bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence of Leptin and Its Receptor in the Hypothalamus, Uterus and Ovaries of Swine Females Culled with Distinct Ovarian Statuses and Parities
Authors: Moreira F , Gheller SMM , Mondadori RG , Varela Júnior AS , Corcini CD , Lucia T 
Published: November 2014

ContentsLeptin acts on energy metabolism, affecting reproductive functions through activation of its receptors in the brain and in reproductive organs. This study compared the presence of leptin and its receptor (ObR‐b) in hypothalamus neurons, endometrial glands and oocytes of culled swine females across ovarian statuses and parities. Immunohistochemistry was done in samples of uterus, ovaries and hypothalamus from 28 culled females, using polyclonal antibodies antileptin andObR‐b. Immunolabelling was compared for sows categorized by parity at culling (0, 1, 2–4 and <4) and ovarian status (luteal and follicular phases of the oestrous cycle and with cysts). Immunolabelling for leptin andObR‐b in neurons and oocytes was weaker in females with cysts (p < 0.05) than in those at the follicular phase. In endometrial glands, leptin immunolabelling was less intense in females with cysts (p < 0.05), but immunolabelling forObR‐b was similar across ovarian statuses (p > 0.05). In sows culled with 2–4 parities, leptin immunolabelling in neurons and endometrial glands was more intense than in nulliparous females (p < 0.05). In comparison with sows culled at greater parities,ObR‐b immunolabelling for nulliparous females was less intense in endometrial glands and in oocytes (p < 0.05), but more intense in neurons (p < 0.05). Thus, in swine, the presence of leptin andObR‐b varies across parities and is more intense in the uterus, ovaries and hypothalamus of females that were cycling before culling than in those having cystic ovaries.
Analysis of Possible Influence of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Growth Performance and Losses of Piglets
Authors: Hadaš Z , Čechová M , Nevrkla P 
Published: November 2014

ContentsThe aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of supplementing the feed ration for lactating sows with the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the growth performance and losses of piglets from birth to weaning. The monitoring comprised 20 litters in control and 20 litters in experimental group of Czech Large White × Czech Landrace hybrid combination sows. The control group was given a standard feed mixture for lactating sows, and experimental group was fed with the feed mixture supplemented with 2% of CLA, from the day of farrowing to the weaning of piglets, that is for the time of 28 days. The results of the experiment indicate the significantly better parameters of the numbers of reared piglets in the experimental group and the related lower level of losses of piglets from birth to weaning (p < 0.01). However, the feed mixture for lactating sows enriched in conjugated linoleic acid had no significant effect on the growth performance of piglets from birth to weaning (p > 0.05). Sows in the experimental group showed earlier onset of post‐partal oestrus after weaning of piglets (p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate that the supplementation of diet for lactating sows with CLA can improve survival of piglets from birth to weaning and shortening of weaning‐to‐oestrous interval in sows.
Comparison of modern and ancient barite‐bearing acid‐sulphate soils using micromorphology, geochemistry and field relationships
Authors: Jennings Debra S. , Driese Steven G. , Dworkin Stephen I. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAlthough pedogenic barite has been documented in many modern soils and palaeosols, no actualistic studies on its formation have been reported. Because barite is stable over the entire range of pressure and temperature of the Earth's crust, it preserves reliable data about the original environment in which it formed. Pedogenic barite and barite‐bearing soils have been used as indicators of landscape stability, environmental conditions, climate and microbial acti‐vity. This study compares field data, micromorphology and stable isotope geochemistry of a barite‐bearing palaeosol from the Morrison Formation (Jurassic) and a modern analogue soil in south‐central Texas, USA. Morrison barite‐bearing palaeosols are over‐thickened cumulic palaeosols that developed in subaerially exposed lacustrine sediments during an extended lake contraction event. Lateral facies relationships document changes in hydrology and duration of episaturated conditions (perched water table above the Btg horizons) that correspond to differences in barite nodule morphology and abundance. Barite precipitation occurred at a redox boundary higher on the landscape after organic matter was completely oxidized. Sulphur isotope data indicate that the initial source of sulphur was soil organic matter. Meteoric water is the likely source of oxygen for the sulphate. Barium sourced from weathering feldspars and clays. The modern analogue displays similar catenary relationships, redox features and micromorphological characteristics compared to the Morrison palaeosols, suggesting that similar pedogenic processes led to barite precipitation. Synthesized data suggest that conditions favourable to barite‐bearing soil formation are low‐gradient basins that have received feldspar‐rich sediments (i.e. volcanically influenced basins), soils that developed near salt domes, soils that developed in exposed wetland or lacustrine sediments and coastal plain deposits. When studied in a well‐documented palaeogeographic context, barite‐bearing soils are valuable to palaeoclimate, palaeoenvironmental and palaeohydrological studies. Combined with regional interfluve palaeosols, barite‐bearing palaeosols may document temporal changes in drainage, surface stability, and accommodation consistent with sequence boundaries/maximum flooding surfaces and climate changes.
