bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allergy‐test‐driven elimination diet is useful in children with eosinophilic esophagitis, regardless of the severity of symptoms
Authors: Syrigou Ekaterini , Angelakopoulou Aspasia , Zande Maria , Panagiotou Ioanna , Roma Eleftheria , Pitsios Constantinos 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundA combination of PPIs and corticosteroids is the pharmacotherapy mostly used to treat eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), while dietetic manipulations consist also an efficient option. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of allergy‐test‐driven elimination diet in children with mild symptoms of EoE to a group of children with moderate/severe symptoms.MethodsThirty‐five children, aged 7 months to 12 yr, with EoE were enrolled in the study. They had a clinical history of GERD‐like (21 children, Group A) or more severe symptoms (14 children, Group B). The diagnosis had been confirmed after two preliminary months of therapy with PPIs and an esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Soon after diagnosis, they were allergy‐tested, using IgE detection (SPT and serum‐specific IgE) and atopy patch tests (APTs). A 12‐month tailor‐made diet was prescribed according to the tests. Patients of Group B continued PPIs for two more months, while swallowed topical steroids were also prescribed to them for the first 5 months after diagnosis, followed by an ‘as‐needed’ use of them for the rest of the study. Endoscopy was repeated at the end of the study.ResultsMilk and egg were the most common APT‐positive allergens. Thirty‐two patients were instructed to follow an elimination diet, which was completed by 15/18 of Group A and 12/14 of Group B. An improvement of symptoms was reported by 26/27 patients that completed the study. The use of swallowed corticosteroids was noticeably decreased during the as‐needed period, in Group B. A remarkable reduce of eosinophils was noticed in biopsies; from 42.84 ± 18.08, they decreased to 6.41 ± 3.20, a year after.ConclusionAll children with EoE and mild symptoms had resolution of symptoms and normal eosinophils in the esophageal mucosa a year after an allergy‐driven elimination diet. Patients with moderate/severe EoE symptoms had the same improvement, indicating that an elimination diet is an efficient complementary treatment to corticosteroids.
T‐DNA insertion in aquaporin gene AtPIP1;2 generates transcription profiles reminiscent of a low CO2 response
Authors: Boudichevskaia Anastassia , Heckwolf Marlies , Kaldenhoff Ralf 
Published: April 2015

AbstractResults from CO2 diffusion studies and characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana aquaporin AtPIP1;2 T‐DNA insertion lines support the idea that specific aquaporins facilitate the diffusion of CO2 through biological membranes. However, their function as CO2 diffusion facilitators in plant physiology is still a matter of debate. Assuming that a lack of AtPIP1;2 causes a characteristic transcriptional response, we compared data from a AtPIP1;2 T‐DNA insertion line obtained by Illumina sequencing, Affymetrix chip analysis and quantitative RT‐PCR to the transcriptome of plants grown under drought stress or under low CO2 conditions. The plant reaction to the deficit of AtPIP1;2 was unlike drought stress responses but comparable with that of low CO2 conditions. In addition, we observed a phenotype characteristic to plants grown under low CO2. The findings support the hypothesis that the AtPIP1;2 function in plant physiology is not to facilitate water but CO2 diffusion.
Maintenance of distinct melanocyte populations in the interfollicular epidermis
Authors: Glover James D. , Knolle Stefan , Wells Kirsty L. , Liu Dianbo , Jackson Ian J. , Mort Richard L. , Headon Denis J. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryHair follicles and sweat glands are recognized as reservoirs of melanocyte stem cells (MSCs). Unlike differentiated melanocytes, undifferentiated MSCs do not produce melanin. They serve as a source of differentiated melanocytes for the hair follicle and contribute to the interfollicular epidermis upon wounding, exposure to ultraviolet irradiation or in remission from vitiligo, where repigmentation often spreads outwards from the hair follicles. It is unknown whether these observations reflect the normal homoeostatic mechanism of melanocyte renewal or whether unperturbed interfollicular epidermis can maintain a melanocyte population that is independent of the skin's appendages. Here, we show that mouse tail skin lacking appendages does maintain a stable melanocyte number, including a low frequency of amelanotic melanocytes, into adult life. Furthermore, we show that actively cycling differentiated melanocytes are present in postnatal skin, indicating that amelanotic melanocytes are not uniquely relied on for melanocyte homoeostasis.
