bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The mechanics of bacterial cluster formation on plant leaf surfaces as revealed by bioreporter technology
Authors: Tecon Robin , Leveau Johan H. J. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBacteria that colonize the leaves of terrestrial plants often occur in clusters whose size varies from a few to thousands of cells. For the formation of such bacterial clusters, two non‐mutually exclusive but very different mechanisms may be proposed: aggregation of multiple cells or clonal reproduction of a single cell. Here we assessed the contribution of both mechanisms on the leaves of bean plants that were colonized by the bacterium Pantoea agglomerans. In one approach, we used a mixture of green and red fluorescent P. agglomerans cells to populate bean leaves. We observed that this resulted in clusters made up of only one colour as well as two‐colour clusters, thus providing evidence for both mechanisms. Another P. agglomerans bioreporter, designed to quantify the reproductive success of bacterial colonizers by proxy to the rate at which green fluorescent protein is diluted from dividing cells, revealed that during the first hours on the leaf surface, many bacteria were dividing, but not staying together and forming clusters, which is suggestive of bacterial relocation. Together, these findings support a dynamic model of leaf surface colonization, where both aggregative and reproductive mechanisms take place. The bioreporter‐based approach we employed here should be broadly applicable towards a more quantitative and mechanistic understanding of bacterial colonization of surfaces in general.
Pedometer‐determined physical activity is linked to low systemic inflammation and low arterial stiffness in Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Jennersjö P. , Ludvigsson J. , Länne T. , Nystrom F. H. , Ernerudh J. , Östgren C. J. 
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1119–1125 (2012)AbstractAims  The aim of this study was to explore the association between pedometer‐determined physical activity versus measures of obesity, inflammatory markers and arterial stiffness in people with Type 2 diabetes.Methods  We analysed data from 224 men and 103 women with Type 2 diabetes, aged 54–66 years. Physical activity was measured with waist‐mounted pedometers during three consecutive days and the number of steps/day were calculated and classified in four groups: < 5000 steps/day, 5000–7499 steps/day, 7500–9999 steps/day and ≥ 10000 steps/day. Blood samples were analysed for lipids, HbA1c, inflammatory markers including C‐reactive protein and interleukin‐6. Nurses measured blood pressure and anthropometrics. Aortic pulse wave velocity was measured with applanation tonometry over the carotid and femoral arteries.Results  Mean steps/day was 7683 ± 3883 (median 7222, interquartile range 4869–10 343). There were no differences in age, diabetes duration, blood pressure, lipids or glycaemic control between the four groups of pedometer‐determined physical activity. Subjects with higher steps/day had lower BMI (28.8 vs. 31.5 kg/m2, P < 0.001), waist circumference (101.7 vs. 108.0 cm, P < 0.001), lower levels of C‐reactive protein (1.6 vs. 2.6 mg/l, P = 0.007), lower levels of interleukin‐6 (1.9 vs. 3.8 pg ml, P < 0.001) and lower pulse wave velocity (10.2 vs. 11.0 m/s, P = 0.009) compared with less physically active people.Conclusions  We conclude that physical activity measured with pedometer was associated not only with less abdominal obesity, but also with decreased systemic low‐grade inflammation as well as with low arterial stiffness, in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Host risk factors for the development of multiple non‐melanoma skin cancers
Authors: Qureshi A.A. , Wei‐Passanese E.X. , Li T. , Han J. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNon‐melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) is the most common cancer in the US, and having multiple lesions conveys substantial cost and morbidity for the individual involved. Although there are data available on risk factors for NMSC, there are currently few studies that identify specific risk factors for development of multiple NMSCs. We evaluated host risk factors for multiple NMSCs among men (Health Professionals Follow‐up Study) and women (Nurses’ Health Study). Compared with individuals with a single NMSC, having greater number of sunburns was a risk factor for developing ≥2 NMSCs [≥10 sunburns, cumulative relative risk (RR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–1.36] and a higher risk of developing ≥11 NMSCs (≥10 sunburns, RR = 2.33, 95% CI: 1.57–3.46). Inability‐to‐tan was associated with risk of developing ≥2 NMSCs (cumulative RR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.18–1.40) and a higher risk of developing ≥11 NMSCs (RR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.50–2.43). Men had an increased risk of developing ≥2 NMSCs (cumulative RR = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.40–1.66). Risk of developing 2–4, 5–10 and ≥11 NMSCs increased with age. Other risk factors for developing ≥2 NMSCs included red natural hair colour (cumulative RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.07–1.42), family history of melanoma (cumulative RR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.03–1.28), and having ≥6 nevi on the left arm (cumulative RR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.07–1.40). In conclusion, physicians caring for individuals with incident NMSCs may consider paying special attention to those at highest risk for developing additional tumours, especially males and those with a history of ≥10 lifetime sunburns, by performing routine full skin examinations and counselling for aggressive photoprotection.
Kawasaki disease in Greek children: a retrospective study
Authors: Alexopoulos A. , Vekiou A. , Lycopoulou L. , Tavena A. , Lagona E. , Kakourou T. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackground  The studies of series of children with Kawasaki disease (KD) in Greek children are limited.Objectives  To evaluate the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, course and outcome of complete KD in Greek children.Methods  Patients with complete KD who were discharged from our hospital and followed up routinely between 2004 and 2011 were included in the study. The relevant data were collected using a standardized form.Results  There were 49 children (27 boys, 22 girls), mean age: 2.14 years. A seasonal peak of the disease during spring and summer months was detected. Changes of the extremities and cervical adenopathy were the least commonly met criteria for the complete KD diagnosis. The mean time of starting treatment was 6.5 days from the disease onset. The majority of patients, 42/49, responded well to a single infusion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), while 7/49 patients who had persistent fever despite initial therapy with IVIG needed additional treatment with either a second dose of IVIG(5), intravenous pulse of methyl prednisolone(1) or infliximab(1). Coronary artery abnormalities were detected echocardiographically in 17/49 patients. Most of them (15/17) developed transient dilatations which resolved by the 8th week of disease onset while only 2 patients, despite early onset of treatment, developed coronary artery aneurysms which required coronary artery bypass grafts at a later stage.Conclusions  Major epidemiologic features of KD detected among Greek children are similar to those reported in other populations. This study also demonstrates that significant cardiac complications may still occur following the disease even if it is diagnosed and treated early.
Money, finance and the personalisation agenda for people with learning disabilities in the UK: some emerging issues
Authors: Abbott David , Marriott Anna 
Published: February 2012

