bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of miRNAs in Bull Spermatozoa Correlates with Fertility Rates
Authors: Fagerlind M , Stålhammar H , Olsson B , Klinga‐Levan K 
Published: May 2015

ContentsBull spermatozoa are rich in active miRNAs, and it has been shown that specific spermborne miRNAs can be linked to fertility. Thus, expression profiling of spermatozoa could be helpful for understanding male fertility and the ability of spermatozoa to initiate and sustain zygotic, embryonic and foetal development. Herein we hypothesized that bulls with moderate to high fertility can be identified by differences in amounts of certain miRNAs between their ejaculates. RNA samples from spermatozoa of eight brother pairs (one bull with high and one with moderate NRR in each pair) of the Holstein breed were prepared. miRNA was isolated, and the expression of 178 miRNAs was determined by RT‐qPCR. Important findings were that highly expressed miRNAs, not linked to NRR status, were identified in the bull sperm samples, which indicate that these miRNAs have an important role in early embryogenesis. A large fraction of the targets genes were phosphoproteins and genes involved in the regulation of transcription. Seven miRNAs (mir‐502‐5p, mir‐1249, mir‐320a, mir‐34c‐3p, mir‐19b‐3p, mir‐27a‐5p and mir‐148b‐3p) were differentially expressed between bulls with moderate and high NRR with a strong tendency towards a higher expression of miRNAs in bulls with moderate fertility. Thus, bulls with a moderate NRR negatively regulate the expression of protein‐coding genes, which leads to problems during the pregnancy.
Human Atopic Dermatitis Skin‐derived T Cells can Induce a Reaction in Mouse Keratinocytes in vivo
Authors: Martel B. C. , Blom L. , Dyring‐Andersen B. , Skov L. , Thestrup‐Pedersen K. , Skov S. , Skak K. , Poulsen L. K. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn atopic dermatitis (AD), the inflammatory response between skin‐infiltrating T cells and keratinocytes is fundamental to the development of chronic lesional eczema. The aim of this study was to investigate whether skin‐derived T cells from AD patients could induce an inflammatory response in mice through keratinocyte activation and consequently cause the development of eczematous lesions. Punch biopsies of the lesional skin from AD patients were used to establish skin‐derived T cell cultures, which were transferred to NOD.Cg‐Prkdscid Il2rgtm1Sug/JicTac (NOG) mice. We found that the subcutaneous injection of the human AD skin‐derived T cells resulted in the migration of the human T cells from subcutis to the papillary dermis followed by the development of erythema and oedema in the mouse skin. Furthermore, the human T cells induced a transient proliferative response in the mouse keratinocytes shown as increased numbers of Ki‐67+ keratinocytes and increased epidermal thickness. Out of six established AD skin‐derived T cell cultures, two were superior at inducing a skin reaction in the mice, and these cultures were found to contain >10% CCR10+ T cells compared to <2% for the other cultures. In comparison, blood‐derived in vitro‐differentiated Th2 cells only induced a weak response in a few of the mice. Thus, we conclude that human AD skin‐derived T cells can induce a reaction in the mouse skin through the induction of a proliferative response in the mouse keratinocytes.
Training counting skills and working memory in preschool
Authors: Kyttälä Minna , Kanerva Kaisa , Kroesbergen Evelyn 
Published: May 2015

