bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate induced cardioprotection against I/R injury in diabetic rat heart: Possible involvement of glycogen synthase kinase 3β and mitochondrial permeability transition pore
Authors: Rana Ajay , Sharma Saurabh 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThere is growing evidence that diabetes mellitus causes attenuation of the bioactive metabolite of membrane sphingolipids, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate, and this may be a key mechanism in the decreased cardioprotective effect of ischaemic preconditioning (IPC) in the diabetic heart. Thus, this study has been designed to investigate the role and pharmacological potential of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in diabetic rat heart. Diabetes was produced in Wistar rats by administration of a low dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p., once) and feeding a high fat diet (HFD) for 6 weeks. Isolated rat heart was subjected to 30 min ischaemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion (I/R). The heart was subjected to pre‐ischaemic treatment (before ischaemia for 20 min) and pharmacological preconditioning with the S1P agonist FTY720 (0.6 μmol/L) with and without atractyloside (an mPTP opener; in the last episode of reperfusion before I/R). Myocardial infarction was assessed in terms of increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine kinase‐MB (CK‐MB), myeloperoxidase (MPO) level and infarct size (triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining). Immunohistochemistry analysis was done for assessment of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)‐3β level in cardiac tissue. Pre‐ischaemic treatment and pharmacological preconditioning with FTY720 significantly decreased I/R‐induced myocardial infarction, TNF‐alpha, GSK‐3β level and release of LDH and CK‐MB as compared to control group. The cardioprotective effect of S1P agonist was significantly attenuated by atractyloside. It may be concluded that S1P agonist FTY720 prevents the diabetic heart from ischaemic reperfusion injury, possibly through inhibition of GSK‐3β and regulation of opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore.
Together we have fun: native‐place networks and sexual risk behaviours among Chinese male rural‐urban migrants
Authors: Yang Xiaozhao Yousef , Kelly Brian C. , Yang Tingzhong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSome scholars argue that the maintenance of social networks contributes to the lower prevalence of deviant behaviours and fewer adverse health effects among migrants. But others suggest that if migrants are embedded in homogeneous networks, such networks may enable the formation of a deviant subculture that promotes risk taking. Facing this dilemma, the present study investigates how native‐place networks influence sexual risk behaviours (SRBs), specifically the pursuit of commercial sex and condomless sex with sex workers, for male rural‐urban migrants. Using a multi‐stage sample of 1,591 male rural‐urban migrants from two major migrant‐influx cities within China, we assessed migrants’ general friend network ties and native place networks (townsmen in migrants’ local networks) and tested their associations with SRBs. Multiple logistic regression analyses indicate that native‐place network ties are associated with paying for sex (OR = 1.33, p < 0.001) and condomless sex with sex workers (OR = 1.33, p < 0.001), while general friendship network ties reduce such risks (OR = 0.74, p < 0.001; OR = 0.84, p < 0.01) even after controlling for demographic background, housing conditions, length of stay, health beliefs and behaviours, and spousal companionship. Our findings suggest that native‐place networks among Chinese male rural‐urban migrants are associated with SRBs because homogenous networks may serve as a platform for the emergence of a deviant subculture that promotes risk behaviours. A Virtual Abstract of this paper is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Wg20I6j8XQ.
The self as capital in the narrative economy: how biographical testimonies move activism in the Global South
Authors: Burchardt Marian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article analyses and theorises the practice of biographical storytelling of HIV‐positive AIDS activists in South Africa. Combining research in illness narratives, studies of emotions in social activism and analysis of global health institutions in Africa, I explore how biographical self‐narrations are deployed to facilitate access to resources and knowledge and thus acquire material and symbolic value. I illustrate my argument through the analysis of the case of an AIDS activist who became a professional biographical storyteller. Based on the analysis which I claim to represent wider dynamics in human‐rights‐based health activism in the Global South, I propose the concept of narrative economies by which I mean the set of exchange relationships within which biographical self‐narrations circulate and produce social value for individuals and organisations.