Accessible Summary

In the UK, more people with learning disabilities have the chance to have more choice and control over their lives.
One big issue for many people with learning disabilities is that they should have control over their own money.
There can be quite a lot of problems for people with learning disabilities around managing money. Staff do not always know how best to help. Banks and building societies are not always helpful or accessible.
Giving people more choice or control over their money does not always mean that things will be better for people with learning disabilities.
People with learning difficulties need better kinds of support to have choice and control over their money.

SummaryIn the UK, policy on adult social care places an emphasis on maximising choice and control for service users, including people with learning disabilities. The shift from the provision of organised services for groups of people to offering individual and personal budgets and pots of money for people to buy their own services has major implications for the way in which people with learning disabilities are offered the opportunity to be much more ‘hands‐on’ with managing their own financial affairs. Some of the financial implications of personalisation are arguably quite complex, and it is not clear how well people with learning disabilities are being supported with this. This paper highlights some key and emerging issues on the topic of money and personalisation and draws on interviews with a range of staff in learning disability services and highlights their views, hopes and concerns about the best ways to support people with money matters. The response of mainstream financial institutions to the needs of people with learning disabilities and the political and economic context in which the personalisation agenda is developing are also discussed.
What's it like to work with a clinical psychologist of a specialist learning disabilities service? Views from people with learning disabilities
Authors: Gifford Clive , Evers Catherine , Walden Sarah 
Published: February 2012

Accessible Summary

We want to know what people with learning disabilities think about working with clinical psychologists.

