bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL‐6 promotes CD4+ T‐cell and B‐cell activation during Plasmodium infection
Authors: Sebina I. , Fogg L. G. , James K. R. , Soon M. S. F. , Akter J. , Thomas B. S. , Hill G. R. , Engwerda C. R. , Haque A. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryHumoral immunity develops in the spleen during blood‐stage Plasmodium infection. This elicits parasite‐specific IgM and IgG, which control parasites and protect against malaria. Studies in mice have elucidated cells and molecules driving humoral immunity to Plasmodium, including CD4+ T cells, B cells, interleukin (IL)‐21 and ICOS. IL‐6, a cytokine readily detected in Plasmodium‐infected mice and humans, is recognized in other systems as a driver of humoral immunity. Here, we examined the effect of infection‐induced IL‐6 on humoral immunity to Plasmodium. Using P. chabaudi chabaudi AS (PcAS) infection of wild‐type and IL‐6−/− mice, we found that IL‐6 helped to control parasites during primary infection. IL‐6 promoted early production of parasite‐specific IgM but not IgG. Notably, splenic CD138+ plasmablast development was more dependent on IL‐6 than germinal centre (GC) B‐cell differentiation. IL‐6 also promoted ICOS expression by CD4+ T cells, as well as their localization close to splenic B cells, but was not required for early Tfh‐cell development. Finally, IL‐6 promoted parasite control, IgM and IgG production, GC B‐cell development and ICOS expression by Tfh cells in a second model, Py17XNL infection. IL‐6 promotes CD4+ T‐cell activation and B‐cell responses during blood‐stage Plasmodium infection, which encourages parasite‐specific antibody production.
Issues of aquatic experimentation in research on marine finfish larval production in Europe and North America
Authors: Nicolaisen Ove 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe aim of this review was to examine practices in academic research focusing on production of larvae of European marine fish species. The literature spanned peer‐reviewed articles over the years 1977–2014 for the main commercially produced marine species: Atlantic cod, halibut, sea bream, sea bass and turbot. Search hits were categorized into the main themes basic biology, natural habitat studies and aquaculture, and the latter theme further subdivided into nutrition, health, reproduction and production factor studies. In total, 74 of the production factor studies were thoroughly examined in terms of overall research structure, study designs, methods, analyses and reporting practices. A picture of a fragmented whole with many isolated contributors and limited cooperation appeared, and despite the multivariate nature and high complexity of the area, isolated and low replicated studies focusing on one variable at the time dominated. Randomization and blinding procedures were rarely accounted for, and a need to standardize practical conduct of research in terms of physical infrastructure, biological material used, control of tank environment, sampling, tank tending and response measurements appeared. Issues of statistical analysis were also apparent, spanning the choice of main techniques and follow‐up contrast procedures and Pseudoreplication. Additionally, the reporting of designs, analyses and results was often incomplete. Consequences of the different issues are discussed, and possible remedies proposed. The findings are in accordance with conclusions from contemporary studies addressing scientific quality and methodological issues at other areas of research.
miR3954 is a trigger of phasiRNAs that affects flowering time in citrus
Authors: Liu Yuanlong , Ke Lili , Wu Guizhi , Xu Yuantao , Wu Xiaomeng , Xia Rui , Deng Xiuxin , Xu Qiang 
Published: July 2017

SummaryIn plant, a few 22‐nt miRNAs direct cleavages of their targets and trigger the biogenesis of phased small interfering RNAs (phasiRNAs) in plant. In this study, we characterized a miRNA triggering phasiRNAs generation, miR3954, and explored its downstream target genes and potential function. Our results demonstrated that miR3954 showed specific expression in the flowers of citrus species, and it targeted a NAC transcription factor (Cs7 g22460) and two non‐coding RNA transcripts (lncRNAs, Cs1 g09600 and Cs1 g09635). The production of phasiRNAs was detected from transcripts targeted by miR3954, and was further verified in both sequencing data and transient expression experiments. PhasiRNAs derived from the two lncRNAs targeted not only miR3954‐targeted NAC gene but also additional NAC homologous genes. No homologous genes of these two lncRNAs were found in plants other than citrus species, implying that this miR3954‐lncRNAs‐phasiRNAs‐NAC pathway is likely citrus‐specific. Transgenic analysis indicated that the miR3954‐overexpressing lines showed decreased transcripts of lncRNA, elevated abundance of phasiRNAs and reduced expression of NAC genes. Interestingly, the overexpression of miR3954 leads to early flowering in citrus plants. In summary, our results illustrated a model of the regulatory network of miR3954‐lncRNA‐phasiRNAs‐NAC, which may be functionally involved in flowering in citrus.