Sustainability and Resilience in Agrifood Systems: Reconnecting Agriculture, Food and the Environment
Authors: Lamine Claire 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe sustainability and resilience of agrifood systems are generally considered either through the sustainable development paradigm, which focuses on the interactions between agriculture and the environment and often neglects consumption and food issues, or through the relocalisation paradigm, which prevails in the literature on alternative food systems and social movements. Because of its focus on direct producer‐consumer relations, the relocalisation perspective suggests a possible transition pathway, but does not fully address the diversity of interdependencies in agrifood systems (food being largely processed, distributed and provided by intermediaries) and therefore fails to effectively reconnect agriculture and food issues. This article shows the need to consider the possible reconnections between agricultural, food and environmental issues from a perspective that takes this diversity in agrifood systems into account. Such a perspective would go beyond the prevailing paradigm of relocalisation. Based on the analysis of recent scientific and public debates and on case studies carried out in France and Brazil, the article suggests a territorial agrifood systems perspective that takes account of the diverse actors and institutions involved in agriculture and food, and the diverse relations between agriculture, food and the environment that can contribute to the development of alternative and more resilient pathways.
Detection of Novel Reassortant Influenza A (H3N2) and H1N1 2009 Pandemic Viruses in Swine in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Baudon E. , Poon L. L. , Dao T. D. , Pham N. T. , Cowling B. J. , Peyre M. , Nguyen K. V. , Peiris M. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryFrom May to September 2013, monthly samples were collected from swine in a Vietnamese slaughterhouse for influenza virus isolation and serological testing. A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses and a novel H3N2 originating from reassortment between A(H1N1)pdm09 and novel viruses of the North American triple reassortant lineage were isolated. Serological results showed low seroprevalence for the novel H3N2 virus and higher seroprevalence for A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. In addition, serology suggested that other swine influenza viruses are also circulating in Vietnamese swine.
Differential activation of receptors and signal pathways upon stimulation by different doses of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in endothelial cells
Authors: Li Qiang , Chen Bo , Zeng Chong , Fan Aihui , Yuan Yongjun , Guo Xiaohua , Huang Xuliang , Huang Qiaobing 
Published: November 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Why do different doses of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) induce distinct biological effects in endothelial cells?
What is the main finding and its importance?
S1P at physiological concentrations preserved endothelial barrier function by binding to S1P receptor 1, then triggering Ca2+ release from endoplasmic reticulum through phosphoinositide phospholipase C and inositol triphosphate, and consequently strengthening tight junction and F‐actin assembly through Rac1 activation. Excessive S1P induced endothelial malfunction by activating S1P receptor 2 and RhoA/ROCK pathway, causing F‐actin and tight junction disorganisation. Extracellular Ca2+ influx was involved in this process.
Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a bioactive sphingolipid in plasma, and its plasma concentration can be adjusted through a complex metabolic process. The alterations in S1P levels and the activation of receptors collaboratively regulate distinct biological effects. This study was performed to investigate comparatively the effect of different concentrations of S1P on endothelial barrier function and to explore the roles of S1P receptors (S1PRs), Rho GTPases and calcium in S1P‐induced endothelial responses. Endothelial barrier function was studied using transendothelial electric resistance and a resistance meter in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Specific agonists or antagonists were applied to control the activation of S1P receptors and the release of calcium from different cellular compartments. The results indicated that at physiological concentrations, S1P preserved endothelial barrier function by binding with S1PR1. The activation of S1PR1 triggered the release of intracellular Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum through the PI–phospholipase C and inositol trisphosphate pathways. Consequently, the Rho GTPase Rac1 was activated, strengthening the assembly of tight junction proteins and F‐actin. However, excessive S1P induced endothelial barrier dysfunction by activating S1PR2 followed by the RhoA/RhoA kinase pathway, causing the disorganization of F‐actin and the disassembly of the tight junction protein ZO‐1. An influx of extracellular Ca2+ was involved in this process. These data suggest that physiological and excessive amounts of S1P induce different responses in human umbilical vein endothelial cells; the activation of the 1PR1–PLC–IP3R–Ca2+–Rac1 pathway governs the low‐dose S1P‐enhanced endothelial barrier integrity, and the activation of S1PR2–calcium influx–RhoA/ROCK dominates the high‐dose S1P‐induced endothelial monolayer hyperpermeability response.
