bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An association between differential expression and genetic divergence in the Patagonian olive mouse (Abrothrix olivacea)
Authors: Giorello Facundo M. , Feijoo Matias , D'Elía Guillermo , Naya Daniel E. , Valdez Lourdes , Opazo Juan C. , Lessa Enrique P. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractRecent molecular studies have found striking differences between desert‐adapted species and model mammals regarding water conservation. In particular, aquaporin 4, a classical gene involved in water regulation of model species, is absent or not expressed in the kidneys of desert‐adapted species. To further understand the molecular response to water availability, we studied the Patagonian olive mouse Abrothrix olivacea, a species with an unusually broad ecological tolerance that exhibits a great urine concentration capability. The species is able to occupy both the arid Patagonian steppe and the Valdivian and Magellanic forests. We sampled 95 olive mouse specimens from four localities (two in the steppe and two in the forests) and analysed both phenotypic variables and transcriptomic data to investigate the response of this species to the contrasting environmental conditions. The relative size of the kidney and the ratio of urine to plasma concentrations were, as expected, negatively correlated with annual rainfall. Expression analyses uncovered nearly 3,000 genes that were differentially expressed between steppe and forest samples and indicated that this species resorts to the “classical” gene pathways for water regulation. Differential expression across biomes also involves genes that involved in immune and detoxification functions. Overall, genes that were differentially expressed showed a slight tendency to be more divergent and to display an excess of intermediate allele frequencies, relative to the remaining loci. Our results indicate that both differential expression in pathways involved in water conservation and geographical allelic variation are important in the occupation of contrasting habitats by the Patagonian olive mouse.
High V‐PPase activity is beneficial under high salt loads, but detrimental without salinity
Authors: Graus Dorothea , Konrad Kai R. , Bemm Felix , Patir Nebioglu Meliha Görkem , Lorey Christian , Duscha Kerstin , Güthoff Tilman , Herrmann Johannes , Ferjani Ali , Cuin Tracey Ann , Roelfsema M. Rob G. , Schumacher Karin , Neuhaus H. Ekkehard , Marten Irene , Hedrich Rainer 
Published: June 2018

Summary

The membrane‐bound proton‐pumping pyrophosphatase (V‐PPase), together with the V‐type H+‐ATPase, generates the proton motive force that drives vacuolar membrane solute transport. Transgenic plants constitutively overexpressing V‐PPases were shown to have improved salinity tolerance, but the relative impact of increasing PPi hydrolysis and proton‐pumping functions has yet to be dissected.

For a better understanding of the molecular processes underlying V‐PPase‐dependent salt tolerance, we transiently overexpressed the pyrophosphate‐driven proton pump (NbVHP) in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves and studied its functional properties in relation to salt treatment by primarily using patch‐clamp, impalement electrodes and pH imaging.

NbVHP overexpression led to higher vacuolar proton currents and vacuolar acidification. After 3 d in salt‐untreated conditions, V‐PPase‐overexpressing leaves showed a drop in photosynthetic capacity, plasma membrane depolarization and eventual leaf necrosis. Salt, however, rescued NbVHP‐hyperactive cells from cell death. Furthermore, a salt‐induced rise in V‐PPase but not of V‐ATPase pump currents was detected in nontransformed plants.

The results indicate that under normal growth conditions, plants need to regulate the V‐PPase pump activity to avoid hyperactivity and its negative feedback on cell viability. Nonetheless, V‐PPase proton pump function becomes increasingly important under salt stress for generating the pH gradient necessary for vacuolar proton‐coupled Na+ sequestration.
Systematic review of the evidence for sustained efficacy of dietary interventions for reducing appetite or energy intake
Authors: Halford J. C. G. , Masic U. , Marsaux C. F. M. , Jones A. J. , Lluch A. , Marciani L. , Mars M. , Vinoy S. , Westerterp‐Plantenga M. , Mela D. J. 
Published: June 2018

