bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemogenetic ablation of dopaminergic neurons leads to transient locomotor impairments in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Godoy Rafael , Noble Sandra , Yoon Kevin , Anisman Hymie , Ekker Marc 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTo determine the impact of a controlled loss of dopaminergic neurons on locomotor function, we generated transgenic zebrafish, Tg(dat:CFP‐NTR), expressing a cyan fluorescent protein‐nitroreductase fusion protein (CFP‐NTR) under the control of dopamine transporter (dat) cis‐regulatory elements. Embryonic and larval zebrafish express the transgene in several groups of dopaminergic neurons, notably in the olfactory bulb, telencephalon, diencephalon and caudal hypothalamus. Administration of the pro‐drug metronidazole (Mtz) resulted in activation of caspase 3 in CFP‐positive neurons and in a reduction in dat‐positive cells by 5 days post‐fertilization (dpf). Loss of neurons coincided with impairments in global locomotor parameters such as swimming distance, percentage of time spent moving, as well as changes in tail bend parameters such as time to maximal bend and angular velocity. Dopamine levels were transiently decreased following Mtz administration. Recovery of some of the locomotor parameters was observed by 7 dpf. However, the total numbers of dat‐expressing neurons were still decreased at 7, 12, or 14 dpf, even though there was evidence for production of new dat‐expressing cells. Tg(dat:CFP‐NTR) zebrafish provide a model to correlate altered dopaminergic neuron numbers with locomotor function and to investigate factors influencing regeneration of dopaminergic neurons.
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We have generated transgenic zebrafish expressing nitroreductase for the conditional and specific ablation of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the larval zebrafish brain. We are able to induce a persistent reduction in DA neurons with transient locomotor impairments. Our transgenic zebrafish offer a model for understanding the impact of altered DA neuron populations on larval locomotor function and for the study of dopamine neuron regeneration following tissue specific ablation.
Big fish (and a smallish skate) eat small fish: diet variation and trophic level of Sympterygia acuta, a medium‐sized skate high in the food web
Authors: Barbini Santiago A. , Lucifora Luis O. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe bignose fanskate, Sympterygia acuta, is a small‐to‐medium‐sized species endemic to shallow coastal waters of the Southwest Atlantic. Sympterygia acuta displays a clear seasonal reproductive cycle, characterized by maximum egg‐laying activity in spring and hatching in summer. We hypothesized that diet and feeding activity change with maturity stage and season and that, given its smallish size, the trophic level is low. Using a multiple‐hypothesis modeling approach, the diet of S. acuta in relation to sex, body size, maturity stage, region (i.e. north and south) and season was analysed; and a potential relationship between feeding activity and the seasonal reproductive cycle was assessed. Sympterygia acuta fed on a broad spectrum of prey, but teleosts were more important (47.97% index of relative importance, %IRI), followed by decapods (39.84%IRI), cumaceans (8.31%IRI) and isopods (1.89%IRI). Maturity stage was a strong determinant of the ontogenetic diet shift of S. acuta, and relationships between number of prey consumed with season and region were found.. Feeding activity was higher in the cold season than in the warm season, and was less important in the south region than in the north region. Unexpectedly, the specific trophic level was high (3.87). Sympterygia acuta shifts its diet with maturity stage, possibly by a combination of an improved ability to capture prey and a change in energy demand of mature individuals. Despite being a small‐to‐medium‐sized skate, S. acuta showed a trophic level similar to that of large‐bodied marine predators. It reduces its feeding activity seasonally because in the warm season this species may experience an increased predation risk from large sharks.
Homomorphic plant sex chromosomes are coming of age
Authors: Filatov Dmitry A. 
