bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary Intimal (Spindle Cell) Sarcoma of the Left Atrium
Authors: Fu Bo , Yu Hui , Yang Jian 
Published: September 2014

Mini‐AbstractA previously healthy 50‐year‐old man presented to our hospital with a history of progressive shortness of breath and diminished exercise tolerance for 3 months. A transthoracic echocardiogram was interpreted as showing a left atrial mass that was mobile and protruding into the left ventricle and noted that it was “like a myxoma, though its attachment was not visualized.” He was taken to the operating room with the initial diagnosis of left atrial myxoma, but upon surgical inspection of the left atrium, it was noted that the appearance of the tumor was more suggestive of malignancy. Pathologic examination revealed sheets of high‐grade densely packed spindle cells replacing and infiltrating into the atrial wall.
Disruption of actin‐binding domain‐containing Dystonin protein causes dystonia musculorum in mice
Authors: Horie Masao , Watanabe Keisuke , Bepari Asim K. , Nashimoto Jun‐ichiro , Araki Kimi , Sano Hiromi , Chiken Satomi , Nambu Atsushi , Ono Katsuhiko , Ikenaka Kazuhiro , Kakita Akiyoshi , Yamamura Ken‐ichi , Takebayashi Hirohide 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe Dystonin gene (Dst) is responsible for dystonia musculorum (dt), an inherited mouse model of hereditary neuropathy accompanied by progressive motor symptoms such as dystonia and cerebellar ataxia. Dst‐a isoforms, which contain actin‐binding domains, are predominantly expressed in the nervous system. Although sensory neuron degeneration in the peripheral nervous system during the early postnatal stage is a well‐recognised phenotype in dt, the histological characteristics and neuronal circuits in the central nervous system responsible for motor symptoms remain unclear. To analyse the causative neuronal networks and roles of Dst isoforms, we generated novel multipurpose Dst gene trap mice, in which actin‐binding domain‐containing isoforms are disrupted. Homozygous mice showed typical dt phenotypes with sensory degeneration and progressive motor symptoms. The gene trap allele (DstGt) encodes a mutant Dystonin‐LacZ fusion protein, which is detectable by X‐gal (5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl‐β‐D‐galactoside) staining. We observed wide expression of the actin‐binding domain‐containing Dystonin isoforms in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system. This raised the possibility that not only secondary neuronal defects in the CNS subsequent to peripheral sensory degeneration but also cell‐autonomous defects in the CNS contribute to the motor symptoms. Expression analysis of immediate early genes revealed decreased neuronal activity in the cerebellar‐thalamo‐striatal pathway in the homozygous brain, implying the involvement of this pathway in the dt phenotype. These novel DstGt mice showed that a loss‐of‐function mutation in the actin‐binding domain‐containing Dystonin isoforms led to typical dt phenotypes. Furthermore, this novel multipurpose DstGt allele offers a unique tool for analysing the causative neuronal networks involved in the dt phenotype.
Transition in lesional focal epilepsy, and following epilepsy surgery
Authors: Cross J. Helen , Duchowny Michael 
Published: September 2014

SummaryChildren with intractable epilepsy benefit from early surgical treatment when possible to reduce long‐term morbidity. Issues for transition are variable according to type and timing of surgery, and the outcome. When surgery is successful, cognitive and behavioral improvements may not be apparent for several years. The value of continuing antiepileptic drug (AED) treatment after successful surgery remains unclear, and the adjustment to a life without seizures may be challenging.
