bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adherence of Candida albicans to silicone is promoted by the human salivary protein SPLUNC2/PSP/BPIFA2
Authors: Holmes A.R. , Rodrigues E. , van der Wielen P. , Lyons K.M. , Haigh B.J. , Wheeler T.T. , Dawes P.J.D. , Cannon R.D. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryInteractions between Candida albicans, saliva and saliva‐coated oral surfaces are initial events in the colonization of the oral cavity by this commensal yeast, which can cause oral diseases such as candidiasis and denture stomatitis. Candida albicans also colonizes silicone voice prostheses, and the microbial biofilm formed can impair valve function, necessitating frequent prosthesis replacement. We have previously shown that saliva promoted binding of C. albicans cells to silicone in vitro, and that the selective binding of specific salivary proteins to voice prosthesis silicone mediated attachment of C. albicans cells. The C. albicans cells adhered to a polypeptide (or polypeptides) of ~36 kDa eluted from saliva‐treated silicone. We show here that a protein of similar size was identified in replicate blots of the eluate from saliva‐treated silicone when the blots were probed with antibodies to human SPLUNC2, a salivary protein with reported microbial agglutination properties. In addition, SPLUNC2 was depleted from saliva that had been incubated with silicone coupons. To determine whether SPLUNC2 is a yeast‐binding protein, SPLUNC2 cDNA was expressed in Escherichia coli. Purified recombinant His‐tagged protein (SPLUNC2r) bound to silicone as demonstrated by immunoblot analysis of an eluate from SPLUNC2r‐treated silicone coupons and 35S‐radiolabelled C. albicans cells adhered in a dose‐dependent manner to SPLUNC2r‐coated silicone. We conclude that SPLUNC2 binds to silicone and acts as a receptor for C. albicans adherence to, and subsequent colonization of, voice prosthesis silicone.
Quantitative trait loci mapping for flag leaf traits in rice using a chromosome segment substitution line population
Authors: Bian Jianmin , He Haohua , Shi Huan , Zhu Guoqiang , Li Cuijuan , Zhu Changlan , Peng Xiaosong , Yu Qiuying , Fu Junru , He Xiaopeng , Chen Xiaorong , Hu Lifang , Ouyang Linjuan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractTo study the genetic basis of rice flag leaf morphology, quantitative genetic analysis was conducted in a population of 37 chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) of indica elite variety ‘Habataki’ in the background of japonica cultivar ‘Sasanishiki’ across three different environments. The CSSLs showed normal distribution with transgressive segregation, indicating that these four traits are controlled by polygenes. Moreover, analyses of variance showed that these traits were highly influenced by the growing environment, which are typical for polygenic quantitative traits. Seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on four chromosomes were detected in total: four for flag leaf width, one for flag leaf area and two for flag leaf angle. Two key QTLs, qFLW4 and qFLAG5 controlling flag leaf width and angle, respectively, were identified in all three environments. These QTLs could provide useful information for marker‐assisted selection in improving the performance of plant architecture with regard to leaf angle and area. Moreover, developed CSSLs with these QTLs information are also useful research materials to reveal the importance of leaf morphology in relation to grain yield.
Measurement of Intracellular Oxygen Concentration During Photodynamic Therapy in vitro
Authors: Weston Mark A. , Patterson Michael S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA technique is introduced that monitors the depletion of intracellular ground state oxygen concentration ([3O2]) during photodynamic therapy of Mat‐LyLu cell monolayers and cell suspensions. The photosensitizer Pd(II) meso‐tetra(4‐carboxyphenyl)porphine (PdT790) is used to manipulate and indicate intracellular [3O2] in both of the in vitro models. The Stern–Volmer relationship for PdT790 phosphorescence was characterized in suspensions by flowing nitrogen over the suspension while short pulses of 405 nm light were used to excite the sensitizer. The bleaching of sensitizer and the oxygen consumption rate were also measured during continuous exposure of the cell suspension to the 405 nm laser. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was conducted in both cell suspensions and in cell monolayers under different treatment conditions while the phosphorescence signal was acquired. The intracellular [3O2] during PDT was calculated by using the measured Stern–Volmer relationship and correcting for sensitizer photobleaching. In addition, the amount of oxygen that was consumed during the treatments was calculated. It was found that even at large oxygen consumption rates, cells remain well oxygenated during PDT of cell suspensions. For monolayer treatments, it was found that intracellular [3O2] is rapidly depleted over the course of PDT.
