bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of chronic dietary exposure to monosodium glutamate on feeding behavior, adiposity, gastrointestinal motility, and cardiovascular function in healthy adult rats
Authors: López‐Miranda V. , Soto‐Montenegro M. L. , Uranga‐Ocio J. A. , Vera G. , Herradón E. , González C. , Blas C. , Martínez‐Villaluenga M. , López‐Pérez A. E. , Desco M. , Abalo R. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundMonosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavor‐enhancer widely used as a food additive. However, its safe dietary concentration and its toxicity, including its possible implication in the recent metabolic syndrome pandemia, is still a controversial issue. Therefore, a deep knowledge of its effects upon regular dietary use is needed. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of chronic exposure toMSGon feeding behavior, abdominal fat, gastrointestinal motility, and cardiovascular function in rats.MethodsTwo groups of adult male Wistar rats were used: control and treated withMSG(4 g/L in drinking water) for 6 weeks. Different functional parameters were determined and the histological structure was analyzed in tissues of interest.Key ResultsCompared to control animals, chronicMSGincreased water intake but did not modify food ingestion or body weight gain. Neither the abdominal fat volume nor the fat fraction, measured by magnetic resonance imaging, was modified byMSG. Monosodium glutamate did not alter general gastrointestinal motility, but significantly increased the colonic response to mechanical stimulation. It slightly reduced endothelium‐dependent relaxation in aorta, without significantly modifying any other cardiovascular parameters. No significant histological alterations were detected in salivary glands, intestinal wall, aorta, heart, and kidney.Conclusions & InferencesChronic treatment withMSGin the adult rat increased water intake. This supports its potential to improve acceptance of low‐fat regimens and to increase hydration in the elderly and sportspeople, often at risk of dehydration. Changes in colonic contractility and cardiovascular function could have some long‐term repercussions warranting further research.
Comparative genomics of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis reveals the secreted protein recognized by the Fom‐2 resistance gene in melon
Authors: Schmidt Sarah Maria , Lukasiewicz Joanna , Farrer Rhys , van Dam Peter , Bertoldo Chiara , Rep Martijn 
Published: August 2015

Summary

Development of resistant crops is the most effective way to control plant diseases to safeguard food and feed production. Disease resistance is commonly based on resistance genes, which generally mediate the recognition of small proteins secreted by invading pathogens. These proteins secreted by pathogens are called ‘avirulence’ proteins. Their identification is important for being able to assess the usefulness and durability of resistance genes in agricultural settings.

We have used genome sequencing of a set of strains of the melon wilt fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonis (Fom), bioinformatics‐based genome comparison and genetic transformation of the fungus to identify AVRFOM2, the gene that encodes the avirulence protein recognized by the melon Fom‐2 gene.

Both an unbiased and a candidate gene approach identified a single candidate for the AVRFOM2 gene. Genetic complementation of AVRFOM2 in three different race 2 isolates resulted in resistance of Fom‐2‐harbouring melon cultivars. AvrFom2 is a small, secreted protein with two cysteine residues and weak similarity to secreted proteins of other fungi.

