bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melatonin Mediates Monochromatic Light‐induced Insulin‐like Growth Factor 1 Secretion of Chick Liver: Involvement of Membrane Receptors
Authors: Li Suqi , Cao Jing , Wang Zixu , Dong Yulan , Wang Wenli , Chen Yaoxing 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMonochromatic lights influenced the proliferation and differentiation of skeletal satellite cells in broilers by the enhancement of insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) secretion. However, whether melatonin (MEL)‐mediated monochromatic lights influenced the IGF‐1 secretion remains unclear. Newly hatched broilers, including intact, sham operation and pinealectomy groups, were exposed to blue (BL), green (GL), red (RL) and white light (WL) from a light‐emitting diode system for 14 days. The results showed that GL effectively promoted the secretion of MEL and IGF‐1, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen and MEL receptor subtypes Mel1a, Mel1b and Mel1c in the liver compared to BL and RL in vivo. Moreover, those was a positive correlation between MEL and IGF‐1 (r = 0.834). After pinealectomy, however, these parameters declined, and there were no differences between GL and other monochromatic light treatments. In vitro, exogenous MEL increased hepatocyte proliferation and IGF‐1 secretion. Meanwhile, the MEL enhancements were suppressed by prazosin (selective Mel1c antagonist), followed by luzindole (nonselective Mel1a/Mel1b antagonist), but not suppressed by 4‐phenyl‐2‐propionamideotetralin (selective Mel1b antagonist). These findings demonstrated that MEL mediated the monochromatic light‐induced secretion of IGF‐1 in chicks’ livers by Mel1c and that Mel1a may be involved in this process.
Sex differences in concordance rates between auditory event‐related potentials and subjective sexual arousal
Authors: Oliver Taylor L. , Meana Marta , Snyder Joel S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMuch research indicates men show a greater concordance between subjective and genital sexual arousal than do women. We investigated the relationship between subjective sexual arousal and brain activation in men and women. Subjective sexual arousal and auditory N1 and P3b ERP amplitudes were measured while 38 participants viewed erotic and non‐erotic films. Most notably, there was a significant correlation between N1 amplitude and sexual arousal in men; for women, there was a significant correlation between the P3b amplitude and sexual arousal. ERP amplitudes were inversely associated with reported arousal, suggesting that sexual arousal interferes with early tone processing for men, and with later tone processing for women. Lastly, for women, pornography/erotica consumption was negatively correlated with P3b amplitudes, suggesting that women who consume more pornography/erotica may also show greater attention to erotic films.
Personal care assistants' experiences of caring for people on home mechanical ventilation
Authors: Israelsson‐Skogsberg Åsa , Lindahl Berit 
Published: April 2016

AimThe aim of this study was to describe personal care assistants' (PCA) experiences of working with a ventilator‐assisted person at home.MethodsData were collected from fifteen audiotaped semistructured interviews with PCAs supporting a child or adult using home mechanical ventilation (HMV). Thirteen women and two men participated; their working experience with HMV users ranged from one to 17 years (median 6 years). Data were subjected to qualitative content analysis in an inductive and interpretive manner.FindingsFive categories emerged from the data: Being part of a complex work situation; Taking on a multidimensional responsibility; Caring carried out in someone's home; Creating boundaries in an environment with indistinct limits; and Being close to another's body and soul.ConclusionsThe participants felt very close to the person they worked with, both physically and emotionally. They had a great responsibility and therefore a commensurate need for support, guidance and a well‐functioning organisation around the HMV user. There is international consensus that advanced home care will continue to expand and personal care assistance is key in this development. We suggest that one way to move forward for PCAs working with HMV users is to create multiprofessional teams led by a key‐person who coordinates the individual needs. More research is needed within this area from a broad perspective including the HMV‐assisted persons, relatives, personal care assistants and management organisations.
