bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dermatomyositis Presenting With Focal Scleroderma-Like Skin Changes
Authors: Chai Yaohui , Bertorini Tulio E. , Khan Raja B. , Randall M. Barry , Shadle Mariallan K. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Objective:
To describe an unusual focal scleroderma-like skin changes in patient with dermatomyositis.

Methods:
Review of clinical records, laboratory investigations, and muscle and skin biopsies.

Results:
The patient developed unusual skin lesions characterized by symmetrical atrophy and hardening of focal skin and muscle over the lateral upper arms and posterior shoulders, and the left temporal and pectoral areas. Extensive blood work-up for scleroderma and other connective-tissue diseases was negative. A skin biopsy showed distinct pathologic features including increased interstitial mucin, hyperpigmentation, and perivascular lymphocytic inflammation without severe fibrosis. The scleroderma-like skin changes and muscle weakness improved with immunotherapy.

Conclusions:
Dermatomyositis can manifest with focal scleroderma-like skin changes clinically and reticular erythematous mucinosis-like changes pathologically, and these distinct skin changes represent a new variant of skin lesions of dermatomyositis.
The Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score
Authors: Barnett Carolina , Katzberg Hans , Nabavi Maryam , Bril Vera 
Published: May 2012

Abstract

Objective:
To determine whether the quantitative myasthenia gravis score (QMGS) accurately represents disease severity in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods:
One hundred thirty-five patients with MG from 2 previous randomized studies were included. QMGS correlation with the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) score, quality of life scale, acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChRAbs), and electrophysiological parameters was studied.

Results:
The QMGS showed a good correlation with the MGFA scale (r
2 = 0.54, P < 0.0001), jitter (r
s = 0.40, P < 0.0001), and 15-item quality of life scale (r
s = 0.41, P = 0.007) and was less well correlated with the 60-item myasthenia gravis–specific quality of life survey and other electrophysiological markers. No correlation was demonstrated with AchRAb titers, but AchRAb-positive patients had higher QMGS (14.2 ± 4.5) than AchRAb-negative patients (12.0 ± 3.7, P = 0.008).

Conclusions:
These results demonstrate that the QMGS is a valid marker for disease severity as shown by the MGFA scale, quality of life scale, and jitter, supporting the use of the QMGS as a primary outcome measure in clinical trials of MG.
A Novel MPZ Gene Mutation in Exon 2 Causing Late-Onset Demyelinating Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease
Authors: Chavada Govindsinh , Rao D. Ganesh , Martindale Joanne , Hadjivassiliou Marios 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
The myelin protein zero gene (MPZ) encodes the major structural protein component of myelin in the peripheral nervous system. More than 120 mutations in MPZ have been detected so far. Clinical phenotypes include CMT1B, CMT2, Dejerine–Sottas syndrome, and congenital hypomyelination neuropathy. We report a new previously unreported mutation in the MPZ gene causing a demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. The initial apparent absence of a family history resulted in the patient being treated for an inflammatory neuropathy with some subjective improvement. We subsequently identified another affected member of the same family with the same genotype leading to the correct diagnosis. Both the affected individuals had an 8–base pair deletion, c.160_167delTCCCGGGT in MPZ exon 2.
Late-Onset Axial Myopathy and Camptocormia in a Calpainopathy Carrier
Authors: Liewluck Teerin , Goodman Brent P. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Camptocormia is a debilitating gait disorder characterized by the hyperflexion of the thoracolumbar spine during the upright position. Its etiologies are heterogenous, including parkinsonism and various neuromuscular disorders. Here, we report a camptocormia patient due to a late-onset axial myopathy with numerous lobulated fibers. The patient's father reportedly had similar symptoms. Myriad lobulated fibers are common among patients with an autosomal recessive muscular dystrophy due to calpain-3 gene (CAPN3) mutations or calpainopathy. CAPN3 sequencing revealed a single c.759-761delGAA mutation. Calpainopathy carriers are generally asymptomatic. The presence of lobulated fibers in this patient suggests that camptocormia could be a manifestation of calpainopathy carrier, although the possibility of a coexisting undiagnosed myopathy cannot be excluded. The current patient should spur the evaluation of camptocormia among calpainopathy carriers.
Effects of manidipine vs. amlodipine on intrarenal haemodynamics in patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Ott Christian , Schneider Markus P. , Raff Ulrike , Ritt Martin , Striepe Kristina , Alberici Marco , Schmieder Roland E. 
Published: May 2012

