bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of caffeine on wound healing
Authors: Ojeh Nkemcho , Stojadinovic Olivera , Pastar Irena , Sawaya Andrew , Yin Natalie , Tomic‐Canic Marjana 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe purine alkaloid caffeine is a major component of many beverages such as coffee and tea. Caffeine and its metabolites theobromine and xanthine have been shown to have antioxidant properties. Caffeine can also act as adenosine‐receptor antagonist. Although it has been shown that adenosine and antioxidants promote wound healing, the effect of caffeine on wound healing is currently unknown. To investigate the effects of caffeine on processes involved in epithelialisation, we used primary human keratinocytes, HaCaT cell line and ex vivo model of human skin. First, we tested the effects of caffeine on cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and migration, processes essential for normal wound epithelialisation and closure. We used 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) proliferation assay to test the effects of seven different caffeine doses ranging from 0·1 to 5 mM. We found that caffeine restricted cell proliferation of keratinocytes in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, scratch wound assays performed on keratinocyte monolayers indicated dose‐dependent delays in cell migration. Interestingly, adhesion and differentiation remained unaffected in monolayer cultures treated with various doses of caffeine. Using a human ex vivo wound healing model, we tested topical application of caffeine and found that it impedes epithelialisation, confirming in vitro data. We conclude that caffeine, which is known to have antioxidant properties, impedes keratinocyte proliferation and migration, suggesting that it may have an inhibitory effect on wound healing and epithelialisation. Therefore, our findings are more in support of a role for caffeine as adenosine‐receptor antagonist that would negate the effect of adenosine in promoting wound healing.
Medical Infrared Imaging (Thermography) of Type I Thoracolumbar Disk Disease in Chondrodystrophic Dogs
Authors: Grossbard Brian P. , Loughin Catherine A. , Marino Dominic J. , Marino Leonard J. , Sackman Joseph , Umbaugh Scott E. , Solt Patrick S. , Afruz Jakia , Leando Peter , Lesser Martin L. , Akerman Meredith 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveTo: (1) determine the success of medical infrared imaging (MII) in identifying dogs with TLIVDD, (2) compare MII localization with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results and surgical findings, and (3) determine if the MII pattern returns to that of normal dogs 10 weeks after decompression surgery.Study DesignProspective case series.AnimalsChondrodystrophic dogs (n = 58) with Type I TLIVDD and 14 chondrodystrophic dogs with no evidence of TLIVDD.MethodsComplete neurologic examination, MII, and MRI studies were performed on all dogs. Dogs with type I TLIVDD had decompressive surgery and follow‐up MII was performed at 10 weeks. Pattern analysis software was used to differentiate between clinical and control dogs, and statistical analysis using anatomic regions of interest on the dorsal views were used to determine lesion location. Recheck MII results were compared with control and pre‐surgical images.ResultsComputer recognition pattern analysis was 90% successful in differentiating normal dogs from dogs affected by TLIVDD and 97% successful in identifying the abnormal intervertebral disc space in dogs with TLIVDD. Statistical comparisons of the ROI mean temperature were unable to determine the location of the disc herniation. Recheck MII patterns did not normalize and more closely resembled the clinical group.ConclusionsMII was 90% successful differentiating between normal dogs and 97% successful in identifying the abnormal intervertebral disc space in dogs with TLIVDD. Abnormal intervertebral disc space localization using ROI mean temperature analysis was not successful. MII patterns 10 weeks after surgery do not normalize.
