bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic regulation of myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix production in nasal polyp‐derived fibroblasts
Authors: Cho J.‐S. , Moon Y.‐M. , Park I.‐H. , Um J.‐Y. , Moon J.‐H. , Park S.‐J. , Lee S. H. , Kang H. J. , Lee H.‐M. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryBackgroundNasal polyposis is a multi‐factorial disease associated with chronic inflammatory condition of the paranasal sinuses. Myofibroblast differentiation and extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation are involved in the pathogenesis of nasal polyposis.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to study the effect of trichostatin A (TSA), a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, on transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1‐induced myofibroblast differentiation and ECM accumulation in nasal polyp‐derived fibroblasts (NPDFs).MethodsNasal polyp‐derived fibroblasts were isolated from nasal polyps of patients who have chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyp. TSA was treated in TGF‐β1‐induced NPDFs. Expression levels of HDAC2, α‐smooth muscle actin (SMA), TGF‐β1, collagen type I, acetylated Histone H3, acetylated Histone H4, phosphorylated Smad2/3 and Smad7 were determined by RT‐PCR, western blot and/or immunofluorescent staining. The total collagen amount production was analysed by Sircol soluble collagen assay and contractile activity was measured by collagen gel contraction assay. HDAC2 inhibition by TSA or HDAC2 silencing was established by RT‐PCR and western blot. The epigenetic effect on α‐SMA gene inactivation was examined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Proliferation was determined by Ki67‐positive cell staining and cytotoxicity was assessed by 3‐(4,5‐ dimethylthiazol‐2yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2H‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay.ResultsThe expression levels of HDAC2, α‐SMA and TGF‐β1 were increased in nasal polyp tissues compared to normal inferior turbinate tissues. TSA and HDAC2 silencing inhibited expression levels α‐SMA, collagen and HDAC2. TSA induced hyperacetylation of histone and suppressed opening of α‐SMA gene promoter in TGF‐β1‐induced NPDFs. TSA inhibited TGF‐β1‐induced Smad 2/3 and rescued TGF‐β1‐suppressed Smad7 signalling pathway. Finally, TSA blocked proliferation in TGF‐β1‐induced NPDFs and has no cytotoxic effect in NPDFs.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThese results suggest that HDAC inhibition is associated with myofibroblast differentiation and extracelluar matrix accumulation in nasal polyposis. TSA may be useful as an inhibitor of nasal polyp growth, and thus has potential to be used as a novel treatment option for nasal polyposis.
Prolactin measurement during inferior petrosal sinus sampling improves the localization of pituitary adenomas in Cushing's disease
Authors: Mulligan Guy B. , Faiman Charles , Gupta Manjula , Kennedy Laurence , Hatipoglu Betul , Hui Ferdinand , Weil Robert J. , Hamrahian Amir H. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveInferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) distinguishes pituitary‐dependent Cushing's disease (CD) from ectopic ACTH syndrome with a high degree of certainty, but has not been reliable in predicting the location of an adenoma within the pituitary gland. We investigated whether prolactin measurements during IPSS would improve pituitary tumour localization.MethodsFifty‐four patients with suspected ACTH‐dependent Cushing's syndrome who underwent IPSS between 1997 and 2009 were studied retrospectively. Twenty‐eight patients who had an identifiable tumour that stained for ACTH on histopathology are the subject of this study. Intersinus ACTH gradients before and after adjustment for prolactin were compared with surgical findings and pathology.ResultsMagnetic resonance imaging localized a pituitary adenoma in 17/28 (61%) patients. Using a maximum intersinus ACTH gradient of ≥1·4 before or after CRH stimulation, we could diagnose the tumour location correctly in 15/28 (54%) patients. By comparison, tumour lateralization by means of a dominant (≥1·4) prolactin‐adjusted ACTH intersinus gradient was correct in 21/28 (75%) patients (P = 0·041). Tumour localization was correct in 23/28 (82%) patients when MRI and prolactin‐adjusted ratio data were combined. Fourteen patients with proper bilateral IPS venous sampling (as determined by concurrent IPS to peripheral prolactin ratio ≥1·8) either had correct localization of the tumour (n = 12) or had a central lesion (n = 2). In none of these 14 patients was the dominant prolactin‐adjusted ACTH ratio associated with a tumour on the opposite side of the gland.ConclusionProlactin measurement, during IPSS, improves our ability to correctly localize the pituitary adenoma site in CD.
