bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UNC5B receptor deletion exacerbates DSS‐induced colitis in mice by increasing epithelial cell apoptosis
Authors: Ranganathan Punithavathi , Jayakumar Calpurnia , Li Dean Y. , Ramesh Ganesan 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThe netrin‐1 administration or overexpression is known to protect colon from acute colitis. However, the receptor that mediates netrin‐1 protective activities in the colon during colitis remains unknown. We tested the hypothesis that UNC5B receptor is a critical mediator of protective function of netrin‐1 in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)‐induced colitis using mice with partial deletion of UNC5B receptor. DSS colitis was performed in mice with partial genetic UNC5B deficiency (UNC5B+/− mice) or wild‐type mice to examine the role of endogenous UNC5B. These studies were supported by in vitro models of DSS‐induced apoptosis in human colon epithelial cells. WT mice developed colitis in response to DSS feeding as indicated by reduction in bw, reduction in colon length and increase in colon weight. These changes were exacerbated in heterozygous UNC5B knockout mice treated with DSS. Periodic Acid‐Schiff stained section shows damages in colon epithelium and mononuclear cell infiltration in WT mice, which was further increased in UNC5B heterozygous knockout mice. This was associated with large increase in inflammatory mediators such as cytokine and chemokine expression and extensive apoptosis of epithelial cells in heterozygous knockout mice as compared to WT mice. Overexpression of UNC5B human colon epithelial cells suppressed DSS‐induced apoptosis and caspase‐3 activity. Moreover, DSS induced large amount of netrin‐1 and shRNA mediated knockdown of netrin‐1 induction exacerbated DSS‐induced epithelial cell apoptosis. Our results suggest that UNC5B is a critical mediator of cell survival in response to stress in colon.
The Cultivation of Genetically Modified Organisms in the European Union: A Necessary Trade‐Off?
Authors: Randour François , Janssens Cédric , Delreux Tom 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis article analyzes the reasons why in 2010 the European Commission proposed a legislative framework on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that could give some powers back to the Member States. This legislative proposal is puzzling since it moves the centre of decision‐making regarding the cultivation of GMOs from the EU level back to the domestic level and it also contradicts the generally acknowledged behaviour of the Commission as a competence maximizer. Using a multilevel governance perspective and based on an extensive literature review and semi‐structured interviews, the article examines the dynamics and relationships between the various levels of governance that generated pressures on the Commission to issue this counterintuitive proposal. The findings suggest that the Commission is making a (necessary) trade‐off between, on the one hand, the respect of international obligations and the preservation of the internal market, and on the other hand, internal pressures towards stricter regulation of GMOs.
Mitochondrial DNA as a tool for reconstructing past life‐history traits in mammals
Authors: Figuet E. , Romiguier J. , Dutheil J. Y. , Galtier N. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractReconstructing the ancestral characteristics of species is a major goal in evolutionary and comparative biology. Unfortunately, fossils are not always available and sufficiently informative, and phylogenetic methods based on models of character evolution can be unsatisfactory. Genomic data offer a new opportunity to estimate ancestral character states, through (i) the correlation between DNA evolutionary processes and species life‐history traits and (ii) available reliable methods for ancestral sequence inference. Here, we assess the relevance of mitochondrial DNA – the most popular molecular marker in animals – as a predictor of ancestral life‐history traits in mammals, using the order of Cetartiodactyla as a benchmark. Using the complete set of 13 mitochondrial protein‐coding genes, we show that the lineage‐specific nonsynonymous over synonymous substitution rate ratio (dN/dS) is closely correlated with the species body mass, longevity and age of sexual maturity in Cetartiodactyla and can be used as a marker of ancestral traits provided that the noise introduced by short branches is appropriately dealt with. Based on ancestral dN/dS estimates, we predict that the first cetartiodactyls were relatively small animals (around 20 kg). This finding is in accordance with Cope's rule and the fossil record but could not be recovered via continuous character evolution methods.
Identification and characterization of a novel lymphocystis disease virus isolate from cultured grouper in China
Authors: Huang X , Huang Y , Xu L , Wei S , Ouyang Z , Feng J , Qin Q 
Published: April 2014