Low testosterone syndrome protects subjects with high cardiovascular risk burden from major adverse cardiovascular events
Authors: Corona G. , Rastrelli G. , Maseroli E. , Fralassi N. , Sforza A. , Forti G. , Mannucci E. , Maggi M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe role of testosterone (T) in the cardiovascular (CV) health of men is controversial. Some data suggest that hypogonadism is associated with CV mortality but not morbidity, however, recent evidence shows that hypogonadal subjects treated with T replacement therapy have a higher incidence of new CV events. The aim of this study is to analyse whether gonadal status might predict new CV event incidence according to a patient's previous history of CV events, in a cohort of subjects complaining of sexual dysfunction. A consecutive series of 1687 patients was followed‐up for a mean time of 4.3 ± 2.6 years for new occurrence of CV events, detecting 139 events. Hypogonadism (total T < 12 nmol/L) was not associated with an increased incidence of new CV events in the entire cohort. However, when considering patients with a previous history of CV events, hypogonadism was associated with a reduced risk of new CV events, even after adjusting for confounders (hazard ratios – HR = 0.498 [0.240; 0.996]; p = 0.049), whereas no relationship was observed in subjects free of previous CV events. Similar results were observed when reduced testis volume (TV) was considered as a predictor of new CV events in subjects with previous CV events (HR = 0.486 [0.257; 0.920]; p = 0.027). In patients with a history of previous CV events, but not in those without previous CV events, having both low T and low TV was associated with a lower incidence of new CV events as compared with subjects with only one or none of these conditions, even after adjusting for confounders (HR = 0.514 [0.306; 0.864]; p for trend < 0.02). Notably, CV risk estimated with risk engines based on traditional risk factors was not different between hypogonadal and eugonadal subjects. In conclusion, hypogonadism could be interpreted as a protective mechanism in unhealthy conditions, such as previous CV events, to avoid fatherhood and spare energy.
Synthesis and Photoluminescence of a Novel Green‐Emitting La5Si3O12N:Eu2+ Phosphor
Authors: Lu Fa‐Chun , Bai Li‐Jing 
Published: July 2014

A novel green‐emitting La5Si3O12N:Eu2+ phosphor has been synthesized with the solid‐state reaction method under the high temperature, high pressure, and reducing atmosphere. This phosphor shows stable Eu2+ photoluminescence spectra. No Eu3+ line spectra have been found. For the emission band, an abnormal blue shift has been found. Concentration quenching occurs at Eu2+ concentration of 4 mol%. The photoluminescence property at high temperature was investigated. The physical mechanisms for blue shift, concentration quenching and thermal quenching were investigated and discussed. The proposed synthesis process could be a suitable method to acquire the stable Eu2+ photoluminescence in the trivalent metal cation compounds.
Glycosylated Hemoglobin Level Is Associated with Hearing Impairment in Older Japanese: The Kurabuchi Study
Authors: Michikawa Takehiro , Mizutari Kunio , Saito Hideyuki , Takebayashi Toru , Nishiwaki Yuji 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo examine the association between glycemic levels (glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c)) and hearing impairment in a general older population.DesignCommunity‐based prospective longitudinal cohort study.SettingKurabuchi Town, Gunma Prefecture, Japan.ParticipantsResidents (N = 831; 350 men, 481 women) aged 65 and older were examined in 2005 and 2006 and analyzed in a cross‐sectional study. Residents without hearing impairment at baseline who participated in audiometric re‐examinations 4 years later were analyzed (n = 338).MeasurementsHearing impairment was defined as failure to hear a 30‐dB signal at 1 kHz and a 40‐dB signal at 4 kHz in the better ear in pure‐tone audiometric tests.ResultsMean HbA1c level (National Glycohemoglobin Standardization Program) was 5.8 ± 0.8% (40 mmol/mol). Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of hearing impairment associated with HbA1c were estimated using a logistic regression model. In the cross‐sectional analysis, HbA1c levels were positively associated with hearing impairment (OR per 1.0% increase in HbA1c = 1.30, 95% CI = 1.00−1.68). This association persisted even after excluding 58 participants with a self‐reported history of diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Longitudinal analysis revealed the temporality of the discussed association (OR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.03−2.23).ConclusionThe present study provides supportive evidence for a causal link between hyperglycemia and age‐related hearing loss.
