bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nesfatin‐1 activates cardiac vagal neurons of nucleus ambiguus and elicits bradycardia in conscious rats
Authors: Brailoiu G. Cristina , Deliu Elena , Tica Andrei A. , Rabinowitz Joseph E. , Tilley Douglas G. , Benamar Khalid , Koch Walter J. , Brailoiu Eugen 
Published: June 2013

AbstractNesfatin‐1, a peptide whose receptor is yet to be identified, has been involved in the modulation of feeding, stress, and metabolic responses. More recently, increasing evidence supports a modulatory role for nesfatin‐1 in autonomic and cardiovascular activity. This study was undertaken to test if the expression of nesfatin‐1 in the nucleus ambiguus, a key site for parasympathetic cardiac control, may be correlated with a functional role. As we have previously demonstrated that nesfatin‐1 elicits Ca2+ signaling in hypothalamic neurons, we first assessed the effect of this peptide on cytosolic Ca2+ in cardiac pre‐ganglionic neurons of nucleus ambiguus. We provide evidence that nesfatin‐1 increases cytosolic Ca2+ concentration via a Gi/o‐coupled mechanism. The nesfatin‐1‐induced Ca2+ rise is critically dependent on Ca2+ influx via P/Q‐type voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels. Repeated administration of nesfatin‐1 leads to tachyphylaxis. Furthermore, nesfatin‐1 produces a dose‐dependent depolarization of cardiac vagal neurons via a Gi/o‐coupled mechanism. In vivo studies, using telemetric and tail‐cuff monitoring of heart rate and blood pressure, indicate that microinjection of nesfatin‐1 into the nucleus ambiguus produces bradycardia not accompanied by a change in blood pressure in conscious rats. Taken together, our results identify for the first time that nesfatin‐1 decreases heart rate by activating cardiac vagal neurons of nucleus ambiguus.
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Our results indicate that nesfatin‐1, one of the most potent feeding peptides, increases cytosolic Ca2+ by promoting Ca2+ influx via P/Q channels and depolarizes nucleus ambiguus neurons; both effects are Gi/o‐mediated. In vivo studies indicate that microinjection of nesfatin‐1 into nucleus ambiguus produces bradycardia in conscious rats. This is the first report that nesfatin‐1 increases the parasympathetic cardiac tone.
Genetic Structure and Aggressiveness of Rhizoctonia solani AG1‐IA, the Cause of Sheath Blight of Rice in Southern China
Authors: Wang Ling , Liu Lian Meng , Wang Zhi Gang , Huang Shi Wen 
Published: June 2013

AbstractOne hundred and eighty isolates of Rhizoctonia solani AG1‐IA, the causal agent of rice sheath blight, were obtained from six locations in southern China. The genetic structure of R. solani isolates was investigated using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers, and a considerable genetic variation among R. solani isolates was observed. Most of the genetic diversity was distributed within populations, rather than among them. The distribution pattern of the genetic variation of R. solani appears to be the result of high gene flow (Nm) and low‐genetic differentiation among populations. The aggressiveness of R. solani was visually assessed by rice seedlings of five different cultivars in the glasshouse. All isolates tested were found to induce significantly different levels of disease severity, reflecting considerable variation in aggressiveness. The isolates were divided into highly virulent, moderately virulent and weakly virulent groups, and the moderately virulent isolates were dominant in R. solani population. No significant correlation was observed among the genetic similarity, pathogenic aggressiveness and geographical origins of the isolates. Information obtained from this study may be useful for breeding for improved resistance to sheath blight.
A Protoplast Transformation System for Gene Deletion and Complementation in Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Ge Chang‐Yan , Duan Ya‐Bing , Zhou Ming‐Guo , Chen Chang‐Jun 
Published: June 2013

AbstractProtoplast transformation is an important technique for establishing a mutation library and determining gene function for Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and other plant pathogenic fungi. In this study, we determined the effect of various conditions on preparation of protoplasts for transformation. These conditions included the age of the culture providing the hyphae to be digested; enzyme composition, buffer solution and concentration; and digestion time and temperature. The optimum conditions for preparing protoplasts were as follows: 10 ml of enzyme solution (1.5% lysing enzyme in 0.8 m mannitol and citric acid‐sodium citrate buffer) reacting with 0.1 g of hyphae (cultured for 36 h) at 30°C for 2.5 h. The transformation efficiency was 60–85 transformants per microgram of DNA. In addition, an expression vector for gene complementation was constructed, and an additional dominant selectable marker (neomycin) was demonstrated. To verify the reliability of the expression vector, we constructed and transformed the complementation vector of Shk1 for gene complementation based on the Shk1 deletion mutant △Shk1. The results showed that the expression level and biological phenotypes of Shk1 were restored in the complementary strain △Shk1+Shk1. The techniques and procedures described will improve our ability to study gene function in S. sclerotiorum and are likely applicable to other plant pathogens.
