32·5 Hounsfield units (HU) on unenhanced CT; 40 HU on postcontrast venous phase; and 66·5 HU on delayed postcontrast phase. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), AGNs had hypo‐intense signal on T1‐weighted images with heterogeneous hyperintense signal on T2‐weighted images. In four patients, there was no tumour growth during median follow‐up of 48 months (range, 21–60 months). One patient had malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour arising from AGN. Thirteen patients with resected AGN had no recurrence during a median follow‐up of 50 months (range, 2–135 months).ConclusionsWe herein describe the largest AGN series reported to date. Isolated AGNs do not produce catecholamines and have CT imaging characteristics that can help in distinguishing them from other adrenal and para‐adrenal neoplasms. The natural history of AGNs is usually benign, although local extra‐adrenal extension or malignant transformation can rarely occur.
Design and Fabrication of Faceted Mirror Arrays for Light Field Capture
Authors: Fuchs Martin , Kächele Markus , Rusinkiewicz Szymon 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe high resolution of digital cameras has made single‐shot, single‐sensor acquisition of light fields feasible, though considerable design effort is still necessary in order to construct the necessary collection of optical elements for particular acquisition scenarios. This paper explores a pipeline for designing, fabricating and utilizing faceted mirror arrays which simplifies this task. The foundation of the pipeline is an interactive tool that automatically optimizes for mirror designs while exposing to the user a set of intuitive parameters for light field quality and manufacturing constraints. We investigate two manufacturing processes for automatic fabrication of the resulting designs: one is based on CNC milling, polishing, and plating of one solid work piece, while the other involves assembly of CNC‐cut mirror facets. We demonstrate results for refocusing in a macro photography scenario. In addition, we observe that traditional photographic parameters take novel roles in the faceted mirror array setup and discuss their influence.
Histopathology of body art revisited – analysis and discussion of 19 cases
Authors: Körner Rebecca , Pföhler Claudia , Vogt Thomas , Müller Cornelia S. L. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryBackground and ObjectivesWith the number of tattoos increasing, a rising number of complications have also been reported, such as allergic and foreign body reactions or the development of malignant tumors. We discuss 19 patients with alterations in skin tattoos, define clinicopathologic characteristics and give a brief review of the literature.Patients and MethodsBiopsy specimens were obtained in 13 of 19 patients. In all cases, staining was performed with hematoxylin‐eosin, periodic acid‐Schiff, CD68, CD123, and CD163. The inflammatory infiltrate was classified according to the pattern analysis of Ackerman.ResultsThree of 19 patients (15.8%) had temporary tattoos with henna and 16 (84.2%) had permanent tattoos. Histologically, among the 13 biopsy specimens we found signs of acute contact dermatitis in 2 (15.3%), lupus‐like patterns in 2 (15.3%), foreign body dermatitis in 5 (38.4%), deposition of pigment without inflammation or simple scarring in 2 (15.3%), and tumors in 2 patients (15.2%), 1 of which was a malignant melanoma.ConclusionsClinical presentation frequently, but not always, correlates with the histologic pattern. Obtaining a biopsy can be helpful in determining further investigations, for example allergy testing or a search for systemic involvement in cases of tattoo sarcoidosis.
Losing Oneself (in a Good Way): On the Value of Full Attention
Authors: Debus Dorothea 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe present paper considers the question whether, and if so how, a subject's full attention to an object which she interacts with might have value. More specifically,Idefend the claim that in order for a subject's activity to have value, it issufficientthat the subject give her full attention to the object towards which the activity is directed.