The regulatory network mediated by circadian clock genes is related to heterosis in rice
Authors: Shen Guojing , Hu Wei , Zhang Bo , Xing Yongzhong 
Published: July 2014

AbstractExploitation of heterosis in rice (Oryza sativa L.) has contributed greatly to global food security. In this study, we generated three sets of reciprocal F1 hybrids of indica and japonica subspecies to evaluate the relationship between yield heterosis and the circadian clock. There were no differences in trait performance or heterosis between the reciprocal hybrids, indicating no maternal effects on heterosis. The indica‐indica and indica‐japonica reciprocal F1 hybrids exhibited pronounced heterosis for chlorophyll and starch content in leaves and for grain yield/biomass. In contrast, the japonica‐japonica F1 hybrids showed low heterosis. The three circadian clock genes investigated expressed in an above‐high‐parent pattern (AHP) at seedling stage in all the hybrids. The five genes downstream of the circadian clock, and involved in chlorophyll and starch metabolic pathways, were expressed in AHP in hybrids with strong better‐parent heterosis (BPH). Similarly, three of these five genes in the japonica‐japonica F1 hybrids showing low BPH were expressed in positive overdominance, but the other two genes were expressed in additive or negative overdominance. These results indicated that the expression patterns of circadian clock genes and their downstream genes are associated with heterosis, which suggests that the circadian rhythm pathway may be related to heterosis in rice.
Impacts of dietary fat level and saturation when feeding distillers grains to high producing dairy cows
Authors: Havlin J. M. , Robinson P. H. , Karges K. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThis experiment was conducted to determine whether increasing the net energy (NEL) of a total mixed ration (TMR) with mainly unsaturated fat from corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) vs. rumen inert (RI)‐saturated fat has similar impacts on animal performance. The experiment was an incomplete Youden square with three treatments and four 28‐days periods, completed on a large commercial dairy using three early lactation pens each with approximately 380 multiparity cows. The TMR for all treatments was the same, except for 150 g/kg dry matter (DM) of each TMR which contained 90 g/kg high‐protein DDGS (HPDDGS) and 60 g/kg beet pulp (i.e. low‐fat control diet; LFC); 150 g/kg DDGS (i.e. high‐fat diet with unsaturated fat; HFU); or 111 g/kg HPDDGS, 20 g/kg beet pulp and 19 g/kg RI fat (i.e. high‐fat diet with saturated fat; HFS). The DM intake was highest (p < 0.05) for HFU‐fed cows. Milk, fat and true protein yields, as well as milk energy output, were higher (p < 0.01) when cows were fed HFS vs. HFU and LFC diets. Milk true protein concentration was lowest (p < 0.01) for HFS‐fed cows, but milk fat % was lowest (p < 0.01) for HFU and highest (p < 0.01) for HFS‐fed cows. There were numerous differences (p < 0.01) in milk fatty acid levels amongst diets. The increase in body condition score was lowest (p < 0.01) for LFC. Whole tract digestibility of acid detergent fibre was lower (p < 0.01) for LFC vs. HFS cows, and fat digestion was lowest (p < 0.01) for LFC‐fed cows. This DDGS, high in unsaturated fatty acids, was fed at high levels (i.e. 152 g/kg DM) with little impact on animal performance vs. a lower fat control diet, although addition of an RI‐saturated fat to create a diet with a similarly higher fat level resulted in higher animal productivity.
Metamorphism in the Martian crust
Authors: McSween Harry Y. , Labotka Theodore C. , Viviano‐Beck Christina E. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractCompositions of basaltic and ultramafic rocks analyzed by Mars rovers and occurring as Martian meteorites allow predictions of metamorphic mineral assemblages that would form under various thermophysical conditions. Key minerals identified by remote sensing roughly constrain temperatures and pressures in the Martian crust. We use a traditional metamorphic approach (phase diagrams) to assess low‐grade/hydrothermal equilibrium assemblages. Basaltic rocks should produce chlorite + actinolite + albite + silica, accompanied by laumontite, pumpellyite, prehnite, or serpentine/talc. Only prehnite‐bearing assemblages have been spectrally identified on Mars, although laumontite and pumpellyite have spectra similar to other uncharacterized zeolites and phyllosilicates. Ultramafic rocks are predicted to produce serpentine, talc, and magnesite, all of which have been detected spectrally on Mars. Mineral assemblages in both basaltic and ultramafic rocks constrain fluid compositions to be H2O‐rich and CO2‐poor. We confirm the hypothesis that low‐grade/hydrothermal metamorphism affected the Noachian crust on Mars, which has been excavated in large craters. We estimate the geothermal gradient (>20 °C km−1) required to produce the observed assemblages. This gradient is higher than that estimated from radiogenic heat‐producing elements in the crust, suggesting extra heating by regional hydrothermal activity.
