bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation inDNAmethylation transmissibility, genetic heterogeneity and fecundity‐related traits in natural populations of the perennial herbHelleborus foetidus
Authors: Herrera Carlos M. , Medrano Mónica , Bazaga Pilar 
Published: January 2014

AbstractInferences about the role of epigenetics in plant ecology and evolution are mostly based on studies of cultivated or model plants conducted in artificial environments. Insights from natural populations, however, are essential to evaluate the possible consequences of epigenetic processes in biologically realistic scenarios with genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous populations. Here, we explore associations across individuals betweenDNAmethylation transmissibility (proportion of methylation‐sensitive loci whose methylation status persists unchanged after male gametogenesis), genetic characteristics (assessed withAFLPmarkers), seed size variability (within‐plant seed mass variance), and realized maternal fecundity (number of recently recruited seedlings), in three populations of the perennial herbHelleborus foetidusalong a natural ecological gradient in southeasternSpain. Plants (sporophytes) differed in the fidelity with whichDNAmethylation was transmitted to descendant pollen (gametophytes). This variation in methylation transmissibility was associated with genetic differences. FourAFLPloci were significantly associated with transmissibility and accounted collectively for ~40% of its sample‐wide variance. Within‐plant variance in seed mass was inversely related to individual transmissibility. The number of seedlings recruited by individual plants was significantly associated with transmissibility. The sign of the relationship varied between populations, which points to environment‐specific, divergent phenotypic selection on epigenetic transmissibility. Results support the view that epigenetic transmissibility is itself a phenotypic trait whose evolution may be driven by natural selection, and suggest that in natural populations epigenetic and genetic variation are two intertwined, rather than independent, evolutionary factors.
A recent local sweep at the PHYA locus in the Northern European Spiterstulen population of Arabidopsis lyrata
Authors: Toivainen Tuomas , Pyhäjärvi Tanja , Niittyvuopio Anne , Savolainen Outi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNorthern and central European Arabidopsis lyrata ssp. petraea populations are locally adapted to prevailing climatic conditions through differences in timing of life history events. The timing of flowering and, in perennials, the timing of growth cessation influence fitness. Phytochrome A may have an important role in regulating these life history traits as it perceives changes in daylength. We asked whether PHYA has contributed to local adaptation to the northern conditions in A. l. petraea. To search for signals of directional selection at the PHYA locus, we resequenced PHYA and 9 short fragments around PHYA from a 57‐kb region from a German (Plech) and a Norwegian (Spiterstulen) population and compared patterns of differentiation and diversity to a set of 19 reference loci around the genome. First, we found that the populations were highly differentiated: there were three nonsynonymous fixed differences at the PHYA locus, which was in stark contrast with the total four fixed differences in the 19 reference loci. Compatible with a sweep hypothesis, variation was almost completely removed from the 9.4‐kb region around PHYA in the northern Spiterstulen population. The overall level of linkage disequilibrium (LD) was higher in Spiterstulen, but there was no LD across the PHYA locus in the population, which is also a known consequence of a selective sweep. The sweep has likely occurred after the last glacial maximum, which suggests that it has contributed to adaptation to the northern conditions.
Shear Stress Regulated Gene Expression and Angiogenesis in Vascular Endothelium
Authors: Wragg Joseph W. , Durant Sarah , McGettrick Helen M. , Sample Klarke M. , Egginton Stuart , Bicknell Roy 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe behavior of vascular EC is greatly altered in sites of pathological angiogenesis, such as a developing tumor or atherosclerotic plaque. Until recently it was thought that this was largely due to abnormal chemical signaling, i.e., endothelial cell chemo transduction, at these sites. However, we now demonstrate that the shear stress intensity encountered by EC can have a profound impact on their gene expression and behavior. We review the growing body of evidence suggesting that mechanotransduction, too, is a major regulator of pathological angiogenesis. This fits with the evolving story of physiological angiogenesis, where a combination of metabolic and mechanical signaling is emerging as the probable mechanism by which tight feedback regulation of angiogenesis is achieved in vivo.
Evaluation of 11 terrestrial carbon–nitrogen cycle models against observations from two temperate Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment studies
Authors: Zaehle Sönke , Medlyn Belinda E. , De Kauwe Martin G. , Walker Anthony P. , Dietze Michael C. , Hickler Thomas , Luo Yiqi , Wang Ying‐Ping , El‐Masri Bassil , Thornton Peter , Jain Atul , Wang Shusen , Warlind David , Weng Ensheng , Parton William , Iversen Colleen M. , Gallet‐Budynek Anne , McCarthy Heather , Finzi Adrien , Hanson Paul J. , Prentice I. Colin , Oren Ram , Norby Richard J. 
Published: January 2014

