bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distal airways are protected from goblet cell metaplasia by diminished expression of IL‐13 signalling components
Authors: Vock C. , Yildirim A. Ö. , Wagner C. , Schlick S. , Lunding L. P. , Lee C. G. , Elias J. A. , Fehrenbach H. , Wegmann M. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryBackgroundIncreased mucus production is a critical factor impairing lung function in patients suffering from bronchial asthma, the most common chronic inflammatory lung disease worldwide.ObjectiveThis study aimed at investigating whether goblet cell (GC) metaplasia and mucus production are differentially regulated in proximal and distal airways.MethodsFemale Balb/c mice were sensitized to ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with an OVA‐aerosol on two consecutive days for 1 week (acute) or 12 weeks (chronic). Real‐time RT‐PCR analysis was applied on microdissected airways.ResultsIn acutely and chronically OVA‐challenged mice, GC metaplasia and mucus production were observed in proximal but not in distal airways. In contrast, inflammation reflected by the infiltration of eosinophils and expression of the TH2‐type cytokines IL‐4 and IL‐13 was increased in both proximal and distal airways. Abundance of IL‐13Rα1 was lower in distal airways of healthy control mice. Under acute and chronic OVA‐exposure, activation of IL‐13Rα1‐dependent signalling cascade, reflected by Spdef and Foxo3A transcription factors, was attenuated in distal compared to proximal airways.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceThese data indicate that distal airways might be less sensitive to IL‐13‐induced GC metaplasia and mucus production through lower expression of IL‐13Rα1 and attenuated activation of downstream signalling. This might represent a protective strategy to prevent mucus plugging of distal airways and thus impaired ventilation of attached alveoli.
A systematic review of the literature on the surgical management of recurrent rectal prolapse
Authors: Hotouras A. , Ribas Y. , Zakeri S. , Bhan C. , Wexner S. D. , Chan C. L. , Murphy J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAimThere are no available guidelines to support surgical decision‐making in recurrent rectal prolapse. This systematic review evaluated the results of abdominal or perineal surgery for recurrent rectal prolapse, with the aim of developing an evidence‐based treatment algorithm.MethodPubMed and MEDLINE databases were searched for all clinical studies involving patients who underwent surgery for recurrent rectal prolapse between 1950 and 2014. The primary outcome measure was the recurrence rate after abdominal or perineal surgery for recurrent rectal prolapse. Secondary outcomes included morbidity, mortality and quality of life data where available.ResultsThere were no randomized controlled studies comparing the success rates of abdominal or perineal surgery for recurrent rectal prolapse. Most studies were heterogeneous, of low quality (level IV) and involved small numbers of patients. The follow‐up of 144 patients included in the studies undergoing perineal surgery ranged from 8.8 to 81 months, with recurrence rates varying from 0% to 50%. Morbidity ranged from 0% to 17% with no mortality reported. Limited data on quality of life following the Altemeier procedure were available. The follow‐up for 158 patients included in the studies who underwent abdominal surgery ranged from 0 to 23 years, during which recurrence rates varied from 0% to 15%. Morbidity rates ranged from 0% to 32% with 4% mortality. No quality of life data were available for patients undergoing abdominal surgery.ConclusionThis systematic review was unable to develop a treatment algorithm for recurrent rectal prolapse due to the variety of surgical techniques described and the low level of evidence within heterogeneous studies. Larger high‐quality studies are necessary to guide practice in this difficult area.
An agent‐based modelling approach to evaluate factors influencing bioenergy crop adoption in north‐east Scotland
Authors: Brown Chris , Bakam Innocent , Smith Pete , Matthews Robin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAn agent‐based modelling (ABM) framework was adapted to assess bioenergy crop uptake and integrate social and economic processes with biophysical elements. Survey results indicated that economic rationalisation was intrinsic to farmers’ decision‐making, but was not the only consideration. This study presents an approach, set within an established resource management framework, to incorporate a number of key socio‐economic factors, which we call Mitigation Willingness Factors (MWFs), using survey data collected from farmers and land managers, into the ABM. The MWFs represent farmers’ willingness to compromise revenue in order to reduce GHG emissions, derived from their attitudes to climate change and the ability of different economic mechanisms to stimulate energy crop uptake. Adoption of bioenergy crops of different farmer types and farming enterprises was also assessed. Adoption rates and scenarios that take into account noneconomic factors are presented, and particular farming enterprises that may respond more positively to policy initiatives are identified.