Previous studies have shown that early numeracy skills predict later mathematics learning and that they can be improved by training. Cognitive abilities, especially working memory (WM), play an important role in early numeracy, as well. Several studies have shown that working memory is related to early numeracy. So far, existing literature offers a good few examples of studies in which WM training has led to improvements in early numerical performance as well. In this study, we aim at investigating the effects of two different training conditions: (1) counting training; and (2) simultaneous training of WM and counting on five‐ to six‐year‐old preschoolers' (N = 61) counting skills. The results show that domain‐specific training in mathematical skills is more effective in improving early numerical performance than WM and counting training combined. Based on our results, preschool‐aged children do not seem to benefit from short period group training of WM skills. However, because of several intervening factors, one should not conclude that young children's WM training is ineffectual. Instead, future studies should be conducted to further investigate the issue.
Transition and Adaptation: An Analysis of Adaption Strategies Amongst Danish Farm Families from 1980–2008
Authors: Andrade Stefan B. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article analyses how Danish farm families adapted to harsh and changing conditions in the period after the great western agricultural crisis in the early 1980s. Drawing on Bourdieu's concepts of habitus and adaptation, I analyse the creation and consolidation of different class fractions amongst farm families due to different adaptation strategies. The data contain information about the population of self‐employed farmers and their families who were between 30–35 years old in 1980 (n = 9,123). Using sequence analysis, I examine farm families' adaptation strategies for maintaining their agricultural production annually from 1980–2008. The result is a five‐farmer typology that, together with logit regression models including background covariates, reveals how the farm families' adaptation strategies relate to educational level, financial situation, family composition and whether the farmer can receive help from a spouse or other close family members.
The Phosphoinositide‐Gated Lysosomal Ca2+ Channel, TRPML1, Is Required for Phagosome Maturation
Authors: Dayam Roya M. , Saric Amra , Shilliday Ryan E. , Botelho Roberto J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMacrophages internalize and sequester pathogens into a phagosome. Phagosomes then sequentially fuse with endosomes and lysosomes, converting into degradative phagolysosomes. Phagosome maturation is a complex process that requires regulators of the endosomal pathway including the phosphoinositide lipids. Phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate and phosphatidylinositol‐3,5‐bisphosphate (PtdIns(3,5)P2), which respectively control early endosomes and late endolysosomes, are both required for phagosome maturation. Inhibition of PIKfyve, which synthesizes PtdIns(3,5)P2, blocked phagosome–lysosome fusion and abated the degradative capacity of phagosomes. However, it is not known how PIKfyve and PtdIns(3,5)P2 participate in phagosome maturation. TRPML1 is a PtdIns(3,5)P2‐gated lysosomal Ca2+ channel. Because Ca2+ triggers membrane fusion, we postulated that TRPML1 helps mediate phagosome–lysosome fusion. Using Fcγ receptor‐mediated phagocytosis as a model, we describe our research showing that silencing of TRPML1 hindered phagosome acquisition of lysosomal markers and reduced the bactericidal properties of phagosomes. Specifically, phagosomes isolated from TRPML1‐silenced cells were decorated with lysosomes that docked but did not fuse. We could rescue phagosome maturation in TRPML1‐silenced and PIKfyve‐inhibited cells by forcible Ca2+ release with ionomycin. We also provide evidence that cytosolic Ca2+ concentration increases upon phagocytosis in a manner dependent on TRPML1 and PIKfyve. Overall, we propose a model where PIKfyve and PtdIns(3,5)P2 activate TRPML1 to induce phagosome–lysosome fusion.
Effect of Presurgical Iodine‐Based Disinfection on Bacterial Colonization of the Equine Peripodal Region
Authors: Johnson Jessica , Messier Serge , Meulyzer Michael , Vinardell Tatiana , Marcoux Marcel , David Florent 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo compare bacterial colonization after diluted iodine tincture or povidone iodine solution for presurgical disinfection of the equine peripodal region.Study designComplete block design.AnimalsFive horses.MethodsDisinfection protocols using iodine tincture or povidone iodine solutions were tested on 5 pairs (n = 10) equine front feet. Iodine tincture was applied to the left feet and povidone iodine to the right feet. Fixed surfaces of the sole, frog, hoof wall, and peripodal skin were swabbed pre‐preparation (T0), after a standard pre‐disinfection step (T1), after short disinfection with a 4‐minute application of 0.5% iodine tincture or povidone iodine (T2), and after long disinfection with 12‐hour soaking in 0.25% iodine tincture or povidone iodine (T3). Quantitative bacteriology was performed on each swab.ResultsThe frog and sole were the most contaminated sites compared to hoof wall and skin at T0. Bacterial counts were significantly decreased at T2 for both solutions. Bacterial counts did not change significantly with iodine tincture at T3 but increased with povidone iodine compared to T2. Skin abrasions were detected on almost all feet but were subjectively more severe on iodine tincture‐treated feet.ConclusionSoaking for 12 hours with either iodine tincture or povidone iodine is not recommended as these solutions damaged the skin and bacterial recolonization was noted with povidone iodine. Four‐minute disinfection using either iodine tincture or povidone iodine (0.5% available iodine) is appropriate for presurgical preparation of the equine peripodal region.
Effect of Osteotomy Position and Tibial Plateau Rotation on the Tensile Force Required for Failure of the Canine Quadriceps Mechanism
Authors: Hamilton Katie , Tarlton John , Parsons Kevin , Toscano Mike , Burton Neil 
Published: May 2015