Summary

We analysed the responses of 11 ecosystem models to elevated atmospheric [CO2] (eCO2) at two temperate forest ecosystems (Duke and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Free‐Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) experiments) to test alternative representations of carbon (C)–nitrogen (N) cycle processes.

We decomposed the model responses into component processes affecting the response to eCO2 and confronted these with observations from the FACE experiments.

Most of the models reproduced the observed initial enhancement of net primary production (NPP) at both sites, but none was able to simulate both the sustained 10‐yr enhancement at Duke and the declining response at ORNL: models generally showed signs of progressive N limitation as a result of lower than observed plant N uptake. Nonetheless, many models showed qualitative agreement with observed component processes. The results suggest that improved representation of above‐ground–below‐ground interactions and better constraints on plant stoichiometry are important for a predictive understanding of eCO2 effects. Improved accuracy of soil organic matter inventories is pivotal to reduce uncertainty in the observed C–N budgets.

The two FACE experiments are insufficient to fully constrain terrestrial responses to eCO2, given the complexity of factors leading to the observed diverging trends, and the consequential inability of the models to explain these trends. Nevertheless, the ecosystem models were able to capture important features of the experiments, lending some support to their projections.
Survival in Octogenarians Undergoing Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Compared to the General Population
Authors: RICKARD JOHN , CHENG ALAN , SPRAGG DAVID , GREEN ARIEL , LEFF BRUCE , TANG WILSON , CANTILLON DANIEL , BARANOWSKI BRYAN , WILKOFF BRUCE L. , TCHOU PATRICK 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundMany patients eligible for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are over 80 years of age. Survival in this population and how it compares to the general octogenarian population has not been established.MethodsWe extracted clinical data on a cohort of 800 consecutive patients undergoing the new implantation of a CRT device between April 15, 2004 and August 6, 2007. Patients over age 80, with class III‐IV New York Heart Association heart failure symptoms on optimal medical therapy undergoing initial CRT implantation, were included in the final cohort. Using the United States Social Security Period Life Table for 2006, fractional survival for octogenarians in the general population was calculated and matched to our cohort based on age and gender. A comparison was then made between octogenarians undergoing CRT compared to the general population.ResultsA total of 95 octogenarians who met inclusion criteria were identified, of whom 86.3% received a biventricular defibrillator and the remainder a biventricular pacemaker. Over a mean follow‐up of 3.6 ± 1.5 years, there were 47 deaths (47.4%). The mean survival time was 4.1 years (95% CI 3.7–4.5), and survival at 2 years was 78.9%. Compared to the general octogenarian population, octogenarians receiving CRT had only modestly worse survival over the duration of follow‐up with the survival curves diverging at 2 years of follow‐up (P = 0.03).ConclusionsOctogenarians with advanced heart failure have a reasonable mean survival time following CRT. All‐cause mortality in this patient population is only modestly worse compared to the general octogenarian population. Therefore, in octogenarians deemed to be reasonable candidates, CRT should not be withheld based on age alone.
Pregnancy and helminth infections
Authors: Mpairwe H. , Tweyongyere R. , Elliott A. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryIt has been proposed that helminth infection may be particularly detrimental during pregnancy, through adverse effects on maternal anaemia and on birth outcomes, and that anthelminthic treatment during pregnancy will therefore be particularly beneficial. However, the few treatment trials that have been conducted have given, but little support to this notion and further trials in settings of nutritional stress are needed. It has also been proposed that prenatal exposure to helminth infection has an important effect on the development of the foetal immune response. There is evidence that this may impact, long‐term, upon responses to helminth and nonhelminth antigens, and to allergens. Exposure to helminths in utero may also have nonspecific effects that may modify the offspring's susceptibility to diseases mediated by inflammation, including metabolic disorders. The mechanisms of such effects are not known, but they deserve to be explored as current epidemiological findings suggest the possibility of primary prevention for inflammatory conditions such as allergy, through intervention during pregnancy.
Identification of Apoptotic Bodies in Equine Semen
Authors: Caselles AB , Miro‐Moran A , Morillo Rodriguez A , Gallardo Bolaños JM , Ortega‐Ferrusola C , Salido GM , Peña FJ , Tapia JA , Aparicio IM 
Published: January 2014

