bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of biological pathways regulated by PGRN and GRN peptide treatments using transcriptome analysis
Authors: Rollinson Sara , Young Kate , Bennion‐Callister Janis , Pickering‐Brown Stuart M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMutations in progranulin (PGRN) have been linked to two neurodegenerative disorders, heterozygote mutations with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and homozygote mutations with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). Human PGRN is 593aa secreted growth factor, made up of seven and a half repeats of a highly conserved granulin motif that is cleaved to produce the granulin peptides A–G and paragranulin. While it is thought that PGRN protects against neurodegeneration through its role in inflammation and tissue repair, the role of PGRN and granulins in the nervous system is currently unclear. To better understand this, we prepared recombinant PGRN, granulin A‐F and paragranulin, and used these to treat differentiated neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells. Using RNA sequencing and bioinformatics techniques we investigated the functional effects of PGRN and the individual granulins upon the transcriptome. For PGRN treatment we show that the main effect of short‐duration treatments is the down‐regulation of transcripts, supporting that signalling pathway induction appears to be dominant effect. Gene ontology analysis, however, also supports the regulation of biological processes such as the spliceosome and proteasome in response to PGRN treatment, as well as the lysosomal pathway constituents such as CHMP1A, further supporting the role of PGRN in lysosomal function. We also show that the response to granulin treatments involves the regulation of numerous non‐coding RNA's, and the granulins cluster into groups of similar activity on the basis of expression profile with paragranulin and PGRN having similar expression profiles, while granulins B, D, E and G appear more similar.
Effects of acute tryptophan depletion on central processing of CT‐targeted and discriminatory touch in humans
Authors: Trotter Paula Diane , McGlone Francis , McKie Shane , McFarquhar Martyn , Elliott Rebecca , Walker Susannah Claire , Deakin John Francis William 
Published: June 2016

AbstractC‐tactile afferents (CTs) are slowly conducting nerve fibres, present only in hairy skin. They are optimally activated by slow, gentle stroking touch, such as those experienced during a caress. CT stimulation activates affective processing brain regions, alluding to their role in affective touch perception. We tested a theory that CT‐activating touch engages the pro‐social functions of serotonin, by determining whether reducing serotonin, through acute tryptophan depletion, diminishes subjective pleasantness and affective brain responses to gentle touch. A tryptophan depleting amino acid drink was administered to 16 healthy females, with a further 14 receiving a control drink. After 4 h, participants underwent an fMRI scan, during which time CT‐innervated forearm skin and CT non‐innervated finger skin was stroked with three brushes of differing texture, at CT‐optimal force and velocity. Pleasantness ratings were obtained post scanning. The control group showed a greater response in ipsilateral orbitofrontal cortex to CT‐activating forearm touch compared to touch to the finger where CTs are absent. This differential response was not present in the tryptophan depleted group. This interaction effect was significant. In addition, control participants showed a differential primary somatosensory cortex response to brush texture applied to the finger, a purely discriminatory touch response, which was not observed in the tryptophan depleted group. This interaction effect was also significant. Pleasantness ratings were similar across treatment groups. These results implicate serotonin in the differentiation between CT‐activating and purely discriminatory touch responses. Such effects could contribute to some of the social abnormalities seen in psychiatric disorders associated with abnormal serotonin function.
Brain BDNF levels are dependent on cerebrovascular endothelium‐derived nitric oxide
Authors: Banoujaafar Hayat , Monnier Alice , Pernet Nicolas , Quirié Aurore , Garnier Philippe , Prigent‐Tessier Anne , Marie Christine 
Published: June 2016

AbstractScientific evidence continues to demonstrate a link between endothelial function and cognition. Besides, several studies have identified a complex interplay between nitric oxide (NO) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin largely involved in cognition. Therefore, this study investigated the link between cerebral endothelium‐derived NO and BDNF signaling. For this purpose, levels of BDNF and the phosphorylated form of endothelial NO synthase at serine 1177 (p‐eNOS) were simultaneously measured in the cortex and hippocampus of rats subjected to either bilateral common carotid occlusion (n = 6), physical exercise (n = 6) or a combination of both (n = 6) as experimental approaches to modulate flow‐induced NO production by the cerebrovasculature. Tropomyosin‐related kinase type B (TrkB) receptors and its phosphorylated form at tyrosine 816 (p‐TrkB) were also measured. Moreover, we investigated BDNF synthesis in brain slices exposed to the NO donor glyceryl trinitrate. Our results showed increased p‐eNOS and BDNF levels after exercise and decreased levels after vascular occlusion as compared to corresponding controls, with a positive correlation between changes in p‐eNOS and BDNF (r = 0.679). Exercise after vascular occlusion did not change levels of these proteins. Gyceryl trinitrate increased proBDNF and BDNF levels in brain slices, thus suggesting a possible causal relationship between NO and BDNF. Moreover, vascular occlusion, like exercise, resulted in increased TrkB and p‐TrkB levels, whereas no change was observed with the combination of both. These results suggest that brain BDNF signaling may be dependent on cerebral endothelium‐derived NO production.