Nitrogen release from differently aged Raphanus sativus L. nitrate catch crops during mineralization at autumn temperatures
Authors: Thomsen I. K. , Elsgaard L. , Olesen J. E. , Christensen B. T. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn temperate climates with surplus precipitation and low temperatures during autumn and winter, nitrate catch crops have become crucial in reducing nitrate leaching losses. Preferably, the N retained by the catch crop should remain in the soil and become available to the next main crop. Fodder radish (Raphanus sativus, L.) has emerged as a promising nitrate catch crop in cereal cropping, although the course of remineralization of residue N following termination of this frost‐sensitive crucifer remains obscured. We incubated radish residues of different age (different planting and harvest dates) with a loamy sand soil; mineralization of residue N was determined after 1, 2, 4 and 7 months of incubation at 2 °C and 10 °C. Incubations with soil only and with residues of white mustard (Sinapis alba, L) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne, L.) were included as references. Using linear regression, net N release was fitted to plant chemical characteristics (initial concentrations of N, fibre fractions, lignin and C/N ratio). Residue C/N ratio (ranging from 10 to 25) and N concentration (ranging from 17 to 40 mg N/g dry matter) showed superior fits to net N release at both temperatures (r2, 0.64–0.94) while fibre analyses provided inferior fits (r2, 0.12–0.64). This was true across planting date and plant age. Net N release after 7 months of incubation at 2 °C and 10 °C accounted for up to 40% and 50% of residue N, respectively. During most of the incubation period, nitrate dominated the mineral N pool at both temperatures. The N mineralization and nitrification potential at these low soil temperatures suggest that a considerable fraction of the N captured by nitrate catch crops may be remineralized, nitrified and thus available for plant uptake but also for loss by leaching and denitrification.
Clinical outcomes of HIV‐exposed, HIV‐uninfected children in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: le Roux Stanzi M. , Abrams Elaine J. , Nguyen Kelly , Myer Landon 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveHIV‐exposed but HIV‐uninfected (HEU) children are widely considered at increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Recent advances in prevention of mother‐to‐child HIV transmission (PMTCT) strategies, incorporating life‐long universal maternal antiretroviral therapy (ART, “Option B+”) with extended breastfeeding, may improve HEU child health substantially. We critically reviewed reports of mortality/morbidity among HEU and HIV‐unexposed (HU) children in sub‐Saharan Africa.MethodsWe searched Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Academic Search Premier, Global Health & Psychosocial Instruments databases, conference abstracts, and reference lists for longitudinal studies from sub‐Saharan Africa reporting mortality and clinical morbidity among HIV‐uninfected children aged ≤10 years, by maternal HIV status. Studies were appraised by Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale and ACROBAT‐NRSI. Due to substantial heterogeneity of study designs, populations and results (I2 = 75%), data were not synthesised.ResultsWe included 37 reports (28 studies, 11 164 HEU children); methodological and reporting quality were variable. Most reports came from settings without universal access to maternal ART (n = 35). Results were conflicting, with some studies indicating increased risk of mortality, hospitalisation and/or under‐nutrition among HEU children, while others found no evidence of increased risk. In subanalyses, improved maternal health, ART use and breastfeeding were strongly protective for all outcomes. Only 39% (11/28) of studies adjusted for major confounders. Reports from settings using universal maternal ART with breastfeeding (n = 2) found no differences in growth or development but did not report mortality or infectious morbidity.ConclusionsThe existing literature provides little insight into HEU child health under recently adopted PMTCT strategies. There is a need for robust comparative data on HEU and HIV‐unexposed child health outcomes under Option B+; optimising breastfeeding practices and increasing maternal use of ART should be urgent public health priorities.