ContentsApoptosis in the testis is required to ensure an efficient spermatogenesis. However, sometimes, defective germ cells that are marked for elimination during this process escape elimination in the testes, giving rise to ejaculates with increased percentages of abnormal and apoptotic spermatozoa and a high percentage of apoptotic bodies. Apoptosis markers in the ejaculate have been associated with low fertility, either in animals or humans. Therefore, the goal of this study was to investigate whether fresh equine semen contains apoptotic bodies [initially named Merocyanine 540 (M540) bodies] and to study the relationship between the quantity of these bodies and cell concentration, the volume of ejaculate, viability and motility. Moreover, we also studied whether the presence apoptotic bodies in fresh semen was related to the resistance of the stallion spermatozoa to being incubated at 37°C or being frozen and thawed. Fresh equine semen was stained with fluorescent dyes such as M540 and Annexin‐V. Active Caspase 3 was studied in fresh semen through Western blotting and immunofluorescence with a specific antibody. Sperm kinematics was assessed in fresh, incubated and thawed samples using computer‐assisted semen analysis, and viability was evaluated with the LIVE/DEAD Sperm Viability Kit. Overall, our results demonstrate for the first time the presence of apoptotic bodies in equine semen. The quantity of apoptotic bodies was highly variable among stallions and was positively correlated with Caspase 3 activity in fresh samples and negatively correlated with the viability and motility of stallion spermatozoa after the cryopreservation process.
Effect of Sericin Supplementation During In Vitro Maturation on the Maturation, Fertilization and Development of Porcine Oocytes
Authors: Do LTK , Namula Z , Luu VV , Sato Y , Taniguchi M , Isobe T , Kikuchi K , Otoi T 
Published: January 2014

ContentsThis study aimed to examine the effects of sericin supplementation during in vitro oocyte maturation on the nuclear maturation, fertilization and development of porcine oocytes. Cumulus‐oocyte complexes (COCs) were cultured in maturation medium supplemented with 0 (control), 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 or 5.0% sericin and were then subjected to in vitro fertilization and embryo culture. More COCs matured with 1.0% sericin underwent germinal vesicle breakdown and reached metaphase II compared with the control COCs matured without sericin (p < 0.01). The proportions of oocytes with DNA‐fragmented nuclei did not differ between the groups, regardless of the sericin level. The total fertilization rate of oocytes matured with 1.0% sericin was higher (p < 0.05) than that of oocytes matured with 0.1%, 2.5% and 5.0% sericin. Supplementation with more than 1.0% sericin decreased the DNA fragmentation index of the blastocysts compared with the control group (p < 0.05). However, the supplementation of the maturation medium with sericin had no beneficial effects on the cleavage, development to the blastocyst stage and the total cell number of the embryos. Our findings indicate that supplementation with 1.0% sericin during maturation culture may improve the nuclear maturation and the quality of the embryos but does not affect blastocyst formation.
Lipid Droplet Analysis Using In Vitro Bovine Oocytes and Embryos
Authors: Ordoñez‐Leon EA , Merchant H , Medrano A , Kjelland M , Romo S 
Published: January 2014

