bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen peroxide‐mediated conversion of coproheme to heme b by HemQ—lessons from the first crystal structure and kinetic studies
Authors: Hofbauer Stefan , Mlynek Georg , Milazzo Lisa , Pühringer Dominic , Maresch Daniel , Schaffner Irene , Furtmüller Paul G. , Smulevich Giulietta , Djinović‐Carugo Kristina , Obinger Christian 
Published: October 2016

Heme biosynthesis in Gram‐positive bacteria follows a recently described coproporphyrin‐dependent pathway with HemQ catalyzing the decarboxylation of coproheme to heme b. Here we present the first crystal structure of a HemQ (homopentameric coproheme‐HemQ from Listeria monocytogenes) at 1.69 Å resolution and the conversion of coproheme to heme b followed by UV‐vis and resonance Raman spectroscopy as well as mass spectrometry. The ferric five‐coordinated coproheme iron of HemQ is weakly bound by a neutral proximal histidine H174. In the crystal structure of the resting state, the distal Q187 (conserved in Firmicutes HemQ) is H‐bonded with propionate p2 and the hydrophobic distal cavity lacks solvent water molecules. Two H2O2 molecules are shown to be necessary for decarboxylation of the propionates p2 and p4, thereby forming the corresponding vinyl groups of heme b. The overall reaction is relatively slow (kcat/KM = 1.8 × 102 m−1·s−1 at pH 7.0) and occurs in a stepwise manner with a three‐propionate intermediate. We present the noncovalent interactions between coproheme and the protein and propose a two‐step reaction mechanism. Furthermore, the structure of coproheme‐HemQ is compared to that of the phylogenetically related heme b‐containing chlorite dismutases.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under the accession number 5LOQ.
Production and Certification of the Reference Material GSB 04‐3258‐2015 as a 143Nd/144Nd Isotope Ratio Reference
Authors: Li Jin , Tang Suo‐han , Zhu Xiang‐kun , Pan Chen‐xu 
Published: October 2016

A new certified reference material, labelled GSB 04‐3258‐2015, for use as a 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratio reference has been prepared by the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing. Standardization Administration of the People's Republic of China provided the certification for this reference material. This report presents the reference 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratio and supporting production and certification procedures. The reference value was determined by an interlaboratory comparison of results from eleven participating laboratories using MC‐TIMS or MC‐ICP‐MS. The calibration of mass fractionation was conducted by using the exponential law, and the 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratios were normalised to the 146Nd/144Nd isotope ratio value of 0.7219. Isobaric interference of 144Sm on 144Nd was corrected using an interference‐free 147Sm/149Sm isotope ratio value for mass fractionation. GSB 04‐3258‐2015 shows sufficient homogeneity and stability for use as an international isotopic reference material. The certified value was calculated from the unweighted means of the results submitted by the participating laboratories. The 143Nd/144Nd isotope ratio value for GSB 04‐3258‐2015 is 0.512438, with a combined expanded uncertainty (k = 2) of 5 × 10−6. Reference material GSB 04‐3258‐2015 is available upon request from the Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, and may be used for accurate interlaboratory calibration of Nd isotope analysis.
Phylogenetic relationships, song and distribution of the endangered Rufous‐headed Robin Larvivora ruficeps
Authors: Zhao Min , Alström Per , Hu Ruocheng , Zhao Chao , Hao Yan , Lei Fumin , Qu Yanhua 
Published: October 2016

