bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intestinal Dysbiosis: A Possible Mechanism of Alcohol‐Induced Endotoxemia and Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Rats
Authors: Mutlu Ece , Keshavarzian Ali , Engen Phillip , Forsyth Christopher B. , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Gillevet Patrick 
Published: July 2009

Background: Clinical and animal data indicate that gut‐derived endotoxin and other luminal bacterial products are necessary cofactors for development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Although gut leakiness is clearly an important cause of endotoxemia in ALD, it cannot fully explain endotoxemia in all ALD subjects and thus other factors may be involved. One possible factor is a change in gut microbiota composition (dysbiosis). Thus, the aim of our study was to interrogate the gut bacterial microbiota in alcohol‐fed rats to see if chronic alcohol consumption affects gut bacteria composition.Method: Male Sprague–Dawley rats were given either alcohol or dextrose intragastrically by gavage twice daily for up to 10 weeks. A subgroup of rats was also given either a probiotic (lactobacillus GG) or a prebiotic (oats) by gavage. Ileal and colonic mucosal‐attached microbiota composition were interrogated by Length Heterogeneity PCR (LH‐PCR) fingerprinting.Results: Bacterial microbiota composition in alcohol‐fed rats is not different from dextrose‐fed rats at weeks 4 and 6. Mucosa‐associated microbiota composition in the colon is altered at 10 weeks of daily alcohol gavage. Both LGG and oats prevented alcohol‐induced dysbiosis up to 10 weeks of alcohol treatment.Conclusion: Daily alcohol consumption for 10 weeks alters colonic mucosa‐associated bacterial microbiota composition in rats. Our data showed, for the first time, that daily alcohol consumption can affect colonic microbiome composition and suggest that dysbiosis may be an important mechanism of alcohol‐induced endotoxemia. Further studies are needed to determine how dysbiotic microbiota contributes to development of ALD and whether therapeutic interventions targeted towards dysbiotic microbiota can prevent complications of alcoholism like ALD.
Microbiological profile of untreated subjects with localized aggressive periodontitis
Authors: Faveri Marcelo , Figueiredo Luciene Cristina , Duarte Poliana Mendes , Mestnik Maria Josefa , Mayer Marcia Pinto Alves , Feres Magda 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim: The microbial profile of localized aggressive periodontitis (LAgP) has not yet been determined. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the subgingival microbial composition of LAgP.Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty subjects with LAgP (n=15), generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAgP, n=25), chronic periodontitis (ChP, n=30) or periodontal health (PH, n=50) underwent clinical and microbiological assessment. Nine subgingival plaque samples were collected from each subject and analysed for their content of 38 bacterial species using checkerboard DNA–DNA hybridization.Results: Red complex and some orange complex species are the most numerous and prevalent periodontal pathogens in LAgP. The proportions of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans were elevated in shallow and intermediate pockets of LAgP subjects in comparison with those with GAgP or ChP, but not in deep sites. This species also showed a negative correlation with age and with the proportions of red complex pathogens. The host‐compatible Actinomyces species were reduced in LAgP.Conclusion: A. actinomycetemcomitans seems to be associated with the onset of LAgP, and Porphyromonas gingivalis, Tannerella forsythia, Treponema denticola, Campylobacter gracilis, Eubacterium nodatum and Prevotella intermedia play an important role in disease progression. Successful treatment of LAgP would involve a reduction in these pathogens and an increase in the Actinomyces species.
Acquired bullous dermatosis associated with IgA multiple myeloma: a case report
Authors: Barnadas Maria A. , Gelpí Carmen , Martínez Laura , Curell Román , Martino Rodrigo , Alomar Agustín 
Published: July 2009

We present the case of a patient with IgA paraprotein who developed hemorrhagic subepidermal vesicles and bullae with numerous neutrophils. Direct immunofluorescence test (DIF) showed weak deposits of IgA lambda paraprotein at the dermal–epidermal junction and at the intercellular level in the basal layer of the epidermis, and stronger deposits in a perivascular and diffuse pattern in the dermis. Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) test revealed the presence of circulating IgA lambda antibodies reacting with the intercellular space of monkey and guinea pig esophagus and human skin. A blood test revealed an IgA lambda paraprotein and multiple myeloma stage I(0) was diagnosed in a later hematological study. Dapsone was prescribed and cutaneous lesions improved. This is the second report of subepidermal vesicles and bullae with dermal deposits of IgA paraprotein appearing prior to diagnosis of an IgA multiple myeloma, and it is a unique case with circulating IgA lambda antibodies reacting with the intercellular space of epithelia.Barnadas MA, Gelpí C, Martínez L, Curell R, Martino R, Alomar A. Acquired bullous dermatosis associated with IgA multiple myeloma: a case report.
Scleromyxedema with an interstitial granulomatous‐like pattern: a rare histologic variant mimicking granuloma annulare
Authors: Rongioletti Franco , Cozzani Emanuele , Parodi Aurora 
Published: July 2009