We interviewed eight people with learning disabilities about their experience of seeing a clinical psychologist.

We summarised all the information we got from the interviews to share it with other professionals and with service users.

We used the information to make our psychology service more helpful for our service users.

We want to include the views of people with learning disabilities in planning our psychology service.

SummaryClinical psychologists are well placed to work with people with learning disabilities given the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders in this population and the specialist training undertaken by psychologists. The evidence for psychological interventions in learning disabilities is scarce compared to the evidence for mainstream psychological interventions. This is because of the methodological issues in conducting quantitative research. A way forward to add to the evidence is to use qualitative methods to investigate the views of people with learning disabilities. The aim of the present study was to explore the views of eight people with learning disabilities about their experiences of working with clinical psychologists. Thematic analysis revealed three themes from the narratives: the therapeutic relationship, change and the expectations/perceptions of participants about clinical psychologists. When developing the quality of clinical psychology services for people with learning disabilities, providers should consider the views of people with learning disabilities in accordance with government policy. Limitations of the study are highlighted and further research suggested.
Decrease in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase is related to skin pigmentation
Authors: Nakama Mitsuo , Murakami Yuhko , Tanaka Hiroshi , Nakata Satoru 
Published: February 2012

SummarySkin pigmentation is caused by various physical and chemical factors. It might also be influenced by changes in the physiological function of skin with aging. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) dehydrogenase is an enzyme related to the mitochondrial electron transport system and plays a key role in cellular energy production. It has been reported that the functional decrease in this system causes Parkinson’s disease. Another study reports that the amount of NADH dehydrogenase in heart and skeletal muscle decreases with aging. A similar decrease in the skin would probably affect its physiological function. However, no reports have examined the age‐related change in levels of NADH dehydrogenase in human skin. In this study, we investigated this change and its effect on skin pigmentation using cultured human epidermal keratinocytes. The mRNA expression of NDUFA1, NDUFB7, and NDUFS2, subunits of NADH dehydrogenase, and its activity were significantly decreased in late passage keratinocytes compared to early passage cells. Conversely, the mRNA expression of melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines, interleukin‐1 alpha and endothelin 1, was increased in late passage cells. On the other hand, the inhibition of NADH dehydrogenase upregulated the mRNA expression of melanocyte‐stimulating cytokines. Moreover, the level of NDUFB7 mRNA was lower in pigmented than in nonpigmented regions of skin in vivo. These results suggest the decrease in NADH dehydrogenase with aging to be involved in skin pigmentation.
Nail damage from gel polish manicure
Authors: Chen Andrea F , Chimento Stacy M , Hu Shasa , Sanchez Margaret , Zaiac Martin , Tosti Antonella 
Published: February 2012