Characterisation of immune responses in healthy foals when a multivalent vaccine protocol was initiated at age 90 or 180 days
Authors: Davis E. G. , Bello N. M. , Bryan A. J. , Hankins K. , Wilkerson M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryReasons for performing studyProtection from infectious disease requires antigen‐specific immunity. In foals, most vaccine protocols are delayed until 6 months to avoid maternal antibody interference. Susceptibility to disease may exist prior to administration of vaccination at age 4–6 months.ObjectivesThe aim of this investigation was to characterise immune activation among healthy foals in response to a multivalent vaccine protocol and compare immune responses when foals were vaccinated at age either 90 or 180 days.Study designRandomised block design.MethodsTwelve healthy foals with colostral transfer were blocked for age and randomly assigned to vaccination at age 90 days (treatment) or at age 180 days (control). Vaccination protocols included a 3‐dose series and booster vaccine administered at age 11 months.ResultsImmune response following vaccination at age 90 or 180 days was comparable for several measures of cellular immunity. Antigen specificCD4+ andCD8+ expression of interleukin‐4, interferon‐γ and granzymeBto eastern equine encephalomyelitis, western equine encephalomyelitis, West Nile virus, tetanus toxoid, equine influenza and equine herpesvirus‐1/4 antigens were evident for both groups 30 days after initial vaccine and at age 344 days. Both groups showed a significant increase in antigen‐specific immunoglobulinGexpression following booster vaccine at age 11 months, thereby indicating memory immune responses.ConclusionsThe data presented in this report demonstrate that young foals are capable of immune activation following a 3‐dose series with a multivalent vaccine, despite presence of maternal antibodies. Although immune activation does not automatically confer protection, several of the immune indicators measured showed comparable expression in foals vaccinated at 3 months relative to control foals vaccinated at age 6 months. In high‐risk situations where immunity may be required earlier than following a conventional vaccine series, our data provide evidence that foals respond to immunisation initiated at 3 months in a comparable manner to foals initiated at an older age.
Normal range of bleeding scores for the ISTH‐BAT: adult and pediatric data from the merging project
Authors: Elbatarny M. , Mollah S. , Grabell J. , Bae S. , Deforest M. , Tuttle A. , Hopman W. , Clark D. S. , Mauer A. C. , Bowman M. , Riddel J. , Christopherson P. A. , Montgomery R. R. ,   Zimmerman Program Investigators, Rand M. L. , Coller B. , James P. D. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBleeding Assessment Tools (BATs) have been developed to aid in the standardized evaluation of bleeding symptoms. The Vicenza Bleeding Questionnaire (BQ), published in 2005, established a common framework and scoring key that has undergone subsequent modification over the years, culminating in the publication of the ISTH‐BAT in 2010. Understanding the normal range of bleeding scores is critical when assessing the utility of a BAT. Within the context of The Merging Project, a bioinformatics system was created to facilitate the merging of legacy data derived from four different (but all Vicenza‐based) BATs; the MCMDM1‐VWD BQ, the Condensed MCMDM‐1VWD BQ, the Pediatric Bleeding Questionnaire and the ISTH‐BAT. Data from 1040 normal adults and 328 children were included in the final analysis, which showed that the normal range is 0–3 for adult males, 0–5 for adult females and 0–2 in children for both males and females. Therefore, the cut‐off for a positive or abnormal BS is ≥4 in adult males, ≥6 in adult females and ≥3 in children. This information can now be used to objectively assess bleeding symptoms as normal or abnormal in future studies.
Five‐year cumulative incidence of invasive anal cancer among HIV‐infected patients according to baseline anal cytology results: an inception cohort analysis
Authors: Cachay E , Agmas W , Mathews C 
Published: September 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to estimate the cumulative incidence of, and rates of progression to, invasive anal cancer (IAC) according to baseline anal cytology screening category in an unselected HIV clinical care cohort in the antiretroviral era.MethodsA retrospective cohort analysis of HIV‐infected patients under care at the University of California at San Diego Owen Clinic was carried out. Patients were eligible for this analysis if they had at least two anal cytohistological results available for longitudinal analysis. Kaplan−Meier analysis was used to estimate the cumulative incidence of IAC over time according to baseline cytology category [less than high‐grade intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) versus HSIL]. Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for the following covariates: antiretroviral use, level of HIV viraemia, smoking status and infrared photocoagulation (IRC) ablation therapy.ResultsBetween 2000 and 2012, we followed 2804 HIV‐infected patients for a median of 4 years under a clinic protocol requiring baseline anal cytology screening. Incident IAC was diagnosed in 23 patients. Patients with a baseline HSIL anal cytology had an estimated 5‐year probability of progression to IAC of 1.7% and an estimated annual progression risk of 1 in 263. None of the examined covariates was significantly associated with IAC incidence when examined in separate unadjusted Cox models.ConclusionsHIV‐infected patients with a baseline HSIL anal cytology had a 5‐year cumulative incidence of IAC of 1.65%, with an upper 95% confidence bound of 4.5%. This population‐based study provides quantitative risk estimates that may be used for counselling patients regarding management options for abnormal cytology results.
