bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Earlier‐ born secondary hair follicles exhibit phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Chi Woo , Wu Eleanor , Morgan Bruce A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe mouse pelage is composed of four distinct hair types. The fact that the follicles that generate these hair types form in successive waves during late embryonic development suggested the model that distinct epigenetic states of the inductive mesenchyme fixed when the follicles are formed specify the distinctive hair morphologies. This model is inconsistent with the observation that many follicles produce different hair types in successive hair cycles. In this study, the characteristics of the hair follicles that switch between the production of different hair types were examined. These follicles were born earlier than those that do not switch between hair types and made longer hairs. They also expressed a higher level of Sox2 in the dermal papilla and had more DP cells per follicle. These observations are consistent with the hypothesis that different birthdates specify the potential of different follicles. However, rather than directly specifying hair type, birthdate correlates with three types: guard hairs, a plastic population that can make awl, auchene or zigzag hairs, and a population that normally makes only zigzag hairs. Although Sox2 expression levels in the DP identify this subset during the morphogenetic cycle, Sox2 expression is not a fixed epigenetic state specified when the follicle is first formed.
Improved cutaneous wound healing after intraperitoneal injection of alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone
Authors: de Souza Kênia Soares , Cantaruti Thiago Anselmo , Azevedo Geraldo Magela , Galdino Daniel Antero de Almeida , Rodrigues Claudiney Melquíades , Costa Raquel Alves , Vaz Nelson Monteiro , Carvalho Cláudia Rocha 
Published: November 2014

AbstractSkin wound healing is a complex process involving many types of cells and molecules and often results in scar tissue formation in adult mammals. However, scarless healing occurs in foetal skin and minimal scars may occur after cutaneous healing in the adult with reduced inflammation. Alpha‐melanocyte‐stimulating hormone (α‐MSH) is widely distributed within the central nervous system and in other body regions, such as the skin, and has strong anti‐inflammatory activity. The aim in the present experiments was to learn whether intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of α‐MSH just before skin wounds antagonize inflammation and improves skin wound healing in adult mice. C57BL/6 young adult mice received an i.p. injection of 1 mg/kg of α‐MSH and, 30 min later, two circular through‐and‐through holes (6.5 mm diameter) were made in their dorsal skin under anaesthesia. Control mice were wounded after vehicle injection. The wound healing process was analysed macroscopically and microscopically at 3, 7, 40 and 60 days. Skin samples were fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, sectioned at 5 μm, stained with H&E or toluidine blue for cell analysis or Gomori's trichrome for extracellular matrix (ECM) analysis. Other samples were fixed in DMSO+methanol, embedded in paraplast and incubated with anti‐CD45, antismooth muscle actin, anticollagen‐I and anticollagen‐III for immunofluorescence analysis. Alpha‐MSH significantly reduced the number of leucocytes, mast cells and fibroblasts at 3 and 7 days after injury. On days 40 and 60, α‐MSH reduced scar area and improved the organization of the collagen fibres indicating that it may direct the healing into a more‐regenerative/less‐scarring pathway.
Metabolic rates of a hypogean and an epigean species of copepod in an alluvial aquifer
Authors: Di Lorenzo T. , Di Marzio Walter D. , Spigoli D. , Baratti M. , Messana G. , Cannicci S. , Galassi Diana M. P. 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Reduced metabolic rates of groundwater taxa, compared to those of surface water species, have long been inferred to be an adaptive trait where there is a low and discontinuous food supply and unpredictable shifts between hypoxic and normoxic conditions. However, there have been neither measurements of the respiratory rate of groundwater copepods nor a comparison of rates between closely related groundwater and surface water species.

We measured the metabolic rates of two species of Cyclopoida: Cyclopidae, the stygobiotic (hypogean) copepod Diacyclops belgicus and the epigean Eucyclops serrulatus, which co‐occur in the same alluvial aquifer. We expected the metabolic rate of the hypogean to be lower than that of the epigean species, irrespective of the ontogenetic stage, which would be consistent with the hypothesis that there is a generally lower metabolic rate in groundwater species.

