bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor increases in type 2 diabetes after treatment with metformin
Authors: Akın Şafak , Aksoy Duygu Yazgan , Çınar Neşe , Aydın Kadriye , Karaağaoğlu Ergun , Arıyürek Macit , Gülçelik Neşe Ersöz , Usman Aydan , Gürlek Alper 
Published: January 2012

SummaryObjectivePigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) has anti‐angiogenic, immunomodulatory and anti‐inflammatory properties. In addition to the significant role it plays in reducing diabetic complications, PEDF is now used in the treatment of certain cancers. It possibly plays a role in insulin resistance cases, too. However, whether metformin treatment has any significant effects on PEDF levels is not known. In this study, we investigated the regulation of PEDF in type 2 diabetes in relation to fat mass and insulin resistance before and after the use of metformin for treatment.DesignProspective cohort study.SubjectsThirty‐six patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes and 33 healthy individuals.MeasurementsBaseline weight, waist circumference (WC), fasting (FPG) and postprandial (PPPG) glucose, insulin, HbA1c, HOMA, PEDF and total/truncal fat mass were determined both in the diabetic and control subjects. Procedures were repeated in the diabetic group after a 6‐month metformin treatment.ResultsBaseline FPG, PPPG, HbA1c, HOMA, weight, WC and truncal fat mass were higher in patients with diabetes whereas PEDF levels were found to be comparable with the controls. We completed the study with 31 of the 36 patients with diabetes we had selected for the study. We observed a decrease in the weight, WC, FPG, PPPG, HOMA, total and truncal fat mass of the patients while there was a significant rise in the PEDF levels (P = 0·002) after the metformin treatment. On the other hand, no significant correlation was observed between the change in PEDF levels and the clinical and laboratory findings.ConclusionOur study is the first to identify a metformin‐related increase in PEDF levels in diabetes. The increase observed in PEDF levels after the metformin treatment does not seem to be related to the changes in insulin resistance, fat mass or glycemic control. Hence, our results suggest that further investigation is necessary to determine the direct effects of metformin on PEDF gene and protein expression in vitro.
Spontaneous remission in thyroid cancer patients after biochemical incomplete response to initial therapy
Authors: Vaisman Fernanda , Momesso Denise , Bulzico Daniel A. , Pessoa Cencita H. C. N. , Dias Fernando , Corbo Rossana , Vaisman Mário , Tuttle R. Michael 
Published: January 2012

SummaryObjectiveTo validate the American Thyroid Association (ATA) initial risk of recurrence scheme and the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) response to therapy re‐stratification approach in a large cohort of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) treated outside of the United States.DesignRetrospective chart review.PatientsFive hundred and six patients with DTC followed for a median of 10 years after total thyroidectomy and RAI remnant ablation at a major cancer centre in Brazil.MeasurementsFinal clinical outcomes were assessed based on American Joint Cancer Committee (AJCC)/Union Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) staging, ATA risk stratification and response to therapy assessment (excellent, acceptable, biochemical incomplete and structural incomplete).ResultsThe AJCC/UICC staging system did not adequately stratify patients with regard to the risk of recurrence/persistent disease. However, the ATA system demonstrated a 13% risk of recurrent/persistent disease in low‐risk patients, 36% in intermediate risk patients, and 68% in high‐risk patients. Furthermore, an excellent response to therapy decreased the risk of recurrent/persistent disease to 1·4%. At the time of final follow‐up, 34% of the biochemical incomplete response patients had been re‐classified as having no evidence of disease (NED) without having received any additional therapy beyond continue levothyroxine suppression. Conversely, even after additional therapies, only 9% of the patients with an incomplete structural response were eventually re‐classified as NED.ConclusionsThese data validate the ATA risk classification as an excellent initial predictor of recurrent/persistent disease and confirm the clinical utility of the MSKCC dynamic risk assessment system in a cohort of patients evaluated and treated outside the United States.