SummaryManicures can result in nail damage via instrumentation, nail polish, nail polish removers, and artificial nails. We report nail weakness, brittleness, and thinning in five subjects after the application of a new manicure system called gel polish and removal with acetone and manual peeling. All subjects complained that the polish was very difficult to remove and that their nails became much thinner after the procedure. Pseudoleukonychia and onychoschizia lamellina were noted on examination. One subject underwent ultrasound and reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) measurements of nail plate before and after the gel polish application, which showed thinned nail plate (0.063 vs. 0.050 cm and 0.059 vs. 0.030 cm, respectively). Overall, we call attention to the adverse effects of gel polish manicures in five subjects. In addition, our case illustrates potential utility of ultrasound and RCM in measuring nail plate thickness.
Cutaneous oxidative stress
Authors: Polefka Thomas G , Meyer Thomas A , Agin Patricia P , Bianchini Robert J 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe earliest known microfossil records suggest that microorganisms existed on the earth approximately 3.8 billion years ago. Not only did sunlight drive this evolutionary process, but it also allowed photosynthetic organisms to elaborate oxygen and fundamentally change the earth’s atmosphere and subsequent evolution. Paradoxically, however, an atmosphere of 20% oxygen offers aerobic organisms both benefits and some key challenges, particularly, to the external integument. This mini‐review summarizes almost 40 years of research and provides a “60 000‐foot” perspective on cutaneous oxidative stress. Topics reviewed include the following: What are free radicals and reactive oxygen species? Where do they come from? What is their chemistry? What are their roles and/or impact on the skin? What antioxidant defenses are available to mitigate oxidative stress.
Topically applied l‐carnitine effectively reduces sebum secretion in human skin
Authors: Peirano Reto I , Hamann Tina , Düsing Hans‐Jürgen , Akhiani Mehdi , Koop Urte , Schmidt‐Rose Thomas , Wenck Horst 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBackground  Oily skin condition is caused by an excessive sebaceous gland activity, resulting in an overproduction of sebum, giving the skin an undesired shiny, oily appearance.Aims  To identify an active substance that reduces sebum production in human sebaceous glands by regulating fat metabolism in a natural way.Patients/Methods  The effects of l‐carnitine on β‐oxidation and intracellular lipid content were investigated in vitro using the human sebaceous cell line SZ95. Penetration experiments utilizing pig skin as a model system were performed with a cosmetic formulation containing radioactively labeled l‐carnitine. To determine the in vivo effects, a vehicle‐controlled, randomized study was carried out using a cosmetic formulation containing 2%l‐carnitine for 3 weeks. Sebum production was investigated utilizing the lipid‐absorbent Sebutape®.Results  SZ95 cells treated with 0.5% or 1%l‐carnitine demonstrated a significant concentration‐dependent increase in β‐oxidation compared to control cells. Following the treatment with l‐carnitine, intracellular lipid concentrations decreased significantly in a dose‐dependent manner compared with untreated control cells. In skin penetration experiments, topically applied l‐carnitine reached the dermis. In addition, topical in vivo application of a formulation containing 2%l‐carnitine for 3 weeks significantly decreased the sebum secretion rate compared to the treatment with vehicle.Conclusions  Our results show that the treatment of human sebocytes with l‐carnitine significantly augments β‐oxidation and significantly decreases intracellular lipid content in human sebocytes. Topically applied l‐carnitine is bioavailable and leads to a significant sebum reduction in vivo. In conclusion, l‐carnitine represents a valuable compound, produced naturally within the body, for the topical treatment of oily skin in humans.
A single‐blinded comparative study between the use of glycolic acid 70% peel and the use of topical nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis in the treatment of melasma
Authors: Sobhi Rehab Mohamed , Sobhi Ahmed Mohamed 
Published: February 2012

SummaryBackground  Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder. Despite the availability of a wide range of skin‐lightening treatments, melasma of skin remains a therapeutic challenge.Objective  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis and to compare the therapeutic effects of nanosome vitamin C iontophoresis vs. glycolic acid peel 70% in the treatment of melasma in Egyptian women.Methods  This study included 14 patients of melasma with skin type IV–V taken for a right–left comparison study of six sessions. Glycolic acid 70% peel was applied on the right side, whereas nanosome vitamin C was applied by iontophoresis on the other side. The results are evaluated using the melasma area and severity index score and with photographs at baseline and after six sessions. Also the photographs were evaluated by two single‐blinded physicians before and after sessions.Results  Both sides were improved, but the side treated with nanosome vitamin C showed better results. Side effects were few and transient.Conclusion  We concluded that nanosome vitamin C is a new, safe and effective, easy and painless method in the treatment of melasma.
In the shadow of the wrinkle: theories
Authors: Humbert Philippe , Viennet Céline , Legagneux Kévin , Grandmottet François , Robin Sophie , Oddos Thierry , Muret Patrice 
Published: February 2012

