bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tale of a wandering spleen: 1800 degree torsion with infarcted spleen and secondary involvement of liver
Authors: Al Maksoud Safia Foud , Swamy Nayanatara , Khater Nivan Hany 
Published: July 2014

Wandering spleen is a rare clinical entity characterized by splenic hypermobility resulting from laxity or maldevelopment of the suspensory splenic ligaments. The spleen can "wander" or migrate into various positions within the abdomen or pelvis due to this ligamentous laxity. It is usually detected between 20 and 40 years of age, and is more common in women. The clinical presentation of a wandering spleen is variable, it could present as an asymptomatic, incidentally detected, abdominal or pelvic mass, or as an acute abdomen secondary to splenic torsion. Diagnosis in an emergent setting can be challenging as it is a rare cause of acute abdomen and does not produce any symptoms until splenic torsion has occurred. We present and discuss a case of ectopic, torsed spleen resulting in complete infarction of the spleen and severe hepatic vascular compromise, diagnosed by ultrasound, confirmed by computed tomography and effectively managed by splenectomy.
Local Immune Response to Injection of Plasmodium Sporozoites into the Skin
Authors: Mac-Daniel Laura , Buckwalter Matthew R. , Berthet Michèle , Virk Yasemin , Yui Katsuyuki , Albert Matthew L. , Gueirard Pascale , Ménard Robert 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Malarial infection is initiated when the sporozoite form of the Plasmodium parasite is inoculated into the skin by a mosquito. Sporozoites invade hepatocytes in the liver and develop into the erythrocyte-infecting form of the parasite, the cause of clinical blood infection. Protection against parasite development in the liver can be induced by injection of live attenuated parasites that do not develop in the liver and thus do not cause blood infection. Radiation-attenuated sporozoites (RAS) and genetically attenuated parasites are now considered as lead candidates for vaccination of humans against malaria. Although the skin appears as the preferable administration route, most studies in rodents, which have served as model systems, have been performed after i.v. injection of attenuated sporozoites. In this study, we analyzed the early response to Plasmodium berghei RAS or wild-type sporozoites (WTS) injected intradermally into C57BL/6 mice. We show that RAS have a similar in vivo distribution to WTS and that both induce a similar inflammatory response consisting of a biphasic recruitment of polymorphonuclear neutrophils and inflammatory monocytes in the skin injection site and proximal draining lymph node (dLN). Both WTS and RAS associate with neutrophils and resident myeloid cells in the skin and the dLN, transform inside CD11b+ cells, and induce a Th1 cytokine profile in the dLN. WTS and RAS are also similarly capable of priming parasite-specific CD8+ T cells. These studies delineate the early and local response to sporozoite injection into the skin, and suggest that WTS and RAS prime the host immune system in a similar fashion.
CXCL1 Inhibits Airway Smooth Muscle Cell Migration through the Decoy Receptor Duffy Antigen Receptor for Chemokines
Authors: Al-Alwan Laila A. , Chang Ying , Rousseau Simon , Martin James G. , Eidelman David H. , Hamid Qutayba 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Airway smooth muscle cell (ASMC) migration is an important mechanism postulated to play a role in airway remodeling in asthma. CXCL1 chemokine has been linked to tissue growth and metastasis. In this study, we present a detailed examination of the inhibitory effect of CXCL1 on human primary ASMC migration and the role of the decoy receptor, Duffy AgR for chemokines (DARC), in this inhibition. Western blots and pathway inhibitors showed that this phenomenon was mediated by activation of the ERK-1/2 MAPK pathway, but not p38 MAPK or PI3K, suggesting a biased selection in the signaling mechanism. Despite being known as a nonsignaling receptor, small interference RNA knockdown of DARC showed that ERK-1/2 MAPK activation was significantly dependent on DARC functionality, which, in turn, was dependent on the presence of heat shock protein 90 subunit α. Interestingly, DARC- or heat shock protein 90 subunit α–deficient ASMCs responded to CXCL1 stimulation by enhancing p38 MAPK activation and ASMC migration through the CXCR2 receptor. In conclusion, we demonstrated DARC’s ability to facilitate CXCL1 inhibition of ASMC migration through modulation of the ERK-1/2 MAPK–signaling pathway.
