bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facial skin pigmentation is not related to stratum corneum cohesion, basal transepidermal water loss, barrier integrity and barrier repair
Authors: Voegeli R. , Rawlings A. V. , Summers B. 
Published: December 2014

SynopsisObjectiveHypotheses have been developed for the evolutionary selection of skin pigmentation one of which relates to improved skin barrier function. The aim of this study was to compare facial skin condition on photoexposed (cheek) and photoprotected (post‐auricular) sites of naturally pigmented subjects of different ethnicities (Fitzpatrick skin phototypes II/III and V/VI) and Albino African subjects to understand better the relationship between facial stratum corneum (SC) barrier function, skin surface pH and skin pigmentation.MethodsExpert grading of skin conditions, capacitance, skin surface pH and skin barrier function measurements were performed. For the latter, transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements before (basal TEWL), after 3, 6 and 9 consecutive tape strippings (SC integrity) and 3.5 and 24 h post tape stripping (barrier recovery) were taken. Amounts of SC protein removed during stripping were estimated using infrared densitometry (SC cohesion).ResultsFirstly, correlation analysis of the biometric data of the Black African and Caucasian subjects showed there to be no relationship between skin surface pH and ITA° values nor pH and ITA° with basal TEWL. Neither skin surface pH nor ITA° correlated with SC integrity and barrier recovery measurements, but skin surface pH correlated with SC cohesion. ITA° values were correlated with skin hydration. Secondly, on comparing the three ethnic groups, severe skin photodamage was observed in the Albino African subjects and their SC was thicker. Whereas their basal TEWL was elevated, superior values for SC integrity and barrier recovery were measured. No differences in basal TEWL, SC integrity and barrier recovery were found between the other two subject groups. Equally, SC cohesion and skin surface pH values were similar among the three groups.ConclusionThere was no relationship between ITA° values and basal TEWL, SC integrity, SC cohesion and barrier recovery, but ITA° was correlated with skin hydration. Skin surface pH, irrespective of ITA° values, correlated with SC cohesion, indicating a greater intracorneal cohesion at lower pH values. Thus, pigmentation has no effect on SC barrier properties but was related to skin hydration. On comparing the three ethnic groups, Albino African SC was found to be superior to the Caucasian and Black African subjects in terms of SC integrity and barrier recovery but not basal TEWL. The Albino African subjects also have a thicker SC which contributes to their better SC integrity. No differences in skin barrier functionality or skin surface pH were observed for the other two groups. Skin hydration was, however, greatest in the Black African subjects. Our data support the evolutionary hypothesis that pigmentation protects the skin from UV irradiation and thereby the skin barrier but not the skin pigmentation‐/pH‐driven adaptive skin barrier hypothesis.
PDGF‐AA‐induced filamentous mitochondria benefit dermal papilla cells in cellular migration
Authors: Mifude C. , Kaseda K. 
Published: December 2014

SynopsisObjectivesHuman dermal papilla cells (HDPCs) play essential roles in hair follicular morphogenesis and postnatal hair growth cycles. Previous reports demonstrated that platelet‐derived growth factor‐AA (PDGF‐AA) enhanced the formation of dermal condensates in hair follicular development. Additionally, PDGF‐AA induces/maintains the anagen phase of the hair cycle. It is likely that mitochondrial morphology and functions are tightly coupled with maintenance of these energy‐demanding activities. However, little is known about the mitochondrial regulation in HDPCs. Thus, we investigated the PDGF‐involved mitochondrial regulation in HDPCs.MethodsThe mitochondrial morphologies of HDPCs were examined in the presence or absence of PDGF‐AA under a fluorescent microscope. ATP production and cellular motility were investigated. The relationship between mitochondrial morphology and the cellular functions was discussed.ResultsWe observed that primary HDPCs contained mitochondria with filamentous and/or rounded morphologies. Both types of mitochondria showed similar membrane potentials. Interestingly, in the presence of PDGF‐AA, but not PDGF‐BB, the balance between the two morphologies shifted towards the filamentous form. Concomitantly, both mitochondrial enzymatic activity and total cellular ATP level were augmented by PDGF‐AA. These two parameters were closely correlated, suggesting the mitochondrial involvement in the PDGF‐augmented ATP production. Moreover, PDGF‐AA accelerated the migration of HDPCs in a gap‐filling assay, but did not change the rate of cellular proliferation. Notably, filamentous mitochondria dominated migrating HDPCs.ConclusionPDGF‐AA benefits HDPCs in the process of migration, by increasing the number of filamentous mitochondria.
Enhanced thermal and antibacterial properties of cross‐linked waxy maize starch granules by chitosan via dry heat treatment
Authors: Zhou Zhongkai , Zheng Paiyun , Wang Zhiwei , Yang Rui , Chu Yuling 
Published: December 2014