Pilot‐scale field validation of the long electrode electrical resistivity tomography method
Authors: Rucker Dale F. , Crook Nigel , Glaser Danney , Loke Meng H. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTA validation experiment, carried out in a scaled field setting, was attempted for the long electrode electrical resistivity tomography method in order to demonstrate the performance of the technique in imaging a simple buried target. The experiment was an approximately 1/17 scale mock‐up of a region encompassing a buried nuclear waste tank on the Hanford site. The target of focus was constructed by manually forming a simulated plume within the vadose zone using a tank waste simulant. The long electrode results were compared to results from conventional point electrodes on the surface and buried within the survey domain. Using a pole‐pole array, both point and long electrode imaging techniques identified the lateral extents of the pre‐formed plume with reasonable fidelity but the long electrode method was handicapped in reconstructing vertical boundaries. The pole‐dipole and dipole‐dipole arrays were also tested with the long electrode method and were shown to have the least favourable target properties, including the position of the reconstructed plume relative to the known plume and the intensity of false positive targets. The poor performance of the pole‐dipole and dipole‐dipole arrays was attributed to an inexhaustive and non‐optimal coverage of data at key electrodes, as well as an increased noise for electrode combinations with high geometric factors. However, when comparing the model resolution matrix among the different acquisition strategies, the pole‐dipole and dipole‐dipole arrays using long electrodes were shown to have significantly higher average and maximum values within the matrix than any pole‐pole array. The model resolution describes how well the inversion model resolves the subsurface. Given the model resolution performance of the pole‐dipole and dipole‐dipole arrays, it may be worth investing in tools to understand the optimum subset of randomly distributed electrode pairs to produce maximum performance from the inversion model.
A novel immunohistochemical sequential multi‐labelling and erasing technique enables epitope characterization of bone marrow pericytes in primary myelofibrosis
Authors: Madelung Ann , Bzorek Michael , Bondo Henrik , Zetterberg Eva , Bjerrum Ole Weis , Hasselbalch Hans Carl , Scheding Stefan , Ralfkiaer Elisabeth 
Published: January 2012

Madelung A, Bzorek M, Bondo H, Zetterberg E, Bjerrum O W, Hasselbalch H C, Scheding S & Ralfkiaer E  (2012) Histopathology 60, 554–560 A novel immunohistochemical sequential multi‐labelling and erasing technique enables epitope characterization of bone marrow pericytes in primary myelofibrosisAim:  In Philadelphia (Ph)‐negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, increased microvascular density, bizarre vessel architecture and increased number of pericytes are among the distinct histopathological features. The aim of this study was to characterize bone marrow pericytes in primary myelofibrosis (PMF) using a novel multi‐labelling immunohistochemical technique.Methods and results:  Bone marrow biopsies from a normal donor (n = 1) and patients with PMF (n = 3) were subjected to an immunohistochemical sequential multi‐labelling and erasing technique (SE‐technique). Antigens of interest in the first and/or second layer were detected with an immunoperoxidase system and visualized with aminoethylcarbazole. After imaging, erasing and blocking of immunoreagents, the slides were stained with a traditional double immunolabelling procedure. In addition, we applied a Photoshop® colour palette, creating a single composite image of the sequential staining procedures. We successfully applied four layers of antibodies on one slide using CD146, smooth muscle actin, CD34, CD271 and Ki67 in different combinations. The SE‐technique significantly improves morphological and phenotypical studies in bone marrow specimens.Conclusions:  To our knowledge, the SE‐technique is the first to multi‐label antigens, identifying vessel and pericyte architecture in bone marrow by light microscopy. This technique may unravel novel aspects of the composition of the microvessel structures in patients with PMF and related neoplasms.
Ecology of the microbiome of the infected root canal system: a comparison between apical and coronal root segments
Authors: Özok A. R. , Persoon I. F. , Huse S. M. , Keijser B. J. F. , Wesselink P. R. , Crielaard W. , Zaura E. 
