bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follicular microhemorrhage: A unique dermoscopic sign for the detection of coexisting trichotillomania in alopecia areata
Authors: Ise Misaki , Amagai Masayuki , Ohyama Manabu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe diagnosis of trichotillomania (TT) is often difficult as it presents similar clinical manifestations with other hair loss diseases, especially alopecia areata (AA). As TT often coexists with AA, the methodology enabling reliable detection of TT in AA needs to be developed. Recently, characteristic dermoscopic findings of TT have been reported, yet, they were most clearly detectable by conventional immersion dermoscopy, not by dry dermoscopy, a technique more easily adoptable in daily practice. In addition, the usefulness of those signs for differentiating TT from AA has not been sufficiently assessed. Through intensive scanning of hair loss lesions by dry dermoscopy in AA patients with TT, we found a sign potentially useful for detecting hidden TT. The sign we named “follicular microhemorrhage” (FMH) represents a red dot corresponding to a follicular ostia capped or stuffed with blood clot and suggests a history of traumatic forced plucking. So far, we have detected FMH in four TT patients with moderate to severe AA. Although further accumulation of cases is necessary, FMH would be beneficial to dissect complicated pathophysiology of hair loss in AA patients with TT.
Blepharochalasis: Possibly associated with matrix metalloproteinases
Authors: Motegi Sei‐ichiro , Uchiyama Akihiko , Yamada Kazuya , Ogino Sachiko , Takeuchi Yuko , Ishikawa Osamu 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBlepharochalasis is a rare disorder characterized by recurrent episodic swelling of eyelids, eventually leading to atrophy of skin. Although immunological mechanisms may be involved in the degradation of elastic fibers, the pathogenesis is not well characterized. We report a 10‐year‐old Japanese boy with an 11‐month history of the swelling of bilateral upper eyelids with atrophic skin. Attacks of non‐painful swelling in eyelids with erythema have recurred several times a month and lasted for 2–3 days. Histological examination revealed perivascular and interstitial infiltration of lymphocytes in the dermis. Elastica Van Gieson staining showed a marked decrease of elastic fibers throughout the dermis. Results of direct and indirect immunofluorescence analyses were negative. Staining of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐3 and MMP‐9 was observed in and around infiltrating cells in the dermis, suggesting that MMP‐3 and MMP‐9 may play, in part, roles in the development of blepharochalasis, and that inhibitor of MMP may have a possibility of therapeutic application.
The variability of stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential across tree species indicates a continuum between isohydric and anisohydric behaviours
Authors: Klein Tamir 
Published: May 2014

Summary

The relationship between stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf water potential (Ψl) is key to the understanding of plant function under changing climate. The variability among tree species gave rise to selection towards either of two contrasting water management types: isohydric or anisohydric. This study explores the variability of gs to Ψl across tree species.

Curves of gs(Ψl) were collected from the scientific literature for 70 woody plant species. The data set is comprised of angiosperm and gymnosperm species from all major forest biomes. The hypothesis that curves from different tree species diverge between isohydric and anisohydric behaviours was tested.

Species‐specific curves formed a continuum, rather than dichotomy between isohydric and anisohydric, as confirmed by distribution models. Alternatively, the water potential at 50% of the maximum gs (Ψgs50) was used to quantitatively compare between species. A major difference emerged among xylem anatomy classes whereby ring‐porous species had higher absolute gs at Ψl < −2 MPa than diffuse‐porous and coniferous species. A positive, linear correlation was shown between Ψgs50 and Ψl at 50% loss of xylem conductivity.

The results suggest that stomatal sensitivity to leaf water potential strongly relates to xylem characteristics. The use of Ψgs50 offers a quantitative alternative to the current, yet biased, distinction between isohydric and anisohydric species.
A novel index of leaf RGR predicts tree shade tolerance
Authors: Miyashita Ayana , Tateno Masaki 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Plant traits responsible for shade tolerance are controversial. An important feature of shade‐tolerant trees is the ability to maintain a positive whole‐plant carbon balance [i.e. positive relative growth rate (RGRplant)] in low‐light environments, but a positive RGRplant does not always ensure continuous growth. To grow successfully in shaded environments, a plant must increase its leaf biomass with time. However, because RGRplant is determined by whole‐plant biomass change, RGRplant can be positive without any increment of leaf mass. Therefore, we developed a new index focussing on the leaf carbon balance to evaluate growth potential in shaded understoreys. We applied this to cool–temperate forest trees, such as Abies firma (evergreen conifer), Fagus crenata and F. japonica (deciduous broad‐leaved trees), and compared their shade tolerance.

