bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Approaches to Boar Semen Evaluation, Processing and Improvement
Authors: Sutovsky P 
Published: July 2015

ContentsThe improvement of boar reproductive performance may be the next frontier in reproductive management of swine herd in Unites States, facilitated by better understanding of boar sperm function and by the introduction of new advanced instrumentation in the andrology field. Objective single ejaculate evaluation and individual boar fertility prediction may be possible by introducing automated flow cytometric semen analysis with vital stains (e.g. acrosomal integrity and mito‐potential),DNAfragmentation analysis and biomarkers (ubiquitin,PAWP,ALOX15, aggresome) associated with normal or defective sperm phenotypes. Measurement of sperm‐produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a helpful indicator of normal semen sample. SemenROSlevels could be managed by the addition ofROS‐scavenging antioxidants. Alternative energy regeneration substrates and sperm stimulants such as inorganic pyrophosphate and caffeine could increase sperm lifespan in extended semen and within the female reproductive system. Such technology could be combined with timed sperm release in the female reproductive system after artificial insemination. Sperm phenotype analysis by the image‐based flow cytometry will go hand in hand with the advancement of swine genomics, linking aberrant sperm phenotype to the fertility influencing gene polymorphisms. Finally, poor‐quality ejaculates could be rescued and acceptable ejaculates improved by semen purification methods such as the nanoparticle‐based semen purification and magnetic‐activated sperm sorting. Altogether, these scientific and technological advances could benefit swine industry, provided that the challenges of new technology adoption, dissemination and cost reduction are met.
Methods for Improving In Vitro and In Vivo Boar Sperm Fertility
Authors: Funahashi H 
Published: July 2015

ContentsFertility of boar spermatozoa is changed after ejaculation in vivo and in vitro. During processing for in vitro fertilization (IVF), although spermatozoa are induced capacitation, resulting in a high penetration rate, persistent obstacle of polyspermic penetration is still observed with a high incidence. For artificial insemination (AI), we still need a large number of spermatozoa and lose a majority of those in the female reproductive tract. Fertility of cryopreserved boar spermatozoa is still injured through freezing and thawing process. In the present brief review, factors affecting fertility of boar sperm during IVF, AI and cryopreservation are discussed in the context of discovering methodologies to improve it.
A Review of New Technologies that may Become Useful for in vitro Production of Boar Sperm
Authors: Gadella BM , Ferraz MA 
Published: July 2015

ContentsMaking sperm cells outside the original testicular environment in a culture dish has been considered for a long time as impossible due to the very complicated process of spermatogenesis and sperm maturation, which altogether, encompasses a 2‐month period. However, new approaches in complex three‐dimensional co‐cell cultures, micro‐perfusion and micro‐fluidics technologies, new knowledge in the functioning, culturing and differentiation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSC) and their precursor cells have revolutionized this field. Furthermore, the use of better molecular markers as well as stimulatory factors has led to successful in vitro culture of stem cells either derived from germ line stem cells, from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) or from embryonic stem cells (ESC). These stem cells when placed into small seminiferous tubule fragments are able to become SSC. The SSC beyond self‐renewal can also be induced into haploid sperm‐like cells under in vitro conditions. In mouse, this in vitro produced sperm can be injected into a mature oocyte and allow post‐fertilization development into an early embryo in vitro. After transferring such obtained embryos into the uterus of a recipient mouse, they can further develop into healthy offspring. Recently, a similar approach has been performed with combining selected cells from testicular cell suspensions followed by a complete in vitro culture of seminiferous cords producing sperm‐like cells. However, most of the techniques developed are laborious, time‐consuming and have low efficiency, placing questionable that it will become useful used for setting up an efficient in vitro sperm production system for the boar. The benefits and drawbacks as well as the likeliness of in vitro pig sperm production to become applied in assisted technologies for swine reproduction are critically discussed. In this contribution, also the process of sperm production in the testis and sperm maturation is reviewed.