Pattern‐recognition receptors in human eosinophils
Authors: Kvarnhammar Anne Månsson , Cardell Lars Olaf 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe pattern‐recognition receptor (PRR) family includes Toll‐like receptors (TLRs), nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD) ‐like receptors (NLRs), RIG‐I‐like receptors (RLRs), C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). They recognize various microbial signatures or host‐derived danger signals and trigger an immune response. Eosinophils are multifunctional leucocytes involved in the pathogenesis of several inflammatory processes, including parasitic helminth infection, allergic diseases, tissue injury and tumour immunity. Human eosinophils express several PRRs, including TLR1–5, TLR7, TLR9, NOD1, NOD2, Dectin‐1 and RAGE. Receptor stimulation induces survival, oxidative burst, activation of the adhesion system and release of cytokines (interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, tumour necrosis factor‐α and granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor), chemokines (interleukin‐8 and growth‐related oncogene‐α) and cytotoxic granule proteins (eosinophil cationic protein, eosinophil‐derived neurotoxin, eosinophil peroxidase and major basic protein). It is also evident that eosinophils play an immunomodulatory role by interacting with surrounding cells. The presence of a broad range of PRRs in eosinophils indicates that they are not only involved in defence against parasitic helminths, but also against bacteria, viruses and fungi. From a clinical perspective, eosinophilic PRRs seem to be involved in both allergic and malignant diseases by causing exacerbations and affecting tumour growth, respectively.
The product of tadZ, a new member of the parA/minD superfamily, localizes to a pole in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Perez‐Cheeks Brenda A. , Planet Paul J. , Sarkar I. Neil , Clock Sarah A. , Xu Qingping , Figurski David H. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans establishes a tenacious biofilm that is important for periodontal disease. The tad locus encodes the components for the secretion and biogenesis of Flp pili, which are necessary for the biofilm to form. TadZ is required, but its function has been elusive. We show that tadZ genes belong to the parA/minD superfamily of genes and that TadZ from A. actinomycetemcomitans (AaTadZ) forms a polar focus in the cell independent of any other tad locus protein. Mutations indicate that regions in AaTadZ are required for polar localization and biofilm formation. We show that AaTadZ dimerizes and that all TadZ proteins are predicted to have a Walker‐like A box. However, they all lack the conserved lysine at position 6 (K6) present in the canonical Walker‐like A box. When the alanine residue (A6) in the atypical Walker‐like A box of AaTadZ was converted to lysine, the mutant protein remained able to dimerize and localize, but it was unable to allow the formation of a biofilm. Another essential biofilm protein, the ATPase (AaTadA), also localizes to a pole. However, its correct localization depends on the presence of AaTadZ. We suggest that the TadZ proteins mediate polar localization of the Tad secretion apparatus.
Quantification of dystrophin immunofluorescence in dystrophinopathy muscle specimens
Authors: Taylor L. E. , Kaminoh Y. J. , Rodesch C. K. , Flanigan K. M. 
Published: January 2012

L. E. Taylor, Y. J. Kaminoh, C. K. Rodesch and K. M. Flanigan (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 591–601Quantification of dystrophin immunofluorescence in dystrophinopathy muscle specimensAims: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is usually associated with absent or nearly absent dystrophin expression at the sarcolemmal membrane. Quantification of very low levels of dystrophin signal in immunofluorescent studies of muscle biopsy sections presents a technical challenge. This is particularly true in the setting of proof‐of‐principle drug trials, in which the detection and quantification of what may be significant changes in levels of expression is important, even if absolute dystrophin levels remain low. Methods: We have developed a method of image analysis that allows reliable and semi‐automated immunofluorescent quantification of low‐level dystrophin expression in sections co‐stained for spectrin. Using a custom Metamorph script to create a contiguous region spectrin mask, we quantify dystrophin signal intensity only at pixels within the spectrin mask that presumably represent the sarcolemmal membrane. Using this method, we analysed muscle biopsy tissue from a series of patients with DMD, Becker muscular dystrophy, intermediate muscular dystrophy and normal control tissue. Results: Analysis of serial sections on multiple days confirms reproducibility, and normalized dystrophin : spectrin intensity ratios (expressed as a percentage of normal control tissue) correlate well with the dystrophin expression levels as determined by Western blot analysis. Conclusion: This method offers a robust and reliable method of biomarker detection for trials of DMD therapies.
