bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Undetermined focal liver lesions on gray‐scale ultrasound in patients with fatty liver: Characterization with contrast‐enhanced ultrasound
Authors: Wang Zhi‐Li , Tang Jie , Weskott Hance Peter , Li Jun‐Lai , Wang Wei , Luo Yu‐Kun , An Li‐Chun , Xu Jian‐Hong 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical value and potential impact of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the characterization of undetermined focal liver lesions (FLLs) in patients with fatty liver.Methods:  Fifty‐two patients (34 men, 18 women) with fatty liver with 67 FLLs (size range, 1–8.6 cm; mean, 4.1 ± 3.1 cm) undetermined at baseline ultrasound (US) underwent contrast‐enhanced US. CEUS examinations were analyzed by two experienced sonologists blinded to the final diagnosis. Readers evaluated by consensus the baseline echogenicity, the dynamic enhancement pattern in comparison with peripheral liver parenchyma. The final diagnosis was based on consensus interpreting of all examinations by another two expert observers with access to histological data. The characterization accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of CEUS in characterizing the lesion as benign or malignant, and as the correct pathologic type, were analyzed.Results:  After CEUS, two hemangiomas, three inflammatory pseudotumors, and one hepatocellular carcinoma were misdiagnosed. The overall characterization accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of CEUS were 91% (61/67), 91.7% (11/12), and 90.9% (50/55), respectively. Forty‐three benign lesions were diagnosed as the correct pathologic type. The portal venous phase and late phase were important in the characterization of the lesions. The characterization accuracy had no relationship with the size of FLLs.Conclusion:  CEUS can improve the characterization of undetermined FLLs arising from fatty liver.
Cholangiocyte bile salt transporters in cholesterol gallstone–susceptible and resistant inbred mouse strains
Authors: Liu Julia J , Glickman Jonathan N , Masyuk Anatoliy I , LaRusso Nicholas F 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We investigated the dietary and gender influences on the expression and functionality of cholangiocyte bile salt transporters and development of biliary hyperplasia in cholesterol gallstone‐susceptible C57L/J and resistant AKR/J mice.Methods:  C57L and AKR mice were fed chow, a lithogenic diet, or a cholic acid‐containing diet for 14 days. Expression of cholangiocyte bile salt transporter proteins ASBT (SLC10A2), ILBP (FABP6), and MRP3 (ABCC3) were studied by Western blot analysis. Taurocholate uptake studies were performed using microperfusion of isolated bile duct units. The pre‐ and post‐perfusion taurocholate concentrations were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography. Biliary proliferation in liver sections was scored.Results:  The lithogenic diet induced ductular proliferation in C57L mice. On chow, SLC10A2 and ABCC3 were overexpressed in male and female C57L compared to AKR mice. A lithogenic diet reduced the expressions of FABP6 in both male and female C57L mice, SLC10A2 in female C57L mice, and ABCC3 in male C57L mice. These alterations in transporter expressions were not associated with changes in taurocholate uptake. The lithogenic diet induced biliary hyperplasia and reduced bile salt transporter expressions in C57L mice.Conclusions:  Although bile salt uptake was not increased in the bile duct unit, we speculate that the biliary hyperplasia on the lithogenic diet may lead to an increase in intrahepatic bile salt recycling during cholesterol cholelithogenesis.
Polymorphism of human leptin receptor gene is associated with type 2 diabetic patients complicated with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in China
Authors: Lu Hongyun , Sun Jiazhong , Sun Liao , Shu Xiaochun , Xu Yancheng , Xie Danhong 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground and Aim:  To investigate the relationship between human leptin receptor (LEPR) gene G3057A polymorphism and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients complicated with or without non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Methods:  Two hundred and sixteen cases of newly diagnosed T2DM patients (104 cases complicated with NAFLD) and 108 cases of normal glucose tolerances (NGT) were recruited. Hemi‐nested polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) and PCR‐direct sequence analysis were conducted to detect the polymorphism of LEPR G3057A variation. Plasma leptin levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit. Plasma lipid and glucose metabolic parameters were measured routinely. Liver ultrasound was carried out for all subjects.Results:  T2DM patients complicated with NAFLD had higher plasma insulin, leptin, triglycerides (TG) and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) levels than those without NAFLD and NGT subjects. The variant frequency at nucleotide 3057 G→A transversion was 76.0% in type 2 diabetic patients complicated with NAFLD, which was also significantly higher than those without NAFLD (62.1%) and NGT cases (53.2%). There was also significant difference in genotype distribution between the three groups (χ2 = 14.63, P < 0.01).Conclusion:  The polymorphism of LEPR gene 3057 probably contributes to the onset of NAFLD by regulating lipid metabolism and affecting insulin sensitivity.