Feline leukocyte adhesion (CD18) deficiency caused by a deletion in the integrin β2(ITGB2) gene
Authors: Bauer Thomas R. , Pratt Suzanne M. , Palena Christina M. , Raj Karthik , Giger Urs 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundLeukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD) orCD18 deficiency is an autosomal recessive immunodeficiency which has been described in people, cattle, dogs, and knockout mice.ObjectivesThe study goals were to characterize the clinicopathologic, immunologic, and molecular genetic features of felineLAD(FLAD) in a neutered male adult Domestic Longhair cat with severe leukocytosis and recurrent infections.MethodsFlow cytometry evaluated surface expression ofCD18 on neutrophils. In vitro functional assays assessedCD18‐dependent neutrophil adhesion and T‐cell proliferation. GenomicDNAandcDNAwere used to identify a causative mutation in the coding sequence of the integrin β2subunit (ITGB2) gene.ResultsThe affected cat developed periodontitis during the first months of life followed by recurrent infections poorly responsive to antibiotic therapy, accompanied by extreme neutrophilia. Neutrophils from the proband, compared to feline controls, did not express anyCD18 on the cell surface. Adhesion of affected neutrophils was severely impaired with and without phorbol‐myristate‐acetate activation. The proband's T‐cells proliferated weakly to 1 pg but normally to 100 pg staphylococcal enterotoxin A, suggesting aCD18‐independent T‐cell response at higher doses. Molecular genetic analysis of theITGB2gene revealed a 24 bp deletion at the exon 2 to intron 2 boundary (c.46_58 + 11del), predicting premature translational termination due to abnormal splicing of exon 1 to exon 3 or 4.ConclusionsFelineLADexhibits features similar toLADin other species. However, clinical episodes inFLADappeared milder allowing for an extended life expectancy under long‐term antimicrobial therapy, possibly due to an alternative,CD18‐independent T‐cell proliferation pathway.
Analytic variability in the enumeration of neutrophil subpopulations in canine blood
Authors: Paltrinieri Saverio , Talon Elisa 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundConventional differential leukocyte counts do not enumerate hyposegmented neutrophils (Hypo‐PMN), ie, immature neutrophils that already lost the band morphology but are not yet completely segmented. They may be early indicators of acute inflammation.ObjectivesThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the analytic variability of counts of segmented neutrophils (Seg‐PMN), band neutrophils (Band), hyposegmented neutrophils (Hypo‐PMN), non‐Bands (Hypo‐PMN + Seg‐PMN), and Young‐PMN (Bands + Hypo‐PMN) assess if Hypo‐ or Young‐PMNidentify inflammation better than Bands.MethodsNeutrophil subpopulations were counted by 2 observers on 2 sets of 100 cells in 267 blood smears from dogs with changes potentially consistent with inflammation to calculate the intra‐ and inter‐observer variability.ResultsMedian intra‐observerCVs were < 5.0% for Seg‐PMNand non‐Bands, and 20.0% and 28.0% for Hypo‐PMNand Young‐PMNfor observer 1 and 2, respectively; median inter‐observerCVs for Seg‐PMN, non‐Bands, Hypo‐PMN, and Young‐PMNwere 4.6%, 5.0%, 60.0%, and 47.1%, respectively. MedianCVof Band counts in blood smears with bands was 141%.ConclusionsThe analytic variability of Hypo‐ and Young‐PMNis lower than that of Bands. This retrospective study did not allow us to investigate the diagnostic potential or the clinical relevance of these cells. However, the low inter‐ and intra‐observer variabilities with these cell populations suggest that the count of Hypo‐ or Young‐PMNmay better identify acute inflammation than the count of Bands.