Scleromyxedema is the generalized and sclerodermoid form of lichen myxedematosus. Its typical histological features include a diffuse deposition of mucin in the papillary and mid reticular dermis, an increased of collagen deposition, and a proliferation of irregularly arranged fibroblasts. We describe a 76‐year‐old man presenting with scleromyxedema associated with IgGλ monoclonal gammopathy whose biopsy showed histological features of an interstitial granulomatous‐like process consistent with interstitial granuloma annulare. The significance of these unusual granulomatous findings in the setting of scleromyxedema are unknown and have been described only once in the literature. This observation expands the spectrum of scleromyxedema and highlights the difficulty in diagnosing this disabling condition.Rongioletti F, Cozzani E, Parodi A. Scleromyxedema with an interstitial granulomatous‐like pattern: a rare histologic variant mimicking granuloma annulare.
T‐lymphocyte‐induced, fas‐mediated apoptosis is associated with early keratinocyte differentiation
Authors: Daehn Ilse S. , Varelias Antiopi , Rayner Timothy E. 
Published: July 2009

Please cite this paper as: T‐lymphocyte‐induced, fas‐mediated apoptosis is associated with early keratinocyte differentiation. Experimental Dermatology 2009.Abstract:  The development of eczematous lesions is thought to be due in part to a breakdown in skin barrier function as a result of T lymphocytes (T cells) invading the skin causing epidermal keratinocyte apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the interaction of T cells and keratinocytes on apoptosis and terminal differentiation using an in vitro co‐culture system. Experiments were performed using the HaCaT keratinocyte cell line or normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Activated human peripheral blood‐derived T cells were found to induce Fas‐dependent keratinocyte apoptosis by up to sixfold. Increased Fas was associated with increased IFN‐γ. The T‐cell apoptotic signal was found to target preferentially keratinocytes in the very early stages of terminal differentiation, such as those with low levels of α6‐integrin expression, and result in subsequent increased caspase 3 activity. This observation was accompanied by a marked increase in keratinocyte ICAM‐1 expression and its ligand LFA‐1 on T cells. Our data suggest that T cells may initiate the onset of keratinocyte terminal differentiation making them more susceptible to Fas‐dependent cell death signals delivered by the T cells.
Injury downregulates the expression of the human cathelicidin protein hCAP18/LL‐37 in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mallbris Lotus , Carlén Lina , Wei Tianling , Heilborn Johan , Nilsson Margareta Frohm , Granath Fredrik , Ståhle Mona 
Published: July 2009