miR-190b Is Markedly Upregulated in the Intestine in Response to Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Replication and Partly Regulates Myotubularin-Related Protein-6 Expression
Authors: Mohan Mahesh , Chandra Lawrance C. , Torben Workineh , Aye Pyone P. , Alvarez Xavier , Lackner Andrew A. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
HIV replication and the cellular micro-RNA (miRNA) machinery interconnect at several posttranscriptional levels. To understand their regulatory role in the intestine, a major site of HIV/SIV replication, dissemination, and CD4+ T cell depletion, we profiled miRNA expression in colon following SIV infection (10 acute SIV, 5 uninfected). Nine (four up and five down) miRNAs showed statistically significant differential expression. Most notably, miR-190b expression showed high statistical significance (adjusted p = 0.0032), the greatest fold change, and was markedly elevated in colon and jejunum throughout SIV infection. In addition, miR-190b upregulation was detected before peak viral replication and the nadir of CD4+ T cell depletion predominantly in lamina propria leukocytes. Interestingly non–SIV-infected macaques with diarrhea and colitis failed to upregulate miR-190b, suggesting that its upregulation was neither inflammation nor immune-activation driven. SIV infection of in vitro–cultured CD4+ T cells and primary intestinal macrophages conclusively identified miR-190b upregulation to be driven in response to viral replication. Further miR-190b expression levels in colon and jejunum positively correlated with tissue viral loads. In contrast, mRNA expression of myotubularin-related protein 6 (MTMR6), a negative regulator of CD4+ T cell activation/proliferation, significantly decreased in SIV-infected macrophages. Luciferase reporter assays confirmed MTMR6 as a direct miR-190b target. To our knowledge, this is the first report, which describes dysregulated miRNA expression in the intestine, that identifies a potentially significant role for miR-190b in HIV/SIV pathogenesis. More importantly, miR-190b–mediated MTMR6 downregulation suggests an important mechanism that could keep infected cells in an activated state, thereby promoting viral replication. In the future, the mechanisms driving miR-190b upregulation including other cellular processes it regulates in SIV-infected cells need determination.
Optic Nerve and Dura Mater Involvement as the First Sign of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Yilmaz Suzan Guven , Ture Gamze , Zengin Mehmet Özgür , Talay Ekrem , Men Suleyman 
Published: July 2014

Purpose To report a case of optic nerve and dura mater involvement as the first sign of multiple myeloma. Methods Case report. Results A 43-year-old woman presented with a headache and decreased vision in both eyes. Ophthalmic examination revealed anterior uveitis and subretinal mass around the optic nerves with accompanying disc edema bilaterally. Magnetic resonance imaging showed dural and optic nerve infiltration with tram-track enhancement in the optic nerve sheath. The diagnosis of multiple myeloma was made as a result of systemic investigations. The patient underwent systemic chemotherapy and cranial radiotherapy. After treatment, the patient's headache disappeared, the papilledema regressed, and the ocular findings improved but complete recovery could not be achieved because of fibrous subretinal tissue and degenerative changes of the optic nerve. Conclusions Neurologic and ophthalmic involvement in multiple myeloma may appear as the first manifestation of disease. The correct diagnosis is important because it can be life-saving.
Yellow Micropulse Laser in Diabetic Macular Edema: A Short-Term Pilot Study
Authors: Nicolò Massimo , Musetti Donatella , Traverso Carlo E. 
Published: July 2014

Purpose To evaluate the effects of yellow micropulse laser in eyes with diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods In this retrospective interventional case series, 22 eyes of 17 patients with visual impairment secondary to persistent DME received one single session of yellow micropulse laser. Patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1, naive eyes; and group 2, previously treated eyes. Main outcome measures included changes in central retinal thickness (CRT) and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA). Possible atrophic changes of the retinal pigment epithelium as a result of yellow micropulse laser application were evaluated with fundus autofluorescence. Results At baseline, the mean logMAR BCVA was 0.39 ± 0.18 and the mean CRT was 361.8 ± 70.95. The mean BCVA improved to 0.31 ± 0.19 (p = 0.0091) and 0.31 ± 0.19 (p = 0.0078) at 3 and 6 months of follow-up, respectively. The mean CRT improved to 331.3 ± 48.46 (p<0.0001) and 328.1 ± 53.25 (p<0.0001) at 3 and 6 months of follow-up. Subgroup analysis showed that only in naive eyes was there a beneficial effect on visual acuity and central macular thickness. Conclusions In eyes with DME, yellow micropulse laser produces a statistically significant improvement in BCVA and CRT in the short term.
