bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shockwaves prevent from heart failure after acute myocardial ischaemia via RNA/protein complexes
Authors: Tepeköylü Can , Primessnig Uwe , Pölzl Leo , Graber Michael , Lobenwein Daniela , Nägele Felix , Kirchmair Elke , Pechriggl Elisabeth , Grimm Michael , Holfeld Johannes 
Published: December 2016

AbstractShock wave treatment (SWT) was shown to induce regeneration of ischaemic myocardium via Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3). The antimicrobial peptide LL37 gets released by mechanical stress and is known to form complexes with nucleic acids thus activating Toll‐like receptors. We suggested that SWT in the acute setting prevents from the development of heart failure via RNA/protein release. Myocardial infarction in mice was induced followed by subsequent SWT. Heart function was assessed 4 weeks later via transthoracic echocardiography and pressure–volume measurements. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with SWT in the presence of RNase and proteinase and analysed for proliferation, tube formation and LL37 expression. RNA release and uptake after SWT was evaluated. We found significantly improved cardiac function after SWT. SWT resulted in significantly higher numbers of capillaries and arterioles and less left ventricular fibrosis. Supernatants of treated cells activated TLR3 reporter cells. Analysis of the supernatant revealed increased RNA levels. The effect could not be abolished by pre‐treatment of the supernatant with RNase, but only by a sequential digestion with proteinase and RNase hinting strongly towards the involvement of RNA/protein complexes. Indeed, LL37 expression as well as cellular RNA uptake were significantly increased after SWT. We show for the first time that SWT prevents from left ventricular remodelling and cardiac dysfunction via RNA/protein complex release and subsequent induction of angiogenesis. It might therefore develop a potent regenerative treatment alternative for ischaemic heart disease.
The stem cell growth factor receptor KIT is not expressed on interstitial cells in bladder
Authors: Gevaert Thomas , Ridder Dirk De , Vanstreels Els , Daelemans Dirk , Everaerts Wouter , Aa Frank Van Der , Pintelon Isabel , Timmermans Jean‐Pierre , Roskams Tania , Steiner Clara , Neuhaus Jochen 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe mast/stem cell growth factor receptor KIT has long been assumed to be a specific marker for interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) in the bladder, with possible druggable perspectives. However, several authors have challenged the presence of KIT+ ICC in recent years. The aim of this study was therefore to attempt to clarify the conflicting reports on KIT expression in the bladder of human beings, rat, mouse and guinea pig and to elucidate the possible role of antibody‐related issues and interspecies differences in this matter. Fresh samples were obtained from human, rat, mouse and guinea pig cystectomies and processed for single/double immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence. Specific antibodies against KIT, mast cell tryptase (MCT), anoctamin‐1 (ANO1) and vimentin were used to characterize the cell types expressing KIT. Gut (jejunum) tissue was used as an external antibody control. Our results revealed KIT expression on mast cells but not on ICC in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig bladder. Parallel immunohistochemistry showed KIT expression on ICC in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig gut, which confirmed the selectivity of the KIT antibody clones. In conclusion, we have shown that KIT+ cells in human, rat, mouse and guinea pig bladder are mast cells and not ICC. The present report is important as it opposes the idea that KIT+ ICC are present in bladder. In this perspective, functional concepts of KIT+ ICC being involved in sensory and/or motor aspects of bladder physiology should be revised.