ContentsThe aim of this study was to quantify the content of lipid droplets in bovine oocytes and embryos from Bos indicus (Bi), Bos taurus (Bt) and Bos indicus × Bos taurus (Bi × Bt). Oocytes were aspirated post‐mortem and subjected to in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilization and in vitro development; the medium employed at each stage (TCM‐199, TALP, SOF) was supplemented with (i) serum replacement (SR), (ii) foetal calf serum (FCS) or (iii) oestrous cow serum (ECS). The structure and distribution of the lipid droplets were established using electron microscopy, but were quantified using an optical microscope on semi‐fine toluidine blue‐stained sections. The highest percentage of embryos corresponded to those produced with FCS and ECS, which differed from embryos generated with SR (p < 0.05). The highest percentage of morulae and the lowest percentage of blastocysts were obtained with the SR supplement (p < 0.05). The oocytes cultured in FCS demonstrated a higher number of lipid droplets compared to those cultured in SR and ECS (p < 0.05). Less accumulation of lipids was observed in embryos supplemented with SR. The lowest and highest numbers of lipid droplets in oocytes corresponded to the Bi and Bt strain, respectively. The lowest amount of lipid droplets in embryos was observed in Bi (p < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation of the in vitro development culture medium (synthetic oviduct fluid) with a synthetic substitute serum produced similar results in terms of embryo development compared to those obtained with FCS, but a decreased degree of lipid droplet accumulation was observed in the in vitro‐cultured embryos.
Must‐See TV: South Asian Characterizations in American Popular Media
Authors: Thakore Bhoomi K. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn the 21st century, representations of South Asians in American popular television have increased significantly. However, there has been very little critical analysis on the ways in which these characters are created and produced. In this review, I use literature from the sociology of race/ethnicity, immigration, and critical media studies to identify the concept of “(ethnic) characterization.” While it may be assumed that these representations are created unconsciously, I suggest that media producers intentionally use particular ethnic characteristics that are identified and discussed in contemporary sociological literature. As a result, I argue that these types of media characterizations are relevant to the discipline of sociology.
A genotypic difference in primary root length is associated with the inhibitory role of transforming growth factor‐beta receptor‐interacting protein‐1 on root meristem size in wheat
Authors: He Xue , Fang Jingjing , Li Jingjuan , Qu Baoyuan , Ren Yongzhe , Ma Wenying , Zhao Xueqiang , Li Bin , Wang Daowen , Li Zhensheng , Tong Yiping 
Published: January 2014

