bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing the efficiency of generating genetically engineered pigs by nuclear transfer: multi-factorial analysis of a large data set
Authors: Kurome Mayuko , Geistlinger Ludwig , Kessler Barbara , Zakhartchenko Valeri , Klymiuk Nikolai , Wuensch Annegret , Richter Anne , Baehr Andrea , Kraehe Katrin , Burkhardt Katinka , Flisikowski Krzysztof , Flisikowska Tatiana , Merkl Claudia , Landmann Martina , Durkovic Marina , Tschukes Alexander , Kraner Simone , Schindelhauer Dirk , Petri Tobias , Kind Alexander , Nagashima Hiroshi , Schnieke Angelika , Zimmer Ralf , Wolf Eckhard 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) using genetically engineered donor cells is currently the most widely used strategy to generate tailored pig models for biomedical research. Although this approach facilitates a similar spectrum of genetic modifications as in rodent models, the outcome in terms of live cloned piglets is quite variable. In this study, we aimed at a comprehensive analysis of environmental and experimental factors that are substantially influencing the efficiency of generating genetically engineered pigs. Based on a considerably large data set from 274 SCNT experiments (in total 18,649 reconstructed embryos transferred into 193 recipients), performed over a period of three years, we assessed the relative contribution of season, type of genetic modification, donor cell source, number of cloning rounds, and pre-selection of cloned embryos for early development to the cloning efficiency.

Results
109 (56%) recipients became pregnant and 85 (78%) of them gave birth to offspring. Out of 318 cloned piglets, 243 (76%) were alive, but only 97 (40%) were clinically healthy and showed normal development. The proportion of stillborn piglets was 24% (75/318), and another 31% (100/318) of the cloned piglets died soon after birth. The overall cloning efficiency, defined as the number of offspring born per SCNT embryos transferred, including only recipients that delivered, was 3.95%. SCNT experiments performed during winter using fetal fibroblasts or kidney cells after additive gene transfer resulted in the highest number of live and healthy offspring, while two or more rounds of cloning and nuclear transfer experiments performed during summer decreased the number of healthy offspring.

Conclusion
Although the effects of individual factors may be different between various laboratories, our results and analysis strategy will help to identify and optimize the factors, which are most critical to cloning success in programs aiming at the generation of genetically engineered pig models.
X-ray irradiation promotes apoptosis of hippocampal neurons through up-regulation of Cdk5 and p25
Authors: Sun Ai-Min , Li Chuan-Gang , Han Yong-Qing , Liu Que-Ling , Xia Qiong , Yuan Ya-Wei 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Cranial radiation therapy has been used for the treatment of primary and metastatic brain tumors. A prominent feature of brain injury induced by the radiation therapy is hippocampal dysfunction, characterized by a decline in memory. Cdk5 plays an important role in memory formation. Abnormal Cdk5 activity is associated with neuronal apoptosis induced by neurotoxic stimuli. However, the roles of Cdk5 in hippocampal apoptosis in response to X-ray irradiation have not been explored.

Methods
The expression of Cdk5 activators, p35 and p25, in hippocampal neurons was tested in both in vivo animal and in vitro couture after X-ray irradiation.

Results
After X-ray irradiation at 20 Gy and 30 Gy in rats, the number of hippocampal neuronal pyknosis was increased, but the number of hippocampal neuron was decreased, in the hippocampal CA1 region of rats. In these animals undergone with X-ray irradiation, the expression of p35 was significantly down-regulated, but it was up-regulated in p25. These opposite expressions were also shown in the primary cultured hippocampal neurons with 30 Gy irradiation. The apoptosis induced by X-ray irradiation were significantly prevented by the pretreatment of Cdk5 inhibitor, roscovitine, in both in vivo and in vitro settings.