AbstractGrouper Epinephelus spp. is one of the most important mariculture fish species in China and South‐East Asian countries. The emerging viral diseases, evoked by iridovirus which belongs to genus Megalocytivirus and Ranavirus, have been well characterized in recent years. To date, few data on lymphocystis disease in grouper which caused by lymphocystis disease virus (LCDV) were described. Here, a novel LCDV isolate was identified and characterized. Based on the sequence of LCDV major capsid protein (MCP) and DNA polymerase gene, we found that the causative agents from different species of diseased groupers were the same one and herein were uniformly defined as grouper LCDV (GLCDV). Furthermore, H&E staining revealed that the nodules on the skin were composed of giant cells that contained inclusion bodies in the cytoplasm. Numerous virus particles with >210 nm in diameter and with hexagonal profiles were observed in the cytoplasm. In addition, phylogenetic analysis based on four iridovirus core genes, MCP, DNA polymerase, myristoylated membrane protein (MMP) and ribonucleotide reductase (RNR), consistently showed that GLCDV was mostly related to LCDV‐C, followed by LCDV‐1. Taken together, our data firstly provided the molecular evidence that GLCDV was a novel emerging iridovirus pathogen in grouper culture.
Transmission of white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) from Dendronereis spp. (Peters) (Nereididae) to penaeid shrimp
Authors: Haryadi D , Verreth J A J , Verdegem M C J , Vlak J M 
Published: April 2014

AbstractDendronereis spp. (Peters) (Nereididae) is a common polychaete in shrimp ponds built on intertidal land and is natural food for shrimp in traditionally managed ponds in Indonesia. White spot syndrome virus (WSSV), an important viral pathogen of the shrimp, can replicate in this polychaete (Desrina et al. 2013); therefore, it is a potential propagative vector for virus transmission. The major aim of this study was to determine whether WSSV can be transmitted from naturally infected Dendronereis spp. to specific pathogen‐free (SPF) Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei (Boone) through feeding. WSSV was detected in naturally infected Dendronereis spp. and Penaeus monodon Fabricius from a traditional shrimp pond, and the positive animals were used in the current experiment. WSSV‐infected Dendronereis spp. and P. monodon in a pond had a point prevalence of 90% and 80%, respectively, as measured by PCR. WSSV was detected in the head, gills, blood and mid‐body of Dendronereis spp. WSSV from naturally infected Dendronereis spp was transmitted to SPF L. vannamei and subsequently from this shrimp to new naïve‐SPF L. vannamei to cause transient infection. Our findings support the contention that Dendronereis spp, upon feeding, can be a source of WSSV infection of shrimp in ponds.
Brown adipose tissue and its therapeutic potential
Authors: Lidell M. E. , Betz M. J. , Enerbäck S. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractObesity and related diseases are a major cause of human morbidity and mortality and constitute a substantial economic burden for society. Effective treatment regimens are scarce, and new therapeutic targets are needed. Brown adipose tissue, an energy‐expending tissue that produces heat, represents a potential therapeutic target. Its presence is associated with low body mass index, low total adipose tissue content and a lower risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Knowledge about the development and function of thermogenic adipocytes in brown adipose tissue has increased substantially in the last decade. Important transcriptional regulators have been identified, and hormones able to modulate the thermogenic capacity of the tissue have been recognized. Intriguingly, it is now clear that humans, like rodents, possess two types of thermogenic adipocytes: the classical brown adipocytes found in the interscapular brown adipose organ and the so‐called beige adipocytes primarily found in subcutaneous white adipose tissue after adrenergic stimulation. The presence of two distinct types of energy‐expending adipocytes in humans is conceptually important because these cells might be stimulated and recruited by different signals, raising the possibility that they might be separate potential targets for therapeutic intervention. In this review, we will discuss important features of the energy‐expending brown adipose tissue and highlight those that may serve as potential targets for pharmacological intervention aimed at expanding the tissue and/or enhancing its function to counteract obesity.
Effects of type 1 and type 2 diabetes on the pharmacokinetics of tramadol enantiomers in patients with neuropathic pain phenotyped as cytochrome P450 2D6 extensive metabolizers
Authors: de Moraes Natália Valadares , Lauretti Gabriela Rocha , Lanchote Vera Lucia 
Published: April 2014

Abstract

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of poorly controlled type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) on the pharmacokinetics and metabolism of tramadol enantiomers in patients with neuropathic pain.

