bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypothermic Machine Perfusion Decreases Renal Cell Apoptosis During Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via the Ezrin/AKT Pathway
Authors: Zhang Yang , Fu Zhen , Zhong Zibiao , Wang Ren , Hu Long , Xiong Yan , Wang Yanfeng , Ye Qifa 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis study aimed to explore the potential mechanisms of hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP)—a more efficient way to preserve kidneys from donors after cardiac death than static cold storage (CS), then to provide the basis for further improving donor quality. Twelve healthy male New Zealand rabbits (12 weeks old, weighing 3.0 ± 0.3 kg) were randomly divided into two groups: the HMP group and CS group (n = 6). Rabbits’ left kidney was subjected to 35 min of warm ischemic time by clamping the left renal pedicle and 1 h of reperfusion. The kidneys were then hypothermically (4–8°C) preserved in vivo for 4 h with HCA‐II solution using HMP or CS methods. Then rabbits underwent a right nephrectomy and the kidney tissues were collected after 24 h of reperfusion. TUNEL staining was performed on paraffin sections to detect apoptosis, and the expressions of cleaved caspase‐3, ezrin, AKT, and p‐AKT in frozen kidney tissues were detected by Western blotting. The ezrin expression was further confirmed by immunohistochemistry analysis. The apoptosis rate and expression of cleaved caspase‐3 in the HMP group were significantly lower than the CS group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002), meanwhile the expression of cleaved caspase‐3 in the HMP and CS groups was significantly increased compared with the normal group (P = 0.035 and P < 0.001), and the expression of ezrin and p‐AKT in the HMP group was significantly higher than the CS group (P = 0.005, 0.014). HMP decreased the renal cell apoptosis rate during ischemia/reperfusion injury via the ezrin/AKT pathway.
PLAG1 and NCAPG‐LCORL in livestock
Authors: Takasuga Akiko 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA recent progress on stature genetics has revealed simple genetic architecture in livestock animals in contrast to that in humans. PLAG1 and/or NCAPG‐LCORL, both of which are known as a locus for adult human height, have been detected for association with body weight/height in cattle and horses, and for selective sweep in dogs and pigs. The findings indicate a significant impact of these loci on mammalian growth or body size and usefulness of the natural variants for selective breeding. However, association with an unfavorable trait, such as late puberty or risk for a neuropathic disease, was also reported for the respective loci, indicating an importance to discriminate between causality and association. Here I review the recent findings on quantitative trait loci (QTL) for stature in livestock animals, mainly focusing on the PLAG1 and NCAPG‐LCORL loci. I also describe our recent efforts to identify the causative variation for the third major locus for carcass weight in Japanese Black cattle.
Relationships between immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G or A in colostrum of Japanese black multiparous cows
Authors: Taniguchi Saya , Wang Mengdong , Ikeda Shuntaro , Yoshioka Hidetugu , Nagase Hiroshi , Kitamura Shoko , Itoyama Erina , Murakami Hiroaki , Sugimoto Miki , Kume Shinichi 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThis study was conducted to clarify the relationships among immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG, IgA, β‐carotene, vitamin A and α‐tocopherol contents in colostrum of 24 Japanese Black multiparous cows in order to evaluate the role of IgM on colostral IgG and IgA production. Compared with colostral IgG, colostral IgM and IgA were very low but varied widely. There was positive correlation between colostral IgM and IgG, but colostral IgM was not related with colostral IgA. There was no relationship between colostral IgM and age of cows, although colostral IgG was increased with aging. There were positive correlations among colostral β‐carotene, vitamin A and α‐tocopherol and these vitamins were positively correlated with colostral IgM and IgG. These results indicate that fat‐soluble vitamins may affect colostral IgG and IgM in cows and colostral IgG increases with the increase of colostral IgM.