The Rufous‐headed Robin Larvivora ruficeps is one of the world's rarest and least known birds. We summarize the known records since it was first described in 1905 from Shaanxi Province, central China. All subsequent Chinese records are from seven adjacent localities in nearby Sichuan Province. We studied its phylogenetic position for the first time using mitochondrial and nuclear markers for all species of Larvivora and a broad selection of other species in the family Muscicapidae. Our results confirmed that L. ruficeps is appropriately placed in the genus Larvivora, and suggested that it is sister to the Rufous‐tailed Robin Larvivora sibilans, with these two forming a sister clade to a clade comprising both the Japanese Robin Larvivora akahige and Ryukyu Robin Larvivora komadori. Siberian Blue Robin Larvivora cyane and Indian Blue Robin Larvivora brunnea form the sister clade to the other Larvivora species. In contrast, song analyses indicated that the song of L. ruficeps is most similar to that of L. komadori, whereas the song of L. sibilans is relatively more similar to that of L. akahige, and songs of L. cyane and L. brunnea closely resemble each other. We used ecological niche modelling to estimate the suitable habitats of L. ruficeps based on the records from breeding grounds, suggesting that north and central Sichuan, south Gansu, south Shaanxi and south‐east Tibet are likely to contain the most suitable habitats for this species.
Skin property can predict the development of skin tears among elderly patients: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Koyano Yuiko , Nakagami Gojiro , Iizaka Shinji , Sugama Junko , Sanada Hiromi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe aim of this study was to identify skin properties that may be used to predict the development of a skin tear (ST) among elderly patients. A prospective cohort study was conducted among elderly patients aged 65 and older (N = 149) at a long‐term medical facility in Japan over an 8‐month period. Skin properties at baseline were measured on the forearm using a 20‐MHz ultrasound scanner, which measured the thickness of the dermis layer and low‐echogenic pixels, and skin blotting method, which evaluated the levels of collagen type IV, matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and tumour necrosis factor‐alpha. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for the main confounders were obtained using the Cox proportional hazard model. A total of 52 STs were recorded among the 21 patients, resulting in an incidence rate of 1·13/1000 person‐days. The predictor of STs was dermis thickness (HR = 0·52; 95% confidence interval = 0·33–0·81; P‐value = 0·004). The cut‐off point for dermis thickness was 0·80 mm (area under the curve = 0·77; 95% confidence interval = 0·66–0·88; P‐value = 0·006). Our results suggest that measuring the dermis thickness at baseline is an easy and accurate way to identify a high‐risk patient.
Selective Angiography Using the Radiofrequency Catheter: An Alternative Technique for Mapping and Ablation in the Aortic Cusps
Authors: ROCA‐LUQUE IVO , RIVAS NURIA , FRANCISCO JAUME , PEREZ JORDI , ACOSTA GABRIEL , ORISTRELL GERARD , TERRICABRES MARIA , GARCIA‐DORADO DAVID , MOYA ANGEL 
Published: October 2016