The metabolic rate of D. belgicus was significantly lower than that of the epigean E. serrulatus irrespective of the ontogenetic stage. We found an allometric relationship between oxygen consumption and body mass for E. serrulatus, an isometric one for D. belgicus juveniles and a rate of oxygen consumption that apparently does not change systematically with body mass for D. belgicus adults.

The low metabolic rate of D. belgicus may be advantageous in oligotrophic groundwater habitats, where large fluctuations in oxygen availability occur. However, these physiological adaptations can put hypogean species at risk of replacement by more metabolically active epigean taxa, whenever the availability of organic matter increases, as happens with organic pollution. Moreover, the low metabolic rate of the hypogean species may entail an inability to cope with toxicants, rendering them more sensitive to pollutants. A higher metabolic rate in juvenile D. belgicus compared to that of adults allows copepodids to mature quickly when food is briefly abundant.
Computerized image analysis of the Ki‐67 proliferation index in mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Blaker Yngvild N , Brodtkorb Marianne , Maddison John , Hveem Tarjei S , Nesheim John Arne , Mohn Hans Martin , Kolstad Arne , Geisler Christian H , Liestøl Knut , Smeland Erlend B , Holte Harald , Delabie Jan , Danielsen Håvard 
Published: November 2014

AimsManual counting of the fraction of Ki‐67‐positive cells (the Ki‐67 index) in 1000 tumour cells is considered the ‘gold standard’ to predict prognosis in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). This time‐consuming method is replaced by the faster, but less accurate, semiquantitative estimation in routine practice. The aim of this study was to investigate the use of computerized image analysis software for scoring of Ki‐67 in MCL.Methods and resultsWe developed an automated method for determining the Ki‐67 index by computerized image analysis and tested it using a cohort of 62 MCL patients. The data were compared to Ki‐67 scores obtained by semiquantitative estimation and image‐based manual counting. When using the Ki‐67 index as a continuous parameter, both image‐based manual counting and computerized image analysis were related inversely to survival (P = 0.020 and P = 0.025, respectively). Ki‐67 index obtained by semiquantitative estimation was not associated significantly with survival (P = 0.093). The results were validated in a second patient cohort with similar results.ConclusionComputerized image analysis of the Ki‐67 index in MCL is an attractive alternative to semiquantitative estimation and can be introduced easily in a routine diagnostic setting for risk stratification in MCL.
A transferrin gene associated with development and 2‐tridecanone tolerance in Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Zhang L. , Shang Q. , Lu Y. , Zhao Q , Gao X. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe full‐length cDNA (2320 bp) encoding a putative iron‐binding transferrin protein from Helicoverpa armigera was cloned and named HaTrf. The putative HaTrf sequence included 670 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 76 kDa. Quantitative PCR results demonstrated that the transcriptional level of HaTrf was significantly higher in the sixth instar and pupa stages as compared with other developmental stages. HaTrf transcripts were more abundant in fat bodies and in the epidermis than in malpighian tubules. Compared with the control, the expression of HaTrf increased dramatically 24 h after treatment with 2‐tridecanone. Apparent growth inhibition with a dramatic body weight decrease was observed in larvae fed with HaTrf double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA), as compared with those fed with green fluorescent protein dsRNA. RNA interference of HaTrf also significantly increased the susceptibility of larvae to 2‐tridecanone. These results indicate the possible involvement of HaTrf in tolerance to plant secondary chemicals.