Antigen/IgG immune complex‐primed mucosal mast cells mediate antigen‐specific activation of co‐cultured T cells
Authors: Ding Jie , Fang Yu , Xiang Zou 
Published: September 2014

SummaryMast cells are proposed to be one of the targets for mucosal vaccine adjuvants. We previously demonstrated that mucosal adjuvants containing IgG immune complexes could activate connective tissue mast cells enhancing immune responses. Here we suggest that mucosal mast cells (MMC) may also contribute to augmentation of antigen‐specific immune responses following treatment with antigens complexed with IgG. We demonstrated that both bone marrow‐derived cultured MMC and tissue resident MMC incorporated ovalbumin (OVA) at a greater level in the presence of anti‐OVA IgG. Co‐culture of OVA/IgG‐pulsed bone marrow‐derived MMC with splenocytes from OT‐II mice promoted OVA‐specific activation and proliferation of T cells, a process known as cross‐presentation. Furthermore, bone marrow‐derived cultured MMC underwent apoptosis following treatment with IgG immune complexes, a feature that has been described as favouring phagocytosis of mast cells by professional antigen‐presenting cells.
Hypoxia‐inducible factors in regulation of immune responses in tumour microenvironment
Authors: Kumar Vinit , Gabrilovich Dmitry I. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryHypoxia is one of the hallmarks of the tumour microenvironment. It is the result of insufficient blood supply to support proliferating tumour cells. In response to hypoxia, the cellular machinery uses mechanisms whereby the low level of oxygen is sensed and counterbalanced by changing the transcription of numerous genes. Hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIF) play a critical role in the regulation of cellular responses to hypoxia. In recent years ample evidence has indicated that HIF play a prominent role in tumour immune responses. Up‐regulation of HIF1α promotes immune suppressive activity of myeloid‐derived suppressive cells (MDSC) and tumour‐associated macrophages (TAM) and rapid differentiation of MDSC to TAM. HIF1α does not affect MDSC differentiation to dendritic cells (DC) but instead causes DC activation. HIF inhibit effector functions of tumour‐infiltrating lymphocytes. HIF1α inhibits regulatory T (Treg) cell development by switching the balance towards T helper type 17 cells. However, as a major part of Treg cell differentiation does not take place in the tumour site, a functionally more important role of HIF1α is in the promotion of Treg cell recruitment to the tumour site in response to chemokines. As a result, the presence of Treg cells inside tumours is increased. Hence, HIF play a largely negative role in the regulation of immune responses inside tumours. It appears that therapeutic strategies targeting HIF in the immune system could be beneficial for anti‐tumour immune responses.
Characterization of CVD Bonded Tyranno® Fibers Oxidized at High Temperatures
Authors: Remirez de Esparza Natalia , Cocera Nerea , Vazquez Lexuri , Alkorta Jon , Ocaña Ibon , Sanchez Jose M. 
Published: September 2014

The oxidation of highly porous ceramic matrix composites (PCMCs) based on different Tyranno® fibers has been analyzed by means of thermogravimetry and electron microscopy. Both uncoated fibers and PCMC materials exhibit parabolic kinetics between 900°C and 1250°C, these being faster for Ti‐doped than for Zr‐doped Tyranno fibers. Oxide layers in Ti‐doped fibers are porous and partially crystalline, whereas in Zr‐doped materials a significant fraction of relatively coarse β‐SiC grains is still found embedded in the amorphous silica matrix. On the other hand, the CVD‐SiC coatings exhibit higher oxidation rates from the outer surface than from the inner one, a phenomenon that has been associated not only with the more difficult access of oxygen to the inner face but also with the highly <111> textured structure of these coatings, for which very different oxidation rates have been published for the inward and outward directions. Cracking phenomena observed above 1100°C for long dwelling times do not lead to an acceleration of the oxidation process, which could be due to the simultaneous crystallization of the amorphous silica layers.
