bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of pigment cell ultrastructure and organisation in the dermis of marble trout and brown trout, and first description of erythrophore ultrastructure in salmonids
Authors: Djurdjevič Ida , Kreft Mateja Erdani , Sušnik Bajec Simona 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSkin pigmentation in animals is an important trait with many functions. The present study focused on two closely related salmonid species, marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) and brown trout (S. trutta), which display an uncommon labyrinthine (marble‐like) and spot skin pattern, respectively. To determine the role of chromatophore type in the different formation of skin pigment patterns in the two species, the distribution and ultrastructure of chromatophores was examined with light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The presence of three types of chromatophores in trout skin was confirmed: melanophores; xanthophores; and iridophores. In addition, using correlative microscopy, erythrophore ultrastructure in salmonids was described for the first time. Two types of erythrophores are distinguished, both located exclusively in the skin of brown trout: type 1 in black spot skin sections similar to xanthophores; and type 2 with a unique ultrastructure, located only in red spot skin sections. Morphologically, the difference between the light and dark pigmentation of trout skin depends primarily on the position and density of melanophores, in the dark region covering other chromatophores, and in the light region with the iridophores and xanthophores usually exposed. With larger amounts of melanophores, absence of xanthophores and presence of erythrophores type 1 and type L iridophores in the black spot compared with the light regions and the presence of erythrophores type 2 in the red spot, a higher level of pigment cell organisation in the skin of brown trout compared with that of marble trout was demonstrated. Even though the skin regions with chromatophores were well defined, not all the chromatophores were in direct contact, either homophilically or heterophilically, with each other. In addition to short‐range interactions, an important role of the cellular environment and long‐range interactions between chromatophores in promoting adult pigment pattern formation of trout are proposed.
Carotid Intima‐Media Thickness is Inversely Related to Bone Density in Female but not in Male Patients with Acute Stroke
Authors: Kim Shi Nae , Lee Hye Sun , Nam Hyo Suk , Lee Hwa Reung , Kim Jung Min , Han Sang Won , Park Joong Hyun , Baik Jong Sam , Kim Jeong Yeon , Park Jae Hyeon 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAtherosclerosis and osteoporosis are two major public health problems. It is still uncertain whether an abnormal carotid ultrasonography, either increased intima‐media thickness (IMT) or plaque thickness, is associated with osteoporosis in acute ischemic stroke patients. To investigate the possible relationships between osteoporosis and carotid atherosclerosis, we evaluated the correlation between carotid IMT/plaque thickness and bone mineral density (BMD) in acute ischemic stroke patients.METHODSPatients having their first ischemic stroke within seven days were screened for the study. The IMT was scanned approximately 10 mm proximal to the beginning of the dilatation of the carotid bulb. The plaques were measured in both common and internal carotid arteries. The BMD was measured at total hip and lumbar spine in the anterior‐posterior projection, using dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry.RESULTSA total of 155 patients were enrolled in the study and the mean age was 68.3 ± 10.34 years. Multiple linear regression analysis reveals that age (P < .001), smoking (P = .016), and osteoporosis (P = .001) were significantly associated with increased carotid IMT/plaque thickness. Old age, current smoking, and osteoporosis were significantly related to increased IMT/plaque thickness in acute ischemic stroke patients. In women, IMT/plaque thickness was significantly related to age (P = .01) and osteoporosis (P = .025). In men, though there was no significant relationship, a trend toward old age and having osteoporosis was observed in increased IMT/plaque thickness (P = .051, P = .086).CONCLUSIONSThis study showed that carotid IMT/plaque thickness was inversely related to the BMD in female but not in male patients with acute ischemic stroke.