Time–course study of different innate immune mediators produced by UV‐irradiated skin: comparative effects of short and daily versus a single harmful UV exposure
Authors: Cela Eliana M. , Friedrich Adrian , Paz Mariela L. , Vanzulli Silvia I. , Leoni Juliana , González Maglio Daniel H. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe modulatory effects of solar UV radiation on the immune system have been widely studied. As the skin is the main target of UV radiation, our purpose was to compare the impact on skin innate immunity of two contrasting ways to be exposed to sunlight. Hairless mice were UV irradiated with a single high UV dose simulating a harmful exposure, or with repetitive low UV doses simulating short occasional daily exposures. Skin samples were taken at different times after UV irradiation to evaluate skin histology, inflammatory cell recruitment, epidermal T‐cell population and the mitochondrial function of epidermal cells. The transcriptional profiles of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, antimicrobial peptides and Toll‐like receptors were evaluated by RT‐PCR and ELISA in tissue homogenates. Finally, a lymphangiography was performed to assess modification in the lymphatic vessel system. A single high UV dose produces a deep inflammatory state characterized by the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that, in turn, induces the recruitment of neutrophils and macrophages into the irradiated area. On the other hand, repetitive low UV doses drive the skin to a photo‐induced alert state in which there is no sign of inflammation, but the epithelium undergoes changes in thickness, the lymphatic circulation increases, and the transcription of antimicrobial peptides is induced.
Trajectories of Regulatory Behaviors in Early Infancy: Determinants of Infant Self‐Distraction and Self‐Comforting
Authors: Planalp Elizabeth M. , Braungart‐Rieker Julia M. 
Published: November 2014

The ability to effectively regulate emotions is an important marker for early socio‐emotional development. The uses of self‐comforting behaviors and self‐distraction have been empirically supported as effective regulatory strategies for infants, although research on determinants of such behaviors is scarce. Thus, a more thorough examination of the development of regulatory behaviors is needed. For the current study, 135 mothers, fathers, and their infants participated in laboratory visits at 3, 5, and 7 months of age where parent sensitivity and infant regulatory strategies were coded from the Still‐Face Paradigm. Parents also filled out questionnaires about infant temperament and parental involvement. Using multilevel modeling to examine levels and trajectories of self‐comforting and self‐distraction, the current study found: (1) infants higher in temperamental surgency used more self‐distraction and self‐comforting, (2) infants lower in surgency with highly involved parents increased in self‐distraction at a faster rate, particularly with highly involved fathers, and (3) infants used self‐comforting more than average with fathers when the infant was also lower in temperamental regulation. In addition, we examined trajectories of parent involvement and temperament in relation to infant regulatory strategy.
The Added Benefit of Local Patanol Therapy When Combined with Systemic Claritin for the Inhibition of Ocular Itching in the Conjunctival Antigen Challenge Model*
Authors: Abelson Mark B. , Lanier Robert Q. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT.Background: Allergic conjunctivitis very often occurs simultaneously with rhinitis in seasonal allergy sufferers. While systemic anti‐allergic and antihistaminic agents are effective against many signs and symptoms of allergy, they may not adequately control ocular signs and symptoms in patients with multiple target organ hypersensitivity. Patanol® (olopatadine hydrochloride 0.1% ophthalmic solution, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX), a new effective anti‐allergic mast cell stabilizer with antihistaminic properties, is approved for the prevention of ocular itching due to allergic conjunctivitis. Objective: To determine whether Patanol in combination with the systemic antihistamine Claritin® (loratadine, Schering, Kenilworth, NJ) reduces the ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis more effectively than Claritin alone. A topical ocular antigen challenge induced the allergic conjunctivitis in 15 subjects. Methods: This was a randomized, double‐masked study in which the contralateral eye served as the control. On Visit 1, an allergen dose which elicited response scores >2 for ocular itching was identified. Itching was graded by the subject using a 0 to 4 point scale. At Visit 2, the threshold allergen concentration was confirmed. At Visit 3, the onset of action challenge, in addition to Claritin (10 mg tablet), each subject received Patanol in one eye and placebo in the fellow eye in a randomized, double‐masked fashion. Allergen was instilled one hour after dosing, and ocular itching was graded at 3, 7, 10 and 20 minutes after challenge. At Visit 4, the duration of action challenge, the same drug regimen was followed as in Visit 3. However, allergen challenge was performed eight hours after dosing, and itching graded after 3, 7, 10 and 20 minutes. Results: Patient eyes treated with Patanol were significantly less itchy than those treated with systemic Claritin alone at critical time points 3, 7, and 10 minutes after the onset of action challenge (p<0.05), and at 3 and 7 minutes after the duration of action challenge (p<0.05). Conclusion: The addition of topical Patanol to systemic Claritin therapy significantly reduced ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis compared to treatment with Claritin alone. These findings prove the added benefit of local Patanol therapy in the treatment of ocular allergic symptoms in patients receiving systemic antihistamines for concomitant systemic allergies.