Please cite this paper as: Injury downregulates the expression of the human cathelicidin protein hCAP18/LL‐37 in atopic dermatitis. Experimental Dermatology 2009; 19: 442–449.Abstract:  Reduced production of antimicrobial peptides was proposed to contribute to susceptibility for skin infections in atopic dermatitis (AD). Focusing on the human cathelicidin protein, hCAP18, the aim of the present study was to explore whether reduced hCAP18 expression is a constitutive trait in AD and if established inducers affect the expression of hCAP18 in the skin of AD. First, we compared levels of hCAP18 mRNA between lesional skin in AD and psoriasis and verified significantly lower expression of hCAP18 mRNA in AD. In non‐lesional skin, however, there was no difference between AD, psoriasis and healthy, indicating that there is no constitutive defect in the production of hCAP18 in AD patients. In healthy skin, hCAP18 was reported to be rapidly induced following wounding and here we verified this pattern in healthy controls and in psoriasis. In AD lesions, however, the expression of hCAP18 mRNA was markedly suppressed following wounding. Obviously, the inflammation in AD lesions neutralizes the expected induction of hCAP18 and even induces suppression. Notably, the mechanism to upregulate hCAP18 following vitamin D treatment was functional in lesional as well as in non‐lesional AD indicating that the CAMP gene is normally regulated in this respect. In addition, cultured primary keratinocytes from non‐lesional skin of psoriasis, AD and healthy skin, upregulated hCAP18mRNA following treatment with vitamin D. Itching is a hallmark of AD and scratching inevitably injures the skin. Failure to upregulate hCAP18 in eczema following injury is likely to affect antimicrobial protection and tissue repair in AD.
Myeloablative irradiation in non‐human primates
Authors: Watts K.L. , Beard B.C. , Wood B.L. , Kiem H.P. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractPurpose  We used total body irradiation (TBI) as conditioning for cord blood transplantation studies in pigtailed macaques. In these studies, different doses of TBI were explored to obtain optimal myelosuppression with acceptable radiation‐related side effects.Methods  Four macaques received TBI ranging from 800 to 1320 cGy, followed by standard post‐transplant care. Hematopoietic recovery was monitored by CBC and donor contribution by variable number of tandem repeats analysis.Results  Animals receiving 800 or 1020 cGy TBI tolerated the irradiation well with autologous recovery of neutrophils within 24 days. At a dose of 1200 cGy, neither autologous recovery nor extramedullary toxicity was observed. A fourth animal received 1320 cGy of TBI and suffered significant toxicity necessitating termination of the study.Conclusions  We conclude that previously considered myeloablative doses of TBI allowed for autologous recovery in the pigtailed macaque, and that a dose of 1200 cGy may be most appropriate, providing both myeloablation and acceptable non‐hematopoietic toxicities.
Impaired contractile function and mitochondrial respiratory capacity in response to oxygen deprivation in a rat model of pre‐diabetes
Authors: Essop M. F. , Anna Chan W. Y. , Valle A. , García‐Palmer F. J. , Du Toit E. F. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractAim:  Obesity is a major contributor to the global burden of disease and is closely associated with the development of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. This study tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial respiratory capacity of the pre‐diabetic heart is decreased leading to impaired contractile function and tolerance to ischaemia/reperfusion.Methods:  Eight‐week‐old male Wistar rats were fed a high caloric diet for 16 weeks after which anthropometric, metabolic, cardiac and mitochondrial parameters were evaluated vs. age‐matched lean controls. Cardiac function (working heart perfusions) and mitochondrial respiratory capacity were assessed at baseline and in response to acute oxygen deprivation.Results:  Rats fed the high caloric diet exhibited increased body weight and visceral fat vs. the control group. Heart weights of obese rats were also increased. Triglyceride, fasting plasma insulin and free fatty acid levels were elevated, while high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were reduced in the obese group. Contractile function was attenuated at baseline and further decreased after subjecting hearts to ischaemia‐reperfusion. Myocardial infarct sizes were increased while ADP phosphorylation rates were diminished in obese rats. However, no differences were found for mtDNA levels and the degree of oxidative stress‐induced damage.Conclusions:  These data show that decreased mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity in pre‐diabetic rat hearts may impair respiratory capacity and reduce basal contractile function and tolerance to acute oxygen deprivation.
Consensus statement on management in the UK: Transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection of early glottic cancer
Authors: Bradley P.J. , Mackenzie K. , Wight R. , Pracy P. , Paleri V. ,   On behalf of ENT‐UK Head & Neck Group
Published: July 2009