Retinal Structural Changes in a Case of Spontaneous Resolution of Vitreomacular Traction Syndrome: Multimodal Retinal Imaging Approach
Authors: Di Antonio Luca , Toto Lisa , Aharrh-Gnama Agbeanda , Ciciarelli Vincenzo , Mastropasqua Alessandra , Carpineto Paolo 
Published: July 2014

Purpose Retinal structural changes in a case of spontaneous resolution of vitreomacular traction (VMT) syndrome were followed by means of multimodal retinal imaging approach. Methods Confocal scanning laser ophthalmoscopy (cSLO) including digital infrared and blue reflectance (BR) imaging and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) were performed in a young man with VMT syndrome. Results At the time of diagnosis, multimodal retinal imaging documented outer retina abnormalities linked to VMT. At 1 month follow-up visit, improvement of best-corrected visual acuity and resolution of metamorphopsia were accompanied by documentation of VMT resolution and outer retina restoration. Conclusions Both cSLO and SD-OCT imaging, particularly BR and en face OCT adapted to the outer plexiform layer contour, allowed to depict outer retina changes in the course of VMT resolution. A strict correlation between topographic BR images and en face OCT scans was evident.
Candida Keratitis after Descemet Stripping with Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Villarrubia Alberto , Cano-Ortiz Antonio 
Published: July 2014

Purpose To report a case of Candida albicans keratitis after Descemet stripping with automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) due to fungal contamination of the donor cornea. Methods Case report. Results A 73-year-old woman underwent phacoemulsification with intraocular lens (IOL) implantation and DSAEK with 1 week difference. Ten days after DSAEK surgery, the culture of the donor corneoscleral rim revealed Candida albicans contamination and a small whitish infiltrate was noted within the interface. Despite conservative treatment with oral and systemic voriconazole, the infection was present outside the interface and inside the anterior chamber. Hot penetrating keratoplasty (PKP) was performed and the infection was eradicated. However, due to uncontrolled high intraocular pressure, a new PKP had to be performed, the IOL was removed, and an Ahmed valve was implanted (by pars plana vitrectomy). The anterior cap of the same donor cornea was used to perform a tectonic superficial anterior lamellar keratoplasty and the recipient did not have any problem related to fungal infection. Conclusions The diagnosis of fungal keratitis should be taken into account once a small infiltrate is seen in the interface of any kind of lamellar keratoplasty. It is not clear whether it is better to treat it conservatively or aggressively.
A Case of Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion following Orbital Cavernous Hemangioma Excision
Authors: Sacconi Riccardo , Resti Antonio Giordano , Lattanzio Rosangela , Pierro Luisa , D'angelo Armando , Baccelli Nicola , Bandello Francesco 
Published: July 2014

Purpose To report the first case of branch retinal artery occlusion (BRAO) following surgical excision of orbital cavernous hemangioma. Methods A 34-year-old man was referred to our department with an orbital cavernous hemangioma compressing the optic nerve, the medial rectus muscle, and the eyeball, and resulting in a hyperemic optic disc, vascular tortuosity, and pronounced choroidal folds at fundus biomicroscopy. The patient underwent transconjunctival inferior orbitotomy and the lesion was excised entirely without intraoperative complications. Results On the second postoperative day, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) decreased from 2/10 to counting fingers and fundus examination showed occlusion of the inferotemporal branch retinal artery. Fluorescein angiography and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) confirmed the diagnosis. One month of corticosteroid therapy and anticoagulation therapy were prescribed. The patient was followed up for 6 months; SD-OCT showed resolution of the retinal thickening and the retinoschisis but a new hyporeflective space in the outer retina at the fovea had appeared at 6 months follow-up. The patient's BCVA improved to 9/10 after 6 months but an absolute superior visual field defect was still present at the end of the follow-up. Conclusions We describe the first reported case of BRAO following orbital cavernous hemangioma excision with significant improvement of the BCVA at 6-month follow-up. The SD-OCT could be a useful tool to monitor morphologic changes of the area corresponding to the retinal ischemia.