The Structure of Informal Social Networks of Persons with Profound Intellectual and Multiple Disabilities
Authors: Kamstra A. , van der Putten A. A. J. , Vlaskamp C. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundPersons with less severe disabilities are able to express their needs and show initiatives in social contacts, persons with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD), however, depend on others for this. This study analysed the structure of informal networks of persons with PIMD.Materials and MethodsData concerning the number, type and frequency of contacts were collected in 205 persons with PIMD.ResultsThe mean number of contact persons was 5.1 (range: 0–26, SD: 4.2) per year. 79.4% of the contact persons are family, with an average of 72.3 contacts per year. Parents had significantly more contact compared to the other informal contact persons. In 2.2% of the sample contacts with peers were seen.ConclusionsThe informal networks of persons with PIMD consist mainly of family. The question arises how informal networks can be expanded and which role professionals have in this process.
Circadian Distribution of Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias and Association with Mortality in the MADIT‐CRT Trial
Authors: RUWALD MARTIN H. , MOSS ARTHUR J. , ZAREBA WOJCIECH , JONS CHRISTIAN , RUWALD ANNE‐CHRISTINE , MCNITT SCOTT , POLONSKY BRONISLAVA , KUTYIFA VALENTINA 
Published: November 2014

Ventricular Tachyarrhythmias and DeathBackgroundIt is unknown whether circadian variation of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) affects clinical outcome in heart failure patients. MethodsA total of 1,790 patients (males 75%) with heart failure, NYHA class I and II and implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization (CRT‐D) enrolled in the MADIT‐CRT study were included. Time of first and all VTAs as detected and treated by the device with appropriate ICD therapy (antitachycardia pacing or shock) was evaluated by hours of the day and weekdays and related to all‐cause mortality using Cox regression analyses.ResultsDuring a mean follow‐up period of 40 months, a total of 3,300 VTA episodes were registered. Of all VTAs recorded, most of them (n = 2977, 90%) occurred in males. Recurrent as well as first VTA episodes were more common in the morning and evening with bimodal peaks from 7:00 to 10:59 (21%) and 18:00–21:59 (23%). VTAs that occurred during morning hours were associated with higher mortality when compared to VTA episodes occurring at other hours (hazard ratios [HR] = 2.07; confidence interval [CI]: 1.135–3.77; P = 0.018) with a significant gender interaction placing females at significantly higher risk of death (HR 6.78; CI 1.55–29.860; P = 0.011) than males (HR 1.79; CI 0.92–3.46; P = 0.086) (interaction P = 0.041) despite an overall lower probability for morning VTA among females (HR 0.32; CI 0.16–0.68; P = 0.003).ConclusionsThe occurrence of VTAs in heart failure patients shows a circadian variation with highest incidence during morning hours that translates into a significant higher risk of all‐cause mortality, with significantly higher risk among females than males.
