bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased Serum Levels of the IL‐33 Neutralizing sST2 in Limited Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Wagner A. , Köhm M. , Nordin A. , Svenungsson E. , Pfeilschifter J.M. , Radeke H. H. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe pathophysiology of both limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc), representing two subtypes of an autoimmune disease of the connective tissue, is still enigmatic. Life‐limiting, progressive fibrotic changes as a consequence of vasculopathy and autoimmunity are characteristic in varying extent for lcSSc and dcSSc. Previously, an increased IL‐33 serum concentration in early phase SSc patients and an elevated tissue expression of its receptor, ST2L, on endothelial cells (EC) were described. While suggested as a biomarker for fibrotic diseases, for example liver fibrosis, the role of soluble ST2 (sST2) in the pathological processes and its contribution to vascular fibrosis in SSc has not been investigated. Here, we showed that sST2 is elevated in late phase limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) as compared to patients with shorter disease duration or with the diffuse subtype of SSc. We demonstrated that sST2, not IL‐33, is significantly increased in serum of lcSSc patients with disease duration over 9 years. Soluble ST2 was not elevated in healthy controls or in SSc patients with early skin involvement or disease duration shorter than 9 years. Furthermore, we observed that sST2 serum levels were lowered by iloprost (prostacyclin) treatment. After 5 days of iloprost infusion, sST2 serum levels fell in 6 of 7 patients. Therefore, we not only like to propose sST2 as a biomarker for progressive vascular fibrosis, but moreover, suggest that the involvement of sST2 in the pathogenesis of lcSSc may be exploited therapeutically.
Inhibition of Interferon Regulatory Factor 4 Attenuates Acute Liver Allograft Rejection in Mice
Authors: Zhao W. , Zhang Z. , Zhao Q. , Liu M. , Wang Y. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAcute liver allograft rejection is a serious complication after liver transplantation. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) is expressed predominantly in the immune system and plays an important role in its development and function. However, the role of IRF4 in liver transplantation has never been investigated. In our current study, to evaluate the effect of IRF4 inhibition on recipient survival, IRF4 siRNA, or control siRNA, or PBS was injected into the liver allograft recipients through caudal vein. The survival time of mice treated with IRF4 siRNA (MST = 31.5 days) was prolonged significantly compared with that of mice treated with PBS (MST = 6 days) or control siRNA (MST = 6.5 days) (P < 0.001). IRF4 siRNA treatment displays lower induction of pro‐inflammatory levels, including TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IFN‐γ, and higher induction of anti‐inflammatory IL‐10 levels. Administration of anti‐IL‐10 into IRF4 siRNA‐treated mice resulted in shortened allograft survival and increased rejection scores. Furthermore, IRF4 inhibition promotes M2 macrophage differentiation in vivo and in vitro. And inhibition of macrophages with GdCl3 reverses the prolonged liver allograft survival and decreased liver rejection scores induced by IRF4 siRNA. In conclusion, inhibition of IRF4 attenuates acute liver allograft rejection in mice, and this is associated with promoted M2 macrophage differentiation.
Zebrafish and Streptococcal Infections
Authors: Saralahti A. , Rämet M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractStreptococcal bacteria are a versatile group of gram‐positive bacteria capable of infecting several host organisms, including humans and fish. Streptococcal species are common colonizers of the human respiratory and gastrointestinal tract, but they also cause some of the most common life‐threatening, invasive infections in humans and aquaculture. With its unique characteristics and efficient tools for genetic and imaging applications, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful vertebrate model for infectious diseases. Several zebrafish models introduced so far have shown that zebrafish are suitable models for both zoonotic and human‐specific infections. Recently, several zebrafish models mimicking human streptococcal infections have also been developed. These models show great potential in providing novel information about the pathogenic mechanisms and host responses associated with human streptococcal infections. Here, we review the zebrafish infection models for the most relevant streptococcal species: the human‐specificStreptococcus pneumoniaeandStreptococcus pyogenes, and the zoonoticStreptococcus iniaeandStreptococcus agalactiae. The recent success and the future potential of these models for the study of host–pathogen interactions in streptococcal infections are also discussed.