Immunohistochemical localization of basement membrane laminin 5 and collagen IV in adult linear IgA disease
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Abdel‐Wahab Hossam , Ahmad Hesham 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundLinear immunoglobulin A disease (LAD), also known as linear IgA bullous dermatosis, is an autoimmune disorder characterized by subepidermal bullae caused by IgA autoantibodies directed against several antigens located in the basement membrane zone of the skin. Laminin 5 (laminin‐332) is considered a key component of the lamina lucida/lamina densa interface, which provides stable attachment of the epidermis to the dermis. Meanwhile, collagen IV is a major component of the lamina densa. Laminin 5 and collagen IV bind to the cell membrane and induce cytoskeletal rearrangements, which contribute to the basement membrane's final mat‐like structure. The study aimed to evaluate the immunohistochemical staining of laminin 5 and collagen IV and to identify the site of blister formation in formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded skin biopsies from adults with LAD.MethodsSkin biopsies from 20 adult patients with LAD were subjected to routine hematoxylin–eosin as well as immunohistochemical staining of collagen IV and laminin 5.ResultsLinear staining was positive on the floor of the blister for laminin 5 in 65% and collagen IV in 90% of biopsies denoting that the site of separation in most cases of LAD is above the lamina densa.ConclusionsThe use of laminin 5 and collagen IV immunohistochemistry can be considered as an adjuvant diagnostic tool and may aid in the identification of the site of blister formation in routine skin biopsies in adults with LAD.
Cutaneous granulomas in the setting of primary immunodeficiency: a report of four cases and review of the literature
Authors: Harp Joanna , Coggshall Kathleen , Ruben Beth S. , Ramírez‐Valle Francisco , He Steven Y. , Berger Timothy G. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractImportanceCutaneous granulomas without an identifiable infectious etiology are a rare manifestation of primary immunodeficiency (ID). These cutaneous lesions can be misdiagnosed, often as sarcoidosis, when the skin findings precede the diagnosis of immunodeficiency.ObjectiveWe present four cases from our institution and review the literature in order to emphasize the clinical relevance of this association, discuss the histologic and immunohistochemical features, and explore possible pathogenic mechanisms of granuloma formation.Evidence ReviewWe retrospectively reviewed case reports of all patients presenting with cutaneous granulomas in the setting of primary immunodeficiency. Cases with insufficient information to confirm an immunodeficiency state were excluded. Four patients from our clinic were included, for 54 total cases.FindingsThe majority of cutaneous granulomas are seen in three types of immunodeficiencies: ataxia‐telangiectasia, severe combined immunodeficiency, and combined variable immunodeficiency. Twenty‐six percent of patients developed cutaneous granulomas prior to their immunodeficiency diagnosis. Histologically, various granulomatous patterns have been described. Immunohistochemistry revealed a CD4+/CD8+ lymphocyte ratio of less than or equal to 1 in our four patients, which may help differentiate cutaneous granulomas in primary ID from sarcoidal granulomas that typically show a CD4+ predominance.Conclusions and RelevanceCutaneous granulomas are a rare manifestation of primary ID and occur predominantly in immunodeficiencies that affect T and B cell compartments.
Survey on skin‐lightening practices and cosmetics in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Kamagaju Léocadie , Morandini Renato , Gahongayire Françoise , Stévigny Caroline , Ghanem Ghanem , Pirotte Gautier , Duez Pierre 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe use of skin‐lightening (SL) cosmetics appears to be common throughout the world, especially among dark‐skinned women from sub‐Saharan Africa.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to evaluate the extent of the practice of SL in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, the motivations behind this practice and the complexity of the adverse effects observed.MethodsAn inventory of products sold on the Kigali market and their contents were compared with the results of a survey investigating the products used by the local population in order to deduce the proportions of people who depigment. The prevalence and severity of SL side effects (dermatitis, skin cancers, etc.) were evaluated in collaboration with dermatologists and general practitioners through a specific questionnaire and interviews. The sociological profiles of adolescents and their motivations for practicing SL were studied using qualitative and descriptive approaches through semi‐direct individual and collective interviews.ResultsA total of 27 creams were identified and classified according to labeled ingredients known to be depigmenting agents; 35% of the surveyed population were found to use products with skin‐bleaching properties, but only 27% stated that they used the products specifically for these depigmenting properties. An inquiry into the motivations of adolescents indicated that they know about and practice SL but are restricted by family, religion, and Rwandese culture. Whenever side effects appear, consumers opt either to stop bleaching practices for a short period or to switch from their commercial topical product to another one with, presumably, a different composition.ConclusionsAlbeit that many people acknowledge that there are possible side effects of using preparations commonly used in SL, the practice is generally continued. Although it is important to question the rationale behind the practice of SL, it is equally important to develop and propose safer products.