Published: June 2015

Sex chromosomes are a very peculiar part of the genome that have evolved independently in many groups of animals and plants (Bull ). Major research efforts have so far been focused on large heteromorphic sex chromosomes in a few animal and plant species (Chibalina & Filatov ; Zhou & Bachtrog ; Bellott et al. ; Hough et al. ; Zhou et al. ), while homomorphic (cytologically indistinguishable) sex chromosomes have largely been neglected. However, this situation is starting to change. In this issue, Geraldes et al. () describe a small (~100 kb long) sex‐determining region on the homomorphic sex chromosomes of poplars (Populus trichocarpa and related species, Fig. ). All species in Populus and its sister genus Salix are dioecious, suggesting that dioecy and the sex chromosomes, if any, should be relatively old. Contrary to this expectation, Geraldes et al. () demonstrate that the sex‐determining region in poplars is of very recent origin and probably evolved within the genus Populus only a few million years ago.
Among‐lake reciprocal transplants induce convergent expression of immune genes in threespine stickleback
Authors: Stutz William E. , Schmerer Matthew , Coates Jessica L. , Bolnick Daniel I. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractGeographic variation in parasite communities can drive evolutionary divergence in host immune genes. However, biotic and abiotic environmental variation can also induce plastic differences in immune function among populations. At present, there is little information concerning the relative magnitudes of heritable vs. induced immune divergence in natural populations. We examined immune gene expression profiles of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) from six lakes on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. Parasite community composition differs between lake types (large or small, containing limnetic‐ or benthic‐like stickleback) and between watersheds. We observed corresponding differences in immune gene expression profiles among wild‐caught stickleback, using a set of seven immune genes representing distinct branches of the immune system. To evaluate the role of environmental effects on this differentiation, we experimentally transplanted wild‐caught fish into cages in their native lake, or into a nearby foreign lake. Transplanted individuals' immune gene expression converged on patterns typical of their destination lake, deviating from their native expression profile. Transplant individuals' source population had a much smaller effect, suggesting relatively weak genetic underpinning of population differences in immunity, as viewed through gene expression. This strong environmental regulation of immune gene expression provides a counterpoint to the large emerging literature documenting microevolution and genetic diversification of immune function. Our findings illustrate the value of studying immunity in natural environmental settings where the immune system has evolved and actively functions.
Does rumination mediate the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse?
Authors: Kearns Nicole P. , Shawyer Frances , Brooker Joanne E. , Graham Annette L. , Enticott Joanne C. , Martin Paul R. , Meadows Graham N. 
Published: June 2015

ObjectivesMajor depressive disorder is a significant mental illness that is highly likely to recur, particularly after three or more previous episodes. Increased mindfulness and decreased rumination have both been associated with decreased depressive relapse. The aim of this study was to investigate whether rumination mediates the relationship between mindfulness and depressive relapse.DesignThis prospective design involved a secondary data analysis for identifying causal mechanisms using mediation analysis.MethodsThis study was embedded in a pragmatic randomized controlled trial of mindfulness‐based cognitive therapy (MBCT) in which 203 participants (165 females, 38 males; mean age: 48 years), with a history of at least three previous episodes of depression, completed measures of mindfulness, rumination, and depressive relapse over a 2‐year follow‐up period. Specific components of mindfulness and rumination, being nonjudging and brooding, respectively, were also explored.ResultsWhile higher mindfulness scores predicted reductions in rumination and depressive relapse, the relationship between mindfulness and relapse was not found to be mediated by rumination, although there appeared to be a trend.ConclusionsOur results strengthen the argument that mindfulness may be important in preventing relapse but that rumination is not a significant mediator of its effects. The study was adequately powered to detect medium mediation effects, but it is possible that smaller effects were present but not detected.Practitioner points

Mindfulness may be one of several components of MBCT contributing to prevention of depressive relapse.

Although the original rationale for MBCT rested largely on a model of relapse causally linked to rumination, our findings suggest that the mechanism by which mindfulness impacts relapse is more complex than a simple effect on rumination.
