bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Superficial thrombophlebitis of the venous dorsal arch of the foot and deep venous thrombosis after foam sclerotherapy
Authors: Shadid Nadia , Frank Jorge , Sommer Anja 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFour days after foamsclerotherapy of an incompetent great saphenous vein of the left lower leg a 49‐year‐old woman developed a superficial thrombophlebitis of the venous dorsal arch. In the course of follow‐up repeated color duplex sonography initially did not show involvement of the deep venous system and, hence, she was treated with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and compression hosiery. However, six weeks after foam treatment we diagnosed a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of the popliteal vein and started an oral anticoagulant therapy. Although rarely observed, DVT is among the most serious complications of foamsclerotherapy Therefore, we suggest that the occurrence of a superficial thrombophlebitis that is not located in close vicinity of the vein treated should be an indication for regular follow‐up examinations to prevent missing the occurrence of disease progression and a possible involvement of the deep venous system.
Eruption of lymphocyte recovery or autologous graft‐versus‐host disease?
Authors: Nellen Ruud G. L. , Van Marion Arienne M. W. , Frank Jorge , Poblete‐Gutiérrez Pamela , Steijlen Peter M. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractMaculopapular exanthemas have a particular high incidence among patients treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In most cases, a viral or drug induced origin is easily identified. However, the transplantation itself may also induce similar skin changes. These exanthemas are known under various names, such as autologous graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), engraftment syndrome (ES) or eruption of lymphocyte recovery (ELR). Given the clinical and histopathological similarities of these disorders, it can prove difficult to establish a diagnosis. Here, we describe a patient who developed a maculopapular exanthema after autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma, diagnosed as autologous GVHD. We also briefly review the current knowledge of the pathogenesis of autologous GVHD, ES, and ELR. Based on these data we would like to suggest that the latter two do not reflect own disease entities but rather different presentations of autologous GVHD.
Hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans (Flegel's disease) – successful treatment with topical corticosteroids
Authors: Sterneberg‐Vos Heleen , Van Marion Arienne M. W. , Frank Jorge , Poblete‐Gutierrez Pamela 
Published: November 2008

AbstractFlegel's disease, also known as hyperkeratosis lenticularis perstans, is a rare skin disease characterized by small, red‐brown, hyperkeratotic, papules that are usually located on the lower extremities. The diagnosis is based on the clinical appearance in association with the typical histologic features of orthohyperkeratosis and a subepidermal band‐like infiltrate. Treatment is difficult and rarely fully effective. We report on a woman with Flegel's disease who responded to a topical corticosteroid therapy with betamethasone dipropionate.
Lymphedema in Prader–Willi syndrome
Authors: Heitink Martijn V. , Sinnema Margje , Van Steensel Maurice A. M. , Schrander‐Stumpel Connie T. R. M. , Frank Jorge , Curfs Leopold M. G. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA 20‐year‐old woman with Prader–Willi syndrome presented with heaviness and swelling in the lower legs and feet, which had developed after a fall. Lymphoscintigraphy showed a disturbed lymphatic drainage pattern in both lower extremities. Based on the clinical findings and the results of lymphoscintigraphic examination we made the diagnosis of lymphedema. The patient was successfully treated with manual lymphatic drainage in combination with multilayer compressive bandaging. After edema reduction, elastic compressive stockings were fit. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on primary lymphedema in a patient with Prader–Willi syndrome, an association that is probably often missed.
PRAVASTATIN ATTENUATES INTERFERON‐γ ACTION VIA MODULATION OF STAT1 TO PREVENT AORTIC ATHEROSCLEROSIS IN APOLIPOPROTEIN E‐KNOCKOUT MICE
Authors: Zhou Xiao‐Xu , Gao Ping‐Jin , Sun Bao‐Gui 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY

The beneficial effects of pravastatin, beyond that of lowering cholesterol in atherosclerosis, include reducing the action of interferon (IFN)‐γ. Interferon‐γ activates the signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1), but it is unclear whether the inhibitory effect of pravastatin in atherosclerosis is via modulation of the IFN‐γ/STAT1 pathway. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine whether the action of pravastatin in preventing aortic atherosclerosis by attenuation of IFN‐γ action is dependent on STAT1.
Male apolipoprotein E‐knockout (apoE−/–) mice were fed a diet containing 1.25% cholesterol (w/w). Mice were divided into two groups, one of which was supplemented with pravastatin (80 mg/kg per day). Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal diet and served as the control group (n = 12 per group).
Atherosclerotic lesions in the aortic root were assessed by staining sections haematoxylin and eosin. Serum concentrations of IFN‐γ and IFN‐γ mRNA expression in the thoracoabdominal aorta were determined by ELISA and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction methods, respectively. Expression of phosphorylated STAT1 (pSTAT1), interferon regulating factor (IRF)‐1 and suppressors of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS1) was determined in the thoracoabdominal aorta using Western blot analysis.
After 8 weeks, pravastatin treatment significantly prevented the formation of atherosclerotic lesions (P < 0.05) and reduced serum IFN‐γ concentrations (P < 0.05) and levels of IFN‐γ mRNA within the aorta (P < 0.01). Pravastatin significantly decreased the expressions of pSTAT1 and IRF‐1 within the aorta and significantly increased expression of SOCS1.
These results suggest that the actions of pravastatin in attenuating the action of IFN‐γ and subsequently preventing aortic atherosclerosis may depend, at least in part, on modulation of STAT1 activity. This providing us with a new therapeutic approach and a clearer insight into the clinical benefits of pravastatin.
WHAT'S WHERE AND WHY AT A VASCULAR MYOENDOTHELIAL MICRODOMAIN SIGNALLING COMPLEX
Authors: Sandow Shaun L , Haddock Rebecca E , Hill Caryl E , Chadha Preet S , Kerr Paul M , Welsh Donald G , Plane Frances 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYModulation of vascular cell calcium is critical for the control of vascular tone, blood flow and pressure.Specialized microdomain signalling sites associated with calcium modulation are present in vascular smooth muscle cells, where spatially localized channels and calcium store receptors interact functionally. Anatomical studies suggest that such sites are also present in endothelial cells.The characteristics of these sites near heterocellular myoendothelial gap junctions (MEGJs) are described, focusing on rat mesenteric artery. The MEGJs enable current and small molecule transfer to coordinate arterial function and are thus critical for endothelium‐derived hyperpolarization, regulation of smooth muscle cell diameter in response to contractile stimuli and vasomotor conduction over distance.Although MEGJs occur on endothelial cell projections within internal elastic lamina (IEL) holes, not all IEL holes have MEGJ‐related projections (approximately 0–50% of such holes have MEGJ‐related projections, with variations occurring within and between vessels, species, strains and disease).In rat mesenteric, saphenous and caudal cerebellar artery and hamster cheek pouch arteriole, but not rat middle cerebral artery or cremaster arteriole, intermediate conductance calcium‐activated potassium channels (IKCa) localize to endothelial cell projections.Rat mesenteric artery MEGJ connexins and IKCaare in close spatial association with endothelial cell inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors and endoplasmic reticulum.Data suggest a relationship between spatially associated endothelial cell ion channels and calcium stores in modulation of calcium release and action. Differences in spatial relationships between ion channels and calcium stores in different vessels reflect heterogeneity in vasomotor function, representing a selective target for the control of endothelial and vascular function.
MELATONIN REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE IN RATS WITH STRESS‐INDUCED HYPERTENSION VIA GABAA RECEPTORS
Authors: Li Hua‐Li , Kang Yu‐Ming , Yu Lei , Xu Hai‐Yan , Zhao Hua 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARY

Several groups have reported that melatonin produces a significant decrease in blood pressure in mammals and that pinealectomy in rats causes hypertension. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of melatonin and bicuculline methiodide on the blood pressure of rats, both in the developing and fully developed stage of stress‐induced hypertension (SIH).
Rats with SIH were generated by mild electric foot shocks for 15 days, after which tail arterial systolic pressure and plasma angiotensin (Ang) II levels were measured. The effects of melatonin injections (i.p. or i.c.v.) on mean arterial pressure (MAP) in rats with SIH were also determined.
Pretreatment with 1 mg/kg, i.p., melatonin significantly diminished the elevated tail arterial systolic pressure and plasma AngII levels caused by 15 days stress. The suppressive effects of melatonin were blocked by i.p. injection of 1 mg/kg bicuculline methiodide, an antagonist of the GABAA receptor.
Intraperitoneal (0.2, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg) or i.c.v. (0.15 and 1.5 µg/3 µL) injection of melatonin produced a dose‐dependent lowering of MAP in rats with SIH. The antihypertensive response induced by melatonin was blocked by injection of both 1 mg/kg, i.p., and 1.5 × 106 µg/3 µL, i.c.v., bicuculline methiodide.
In conclusion, melatonin not only prevents increases in blood pressure during the developing stage of SIH, but can also reduce the blood pressure of rats that have already developed SIH. The antihypertensive effect of melatonin may be mediated by GABAA receptors through inhibition of plasma AngII levels.
HYPERTONICITY INCREASES RABBIT ATRIUM AND PULMONARY VEIN ARRHYTHMOGENESIS: A POTENTIAL CONTRIBUTOR TO THE GENESIS OF ATRIAL FIBRILLATION
Authors: Lee Shih‐Huang , Chen Yao‐Chang , Cheng Chen‐Chuan , Higa Satoshi , Chen Yi‐Jen , Chen Shih‐Ann 
Published: November 2008

SUMMARYPulmonary veins are the most important focus for the initiation of atrial fibrillation. Diabetes mellitus may be associated with hypertonicity and increased occurrence of atrial fibrillation.The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether hypertonicity alters the electrophysiological characteristics of pulmonary veins and atria to enhance the genesis of atrial fibrillation.A whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was used to investigate action potentials and ionic currents in rabbit isolated single pulmonary vein and atrial cardiomyocytes during immersion in isotonic and hypertonic (1.2× normal osmolality) solutions.Hypertonicity increased the spontaneous beating rates of pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes from 2.3 ± 0.3 to 3.4 ± 0.3 Hz (n = 11;P < 0.001). Hypertonicity prolonged action potential duration to a greater extent in atrial cardiomyocytes than in pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes. Compared with atrial cardiomyocytes, hypertonicity increased the transient inward currents and Na+/Ca2+exchange currents to a greater extent in pulmonary vein cardiomyocytes, but decreased the delayed rectified potassium currents to a lesser extent.Hypertonicity plays an important role in the electrical activity of pulmonary vein and atrial cardiomyocytes, which may have a potential role in the pathophysiology of atrial fibrillation.
Temporal changes in the periphytic algal communities in a drowned tropical forest reservoir in Malaysia: Lake Kenyir
Authors: Rouf AJM A. , Ambak M. A. , Shamsudin Lokman , Phang Siew‐Moi , Ho Sinn C. 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPeriphytic algal assemblages, comprising bacillariophytes, cyanophytes and chlorophytes of standing dead trees in Lake Kenyir, a tropical drowned forest reservoir, were studied during 1995. A total of 317 algal taxa were identified in this study. The monthly floral mean species richness and cell count data demonstrated significant temporal differences between the months, in one‐way anova (P < 0.05). Both redundancy analysis and cluster analysis on monthly blue‐green abundance and diatom assemblages exhibited conspicuous groupings among the months, with underpinning seasonal differences. The responses were not similar, however, between the upstream and downstream ends of the lake. The grouping or clustering of months can be generalized as: (i) November, December and January as the monsoonal months; (ii) February, March, April and May as the transitional months; and (iii) June to October as the dry months. Based on stepwise multiple regression with forward selection, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen concentration were significant environmental predictors at the downstream dam sampling site, and reactive silica, electrical conductivity, Secchi depth transparency and sunshine hours were significant predicators at the upstream riverine sampling site, based on Monte Carlo tests. Being a ploymictic, mesotrophic lake, the limnology and temporal changes for Lake Kenyir appears to be complex and driven by monsoons, as evidenced from the temporal changes in its periphytic algae communities, particularly the diatom assemblages. The downstream sampling site (site 1) at the dam, in the main basin and deeper zone of the lake, the seasonal amplitude was likely complex because of thermocline formation and stratification processes. In contrast, the upstream sampling site in the Petang River (site 2) exhibited a clearer distinction between the dry and monsoon months, based on its cyanophyte and diatom floral assemblages. These study results are pertinent for lake management, especially for developing biomonitoring programmes or lake productivity studies, as well as for climate change studies, within the context of tropical lake ecology.
Assessment of lake–groundwater interactions and anthropogenic stresses, using numerical groundwater flow model, for a Rift lake catchment in central Ethiopia
Authors: Ayenew Tenalem , Tilahun Nardos 
Published: November 2008