Background:  Transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection of early glottic laryngeal cancer is a relatively new treatment modality that is practised in many centres across the UK. In the absence of the results from randomised clinical trials, clinicians may be guided by an expert panel consensus statement on transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection of early squamous cell cancer of the larynx.Objective:  To provide consensus recommendations on the various aspects of transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection for early glottic cancer.Evaluation method:  Nine centres across the UK were invited to describe current practice and outcomes for transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection of early glottic cancer. Four working groups were created to draw consensus on standard of care, surgical procedures, outcomes measures and training/certification. The feedback from these groups was integrated into the consensus statement.Conclusions:  The consensus meeting confirmed the stablished and widespread use of transoral laser assisted microsurgical resection for early glottic cancer throughout the UK. The common experience gained allowed a full discussion of all aspects of the management with consensus achieved in key areas of standards of care, surgery, histopathologic reporting, outcomes assessment and training. This consensus statement will result in closer auditing of management and dissemination of results.
A retrospective cohort study of nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma: a rare histological type of nasopharyngeal cancer
Authors: Guo Z.M. , Liu W.W. , He J.H. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical manifestations, Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) serology, and treatment outcome of patients with nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma (NPAC).Design:  A retrospective study of clinical data from consecutive patients with NPAC identified between 1964 and 2000.Setting:  A tertiary cancer center in China.Participants:  Forty‐eight patients diagnosed with NPAC.Main outcome measures:  Crosstabs and chi‐square test were conducted to study the association of positive VCA‐IgA levels among different pathological types of NPAC, and also to compare the proportions of local control rates in patients treated with different modalities. The survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the Log Rank test was used to compare the survival rates considering different factors. To balance the distribution bias, a multivariate COX model survival analysis was also performed.Results:  Of the 48 NPAC patients identified, 45% presented with cervical metastasis. Pathologically, 58% of NPAC cases were common type and 42% were salivary gland type. The positive rate for the EBV antibody VCA‐IgA in all patients was 53% and only 24% in the salivary gland type of NPAC. The overall local control rate and the 5‐year disease‐free survival rates were 87% and 65% respectively. Patients treated with surgery plus radiotherapy (RT) had a significantly higher 5‐year disease‐free survival rate than patients receiving RT alone (89%versus 75% respectively) (P = 0.039). Multivariate analysis confirmed that treatment modality was the significant factor influencing patient survival (P = 0.027) and the pathological type was not a factor predicting survival.Conclusions:  Nasopharyngeal adenocarcinoma is a distinct entity in all types of nasopharyngeal carcinoma and EBV serology has limited value in its diagnosis. The combination of surgery and RT should be considered for treatment of early lesions of NPAC.
Preoperative blood sugar and C‐reactive protein associated with persistent discharge after incision and drainage for patients with deep neck abscesses
Authors: Liu S.‐A. , Liang M.‐T. , Wang C.‐P. , Wang C.‐C. , Lin W.‐D. , Ho H.‐C. , Chiu Y.‐T. 
Published: July 2009

Objectives:  The aim of this study was to investigate whether preoperative C‐reactive protein (CRP) and blood sugar correlated with persistent discharge after incision and drainage for patients with deep neck abscesses.Study design:  Retrospective data analysis.Setting:  Tertiary referral centre.Participants:  A total of 204 patients who underwent operation for deep neck abscess.Main outcome measures:  Persistent discharge after operation.Results:  One hundred seventy patients were included for final analyses. Most of the patients were male (n = 115; 68%) and the average age was 54 years. Using logistic regression analyses, age >55 years [odds ratio (OR): 3.053; P = 0.002], preoperative CRP >15 mg/dL (OR: 2.174; P = 0.027), and preoperative blood sugar >8.3 mmol/L (OR: 3.280; P = 0.001) were independent factors correlated with persistent discharge.Conclusions:  Older age, elevated preoperative CRP level and blood sugar had a statistically significant association with persistent discharge after operation in deep neck abscesses patients.
SLC22A4 and SLC22A5 gene polymorphisms and Crohn's disease in the Chinese Han population
Authors: FENG Yun , ZHENG Ping , ZHAO Hang , WU Kai 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE:  Recent genomic surveys have identified two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in SLC22A4 and SLC22A5 as susceptibility loci for Crohn's disease (CD). We conducted the present study to assess whether the two SNP and exon variants in SLC22A4 and SLC22A5 could be implicated in the vulnerability to CD of the Chinese Han population.METHODS:  A total of 180 CD patients and 180 healthy controls were studied. Genotyping for the two positive sites and the SNP that we screened from all the exon regions in SLC22A4 and SLC22A5 were typed using the direct sequencing method.RESULTS:  Neither individual SNP nor any haplotype was found to be associated with CD in our case‐control study.CONCLUSION:  In contrast to the Caucasian population, SLC22A4 and SLC22A5 genes are unlikely to play a major role in susceptibility to CD in the Chinese Han population.
Drug‐induced liver disease: an 8‐year study of patients from one gastroenterological department
Authors: WANG Yi Ping , SHI Bin , CHEN Yue Xiang , XU Jing , JIANG Cai Feng , XIE Wei Fen 
Published: July 2009