Association between thyroid‐stimulating hormone and blood pressure in adults: an 11‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Langén Ville L. , Niiranen Teemu J. , Puukka Pauli , Sundvall Jouko , Jula Antti M. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe results of longitudinal studies on the association between thyroid function and blood pressure (BP) are divided. This study aimed to investigate this association in cross‐sectional and longitudinal settings in a nationwide, random sample representative of the Finnish adult population aged 30 and over.MethodsThe study sample was randomly drawn from the population register. A total of 5655 participants were included in the baseline analyses and 3453 in the 11‐year prospective analyses. The associations between baseline TSH and (i) BP and BP change over time; and (ii) prevalent and incident hypertension were assessed using linear and logistic models, adjusted for age, gender, smoking and body mass index.ResultsA positive association (β ± standard error) was observed between TSH and diastolic (0·36 ± 0·12, P = 0·003) but not systolic BP (0·16 ± 0·21, P = 0·45) at baseline. TSH was negatively associated with 11‐year BP change in men (systolic: −0·92 ± 0·41, P = 0·03; diastolic: −0·66 ± 0·26, P = 0·01) but not in women (P ≥ 0·09 for systolic and diastolic BP change). Participants in the highest TSH tertile within the TSH reference interval (0·4–3·4 mU/L), as compared with the lowest, had increased odds of prevalent (odds ratio 1·22, 95% confidence interval 1·05–1·43, P = 0·01) but not incident hypertension (odds ratio 0·93, 95% confidence interval 0·73–1·19, P = 0·58).ConclusionsA modest association was found between increasing TSH and prevalent but not incident hypertension. TSH was inversely associated with BP change in men in our study. These findings contest an independent role of thyroid function at normal to near‐normal levels in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Birth outcomes of patients with isolated anorectal malformations: A population‐based case‐control study
Authors: Vermes Gabor , László Daniel , Czeizel Andrew E. , Ács Nándor 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn most patients affected by isolated anorectal malformation (IARM) the etiology is largely unknown. Thus, the aim of our project was to analyze possible risk factors forIARM. In the first step, birth outcomes of cases withIARMwere analyzed on the basis of maternal socio‐demographic variables, and these data are presented in this paper. Gestational age at delivery, birthweight, preterm birth, low birthweight and small for gestational age of cases withIARMwere evaluated in the function of maternal age, birth/pregnancy order, marital and employment status of mothers in the population‐based large dataset of theHungarianCase‐ControlSurveillance ofCongenitalAbnormalities, 1980–1996. The study samples included 231 live‐born cases withIARM, 361 matched and 38 151 population controls without any defect.IARMsare more frequent in males, twins and newborn infants with low birthweight and small‐for‐gestational‐age, the latter being the consequence of intrauterine growth restriction. In addition, mothers of cases were younger but with higher birth order, and had lower socio‐economic status. These maternal variables are characteristic for the gypsy population inHungary. The higher proportion of gypsy women among the mothers of cases withIARMwas confirmed during the home visits of the study. Male sex and intrauterine growth restriction of cases, in addition to low socioeconomic status and gypsy origin of mothers may have a role in the risk ofIARMs.
Bioavailability of insulin detemir and human insulin at the level of peripheral interstitial fluid in humans, assessed by open‐flow microperfusion
Authors: Bodenlenz M. , Ellmerer M. , Schaupp L. , Jacobsen L. V. , Plank J. , Brunner G. A. , Wutte A. , Aigner B. , Mautner S. I. , Pieber T. R. 
Published: August 2015

AimsTo find an explanation for the lower potency of insulin detemir observed in humans compared with unmodified human insulin by investigating insulin detemir and human insulin concentrations directly at the level of peripheral insulin‐sensitive tissues in humans in vivo.MethodsEuglycaemic‐hyperinsulinaemic clamp experiments were performed in healthy volunteers. Human insulin was administered i.v. at 6 pmol/kg/min and insulin detemir at 60 pmol/kg/min, achieving a comparable steady‐state pharmacodynamic action. In addition, insulin detemir was doubled to 120 pmol/kg/min. Minimally invasive open‐flow microperfusion (OFM) sampling methodology was combined with inulin calibration to quantify human insulin and insulin detemir in the interstitial fluid (ISF) of subcutaneous adipose and skeletal muscle tissue.ResultsThe human insulin concentration in the ISF was ∼115 pmol/l or ∼30% of the serum concentration, whereas the insulin detemir concentration in the ISF was ∼680 pmol/l or ∼2% of the serum concentration. The molar insulin detemir interstitial concentration was five to six times higher than the human insulin interstitial concentration and metabolic clearance of insulin detemir from serum was substantially reduced compared with human insulin.ConclusionsOFM proved useful for target tissue measurements of human insulin and the analogue insulin detemir. Our tissue data confirm a highly effective retention of insulin detemir in the vascular compartment. The higher insulin detemir relative to human insulin tissue concentrations at comparable pharmacodynamics, however, indicate that the lower potency of insulin detemir in humans is attributable to a reduced effect in peripheral insulin‐sensitive tissues and is consistent with the reduced in vitro receptor affinity.