Legal geography, geography, and the research‐policy nexus
Authors: Bartel Robyn 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis commentary concentrates on an area to which legal geography may be especially able to contribute, the research‐policy nexus. The pursuit of relevance that characterised geography in the 1970s has re‐emerged as a concern with growing demands for evidence‐based policy. Geographers have long engaged with the policy arena and legal geography offers another opportunity to enhance this contribution. There are, however, barriers and tensions between researchers and policy makers which need to be acknowledged and addressed.
Reverse genetic screen for loss‐of‐function mutations uncovers a frameshifting deletion in themelanophilingene accountable for a distinctive coat color in Belgian Blue cattle
Authors: Li Wanbo , Sartelet Arnaud , Tamma Nico , Coppieters Wouter , Georges Michel , Charlier Carole 
Published: November 2015

SummaryIn the course of a reverse genetic screen in the Belgian Blue cattle breed, we uncovered a 10‐bp deletion (c.87_96del) in the first coding exon of themelanophilingene (MLPH), which introduces a premature stop codon (p.Glu32Aspfs*1) in the same exon, truncating 94% of the protein. Recessive damaging mutations in theMLPHgene are well known to cause skin, hair, coat or plumage color dilution phenotypes in numerous species, including human, mice, dog, cat, mink, rabbit, chicken and quail. Large‐scale array genotyping undertaken to identify p.Glu32Aspfs*1 homozygous mutant animals revealed a mutation frequency of 5% in the breed and allowed for the identification of 10 homozygous mutants. As expression of a colored coat requires at least one wild‐type allele at the co‐dominant Roan locus encoded by theKITligandgene (KITLG), homozygous mutants for p.Ala227Asp corresponding with the missense mutation were excluded. The six remaining colored calves displayed a distinctive dilution phenotype as anticipated. This new coat color was named ‘cool gray’. It is the first damaging mutation in theMLPHgene described in cattle and extends the already long list of species with diluted color due to recessive mutations inMLPHand broadens the color palette of gray in this breed.
Identification and characterization of miRNAs in the ovaries of a highly prolific sheep breed
Authors: Hu Xiaoju , Pokharel Kisun , Peippo Jaana , Ghanem Nasser , Zhaboyev Ismail , Kantanen Juha , Li Meng‐Hua 
Published: November 2015

SummaryUntil recently, there have been few studies concerning miRNAs or miRNA‐mediated biological processes in sheep (Ovis aries). In the present study, we used a deep‐sequencing approach to examine ovarian miRNAs and the mRNA transcriptomes in two ewes of a highly prolific breed, Finnsheep. We identified 113 known sheep miRNAs, 131 miRNAs conserved in other mammals and 60 novel miRNAs, the expression levels of which accounted for 78.22%, 21.73% and 0.05% of the total respectively. Furthermore, the 10 most abundantly expressed miRNAs in the two libraries were characterized in detail, and the putative target genes of these miRNAs were annotated using GO annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Among the target genes, intracellular transducers (SMAD1, SMAD4, SMAD5 and SMAD9) and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) receptors (BMPR1B and BMPR2) were involved in the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) signaling pathway in the reproductive axis, and the most significant GO terms were intracellular part (GO:0044424), binding (GO:0005488) and biological_process (GO:0008150) for cellular component, molecular function and biological process respectively. Thus, these results expanded the sheep miRNA database and provided additional information on the prolificacy trait regulated through specific miRNAs in sheep and other mammals.