Macrococcus canis and M. caseolyticus in dogs: occurrence, genetic diversity and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Cotting Kerstin , Strauss Christian , Rodriguez‐Campos Sabrina , Rostaher Ana , Fischer Nina M. , Roosje Petra J. , Favrot Claude , Perreten Vincent 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundThe discovery of a new Macrococcus canis species isolated from skin and infection sites of dogs led us to question if Macrococcus spp. are common in dogs and are resistant to antibiotics.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the occurrence of Macrococcus spp. in dogs, determine antibiotic resistance profiles and genetic relationships.AnimalsOne hundred and sixty two dogs (mainly West Highland white terriers and Newfoundland dogs) were screened for the presence of Macrococcus, including six dogs with Macrococcus infections.MethodsSamples were taken from skin, ear canal and oral mucosa using swabs. Macrococci were identified by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization‐time of flight mass spectrometry, 16S rRNA sequencing and nuc‐PCR. Minimal inhibitory concentrations of 19 antibiotics were determined using broth microdilution. Resistance mechanisms were identified by microarray and sequencing of the fluoroquinolone‐determining region of gyrA and grlA. Sequence type (ST) was determined by multilocus sequence typing.ResultsOut of the 162 dogs, six harboured M. caseolyticus (n = 6) and 13 harboured M. canis (n = 16). Six isolates of M. canis and one of M. caseolyticus were obtained from infection sites. The 22 M. canis strains belonged to 20 different STs and the seven M. caseolyticus strains to three STs. Resistance to antibiotics was mostly associated with the detection of known genes, with mecB‐mediated meticillin resistance being the most frequent.Conclusion and clinical importanceThis study gives some insights into the occurrence and genetic characteristics of antibiotic‐resistant Macrococcus from dogs. Presence of M. canis in infection sites and resistance to antibiotics emphasized that more attention should be paid to this novel bacteria species.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Evelyn Angelia 
Published: July 2017

Applied Finance and Accounting [AFA] would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether AFA publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 3, Number 2 Adina Criste, “Victor Slavescu” Centre for Financial and Monetary Research, Romanian Academy, RomaniaAmira Houaneb, University Ibn Khaldoun, TunisiaAnastasia Kopaneli, University of Patras, GreeceAndrey Kudryavtsev, The Max Stern Yezreel Valley Academic College, IsraelDesti Kannaiah, James Cook University, SingaporeFabio Rizzato, University of Turin, ItalyFeng Jui Hsu, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, TaiwanFlorin Peci, University of Peja, KosovoGheorghe Morosan, Stefan Cel Mare University Suceava Romania, RomaniaIoan Bogdan ROBU, Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, RomaniaIulia Lupu, “Victor Slavescu” Centre for Financial and Monetary Research, Romanian Academy, RomaniaIzidin El Kalak, Kent University, UKJózsef Móczár, Corvinus University of Budapest, HungaryLuca Sensini, University of Salerno, ItalyLuo Yongli, United StatesMarco Muscettola, Independent researcher, ItalyMawih Kareem AL ANI, Dhofar University, OmanMazurina Mohd Ali, Universiti Teknologi Mara, MalaysiaMohamed Jalloh, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), NigeriaMojeed Idowu John Odumeso-Jimoh, Noble Integrated Resources & Management, NigeriaNicoleta Radneantu, Romanian – American University, RomanianVineet Chouhan, Sir Padampat Singhania University, IndiaVolodymyr Vysochansky, Uzhhorod National University, UkraineWei-Bin Zhang, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, JapanWilson E. Herbert, Federal University, Otuoke, Bayelsa State, NigeriaYu Peng Lin, University of Detroit Mercy, USA Angelia EvelynEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Applied Finance and AccountingRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAE-mail: afa@redfame.comURL: http://afa.redfame.com
Seismic evidence for partial melting at the root of major hot spot plumes
Authors: Yuan Kaiqing , Romanowicz Barbara 
Published: July 2017

Iceland's molten roots
Major hot spot plumes are responsible for basaltic ocean island chains such as Hawaii. Yuan and Romanowicz used seismic tomography, which constructs an x-ray–like picture of Earth's interior from seismic waves, to show that the root of Iceland's hot spot plume is partially molten. The partially molten region is located near Earth's core-mantle boundary and has been challenging to image with geophysical methods. This approach may be applicable to other hot spots with similar areas of melts or other enigmatic regions in the lower mantle.