SummaryAs time passes, wrinkles typically appear. These skin depressions that become deeper and deeper draw more and more coarser lines on almost all the visible parts of aging individual’s skin. They are indeed the most obvious and maybe disliked signs of skin aging, and thus, preventing and treating them are a major topic for dermo‐cosmetic laboratories. However, the cause and occurrence mechanism of these simplistic looking lines are not yet fully understood. Wrinkling is thought to be a complex biophysical process resulting from repeated strains on a progressively, structurally and biochemistry altered aging skin with impaired mechanical properties. Focus is made on the specific histological features of the wrinkle compared to the surrounding aging skin. The numerous age‐related changes in human skin that are supposed to be involved in wrinkling are briefly reviewed, and the current theories on wrinkle formation linked to these changes are also discussed.
hTERT mutations associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis affect telomerase activity, telomere length, and cell growth by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Tsang Allison R. , Wyatt Haley D.M. , Ting Nicholas S.Y. , Beattie Tara L. 
Published: February 2012

SummaryTelomerase is a ribonucleoprotein reverse transcriptase (RT) that synthesizes specific DNA repeats, or telomeric DNA, at the ends of chromosomes. Telomerase is minimally composed of a protein subunit, TERT, and an RNA component, TR. Aberrant telomerase activity has been associated with most human cancers and several premature aging diseases, such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a chronic, progressive, and fatal lung disease characterized by alveolar epithelial cell damage and fibrosis. Our study focuses on three hTERT mutations that were identified in a subset of patients with IPF, in which these patients also exhibited shorter telomeres compared with age‐matched controls. We characterized how three IPF‐associated hTERT mutations, V144M, R865C, and R865H, affected telomerase function both in vitro and in human cells. We demonstrated that the R865 residue is crucial for repeat addition processivity and thus telomere synthesis in telomerase‐positive 293 cells and telomerase‐negative BJ cells, consistent with its location in the hTERT nucleotide‐binding motif. In contrast, while the V144M mutant did not exhibit any biochemical defects, this mutant was unable to elongate telomeres in human cells. As a result, our studies have identified hTERT V144 and R865 as two critical residues required for proper telomerase function in cells. Together, this may explain how inherited hTERT mutations can lead to shortened telomeres in patients with IPF and, thus, provide further insight into the role of naturally occurring telomerase mutations in the pathophysiology of certain age‐related disease states.
Reliability of heart rate measures used to assess post‐exercise parasympathetic reactivation
Authors: Dupuy Olivier , Mekary Saïd , Berryman Nicolas , Bherer Louis , Audiffren Michel , Bosquet Laurent 
Published: February 2012

SummaryPurposePostexercise HRR (heart rate recovery) and HRV (heart rate variability) are commonly used to asses non‐invasive cardiac autonomic regulation and more particularly reactivation parasympathetic function. Unfortunately, the reliability of postexercise HRR and HRV remains poorly quantified and is still lacking. The aim of this study was to examine absolute and relative reliability of HRR and HRV indices used to assess postexercise cardiac parasympathetic reactivation.MethodsWe studied 30 healthy men, who underwent 10‐minute heart rate recording after cessation of maximal and submaximal intensity exercises. Each condition of testing was repeated twice within 5 ± 2 days after the first one. Standard indexes of HRR and HRV were computed from heart rate and RR intervals.ResultsWe found no significant bias between repeated measures. Relative reliability was assessed with the intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) and absolute reliability with the standard error measurement (SEM) and coefficient of variation (CV). A large range for ICC was observed for both indexes of HRR and HRV (0·12 < ICC < 0·87 and 0·14 < ICC < 0·97, respectively). The same heterogeneity was observed for absolute reliability (5% < CV < 72% for HRR parameters and 24% < CV < 141% for HRV parameters).ConclusionAccording to our results, ∆60 (the absolute difference between heart rate immediately at the end of exercise and after 60 s) and HFnu (High Frequency expressed in normalized unit; that is, in a percentage of LF+HF) represent the most reliable parameters. In conclusion, we found that the measures used to asses cardiac parasympathetic reactivation were characterized by large random variations and their reliability remains moderate.