bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary excretion of advanced glycation end products in dogs and cats
Authors: Palaseweenun Pornsucha , Hagen‐Plantinga Esther A. , Schonewille J. Thomas , Koop Gerrit , Butre Claire , Jonathan Melliana , Wierenga Peter A. , Hendriks Wouter H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present study was conducted with privately owned dogs and cats to investigate whether a relationship exists between the dietary AGEs and the urinary excretion of AGEs, as indication of possible effective absorption of those compounds in the intestinal tract of pet carnivores. For this purpose, data were collected from both raw fed and dry processed food (DPF) fed to dogs and cats, through spot urine sampling and questionnaires. Raw pet food (RF, low in AGE diets) was fed as a primary food source to 29 dogs and DPF to 28 dogs. Cats were categorized into 3 groups, which were RF (n = 15), DPF (n = 14) and dry and wet processed pet food (DWF, n = 25). Urinary‐free carboxymethyllysine (CML), carboxyethyllysine (CEL) and lysinoalanine (LAL) were analysed using ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)—mass spectrometry, and were standardized for variable urine concentration by expressing the AGE concentrations as a ratio to urine creatinine (Ucr) concentration (µg/µmol Ucr). Urinary excretion of CML, CEL and LAL in dogs fed with DPF was 2.03, 2.14 and 3 times higher compared to dogs fed with RF (p < .005). Similar to the dogs, a significant difference in CML:Ucr, CEL:Ucr and LAL:Ucr between the three diet groups was observed in cats (p‐overall < 0.005, ANOVA), in which the RF fed group excreted less AGEs than the other groups. Linear regression coefficients and SE of CML:Ucr, CEL:Ucr and LAL:Ucr showed that body weight and neuter status were significantly correlated with CML and CEL excretion, but not to LAL excretion. Our results revealed a significant correlation between dietary AGEs and urinary excretion of free CML, CEL and LAL, and also showed that endogenous formation of these AGEs occurs in both dogs and cats under physiological conditions.
Efficacy of some feed additives to attenuate the hepato‐renal damage induced by aflatoxin B1 in rabbits
Authors: Ismail Ismail E. , Farag Mayada R. , Alagawany Mahmoud , Mahmoud Hemat K. , Reda Fayiz M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe present trial was conducted to evaluate the beneficial role of some feed additives (potassium sorbate; Sor, hydrated sodium calcium almuniosilicate; Hsc and l‐methionine; L‐M) in attenuating the hepatic and renal toxicity of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in rabbits. A total number of 72 NZW growing rabbits (5 week‐old) were divided into six experimental groups (four replicates with three rabbits each) as follows: control group, AFB1 group (supplemented with AFB1 0.3 mg/kg diet), AFB1 + Sor group (AFB1 0.3 mg/kg diet + Sor 2 g/kg diet), AFB1 + Hsc group (AFB1 0.3 mg/kg diet + Hsc 5 g/kg diet), AFB1 + L‐M group (AFB1 0.3 mg/kg diet + L‐M 8 g/kg diet) and AFB1 + Mix group (AFB1 0.3 mg/kg diet + 2 Sor + 5 Hsc + 8 L‐M g/kg diet). Serum levels of total protein, albumin and globulin were significantly reduced by AF. AF increased the serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes. While, they were reduced in AF + Sor and AF + Mix groups compared with AF group. AF increased the level of cystatin C and Beta‐2 microglobulin (BMG). All other supplements significantly reduced the level of cystatin C than AF; however, this reduction was more pronounced in AF‐L‐M group. AF + Sor, AF + L‐M and AF + Mix equally reduced the BMG level than AF and AF + HSc, however, still higher than control. AF elevated the total cholesterol (TC) and LDL‐cholesterol levels. A significant reduction in HDL cholesterol was seen in AF group. Additionally, AF induced pathological alterations in the liver and kidney of exposed rabbits on the other hands, the three additives separately or in mix attenuated the Af‐induced alterations. In conclusion, the dietary supplementation of Sor, L‐M, Hsc or their mixture was effective in ameliorating the negative effects of AFB1 on liver and kidney function and structure in rabbits with more better improvement obtained by Sor or L‐M separately.