Outcome of self‐expandable metallic stents in low‐grade versus advanced hilar obstruction
Authors: Rerknimitr Rungsun , Kongkam Pradermchai , Kullavanijaya Pinit 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  Self‐expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are known to provide a longer patency time than plastic stents for malignant biliary obstructions including hilar obstruction. However, studies that focus on the efficacy of SEMS in low‐grade and advanced hilar obstructions are still scanty.Methods:  Ninety four patients with malignant hilar obstructions were enrolled (six were later excluded). Patients were divided into two groups according to their Bismuth levels. Group A were patients with Bismuth I (n = 53). Group B were patients with Bismuth II, III and IV (n = 35). Technical success, complications, jaundice resolution, stent patency time, and patients’ survival were analyzed.Results:  Our intention‐to‐treat analysis showed that group A had a significant lower rate of post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cholangitis than group B; 16.1% versus 44.7%, (P < 0.01). Four patients from group B still had persistent jaundice. Our per protocol analysis demonstrated that median stent patency time in groups A and B were not statistically different (74 vs 60 days). Median survival time in groups A and B were also not statistically different (90 vs 75 days). In both groups, those without liver metastasis had significantly better patency and survival time than those with liver metastasis (P = 0.010 and 0.027, respectively).Conclusions:  In patients with hilar obstruction, liver metastasis is one of the main factors that determine survival of the patient. Patency times of SEMS in both low‐grade and advanced obstructions are comparable. However, in the advanced group, there is a significant risk of post‐ERCP cholangitis.
Apgar scores reported in personal child health records: Validity for epidemiological studies?
Authors: Troude Pénélope , L'Hélias Laurence Foix , Raison‐Boulley Anne‐Marie , Castel Christine , Bouyer Jean , De La Rochebrochard Elise 
Published: August 2008

Aim:  In epidemiological studies on children, information in the neonatal period that might affect children's long‐term health could be extracted from the personal child health record (PCHR), because the booklet exists in most countries. We aimed to assess, in individual children, the validity of Apgar scores reported in the PCHR using maternity medical records as the gold standard.Methods:  In two French hospitals, 435 women who had a child in January 2006 were recruited and 90% filled in a postal questionnaire 6 weeks after delivery, copying neonatal information (including Apgar scores) from the PCHR. This information was compared with data independently recorded at birth by physicians in maternity medical records.Results:  We found that the proportion of missing Apgar scores in the PCHR was higher when scores in the medical records were lower. Moreover, Apgar scores reported in the PCHR were overestimated when scores in the medical records were low. Using medical records as the gold standard, specificity for PCHR‐reported 1‐min Apgar score was 100% and sensitivity 33%. Similar trends were found for the 5‐min score. This supports the hypothesis that information considered as ‘socially sensitive’ by physicians may be intentionally altered in PCHRs.Conclusions:  Apgar scores reported in PCHRs may not yield reliable information for epidemiological studies. When the PCHR is the only source of information for the neonatal period in an epidemiological study, it would be preferable to use a composite neonatal indicator rather than the Apgar score.