We termed the new index ‘RGRleaf’ expressed using net assimilation rate (NARleaf), leaf lifespan (LL), leaf mass per area (LMA) and leaf partitioning rate (LP), as [(NARleaf × LP)/LMA – (1/LL)]. RGRleaf >0 shows a positive leaf carbon balance, leading to continuous growth. RGRleaf allows a quantitative analysis of traits affecting the leaf carbon balance.

We planted seedlings of each species in different light environments (open site, deciduous canopy site and evergreen canopy site) and measured their traits. RGRleaf and RGRplant were strongly correlated, but RGRplant was positive even when RGRleaf was negative (i.e. no potential of continuous growth). The negative RGRleaf values appeared correspond to low survival rates.

We found that in the deciduous canopy site, A. firma showed higher RGRleaf, RGRplant and survival rates compared with F. japonica and F. crenata. Analyses of RGRleaf and its traits explained that A. firma's relatively high NARleaf and long LL are effective in maintaining a positive leaf carbon balance. Especially in deep shade (i.e. very low NARleaf), a prolonged LL is essential for maintaining a positive leaf carbon balance. These results suggest that in cool–temperate forests, evergreen plants can be more shade‐tolerant than deciduous ones.
Site fidelity curbs sequential search and territory choice: a game theoretical approach
Authors: Schmidt Kenneth A. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryTerritory choice is likely to include sequential sampling at prospective sites, a decision rule for accepting a site, and, when available, use of prior experience. Here, I consider the threshold rule (Real 1990American Naturalist, 138, 901–917) in which individuals choose the first option that exceeds a preset level of quality and ask how competition for sites limits the choosiness of individuals applying the threshold rule. I then investigate how the addition of site fidelity further influences the evolution of individual choosiness via a threshold rule.I develop an individual‐based model that uses a genetic algorithm approach to search for the optimal threshold as an evolutionary stable strategy (ESS) and equilibrium population size. Territory quality (i.e. likelihood of reproductive success) is spatially heterogeneous. Individuals either use the acceptance threshold alone or together with site fidelity. In the latter strategy, successful breeders that survive remain at their former site as incumbents, whereas unsuccessful breeders move to a new site.Results indicate greater competition for sites increases the acceptance threshold and reduces choosiness even when individuals have perfect information from sampled sites. Incumbency, via site fidelity at successful territories, leads to the evolution of relatively unselective behaviour, the degree to which is influenced by the level of adult survival.Competition for sites and site pre‐emption, rather than energetic or mortality costs, may drive the evolution of choosiness. The analysis also highlights the importance of considering coexisting strategies usedby individualsand not simply the population. For instance, site fidelity, as a coexisting strategy, can result in anESSacceptance threshold that is no better than random selection, and yet still safeguard populations from extinction.
Bayesian hierarchical models for spatially misaligned data in R
Authors: Finley Andrew O. , Banerjee Sudipto , Cook Bruce D. 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Spatial misalignment occurs when at least one of multiple outcome variables is missing at an observed location. For spatial data, prediction of these missing observations should be informed by within location association among outcomes and by proximate locations where measurements were recorded.

This study details and illustrates a Bayesian regression framework for modelling spatially misaligned multivariate data. Particular attention is paid to developing valid probability models capable of estimating parameter posterior distributions and propagating uncertainty through to outcomes' predictive distributions at locations where some or all of the outcomes are not observed.

Models and associated software are presented for both Gaussian and non‐Gaussian outcomes. Model parameter and predictive inference within the proposed framework is illustrated using a synthetic and forest inventory data set.