Identifying Consistent and Coherent Dimensions of Nursing Home Quality: Exploratory Factor Analysis of Quality Indicators
Authors: Xu Dongjuan , Kane Robert L. , Shippee Tetyana , Lewis Teresa M. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThere is a general belief that the markers of nursing home quality do not aggregate easily. Identifying consistent and coherent dimensions of quality that usefully summarize the multiplicity of nursing home quality measures is an important goal. It would simplify interpretation and help consumers, their families and advocates to choose nursing facilities.ObjectivesThis study uses quality indicators (QIs) from a state nursing home report card to explore the dimensionality of quality in nursing homes and to determine whether aggregation at the resident versus facility level yields the same underlying dimensions.DesignCross‐sectional study.Setting382 Medicare‐ and/or Medicaid‐certified nursing homes in Minnesota.ParticipantsResidents admitted to the nursing homes during 2011–2012.Measurements16 QIs obtained from the Minimum Data Set 3.0 assessment instrument between 2011 and 2012 were used in the exploratory factor analysis.ResultsFactor analysis results suggest four main factors or dimensions to characterize facility performance: continence care (including 4 QIs), restraints and behavioral symptoms (including 3 QIs), care for specific conditions (including 6 QIs), and physical functioning (including 3 QIs). The resident‐level and facility‐level results generally agreed for 11 QIs.ConclusionNursing home quality of care can be captured in summary measures, which can be used by consumers, providers and researchers. Reporting at the resident or facility level will depend on the purpose. These summary measures can be used by policy‐makers to identify and reward high‐performing facilities and by families to choose nursing facilities for care.
A novel tomato SUMO E3 ligase, SlSIZ1, confers drought tolerance in transgenic tobacco
Authors: Zhang Song , Zhuang Kunyang , Wang Shiju , Lv Jinlian , Ma Na'na , Meng Qingwei 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSUMOylation is an important post‐translational modification process that regulates different cellular functions in eukaryotes. SIZ/PIAS‐type SAP and Miz1 (SIZ1) proteins exhibit SUMO E3 ligase activity, which modulates SUMOylation. However, SIZ1 in tomato has been rarely investigated. In this study, a tomato SIZ1 gene (SlSIZ1) was isolated and its molecular characteristics and role in tolerance to drought stress are described. SlSIZ1 was up‐regulated by cold, sodium chloride (NaCl), polyethylene glycol (PEG), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and abscisic acid (ABA), and the corresponding proteins were localized in the nucleus. The expression of SlSIZ1 in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) siz1‐2 mutants partially complemented the phenotypes of dwarf, cold sensitivity and ABA hypersensitivity. SlSIZ1 also exhibited the activity of SUMO E3 ligase to promote the accumulation of SUMO conjugates. Under drought stress, the ectopic expression of SlSIZ1 in transgenic tobacco lines enhanced seed germination and reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species. SlSIZ1 overexpression conferred the plants with improved growth, high free proline content, minimal malondialdehyde accumulation and increased accumulation of SUMO conjugates. SlSIZ1 is a functional homolog of Arabidopsis SIZ1 with SUMO E3 ligase activity. Therefore, overexpression of SlSIZ1 enhanced the tolerance of transgenic tobacco to drought stress.
The relationship between lip‐closing force and dental arch morphology in patient with Angle Class I malocclusion
Authors: Takehana Y. , Masuda Y. , Kageyama T. , Okazaki R. , Murakami M. , Yamada K. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryDental arch morphology and tooth position are affected by lip‐closing force (LCF). This study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the relationships between the horizontal or vertical balance of the LCF generated during maximum voluntary pursing‐like movements and dental arch length (DAL) or width (DAW) or the lingual inclination of the upper or lower 1st molars (LIUM, LILM) in patients with Angle Class I malocclusion. Sixteen subjects with Angle Class I malocclusion (median age: 23·4 ± 5·9 years) who had never undergone orthodontic treatment were randomly selected. LCF was measured in eight directions during maximum voluntary pursing‐like lip‐closing movements. Dental arch models were scanned and analysed to obtain DAW, DAL, LIUM and LILM measurements. Mandibular deviation was measured on posteroanterior cephalograms. A significant negative correlation was detected between maxillary DAL and upper LCF. Maxillary DAL, DAW and the DAL/DAW ratio displayed significant negative correlations with total LCF and upper LCF. However, no significant correlations were detected between any mandibular dental arch morphological parameter and LCF. The difference in the LIUM between the deviation and non‐deviation sides exhibited a significant positive correlation with the difference in upper LCF between the deviation and non‐deviation sides and was significantly negatively correlated with the difference in lower LCF between the deviation and non‐deviation sides. These results suggest that upper LCF is related to maxillary DAL, and the horizontal balance of the LCF of the upper and lower lips is related to the LIUM during pursing‐like lip‐closing movements in patients with Angle Class I malocclusion.
