bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
STAT3 signaling stimulates miR-21 expression in bovine cumulus cells during in vitro oocyte maturation
Authors: Tscherner Allison , Brown Alyssa C. , Stalker Leanne , Kao Jennifer , Dufort Isabelle , Sirard Marc-André , LaMarre Jonathan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMicroRNAs are potent regulators of gene expression that have been widely implicated in reproduction and embryo development. Recent studies have demonstrated that miR-21, a microRNA extensively studied in the context of disease, is important in multiple facets of reproductive biology including folliculogenesis, ovulation, oocyte maturation and early mammalian development. Surprisingly, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate miR-21 and no studies have characterized these regulatory pathways in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs). We therefore investigated miR-21 in anin vitromodel of bovine oocyte maturation. Levels of the primary transcript of miR-21 (pri-miR-21)and mature miR-21 increased markedly in COCs over the maturation period. Cloning of the bovinepri-miR-21gene and promoter by 5′3′RACE (rapid amplification of cDNA ends) revealed a highly conserved region immediately upstream of the transcription start site and two alternatively-spliced variants ofpri-miR-21. The promoter region contained several putative transcription factor binding sites, including two for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). Mutation of these sites significantly decreased both the intrinsic activity ofpri-miR-21promoter-luciferase constructs and the response to leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) (a STAT3 activator) in cultured MCF7 cells. In COCs, treatment with a STAT3 pathway inhibitor markedly decreasedpri-miR-21expression and prevented cumulus expansion.Pri-miR-21expression was also inhibited by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, suggesting that a protein ligand or signaling cofactor synthesized during maturation is necessary for transcription. Together these studies represent the first investigation of signaling pathways that directly influence miR-21 expression in bovine oocytes and cumulus cells.
Testing the influence of testosterone administration on men’s honesty in a large laboratory experiment
Authors: Henderson Austin , Thoelen Garrett , Nadler Amos , Barraza Jorge , Nave Gideon 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe impact of testosterone on decision-making is a growing literature, with several reports of economically relevant outcomes. Similar to Wibral et al. (2012), we investigate the effects of exogenous testosterone administration on deception in a double-blind placebo controlled study. Participants (N = 242) were asked to roll a die in private and were paid according to their reported roll, which creates the opportunity to lie about the outcome to increase earnings. We find evidence for self-serving lying in both treatment and control groups and a statistically insignificant negative effect (d = −0.17, 95% CI[−0.42, 0.08]) indicating more honest behavior (i.e., lower reports) following testosterone administration. Although insignificant, the direction was the same as in the Wibral et al. study, and the meta-analytic effect of the two studies demonstrates lower reporting (i.e., more honesty) following testosterone (vs. placebo) administration, significant at the 0.05 level (d = −0.27, 95% CI[−0.49, −0.06]). We discuss how our results and methodology compare with Wibral et al. and identify potential causes for differences in findings. Finally, we consider several plausible connections between testosterone and lying that may be further investigated using alternative methodologies.
Evolution of high pathogenicity of H5 avian influenza virus: haemagglutinin cleavage site selection of reverse-genetics mutants during passage in chickens
Authors: Luczo Jasmina M. , Tachedjian Mary , Harper Jennifer A. , Payne Jean S. , Butler Jeffrey M. , Sapats Sandra I. , Lowther Suzanne L. , Michalski Wojtek P. , Stambas John , Bingham John 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLow pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) are generally asymptomatic in their natural avian hosts. LPAIVs can evolve into highly pathogenic forms, which can affect avian and human populations with devastating consequences. The switch to highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) from LPAIV precursors requires the acquisition of multiple basic amino acids in the haemagglutinin cleavage site (HACS) motif. Through reverse genetics of an H5N1 HPAIV, and experimental infection of chickens, we determined that viruses containing five or more basic amino acids in the HACS motif were preferentially selected over those with three to four basic amino acids, leading to rapid replacement with virus types containing extended HACS motifs. Conversely, viruses harbouring low pathogenicity motifs containing two basic amino acids did not readily evolve to extended forms, suggesting that a single insertion of a basic amino acid into the cleavage site motif of low-pathogenic viruses may lead to escalating selection for extended motifs. Our results may explain why mid-length forms are rarely detected in nature. The stability of the short motif suggests that pathogenicity switching may require specific conditions of intense selection pressure (such as with high host density) to boost selection of the initial mid-length HACS forms.
A phenotypic small-molecule screen identifies halogenated salicylanilides as inhibitors of fungal morphogenesis, biofilm formation and host cell invasion
Authors: Garcia Carlos , Burgain Anaïs , Chaillot Julien , Pic Émilie , Khemiri Inès , Sellam Adnane 
Published: July 2018