The proposed Markov chain Monte carlo samplers were written in c++ and leverage R's Foreign Language Interface to call fortran blas (Basic Linear Algebra Subprograms) and lapack (Linear Algebra Package) libraries for efficient matrix computations. The models are implemented in the spMisalignLM and spMisalignGLM functions within the spBayes r package available via the Comprehensive R Archive Network (cran) (http://cran.r-project.org).
Geographic and temporal variations in pollen exposure across Europe
Authors: Smith M. , Jäger S. , Berger U. , Šikoparija B. , Hallsdottir M. , Sauliene I. , Bergmann K‐C. , Pashley C. H. , de Weger L. , Majkowska‐Wojciechowska B. , Rybníček O. , Thibaudon M. , Gehrig R. , Bonini M. , Yankova R. , Damialis A. , Vokou D. , Gutiérrez Bustillo A. M. , Hoffmann‐Sommergruber K. , van Ree R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe EC‐funded EuroPrevall project examined the prevalence of food allergy across Europe. A well‐established factor in the occurrence of food allergy is primary sensitization to pollen.ObjectiveTo analyse geographic and temporal variations in pollen exposure, allowing the investigation of how these variations influence the prevalence and incidence of food allergies across Europe.MethodsAirborne pollen data for two decades (1990–2009) were obtained from 13 monitoring sites located as close as possible to the EuroPrevall survey centres. Start dates, intensity and duration of Betulaceae, Oleaceae, Poaceae and Asteraceae pollen seasons were examined. Mean, slope of the regression, probability level (P) and dominant taxa (%) were calculated. Trends were considered significant at P < 0.05.ResultsOn a European scale, Betulaceae, in particular Betula, is the most dominant pollen exposure, two folds higher than to Poaceae, and greater than five folds higher than to Oleaceae and Asteraceae. Only in Reykjavik, Madrid and Derby was Poaceae the dominant pollen, as was Oleaceae in Thessaloniki. Weed pollen (Asteraceae) was never dominant, exposure accounted for >10% of total pollen exposure only in Siauliai (Artemisia) and Legnano (Ambrosia). Consistent trends towards changing intensity or duration of exposure were not observed, possibly with the exception of (not significant) decreased exposure to Artemisia and increased exposure to Ambrosia.ConclusionsThis is the first comprehensive study quantifying exposure to the major allergenic pollen families Betulaceae, Oleaceae, Poaceae and Asteraceae across Europe. These data can now be used for studies into patterns of sensitization and allergy to pollen and foods.
Fatal anaphylaxis with neuromuscular blocking agents: a risk factor and management analysis
Authors: Reitter M. , Petitpain N. , Latarche C. , Cottin J. , Massy N. , Demoly P. , Gillet P. , Mertes P. M. ,   the French Network of Regional Pharmacovigilance Centres
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundAnaphylactic reactions to neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) can be severe and even fatal. Our aim was to evaluate mortality rate in France from anaphylactic reactions to NMBAs, to identify risk factors for a fatal outcome, and to describe management of the cases that proved fatal.MethodsThe French National Pharmacovigilance Database was queried for reports of NMBA anaphylaxis that occurred between January 2000 and December 2011. A questionnaire was sent to regional pharmacovigilance centers to obtain further information on the management of cases with a fatal outcome.ResultsTwo thousand and twenty‐two cases of NMBA hypersensitivity were retrieved, of which 84 were fatal (4.1%). Among the 1247 cases of severe NMBA anaphylaxis (grades 3 and 4), independent risk factors associated with a fatal outcome in a multivariate analysis were male gender (female gender: OR = 0.4; 95% CI 0.2–0.7; P = 0.0004), an emergency setting (OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.5–4.6; P = 0.0007), a history of hypertension (OR = 2.5; 95% CI 1.5–4.4; P = 0.0010) or of other cardiovascular disease (OR = 4.4; 95% CI 2.4–8.1; P < 0.0001), obesity (OR = 2.4; 95% CI 1.1–5.3; P = 0.0376), and ongoing beta‐blocker treatment (OR = 4.2; 95% CI 1.8–9.8; P = 0.0011). All 31 patients with a fatal outcome received epinephrine in a titrated manner according to international guidelines.ConclusionObese males with a history of cardiovascular disease receiving ongoing beta‐blocker treatment and undergoing surgery in an emergency setting were at high risk of a fatal outcome after NMBA‐induced anaphylaxis. Some epinephrine‐resistant cases may play a role in our high mortality rate. New therapeutic approaches need to be developed to treat these cases.
Laparoscopic resection of synchronous colorectal cancers in separate specimens
Authors: Inada Ryo , Yamamoto Seiichiro , Takawa Masashi , Fujita Shin , Akasu Takayuki 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIntroductionLaparoscopic approaches are increasingly being used in patients with colorectal cancer, but the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of synchronous colorectal cancers in separate specimens remains unknown. In such cases, it is necessary to consider the site of port placement, sequence of dissection, choice of specimen extraction sites, specimen handling, and extracorporeal anastomosis sites. Moreover, the need for complete mesenteric dissection in two areas, removal of two separate specimens containing malignancies, and two anastomoses elicit unique questions related to technical considerations. The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of laparoscopic resection of two separate specimens containing malignancies for multiple synchronous colorectal cancers.MethodsBetween June 2001 and January 2013, 1341 patients with colorectal cancer underwent laparoscopic surgery at our institution. Of them, 11 patients underwent laparoscopy‐assisted combined resection of two separate colorectal specimens for multiple synchronous primary colorectal cancers. We retrospectively reviewed their surgical outcomes.ResultsAll procedures were completed laparoscopically without perioperative mortality. Patients underwent right‐sided colon resection for right‐sided cancer and left‐sided or rectal resection for left‐sided colon or rectal cancer. The median duration of surgery was 296 min, and the median blood loss was 65 mL. Median time to first postoperative liquid and solid intake was 1 day and 3 days, respectively. Most patients were discharged on postoperative day 8. With regard to postoperative complications, two patients had a surgical‐site infection.ConclusionLaparoscopic resection of two separate colorectal specimens for multiple synchronous primary colorectal cancers is a feasible and safe procedure.
Infliximab therapy increases the frequency of circulating CD16+ monocytes and modifies macrophage cytokine response to bacterial infection
Authors: Nazareth N , Magro F , Silva J , Duro M , Gracio D , Coelho R , Appelberg R , Macedo G , Sarmento A 
Published: May 2014

