bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The CD27+ memory B cells display changes in the gene expression pattern in elderly individuals
Authors: Báez Alicia , Álvarez‐Laderas Isabel , Piruat José I. , Caballero‐Velázquez Teresa , Barbado María Victoria , Millán‐Uclés África , Medrano Mayte , García‐Guerrero Estefanía , Sánchez‐Abarca Luis Ignacio , Pérez‐Simón José Antonio 
Published: September 2014

SummaryMemory B cells (MBCs) have a long lifespan compared with naive B cells (NBCs), remaining viable for years. This could predispose them to suffer misbalances in the gene expression pattern in the long term, which might be involved in the development of age‐related B‐cell disorders. In order to identify genes whose expression might change during life, we analysed the gene expression patterns of CD27− NBCs versus CD27+ MBCs in young and old subjects. Using microarray assays we observed that the expression pattern of CD27− NBCs versus CD27+ MBCs is significantly different. Furthermore, to evaluate the age effect, we compared the gene expression pattern of young versus aged subjects in both cell populations. Interestingly, we did not find significant differences in the CD27− NBC population between young and aged individuals, whereas we found 925 genes differentially expressed in CD27+ MBCs. Among these genes, 193 were also differentially expressed in CD27+ MBCs compared with CD27− NBCs, most of them involved in cell survival, cell growth and proliferation, cellular development and gene expression. We conclude that gene expression profiles of CD27− NBCs and CD27+ MBCs are different. Moreover, whereas the gene expression pattern of CD27+ MBCs varies with age, the same does not happen in CD27− NBCs. This suggests that MBCs undergo time‐dependent changes, which could underlie a higher susceptibility to dysfunction with age.
Role of an adaptor protein Lin‐7B in brain development: possible involvement in autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Mizuno Makoto , Matsumoto Ayumi , Hamada Nanako , Ito Hidenori , Miyauchi Akihiko , Jimbo Eriko F. , Momoi Mariko Y. , Tabata Hidenori , Yamagata Takanori , Nagata Koh‐ichi 
Published: September 2014

AbstractUsing comparative genomic hybridization analysis for an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patient, a 73‐Kb duplication at 19q13.33 (nt. 49 562 755–49 635 956) including LIN7B and 5 other genes was detected. We then identified a novel frameshift mutation in LIN7B in another ASD patient. Since LIN7B encodes a scaffold protein essential for neuronal function, we analyzed the role of Lin‐7B in the development of cerebral cortex. Acute knockdown of Lin‐7B with in utero electroporation caused a delay in neuronal migration during corticogenesis. When Lin‐7B was knocked down in cortical neurons in one hemisphere, their axons failed to extend efficiently into the contralateral hemisphere after leaving the corpus callosum. Meanwhile, enhanced expression of Lin‐7B had no effects on both cortical neuron migration and axon growth. Notably, silencing of Lin‐7B did not affect the proliferation of neuronal progenitors and stem cells. Taken together, Lin‐7B was found to play a pivotal role in corticogenesis through the regulation of excitatory neuron migration and interhemispheric axon growth, while further analyses are required to directly link functional defects of Lin‐7B to ASD pathophysiology.image
Lin‐7 plays a pivotal role as a scaffold protein in synaptic development and plasticity. Based on genetic analyses we identified mutations in LIN‐7B gene in some ASD (autism‐spectrum disorder) patients. Functional defects in Lin‐7B caused abnormal neuronal migration and interhemispheric axon growth during mouse brain development. Thus, functional deficiency in Lin‐7B could be implicated in clinical phenotypes in some ASD patients through bringing about abnormal cortical architecture.