AbstractA poorly exploited paradigm in the antimicrobial therapy field is to target virulence traits for drug development. In contrast to target-focused approaches, antivirulence phenotypic screens enable identification of bioactive molecules that induce a desirable biological readout without making a priori assumption about the cellular target. Here, we screened a chemical library of 678 small molecules against the invasive hyphal growth of the human opportunistic yeast Candida albicans. We found that a halogenated salicylanilide (N1-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-5-chloro-2-hydroxybenzamide) and one of its analogs, Niclosamide, an FDA-approved anthelmintic in humans, exhibited both antifilamentation and antibiofilm activities against C. albicans and the multi-resistant yeast C. auris. The antivirulence activity of halogenated salicylanilides were also expanded to C. albicans resistant strains with different resistance mechanisms. We also found that Niclosamide protected the intestinal epithelial cells against invasion by C. albicans. Transcriptional profiling of C. albicans challenged with Niclosamide exhibited a signature that is characteristic of the mitochondria-to-nucleus retrograde response. Our chemogenomic analysis showed that halogenated salicylanilides compromise the potential-dependant mitochondrial protein translocon machinery. Given the fact that the safety of Niclosamide is well established in humans, this molecule could represent the first clinically approved antivirulence agent against a pathogenic fungus.
High cognitive load enhances the susceptibility to non-speech audiovisual illusions
Authors: Michail Georgios , Keil Julian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe role of attentional processes in the integration of input from different sensory modalities is complex and multifaceted. Importantly, little is known about how simple, non-linguistic stimuli are integrated when the resources available for sensory processing are exhausted. We studied this question by examining multisensory integration under conditions of limited endogenous attentional resources. Multisensory integration was assessed through the sound-induced flash illusion (SIFI), in which a flash presented simultaneously with two short auditory beeps is often perceived as two flashes, while cognitive load was manipulated using an n-back task. A one-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed that increased cognitive demands had a significant effect on the perception of the illusion while post-hoc tests showed that participants’ illusion perception was increased when attentional resources were limited. Additional analysis demonstrated that this effect was not related to a response bias. These findings provide evidence that the integration of non-speech, audiovisual stimuli is enhanced under reduced attentional resources and it therefore supports the notion that top-down attentional control plays an essential role in multisensory integration.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor-Receptor is Dispensable for Prenatal Testis Development but is Required in Sertoli cells for Normal Spermatogenesis in Mice
Authors: Curley Michael , Milne Laura , Smith Sarah , Atanassova Nina , Rebourcet Diane , Darbey Annalucia , Hadoke Patrick W. F. , Wells Sara , Smith Lee B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLeukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a pleiotropic cytokine belonging to the interleukin-6 family, is most often noted for its role in maintaining the balance between stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In rodents, LIF is expressed in both the fetal and adult testis; with the peritubular myoid (PTM) cells thought to be the main site of production. Given their anatomical location, LIF produced by PTM cells may act both on intratubular and interstitial cells to influence spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis respectively. Indeed, the leukemia inhibitory factor receptor (LIFR) is expressed in germ cells, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, PTM cells and testicular macrophages, suggesting that LIF signalling via LIFR may be a key paracrine regulator of testicular function. However, a precise role(s) for testicular LIFR-signalling in vivo has not been established. To this end, we generated and characterised the testicular phenotype of mice lacking LIFR either in germ cells, Sertoli cells or both, to identify a role for LIFR-signalling in testicular development/function. Our analyses reveal that LIFR is dispensable in germ cells for normal spermatogenesis. However, Sertoli cell LIFR ablation results in a degenerative phenotype, characterised by abnormal germ cell loss, sperm stasis, seminiferous tubule distention and subsequent atrophy of the seminiferous tubules.
The Discrimination Ratio derived from Novel Object Recognition tasks as a Measure of Recognition Memory Sensitivity, not Bias
Authors: Sivakumaran Magali H. , Mackenzie Andrew K. , Callan Imogen R. , Ainge James A. , O’Connor Akira R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTranslational recognition memory research makes frequent use of the Novel Object Recognition (NOR) paradigm in which animals are simultaneously presented with one new and one old object. The preferential exploration of the new as compared to the old object produces a metric, the Discrimination Ratio (DR), assumed to represent recognition memory sensitivity. Human recognition memory studies typically assess performance using signal detection theory derived measures; sensitivity (d′) and bias (c). How DR relates to d′ and c and whether they measure the same underlying cognitive mechanism is, however, unknown. We investigated the correspondence between DR (eye-tracking-determined), d′ and c in a sample of 37 humans. We used dwell times during a visual paired comparison task (analogous to the NOR) to determine DR, and a separate single item recognition task to derive estimates of response sensitivity and bias. DR was found to be significantly positively correlated to sensitivity but not bias. Our findings confirm that DR corresponds to d′, the primary measure of recognition memory sensitivity in humans, and appears not to reflect bias. These findings are the first of their kind to suggest that animal researchers should be confident in interpreting the DR as an analogue of recognition memory sensitivity.
Proteomics Unravels the Regulatory Mechanisms in Human Tears Following Acute Renouncement of Contact Lens Use: A Comparison between Hard and Soft Lenses
Authors: Manicam Caroline , Perumal Natarajan , Wasielica-Poslednik Joanna , Ngongkole Yong Cajetan , Tschäbunin Alexandra , Sievers Marcel , Lisch Walter , Pfeiffer Norbert , Grus Franz H. , Gericke Adrian 
Published: July 2018