Visualizing surface area and volume of lumens in three dimensions using images from histological sections
Authors: LIVINGSTON DAVID P. , TUONG TAN D. , KISSLING GRACE E. , CULLEN JOHN M. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryVisualizing the interior (lumen) of a tubular structure within tissue can provide a unique perspective on anatomical organization of the tissue. Portal tracts of the liver contain several vessels and ducts in various patterns of intertwining branches and are an example of such spaces. An inexpensive method, using light microscopy and a sample of conventionally stained canine livers, was used to colorize and allow visualization of the lumens of vessels within the portal tract in three dimensions. When the colour of the background was digitally cleared and the lumen filled with a solid colour, it was possible to measure areas and volumes of the portal vein, arteries, bile ducts and lymphatics. Significant differences between vessels and ducts across lobes and gender in control samples are discussed. Differences were also found between control and mixed breed dogs and between controls and a dog that died of accidental traumatic haemorrhage. These differences are discussed in relation to visualizing lumens using images generated from a light microscope. Vessels in plants such as xylem and continuously formed spaces resulting from ice formation are other examples where this technique could be applied.
Phenylephrine enhances glutamate release in the medial prefrontal cortex through interaction with N‐type Ca2+ channels and release machinery
Authors: Luo Fei , Li Si‐hai , Tang Hua , Deng Wei‐ke , Zhang Yu , Liu Ying 
Published: September 2014

Abstractα1‐adrenoceptors (α1‐ARs) stimulation has been found to enhance excitatory processes in many brain regions. A recent study in our laboratory showed that α1‐ARs stimulation enhances glutamatergic transmission via both pre‐ and post‐synaptic mechanisms in layer V/VI pyramidal cells of the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). However, a number of pre‐synaptic mechanisms may contribute to α1‐ARs‐induced enhancement of glutamate release. In this study, we blocked the possible post‐synaptic action mediated by α1‐ARs to investigate how α1‐ARs activation regulates pre‐synaptic glutamate release in layer V/VI pyramidal neurons of mPFC. We found that the α1‐ARs agonist phenylephrine (Phe) induced a significant enhancement of glutamatergic transmission. The Phe‐induced potentiation was mediated by enhancing pre‐synaptic glutamate release probability and increasing the number of release vesicles via a protein kinase C‐dependent pathway. The mechanisms of Phe‐induced potentiation included interaction with both glutamate release machinery and N‐type Ca2+ channels, probably via a pre‐synaptic Gq/phospholipase C/protein kinase C pathway. Our results may provide a cellular and molecular mechanism that helps explain α1‐ARs‐mediated influence on PFC cognitive functions.
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Alpha1‐adrenoceptor (α1‐ARs) stimulation has been reported to enhance glutamatergic transmission in layer V/VI pyramidal neurons of the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). We found that α1‐ARs agonist phenylephrine (Phe) increases pre‐synaptic glutamate release probability and the number of released vesicles via interaction with both glutamate release machinery and N‐type Ca2+ channels. Our results may provide a cellular and molecular mechanism that helps explain α1‐ARs‐mediated influence on PFC cognitive functions. Gq, Gq protein; PLC, phospholipase C; PKC, protein kinase C; AMPA, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid; NMDA, N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate; Glu, glutamate; Phe, phenylephrine.