Brain CT to Assess Intracranial Pressure in Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury
Authors: Pappu Suguna , Lerma Jesus , Khraishi Tariq 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTIONMorphologic features of computed tomography (CT) scans of the brain can be used to estimate intracranial pressure (ICP) via an image‐processing algorithm. Clinically, such estimations can be used to prognosticate outcomes and avoid placement of invasive intracranial monitors in certain patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Features on a CT scan that may correlate with measurements of low ICP are sought.METHODSA measure is proposed that is a function of the distribution of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in and around the brain. In our method, we present an algorithm that semiautomatically segments brain parenchyma from CSF, and apply standard image processing calculations. The ratio of CSF volume to the size of the intracranial vault (ICV) or volume inside the skull, csfv/icvv is calculated and then plotted against the actual recorded ICP, yielding a relationship between the image features and ICP.RESULTSWe analyzed a total of 45 scans from 20 patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). We showed that a ratio csfv/icvv > .034 correlates with an ICP < 20 mmHg (P = .0046). For csfv/icvv ≤ .034, a distinction between low and high ICP cannot be effectively estimated by this univariate measure.CONCLUSIONThis method permits a noninvasive means of identifying patients who are low risk for having elevated ICP; by following Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines strictly such a patient may be subjected to an unnecessary, invasive procedure. This work is a promising pilot study that will need to be analyzed for a larger population.
Diagnostic Performance of Brain MRI in Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome
Authors: Narvid Jared , Rehani Bhavya , Talbott Jason F. 
Published: September 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSECentral nervous system immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (CNS‐IRIS) significantly negatively impacts the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected population on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We sought to determine the diagnostic performance of several magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features for CNS‐IRIS in a cohort of HIV+ patients recently started on cART.METHODSOur radiologic database was searched from January 2003 to September 2014 retrospectively for patients diagnosed with HIV and worsening symptoms on cART. A total of 20 patients with HIV were identified; patients were classified as having CNS‐IRIS on the basis of established clinical criteria (8 patients; 12 age‐ and sex‐matched controls). Brain MR images were obtained at a single post‐cART timepoint during hospitalization for acute neurologic deterioration and blindly interpreted by two experienced neuroradiologists for the presence of four variables: intrinsic T1 hyperintensity, marginal reduced diffusion, and marginal enhancement or perivascular enhancement.RESULTSAlthough each individual finding showed moderate predictive accuracy, the combination of MR findings demonstrated good test characteristics: sensitivity 88% (confidence interval [CI] 62‐98), specificity 79% (58‐93), positive predictive value 71% (44‐90%), and negative predictive value 83% (CI 52‐98%). In addition, this final diagnosis demonstrated good predictive accuracy, area under curve .78 (CI .63‐.91), and moderate inter‐reader agreement, κ = .55.CONCLUSIONSOur findings suggest that although each individual MR finding shows only moderate diagnostic performance, the combined assessment of experienced neuroradiologists has good predictive accuracy. The absence of any described MRI findings makes the diagnosis of CNS‐IRIS highly unlikely.
Effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios on the mass, and histological and ultrastructures of liver, spleen and thymus of 70‐day‐old Yangzhou Goslings
Authors: Wang M. Z. , Ding L. Y. , Gao J. , Wang J. F. , Zhou G. , Zhang J. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary n‐6/n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) ratios on the organ indexes, and histological and ultrastructures of organs including liver, spleen and thymus in 70‐day‐old Yangzhou goslings. One‐hundred and sixty 21‐day‐old Yangzhou goslings were randomly divided into 4 groups and fed 4 diets varying in the n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratio from 3:1 up to 12:1. After 1‐week acclimation, the feeding experiment lasted for 6 weeks. At the end of the experimental period, goslings were slaughtered and the liver, spleen and thymus were weighed, and their histological and ultrastructures were examined. The results showed that the organ indices in the 3:1 group were remarkably higher than in the other three groups, whereas the mitochondrial square did not differ among four groups. The histological and ultrastructures of the liver, spleen and thymus were not affected by the diets with the lower n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratios (3:1 and 6:1). However, feeding diets with the higher n‐6/n‐3 PUFA ratios (9:1 and 12:1), the nuclear chromatin was concentrated and marginalized; the cell membrane was contracted inwardly and disrupted; the mitochondrial membrane was damaged to some degree. In conclusion, the diet containing higher content of n‐3 PUFA might improve immune capacity of goslings the animal by accelerating the growth and maintaining cellular structures of organs like liver, spleen and thymus.