Administration of DNA Encoding the Interleukin‐27 Gene Augments Antitumour Responses through Non‐adaptive Immunity
Authors: Li Q. , Sato A. , Shimozato O. , Shingyoji M. , Tada Y. , Tatsumi K. , Shimada H. , Hiroshima K. , Tagawa M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDNA‐mediated immunization of a tumour antigen is a possible immunotherapy for cancer, and interleukin (IL)‐27 has diverse functions in adaptive immunity. In this study, we examined whether IL‐27 DNA administration enhanced antitumour effects in mice vaccinated with DNA encoding a putative tumour antigen, β‐galactosidase (β‐gal). An intramuscular injection of cardiotoxin before DNA administration facilitated the exogenous gene expression. In mice received β‐gal and IL‐27 DNA, growth of β‐gal‐positive P815 tumours was retarded and survival of the mice was prolonged. Development of β‐gal‐positive Colon 26 tumours was suppressed by vaccination of β‐gal DNA and further inhibited by additional IL‐27 DNA administration or IL‐12 family cytokines. Nevertheless, a population of β‐gal‐specific CD8+ T cells did not increase, and production of anti‐β‐gal antibody was not enhanced by IL‐27 DNA administration. Spleen cells from mice bearing IL‐27‐expressing Colon 26 tumours showed greater YAC‐1‐targeted cytotoxicity although CD3−/DX5+ natural killer (NK) cell numbers remained unchanged. Recombinant IL‐27 enhanced YAC‐1‐targeted cytotoxicity of IL‐2‐primed splenic NK cells and augmented a phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and an expression of perforin. These data collectively indicate that IL‐27 DNA administration activates NK cells and augments vaccination effects of DNA encoding a tumour antigen through non‐adaptive immune responses.
High intensity focused ultrasound as a potential new modality for the treatment of pigmentary skin disorder
Authors: Choi S. Y. , Yoo K. H. , Oh C. T. , Kwon T. R. , Choi E. J. , Seok J. , Kim B. J. 
Published: June 2015

Background/PurposeThe clinical skin tightening benefits of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) have been established, but its mechanism of action in pigmented skin disorders remains unknown. We macroscopically and histopathologically investigated dermatological changes after HIFU at different exposure doses in a UVB‐induced guinea pig model of hyperpigmentation.MethodsWe applied HIFU irradiation at 0.1 and 0.2 J/cm2 to UVB‐induced spotty hyperpigmentation in guinea pig skin. The therapeutic effects of HIFU were judged based on gross appearance using photography, dermoscopy, and chromametry during a period of 3 weeks after HIFU irradiation. Histological assessments were performed using Fontana‐Masson staining 1 day before and 3 weeks after HIFU irradiation.ResultsMacroscopically, UVB‐induced hyperpigmentation was significantly reduced 2 weeks after HIFU with 0.2 J/cm2, and 3 weeks after HIFU with 0.1 J/cm2. Histopathologically, the heavy deposition of melanin in the epidermis induced by UVB exposure was reduced 3 weeks after HIFU irradiation.ConclusionWe confirmed that HIFU has a positive effect on UVB‐induced hyperpigmentation as well as mechanical destructive activity. We suggest that HIFU may be useful as an alternative modality for human patients suffering from skin pigmentary conditions.
Razor's Edge: The Politics of Facial Hair
Authors: Herrick Rebekah , Mendez Jeanette Morehouse , Pryor Ben 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveThis article argues that whether male candidates have facial hair has political implications. We argue that facial hair makes men appear overly masculine, having strong support for use of violence and little support for feminist views, which makes them less attractive candidates for women and feminists. Further, we argue that these perceptions are likely accurate.MethodsUsing a survey of college‐age subjects, the research generally supports this theory.ResultsMen with facial hair are seen as more masculine, as well as more conservative on feminist issues, and women and feminists are less likely to vote for them. Further, we find perceptions of masculinity mediate the effects of facial hair on voters’ perceptions of them and willingness to vote for them. However, candidates with facial hair are seen as less supportive of use of force and these perceptions are not accurate based on members’ roll‐call votes.ConclusionThis article indicates that male candidates send a signal to voters about their masculinity by their choice of whether to shave.