SummaryPreviously we identified a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) qTaLRO‐B1 for primary root length (PRL) in wheat. Here we compare proteomics in the roots of the qTaLRO‐B1 QTL isolines 178A, with short PRL and small meristem size, and 178B, with long PRL and large meristem size. A total of 16 differentially expressed proteins were identified: one, transforming growth factor (TGF)‐beta receptor‐interacting protein‐1 (TaTRIP1), was enriched in 178A, while various peroxidases (PODs) were more abundantly expressed in 178B. The 178A roots showed higher TaTRIP1 expression and lower levels of the unphosphorylated form of the brassinosteroid (BR) signaling component BZR1, lower expression of POD genes and reduced POD activity and accumulation of the superoxide anion O2− in the root elongation zone compared with the 178B roots. Low levels of 24‐epibrassinolide increased POD gene expression and root meristem size, and rescued the short PRL phenotype of 178A. TaTRIP1 directly interacted with the BR receptor TaBRI1 of wheat. Moreover, overexpressing TaTRIP1 in Arabidopsis reduced the abundance of unphosphorylated BZR1 protein, altered the expression of BR‐responsive genes, inhibited POD activity and accumulation of the O2− in the root tip and inhibited root meristem size. Our data suggested that TaTRIP1 is involved in BR signaling and inhibited root meristem size, possibly by reducing POD activity and accumulation of O2− in the root tip. We further demonstrated a negative correlation between the level of TaTRIP1 mRNA and PRL of landraces and modern wheat varieties, providing a valuable insight for better understanding of the molecular mechanism underlying the genotypic differences in root morphology of wheat in the future.
Comparison of feline core bone marrow biopsies from different sites using 2 techniques and needles
Authors: Abrams‐Ogg Anthony C. G. , Defarges Alice , Bienzle Dorothee 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundCommonly used 11ga or 13ga biopsy needles are relatively large for cats and often preclude successful collection of bone marrow (BM) core biopsies.ObjectivesThe objective was to compare 15ga to 13ga BM core biopsy ease of collection and specimen quality.MethodsIn 10 cats, humeral biopsies obtained with 15ga EZ‐IO needles were compared with iliac biopsies obtained with 13ga Jamshidi needles. Body condition, ease of collection, section quality, postprocedure pain, and swelling at biopsy sites were scored. Specimen length on mounted slides was measured and specimens with quality scores of 3–5 out of a maximum value of 5 were considered to be of acceptable diagnostic quality. The distribution of all parameters was assessed by Shapiro–Wilk tests, and differences in parameters were assessed by ANCOVA.ResultsThere were no significant differences between 15ga and 13ga biopsies, except that the 15ga humeral biopsy was judged to be easier to perform than 13ga iliac biopsy, and there was more severe postbiopsy swelling with 13ga biopsies. Facility score (mean ± SD), section quality score (median ± SD) and specimen length (mm, mean ± SD) were 12.7 ± 2.3, 2.0 ± 1.4, and 6.0 ± 2.1 for 15ga biopsies, respectively, and 8.9 ± 2.4, 1.0 ± 1.8, and 7.5 ± 2.5 for 13ga biopsies, respectively. Three specimens of acceptable quality were obtained with each 15ga and 13ga biopsies.ConclusionsIn cats, BM biopsy of the humerus with a 15ga needle is easier and causes less postbiopsy swelling than biopsy of the ilium with a 13ga needle. Sites and needles are equivalent with respect to yielding specimens of acceptable quality. Neither technique consistently captured high‐quality specimens.
Comparative study of select biochemical markers in cerebrospinal fluid of healthy dogs before and after treatment with nutraceuticals
Authors: Galan A. , Carletti B.E. , Morgaz J. , Granados M.M. , Mesa I. , Navarrete R. , Lombardo R. , Martínez C.M. , Martín‐Suárez E.M. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundSeveral studies indicate that changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) composition depend on the disease stage and reflect modification of brain energy metabolism (BEM). Also, it has been reported that a decline in cognitive functions may be mitigated by incorporating nutraceuticals in the diet.ObjectiveAssuming the beneficial effect of nutraceuticals on BEM and oxidative damage, the aim of this study was to determine if the administration of a nutraceutical compound results in changes of select CSF biomarkers in healthy adult Beagle dogs.MethodsTwo separate CSF and blood samples were obtained from 11 healthy adult Beagle dogs, before and after 50 days of treatment with a veterinary combined nutraceutical. CSF analysis included a total nucleated cell count, total protein, glucose, sodium, chloride, potassium, pyruvate, and lactate concentrations, and calculation of lactate/pyruvate ratio. CBC and serum biochemistry were also performed. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze the significance of the changes after nutraceutical treatment.ResultsAll studied variables remained within reference intervals, before and after treatment. A significant increase in CSF sodium and glucose concentration, and a decrease in lactate levels, was observed after treatment (P < .05), and the lactate/pyruvate ratio was decreased after treatment (P = .05). In serum, sodium and chloride concentrations were significantly increased (P < .05), and creatinine concentration was significantly decreased (P < .05) after treatment.ConclusionsAfter 50 days of treatment with a nutraceutical compound, CSF glucose, sodium, and lactate concentrations, and L/P ratio were significantly different, suggesting an influence of nutraceuticals' administration on CSF composition.
Stability of immunophenotypic lymphoid markers in fixed canine peripheral blood for flow cytometric analysis
Authors: Cian Francesco , Guzera Maciej , Frost Simon , Van Poucke Stefaan , Comazzi Stefano , Archer Joy 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundFlow cytometric analysis of blood samples for immunophenotyping lymphoproliferative diseases has become popular in veterinary medicine. Unfortunately, the use of this technique has been limited by the necessity to test samples within a short time frame after blood collection. A possible solution to this problem is the use of fixative products to preserve the stability of lymphoid antigens.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of 5 lymphoid surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD21, and CD45) in blood samples collected in K3‐EDTA and Cyto‐Chex BCT tubes from healthy dogs.MethodsBlood from 8 dogs was collected in K3‐EDTA and Cyto‐Chex BCT tubes and analyzed by flow cytometry at 6 hours, one day, 3 days, and 7 days after collection. Lymphocyte percentage, lymphocyte mor‐phology, expression of lymphoid surface markers and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were recorded at each time point and compared.ResultsLymphocyte percentage and morphology were preserved up to 3 days in samples collected in Cyto‐Chex BCT, and lymphocyte percentage was mildly decreased on day 7. CD4, CD8, and CD21 were stable in Cyto‐Chex BCT up to 7 days, whereas CD3 and CD45 showed a significant decrease in expression from day 3, with a decrease on average of 21% and 2.4%, respectively, on day 7. MFI was significantly decreased on day 7 for all markers except CD21.ConclusionsThese findings indicate that storage of samples in Cyto‐Chex BCT affects lymphoid marker expression and caution should be exercised when interpreting data produced on such samples.