Histological and biochemical outcomes of cardiac pathology in mdx mice with dietary quercetin enrichment
Authors: Ballmann Christopher , Hollinger Katrin , Selsby Joshua T. , Amin Rajesh , Quindry John C. 
Published: November 2014

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
Does dietary quercetin enrichment improve biochemical and histological outcomes in hearts from mdx mice?

What is the main finding and what is its importance?
Biochemical and histological findings suggest that chronic quercetin feeding of mdx mice may improve mitochondrial function and attenuate tissue pathology.

Patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy suffer from cardiac pathology, which causes up to 40% of all deaths because of fibrosis and cardiac complications. Quercetin is a flavonol with anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant effects and is also an activator of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ coactivator 1α capable of antioxidant upregulation, mitochondrial biogenesis and prevention of cardiac complications. We sought to determine the extent to which dietary quercetin enrichment prevents (experiment 1) and rescues cardiac pathology (experiment 2) in mdx mice. In experiment 1, 3‐week‐old mdx mice were fed control chow (C3w6m, n = 10) or chow containing 0.2% quercetin for 6 months (Q3w6m, n = 10). In experiment 2, 3‐month‐old mdx mice were fed control chow (C3m6m, n = 10) or 0.2% chow containing 0.2% quercetin for 6 months (Q3m6m, n = 10). Hearts were excised for histological and biochemical analyses. In experiment 1, Western blot targets for mitochondrial biogenesis (cytochrome c, P = 0.007) and antioxidant expression (superoxide dismutase 2, P = 0.014) increased in Q3w6m mice compared with C3w6m. Histology revealed increased utrophin (P = 0.025) and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 9 abundance (P = 0.040) in Q3w6m mice compared with C3w6m. In experiment 2, relative (P = 0.023) and absolute heart weights (P = 0.020) decreased in Q3m6m mice compared with C3m6m. Indications of damage (Haematoxylin‐ and Eosin‐stained sections, P = 0.007) and Western blot analysis of transforming growth factor β1 (P = 0.009) were decreased in Q3m6m mice. Six months of quercetin feeding increased a mitochondrial biomarker, antioxidant protein and utrophin and decreased matrix metalloproteinase 9 in young mice. Given that these adaptations are associated with attenuated cardiac pathology and damage, the present findings may indicate that dietary quercetin enrichment attenuates dystrophic cardiac pathology, but physiological confirmation is needed.
The claudin‐16 channel gene is transcriptionally inhibited by 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D
Authors: Kladnitsky Orly , Rozenfeld Julia , Azulay‐Debby Hilla , Efrati Edna , Zelikovic Israel 
Published: November 2014

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
In the kidney, the bulk of the filtered Mg2+ is reabsorbed in the thick ascending limb by paracellular conductance, mediated by the tight junction protein, claudin‐16, which is encoded by the gene CLDN16. The role of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2VitD] in renal Mg2+ handling is unclear. We aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of 1,25(OH)2VitD on claudin‐16‐mediated Mg2+ transport.
What is the main finding and its importance?
Paracellular, claudin‐16‐mediated Mg2+ transport is transcriptionally repressed by 1,25(OH)2VitD, probably via a Ca2+‐sensing receptor‐dependent mechanism. This renal effect of 1,25(OH)2VitD may serve as an adaptive mechanism to the 1,25(OH)2VitD‐induced enteric hyperabsorption of dietary Mg2+.