Microneedling for acne scars in Asian skin type: an effective low cost treatment modality
Authors: Dogra Sunil , Yadav Savita , Sarangal Rishu 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundPostacne scarring is disfiguring, both physically as well as psychologically. Over the past two decades, multiple modalities for treatment of acne scars have emerged and microneedling with dermaroller is one of them.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of microneedling treatment for atrophic facial acne scars.Material and MethodsThirty‐six patients (female – 26, male – 10) of postacne atrophic facial scars underwent five sittings of dermaroller under topical anesthesia at monthly intervals. Objective evaluation of improvement was performed by recording the acne scar assessment score at baseline and thereafter at every visit. Pre‐ and posttreatment photographs were compared, and improvement was graded on quartile score. Final assessment was performed 1 month after the last sitting. Patients were asked to grade the improvement in acne scars on visual analog scale (VAS, 0–10 point scale) at the end of study.ResultsOf 36 patients, 30 completed the study. The age group ranged from 18 to 40 years, and all patients had skin phototype IV or V. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean acne scar assessment score from 11.73 ± 3.12 at baseline to 6.5 ± 2.71 after five sittings of dermaroller. Investigators' assessment based on photographic evaluation showed 50–75% improvement in majority of patients. The results on visual analog scale (VAS) analysis showed “good response” in 22 patients and “excellent response” in four patients, at the end of study. The procedure was well tolerated by most of the patients, and chief complications noted were postinflammatory hyperpigmentation in five patients and tram‐trek scarring in two patients.ConclusionMicroneedling with dermaroller is a simple and cheap, means of treatment modality for acne scars remodulation with little downtime, satisfactory results and peculiar side effects in Asian skin type.
Forehead wrinkles: a histological and immunohistochemical evaluation
Authors: El‐Domyati Moetaz , Medhat Walid , Abdel‐Wahab Hossam M , Moftah Noha H , Nasif Ghada A , Hosam Wael 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundWrinkles are associated with cutaneous aging especially on sun‐exposed skin. Despite they are considered a major topic in cosmetic dermatology, very few reports have studied the specific histological and immunohistochemical changes characteristic for wrinkles.AimThe study aims to evaluate the histological and immunohistochemical changes of static forehead wrinkles in relation to surrounding photoaged skin.MethodsBiopsy specimens were obtained from the forehead wrinkles of 20 volunteers of Glogau's class III–IV wrinkles. Using histological and immunostaining methods coupled with computerized morphometric analysis, measurement of epidermal thickness and quantitative evaluation of total elastin and tropoelastin as well as collagen types I, III, and VII were performed for skin biopsies.ResultsIn the wrinkle site, there was statistically significant lower epidermal thickness (P = 0.001), elastin (P < 0.001), tropoelastin (P < 0.001), and collagen VII (P < 0.001) than the surrounding photoaged skin. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference between the wrinkle site and adjacent photoaged skin regarding collagen type I (P = 0.07) or III (P = 0.07).ConclusionThis study detected some histological and immunohistochemical differences in the wrinkle site when compared to adjacent photoaged skin. This may help in understanding the pathophysiology of facial wrinkling as well as its ideal way of management.
The life cycles and biological end pathways of dermal fillers
Authors: Ahn Christine S , Rao Babar K 
Published: September 2014

SummaryBackgroundThere is an increased demand for soft tissue augmentation procedures. A wide range of products can provide correction through different mechanisms and it is important for clinicians to understand the biological pathways of each material. This study presents a systematic review of the pathways of commonly used fillers, with consideration of the complications associated with each.MethodsThe PubMed (National Library of Medicine) database was searched for MeSH headings for different types of fillers, including trade names, between January 1, 2000, and January 1, 2013. Article titles were screened, and only studies designed to determine the mechanism of action and histopathology of complications were included.ResultsWhen restricted to studies on biological mechanisms, 109 manuscripts were identified and the mechanisms of action of short‐term and long‐term degradable as well as permanent fillers were reviewed. Hyaluronic acid fillers, which are the most commonly used, form a fibrous capsule and induce limited de novo collagen. Poly‐l‐lactic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite are semipermanent fillers that provide long‐term restoration of tissue volume by stimulating fibroblasts to lay down a matrix of collagen and elastic fibers. Polymethyl methacrylate is the only FDA‐approved permanent implant that is held in place by encapsulation, providing a scaffold upon which the dermis can recover to its original thickness.DiscussionSoft tissue augmentation products are variable, and no single product can be considered the most effective or ideal. An understanding of biological mechanisms may help guide physicians choose the best suited product among the various options available while minimizing the occurrence of complications.