OBJECTIVE: To analyze drug‐induced liver disease over an 8‐year period from January 2000 to December 2007 in one gastroenterological department.METHODS: International consensus of standard definitions and criteria for assessing causality of adverse drug reactions were applied to all patients with abnormal hepatic test results.RESULTS: Drugs were implicated in hepatic injury in 30 patients (15 men and 15 women) in whom there was a causal or highly probable relationship between drug use and liver disease. The drugs responsible for liver damage were Chinese medicinal herbs (n = 12), cyclosporin (n = 2), fosfomycin, gentamicin, flutamide, acipimox and nimesulide (n = 1 each). Of the 30 patients, 19 (63.3%) were classified as having hepatocellular or mixed hepatitis, eight (26.7%) as having cholestatic injury and the remaining three as having a severe hepatic drug reaction (prothrombin < 50%), including death.CONCLUSION: A thorough history of medication should be taken in all patients presenting with abnormal hepatic test results. Chinese medicinal herbs were the most frequent hepatotoxic factor in our patients, although the liver injury was not severe in most cases and was relieved after the prompt withdrawal of the suspected drug.
Can ensemble forecasts improve the reliability of flood alerts?
Authors: Dietrich J. , Denhard M. , Schumann A.H. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractA probabilistic evaluation of ensemble forecasts can be used to communicate uncertainty to decision makers. We present a flood forecast scheme, which combines forecasts from the European COSMO‐LEPS, SRNWP‐PEPS and COSMO‐DE (lagged average) ensemble prediction systems with a rainfall–runoff model. The methodology was demonstrated with a case study for the Central European Mulde River basin. In this paper, we summarize results from hindcast simulations for seven events from 2002 to 2008. The ensemble spread resulting from uncertainty in rainfall forecast was very high at 2–5 days lead time. The median of the medium‐ and short‐range forecasts and a lagged average ensemble of the very short‐range forecasts proved to be reliable regarding the probability of exceeding flood alert levels. However, the limited number of observed events does not allow for the postulation of prescriptive binary decision rules. Flood managers have to adapt their decisions when new information becomes available.
A semimechanistic model predicting the growth and production of the bioenergy crop Miscanthus×giganteus: description, parameterization and validation
Authors: MIGUEZ FERNANDO E. , ZHU XINGUANG , HUMPHRIES STEPHEN , BOLLERO GERMÁN A. , LONG STEPHEN P. 
Published: July 2009

AbstractBiomass based bioenergy is promoted as a major sustainable energy source which can simultaneously decrease net greenhouse gas emissions. Miscanthus×giganteus (M.×giganteus), a C4 perennial grass with high nitrogen, water, and light use efficiencies, is regarded as a promising energy crop for biomass production. Mathematical models which can accurately predict M.×giganteus biomass production potential under different conditions are critical to evaluate the feasibility of its production in different environments. Although previous models based on light‐conversion efficiency have been shown to provide good predictions of yield, they cannot easily be used in assessing the value of physiological trait improvement or ecosystem processes. Here, we described in detail the physical and physiological processes of a previously published generic mechanistic eco‐physiological model, WIMOVAC, adapted and parameterized for M.×giganteus. Parameterized for one location in England, the model was able to realistically predict daily field diurnal photosynthesis and seasonal biomass at a range of other sites from European studies. The model provides a framework that will allow incorporation of further mechanistic information as it is developed for this new crop.
Re‐Emergence of West Nile Virus in Italy
Authors: Monaco F. , Lelli R. , Teodori L. , Pinoni C. , Di Gennaro A. , Polci A. , Calistri P. , Savini G. 
Published: July 2009

SummaryIn August 2008, West Nile disease re‐emerged in Italy. The infection is affecting the North Eastern regions and, as of November 2008, has caused 33 clinical cases and five fatalities in horses. Until now, no deaths have been reported in birds. Mosquitoes, blood, serum and tissue samples, from horses and birds, within and around the outbreak area, have been collected and tested by various methods both serologically and virologically. West Nile virus strains have been isolated from blood samples of one horse and one donkey and from pools of brain, kidneys, heart and spleen of a pigeon and three magpies. When compared to the strain isolated during the 1998 Tuscany outbreak, the 255 bp sequence of the genome region coding for the envelope (E) protein of the isolated WNV strains, exhibited a 98.8% and 100% similarity at nucleotide and amino‐acid level respectively.