The 60‐year battle against tuberculosis in Hong Kong—a review of the past and a projection into the 21st century
Authors: LEE Shiu‐Hung 
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Over the past 60 years, tuberculosis (TB) control in Hong Kong has gone through three phases of development. The first phase (from 1948 to the 1960s) was a phase of a wide spread of infectious diseases due to poor environmental hygiene and sanitation, overcrowding, malnutrition and the influx of residents returning to Hong Kong after the end of Pacific War. The second phase (from the 1970s to the 1980s) was a phase of rising chronic noncommunicable diseases due to the aging of the population. The third phase (1990s to the present) was a phase of double burden of diseases including both chronic noncommunicable diseases and the emergence of new infectious diseases.The factors responsible for the successful control of TB in Hong Kong over the past 60 years are largely due to policy and commitment in resources by the government, contributions from non‐governmental organizations, academic institutions, public‐spirited individuals, the community and the devotion and dedication of the staff.While Hong Kong has been successful in the control of TB and other infectious diseases, lessons have been learnt from the past. New challenges arise as a result of emergence of new infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, avian influenza (H5N1), and SARS. Changes in lifestyle and behaviour have added many socially related health problems. The SARS epidemic has also highlighted the problems of communication, collaboration and coordination between Hong Kong and Mainland China and among government departments in Hong Kong.In order to be better prepared for the future, there must be continuous commitment from the government to develop an effective health care system, to give greater emphasis to health promotion and disease prevention, and to strengthen partnerships at regional and international levels, particularly in the Pearl River Delta Region, in a global effort to stop TB and other infectious diseases.
Involvement of glypican‐1 autoprocessing in scrapie infection
Authors: Löfgren Kajsa , Cheng Fang , Fransson Lars‐Åke , Bedecs Katarina , Mani Katrin 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe copper‐binding cellular prion protein (PrPC) and the heparan sulphate (HS)‐containing proteoglycan glypican‐1 (Gpc‐1) can both be attached to lipid rafts via their glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchors, and copper ions stimulate their cointernalization from the cell surface to endosomes. The prion protein controls cointernalization and delivers copper necessary for S‐nitrosylation of conserved cysteines in the Gpc‐1 core protein. Later, during recycling through endosomal compartments, nitric oxide can be released from the S‐nitroso groups and catalyses deaminative degradation and release of the HS substituents. Here, by using confocal immunofluorescence microscopy, we show that normal PrPC and Gpc‐1 colocalize inside GT1‐1 cells. However, in scrapie‐infected cells (ScGT1‐1), Gpc‐1 protein remained at the cell surface separate from the cellular prion protein. Scrapie infection stimulated Gpc‐1 autoprocessing and the generated HS degradation products colocalized with intracellular aggregates of the disease‐related scrapie prion protein isoform (PrPSc). Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated an association between Gpc‐1 and PrPC in uninfected cells, and between HS degradation products and PrPSc in infected cells. Silencing of Gpc‐1 expression or prevention of Gpc‐1 autoprocessing elevated the levels of intracellular PrPSc aggregates in infected cells. These results suggest a role for Gpc‐1 autoprocessing in the clearance of PrPSc from infected cells.
Activity requires soluble amyloid precursor protein α to promote neurite outgrowth in neural stem cell‐derived neurons via activation of the MAPK pathway
Authors: Gakhar‐Koppole Nidhi , Hundeshagen Phillip , Mandl Claudia , Weyer Sascha W. , Allinquant Bernadette , Müller Ulrike , Ciccolini Francesca 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIt is known that activity modulates neuronal differentiation in the adult brain but the signalling mechanisms underlying this process remain to be identified. We show here that activity requires soluble amyloid precursor protein (sAPP) to enhance neurite outgrowth of young neurons differentiating from neural stem cells. Inhibition of sAPP secretion and anti‐APP antibodies both abolished the effect of depolarization on neurite outgrowth, whereas exogenous sAPPα, similar to depolarization, induced neurite elongation. Depolarization and sAPPα both required active N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) recruitment to induce neurite outgrowth. However, depolarization and sAPPα played different roles in modulating this signalling cascade. Depolarization induced ERK phosphorylation with fast kinetics via activation of NMDAR. By contrast, acute application of sAPPα did not lead to ERK activation. However, continuous generation of sAPPα was necessary for depolarization‐induced ERK phosphorylation, indicating that sAPPα promotes MAPK/ERK recruitment by an indirect mechanism. In addition, we found that blockade of NMDAR down‐regulated APP expression, whereas depolarization increased sAPPα, suggesting that activity may also act upstream of sAPP signalling by regulating the amount of cellular APP and extracellular sAPPα. Finally, we show that soluble amyloid precursor‐like protein 2 (sAPLP2), but not sAPLP1, is functionally redundant to sAPP in promoting neurite outgrowth and that soluble members of the APP family require membrane‐bound APP to enhance neurite outgrowth. In summary, these experiments indicate a novel role of APP family members in activity‐dependent neuronal differentiation.