Prediction of chemical composition and peroxide value in unground pet foods by near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: De Marchi M. , Righi F. , Meneghesso M. , Manfrin D. , Ricci R. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryThe massive development of the pet food industry in recent years has lead to the formulation of hundreds of canine and feline complete extruded foods with the objective of meeting both the needs of the animals and numerous demands from pet owners. In the meantime, highly variable raw material compositions and the industry's new production techniques oblige manufacturers to monitor all phases of the extrusion process closely in order to ensure the targeted composition and quality of the products. This study aimed at evaluating the potential of infrared technology (visible and near‐infrared spectrophotometer; 570–1842 nm) in predicting the chemical composition and peroxide value (PV) of unground commercial extruded dog foods. Six hundred and forty‐nine commercial extruded dog foods were collected. For each product, an unground aliquot was analysed by infrared instrument while a second aliquot was sent to a laboratory for proximate analysis and PV quantification. The wide range of extruded dog food typologies included in the study was responsible for the wide variability observed within each nutritional trait, especially crude fibre and ash. The mean value of the 208 pet foods sampled for PV quantification was 17.49 mEq O2/kg fat (min 2.2 and max 94.10 mEq O2/kg fat). The coefficients of determination in cross‐validation of NIRS prediction models were 0.77, 0.97, 0.83, 0.86, 0.78 and 0.94 for moisture, crude protein, crude fat, crude fibre, ash and nitrogen‐free extract (NFE) respectively. PV prediction was less precise, as demonstrated by the coefficient of determination in cross‐validation (0.66). The results demonstrated the potential of NIRS in predicting chemical composition in unground samples, with lower accuracy for moisture and ash, while PV prediction models suggest use for screening purposes only.
The Effect of Inadequate Presample Blood Volume Withdrawal from Intravenous Catheter and Extension Sets on Measured Circulating L‐Blood Lactate Concentration in Horses Receiving Lactated Ringer's Solution
Authors: Marqués F.J. , Higgins S. , Chapuis R. , Waldner C. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundCirculating l‐lactate concentration is commonly measured in hospitalized horses by sampling from indwelling intravenous (IV) catheters. However, there are no published evidence‐based recommendations to prevent contamination by lactated Ringer's solution (LRS).HypothesisWithdrawing 10 mL of blood from the LRS‐containing extension set connected to the IV catheter before obtaining the sample for analysis should be adequate to obtain accurate measurement of blood lactate concentration (BLC).AnimalsThirty‐three adult hospitalized horses receiving constant rate infusion of LRS.MethodsImmediately after disconnecting the LRS, 5 sequential 5 mL blood samples were obtained by aspiration from an extension set connected to an indwelling IV catheter, followed by 3 samples collected by direct venipuncture of the contralateral jugular vein. Samples were analyzed with 1 portable blood lactate analyzer. A linear mixed model was used to examine differences in lactate concentrations among samples collected from the catheter and by direct venipuncture.ResultsAfter considering differences in age, breed, sex, and reason for hospitalization, BLCs were higher (P < .001) in the first and second 5 mL samples collected through the extension set/catheter than in all other extension set/catheter samples or the direct venipuncture samples. The largest difference observed between the third and subsequent catheter or venipuncture samples was 0.34 mmol/L with an upper 95% CI of 1.12 mmol/L.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWithdrawing 15 mL of blood from a LRS‐containing extension set connected to an IV catheter (5.9 mL total volume capacity) before obtaining the sample for blood lactate analysis is suggested to optimize accuracy of BLC measurements.
