bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic mapping and genomic selection for maize stalk strength
Authors: Liu Xiaogang , Hu Xiaojiao , Li Kun , Liu Zhifang , Wu Yujin , Wang Hongwu , Huang Changling 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background Maize is one of the most important staple crops and is widely grown throughout the world. Stalk lodging can cause enormous yield losses in maize production. However, rind penetrometer resistance (RPR), which is recognized as a reliable measurement to evaluate stalk strength, has been shown to be efficient and useful for improving stalk lodging-resistance. Linkage mapping is an acknowledged approach for exploring the genetic architecture of target traits. In addition, genomic selection (GS) using whole genome markers enhances selection efficiency for genetically complex traits. In the present study, two recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations were utilized to dissect the genetic basis of RPR, which was evaluated in seven growth stages.Results The optimal stages to measure stalk strength are the silking phase and stages after silking. A total of 66 and 45 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified in each RIL population. Several potential candidate genes were predicted according to the maize gene annotation database and were closely associated with the biosynthesis of cell wall components. Moreover, analysis of gene ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway further indicated that genes related to cell wall formation were involved in the determination of RPR. In addition, a multivariate model of genomic selection efficiently improved the prediction accuracy relative to a univariate model and a model considering RPR-relevant loci as fixed effects.Conclusions The genetic architecture of RPR is highly genetically complex. Multiple minor effect QTL are jointly involved in controlling phenotypic variation in RPR. Several pleiotropic QTL identified in multiple stages may contain reliable genes and can be used to develop functional markers for improving the selection efficiency of stalk strength. The application of genomic selection to RPR may be a promising approach to accelerate breeding process for improving stalk strength and enhancing lodging-resistance.
High frequency of benzimidazole resistance alleles in Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis from Austrian sheep flocks in an alpine transhumance management system
Authors: Hinney Barbara , Schoiswohl Julia , Melville Lynsey , Ameen Vahel J. , Wille-Piazzai Walpurga , Bauer Karl , Joachim Anja , Krücken Jürgen , Skuce Philip J. , Krametter-Frötscher Reinhild 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Infections of small ruminants with trichostrongyloid nematodes often result in reduced productivity and may be detrimental to the host. Anthelmintic resistance (AR) against most anthelmintic drug classes is now widespread amongst the trichostrongyloids. Baseline establishment, followed by regular monitoring of the level of AR, is necessary for farmers and veterinarians to make informed decisions about parasite management. The detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) is a sensitive method to detect AR against benzimidazoles (BZs), one of the most widely used anthelmintic classes. Alpine transhumance constitutes a special type of pasturing of sheep from many different farms, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of benzimidazole resistance alleles in this particular management system. Sixteen sheep flocks in Styria and Salzburg in Austria were examined by pyrosequencing for SNPs at codons 167, 198 and 200 of the isotype-1 β-tubulin gene. The frequency of the resistance-associated mutation F200Y was 87–100% for H. contortus, 77–100% for T. colubriformis and <5–66% for T. circumcincta. Additionally, the F167Y polymorphism was detected in T. colubriformis from two farms at a frequency of 19% and 23% respectively. The high resistance allele frequency in H. contortus and T. colubriformis in the examined sheep population urgently calls for the development of new treatment strategies to sustainably control trichostrongyloid infections for this kind of pasturing, since the frequent mixing of flocks during the alpine summer grazing must be considered an important risk factor for the spread of resistant nematodes to a large number of farms.