Relevance of chronic hepatitis E in liver transplant recipients: a real‐life setting
Authors: Galante A. , Pischke S. , Polywka S. , Luetgehethmann M. , Suneetha P.V. , Gisa A. , Hiller J. , Dienes H.P. , Nashan B. , Lohse A.W. , Sterneck M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe chronic course of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infections in orthotopic liver transplant (OLT) recipients has been described previously, but prospectively collected data are rare. We aimed to study the role of chronic hepatitis E in OLT in a real‐life setting. Therefore, 287 adult OLT recipients (169 male [59%], median age 56 years) were prospectively tested by HEV polymerase chain reaction assay (lower level of detection = 10 IU/mL), irrespective of their level of liver enzymes. In 4 patients (1.4%), chronic HEV infection was diagnosed. All 4 patients were male, and their age (median 48.5 years), the time since transplantation (median 45.5 months), and bilirubin level (median 0.6 mg/dL) did not differ significantly from the total cohort. However, alanine transaminase and aspartame transaminase levels were significantly higher in HEV‐infected patients (75–646 U/L, median 216 U/L and 68–317 U/L, median 108 U/L) than in non‐infected patients (6–617 U/L, median 41 and 6–355 U/L, median 36; P = 0.004 and 0.040, Mann–Whitney test). In 3 patients, liver biopsy was performed and revealed signs of inflammation and chronic liver disease, as enlarged densely infiltrated portal tracts with mild‐to‐moderate interface hepatitis. All infected patients were treated with ribavirin with the starting dose adjusted to renal function (400–800 mg/day). In 2 patients, dose reduction was necessary. Transaminases normalized in all 4 patients, and all patients cleared their infection within 3 months of ribavirin treatment. However, 1 patient experienced viral relapse 12 weeks after discontinuation. Ribavirin medication was re‐started and viral clearance occurred within 8 weeks and persisted. Sequence analysis of the HEV genome of this patient revealed that he was infected with an HEV variant, which recently has been shown to have a reduced response to ribavirin in cell culture. The risk of chronic HEV infections in OLT recipients in low‐endemic countries should not be overestimated. No case of chronic hepatitis E was observed in patients with normal liver enzymes, indicating that general screening of all OLT recipients is not necessary. However, if chronic hepatitis E develops, it can be treated efficiently with ribavirin.
Disseminated Trichosporon infection in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Chaitanya V. , Sangeetha Lakshmi B. , Venkata Kumar A.C. , Hari Krishna Reddy M. , Ram R. , Siva Kumar V. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTrichosporon species are basidiomycetous yeast‐like anamorphic organisms (Basidiomycota, Hymenomycetes, Tremelloidae, Trichosporonales) that are widely distributed in nature. Trichosporon species colonize the skin and gastrointestinal tract of humans. We present a report of disseminated Trichosporon in a renal allograft recipient. Our patient satisfied the definitions of both “proven invasive trichosporonosis” and “probable pulmonary infection.” Only 2 reports of disseminated Trichosporon infection in renal transplant recipients, to our knowledge, have been published.
Cardiac toxoplasmosis after heart transplantation diagnosed by endomyocardial biopsy
Authors: Petty L.A. , Qamar S. , Ananthanarayanan V. , Husain A.N. , Murks C. , Potter L. , Kim G. , Pursell K. , Fedson S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe describe a case of cardiac toxoplasmosis diagnosed by routine endomyocardial biopsy in a patient with trimethoprim‐sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) intolerance on atovaquone prophylaxis. Data are not available on the efficacy of atovaquone as Toxoplasma gondii prophylaxis after heart transplantation. In heart transplant patients in whom TMP‐SMX is not an option, other strategies may be considered, including the addition of pyrimethamine to atovaquone.
Surveillance of adult Aedes mosquitoes in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Lau Sai‐Ming , Vythilingam Indra , Doss Jonathan Inbaraj , Sekaran Shamala Devi , Chua Tock H. , Wan Sulaiman Wan Yusof , Chinna Karuthan , Lim Yvonne Ai‐Lian , Venugopalan Balan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of using sticky traps and the NS1 dengue antigen kit for the surveillance of Aedes mosquitoes for dengue control.MethodsApartments were selected in a dengue‐endemic area, and sticky traps were set to capture adult Aedes mosquitoes. NS1 dengue antigen kit was used to detect dengue antigen in mosquitoes, and positive mosquitoes were serotyped using real‐time RT‐PCR.ResultsThe sticky traps were effective in capturing Aedes aegypti, and a minimum of three traps per floor was sufficient. Multiple serotypes were found in individual mosquitoes.ConclusionThe sticky trap and the NS1 dengue antigen test kit can be used as surveillance tool in dengue control programmes. This proactive method will be better suited for control programmes than current reactive methods.