Published: January 2012

Özok AR, Persoon IF, Huse SM, Keijser BJF, Wesselink PR, Crielaard W, Zaura E. Ecology of the microbiome of the infected root canal system: a comparison between apical and coronal root segments. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 530–541, 2012.AbstractAim  To evaluate the microbial ecology of the coronal and apical segments of infected root canal systems using a complete sampling technique and next‐generation sequencing.Methodology  The roots of 23 extracted teeth with apical periodontitis were sectioned in half, horizontally, and cryo‐pulverized. Bacterial communities were profiled using tagged 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rDNA hypervariable V5‐V6 region.Results  The sequences were classified into 606 taxa (species or higher taxon), representing 24 bacterial phyla or candidate divisions and one archaeal phylum. Proteobacteria were more abundant in the apical samples (P < 0.05), whilst Actinobacteria were in significantly higher proportions in the coronal samples. The apical samples harboured statistically significantly more taxa than the coronal samples (P = 0.01) and showed a higher microbial diversity. Several taxa belonging to fastidious obligate anaerobes were significantly more abundant in the apical segments of the roots compared with their coronal counterparts.Conclusions  Endodontic infections are more complex than reported previously. The apical part of the root canal system drives the selection of a more diverse and more anaerobic community than the coronal part. The presence of a distinct ecological niche in the apical region explains the difficulty of eradication of the infection and emphasizes the need for new treatment approaches to be developed.
Bone mineral density, body composition and bone turnover in patients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism
Authors: Laitinen E.‐M. , Hero M. , Vaaralahti K. , Tommiska J. , Raivio T. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryPatients with congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) may have reduced peak bone mass in early adulthood, and increased risk for osteoporosis despite long‐term hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). To investigate the relationship between HRT history and measures of bone health in patients with HH, we recruited 33 subjects (24 men, nine women; mean age 39.8 years, range: 24.0–69.1) with congenital HH (Kallmann syndrome or normosmic HH). They underwent clinical examination, were interviewed and medical charts were reviewed. Twenty‐six subjects underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry for evaluation of BMD of lumbar spine, hip, femoral neck and whole body; body composition and vertebral morphology were evaluated in 22 and 23 subjects, respectively. Circulating PINP, ICTP and sex hormone levels were measured. HRT history clearly associated to bone health: BMDs of lumbar spine, femoral neck, hip and whole body were lower in subjects (n = 9) who had had long (≥5 years) treatment pauses or low dose testosterone (T) treatment as compared to subjects without such history (n = 17; all p‐values < 0.05). In addition, fat mass and body mass index (BMI) were significantly higher in men with deficient treatment history (median fat mass: 37.5 vs. 23.1%, p = 0.005; BMI: 32.6 vs. 25.2 kg/m2, p < 0.05). Serum PINP correlated with ICTP (rs = 0.61; p < 0.005) in men, but these markers correlated neither with circulating T, nor with serum estradiol levels in women. In conclusion, patients with congenital HH require life‐long follow‐up to avoid inadequate HRT, long treatment pauses and further morbidity.
Behavioural adjustments of a large carnivore to access secondary prey in a human‐dominated landscape
Authors: Valeix Marion , Hemson Graham , Loveridge Andrew J. , Mills Gus , Macdonald David W. 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. Conflict between people and large carnivores is an urgent conservation issue world‐wide. Understanding the underlying ecological drivers of livestock depredation by large carnivores is greatly needed.2. We studied the spatial, foraging and behavioural ecology of African lions Panthera leo in the Botswana Makgadikgadi ecosystem. This ecosystem comprises a protected area, characterized by high seasonal fluctuation in wild prey abundance, and adjacent lands, which are used for livestock grazing and characterized by stable livestock abundance, but also a risk of anthropogenic mortality.3. Makgadikgadi lions preferentially preyed upon migratory wild herbivores when they were present; however, data from GPS (Global Positioning System) radiocollared lions revealed that the majority of the study lions did not follow the migratory herds but remained resident at one or other border of the park and switched to livestock (abundant and readily available), and to a lesser extent resident wild herbivores (relatively scarce), in periods of migratory wild herbivore scarcity.4. Resident lions’ use of space differed between periods of wild prey abundance and scarcity. These changes were likely to increase the frequency of encounter with their primary prey in periods of primary prey abundance and with livestock in periods of primary prey scarcity.5. The risk of conflict with humans was a major driver of lion ecology in the human‐dominated landscape surrounding the protected area. Resident lions generally avoided the close vicinity of cattle‐posts. When they used such areas, they avoided temporal overlap with periods that humans were most active and travelled at high speed reducing the time spent in these areas.6. Synthesis and applications. This study suggests that lions balance the benefits of accessing livestock with the costs associated with livestock raiding. Hence, reduction in livestock availability through effective livestock husbandry in periods of wild prey scarcity should lead to reduced conflict.
Tracking earthworm communities from soil DNA
Authors: BIENERT FRIEDERIKE , DE DANIELI SÉBASTIEN , MIQUEL CHRISTIAN , COISSAC ERIC , POILLOT CAROLE , BRUN JEAN‐JACQUES , TABERLET PIERRE 
Published: January 2012

AbstractEarthworms are known for their important role within the functioning of an ecosystem, and their diversity can be used as an indicator of ecosystem health. To date, earthworm diversity has been investigated through conventional extraction methods such as handsorting, soil washing or the application of a mustard solution. Such techniques are time consuming and often difficult to apply. We showed that combining DNA metabarcoding and next‐generation sequencing facilitates the identification of earthworm species from soil samples. The first step of our experiments was to create a reference database of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) 16S gene for 14 earthworm species found in the French Alps. Using this database, we designed two new primer pairs targeting very short and informative DNA sequences (about 30 and 70 bp) that allow unambiguous species identification. Finally, we analysed extracellular DNA taken from soil samples in two localities (two plots per locality and eight samples per plot). The two short metabarcode regions led to the identification of a total of eight earthworm species. The earthworm communities identified by the DNA‐based approach appeared to be well differentiated between the two localities and are consistent with results derived from inventories collected using the handsorting method. The possibility of assessing earthworm communities from hundreds or even thousands of localities through the use of extracellular soil DNA will undoubtedly stimulate further ecological research on these organisms. Using the same DNA extracts, our study also illustrates the potential of environmental DNA as a tool to assess the diversity of other soil‐dwelling animal taxa.
Chicago classification criteria of esophageal motility disorders defined in high resolution esophageal pressure topography1
Authors: Bredenoord A. J. , Fox M. , Kahrilas P. J. , Pandolfino J. E. , Schwizer W. , Smout A. J. P. M. ,   The International High Resolution Manometry Working Group
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  The Chicago Classification of esophageal motility was developed to facilitate the interpretation of clinical high resolution esophageal pressure topography (EPT) studies, concurrent with the widespread adoption of this technology into clinical practice. The Chicago Classification has been an evolutionary process, molded first by published evidence pertinent to the clinical interpretation of high resolution manometry (HRM) studies and secondarily by group experience when suitable evidence is lacking.Purpose  This publication summarizes the state of our knowledge as of the most recent meeting of the International High Resolution Manometry Working Group in Ascona, Switzerland in April 2011. The prior iteration of the Chicago Classification was updated through a process of literature analysis and discussion. The major changes in this document from the prior iteration are largely attributable to research studies published since the prior iteration, in many cases research conducted in response to prior deliberations of the International High Resolution Manometry Working Group. The classification now includes criteria for subtyping achalasia, EGJ outflow obstruction, motility disorders not observed in normal subjects (Distal esophageal spasm, Hypercontractile esophagus, and Absent peristalsis), and statistically defined peristaltic abnormalities (Weak peristalsis, Frequent failed peristalsis, Rapid contractions with normal latency, and Hypertensive peristalsis). The Chicago Classification is an algorithmic scheme for diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders from clinical EPT studies. Moving forward, we anticipate continuing this process with increased emphasis placed on natural history studies and outcome data based on the classification.