Magnesium is reabsorbed in the thick ascending limb by paracellular conductance, mediated by the CLDN16‐encoded tight junction protein, claudin‐16. However, the role of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2VitD] in renal Mg2+ handling is unclear. We have shown that Mg2+ depletion increases and 1,25(OH)2VitD inhibits CLDN16 transcription. We have now explored further the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of 1,25(OH)2VitD on claudin‐16‐mediated Mg2+ transport. Adult mice received parenteral 1,25(OH)2VitD or 1,25(OH)2VitD combined with either high‐Mg2+ or low‐Mg2+ diets. Administration of 1,25(OH)2VitD enhanced urinary excretion of Mg2+ and Ca2+. The 1,25(OH)2VitD also increased renal Ca2+‐sensing receptor (CaSR) mRNA and decreased renal claudin‐16 and claudin‐19 mRNA and claudin‐16 protein, but did not affect renal claudin‐2 mRNA. The 1,25(OH)2VitD reversed the expected increase in claudin‐16 mRNA in Mg2+‐depleted animals. Comparably treated HEK 293 cells showed similar changes in claudin‐16 mRNA, but 1,25(OH)2VitD did not alter mRNA of the TRPM6 Mg2+ channel. A luciferase reporter vector containing 2.5 kb of 5′‐flanking DNA sequence from human CLDN16 (hCLDN16) was transfected into HEK 293 and OK cells. The hCLDN16 promoter activity was modestly decreased by 1,25(OH)2VitD, but markedly inhibited in HEK 293 cells coexpressing CaSR. Coexpression in OK cells of dominant‐negative CaSR completely abolished inhibition of hCLDN16 promoter activity by 1,25(OH)2VitD. The 1,25(OH)2VitD‐induced decrease in hCLDN16 promoter activity was attenuated in Mg2+‐depleted HEK 293 cells. In conclusion, 1,25(OH)2VitD transcriptionally inhibits claudin‐16 expression by a mechanism sensitive to CaSR and Mg2+. This renal effect of 1,25(OH)2VitD may serve as an adaptive response to the 1,25(OH)2VitD‐induced increase in intestinal Mg2+ absorption.
Marine Cyanophages Demonstrate Biogeographic Patterns throughout the Global Ocean
Authors: Huang Sijun , Zhang Si , Jiao Nianzhi , Chen Feng 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Myoviruses and podoviruses that infect cyanobacteria are the two major groups of marine cyanophages, but little is known of how their phylogenetic lineages are distributed in different habitats. In this study, we analyzed the phylogenetic relationships of cyanopodoviruses and cyanomyoviruses based on the existing genomes. The 28 cyanomyoviruses were classified into four clusters (I to IV), and 19 of the 20 cyanopodoviruses were classified into two clusters, MPP-A and MPP-B, with four subclusters within cluster MPP-B. These genomes were used to recruit cyanophage-like fragments from microbial and viral metagenomes to estimate the relative abundances of these cyanophage lineages. Our results showed that cyanopodoviruses and cyanomyoviruses are both abundant in various marine environments and that clusters MPP-B, II and III appear to be the most dominant lineages. Cyanopodoviruses and cluster I and IV cyanomyoviruses exhibited habitat-related variability in their relative levels of abundance, while cluster II and III cyanomyoviruses appeared to be consistently dominant in various habitats. Multivariate analyses showed that reads that mapped to
Synechococcus
phages and
Prochlorococcus
phages had distinct distribution patterns that were significantly correlated to those of
Synechococcus
and
Prochlorococcus
, respectively. The Mantel test also revealed a strong correlation between the community compositions of cyanophages and picocyanobacteria. Given that cyanomyoviruses tend to have a broad host range and some can cross-infect
Synechococcus
and
Prochlorococcus
, while cyanopodoviruses are commonly host specific, the observation that their community compositions both correlated significantly with that of picocyanobacteria was unexpected. Although cyanomyoviruses and cyanopodoviruses differ in host specificity, their biogeographic distributions are likely both constrained by the picocyanobacterial community.
Screening of High-Level 4-Hydroxy-2 (or 5)-Ethyl-5 (or 2)-Methyl-3(2
H
)-Furanone-Producing Strains from a Collection of Gene Deletion Mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Uehara Kenji , Watanabe Jun , Akao Takeshi , Watanabe Daisuke , Mogi Yoshinobu , Shimoi Hitoshi 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

4-Hydroxy-2 (or 5)-ethyl-5 (or 2)-methyl-3(2
H
)-furanone (HEMF) is an important flavor compound that contributes to the sensory properties of many natural products, particularly soy sauce and soybean paste. The compound exhibits a caramel-like aroma and several important physiological activities, such as strong antioxidant activity. HEMF is produced by yeast species in soy sauce manufacturing; however, the enzymes involved in HEMF production remain unknown, hindering efforts to breed yeasts with high-level HEMF production. In this study, we identified high-level HEMF-producing mutants among a
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
gene deletion mutant collection. Fourteen deletion mutants were screened as high-level HEMF-producing mutants, and the
ADH1
gene deletion mutant (
adh1
Δ) exhibited the maximum HEMF production capacity. Further investigations of the
adh1
Δ mutant implied that acetaldehyde accumulation contributes to HEMF production, agreeing with previous findings. Therefore, acetaldehyde might be a precursor for HEMF. The
ADH1
gene deletion mutant of
Zygosaccharomyces rouxii
, which is the dominant strain of yeast found during soy sauce fermentation, also produces HEMF effectively, suggesting that acetaldehyde accumulation might be a benchmark for breeding industrial yeasts with excellent HEMF production abilities.