Sequential Percutaneous LAA Ligation and Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Patients with Persistent AF: Initial Results of a Feasibility Study
Authors: BADHWAR NITISH , LAKKIREDDY DHANUNJAYA , KAWAMURA MITSUHARU , HAN FREDERICK T. , IYER SIVARAMAN K. , MOYERS BRIAN S. , DEWLAND THOMAS A. , WOODS CHRIS , FERRELL RYAN , NATH JAYANT , EARNEST MATHEW , LEE RANDALL J. 
Published: March 2015

LAA Ligation and Pulmonary Vein IsolationIntroductionLeft atrial appendage (LAA) ligation results in LAA electrical isolation and a decrease in atrial fibrillation (AF) burden. This study assessed the feasibility of combined percutaneous LAA ligation and pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with persistent AF.Methods and ResultsA total of 22 patients with persistent AF underwent LAA ligation with the LARIAT device followed by PVI. PVI was confirmed with the demonstration of both entrance and exit block. Patients (n = 10) in sinus rhythm pre‐ and post‐LAA ligation underwent P‐wave analysis. Monitoring for AF was performed at 1, 3, and 6 months postablation.LAA ligation was successful in 21 of 22 (95%) patients. The procedure was aborted in one patient due to pericardial adhesions. PVI was performed in 20 of 21 patients. One patient converted to atrial flutter with a controlled ventricular response after LAA ligation and refused subsequent PVI. Demonstration of entrance and exit block was achieved in 19 of 20 patients. At 3 months, 13 of 19 (68.4%) patients were in sinus rhythm. Four patients underwent a second PVI. At 6 months, 15 of 20 (75%) patients were in sinus rhythm. There was a significant decrease in P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion after LAA ligation. Complications with LAA ligation included pericarditis, a delayed pleural effusion, and a late pericardial effusion.ConclusionsStaged LAA ligation and PVI is feasible and decreases P‐wave dispersion. Randomized studies are needed to assess the efficacy of LAA ligation as adjunctive therapy to PVI for maintaining sinus rhythm in patients with persistent AF.
RyR2 Common Gene Variant G1886S and the Risk of Ventricular Arrhythmias in ICD Patients with Heart Failure
Authors: FRANCIA PIETRO , ADDUCI CARMEN , SEMPRINI LORENZO , STANZIONE ROSITA , SERDOZ ANDREA , CAPRINOZZI MASSIMO , SANTINI DARIA , COTUGNO MARIA , PALANO FRANCESCA , MUSUMECI MARIA BEATRICE , RUBATTU SPERANZA , VOLPE MASSIMO 
Published: March 2015

RyR2 G1886S Gene Variant and VT/VF in HFBackgroundCardiac ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) is critical to the electrical homeostasis of cardiomyocytes. Its gene variant rs3766871 entails channel destabilization and enhanced intracellular Ca2+ oscillation, thus promoting cardiac arrhythmias. We investigated whether the RyR2 rs3766871 variant is associated with aborted sudden cardiac death or ICD therapy for ventricular tachycardia (VT)/fibrillation (VF) in heart failure (HF) patients implanted with a cardioverter defibrillator (ICD).Methods and ResultsA total of 183 HF patients with primary or secondary prevention ICD were divided in 2 groups. A VT/VF group was composed of secondary prevention patients and primary prevention patients with appropriate ICD intervention for VT/VF. An ICD control group was composed of primary prevention patients free from any appropriate ICD intervention after 43 ± 25 months follow‐up. Study subjects were genotyped with respect to the rs3766871 RyR2 gene variant. Hazard ratios (HRs) were derived from Cox proportional‐hazards regression analysis.In all, 56 patients constituted the VT/VF group and 127 patients the ICD control group. Male sex (HR: 3.02; 95% CI: 0.99–9.18; P = 0.05), atrial fibrillation (AF; HR: 2.33; 95% CI: 0.89–6.10; P = 0.08), and underuse of β‐blockers (HR: 2.08; 95% CI: 0.84–5.15; P = 0.11) were associated with the VT/VF phenotype. Prevalence of the rs3766871 minor allele was 2.8% in ICD control patients and 8.0% in the VT/VF group (P = 0.02). After adjustment for age, sex, AF, and use of β‐blockers, the rs3766871 minor allele was associated with increased risk of VT/VF (HR: 3.49; 95% CI: 1.14–10.62; P = 0.02).ConclusionsOur study identifies a significant role of RyR2 rs3766871 minor allele for increased susceptibility to VT/VF in a population of ICD patients with HF.