Ex vivo evaluation of the effect of photodynamic therapy on skin scars and striae distensae
Authors: Mendoza‐Garcia Jenifer , Sebastian Anil , Alonso‐Rasgado Teresa , Bayat Ardeshir 
Published: April 2015

SummaryBackgroundSkin scars and striae distensae (SD) are common dermal disorders with ill‐defined treatment options. There is emerging clinical evidence for use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treating skin fibrosis. Therefore, the aim here was to investigate the effect of PDT on skin scars and SD in an ex vivo model of human skin scarring.MethodsPhotodynamic therapy, with 5ALA or MALA in addition to illumination with 40 J/cm2 of red light, was applied to striae alba, fine line, hypertrophic and keloid scars ex vivo (n = 18). General morphology was assessed by H&E, Herovici's and Weigert's differential staining. Apoptosis, proliferation, metalloproteinase 3 and tropoelastin expression were quantified immunohistochemically, and differential gene expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), collagen (COL) type I and type III, matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) and tropoelastin (ELN) was assessed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.ResultsApoptosis increased, which correlated with decreased proliferation and PCNA gene expression. Post‐PDT, matrix components were found to be re‐organised in both hypertrophic and keloid scars. COLI and COLIII gene expression levels decreased, whilst MMP3 and ELN increased significantly post‐PDT compared to normal skin and untreated controls (P < 0.05). However, no significant difference between 5ALA and MALA‐PDT treatments was observed.ConclusionUsing our unique ex vivo model, we show for the first time morphological and cellular effect of application of PDT, which correlates with the degree and severity of dermal fibrosis. In view of this, PDT may be ideal in targeting treatment of abnormal skin scarring.
Immune responses of wild birds to emerging infectious diseases
Authors: Staley M. , Bonneaud C. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryOver the past several decades, outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) in wild birds have attracted worldwide media attention, either because of their extreme virulence or because of alarming spillovers into agricultural animals or humans. The pathogens involved have been found to infect a variety of bird hosts ranging from relatively few species (e.g. Trichomonas gallinae) to hundreds of species (e.g. West Nile Virus). Here we review and contrast the immune responses that wild birds are able to mount against these novel pathogens. We discuss the extent to which these responses are associated with reduced clinical symptoms, pathogen load and mortality, or conversely, how they can be linked to worsened pathology and reduced survival. We then investigate how immune responses to EIDs can evolve over time in response to pathogen‐driven selection using the illustrative case study of the epizootic outbreak of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in wild North American house finches (Haemorhous mexicanus). We highlight the need for future work to take advantage of the substantial inter‐ and intraspecific variation in disease progression and outcome following infections with EID to elucidate the extent to which immune responses confer increased resistance through pathogen clearance or may instead heighten pathogenesis.
Old sleeping Sicilian beauty: seed germination in the palaeoendemic Petagnaea gussonei (Spreng.) Rauschert (Saniculoideae, Apiaceae)
Authors: De Castro O. , Gianguzzi L. , Carucci F. , De Luca A. , Gesuele R. , Guida M. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPetagnaea gussonei (Apiaceae) is a perennial herbaceous species endemic to northeast Sicily (Nebrodi Mountains). It is considered a remnant of the Sicilian Tertiary flora, and is endangered according to the Red List. There is no information in the literature about the germinability of its seeds, even though seed production is know to occur. The aim of this study was to obtain data to better understand seed germination of this species and its biological implications. Thus, several approaches were employed: vitality analyses, gibberellic acid supply, germination and soil microbial flora analyses via end‐point and qPCR. The results suggest that seed germination occurs after ca. 1.5 years at a rate of ca. 11%. The seeds can be classified as physiologically dormant, and probably require prolonged cold stratification for germination. Because seed germination is low, it is likely that agamic reproduction represents an important mean for its conservation and survival. These results have important implications for P. gussonei survival and should be considered in possible re‐introduction attempts aimed at restoring threatened populations.