ObjectiveTo measure the tensile force required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism with different tibial tuberosity widths and different degrees of rotation of the tibial plateau after radial osteotomy of the proximal tibia.Study DesignEx vivostudy, randomized unblocked designAnimalsThirty‐five hind limbs from 18 adult Greyhound cadavers.MethodsPart 1 (15 limbs)—The center of rotation of the proximal tibial radial osteotomy was advanced craniodistally, progressively reducing absolute tibial tuberosity width (ATTW) for 5 different widths. Part 2 (21 limbs)—Tibial plateau rotation was performed at a set ATTW. Rotation was varied as a function of tibial tuberosity position with rotation proximal, level with, or distal to the tuberosity. All 35 limbs were tested with force applied via the quadriceps mechanism until construct failure occurred.ResultsAll but 2 limbs failed by fracture of the tibial tuberosity. The tensile force required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism increased linearly with increasing ATTW. Significantly less force (P = .016) was required for failure of the quadriceps mechanism when the rotation of the tibial plateau was distal to the level of the patella tendon (mean 1,877 N) compared to when it was above the level of the patella tendon (mean 2,533 N). Rotation of the tibial plateau distal to the level of the patella tendon insertion point resulted in fracture at the base of the tibial tuberosity, level with the tibial plateau buttress.ConclusionThe overwhelming mode of failure of the quadriceps mechanism was by tibial tuberosity fracture, thus this was the weakest part of the construct. Reducing the tibial tuberosity width and rotation of the tibial plateau segment below the patella tendon insertion decreased the force required for tibial tuberosity fracture. These results support the idea of a safe point with the tibial plateau segment providing buttress to the tibial tuberosity.
Germination ecology of five arable Ranunculaceae species
Authors: Torra J , Royo‐Esnal A , Recasens J 
Published: May 2015

SummaryGermination and emergence are critical life stages for annual plants and so their full understanding is essential for managing arable plant populations. This study investigated the most important species‐specific environmental cues that regulate seed germination and emergence (temperature and light) of the arable Ranunculaceae species Consolida orientalis, Consolida pubescens, Delphinium gracile, Delphinium halteratum ssp. verdunense and Nigella gallica, to propose management strategies for their preservation in agro‐ecosystems. Growth chamber and outdoor pot experiments were conducted for two consecutive seasons to analyse light (complete darkness or 12 h light) and temperature (5/10, 5/15 and 10/20°C) requirements and emergence patterns. The relative light germination requirement (ΔGlight), which extends from −100 (complete darkness) to 100 (light), was estimated. Weibull functions were fitted to observed emergence (%) in pots. For all species, germination was higher in complete darkness than with a light regime (−60 < ΔGlight < −95). This dark requirement indicates better germination for buried seeds. A tillage operation just after seed shed is therefore recommended. Consolida spp. germinate and emerge almost exclusively in autumn–winter, while Delphinium spp. and N. gallica can also germinate in spring. These arable plants would be able to adapt to delayed sowings, an important strategy for avoiding early‐emerging competitive weeds. Facultative winter‐germinating species could face early herbicide treatments if sufficient emergence occurs in winter–spring. These results bring new information to help develop conservation strategies for these species in agro‐ecosystems.
Activation of intestinal spinal afferent endings by changes in intra‐mesenteric arterial pressure
Authors: Humenick A. , Chen B. N. , Wiklendt L. , Spencer N. J. , Zagorodnyuk V. P. , Dinning P. G. , Costa M. , Brookes S. J. H. 
Published: May 2015