Trace elements homeostasis in brain exposed to 900 MHz RFW emitted from a BTS‐antenna model and the protective role of vitamin E
Authors: Azimzadeh Mansour , Jelodar Gholamali 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAdvances in telecommunication and their broad usage in the community have become a great concern from the health aspect. The object of the present study was to examine the effects of exposure to 900 MHz RFW on brain Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and Manganese (Mn) concentration, and the protective role of pre‐treatment of vitamin E on mentioned elements homoeostasis. Twenty adult male Sprague–Dawley rats (200 ± 20 g) randomly were divided into four groups. Control group (without any exposure, received distilled water), treatment control group (orally received 250 mg/kg BW/d vitamin E), treatment group (received 250 mg/kg BW/d vitamin E and exposed to 900 MHz RFW) and sham‐exposed group (exposed to 900 MHz RFW). Animals (with freely moving in the cage) were exposed to RFW for 30 consecutive days (4 hr/day). The levels of the above mentioned elements in the brain tissue were determined on the last day using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Exposure to 900 MHz RFW induced a significant increase in the Fe, Cu, Mn levels and Cu/Zn ratio accompanied by a significant decrease in Zn level in the sham‐exposed group compare to control group. Vitamin E pre‐treatment improved the level of Fe, Cu, Mn and Cu/Zn ratio, except in the Zn concentration. Exposure to 900 MHz RFW caused disrupted trace elements homoeostasis in the brain tissue and administration of vitamin E as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent improved the situation.
Effective risk aversion in thin risk‐sharing markets
Authors: Anthropelos Michail , Kardaras Constantinos , Vichos Georgios 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe consider thin incomplete financial markets, where traders with heterogeneous preferences and risk exposures have motive to behave strategically regarding the demand schedules they submit, thereby impacting prices and allocations. We argue that traders relatively more exposed to the market portfolio tend to behave in a more risk tolerant manner. Noncompetitive equilibrium prices and allocations result as an outcome of a game among traders. General sufficient conditions for existence and uniqueness of such equilibrium are provided, with extensive analysis of two‐trader transactions. Even though strategic behavior causes inefficient social allocations, traders with sufficiently high risk tolerance and/or high initial exposure to tradable securities obtain more utility gain in the noncompetitive equilibrium, when compared to the competitive one.
Microbiome maturation during a unique developmental window
Authors: Videvall Elin 
Published: April 2020

Shortly after birth, mammals are colonized by a multitude of microbes derived from the mother and the environment. Studies in model organisms have demonstrated that the structure and composition of the gut microbiome of offspring steadily mature with increasing diversity during nursing and weaning (Sommer & Bäckhed, 2013). This period of microbiome assembly is critical for young mammals because the gut microbes they acquire will help train their immune system (Lathrop et al., 2011) with potential long‐lasting effects on their health (Cox et al., 2014). In an article in this issue of Molecular Ecology, Stoffel et al. (2020) investigated the gut microbiota of northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) during a key developmental window. A month after giving birth, elephant seal mothers stop nursing their pups and return to the sea. As a consequence, their pups go from a diet of milk rich in fat to abruptly enter a post weaning fasting period which lasts for about two months while they remain with the colony. This particular life‐history trait therefore offered the authors a unique and exciting opportunity to evaluate intrinsic factors contributing to gut microbiota development in a wild marine mammal.