Maternal education inequalities in height growth rates in early childhood: 2004 Pelotas birth cohort study
Authors: Matijasevich Alicia , Howe Laura D. , Tilling Kate , Santos Iná S. , Barros Aluísio J. D. , Lawlor Debbie A. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryMatijasevich A, Howe LD, Tilling K, Santos IS, Barros AJD, Lawlor DA. Maternal education inequalities in height growth rates in early childhood: 2004 Pelotas birth cohort study. Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology 2012; 26: 236–249.Socio‐economic inequalities in attained height have been reported in many countries. The aim of this study was to explore the age at which maternal education inequalities in child height emerge among children from a middle‐income country. Using data from the 2004 Pelotas cohort study from Brazil we modelled individual height growth trajectories in 2106 boys and 1947 girls from birth to 4 years using a linear spline mixed‐effects model. We examined the associations of maternal education with birth length and trajectories of growth in length/height, and explored the effect of adjusting for a number of potential confounder or mediator factors.We showed linear and positive associations of maternal education with birth length and length/height growth rates at 0–3 months and 12–29/32 months with very little association at 3–12 months, particularly in boys. By age 4 years the mean height of boys was 101.06 cm (SE = 0.28) in the lowest and 104.20 cm (SE = 0.15) in the highest education category (mean difference 3.14 cm, SE = 0.32, P < 0.001). Among girls the mean height was 100.02 cm (SE = 0.27) and 103.03 cm (SE = 0.15) in the lowest and highest education categories, respectively (mean difference 3.01 cm, SE = 0.31, P < 0.001). For both boys and girls there was on average a 3‐cm difference between the extreme education categories. Adjusting for maternal height reduced the observed birth length differences across maternal education categories, but differences in postnatal growth rates persisted.Our data demonstrate an increase in the absolute and relative inequality in height after birth; inequality increases from approximately 0.2 standard deviations of birth length to approximately 0.7 standard deviations of height at age 4, indicating that height inequality, which was already present at birth, widened through differential growth rates to age 2 years.
Genetic and nutritional effects on male traits and reproductive performance in Tribolium flour beetles
Authors: LEWIS S. M. , TIGREROS N. , FEDINA T. , MING Q. L. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn Tribolium flour beetles and other organisms, individuals migrate between heterogeneous environments where they often encounter markedly different nutritional conditions. Under these circumstances, theory suggests that genotype‐by‐environment interactions (GEI) may be important in facilitating adaptation to new environments and maintaining genetic variation for male traits subject to directional selection. Here, we used a nested half‐sib breeding design with Tribolium castaneum to partition the separate and joint effects of male genotype and nutritional environment on phenotypic variation in a comprehensive suite of life‐history traits, reproductive performance measures across three sequential sexual selection episodes, and fitness. When male genotypes were tested across three nutritional environments, considerable phenotypic plasticity was found for male mating and insemination success, longevity and traits related to larval development. Our results also revealed significant additive genetic variation for male mating rate, sperm offence ability (P2), longevity and total fitness and for several traits reflecting both larval and adult resource use. In addition, we found evidence supporting GEI for sperm defence ability (P1), adult longevity and larval development; thus, no single male genotype outperforms others in every nutritional environment. These results provide insight into the potential roles of phenotypic plasticity and GEI in facilitating Tribolium adaptation to new environments in ecological and evolutionary time.
A qualitative and quantitative analysis of von Willebrand factor contained in a very high‐purity plasma‐derived FVIII concentrate
Authors: Samor B. , Michalski C. , Brandin M.‐P. , Andre M.‐H. , Chtourou S. , Tellier Z. 