Movement‐related activity during goal‐directed hand actions in the monkey ventrolateral prefrontal cortex
Authors: Simone Luciano , Rozzi Stefano , Bimbi Marco , Fogassi Leonardo 
Published: August 2015

AbstractGrasping actions require the integration of two neural processes, one enabling the transformation of object properties into corresponding motor acts, and the other involved in planning and controlling action execution on the basis of contextual information. The first process relies on parieto‐premotor circuits, whereas the second is considered to be a prefrontal function. Up to now, the prefrontal cortex has been mainly investigated with conditional visuomotor tasks requiring a learned association between cues and behavioural output. To clarify the functional role of the prefrontal cortex in grasping actions, we recorded the activity of ventrolateral prefrontal (VLPF) neurons while monkeys (Macaca mulatta) performed tasks requiring reaching–grasping actions in different contextual conditions (in light and darkness, memory‐guided, and in the absence of abstract learned rules). The results showed that the VLPF cortex contains neurons that are active during action execution (movement‐related neurons). Some of them showed grip selectivity, and some also responded to object presentation. Most movement‐related neurons discharged during action execution both with and without visual feedback, and this discharge typically did not change when the action was performed with object mnemonic information and in the absence of abstract rules. The findings of this study indicate that a population of VLPF neurons play a role in controlling goal‐directed grasping actions in several contexts. This control is probably exerted within a wider network, involving parietal and premotor regions, where the role of VLPF movement‐related neurons would be that of activating, on the basis of contextual information, the representation of the motor goal of the intended action (taking possession of an object) during action planning and execution.
Evidence of post‐glacial secondary contact and subsequent anthropogenic influence on the genetic composition of Fennoscandian moose (Alces alces)
Authors: Kangas Veli‐Matti , Kvist Laura , Kholodova Marina , Nygrén Tuire , Danilov Pjotr , Panchenko Danila , Fraimout Antoine , Aspi Jouni 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAimTo determine whether a contemporary population of the moose (Alces alces), a large northern ungulate, retains genetic signatures of post‐glacial recolonization and/or the effects of anthropogenic factors. We focused on investigating spatial genetic structure and the distribution of genetic diversity of this species to clarify its still obscure history.LocationEastern Fennoscandia, Northern Europe.MethodsIn total, 574 Finnish and Russian Karelian moose were genotyped at 16 microsatellite loci, and the mitochondrial control region was sequenced from 224 individuals. Spatially explicit Bayesian clustering, multivariate and spatial autocorrelation methods were applied alongside traditional F‐statistics to study the effects of landscape on genetic structure. The demographic history of our study populations was explored with coalescent analysis and Bayesian skyline plots.ResultsA major mitochondrial divergence of moose was discovered between northern parts of Finland and the rest of the studied area. Landscape genetic analyses on the microsatellite data identified three genetic clusters connected by clines, with coalescent analysis indicating the division to be of ancient origin. Additionally, recent population bottlenecks were detected using Bayesian skyline plots.Main conclusionsOur results indicate a post‐glacial secondary contact between two distinct moose mitochondrial lineages that diverged during the Pleistocene, whereas admixture of three diverged genetic subpopulations was detected using microsatellites. The emergence of these subpopulations was estimated to have occurred after the post‐glacial recolonization of Fennoscandia. The observed genetic bottlenecks coincide with recorded historical population declines in the 18th century. We conclude that the contemporary genetic composition of the moose population in eastern Fennoscandia has been affected by both ancient and recent factors.