Drug resistance mutations after the first 12 months on antiretroviral therapy and determinants of virological failure in Rwanda
Authors: Ndahimana Jean d'Amour , Riedel David J. , Mwumvaneza Mutagoma , Sebuhoro Dieudone , Uwimbabazi Jean Claude , Kubwimana Marthe , Mugabo Jules , Mulindabigwi Augustin , Kirk Catherine , Kanters Steve , Forrest Jamie I. , Jagodzinski Linda L. , Peel Sheila A. , Ribakare Muhayimpundu , Redfield Robert R. , Nsanzimana Sabin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate HIV drug resistance (HIVDR) and determinants of virological failure in a large cohort of patients receiving first‐line tenofovir‐based antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens.MethodsA nationwide retrospective cohort from 42 health facilities was assessed for virological failure and development of HIVDR mutations. Data were collected at ART initiation and at 12 months of ART on patients with available HIV‐1 viral load (VL) and ART adherence measurements. HIV resistance genotyping was performed on patients with VL ≥1000 copies/ml. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with treatment failure.ResultsOf 828 patients, 66% were women, and the median age was 37 years. Of the 597 patients from whom blood samples were collected, 86.9% were virologically suppressed, while 11.9% were not. Virological failure was strongly associated with age <25 years (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.2–12.9), low adherence (aOR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.5–5.0) and baseline CD4 counts <200 cells/μl (aOR 3.4; 95% CI: 1.9–6.2). Overall, 9.1% of all patients on ART had drug resistance mutations after 1 year of ART; 27% of the patients who failed treatment had no evidence of HIVDR mutations. HIVDR mutations were not observed in patients on the recommended second‐line ART regimen in Rwanda.ConclusionsThe last step of the UNAIDS 90‐90‐90 target appears within grasp, with some viral failures still due to non‐adherence. Nonetheless, youth and late initiators are at higher risk of virological failure. Youth‐focused programmes could help prevent further drug HIVDR development.
Identification of a small protein domain present in all plant lineages that confers high prephenate dehydratase activity
Authors: El‐Azaz Jorge , de la Torre Fernando , Ávila Concepción , Cánovas Francisco M. 
Published: April 2016

Summaryl‐Phenylalanine serves as a building block for the biosynthesis of proteins, but also as a precursor for a wide range of plant‐derived compounds essential for plants and animals. Plants can synthesize Phe within the plastids using arogenate as a precursor; however, an alternative pathway using phenylpyruvate as an intermediate, described for most microorganisms, has recently been proposed. The functionality of this pathway requires the existence of enzymes with prephenate dehydratase (PDT) activity (EC 4.2.1.51) in plants. Using phylogenetic studies, functional complementation assays in yeast and biochemical analysis, we have identified the enzymes displaying PDT activity in Pinus pinaster. Through sequence alignment comparisons and site‐directed mutagenesis we have identified a 22‐amino acid region conferring PDT activity (PAC domain) and a single Ala314 residue critical to trigger this activity. Our results demonstrate that all plant clades include PAC domain‐containing ADTs, suggesting that the PDT activity, and thus the ability to synthesize Phe using phenylpyruvate as an intermediate, has been preserved throughout the evolution of plants. Moreover, this pathway together with the arogenate pathway gives plants a broad and versatile capacity to synthesize Phe and its derived compounds. PAC domain‐containing enzymes are also present in green and red algae, and glaucophytes, the three emerging clades following the primary endosymbiont event resulting in the acquisition of plastids in eukaryotes. The evolutionary prokaryotic origin of this domain is discussed.
Single‐use technology for solvent/detergent virus inactivation of industrial plasma products
Authors: Hsieh Yao‐Ting , Mullin Lori , Greenhalgh Patricia , Cunningham Michael , Goodrich Elizabeth , Shea Jessica , Youssef Eric , Burnouf Thierry 
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUNDVirus inactivation of plasma products is conducted using stainless‐steel vessels. Single‐use technology can offer significant benefits over stainless such as operational flexibility, reduced capital infrastructure costs, and increased efficiency by minimizing the time and validation requirements associated with hardware cleaning. This study qualifies a single‐use bag system for solvent/detergent (S/D) virus inactivation.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSHuman plasma and immunoglobulin test materials were S/D‐treated in Mobius single‐use bags using 1% tri‐n‐butyl phosphate (TnBP) with 1% Triton X‐100 or 1% Tween 80 at 31°C for 4 to 6 hours to evaluate the impact on protein quality. Volatile and nonvolatile organic leachables from low‐density polyethylene film (Pureflex film) used in 1‐L‐scale studies after exposure to S/D in phosphate‐buffered saline were identified compared to controls in glass containers. Virus inactivation studies were performed with xenotropic murine leukemia virus (XMuLV) and bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) to determine the kinetics of virus inactivation, measured using infectivity assays.RESULTSS/D treatment in Mobius bags did not impact the protein content and profile of plasma and immunoglobulin, including proteolytic enzymes and thrombin generation. Cumulative leachable levels after exposure to S/D were 1.5 and 1.85 ppm when using 0.3% TnBP combined with 1% Tween 80 or 1% Triton X‐100, respectively. Efficient inactivation of both XMuLV and BVDV was observed, with differences in the rate of inactivation dependent on both virus and S/D mixture.CONCLUSIONEffective S/D virus inactivation in single‐use container technology is achievable. It does not alter plasma proteins and induces minimal release of leachables.