Angiography Through the Ablation Catheter in Aortic CuspsBackgroundAblation in aortic cusps could be necessary in up to 15% of the patients, especially in para‐Hisian atrial tachycardia and ventricular arrhythmias arising from outflow tracts. Risk of coronary damage has led to recommendation of systematic coronary angiography (CA) during the procedure. Other image tests as intravascular (ICE) or transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) have been proposed. Both methods have limitations: additional vascular access for ICE and need for additional CA in some patients in case of TEE. We describe an alternative method to assess relation of catheter tip and coronary ostia during ablation in aortic cusps without additional vascular accesses by performing selective angiography with the ablation catheter.Methods and ResultsWe prospectively evaluated 12 consecutive patients (69.3 ± 8.5, 6 female) who underwent ablation in right (1), left (5), and noncoronary cusps (6). We performed angiography through the ablation cooled tip radiofrequency catheter at the ablation site. Ablation was effective in 91.6% of the patients (3 patients needed additional ablation out of coronary cusps: pulmonary cusp, right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), and coronary sinus and 1 patient underwent a second procedure because recurrence). No complications occurred neither during procedure nor follow‐up (6.2 ± 3.8 months). No technical problems occurred with the ablation catheter after contrast injection.ConclusionSelective angiography through a cooled‐tip radiofrequency ablation catheter is feasible to assess relation of coronary ostia and ablation site when ablation in aortic cusps. It allows continuous real‐time assessment of this relation, avoids the need for additional vascular accesses and no complications occurred in our series.
Linagliptin improves endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes: A randomized study of linagliptin effectiveness on endothelial function
Authors: Shigiyama Fumika , Kumashiro Naoki , Miyagi Masahiko , Iga Ryo , Kobayashi Yuka , Kanda Eiichiro , Uchino Hiroshi , Hirose Takahisa 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe present multicenter, prospective, controlled, open and randomized three‐arm parallel study was designed to compare the effects of linagliptin with those of metformin on endothelial function.Materials and MethodsType 2 diabetes patients treated with 750 mg of metformin (hemoglobin A1c ≥6.0% and <8.0%, n = 96) were randomized to continue metformin 750 mg/day (control group, n = 29), metformin at 1,500 mg/day (metformin group, n = 26) and metformin 750 mg/day supplemented with linagliptin 5 mg/day (linagliptin add‐on group, n = 29) and treated for 16 weeks. Vascular endothelial function was evaluated by flow‐mediated dilation. The primary end‐point was changes in flow‐mediated dilation at 16 weeks relative to baseline.ResultsLinagliptin significantly improved flow‐mediated dilation from baseline (4.9 ± 2.7%) to 16 weeks (6.3 ± 2.7%, P < 0.05), whereas the other groups did not show any changes. Hemoglobin A1c at 16 weeks was significantly lower in the metformin and linagliptin add‐on groups compared with the control (6.6 ± 0.6%, 6.5 ± 0.5% and 7.0 ± 0.6%, respectively). Single and multiple regression analyses showed that apolipoprotein B correlated significantly with change in flow‐mediated dilation, and apolipoprotein B was decreased only in the linagliptin add‐on group (–6.0 ± 11.3 mg/dL, P < 0.01).ConclusionsLinagliptin for 16 weeks improved endothelial function with a modest improvement in glycemic control. This effect was mediated, at least in part, by reduction in apolipoprotein B. Linagliptin has a protective role on endothelial function in patients with type 2 diabetes with moderate hyperglycemia.
Devoted fathers or selfish lovers? Conflict between mating effort and parental care in a harem‐defending arachnid
Authors: Alissa L. M. , Muniz D. G. , Machado G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWhen there is a temporal trade‐off between mating effort and parental care, theoretical models predict that intense sexual selection on males leads to reduced paternal care. Thus, high‐quality males should invest more in mating effort because they have higher chances of acquiring mates, whereas low‐quality males should bias their investment towards parental care. Once paternal care has evolved, offspring value should also influence males’ decisions to invest in offspring attendance. Here, we performed a manipulation under field conditions to investigate the factors that influence male allocation in either mating effort or parental care. We predicted that facultative paternal care in the harem‐holding harvestman Serracutisoma proximum would be negatively influenced by male attractiveness and positively influenced by offspring value. We found that attractive males were less likely to engage in egg attendance and that the higher the perceived paternity, the higher the caring frequency. Finally, egg mortality was not related to caring frequency by males, but predation pressure was much lower than that recorded in previous studies with the same population. Thus, the benefits of facultative male care may be conditional to temporal variation in the intensity of egg predation. In conclusion, males adjust their investment in either territory defence or egg attendance according to their recent mating history and perceived paternity. Our findings suggest that exclusive paternal care can evolve from facultative paternal care only if the trade‐off between mating effort and parental care is circumvented.
Role of C16, angiopoietin‐1 and regeneration gene protein 2 in attenuating inflammation in an experimental rat model of autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Tian Ke‐Wei , Zhang Fan , Jiang Hong , Wang Beibei , Han Shu 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system (CNS), and results in CNS inflammation and damage to myelin. In this study, we examined the possible synergistic effects of C16, angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1) and regeneration gene protein 2 (Reg‐2) in alleviating inflammation in an acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. We employed multiple histological, morphological and iconographic assays to examine the effect of those drugs on disease onset, clinical scores and behavioral deficits. Our results demonstrated that triple combination therapy was more efficient than the monotherapy in EAE treatment. The triple therapy significantly delayed the onset of motor symptoms, reduced disease severity, attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration and suppressed the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, treatment increased anti‐inflammatory cytokines expression, inhibited reactive astrocytes proliferation, reduced demyelination and axonal loss, and finally reduced the neural death. Specifically, Reg‐2 administration rescued oligodendrocytes and neuronal axons mainly by direct neurotrophic effects, while C16+Ang‐1 (C+A) mainly improved the inflammatory milieu. In conclusion, our study suggests a possible synergistic effect through targeting a variety of pathways in relieving the clinical symptoms of inflammation in acute EAE model. Therefore, using molecules that target different molecular pathways can be beneficial for exploring novel therapeutic approaches for MS treatment.
Dichloroacetate induces regulatory T-cell differentiation and suppresses Th17-cell differentiation by pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-independent mechanism
Authors: Makita Naoyuki , Ishiguro Jun , Suzuki Keisuke , Nara Futoshi 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

Objectives
Recently, there has been a growing interest in the mechanism of action of dichloroacetate (DCA) for T-cell differentiation; however, this mechanism has not been elucidated in detail. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of DCA for Treg and Th17 differentiation with pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDHK) inhibitor (AZD7545) and PDHK knockdown.