SummaryWe assessed evidence for changes in efficacy of food‐based interventions aimed at reducing appetite or energy intake (EI), and whether this could be used to provide guidance on trial design.A systematic search identified randomized controlled trials testing sustained efficacy of diets, foods, supplements or food ingredients on appetite and/or EI. Trials had to include sufficient exposure duration (≥3 days) with appetite and/or EI measured after both acute and repeated exposures.Twenty‐six trials met the inclusion criteria and reported data allowing for assessment of the acute and chronic effects of interventions. Most (21/26) measured appetite outcomes and over half (14/26) had objective measures of EI. A significant acute effect of the intervention was retained in 10 of 12 trials for appetite outcomes, and six of nine studies for EI. Initial effects were most likely retained where these were more robust and studies adequately powered. Where the initial, acute effect was not statistically significant, a significant effect was later observed in only two of nine studies for appetite and none of five studies for EI.Maintenance of intervention effects on appetite or EI needs to be confirmed but seems likely where acute effects are robust and replicable in adequately powered studies.
Ion‐dependent metabolic responses of Vicia faba L. to salt stress
Authors: Richter Julia A. , Behr Jan H. , Erban Alexander , Kopka Joachim , Zörb Christian 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSalt‐affected farmlands are increasingly burdened by chlorides, carbonates, and sulfates of sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Intriguingly, the underlying physiological processes are studied almost always under NaCl stress. Two faba bean cultivars were subjected to low‐ and high‐salt treatments of NaCl, Na2SO4, and KCl. Assimilation rate and leaf water vapor conductance were reduced to approximately 25–30% without biomass reduction after 7 days salt stress, but this did not cause severe carbon shortage. The equimolar treatments of Na+, K+, and Cl− showed comparable accumulation patterns in leaves and roots, except for SO42− which did not accumulate. To gain a detailed understanding of the effects caused by the tested ion combinations, we performed nontargeted gas chromatography–mass spectrometry‐based metabolite profiling. Metabolic responses to various salts were in part highly linearly correlated, but only a few metabolite responses were common to all salts and in both cultivars. At high salt concentrations, only myo‐inositol, allantoin, and glycerophosphoglycerol were highly significantly increased in roots under all tested conditions. We discovered several metabolic responses that were preferentially associated with the presence of Na+, K+, or Cl−. For example, increases of leaf proline and decreases of leaf fumaric acid and malic acid were apparently associated with Cl− accumulation.
MtMOT1.2 is responsible for molybdate supply to Medicago truncatula nodules
Authors: Gil‐Díez Patricia , Tejada‐Jiménez Manuel , León‐Mediavilla Javier , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Imperial Juan , González‐Guerrero Manuel 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSymbiotic nitrogen fixation in legume root nodules requires a steady supply of molybdenum for synthesis of the iron‐molybdenum cofactor of nitrogenase. This nutrient has to be provided by the host plant from the soil, crossing several symplastically disconnected compartments through molybdate transporters, including members of the MOT1 family. Medicago truncatula Molybdate Transporter (MtMOT) 1.2 is a Medicago truncatula MOT1 family member located in the endodermal cells in roots and nodules. Immunolocalization of a tagged MtMOT1.2 indicates that it is associated to the plasma membrane and to intracellular membrane systems, where it would be transporting molybdate towards the cytosol, as indicated in yeast transport assays. Loss‐of‐function mot1.2‐1 mutant showed reduced growth compared with wild‐type plants when nitrogen fixation was required but not when nitrogen was provided as nitrate. While no effect on molybdenum‐dependent nitrate reductase activity was observed, nitrogenase activity was severely affected, explaining the observed difference of growth depending on nitrogen source. This phenotype was the result of molybdate not reaching the nitrogen‐fixing nodules, since genetic complementation with a wild‐type MtMOT1.2 gene or molybdate‐fortification of the nutrient solution, both restored wild‐type levels of growth and nitrogenase activity. These results support a model in which MtMOT1.2 would mediate molybdate delivery by the vasculature into the nodules.
Reactivity of recombinant Toxocara canis TES‐30/120 in experimentally infected mice
Authors: Santos Lucas Moreira dos , de Moura Micaele Quintana , Azevedo Morgana Lüdtke , Marques Giuli Argou , Avila Luciana Farias da Costa , Scaini Carlos James , Berne Maria Elisabeth , Moreira Ângela Nunes , Conceição Fabricio Rochedo 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimWhile the use of recombinant antigens is being widely investigated in the diagnosis of human toxocariasis, relatively little attention has been given to animal diagnostic models. For this reason, this study aimed to investigate the diagnosis potential of Toxocara canis TES‐30 and TES‐120 recombinant antigens in mice, the animal model for toxocariasis studies.Methods and resultsSerum samples obtained from mice infected with T. canis or Toxocara cati were tested by indirect ELISA using T. canis TES‐30 and TES‐120 recombinant antigens produced in Escherichia coli. 90% of the samples reacted with rTES‐30, whereas there was almost no reactivity with rTES‐120.ConclusionDespite rTES‐120 being a good antigen for diagnosis in humans, it could not reproduce its reactivity in this animal model. As rTES‐30 has good reactivity in mice, it is a valuable tool for diagnosis.
Comparing the values of progesterone in the blood of bitches as measured with a chemiluminescence immunoassay and a radioimmunoassay
Authors: Nöthling Johan O. , De Cramer Kurt G. M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA 125I radioimmunoassay (RIA) has long been used to determine the value of progesterone in serum or plasma of bitches but was discontinued in 2014. A chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) gained prominence since 2003 to determine the value of progesterone in serum of bitches but the assay changed in 2012. This study assessed the agreement between progesterone values obtained with RIA in plasma (progRIA) and with the post‐2012 CLIA (progCLIA) in the serum of bitches. ProgCLIA was determined in 110 serum samples from 40 bitches in pro‐oestrus or early oestrus and compared to progRIA in plasma samples collected from the same bitches at the same time, where progRIA had a uniform distribution between 0.5 and 25 nmol/L. Two replicate analyses of each serum or plasma sample were simultaneously done in the same assay. For RIA and CLIA, the intra‐assay CVs were 5.85% and 6.70% and the interassay CVs 8.45% and 9.16%. For RIA and CLIA the progesterone values obtained with replicate analyses differed by as much as 11%–31% in 25% of samples. On average, the value of progCLIA was 85% of that of progRIA (95% CI 58%–112%, n = 110), with 88% of progCLIAs being lower than the progRIAs. This study shows that RIA and CLIA may yield replicate values that differ by as much as 11%–30% in about a quarter of samples analysed, necessitating replicate analyses if precise values are required. The study provides an equation by which to estimate progCLIA from progRIA.
Effect of parental origin on early life history traits of European eel
Authors: Benini Elisa , Politis Sebastian N. , Kottmann Johanna S. , Butts Ian A. E. , Sørensen Sune R. , Tomkiewicz Jonna 
Published: June 2018

