bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The first thousand days – intestinal microbiology of early life: establishing a symbiosis
Authors: Wopereis Harm , Oozeer Raish , Knipping Karen , Belzer Clara , Knol Jan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe development of the intestinal microbiota in the first years of life is a dynamic process significantly influenced by early‐life nutrition. Pioneer bacteria colonizing the infant intestinal tract and the gradual diversification to a stable climax ecosystem plays a crucial role in establishing host–microbe interactions essential for optimal symbiosis. This colonization process and establishment of symbiosis may profoundly influence health throughout life. Recent developments in microbiologic cultivation‐independent methods allow a detailed view of the key players and factors involved in this process and may further elucidate their roles in a healthy gut and immune maturation. Aberrant patterns may lead to identifying key microbial signatures involved in developing immunologic diseases into adulthood, such as asthma and atopic diseases. The central role of early‐life nutrition in the developmental human microbiota, immunity, and metabolism offers promising strategies for prevention and treatment of such diseases. This review provides an overview of the development of the intestinal microbiota, its bidirectional relationship with the immune system, and its role in impacting health and disease, with emphasis on allergy, in early life.
Genetic variants in endotoxin signalling pathway, domestic endotoxin exposure and asthma exacerbations
Authors: Kljaic‐Bukvic Blazenka , Blekic Mario , Aberle Neda , Curtin John A. , Hankinson Jenny , Semic‐Jusufagic Aida , Belgrave Danielle , Simpson Angela , Custovic Adnan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the interaction between genetic variants in endotoxin signalling pathway and domestic endotoxin exposure in relation to asthma presence, and amongst children with asthma, we explored the association of these genetic variants and endotoxin exposure with hospital admissions due to asthma exacerbations.MethodsIn a case–control study, we analysed data from 824 children (417 asthmatics, 407 controls; age 5–18 yr). Amongst asthmatics, we extracted data on hospitalization for asthma exacerbation from medical records. Endotoxin exposure was measured in dust samples collected from homes. We included 26 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the final analysis (5 CD14, 7LY96 and 14 TLR4).ResultsTwo variants remained significantly associated with hospital admissions with asthma exacerbations after correction for multiple testing: for CD14 SNP rs5744455, carriers of T allele had decreased risk of repeated hospital admissions compared with homozygotes for C allele [OR (95% CI), 0.42 (0.25–0.88), p = 0.01, False Discovery Rate (FDR) p = 0.02]; for LY96 SNP rs17226566, C‐allele carriers were at a lower risk of hospital admissions compared with T‐allele homozygotes [0.59 (0.38–0.90), p = 0.01, FDR p = 0.04]. We observed two interactions between SNPs in CD14 and LY96 with environmental endotoxin exposure in relation to hospital admissions due to asthma exacerbation which remained significant after correction for multiple testing (CD14 SNPs rs2915863 and LY96 SNP rs17226566).ConclusionAmongst children with asthma, genetic variants in CD14 and LY96 may increase the risk of hospital admissions with acute exacerbations. Polymorphisms in endotoxin pathway interact with domestic endotoxin exposure in further modification of the risk of hospitalization.
Quantitative trait loci analysis of soluble sugar contents in soybean
Authors: Wang Yueqiang , Chen Pengyin , Zhang Bo 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe soluble sugar content in soybean seeds, mainly sucrose, stachyose, raffinose and trace amounts of glucose and fructose, is important for the increasing global market demand for various soyfoods including tofu, soymilk, natto, bean sprouts and edamame due to their nutritional value and health benefits. The objective of this study was to conduct quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis and identify molecular markers for soluble sugar content in soybean seeds for marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in soybean breeding. The content of the five previously mentioned sugars were measured and associated QTLs were mapped based on a F2 population that was derived from a cross between V97‐3000 and V99‐5089. Eleven QTLs were detected for the five sugar contents: one for glucose, three each for fructose and sucrose, and two each for raffinose and stachyose. However, only one QTL for sucrose, one QTL for raffinose, and two QTLs for stachyose were identified with LOD > 3.0 and R2 > 10% from this research. The QTL on chromosome 11 [linkage group (LG) B1] was identified as associated with sucrose, raffinose and stachyose in the same region as previously reported for sucrose and stachyose. The SSR marker, Satt359, on the QTL B1 region had an significant association with sucrose (LOD = 5.192; R2 = 0.134), raffinose (LOD = 3.95; R2 = 0.104), and stachyose (LOD = 13.572; R2 = 0.314); therefore it can be used to assist breeding selection for sucrose, raffinose and stachyose contents simultaneously.