Guard cell photosynthesis is critical for stomatal turgor production, yet does not directly mediate CO2‐ and ABA‐induced stomatal closing
Authors: Azoulay‐Shemer Tamar , Palomares Axxell , Bagheri Andisheh , Israelsson‐Nordstrom Maria , Engineer Cawas B. , Bargmann Bastiaan O. R. , Stephan Aaron B. , Schroeder Julian I. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryStomata mediate gas exchange between the inter‐cellular spaces of leaves and the atmosphere. CO2 levels in leaves (Ci) are determined by respiration, photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and atmospheric [CO2]. [CO2] in leaves mediates stomatal movements. The role of guard cell photosynthesis in stomatal conductance responses is a matter of debate, and genetic approaches are needed. We have generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants that are chlorophyll‐deficient in guard cells only, expressing a constitutively active chlorophyllase in a guard cell specific enhancer trap line. Our data show that more than 90% of guard cells were chlorophyll‐deficient. Interestingly, approximately 45% of stomata had an unusual, previously not‐described, morphology of thin‐shaped chlorophyll‐less stomata. Nevertheless, stomatal size, stomatal index, plant morphology, and whole‐leaf photosynthetic parameters (PSII, qP, qN, FV′/FM′) were comparable with wild‐type plants. Time‐resolved intact leaf gas‐exchange analyses showed a reduction in stomatal conductance and CO2‐assimilation rates of the transgenic plants. Normalization of CO2 responses showed that stomata of transgenic plants respond to [CO2] shifts. Detailed stomatal aperture measurements of normal kidney‐shaped stomata, which lack chlorophyll, showed stomatal closing responses to [CO2] elevation and abscisic acid (ABA), while thin‐shaped stomata were continuously closed. Our present findings show that stomatal movement responses to [CO2] and ABA are functional in guard cells that lack chlorophyll. These data suggest that guard cell CO2 and ABA signal transduction are not directly modulated by guard cell photosynthesis/electron transport. Moreover, the finding that chlorophyll‐less stomata cause a ‘deflated’ thin‐shaped phenotype, suggests that photosynthesis in guard cells is critical for energization and guard cell turgor production.
Oviposition by Spodoptera exigua on Nicotiana attenuata primes induced plant defence against larval herbivory
Authors: Bandoly Michele , Hilker Monika , Steppuhn Anke 
Published: June 2015

SummaryPlants exhibit multifarious defence traits against herbivory that are constitutively expressed or induced upon attack. Insect egg deposition often precedes impending larval attack, and several plants can increase their resistance against larvae after experiencing the oviposition by an herbivore. The nature of such oviposition‐mediated resistance remains unknown, and here we aim to determine plant traits that explain it. We test whether oviposition on a host plant can induce plant defence responses or enhance (prime) the induction of defence traits in response to larval herbivory. We exposed Nicotiana attenuata plants to oviposition by moths of a generalist herbivore, Spodoptera exigua. Its larvae suffered higher mortality, retarded development and inflicted less feeding damage on oviposition‐experienced than on oviposition‐unexperienced plants. While oviposition alone did not induce any of the examined defence traits, oviposited plants exhibited a stronger inducibility of known defence traits, i.e. caffeoylputrescine (CP) and trypsin protease inhibitors (TPIs). We found no effects of oviposition on phytohormone levels, but on the feeding‐inducible accumulation of the transcription factor NaMyb8 that is governing biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid–polyamine conjugates, including CP. Comparison of larval performance on wild‐type plants, CP‐deficient plants (silenced NaMyb8 gene), and TPI‐deficient plants (silenced NaPI gene) revealed that priming of plant resistance to larvae by prior oviposition required NaMyb8‐mediated defence traits. Our results show that plants can use insect egg deposition as a warning signal to prime their feeding‐induced defence.
The role of miR156/SPLs modules in Arabidopsis lateral root development
Authors: Yu Niu , Niu Qi‐Wen , Ng Kian‐Hong , Chua Nam‐Hai 
Published: June 2015

SummarymiR156 is an evolutionarily highly conserved miRNA in plants that defines an age‐dependent flowering pathway. The investigations thus far have largely, if not exclusively, confined to plant aerial organs. Root branching architecture is a major determinant of water and nutrients uptake for plants. We show here that MIR156 genes are differentially expressed in specific cells/tissues of lateral roots. Plants overexpressing miR156 produce more lateral roots whereas reducing miR156 levels leads to fewer lateral roots. We demonstrate that at least one representative from the three groups of miR156 targets SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN‐LIKE (SPL) genes: SPL3, SPL9 and SPL10 are involved in the repression of lateral root growth, with SPL10 playing a dominant role. In addition, both MIR156 and SPLs are responsive to auxin signaling suggesting that miR156/SPL modules might be involved in the proper timing of the lateral root developmental progression. Collectively, these results unravel a role for miR156/SPLs modules in lateral root development in Arabidopsis.
Implementing mass‐scale red cell genotyping at a blood center
Authors: Flegel Willy A. , Gottschall Jerome L. , Denomme Gregory A. 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDWhen problems with compatibility beyond ABO and D arise, currently transfusion services search their inventories and perform time‐consuming serologic testing to locate antigen‐negative blood. These clinically important blood group antigens can be detected reliably by red cell genotyping, which is a technology whereby DNA‐based techniques are used to evaluate gene polymorphisms that determine the expression of blood group antigens. We introduced mass‐scale genotyping and measured availability of genotyped blood.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSAll non‐Caucasian donors qualified for genotyping along with donors who had a history of repeat donation. Mass‐scale red cell genotyping, performed on an electronic interfaced open array platform, was implemented to screen blood donors for 32 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms that predicted 42 blood group antigens. Genotype screening results were confirmed by phenotyping, when needed for antigen‐negative transfusion, before release of the red blood cell (RBC) unit.RESULTSApproximately 22,000 donors were red cell genotyped within 4 months and a total of 43,066 donors in 4 years. There were 463 discordances (0.52% of 89,596 genotypes with a phenotype). Among the 307 resolved discordances, approximate equal numbers represented historical serologic or genotyping discrepancies (n = 151 and n = 156, respectively). In the final year of the study, a mean of 29% of the daily inventory had a genotype.CONCLUSIONSRed cell genotyping of blood donors using an electronic interface created a large and stable supply of RBC units with historical genotypes. The database served the needs of antigen‐negative blood requests for a large regional blood center and allowed us to abandon screening by serology.
Incidence and natural history of intravenous immunoglobulin–induced aseptic meningitis: a retrospective review at a single tertiary care center
Authors: Bharath Vighnesh , Eckert Kathleen , Kang Matthew , Chin‐Yee Ian H. , Hsia Cyrus C. 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDAseptic meningitis is a rare but significant complication of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy. The majority of literature is limited to case reports, so the true incidence of this complication is uncertain.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA retrospective review of all cases of IVIG‐associated adverse transfusion reactions was performed at London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2013. All reported transfusion reactions were evaluated to identify cases of aseptic meningitis due to IVIG. All documented IVIG infusions and lumbar punctures performed during the study period were reviewed; patients with both interventions were identified and further chart review was performed to identify aseptic meningitis.RESULTSDuring our study period, 1324 unique patients received a total of 11,907 IVIG infusions (554,566 g) for various conditions. Eight cases of aseptic meningitis were identified, suggesting an overall incidence of 0.60% for all patients and 0.067% for all IVIG infusions. Patients presented with symptoms within 24 to 48 hours of the infusion and were treated with antibiotics initially. The reactions were self‐limited, as symptoms self‐resolved within 5 to 7 days. Treatment was supportive, with subsequent IVIG infusions likely requiring preinfusion medication or possibly a switch in product formulation.CONCLUSIONThis review of IVIG‐induced aseptic meningitis over a 6‐year period identifies a more robust estimate of incidence and risk of 0.60% and 0.067% for all patients and infusions, respectively. Given that this complication can mimic infectious meningitis and cause considerable morbidity, physicians need to be aware of this rare but important condition.