The identification of AVRFOM2 will not only be helpful to select melon cultivars to avoid melon Fusarium wilt, but also to monitor how quickly a Fom population can adapt to deployment of Fom‐2‐containing cultivars in the field.
Fungal endophyte infection of ryegrass reprograms host metabolism and alters development
Authors: Dupont Pierre‐Yves , Eaton Carla J. , Wargent Jason J. , Fechtner Susanne , Solomon Peter , Schmid Jan , Day Robert C. , Scott Barry , Cox Murray P. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryBeneficial associations between plants and microbes play an important role in both natural and agricultural ecosystems. For example, associations between fungi of the genusEpichloë, and cool‐season grasses are known for their ability to increase resistance to insect pests, fungal pathogens and drought. However, little is known about the molecular changes induced by endophyte infection.To study the impact of endophyte infection, we compared the expression profiles, based on RNA sequencing, of perennial ryegrass infected withEpichloë festucaewith noninfected plants.We show that infection causes dramatic changes in the expression of over one third of host genes. This is in stark contrast to mycorrhizal associations, where substantially fewer changes in host gene expression are observed, and is more similar to pathogenic interactions. We reveal that endophyte infection triggers reprogramming of host metabolism, favouring secondary metabolism at a cost to primary metabolism. Infection also induces changes in host development, particularly trichome formation and cell wall biogenesis.Importantly, this work sheds light on the mechanisms underlying enhanced resistance to drought and super‐infection by fungal pathogens provided by fungal endophyte infection. Finally, our study reveals that not all beneficial plant–microbe associations behave the same in terms of their effects on the host.
Effect of varying CRT refresh rate on the measurement of temporal summation
Authors: Mulholland Pádraig J. , Zlatkova Margarita B. , Redmond Tony , Garway‐Heath David F. , Anderson Roger S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeTo quantify the effect of cathode‐tube‐ray (CRT) monitor refresh rate on the measurement of the upper limit of complete temporal summation (critical duration) in the peripheral visual field of healthy observers.MethodsContrast thresholds were measured for seven achromatic spot stimuli (diameter 0.48°) of varying duration (nominal values: 10–200 ms) at an eccentricity of 8.8° along the 45°, 135°, 225° and 315° meridians of the visual field in three healthy, psychophysically experienced observers. Stimuli were presented on a CRT display with a refresh rate of 60 and 160 Hz. Contrast thresholds were expressed as contrast energy with stimulus durations being estimated using (1) the sum‐of‐frames (SOF) method and (2) Bridgeman's method incorporating measurements of phosphor persistence. Estimates of the critical duration were produced using iterative two‐phase regression analysis.ResultsWith stimulus duration expressed as SOF equivalent the critical duration was, on average, 10.6 ms longer with a refresh rate of 60 Hz (mean 45.7 ms, S.D. 10.1 ms) relative to 160 Hz (35.1 ms, S.D. 7.6 ms). When the Bridgeman method was used, minimal differences (1.8 ms) in critical duration values between the two refresh rates (60 Hz: 33.0 ms, S.D. 9.4 ms; 160 Hz: 31.2 ms, S.D. 7.0 ms) were observed. Identical trends were observed in all three subjects.ConclusionsPsychophysical measurements of temporal summation are independent of variations in CRT refresh rate when the Bridgeman method, incorporating measured values of phosphor persistence, is used to estimate stimulus duration. This has significant implications for the specification of stimulus duration in psychophysical studies of vision employing conventional display monitors.
Microfluctuations in accommodation: an update on their characteristics and possible role
Authors: Charman W Neil , Heron Gordon 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeFollowing the recognition, some 80 years ago, that the accommodation of the eye is not stable but fluctuates over a range of about ±0.5 D, mainly at frequencies of up to a few Hz, there has been a continuing interest in the characteristics of these microfluctuations (MFs) and their possible role in the control of accommodation. This paper reviews relevant work carried out since 1988, when we previously reviewed the same topic (Charman WN, Heron G. Fluctuations in accommodation: a review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 1988; 8: 153–164).Recent findingsStudies relating to the effects on the MFs of stimulus form, luminance and vergence are described, together with those of pupil diameter, age and ametropia. Important advances in the understanding of the links between the characteristics of the MFs and those of the cardiopulmonary system, higher‐order aberrations and ocular depth‐of‐focus are outlined. Only limited progress has been made in understanding the role of MFs in accommodation control.SummaryWhile the dependence of the characteristics of the MFs in relation to observing conditions is now reasonably well understood, their involvement in accommodation control still needs clarification. The current consensus appears to be that any role is more likely to be concerned with maintaining an appropriate response, rather than in initiating responses to abrupt changes in stimulus vergence. Fluctuations at lower temporal frequencies (<0.6 Hz) are probably important to the control process, which may make use of the associated changes in the contrast and spatial frequency spectrum of the retinal image.
Current and predicted demographics of high myopia and an update of its associated pathological changes
Authors: Verkicharla Pavan Kumar , Ohno‐Matsui Kyoko , Saw Seang Mei 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPurposeExcessive axial elongation of the eye in high myopia can cause biomechanical stretching leading to various ocular complications. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on various pathologic changes, especially in the chorio‐retina and sclera that have been reported recently using advanced ophthalmic bio‐imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and fundus photography.Recent findingsThe prevalence rates of pathologic myopia (myopic retinopathy and maculopathy) mirror the prevalence rates of high myopia as the risks of pathologic myopia increase with high myopia. Peripapillary and sub‐foveal choroidal thinning, scleral thinning, and deformed/irregular eye shapes were found to be strongly associated with various pathologic myopic lesions, especially with posterior staphyloma and chorio‐retinal atrophy. Considering the increasing prevalence rate of myopia and pathologic myopia, these degenerative changes are likely to increase dramatically over the next few decades due to the rapid growth in the number of individuals with high myopia and the ageing population.SummaryThe current prevalence rates of pathologic myopia in older adults might have significantly underestimated the future prevalence rates and warrants age of onset of myopia being considered a major risk factor for pathologic myopia. Using advanced technology, identification of novel quantifiable chorio‐retinal and scleral parameters in pathologic myopia would help to identify people at risk of developing pathologic myopia and potentially may revolutionise the management of myopia especially in risk prognostication and monitoring of disease progression.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis induces strigolactone biosynthesis under drought and improves drought tolerance in lettuce and tomato
Authors: Ruiz‐Lozano Juan Manuel , Aroca Ricardo , Zamarreño Ángel María , Molina Sonia , Andreo‐Jiménez Beatriz , Porcel Rosa , García‐Mina José María , Ruyter‐Spira Carolien , López‐Ráez Juan Antonio 
Published: August 2015

AbstractArbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis alleviates drought stress in plants. However, the intimate mechanisms involved, as well as its effect on the production of signalling molecules associated with the host plant–AM fungus interaction remains largely unknown. In the present work, the effects of drought on lettuce and tomato plant performance and hormone levels were investigated in non‐AM and AM plants. Three different water regimes were applied, and their effects were analysed over time. AM plants showed an improved growth rate and efficiency of photosystem II than non‐AM plants under drought from very early stages of plant colonization. The levels of the phytohormone abscisic acid, as well as the expression of the corresponding marker genes, were influenced by drought stress in non‐AM and AM plants. The levels of strigolactones and the expression of corresponding marker genes were affected by both AM symbiosis and drought. The results suggest that AM symbiosis alleviates drought stress by altering the hormonal profiles and affecting plant physiology in the host plant. In addition, a correlation between AM root colonization, strigolactone levels and drought severity is shown, suggesting that under these unfavourable conditions, plants might increase strigolactone production in order to promote symbiosis establishment to cope with the stress.
Epigenetically Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy (ePDT) is Superior to Conventional Photodynamic Therapy for Inducing Apoptosis in Cutaneous T‐Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Salva Katrin Agnes , Wood Gary S. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractConventional photodynamic therapy with aminolevulinate (ALA‐PDT) selectively induces apoptosis in diseased cells and is highly effective for treating actinic keratoses. However, similar results are achieved only in a subset of patients with cutaneous T‐cell lymphoma (CTCL). Our previous work shows that the apoptotic resistance of CTCL correlates with low expression of death receptors like Fas cell surface death receptor (FAS), and that methotrexate upregulates FAS by inhibiting the methylation of its promoter, acting as an epigenetic derepressor that restores the susceptibility of FAS‐low CTCL to caspase‐8‐mediated apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that methotrexate increases the response of CTCL to ALA‐PDT, a concept we refer to as epigenetically enhanced PDT (ePDT). Multiple CTCL cell lines were subjected to conventional PDT versus ePDT. Apoptotic biomarkers were analyzed in situ with multispectral imaging analysis of immunostained cells, a method that is quantitative and 5× more sensitive than standard immunohistology for antigen detection. Compared to conventional PDT or methotrexate alone, ePDT led to significantly greater cell death in all CTCL cell lines tested by inducing greater activation of caspase‐8‐mediated extrinsic apoptosis. Upregulation of FAS and/or tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand pathway components was observed in different CTCL cell lines. These findings provide a rationale for clinical trials of ePDT for CTCL.
More Than Just Light: Clinical Relevance of Light Perception in the Nosocomial Pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii and Other Members of the Genus Acinetobacter
Authors: Ramírez María Soledad , Müller Gabriela Leticia , Pérez Jorgelina Fernanda , Golic Adrián Ezequiel , Mussi María Alejandra 
Published: August 2015