Concurrent coevolution of intra‐organismal cheaters and resisters
Authors: Levin S. R. , Brock D. A. , Queller D. C. , Strassmann J. E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe evolution of multicellularity is a major transition that is not yet fully understood. Specifically, we do not know whether there are any mechanisms by which multicellularity can be maintained without a single‐cell bottleneck or other relatedness‐enhancing mechanisms. Under low relatedness, cheaters can evolve that benefit from the altruistic behaviour of others without themselves sacrificing. If these are obligate cheaters, incapable of cooperating, their spread can lead to the demise of multicellularity. One possibility, however, is that cooperators can evolve resistance to cheaters. We tested this idea in a facultatively multicellular social amoeba, Dictyostelium discoideum. This amoeba usually exists as a single cell but, when stressed, thousands of cells aggregate to form a multicellular organism in which some of the cells sacrifice for the good of others. We used lineages that had undergone experimental evolution at very low relatedness, during which time obligate cheaters evolved. Unlike earlier experiments, which found resistance to cheaters that were prevented from evolving, we competed cheaters and noncheaters that evolved together, and cheaters with their ancestors. We found that noncheaters can evolve resistance to cheating before cheating sweeps through the population and multicellularity is lost. Our results provide insight into cheater–resister coevolutionary dynamics, in turn providing experimental evidence for the maintenance of at least a simple form of multicellularity by means other than high relatedness.
Brain‐Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Substrate Utilization Following Acute Aerobic Exercise in Obese Individuals
Authors: Slusher A. L. , Whitehurst M. , Zoeller R. F. , Mock J. T. , Maharaj A. , Huang C.‐J. 
Published: March 2015

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) serves as a vital regulator of neuronal proliferation and survival, and has been shown to regulate energy homeostasis, glucose metabolism and body weight maintenance. Elevated concentrations of plasma BDNF have been associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Acute aerobic exercise transiently increases circulating BDNF, potentially correcting obesity‐related metabolic impairment. The present study aimed to compare acute aerobic exercise elicited BDNF responses in obese and normal‐weight subjects. Furthermore, we aimed to investigate whether acute exercise‐induced plasma BDNF elevations would be associated with improved indices of insulin resistance, as well as substrate utilization [carbohydrate oxidation (CHOoxi) and fat oxidation (FAToxi)]. Twenty‐two healthy, untrained subjects [11 obese (four men and seven women; age = 22.91 ± 4.44 years; body mass index = 35.72 ± 4.17 kg/m2) and 11 normal‐weight (five men and six women; age = 23.27 ± 2.24 years; body mass index = 21.89 ± 1.63 kg/m2)] performed 30 min of continuous submaximal aerobic exercise at 75% maximal oxygen consumption. Our analyses showed that the BDNF response to acute aerobic exercise was similar in obese and normal‐weight subjects across time (time: P = 0.015; group: P = not significant) and was not associated with indices of IR. Although no differences in the rates of CHOoxi and FAToxi were found between both groups, total relative energy expenditure was significantly lower in obese subjects compared to normal‐weight subjects (3.53 ± 0.25 versus 5.59 ± 0.85; P < 0.001). These findings suggest that acute exercise‐elicited BDNF elevation may not be sufficient to modulate indices of IR or the utilization of either carbohydrates or fats in obese individuals.
Exploding head syndrome is common in college students
Authors: Sharpless Brian A. 