SummaryCross‐linked starch was synthesised using chitosan as cross‐linking agent via a dry heating method. Thermal properties measured by DSC showed transition temperatures increased as compared with that of native starch (P < 0.001), which might indicate the starch and chitosan molecules interacted with each other. XRD demonstrated that the crystalline pattern of the starch remained the same, but there was slight change in the crystallinity degree after the cross‐links. The significant reduction of solubility, swelling power and transparency (P < 0.001) indicated that the cross‐links restricted the starch granules swelling and molecules leaching. Agar diffusion test showed that chitosan‐cross‐linked starch had excellent bacterial growth inhibition, and its antibacterial activity was stronger against Gram‐negative bacteria than against Gram‐positive bacteria. Its antibacterial activity was further confirmed using liquid broth method. Thus, the cross‐linked starch may be directly used in the food formula for protecting food as a natural antimicrobial ingredient.
Discussion
Authors: D'Asaro Francesco , Grillone Giovanni 
Published: December 2014

AbstractEpps et al. (2013) derived Curve Number (CN) values for two forested headwater watersheds in the Lower Coastal Plain of South Carolina during the 2008‐2011 period from rainfall‐runoff data, resulting in 23 events for the Upper Debidue Creek (UDC) watershed and in 20 events for Watershed 80 (WS80). D'Asaro and Grillone analyzed the P, CN data of the UDC watershed finding an evident “complacent” behavior, characterized by a declining CN with increasing P but without approaching a stable value at large storms. In this case, the traditional runoff CN equation does not fit well with the rainfall‐runoff data that indicate a partial source area watershed behavior and are more aptly modeled by the equation introduced by D'Asaro and Grillone (2012), who introduced a C parameter in the well‐known runoff CN formula. The C value, that represents the source area (fraction of drainage area) of the basin that produces runoff with a fixed CN < 100, is here considered to vary with the water table elevation (WTE), to which it is well correlated.
Six‐Month Outcomes of Co‐Occurring Delirium, Depression, and Dementia in Long‐Term Care
Authors: McCusker Jane , Cole Martin G. , Voyer Philippe , Monette Johanne , Champoux Nathalie , Ciampi Antonio , Vu Minh , Belzile Eric 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesTo describe the 6‐month outcomes of co‐occurring delirium (full syndrome and subsyndromal symptoms), depression, and dementia in a long‐term care (LTC) population.DesignObservational, prospective cohort study with 6‐month follow‐up conducted from 2005 to 2009.SettingSeven LTC facilities in the province of Quebec, Canada.ParticipantsNewly admitted and long‐term residents recruited consecutively from lists of residents aged 65 and older admitted for LTC, with stratification into groups with and without severe cognitive impairment. The study sample comprised 274 residents with complete data at baseline on delirium, dementia, and depression.MeasurementsOutcomes were 6‐month mortality, functional decline (10‐point decline from baseline on 100‐point Barthel scale), and cognitive decline (3‐point decline on 30‐point Mini‐Mental State Examination). Predictors included delirium (full syndrome or subsyndromal symptoms, using the Confusion Assessment Method), depression (Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia), and dementia (chart diagnosis).ResultsThe baseline prevalences of delirium, subsyndromal symptoms of delirium (SSD), depression, and dementia were 11%, 44%, 19%, and 66%, respectively. By 6 months, 10% of 274 had died, 19% of 233 had experienced functional decline, and 17% of 246 had experienced cognitive decline. An analysis using multivariable generalized linear models found the following significant interaction effects (P < .15): between depression and dementia for mortality, between delirium and depression for functional decline, and between SSD and dementia for cognitive decline.ConclusionCo‐occurrence of delirium, SSD, depression, and dementia in LTC residents appears to affect some 6‐month outcomes. Because of limited statistical power, it was not possible to draw conclusions about the effects of the co‐occurrence of some syndromes on poorer outcomes.
The use, prevalence and potential benefits of a diary as a therapeutic intervention/tool to aid recovery following critical illness in intensive care: a literature review
Authors: Ewens Beverley A , Hendricks Joyce M , Sundin Deb 
Published: December 2014