Monitoring the Foetal Phase of Gestation in the Queen With a 12.5‐MHz Ultrasound Probe and Prediction of the Parturition by Combining the Measurements of Head and Abdominal Diameters
Authors: Topie E , Bencharif D , Briand L , Tainturier D 
Published: April 2015

ContentsTen gestations in six domestic shorthair cats (Europeans) were monitored daily during the foetal phase of gestation, from the 28th day after the first mating until parturition, using ultrasound with a 12.5‐MHz probe. The development of the various organs over this period was recorded. The diameters of the head (HD) and abdomen (AD) were measured. Skeletal calcification visible on ultrasound occurred in a defined order between the 34th and 40th day of gestation. During the last 30 days of gestation, there was a significant correlation between HD and days before parturition (DBP) (r2 = 0.99) and between AD and DBP (r2 = 0.98). The following equations were obtained: DBP = −2.10*HD (mm) + 50.74; DBP = −1.01*AD (mm) + 42.19. The confidence intervals were stable over the last 30 days of gestation. For the HD, the confidence interval was ±1 day in 53% of cases and ±2 days in 85% of cases. For the AD, the confidence interval was ±1 day in 45% of cases and ±2 days in 77% of cases. A table obtained by combining the HD and AD measurements made it possible to estimate the date of parturition within 2 days with a reliability of over 85%.
The effectiveness of lung cancer MDT and the role of respiratory physicians
Authors: Prabhakar Charles N. , Fong Kwun M. , Peake Michael D. , Lam David C. , Barnes David J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThere is an increasing trend for the use of multi‐disciplinary teams (MDT) in the management of complex medical conditions. The latter may include various cancers, including lung cancer. However, the use of MDT is not restricted to cancer management, but may include complex conditions like diabetes and other non‐malignant disorders. There is an increasing trend to use MDT in the investigation and management of patients with suspected or proven lung cancer. This review examines the evidence that supports the efficacy, or otherwise, of lung cancer management in a MDT as opposed to individual care, who should be a member of a lung cancer MDT, and the specific role of the respiratory physician in a lung cancer MDT. Although it may seem to make common sense to manage lung cancer in a MDT setting, there is actually little in the way of high quality data to support this concept. The logistic and ethical difficulties in researching this issue are highlighted in this review.
Polarized currents inhibit in vitro growth of bacteria colonizing cutaneous ulcers
Authors: Gomes Rosana Caetano , Brandino Hugo Evangelista , Alves de Sousa Natanael Teixeira , Santos Marcos Ferracioli , Martinez Roberto , de Jesus Guirro Rinaldo Roberto 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTInfections caused by Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli are among the microorganisms that often lead to infection in pressure ulcers. Polarized current has emerged as a possible intervention to limit bacterial proliferation. We analyzed the effect of fixed diphasic – Bernard (FD‐B) and high voltage monophasic pulsed (HVMP) currents on bacteria S. aureus ATCC 25923 (Gram +), P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (Gram –), and E. coli ATCC 25922 (Gram –). After the bacterial strains were activated the bacteria were suspended in physiological solution (0.9%) and the concentration adjusted to 1.5 × 103 CFU/mL. The cultures were stimulated with FD‐B current at (3, 6, and 9 mA, 100 Hz, 15 and 30 minutes) and HVMP (32, 64, and 95 V, 100 Hz, 30 and 60 min) while monitoring the pH and temperature. After the stimulation, the suspensions were plated and incubated for 24 hours at 37°C. Then the counts were made of colony forming units (CFU). Data were submitted to normality Shapiro–Wilk test followed by nonparametric ANOVA test and post hoc Tukey test with p < 0.05. There was a decrease in the CFU for the two currents, but the most effective reduction was in FD‐B. The temperature remained constant and the pH measured alkaline at the negative pole and acid at the positive pole during stimulation. The application of FD‐B and HVMP currents promoted inhibition of bacterial proliferation when stimulated in vitro, acting as an adjuvant resource in the healing process.