Sex‐Sorted Boar Sperm – An Update on Related Production Methods
Authors: Rath D , Tiedemann D , Gamrad L , Johnson LA , Klein S , Kues W , Mancini R , Rehbock C , Taylor U , Barcikowski S 
Published: July 2015

ContentsAs in other mammals, sex sorting of pig sperm is based on quantitative flow cytometry. A major disadvantage of the technique is the relatively low efficiency to produce enough sorted sperm for artificial insemination. However, several approaches are on the way to make sexed pig sperm available for commercial application. In this context, for example, the growing field of nanotechnology may significantly contribute to these developments, as it provides highly efficient bio‐nanoprobes, for example, based on plasmonic nanoparticles. Independent of the method, further development requires enormous investments and set‐up of logistics to get the technology into the practical pig market. Only global players will be able to establish the necessary research projects, but in the end, a significant shift of sex ratios will be available for pig producers as it is already the case for the dairy industry.
Skilled and Unskilled Immigrants and Entrepreneurship in a Developed Country
Authors: Beladi Hamid , Kar Saibal 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEvidence from some OECD countries suggests that skilled immigrants are over‐represented in entrepreneurship. We offer an analytical explanation to show that it may be a direct outcome of asymmetric information between immigrants and potential employers in the rich countries. Limiting occupational choices to self‐employment and employment, we show that skilled immigrants vis‐à‐vis natives may be proportionally over‐represented in small businesses. This compensates for the income loss in the labor market. It results from higher critical risk aversion among skilled immigrants compared with natives and subsequently leads to higher average income for all immigrants in the cross‐section. Finally, we show why a lesser number of unskilled immigrants enter self‐employment and discuss the speed of income convergence between all immigrants and natives.
Estimating Distribution Costs with theEaton–Kortum Model
Authors: Yang Xuebing 
Published: July 2015

AbstractEconomists have mainly relied on input–output tables to calculate domestic trade costs for a relatively small number of developed countries. In this work we use an augmentedEaton–Kortum model to estimate the distribution costs of a group of consumption goods for 60 countries, which include both developing and developed countries. Our results show that developing countries are subject to much higher distribution costs, and that reductions in the distribution costs can result in large welfare gains.
Dynamic Analysis of the Exchange Rate Regime: Policy Implications for Emerging Countries in East Asia
Authors: Yoshino Naoyuki , Kaji Sahoko , Asonuma Tamon 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis paper discusses exchange rate policies in East Asia. In particular, we explore whether actual policies that have been implemented by East Asian countries after the Asian Financial Crisis follow or deviate from theoretically “desirable” policies over the medium and long terms. On theoretical analysis, we show the relative superiority of a basket‐peg regime with the basket weight rule when compared with a floating regime implementing the interest rate rule or money supply rule. For countries that currently adopt a fixed exchange rate regime, they would be better off shifting toward either a basket‐peg or a floating regime over the medium term. A shift to a basket peg is more preferred when compared with a shift to a floating regime when the exchange rate fluctuations are large.
Exchange Market Pressure and Monetary Policy in Emerging Market Economies: New Evidence from Treatment‐effect Estimations
Authors: Erler Alexander , Sirries Steffen , Bauer Christian , Herz Bernhard 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe way central banks react to exchange market pressure is likely to affect the subsequent economic development and the associated economic costs. In a situation of currency pressure the central bank can in principle decide to let the currency float freely, to maintain the peg or to implement a managed float policy, i.e. a mix of depreciation and intervention. As the central bank's choices are subject to self selection and endogeneity, we use propensity score matching to adequately cope with these methodical challenges. We find that monetary authorities have two options to keep down the economic costs in terms of output, namely stabilizing the exchange rate or letting the currency float freely. In contrast, a managed float under currency pressure is accompanied by the worst possible outcome with an average loss of gross domestic product (GDP) between 5% and 6%.
On the Future of Inflation Targeting in East Asia
Authors: Volz Ulrich 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThis article analyzes the problems associated with inflation targeting (IT) regimes in a number of East Asian countries. It scrutinizes the policy conflicts that can arise when a central bank that has adopted a formal inflation target to guide the conduct of monetary policy simultaneously manages the exchange rate and pursues financial stability objectives. To this end, it empirically investigates the importance of exchange rate and terms of trade movements as determinants of inflation rates across East Asian economies and discusses the role of central banks in guarding financial stability and the ways this may conflict with an IT regime. The article argues that IT never really has been a suitable monetary framework for East Asian countries and that it should hence be supplanted by transparent monetary frameworks that explicitly recognize the multiple goals that are being pursued by East Asian central banks.