Plasma proteomic profiles differ between European and North American myotid bats colonized by Pseudogymnoascus destructans
Authors: Hecht‐Höger Alexander M. , Braun Beate C. , Krause Eberhard , Meschede Angelika , Krahe Rüdiger , Voigt Christian C. , Greenwood Alex D. , Czirják Gábor Á. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEmerging fungal diseases have become challenges for wildlife health and conservation. North American hibernating bat species are threatened by the psychrophilic fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) causing the disease called white‐nose syndrome (WNS) with unprecedented mortality rates. The fungus is widespread in North America and Europe, however, disease is not manifested in European bats. Differences in epidemiology and pathology indicate an evolution of resistance or tolerance mechanisms towards Pd in European bats. We compared the proteomic profile of blood plasma in healthy and Pd‐colonized European Myotis myotis and North American Myotis lucifugus in order to identify pathophysiological changes associated with Pd colonization, which might also explain the differences in bat survival. Expression analyses of plasma proteins revealed differences in healthy and Pd‐colonized M. lucifugus, but not in M. myotis. We identified differentially expressed proteins for acute phase response, constitutive and adaptive immunity, oxidative stress defence, metabolism and structural proteins of exosomes and desmosomes, suggesting a systemic response against Pd in North American M. lucifugus but not European M. myotis. The differences in plasma proteomic profiles between European and North American bat species colonized by Pd suggest European bats have evolved tolerance mechanisms towards Pd infection.
A type VI secretion system delivers a cell wall amidase to target bacterial competitors
Authors: Wang Tietao , Hu Zhaoyu , Du Xiao , Shi Yue , Dang Jing , Lee Mijoon , Hesek Dusan , Mobashery Shahriar , Wu Min , Liang Haihua 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa harbors three paralogous zinc proteases annotated as AmpD, AmpDh2, and AmpDh3, which turn over the cell wall and cell wall‐derived muropeptides. AmpD is cytoplasmic and plays a role in the recycling of cell wall muropeptides, with a link to antibiotic resistance. AmpDh2 is a periplasmic soluble enzyme with the former anchored to the inner leaflet of the outer membrane. We document, herein, that the type VI secretion system locus II (H2‐T6SS) of P. aeruginosa delivers AmpDh3 (but not AmpD or AmpDh2) to the periplasm of a prey bacterium upon contact. AmpDh3 hydrolyzes the cell wall peptidoglycan of the prey bacterium, which leads to its killing, thereby providing a growth advantage for P. aeruginosa in bacterial competition. We also document that the periplasmic protein PA0808, heretofore of unknown function, affords self‐protection from lysis by AmpDh3. Cognates of the AmpDh3‐PA0808 pair are widely distributed across Gram‐negative bacteria. Taken together, these findings underscore the importance of their function as an evolutionary advantage and that of the H2‐T6SS as the means for the manifestation of the effect.
Plant nutrient‐acquisition strategies drive topsoil microbiome structure and function
Authors: Bahram Mohammad , Netherway Tarquin , Hildebrand Falk , Pritsch Karin , Drenkhan Rein , Loit Kaire , Anslan Sten , Bork Peer , Tedersoo Leho 
Published: April 2020

SummaryPlant nutrient‐acquisition strategies drive soil processes and vegetation performance, but their effect on the soil microbiome remains poorly understood. This knowledge is important to predict the shifts in microbial diversity and functions due to increasing changes in vegetation traits under global change.Here we documented the topsoil microbiomes of 145 boreal and temperate terrestrial sites in the Baltic region that broadly differed in vegetation type and nutritional traits, such as mycorrhizal types and symbiotic nitrogen‐fixation.We found that sites dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) vegetation harbor relatively more AM fungi, bacteria, fungal saprotrophs, and pathogens in the topsoil compared with sites dominated by ectomycorrhizal (EM) plants. These differences in microbiome composition reflect the rapid nutrient cycling and negative plant–soil feedback in AM soils. Lower fungal diversity and bacteria : fungi ratios in EM‐dominated habitats are driven by monodominance of woody vegetation as well as soil acidification by EM fungi, which are associated with greater diversity and relative abundance of carbohydrate‐active enzymes.Our study suggests that shifts in vegetation related to global change and land use may strongly alter the topsoil microbiome structure and function.