Honey dilution impact on in vitro wound healing: Normoxic and hypoxic condition
Authors: Chaudhary Amrita , Bag Swarnendu , Barui Ananya , Banerjee Provas , Chatterjee Jyotirmoy 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTHoney is known as a popular healing agent against tropical infections and wounds. However, the effects of honey dilutions on keratinocyte (HaCaT) wound healing under hypoxic condition is still not explored. In this study, we examined whether honey dilution have wound healing potential under hypoxic stress. The antioxidant potential and healing efficacy of honey dilution on in vitro wound of human epidermal keratinocyte (HaCaT cells) under hypoxia (3% O2), and normoxia is explored by nitro blue tetrazolium assay. The cell survival % quantified by MTT assay to select four honey dilutions like 10, 1, 0.1, and 0.01 v/v% and the changes in cellular function was observed microscopically. Further, the cell proliferation, migration, cell–cell adhesion, and relevant gene expression were studied by flow cytometry, migration/scratch assay, immunocytochemistry, and reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The expression pattern of cardinal molecular features viz. E‐cadherin, cytoskeletal protein F‐actin, p63, and hypoxia marker Hif 1α were examined. Honey dilution in 0.1% v/v combat wound healing limitations in vitro under normoxia and hypoxia (3%). Its wound healing potential was quantified by immunocytochemistry and real‐time PCR for the associated molecular features that were responsible for cell proliferation and migration. Our data showed that honey dilution can be effective in hypoxic wound healing. Additionally, it reduced superoxide generation and supplied favorable bioambience for cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation during hypoxic wound healing. These findings may reveal the importance of honey as an alternative and cost effective therapeutic natural product for wound healing in hypoxic condition.
An open multicenter comparative randomized clinical study on chitosan
Authors: Mo Xiaohui , Cen John , Gibson Elaine , Wang Robin , Percival Steven L. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTChitosan, a natural polysaccharide derivate from chitin, offers a promising alternative biomaterial for use in wound dressings. In this work, the safety and efficacy of a next‐generation KA01 chitosan wound dressing in facilitating the healing of nonhealing chronic wounds was studied. This open multicenter comparative prospective randomized clinical study was conducted at three medical centers in China. A total of 90 patients (45 in test group and 45 in control group) with unhealed chronic wounds including pressure ulcers, vascular ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, and wounds with minor infections, or at risk of infection, were treated with the next generation chitosan wound dressing as the test article or traditional vaseline gauze as a control. Baseline assessments were undertaken with the primary end point being wound area reduction. The secondary end points included pain reduction (using the NRS11 pain scale) at dressing change, wound exudate levels, wound depth and duration of the treatment. After 4 weeks treatment, the wound area reduction was significantly greater in the test group (65.97 ± 4.48%) than the control group (39.95 ± 4.48%). The average pain level in the test group was 1.12 ± 0.23 and 2.30 ± 0.23 in the control group. The wound depth was also lower in the test group 0.30 ± 0.48 cm than the control group 0.54 ± 0.86 cm. The level of exudate fell and the dressing could be removed integrally in both the test and control groups. The mean duration of the test group was 27.31 ± 5.37 days and control group 27.09 ± 6.44 days. No adverse events were reported in either group. In conclusion this open multicenter comparative prospective randomized clinical study has provided compelling evidence that the next generation chitosan wound dressing can enhance wound progression towards healing by facilitating wound reepithelialization and reducing the patients pain level. Furthermore the dressing was shown to be clinically safe and effective in the management of chronic wounds.