AbstractContact lenses (CLs) provide a superior alternative to spectacles. Although beneficial, the global burden of ocular dysfunctions attributed to regular use of CLs remains a topic of much challenge in ophthalmic research owing to debilitating clinical repercussions on the ocular surface, which are often manifested as breach in tear film integrity. This study elucidated the intricate tear proteome changes attributed to the use of different CLs (hard and soft) and unravelled, for the first time, the restorative mechanisms of several protein clusters following acute renouncement of CL use employing the label-free mass spectrometry-based quantitative proteomics approach. The expression patterns of certain proteins clusters were specific to the use of a particular lens type and a large majority of these actively regulates cell death and survival and, modulates cellular movement on the ocular surface. Noteworthy, CL use also evoked a significant upregulation of glycolytic enzymes associated with hypoxia and corresponding cognate metabolic pathways, particularly glucose metabolism and FXR/RXR pathways. Importantly, the assessment of CL renouncement unravelled the restorative properties of several clusters of proteins involved mainly in organismal injury and abnormalities and, cellular function and maintenance. These proteins play key roles in restoring tear homeostasis and wound-healing mechanisms post-CL use-elicited injury.
Synthetic colloid resuscitation in severely injured patients: analysis of a nationwide trauma registry (TraumaRegister DGU)
Authors: Hilbert-Carius Peter , Schwarzkopf Daniel , Reinhart Konrad , Hartog Christiane S. , Lefering Rolf , Bernhard Michael , Struck Manuel F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of synthetic colloid resuscitation among severely injured patients. Fluid resuscitation of trauma patients of a nationwide trauma registry was analysed between 2002 and 2015. Effects of synthetic colloid resuscitation in the pre-hospital setting and emergency department on renal failure, renal replacement therapy and multiple organ failure were analysed among patients with ≥2 days intensive care unit stay, and in-hospital mortality was analysed among all patients. 48,484 patients with mean age of 49 years and mean injury severity score of 23 points were included; 72.3% were male and 95.5% had blunt trauma. Risk-adjusted analyses revealed that patients receiving >1,000 ml synthetic colloids experienced an increase of renal failure and renal replacement therapy rates (OR 1.42 and 1.32, respectively, both p ≤ 0.006). Any synthetic colloid use was associated with an increased risk of multiple organ failure (p < 0.001), but there was no effect on hospital mortality (p = 0.594). Between 2002 and 2015 usage of synthetic colloids dropped, likewise did total fluid intake and usage of blood products. The data from this analysis suggests that synthetic colloid resuscitation provides no beneficial effects and might be harmful in patients with severe trauma.
Hookworm exposure decreases human papillomavirus uptake and cervical cancer cell migration through systemic regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition marker expression
Authors: Jacobs Brittany-Amber , Chetty Alisha , Horsnell William Gordon Charles , Schäfer Georgia , Prince Sharon , Smith Katherine Ann 
Published: July 2018

AbstractPersistent infection with human papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for nearly all new cervical cancer cases worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), infection with helminths has been linked to increased HPV prevalence. As the incidence of cervical cancer rises in helminth endemic regions, it is critical to understand the interaction between exposure to helminths and the progression of cervical cancer. Here we make use of several cervical cancer cell lines to demonstrate that exposure to antigens from the hookworm N. brasiliensis significantly reduces cervical cancer cell migration and global expression of vimentin and N-cadherin. Importantly, N. brasiliensis antigen significantly reduced expression of cell-surface vimentin, while decreasing HPV type 16 (HPV16) pseudovirion internalization. In vivo infection with N. brasiliensis significantly reduced vimentin expression within the female genital tract, confirming the relevance of these in vitro findings. Together, these findings demonstrate that infection with the hookworm-like parasite N. brasiliensis can systemically alter genital tract mesenchymal markers in a way that may impair cervical cancer cell progression. These findings reveal a possible late-stage treatment for reducing cervical cancer progression using helminth antigens.
Separate and Combined Influence of Cognitive Impairment and Dysarthria on Functional Communication in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Feenaughty Lynda , Tjaden Kris , Weinstock-Guttman Bianca , Benedict Ralph H. B. 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
Dysarthria is a consequence of multiple sclerosis (MS) that can co-occur with cognitive impairment. Clinical management thus requires understanding the separate and combined effects of dysarthria and cognitive impairment on functional communication in MS. This study compared perceptual measures of intelligibility and speech severity that capture functional communication deficits for 4 operationally defined groups with MS. The relationship between communication participation and perceptual measures was also examined.