The primary cilium dampens proliferative signaling and represses a G2/M transcriptional network in quiescent myoblasts
Authors: Venugopal Nisha , Ghosh Ananga , Gala Hardik , Aloysius Ajoy , Vyas Neha , Dhawan Jyotsna 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Reversible cell cycle arrest (quiescence/G0) is characteristic of adult stem cells and is actively controlled at multiple levels. Quiescent cells also extend a primary cilium, which functions as a signaling hub. Primary cilia have been shown to be important in multiple developmental processes, and are implicated in numerous developmental disorders. Although the association of the cilium with G0 is established, the role of the cilium in the control of the quiescence program is still poorly understood.Results: Primary cilia are dynamically regulated across different states of cell cycle exit in skeletal muscle myoblasts: quiescent myoblasts elaborate a primary cilium in vivo and in vitro , but terminally differentiated myofibers do not. Myoblasts where ciliogenesis is ablated using RNAi against a key ciliary assembly protein (IFT88) can exit the cell cycle but display an altered quiescence program and impaired self-renewal. Specifically, the G0 transcriptome in IFT88 knockdown cells is aberrantly enriched for G2/M regulators, suggesting a focused repression of this network by the cilium. Cilium-ablated cells also exhibit features of activation including enhanced activity of Wnt and mitogen signaling and elevated protein synthesis via inactivation of the translational repressor 4E-BP1.Conclusions: Taken together, our results show that the primary cilium integrates and dampens proliferative signaling, represses translation and G2/M genes, and is integral to the establishment of the quiescence program.
In Silico Design of a Peptide Receptor for Dopamine Recognition
Authors: Rodriguez-Salazar Luna , Pulido James Guevara 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Dopamine (DA) is an important neurotransmitter with a fundamental role in regulatory functions related to the central, peripheral, renal, and hormonal nervous systems. Dopaminergic neurotransmission dysfunctions are commonly associated with several diseases; thus, in situ quantification of DA is a major challenge. To achieve this goal, enzyme-based biosensors have been employed for substrate recognition in the past. However, owing to their sensitivity to changes in temperature and pH levels. Results: New peptide bioreceptors have been developed. Based on this, 45 in silico bioreceptors were designed to exhibit a higher affinity than that of the DA transporters (DATs). The design was based on the active sites of crystallized enzyme structures that are physiologically related to DA. These affinities were calculated using AutoDock Vina and by assessing the interaction energy between DA and the active DAT site. The controlled variables in the design were amino acids, bond type, steric volume, stereochemistry, affinity, and interaction distances. Conclusions: Three bioreceptor candidates presenting promising values ​​in terms of DA affinity and distance were obtained.
Increased PD-1-positive macrophages in the tissue of gastric cancer are closely associated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients.
Authors: Kono Yusuke , Saito Hiroaki , Miyauchi Wataru , Shimizu Shota , Murakami Yuki , Shishido Yuji , Miyatani Kozo , Matsunaga Tomoyuki , Fukumoto Yoji , Nakayama Yuji , Sakurai Chiye , Hatsuzawa Kiyotaka , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is one of the immune checkpoint molecules that negatively regulate the function of T cells. Although recent studies indicate that PD-1 is also expressed on other immune cells besides T cells, its role remains unclear. This study aims to evaluate PD-1 expression on macrophages and examine its effect on anti-tumor immunity in gastric cancer (GC) patients. Methods: The frequency of PD-1+ macrophages obtained from GC tissue was determined by multicolor flow cytometry (n = 15). Double immunohistochemistry staining of PD-1 and CD68 was also performed to evaluate the correlations among the frequency of PD-1+ macrophages, clinicopathological characteristicus, and prognosis in GC patients (n = 102). Results: The frequency of PD-1+ macrophages was significantly higher in GC tissue than in non-tumor gastric tissue. The phagocytotic activity of PD-1+ macrophages was severely impaired compared with that of PD-1- macrophages. The 5-year disease specific survival rates in patients with PD-1+ macrophageLow (the frequency of PD-1+ macrophages; < 0.85%) and those with PD-1+ macrophageHigh (the frequency of PD-1+ macrophages; ≥ 0.85%) were 85.9% and 65.8%, respectively (P = 0.008). Finally, multivariate analysis showed the frequency of PD-1+ macrophage to be an independent prognostic factor. Conclusions: The function of PD-1+ macrophage was severely impaired and increased frequency of PD-1+ macrophage worsened the prognosis of GC patients. PD-1–PD-L1 therapies may function through a direct effect on macrophages in GC.