The albinism of the feral Asinara white donkeys (Equus asinus) is determined by a missense mutation in a highly conserved position of the tyrosinase (TYR) gene deduced protein
Authors: Utzeri V. J. , Bertolini F. , Ribani A. , Schiavo G. , Dall'Olio S. , Fontanesi L. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryA feral donkey population (Equus asinus), living in the Asinara National Park (an island north‐west of Sardinia, Italy), includes a unique white albino donkey subpopulation or colour morph that is a major attraction of this park. Disrupting mutations in the tyrosinase (TYR) gene are known to cause recessive albinisms in humans (oculocutaneous albinism Type 1; OCA1) and other species. In this study, we analysed the donkey TYR gene as a strong candidate to identify the causative mutation of the albinism of these donkeys. The TYR gene was sequenced from 13 donkeys (seven Asinara white albino and six coloured animals). Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms were identified. A missense mutation (c.604C>G; p.His202Asp) in a highly conserved amino acid position (even across kingdoms), which disrupts the first copper‐binding site (CuA) of functional protein, was identified in the homozygous condition (G/G or D/D) in all Asinara white albino donkeys and in the albino son of a trio (the grey parents had genotype C/G or H/D), supporting the recessive mode of inheritance of this mutation. Genotyping 82 donkeys confirmed that Asinara albino donkeys had genotype G/G whereas all other coloured donkeys had genotype C/C or C/G. Across‐population association between the c.604C>G genotypes and the albino coat colour was highly significant (P = 6.17E−18). The identification of the causative mutation of the albinism in the Asinara white donkeys might open new perspectives to study the dynamics of this putative deleterious allele in a feral population and to manage this interesting animal genetic resource.
SNP genotypes of olfactory receptor genes associated with olfactory ability in German Shepherd dogs
Authors: Yang M. , Geng G.‐J. , Zhang W. , Cui L. , Zhang H.‐X. , Zheng J.‐L. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryTo find out the relationship between SNP genotypes of canine olfactory receptor genes and olfactory ability, 28 males and 20 females from German Shepherd dogs in police service were scored by odor detection tests and analyzed using the Beckman GenomeLab SNPstream. The representative 22 SNP loci from the exonic regions of 12 olfactory receptor genes were investigated, and three kinds of odor (human, ice drug and trinitrotoluene) were detected. The results showed that the SNP genotypes at the OR10H1‐like:c.632C>T, OR10H1‐like:c.770A>T, OR2K2‐like:c.518G>A, OR4C11‐like:c.511T>G and OR4C11‐like:c.692G>A loci had a statistically significant effect on the scenting abilities (P < 0.001). The kind of odor influenced the performances of the dogs (P < 0.001). In addition, there were interactions between genotype and the kind of odor at the following loci: OR10H1‐like:c.632C>T, OR10H1‐like:c.770A>T, OR4C11‐like:c.511T>G and OR4C11‐like:c.692G>A (P < 0.001). The dogs with genotype CC at the OR10H1‐like:c.632C>T, genotype AA at the OR10H1‐like:c.770A>T, genotype TT at the OR4C11‐like:c.511T>G and genotype GG at the OR4C11‐like:c.692G>A loci did better at detecting the ice drug. We concluded that there was linkage between certain SNP genotypes and the olfactory ability of dogs and that SNP genotypes might be useful in determining dogs' scenting potential.
Paradoxical Effect of Nonphysiological Shear Stress on Platelets and von Willebrand Factor
Authors: Chen Zengsheng , Mondal Nandan K. , Ding Jun , Koenig Steven C. , Slaughter Mark S. , Wu Zhongjun J. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBlood can become hypercoagulable by shear‐induced platelet activation and generation of microparticles. It has been reported that nonphysiological shear stress (NPSS) could induce shedding of platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) Ibα, which may result in an opposite effect to hemostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of the NPSS on platelets and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Human blood was exposed to two levels of NPSS (25 Pa, 125 Pa) with an exposure time of 0.5 s, generated by using a novel blood‐shearing device. Platelet activation (P‐selectin expression, GPIIb/IIIa activation and generation of microparticles) and shedding of three platelet receptors (GPIbα, GPVI, GPIIb/IIIa) in sheared blood were quantified using flow cytometry. Aggregation capacity of sheared blood induced by ristocetin and collagen was evaluated using an aggregometer. Shear‐induced vWF damage was characterized with Western blotting. Consistent with the published data, the NPSS caused significantly more platelets to become activated with increasing NPSS level. Meanwhile, the NPSS induced the shedding of platelet receptors. The loss of the platelet receptors increased with increasing NPSS level. The aggregation capacity of sheared blood induced by ristocetin and collagen decreased. There was a loss of high molecular weight multimers (HMWMs) of vWF in sheared blood. These results suggest that the NPSS induced a paradoxical effect. More activated platelets increase the risk of thrombosis, while the reduction in platelet receptors and the loss of HMWM‐vWF increased the propensity of bleeding. The finding might provide a new perspective to understand thrombosis and acquired bleeding disorder in patients supported with blood contacting medical devices.