Tyrosinase‐catalyzed oxidation of rhododendrol produces 2‐methylchromane‐6,7‐dione, the putative ultimate toxic metabolite: implications for melanocyte toxicity
Authors: Ito Shosuke , Ojika Makoto , Yamashita Toshiharu , Wakamatsu Kazumasa 
Published: June 2014

SummaryRS‐4‐(4‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐2‐butanol (rhododendrol, RD) was used as a skin‐whitening agent until it was reported to induce leukoderma in July 2013. To explore the mechanism underlying its melanocyte toxicity, we characterized the tyrosinase‐catalyzed oxidation of RD using spectrophotometry and HPLC. Oxidation of RD with mushroom tyrosinase rapidly produced RD‐quinone, which was quickly converted to 2‐methylchromane‐6,7‐dione (RD‐cyclic quinone) and RD‐hydroxy‐p‐quinone through cyclization and addition of water molecule, respectively. RD‐quinone and RD‐cyclic quinone were identified as RD‐catechol and RD‐cyclic catechol after NaBH4 reduction. Autoxidation of RD‐cyclic catechol produced superoxide radical. RD‐quinone and RD‐cyclic quinone quantitatively bound to thiols such as cysteine and GSH. These results suggest that the melanocyte toxicity of RD is caused by its tyrosinase‐catalyzed oxidation through production of RD‐cyclic quinone which depletes cytosolic GSH and then binds to essential cellular proteins through their sulfhydryl groups. The production of ROS through autoxidation of RD‐cyclic catechol may augment the toxicity.
Support and challenges to the melanosomal casing model based on nanoscale distribution of metals within iris melanosomes detected by X‐ray fluorescence analysis
Authors: Gorniak Thomas , Haraszti Tamás , Suhonen Heikki , Yang Yang , Hedberg‐Buenz Adam , Koehn Demelza , Heine Ruth , Grunze Michael , Rosenhahn Axel , Anderson Michael G. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryMelanin within melanosomes exists as eumelanin or pheomelanin. Distributions of these melanins have been studied extensively within tissues, but less often within individual melanosomes. Here, we apply X‐ray fluorescence analysis with synchrotron radiation to survey the nanoscale distribution of metals within purified melanosomes of mice. The study allows a discovery‐based characterization of melanosomal metals, and, because Cu is specifically associated with eumelanin, a hypothesis‐based test of the ‘casing model’ predicting that melanosomes contain a pheomelanin core surrounded by a eumelanin shell. Analysis of Cu, Ca, and Zn shows variable concentrations and distributions, with Ca/Zn highly correlated, and at least three discrete patterns for the distribution of Cu vs. Ca/Zn in different melanosomes – including one with a Cu‐rich shell surrounding a Ca/Zn‐rich core. Thus, the results support predictions of the casing model, but also suggest that in at least some tissues and genetic contexts, other arrangements of melanin may co‐exist.
First report on the whole genome sequence of Pseudomonas cichorii strain JBC1 and comparison with other Pseudomonas species
Authors: Ramkumar G. , Lee S. W. , Weon H.‐Y. , Kim B.‐Y. , Lee Y. H. 
Published: June 2014

Pseudomonas cichorii, a plant pathogen that infects a wide range of host plants worldwide, causes several diseases in economically important vegetable crops. Availability of the genome sequences of pathogens can greatly enhance research necessary for the advancement of disease management programmes. Despite the significance of P. cichorii, its whole genome sequence has not been reported previously. The genome sequence of P. cichorii JBC1, described for the first time in this study, is 5 986 012 bp with an average GC content of 58·1% and has 5174 coding sequences (CDS). The genes related to virulence, transport mechanisms, phytotoxic compounds, and secondary metabolite products were analysed and the genome was compared to eight other Pseudomonas species to understand the diversity at species level. Despite the high similarity (up to 80·85%), significant diversity was found among the different Pseudomonas species at the genome level. A comparison of JBC1 pathogenicity island (PAI) regions indicated that the P. viridiflava UASWS0038 PAI has more similarity than the P. syringae PAI region, and the analysis revealed significant divergence at PAI regions among the Pseudomonas species, providing an insight into the differences in host specificity and degree of virulence. In addition, JBC1 encodes antibiotic resistance and tolerance to heavy metals, and two different prophage segments were inserted at three different regions. The genome sequence of JBC1, which was deposited into the NCBI GenBank (accession no. CP007039), will be a reference sequence for other P. cichorii strains and a useful resource for further research.