Production of an anti-angiogenic factor sFLT1 is suppressed via promoter hypermethylayion of FLT1 gene in choriocarcinoma cells
Authors: Sasagawa Tadashi , Jinno-Oue Atsushi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Morita Kazuki , Tsuruga Tetsushi , Mori-Uchino Mayuyo , Fujii Tomoyuki , Shibuya Masabumi 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT1) as an anti-angiogenic factor is abundantly expressed in placental trophoblasts. Choriocarcinoma, a malignant tumor derived from trophoblasts, is known to be highly angiogenic and metastatic. However, the molecular mechanism underlying angiogenesis in choriocarcinoma pathogenesis remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the mRNA expression and DNA methylation status of the FLT1 gene in human choriocarcinoma cells and trophoblast cells. Methods: qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA were conducted to evaluate the mRNA and protein expression levels of sFLT1. 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5azadC) treatment and bisulphite sequencing were used to study the FLT1 gene promoter methylation. The effect of sFLT1 on choriocarcinoma growth and angiogenesis was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model. Results: Expression of the FLT1 gene was strongly suppressed in choriocarcinoma cell lines compared with that in the primary trophoblasts. Treatment of choriocarcinoma cell lines with 5azadC, a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, markedly increased in mRNA expression of three FLT1 splice variants and secretion of sFLT1 proteins. Bisulfite sequencing revealed that the CpG hypermethylation was observed at the FLT1 promoter region in choriocarcinoma cell lines and a human primary choriocarcinoma tissue but not in human trophoblast cells. Interestingly, in 5azadC-treated choriocarcinoma cell lines, sFLT1 mRNA expression and sFLT1 production were further elevated by hypoxic stimulation. Finally, as expected, sFLT1-expressing choriocarcinoma cells implanted into nude mice showed significantly slower tumor growth and reduced microvessel formation compared with GFP-expressing control choriocarcinoma cells. Conclusions: Inhibition of sFLT1 production by FLT1 silencing occurs via the hypermethylation of its promoter in choriocarcinoma cells. The stable expression of sFLT1 in choriocarcinoma cells resulted in the suppression of tumor growth and tumor vascularization in vivo. We suggest that the FLT1 gene may be a cell-type-specific tumor suppressor in choriocarcinoma cells.
A LINC00266-1/miR-548c-3p/SMAD2 feedback loop stimulates the development of osteosarcoma
Authors: Zheng Shengnai , Wan Li , Ge Dawei , Jiang Fan , Qian Zhanyang , Tang Jian , Yang Jin , Yao Yilun , Yan Junwei , Zhao Lei , Li Haijun , Yang Lei 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: To uncover the role of LINC00266-1 in the development of osteosarcoma (OS) and identify the underlying mechanism.Methods: LINC00266-1 levels in OS tissues in the GSE12865 dataset were analyzed. Binding sites between the DNA of LINC00266-1 and SMAD2 and potential miRNAs binding LINC00266-1 were predicted via databases. The effects of LINC00266-1 on the proliferative, migratory, invasive and apoptotic abilities were evaluated by a series of functional experiments. Interactions in the LINC00266-1/miR-548c-3p/SMAD2 feedback loop were assessed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR and dual luciferase reporter assays. Tumorigenesis assay was then conducted in nude mice. The potential influence of LINC00266-1 on the positive expression of Ki67 in nude mice bearing OS xenografts was elucidated through immunohistochemistry.Results: LINC00266-1 was upregulated in OS tissues and cells. SMAD2 was able to bind sites in the LINC00266-1 promoter and thus upregulate LINC00266-1. Knockdown of LINC00266-1 suppressed the proliferative and metastatic abilities but promoted the apoptosis of OS cells. LINC00266-1 sponged miR-548c-3p, an action that partially reversed the regulatory effects of LINC00266-1 on OS cell phenotypes. Moreover, miR-548c-3p bound to the 3’-UTR of SMAD2 and thus downregulated SMAD2. Overexpression of SMAD2 partially reversed the regulatory effects of LINC00266-1 on OS cell phenotypes. Knockdown of LINC00266-1 significantly alleviated the growth of OS in vivo.Conclusions: The LINC00266-1/miR-548c-3p/SMAD2 feedback loop stimulates the development of OS.