Region‐specific regulation of the serotonin 2A receptor expression in development and ageing in post mortem human brain
Authors: Marinova Zoya , Monoranu Camelia‐Maria , Fetz Sonja , Walitza Susanne , Grünblatt Edna 
Published: July 2014

AimsThe serotonin 2A receptor (HTR2A) is widely expressed in the brain and involved in the modulation of fear, mood, anxiety and other symptoms. HTR2A and HTR2A gene variations are implicated in depression, schizophrenia, anxiety and obsessive‐compulsive disorder. To understand HTR2A signalling changes in psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders, its normal pattern of brain expression and region specificity during development and ageing needs to be clarified. The aim of the present study was to assess HTR2A expression through developmental and ageing stages in six brain regions in post mortem human brain samples from individuals with no clinical or neuropathological evidence of neuropsychiatric disorders and to investigate the interaction with the rs6311 HTR2A promoter polymorphism.MethodsDNA, RNA and protein were isolated from post mortem brain samples including six regions (frontal cortex, striatum, amygdala, thalamus, brain stem and cerebellum) from 55 individuals. HTR2A mRNA levels were assessed using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR and HTR2A protein levels – with Western blot. The rs6311 HTR2A polymorphism was analysed with genotyping.ResultsWe found that HTR2A mRNA and protein levels are differentially regulated with age in different brain regions studied, but are not affected by gender. Significant changes in HTR2A expression with age were found in frontal cortex, amygdala, thalamus, brain stem and cerebellum.ConclusionsOur results show plasticity and region specificity of HTR2A expression regulation in human brain with age, which may be important for the interaction with other neurotransmitter systems and for the occurrence of developmental periods with increased vulnerability to neuropsychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders.
The role of Porphyromonas gingivalis gingipains in platelet activation and innate immune modulation
Authors: Klarström Engström K. , Khalaf H. , Kälvegren H. , Bengtsson T. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryPlatelets are considered to have important functions in inflammatory processes and as actors in the innate immunity. Several studies have shown associations between cardiovascular disease and periodontitis, where the oral anaerobic pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis has a prominent role in modulating the immune response. Porphyromonas gingivalis has been found in atherosclerotic plaques, indicating spreading of the pathogen via the circulation, with an ability to interact with and activate platelets via e.g. Toll‐like receptors (TLR) and protease‐activated receptors. We aimed to evaluate how the cysteine proteases, gingipains, of P. gingivalis affect platelets in terms of activation and chemokine secretion, and to further investigate the mechanisms of platelet–bacteria interaction. This study shows that primary features of platelet activation, i.e. changes in intracellular free calcium and aggregation, are affected by P. gingivalis and that arg‐gingipains are of great importance for the ability of the bacterium to activate platelets. The P. gingivalis induced a release of the chemokine RANTES, however, to a much lower extent compared with the TLR2/1‐agonist Pam3CSK4, which evoked a time‐dependent release of the chemokine. Interestingly, the TLR2/1‐evoked response was abolished by a following addition of viable P. gingivalis wild‐types and gingipain mutants, showing that both Rgp and Kgp cleave the secreted chemokine. We also demonstrate that Pam3CSK4‐stimulated platelets release migration inhibitory factor and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1, and that also these responses were antagonized by P. gingivalis. These results supports immune‐modulatory activities of P. gingivalis and further clarify platelets as active players in innate immunity and in sensing bacterial infections, and as target cells in inflammatory reactions induced by P. gingivalis infection.