AbstractEstablishment of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) hatchery production will rely on selectively bred individuals that produce progeny with the best traits in successive generations. As such, this study used a quantitative genetic breeding design, between four females and nine males (four wild‐caught and five cultured), to investigate the effect of paternal origin (wild‐caught vs. cultured) and quantify the relative importance of parental effects, including genetic compatibility, on early life history (ELH) performance traits (i.e. fertilization success, embryonic survival at 32 hr post‐fertilization, hatch success and larval deformities at 2 days post‐hatch) of European eel. Wild‐caught males had higher (56%) spermatocrit values than cultured males (45%), while fertilization success, embryonic survival, hatch success and larval deformities were not significantly impacted by paternal origin. This demonstrates that short‐term domestication of male eels does not negatively affect offspring quality and enables the consideration of cultured male broodstock in future breeding programmes. Moreover, paternity significantly explained 9.5% of the variability in embryonic survival, providing further evidence that paternal effects need to be taken into consideration in assisted reproduction protocols. Furthermore, maternity significantly explained 54.8% of the variation for fertilization success, 61.7% for embryonic survival, 88.1% for hatching success and 62.8% for larval deformities, validating that maternity is a major factor influencing these “critical” ELH traits. At last, the parental interaction explained 12.8% of the variation for fertilization success, 8.3% for embryonic survival, 4.5% for hatch success and 20.5% for larval deformities. Thus, we conclude that eggs of one female can develop more successfully when crossed with a compatible male, highlighting the importance of mate choice for successful propagation of high‐quality offspring. Together, this knowledge will improve early offspring performance, leading to future breeding programmes for this critically endangered and economically important species.
Developmental competence of in vitro matured ovine oocytes vitrified in solutions with different concentrations of trehalose
Authors: Sanaei Batool , Movaghar Bahar , Rezazadeh Valojerdi Mojtaba , Ebrahimi Bita , Bazrgar Masood , Hajian Mehdi , Nasr‐Esfahani Mohammad H. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the optimum concentration of trehalose in solutions used for vitrification of in vitro matured (IVM) ovine oocytes. IVM oocytes were randomly divided into four experimental (vitrified) and one control (fresh) groups. Experimental groups were treated with different concentrations (0.0, 0.25, 0.5 and 1.0 M) of trehalose. After warming, some viable oocytes were exposed to 0.25% pronase to test zona pellucida hardening, whereas the others were fertilized and cultured in vitro for 8 days to evaluate their developmental competence. Blastocysts quality was assessed by differential staining and TUNEL test. Survival and developmental rates of oocytes vitrified in the presence of 0.5 M trehalose were significantly higher than those of the other vitrified groups. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between fresh and vitrified groups in total blastocyst rate. Analysis of blastocysts quality also revealed a significant difference between the group treated with 0.5 M trehalose and other groups in terms of apoptotic index. Furthermore,zona pellucida digestion time period was longer in trehalose‐free (0.0 M) group compared to other groups. In conclusion, we found that IVM ovine oocytes vitrified in solutions containing 0.5 M trehalose are fertilization‐competent and are able to produce good‐quality blastocysts with an apoptotic index comparable to that of the fresh oocytes. Therefore, 0.5 M may be considered the optimum concentration of trehalose to be used in solutions prepared for vitrification of oocytes.
Stretch imposed on active muscle elicits positive adaptations in strain risk factors and exercise‐induced muscle damage
Authors: Kay Anthony David , Rubley Bethanee , Talbot Chris , Mina Minas , Baross Anthony William , Blazevich Anthony John 
Published: June 2018