Hemodynamic Performance of a New Punched Stent Strut: A Numerical Study
Authors: Xue Yan , Liu Xiao , Sun Anqiang , Zhang Peng , Fan Yubo , Deng Xiaoyan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLocal flow disturbance by arterial stent struts has been shown to play an important role in stent thrombosis. To reduce the local flow disturbance near a stent strut, we proposed a new concept of stent design with small holes in the stent struts. The present study evaluated the new design numerically by comparing it with the traditional stent in terms of local hemodynamic parameters such as flow velocity, flow recirculation area, time‐averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillating shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT). The results demonstrated that when compared with the traditional strut, the new design could significantly enhance flow velocity and reduce the flow recirculation zone in the vicinity of the strut. Moreover, the new design would significantly elevate TAWSS and remarkably reduce OSI and RRT along the host arterial wall. In conclusion, the new design of stent struts with punched holes is advantageous over the traditional one in the aspect of improving local hemodynamics, which may reduce thrombosis formation and promote re‐endothelialization after stenting.
The distributional impacts of an energy boom in Western Canada
Authors: Marchand Joseph 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn the energy‐rich provinces of Western Canada, inequality rose over the past two decades while poverty declined, raising the question of whether the recent energy boom was a contributing factor. This study uses local labour market variation in energy extraction intensity to identify these distributional impacts. The growth in local outcomes attributable to the boom is found to be U‐shaped and significant across all distributional segments, leading to somewhat increased local inequality aggregates and reduced local poverty. This pattern is preserved but varies across sectors, driving a large local inequality increase in energy extraction, with smaller rises and reductions in other industries.
Classification of image artefacts in optical coherence tomography angiography of the choroid in macular diseases
Authors: Chen Fred K , Viljoen Rian D , Bukowska Danuta M 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundTo evaluate and classify image artefacts in optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) of the choroid in a group of patients with macular diseases.DesignRetrospective observational study.ParticipantsFive patients with age‐related macular degeneration, three with central serous retinopathy, one with polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and one with multiple evanescent white dot syndrome.MethodsOCTA and OCT reflectivity (OCTR) maps were reviewed along with their fluorescein angiography and indocyanine green angiography. Sixty OCTA images (20 outer retina, 20 Sattler and 20 Haller layers) were graded for image artefacts by two examiners independently.Main Outcome MeasuresOCTA artefacts and their correlation with OCTR maps, angiography and OCT B‐scans.ResultsArtefacts (frequency) were classified into (i) motion (70–100%), (ii) fringe washout (100%), (iii) decorrelation projection (0–20%), (iv) masking and unmasking (50–65%) and (v) stromal decorrelation signal (100%). Motion artefact in OCTA is characterized by horizontal dark lines or bands not apparent on OCTR map. Fringe washout creates signal void within choroidal vessels because of fast blood flow. Decorrelation projection from retinal vasculature and choroidal new vessels above the Bruch's membrane are seen within the choroidal OCTA image. Masking and unmasking artefacts occur in regions of pigment epithelial detachment and atrophy. Decorrelation signals can also be seen in the choroidal stroma.ConclusionsOur classification system of artefact in choroidal OCTA establishes a common terminology for clinical interpretation. This is important in enhancing our understanding of the principles of OCTA acquisition, and it also serves as a bench mark for reading centres.