Relatedness and dispersal distance of eusocial bee males on mating swarms
Authors: dos Santos Charles Fernando , Imperatriz‐Fonseca Vera Lucia , Arias Maria Cristina 
Published: June 2016

AbstractStingless bee males (Hymenoptera: Apidae) aggregate themselves for reproductive purposes. The knowledge of relatedness among the males attending the aggregations and the distance that they disperse from their natal nests to aggregations may provide important data to effectively conserve these bees. Here, we estimated these properties for Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille, 1811) males. Microsatellite molecular markers were used to genotype bees sampled from local nests and in mating swarms in order to identify the nests of origin of males and maternal genotypes of concerning queens. The distances from assigned nests to the mating swarms allowed us to estimate the distances travelled by males. A genetic relationship analysis was conducted to verify whether T. angustula males were closely related to nests where they aggregated. A pairwise relatedness analysis was also performed among all T. angustula males in each mating swarm. Our results demonstrated that T. angustula mating swarms received dozens to hundreds of males from several colonies (up to 70). Only two of the five mating swarms contained any males that were closely related to the bees from the new nests in construction. The relatedness among males was also extremely low. Yet, dispersal distance of T. angustula males ranged hundreds of meters up to 1.6 km, with evidence of reaching 2.25 km according to their flight radius obtained from their foraging area for locality. These data indicate a highly efficient mating system with minimal inbreeding in this bee species, with a great dispersal capability not previously found for stingless bee males.
Impaired glyoxalase activity is associated with reduced expression of neurotrophic factors and pro‐inflammatory processes in diabetic skin cells
Authors: Reichert Olga , Fleming Thomas , Neufang Gitta , Schmelz Martin , Genth Harald , Kaever Volkhard , Wenck Horst , Stäb Franz , Terstegen Lara , Kolbe Ludger , Roggenkamp Dennis 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPatients suffering from type II diabetes develop several skin manifestations including cutaneous infections, diabetic dermopathy, diabetic bullae and acanthosis nigricans. Diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathy as well as diabetic neuropathy are believed to play a crucial role in the development of diabetic skin disorders. A reduced cutaneous nerve fibre density was reported in diabetic subjects, which subsequently leads to impaired sensory nerve functions. Using an innervated skin model, we investigated the impact of human diabetic dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes on porcine sensory neurons. Diabetic skin cells showed a reduced capacity to induce neurite outgrowth due to a decreased support with neurotrophic factors, such as NGF. Furthermore, diabetic keratinocytes displayed insulin resistance and increased expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines demonstrating the persistent effect of diabetes mellitus on human skin cells. Dysregulations were related to a significantly reduced glyoxalase enzyme activity in diabetic keratinocytes as experimentally reduced glyoxalase activity mimicked the increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression and reduction in NGF. Our results demonstrate an impaired crosstalk of diabetic skin cells and sensory neurons favouring hypo‐innervation. We suggest that reduced methylglyoxal detoxification contributes to an impaired neurocutaneous interaction in diabetic skin.
Myeloid cell populations and fibrogenic parameters in bleomycin‐ and HOCl‐induced fibrosis
Authors: Raker Verena K. , Kim Yong Ook , Haub Jessica , Lorenz Nadine , Schmidt Talkea , Stegemann Agatha , Böhm Markus , Schuppan Detlef , Steinbrink Kerstin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMouse models resembling systemic sclerosis can be chemically induced by application of bleomycin or hypochloric acid (HOCl). To date, little is known about inflammatory cells and their potential role in scleroderma (Scl)‐related fibrosis. Therefore, we compared both Scl models to define the early immune cell subsets in relation to fibrosis‐related parameters. Both agents induced a significant increase in dermal thickness and collagen deposition after 4 weeks, as hallmarks of Scl. However, clinical skin thickness, densely packed, sirius red‐stained collagen bundles and collagen cross‐links were more pronounced in HOCl‐induced Scl. In parallel, there was a significant upregulation of procollagen α1(I), α‐SMA and TGF‐β transcripts in HOCl animals, whereas IL‐1β and MMP‐13 mRNA levels were significantly increased in bleomycin‐treated mice. Flow cytometric analysis of the Scl skin demonstrated an early cellular infiltrate containing mainly CD19+ B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD11c+ DC and CD11b+ myeloid cells, the latter ones being significantly more prominent after HOCl injection. Subanalysis revealed that Scl mice exhibited a significant increase of inflammatory myeloid CD11b+ Ly6Clow–high CD64low–high cells (HOCl>bleomycin). In particular, in the HOCl model, activated dermal macrophages (CCR2low MHCIIhigh) and monocyte‐derived DC (CCR2high MHCIIhigh) predominated over less activated CD11b+ myeloid cells. In conclusion, the two models differ in certain aspects of the murine and human scleroderma but in the HOCl model, myeloid CD11b+ MHCIIhigh cells correlate with some fibrosis‐related parameters. Therefore, analysis of both models is suggested to cover a comprehensive profile of Scl symptoms but with focus on the HOCl model when the role of early myeloid immune cells will be evaluated.