Methods
Inhibitory activity of DCA and AZD7545 against recombinant PDHK and intracellular PDH phosphorylation was measured. The effects of DCA and AZD7545 on T-cell differentiation were assessed by analysing Foxp3+ T-cell populations for Treg differentiation and IL-17A production for Th17 differentiation. For reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DCFDA was used as an indicator.

Key findings
Dichloroacetate and AZD7545 inhibited PDHK activity of recombinant PDHK and intracellular PDH phosphorylation. DCA was capable of inducing Treg differentiation and suppressing Th17 differentiation. The effects of DCA were independent of PDHK because neither AZD7545 nor knockdown of PDHK1 or PDHK3 affected T-cell differentiation. DCA was determined to be capable of inducing ROS production, and the effects of DCA on T-cell differentiation were shown to be dependent on ROS production.

Conclusions
Dichloroacetate possesses Treg induction and Th17 suppression, which is independent of PDHK and dependent on ROS production.
Effects of increasing amount of dietary Prosopis laevigata pods on performance, meat quality and fatty acid profile in growing lambs
Authors: Negrete L. O. , Pinos‐Rodríguez J. M. , Grajales‐Lagunes A. , Morales J. A. , García‐López J. C. , Lee‐Rangel H. A. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryA study with finishing lambs assessed the effect of dietary inclusion of Prosopis laevigata pods (PLPs) on performance, carcass characteristics, meat traits and fatty acid profile of subcutaneous fat. Twenty‐one Rambouillet lambs (27.0 ± 3.0 kg BW) were assigned to one of three experimental diets with 0, 150 and 300 g PLP/kg DM. Evaluation of growth performance lasted 49 days. The experimental design was completely randomized and analysed with a mixed model. Lambs fed diets with 0, 150 and 300 g PLP had similar growth performance. Lambs fed diets with 300 g PLP/kg DM had better (p < 0.05) carcass yield and classification, less (p < 0.05) fat deposition and lower lightness (L*) value (p < 0.05) in meat than lambs fed diets with 0 and 150 g PLP/kg DM. Saturated fatty acids (palmitic and stearic) decreased (p < 0.05) and unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic) increased (p < 0.05) in subcutaneous fat of lambs fed diets with 150 and 300 g pods as compared with lambs not fed PLP. Prosopis laevigata pods are a safe feedstuff that can replace a third of conventional ingredients and reduce feed costs in growing lambs. Addition of PLP reduced (p < 0.05) total feed cost by 21%.
Volumetric‐modulated arc stereotactic radiotherapy for canine adrenocortical tumours with vascular invasion
Authors: Dolera M. , Malfassi L. , Pavesi S. , Finesso S. , Sala M. , Carrara N. , Marcarini S. , Mazza G. , Bianchi C. , Urso G. 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of hypofractionated stereotactic volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy in treating canine adrenal tumours with vascular invasion.MethodsA single‐arm clinical study was performed. The dogs underwent total body computed tomography, brain and abdomen magnetic resonance imaging and endocrine assay. Adrenal masses were classified as cortisol‐secreting adrenal tumour or non‐secreting adrenal tumour. Radiotherapy treatments were delivered by hypofractionated stereotactic volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy via a linear accelerator. The overall survival was estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method. The overall response and radio‐toxicity effects were determined.ResultsNine dogs were enrolled. Three dogs were affected by cortisol‐secreting adrenal tumours and the remaining dogs had non‐secreting adrenal tumours. The prescribed doses ranged from 30 to 45 Gy in three or five consecutive daily fractions. The median overall survival time was 1030 days, and the overall mean reduction of the diameter and volume were ~32 and 30% respectively. The endocrine profile normalised in two dogs with cortisol‐secreting adrenal tumours. Radio‐toxicities were mild and self‐limiting. Seven deaths were recorded during the follow‐up period and two dogs were censored.Clinical SignificanceHypofractionated stereotactic volumetric‐modulated arc radiotherapy should be considered as a feasible and effective therapeutic option for adrenal tumours with vascular invasion.
Low temperature and dust favourin vitrosurvival ofMycoplasma hyopneumoniae: time to revisit indirect transmission in pig housing
Authors: Browne C. , Loeffler A. , Holt H.R. , Chang Y.M. , Lloyd D.H. , Nevel A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPorcine enzootic pneumonia (EP) caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae adversely affects pig welfare and is associated with major economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. Transmission is predominantly by direct contact, but the role of indirect transmission remains poorly understood. This study examined survival of six M. hyopneumoniae isolates dried onto five different surfaces encountered in pig units and exposed to temperatures of 4, 25 and 37°C for up to 12 days. Survival of the organisms was determined by recovering the organism from the surface material and culturing in Friis broth. Data were analysed by logistic regression to identify factors influencing survival of M. hyopneumoniae. Maximum survival was 8 days for all isolates on at least one surface (except stainless steel) at 4°C and was limited to 2 days at 25 and 37°C. Overall, dust and polypropylene copolymer supported M. hyopneumoniae survival the longest when compared with other surface materials. In conclusion, we have demonstrated that M. hyopneumoniae can survive outside the host for at least 8 days.Significance and Impact of the StudyUnderstanding the transmission of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and optimizing biosecurity practices are keys to reducing the use of antimicrobial agents to control this pathogen. Direct transmission of the pathogen between pigs is the main route of spread and its lack of cell wall may compromise its resilience outside the host. The results from our study show that M. hyopneumoniae can survive for up to several days on dry surfaces and therefore may have the potential to infect pigs by indirect transmission. Factors influencing the survival of M. hyopneumoniae outside the host are further elucidated.
Canine epididymal spermatozoa: A hidden treasure with great potential
Authors: Luvoni GC , Morselli MG 
Published: October 2016