Synergism between mTORpathway and ultraviolet radiation in the pathogenesis of squamous cell carcinoma and its implication for solid‐organ transplant recipients
Authors: Balagula Yevgeniy , Kang Sewon , Patel Manisha J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryNonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) are the most common malignancies in theUnitedStates in immunocompetent patients. Among the solid‐organ transplant recipients,NMSCs represent a significant disease burden, and they tend to be multiple and more aggressive. While the precise mechanisms responsible for the higher risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) have not been completely elucidated, ultraviolet (UV) light has been established to be critical in initiation and promotion of tumor development. More recently, significant emphasis has been placed on the role of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway inSCCpathogenesis. Furthermore, some studies have demonstrated the ability ofmTORinhibitors to decrease the incidence of newSCCs in the immunosuppressed transplanted patient population. In this review, we will highlight and examine the most recent available data on the role ofUVradiation and its interaction withmTORpathway signaling inSCCpathogenesis.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels in patients with atopic eczema and the influence of narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy
Authors: Rose Rebecca F. , Williams Christina , Oliphant Thomas , Browne Fiona , Turner David , Goulden Victoria 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBackgroundNarrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (nbUVB) is an established treatment modality for patients with severe atopic dermatitis (AD) and is known to increase serum vitamin D levels (SVD). The relationship between SVD and AD remains unclear.ObjectivesTo assess SVD and disease severity in patients with AD before and after nbUVB and establish whether a change in SVD correlates to response to nbUVB.MethodsA single‐centre, open observational study recruited 21 male and 17 female patients with AD between November and April. Eczema severity was measured using the SCORAD tool, and serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels were determined before and after nbUVB, which was administered thrice weekly.ResultsNine patients had severe AD, 23 moderate and six mild, as indicated by SCORAD measurements. Seventeen patients completed the study. Median SVD increased from 45 nmol/l pre‐treatment to 169 nmol/l post‐treatment (95% CI 2.9–5.0 times baseline) (P < 0.0001). Mean SCORAD reduction following nbUVB was significant at 21.9 units (95% CI, 14.9–28.9) (P < 0.0001). No evidence of a relationship between change in SCORAD and change in SVD was found.LimitationsA significant number of patients failed to complete the study.ConclusionsPatients with AD are at risk of vitamin D deficiency. Correlation between this and disease severity has been postulated, but this study does not provide confirmatory evidence.
Synchronized network activity as the origin of a P300 component in a facial attractiveness judgment task
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Tang Akaysha C. , Zhou Xiaolin 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMany studies have used the P300 as an index for cognitive processing and neurological/psychiatric disorders. Here, we combined the source separation and source localization methods to investigate the cortical origins of the P300 elicited in a facial attractiveness judgment task. For each participant, we applied second‐order blind identification (SOBI) to continuous EEG data to decompose the mixture of brain signals and noise. We then used the equivalent current dipole (ECD) models to estimate the centrality of the SOBI‐recovered P300. We found that the ECD models, consisting of dipoles in the frontal and posterior association cortices, account for 96.5 ± 0.5% of variance in the scalp projection of the component. Given that the recovered dipole activities in different brain regions share the same time course with different weights, we conclude that the P300 originates from synchronized activity between anterior and posterior parts of the brain.