In comparison with nitrate nutrition, ammonium nutrition increases growth of the frostbite1 Arabidopsis mutant
Authors: PODGÓRSKA ANNA , OSTASZEWSKA MONIKA , GARDESTRÖM PER , RASMUSSON ALLAN G. , SZAL BOŻENA 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAmmonium nutrition inhibits the growth of many plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana. The toxicity of ammonium is associated with changes in the cellular redox state. The cellular oxidant/antioxidant balance is controlled by mitochondrial electron transport chain. In this study, we analysed the redox metabolism of frostbite1 (fro1) plants, which lack mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I. Surprisingly, the growth of fro1 plants increased under ammonium nutrition. Ammonium nutrition increased the reduction level of pyridine nucleotides in the leaves of wild‐type plants, but not in the leaves of fro1 mutant plants. The observed higher activities of type II NADH dehydrogenases and cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial electron transport chain may improve the energy metabolism of fro1 plants grown on ammonium. Additionally, the observed changes in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism in the apoplast may be important for determining the growth of fro1 under ammonium nutrition. Moreover, bioinformatic analyses showed that the gene expression changes in fro1 plants significantly overlap with the changes previously observed in plants with a modified apoplastic pH. Overall, the results suggest a pronounced connection between the mitochondrial redox system and the apoplastic pH and ROS levels, which may modify cell wall plasticity and influence growth.
Fasciola hepatica tegumental antigens indirectly induce an M2 macrophage‐like phenotype in vivo
Authors: Adams P. N. , Aldridge A. , Vukman K. V. , Donnelly S. , O'Neill S. M. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe M2 subset of macrophages has a critical role to play in host tissue repair, tissue fibrosis and modulation of adaptive immunity during helminth infection. Infection with the helminth, Fasciola hepatica, is associated with M2 macrophages in its mammalian host, and this response is mimicked by its excretory‐secretory products (FhES). The tegumental coat of F. hepatica (FhTeg) is another major source of immune‐modulatory molecules; we have previously shown that FhTeg can modulate the activity of both dendritic cells and mast cells inhibiting their ability to prime a Th1 immune response. Here, we report that FhTeg does not induce Th2 immune responses but can induce M2‐like phenotype in vivo that modulates cytokine production from CD4+ cells in response to anti‐CD3 stimulation. FhTeg induces a RELMα expressing macrophage population in vitro, while in vivo, the expression of Arg1 and Ym‐1/2 but not RELMα in FhTeg‐stimulated macrophages was STAT6 dependent. To support this finding, FhTeg induces RELMα expression in vivo prior to the induction of IL‐13. FhTeg can induce IL‐13‐producing peritoneal macrophages following intraperitoneal injection This study highlights the important role of FhTeg as an immune‐modulatory source during F. hepatica infection and sheds further light on helminth–macrophage interactions.
High‐resolution time‐resolved imaging of in vitro Arabidopsis rosette growth
Authors: Dhondt Stijn , Gonzalez Nathalie , Blomme Jonas , De Milde Liesbeth , Van Daele Twiggy , Van Akoleyen Dirk , Storme Veronique , Coppens Frederik , T.S. Beemster Gerrit , Inzé Dirk 
Published: July 2014

SummaryAlthough quantitative characterization of growth phenotypes is of key importance for the understanding of essential networks driving plant growth, the majority of growth‐related genes are still being identified based on qualitative visual observations and/or single‐endpoint quantitative measurements. We developed an in vitro growth imaging system (IGIS) to perform time‐resolved analysis of rosette growth. In this system, Arabidopsis plants are grown in Petri dishes mounted on a rotating disk, and images of each plate are taken on an hourly basis. Automated image analysis was developed in order to obtain several growth‐related parameters, such as projected rosette area, rosette relative growth rate, compactness and stockiness, over time. To illustrate the use of the platform and the resulting data, we present the results for the growth response of Col–0 plants subjected to three mild stress conditions. Although the reduction in rosette area was relatively similar at 19 days after stratification, the time‐lapse analysis demonstrated that plants react differently to salt, osmotic and oxidative stress. The rosette area was altered at various time points during development, and leaf movement and shape parameters were also affected differently. We also used the IGIS to analyze in detail the growth behavior of mutants with enhanced leaf size. Analysis of several growth‐related parameters over time in these mutants revealed several specificities in growth behavior, underlining the high complexity of leaf growth coordination. These results demonstrate that time‐resolved imaging of in vitro rosette growth generates a better understanding of growth phenotypes than endpoint measurements.