Methods
Nondiabetic patients (control group, n = 12), patients with T1DM (n = 9) or T2DM (n = 9), all with neuropathic pain and phenotyped as cytochrome P450 2D6 extensive metabolizers, received a single oral dose of 100 mg racemic tramadol. Serial blood samples were collected over a 24-h period.

Key findings
Patients with T1DM showed reduced Cmax of both tramadol enantiomers. The plasma concentrations of the active (+)-M1 were significantly reduced in T1DM (area under the curve plasma concentration versus time (AUC∞): 313.1 ng·h/ml) when compared with nondiabetic patients (AUC∞: 1246.6 ng·h/ml). The fraction unbound of (+)-M1 was increased in patients with T1DM. Patients with T1DM and T2DM showed reduced AUC and increased fraction unbound of (−)-M1.

Conclusions
The reduced total plasma concentrations of the active (+)-M1 in patients with T1DM may not be of clinical relevance because they are counterbalanced by the increased fraction unbound.
Effect of additional vitaminEand zinc supplementation on immunological changes in peripartumSahiwal cows
Authors: Chandra G. , Aggarwal A. , Kumar M. , Singh A. K. , Sharma V. K. , Upadhyay R. C. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryThis study was conducted to exploit ameliorative effect of additional vitamin E and/or zinc supplementation on immune response of peripartum Sahiwal cows. Thirty‐two pregnant dry Sahiwal cows were blocked into four treatment groups (n = 8), namely control, zinc (Zn), vitamin E (Vit E) and zinc + vitamin E (Zn + Vit E). Feeding regimen was same in all the groups except that the Sahiwal cows in the zinc‐, vitamin E‐ and zinc + vitamin E‐fed groups were additionally supplemented with 60 mg Zn/kgDM, 1000 IUvitamin E and 60 mg/kg + 1000IUZn + vitamin E, respectively, from day 60 pre‐partum to day 90 post‐partum. Blood samples were collected on days −60, −45, −30, −15, −7, −3, 0, 3, 7, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 with respect to day of parturition and analysed for total immunoglobulin (TIG), immunoglobulin G (IgG), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), vitamin E (Vit E) and zinc (Zn) status. Before calving, cows showed a decrease in plasmaTIG, IgG,IL‐2, Vit E and Zn levels. However, increased levels of plasmaTIG, IgG,IL‐2, Vit E and Zn were observed after calving. After calving, Sahiwal cows supplemented with Zn + Vit E had higher plasmaTIG, IgG andIL‐2 in comparison with cows of control and Zn + Vit E‐fed groups. In the present study, plasma vitamin E level was higher in Vit E‐fed and Zn + Vit E‐fed cows; however, zinc level was higher in Zn‐ and Zn + Vit E‐supplemented cows. In conclusion, a reduced immune response during peripartum period in Sahiwal cows was ameliorated by dietary vitamin E and zinc supplementation.
Predicting environmental gradients with fern species composition in Brazilian Amazonia
Authors: Zuquim Gabriela , Tuomisto Hanna , Jones Mirkka M. , Prado Jefferson , Figueiredo Fernando O.G. , Moulatlet Gabriel M. , Costa Flavia R.C. , Quesada Carlos A. , Emilio Thaise 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimA major problem for conservation in Amazonia is that species distribution maps are inaccurate. Consequently, conservation planning needs to be based on other information sources such as vegetation and soil maps, which are also inaccurate. We propose and test the use of biotic data on a common and relatively easily inventoried group of plants to infer environmental conditions that can be used to improve maps of floristic patterns for plants in general.LocationBrazilian Amazonia.MethodsWe sampled 326 plots of 250 m × 2 m separated by distances of 1–1800 km. Terrestrial fern individuals were identified and counted. Edaphic data were obtained from soil samples and analysed for cation concentration and texture. Climatic data were obtained from Worldclim. We used a multivariate regression tree to evaluate the hierarchical importance of soils and climate for fern communities and identified significant indicator species for the resultant classification. We then tested how well the edaphic properties of the plots could be predicted on the basis of their floristic composition using two calibration methods, weighted averaging and k‐nearest neighbour estimation.ResultsSoil cation concentration emerged as the most important variable in the regression tree, whereas soil textural and climatic variation played secondary roles. Almost all the plot classes had several fern species with high indicator values for that class. Soil cation concentration was also the variable most accurately predicted on the basis of fern community composition (R2 = 0.65–0.75 for log‐transformed data). Predictive accuracy varied little among the calibration methods, and was not improved by the use of abundance data instead of presence–absence data.ConclusionsFern species composition can be used as an indicator of soil cation concentration, which can be expected to be relevant also for other components of rain forests. Presence–absence data are adequate for this purpose, which makes the collecting of additional data potentially very rapid. Comparison with earlier studies suggests that edaphic preferences of fern species have good transferability across geographical regions within lowland Amazonia. Therefore, species and environmental data sets already available in the Amazon region represent a good starting point for generating better environmental and floristic maps for conservation planning.
The Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi ltrR‐ompR‐ompC‐ompF genes are involved in resistance to the bile salt sodium deoxycholate and in bacterial transformation
Authors: Villarreal J. M. , Becerra‐Lobato N. , Rebollar‐Flores J. E. , Medina‐Aparicio L. , Carbajal‐Gómez E. , Zavala‐García M. L. , Vázquez A. , Gutiérrez‐Ríos R. M. , Olvera L. , Encarnación S. , Martínez‐Batallar A. G. , Calva E. , Hernández‐Lucas I. 
Published: April 2014