Adenosine protects Sprague Dawley rats from high‐fat diet and repeated acute restraint stress‐induced intestinal inflammation and altered expression of nutrient transporters
Authors: Lee C. Y. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThis study investigated the effect of repeated acute restraint stress and high‐fat diet (HFD) on intestinal expression of nutrient transporters, concomitant to intestinal inflammation. The ability of adenosine to reverse any change was examined. Six‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into eight groups: control or non‐stressed (C), rats exposed to restraint stress for 6 h per day for 14 days (S), control rats fed with HFD (CHF) and restraint‐stressed rats fed with HFD (SHF); four additional groups received the same treatments and were also given 50 mg/l adenosine dissolved in drinking water. Fasting blood glucose, plasma insulin, adiponectin and corticosterone were measured. Intestinal expression of SLC5A1, SLC2A2, NPC1L1 and TNF‐α was analysed. Histological evaluation was conducted to observe for morphological and anatomical changes in the intestinal tissues. Results showed that HFD feeding increased glucose and insulin levels, and repeated acute restraint stress raised the corticosterone level by 22%. Exposure to both stress and HFD caused a further increase in corticosterone to 41%, while decreasing plasma adiponectin level. Restraint stress altered intestinal expression of SLC5A1, SLC2A2 and NPC1L1. These changes were enhanced in SHF rats. Adenosine was found to alleviate HFD‐induced increase in glucose and insulin levels, suppress elevation of corticosterone in S rats and improve the altered nutrient transporters expression profiles. It also prevented upregulation of TNF‐α in the intestine of SHF rats. In summary, a combination of stress and HFD exaggerated stress‐ and HFD‐induced pathophysiological changes in the intestine, and biochemical parameters related to obesity. Adenosine attenuated the elevation of corticosterone and altered expression of SLC5A1, NPC1L1 and TNF‐α.
Elderly patients' and nurses' assessment of traditional bed bath compared to prepacked single units – randomised controlled trial
Authors: Nøddeskou Lis Horstmann , Hemmingsen Lars E. , Hørdam Britta 
Published: September 2014

BackgroundThere are two types of bed baths: the traditional basin used with soap and water, and the disposable bath, which is prepacked in single‐use units and heated before use.ObjectiveTo compare the traditional basin bed bath to a disposable bed bath, there are four factors that need to be considered: (1) duration and quality of the bath, (2) cost, (3) nurse satisfaction and (4) patient satisfaction.MethodsFifty‐eight patients received bed baths on two consecutive days – a traditional bed bath on 1 day and a disposable bed bath on the other. The patients were bathed by the same nurse on both days. The baths were observed in relation to duration, use of supplies and quality. Nurses and patients were interviewed about their preferences.ResultsBoth types of baths scored very highly in the area of quality. There was no difference in the cost of supplies. Significantly less time was used with the disposable baths (p < 0.001).In terms of total expenditure, the disposable bath cost 11.84 DKK and the basin method cost 11.87 DKK, resulting in an insignificant difference (p > 0.05). Taking the nurses salaries into account, it was much cheaper to bathe patients using the disposable bath. Most patients preferred the disposable bath, while others preferred the basin method or were equally satisfied with both types of baths. There was no significant difference in these results (p > 0.22). There were 46 cases during the trial where nurses preferred the disposable bath method. The washbasin method was preferred in six cases. And there was one case where the nurse was equally satisfied with both types of baths. The nurses rated the disposable bath significantly higher than the basin method. In most cases, patients and nurses preferred the same type of bath (70%).ConclusionThis study presents a comparison of the new method of bed bathing to the traditional basin method, in relation to cost, duration, quality and nurse and patient preference. In the case of disposable baths, the costs are lower as significantly less time is used. The nurses were very clear in their preference for disposable baths, and this was also the case for the majority of patients. There was consistency between the nurses and the patients in terms of their preference of bath type. When patients need assistance with personal hygiene, the nurse should inform the patient about the two methods and involve the patient in the decision.