Forage and sugar in dairy calves' starter diet and their interaction on performance, weaning age and rumen fermentation
Authors: Beiranvand H. , Ghorbani G. R. , Khorvash M. , Kazemi‐Bonchenari M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryThe effects of sugar and forage inclusion in calves' starter and their interaction on animal performance and rumen fermentation parameters were investigated. Twenty‐eight neonatal Holstein male calves 3 days of age with average body weights of 42 ± 4 kg were allocated to four different treatments. All calves were fed a similar basal diet consisting of milk and concentrate. The experimental treatments were: (i) basal diet with no supplementation (Control, hereafter designated by C), (ii) basal diet plus 5% granular sugar cane (Sugar, designated by S), (iii) basal diet plus 5% forage (Forage, designated by F) and (iv) basal diet plus 5% forage with 5% granular sugar cane (F × S). Supplement ingredients were used on a dry matter (DM) basis. Rumen fluid parameters were measured twice on days 35 and 70 of the study period. The calves were weaned when they could consume 1 kg of starter for three consecutive days. The results show that starter intake was not affected by treatment; however, the lowest ADG was observed with calves in the sugar treatment. Weaning age was affected by treatments, and forage showed to reduce milk consumption period down to its shortest. Forage–sugar interaction was found to have no effects on animal performance. The structural body indices as well as the health status of the calves were similar in different treatments. Rumen pH did not differ among the treatment groups. Among the rumen parameters, total VFA concentration and molar proportions of butyrate and propionate did not exhibit any significant differences among the treatments. However, ruminal acetate concentration decreased in calves that fed sugar cane during the early weeks of the study period. Comparison of forage and sugar included in the starter diets revealed that forage reduced weaning age, while sugar cane had a negative effect on calves' performance.
Extensive lysine acetylation occurs in evolutionarily conserved metabolic pathways and parasite‐specific functions during Plasmodium falciparum intraerythrocytic development
Authors: Miao Jun , Lawrence Matthew , Jeffers Victoria , Zhao Fangqing , Parker Daniel , Ge Ying , Sullivan William J. , Cui Liwang 
Published: June 2013

SummaryLysine acetylation has emerged as a major post‐translational modification involved in diverse cellular functions. Using a combination of immunoisolation and liquid chromatography coupled to accurate mass spectrometry, we determined the first acetylome of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum during its active proliferation in erythrocytes with 421 acetylation sites identified in 230 proteins. Lysine‐acetylated proteins are distributed in the nucleus, cytoplasm, mitochondrion and apicoplast. Whereas occurrence of lysine acetylation in a similarly wide range of cellular functions suggests conservation of lysine acetylation through evolution, the Plasmodium acetylome also revealed significant divergence from those of other eukaryotes and even the closely related parasite Toxoplasma. This divergence is reflected in the acetylation of a large number of Plasmodium‐specific proteins and different acetylation sites in evolutionarily conserved acetylated proteins. A prominent example is the abundant acetylation of proteins in the glycolysis pathway but relatively deficient acetylation of enzymes in the citrate cycle. Using specific transgenic lines and inhibitors, we determined that the acetyltransferase PfMYST and lysine deacetylases play important roles in regulating the dynamics of cytoplasmic protein acetylation. The Plasmodium acetylome provides an exciting start point for further exploration of functions of acetylation in the biology of malaria parasites.