Cherry picking by pseudomonads: After a century of research on canker, genomics provides insights into the evolution of pathogenicity towards stone fruits
Authors: Hulin Michelle T. , Jackson Robert W. , Harrison Richard J. , Mansfield John W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBacterial canker disease is a major limiting factor in the growing of cherry and otherPrunusspecies worldwide. At least five distinct clades within the bacterial species complexPseudomonas syringaeare known to be causal agents of the disease. The different pathogens commonly coexist in the field. Reducing canker is a challenging prospect as the efficacy of chemical controls and host resistance may vary against each of the diverse clades involved. Genomic analysis has revealed that the pathogens use a variable repertoire of virulence factors to cause the disease. Significantly, strains ofP.syringaepv.syringaepossess more genes for toxin biosynthesis and fewer encoding type III effector proteins. There is also a shared pool of key effector genes present on mobile elements such as plasmids and prophages that may have roles in virulence. By contrast, there is evidence that absence or truncation of certain effector genes, such ashopAB, is characteristic of cherry pathogens. Here we highlight how recent research, underpinned by the earlier epidemiological studies, is allowing significant progress in our understanding of the canker pathogens. This fundamental knowledge, combined with emerging insights into host genetics, provides the groundwork for development of precise control measures and informed approaches to breed for disease resistance.
Anti‐Mullerian hormone and its relationship to ovulation response and fertility in timed AI Bos indicus heifers
Authors: Batista Emiliana O. S. , Vieira Lais M. , Freitas Bruno G. , Guerreiro Bruna M. , Carvalho J. G. S. , Mingoti Rodolfo D. , Vasconcellos Guilherme , Souza Alexandre H. , Bento Sterman Ferraz Jose , Sampaio Baruselli Pietro 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis study evaluated the association between plasma anti‐Mullerian hormone (AMH) concentration and fertility in Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers submitted to timed artificial insemination (TAI). At the onset of the synchronization protocol, heifers (n = 289) received a subcutaneous P4 ear implant (3 mg) and 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate. Eight days later, the P4 implant was removed and 0.5 mg of oestradiol cypionate, prostaglandin (0.265 mg, i.m.) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (300 UI, i.m.) was administered, and TAI was performed 48 hr after ear implant removal. Ovarian ultrasound evaluations were performed to measure number of ovarian follicles, dominant follicle size and ovulation response. Pregnancy diagnosis was performed by ultrasound 30 days after AI. Heifers with greater circulating AMH had more antral follicles, a smaller dominant follicle near timed ovulation and lower ovulation response to the timed AI protocol compared to heifers with lower circulating AMH. Although AMH and pregnancy outcome had a quadratic‐shaped pattern, AMH was not significantly associated with fertility. In conclusion, heifers with lower AMH had larger follicles towards the end of the synchronization protocol and greater ovulation responses, whereas greater circulating AMH was unrelated to conception success.
Individualistic and Collectivistic Orientations: Examining the Relationship between Ethnicity and National Attachment in Ghana
Authors: Asante Kofi Takyi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEthnicity is regarded as the greatest threat to national attachment by both politicians and scholars. However, ethnicity is only one of the many forms of identification which could potentially clash with national attachment. This study therefore examines the relationship between ethnicity and national attachment by asking a general question: what is the impact of alternative group loyalties on national attachment? To answer this question, I develop a measure of national attachment drawing on several sentiments oriented towards the state. Using a survey of 996 university students, I find varying degrees of intensity of the selected identities. Specifically, while descriptive analysis supports recent reports of the declining salience of ethnicity in Ghana, inferential analysis contradicts theoretical expectations that the increasing salience of ethnicity would negatively affect national attachment. Conceptually, it is possible to map the various identities onto a collectivistic‐individualistic scale. Individualistic orientations undermine national attachment, while collectivistic orientations boost it. I argue that rather than being contradictory impulses, ethnicity and national attachment are both underlain by the same collectivistic orientation, pointing to the importance of social rootedness. I deploy qualitative and historical data to give substance and texture to these findings.