IntroductionStretching highly‐contracted plantar flexor muscles (isokinetic eccentric contractions) results in beneficial adaptations in muscle strain risk factors; however its effects in other muscle groups, and on architectural characteristics and exercise‐induced muscle damage (EIMD), are unknown.MethodsThe influence of a 6‐week knee extensor training program was studied in 26 volunteers (13 control; 13 experimental). Before and after the training program, passive and maximal isometric and eccentric knee extensor moments and range of motion (ROM) were recorded on an isokinetic dynamometer with simultaneous ultrasound imaging of vastus lateralis (VL). On a separate day, EIMD markers (creatine kinase [CK], delayed onset muscle soreness [DOMS]) were measured before and 24 hours after a 20‐minute downhill run. The 6‐week training program was performed twice‐weekly where five sets of 12 stretches (3 seconds per stretch) were imposed on maximally contracted knee extensor muscles.ResultsSignificant (P < 0.05) increases in eccentric (29.5%) and isometric (17.4%) moments, ROM (5.2°), stretch tolerance (55.4%), elastic energy storage (73.0%), VL thickness (7.8%), pennation angle (9.0%), and tendon stiffness (8.7%) occurred. No change (P > 0.05) in passive muscle‐tendon stiffness (−9.4%) or resting fascicle length (−0.7%) occurred. The downhill run resulted in substantial DOMS and significant increase in CK concentration before the training program (107.6%); however, DOMS was eliminated from the knee extensors and a significantly smaller increase in CK (−70.0%) occurred post‐training.ConclusionPositive adaptations in functional and physiological variables confirm that imposing stretch on maximally contracted muscle provides beneficial adaptations likely to mitigate EIMD and injury risk and enhance functional performance.
How political incentives affect Chinese outward foreign direct investment: A UN Security Council membership perspective
Authors: Ma Hong , Teng Yue 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe UN Security Council has made great contributions to global peace and security over the past 70 years. The five permanent members and ten non‐permanent members of the council share the responsibility by voting for the Security Council resolutions together. In this paper, we study whether Chinese outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) has been influenced by political incentives from perspective of the UN Security Council. Using China's Global Investment Data from 2005 to 2015 provided by the Heritage Foundation, we find that a country attracts more Chinese OFDI when it rotates onto the council. Such an effect increases during the important years when member's votes should be more valuable and among the countries which do not have close cooperation with China.
Use of radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography in the diagnosis of a pyogranulomatous ureteral mass in a cat
Authors: Huynh Elizabeth , Bascuñán Ana Luisa , Case J. Brad , Berry Clifford R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old, spayed female, domestic short haired cat, with diabetes mellitus, was presented to the University of Florida Veterinary Medical Center for an acute onset of vomiting and inappetence. Abdominal radiographs showed mild retroperitoneal effusion and asymmetric left‐sided renomegaly. Subsequently, on abdominal ultrasound, a hypoechoic left ureteral mass with left hydronephrosis and hydroureter was identified. An abdominal computed tomography revealed a heterogeneously contrast‐enhancing mass circumferentially surrounding the mid to distal left ureter, mild retroperitoneal effusion, left‐sided hydronephrosis and hydroureter, and a distally located ureteral calculus at the level of the ureterovesicular junction. The patient was diagnosed with left‐sided pyogranulomatous ureteritis via surgical biopsy and histopathology.
Age‐related changes in cardiac electrophysiology and calcium handling in response to sympathetic nerve stimulation
Authors: Francis Stuart Samantha D. , Wang Lianguo , Woodard William R. , Ng G. Andre , Habecker Beth A. , Ripplinger Crystal M. 
Published: June 2018