Intravenous immunoglobulin–related hemolysis in patients treated for Kawasaki disease
Authors: Luban Naomi L.C. , Wong Edward C.C. , Henrich Lobo Rodolfo , Pary Philippe , Duke Sarah 
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUNDKawasaki disease (KD) is an idiopathic, multisystem disorder characterized by vasculitis of arteries, veins, and capillaries, affecting pediatric patients, and is the leading cause of acquired heart disease in childhood. The mainstays of therapy for KD are high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin, which are thought to prevent or modify the most serious cardiac sequelae. A well‐documented complication of high‐dose IVIG infusion in adults is hemolytic anemia due to passive transfer of anti‐A and anti‐B. Risk factors for hemolysis in another case series included patient blood group (group A, B, or AB), a high cumulative dose of IVIG, and concomitant inflammation documented by one or more markers like ferritin, fibrinogen, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, or C‐reactive protein.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSA 3‐year retrospective case review of patients previously recognized with apparent IVIG‐related hemolytic anemia identified by standard blood bank testing was performed at a tertiary care pediatric hospital.RESULTSFive patients were identified with severe anemia each requiring RBC transfusion for anemia. All five patients demonstrated a positive direct antiglobulin testing. Four of five patients had anti‐A, anti‐B, and/or anti‐A1 with elution assays. All patients had signs of extravascular hemolysis with reticulocytosis, spherocytosis, and other hemolysis markers. One child died.CONCLUSIONOur cases represent dose‐dependent hemolysis caused by IVIG in association with severe anemia requiring transfusion with an average yearly incidence rate of 0.36%. Hemolysis is an underrecognized complication of IVIG administration. KD patients are at greater risk for anemia because of their lower baseline hemoglobin concentration, underlying acute inflammation, and oxygen requirements during acute illness.
Identification of a third feline Demodex species through partial sequencing of the 16S rDNA and frequency of Demodex species in 74 cats using a PCR assay
Authors: Ferreira Diana , Sastre Natalia , Ravera Iván , Altet Laura , Francino Olga , Bardagí Mar , Ferrer Lluís 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundDemodex cati and Demodex gatoi are considered the two Demodex species of cats. However, several reports have identified Demodex mites morphologically different from these two species. The differentiation of Demodex mites is usually based on morphology, but within the same species different morphologies can occur. DNA amplification/sequencing has been used effectively to identify and differentiate Demodex mites in humans, dogs and cats.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe aim was to develop a PCR technique to identify feline Demodex mites and use this technique to investigate the frequency of Demodex in cats.MethodsDemodex cati, D. gatoi and Demodex mites classified morphologically as the third unnamed feline species were obtained. Hair samples were taken from 74 cats. DNA was extracted; a 330 bp fragment of the 16S rDNA was amplified and sequenced.ResultsThe sequences of D. cati and D. gatoi shared >98% identity with those published on GenBank. The sequence of the third unnamed species showed 98% identity with a recently published feline Demodex sequence and only 75.2 and 70.9% identity with D. gatoi and D. cati sequences, respectively. Demodex DNA was detected in 19 of 74 cats tested; 11 DNA sequences corresponded to Demodex canis, five to Demodex folliculorum, three to D. cati and two to Demodex brevis.Conclusions and clinical importanceThree Demodex species can be found in cats, because the third unnamed Demodex species is likely to be a distinct species. Apart from D. cati and D. gatoi, DNA from D. canis, D. folliculorum and D. brevis was found on feline skin.
Contact dermatitis: a comparative and translational review of the literature
Authors: Ho Karen K. , Campbell Karen L. , Lavergne Sidonie N. 