SummaryA characterization of the LtrR regulator, an S. Typhi protein belonging to the LysR family is presented. Proteomics, outer membrane protein profiles and transcriptional analyses demonstrated that LtrR is required for the synthesis of OmpR, OmpC and OmpF. DNA–protein interaction analysis showed that LtrR binds to the regulatory region of ompR and then OmpR interacts with the ompC and ompF promoters inducing porin synthesis. LtrR‐dependent and independent ompR promoters were identified, and both promoters are involved in the synthesis of OmpR for OmpC and OmpF production. To define the functional role of the ltrR‐ompR‐ompC‐ompF genetic network, mutants in each gene were obtained. We found that ltrR, ompR, ompC and ompF were involved in the control of bacterial transformation, while the two regulators and ompC are necessary for the optimal growth of S. Typhi in the presence of one of the major bile salts found in the gut, sodium deoxycholate. The data presented establish the pivotal role of LtrR in the regulatory network of porin synthesis and reveal new genetic strategies of survival and cellular adaptation to the environment used by Salmonella.
Renal histological features of school‐age children with asymptomatic haematuria and/or proteinuria: A multicenter study
Authors: Zhai Yihui , Xu Hong , Shen Qian , Cao Qi , Zhu Guanghua , Wei Minjiang , Sun Li , Liu Haimei , Rao Jia , Fang Xiaoyan , Chen Jing , Guo Wei 
Published: April 2014

AbstractAimThe risk of asymptomatic haematuria and/or proteinuria development into chronic progressive glomerulonephritis (CPG) is unclear. The indications for renal biopsy and follow‐up on these asymptomatic children remain controversial.MethodsA multicenter, retrospective study was performed to investigate the renal histological features of school‐age children with asymptomatic urine abnormalities.ResultsA total of 112 asymptomatic children's renal biopsy data were studied. Most of the children (71%) received a renal biopsy because of isolated microscopic haematuria (IH), and these children were predominantly (60%) proven to have only mild lesions in the glomeruli. Approximately 30% of the children were biopsied because of asymptomatic proteinuria with or without microscopic haematuria (HP or isolated asymptomatic proteinuria (IP)), and these children were mostly (44–83%) indicated to have CPG, such as IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, and Alport syndrome. The junior high school students had a greater percentage of HP than the primary school children. IgA nephropathy was the most common diagnosis in children who received renal biopsy because of HP.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that IP and especially HP may have a high risk of development into CPG. IH, however, has a relatively low risk of severe histological lesions. Thus, IH per se might not be suggested as an indication for early renal biopsy. Long‐term follow‐up is necessary for these asymptomatic children.
Kisspeptin, c‐Fos and CRFR Type 2 Co‐expression in the Hypothalamus after Insulin‐Induced Hypoglycaemia
Authors: Fergani C , Routly JE , Jones DN , Pickavance LC , Smith RF , Dobson H 
Published: April 2014