Why Donors of Foreign Aid Do Not Coordinate: The Role of Competition for Export Markets and Political Support
Authors: Fuchs Andreas , Nunnenkamp Peter , Öhler Hannes 
Published: September 2014

AbstractDevelopment assistance has been criticised for a lack of coordination between aid donors. This paper argues that competition for export markets and political support prevents donor countries from coordinating their aid activities between one another. To test these hypotheses, we perform logit and fractional logit estimations for a large sample of recipient countries and aid activities since the early 1970s. Our empirical results reveal that export competition between donors is a major impediment to aid coordination. Although less conclusive, we also find some evidence that donors' competition over political support prevents them from coordinating aid activities more closely.
Regulation of the skeletal muscle blood flow in humans
Authors: Mortensen Stefan P. , Saltin Bengt 
Published: September 2014

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
This review highlights recent advances in our knowledge about the control of skeletal muscle blood flow during exercise in humans.
What advances does it highlight?
In recent years, it has become evident that the control of skeletal muscle blood flow is an interaction between various vasodilator agents, including nitric oxide, prostaglandins and adenosine. Adenosine triphosphate could play multiple roles by inducing local vasodilatation, overriding local sympathetic vasoconstriction and stimulating the exercise pressor reflex.
In humans, skeletal muscle blood flow is regulated by an interaction between several locally formed vasodilators, including NO and prostaglandins. In plasma, ATP is a potent vasodilator that stimulates the formation of NO and prostaglandins and, very importantly, can offset local sympathetic vasoconstriction. Adenosine triphosphate is released into plasma from erythrocytes and endothelial cells, and the plasma concentration increases in both the feed artery and the vein draining the contracting skeletal muscle. Adenosine also stimulates the formation of NO and prostaglandins, but the plasma adenosine concentration does not increase during exercise. In the skeletal muscle interstitium, there is a marked increase in the concentration of ATP and adenosine, and this increase is tightly coupled to the increase in blood flow. The sources of interstitial ATP and adenosine are thought to be skeletal muscle cells and endothelial cells. In the interstitium, both ATP and adenosine stimulate the formation of NO and prostaglandins, but ATP has also been suggested to induce vasoconstriction and stimulate afferent nerves that signal to increase sympathetic nerve activity. Adenosine has been shown to contribute to exercise hyperaemia, whereas the role of ATP remains uncertain due to lack of specific purinergic receptor blockers for human use. The purpose of this review is to address the interaction between vasodilator systems and to discuss the multiple proposed roles of ATP in human skeletal muscle blood flow regulation.
A New Microviridae Phage Isolated from a Failed Biotechnological Process Driven by Escherichia coli
Authors: Labrie Simon J. , Dupuis Marie-Ève , Tremblay Denise M. , Plante Pier-Luc , Corbeil Jacques , Moineau Sylvain 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Bacteriophages are present in every environment that supports bacterial growth, including manmade ecological niches. Virulent phages may even slow or, in more severe cases, interrupt bioprocesses driven by bacteria.
Escherichia coli
is one of the most widely used bacteria for large-scale bioprocesses; however, literature describing phage-host interactions in this industrial context is sparse. Here, we describe phage MED1 isolated from a failed industrial process. Phage MED1 (
Microviridae
family, with a single-stranded DNA [ssDNA] genome) is highly similar to the archetypal phage phiX174, sharing >95% identity between their genomic sequences. Whole-genome phylogenetic analysis of 52 microvirus genomes from public databases revealed three genotypes (alpha3, G4, and phiX174). Phage MED1 belongs to the phiX174 group. We analyzed the distribution of single nucleotide variants in MED1 and 18 other phiX174-like genomes and found that there are more missense mutations in genes G, B, and E than in the other genes of these genomes. Gene G encodes the spike protein, involved in host attachment. The evolution of this protein likely results from the selective pressure on phages to rapidly adapt to the molecular diversity found at the surface of their hosts.