The smallest comet 81P/Wild 2 dust dances around the CI composition
Authors: Rietmeijer Frans J. M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe bulbous Stardust track #80 (C2092,3,80,0,0) is a huge cavity. Allocations C2092,2,80,46,1 nearest the entry hole and C2092,2,80,47,6 about 0.8 mm beneath the entry hole provide evidence of highly chaotic conditions during capture. They are dominated by nonvesicular low‐Mg silica glass instead of highly vesicular glass found deeper into this track which is consistent with the escape of magnesiosilica vapors generated from the smallest comet grains. The survival of delicate (Mg,Al,Ca)‐bearing silica glass structures is unique to the entry hole. Both allocations show a dearth of surviving comet dust except for a small enstatite, a low‐Ca hypersthene grain, and a Ti‐oxide fragment. Finding scattered TiO2 fragments in the silica glass could support, but not prove, TiO2 grain fragmentation during hypervelocity capture. The here reported dearth in mineral species is in marked contrast to the wealth of surviving silicate and oxide minerals deeper into the bulb. Both allocations show Fe‐Ni‐S nanograins dispersed throughout the low‐Mg silica glass matrix. It is noted that neither comet Halley nor Wild 2 had a CI bulk composition for the smallest grains. Using the analogs of interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) and cluster IDPs it is argued that a CI chondritic composition requires the mixing of nonchondritic components in the appropriate proportions. So far, the fine‐grained Wild 2 dust is biased toward nonchondritic ferromagnesiosilica materials and lacking contributions of nonchondritic components with Mg‐Fe‐Ni‐S[Si‐O] compositions. To be specific, “Where are the GEMS”? The GEMS look‐alike found in this study suggests that evidence of GEMS in comet Wild 2 may still be found in the Stardust glass.
Climate change and us: What nephrologists should know
Authors: Barraclough Katherine A , Holt Stephen G , Agar John WM 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGlobal warming poses significant risks to human health and the planet. If allowed to continue unchecked, its consequences will be devastating. While all populations will be effected with time, vulnerable groups, including those with kidney disease, are likely to be at primary risk. This paper summarizes the current state of scientific knowledge relevant to climate change. It discusses the contribution of the health‐care system, and particularly dialysis programmes, to greenhouse gas emissions, and pathways that exist for nephrologists to mitigate their environmental impact.
Drifting of teeth in the mandible studied in adult human autopsy material
Authors: Dalstra M. , Sakima M. T. , Lemor C. , Melsen B. 
Published: September 2015

Structured AbstractObjectivesIncrease in lower anterior crowding is a general problem among adult Caucasians. The tooth movement responsible for this phenomenon, however, is not fully elucidated. Aim of this study was to describe signs of ongoing tooth movement reflected in the thickness of the bundle bone around mandibular teeth and the distribution of eroding surfaces of the alveolar wall in human autopsy material.Material and MethodsThe distribution of bundle bone and eroding surfaces was assessed histomorphometrically on 106 mandibular teeth, and the surrounding bone obtained at autopsy from 35 deceased persons ranging from 19 to 55 years of age. By examining the mesio‐distal and bucco–lingual aspects at the cervical and apical levels of the roots, a pattern of tooth movements could be established.ResultsThe distribution of the bundle bone thickness and the vectors of eroding surfaces enabled the direction of tooth movement to be reconstructed. Mesial and lingual displacement was prevalent for the anterior teeth.ConclusionThe signs of ongoing displacement of lower teeth support the concept of crowding occurring in adult individuals and support the maintenance of retainers, even following cessation of growth.
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin induces cytosol acidification in LFA‐1 expressing immune cells
Authors: Balashova N. , Dhingra A. , Boesze‐Battaglia K. , Lally E.T. 