Aims and objectivesTo critically appraise the available literature and summarise the evidence related to the use, prevalence, purpose and potential therapeutic benefits of intensive care unit diaries following survivors' discharge from hospital and identify areas for future exploration.BackgroundIntensive care unit survivorship is increasing as are associated physical and psychological complications. These complications can impact on the quality of life of survivors and their families. Rehabilitation services for survivors have been sporadically implemented and lack an evidence base. Patient diaries in intensive care have been implemented in Scandinavia and Europe with the intention of filling memory gaps, enable survivors to set realistic recovery goals and cement their experiences in reality.DesignA review of original research articles.MethodsThe review used key terms and Boolean operators across a 34‐year time frame in: CIHAHL, Medline, Scopus, Proquest, Informit and Google Scholar for research reports pertaining to the area of enquiry. Twenty‐two original research articles met the inclusion criteria for this review.ResultsThe review concluded that diaries are prevalent in Scandinavia and parts of Europe but not elsewhere. The implementation and ongoing use of diaries is disparate and international guidelines to clarify this have been proposed. Evidence which demonstrates the potential of diaries in the reduction of the psychological complications following intensive care has recently emerged. Results from this review will inform future research in this area.ConclusionsFurther investigation is warranted to explore the potential benefits of diaries for survivors and improve the evidence base which is currently insufficient to inform practice. The exploration of prospective diarising in the recovery period for survivors is also justified.Relevance to clinical practiceIntensive care diaries are a cost effective intervention which may yield significant benefits to survivors.
Hyoid and laryngeal excursion kinematics – magnitude, duration and velocity – changes following successful exercise‐based dysphagia rehabilitation: MDTP
Authors: Sia I. , Carvajal P. , Lacy A. A. , Carnaby G. D. , Crary M. A. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryVariability in magnitude of deglutitional hyolaryngeal excursion in patients with dysphagia suggests that it does not adequately represent the kinematics of swallowing difficulties or recovery following rehabilitation. On the other hand, reduced hyolaryngeal excursion velocity has been reported in patients with dysphagia. While increased movement velocity often accompanies clinical and functional recovery in many diseases, velocity changes in swallowing‐related movement following dysphagia therapy have not been well studied. This study evaluated changes in hyoid and laryngeal excursion (magnitude, duration and velocity) before and following successful dysphagia therapy to provide a more comprehensive representation of improvement to swallowing kinematics in patients who have experienced successful rehabilitation. A secondary analysis of case series data was completed. Eight patients with severe, chronic dysphagia completed a standard course of an exercise‐based dysphagia treatment programme (McNeill dysphagia therapy program, MDTP). Pre‐ and post‐treatment, kinematic aspects of swallowing were evaluated for thin liquid, thick liquid and pudding swallows. Maximum hyoid and laryngeal excursion magnitude and excursion duration were measured. Excursion velocities were calculated from excursion magnitude and duration measures. Successful treatment for dysphagia facilitated increased hyolaryngeal excursion magnitude, duration and velocity. These changes were most prominent for the hyoid and most often observed with thin liquids. By examining hyoid and laryngeal excursion velocity in patients who have experienced successful dysphagia rehabilitation, this study demonstrated the value of evaluating spatial and temporal aspects of swallowing kinematics in a single measure for a more comprehensive representation of positive changes underlying functional recovery.
TLR2,TLR4 and CD86 gene polymorphisms in recurrent aphthous stomatitis
Authors: Karasneh Jumana , Bani‐Hani Maisoun , Alkhateeb Asem , Hassan Ahmad , Alzoubi Firas , Thornhill Martin 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundRecurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is an inflammatory disease induced by genetic and environmental factors. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) and CD86 are essential components for innate immunity and cellular immune response. We aimed to determine whether inheritance of specific TLR2, TLR4and CD86 gene polymorphisms are associated with RAS.MethodsNinety‐six patients with RAS and 153 controls were studied. Eight SNPs were genotyped using PCR–RFLP technique; four in TLR2 gene: rs4696480, rs3804100, rs121917864, rs5743708; three in TLR4 gene: rs10759931, rs4986790 rs1927911; and one in CD86 gene rs17281995. Association was assessed by logistic regression analysis. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was assessed using the Haploview program.ResultsSignificant increase in inheritance of A allele (OR = 1.6, P = 0.01) and AA genotype (OR = 3.89, P = 0.01) of TLR4 rs10759931 was observed in cases. TLR4rs1927911 C allele and CC genotype were also increased (OR = 1.60 and 2.78 respectively); however, this was not statistically significant (P = 0.02 and 0.03 respectively). TLR2 and CD86 did not show association with RAS.ConclusionsThis is the first study to investigate the association of TLR and CD86 with RAS. We found a significant association between TLR4 rs10759931 polymorphism and RAS. Confirmatory studies in other populations and functional investigations are needed to determine the role of TLR4 in RAS.
Validation of the Swedish Version of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) in Women with Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder
Authors: Ryding Elsa Lena , Blom Carina 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction
The Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) has been validated for use in many countries. It has been used for clinical and research purposes in Sweden, but the reliability and validity of the Swedish version have never been tested.