On T cell development, T cell signals, T cell specificity and sensitivity, and the autoimmunity facilitated by lymphopenia
Authors: Bretscher Peter A. , Al‐Yassin Ghassan , Anderson Colin C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWe propose a framework to explain how T cells achieve specificity and sensitivity, how the affinity of the TcR peptide/MHC interaction controls positive and negative thymic selection and mature T cell survival, and whether antigen‐dependent activation and inactivation takes place. Two distinct types of signalling can lead to mature T cell multiplication. One requires the TcR to recognize with a certain affinity an antigen‐derived peptide, an agonist peptide, bound to an MHC molecule. The other, the tonic signal, leads to naïve T cell survival and modest proliferation if the T cell successfully competes for endogenous, self‐peptide/MHC ligands, involving lower affinity TCR/ligand interactions. Many suggest lymphopenia contributes to autoimmunity by increasing the strength of TcR‐tonic signalling, and so activation of anti‐self T cells. We suggest T cell activation requires antigen‐mediated cooperation between T cells. Increased tonic signalling under lymphopenic conditions facilitates T cell proliferation and so antigen‐dependent cooperation and activation of anti‐self T cells.
Is there rationale for the cuff pressures prescribed for blood flow restriction exercise? A systematic review
Authors: Clarkson Matthew J. , May Anthony K. , Warmington Stuart A. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundBlood flow restriction exercise has increasingly broad applications among healthy and clinical populations. Ensuring the technique is applied in a safe, controlled, and beneficial way for target populations is essential. Individualized cuff pressures are a favored method for achieving this. However, there remains marked inconsistency in how individualized cuff pressures are applied.ObjectivesTo quantify the cuff pressures used in the broader blood flow restriction exercise literature, and determine whether there is clear justification for the choice of pressure prescribed.MethodsStudies were included in this review from database searches if they employed an experimental design using original data, involved either acute or chronic exercise using blood flow restriction, and they assessed limb or arterial occlusion pressure to determine an individualized cuff pressure. Methodologies of the studies were evaluated using a bespoke quality assessment tool.ResultsFifty‐one studies met the inclusion criteria. Individualized cuff pressures ranged from 30% to 100% arterial occlusion pressure. Only 7 out of 52 studies attempted to justify the individualized cuff pressure applied during exercise. The mean quality rating for all studies was 11.1 ± 1.2 out of 13.ConclusionsThe broader blood flow restriction exercise literature uses markedly heterogeneous prescription variables despite using individualized cuff pressures. This is problematic in the absence of any clear justification for the individualized cuff pressures selected. Systematically measuring and reporting all relevant acute responses and training adaptations to the full spectrum of BFR pressures alongside increased clarity around the methodology used during blood flow restriction exercise is paramount.
Threatening drug‐drug interaction in a kidney transplant patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)
Authors: Bartiromo Marilù , Borchi Beatrice , Botta Annarita , Bagalà Alfredo , Lugli Gianmarco , Tilli Marta , Cavallo Annalisa , Xhaferi Brunilda , Cutruzzulà Roberta , Vaglio Augusto , Bresci Silvia , Larti Aida , Bartoloni Alessandro , Cirami Calogero 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDuring the novel coronavirus pandemic, organ transplant recipients represent a frail susceptible category due to long‐term immunosuppressive therapy. For this reason, clinical manifestations may differ from general population and different treatment approaches may be needed. We present the case of a 36‐year‐old kidney‐transplanted woman affected by Senior‐Loken syndrome diagnosed with COVID‐19 pneumonia after a contact with her positive mother. Initial symptoms were fatigue, dry cough, and coryza; she never had fever nor oxygen supplementation. Hydroxychloroquine and lopinavir/ritonavir were started, and the antiviral drug was replaced with darunavir/cobicistat after 2 days for diarrhea. Immunosuppressant levels were closely monitored, and we observed very high tacrolimus trough levels despite initial dose reduction. The patient was left with steroid therapy alone. The peculiarity of clinical presentation and the management difficulties represent the flagship of our case report. We stress the need for guidelines in transplant recipients with COVID‐19 infection with particular regard to the management of therapy.