Roothairless5, which functions in maize (Zea maysL.) root hair initiation and elongation encodes a monocot‐specificNADPHoxidase
Authors: Nestler Josefine , Liu Sanzhen , Wen Tsui‐Jung , Paschold Anja , Marcon Caroline , Tang Ho Man , Li Delin , Li Li , Meeley Robert B. , Sakai Hajime , Bruce Wesley , Schnable Patrick S. , Hochholdinger Frank 
Published: June 2014

SummaryRoot hairs are instrumental for nutrient uptake in monocot cereals. The maize (Zea maysL.)roothairless5(rth5) mutant displays defects in root hair initiation and elongation manifested by a reduced density and length of root hairs. Map‐based cloning revealed that therth5gene encodes a monocot‐specificNADPHoxidase.RNA‐Seq,in situhybridization and qRT‐PCRexperiments demonstrated that therth5gene displays preferential expression in root hairs but also accumulates to low levels in other tissues. Immunolocalization detected RTH5 proteins in the epidermis of the elongation and differentiation zone of primary roots. Because superoxide and hydrogen peroxide levels are reduced in the tips of growingrth5mutant root hairs as compared with wild‐type, and Reactive oxygen species (ROS) is known to be involved in tip growth, we hypothesize that the RTH5 protein is responsible for establishing the high levels ofROSin the tips of growing root hairs required for elongation. Consistent with this hypothesis, a comparativeRNA‐Seq analysis of 6‐day‐oldrth5versus wild‐type primary roots revealed significant over‐representation of only two gene ontology (GO) classes related to the biological functions (i.e. oxidation/reduction and carbohydrate metabolism) among 893 differentially expressed genes (FDR <5%). Within these two classes the subgroups ‘response to oxidative stress’ and ‘cellulose biosynthesis’ were most prominently represented.
Plasma matrix metalloproteinase‐9 activity in cats with lymphoma
Authors: Tamamoto T. , Ohno K. , Takahashi M. , Fukushima K. , Kanemoto H. , Fujino Y. , Tsujimoto H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this study, plasma MMP‐9 activity was evaluated in cats with lymphoma. Plasma samples were obtained from 26 cats with lymphoma before treatment. From 13 of the included 26 cats, plasma samples were obtained 4 weeks after the initiation of treatment. Plasma samples were also obtained from 10 healthy cats as a control. Plasma MMP‐9 activity was examined by gelatin zymography and semi‐quantitative value (arbitrary unit; a.u.) for each sample was calculated. Relatively high levels of MMP‐9 were observed in cats with lymphoma compared with those in healthy control cats. MMP‐9 quantification through zymography showed significantly higher activity in cats with lymphoma (median, 0.63 a.u.; range, 0.23–3.24 a.u.) than in healthy controls (0.22 a.u.; 0.12–0.46 a.u.; P < 0.01). MMP‐9 activities were significantly different before (0.73 a.u.; 0.30–3.24 a.u.) and after treatment (0.50 a.u.; 0.14–1.32 a.u.; P = 0.017). Measuring plasma MMP‐9 activity in cats with lymphoma may become an appropriate monitoring tool for feline lymphoma.
A new, bioactive, antibacterial‐eluting, composite graft for infection‐free wound healing
Authors: Mittal Anupama , Kumar Neeraj 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe current work focuses on the in vivo performance of a newly developed injectable composite graft in infected full‐thickness wounds. The composite graft was composed of bioactive porous Poly dl‐lactide‐co‐glycolide scaffolds, antibiotic gentamicin, and crosslinked gelatin as carrier gel. Treated infected wounds exhibited a faster wound closure, rapid weight gain, lower neutrophil count, higher breaking strength, and 100 times lesser microbial count (102 colony forming units/g in infected treated vs. 104 colony forming units/g in infected control group) in comparison with infected control group 28 days post treatment. During healing, collagen production was more in the treated groups at day 7 than controls and thereafter gradually reduced to normal levels. Histology revealed a mature scar tissue formation, fibroblast proliferation, epidermal resurfacing, and collagen deposition in reticular alignment similar to normal healthy skin in treated wounds. Further, the plasma concentration of gentamicin was 35–45 μg/mL during the initial 12 hours and reduced to 1 μg/mL in 24 hours, which indicated safe levels of the antibiotic drug during healing. These results clearly indicate a faster, infection‐free, and safe after treatment with the developed graft.