Conclusions
X-ray irradiation resulted in a hippocampal neuronal apoptosis through up-regulation of p25, the Cdk5 activator. Hyperactivity of Cdk5 was involved in the pathogenesis of X-ray irradiation-induced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Blockade of Cdk5 signal pathway effectively protected neurons from the irradiation-induced brain injury.
Expressions of candidate molecules in the human fallopian tube and chorionic villi of tubal pregnancy exposed to levonorgestrel emergency contraception
Authors: Huang Changxiao , Zhang Mei , Meng Chunxia , Shi Wei , Sun Lulu , Zhang Jian 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Cases of ectopic pregnancy (EP) following levonorgestrel (LNG) emergency contraception (EC) failure were reported, however, the effects of LNG on tubal microenvironment or chorionic villi in EP have not yet been documented.

Methods
Fifty-five women with tubal pregnancy were divided into two groups according to whether LNG-EC was administrated during the cycle of conception. The serum concentrations of beta-hCG, E2 and P were measured. The mRNA and protein expressions of estrogen and progesterone receptors, leukemia inhibitory factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and endocannabinoid receptor - CB1 in the ectopic implantation site and chorionic villi were examined.

Results
Compared to those unexposed to LNG-EC, women with tubal pregnancy exposed to LNG-EC during the cycle of conception had no statistically significances in the serum concentrations of beta-hCG, E2 P, nor in the pathological types of tubal pregnancy or the expressions of ER-alpha, PR, LIF, VEGF, iNOS and CB1.

Conclusions
The expressions of candidate molecules in the fallopian tube and chorionic villi were not altered by exposure to LNG-EC. A routine therapy with no additional intervention might thus be applied to tubal pregnancy exposed to LNG-EC.
Proteomic analysis of human spermatozoa proteins with oxidative stress
Authors: Sharma Rakesh , Agarwal Ashok , Mohanty Gayatri , Hamada Alaa J , Gopalan Banu , Willard Belinda , Yadav Satya , du Plessis Stefan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundOxidative stress plays a key role in the etiology of male infertility. Significant alterations in the sperm proteome are associated with poor semen quality. The aim of the present study was to examine if elevated levels of reactive oxygen species cause an alteration in the proteomic profile of spermatozoa.MethodsThis prospective study consisted of 52 subjects: 32 infertile men and 20 normal donors. Seminal ejaculates were classified as ROS+ or ROS- and evaluated for their proteomic profile. Samples were pooled and subjected to LC-MS/MS analysis through in-solution digestion of proteins for peptide characterization. The expression profile of proteins present in human spermatozoa was examined using proteomic and bioinformatic analysis to elucidate the regulatory pathways of oxidative stress.ResultsOf the 74 proteins identified, 10 proteins with a 2-fold difference were overexpressed and 5 were underexpressed in the ROS+ group; energy metabolism and regulation, carbohydrate metabolic processes such as gluconeogenesis and glycolysis, protein modifications and oxidative stress regulation were some of the metabolic processes affected in ROS+ group.ConclusionsWe have identified proteins involved in a variety of functions associated with response and management of oxidative stress. In the present study we focused on proteins that showed a high degree of differential expression and thus, have a greater impact on the fertilizing potential of the spermatozoa. While proteomic analyses identified the potential biomarkers, further studies through Western Blot are necessary to validate the biomarker status of the proteins in pathological conditions.
Nanopore detection of DNA molecules in magnesium chloride solutions
Authors: Zhang Yin , Liu Lei , Sha Jingjie , Ni Zhonghua , Yi Hong , Chen Yunfei 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
High translocation speed of a DNA strand through a nanopore is a major bottleneck fornanopore detection of DNA molecules. Here, we choose MgCl2 electrolyte assalt solution to control DNA mobility. Experimental results demonstrate that theduration time for straight state translocation events in 1 M MgCl2solution is about 1.3 ms which is about three times longer than that for thesame DNA in 1 M KCl solution. This is because Mg2+ ions caneffectively reduce the surface charge density of the negative DNA strands and thenlead to the decrease of the DNA electrophoretic speed. It is also found that theMg2+ ions can induce the DNA molecules binding together and reduce theprobability of straight DNA translocation events. The nanopore with small diametercan break off the bound DNA strands and increase the occurrence probability ofstraight DNA translocation events.
Ethnobotanic importance of plants used in pigeon-breeding in Eastern Spain
Authors: Belda Antonio , Cortés Carolina , Peiró Victoriano 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Background
The importance that birds of the Columbidae family have had throughout history is visible on the Mediterranean coast. Pigeon fancying is the art of breeding and training carrier pigeons and currently, several breeds exist. The sport of racing pigeons consists in covering a distance at maximum possible speed. However, pigeon breeding has another modality called “sport pigeon”, where several males follow a female. This study focusses on ethnobotanical knowledge of native and exotic plant species that are used for diet, breeding, stimulation, healing illnesses and staining the plumage of pigeons bred in captivity.