Activation of matrix metalloproteinase in dorsal hippocampus drives improvement in spatial working memory after intra‐VTA nicotine infusion in rats
Authors: Shu Hui , Zheng Guo‐qing , Wang Xiaona , Sun Yanyun , Liu Yushan , Weaver John Michael , Shen Xianzhi , Liu Wenlan , Jin Xinchun 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe hippocampus receives dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and substantia nigra. These inputs appear to provide a modulatory signal that influences hippocampus‐dependent behaviors. Enhancements in working memory performance have been previously reported following acute smoking/nicotine exposure. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of nicotine on spatial working memory (SWM) and the mechanisms involved. Delayed alternation T‐maze task was used to assess SWM. In situ and gel gelatin zymography were used to detect matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) in SWM. Systemic or local (intra‐VTA) administration of nicotine significantly improves SWM, which was accompanied by increased MMP‐9 activity in dorsal hippocampus (dHPC). Intra‐dHPC administration of MMP inhibitor FN‐439 abolished the memory enhancement induced by intra‐VTA nicotine infusion. FN‐439 had no effect on locomotor behavior. Our data suggest that intra‐VTA nicotine infusion activates MMP‐9 in dHPC to improve SWM in rats.
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Our study showed the brain region and mechanism underlying nicotine‐induced spatial working memory improvement. In response to nicotine treatment, VTA‐hippocampus circuit is activated and MMP‐9 activation in dorsal hippocampus mediates the memory improvement. Our data suggest nicotine increases spatial working memory by activating MMP‐9 in dorsal hippocampus. Nicotine improves spatial working memory by enhancing an ability to use Win‐shift strategy and increasing correct choice. This effect is mediated by the VTA‐hippocampus circuit and MMP‐9 in dHPC is activated with intra‐VTA nicotine infusion in rats.
Edaphic filters and the functional structure of plant assemblages in grasslands in southern Brazil
Authors: Moraes Daniele A. , Cavalin Pedro O. , Moro Rosemeri S. , Oliveira Ricardo A.C. , Carmo Marta R.B. , Marques Marcia C.M. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractQuestionsWe analysed trait convergence and trait divergence assembly patterns across a metacommunity of grassland types (dry, wet and rocky) occurring along an edaphic gradient. We asked whether (1) floristics and phylogenetic structures vary among grassland types; (2) there is convergence and/or divergence in plant traits along the gradient; (3) the functional structure is influenced by phylogeny; and (4) abiotic or biotic filters generate the assembly patterns.LocationCampos Gerais region, Paraná State, southern Brazil (ca. 25°15′02″ S, 49°59′59″ W).MethodsWe sampled plant functional traits and soil variables at 81.1‐m2 quadrats in three natural grassland vegetation types across three different sites. We analysed the relationship between species composition (abundance), phylogenetic relationships, functional traits and soil characteristics using matrix correlations, where soil characteristics were the predictors of functional and phylogenetic assembly patterns.ResultsA total of 168 plant species were sampled on the three vegetation types. Wet grassland quadrats were more similar to each other in species composition and phylogeny than with those on dry and rocky grasslands. We found trait convergence (not phylogenetically constrained) and trait divergence (phylogenetically constrained) assembly patterns in the three vegetation types along the edaphic gradient. Traits that generated convergence and divergence are related to strategies for survival in dry and low nutrient availability soils; nutritional soil gradient determined trait differences at small scales.ConclusionSpecies composition and phylogenetic structure of communities occurring in different grassland types are related to edaphic gradient. The occurrence of both trait convergence and trait divergence patterns suggests, respectively, that environmental filters and biotic filters (competition) are structuring the plant assemblages.