SummaryCrohn's disease (CD) has been correlated with altered macrophage response to microorganisms. Considering the efficacy of infliximab treatment on CD remission, we investigated infliximab effects on circulating monocyte subsets and on macrophage cytokine response to bacteria. Human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages were obtained from CD patients, treated or not with infliximab. Macrophages were infected with Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) or M. avium subsp avium, and cytokine levels [tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)-10] were evaluated at different time-points. To evaluate infliximab-dependent effects on monocyte subsets, we studied CD14 and CD16 expression by peripheral blood monocytes before and after different infliximab administrations. We also investigated TNF secretion by macrophages obtained from CD16+ and CD16− monocytes and the frequency of TNF+ cells among CD16+ and CD16− monocyte-derived macrophages from CD patients. Infliximab treatment resulted in elevated TNF and IL-10 macrophage response to bacteria. An infliximab-dependent increase in the frequency of circulating CD16+ monocytes (particularly the CD14++CD16+ subset) was also observed (before infliximab: 4·65 ± 0·58%; after three administrations: 10·68 ± 2·23%). In response to MAP infection, macrophages obtained from CD16+ monocytes were higher TNF producers and CD16+ macrophages from infliximab-treated CD patients showed increased frequency of TNF+ cells. In conclusion, infliximab treatment increased the TNF production of CD macrophages in response to bacteria, which seemed to depend upon enrichment of CD16+ circulating monocytes, particularly of the CD14++CD16+ subset. Infliximab treatment of CD patients also resulted in increased macrophage IL-10 production in response to bacteria, suggesting an infliximab-induced shift to M2 macrophages.
Increased concentration of T‐cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (TREC) in peripheral blood in Graves' disease
Authors: Strawa Katarzyna , Markowska Anna , Miśkiewicz Piotr , Kuś Aleksander , Ambroziak Urszula , Szymański Konrad , Zbiec Renata , Spólnicka Magdalena , Krajewski Paweł , Bednarczuk Tomasz , Płoski Rafał 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundT‐cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (TREC) are circular DNA molecules generated during T‐cell maturation in the thymus. Recent studies suggested that a decreased TREC concentration in peripheral blood may be a general feature of autoimmunity. Our purpose was to assess the TREC concentration in Graves' disease (GD).MethodsTREC concentration was assessed by real time PCR in DNA samples isolated from peripheral blood leucocytes among younger (n = 94, age range 6–29 years) and older patients with GD (n = 93, age range 57–80 years) and age‐matched controls (n = 206).ResultsTREC concentration decreased with age in all subjects, but it was significantly higher in GD compared with controls (P = 9·4 × 10−10). TREC concentration was higher (P = 0·0038) in hyperthyroid (n = 78) than euthyroid (n = 82) patients with GD, but in both groups, it remained increased relative to controls (P = 2·2 × 10−11 and P = 4·4 ×10−7, respectively).ConclusionsPatients with GD, particularly those with hyperthyroidism, have increased concentration of TREC which may suggest increased rather than decreased thymic activity. Thus, GD does not follow the paradigm suggested for other autoimmune disorders which links autoimmunity with thymic senescence.
Effects of up to 15 years of recombinant human GH (rhGH) replacement on bone metabolism in adults with Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD): The Leiden Cohort Study
Authors: Appelman‐Dijkstra Natasha M. , Claessen Kim M. J. A. , Hamdy Neveen A. T. , Pereira Alberto M. , Biermasz Nienke R. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryBackgroundGrowth hormone deficiency (GHD) in adulthood may be associated with a decreased bone mineral density (BMD), a decreased bone mineral content (BMC) and an increased fracture risk. Recombinant human GH (rhGH) replacement induces a progressive increase in BMD for up to 5–7 years of treatment. Data on longer follow‐up are, however, scarce.MethodsTwo hundred and thirty‐adult GHD patients (mean age 47·1 years, 52·6% female), of whom 88% patients had adult‐onset (AO) GHD, receiving rhGH replacement for ≥5 years were included in the study. Most patients had multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies. Bone turnover markers, BMC and BMD and T‐scores at the lumbar spine and femoral neck were evaluated at baseline, and after 5, 10 and 15 years of rhGH replacement. In addition, clinical fracture incidence was assessed.ResultsMean lumbar spine BMD, lumbar spine BMC and T‐scores gradually increased during the first 10 years of rhGH replacement and remained stable thereafter. Largest effects of rhGH supplementation were found in men. In the small subset of patients using bisphosphonates, use of bisphosphonates did not impact additional beneficial effects in the long term. Low baseline BMD positively affected the change in BMD and BMC over time, but there was a negative effect of high GH dose at 1 year on the change in BMD and BMC over time. Clinical fracture incidence during long‐term rhGH replacement was 20.1/1000 py.ConclusionsFifteen years of rhGH replacement in GHD adults resulted in a sustained increase in BMD values at the lumbar spine, particularly in men, and stabilization of BMD values at the femoral neck. Clinical fracture incidence was suggested not to be increased during long‐term rhGH replacement.
Neuropsychological function in children with primary complex motor stereotypies
Authors: Mahone E Mark , Ryan Matthew , Ferenc Lisa , Morris‐Berry Christina , Singer Harvey S 
Published: May 2014