Methods
Using semi-structured interviews, we gathered information about the different plant species traditionally used for pigeon-breeding in the region of Valencia. Background material on remedies for bird illnesses was gathered from folk botanical references, local books and journals.The plant species were collected in the study area, then identified in the laboratory using dichotomous keys and vouchered in the ABH (Herbarium of Alicante University). We used Excel ® 2003 to perform a simple statistical analysis of the data collected.

Results
We collected 56 species of plants (and one variety) that included 29 botanical families. The total number of species was made up of 35 cultivated and 21 wild plants. The most common were Gramineae (14 species), Leguminosae (6 species), and Compositae (4 species).

Conclusions
Pigeon breeding is an immensely popular activity in Eastern Spain, and ethnobiological knowledge about breeding pigeons and caring for them is considerable. The names and traditional uses of plants depend on their geographical location, vernacular names serve as an intangible heritage. Feeding, environmental features, and genetic makeup of individuals are relevant aspects in the maintenance of avian health.
Implementing the ten steps to successful breastfeeding in multiple hospitals serving low-wealth patients in the US: innovative research design and baseline findings
Authors: Labbok Miriam H , Taylor Emily C , Nickel Nathan C 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are maternity practices proven to support successful achievement of exclusive breastfeeding. They also are the basis for the WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). This study explores implementation of these steps in hospitals that serve predominantly low wealth populations.MethodsA quasi-experimental design with mixed methods for data collection and analysis was included within an intervention project. We compared the impact of a modified Ten Steps implementation approach to a control group. The intervention was carried out in hospitals where: 1) BFHI designation was not necessarily under consideration, and 2) the majority of the patient population was low wealth, i.e., eligible for Medicaid. Hospitals in the research aspect of this project were systematically assigned to one of two groups: Initial Intervention or Initial Control/Later Intervention. This paper includes analyses from the baseline data collection, which consisted of an eSurvey (i.e., Carolina B-KAP), Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care survey tool (mPINC), the BFHI Self-Appraisal, key informant interviews, breastfeeding data, and formatted feedback discussion.ResultsComparability was ensured by statistical and non-parametric tests of baseline characteristics of the two groups. Additional findings of interest included: 1) a universal lack of consistent breastfeeding records and statistics for regular monitoring/review, 2) widespread misinterpretation of associated terminology, 3) health care providers’ reported practices not necessarily reflective of their knowledge and attitudes, and 4) specific steps were found to be associated with hospital breastfeeding rates. A comprehensive set of facilitators and obstacles to initiation of the Ten Steps emerged, and hospital-specific practice change challenges were identified.DiscussionThis is one of the first studies to examine introduction of the Ten Steps in multiple hospitals with a control group and in hospitals that were not necessarily interested in BFHI designation, where the population served is predominantly low wealth, and with the use of a mixed methods approach. Limitations including numbers of hospitals and inability to adhere to all elements of the design are discussed.ConclusionsFor improvements in quality of care for breastfeeding dyads, innovative and site-specific intervention modification must be considered.
Novel Gold(I) and Silver(I) Complexes of Phosphorus-1,1,-dithiolates and Molecular Structure of [O,O’-(Bornyl)2PS2]H3NC(CH3)3
Authors: Solak Samet , Aydemir Cemal , Karakus Mehmet , Lönnecke Peter 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
The novel chiral phosphorus-1,1-dithiolates [4-CH3OC6H4P(S)(OR)S]-[H3NC(CH3)3]+ were synthesized by the reaction of [RPS2)]2 (R = 4-MeOC6H4) or P2S5 and the respective alcohol ROH (R = myrtanyl, 2-naphthylethyl, myrtenyl, borneol) in toluene. The reaction of phosphorus-1,1-dithiolates 1–4 and Au(tht)Cl, AuClPPh3 or AgNO3 and PPh3 gave rise to gold(I)- and silver(I)-complexes in THF. All compounds have been characterised by elemental analyses, IR, NMR (1H-, 13C- and 31P-) spectroscopy as well as MS measurements. Optical rotation values confirmed the chirality of the compounds. The Compound 4 has been characterized structurally by X-ray crystallography.