Immunoprecipitation of Native Botulinum Neurotoxin Complexes from Clostridium botulinum Subtype A Strains
Authors: Lin Guangyun , Tepp William H. , Bradshaw Marite , Fredrick Chase M. , Johnson Eric A. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) naturally exist as components of protein complexes containing nontoxic proteins. The nontoxic proteins impart stability of BoNTs in the gastrointestinal tract and during purification and handling. The two primary neurotoxin complexes (TCs) are (i) TC1, consisting of BoNT, nontoxin-nonhemagglutinin (NTNH), and hemagglutinins (HAs), and (ii) TC2, consisting of BoNT and NTNH (and possibly OrfX proteins). In this study, BoNT/A subtypes A1, A2, A3, and A5 were examined for the compositions of their TCs in culture extracts using immunoprecipitation (IP). IP analyses showed that BoNT/A1 and BoNT/A5 form TC1s, while BoNT/A2 and BoNT/A3 form TC2s. A
Clostridium botulinum
host strain expressing recombinant BoNT/A4 (normally present as a TC2) from an extrachromosomal plasmid formed a TC1 with complexing proteins from the host strain, indicating that the HAs and NTNH encoded on the chromosome associated with the plasmid-encoded BoNT/A4. Strain NCTC 2916 (A1/silent B1), which carries both an
ha
silent
bont/b
cluster and an
orfX bont
/
a1
cluster, was also examined. IP analysis revealed that NCTC 2916 formed only a TC2 containing BoNT/A1 and its associated NTNH. No association between BoNT/A1 and the nontoxic proteins from the silent
bont/b
cluster was detected, although the HAs were expressed as determined by Western blotting analysis. Additionally, NTNH and HAs from the silent
bont/b
cluster did not form a complex in NCTC 2916. The stabilities of the two types of TC differed at various pHs and with addition of KCl and NaCl. TC1 complexes were more stable than TC2 complexes. Mouse serum stabilized TC2, while TC1 was unaffected.
Reproducible and Quantitative Model of Infection of Dermacentor variabilis with the Live Vaccine Strain of Francisella tularensis
Authors: Coburn Jenifer , Maier Tamara , Casey Monika , Padmore Lavinia , Sato Hiromi , Frank Dara W. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Pathogen life cycles in mammalian hosts have been studied extensively, but studies with arthropod vectors represent considerable challenges. In part this is due to the difficulty of delivering a reproducible dose of bacteria to follow arthropod-associated replication. We have established reproducible techniques to introduce known numbers of
Francisella tularensis
strain LVS from mice into
Dermacentor variabilis
nymphs. Using this model infection system, we performed dose-response infection experiments and followed bacterial replication through the molt to adults and at later time points. During development to adults, bacteria replicate to high numbers and can be found associated with the gut tissues, salivary glands, and hemolymph of adult ticks. Further, we can transmit a mutant of LVS (LVS Δ
purMCD
) that cannot replicate in macrophages
in vitro
or in mice to nymphs. Our data show that the LVS Δ
purMCD
mutant cannot be transstadially transmitted from nymphs to adult ticks. We then show that a plasmid-complemented strain of this mutant is recoverable in adult ticks and necessary for bacterial replication during the molt. In a mixed-infection assay (Δ
purMCD
mutant versus Δ
purMCD
complement), 98% of the recovered bacteria retained the plasmid marker. These data suggest that the Δ
purMCD
mutation cannot be rescued by the presence a complemented strain in a mixed infection. Importantly, our infection model provides a platform to test specific mutants for their replication in ticks, perform competition studies, and use other genetic techniques to identify
F. tularensis
genes that are expressed or required in this unique environment.