Aim
The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Swedish version of the FSFI.

Methods
After informed consent, 50 women with a diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) and 58 age-matched healthy volunteers completed the questionnaires.

Main Outcome Measures
Reliability was tested by Cronbach's alpha and test–retest by Pearson's correlation, convergent validity by correlation of the FSFI and the Sexual Function Questionnaire (SFQ), divergent validity by correlation of FSFI and the Symptoms Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and discriminant validity by Student's t-test and chi-square test to assess differences between women with and without HSDD.

Results
Cronbach's alpha was 0.90–0.96 and test–retest reliability was good (r = 0.86–0.93) for all domains in the whole sample; reliability was low for lubrication and pain in the control group. Correlations between all corresponding domains of the FSFI and the SFQ were high for the whole sample (r = 0.74–0.87) and moderate to high for both the clinical and the control group. There was no correlation between most FSFI domains and the SCL-90-R. Discriminant validity was very good for each of the FSFI domains (P = 0.001, t = 7.05–15.58), although the controls reported relatively low scores on the desire domain. The total FSFI score was 31.37 (standard deviation [SD] 2.66) for the clinical group and 17.47 (SD 5.33) for the controls (P = 0.001, t = 15.99).

Conclusion
The Swedish version of the FSFI can be used as a validated and reliable instrument for assessing sexual function in women with HSDD.
Secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 (Sfrp5) decreases hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis
Authors: Chatani Norihiro , Kamada Yoshihiro , Kizu Takashi , Ogura Satoshi , Furuta Kunimaro , Egawa Mayumi , Hamano Mina , Ezaki Hisao , Kiso Shinichi , Shimono Akihiko , Ouchi Noriyuki , Yoshida Yuichi , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsObesity‐related adipocytokine dysregulation is known to accelerate liver fibrosis progression. Recently, a natural Wnt5a inhibitor, secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 (Sfrp5), was identified as a novel adipocytokine that has reduced expression in obese adipose tissue in both rodents and human. In addition, hepatic gene expression of Wnt5a and its receptor frizzled 2 (Fz2) is elevated during fibrosis progression. Therefore, Sfrp5 could have biological significance in liver fibrosis.MethodsWe first investigated the effects of Sfrp5 on primary cultured mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. Next, to elucidate the roles of Sfrp5 in liver fibrosis, we investigated a carbon‐tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis model using Sfrp5 knockout (KO) and wild type (WT) mice in vivo. Each mouse was injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) or olive oil as a single dose (acute liver injury model), or twice a week for 6 weeks (liver fibrosis model).ResultsIn in vitro studies, Wnt5a enhanced both proliferation and migration of HSCs, and these effects could be completely blocked by Sfrp5. Moreover, siRNA knockdown of Fz2 in HSCs could block the effects of Wnt5a on both HSC proliferation and migration. In in vivo studies, there were no differences in the CCl4‐induced liver injury between KO and WT mice. Hepatic Wnt5a gene expression and plasma Wnt5a levels significantly increased after a single CCl4 injection in both mice. Sfrp5 knockout significantly enhanced CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate that Sfrp5 may ameliorate mouse liver fibrosis through inhibition of Wnt5a/Fz2 signalling.