Fusarium Species from the Fusarium fujikuroi Species Complex Involved in Mixed Infections of Maize in Northern Sinaloa, Mexico
Authors: Leyva‐Madrigal Karla Y. , Larralde‐Corona Claudia P. , Apodaca‐Sánchez Miguel A. , Quiroz‐Figueroa Francisco R. , Mexia‐Bolaños Priscila A. , Portillo‐Valenzuela Salma , Ordaz‐Ochoa Jesús , Maldonado‐Mendoza Ignacio E. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractFusarium species belonging to the Fusarium fujikuroi species complex (FFSC) are associated with maize in northern Mexico and cause Fusarium ear and root rot. In order to assess the diversity of FFSC fungal species involved in this destructive disease in Sinaloa, Mexico, a collection of 108 fungal isolates was obtained from maize plants in 2007–2011. DNA sequence analysis of the calmodulin and elongation factor 1α genes identified four species: Fusarium verticillioides, F. nygamai, F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum (comprising 79, 23, 4 and 2 isolates, respectively). Differential distribution of Fusarium species in maize organs was observed, that is F. verticillioides was the most frequently isolated species from maize seeds, while F. nygamai predominated on maize roots. Mixed infections with F. verticillioides/F. thapsinum and F. verticillioides/F. nygamai were detected in maize seeds and roots, respectively. Pathogenicity assay demonstrated the ability of the four species to infect maize seedlings and induce different levels of disease severity, reflecting variation in aggressiveness, plant height and root biomass. Isolates of F. verticillioides and F. nygamai were the most aggressive. These species were able to colonize all root tissues, from the epidermis to the vascular vessels, while infection by F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum was restricted to the epidermis and adjacent cortical cells. This is the first report of F. nygamai, F. andiyazi and F. thapsinum infecting maize in Mexico and co‐infecting with F. verticillioides. Mixed infections should be taken into consideration due to the production and/or accumulation of diverse mycotoxins in maize grain.
Effects of the Biocontrol Agent Aspergillus flavipes on the Soil Microflora and Soil Enzymes in the Rooting Zone of Pepper Plants Infected with Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhao Xinhua , Liu Changyuan , Liu Li , Yu Shuyi , Liang Chunhao , Guan Tianshu , Irfan Muhammad , Zhao Kuihua 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis study examined the effect of ASD strain (Aspergillus flavipes), isolated from continuous cropping soil for pepper and named by the sampling position, on soil microflora and soil enzymes in rooting zone soil of healthy and diseased (Phytophthora capsici) pepper plants. Results showed that the ASD strain could significantly reduce the number of bacteria and actinomycetes, with a significant increase in fungi in the rhizosphere soil of both healthy and diseased plants. With increasing colonization time of the ASD strain, the number of bacteria and actinomycetes decreased initially and then increased gradually, while the number of fungi was first increased significantly and later decreased slowly. The soil enzyme activities of urease, acid phosphatase, invertase and dehydrogenase were significantly increased by the ASD strain, while the activity of catalase was not significantly increased. As time from inoculation with the ASD strain increased, the activities of various enzymes were higher than controls. Maximum enzyme activities were found on the tenth day after ADS inoculation. The response of soil enzyme activities affected by the ASD strain was as follows: urease > dehydrogenase > invertase > acid phosphatase > catalase. These results suggest that the biocontrol of ASD strain could improve the micro ecology of rhizosphere soil.
Using patient flow simulation to improve access at a multidisciplinary sleep centre
Authors: Pendharkar Sachin R. , Bischak Diane P. , Rogers Paul , Flemons Ward , Noseworthy Tom W. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe lack of timely access to diagnosis and treatment for sleep disorders is well described, but little attention has been paid to understanding how multiple system constraints contribute to long waiting times. The objectives of this study were to identify system constraints leading to long waiting times at a multidisciplinary sleep centre, and to use patient flow simulation modelling to test solutions that could improve access. Discrete‐event simulation models of patient flow were constructed using historical data from 150 patients referred to the sleep centre, and used to both examine reasons for access delays and to test alternative system configurations that were predicted by administrators to reduce waiting times. Four possible solutions were modelled and compared with baseline, including addition of capacity to different areas at the sleep centre and elimination of prioritization by urgency. Within the model, adding physician capacity improved time from patient referral to initial physician appointment, but worsened time from polysomnography requisition to test completion, and had no effect on time from patient referral to treatment initiation. Adding respiratory therapist did not improve model performance compared with baseline. Eliminating triage prioritization worsened time to physician assessment and treatment initiation for urgent patients without improving waiting times overall. This study demonstrates that discrete‐event simulation can identify multiple constraints in access‐limited healthcare systems and allow suggested solutions to be tested before implementation. The model of this sleep centre predicted that investments in capacity expansion proposed by administrators would not reduce the time to a clinically meaningful patient outcome.