Non‐random patterns and temporal trends (1912–2012) in the transport, introduction and establishment of exotic birds in Spain and Portugal
Authors: Abellán Pedro , Carrete Martina , Anadón Jose D. , Cardador Laura , Tella José L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimInvasion processes are probably better understood for birds than for any other taxon, thanks to detailed information available on deliberate introductions performed by Europeans when they colonized other continents. Little is known, however, about current avian introductions in developed countries, including Europe. Using an unprecedented dataset on exotic birds, we assessed the sources and magnitude of recent avian introductions and characterized the transitions between main invasion stages (transport, introduction and establishment) and their temporal evolution.LocationSpain and Portugal.MethodsWe compiled records of species introduced between 1912 and 2012, including information on transport and introduction pathways. We assessed non‐randomness in the phylogenetic relationships and the biogeographic origin of species crossing each invasion stage and evaluated temporal changes in introduction patterns.ResultsAt least 1026 exotic species have been transported to Spain and Portugal (ca. 10% of the world's birds) during the last 100 years. Of these, 377 (37%) have been recorded as introduced into the wild, of which up to 32 (9%) species have established breeding populations. Exotic species entered the invasion pathway mostly through the accidental escape of internationally traded birds, and temporal changes in introduction rates mirrored changes in the number of imported birds. The subsets of taxa successfully passing through the different invasion stages were non‐random with respect to their biogeographic origin and were phylogenetically clustered in several distantly related clades.Main conclusionsOur findings show that the magnitude of transport, introduction and establishment of exotic birds is much greater than usually described at a regional level, and support the hypothesis that most species fail to transit the different steps of the invasion process (the so‐called tens rule). The temporal changes in introduction rates are broadly consistent with the recent global rise of accidental introductions associated with the wildlife trade.
The association between olfactory bulb volume, cognitive dysfunction, physical disability and depression in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Yaldizli Ö. , Penner I.‐K. , Yonekawa T. , Naegelin Y. , Kuhle J. , Pardini M. , Chard D. T. , Stippich C. , Kira J.‐i. , Bendfeldt K. , Amann M. , Radue E.‐W. , Kappos L. , Sprenger T. 
Published: November 2015

Background and purposeOlfactory bulb atrophy is associated with cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, and with major depression. It has been suggested that olfactory bulb atrophy or dysfunction is therefore a marker of neurodegeneration. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is now also recognized as having a significant neurodegenerative component. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate associations between physical and cognitive disability, depression and olfactory bulb volume in MS.MethodsIn total, 146 patients with MS (mean age 49.0 ± 10.9 years, disease duration 21.2 ± 9.3 years, median Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 3.0 (range 0–7.5), 103 relapsing−remitting, 35 secondary progressive and eight primary progressive MS) underwent a standardized neurological examination, comprehensive neuropsychological testing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); data of 27 healthy people served as age‐ and gender‐matched control subjects. The olfactory bulb was semi‐automatically segmented on high‐resolution three‐dimensional T1‐weighted MRI.ResultsMean olfactory bulb volume was lower in MS patients than healthy controls (183.9 ± 40.1 vs. 209.2 ± 59.3 μl; P = 0.018 adjusted to intracranial volume). Olfactory bulb volume was similar across clinical disease subtypes and did not correlate with cognitive performance, EDSS scores or total proton density/T2 white matter lesion volume. However, in progressive MS, the mean olfactory bulb volume correlated with depression scores (Spearman's rho = −0.38, P < 0.05) confirmed using a multivariate linear regression analysis including cognitive fatigue scores. This association was not observed in relapsing−remitting MS.ConclusionOlfactory bulb volume was lower in MS than in healthy controls. Olfactory bulb volume does not seem to mirror cognitive impairment in MS; however, it is associated with higher depression scores in progressive MS.