Published: January 2012

Background and Objectives  We studied the structural and functional properties of von Willebrand factor (VWF) molecules present in a very high‐purity plasma‐derived factor VIII concentrate (VHP pdFVIII – Factane®) because several observations suggest that the presence of VWF in factor VIII (FVIII) preparations may decrease their immunogenicity.Materials and Methods  Ten marketed batches of VHP pdFVIII (Factane®) with levels of VWF ranging from 15 to 39 IU/100 IU FVIII were analysed. The VWF multimeric pattern was studied by agarose gel electrophoresis. The binding of VWF to FVIII was studied by gel filtration and ELISA. The binding of VWF to GPIb was analysed by ELISA.Results  The results showed that high‐molecular‐weight multimers of VWF were present in VHP pdFVIII (Factane®). VWF subunits maintain a triplet structure similar to that of normal plasma. Regardless of the VWF content, all FVIII molecules of each batch were co‐eluted with VWF, and no free FVIII was detectable. By immunoassays, VWF was found to be able to bind to FVIII and platelet GPIb in a similar manner to that of VWF in normal plasma.Conclusions  In all the VHP pdFVIII (Factane®) batches studied, regardless of the level of VWF, the structure and capacity of VWF binding to FVIII and to platelet GPIb were fully preserved.
Morphological and genetic distinctiveness of metallicolous and non‐metallicolous populations of Armeria maritima s.l. (Plumbaginaceae) in Poland
Authors: Abratowska A. , Wąsowicz P. , Bednarek P. T. , Telka J. , Wierzbicka M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPatterns of morphological, genetic and epigenetic variation (DNA methylation pattern) were investigated in metallicolous (M) and non‐metallicolous (NM) populations of Armeria maritima. A morphological study was carried out using plants from six natural populations grown in a greenhouse. Morphological variation was assessed using seven traits. On the basis of this study, three representative populations were selected for molecular analyses using metAFLP to study sequence‐ and methylation‐based DNA variation. Only one morphological trait (length of outer involucral bracts) was common to both metallicolous populations studied; however, the level of variation was sufficient to differentiate between M and NM populations. Molecular analyses showed the existence of naturally occurring epigenetic variation in A. maritima populations, as well as structuring into distinct between and within population components. We show that patterns of population genetic structure differed depending on the information used in the study. Analysis of sequence‐based information data demonstrates the presence of three well‐defined and genetically differentiated populations. Methylation‐based data show that two major groups of individuals are present, corresponding to the division into M and NM populations. These results were confirmed using different analytical approaches, which suggest that the DNA methylation pattern is similar in both M populations. We hypothesise that epigenetic processes may be involved in microevolution leading to development of M populations in A. maritima.
Antioxidant and photoprotective responses to elevated CO2 and heat stress during holm oak regeneration by resprouting, evaluated with NIRS (near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy)
Authors: Pintó‐Marijuan M. , Joffre R. , Casals I. , De Agazio M. , Zacchini M. , García‐Plazaola J.‐I. , Esteban R. , Aranda X. , Guàrdia M. , Fleck I. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPhotosynthetic, photoprotective and antioxidant responses during high temperature stress were determined in leaves of evergreen holm oak (Quercus ilex L.), the main species in Mediterranean forests, during resprouting under elevated CO2 (750 μl·l−1). Leaf chemicals, chloroplast pigments and non‐enzymatic antioxidants were quantified in a single measurement using NIRS (near‐infrared spectroscopy), a rapid and suitable method for ecophysiological purposes. Resprouts from plants grown under elevated CO2 (RE) showed photosynthetic down‐regulation, higher starch content and lower stomatal conductance, but similar stomatal density, than plants grown under current CO2 concentrations (350 μl·l−1) (RA). The photosynthetic sink reduction and need for more antioxidants and photoprotection in RE were reflected in an increased concentration of ascorbate (Asc) and phenolic compounds and in the contribution of the xanthophyll (Z/VAZ) and lutein epoxide cycles to excess energy dissipation as heat, and also reflected in chlorophyll fluorescence measurements. CO2 assimilation parameters were stable from 25 to 35 °C in RE and RA, declining thereafter in RA in spite of a 2.3 °C lower leaf temperature. RE showed a more marked decline in photorespiration above 35 °C and less sensitive stomatal responses to high temperature stress than RA. During heat stress, RE had higher Asc, Z/VAZ and phenolics content, together with delayed enhancement of chloroplast lipophilic antioxidant compounds (carotenes and tocopherols). The high contribution of photoprotective systems and high temperature tolerance in resprouts developed under elevated CO2 would mitigate the effect of photosynthesis acclimation during the regeneration of Q. ilex plants under climate change.