Key points
Ageing results in changes to cardiac electrophysiology, Ca2+ handling, and β‐adrenergic responsiveness.
Sympathetic neurodegeneration also occurs with age, yet detailed action potential and Ca2+ handling responses to physiological sympathetic nerve stimulation (SNS) in the aged heart have not been assessed.
Optical mapping in mouse hearts with intact sympathetic innervation revealed reduced responsiveness to SNS in the aged atria (assessed by heart rate) and aged ventricles (assessed by action potentials and Ca2+ transients).
Sympathetic nerve density and noradrenaline content were reduced in aged ventricles, but noradrenaline content was preserved in aged atria.
These results demonstrate that reduced responsiveness to SNS in the atria may be primarily due to decreased β‐adrenergic receptor responsiveness, whereas reduced responsiveness to SNS in the ventricles may be primarily due to neurodegeneration.
AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine how age‐related changes in sympathetic structure and function impact cardiac electrophysiology and intracellular Ca2+ handling. Innervated hearts from young (3‐4 months, YWT, n = 10) and aged (20‐24 months, AGED, n = 11) female mice (C57Bl6) were optically mapped using the voltage (Vm,)‐ and calcium (Ca2+)‐sensitive indicators Rh237 and Rhod2‐AM. Sympathetic nerve stimulation (SNS) was performed at the spinal cord (T1‐T3). β‐Adrenergic responsiveness was assessed with isoproterenol (1 μM, ISO). Sympathetic nerve density and noradrenaline content were also quantified. Stimulation thresholds necessary to produce a defined increase in heart rate (HR) with SNS were higher in AGED vs. YWT hearts (5.4 ± 0.4 vs. 3.8 ± 0.4 Hz, P < 0.05). Maximal HR with SNS was lower in AGED vs. YWT (20.5 ± 3.41% vs. 73.0 ± 7.63% increase, P < 0.05). β‐Adrenergic responsiveness of the atria (measured as percentage increase in HR with ISO) was decreased in AGED vs. YWT hearts (75.3 ± 22.5% vs. 148.5 ± 19.8%, P < 0.05). SNS significantly increased action potential duration (APD) in YWT but not AGED. Ca2+ transient durations and rise times were unchanged by SNS, yet AGED hearts had an increased susceptibility to Ca2+ alternans and ventricular arrhythmias. β‐Adrenergic responsiveness of all ventricular parameters were similar between AGED and YWT. Sympathetic nerve density and noradrenaline content were decreased in the AGED ventricle, but not atria, compared to YWT. These data suggest that decreased responsiveness to SNS in the aged atria may be primarily due to decreased β‐adrenergic responsiveness, whereas decreased responsiveness to SNS in the aged ventricles may be primarily due to nerve degeneration.
Mobility of an in-stent plaque protrusion detected with carotid duplex during the carotid artery stenting procedure: a case report
Authors: Tanaka Kanta , Kitagawa Takamichi , Yamana Norikazu , Akiyama Yoshinori 
Published: June 2018

In-stent plaque protrusion (ISP) is a predictor for ischemic complications in carotid artery stenting (CAS). Because its mobility would further increase the distal embolization risk, the intraprocedural detection of mobility is important but has not yet been reported. We present an 87-year-old male with symptomatic right carotid artery stenosis who underwent CAS. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) after stent deployment revealed a small ISP, and simultaneous extravascular carotid duplex disclosed its mobility. After coverage of the ISP with stent-in-stent implantation, no remaining protrusion was observed with either IVUS or carotid duplex. The patient experienced no periprocedural strokes. Carotid duplex is suited to evaluate targets’ movement because of its excellent temporal resolution. Carotid duplex has potential value for intraprocedural risk estimation of ISP.