AbstractA summary of the major findings concerning light modulation in Acinetobacter baumannii, which governs aspects related to the success of this microorganism as a nosocomial pathogen, is presented. Particularly, the evidence shows that light modulates the ability of the bacteria to persist in the environment, its virulence against eukaryotic hosts and even susceptibility to certain antibiotics. The light signal is sensed through different mechanisms, in some cases involving specialized photoreceptors of the BLUF‐type, whereas in others, directly by a photosensitizer molecule. We also provide new data concerning the genomic context of BLUF‐domain containing proteins within the genus Acinetobacter, as well as further insights into the mechanism of light‐mediated reduction in susceptibility to antibiotics. The overall information points toward light being a crucial stimulus in the lifestyle of members of the genus Acinetobacter as well as in other clinically relevant species, such as members of the ESKAPE group, playing therefore an important role in the clinical settings.
Are Some Citizens More Equal than Others? Evidence from a Field Experiment
Authors: Grohs Stephan , Adam Christian , Knill Christoph 
Published: August 2015

AbstractThe equal treatment of all citizens is one of the fundamental principles of good administrative practice. Nevertheless, there are growing numbers of media and scientific reports on unequal treatment by public administrations. This article examines the unequal treatment of citizens by gender and ethnic origin by means of a survey‐based field experiment in German local government. With the help of two vignettes and randomized assignment of names, responses to fake citizen requests by local governments are analyzed for speed, quality, and service orientation. The results show very limited discrimination effects. While there is no evidence for general ethnic discrimination, a more differentiated analysis indicates patterns of ethnic discrimination conditioned by gender.
Computed Tomography of the Prostate Gland in Healthy Intact Dogs and Dogs with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Pasikowska J , Hebel M , Niżański W , Nowak M 
Published: August 2015

ContentsTo date, there is only scarce data on the evaluation of the prostate gland in dogs using computed tomography (CT). The aims of our study were to describeCTfeatures ofBPHin dogs and to determine the size of the prostate gland in healthy male dogs and dogs with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) throughCT. Additionally, we aimed to compare and establish the most useful parameters forCTmeasurements of the prostate in patients withBPH. The study population consisted of 20 healthy intact male dogs and 20 male intact dogs with confirmedBPH. Pre‐ and post‐contrastCTstudies were evaluated. The most commonCTfeatures in dogs with recognizedBPHwere symmetrical prostatomegaly and heterogeneity of the prostatic parenchyma. The mean prostatic density (D) was 56HU(±4.39) in pre‐contrastCTimages and 84HU(±8) in post‐contrast images in dogs withBPH. The mean prostatic length (L) was 43.87 mm (±11), the mean width (W) amounted to 48.95 mm (±8.76) and the mean height (H) reached 44.9 mm (±9.48) in clinically affected patients. The mean ratios were:rL− 2,12 (±0.5);rW− 2.39 (±0.53) andrH− 2.16 (±0.39) in theBPHgroup. The prostate should be considered to be enlarged whenrLexceeds 3.05;rWexceeds 3.38 andrHexceeds 2.94. Our findings indicated thatCTis a useful tool in diagnosing prostate disorders, includingBPH. The heterogeneity, density and ratios of prostatic length, width and height can be useful parameters in the diagnosis of BPH.
Influence of Delipation on the Energy Metabolism in Pig Parthenogenetically Activated Embryos
Authors: Wang C , Niu Y , Chi D , Zeng Y , Liu H , Dai Y , Li J 
Published: August 2015