Ventromedial hypothalamic melanocortin receptor activation: regulation of activity energy expenditure and skeletal muscle thermogenesis
Authors: Gavini Chaitanya K. , Jones William C. , Novak Colleen M. 
Published: April 2016

Key points
The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and the central melanocortin system both play vital roles in regulating energy balance by modulating energy intake and utilization.
Recent evidence suggests that activation of the VMH alters skeletal muscle metabolism.
We show that intra‐VMH melanocortin receptor activation increases energy expenditure and physical activity, switches fuel utilization to fats, and lowers work efficiency such that excess calories are dissipated by skeletal muscle as heat.
We also show that intra‐VMH melanocortin receptor activation increases sympathetic nervous system outflow to skeletal muscle.
Intra‐VMH melanocortin receptor activation also induced significant changes in the expression of mediators of energy expenditure in muscle.
These results support the role of melanocortin receptors in the VMH in the modulation of skeletal muscle metabolism.
AbstractThe ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) and the brain melanocortin system both play vital roles in increasing energy expenditure (EE) and physical activity, decreasing appetite and modulating sympathetic nervous system (SNS) outflow. Because of recent evidence showing that VMH activation modulates skeletal muscle metabolism, we propose the existence of an axis between the VMH and skeletal muscle, modulated by brain melanocortins, modelled on the brain control of brown adipose tissue. Activation of melanocortin receptors in the VMH of rats using a non‐specific agonist melanotan II (MTII), compared to vehicle, increased oxygen consumption and EE and decreased the respiratory exchange ratio. Intra‐VMH MTII enhanced activity‐related EE even when activity levels were held constant. MTII treatment increased gastrocnemius muscle heat dissipation during controlled activity, as well as in the home cage. Compared to vehicle‐treated rats, rats with intra‐VMH melanocortin receptor activation had higher skeletal muscle norepinephrine turnover, indicating an increased SNS drive to muscle. Lastly, intra‐VMH MTII induced mRNA expression of muscle energetic mediators, whereas short‐term changes at the protein level were primarily limited to phosphorylation events. These results support the hypothesis that melanocortin peptides act in the VMH to increase EE by lowering the economy of activity via the enhanced expression of mediators of EE in the periphery including skeletal muscle. The data are consistent with the role of melanocortins in the VMH in the modulation of skeletal muscle metabolism.