Prevalence of Phantom Breast Pain and Sensation Among Postmastectomy Patients Suffering from Breast Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ahmed Arif , Bhatnagar Sushma , Rana Shiv Pratap Singh , Ahmad Syed Mehmood , Joshi Saurabh , Mishra Seema 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundWith the advent of newer treatment modalities, survival rate among breast cancer patients has improved substantially over the last few years. Hence, the concern has also shifted to the impact of treatment, side effects, and the morbidities arising from disease management. Among them is the development of phantom breast pain (PBP) and sensation (PBS) after mastectomy.MethodsAfter obtaining ethical committee approval, 80 patients suffering from carcinoma breast undergoing modified radical mastectomy were enrolled into the study. They were assessed preoperatively for presence of breast pain, disease, and surgical concerns and followed up postoperatively at 6 weeks, 6 and 12 months, respectively, for development of PBP and PBS, and other associated effects.ResultsThe prevalence of PBP and PBS was 5.4%, 9.5% at 6 weeks, 8.2%, 6.8% at 6 months, and 13.6% and 17% at 12 months, respectively. There was high prevalence of depression, sleep disturbance, and anxiolytic intake among the patients with PBP and PBS (P value < 0.05).ConclusionThe prevalence of PBP and PBS was very low and of minor clinical significance. There was higher prevalence of depression, sleep disturbances, and anxiolytic intake among the patients with PBP and PBS, but it did not result in any significant impact on the patients daily activities.
Geometric Effect on the Photocrosslinking Reaction between 3‐Cyanovinylcarbazole Nucleoside and Pyrimidine Base in DNA/RNA Heteroduplex
Authors: Fujimoto Kenzo , Kishi Satomi , Sakamoto Takashi 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTo clarify the geometric effect of the ultra‐fast photocrosslinking reaction of photoreactive oligodeoxyribonucleotide containing 3‐cyanovinylcarbazole nucleoside (CNVK) on uridine in complementary RNA strands, pseudouridine (Ψ), which is an isomer of uridine with a C5–C1′ glycosidic bond, was introduced to the photocrosslink site of CNVK in complementary RNA instead of U. The photoreactivity of CNVK toward Ψ was two‐fold lower than that of U, suggesting that the geometry between the vinyl moiety on CNVK and the reactive double bond in the pyrimidine base has a large affect on the photoreactivity of CNVK. Contrary to the case of U, the reactivity of the CNVK toward Ψ was decreased by the decrease of reaction temperature below the Tm of heteroduplex, suggesting that the flexible structure of the duplex is advantageous for the photocrosslinking reaction with Ψ, whose reactive double bond possesses unfavorable geometry for the photocrosslinking reaction with CNVK. These basic findings might contribute to the development of a geometry selective photocrosslinking reaction. This is the first example of a sequence specific photocrosslinking reaction toward Ψ, which is the most abundant posttranscriptionally modified nucleoside.
A co‐infection with two gastrointestinal nematodes alters host immune responses and only partially parasite dynamics
Authors: Murphy L. , Pathak A. K. , Cattadori I. M. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryGiven their global distribution and abilities to persist in the host, helminths can play a crucial role in affecting risk of infections by increasing individual variation in infection. Helminth co‐infections are of particular interest because by altering host immune responses, they can modify host susceptibility and thus intensity and transmission of other parasites/pathogens. The dynamics of co‐infection were examined using two helminths of the European rabbit. Individuals were simultaneously challenged with a primary dose of both parasites, and changes in intensity were examined in relation to local and systemic immune responses. Both helminths persisted in co‐infected rabbits; however, contrasting dynamics and immune responses were observed. Graphidium strigosum intensity was high throughout the co‐infection, while Trichostrongylus retortaeformis intensity decreased but was not completely cleared. A Th2 response was observed against G. strigosum, while a mixed Th1/Th2 profile was found to T. retortaeformis. A comparison with our previous work on single infections showed that G. strigosum intensity was higher in co‐infected than single infected hosts, while T. retortaeformis showed no significant changes. Differences were also observed in the cytokine profiles, blood cell concentrations and antibody trends. Overall, host variability during helminth co‐infections can be generated by significant differences in immune responses and/or parasite dynamics.