Epilepsy in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Ostendorf Adam P. , Gutmann David H. , Weisenberg Judith L. Z. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPurposeTo describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and seizures in the largest cohort reported to date.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional review of 536 individuals with NF1 was performed, and clinical data from 51 individuals with a history of at least one seizure were analyzed.Key FindingsIn individuals with NF1, 9.5% had a history of at least one unprovoked seizure, and 6.5% had documented epilepsy. Individuals with seizures were more likely to have inherited NF1 from their mother (p = 0.001). Focal seizures were the most common type, occurring in 57% of individuals, although generalized seizures, specific electroclinical syndromes, and the presence of multiple seizure types were also noted. Moreover, in 21% of individuals with a previously unremarkable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, neuroimaging at seizure onset revealed a new structural abnormality. In this population, 77% of individuals required multiple antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), and some required epilepsy surgery, with the best results following temporal lobe glioma resection.SignificanceCompared to the general population, seizures are more common in individuals with NF1, where they are often focal and related to an intracranial neoplasm. These observations suggest that all individuals with NF1 and a new seizure should undergo MRI despite previous normal neuroimaging. Individuals with seizures and NF1 typically require more aggressive therapy than those without NF1 and should be considered for epilepsy surgery when appropriate.
The nature and origin of nucleus‐like intracellular inclusions in Paleoproterozoic eukaryote microfossils
Authors: Pang K. , Tang Q. , Schiffbauer J. D. , Yao J. , Yuan X. , Wan B. , Chen L. , Ou Z. , Xiao S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe well‐known debate on the nature and origin of intracellular inclusions (ICIs) in silicified microfossils from the early Neoproterozoic Bitter Springs Formation has recently been revived by reports of possible fossilized nuclei in phosphatized animal embryo‐like fossils from the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation of South China. The revisitation of this discussion prompted a critical and comprehensive investigation of ICIs in some of the oldest indisputable eukaryote microfossils—the ornamented acritarchs Dictyosphaera delicata and Shuiyousphaeridium macroreticulatum from the Paleoproterozoic Ruyang Group of North China—using a suite of characterization approaches: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM). Although the Ruyang acritarchs must have had nuclei when alive, our data suggest that their ICIs represent neither fossilized nuclei nor taphonomically condensed cytoplasm. We instead propose that these ICIs likely represent biologically contracted and consolidated eukaryotic protoplasts (the combination of the nucleus, surrounding cytoplasm, and plasma membrane). As opposed to degradational contraction of prokaryotic cells within a mucoidal sheath—a model proposed to explain the Bitter Springs ICIs—our model implies that protoplast condensation in the Ruyang acritarchs was an in vivo biologically programmed response to adverse conditions in preparation for encystment. While the discovery of bona fide nuclei in Paleoproterozoic acritarchs would be a substantial landmark in our understanding of eukaryote evolution, the various processes (such as degradational and biological condensation of protoplasts) capable of producing nuclei‐mimicking structures require that interpretation of ICIs as fossilized nuclei be based on comprehensive investigations.
Rain use efficiency as affected by climate warming and biofuel harvest: results from a 12‐year field experiment
Authors: Yan Liming , Luo Yiqi , Sherry Rebecca A. , Bell Jesse E. , Zhou Xuhui , Xia Jianyang 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe efficiency of a terrestrial ecosystem to use rainfall in production is critical in regulating the ecological functions of the earth system under global change. However, it remains unclear how rain use efficiency (RUE) will be altered by changes in climate and human activities such as biofuel harvest. In this study, we used RUE data from a long‐term experiment in a tallgrass prairie to analyze the effects of warming and biofuel harvest (clipping). From 2000 to 2011, experimental warming enhanced RUE in most years, with larger positive effects in normal and wet than dry hydrological years. Clipping decreased RUE in dry and normal hydrological years, but had no impact on RUE in wet years. The observed RUE responses resulted from treatment‐induced changes in both biologically ineffective (i.e., runoff and soil evaporation) and effective (i.e., transpiration) parts of precipitation. For example, litter cover was increased in warming plots, but reduced by clipping, leading to negative and positive effects on runoff and soil evaporation, respectively. The dominance of C4 species, which usually have higher water use efficiency than C3 species, was enhanced by warming, but reduced by clipping. Moreover, RUE was positively correlated with ratios of rainfall in the late growing season (June–August), when the growth of C4 plants was most active, relative to that in the other seasons. Our results indicate that RUE is positively influenced by climate warming, but negatively affected by biofuel harvest in tallgrass prairie of the Great Plains. These findings highlight the important roles of plant community structure and temporal distribution of precipitation in regulating ecosystem RUE.