Direct Nitrous Oxide Emission from the Aquacultured Pacific White Shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei)
Authors: Heisterkamp Ines M. , Schramm Andreas , de Beer Dirk , Stief Peter 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTThe Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) is widely used in aquaculture, where it is reared at high stocking densities, temperatures, and nutrient concentrations. Here we report that adultL. vannameishrimp emit the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) at an average rate of 4.3 nmol N2O/individual × h, which is 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher than previously measured N2O emission rates for free-living aquatic invertebrates. Dissection, incubation, and inhibitor experiments with specimens from a shrimp farm in Germany indicated that N2O is mainly produced in the animal's gut by microbial denitrification. Microsensor measurements demonstrated that the gut interior is anoxic and nearly neutral and thus is favorable for denitrification by ingested bacteria. Dinitrogen (N2) and N2O accounted for 64% and 36%, respectively, of the nitrogen gas flux from the gut, suggesting that the gut passage is too fast for complete denitrification to be fully established. Indeed, shifting the rearing water bacterial community, a diet component of shrimp, from oxic to anoxic conditions induced N2O accumulation that outlasted the gut passage time. Shrimp-associated N2O production was estimated to account for 6.5% of total N2O production in the shrimp farm studied here and to contribute to the very high N2O supersaturation measured in the rearing tanks (2,099%). Microbial N2O production directly associated with aquacultured animals should be implemented into life cycle assessments of seafood production.IMPORTANCEThe most widely used shrimp species in global aquaculture,Litopenaeus vannamei, is shown to emit the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) at a particularly high rate. Detailed experiments reveal that N2O is produced in the oxygen-depleted gut of the animal by bacteria that are part of the shrimp diet. Upon ingestion, these bacteria experience a shift from oxic to anoxic conditions and therefore switch their metabolism to the anaerobic denitrification process, which produces N2O as an intermediate and dinitrogen (N2) gas as an end product. The N2O/N2production ratio is unusually high in the shrimp gut, because denitrification cannot be fully established during the short gut passage time of food-associated bacteria. Nitrous oxide emission directly mediated byL. vannameicontributes significantly to the overall N2O emission from aquaculture facilities.
Blue-Light Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes Growth Is Mediated by Reactive Oxygen Species and Is Influenced by σ
B
and the Blue-Light Sensor Lmo0799
Authors: O'Donoghue Beth , NicAogáin Kerrie , Bennett Claire , Conneely Alan , Tiensuu Teresa , Johansson Jörgen , O'Byrne Conor 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

Listeria monocytogenes
senses blue light via the flavin mononucleotide-containing sensory protein Lmo0799, leading to activation of the general stress response sigma factor SigB (σ
B
). In this study, we investigated the physiological response of this foodborne pathogen to blue light. We show that blue light (460 to 470 nm) doses of 1.5 to 2 mW cm
−2
cause inhibition of growth on agar-based and liquid culture media. The inhibitory effects are dependent on cell density, with reduced effects evident when high cell numbers are present. The addition of 20 mM dimethylthiourea, a scavenger of reactive oxygen species, or catalase to the medium reverses the inhibitory effects of blue light, suggesting that growth inhibition is mediated by the formation of reactive oxygen species. A mutant strain lacking σ
B
(Δ
sigB
) was found to be less inhibited by blue light than the wild type, likely indicating the energetic cost of deploying the general stress response. When a lethal dose of light (8 mW cm
−2
) was applied to cells, the Δ
sigB
mutant displayed a marked increase in sensitivity to light compared to the wild type. To investigate the role of the blue-light sensor Lmo0799, mutants were constructed that either had a deletion of the gene (Δ
lmo0799
) or alteration in a conserved cysteine residue at position 56, which is predicted to play a pivotal role in the photocycle of the protein (
lmo0799
C56A). Both mutants displayed phenotypes similar to the Δ
sigB
mutant in the presence of blue light, providing genetic evidence that residue 56 is critical for light sensing in
L. monocytogenes
. Taken together, these results demonstrate that
L. monocytogenes
is inhibited by blue light in a manner that depends on reactive oxygen species, and they demonstrate clear light-dependent phenotypes associated with σ
B
and the blue-light sensor Lmo0799.

IMPORTANCE
Listeria monocytogenes
is a bacterial foodborne pathogen that can cause life-threatening infections in humans. It is known to be able to sense and respond to visible light. In this study, we examine the effects of blue light on the growth and survival of this pathogen. We show that growth can be inhibited at comparatively low doses of blue light, and that at higher doses,
L. monocytogenes
cells are killed. We present evidence suggesting that blue light inhibits this organism by causing the production of reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide. We help clarify the mechanism of light sensing by constructing a “blind” version of the blue-light sensor protein. Finally, we show that activation of the general stress response by light has a negative effect on growth, probably because cellular resources are diverted into protective mechanisms rather than growth.