Nonsilver treatment vs. silver sulfadiazine in treatment of partial‐thickness burn wounds in children: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Rashaan Zjir M. , Krijnen Pieta , Klamer Rachel R. M. , Schipper Inger B. , Dekkers Olaf M. , Breederveld Roelf S. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe evidence for application of silver‐containing dressings and topicals in the treatment of partial‐thickness burns in pediatric patients is largely based on clinical trials involving adult patients despite the important differences between the skin of children and adults. A systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed of all randomized controlled trials comparing nonsilver treatment with silver‐containing dressings and silver topical agents in children with partial‐thickness burns in the acute stage. Endpoints were wound healing, grafting, infection, pain, number of dressing changes, length of hospital stay, and scarring. Seven randomized controlled trials were included involving 473 participants. All trials used silver sulfadiazine as control in comparison with five different nonsilver treatments. Most trials were of moderate quality with high risk of bias. Use of nonsilver treatment led to shorter wound healing time (weighted mean difference: −3.43 days, 95% confidence interval: −4.78, −2.07), less dressing changes (weighted mean difference: −19.89 dressing changes, 95% confidence interval: −38.12, −1.66), and shorter length of hospital stay (weighted mean difference: −2.07 days, 95% confidence interval: −2.63, −1.50) compared with silver sulfadiazine treatment, but no difference in the incidence of wound infection or grafting was found. In conclusion, nonsilver treatment may be preferred over silver sulfadiazine, but high‐quality randomized controlled trials are needed to validly confirm the effectiveness of silver containing preparations, in particular silver‐containing dressings, above nonsilver treatments.
Dysregulation of collagen production in diabetes following recurrent skin injury: Contribution to the development of a chronic wound
Authors: Caskey Robert C. , Zgheib Carlos , Morris Michael , Allukian Myron , Dorsett‐Martin Wanda , Xu Junwang , Wu Wenjie , Liechty Kenneth W. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractRecurrent injury has been implicated in the development of chronic diabetic wounds. We have developed a chronic diabetic wound model based upon recurrent injury in diabetic mice. We hypothesized that dysregulation of collagen production at both the mRNA and microRNA levels contributes to the development of chronic diabetic wounds. To test this, both diabetic and nondiabetic mice were made to undergo recurrent injury. Real‐time PCR for TGF‐β1, SMAD‐3, Col1α1, Col3α1, microRNA‐25, and microRNA‐29a and Western blot for collagen I and III were performed 7 days following each injury. Diabetic wounds displayed decreased collagen at all time points. This was associated with dysregulated collagen production at both the gene and microRNA levels at all time points. Following the final injury, however, diabetic collagen production significantly improved. This appeared to be due to a substantial decrease in both microRNAs as well as an increase in the expression of collagen pathway genes. That dysregulated collagen production progressed throughout the course of wounding suggests that this is one factor contributing to the development of chronic diabetic wounds. Future studies using this model will allow for the determination of other factors that may also contribute to the development and/or persistence of chronic diabetic wounds.
Role of IL‐17 and TGF‐β in peritoneal adhesion formation after surgical trauma
Authors: Wang Geng , Wu Ke , Li Wei , Zhao Ende , Shi Liang , Wang Jiliang , Shuai Xiaoming , Cai Kailin , Lu Xiaoming , Tao Kaixiong , Wang Guobin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractPeritoneal adhesions are fibrous tissues formed after surgery. Both cytokines and transforming growth factors (TGFs) are involved in this process. The objective of this study was to investigate the cross talk between these entities. Peritoneal drainage fluid after surgery from patients and rodent models was examined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and fluorescence‐activated cell sorter. Data showed that the concentrations of interferon (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐17 reached their peaks 6–12 hours after surgery, whereas TGF‐β1 concentrations showed two postoperative peak time points at 2 and 72–96 hours. By neutralizing IFN‐γ, IL‐17 6–12 hours, and TGF‐β1 72–96 hours after surgery, the degree of adhesion reduced significantly. However, neutralizing TGF‐β1 2 hours after surgery did not affect adhesion formation. Furthermore, in vitro studies showed that compared with the fibroblasts that were directly stimulated with TGF‐β1, the prestimulation of IL‐17 promoted plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 production while inhibiting tissue‐type plasminogen activator production. Moreover, additional stimulation with IFN‐γ enhanced this effect. Together, these data indicate that IL‐17 may promote adhesion formation by increasing the reaction of fibroblasts against TGF‐β1. Blocking IL‐17 might have a therapeutic potential in preventing adhesion formation after surgery.