AimComplex motor stereotypies (CMS) are patterned, repetitive, rhythmic, and involuntary movements that persist over time. They are divided into two subgroups dependent on the presence of other developmental problems: ‘primary’ (development is otherwise typical) or ‘secondary’ (associated with autism, intellectual disability, or sensory deficits). There are no currently published studies that examine neuropsychological function in children with primary CMS. This case–control study examines whether children with primary CMS manifest neurobehavioral deficits.MethodFifty‐seven children with primary CMS (32 males, 25 females; mean age 6y 8mo, SD 2y 4mo, range 4–12y) with negative screens for autism and 57 comparison participants (32 males, 25 females; mean age 6y 6mo, SD 2y 1mo) completed neuropsychological assessments of IQ, reading ability, attention, language, and motor and executive functions. Parents completed ratings of their child's repetitive movement severity.ResultsThe CMS group performed significantly less well than comparison participants on motor skills and IQ tests (both p<0.01), although IQ was consistently in the average range. One‐third of the CMS group showed signs of developmental motor coordination difficulties. Parent report of stereotypy severity was significantly associated with parent report of inattention and executive dysfunction.InterpretationChildren with primary CMS were found to have largely intact neuropsychological profiles. Stereotypy severity appears to be associated with executive dysfunction. Although motor difficulties were observed in children with CMS, these were not correlated with parent report of symptom severity.