ContentsThis study was designed not only to measure the effect of delipation on the developmental viability of pig parthenogenetically activated (PA) embryos, but also to evaluate the changes of mitochondria DNA (mtDNA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and gene (Acsl3, Acadsb, Acaa2, Glut1) expression level at different stages after delipation. Results showed that no effect was observed on the cleavage ability, but significant lower blastocyst rate was obtained in delipated embryos. Copy number of mtDNA decreased gradually from MII to four‐cell stages and subsequently kept consistent with blastocyst stage both in delipated and control embryos, but the copy number of mtDNA in delipated embryos was similar to that in the control groups no matter at which developmental stage was observed. Both in delipated and control embryos, ATP content progressive decreased from one‐cell to blastocyst stages, while just at one‐cell stage, a significant decrease of ATP level was observed in delipated embryos compared with that of control. The level of ROS increased obviously after delipation at cleavage stage, but no difference was seen at blastocyst stage. Finally, the expression level of genes related to fatty acids beta‐oxidation (Acadsb and Acaa2) was decreased, while the expression level of genes related to glucose metabolism (Glut 1) was upregulated after delipation. In conclusion, the reduction of lipids in pig oocytes will affect the developmental competence of pig PA embryos by disturbed energy metabolism and ROS stress.
Effects of Dietary Contamination by Zearalenone and Its Metabolites on Serum Anti‐Müllerian Hormone: Impact on the Reproductive Performance of Breeding Cows
Authors: Fushimi Y , Takagi M , Monniaux D , Uno S , Kokushi E , Shinya U , Kawashima C , Otoi T , Deguchi E , Fink‐Gremmels J 
Published: August 2015

ContentsWe investigated the effects of in vivo exposure to low zearalenone levels on the anti‐Müllerian hormone endocrine levels and the reproductive performance of cattle. Urine and blood samples and reproductive records were collected from two Japanese Black breeding female cattle herds with dietary zearalenone contamination below the threshold levels (<1 ppm) at 30 days after calving. Urinary zearalenone, α‐zearalenol and β‐zearalenol concentrations were measured by chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry, and serum anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations were determined along with serum biochemical parameters. Urinary concentrations of α‐zearalenol were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in cattle in Herd 1 than in cattle in Herd 2, reflecting the different amounts of zearalenone in the diet of the two herds. Although the number of 5‐mm and 10‐mm follicles of the herds and their fertility after artificial insemination were similar, the serum anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations in herds 1 and 2 were 438.9 ± 48.6 pg/ml and 618.9 ± 80.0 pg/ml, respectively, with a trend towards a significant difference (p = 0.053), which may indicate differences in the antral follicle populations between herds. Thus, zearalenone intake from dietary feed, even when below the threshold zearalenone contamination level permitted in Japan, may affect the ovarian antral follicle populations, but not the fertility, of post‐partum cows.
Shear Plugging and Frictional Behaviour of Composites and Fabrics Under Quasi‐static Loading
Authors: Pandya K. S. , Shaktivesh S. , Gowtham H. L. , Inani A. , Naik N. K. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractExperimental studies are presented on the shear plugging and frictional behaviour of composites and fabrics under quasi‐static loading. The primary focus is on the effect of specimen thickness on quasi‐static shear plugging behaviour. In the present study, quasi‐static shear plugging and through‐the‐thickness frictional tests are carried out on three types of materials. The materials investigated are 2D plain weave E‐glass/epoxy, 2D plain weave T300 carbon/epoxy and 2D plain weave E‐glass fabric. Typical results on shear plugging strength and frictional behaviour are presented. Effect of specimen thickness on quasi‐static shear plugging behaviour is also investigated.
Interleukin‐18, interleukin‐12B and interferon‐γ gene polymorphisms in Brazilian patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a pilot study
Authors: Angelo H. D. , Gomes Silva I. I. F. , Oliveira R. D. R. , Louzada‐Júnior P. , Donadi E. A. , Crovella S. , Maia M. M. D. , de Souza P. R. E. , Sandrin‐Garcia P. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPolymorphisms in interleukin (IL)‐18, IL‐12 and interferon (IFN)‐γ genes are associated with different levels of cytokines expression and have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). IL‐18 +105 A/C, IL‐12B +1188 A/C and IFN‐γ +874 T/A polymorphisms were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplification refractory mutation system PCR from 90 RA patients and 186 healthy individuals. There were significant differences to IL‐18 +105 A/C polymorphism between the RA and control groups (odds ratio = 3.77; P < 0.0001). Individual carriers of the variant allele C had a 3.77‐fold increased risk of for RA (P = 0.0032). No association was observed for IL‐12B and IFN‐γ polymorphisms. Our finds suggest a possible role for IL‐18 polymorphism in the RA susceptibility in studied population.