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT• Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are widely used antihypertensive drugs. Evidence from animal studies indicates there are differences between CCBs in their renal haemodynamic effects suggesting that manidipine reduces, whereas amlodipine increases intraglomerular pressure but data from humans are scarce.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS• In this study amlodipine was found to increase significantly intraglomerular pressure whereas manidipine decreased intraglomerular pressure in people with essential hypertension. This difference was attributed to significant vasodilation of the afferent arteriole with amlodipine compared with manidipine. This study for the first time has confirmed in humans data from experimental models on the different action of CCBs on dilatory capacity on efferent and afferent arterioles.AIMS Intraglomerular pressure is one of the main drivers of progression of renal failure. Experimental data suggest that there are important differences between calcium channel blockers (CCBs) in their renal haemodynamic effects: manidipine reduces, whereas amlodipine increases intraglomerular pressure. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of manidipine and amlodipine treatment on intragomerular pressure (Pglom) in patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension.METHODS In this randomized, double‐blind, parallel group study, hypertensive patients were randomly assigned to receive manidipine 20 mg (n= 54) or amlodipine 10 mg (n= 50) for 4 weeks. Renal plasma flow (RPF) and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were determined by constant‐infusion input‐clearance technique with p‐aminohippurate (PAH) and inulin. Pglom and resistances of the afferent (RA) and efferent (RE) arterioles were calculated according to the model established by Gomez.RESULTS Pglom did not change in the manidipine group (P= 0.951), whereas a significant increase occurred in the amlodipine group (P= 0.009). There was a significant difference in the change of Pglom by 1.2 mmHg between the manidipine and amlodipine group (P= 0.042). In both treatment arms, RA was reduced (manidipine P= 0.018; amlodipine P < 0.001). The reduction of RA was significantly more pronounced with amlodipine compared with manidipine treatment (P < 0.001). RE increased in both treatment arms (manidipine P= 0.012; amlodipine P= 0.002), with no difference between the treatment arms. Both CCBs significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) (both P < 0.001). However, amlodipine treatment resulted in a significantly greater decrease of BP compared with manidipine (P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONS In accordance with experimental data after antihypertensive treatment of 4 weeks, intraglomerular pressure was significantly lower with the CCB manidipine than with amlodipine, resulting and explaining their disparate effects on albuminuria.
Comparison of Timothy grass pollen extract‐ and single major allergen‐induced gene expression and mediator release in airway epithelial cells: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Röschmann K. I. L. , van Kuijen A.‐M. , Luiten S. , Jonker M. J. , Breit T. M. , Fokkens W. J. , Petersen A. , van Drunen C. M. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryBackgroundSeasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem and its prevalence has increased considerably in the last decades. As the allergic response with its clinical manifestations is triggered by only a few proteins within natural extracts, there is an increasing tendency for single‐component‐resolved diagnosis and immunotherapy.ObjectiveAs natural exposure is not to single proteins, but to complex mixtures of molecules, we were interested in comparing the activation of respiratory epithelial cells induced by the purified major allergen Phl p 1 with the induction caused by a complete extract of Timothy grass pollen (GPE).MethodsNCI‐H292 cells were exposed to GPE or Ph1 p 1 for 24 h, isolated RNA and cell culture supernatants were used for microarray analysis, multiplex enzyme‐linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) and subsequent analysis.ResultsWe found 262 genes that showed a GPE‐induced change of at least 3‐fold, whereas Ph1 p 1‐stimulation resulted in 71 genes with a fold induction of more than 3‐fold. Besides genes that were regulated by both stimuli, we also detected genes displaying an opposite response after stimulation, suggesting that GPE might be more than purified major allergens with regard to induced immune responses.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceAdditional components within GPE and the resulting modulation of general processes affecting gene transcription and signalling pathways might be crucial to maintain/overcome the diseased phenotype and to induce the influx of cells contributing to late‐phase allergic responses. When the initial process of sensitization is the matter of interest or late‐phase allergic responses, one might miss important immune modulatory molecules and their interaction with allergens by applying single components only.