Published: September 2015

SummaryStudies have suggested that Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans leukotoxin (LtxA) kills human lymphocyte function‐associated antigen 1 (LFA‐1; CD11a/CD18)‐bearing immune cells through a lysosomal‐mediated mechanism. Lysosomes are membrane‐bound cellular organelles that contain an array of acid hydrolases that are capable of breaking down biomolecules. The lysosomal membrane bilayer confines the pH‐sensitive enzymes within an optimal acidic (pH 4.8) environment thereby protecting the slightly basic cytosol (pH 6.8–7.5). In the current study, we have probed the effect of LtxA‐induced cytolysis on lysosomal integrity in two different K562 erythroleukemia cell lines. K562‐puro/LFA‐1 cells were stably transfected with CD11a and CD18 cDNA to express LFA‐1 on the cell surface while K562‐puro, which does not express LFA‐1, served as a control. Following treatment with 100 ng ml−1 LtxA cells were analyzed by live cell imaging in conjunction with time‐lapse confocal microscopy and by flow cytometry. Using a pH‐sensitive indicator (pHrodo®) we demonstrated that the toxin causes a decrease in the intracellular pH in K562‐puro/LFA‐1 cells that is noticeable within the first 15 min of treatment. This process correlated with the disappearance of lysosomes in the cytosol as determined by both acridine orange and LysoTracker® Red DND‐99 staining. These changes were not observed in K562‐puro cells or when heat inactivated toxin was added to K562‐puro/LFA‐1. Our results suggest that LtxA induces lysosomal damage, cytosol acidification, which is followed by cell death in K562‐puro/LFA‐1 cells.
Development of germ‐line‐specific CRISPR‐Cas9 systems to improve the production of heritable gene modifications in Arabidopsis
Authors: Mao Yanfei , Zhang Zhengjing , Feng Zhengyan , Wei Pengliang , Zhang Hui , Botella José Ramón , Zhu Jian‐Kang 
Published: September 2015

SummaryThe Streptococcus‐derived CRISPR/Cas9 system is being widely used to perform targeted gene modifications in plants. This customized endonuclease system has two components, the single‐guide RNA (sgRNA) for target DNA recognition and the CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) for DNA cleavage. Ubiquitously expressed CRISPR/Cas9 systems (UC) generate targeted gene modifications with high efficiency but only those produced in reproductive cells are transmitted to the next generation. We report the design and characterization of a germ‐line‐specific Cas9 system (GSC) for Arabidopsis gene modification in male gametocytes, constructed using a SPOROCYTELESS (SPL) genomic expression cassette. Four loci in two endogenous genes were targeted by both systems for comparative analysis. Mutations generated by the GSC system were rare in T1 plants but were abundant (30%) in the T2 generation. The vast majority (70%) of the T2 mutant population generated using the UC system were chimeras while the newly developed GSC system produced only 29% chimeras, with 70% of the T2 mutants being heterozygous. Analysis of two loci in the T2 population showed that the abundance of heritable gene mutations was 37% higher in the GSC system compared to the UC system and the level of polymorphism of the mutations was also dramatically increased with the GSC system. Two additional systems based on germ‐line‐specific promoters (pDD45‐GT and pLAT52‐GT) were also tested, and one of them was capable of generating heritable homozygous T1 mutant plants. Our results suggest that future application of the described GSC system will facilitate the screening for targeted gene modifications, especially lethal mutations in the T2 population.
Nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT/PBEF/visfatin) is a tumoural cytokine released from melanoma
Authors: Grolla Ambra A. , Torretta Simone , Gnemmi Ilaria , Amoruso Angela , Orsomando Giuseppe , Gatti Marco , Caldarelli Antonio , Lim Dmitry , Penengo Lorenza , Brunelleschi Sandra , Genazzani Armando A. , Travelli Cristina 
Published: September 2015

SummaryHigh plasma levels of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), traditionally considered an intracellular enzyme with a key role in NAD synthesis, have been reported in several oncological, inflammatory and metabolic diseases. We now show that eNAMPT can be actively released by melanoma cells in vitro. We analysed the mechanisms of its release, and we found both classical and non‐classical pathway involvement. eNAMPT released by melanoma cells, in our hands, has paracrine and autocrine effects: it activates MAPK, AKT and NF‐κB pathways and increases colony formation in anchorage‐independent conditions. eNAMPT also induces M1 polarization in human monocytes. Last, we demonstrate, for the first time in any cancer type, that eNAMPT levels in plasma of tumour‐bearing mice increase and that this increase can be reconducted to the tumour itself. This provides an important cue on previous observations that eNAMPT is increased in patients with cancer. Moreover, silencing NAMPT in melanoma cells leads to a reduction in the tumour growth rate. Our findings extend the basis to consider eNAMPT as a cytokine involved in tumour progression.