Bullous pemphigoid after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kato Keisuke , Koike Kazutoshi , Kobayashi Chie , Iijima Shigeruko , Hashimoto Takashi , Tsuchida Masahiro 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune skin disorder characterized by subepidermal blisters due to deposit of autoantibody against dermal basement membrane protein. It has been reported that BP can occur after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We describe a patient with BP having autoantibody against BP180 after unrelated‐donor HSCT against T lymphoblastic leukemia. The patient was treated with steroid leading to complete resolution of BP, but T lymphoblastic leukemia progressed rapidly after steroid hormone treatment. Given that immunosuppressant may reduce graft‐versus‐tumor effect, immunomodulatory agents such as nicotinamide and tetracycline, erythromycin, and immunoglobulin may be appropriate as soon as typical blister lesions are seen after HSCT.
Current incidence of clinical kernicterus in preterm infants in Japan
Authors: Morioka Ichiro , Nakamura Hajime , Koda Tsubasa , Yokota Tomoyuki , Okada Hitoshi , Katayama Yoshinori , Kunikata Tetsuya , Kondo Masatoshi , Nakamura Makoto , Hosono Shigeharu , Yasuda Saneyuki , Yokoyama Naoki , Wada Hiroshi , Itoh Susumu , Funato Masahisa , Yamauchi Yoshitada , Lee Yong Kye , Yonetani Masahiko 
Published: June 2015

AbstractClinical kernicterus in preterm infants has recently been reported in Japan, diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings during the neonatal and infancy periods. We investigated the incidence of clinical kernicterus in preterm infants <30 weeks gestational age (GA) based on a nationwide survey conducted in 233 certified educational facilities for neonatologists. The numbers of infants admitted and infants who died within 14 days after birth during 2011, and the number of infants who subsequently developed clinical kernicterus, were recorded. A total of 2720 infants were analyzed, representing 59% (2720/4623) of all preterm live births <30 weeks GA in Japan in 2011. Of these, 159 (5.8%) died within 14 days after birth, similar to the national rate. Five infants developed clinical kernicterus in infancy (5/2720, 0.18%). The current incidence of clinical kernicterus in Japan is therefore estimated at 1.8 per 1000 live births <30 weeks GA.
Cat‐scratch disease with severe pleuritis in a 6‐year‐old girl
Authors: Kimura Sasagu , Hasegawa Shunji , Yanagihara Masashi , Inoue Hirofumi , Matsushige Takeshi , Tsuneoka Hidehiro , Ichiyama Takashi , Ohga Shouichi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe present the case of a 6‐year‐old girl with cat‐scratch disease (CSD), who developed severe pleuritis without lymphadenitis. Bartonella henselae DNA was detected on real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of whole blood. This is the first report of CSD diagnosed on real‐time PCR using whole blood.
Design and Conduct of an Internet‐Based Preconception Cohort Study in North America: Pregnancy Study Online
Authors: Wise Lauren A. , Rothman Kenneth J. , Mikkelsen Ellen M. , Stanford Joseph B. , Wesselink Amelia K. , McKinnon Craig , Gruschow Siobhan M. , Horgan Casie E. , Wiley Aleta S. , Hahn Kristen A. , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Hatch Elizabeth E. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe launched the Boston University Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO) to assess the feasibility of carrying out an Internet‐based preconception cohort study in the US and Canada.MethodsWe recruited female participants age 21–45 and their male partners through Internet advertisements, word of mouth, and flyers. Female participants were randomised with 50% probability to receive a subscription to FertilityFriend.com (FF), a web‐based programme that collects real‐time data on menstrual characteristics. We compared recruitment methods within PRESTO, assessed the cost‐efficiency of PRESTO relative to its Danish counterpart (Snart‐Gravid), and validated retrospectively reported date of last menstrual period (LMP) against the FF data.ResultsAfter 99 weeks of recruitment (2013–15), 2421 women enrolled; 1384 (57%) invited their male partners to participate, of whom 693 (50%) enrolled. Baseline characteristics were balanced across randomisation groups. Cohort retention was similar among those randomised vs. not randomised to FF (84% vs. 81%). At study enrolment, 56%, 22%, and 22% couples had been trying to conceive for <3, 3–5, and ≥6 months, respectively. The cost per subject enrolled was $146 (2013 US$), which was similar to our companion Danish study and half that of a traditional cohort study. Among FF users who conceived, >97% reported their LMP on the PRESTO questionnaire within 1 day of the LMP recorded via FF.ConclusionsUse of the Internet as a method of recruitment and follow‐up in a North American preconception cohort study was feasible and cost‐effective.