AbstractA steady‐state groundwater flow model (MODFLOW) was used to study lake and groundwater interactions in a complex rift volcanic catchment. It also was used to assess the effects of water pumping from wells, and of variable recharge rates associated with climate and lake level changes, on the dynamics of the volcanic aquifers surrounding Lake Awassa. The model simulations were made after first developing a reasonable conceptual model, on the basis of conventional hydrogeological mapping, pumping test and hydrometeorological data analyses, and from ancillary information obtained from hydrochemical and isotope techniques. The model results indicated that the lakes and Rift aquifers are fed by large groundwater inputs that originate in the highlands. The lakes and rivers have important roles in recharging the aquifers in some locations. Lake Awassa receives a major groundwater inflow from its southern and eastern shorelines, while substantial water leakage from the lake occurs along the northern shoreline. The annual groundwater outflow from the catchment is estimated to 52.5 × 106 m3. Scenario analyses revealed that increasing the current pumping rate from wells by fourfold will substantially reduce the groundwater level substantially, although the regional flow pattern would remain the same. There appears to be no immediate danger to the Rift aquatic environment from the current water pumping rate. Drying the small Lake Shalo and associated swamps, however, will cause a large change in the water balance of the larger Lake Awassa. Slight changes in groundwater recharge can cause large differences in groundwater levels for most of the Rift caldera floor far from the lake shores. This study provides a reasonable foundation for developing detailed transient predictive models, which can then readily be used as a decision support tool for development and implementation of sustainable water resources practices.
Genetic variations in the endangered aquatic plant Nymphoides coreana (Menyanthaceae) in south‐western Japan
Authors: SHIBAYAMA YUKI , KADONO YASURO 
Published: November 2008

AbstractWe surveyed allozyme variations among ten Nymphoides coreana populations in southwestern Japan. The percentage of polymorphic loci, the mean number of alleles per locus, and the effective number of alleles per locus varied little among populations. The observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity were low. The proportion of gene diversity of the species within populations (Hs) was also low. These indices all indicate that genetic diversity was low within the populations. The inbreeding coefficient within a population, Fis, was significantly larger than expected in each local population. A comparison between Hs and the proportional gene diversity of the species among populations (Dst) showed that almost all variations occurred among populations. Large genetic differentiation was also supported by the high value of gene diversity between populations relative to the combined populations (Gst). Nymphoides coreana is considered to be a selfing species, and genetic variations among the populations were shown to be distinct.
Meiotic behavior and pollen viability of wild populations of the neotropical species Vriesea gigantea (Bromeliaceae)
Authors: PALMA‐SILVA CLARISSE , PAGGI GECELE MATOS , FELICETTI RICARDO AUGUSTO , FERRAZ RENATO , KALTCHUK‐SANTOS ELIANE , BERED FERNANDA , BODANESE‐ZANETTINI MARIA HELENA 
Published: November 2008