Effects of tolvaptan on congestive heart failure complicated with chylothorax in a neonate
Authors: Sato Nikiko , Sugiura Tokio , Nagasaki Rika , Suzuki Kazutaka , Ito Koichi , Kato Takenori , Inukai Sachiko , Saitoh Shinji 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTolvaptan is an oral vasopressin type 2 receptor antagonist that can be used for heart failure patients with hyponatremia or symptomatic congestion. Although the effects of tolvaptan in adults have been well documented, only limited information is available in children. The case of a neonate with congestive heart failure complicated with chylothorax after palliative surgery for transposition of the great arteries treated with tolvaptan is reported. Slow up‐titration to 0.1 mg/kg successfully increased urine output and improved refractory congestive heart failure without hypernatremia. Subsequently, bodyweight and chylothorax decreased gradually. Moreover, the use of tolvaptan reduced the dosage of furosemide. Tolvaptan could be an alternative drug for neonates with congestive heart failure. Further large studies are needed to confirm the efficacy and identify the appropriate dose of tolvaptan in neonates.
Remission of autoimmune neutropenia after development of Kawasaki disease
Authors: Okada Seigo , Hasegawa Shunji , Suzuki Yasuo , Ichimura Takuya , Kaneyasu Hidenobu , Shimomura Maiko , Wakabayashi‐Takahara Midori , Nakamura Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Masao , Ohga Shouichi 
Published: September 2015

AbstractWe report the second case of the association of Kawasaki disease (KD) and autoimmune neutropenia (AIN). A 21‐month‐old female diagnosed as having AIN of infancy developed a complete KD when severe neutropenia continued. The patient suffered from no coronary artery leions, and well responded to a single high‐dose gamma‐globulin therapy. The cytokine profile of the neutropenic infant was representative of the typical KD. Neutrophil counts notably increased during the convalescent phase of KD, and were then normalized forthwith. The prompt resolutions of KD and AIN paralleled the increase of circulating transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 levels. The clinical course of the patient was contrasted to that of the first reported case of a patient who developed severe and refractory KD after the high dose granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) therapy.
Adrenocortical tumor with precocious puberty in a 2‐month‐old girl
Authors: Marret Jean‐Baptiste , Raffoul Lara , Ribault Virginie , Ravasse Philippe , Rod Julien 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAdrenocortical tumor is a rare childhood tumor with a median age at onset of 3.2 years. Virilization is the most common sign. Laparotomy is the reference treatment and has a favorable course. The diagnosis of adrenal tumor can be difficult. The main parameters of malignant tumors are size and metastasis. Analysis of TP53 mutation can facilitate final diagnosis. We report a case of virilizing adrenal tumor that developed in a 2‐month‐old girl, and which was treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy.
The role of ABC genes in shaping perianth phenotype in the basal angiosperm Magnolia
Authors: Wróblewska M. , Dołzbłasz A. , Zagórska‐Marek B. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIt is generally accepted that the genus Magnolia is characterised by an undifferentiated perianth, typically organised into three whorls of nearly identical tepals. In some species, however, we encountered interesting and significant perianth modifications. In Magnolia acuminata, M. liliiflora and M. stellata the perianth elements of the first whorl are visually different from the others. In M. stellata the additional, spirally arranged perianth elements are present above the first three whorls, which suggests that they have been formed within the domain of stamen primordia. In these three species, we analysed expression patterns of the key flower genes (AP1, AGL6, AP3, PI, AG) responsible for the identity of flower elements and correlated them with results of morphological and anatomical investigations. In all studied species the elements of the first whorl lacked the identity of petals (lack of AP3 and PI expression) but also that of leaves (presence of AGL6 expression), and this seems to prove their sepal character. The analysis of additional perianth elements of M. stellata, spirally arranged on the elongated floral axis, revealed overlapping and reduced activity of genes involved in specification of the identity of the perianth (AGL6) but also of generative parts (AG), even though no clear gradient of morphological changes could be observed. In conclusion, Magnolia genus is capable of forming, in some species, a perianth differentiated into a calyx (sepals) and corolla (petals). Spirally arranged, additional perianth elements of M. stellata, despite activity of AG falling basipetally, resemble petals.