Eucalyptus wood decay: effects on productivity and quality of cellulose
Authors: Mafia R. G. , Santos P. C. , Demuner B. J. , Massoquete A. , Sartório R. C. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryWe evaluated the effect of wood decay, caused by fungiHypoxylonspp., on pulp productivity and quality. Wood samples with different proportions of contamination (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) were used to produce Kraft pulp under the same pulping conditions. In the second step, cookings were performed to achieve the same Kappa number (Kn = 17 ± 1), varying only the alkali charge. Wood and pulp were also analysed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The risk of occurrence of wood decay reached its maximum between September and October, under inappropriate storage conditions and juvenile wood without bark. It was observed that the increase in the decayed content (DC) of wood chips affected the Kappa number (Kn), according to the model Kn = 1/(0.0595−0.00324*DC0.34102). An increase of 38.7% of alkali charge was necessary to reach the same Kappa number with decayed wood. The yield for the contaminated wood was lower (48%) when compared to non‐contaminated wood (53%). Once contaminated, the wood chips demand more severe cooking conditions because of the difficulty of impregnation. This condition affected the pulp quality, reducing its viscosity by 30% and hemicelluloses content by 5%. In addition, losses of resistance were also observed in the final pulp, where the zero span and tensile indexes were reduced by 5 and 16%, respectively. The SEM observations showed that the ascostroma fungi tissue was not totally degraded during the Kraft process, resulting in the deposition of pitch on fibres. Considering the results achieved, it was possible to conclude that the eucalyptus wood decay, caused by the fungiHypoxylonspp., significantly affects the pulp process and quality.
TRADE DIVERSIFICATION, INCOME, AND GROWTH: WHAT DO WE KNOW?
Authors: Cadot Olivier , Carrère Céline , Strauss‐Kahn Vanessa 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThis paper surveys the empirical literature on export and import diversification and its linkages with growth. We review widely used measures of diversification and the evidence about their evolution focusing on how export diversification relates to trade liberalization and economic development. We also discuss the linkages between trade diversification and productivity at the firm and industry level, highlighting new advances on the linkages between import diversification and productivity.
The effects of systemic isotretinoin and antibiotic therapy on the microbial floras in patients with acne vulgaris
Authors: Başak P.Y. , Çetin E.S. , Gürses İ. , Özseven A.G. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground  Although there are several studies about the alteration in skin flora, limited number of reports about changes in the microbial contents and their resistance profile of other body sites in patients treated with isotretinoin for acne vulgaris.Objectives  The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic isotretinoin and antibiotic therapy on the microbial floras of oropharynx, nose and feces in acne patients.Methods  Treatment groups of isotretinoin and antibiotics consisting of 20 and 15 patients, respectively were included. Microbiological culture samples were taken at baseline and once a month during 4–6 months of treatment period.Results  Difference in microbial flora throughout the treatment period was detected at least among one of all culture samples of 15 (75%) and 5 (33%) patients in isotretinoin and antibiotic groups. There was statistically significant difference between two groups in means of alteration of the microbial flora (P = 0.013). The difference was definitely observed among nasal cultures (65%) in isotretinoin group and fecal cultures (20%) in the other. Staphylococcus aureus colonization was prominent in the microbial floras of nose and oropharynx and 2 of 14 nasal isolates were detected to be methicilline resistant while Escherichia coli with extended spectrum beta lactamase activity was detected in fecal floras of patients in isotretinoin group.Conclusions  Systemic isotretinoin and antibiotic treatments in acne patients precisely caused variations in the microbial floras of several sites of the body, while isotretinoin was commonly more responsible than antibiotics. Knowing that alterations in the microbial colonization of the flora regions may preceede infectious disease and bacterial resistance, treatment options and follow‐up procedures in acne vulgaris should be carefully determined to reduce the risk of destruction of the microbial flora.