Development of a High-Performance Anesthesia Ventilator for Research in Small Animals
Authors: Popoiu Calin Marius , Burian Caius Alexandru , Paunescu Virgil , Boia Eugen , Arghirescu Smaranda , Muntean Danina Mirela , Ordodi Valentin Laurentiu 
Published: July 2014

Introduction Small animal models are used extensively in basic research because of their low cost and possibility to mimic several human pathologies. These models are used to either analyze the underlying mechanisms and/or assess therapeutic approaches. In this respect, gentle and safe artificial ventilation is mandatory, especially for prolonged experimental procedures that require the survival of the animals. The aim of the present paper was to develop and validate a high-performance anesthesia ventilator for small animals. Methods A pressure-controlled ventilator with assisted ventilation and deep breath modulated on a scheduled basis and a PEEP facility for an improved anesthetic management was developed. Parameters of acid-base balance and arterial blood gases were measured initially at the end of arterial catheterization and monitored throughout the experiment. Results Our data show the following average values (mmHg) for pO2: 440 +/- 45 (initial), 378 +/- 24 (2 h), 373 +/- 22 (4 h), and 375 +/- 28 (6 h) and for pCO2: 35 +/- 3 (initial), 34 +/- 5 (2 h), 38 +/- 5 (4 h), and 40 +/- 6 (6 h), respectively. Conclusions We describe the procedure for the manufacture of a reliable, high-performance anesthesia ventilator that facilitates recovery of spontaneous respiration at animal arousal with preservation of normal blood gases values and no damage to the lungs.
A simple and effective method for quantifying spatial anisotropy of time series of precipitation fields
Authors: Niemi Tero J. , Kokkonen Teemu , Seed Alan W. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe spatial shape of a precipitation event has an important role in determining the catchment's hydrological response to a storm. To be able to generate stochastic design storms with a realistic spatial structure, the anisotropy of the storm has to be quantified. In this paper, a method is proposed to estimate the anisotropy of precipitation fields, using the concept of linear Generalized Scale Invariance (GSI). The proposed method is based on identifying the values of GSI parameters that best describe isolines of constant power on the two‐dimensional power spectrum of the fields. The method is evaluated using two sets of simulated fields with known anisotropy and a measured precipitation event with an unknown anisotropy from Brisbane, Australia. It is capable of accurately estimating the anisotropy parameters of simulated nonzero fields, whereas introducing the rain‐no rain intermittency alters the power spectra of the fields and slightly reduces the accuracy of the parameter estimates. The parameters estimated for the measured event correspond well with the visual observations on the spatial structure of the fields. The method requires minimum amount of decision making and user interaction, making it suitable for analyzing anisotropy of storm events consisting of long time series of fields with a changing spatial structure.
Characterizing the diurnal patterns of errors in the prediction of evapotranspiration by several land‐surface models: An NACP analysis
Authors: Matheny Ashley M. , Bohrer Gil , Stoy Paul C. , Baker Ian T. , Black Andy T. , Desai Ankur R. , Dietze Michael C. , Gough Chris M. , Ivanov Valeriy Y. , Jassal Rachhpal S. , Novick Kimberly A. , Schäfer Karina V. R. , Verbeeck Hans 
Published: July 2014

AbstractLand‐surface models use different formulations of stomatal conductance and plant hydraulics, and it is unclear which type of model best matches the observed surface‐atmosphere water flux. We use the North American Carbon Program data set of latent heat flux (LE) measurements from 25 sites and predictions from 9 models to evaluate models' ability to resolve subdaily dynamics of transpiration. Despite overall good forecast at the seasonal scale, the models have difficulty resolving the dynamics of intradaily hysteresis. The majority of models tend to underestimate LE in the prenoon hours and overestimate in the evening. We hypothesize that this is a result of unresolved afternoon stomatal closure due to hydrodynamic stresses. Although no model or stomata parameterization was consistently best or worst in terms of ability to predict LE, errors in model‐simulated LE were consistently largest and most variable when soil moisture was moderate and vapor pressure deficit was moderate to limiting. Nearly all models demonstrate a tendency to underestimate the degree of maximum hysteresis which, across all sites studied, is most pronounced during moisture‐limited conditions. These diurnal error patterns are consistent with models' diminished ability to accurately simulate the natural hysteresis of transpiration. We propose that the lack of representation of plant hydrodynamics is, in part, responsible for these error patterns.