Published: July 2015

BackgroundContact dermatitis (CD) is an inflammatory skin condition induced by direct contact with a specific chemical. Irritant CD (ICD) is a nonspecific inflammatory cutaneous reaction to an irritating agent. Allergic CD (ACD) is an immune‐mediated antigen‐specific skin reaction to an allergenic chemical.Objectives and methodsThe biomedical literature (human, basic science, veterinary) was reviewed to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding CD.ResultsThe incidence of human CD remains unclear, but represents up to 90–95% of all occupational skin diseases. The prevalence of CD has not been established in veterinary medicine. The pathogenesis of CD is not fully understood, but involves a complex cascade of events between resident skin cells, relocated immune cells, pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The main difference between ICD and ACD is that ACD is an antigen‐specific reaction to an allergenic irritating agent whereas ICD is not antigen‐specific. To date, there is no fully validated diagnostic test available for CD. Thus, its clinical diagnosis relies on the patient's history, clinical examination, dermatological tests and, in some cases, research‐based assays. The most important factor in CD management is the identification and avoidance of the culprit irritant or allergen. In addition, various topical and systemic therapies can be considered.Conclusion and clinical relevanceCD is a relatively common occupational skin disease in human beings, but the prevalence in veterinary medicine is undefined. It can lead to debilitating clinical signs. Further research in human medicine and even more so in veterinary patients, will be required in order to allow for an evidence‐based approach in its diagnosis and management.
Tonsillar Syphilis: an Unusual Site of Infection Detected by Treponema pallidum PCR
Authors: Smith John R. M. , Tsang Raymond S. W. , Kadkhoda Kamran 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTWith the reemergence of syphilis, it is important that both clinical and public health practitioners recognize the various clinical manifestations of this disease (formerly known as “the great imitator”) and become familiar with the newer diagnostic tests. Here we report the first case of tonsillar syphilis diagnosed by PCR.
The Telomerase Inhibitor MST-312 Interferes with Multiple Steps in the Herpes Simplex Virus Life Cycle
Authors: Haberichter Jarod , Roberts Scott , Abbasi Imran , Dedthanou Phonphanh , Pradhan Prajakta , Nguyen Marie L. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe life cycle of herpes simplex virus (HSV) has the potential to be further manipulated to yield novel, more effective therapeutic treatments. Recent research has demonstrated that HSV-1 can increase telomerase activity and that expression of the catalytic component of telomerase, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), alters sensitivity to HSV-dependent apoptosis. Telomerase is a cellular enzyme that synthesizes nucleotide repeats at the ends of chromosomes (telomeres), which prevents shortening of the 3′ ends of DNA with each cell division. Once telomeres reach a critical length, cells undergo senescence and apoptosis. Here, we used a cell-permeable, reversible inhibitor of the telomerase enzyme, MST-312, to investigate telomerase activity during HSV infection. Human mammary epithelial cells immortalized through TERT expression and human carcinoma HEp-2 cells were infected with the KOS1.1 strain of HSV-1 in the presence of MST-312. MST-312 treatment reduced the number of cells displaying a cytopathic effect and the accumulation of immediate early and late viral proteins. Moreover, the presence of 20 μM to 100 μM MST-312 during infection led to a 2.5- to 5.5-log10decrease in viral titers. MST-312 also inhibited the replication of HSV-2 and a recent clinical isolate of HSV-1. Additionally, we determined that MST-312 has the largest impact on viral events that take place prior to 5 h postinfection (hpi). Furthermore, MST-312 treatment inhibited virus replication, as measured by adsorption assays and quantification of genome replication. Together, these findings demonstrate that MST-312 interferes with the HSV life cycle. Further investigation into the mechanism for MST-312 is warranted and may provide novel targets for HSV therapies.IMPORTANCEHerpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can lead to cold sores, blindness, and brain damage. Identification of host factors that are important for the virus life cycle may provide novel targets for HSV antivirals. One such factor, telomerase, is the cellular enzyme that synthesizes DNA repeats at the ends of chromosomes during replication to prevent DNA shortening. In this study, we investigate role of telomerase in HSV infection. The data demonstrate that the telomerase inhibitor MST-312 suppressed HSV replication at multiple steps of viral infection.