Microbial‐based systems for aquaculture of fish and shrimp: an updated review
Authors: Martínez‐Córdova Luis R. , Emerenciano Mauricio , Miranda‐Baeza Anselmo , Martínez‐Porchas Marcel 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe continuous development of world aquaculture demands new strategies and alternatives aimed to achieve sustainability. The use or microorganisms in aquaculture has greatly evolved during the last two decades. From being considered as a potential threat, during the last years, they have been used as probiotics and inclusively as food source for fish and crustacean. The microbial‐based systems represent one of the most viable strategies to achieve a sustainable aquaculture. In short, these systems are based on the promotion of microbial proliferation, either autotrophic or heterotrophic microorganisms; these microbes are expected to use, recycle and transform the excess of nutrients from faeces, dead organisms, unconsumed food and diverse metabolites into biomass, which would be further consumed by the cultured organisms. Successful results on using microbial‐based systems have been documented around the world; however, there are key aspects to consider and yet to experiment before a system could be implemented. Some of those aspects are analysed in this manuscript, while new advances in the use of microbial‐based systems and recommendations are also presented.
In‐Center Nocturnal Hemodialysis
Authors: Jakubovic Baruch D. , Yan Andrew T. , Wald Ron 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDialysis intensification from conventional regimens (typically thrice weekly, 4 hours per session) is increasingly utilized with the intent of improving the cardiovascular health and quality of life of chronic dialysis recipients. While home nocturnal hemodialysis offers the opportunity for maximal intensification of dialysis, it is inaccessible to the majority of dialysis recipients who are unable to self‐administer hemodialysis in their own homes. In‐center nocturnal hemodialysis (INHD) permits the intensification of conventional hemodialysis with the benefits of nursing support and supervision in addition to freedom from dialysis during productive daytime hours. Although no randomized trials have evaluated the relative merits of INHD, preliminary data indicate that INHD is a viable option that may confer a variety of benefits for chronic dialysis recipients.
Dialysis and Acute Kidney Injury: Current Evidence
Authors: Christie Emily , Pannu Neesh 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOptimization of renal replacement therapy (RRT) for severe acute kidney injury (AKI) has been intensively studied over the last decade. Several large recently published randomized trials have clarified uncertainties regarding dialysis modality selection as well as dialysis dosage. This information will help inform decision makers regarding resource allocation and establishment of treatment targets. The decision to initiate dialysis remains a clinical one, based on individual patient needs. Despite technological advances in renal replacement therapy, AKI continues to be associated with poor outcomes.
The APOE ε4 allele in relation to brain white‐matter microstructure in adulthood and aging
Authors: Nyberg Lars , Salami Alireza 
Published: February 2014

The Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 allele is a major genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease and has been associated with structural and functional brain alterations across the adult life span. Recent studies have presented evidence that ε4 affects microstructural properties of brain white matter (WM) in non‐demented carriers of the ε4 allele, but conflicting evidence has been presented as well. The main purpose of the present study was therefore to examine ApoE effects on WM in a large sample of middle‐aged and older adults (N = 273). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data was acquired, and tract‐based as well as voxel‐wise analyses were conducted. The tract‐based analyses revealed no significant ApoE effects, and no significant interactions between genotype and age were observed. Taken together, the findings of the present study suggest that ApoE effects on white‐matter microstructure are less abundant than has been suggested in some previous studies.
nMAT4, a maturase factor required for nad1 pre‐mRNA processing and maturation, is essential for holocomplex I biogenesis in Arabidopsis mitochondria
Authors: Cohen Sigal , Zmudjak Michal , Colas des Francs‐Small Catherine , Malik Sunita , Shaya Felix , Keren Ido , Belausov Eduard , Many Yair , Brown Gregory G. , Small Ian , Ostersetzer‐Biran Oren 
Published: February 2014

SummaryGroup II introns are large catalytic RNAs that are found in bacteria and organellar genomes of lower eukaryotes, but are particularly prevalent within mitochondria in plants, where they are present in many critical genes. The excision of plant mitochondrial introns is essential for respiratory functions, and is facilitated in vivo by various protein cofactors. Typical group II introns are classified as mobile genetic elements, consisting of the self‐splicing ribozyme and its own intron‐encoded maturase protein. A hallmark of maturases is that they are intron‐specific, acting as cofactors that bind their intron‐containing pre‐RNAs to facilitate splicing. However, the degeneracy of the mitochondrial introns in plants and the absence of cognate intron‐encoded maturase open reading frames suggest that their splicing in vivo is assisted by ‘trans’‐acting protein factors. Interestingly, angiosperms harbor several nuclear‐encoded maturase‐related (nMat) genes that contain N‐terminal mitochondrial localization signals. Recently, we established the roles of two of these paralogs in Arabidopsis, nMAT1 and nMAT2, in the splicing of mitochondrial introns. Here we show that nMAT4 (At1g74350) is required for RNA processing and maturation of nad1 introns 1, 3 and 4 in Arabidopsis mitochondria. Seed germination, seedling establishment and development are strongly affected in homozygous nmat4 mutants, which also show modified respiration phenotypes that are tightly associated with complex I defects.