Urbanization and biological invasion shape animal personalities
Authors: Lapiedra Oriol , Chejanovski Zachary , Kolbe Jason J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractNovel selective pressures derived from human activities challenge the persistence of animal populations worldwide. Behavior is expected to be a major factor driving animals’ responses to global change because it largely determines how animals interact with the environment. However, the role of individual variation in behavior to facilitate the persistence of animals in changing environments remains poorly understood. Here, we adopted an animal personality approach to investigate whether different behavioral traits allow animals to deal with two major components of global change: urbanization and biological invasions. By studying six populations of Anolis sagrei lizards, we found for the first time that anoles vary consistently in their behavior across different times and contexts. Importantly, these animal personalities were consistent in the wild and in captivity. We investigated whether behavioral traits are pulled in different directions by different components of global change. On the one hand, we found that lizards from urban areas differ from nearby forest lizards in that they were more tolerant of humans, less aggressive, bolder after a simulated predator attack, and they spent more time exploring new environments. Several of these risk‐taking behaviors constituted a behavioral syndrome that significantly differed between urban and forest populations. On the other hand, the behavior of urban A. sagrei coexisting with the invasive predatory lizard Leiocephalus carinatus was associated with dramatic changes in their foraging niche. Overall, we provide evidence that differences in animal personalities facilitate the persistence of animals under novel selective regimes by producing adaptive behaviors relevant to their ecology such as predator avoidance. Our results suggest that natural selection can favor certain behaviors over others when animals are confronted with different ecological challenges posed by global change. Therefore, we underscore the need to incorporate behavioral ecology into the study of how animals adaptively respond to human‐induced environmental changes.
New directions in island biogeography
Authors: Santos Ana M. C. , Field Richard , Ricklefs Robert E. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTAimMuch of our current understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes comes from island research. With the increasing availability of data on distributions and phylogenetic relationships and new analytical approaches to understanding the processes that shape species distributions and interactions, a re‐evaluation of this ever‐interesting topic is timely.LocationIslands globally.MethodsWe start by arguing that the reasons why island research has achieved so much in the past also apply to the future. We then critically assess the current state of island biogeography, focusing on recent changes in emphasis, including research featured in this special issue ofGlobal Ecology and Biogeography. Finally, we suggest promising themes for the future. We cover both ecological and evolutionary topics, although the greater emphasis on island ecology reflects our own backgrounds and interests.ResultsMuch ecological theory has been directly or indirectly influenced by research on island biotas. Currently, island biogeography is renascent, with research focusing on, among other things, patterns and processes underlying species interaction networks, species coexistence and the assembly of island communities through ecological and evolutionary time. Continuing island research should provide additional insight into biological invasions and other impacts of human activities, functional diversity and ecosystem functioning, extinction and diversification, species pools and more. Deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between island and mainland systems will aid transferability of island theory to continental regions.Main conclusionsAs research in biogeography and related fields expands in new directions, islands continue to provide opportunities for developing insights, both as natural laboratories for ecology and evolution and because of the exceptions islands often present to the usual ‘rules’ of ecology. New data collection initiatives are needed on islands world‐wide and should be directed towards filling gaps in our knowledge of within‐island distributions of species, as well as the functional traits and phylogenetic relationships of island species.
Facial expression under stiff stratum corneum leads to strain concentrations, followed by residual wrinkle formation
Authors: Hara Y. , Hirao T. , Iwai I. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectiveComputer simulation studies of skin models, which indicate skin compression in the same manner as facial expressions, have suggested that stratum corneum could control skin‐folding patterns, which may play an essential role in wrinkle formation. However, it is not clear to what extent the mechanics of stratum corneum influence wrinkle formation in vivo. The aim of this study was to verify that stratum corneum could control strain distribution during facial expressions, which in turn leads to wrinkle formation.MethodsIn experiments in vivo, volunteers were instructed to smile under 10% or 80% relative humidity (dry or humid conditions, respectively). Skin movement around their eye corners during smiling was captured by a high‐speed video camera. Particle‐tracking velocimetry was applied to video recordings to analyse skin strain distribution. Also, wrinkle volumes before or after smiling were measured using replicas.ResultsWith smiling under dry conditions, high strain was localized to form crease‐shaped wrinkles whereas, under humid conditions, localized strain was dispersed. Furthermore, increased wrinkle volume after smiling was promoted under dry conditions.ConclusionBecause exposure to dry or humid conditions in the short term could affect only stratum corneum mechanics, the present results indicated that stratum corneum could be considered to be responsible for localized strain during facial expressions. This strain is followed by residual wrinkle formation. Accumulation of residual wrinkles will produce permanent wrinkles in the long term. Improving the mechanics of stratum corneum might be an effective approach in wrinkle formation prevention.