Results
Phosphorus-1,1,-dithiolate compounds were formed as liquids and were treated with suitable amine in order to convert them to their salts 1–4 . They have been successfully characterized spectroscopically (IR, 1H, 13C, 31P NMR) as well as mass spectra. The compound 4 has been also structurally by X-ray crystallography. The compound 4 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) with Z = 4. Compounds containing phosphorus and sulfur donor atoms are excellent ligands due to offering many metal complexes especially group 11–12 metals. The synthesis of gold(I) and silver(I) complexes with chiral phosphorus-1,1,-dithiolate and triphenylphosphine have been described and investigated.

Conclusions
In the present work, we report the synthesis, charactreization of the chiral phosphorus-1,1-dithiolate ligands and preparing the gold(I) and silver(I) phosphorus-1,1-dithiolate or S-donor with phosphine complexes. The molecular structure of the Compound 4 was determined by X-ray diffraction. Due to an easy synthesis method of phosphorus-1,1-dithiolate compounds and a good complexion reagent, it is possible the improvement of the collecting metallic gold or silver from the minerals. When the more ionic salt of phosphorus-1,1-dithiolate compounds were prepared in this way, the water can be used as a cheap solvent. As a result, it can be an alternatively method for the collecting metallic gold or silver from the minerals in future.
The development and use of an ELISA-based method to follow the distribution of cellulase monocomponents during the hydrolysis of pretreated corn stover
Authors: Pribowo Amadeus Y , Hu Jinguang , Arantes Valdeir , Saddler Jack N 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
It is widely recognised that fast, effective hydrolysis of pretreated lignocellulosic substrates requires the synergistic action of multiple types of hydrolytic and some non-hydrolytic proteins. However, due to the complexity of the enzyme mixture, the enzymes interaction with and interference from the substrate and a lack of specific methods to follow the distribution of individual enzymes during hydrolysis, most of enzyme-substrate interaction studies have used purified enzymes and pure cellulose model substrates. As the enzymes present in a typical “cellulase mixture” need to work cooperatively to achieve effective hydrolysis, the action of one enzyme is likely to influence the behaviour of others. The action of the enzymes will be further influenced by the nature of the lignocellulosic substrate. Therefore, it would be beneficial if a method could be developed that allowed us to follow some of the individual enzymes present in a cellulase mixture during hydrolysis of more commercially realistic biomass substrates.

Results
A high throughput immunoassay that could quantitatively and specifically follow individual cellulase enzymes during hydrolysis was developed. Using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies (MAb and PAb, respectively), a double-antibody sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to specifically quantify cellulase enzymes from Trichoderma reesei: cellobiohydrolase I (Cel7A), cellobiohydrolase II (Cel6A), and endoglucanase I (Cel7B). The interference from substrate materials present in lignocellulosic supernatants could be minimized by dilution.