AbstractPlant fertility can influence many aspects of population ecology and evolution. The quantity and quality of pollen produced by a plant is an important component of reproductive success. Plant fertility was analyzed by assessing: chromosome number, meiotic behavior and pollen viability of seven native populations of Vriesea gigantea. All plants presented 2n = 50 chromosomes. Most of the pollen mother cells showed a regular meiotic behavior with 25 bivalents and regular chromosome segregation. In accordance, high pollen viability (84–98%) was recorded for all investigated populations. These results indicated that plants from all populations analyzed are fertile. Despite the overall high pollen viability, significant differences were detected among populations. The population of Praia do Araçá showed a reduced percentage of pollen viability, although meiosis was quite regular. Reduction in pollen viability could have an important effect on plants fertility and, consequently, on fitness of this population.
Demographic genetics of American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) IV. Development of genetic variability and gene flow during succession in a coastal plain forest in Maryland
Authors: KITAMURA KEIKO , TAKASU HIDEKI , HAGIWARA SHINSUKE , HOMMA KOHSUKE , O'NEILL JAY , WHIGHAM DENNIS F. , KAWANO SHOICHI 
Published: November 2008

AbstractGenetic recovery of an American beech (Fagus grandifolia) population in deciduous forests that were once pastures was studied using 16 allozyme loci from 410 individuals in a 600 m × 600 m study plot in Maryland, USA. We also examined the spatio‐temporal genetic structure of the American beech population at a regional scale. Overall genetic diversity of mature trees was measured by estimating average heterozygosity (H = 0.156). Rare alleles were observed in five loci, Lap, 6Pdgh3, Pgi, Adh1 and Got3. Mature individuals were divided into three size classes based on d.b.h. The genetic component of each size class was compared and it was revealed that several alleles (Pgm‐a, 6Pgdh3‐a and Lap‐b) were shared only in specific size classes. The spatial distribution of the genotypes demonstrated a conspicuous localization in three loci (Aco, Adh1 and Idh). Spatial autocorrelation analyses were carried out among the mature trees for a 20 m interval, and were positive for 0–120 m and negative for >180 m. Distrograms indicated that a unique genetic localization occurs among mature individuals. Seven hundred and seventy‐five seedlings in the 10 m × 120 m transect were analyzed to measure gene flow via seed and/or pollen. We obtained a genetic neighborhood area of 1.17 ha and an effective population size of 32.4. The temporal and spatial modes of genetic recovery of the population are discussed in the context of conservation biology.
Muscarinic control of the excitability of hindlimb motoneurons in chronic spinal‐transected salamanders
Authors: Chevallier Stéphanie , Nagy Frédéric , Cabelguen Jean‐Marie 
Published: November 2008

AbstractThe excitability of spinal motoneurons (MNs) is regulated by acetylcholine via the activation of muscarinic receptors. The objective of the present study was to determine whether this cholinergic modulation of MN excitability is altered following a chronic spinal cord transection. Juvenile salamanders (Pleurodeles waltlii) were spinally transected at the mid‐trunk level, and patch‐clamp recordings from hindlimb MNs in spinal cord slices were performed 9–30 days after transection, with and without bath application of muscarine (20 μm). Our results showed that the input–output relationship was larger in MNs recorded 2 weeks after spinal transection than in MNs recorded 3–4 weeks after spinal transection. They further revealed that muscarine increased both the gain of MNs and the proportion of MNs that could exhibit plateau potentials and afterdischarges, whereas it decreased the amplitude of the medium afterhypolarizing potential. Moreover, muscarine had no effect on the hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (Ih), whereas it increased the inward rectifying K+ current (IKir) in MNs recorded ≥ 2 weeks after spinal transection. We conclude that following chronic spinal cord injury, the muscarinic modulation of some intrinsic properties of MNs previously reported in acute spinal‐transected animals [S. Chevallier et al. (2006)The Journal of Physiology, 570, 525–540] was preserved, whereas that of other intrinsic properties of MNs was suppressed, either transiently (IKir) or definitively (Ih). These alterations in muscarinic modulation of MN excitability may contribute to the spontaneous recovery of locomotion displayed in long‐term chronic spinal‐transected salamanders.