bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary and biomedical consequences of internal melanins
Authors: Dubey Sylvain , Roulin Alexandre 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe adaptive function of melanin located in the integument is well known. Although pigments are also deposited in various internal organs, their function is unclear. A review of the literature revealed that ‘internal melanin’ protects against parasites, pollutants, low temperature, oxidative stress, hypoxemia and UV light, and is involved in the development and function of organs. Importantly, several studies have shown that the amount of melanin deposited on the external body surface is correlated with the amount located inside the body. This finding raises the possibility that internal melanin plays more important physiological roles in dark than light‐colored individuals. Internal melanin and coloration may therefore not evolve independently. This further emphasizes the major role played by indirect selection in evolutionary processes.
Vagus nerve stimulation therapy in treatment‐resistant depression: A series report
Authors: Tisi Giuseppe , Franzini Angelo , Messina Giuseppe , Savino Mario , Gambini Orsola 
Published: February 2014

AimThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) as a therapeutic option for treatment‐resistant depression (TRD), with follow‐up periods of 1, 3 and 5 years after VNS surgery.MethodsWe examined 27 consecutive patients with unipolar TRD. Depressive symptoms were evaluated both at baseline and at follow‐up after the surgery by means of the 21‐item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM‐D 21).ResultsThe mean HAM‐D preoperative score was 25.6. Twenty‐two patients were evaluated after 1 year of treatment, and the mean improvement of the HAM‐D score was of 10.3. Five patients (20%) went into complete remission (HAM‐D < 7) after 1 year, six patients (22.3%) were considered responders (50% reduction of HAM‐D scoring) and eight patients had score reduction of less then 20%. Nineteen patients were evaluated after 24–36 months: the average improvement on the HAM‐D score was of 12.1 points (47.2%). One patient went into complete remission and eight patients (42.1%) were responders. Up to the present date, seven patients have undergone re‐evaluation at 48–60 months from surgery showing an average score reduction of 14.2. Two more patients obtained complete remission, while four of them did not have any improvement since their last follow‐up control visit.ConclusionVNS antidepressant was successful in 20% of TRD patients, although some patients required several months to obtain clinical improvement or remission of symptomatology. Nonetheless this procedure can be considered as a useful option in treating TRD.
Nevus Comedonicus in Oral‐Facial‐Digital Syndrome Type 1: A New Finding or Overlapping Syndromes?
Authors: Baker Lauren A. , Agim Nnenna G. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe report a patient with oral‐facial‐digital syndrome type 1 (OFDS1) who exhibited features overlapping those of nevus comedonicus syndrome, an unusual presentation that may potentially represent a new variant of OFDS1. OFDS1 and nevus comedonicus syndrome represent two rare syndromes with numerous overlapping features that have yet to be described in relation to one another. The features present in our patient led us to propose the possibility of a new variant of OFDS1 in which nevus comedonicus represents a cutaneous manifestation of the syndrome. Knowledge of this potential relationship is important for identification and management of the syndromes' accompanying manifestations in affected patients and may offer further insight into crossroads of pathogenesis.
A Review of the Present State and Future Policy Alternatives for Home Visit Nursing Services in Korea
Authors: Lim Ji Young , Noh Wonjung , Kim Eunjoo , Choi Kyung Won 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the current state of home visit nursing services in theKorean context and to suggest future policy directions.DesignFirst, the three home visit nursing services that have developed inKorea are compared using the analytic framework provided byGilbert andTerrell in 2012. The framework is based on four dimensions of social welfare: users, services, source of funds, and service delivery process. Second, we perform a strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat analysis to suggest comprehensive and constructive home visit nursing service policies for the future.ResultsSpecifically, we advocate the creation of an organization that steers the central government to operate an integrated management organization to distribute services and reduce redundancy for preventing the waste of both medical and state financial resources. This study also recommends the development of educational programs to improve the quality of services and service evaluation criteria for the objective assessment of those services.ConclusionsThese policy guidelines may prove useful both forKorea and for other countries that intend to prepare or revise their home visit nursing service systems.