ContentsNormal reproductive function is dependent upon availability of glucose and insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia is a metabolic stressor known to disrupt the ovine oestrous cycle. We have recently shown that IIH has the ability to delay the LH surge of intact ewes. In the present study, we examined brain tissue to determine: (i) which hypothalamic regions are activated with respect to IIH and (ii) the effect of IIH on kisspeptin cell activation and CRFR type 2 immunoreactivity, all of which may be involved in disruptive mechanisms. Follicular phases were synchronized with progesterone vaginal pessaries and at 28 h after progesterone withdrawal (PW), animals received saline (n = 6) or insulin (4 IU/kg; n = 5) and were subsequently killed at 31 h after PW (i.e., 3 h after insulin administration). Peripheral hormone concentrations were evaluated, and hypothalamic sections were immunostained for either kisspeptin and c‐Fos (a marker of neuronal activation) or CRFR type 2. Within 3 h of treatment, cortisol concentrations had increased whereas plasma oestradiol concentrations decreased in peripheral plasma (p < 0.05 for both). In the arcuate nucleus (ARC), insulin‐treated ewes had an increased expression of c‐Fos. Furthermore, the percentage of kisspeptin cells co‐expressing c‐Fos increased in the ARC (from 11 to 51%; p < 0.05), but there was no change in the medial pre‐optic area (mPOA; 14 vs 19%). CRFR type 2 expression in the lower part of the ARC and the median eminence was not altered by insulin treatment. Thus, disruption of the LH surge after IIH in the follicular phase is not associated with decreased kisspeptin cell activation or an increase in CRFR type 2 in the ARC but may involve other cell types located in the ARC nucleus which are activated in response to IIH.
Mitochondrial Patterns in Bovine Oocytes with Different Meiotic Competence Related to Their in vitro Maturation
Authors: Jeseta M , Ctvrtlikova Knitlova D , Hanzalova K , Hulinska P , Hanulakova S , Milakovic I , Nemcova L , Kanka J , Machatkova M 
Published: April 2014

ContentsThis study was designed to specify chromatin and mitochondrial patterns in bovine oocytes with different meiotic competence in relation to maturation progress, resumption of meiosis, MII onset and completion of maturation. Oocytes with greater or lesser meiotic competence, recovered separately from medium (MF) and small follicles (SF), were categorized according to morphology. Four oocyte categories, healthy and light‐atretic MF and healthy and light‐atretic SF oocytes were matured and collected at 0, 3, 7, 16 and 24 h of maturation. Specific differences in terms of chromatin and mitochondrial patterns were found among the maturing oocyte categories. Resumption of meiosis was accelerated in light‐atretic oocytes, as compared with healthy oocytes, regardless of their meiotic competence. More competent oocytes activated mitochondria twice during maturation, before resumption of meiosis and before completion of maturation, while less competent oocytes did it only once, before completion of maturation. Changes in mitochondrial activity differed in light‐atretic compared with healthy in both more and less competent oocytes. Healthy meiotically more competent oocytes formed clusters and produced ATP for the whole time of maturation until its completion, while light‐atretic more competent oocytes and healthy less competent oocytes reduced these activities earlier, at MII onset. Contrary to these oocyte categories, light‐atretic less competent oocytes increased cluster formation significantly before resumption of meiosis. It can be concluded that bovine oocytes with different meiotic competence and health differed in the kinetics of mitochondrial patterns during maturation.
Regression Analysis of Current Status Data Under the Additive Hazards Model with Auxiliary Covariates
Authors: Feng Yanqin , Ma Ling , Sun Jianguo 
Published: April 2014

AbstractThis paper discusses regression analysis of current status or case I interval‐censored failure time data arising from the additive hazards model. In this situation, some covariates could be missing because of various reasons, but there may exist some auxiliary information about the missing covariates. To address the problem, we propose an estimated partial likelihood approach for estimation of regression parameters, which makes use of the available auxiliary information. The method can be easily implemented, and the asymptotic properties of the resulting estimates are established. To assess the finite sample performance of the proposed method, an extensive simulation study is conducted and indicates that the method works well.