Characteristics of teeth referred to a public dental specialist clinic in endodontics
Authors: Sebring D. , Dimenäs H. , Engstrand S. , Kvist T. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate referrals to a specialist clinic in endodontics in relation to previously root filled teeth and to determine how many of these teeth had a history of symptoms and the extent to which antibiotics were prescribed.MethodologyThe total number of referrals to the specialist clinic in endodontics in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2011 was investigated retrospectively by means of patient records. The endodontic status together with the presence or absence of symptoms was registered. The following variables were also examined: gender, age, tooth number and lower or upper jaw. Additionally for root filled teeth, the type of restoration, the technical quality of the root filling and the presence of apical periodontitis were registered. The use of antibiotics was examined for all of the included teeth. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equation methods applied to univariable and multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 1117 patient records were investigated, including 1341 referred teeth. Pain and/or swelling were recorded for 658 (54.3%) teeth. Symptoms were significantly more associated with females (P < 0.0001) and molar teeth (P < 0.0001). Seven hundred twenty‐nine (54.4%) of the referred teeth were root filled, and of these, 377 (56.0%) were associated with pain and/or swelling. Root filled teeth restored with a post and core were less frequently related to symptoms (P = 0.009). One hundred sixty‐two (22.3%) root filled teeth were treated with antibiotics, which was significantly more frequent than for non‐root filled teeth (P < 0.0001). Also, root filled teeth with an adequate root filling were significantly associated with more frequent antibiotics prescriptions (23.8%) than root filled teeth with an inadequate root filling (17.0%) (P = 0.0010).ConclusionRoot filled teeth constituted the majority of cases referred to this specialist clinic in endodontics. The majority of these teeth were associated with symptomatic conditions, and antibiotics were prescribed to approximately 20% of the patients referred for a root filled tooth. The findings suggest that symptomatic root filled teeth may be a substantial clinical problem in general dentistry and contribute to avoidable prescription of antibiotics.
Detection of t(9;22) b2a2 fusion transcript by flow cytometry
Authors: Ranjbaran R. , Okhovat M. A. , Abbasi M. , Moezzi L. , Aboualizadeh F. , Amidzadeh Z. , Golafshan H. A. , Behzad‐Behbahani A. , Sharifzadeh S. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryIntroductionWe assessed the feasibility of flow cytometry–fluorescent in situ hybridization technique in the detection of translocated mRNA in the cytoplasm of human peripheral blood nucleated cells. It is assumed that this assay can be applied as a diagnostic method in the detection of chromosomal translocation which commonly occurs in hematologic malignancies.MethodsKCL‐22 cell line and white blood cells from 21 CML patients were recruited in the study. Cells were isolated and fixed. After permeabilization, cells were resuspended in hybridization buffer and probes were added to the mixture. Subsequently, cells were washed and analyzed on the flow cytometer instrument. The flow cytometry results were compared with qRT‐PCR and fluorescent microscope outcomes.ResultsUsing the current principle, 97 ± 2.1% of the KCL‐22 cells were labeled with b2a2 mRNA‐specific probes. In addition, seven patients were recognized positive for t(9;22) b2a2. The percentage of cells containing abovementioned translocation in these patients was varied from 3.26% to 97.8%. There was no false‐positive result in negative controls (K562 with BCR‐ABL1 b3a2, NB4, and Jurkat cell lines) along with blood samples of normal controls. All the results obtained by flow‐FISH were confirmed by qRT‐PCR and fluorescent microscope.ConclusionThis strategy benefits from appropriate specificity, sensitivity, rapidity, and ability in the determination of malignant cell percentage. Therefore, it can improve traditional time‐consuming and labor‐intensive FISH method.
T.S. Papola and the development of labour economics in India
Authors: RODGERS Gerry 
Published: June 2016

AbstractT.S. Papola, who passed away in November 2015, was one of the founding members of the Editorial Board of the International Labour Review in 2007. But he was above all a pioneering figure of labour economics in India, whose influential work has gained wide international recognition. Drawing on the author's personal acquaintance and collaboration with Professor Papola, this short article highlights some of his major contributions.