Changes in Caesarean Delivery Rates in Western Australia from 1995 to 2010 by Gestational Age at Birth
Authors: Einarsdóttir Kristjana , Ball Stephen , Pereira Gavin , Griffin Christopher , Jacoby Peter , de Klerk Nick , Leonard Helen , Stanley Fiona J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe caesarean delivery rate in the developed world has been increasing. It is not well understood how caesarean delivery rates have changed by gestational age at birth in Western Australia, particularly in relation to the introduction of the early‐term delivery guidelines in Australia in 2006.MethodsData from the Western Australian Midwives Notification System were used to identify 193 136 singletons born to primiparous women at 34–42 weeks' gestation during 1995–2010. Caesarean delivery rates were calculated by gestational age group (34–36 weeks, 37–38 weeks, and 39–42 weeks) and stratified into pre‐labour and in‐labour caesarean delivery. The average annual per cent change (AAPC) for the caesarean delivery rates was calculated using joinpoint regression. Log‐binomial regression was used to estimate the risk of having a caesarean delivery while adjusting for maternal and antenatal factors.ResultsCaesarean delivery rates rose steadily from 1995 to 2005 (AAPC = 5.9%, [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.9, 6.9]), but stabilised since then (AAPC = 0.9%, [95% CI −1.9, 3.8]). The rate of in‐labour caesarean deliveries rose consistently from 1995 to 2010 across all gestational age groups. The pre‐labour caesarean delivery rate rise was most dominant at 37–38 weeks' gestation from 1995 to 2005 (AAPC = 6.8%, [95% CI 5.4, 8.2]), but declined during 2006–10 (AAPC = −4.5, [95% CI −6.7, −2.3]), while at the same time the rate at 39–42 weeks rose slightly.ConclusionsThe rise in pre‐labour caesarean deliveries during 1995–2005 occurred predominantly at 37–38 weeks' gestation, but declined again from 2006 to 2010. This suggests that the recently developed Australian early‐term delivery guidelines may have had some success in reducing early‐term deliveries in Western Australia.
Newborn Adipokines and Birth Outcomes
Authors: Yeung Edwina H. , McLain Alexander C. , Anderson Nancy , Lawrence David , Boghossian Nansi S. , Druschel Charlotte , Bell Erin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundAdipokines can serve as a measure of adipose tissue activity. Although birthweight correlates with neonatal adiposity, findings for cord blood levels of adipokines and birth outcomes have been conflicted. Therefore, we determined the cross‐sectional associations between adipokines measured in newborn dried blood spots (DBS) and birth outcomes.MethodsThe Upstate KIDS study enrolled mothers and infants from 2008 to 2010. Among infants whose parents consented to the use of residual DBS from newborn screening, 2397 singletons and 1240 twins had adipokine measurements from the Human Obesity Panel (R&D Systems) by Luminex. Odds ratios were estimated by multivariable logistic regression for risk of birth outcomes of preterm delivery (<37 weeks for singletons, <32 for twins) and small‐for‐gestational age (SGA <10th for singletons and <3rd for twins age‐ and sex‐specific percentiles) by adipokine quintiles. Generalised estimating equations were applied to account for correlations between twins.ResultsSingletons in the lowest compared with the highest quintile of adiponectin were more likely preterm (adjusted odds ratio 3.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.99, 5.34) and SGA (1.81; [95% CI 1.18, 2.77]). Similar associations were observed among twins. Resistin was associated with preterm birth (Q1 vs. Q5: 2.08; [95% CI 1.20, 3.62]) only among singletons. Adipsin had inconsistent associations after adjustment.ConclusionsThis large population‐based study demonstrates that newborn DBS‐measured adipokines are associated with birth outcomes, particularly preterm birth and SGA among those with lower adiponectin levels regardless of plurality.