A chalcone isomerase‐like protein enhances flavonoid production and flower pigmentation
Authors: Morita Yasumasa , Takagi Kyoko , Fukuchi‐Mizutani Masako , Ishiguro Kanako , Tanaka Yoshikazu , Nitasaka Eiji , Nakayama Masayoshi , Saito Norio , Kagami Takashi , Hoshino Atsushi , Iida Shigeru 
Published: February 2014

SummaryFlavonoids are major pigments in plants, and their biosynthetic pathway is one of the best‐studied metabolic pathways. Here we have identified three mutations within a gene that result in pale‐colored flowers in the Japanese morning glory (Ipomoea nil). As the mutations lead to a reduction of the colorless flavonoid compound flavonol as well as of anthocyanins in the flower petal, the identified gene was designated enhancer of flavonoid production (EFP). EFP encodes a chalcone isomerase (CHI)‐related protein classified as a type IV CHI protein. CHI is the second committed enzyme of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, but type IV CHI proteins are thought to lack CHI enzymatic activity, and their functions remain unknown. The spatio‐temporal expression of EFP and structural genes encoding enzymes that produce flavonoids is very similar. Expression of both EFP and the structural genes is coordinately promoted by genes encoding R2R3‐MYB and WD40 family proteins. The EFP gene is widely distributed in land plants, and RNAi knockdown mutants of the EFP homologs in petunia (Petunia hybrida) and torenia (Torenia hybrida) had pale‐colored flowers and low amounts of anthocyanins. The flavonol and flavone contents in the knockdown petunia and torenia flowers, respectively, were also significantly decreased, suggesting that the EFP protein contributes in early step(s) of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway to ensure production of flavonoid compounds. From these results, we conclude that EFP is an enhancer of flavonoid production and flower pigmentation, and its function is conserved among diverse land plant species.
Effects of riboflavin and ultraviolet light treatment on platelet thrombus formation on collagen via integrin αIIbβ3 activation
Authors: Terada Chikahiro , Mori Junpei , Okazaki Hitoshi , Satake Masahiro , Tadokoro Kenji 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe adoption of pathogen reduction technology (PRT) is considered for the implementation of safer platelet (PLT) transfusion. However, the effects of PRT treatment on PLT thrombus formation under blood flow have not yet been fully clarified.Study Design and MethodsLeukoreduced PLT concentrates (PCs) obtained by plateletpheresis were treated with riboflavin and ultraviolet light (Mirasol PRT). PC samples were passed through a column filled with collagen‐coated beads at a fixed shear rate after 1, 3, and 5 days of storage. The thrombus formation ability was evaluated by measuring collagen column retention rate. The change in the activation state of integrin αIIbβ3 on PLTs during storage was examined by flow cytometry.ResultsThe retention rate of the PRT‐treated PLTs was significantly higher than that of the control PLTs on the day of treatment and decreased with storage but remained higher than those of the control during storage. This modification did not correlate with the total αIIbβ3 or fibrinogen binding on the PLTs but correlated significantly with PAC‐1 binding. Mn2+‐induced αIIbβ3 activation also fully restored the retention rate in the Day 5 PRT‐treated PLTs along with the increase in PAC‐1 binding.ConclusionRiboflavin‐based PRT treatment of PCs leads to the enhancement of thrombus formation on collagen, which is related to the activation status of αIIbβ3, which does not bind to fibrinogen but binds to PAC‐1. The impact of this finding on the hemostatic or even thrombogenic potential in vivo must await clinical evaluation.