Haemolytic and co‐haemolytic (CAMP‐like) activity in dermatophytes
Authors: Döğen Aylin , Gümral Ramazan , İlkit Macit 
Published: December 2014

SummaryDermatophytes are some of the most common fungal pathogens in both humans and animals. These fungi release enzymes (e.g., keratinases) that play roles in their pathogenesis. Little is known about their haemolytic and co‐haemolytic (CAMP‐like) activities; however, in bacteria, these components play significant roles in pathogenesis. This study characterised these two factors in 45 dermatophyte strains (representing the genera Arthroderma, Epidermophyton, Microsporum and Trichophyton) using Columbia agar (CA) supplemented with 5% bovine, ovine and equine erythrocytes. Haemolysis was best observed on CA supplemented with ovine erythrocytes followed by equine and bovine erythrocytes, while CAMP‐like reactions occurred using bovine and ovine but not equine erythrocytes. Haemolytic and CAMP‐like activities were best observed using ovine and bovine erythrocytes in CA in 44 and 38 strains at 7 and 3 days respectively. Most dermatophytes recovered from both symptomatic and asymptomatic lesions had haemolytic and CAMP‐like activities. We suggest that the haemolytic and CAMP‐like activities are not correlated with ecological characteristics, isolation sites or clinical manifestations of dermatophytic fungi. We also believe that this study has the potential to contribute to the existing literature on dermatophytes and dermatophyte pathogenesis.
Effect of amyloid‐β (Aβ) immunization on hyperphosphorylated tau: a potential role for glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β
Authors: Amin Jay , Paquet Claire , Baker Alex , Asuni Ayodeji A. , Love Seth , Holmes Clive , Hugon Jacques , Nicoll James A. R. , Boche Delphine 
Published: December 2014

AimsActive amyloid‐β (Aβ) immunotherapy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) induces removal of Aβ and phosphorylated tau (ptau). Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β is a kinase, responsible for phosphorylation of tau, activation of which can be induced by phosphorylated double‐stranded RNA‐dependent protein kinase (pPKR). Using a post‐mortem cohort of immunized AD cases, we investigated the effect of Aβ immunization on GSK‐3β expression and pPKR.MethodsWe immunostained 11 immunized AD cases and 28 unimmunized AD cases for active, inactive and total GSK‐3β, and for pPKR. Quantification of protein load was performed in the hippocampal region including CA1, subiculum and entorhinal cortex.ResultsAll three areas showed a significant decrease in the three forms of GSK‐3β (P < 0.05) and a nonsignificant trend towards lower pPKR load in the immunized AD cases compared with the unimmunized AD cases.ConclusionThe lower GSK‐3β expression generated by Aβ immunotherapy shows evidence of a modification of the signalling pathway induced by GSK‐3β leading to the overall reduction of tau, supporting the contention that in humans, GSK‐3β unifies Aβ and tau‐related neuropathology.