Absence of IgE neosensitization in house dust mite allergic patients following sublingual immunotherapy
Authors: Baron‐Bodo V. , Batard T. , Nguyen H. , Fréreux M. , Horiot S. , Harwanegg C. , Bergmann K. C. , de Beaumont O. , Moingeon P. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on IgE neosensitization remains to be evaluated in large cohorts of patients.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the dynamics of antibody responses induced in patients with allergic rhinitis during a 12‐month treatment with sublingual tablets of house dust mites (HDM) allergen extracts.MethodsAntibody responses were assessed in relationship with neosensitization and clinical benefit in sera from 509 European house dust mite‐allergic patients before and after 1 year of daily sublingual immunotherapy, using tablets containing Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus plus D farinae extracts or placebo (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00674700). Patients were followed for one additional year after treatment cessation. IgE and IgG4 antibodies specific for mite extracts or purified group 1, 2 and 10 allergens were assessed using Immulite, Immunocap and ISAC assays.ResultsAfter 1 year of SLIT, mite‐specific IgE and IgG4 titres increased by 1.5‐fold and fourfold, respectively, in the active, but not in the placebo group. A strong IgG4 induction occurred in a subgroup (i.e. 10–15%) of “immunoreactive” patients, without any correlation with improvement in the average adjusted symptom score. Pre‐existing IgE levels to purified mite allergens were not impacted during immunotherapy, and no de novo IgE responses to group 1, 2, 10 allergens were induced in patients who were unsensitized prior to immunotherapy. Similarly, no IgE neosensitization to wheat germ or yeast components used in the mite culture medium was observed.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceWe document in a cohort of 509 patients followed over a 2‐year period that SLIT does not induce any IgE neosensitization to allergens contained in the vaccine, such as groups 1, 2 as well as the food‐related group 10 allergen. This observation further corroborates the safer safety profile of SLIT over SCIT.
Randomized marine acquisition with compressive sampling matrices
Authors: Mansour Hassan , Wason Haneet , Lin Tim T.Y. , Herrmann Felix J. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTSeismic data acquisition in marine environments is a costly process that calls for the adoption of simultaneous‐source or randomized acquisition ‐ an emerging technology that is stimulating both geophysical research and commercial efforts. Simultaneous marine acquisition calls for the development of a new set of design principles and post‐processing tools. In this paper, we discuss the properties of a specific class of randomized simultaneous acquisition matrices and demonstrate that sparsity‐promoting recovery improves the quality of reconstructed seismic data volumes. We propose a practical randomized marine acquisition scheme where the sequential sources fire airguns at only randomly time‐dithered instances. We demonstrate that the recovery using sparse approximation from random time‐dithering with a single source approaches the recovery from simultaneous‐source acquisition with multiple sources. Established findings from the field of compressive sensing indicate that the choice of the sparsifying transform that is incoherent with the compressive sampling matrix can significantly impact the reconstruction quality. Leveraging these findings, we then demonstrate that the compressive sampling matrix resulting from our proposed sampling scheme is incoherent with the curvelet transform. The combined measurement matrix exhibits better isometry properties than other transform bases such as a non‐localized multidimensional Fourier transform. We illustrate our results with simulations of ‘ideal’ simultaneous‐source marine acquisition, which dithers both in time and space, compared with periodic and randomized time‐dithering.
Distinctive histopathological features that support a diagnosis of cholesterol ester storage disease in liver biopsy specimens
Authors: Hůlková Helena , Elleder Milan 
Published: May 2012