Science
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393
Permissivity of Dipeptidyl Peptidase 4 Orthologs to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Is Governed by Glycosylation and Other Complex Determinants
Authors: Peck Kayla M. , Scobey Trevor , Swanstrom Jesica , Jensen Kara L. , Burch Christina L. , Baric Ralph S. , Heise Mark T. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) utilizes dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) as an entry receptor. While bat, camel, and human DPP4 support MERS-CoV infection, several DPP4 orthologs, including mouse, ferret, hamster, and guinea pig DPP4, do not. Previous work revealed that glycosylation of mouse DPP4 plays a role in blocking MERS-CoV infection. Here, we tested whether glycosylation also acts as a determinant of permissivity for ferret, hamster, and guinea pig DPP4. We found that, while glycosylation plays an important role in these orthologs, additional sequence and structural determinants impact their ability to act as functional receptors for MERS-CoV. These results provide insight into DPP4 species-specific differences impacting MERS-CoV host range and better inform our understanding of virus-receptor interactions associated with disease emergence and host susceptibility.

IMPORTANCE
MERS-CoV is a recently emerged zoonotic virus that is still circulating in the human population with an ∼35% mortality rate. With no available vaccines or therapeutics, the study of MERS-CoV pathogenesis is crucial for its control and prevention. However,
in vivo
studies are limited because MERS-CoV cannot infect wild-type mice due to incompatibilities between the virus spike and the mouse host cell receptor, mouse DPP4 (mDPP4). Specifically, mDPP4 has a nonconserved glycosylation site that acts as a barrier to MERS-CoV infection. Thus, one mouse model strategy has been to modify the mouse genome to remove this glycosylation site. Here, we investigated whether glycosylation acts as a barrier to infection for other nonpermissive small-animal species, namely, ferret, guinea pig, and hamster. Understanding the virus-receptor interactions for these DPP4 orthologs will help in the development of additional animal models while also revealing species-specific differences impacting MERS-CoV host range.
Pseudorabies Virus US3-Induced Tunneling Nanotubes Contain Stabilized Microtubules, Interact with Neighboring Cells via Cadherins, and Allow Intercellular Molecular Communication
Authors: Jansens Robert J. J. , Van den Broeck Wim , De Pelsmaeker Steffi , Lamote Jochen A. S. , Van Waesberghe Cliff , Couck Liesbeth , Favoreel Herman W. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are long bridge-like structures that connect eukaryotic cells and mediate intercellular communication. We found earlier that the conserved alphaherpesvirus US3 protein kinase induces long cell projections that contact distant cells and promote intercellular virus spread. In this report, we show that the US3-induced cell projections constitute TNTs. In addition, we report that US3-induced TNTs mediate intercellular transport of information (e.g., green fluorescent protein [GFP]) in the absence of other viral proteins. US3-induced TNTs are remarkably stable compared to most TNTs described in the literature. In line with this, US3-induced TNTs were found to contain stabilized (acetylated and detyrosinated) microtubules. Transmission electron microscopy showed that virus particles are individually transported in membrane-bound vesicles in US3-induced TNTs and are released along the TNT and at the contact area between a TNT and the adjacent cell. Contact between US3-induced TNTs and acceptor cells is very stable, which correlated with a marked enrichment in adherens junction components beta-catenin and E-cadherin at the contact area. These data provide new structural insights into US3-induced TNTs and how they may contribute to intercellular communication and alphaherpesvirus spread.

IMPORTANCE
Tunneling nanotubes (TNT) represent an important and yet still poorly understood mode of long-distance intercellular communication. We and others reported earlier that the conserved alphaherpesvirus US3 protein kinase induces long cellular protrusions in infected and transfected cells. Here, we show that US3-induced cell projections constitute TNTs, based on structural properties and transport of biomolecules. In addition, we report on different particular characteristics of US3-induced TNTs that help to explain their remarkable stability compared to physiological TNTs. In addition, transmission electron microscopy assays indicate that, in infected cells, virions travel in the US3-induced TNTs in membranous transport vesicles and leave the TNT via exocytosis. These data generate new fundamental insights into the biology of (US3-induced) TNTs and into how they may contribute to intercellular virus spread and communication.