The need for speed: informed land acquisitions for conservation in a dynamic property market
Authors: McDonald‐Madden Eve , Bode Michael , Game Edward T. , Grantham Hedley , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractLand acquisition is a common approach to biodiversity conservation but is typically subject to property availability on the public market. Consequently, conservation plans are often unable to be implemented as intended. When properties come on the market, conservation agencies must make a choice: purchase immediately, often without a detailed knowledge of its biodiversity value; survey the parcel and accept the risk that it may be removed from the market during this process; or not purchase and hope a better parcel comes on the market at a later date. We describe both an optimal method, using stochastic dynamic programming, and a simple rule of thumb for making such decisions. The solutions to this problem illustrate how optimal conservation is necessarily dynamic and requires explicit consideration of both the time period allowed for implementation and the availability of properties.
Subsidy hypothesis and strength of trophic cascades across ecosystems
Authors: Leroux Shawn J. , Loreau Michel 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEcosystems are differentially open to subsidies of energy, material and organisms. This fundamental ecosystem attribute has long been recognized but the influence of this property on community regulation has not been investigated. We propose that this environmental attribute may explain variation in the strength of trophic cascades among ecosystems. Simply because of gravity, we should predict that systems with convex profiles receive low amounts of subsidies whereas systems with concave profiles act as spatial attractors, and receive high amounts of subsidies. The subsidy hypothesis states that ecosystems with high amounts of allochthonous inputs will experience the strongest trophic cascades. To test this hypothesis, we derive ecosystem models and investigate the effect of location and magnitude of subsidies on the strength of trophic cascades. Predictions from our models support the subsidy hypothesis and highlight the need to consider ecosystems as open to allochthonous flows.
Expression of cyclooxygenase‐2 by equine ocular and adnexal squamous cell carcinomas
Authors: Smith Kerry M. , Scase Timothy J. , Miller Jodi L. , Donaldson David , Sansom Jane 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective: To investigate whether cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) is expressed by equine ocular and adnexal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC).Methods: Forty‐three samples of histologically confirmed cases of ocular SCC or carcinomain situ(CIS) from 34 horses presented to the Animal Health Trust between 1992 and 2004 were subjected to a standard, two‐layered, indirect immunohistochemical method using a rabbit polyclonal antihuman COX‐2 antibody. Ten formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tissue samples taken from recognized predilection sites for SCC, from the grossly normal eyes of 10 horses euthanized for reasons unrelated to this study, were used as negative controls. Samples of equine fetal kidney were used as positive controls. Following immunolabeling, the number of normal and neoplastic epithelial cells exhibiting positive COX‐2 expression was recorded along with staining intensity and distribution.Results: Of 43 tumors, 34 were defined as first presentation tumors. When compared with control tissue, in which 0% (0/10) of samples expressed COX‐2, significantly more of these samples with SCC (58.6%, 17/29:P = 0.002), CIS (60%, 3/5:P = 0.022) or either tumor type (58.8%, 20/34:P = 0.001) exhibited positive cytoplasmic and perinuclear immunohistochemical staining for COX‐2. Of the samples exhibiting positive immunohistochemical staining, only 10% (2/20) showed staining in 2%–10% of neoplastic cells, while 90% (18/20) showed staining in 1% of neoplastic cells. About 70% (14/20) of those positively immunolabeled samples exhibited an intensity of staining greater than or equal to the staining exhibited by the equine fetal kidney positive control.Conclusion: Neoplastic tissue from both equine ocular SCC and CIS exhibit COX‐2 expression at significantly higher levels than normal control ocular tissue. However, the percentage of cells expressing positive immunohistochemical staining is consistently low. On the basis of this study, it is unlikely that anti‐COX‐2 therapy would be of benefit in the treatment of equine ocular and adnexal SCC.