Dynamics of Escherichia coli type I‐E CRISPR spacers over 42 000 years
Authors: Savitskaya Ekaterina , Lopatina Anna , Medvedeva Sofia , Kapustin Mikhail , Shmakov Sergey , Tikhonov Alexey , Artamonova Irena I. , Logacheva Maria , Severinov Konstantin 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCRISPR‐Cas are nucleic acid‐based prokaryotic immune systems. CRISPR arrays accumulate spacers from foreign DNA and provide resistance to mobile genetic elements containing identical or similar sequences. Thus, the set of spacers present in a given bacterium can be regarded as a record of encounters of its ancestors with genetic invaders. Such records should be specific for different lineages and change with time, as earlier acquired spacers get obsolete and are lost. Here, we studied type I‐E CRISPR spacers of Escherichia coli from extinct pachyderm. We find that many spacers recovered from intestines of a 42 000‐year‐old mammoth match spacers of present‐day E. coli. Present‐day CRISPR arrays can be reconstructed from palaeo sequences, indicating that the order of spacers has also been preserved. The results suggest that E. coli CRISPR arrays were not subject to intensive change through adaptive acquisition during this time.
Historical processes and contemporary ocean currents drive genetic structure in the seagrass Thalassia hemprichii in the Indo‐Australian Archipelago
Authors: Hernawan Udhi E. , van Dijk Kor‐jent , Kendrick Gary A. , Feng Ming , Biffin Edward , Lavery Paul S. , McMahon Kathryn 
Published: December 2016

AbstractUnderstanding spatial patterns of gene flow and genetic structure is essential for the conservation of marine ecosystems. Contemporary ocean currents and historical isolation due to Pleistocene sea level fluctuations have been predicted to influence the genetic structure in marine populations. In the Indo‐Australian Archipelago (IAA), the world's hotspot of marine biodiversity, seagrasses are a vital component but population genetic information is very limited. Here, we reconstructed the phylogeography of the seagrass Thalassia hemprichii in the IAA based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and then characterized the genetic structure based on a panel of 16 microsatellite markers. We further examined the relative importance of historical isolation and contemporary ocean currents in driving the patterns of genetic structure. Results from SNPs revealed three population groups: eastern Indonesia, western Indonesia (Sunda Shelf) and Indian Ocean; while the microsatellites supported five population groups (eastern Indonesia, Sunda Shelf, Lesser Sunda, Western Australia and Indian Ocean). Both SNPs and microsatellites showed asymmetrical gene flow among population groups with a trend of southwestward migration from eastern Indonesia. Genetic diversity was generally higher in eastern Indonesia and decreased southwestward. The pattern of genetic structure and connectivity is attributed partly to the Pleistocene sea level fluctuations modified to a smaller level by contemporary ocean currents.
No evidence for homosubtypic immunity of influenza H3 in Mallards following vaccination in a natural experimental system
Authors: Wille M. , Latorre‐Margalef N. , Tolf C. , Stallknecht D. E. , Waldenström J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) is an important reservoir species for influenza A viruses (IAV), and in this host, prevalence and virus diversity are high. Studies have demonstrated the presence of homosubtypic immunity, where individuals are unlikely to be reinfected with the same subtype within an autumn season. Further, evidence for heterosubtypic immunity exists, whereby immune responses specific for one subtype offer partial or complete protection against related HA subtypes. We utilized a natural experimental system to determine whether homo‐ or heterospecific immunity could be induced following experimental vaccination. Thirty Mallards were vaccinated with an inactivated H3, H6 or a sham vaccine and after seroconversion were exposed to naturally infected wild conspecifics. All ducks were infected within 2 days and had both primary and secondary infections. Overall, there was no observable difference between groups; all individuals were infected with H3 and H10 IAV. At the cessation of the experiment, most individuals had anti‐NP antibodies and neutralizing antibodies against H10. Not all individuals had H3 neutralizing antibodies. The isolated H3 IAVs revealed genetic dissimilarity to the H3 vaccine strain, specifically substitutions in the vicinity of the receptor‐binding site. There was no evidence of vaccine‐induced homosubtypic immunity to H3, a likely result of both a poor H3 immune response in the ducks and H3 immune escape. Likewise, there was no observed heterosubtypic protection related to H6 vaccination. This study highlights the need for experimental approaches to assess how exposure to pathogens and resulting immune processes translates to individual and population disease dynamics.