Simian Varicella Virus Is Present in Macrophages, Dendritic Cells, and T Cells in Lymph Nodes of Rhesus Macaques after Experimental Reactivation
Authors: Traina-Dorge Vicki , Doyle-Meyers Lara A. , Sanford Robert , Manfredo Jennifer , Blackmon Anna , Wellish Mary , James Stephanie , Alvarez Xavier , Midkiff Cecily , Palmer Brent E. , Deharo Eileen , Gilden Don , Mahalingam Ravi 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT
Like varicella-zoster virus (VZV), simian varicella virus (SVV) reactivates to produce zoster. In the present study, 5 rhesus macaques were inoculated intrabronchially with SVV, and 5 months later, 4 monkeys were immunosuppressed; 1 monkey was not immunosuppressed but was subjected to the stress of transportation. In 4 monkeys, a zoster rash developed 7 to 12 weeks after immunosuppression, and a rash also developed in the monkey that was not immunosuppressed. Analysis at 24 to 48 h after zoster revealed SVV antigen in the lung alveolar wall, in ganglionic neurons and nonneuronal cells, and in skin and in lymph nodes. In skin, SVV was found primarily in sweat glands. In lymph nodes, the SVV antigen colocalized mostly with macrophages, dendritic cells, and, to a lesser extent, T cells. The presence of SVV in lymph nodes, as verified by quantitative PCR detection of SVV DNA, might reflect the sequestration of virus by macrophages and dendritic cells in lymph nodes or the presentation of viral antigens to T cells to initiate an immune response against SVV, or both.

IMPORTANCE
VZV causes varicella (chickenpox), becomes latent in ganglia, and reactivates to produce zoster and multiple other serious neurological disorders. SVV in nonhuman primates has proved to be a useful model in which the pathogenesis of the virus parallels the pathogenesis of VZV in humans. Here, we show that SVV antigens are present in sweat glands in skin and in macrophages and dendritic cells in lymph nodes after SVV reactivation in monkeys, raising the possibility that macrophages and dendritic cells in lymph nodes serve as antigen-presenting cells to activate T cell responses against SVV after reactivation.
Reactivation Kinetics of HIV-1 and Susceptibility of Reactivated Latently Infected CD4+T Cells to HIV-1-Specific CD8+T Cells
Authors: Walker-Sperling Victoria E. K. , Cohen Valerie J. , Tarwater Patrick M. , Blankson Joel N. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe “shock and kill” model of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) eradication involves the induction of transcription of HIV-1 genes in latently infected CD4+T cells, followed by the elimination of these infected CD4+T cells by CD8+T cells or other effector cells. CD8+T cells may also be needed to control the spread of new infection if residual infected cells are present at the time combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) is discontinued. In order to determine the time frame needed for CD8+T cells to effectively prevent the spread of HIV-1 infection, we examined the kinetics of HIV transcription and virus release in latently infected cells reactivatedex vivo. Isolated resting, primary CD4+T cells from HIV-positive (HIV+) subjects on suppressive regimens were found to upregulate cell-associated HIV-1 mRNA within 1 h of stimulation and produce extracellular virus as early as 6 h poststimulation. In spite of the rapid kinetics of virus production, we show that CD8+T cells from 2 out of 4 viremic controllers were capable of effectively eliminating reactivated autologous CD4+cells that upregulate cell-associated HIV-1 mRNA. The results have implications for devising strategies to prevent rebound viremia due to reactivation of rare latently infected cells that persist after potentially curative therapy.IMPORTANCEA prominent HIV-1 cure strategy termed “shock and kill” involves the induction of HIV-1 transcription in latently infected CD4+T cells with the goal of elimination of these cells by either the cytotoxic T lymphocyte response or other immune cell subsets. However, the cytotoxic T cell response may also be required after curative treatment if residual latently infected cells remain. The kinetics of HIV-1 reactivation indicate rapid upregulation of cell-associated HIV-1 mRNA and a 5-h window between transcription and virus release. Thus, HIV-specific CD8+T cell responses likely have a very short time frame to eliminate residual latently infected CD4+T cells that become reactivated after discontinuation of antiretroviral therapy following potentially curative treatment strategies.