Hůlková H & Elleder M  (2012) Histopathology 60, 1107–1113Distinctive histopathological features that support a diagnosis of cholesterol ester storage disease in liver biopsy specimensAims:  To identify reliable criteria with which to improve the diagnosis of lysosomal acid lipase (LAL) deficiency of the cholesterol ester storage disease (CESD) type in liver biopsies.Methods and results:  We analysed a series of 16 liver biopsies of LAL deficiency of the CESD type confirmed by enzyme testing and DNA sequencing. The biopsy appearances were compared with those of biopsies of other causes of fatty liver. A predominantly microvesicular steatosis in CESD patients could not be reliably distinguished from other causes of fatty liver with cytosolic lipid accumulation in fixed paraffin‐embedded tissues routinely stained with haematoxylin and eosin. The presence of luminal (cathepsin D) and membrane lysosomal markers [lysosomal‐associated membrane protein (LAMP)1, LAMP2, and lysosomal integral membrane protein 2] around the lipid vacuoles facilitated the diagnosis of CESD in fixed paraffin‐embedded material. Additional diagnostic clues included autofluorescent detection of ceroid induction in storage macrophages and the absence of lipopigment in hepatocytes. Stored liquid crystals of cholesteryl esters, which are associated with Maltese cross‐type birefringence, were best appreciated in unfixed biopsy samples.Conclusions:  The pathological diagnosis of CESD requires a high index of suspicion, and can be rapidly and effectively appreciated at the light microscopy level, even in routine fixed paraffin‐embedded liver samples with immuohistochemical staining for lysosomal markers.
Dissecting NDVI–species richness relationships in Hawaiian dry forests
Authors: Pau Stephanie , Gillespie Thomas W. , Wolkovich Elizabeth M. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAim  A growing body of research has used the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) as a proxy for productivity to predict species richness. Yet the mechanisms that produce the relationship between NDVI and species richness remain unclear because of correlated biotic and abiotic factors that influence NDVI. In this study we investigated different biotic and abiotic effects that potentially drive plant species richness–productivity relationships.Location  Hawaiian Islands, USA.Methods  We quantified woody plant species richness, structure (density, basal area and canopy height), and species composition along a precipitation gradient of 14 Hawaiian dry forest plots. We then used structural equation models combined with 10 years of satellite data to disentangle the effects of precipitation, structure and NDVI‐estimated productivity on species richness.Results  Underlying the simple correlation between NDVI and species richness was the indirect effect of precipitation and direct effect of forest structure. The best‐fit model showed there was no direct effect of NDVI on species richness.Main conclusions  Our results demonstrate that complex relationships drive simple correlations between species richness and productivity. Considering the mechanisms and underlying factors driving NDVI–species richness relationships could improve predictions of species diversity as satellite measures of productivity have an increasingly important role in habitat mapping, species distribution modelling and predictions for global change.
Food Intake Recording Software System, version 4 (FIRSSt4): a self‐completed 24‐h dietary recall for children
Authors: Baranowski T. , Islam N. , Douglass D. , Dadabhoy H. , Beltran A. , Baranowski J. , Thompson D. , Cullen K. W. , Subar A. F. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe Food Intake Recording Software System, version 4 (firsst4), is a web‐based 24‐h dietary recall (24 hdr) self‐administered by children based on the Automated Self‐Administered 24‐h recall (ASA24) (a self‐administered 24 hdr for adults). The food choices in firsst4 are abbreviated to include only those reported by children in US national surveys; and detailed food probe questions are simplified to exclude those that children could not be expected to answer (e.g. questions regarding food preparation and added fats). ASA24 and firsst4 incorporate 10 000+ food images, with up to eight images per food, to assist in portion size estimation. We review the formative research conducted during the development of firsst4. When completed, firsst4 will be hosted and maintained for investigator use on the National Cancer Institute’s ASA24 website.
Dynamic evolution of bz orthologous regions in the Andropogoneae and other grasses
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Dooner Hugo K. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryGenome structure exhibits remarkable plasticity within Zea mays. To examine how haplotype structure has evolved within the Andropogoneae tribe, we have analyzed the bz gene‐rich region of maize (Zea mays), the Zea teosintes mays ssp. mexicana, luxurians and diploperennis, Tripsacum dactyloides, Coix lacryma‐jobi and Sorghum propinquum. We sequenced and annotated BAC clones from these species and re‐annotated the orthologous Sorghum bicolor region. Gene colinearity in the region is well conserved within the genus Zea. However, the orthologous regions of Coix and Sorghum exhibited several micro‐rearrangements relative to Zea, including addition, truncation and deletion of genes. The stc1 gene, involved in the production of a terpenoid insect defense signal, is evolving particularly fast, and its progressive disappearance from some species is occurring by microhomology‐mediated recombination. LTR retrotransposons are the main contributors to the dynamic evolution of the bz region. Common transposon insertion sites occur among haplotypes from different Zea mays sub‐species, but not outside the species. As in Zea, different patterns of interspersion between genes and retrotransposons are observed in Sorghum. We estimate that the mean divergence times between maize and Tripsacum, Coix and Sorghum are 8.5, 12.1 and 12.4 million years ago, respectively, and that between Coix and Sorghum is 9.3 million years ago. A comparison of the bz orthologous regions of Zea, Sorghum and Coix with those of Brachypodium, Setaria and Oryza allows us to infer how the region has evolved by addition and deletion of genes in the approximately 50 million years since these genera diverged from a common progenitor.
Dexamethasone‐Induced Eosinopenia is Associated with Lower Progesterone Production in Cattle
Authors: Kliem H , Rodler D , Ulbrich SE , Sinowatz F , Berisha B , Meyer HHD , Schams D 
Published: May 2012