Plasmodium chabaudi AS induces pregnancy loss in association with systemic pro‐inflammatory immune responses in A/J and C57BL/6 mice
Authors: SARR D. , SMITH G. M. , POOVASSERY J. S. , NAGY T. , MOORE J. M. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe molecular mechanisms that underlie poor birth outcomes in malaria during pregnancy remain poorly defined. To assess the role of host immune responses, mice known to respond differentially to Plasmodium chabaudi AS infection were studied. Following infection at day 0 of pregnancy, A/J mice developed significantly higher parasitemia than C57BL/6 (B6) mice and succumbed to infection. Both strains had evidence of parasite accumulation in the placenta at mid‐gestation and aborted, with significantly higher embryo loss in infected A/J mice on day 9. While infection‐induced systemic tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin (IL)‐1β in the latter were significantly higher at day 11, day 10 IL‐10 levels were higher in B6 mice. No differences in the levels of splenic lymphocyte subsets, neutrophils or monocytes between infected pregnant A/J and B6 mice were observed, with most cell types expanding in response to infection regardless of pregnancy. Antibody ablation of TNF exacerbated infection in A/J mice and did not ameliorate pregnancy outcome. Thus, malaria induces poor pregnancy outcome in both the mouse strains in the context of quantitatively different systemic inflammatory responses. Further evaluation of the roles of soluble and cellular immune components, particularly at the uteroplacental level, will be required to define the most critical pregnancy‐compromising mechanisms.
GPS ground deformation patterns at Mount St. Helens (Washington, USA) from 2004 to 2010
Authors: Palano Mimmo , Guarrera Elisa , Mattia Mario 
Published: January 2012

Terra Nova, 24, 148–155, 2012AbstractGPS measurements on Mount St. Helens spanning the 2004.00–2010.85 time interval, encompassing the 2004–2008 dome‐building eruption, were analysed. First, a local reference frame was derived to isolate the volcanic ground deformation from the background tectonic pattern related to the interactions between the Pacific, Juan de Fuca and North American plates. Secondly, the resulting ground deformation patterns were modelled to constrain magmatic sources. Results suggest a vertically elongated magma chamber centred at 8–9 km depth beneath the summit area that deflated during the beginning of the dome growth and inflated since January 2008, indicating that the same primary magma reservoir was active both during and after the eruption in a magmatic system that is persistent over the time.
Oleoma: rare complication of mesotherapy for cellulite
Authors: Ramos‐e‐Silva Marcia , Pereira Ana Libia Cardozo , Ramos‐e‐Silva Stella , Piñeiro‐Maceira Juan 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Mesotherapy or intradermotherapy is used as a cosmetic procedure for many purposes, among them for cellulite.Methods  We report a case of oleoma on the thighs and buttocks that appeared two years after the injection of an unknown substance for improvement of cellulite.Results  Lesions and associated pruritus resolved with colchicine, leaving depressed scars.Conclusions  Serious and peer‐reviewed investigations must be performed to certify the efficacy and safety of this procedure.
Prurigo pigmentosa in Korea: clinicopathological study
Authors: Shin Jung W. , Lee Sung Y. , Lee Jong S. , Whang Kyu U. , Park Young L. , Lee Hong K. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Prurigo pigmentosa (PP) is an inflammatory dermatosis characterized by recurrent pruritic erythematous papules, mainly located on the trunk. It was first described by Nagashima in 1971 in Japan. Since then, more than 300 cases have been reported in Japan, but reports from other parts of the world are quite rare.Materials and methods  We studied clinical and histopathological data from six patients with PP diagnosed in our hospital and 43 patients (18 reports) who were diagnosed with PP in Korea between 1988 and 2008.Results  The number of Korean patients reported in recent years is higher than the number of other non‐Japanese patients reported. Clinicopathological characteristics in Korean patients were not significantly different from those previously reported. Therapeutic results with minocycline were successful in our patients.Conclusions  We suspect that PP is not uncommon in Korea, and the disease may be underestimated. Strict restriction of diet as well as known associated factors like wet condition are suggested as one of the important factors contributing to the occurrence of PP in Korea.