Mutations in the E2 Glycoprotein and the 3′ Untranslated Region Enhance Chikungunya Virus Virulence in Mice
Authors: Hawman David W. , Carpentier Kathryn S. , Fox Julie M. , May Nicholas A. , Sanders Wes , Montgomery Stephanie A. , Moorman Nathaniel J. , Diamond Michael S. , Morrison Thomas E. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTChikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus that causes debilitating musculoskeletal pain and inflammation and can persist for months to years after acute infection. Although studies of humans and experimentally infected animals suggest that CHIKV infection persists in musculoskeletal tissues, the mechanisms for this remain poorly understood. To evaluate this further, we isolated CHIKV from the serum of persistently infectedRag1−/−mice at day 28. When inoculated into naive wild-type (WT) mice, this persistently circulating CHIKV strain displayed a capacity for earlier dissemination and greater pathogenicity than the parental virus. Sequence analysis revealed a nonsynonymous mutation in the E2 glycoprotein (E2 K200R) and a deletion within the 3′ untranslated region (3′-UTR). The introduction of these changes into the parental virus conferred enhanced virulence in mice, although primary tropism for musculoskeletal tissues was maintained. The E2 K200R mutation was largely responsible for enhanced viral dissemination and pathogenicity, although these effects were augmented by the 3′-UTR deletion. Finally, studies withIrf3/Irf7−/−andIfnar1−/−mice suggest that the E2 K200R mutation enhances viral dissemination from the site of inoculation independently of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-, IRF7-, and IFNAR1-mediated responses. As our findings reveal viral determinants of CHIKV dissemination and pathogenicity, their further study should help to elucidate host-virus interactions that determine acute and chronic CHIKV infection.IMPORTANCECHIKV is a globally spreading, mosquito-transmitted virus that causes debilitating acute and chronic musculoskeletal disease in humans. The viral genetic determinants that dictate the severity of acute and chronic diseases are not understood. To improve our understanding of CHIKV pathogenesis, we evaluated a CHIKV strain isolated from the serum of chronically infected immunocompromised mice. Sequence analysis of this persistent CHIKV strain identified two mutations, an amino acid change in the E2 viral attachment protein and a deletion within the 3′-UTR of the viral genome. We identified roles for these mutations in the enhancement of viral dissemination from the inoculation site and in disease severity. These data improve our understanding of the viral determinants of CHIKV pathogenesis and adaptive changes that occur during viral persistence.
Alterations of adrenal steroidomic profiles in preterm infants at birth
Authors: Travers Simon , Martinerie Laetitia , Boileau Pascal , Lombès Marc , Pussard Eric 
Published: July 2017

ObjectivePreterm infants have relative adrenal and kidney immaturity. Recently, we linked their urine sodium loss to a hypoaldosteronism at variance with an appropriate stimulation of the renin-angiotensin system. To investigate this defective aldosterone secretion, we analyse the biosynthesis pathways of adrenal steroids in neonates according to gestational age (GA).DesignMulticentre study (Premaldo) including 152 neonates classified into three groups: group 1 (very preterm (VPT)): <33  gestational weeks (GW); group 2 (preterm (PT)): 33–36 GW and group 3 (term (T)): ≥GW.MethodSteroidomic profiles of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens were established from umbilical cord at birth (n=152) and peripheral blood at day 3 (n=70) using a recently developed liquid chromatography mass spectrometry method (LC-MS/MS). The enzymatic activity of each biosynthesis step was estimated by the product-to-substrate ratio.ResultsAt birth, VPT infants exhibit a global defect in adrenal steroid synthesis pathways leading to lower levels of aldosterone, cortisol and androstenedione than in term infants. This defect was strongly related to GA. On day 3, steroid precursors (progesterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), 17-hydroxyprogesterone(17-OH-P) and 11-deoxycortisol (S)) were higher in VPT and negatively correlated with GA. Despite of precursors’ accumulation, aldosterone and cortisol were similar in the three groups. At birth and day 3, a low cortisol/11-deoxycortisol ratio was found in preterm infants, suggesting an 11-beta-hydroxylase activity (CYP11B1) deficiency.ConclusionsAt birth, VPT infants exhibit a global deficit in mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and adrenal androgens that attenuates on day 3 of life. Steroid profiling using LC-MS/MS provides evidence for a partial defect in 11-hydroxylase along with prematurity.