Key points
A major class of mechano‐nociceptors to the intestine have mechanotransduction sites on extramural and intramural arteries and arterioles (‘vascular afferents’).
These sensory neurons can be activated by compression or axial stretch of vessels.
Using isolated preparations we showed that increasing intra‐arterial pressure, within the physiological range, activated mechano‐nociceptors on vessels in intact mesenteric arcades, but not in isolated arteries. This suggests that distortion of the branching vascular tree is the mechanical adequate stimulus for these sensory neurons, rather than simple distension.
The same rises in pressure also activated intestinal peristalsis in a partially capsaicin‐sensitive manner indicating that pressure‐sensitive vascular afferents influence enteric circuits.
The results identify the mechanical adequate stimulus for a major class of mechano‐nociceptors with endings on blood vessels supplying the gut wall; these afferents have similar endings to ones supplying other viscera, striated muscle and dural vessels.
AbstractSpinal sensory neurons innervate many large blood vessels throughout the body. Their activation causes the hallmarks of neurogenic inflammation: vasodilatation through the release of the neuropeptide calcitonin gene‐related peptide and plasma extravasation via tachykinins. The same vasodilator afferent neurons show mechanical sensitivity, responding to crushing, compression or axial stretch of blood vessels – responses which activate pain pathways and which can be modified by cell damage and inflammation. In the present study, we tested whether spinal afferent axons ending on branching mesenteric arteries (‘vascular afferents’) are sensitive to increased intravascular pressure. From a holding pressure of 5 mmHg, distension to 20, 40, 60 or 80 mmHg caused graded, slowly adapting increases in firing of vascular afferents. Many of the same afferent units showed responses to axial stretch, which summed with responses evoked by raised pressure. Many vascular afferents were also sensitive to raised temperature, capsaicin and/or local compression with von Frey hairs. However, responses to raised pressure in single, isolated vessels were negligible, suggesting that the adequate stimulus is distortion of the arterial arcade rather than distension per se. Increasing arterial pressure often triggered peristaltic contractions in the neighbouring segment of intestine, an effect that was mimicked by acute exposure to capsaicin (1 μm) and which was reduced after desensitisation to capsaicin. These results indicate that sensory fibres with perivascular endings are sensitive to pressure‐induced distortion of branched arteries, in addition to compression and axial stretch, and that they contribute functional inputs to enteric motor circuits.
Depressed perivascular sensory innervation of mouse mesenteric arteries with advanced age
Authors: Boerman Erika M. , Segal Steven S. 
Published: May 2015

Key points
The dilatory role for sensory innervation of mesenteric arteries (MAs) is impaired in Old (∼24 months) versus Young (∼4 months) mice. We investigated the nature of this impairment in isolated pressurized MAs.
With perivascular sensory nerve stimulation, dilatation and inhibition of sympathetic vasoconstriction observed in Young MAs were lost in Old MAs along with impaired dilatation to calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP).
Inhibiting NO and prostaglandin synthesis increased CGRP EC50 in Young and Old MAs. Endothelial denudation attenuated dilatation to CGRP in Old MAs yet enhanced dilatation to CGRP in Young MAs while abolishing all dilatations to ACh.
In Old MAs, sensory nerve density was reduced and RAMP1 (CGRP receptor component) associated with nuclear regions of endothelial cells in a manner not seen in Young MAs or in smooth muscle cells of either age.
With advanced age, loss of dilatory signalling mediated through perivascular sensory nerves may compromise perfusion of visceral organs.
AbstractVascular dysfunction and sympathetic nerve activity increase with advancing age. In the gut, blood flow is governed by perivascular sensory and sympathetic nerves but little is known of how their functional role is affected by advanced age. We tested the hypothesis that functional sensory innervation of mesenteric arteries (MAs) is impaired for Old (24 months) versus Young (4 months) C57BL/6 male mice. In cannulated pressurized MAs preconstricted 50% with noradrenaline and treated with guanethidine (to inhibit sympathetic neurotransmission), perivascular nerve stimulation (PNS) evoked dilatation in Young but not Old MAs while dilatations to ACh were not different between age groups. In Young MAs, capsaicin (to inhibit sensory neurotransmission) blocked dilatation and increased constriction during PNS. With no difference in efficacy, the EC50 of CGRP as a vasodilator was ∼6‐fold greater in Old versus Young MAs. Inhibiting nitric oxide (l‐NAME) and prostaglandin (indomethacin) synthesis increased CGRP EC50 in both age groups. Endothelial denudation reduced the efficacy of dilatation to CGRP by ∼30% in Old MAs yet increased this efficacy ∼15% in Young MAs while all dilatations to ACh were abolished. Immunolabelling revealed reduced density of sensory (CGRP) but not sympathetic (tyrosine hydroxylase) innervation for Old versus Young MAs. Whereas the distribution of CGRP receptor proteins was similar in SMCs, RAMP1 associated with nuclear regions of endothelial cells of Old but not Young MAs. With advanced age, the loss of sensory nerve function and diminished effectiveness of CGRP as a vasodilator is multifaceted and may adversely affect splanchnic perfusion.
High burden and pervasive positive selection of somatic mutations in normal human skin
Authors: Martincorena Iñigo , Roshan Amit , Gerstung Moritz , Ellis Peter , Van Loo Peter , McLaren Stuart , Wedge David C. , Fullam Anthony , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Tubio Jose M. , Stebbings Lucy , Menzies Andrew , Widaa Sara , Stratton Michael R. , Jones Philip H. , Campbell Peter J. 
Published: May 2015