Targeted metabolic profiling of wounds in diabetic and nondiabetic mice
Authors: Sood Ravi F. , Gu Haiwei , Djukovic Danijel , Deng Lingli , Ga Maricar , Muffley Lara A. , Raftery Daniel , Hocking Anne M. 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTWhile cellular metabolism is known to regulate a number of key biological processes such as cell growth and proliferation, its role in wound healing is unknown. We hypothesized that cutaneous injury would induce significant metabolic changes and that the impaired wound healing seen in diabetes would be associated with a dysfunctional metabolic response to injury. We used a targeted metabolomics approach to characterize the metabolic profile of uninjured skin and full‐thickness wounds at day 7 postinjury in nondiabetic (db/‐) and diabetic (db/db) mice. By liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, we identified 129 metabolites among all tissue samples. Principal component analysis demonstrated that uninjured skin and wounds have distinct metabolic profiles and that diabetes alters the metabolic profile of both uninjured skin and wounds. Examining individual metabolites, we identified 62 with a significantly altered response to injury in the diabetic mice, with many of these, including glycine, kynurenate, and OH‐phenylpyruvate, implicated in wound healing for the first time. Thus, we report the first comprehensive analysis of wound metabolic profiles, and our results highlight the potential for metabolomics to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improved wound healing outcomes.
Endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition induced by Wnt 3a in keloid pathogenesis
Authors: Lee Won Jai , Park Ji Hun , Shin Jung U. , Noh Hyun , Lew Dae Hyun , Yang Woo Ick , Yun Chae Ok , Lee Kwang Hoon , Lee Ju Hee 
Published: April 2015

ABSTRACTEndothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition is a phenotypic conversion characterized by down‐regulation of vascular endothelial markers and the acquisition of a mesenchymal phenotype. We hypothesized that keloid fibroblasts are of endothelial origin and that endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition substantially contributes to collagen accumulation during the development and progression of keloids. Wingless protein (Wnt‐3a) protein expression was examined using immunohistochemistry in keloid tissues. Human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) were treated with Wnt‐3a. mRNA and protein expression of endothelial (vascular endothelial cadherin) and mesenchymal (vimentin, snail family transcription factor [slug], and α‐smooth muscle actin) cell markers were measured using real‐time RT‐PCR and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Additionally, coexpression of CD31 (cluster of differentiation 31), and endothelial cell marker, and vimentin in the vascular endothelium of keloid tissues was examined using immunofluorescence. Wnt‐3a overexpression was observed in human keloid tissues. Wnt‐3a treatment significantly reduced vascular endothelial cadherin mRNA expression and induced vimentin and slug mRNA expression in HDMECs. HDMECs became spindle‐shaped and exhibited reduced expression of CD31 and increased expression of vimentin, slug, and α‐smooth muscle actin. Moreover, coexpression of CD31 and vimentin was observed in the dermal vascular endothelium of keloid tissues from two patients with clinically active keloids. In conclusion, transient conversion of HDMECs to a mesenchymal phenotype may contribute to dermal fibrosis of keloid and hypertrophic scars.
Vibration Analysis of Radial Compressor Impellers
Authors: Wachter J. , Celikbudak H. 
Published: April 2015

There are many problems facing the designers of turbomachines with the demand for ever increasing capabilities and reliability. One problem that requires considerable attention is the vibration characteristics of some components. It is object of this work to determine the dynamic behavior, namely natural frequencies, mode shapes of a centrifugal impeller which are being important design parameters in order to avoid costly failures in the development phase.
This work divides into three sections. First, a Finite Element structural dynamic analysis is presented. Then experimental procedure used to determine the natural frequencies and mode shapes is described together with the comparison of the results obtained both theoretically through FEM and experimentally.
Finally, interferometric holography technique is used as a means for obtaining the dynamic behavior of the impeller.