Handgrip Strength Does Not Represent an Appropriate Measure to Evaluate Changes in Muscle Strength During an Exercise Intervention Program in Frail Older People
Authors: Tieland Michael , Verdijk Lex B. , de Groot Lisette C.P.G.M. , van Loon Luc J.C. 
Published: June 2014

Introduction:Although handgrip strength is considered a strong predictor of negative health outcomes, it is unclear whether handgrip strength represents a useful measure to evaluate changes in muscle strength following resistance-type exercise training in older people. We assessed whether measuring handgrip strength provides proper insight in the efficacy of resistance-type exercise training to increase muscle mass, strength, and physical performance in frail older people.Methods:Prefrail and frail older people (≥ 65 y) were either conducting a 24-week resistance-type exercise training or no exercise training. Before, during, and after the intervention, handgrip strength (JAMAR), lean body mass (DXA), leg strength (1-RM), and physical performance (SPPB) were assessed.Results:Handgrip strength correlated with appendicular lean mass (r = 0.68; p < .001) and leg strength (r = 0.67; p < .001). After 24 weeks of whole body resistance-type exercise training, leg extension strength improved significantly better when compared with the control group (57 ± 2–78 ± 3 kg vs 57 ± 3–65 ± 3 kg: p < .001). Moreover, physical performance improved significantly more in the exercise group (8.0 ± 0.4–9.3 ± 0.4 points) when compared with the control group (8.3 ± 0.4–8.9 ± 0.4 points: p < .05). These positive changes were not accompanied with any significant changes in handgrip strength (26.3 ± 1.2–27.6 ± 1.2 kg in the exercise group vs 26.6 ± 1.2–26.3 ± 1.3 kg in the control group: p = .71).Conclusion:Although handgrip strength strongly correlates with muscle mass and leg strength in frail older people, handgrip strength does not provide a valid means to evaluate the efficacy of exercise intervention programs to increase muscle mass or strength in an older population.
No Effect of Short-Term Green Tea Extract Supplementation on Metabolism at Rest or During Exercise in the Fed State
Authors: Martin Brian J. , Tan Rachel B. , Gillen Jenna B. , Percival Michael E. , Gibala Martin J. 
Published: June 2014

Supplementation with green tea extract (GTE) in animals has been reported to induce numerous metabolic adaptations including increased fat oxidation during exercise and improved performance. However, data regarding the metabolic and physiological effects of GTE during exercise in humans are limited and equivocal.Purpose:To examine the effects of short-term GTE treatment on resting energy expenditure (REE), wholebody substrate utilization during exercise and time trial performance.Methods:Fifteen active men (24 ± 3 y; VO2peak = 48 ± 7 ml·kg·min−1; BMI = 26 ± 3 kg·m2(–1)) ingested GTE (3x per day = 1,000 mg/d) or placebo (PLA) for 2 day in a double-blind, crossover design (each separated by a 1 week wash-out period). REE was assessed in the fasted state. Subjects then ingested a standardized breakfast (~5.0 kcal·kg-1) and 90 min later performed a 60 min cycling bout at an intensity corresponding to individual maximal fat oxidation (44 ± 11% VO2peak), followed by a 250 kJ TT.Results:REE, whole-body oxygen consumption (VO2) and substrate oxidation rates during steady-state exercise were not different between treatments. However, mean heart rate (HR) was lower in GTE vs. PLA (115 ± 16 vs. 118 ± 17 beats·min−1; main effect, p = .049). Mixed venous blood [glycerol] was higher during rest and exercise after GTE vs. PLA (p = .006, main effect for treatment) but glucose, insulin and free-fatty acids were not different. Subsequent time trial performance was not different between treatments (GTE = 25:38 ± 5:32 vs. PLA = 26:08 ± 8:13 min; p = .75).Conclusion:GTE had minimal effects on whole-body substrate metabolism but significantly increased plasma glycerol and lowered heart rate during steady-state exercise, suggesting a potential increase in lipolysis and a cardiovascular effect that warrants further investigation.