Public Health Nurse Mentorship of Pregnant and Parenting Adolescents
Authors: Schaffer Marjorie A. , Mbibi Ngozi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis study explored the experience of the mentoring relationship for public health nurses (PHNs) and teen parents.Design and SamplePHNs and teen parents who participated in the Parenting and Teen Program provided qualitative data about mentorship provided by PHNs.MeasuresThe participants were asked open‐ended questions that addressed interactions; meaning of success for the teen; and support, information given, and decisions made in the context of the mentoring relationship.ResultsData analysis of the PHN (n = 7) data revealed eight mentorship themes: (1) being nonjudgmental, (2) working with strengths, (3) meeting the teens where they were, (4) sticking with the teen, (5) honoring persons, (6) giving information, (7) making referrals, and (8) facilitating decisions. Analysis of the teen data (n = 11) resulted in four mentorship themes: (1) trustworthiness of the PHN, (2) the PHN as part of their support network, (3) independence building, and (4) help with decision making.ConclusionsParenting teens viewed PHNs as contributing to their success in managing their lives and becoming successful parents. They viewed PHNs as trustworthy, supportive, encouraging their independence, and facilitating positive decision making.
Revealing the Voices of Public Health Nurses by Exploring Their Lived Experience
Authors: Joyce Barbara L. , O'Brien Karen , Belew‐LaDue Brene , Dorjee Tsering K. , Smith Claudia M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the lived experience of the public health nurse and the value added by nurses working in public health roles.DesignFocus groups were conducted using open ended questions to provide depth of understanding of the value of the public health nurse (PHN). Thematic categories emerged. Follow‐up telephone interviews were conducted with eleven public health nurses to further provide further depth and understanding.SampleThe annual meeting of the Public Health Nurses Association of Colorado (PHNAC) was used to recruit volunteers for the study. Eighty‐eight public health nurses participated.MeasurementsFive questions were developed and a semi‐structured questionnaire was used to elicit discussion. Transcriptions were analyzed and coded for thrust and intent.ResultsApplication of the study findings were used to develop an advocacy campaign for PHNs and provided foundation for development of an Interactive Learning Model a community/public health nursing course.ConclusionsApplication of study findings to the Cornerstones of Public Health Nursing (Keller, L., Strohschein, S., & Schaffer, M. Public Health Nursing. 28(3), 249–260, ) are explored with recommendations for future research. Role validation of the value of public health nurses in the community can provide understanding of and support for public health nursing positions.
Bystander Effect Induced by UVC Radiation in Chinese hamster V79 cells
Authors: Wu Shengwen , Jin Cuihong , Lu Xiaobo , Yang Jinghua , Liu Qiufang , Qi Ming , Lu Shuai , Zhang Lifeng , Cai Yuan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn past decades, researches on radiation‐induced bystander effect mainly focused on ionizing radiation such as α‐particle, β‐particle, X‐ray and γ‐ray. But few researches have been conducted on the ability of ultraviolet (UV) radiation‐induced bystander effect, and knowledge of UVC‐induced bystander effect is far limited. Here, we adopted medium transfer experiment to detect whether UVC could cause bystander effect in Chinese hamster V79 cells. We determined the cell viability, apoptosis rate, chromosome aberration and ultrastructure changes, respectively. Our results showed that: (1) the viability of UVC‐irradiated V79 cells declined significantly with the dosage of UVC; (2) similar to the irradiated cells, the main death type of bystander cells cultured in irradiation conditioned medium (ICMs) was also apoptosis; (3) soluble factors secreted by UVC‐irradiated cells could induce bystander effect in V79 cells; (4) cells treated with 4 h ICM collected from 90 mJ cm−2 UVC‐irradiated cells displayed the strongest response. Our data revealed that UVC could cause bystander effect through the medium soluble factors excreted from irradiated cells and this bystander effect was a novel quantitative and kinetic response. These findings might provide a foundation to further explore the exact soluble bystander factors and detailed mechanism underlying UVC‐induced bystander effect.