Clinically Important Changes in Short Form 36 Health Survey Scales for Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials: The Impact of Low Responsiveness
Authors: Ward Michael M. , Guthrie Lori C. , Alba Maria I. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveDespite wide use of the Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) health survey in clinical trials of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), estimates of minimum clinically important improvement (MCII) for its scales are not well‐established. We estimated MCIIs for SF‐36 scales in patients with active RA.MethodsIn this prospective longitudinal study, we studied 243 patients who had active RA and who completed the SF‐36 before and after treatment escalation. We first assessed responsiveness with standardized response means (SRMs). For scales with adequate responsiveness (SRM ≥0.50), we used patient judgments of improvement in arthritis status as anchors for estimating MCIIs. We used receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to identify the MCIIs as the change associated with a specificity of 0.80 for improvement.ResultsPatients had substantial improvement in RA activity with treatment. However, among SF‐36 scales, only the physical functioning and bodily pain scales and the physical component summary had adequate responsiveness. Using 0.80 specificity for improvement as the criterion, the MCIIs were 7.1 for the physical functioning scale, 4.9 for the bodily pain scale, and 7.2 for the physical component summary.ConclusionLow responsiveness precluded estimation of valid MCIIs for many SF‐36 scales in patients with RA, particularly the scales assessing mental health. Although the SF‐36 has been included in many clinical trials to broaden the assessment of health status, low responsiveness limits the interpretation of changes in its mental health–related scales.
Chain Extension and Foaming Behavior of Poly(lactic acid) by Functionalized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Chain Extender
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Zhou Hongfu , Liu Bengang , Du Zhongjie , Li Hangquan 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTA nanocomposited biofoam consisting of functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), a chain extender with multi‐epoxy groups (CEME), and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was prepared by a batch foam process. First of all, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) was directly grafted onto the surface of MWCNTs by in situ polymerization. And then, the modified MWCNTs, CEME, and PLA were reacted by melt mixing through the esterification reaction between the epoxy groups of the CEME and the carboxyl groups of PAA or PLA. Finally, the resultant nanocomposites were foamed in a high‐pressure stainless steel autoclave using CO2 as a physical blowing agent. The functionalized MWCNTs were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The crystallization and rheological properties of various samples were examined by a differential scanning calorimeter, rotational rheometer, and torque rheometer, respectively. The foaming properties of various samples were characterized by a scanning electron microscope and densimeter. It was found that the volume expansion ratio of modified MWCNT/PLA foam with a uniform cell size reached nearly 10 times.
Superhydrophobic durable coating based on UV‐photoreactive silica nanoparticles
Authors: Nahum Tehila , Dodiuk Hanna , Dotan Anna , Kenig Shmuel , Lellouche Jean Paul 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTSuperhydrophobic surfaces can be obtained by tailoring both the chemistry and roughness topography, mimicking the Lotus leaf characteristics. Most of the synthetic superhydrophobic surfaces reported have been composed of micro and nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polymer‐based coatings. The particles which tailor the topography are bonded to the base polymers by weak secondary forces. Consequently, the topography integrity is highly affected by handling and surface drag making them unsuitable for long term applications. This work is focused on promoting covalent bonding between the NPs and the base polymer to obtain durable superhydrophobic surfaces. The rough topography was achieved by ultraviolet (UV) curing of SiO2 NPs containing a photoreactive benzophenone moiety in addition to methylated fumed silica NPs which can bind covalently to the polymer base coating, on UV radiation. The hydrophobic chemistry was obtained by fluoroalkylsilane top coating. Coating durability was evaluated using surface air drag and accelerated weathering conditions (UV radiation, humidity and temperature). Results indicated that the proposed approach resulted in superhydrophobic surfaces having high contact angle (>150°) and low sliding angle (<10°) with improved long term durability. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 41122.