Conclusion
A double-antibody sandwich ELISA was able to detect and quantify individual enzymes when present in cellulase mixtures. The assay was sensitive over a range of relatively low enzyme concentration (0 – 1 μg/ml), provided the enzymes were first pH adjusted and heat treated to increase their antigenicity. The immunoassay was employed to quantitatively monitor the adsorption of cellulase monocomponents, Cel7A, Cel6A, and Cel7B, that were present in both Celluclast and Accellerase 1000, during the hydrolysis of steam-pretreated corn stover (SPCS). All three enzymes exhibited different individual adsorption profiles. The specific and quantitative adsorption profiles observed with the ELISA method were in agreement with earlier work where more labour intensive enzyme assay techniques were used.
Pseudoaneurysm of the superior lateral genicular artery: case report of a rare complication after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Saini Pramod , Meena Sanjay , Malhotra Rajesh , Gamanagatti Shivanand , Kumar Vijay , Jain Vaibhav 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
Pseudoaneurysm of superior lateral genicular artery following total knee arthroplasty is a rare complication and has been reported following lateral release performed for eversion of patella in a knee with tight lateral structures.

Case presentation
This report describes a case of pseudo aneurysm of superior lateral geniculate artery that developed after primary Total knee arthroplasty for a stiff knee in a 68 year old patient. Patient presented with pain and rapidly increasing swelling in early post operative period. Diagnosis was made on duplex ultrasound and confirmed by angiography. Angiographic coil embolisation of the pseudoaneurysm was performed. Since no lateral release was performed in this case, the probable mechanism was shear injury to the vessel.

Conclusion
Pseudoaneurysm of superior lateral genicular artery can occur in absence of lateral release by shear injury to an atherosclerotic vessel. Angiographic coil embolisation appears to be the best method for treating such post arthroplasty pseudoaneurysm because of less chance of infection, non interference with rehabilitation and diagnosis and treatment during same procedure.
Effect of Aedes aegypti exposure to spatial repellent chemicals on BG-Sentinel™ trap catches
Authors: Salazar Ferdinand V , Achee Nicole L , Grieco John P , Prabaripai Atchariya , Ojo Tolulope A , Eisen Lars , Dureza Christine , Polsomboon Suppaluck , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

Background
An integrated approach to reduce densities of adult Aedes aegypti inside homes is currently being evaluated under experimentally controlled field conditions. The strategy combines a spatial repellent (SR) treatment (applied indoors) with the Biogents Sentinel™ (BGS) mosquito trap positioned in the outdoor environment. In essence, when combined, the goal is to create a push-pull mechanism that will reduce the probability of human-vector contact. The current study measured BGS recapture rates of Ae. aegypti test cohorts that were exposed to either SR or control (chemical-free) treatments within experimental huts. The objective was to define what, if any, negative impact SR may have on BGS trap efficacy (i.e., reduced BGS collection).

Methods

Aedes aegypti females were exposed to SR compounds within experimental huts in the form of either treated fabric (DDT and transfluthrin) or mosquito coil (metofluthrin). Test cohorts were released within individual screen house cubicles, each containing 4 BGS traps, following SR exposure according to treatment. Two separate test cohorts were evaluated: (i) immediate release (IR) exposed from 06:00–12:00 hours and released at 12:00 hours and (ii) delayed release (DR) exposed from12:00–18:00 hours and released at 05:30 hours the following day. BGS recapture was monitored at 09:30, 13:30 and 15:30 hours and the cumulative recapture by time point quantified.

Results
Exposure of Ae. aegypti females to either DDT or metofluthrin did not significantly impact BGS capture as compared to cohorts of non-exposed females. This was true for both IR and DR exposure populations. IR cohorts exposed to transfluthrin resulted in significantly lower BGS recapture compared to matched controls but this effect was primarily due to high mosquito mortality during transfluthrin trials.

Conclusion
Our data indicate no more than minor and short-lived impacts (i.e., reduced attraction) on BGS trap catches following exposure to the pyrethroid compounds transfluthrin and metofluthrin and no change in recapture densities using DDT as compared to matched controls. These findings suggest a combined SR and BGS approach to vector control could function as a push-pull strategy to reduce Ae. aegypti adults in and around homes.