The Fatty Acid Signaling Molecule
cis
-2-Decenoic Acid Increases Metabolic Activity and Reverts Persister Cells to an Antimicrobial-Susceptible State
Authors: Marques Cláudia N. H. , Morozov Aleksey , Planzos Penny , Zelaya Hector M. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

Persister cells, which are tolerant to antimicrobials, contribute to biofilm recalcitrance to therapeutic agents. In turn, the ability to kill persister cells is believed to significantly improve efforts in eradicating biofilm-related, chronic infections. While much research has focused on elucidating the mechanism(s) by which persister cells form, little is known about the mechanism or factors that enable persister cells to revert to an active and susceptible state. Here, we demonstrate that
cis
-2-decenoic acid (
cis
-DA), a fatty acid signaling molecule, is able to change the status of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
and
Escherichia coli
persister cells from a dormant to a metabolically active state without an increase in cell number. This cell awakening is supported by an increase of the persister cells' respiratory activity together with changes in protein abundance and increases of the transcript expression levels of several metabolic markers, including
acpP
, 16S rRNA,
atpH
, and
ppx
. Given that most antimicrobials target actively growing cells, we also explored the effect of
cis
-DA on enhancing antibiotic efficacy in killing persister cells due to their inability to keep a persister cell state. Compared to antimicrobial treatment alone, combinational treatments of persister cell subpopulations with antimicrobials and
cis
-DA resulted in a significantly greater decrease in cell viability. In addition, the presence of
cis
-DA led to a decrease in the number of persister cells isolated. We thus demonstrate the ability of a fatty acid signaling molecule to revert bacterial cells from a tolerant phenotype to a metabolically active, antimicrobial-sensitive state.
Internal Porosity of Mineral Coating Supports Microbial Activity in Rapid Sand Filters for Groundwater Treatment
Authors: Gülay Arda , Tatari Karolina , Musovic Sanin , Mateiu Ramona V. , Albrechtsen Hans-Jørgen , Smets Barth F. 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACT

A mineral coating develops on the filter grain surface when groundwater is treated via rapid sand filtration in drinking water production. The coating changes the physical and chemical properties of the filter material, but little is known about its effect on the activity, colonization, diversity, and abundance of microbiota. This study reveals that a mineral coating can positively affect the colonization and activity of microbial communities in rapid sand filters. To understand this effect, we investigated the abundance, spatial distribution, colonization, and diversity of all and of nitrifying prokaryotes in filter material with various degrees of mineral coating. We also examined the physical and chemical characteristics of the mineral coating. The amount of mineral coating correlated positively with the internal porosity, the packed bulk density, and the biologically available surface area of the filter material. The volumetric NH
4
+
removal rate also increased with the degree of mineral coating. Consistently, bacterial 16S rRNA and
amoA
abundances positively correlated with increased mineral coating levels. Microbial colonization could be visualized mainly within the outer periphery (60.6 ± 35.6 μm) of the mineral coating, which had a thickness of up to 600 ± 51 μm. Environmental scanning electron microscopic (E-SEM) observations suggested an extracellular polymeric substance-rich matrix and submicron-sized bacterial cells. Nitrifier diversity profiles were similar irrespective of the degree of mineral coating, as indicated by pyrosequencing analysis. Overall, our results demonstrate that mineral coating positively affects microbial colonization and activity in rapid sand filters, most likely due to increased volumetric cell abundances facilitated by the large surface area of internal mineral porosity accessible for microbial colonization.