Pain in Chronic Kidney Disease: A Scoping Review
Authors: Davison Sara N. , Koncicki Holly , Brennan Frank 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThere is increasing international attention in efforts to integrate palliative care principles, including pain and symptom management, into the care of patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The purpose of this scoping review was to determine the extent, range, and nature of research activity around pain in CKD with the goal of (i) identifying gaps in current research knowledge; (ii) guiding future research; and (iii) creating a rich database of literature to serve as a foundation of more detailed reviews in areas where the data are sufficient. This review will specifically address the epidemiology of pain in CKD, analgesic use, pharmacokinetic data of analgesics, and the management of pain in CKD. It will also capture the aspects that pertain to specific pain syndromes in CKD such as peripheral neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, joint pain, and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
Dual Specificity of Human Plasma Lactose‐Binding Immunoglobulin to Anomers of Terminal Galactose Enables Recognition of Desialylated Lipoprotein(a) and Xenoantigens
Authors: Sabarinath P. S. , Chacko B. K. , Appukuttan P. S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHuman plasma lactose‐binding immunoglobulin (LIg) isolated by affinity chromatography on lactose‐Sepharose was largely IgG with significant IgA and IgM contents. LIg‐mediated agglutination of desialylated human RBC was inhibited equally by the α‐ and β‐anomers of methyl galactoside. Recognition of either the terminal α‐galactose (TAG)‐containing glycans of bovine thyroglobulin or the N‐acetyl lactosamine (LacNAc)‐terminating glycans of asialofetuin by LIg was inhibitable nearly as much by the α‐galactoside melibiose as by the β‐galactoside lactose. Melibiose covalently conjugated to protein and coated on polystyrene wells captured several times more LIg molecules than its lactose analogue. LIg binding to bovine thyroglobulin or rabbit RBC membrane proteins, both bearing TAG was substantially reduced by prior treatment of the proteins with α‐galactosidase to remove TAG though enzyme‐treated glycans contained newly exposed LacNAc moieties. Desialylated O‐linked oligosaccharides, however, were no ligand for LIg. Unlike LDL, plasma lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] coated on polystyrene well and desialylated by neuraminidase was recognized by LIg through terminal LacNAc moieties exposed by the enzyme on its apo(a) subunit. Further, same amount of added fluorescence‐labelled LIg formed significantly more immune complex with Lp(a) in high Lp(a) plasma than in low Lp(a) plasma. Results suggest (1) possibility of a role for LIg in combating non‐primate molecules and cells bearing TAG moiety and (2) a mechanism for Lp(a)‐mediated vascular injury as diabetes, infections and inflammations induce greater release of neuraminidase into circulation.
An optimized Protocol for Human M2 Macrophages using M‐CSF and IL‐4/IL‐10/TGF‐β Yields a Dominant Immunosuppressive Phenotype
Authors: Mia S. , Warnecke A. , Zhang X.‐M. , Malmström V. , Harris R. A. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMonocytes are highly abundant circulatory effector cells and play a vital role in driving or resolving inflammatory processes depending on their activation phenotype. We investigated and compared a panel of polarization protocols of blood‐derived monocytes to achieve a stable, optimal and effective regimen for in vitro induction of immunosuppressive human macrophages, evaluating their surface receptor expression, cytokine profile, scavenging function and ability to suppress T‐cell proliferation. Importantly, we assessed the effect of copolarization or secondary pro‐inflammatory stimulation of a primary anti‐inflammatory activation phenotype. A combination of IL‐4/IL‐10/TGF‐β yielded a relatively stable and dominant immunosuppressive phenotype characterized by higher IL‐10 production and down‐regulated TNF‐α, IL‐6, CD86, CD274 and MHC II expression. Functionally, IL‐4/IL‐10/TGF‐β‐stimulated macrophages (M2) had a potent deactivating effect on a subsequent pro‐inflammatory LPS/IFNγ‐activated macrophage (M1) stimulation and significantly suppressed T‐cell proliferation. Monocytes derived from patients with chronic inflammatory diseases could be induced to be anti‐inflammatory using this protocol. Pre‐differentiation with GM‐CSF or M‐CSF was further demonstrated to enhance final M1/M2 activation status. Our findings indicate a robust polarization protocol for generation of specific immunosuppressive human monocyte‐derived macrophages.