In vitro repellency and contact bioassay of aqueous extracts of Cissus quadrangularis and Gomphocarpus physocarpus plants against Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi ticks
Authors: Mkwanazi Mbusiseni V , Chimonyo Michael , Ndlela Sithembile Z 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background The frequent use of acaricides to control ticks and inadequate flock management has led to the development of tick resistance to many acaricidal drugs. Ethno-veterinary plants with acaricidal activities have a major potential to combat this challenge because they are easily biodegradable, user-friendly, and less toxic to the environment and meat products. The objective of the study was to assess the ethnoveterinary properties of Cissus quandrangularis. Lin and Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey to control ticks.Results The 6% v/v of Cissus quadrangularis for each extract were more effective (p<0.01) against Rhipicephalus evertsi evertsi ticks. The repellency percentage was highest at 6% v/v for acetone, methanol and control extracts similar to positive control Amitraz. The acaricidal efficacy of the Gomphocarpus physocarpus at 12% v/v of methanol extracts was as good as that of 6% v/v, however different to that of 18% v/v was relatively low. The mortality rate of the control, acetone was similar (p <0.05) between 6, 12 and 18% v/v at 24hrs. The mortality rate of the positive control reached 100% after 72 hrs (p < 0.05) post-treatment, even though it was similar to that of acetone, methanol and control across different concentrations. The use of acetone and methanol extracts resulted in similar tick mortality at 12 and 18% v/v at 24 hrs post-treatment. The methanol extract of Gomphocarpus physocarpus at 6% v/v reached up to 100% mortality at 72 hours similar to the positive control.Conclusions The bioassays indicated that there was a high efficacy percentage from the lowest concentrations (6% v/v) of both Gomphocarpus physocarpus E. Mey and Cissus quadrangularis. Lin plant extracts, which was similar to the positive control (Amitraz) suggesting that suggesting that 6% v/v could be sufficient for recommendations because less plant material is required.
Profiling Italian cat and dog owners’ perception of pet food quality in purchasing habits
Authors: Vinassa Marica , Vergnano Diana , Valle Emanuela , Giribaldi Marzia , Nery Joana , Prola Liviana , Bergero Domenico , Schiavone Achille 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background. In these last years there is a growing sensibility of public opinion towards pet animal, that involves also an in increasing attention on their nutrition, seen as a way to guarantee welfare. However, it is difficult for the consumer to understand the quality of a product because label information is not always clear to the consumer. The aim of the study is to identify through a survey the pet food characteristics that are seen as quality indicators for pet owners. Results. In total 935 surveys were collected. Descriptive statistic showed a higher percentage of female owners (61.8%) among pet food buyers. Participants were divided almost equally between dogs owners (39.4%), cats owners (30.8%) or both dogs and cats owners (29.8%). A quarter of owners (25.5%) asked for advice to veterinary on which pet food to buy and about a third (30.4%) trusts in web sites of major brands, giving both of them an higher responsibility in providing information to the buyer. “Contain natural ingredients” was the characteristic with the highest score (4.3 on 5), confirming nowadays market trends. Correspondence analysis for age showed that older owners (>65 y) put more attention on costs, with low emphasis on food appearance, animal satisfaction and fecal quality. Younger owners (<35 y) put more attention on positive influence on animal feces, high percentage of protein, presence of recyclable packaging and less attention at food appearance, smell and animal satisfaction. Appearance, smell, higher cost and some label indication (protein content, presence of fresh meat, low grains content) are relevant for consumers buying wet pet food. Some differences are showed between owners of different animal species. Cat owners give more importance to appearance, smell and production site, dog owners focus on protein content, presence of meat as a first ingredient and higher cost. Conclusions. Italian pet food buyers, considered as the most important quality indicators the presence of natural ingredients, while the least important was the high price. Information from this survey can help the pet food companies to identify the factors that influence the perceived quality of the products by dog and cat owners.