Factors associated with breast milk intake among 9–10‐month‐old Malawian infants
Authors: Kumwenda Chiza , Hemsworth Jaimie , Phuka John , Arimond Mary , Ashorn Ulla , Maleta Kenneth , Ashorn Per , Haskell Marjorie J. , Dewey Kathryn G. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractExclusive breastfeeding is recommended during the first 6 months of life; thereafter, continued breastfeeding along with nutritious complementary foods is recommended. Continued breastfeeding contributes a substantial proportion of nutrient needs and promotes healthy growth and development, but the quantity of breast milk consumed may be highly variable and little is known about the factors associated with breast milk intake after 6 months of age. The present study was conducted to assess factors associated with breast milk intake of Malawian infants at 9–10 months of age. Breast milk intake was measured using the dose‐to‐mother deuterium oxide dilution method in a subsample of 358 Malawian infants who were participating in a randomized controlled trial of lipid‐based nutrient supplements. Regression analysis was used to assess associations between breast milk intake and several maternal and infant variables. Mean (standard deviation) breast milk intake was 752 (244) g day–1. In multiple regression, breast milk intake was positively associated with infant weight (+62 g per kg body weight, P < 0.01) and maternal height (P < 0.01) and negatively associated with maternal education and age (P < 0.01). There was a non‐significant (P = 0.063) inverse association between energy from non‐breast milk sources and breast milk intake. In this rural Malawian population, infant weight is the main predictor of breast milk intake, even after the first 6 months of life.
A transferable plasticity region in Campylobacter coli allows isolates of an otherwise non‐glycolytic food‐borne pathogen to catabolize glucose
Authors: Vorwerk Hanne , Huber Claudia , Mohr Juliane , Bunk Boyke , Bhuju Sabin , Wensel Olga , Spröer Cathrin , Fruth Angelika , Flieger Antje , Schmidt‐Hohagen Kerstin , Schomburg Dietmar , Eisenreich Wolfgang , Hofreuter Dirk 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThermophilic Campylobacter species colonize the intestine of agricultural and domestic animals commensally but cause severe gastroenteritis in humans. In contrast to other enteropathogenic bacteria, Campylobacter has been considered to be non‐glycolytic, a metabolic property originally used for their taxonomic classification. Contrary to this dogma, we demonstrate that several Campylobacter coli strains are able to utilize glucose as a growth substrate. Isotopologue profiling experiments with 13C‐labeled glucose suggested that these strains catabolize glucose via the pentose phosphate and Entner‐Doudoroff (ED) pathways and use glucose efficiently for de novo synthesis of amino acids and cell surface carbohydrates. Whole genome sequencing of glycolytic C. coli isolates identified a genomic island located within a ribosomal RNA gene cluster that encodes for all ED pathway enzymes and a glucose permease. We could show in vitro that a non‐glycolytic C. coli strain could acquire glycolytic activity through natural transformation with chromosomal DNA of C. coli and C. jejuni subsp. doylei strains possessing the ED pathway encoding plasticity region. These results reveal for the first time the ability of a Campylobacter species to catabolize glucose and provide new insights into how genetic macrodiversity through intra‐ and interspecies gene transfer expand the metabolic capacity of this food‐borne pathogen.
Bacteria–zinc co‐localization implicates enhanced synthesis of cysteine‐rich peptides in zinc detoxification when Brassica juncea is inoculated with Rhizobium leguminosarum
Authors: Adediran Gbotemi A. , Ngwenya Bryne T. , Mosselmans J. Frederick W. , Heal Kate V. 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Some plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) are enigmatic in enhancing plant growth in the face of increased metal accumulation in plants. Since most PGPB colonize the plant root epidermis, we hypothesized that PGPB confer tolerance to metals through changes in speciation at the root epidermis.

We employed a novel combination of fluorophore‐based confocal laser scanning microscopic imaging and synchrotron based microscopic X‐ray fluorescence mapping with X‐ray absorption spectroscopy to characterize bacterial localization, zinc (Zn) distribution and speciation in the roots of Brassica juncea grown in Zn contaminated media (400 mg kg−1 Zn) with the endophytic Pseudomonas brassicacearum and rhizospheric Rhizobium leguminosarum.

PGPB enhanced epidermal Zn sequestration relative to PGBP‐free controls while the extent of endophytic accumulation depended on the colonization mode of each PGBP. Increased root accumulation of Zn and increased tolerance to Zn was associated predominantly with R. leguminosarum and was likely due to the coordination of Zn with cysteine‐rich peptides in the root endodermis, suggesting enhanced synthesis of phytochelatins or glutathione.

Our mechanistic model of enhanced Zn accumulation and detoxification in plants inoculated with R. leguminosarum has particular relevance to PGPB enhanced phytoremediation of soils contaminated through mining and oxidation of sulphur‐bearing Zn minerals or engineered nanomaterials such as ZnS.