ContentsThe hidden treasure represented by epididymal spermatozoa has great potential in the current reproductive technologies in dogs. In case of azoospermia or when a donor male accidentally dies or undergoes orchiectomy, the retrieval of epididymal spermatozoa opens new possibilities to generate progeny. Spermatozoa can be collected by different techniques from ex vivo or in vivo testicles and can be cryopreserved for a future use. Freeze tolerance of canine epididymal spermatozoa seems lower than that of ejaculated spermatozoa; however, puppies were born after artificial insemination with frozen epididymal semen, other than with fresh and chilled. Even though several aspects need to be further investigated, advances have been recently made in the use of epididymal spermatozoa in assisted reproduction in dogs.
Diagnostic possibilities from a serum sample—Clinical value of new methods within small animal reproduction, with focus on anti‐Müllerian hormone
Authors: Holst BS 
Published: October 2016

ContentsDuring the last decade, analysis of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), highly conserved between mammalian species, has contributed to new information in reproductive endocrinology, due to clinically available diagnostic assays. AMH is produced solely in the gonads, in the Sertoli cells of testes and granulosa cells of the ovary, and thus offers possibilities to diagnose physiologic and pathologic conditions involving these organs. This article reviews indications for AMH analysis in cats and dogs, including diagnosing the presence of gonads, and granulosa or Sertoli cell tumours. Diagnostic challenges are addressed. One specific organ, the prostate, is commonly affected by pathologic changes in older dogs. A commercial assay for analysing canine prostatic specific esterase (CPSE) enables analysis of CPSE in clinical practice, of potential value in the workup of benign prostatic hyperplasia in male dogs. This is described in this review, as is a new method for analysis of steroids: liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry LC‐MS/MS. Steroids have since long been analysed in studies on reproduction, and LC‐MS/MS has the advantage of allowing analysis of panels of multiple steroids from small sample volumes. Altogether, these available methods may give new insights into small animal reproduction and are valuable tools for the practicing veterinarian.