Evaluation of the effect of fractional CO2 laser on histopathological picture and TGF‐β1 expression in hypertrophic scar
Authors: Makboul Mohamed , Makboul Rania , Abdelhafez Assem HK , Hassan Safaa Said , Youssif Sherif M 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackground and AimsHypertrophic scar is a form of abnormal wound healing process in which tissue repair regulating mechanism is disrupted. Transforming growth factor β1 has a particular importance in the fibrotic scarring response. Treatment of hypertrophic scar included many chemical, physical, and surgical options. Fractional CO2 laser devices have gained acceptance as a way for managing hypertrophic scar. Aims of this study are: (a) to determine the clinical and histopathological effects of fractional CO2 laser on hypertrophic scar, (b) to evaluate the expression pattern of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) as an important fibrogenic factor before and 6 months after fractional CO2 laser treatment.Patients and MethodsForty patients of hypertrophic scar were selected, each patient was treated by four sessions with 1 month apart with fractional CO2 laser. Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was used to assess the patients before and after laser treatment. Skin biopsy was taken from eight cases before and 3 months after four fractional CO2 laser sessions and four normal skin control biopsies. All were assessed by hematoxylin‐eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, Van Gieson and immunohistochemical (IHC) staining with TGF‐β1. The epidermal thickness was assessed before and after treatment by image analyzing system software.ResultsThere was statistically significant difference in VSS before and after fractional CO2 laser (P > 0.001). The epidermal thickness showed significant increase after laser treatment (P > 0.001), and there was also thinning in stratum corneum and replacement of the irregular collagen bands with organized new collagen fibrils as demonstrated by H&E and the other special stains. The study also showed significant decrease in TGF‐β1 expression after laser therapy (P = 0.008).ConclusionFractional CO2 laser could be considered as a good way for hypertrophic scar management. It normalizes dermal collagen as imaged by histopathological picture and the change in TGF‐β1 expression.
Effect of low‐intensity, low‐frequency ultrasound treatment on anthropometry, subcutaneous adipose tissue, and body composition of young normal weight females
Authors: Milanese Chiara , Cavedon Valentina , Piscitelli Francesco , Zancanaro Carlo 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundLow‐intensity, low‐frequency ultrasound is increasingly being used for noninvasive, external body contouring as an alternative to liposuction or laser treatments.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of chronic localized treatment with a novel ultrasound device on subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and fat mass in young, normal weight women.MethodsTwenty‐eight females (mean age = 25.5 ± 0.66 [SE] year, mean BMI = 22.1 ± 0.37 kg/m2) underwent a 10‐week bilateral treatment with the device in the gluteus–buttock–thigh area (Lipolysis program: ultrasound frequency = 150 kHz; power = 1.65 W/cm2), 48 min per session, two sessions a week. Subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness and fat mass were evaluated before and after treatment with ultrasound and dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, respectively.ResultsTreatment was well tolerated by all participants. At the end of treatment, statistically significant reduction of subcutaneous adipose tissue thickness was found bilaterally at the gluteus and thigh site (−2.03 ÷ −2.79%). Trunk and lower limb fat mass were reduced as well (−3.48 ÷ −3.97%).ConclusionsA 10‐week, low‐intensity, low‐frequency localized external ultrasound treatment is effective in reducing adipose tissue in females.
Women's perceptions of the benefits and risks of skin‐lightening creams in two South African communities
Authors: Dlova Ncoza , Hamed Saja H , Tsoka‐Gwegweni Joyce , Grobler Anneke , Hift Richard 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundSkin‐lightening products are commonly used by black communities in South Africa and worldwide. This practice has deep historical and cultural roots and is associated with adverse cutaneous effects.MethodsA cross‐sectional survey of 579 African and Indian women aged 18–70 years was conducted in two large public hospitals in Durban, South Africa.ResultsThere were 292 Africans and 287 Indians included in the survey sample. Of these 32.3% had used skin‐lightening products (60% of Africans and 40% of Indians). Most of those who had used skin lighteners (85 of Africans and 76% of Indians) claimed awareness of the adverse effects of the products, although this did not appear to inform knowledge of the product, how it was used, nor the decision to use the product. Most users (90%) expressed satisfaction with results achieved but 32% reported adverse events.ConclusionSkin‐lightening products are used by a third of African and Indian women in South Africa Cultural and historical perceptions equating a fairer skin with social advantage are pervasive and strongly reinforced by the media. There is a poor understanding of the risks associated with the use of these products. Public education campaigns are required to teach consumers about these risks and the importance of concomitant use of sunscreens with these products.