Cardiovascular findings by echocardiography in canine model of Chagas disease immunized with DNA Trypanosoma cruzi genes.
Authors: Rodríguez-Morales Olivia , Roldán Francisco-Javier , Vargas-Barrón Jesús , Parra-Benítez Enrique , Medina-García María de Lourdes , Vergara-Bello Emilia , Arce-Fonseca Minerva 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: Chagas disease (ChD) is nowadays considered as an emerging disease in the USA and Europe. pBCSP and pBCSSP4 plasmids, containing Trypanosoma cruzi genes encoding a trans -sialidase protein and an amastigote-specific glycoprotein, respectively, were tested as vaccines in canine model. Echocardiography studies for determining the prophylactic effect of these genes in experimentally infected dogs were evaluated to compare with findings obtained by other techniques performed previously. Hemodynamic parameters after DNA-immunization were performed. Results: Low fractional-shortening values of non-vaccinated dogs suggested an impairment in general cardiac function. Low Left-Ventricular-Ejection-Fraction values found in infected dogs suggested myocardial injury regardless of whether they were vaccinated or not. Low Left-Ventricular-Diastolic/Systolic-Diameters in vaccinated dogs suggested that progressive heart damage or heart dilation could be prevented by DNA vaccination. Systolic-Peak-Time was higher in non-vaccinated groups increasing vulnerability to malignant arrhythmias and sudden death. High Left-Ventricular-Volume in infected groups suggested a decrease in wall thickness that might lead to increased size of the heart cavity, except in the pBCSP plasmid-vaccinated dogs. Conclusions: The use of echocardiography allowed a more complete follow-up the pathological process in the living patient than with other techniques like electrocardiography, anatomopathology and histopathology, being the method of choice for characterizing the clinical stages of ChD.
Immune response of horses to inactivated African horse sickness vaccines
Authors: Rodriguez Marina , Joseph Sunitha , Pfeffer Martin , Raghavan Rekha , Wernery Ulrich 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Background: African horse sickness (AHS) is a devastating disease of equids that has been known for centuries. Many equids mainly in sub-Saharan Africa still die every year from this viral disease. This has an enormous economic impact on the horse industry, notwithstanding the dedication of the individual horse owner in the daily care of their animals. Currently, prevention and control of the disease is based on live attenuated vaccines and control vector arthropods. Results: A total of 29 horses kept in a desert isolation area, divided into 2 groups, were subcutaneously (sc) vaccinated. Horses of Group 1, in total 18 horses divided into 9 subgroups of 2 horses each, were individually immunised with 1 to 9 AHS serotypes, respectively. Eleven horses of Group 2 were immunised with all 9 serotypes simultaneously in 2 different injections as combination of vaccine 1 containing 5 serotypes (1,4,7,8,9) and vaccine 2 containing 4 serotypes (2,3,5,6). This vaccination experiment lasted 12 months. Blood samples were periodically withdrawn for serum antibody tests using ELISA and VNT. Blood was collected for 2 weeks after each vaccination for PCR and virus isolation. After the booster vaccination, these 27 horses seroconverted to the inactivated vaccines, but 2 horses responded poorly as measured by ELISA. In Group 1 ELISA and VN antibodies declined between 5 to 7 months post vaccination (pv). Twelve months later, the antibody level in most of the horses dropped to the negative range, but after the annual booster all horses again seroconverted strongly, already 1 week pv. In Group 2, ELISA antibodies turned positive after the first booster and VN antibodies started to appear for some serotypes after primary vaccination. After booster vaccination, VN antibodies increased in a different pattern for each serotype. Antibodies remained high during 12 months and increased strongly after the annual booster in 78% of the horses. PCR and virus isolation were negative. Conclusions: Horses vaccinated with single serotypes need a booster after 6 months and simultaneously immunised horses after 12 months. Due to the non-availability of a facility in the UAE, no challenge infection could be carried out.