The Role of Cell Death in the Pathogenesis of SLE: Is Pyroptosis the Missing Link?
Authors: Magna M. , Pisetsky D. S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) in association with systemic inflammation and organ damage. In addition to genetic factors, a contribution of infection to disease induction has been proposed. In the pathogenesis of lupus, immune complexes of ANAs with nuclear antigens can form and both deposit in the tissue and stimulate cytokine production to intensify inflammation. As such, the extracellular release of nuclear antigens to form pathogenic immune complexes is an important step in the pathway to disease. This release has been considered the consequence of cell death, with apoptotic cells the relevant source of nuclear material. While apoptosis could serve this role, other death forms may act similarly. Among these death forms, pyroptosis, which can be induced by inflammasome activation during infection, has features suggesting involvement in lupus. Thus, unlike apoptosis, pyroptosis is a pro‐inflammatory process. Furthermore, pyroptosis leads to the release of intracellular contents including HMGB1 and ATP, both of which can act as DAMPs (death associated molecular patterns) to stimulate further inflammation. Importantly, pyroptosis can lead to the release of intact nuclei, suggesting a relationship to events in the formation of LE cells. While the role of pyroptosis in SLE is hypothetical at this time, further analysis of this death form should provide new insights into lupus pathogenesis and provide the missing link between infection and the initiation of lupus by products of dead and dying cells.
Bedrock bedding, landsliding and erosional budgets in the Central European Alps
Authors: Cruz Nunes Fábio , Delunel Romain , Schlunegger Fritz , Akçar Naki , Kubik Peter W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe explore the controls of the litho‐tectonic architecture on the erosional flux in the 370‐km2 Glogn basin (European Alps). In this basin, the bedding and schistosity of the bedrock dip parallel to the topographic slope on the NW valley flank, leading to a non‐dip slope situation on the opposite SE valley side. While the dip slope condition has promoted the occurrence of landslides (e.g. the c. 30‐km2 deep‐seated Lumnezia landslide), the opposite non‐dip slope side of the valley hosts >100‐m‐deeply incised tributary streams. 10Be concentrations of stream sediments yield catchment‐averaged denudation rates that vary between 0.27 ± 0.03 and 2.19 ± 0.37 mm a−1, while the spatially averaged denudation rate of the entire basin is 1.99 ± 0.34 mm a−1. Our 10Be‐based approach reveals that the Lumnezia landslide front contributes c. 30–65% of the entire sediment budget, although it covers <5% of the Glogn basin. This suggests a primary control of the bedrock bedding on erosion rates and processes.
A Caleosin-Like Protein with Peroxygenase Activity Mediates Aspergillus flavus Development, Aflatoxin Accumulation, and Seed Infection
Authors: Hanano Abdulsamie , Almousally Ibrahem , Shaban Mouhnad , Blee Elizabeth 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Caleosins are a small family of calcium-binding proteins endowed with peroxygenase activity in plants. Caleosin-like genes are present in fungi; however, their functions have not been reported yet. In this work, we identify a plant caleosin-like protein in
Aspergillus flavus
that is highly expressed during the early stages of spore germination. A recombinant purified 32-kDa caleosin-like protein supported peroxygenase activities, including co-oxidation reactions and reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acid hydroperoxides. Deletion of the caleosin gene prevented fungal development. Alternatively, silencing of the gene led to the increased accumulation of endogenous polyunsaturated fatty acid hydroperoxides and antioxidant activities but to a reduction of fungal growth and conidium formation. Two key genes of the aflatoxin biosynthesis pathway,
aflR
and
aflD
, were downregulated in the strains in which
A. flavus
PXG
(
AfPXG
) was silenced, leading to reduced aflatoxin B1 production
in vitro
. Application of caleosin/peroxygenase-derived oxylipins restored the wild-type phenotype in the strains in which
AfPXG
was silenced.
PXG
-deficient
A. flavus
strains were severely compromised in their capacity to infect maize seeds and to produce aflatoxin. Our results uncover a new branch of the fungal oxylipin pathway and may lead to the development of novel targets for controlling fungal disease.