Method
Forty-eight adults with MS and 12 healthy controls participated. Cognitive testing and dysarthria diagnosis determined group assignment: (a) MS with cognitive impairment (MSCI), (b) MS with a diagnosis of dysarthria and no cognitive impairment (MSDYS), (c) MS with dysarthria and cognitive impairment (MSDYS + CI), and (d) MS without dysarthria or cognitive impairment (MS). Sentence Intelligibility Test scores, scaled speech severity obtained from the “Grandfather Passage,” and Communication Participation Item Bank (CPIB) scores were analyzed.

Results
Sentence Intelligibility Test scores approached 100% for all groups. Speech severity was greater for the MSDYS + CI and MSDYS groups versus controls. CPIB scores were greatest for the MSDYS + CI group and were not significantly correlated with either perceptual measure.

Conclusions
The CPIB and speech severity were sensitive to aspects of communication problems for some groups with MS not reflected in a measure of sentence intelligibility. Findings suggest the importance of employing a variety of measures to capture functional communication problems experienced by persons with MS.
Measuring Sound-Processor Thresholds for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Visual Reinforcement Audiometry via Telepractice
Authors: Hughes Michelle L. , Goehring Jenny L. , Sevier Joshua D. , Choi Sangsook 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
The goal of this study was to test the feasibility of using telepractice for measuring behavioral thresholds (T levels) in young children with cochlear implants (CIs) using visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA). Specifically, we examined whether there were significant differences in T levels, test time, or measurement success rate between in-person and remote test conditions.

Method
Data were collected for 17 children, aged 1.1–3.4 years. A within-subject AB-BA (A, in-person; B, remote) study design was used, with data collection typically occurring over 2 visits. T levels were measured during each test session using VRA for one basal, middle, and apical electrode. Two additional outcome measures included test time and response success rate, the latter of which was calculated as the ratio of the number of electrode thresholds successfully measured versus attempted. All 3 outcome measures were compared between the in-person and remote sessions. Last, a parent/caregiver questionnaire was administered at the end of the study to evaluate subjective aspects of remote versus traditional CI programming.

Results
Results showed no significant difference in T levels between in-person and remote test conditions. There were also no significant differences in test time or measurement success rate between the two conditions. The questionnaires indicated that 82% of parents or caregivers would use telepractice for routine CI programming visits some or all of the time if the option was available.

Conclusion
Results from this study suggest that telepractice can be used successfully to set T levels for young children with CIs using VRA.
The Effects of Emotion Suppression During Language Planning and Production
Authors: Roche Jennifer M. , Arnold Hayley S. 
Published: July 2018

Purpose
Emotion regulation and language planning occur in parallel during interactive communication, but their processes are often studied separately. It has been suggested that emotion suppression and more complex language production both recruit cognitive resources. However, it is currently less clear how the language planning and production system is impacted when required to emotionally suppress outward displays of affect (i.e., expressive suppression). The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the interactive effects of emotion regulation and language production processes.

Method
Through discourse analysis of a corpus of interactive dialogue, we evaluated the production of interjections (i.e., also termed “filled pauses,” a type of speech disfluency) when participants regulated outward displays of emotion and when language was lexically complex (i.e., via lexical diversity). One participant (the sender) was assigned to either express or suppress affective displays during the interaction. The other person (the receiver) was given no special instructions before the interaction. The interactions were transcribed, and their linguistic content (i.e., lexical diversity, lexical alignment, and interjections) was analyzed.

Results
Results indicated that participants actively suppressing outward displays of affect produced more interjections and that participants asked to emotionally regulate, both expressors and suppressors, were more disfluent when producing lexically diverse statements (2 cognitively demanding tasks).

Conclusions
The current research provides support that, when suppressing emotion, one might be more disfluent when speaking. However, also when engaged in 2 simultaneous, demanding tasks of having to either upregulate or downregulate emotions and utter lexically diverse statements, the combined cognitive load may impede fluency in language production. More specifically, in the context of language planning and production, emotion suppression may pilfer resources away from the language planning and production system, leading to higher rates of disfluent speech. This finding is of particular importance because understanding the interactive effects of emotion and language production may be impactful to interventions for communication disorders.