Published: March 2015

SummaryExploding head syndrome is characterized by the perception of loud noises during sleep–wake or wake–sleep transitions. Although episodes by themselves are relatively harmless, it is a frightening phenomenon that may result in clinical consequences. At present there are little systematic data on exploding head syndrome, and prevalence rates are unknown. It has been hypothesized to be rare and to occur primarily in older (i.e. 50+ years) individuals, females, and those suffering from isolated sleep paralysis. In order to test these hypotheses, 211 undergraduate students were assessed for both exploding head syndrome and isolated sleep paralysis using semi‐structured diagnostic interviews: 18.00% of the sample experienced lifetime exploding head syndrome, this reduced to 16.60% for recurrent cases. Though not more common in females, it was found in 36.89% of those diagnosed with isolated sleep paralysis. Exploding head syndrome episodes were accompanied by clinically significant levels of fear, and a minority (2.80%) experienced it to such a degree that it was associated with clinically significant distress and/or impairment. Contrary to some earlier theorizing, exploding head syndrome was found to be a relatively common experience in younger individuals. Given the potential clinical impacts, it is recommended that it be assessed more regularly in research and clinical settings.
Pannexin‐2 is expressed in the human colon with extensive localization in the enteric nervous system
Authors: Diezmos E. F. , Sandow S. L. , Perera D. S. , King D. W. , Bertrand P. P. , Liu L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundPannexin‐2 (Panx2) is a member of the novel group of membrane spanning protein channels present in the central nervous system. Limited studies have examined Panx2 in the intestine, where it may have important physiological roles. The present study characterized Panx2 expression and localization in the human colon in health and disease states.MethodsImmunofluorescence determined Panx2 localization and co‐localization, and quantitative real‐time PCR and Western blot determined gene and protein expression in ulcerative colitis (UC), Crohn's disease (CD), and control human colon.Key ResultsPanx2 was widely expressed in myenteric and submucosal ganglia, particularly in the cytoplasm of neurons. Panx2 was also expressed on smooth muscle of the muscularis and blood vessels, some non‐lymphoid leukocytes, mast cells, and mucosal epithelial cells. Co‐localization of Panx2 occurred with β‐tubulin, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, substance P, vesicular acetylcholine transporter, and calcitonin gene‐related peptide, indicating widespread Panx2 expression in extrinsic and intrinsic neurons. Molecular studies revealed a 3.4‐fold higher level of Panx2 mRNA in ascending compared to sigmoid muscularis (p < 0.05), despite similar protein levels. Similarly, UC muscularis showed a 35‐fold up‐regulation in Panx2 mRNA, but not in protein (p < 0.05).Conclusions & InferencesHere, we demonstrated the dense expression of Panx2 in the enteric nervous system and the co‐localization of Panx2 with a spectrum of neuronal markers, indicating that Panx2 may be involved in mediating neurotransmission in the colon. The substantial increase in Panx2 mRNA in UC muscle but not protein suggests that the Panx2 translation process may be disrupted in UC.
How Green are Exporters?
Authors: Girma Sourafel , Hanley Aoife 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThere is a well‐established theoretical and empirical literature that shows that exporters are more innovative than otherwise equivalent non‐exporters. In this article, we ask whether this is also true when it comes to the effects of adopting greener production techniques. Using an instrumental variables strategy based on UK firm level data, we find robust evidence that exporters are more likely to report their innovation as having a ‘high/very high’ environmental effect.
Million Dollar Maybe? The Effect of Female Presence in Movies on Box Office Returns
Authors: Lindner Andrew M. , Lindquist Melissa , Arnold Julie 
Published: March 2015

This study examines processes that contribute to the underrepresentation of women in film by linking the depiction of gender in film to its impact on domestic box office returns. Drawing on a sample of widely distributed movies from 2000 to 2009 (n = 974), we test whether the box office under‐performance of films with an independent female presence results primarily from “downstream” public rejection or from an gendered “upstream” division of resources that provides greater studio support to movies about men. Using a series of multivariate regression analyses and controlling for genre, critical appraisal, arthouse label, being a sequel, and including a popular star, films with a female presence earn less at the box office. This effect, however, appears to be largely the consequence of movies that feature women having smaller production budgets, suggesting that the underrepresentation of women in film stems from “upstream” routines of film industry gatekeepers, not a lesser interest in stories about women in the minds of the public.