Imaging African trypanosomes
Authors: MacLean L. , Myburgh E. , Rodgers J. , Price H. P. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryTrypanosoma brucei are extracellular kinetoplastid parasites transmitted by the blood‐sucking tsetse fly. They are responsible for the fatal disease human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness. In late‐stage infection, trypanosomes cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and invade the central nervous system (CNS) invariably leading to coma and death if untreated. There is no available vaccine and current late‐stage HAT chemotherapy consists of either melarsoprol, which is highly toxic causing up to 8% of deaths, or nifurtimox–eflornithine combination therapy (NECT), which is costly and difficult to administer. There is therefore an urgent need to identify new late‐stage HAT drug candidates. Here, we review how current imaging tools, ranging from fluorescent confocal microscopy of live immobilized cells in culture to whole‐animal imaging, are providing insight into T. brucei biology, parasite‐host interplay, trypanosome CNS invasion and disease progression. We also consider how imaging tools can be used for candidate drug screening purposes that could lead to new chemotherapies.
Cultured Mast Cells from Patients with Asthma and Controls Respond with Similar Sensitivity to Recombinant Der P2‐Induced, IgE‐Mediated Activation
Authors: Krohn I. K. , Sverrild A. , Lund G. , Dahl R. , Erjefält J. S. , Backer V. , Hoffmann H. J. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe function of cultured mast cells may depend on genetic or environmental influence on the stem cell donor. This study investigates whether asthma or atopy in the donor influenced the growth and sensitivity of mast cells cultured from patients with asthma and healthy controls under identical conditions. Mast cells were cultured from peripheral blood from twelve patients with an objectively confirmed asthma diagnosis and eight healthy subjects. During the last 2 weeks of culture, mast cells were incubated with IL‐4 and 80 kU/l recombinant human IgE containing two clones (7% + 7%) specific for mite allergen Der p2. The sensitivity of IgE‐mediated activation of mast cells was investigated as FcεRI‐mediated upregulation of CD63. Ten subjects were atopic, defined as a positive skin prick test (>3 mm) to at least one of ten common allergens. After activation with recombinant Der p2, the maximum CD63 median fluorescence intensity was 20 456 ± 1640 (SE) for patients with asthma and 22 275 ± 1971 (SE) for controls (ns). The fraction of CD63 positive cells was 54.4% in patients with asthma and 48.4% in controls (ns). The allergen concentration inducing 50% of the maximal CD63 response was similar in patients with asthma [−0.4795 log ng/ml ± 0.092 (SE)] and controls (−0.6351 log ng/ml ± 0.083, ns) and in atopic and non‐atopic subjects. When cultured, sensitized and activated under identical conditions, mast cells from allergic asthmatics and healthy controls respond similar. Activation of cultured mast cells appears to depend on culture conditions (IL‐4, IgE) rather than on donor status as atopy and asthma.
Will the Renminbi Emerge as an International Reserve Currency?
Authors: Lee Jong‐Wha 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe global reserve system can be strengthened by increasing the role of alternative currencies. A gradual evolution to a multicurrency system reduces pressure on a single reserve currency issuer from an ever‐growing balance‐of‐payments deficit. It also allows countries to better diversify their foreign exchange holdings. Given the continuing strong economic growth in the China and its growing influence on the world economy, the renminbi will likely emerge as a new international currency. However, this is contingent on the China accepting a more convertible capital account and developing an efficient financial system. Internationalising the renminbi will likely be a gradual and drawn‐out process. Simulations show that, with greater convertibility, the renminbi could gradually become an international currency within Asia and beyond – sharing from 3 to 12 per cent of international reserves by 2035.
The Evolution of Price Dispersion in China's Passenger Car Markets
Authors: Yu Linhui , Lu Jiangyong , Luo Pinliang 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis research identified the rising price dispersion of passenger cars in Chinese cities during the period from 2004 to 2006. The sources of the price differentials were then further explored. The theoretical and empirical analyses suggest that the income effect (as reflected by income differentials across Chinese cities) and the competition effect (as reflected by car supply differentials across Chinese cities) largely account for regional automobile price differentials across China.
COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHIC FEATURES OF BASIHYOID ECTOPIC THYROID CARCINOMA IN DOGS
Authors: Rossi F , Caleri E , Bacci B , Drees R , Groth A , Hammond G , Vignoli M , Schwarz T 
Published: June 2013

AbstractEight dogs with a firm, nonpainful swelling in the ventral laryngeal region and with a final diagnosis of ectopic thyroid carcinoma were investigated by Computed Tomography (CT) at six different institutions. Computed Tomography findings were reviewed, focusing on lesion volume, shape, margins, relationship with surrounding structures and adjacent vessels, attenuation characteristics, and presence of metastases. Ectopic thyroid carcinomas were seen as oval‐to‐bilobed masses centered on the basihyoid bone with associated bone lysis, highly vascularized capsules with central poorly contrast enhancing areas. In all cases there was laryngeal wall infiltration, in two dogs invasion of the laryngeal lumen and in one case invasion of the ventral muscular and subcutaneous plane. Metastases were found in retropharyngeal lymph nodes (three cases) and in the lung (two cases). Ectopic thyroid carcinoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis when a mass in the basihyoid region is present. Described CT features may be typical for ectopic thyroid neoplasia and could be used to help decide the therapeutic plan.
Effect
of Nonideal Solution Behavior on Desalination of a Sodium Chloride Solution and Comparison to
Seawater
Authors: Mistry Karan
H. , Lienhard John
H. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Proper evaluation of the Gibbs free energy and other properties of seawater and other aqueous solutions is essential in the analysis of desalination systems. Standard seawater has been studied extensively and property data are readily accessible. However, many aqueous solutions requiring desalination have significantly different compositions from seawater and seawater data are generally not accurate for these solutions. Experimental data for a given aqueous solution may be unavailable under the conditions of interest. Therefore, there is a need to model relevant physical properties from chemical thermodynamic principles. In particular, for solutions that are not ideal, the activity and fugacity coefficients must be considered. In this paper, the effect of nonidealities in sodium chloride (NaCl) solutions is considered through a parametric study of the least work of separation for a desalination system. This study is used to determine the conditions under which the ideal solution approximation is valid and also to determine when an NaCl solution is a good approximation to standard seawater. It is found that the ideal solution approximation is reasonable within ranges of salinities and recovery ratios typical of those found in the seawater desalination industry because many of the nonidealities cancel out, but not because the solution behaves ideally. Additionally, it is found that NaCl solutions closely approximate natural seawater only at salinities typically found in seawater and not for salinities found in typical brackish waters.
A tooth of
Edestus
from the early Pennsylvanian of Cheshire, UK
Authors: Itano Wayne M. 
Published: June 2013

Summary:

An isolated tooth belonging to the chondrichthyan genus
Edestus
Leidy 1856, has been found near Bollington, Cheshire, England, in beds of the Yeadonian Substage of the Namurian Stage (Bashkirian Standard Stage, Pennsylvanian Subsystem). The tooth is tentatively referred to
Edestus newtoni
Woodward 1917, based on similarity of the crown morphology to that of the holotype and only previously known specimen. It shows some differences from the holotype, which probably represent variation within the species. The extended base distinguishes it from
Carcharopsis
Agassiz 1843, a genus which is not closely related to
Edestus
, but which is sometimes mistaken for it. Several teeth from the Serpukhovian Stage (upper Mississippian) of Britain and Ireland, previously considered to represent a new species of
Edestus
, are referred to
Carcharopsis
.
Perioperative use of a beta blocker in coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Ogawa Shinji , Okawa Yasuhide , Goto Yoshihiro , Aoki Masakazu , Baba Hiroshi 
Published: June 2013

Objectives: Atrial fibrillation after cardiac surgery is associated with increases in the risk of complications, length of intensive care unit stay, and cost of care. Beta blockers are effective for controlling myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia and suppressing inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of administrating a short-acting beta-adrenoceptor antagonist, landiolol, on postoperative atrial fibrillation. Methods: 136 patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting were single-blindly assigned randomly to landiolol ( n = 68) and non-landiolol (control, n = 68) groups. In the landiolol group, the beta blocker was administered from the beginning of the operation until postoperative day 2. The primary endpoint was the incidence of atrial fibrillation until postoperative day 7, and the secondary endpoints were the postoperative levels of troponin I, creatine kinase MB-isoenzyme, and C-reactive protein. Results: The incidence of atrial fibrillation was significantly lower in the landiolol group compared to the control group (13/68, 19% vs. 25/68, 37%, p = 0.02, logrank test). Landiolol also significantly reduced the postoperative peak C-reactive protein level compared to the control group (132 ± 55.4 vs. 161 ± 50.9 mgċL−1, p = 0.004). Conclusion: Low-dose continuous infusion of landiolol reduced the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation, and significantly suppressed inflammation.