Age‐dependent changes in stratum corneum barrier function
Authors: Boireau‐Adamezyk E. , Baillet‐Guffroy A. , Stamatas G. N. 
Published: February 2014

Background/purposeThe Stratum Corneum (SC) barrier function mainly depends on the SC structure at the tissue level, its composition, and the organization of intercellular lipidic cement at the molecular level. The goal of this study was to assess the age‐dependent changes of the SC barrier function and the associated physiological parameters.MethodsThis study was conducted on 40 French women divided into four groups of age. Measurements were done on three sites: cheek, protected, and exposed arm sites. SC composition (water, lipid/protein ratio, cholesterol, and ceramides) was measured using Raman confocal microspectroscopy, skin surface hydration using skin conductance, and barrier function through transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurements.ResultsTransepidermal water loss decreases slightly with age, which is partially explained by the age‐dependent increase in SC thickness. This decrease is faster for the face compared to both arm sites. The lipid to protein ratio and lipid compactness decrease significantly with age only for the arm sites. Water concentration profiles only decrease very close to the skin surface. At all ages tested, the SC on the cheek showed significantly higher TEWL, water and lipid content and less thickness compared to the arm sites. Comparison of the exposed to unexposed arm site showed difference only for the lipid compactness at the older group studied.ConclusionSkin aging, body site and environmental exposure can affect the SC barrier function, its structure, and its lipid content. The thickening of the SC with age compensates for the decrease of the quantity and ordering of the lipidic cement.
A histone methyltransferase inhibits seed germination by increasing PIF1 mRNA expression in imbibed seeds
Authors: Lee Nayoung , Kang Hyojin , Lee Daeyoup , Choi Giltsu 
Published: February 2014

SummaryPhytochrome‐interacting factor 1 (PIF1) inhibits light‐dependent seed germination. The specific function of PIF1 in seed germination is partly due to its high level of expression in imbibed seeds, but the associated regulatory factors have not been identified. Here we show that mutation of the early flowering in short days (EFS) gene, encoding an H3K4 and H3K36 methyltransferase, decreases the level of H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 but not H3K4me3 at the PIF1 locus, reduces the targeting of RNA polymerase II to the PIF1 locus, and reduces mRNA expression of PIF1 in imbibed seeds. Consistently, the efs mutant geminated even under the phyBoff condition, and had an expression profile of PIF1 target genes similar to that of the pif1 mutant. Introduction of an EFS transgene into the efs mutant restored the level of H3K36me2 and H3K36me3 at the PIF1 locus, the high‐level expression of PIF1 mRNA, the expression pattern of PIF1 target genes, and the light‐dependent germination of these seeds. Introduction of a PIF1 transgene into the efs mutant also restored the expression pattern of PIF1 target genes and light‐dependent germination in imbibed seeds, but did not restore the flowering phenotype. Taken together, our results indicate that EFS is necessary for high‐level expression of PIF1 mRNA in imbibed seeds.
SCARECROW, SCR‐LIKE 23 and SHORT‐ROOT control bundle sheath cell fate and function in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cui Hongchang , Kong Danyu , Liu Xiuwen , Hao Yueling 
Published: February 2014

SummaryBundle sheath (BS) cells form a single cell layer surrounding the vascular tissue in leaves. In C3 plants, photosynthesis occurs in both the BS and mesophyll cells, but the BS cells are the major sites of photosynthesis in C4 plants, whereas the mesophyll cells are only involved in CO2 fixation. Because C4 plants are more efficient photosynthetically, introduction of the C4 mechanism into C3 plants is considered a key strategy to improve crop yield. One prerequisite for such C3‐to‐C4 engineering is the ability to manipulate the number and physiology of the BS cells, but the molecular basis of BS cell‐fate specification remains unclear. Here we report that mutations in three GRAS family transcription factors, SHORT‐ROOT (SHR), SCARECROW (SCR) and SCARECROW‐LIKE 23 (SCL23), affect BS cell fate in Arabidopsis thaliana. SCR and SCL23 are expressed specifically in the BS cells and act redundantly in BS cell‐fate specification, but their expression pattern and function diverge at later stages of leaf development. Using ChIP–chip experiments and sugar assays, we show that SCR is primarily involved in sugar transport whereas SCL23 functions in mineral transport. SHR is also essential for BS cell‐fate specification, but it is expressed in the central vascular tissue. However, the SHR protein moves into the BS cells, where it directly regulates SCR and SCL23 expression. SHR, SCR and SCL23 homologs are present in many plant species, suggesting that this developmental pathway for BS cell‐fate specification is likely to be evolutionarily conserved.