ContentsEosinophilic cells accumulate in the capillaries of the bovine Graafian follicle shortly before ovulation and in the early developing corpus luteum (CL). Suppressing the migration of these eosinophilic cells by dexamethasone allowed us to evaluate their possible function in the CL development. Brown Swiss cows (n = 10) were randomly subdivided into two groups (n = 5). Every group was used once as control group and once as experimental group with two oestrous cycles between each treatment. Eighteen hours (h) after oestrus synchronization, dexamethasone or saline was given. Ovulation was induced 24 h later with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone. Another injection of dexamethasone or saline was given 12 h later. Eosinophilic cells in the blood were counted daily until day 7 after the first dexamethasone injection. The collection of ovaries took place at days 1, 2 and 5. Gene expression, protein concentration and location of angiogenic factors, chemokines, insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and eosinophilic cells were studied. No eosinophilic cells were found in the CL of the treatment group. Blood progesterone decreased significantly in the dexamethasone group from day 8 to 17. The protein concentration of FGF2 increased significantly in CL tissue at day 2 and VEGFA decreased. Local IGF1 gene expression in the CL was not regulated. We assume from our data that the migration of eosinophilic cells into the early CL is not an essential, but an important stimulus for angiogenesis during early CL development in cattle.
Can rodents enhance germination rates in rainforest seeds?
Authors: Elmouttie David , Mather Peter B. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryThe decline of large coevolved frugivorous species within fragmented habitats can have an effect on ecological processes, for example, seed dispersal and germination. It is therefore necessary for more resilient species to ensure essential processes are maintained within the system. This study investigates the influence of two rodent species, Melomys cervinipes (Fawn‐footed Melomys) and Rattus fuscipes (Bush Rat), on the germination process of rainforest fruits. Both species are endemic to north Queensland rainforest and commonly found in fragmented habitats in high densities. We found in 85% of fruit species tested, rodent feeding increased seed germination rate by a factor of 3.5. Our results suggest that rodents can play a significant role in enhancing germination rates of fruits in the tropical rainforest of far north Queensland.
Utility of atrial temporary pacing as an acute treatment for bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias in the intensive care setting with preservation of atrioventricular synchrony
Authors: Pang B. , Everest E. , McGavigan A. D. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractTemporary pacing is often used as an acute treatment of bradyarrhythmias and suppression of tachyarrhythmias. In patients with cardiogenic shock, loss of atrioventricular synchrony may worsen cardiovascular haemodynamics. We present a series where temporary right atrial pacing was used as an acute treatment for both bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias.