bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Type I interferon signature in the initiation of the immune response in vitiligo
Authors: Bertolotti Antoine , Boniface Katia , Vergier Beatrice , Mossalayi Djavad , Taieb Alain , Ezzedine Khaled , Seneschal Julien 
Published: January 2014

SummaryImmune‐mediated responses are consistently observed in progressing vitiligo at the edge of depigmenting patches. Besides the role of the adaptive immune system, the profile of the innate immune response is now at the center of the stage. We report that plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), which are the major interferon (IFN)‐alpha‐producing cells, are part of the infiltrate of progressive vitiligo with local production of MxA (a protein induced by IFNα). MxA was associated with expression of the type I IFN‐inducible ligand CXCL9 and correlated with the recruitment of CXCR3+ immune cells. Interestingly, strong MxA expression was observed in perilesional skin in close apposition to remaining melanocytes, surrounded by a prominent T‐cell infiltrate. In contrast, MxA was not detectable in lesional skin, suggesting that IFN‐α production is an early event in the progression of the disease. Our data highlight a new innate immune pathway leading to progression of vitiligo.
Differential patterns of neuropsychological performance in the euthymic and depressive phases of bipolar disorders
Authors: Ha Tae Hyon , Chang Jae Seung , Oh Sung Hee , Kim Ji Sun , Cho Hyun Sang , Ha Kyooseob 
Published: January 2014

AimsPatients with bipolar disorders (BD) show a broad range of neurocognitive impairments. We compared the patterns of neuropsychological performance in depressed and euthymic patients with BD, and explored the state‐dependent cognitive markers of bipolar depression.MethodsThe study participants included 32 BD patients (15 depressed and 17 euthymic) and 42 healthy controls. All of the subjects completed tests that assessed attention, psychomotor speed, verbal and visual memory, and executive functions. Between‐group neuropsychological performance differences were examined. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) was used to compare the patterns of cognitive variables in euthymic and depressed BD patients.ResultsCompared to the euthymic BD patients and healthy controls, the depressed BD patients performed lower in verbal memory and executive functions. No significant differences were found between the three groups in attention, psychomotor speed, and visual memory. The depressed BD patients showed a lower level of association between psychomotor speed and the time to initial concept formation than the healthy controls and euthymic BD patients. In contrast, the correlation between word association and verbal memory was stronger in the depressed group than either the control or euthymic groups.ConclusionThe depressed BD patients showed greater impairments in verbal memory and executive functions than the euthymic BD patients. In addition, our study identified a differential pattern of correlations between the cognitive domains of euthymic and depressed BD patients, which suggests the potential role of verbal memory and executive functions as cognitive markers of BD.
Ovarian development and modes of apoptosis during oogenesis in various castes of the termite Reticulitermes aculabialis
Authors: SU XIAO‐HONG , WEI YAN‐HONG , LIU MING‐HUA 
Published: January 2014

AbstractReproductive division in termites is the most significant biological process that leads to the formation of caste‐specific differences in tasks and status. However, little is known about the mechanism of reproductive division that underlies caste differentiation. In the present study, ovarian development and stage‐specific apoptotic patterns are investigated during oogenesis in reproductive, worker and soldier termites Reticulitermes aculabialis Tsai & Hwang. The results show that the mean lengths of the ovaries of reproductives are two‐fold longer compared with those of workers and six‐fold longer compared with soldiers. By contrast to the reproductives, the process of oogenesis in the workers includes only the oogonium differentiation stage (stage I) and oocyte growth stage (stage II), and oogenesis in the soldiers stops at stage I. Vitelogenic oocytes (stage III) are absent from workers and soldiers. During stage II in the reproductives and workers, the layer of follicle cells has a thickness of 7.56 ± 0.52 and 2.81 ± 0.34 µm, respectively. In addition, there are significant differences in the number and size of the germ cells at the same stage in the various castes. The existence of two apoptotic patterns during oogenesis is demonstrated by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay. First, the majority of the cells showing apoptosis occur at stage I of oogenesis in reproductives, workers and soldiers. Second, DNA fragmentation is demonstrated by TUNEL staining of the follicle cell layers and oocytes at stage II in reproductives. Finally, the proliferation activity of follicle cells in the reproductives is observed by 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxy‐uridine labelling. The level of oogenesis may explain the significant discrepancies in the reproductive capacity among the reproductives, soldiers and workers. These large discrepancies are controlled by apoptosis during early oogenesis.
Effect of Light on Expression of Clock Genes in Xenopus laevis Melanophores
Authors: Magalhães Moraes Maria Nathália de Carvalho , de Oliveira Poletini Maristela , Ribeiro Ramos Bruno Cesar , de Lima Leonardo Henrique Ribeiro Graciani , de Lauro Castrucci Ana Maria 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLight–dark cycles are considered important cues to entrain biological clocks. A feedback loop of clock gene transcription and translation is the molecular basis underlying the mechanism of both central and peripheral clocks. Xenopus laevis embryonic melanophores respond to light with melanin granule dispersion, response possibly mediated by the photopigment melanopsin. To test whether light modulates clock gene expression in Xenopus melanophores, we used qPCR to evaluate the relative mRNA levels of Per1, Per2, Clock and Bmal1 in cultured melanophores exposed to light–dark (LD) cycle or constant darkness (DD). LD cycles elicited temporal changes in the expression of Per1, Per2 and Bmal1. A 10‐min pulse of blue light was able to increases the expression of Per1 and Per2. Red light had no effect on the expression of these clock genes. These data suggest the participation of a blue‐wavelength sensitive pigment in the light–dark cycle‐mediated oscillation of the endogenous clock. Our results add an important contribution to the emerging field of peripheral clocks, which in nonmammalian vertebrates have been mostly studied in Drosophila and Danio rerio. Within this context, we show that X. laevis melanophores, which have already led to melanopsin discovery, represent an ideal model to understanding circadian rhythms.
Reactive oxygen species mediated diaphragm fatigue in a rat model of chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Shortt Christine M. , Fredsted Anne , Chow Han Bing , Williams Robert , Skelly J. Richard , Edge Deirdre , Bradford Aidan , O'Halloran Ken D. 
Published: January 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
The effects of chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) on respiratory muscles are relatively underexplored. It is speculated that muscle dysfunction and other key morbidities associated with sleep apnoea are the result of CIH‐induced oxidative stress. We sought to investigate the putative role of CIH‐induced reactive oxygen species in the development of respiratory muscle dysfunction.
What is the main finding and its importance?
The CIH‐induced diaphragm muscle fatigue is time and intensity dependent and is associated with a modest oxidative stress. Supplementation with N‐acetyl cysteine prevents CIH‐induced diaphragm muscle dysfunction, suggesting that antioxidant supplementation may have therapeutic value in respiratory muscle disorders characterized by CIH, such as obstructive sleep apnoea.
Respiratory muscle dysfunction documented in sleep apnoea patients is perhaps due to oxidative stress secondary to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH). We sought to explore the effects of different CIH protocols on respiratory muscle form and function in a rodent model. Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to CIH (n = 32) consisting of 90 s normoxia–90 s hypoxia (either 10 or 5% oxygen at the nadir; arterial O2 saturation ∼90 or 80%, respectively] for 8 h per day or to sham treatment (air–air, n = 32) for 1 or 2 weeks. Three additional groups of CIH‐treated rats (5% O2 for 2 weeks) had free access to water containing N‐acetyl cysteine (1% NAC, n = 8), tempol (1 mm, n = 8) or apocynin (2 mm, n = 8). Functional properties of the diaphragm muscle were examined ex vivo at 35°C. The myosin heavy chain and sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase isoform distribution, succinate dehydrogenase and glyercol phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme activities, Na+–K+‐ATPase pump content, concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, DNA oxidation and antioxidant capacity were determined. Chronic intermittent hypoxia (5% oxygen at the nadir; 2 weeks) decreased diaphragm muscle force and endurance. All three drugs reversed the deleterious effects of CIH on diaphragm endurance, but only NAC prevented CIH‐induced diaphragm weakness. Chronic intermittent hypoxia increased diaphragm muscle myosin heavy chain 2B areal density and oxidized glutathione/reduced glutathione (GSSG/GSH) ratio. We conclude that CIH‐induced diaphragm dysfunction is reactive oxygen species dependent. N‐Acetyl cysteine was most effective in reversing CIH‐induced effects on diaphragm. Our results suggest that respiratory muscle dysfunction in sleep apnoea may be the result of oxidative stress and, as such, antioxidant treatment could prove a useful adjunctive therapy for the disorder.
A plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 mutant retards diabetic nephropathy in db/db mice by protecting podocytes
Authors: Zhang Jiandong , Gu Chunyan , Lawrence Daniel A. , Cheung Alfred K. , Huang Yufeng 
Published: January 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
The mechanism by which PAI‐1R reduces proteinuria has not been previously explored.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Using cultured podocytes and diabetic db/db mice, we show that, similar to the effects of transforming growth factor‐β1, PAI‐1 directly injures podocytes. Reducing the increased PAI‐1 activity by PAI‐1R in diabetic db/db mice, in fact, reduces podocyte injury, thereby reducing albuminuria. Therefore, PAI‐1R may provide an additional therapeutic effect in slowing progression of diabetic nephropathy by maintaining podocyte integrity.
A mutant non‐inhibiting plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI‐1), termed PAI‐1R, which reduces endogenous PAI‐1 activity, has been shown to inhibit albuminuria and reduce glomerulosclerosis in experimental diabetes. The mechanism of the reduction of albuminuria is unclear. This study sought to determine whether the administration of PAI‐1R protected podocytes from injury directly, thereby reducing albuminuria in the db/db mouse, a model of type 2 diabetes. Untreated uninephrectomized db/db mice developed significant mesangial matrix expansion and albuminuria at week 22 of age, associated with segmental podocyte foot‐process effacement, reduction of renal nephrin, podocin and zonula occludin‐1 production and induction of renal desmin and B7‐1 generation. In contrast, treatment with PAI‐1R at 0.5 mg (kg body weight)−1 i.p., twice daily from week 20 to 22, reduced glomerular matrix accumulation, fibronectin and collagen production and albuminuria by 36, 62, 65 and 31%, respectively (P < 0.05), without affecting blood glucose level or body weight. Podocyte morphology and protein markers were also significantly attenuated by PAI‐1R administration. Importantly, recombinant PAI‐1 downregulated nephrin and zonula occludin‐1 but increased desmin and B7‐1 mRNA expression and protein production by podocytes in vitro, similar to the effects of transforming growth factor‐β1. These observations provide evidence that PAI‐1, in a manner similar to transforming growth factor‐β1, directly induces podocyte injury, particularly in the setting of diabetes, where elevated PAI‐1 may contribute to the progression of albuminuria. Reducing the increased PAI‐1 activity by administration of PAI‐1R, in fact, reduces podocyte injury, thereby reducing albuminuria. Therefore, PAI‐1R provides an additional therapeutic effect in slowing the progression of diabetic nephropathy via the protection of podocytes.
Performance Analysis of a Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Stack With Bipolar Plate Incorporated With Innovative Flow-Field Combination
Authors: Shen Chia-Chieh , Jung Guo-Bin , Weng Feng-Bor , Yeh Chia-Chen , Lee Chih-Hung , Su Yi-Ju 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Increasing interest in utilizing direct methanol fuel cells for portable applications has prompted the need for understanding of their operating characteristics. Approximately 80% of a direct methanol fuel cell stack's volume and weight arise from the bipolar plates. The bipolar plates have grooved anode and cathode flow fields, and have a critical influence on the cell stack performance and stability. However, there is little published data regarding design expansion from single cell to stack, and literature regarding the fuel/oxidant distribution in each cell is especially scant. Hence, this topic is the subject of the present study, which reports the design of a complete direct methanol fuel cell consisting of five single cells including a graphite bipolar plate, as well as an innovative anode and cathode flow channel design. By observing variations in operating parameters, such as applied load and the flow of methanol solution and air, the impact of each parameter on the output performance and stability of the stack was investigated.
Effectiveness of Diathermy in Comparison With Ultrasound or Corticosteroids in Patients With Tendinopathy: A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Szlosek Philip A. , Taggart John , Cavallario Julie M. , Hoch Johanna M. 
Published: January 2014

Clinical Scenario:Many therapeutic modalities have been used to treat the pain and inflammation commonly associated with tendinopathies. One modality that has been used to treat patients with tendinopathies is diathermy.Focused Clinical Question:Is there evidence to suggest that diathermy is more or equally as effective at reducing pain in patients with tendinopathy when compared with ultrasound or corticosteroid treatments?Summary of Search, “Best Evidence” Appraised, and Key Findings:The literature was searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of diathermy treatments in comparison with ultrasound or corticosteroid treatments on pain in patients with tendinopathy. Three RCTs were selected from the search results and included in this critically appraised topic.Clinical Bottom Line:There is moderate evidence to support that diathermy is more effective at reducing pain in patients with tendinopathy than ultrasound and equally as effective as corticosteroid treatments.Strength of Recommendation:There is grade B evidence to support that diathermy is more effective at reducing pain in patients with tendinopathy than ultrasound and equally effective at reducing pain as corticosteroid treatments.
Association of Ankle Kinematics and Performance on the Y-Balance Test With Inclinometer Measurements on the Weight-Bearing-Lunge Test
Authors: Kang Min-Hyeok , Lee Dong-Kyu , Park Kyung-Hee , Oh Jae-Seop 
Published: January 2014

Context:Ankle-dorsiflexion range of motion has often been measured in the weight-bearing condition in the clinical setting; however, little is known about the relationship between the weight-bearing-lunge test (WBLT) and both ankle kinematics and performance on dynamic postural-control tests.Objective:To examine whether ankle kinematics and performance on the Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test (YBT-LQ) are correlated with results of the WBLT using an inclinometer and tape measure.Design:Cross-sectional.Setting:University motionanalysis laboratory.Participants:30 physically active participants.Interventions:None.Main Outcome Measures:The WBLT was evaluated using an inclinometer and a tape measure. The reach distances in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions on the YBT-LQ were normalized by limb length. Ankle dorsiflexion during the YBT-LQ was recorded using a 3-dimensional motion-analysis system. Simple linear regression was used to examine the relationship between the WBLT results and both ankle dorsiflexion and the normalized reach distance in each direction on the YBT-LQ.Results:The WBLT results were significantly correlated with ankle dorsiflexion in all directions on the YBT-LQ (P < .05). A strong correlation was found between the inclinometer measurement of the WBLT and ankle dorsiflexion (r = .74, r2 = .55), whereas the tape-measure results on the WBLT were moderately correlated with ankle dorsiflexion (r = .64, r2 = .40) during the anterior reach on the YBT-LQ. Only the normalized anterior reach distance was significantly correlated with the results for the inclinometer (r = .68, r2 = .46) and the tape measure (r = .64, r2 = .41) on the WBLT.Conclusions:Inclinometer measurements on the WBLT can be an appropriate tool for predicting the amount of ankle dorsiflexion during the YBT-LQ. Furthermore, WBLT should be measured in those who demonstrate poor dynamic balance.
Aquatic Hyphomycete Species Are Screened by the Hyporheic Zone of Woodland Streams
Authors: Cornut Julien , Chauvet Eric , Mermillod-Blondin Florian , Assemat Fiona , Elger Arnaud 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTAquatic hyphomycetes strongly contribute to organic matter dynamics in streams, but their abilities to colonize leaf litter buried in streambed sediments remain unexplored. Here, we conducted field and laboratory experiments (slow-filtration columns and stream-simulating microcosms) to test the following hypotheses: (i) that the hyporheic habitat acting as a physical sieve for spores filters out unsuccessful strategists from a potential species pool, (ii) that decreased pore size in sediments reduces species dispersal efficiency in the interstitial water, and (iii) that the physicochemical conditions prevailing in the hyporheic habitat will influence fungal community structure. Our field study showed that spore abundance and species diversity were consistently reduced in the interstitial water compared with surface water within three differing streams. Significant differences occurred among aquatic hyphomycetes, with dispersal efficiency of filiform-spore species being much higher than those with compact or branched/tetraradiate spores. This pattern was remarkably consistent with those found in laboratory experiments that tested the influence of sediment pore size on spore dispersal in microcosms. Furthermore, leaves inoculated in a stream and incubated in slow-filtration columns exhibited a fungal assemblage dominated by only two species, while five species were codominant on leaves from the stream-simulating microcosms. Results of this study highlight that the hyporheic zone exerts two types of selection pressure on the aquatic hyphomycete community, a physiological stress and a physical screening of the benthic spore pool, both leading to drastic changes in the structure of fungal community.
Genes Conferring Copper Resistance in
Sinorhizobium meliloti
CCNWSX0020 Also Promote the Growth of
Medicago lupulina
in Copper-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Li Zhefei , Ma Zhanqiang , Hao Xiuli , Rensing Christopher , Wei Gehong 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

Sinorhizobium meliloti
CCNWSX0020, isolated from root nodules of
Medicago lupulina
growing in gold mine tailings in the northwest of China, displayed both copper resistance and growth promotion of leguminous plants in copper-contaminated soil. Nevertheless, the genetic and biochemical mechanisms responsible for copper resistance in
S. meliloti
CCNWSX0020 remained uncharacterized. To investigate genes involved in copper resistance, an
S. meliloti
CCNWSX0020 Tn
5
insertion library of 14,000 mutants was created. Five copper-sensitive mutants, named SXa-1, SXa-2, SXc-1, SXc-2, and SXn, were isolated, and the disrupted regions involved were identified by inverse PCR and subsequent sequencing. Both SXa-1 and SXa-2 carried a transposon insertion in
lpxXL
(
SM0020_18047
), encoding the LpxXL C-28 acyltransferase; SXc-1 and SXc-2 carried a transposon insertion in
merR
(
SM0020_29390
), encoding the regulatory activator; SXn contained a transposon insertion in
omp
(
SM0020_18792
), encoding a hypothetical outer membrane protein. The results of reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) combined with transposon gene disruptions revealed that
SM0020_05862
, encoding an unusual P-type ATPase, was regulated by the MerR protein. Analysis of the genome sequence showed that this P-type ATPase did not contain an N-terminal metal-binding domain or a CPC motif but rather TPCP compared with CopA from
Escherichia coli
. Pot experiments were carried out to determine whether growth and copper accumulation of the host plant
M. lupulina
were affected in the presence of the wild type or the different mutants. Soil samples were subjected to three levels of copper contamination, namely, the uncontaminated control and 47.36 and 142.08 mg/kg, and three replicates were conducted for each treatment. The results showed that the wild-type
S. meliloti
CCNWSX0020 enabled the host plant to grow better and accumulate copper ions. The plant dry weight and copper content of
M. lupulina
inoculated with the 5 copper-sensitive mutants significantly decreased in the presence of CuSO
4
.
Cold Air Plasma To Decontaminate Inanimate Surfaces of the Hospital Environment
Authors: Cahill Orla J. , Claro Tânia , O'Connor Niall , Cafolla Anthony A. , Stevens Niall T. , Daniels Stephen , Humphreys Hilary 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT

The hospital environment harbors bacteria that may cause health care-associated infections. Microorganisms, such as multiresistant bacteria, can spread around the patient's inanimate environment. Some recently introduced biodecontamination approaches in hospitals have significant limitations due to the toxic nature of the gases and the length of time required for aeration. This study evaluated the
in vitro
use of cold air plasma as an efficient alternative to traditional methods of biodecontamination of hospital surfaces. Cultures of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum-β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing
Escherichia coli
, and
Acinetobacter baumannii
were applied to different materials similar to those found in the hospital environment. Artificially contaminated sections of marmoleum, mattress, polypropylene, powder-coated mild steel, and stainless steel were then exposed to a cold air pressure plasma single jet for 30 s, 60 s, and 90 s, operating at approximately 25 W and 12 liters/min flow rate. Direct plasma exposure successfully reduced the bacterial load by log 3 for MRSA, log 2.7 for VRE, log 2 for ESBL-producing
E. coli
, and log 1.7 for
A. baumannii
. The present report confirms the efficient antibacterial activity of a cold air plasma single-jet plume on nosocomial bacterially contaminated surfaces over a short period of time and highlights its potential for routine biodecontamination in the clinical environment.