Clustering of the K+ channel GORK of Arabidopsis parallels its gating by extracellular K+
Authors: Eisenach Cornelia , Papanatsiou Maria , Hillert Ellin‐Kristina , Blatt Michael R. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryGORK is the only outward‐rectifying Kv‐like K+ channel expressed in guard cells. Its activity is tightly regulated to facilitate K+ efflux for stomatal closure and is elevated in ABA in parallel with suppression of the activity of the inward‐rectifying K+ channel KAT1. Whereas the population of KAT1 is subject to regulated traffic to and from the plasma membrane, nothing is known about GORK, its distribution and traffic in vivo. We have used transformations with fluorescently‐tagged GORK to explore its characteristics in tobacco epidermis and Arabidopsis guard cells. These studies showed that GORK assembles in puncta that reversibly dissociated as a function of the external K+ concentration. Puncta dissociation parallelled the gating dependence of GORK, the speed of response consistent with the rapidity of channel gating response to changes in the external ionic conditions. Dissociation was also suppressed by the K+ channel blocker Ba2+. By contrast, confocal and protein biochemical analysis failed to uncover substantial exo‐ and endocytotic traffic of the channel. Gating of GORK is displaced to more positive voltages with external K+, a characteristic that ensures the channel facilitates only K+ efflux regardless of the external cation concentration. GORK conductance is also enhanced by external K+ above 1 mm. We suggest that GORK clustering in puncta is related to its gating and conductance, and reflects associated conformational changes and (de)stabilisation of the channel protein, possibly as a platform for transmission and coordination of channel gating in response to external K+.
Amplification of ABA biosynthesis and signaling through a positive feedback mechanism in seeds
Authors: Nonogaki Mariko , Sall Khadidiatou , Nambara Eiji , Nonogaki Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2014

SummaryAbscisic acid is an essential hormone for seed dormancy. Our previous study using the plant gene switch system, a chemically induced gene expression system, demonstrated that induction of 9‐cis‐epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase (NCED), a rate‐limiting ABA biosynthesis gene, was sufficient to suppress germination in imbibed Arabidopsis seeds. Here, we report development of an efficient experimental system that causes amplification of NCED expression during seed maturation. The system was created with a Triticum aestivum promoter containing ABA responsive elements (ABREs) and a Sorghum bicolor NCED to cause ABA‐stimulated ABA biosynthesis and signaling, through a positive feedback mechanism. The chimeric gene pABRE:NCED enhanced NCED and ABF (ABRE‐binding factor) expression in Arabidopsis Columbia‐0 seeds, which caused 9‐ to 73‐fold increases in ABA levels. The pABRE:NCED seeds exhibited unusually deep dormancy which lasted for more than 3 months. Interestingly, the amplified ABA pathways also caused enhanced expression of Arabidopsis NCED5, revealing the presence of positive feedback in the native system. These results demonstrated the robustness of positive feedback mechanisms and the significance of NCED expression, or single metabolic change, during seed maturation. The pABRE:NCED system provides an excellent experimental system producing dormant and non‐dormant seeds of the same maternal origin, which differ only in zygotic ABA. The pABRE:NCED seeds contain a GFP marker which enables seed sorting between transgenic and null segregants and are ideal for comparative analysis. In addition to its utility in basic research, the system can also be applied to prevention of pre‐harvest sprouting during crop production, and therefore contributes to translational biology.