Ocular immunology in equine recurrent uveitis
Authors: Deeg Cornelia A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEquine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a disease with high prevalence and relevance for the equine population, since it results in blindness. Over the last decade, important advancements have been made in our understanding of the underlying immune responses in this disease. ERU is mediated by an autoaggressive Th1 response directed against several retinal proteins. Interphotoreceptor‐retinoid binding protein (IRBP) and cellular retinaldehyde‐binding protein (CRALBP) are capable to induce ERU‐like disease in experimental horses, with the unique possibility to activate relapses in a well‐defined manner. Further, proteomic evidence now suggests that retinal Mueller glial cells (RMG) may play a fatal role in uveitic disease progression by directly triggering inflammation processes through the expression and secretion of interferon‐γ. Ongoing relapses in blind eyes can be associated with stable expression of the major autoantigens in ERU retinas. This review briefly summarizes the most significant developments in uveitis immune response research.
Ocular and multicentric lymphoma in a young racehorse
Authors: Germann Stephanie E. , Richter Marianne , Schwarzwald Colin C. , Wimmershoff Julia , Spiess Bernhard M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA 6‐year‐old thoroughbred gelding was presented with a history of blepharospasm and opacity in the OS of 1 weeks’ duration. Ophthalmic examination findings were consistent with acute uveitis in the OS, and traditional treatment was initiated with systemic antibiotics and anti‐inflammatory drugs, topical mydriatics, and corticosteroids. During the total treatment period of 4 weeks response to treatment was weak and the horse developed further problems such as cellulitis of the right hind limb with fever and eventually weight loss and dependent edema. Blood work was indicative of liver disease. Abdominal sonography revealed severe splenomegaly and slight hepatomegaly, and a liver biopsy confirmed malignant T‐cell lymphoma. The horse was euthanized due to deteriorating general condition and subsequently underwent postmortem examination. Necropsy and histologic examination revealed a multicentric lymphoma with involvement of spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, and OU.The findings in this case demonstrate that the differential diagnosis of intraocular and systemic lymphoma should be considered in any horse presenting with anterior uveitis, especially when uveitis is unresponsive to treatment and when additional systemic signs of illness such as lethargy, fever, weight loss, or dependent edema arise.Cytological examination of aqueous humor may provide a rapid diagnosis of intraocular lymphoma in eyes with clinical uveitis.
The anatomy of the palatoquadrate in the Lower Triassic Proterosuchus fergusi (Reptilia, Archosauromorpha) and its morphological transformation within the archosauriform clade
Authors: Klembara Jozef , Welman Johann 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe anatomy of the palatoquadrate ossifications of the Lower Triassic archosauromorph Proterosuchus fergusi from South Africa is described. It consists of two ossifications, the epipterygoid and the quadrate, which were joined by cartilage in life. The margins of the cartilage are clearly indicated by ridges and grooves on the dorsal surface of the pterygoid. The epipterygoid ossification consists of two structures: the anteroposteriorly expanded basal portion and, dorsally from it, an extending, slender, ascending process. From the anterior margin of the basal portion of the epipterygoid, a plate‐like structure, herein called the lamina epipterygoidea anteromedialis, extends anteromedially to form the anterolateral wall of the cavum epiptericum. Comparisons with the similarly constructed embryonal and adult epipterygoid components of Sphenodon punctatus show that the anteromedial lamina of the epipterygoid of P. fergusi is an additional component of the epipterygoid of this species and that this lamina is absent in the former species. However, a structure in a topologically similar position to the anteromedial lamina of the epipterygoid of P. fergusi is present in the palatoquadrate of Alligator mississippiensis. In the latter species, the structure is called the lamina palatoquadrati anterior; it ossifies in membrane and forms the dorsolateral cover of the huge trigeminal ganglion. It is hypothesized here that the anteromedial lamina of the epipterygoid of P. fergusi and the anterior lamina of the palatoquadrate of A. mississippiensis are most probably homologous structures and are present in both the basal and one of the crown taxa of the archosauromorph clade, respectively.