French Firms' Exports During Downturns: Evidence from Past Crises
Authors: Bellas Dimitri , Vicard Vincent 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis paper makes use of detailed French firm‐level data on a quarterly basis to investigate the impact of past crises on exports and the margins of adjustment. We first detect crises periods using quantitative criteria and classify them into banking crises, currency crises, simultaneous banking and currency crises, and other crises. Our results underline the prevalence of the intensive margin of adjustment to large shocks, that is, firms reducing their average sales per product while staying on the market. The extensive margin of trade is, however, dominant in currency crises. On average, a crisis reduces the growth rate of exports over six quarters. Finally, we show that exports overreact to demand variations during crises, and that the extensive margin is more responsive to demand. Other factors, not directly related to demand, mostly affect the intensive margin.
Equine intradermal test threshold concentrations for house dust mite and storage mite allergens and identification of stable acari fauna
Authors: Roberts Holly A. , Hurcombe Samuel D. A. , Hillier Andrew , Lorch Gwendolen 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundHouse dust mite (HDM) and storage mite (SM) stable fauna and their associated equine intradermal test (IDT) threshold concentrations (TCs) for the midwestern region of the USA are unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo determine IDT TCs and serum IgE concentrations for two HDM and three SM species in clinically normal horses over two seasons, and to identify the mite taxa and habitats in a stable.AnimalsThirty‐eight clinically normal horses.MethodsThreshold concentrations for HDMs and SMs were determined using IDT subjective measurements and a statistical model. An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to quantify serum IgE concentrations for the same mite species. A modified flotation method was used to identify morphologically HDMs and SMs.ResultsSubjective IDT TCs were as follows: 1:80,000 w/v for Dermatophagoides farinae in both seasons; 1:80,000 w/v in spring and 1:160,000 w/v in late summer for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus; 1:40,000 w/v in spring and 1:20,000 w/v in late summer for Acarus siro; 1:20,000 w/v for Lepidoglyphus destructor in both seasons; and 1:20,000 w/v in spring and 1:10,000 w/v in late summer for Tyrophagus putrescentiae. Statistically significant associations for increased serum IgE and a positive IDT reaction were evident for D. farinae in the spring and D. pteronyssinus in both seasons. One mite from all four genera specific to this study was identified; however, two HDM and A. siro species were not detected.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis study established HDM and SM IDT dilution concentrations for the horses in this region. Exposure to diverse acaridae fauna may contribute to the pathogenesis of equine allergic disease.
Comparison of two handheld applanation tonometers and the association of central corneal thickness, age, and intraocular pressure in normal and diseased canine eyes
Authors: Kato Kumiko 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements from two applanation tonometers (Tono‐PenXL®andAccuPen®) in normal and diseased canine eyes (including corneal disease, cataract, glaucoma, uveitis, and noninflammatory intraocular disease) and evaluate the associations among the central corneal thickness (CCT),IOPmeasurements, and age.Animals studiedSixty‐eight normal and 191 diseased eyes.ProcedureA topical anesthetic agent was applied to each eye. One minute later,IOPwas measured with theTono‐PenXL®and then the AccuPen®, and thenCCTwas measured with an ultrasonic pachymeter. Measurements for the right eye were always taken first.ResultsTheTono‐PenXL®successfully measuredIOPin all eyes, whereas theAccuPen®registered measurements in only 98.4% of diseased eyes. TheAccuPen®measurements were significantly lower than theTono‐PenXL®measurements in both normal and diseased eyes. TheCCTdid not affect theTono‐PenXL®orAccuPen®measurements in normal or diseased eyes. Spearman's correlation coefficient by rank analysis ofCCTandIOPyielded correlation coefficients (r) of 0.144 and 0.101 for theTono‐PenXL®, and 0.108 and 0.175 for the AccuPen®in normal and diseased eyes, respectively. In normal canine eyes, age correlated inversely with theCCT(r = −0.128) andIOPas measured using theTono‐PenXL®(r = −0.446) andAccuPen®(r = −0.427).ConclusionsTheAccuPen®measurements were slightly but significantly lower than theTono‐PenXL®measurements in both normal and diseased canine eyes. TheCCTaffected the results of neither tonometer regardless of disease, while bothIOPandCCTtended to decrease with age in normal eyes.