Normal skin's curiously abnormal genomeWithin every tumor, a battle is being waged. As individual tumor cells acquire new mutations that promote their survival and growth, they clonally expand at the expense of tumor cells that are “less fit.” Martincorenaet al.sequenced 234 biopsies of sun-exposed but physiologically normal skin from four individuals (see the Perspective by Brash). They found a surprisingly high burden of mutations, higher than that of many tumors. Many of the mutations known to drive the growth of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas were already under strong positive selection. More than a quarter of normal skin cells carried a driver mutation, and every square centimeter of skin contained hundreds of competing mutant clones.Science, this issue p.880; see also p.867
Draft Genome Sequence of a Papaverine-Degrading, Gram-positive
Arthrobacter
sp., Isolated from Soil Near Hohenheim, Germany
Authors: Reznicek Ondrej , Facey Sandra J. , Hauer Bernhard 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

We present the 4.8-Mb draft genome of a soil bacterium identified as
Arthrobacter
sp. This Gram-positive soil bacterium is able to use the aromatic compound papaverine as sole carbon source and will be examined for novel oxygenases.
Complete Genome Sequence of Streptococcus thermophilus SMQ-301, a Model Strain for Phage-Host Interactions
Authors: Labrie Simon J. , Tremblay Denise M. , Plante Pier-Luc , Wasserscheid Jessica , Dewar Ken , Corbeil Jacques , Moineau Sylvain 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Streptococcus thermophilus
is used by the dairy industry to manufacture yogurt and several cheeses. Using PacBio and Illumina platforms, we sequenced the genome of
S. thermophilus
SMQ-301, the host of several virulent phages. The genome is composed of 1,861,792 bp and contains 2,037 genes, 67 tRNAs, and 18 rRNAs.
Genome Sequence of Anoxybacillus thermarum AF/04
T
, Isolated from the Euganean Hot Springs in Abano Terme, Italy
Authors: Poli Annarita , Nicolaus Barbara , Chan Kok-Gan , Kahar Ummirul Mukminin , Chan Chia Sing , Goh Kian Mau 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Anoxybacillus thermarum
AF/04
T
was isolated from the Euganean hot springs in Abano Terme, Italy. The present work reports a high-quality draft genome sequence of strain AF/04
T
. This work also provides useful insights into glycoside hydrolases, glycoside transferases, and sugar transporters that may be involved in cellular carbohydrate metabolism.
Complete Genome Sequence of Linezolid-Susceptible Staphylococcus haemolyticus Sh29/312/L2, a Clonal Derivative of a Linezolid-Resistant Clinical Strain
Authors: de Almeida Lara M. , Pires Carlos , Cerdeira Louise T. , de Oliveira Théo G. M. , McCulloch John Anthony , Perez-Chaparro Paula Juliana , Sacramento Andrey G. , Brito Artemir C. , da Silva Joás L. , de Araújo Maria Rita E. , Lincopan Nilton , Martin Melissa J. , Gilmore Michael S. , Mamizuka Elsa M. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

We report the whole-genome sequence (WGS) of an
in vitro
susceptible derivative revertant mutant from a bloodstream isolate involved in a nosocomial outbreak in Brazil. The WGS comprises 2.5 Mb with 2,500 protein-coding sequences, 16rRNA genes, and 60 tRNA genes.
Draft Genome Sequence of a Drug-Susceptible New Zealand Isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Lineage 3
Authors: Mac Aogáin Micheál , Bower James E. , Basu Indira , Freeman Joshua T. , O’Toole Ronan F. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

We report here the draft whole-genome sequence of a drug-susceptible lineage 3 (East-African Indian) isolate of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
from New Zealand (NZ3DS1) and compare it to a multidrug-resistant lineage 3 isolate (NZ3MDR1) with an identical 24-locus mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit–variable-number tandem-repeat profile.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus from a Novel Outbreak in Belgium, January 2015
Authors: Theuns Sebastiaan , Conceição-Neto Nádia , Christiaens Isaura , Zeller Mark , Desmarets Lowiese M. B. , Roukaerts Inge D. M. , Acar Delphine D. , Heylen Elisabeth , Matthijnssens Jelle , Nauwynck Hans J. 
Published: May 2015

ABSTRACT

Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) is a member of the family
Coronaviridae
and can cause severe outbreaks of diarrhea in piglets from different age groups. Here, we report the complete genome sequence (28,028 nt) of a PEDV strain isolated during a novel outbreak in Belgium.