Economic growth with demand saturation and “endogenous” demand creation
Authors: Murakami Hiroki 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn this article, we present a model of economic growth through “demand creation” in the face of “demand saturation,” by representing demand saturation by an S‐shaped logistic function and reckoning the firm's R&D as an activity to determine the probability of product innovation, that is, of demand creation. By defining the parameter of birth rate of a new product as the probability that a new product is derived from an existing one and identifying the time path of this parameter with the firm's R&D plan, we derive the optimal R&D plan and examine the growth rate of the firm's expected total revenue along this optimal plan. We then find that the optimal birth rate of a new product is influenced positively by the speed of diffusion of demand and the initial level of demand but negatively by the unit cost of production and the interest rate and that the growth rate of the firm converges to the optimal birth rate of a new product.
Dynamics of the peptidoglycan biosynthetic machinery in the stalked budding bacterium Hyphomonas neptunium
Authors: Cserti Emöke , Rosskopf Sabine , Chang Yi‐Wei , Eisheuer Sabrina , Selter Lars , Shi Jian , Regh Christina , Koert Ulrich , Jensen Grant J. , Thanbichler Martin 
Published: December 2016

SummaryMost commonly studied bacteria grow symmetrically and divide by binary fission, generating two siblings of equal morphology. An exception to this rule are budding bacteria, in which new offspring emerges de novo from a morphologically invariant mother cell. Although this mode of proliferation is widespread in diverse bacterial lineages, the underlying mechanisms are still incompletely understood. Here, we report the first molecular‐level analysis of growth and morphogenesis in the stalked budding alphaproteobacterium Hyphomonas neptunium. Peptidoglycan labeling shows that, in this species, buds originate from a stalk‐like extension of the mother cell whose terminal segment is gradually remodeled into a new cell compartment. As a first step toward identifying the machinery mediating the budding process, we performed comprehensive mutational and localization studies of predicted peptidoglycan biosynthetic proteins in H. neptunium. These analyses identify factors that localize to distinct zones of dispersed and zonal growth, and they suggest a critical role of the MreB‐controlled elongasome in cell morphogenesis. Collectively, our work shows that the mechanism of growth in H. neptunium is distinct from that in related, polarly growing members of the order Rhizobiales, setting the stage for in‐depth analyses of the molecular principles regulating the fascinating developmental cycle of this species.
Two regulatory RNA elements affect TisB‐dependent depolarization and persister formation
Authors: Berghoff Bork A. , Hoekzema Mirthe , Aulbach Lena , Wagner E. Gerhart H. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryBacterial survival strategies involve phenotypic diversity which is generated by regulatory factors and noisy expression of effector proteins. The question of how bacteria exploit regulatory RNAs to make decisions between phenotypes is central to a general understanding of these universal regulators. We investigated the TisB/IstR‐1 toxin‐antitoxin system of Escherichia coli to appreciate the role of the RNA antitoxin IstR‐1 in TisB‐dependent depolarization of the inner membrane and persister formation. Persisters are phenotypic variants that have become transiently drug‐tolerant by arresting growth. The RNA antitoxin IstR‐1 sets a threshold for TisB‐dependent depolarization under DNA‐damaging conditions, resulting in two sub‐populations: polarized and depolarized cells. Furthermore, our data indicate that an inhibitory 5′ UTR structure in the tisB mRNA serves as a regulatory RNA element that delays TisB translation to avoid inappropriate depolarization when DNA damage is low. Investigation of the persister sub‐population further revealed that both regulatory RNA elements affect persister levels as well as persistence time. This work provides an intriguing example of how bacteria exploit regulatory RNAs to control phenotypic heterogeneity.