bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of biohydrogenation rate of canola vs. soya bean seeds as unsaturated fatty acids sources for ruminants in situ
Authors: Pashaei S. , Ghoorchi T. , Yamchi A. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAn experiment was conducted to study disappearance of C14 to C18 fatty acids, lag times and biohydrogenation (BH) rates of C18 fatty acids of ground soya bean and canola seeds in situ. Three ruminally fistulated Dallagh sheep were used to determine ruminal BH of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs). Differences in the disappearance of fatty acids through the bags and lag times were observed between the oilseeds. We saw that the longer the incubation time of the oilseeds in the rumen, the lower the content of C18:2 and C18:3. Significantly higher lag times for both C18:2 and C18:3 were observed in ground canola compared to ground soya bean. BH rates of C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids in soya bean were three times higher than those of canola. These results suggest that the fatty acid profile of fat source can affect the BH of UFAs by rumen micro‐organisms. So that UFAs of canola had higher ability to escape from ruminal BH. It seems that fatty acid profile of ruminant products is more affected by canola seed compared to soya bean seed.
Wnt3a signaling induces murine dental follicle cells to differentiate into cementoblastic/osteoblastic cells via an osterix‐dependent pathway
Authors: Nemoto E. , Sakisaka Y. , Tsuchiya M. , Tamura M. , Nakamura T. , Kanaya S. , Shimonishi M. , Shimauchi H. 
Published: June 2015

Background and ObjectiveDental follicle cells, putative progenitor cells for cementoblasts, osteoblasts and periodontal ligament cells, interplay with Hertwig's epithelial root sheath (HERS) cells during tooth root formation, in which HERS is considered to have an inductive role in initiating cementogenesis by epithelial–mesenchymal interaction. However, the specific mechanisms controlling the cementoblast/osteoblast differentiation of dental follicle cells are not fully understood. Canonical Wnt signaling has been implicated in increased bone formation by controlling mesenchymal stem cell or osteoblastic cell functions. This study examined the possible expression of canonical Wnt ligand in HERS and the role of Wnt signaling during the cementoblast/osteoblast differentiation of dental follicle cells.Material and MethodsThe expression of Wnt3a, a representative canonical Wnt ligand, in HERS was assessed by immunohistochemistry. The differentiation and function of immortalized murine dental follicle cells were evaluated by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP, Alpl) activity and osteogenic gene expression.ResultsWe identified the expression of Wnt3a in HERS during mouse tooth root development by immunohistochemistry as well as in cultured human epithelial rest cells of Malassez by real‐time polymerase chain reaction, while no expression of Wnt3a was detected in cultured dental mesenchymal cells. Exposure of immortalized murine dental follicle cells to Wnt3a‐induced ALP activity as well as expression of the Alpl gene. Pretreatment of cells with Dickkopf‐1, a potent canonical Wnt antagonist, markedly attenuated the effect of Wnt3a on ALP expression. Furthermore, Wnt3a induced transcriptional activity of runt‐related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) and expression of osterix at gene and/or protein levels. Treatment with osterix–small interfering RNA significantly inhibited Wnt3a‐induced ALP expression at gene and protein levels.ConclusionThese findings suggest that HERS has a potential role in stimulating cementoblast/osteoblast differentiation of dental follicle cells via the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α antagonist infliximab inhibits osteoclast formation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells but does not affect periodontal ligament fibroblast‐mediated osteoclast formation
Authors: de Vries T. J. , Yousovich J. , Schoenmaker T. , Scheres N. , Everts V. 
Published: June 2015

Background and ObjectiveThe inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is elevated in inflamed periodontal tissues and may contribute to periodontitis progression. TNF‐α stimulates formation and activity of osteoclasts, the cells that are recruited in periodontitis, that cause alveolar bone degradation and subsequent tooth loss. We previously showed that TNF‐α is elevated in co‐cultures of periodontal ligament fibroblast (PDLF) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Hence, TNF‐α could be a determining factor in osteoclast formation in these cultures, as osteoclasts are formed despite the fact that prototypical osteoclast differentiation factor receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand is outnumbered at least 100‐fold by its inhibitor osteoprotegerin in these cultures.Material and MethodsTo assess the role of TNF‐α in periodontitis‐associated osteoclast formation in vitro, osteoclast formation was analyzed in the presence of the anti‐TNF‐α therapeutic agent infliximab in two culture systems: (i) PBMC in co‐culture with PDLFs from controls and patients with periodontitis, or (ii) with PBMC only. PDLFs from control and patients with periodontitis were exposed to infliximab, PBMCs were added and the formation of osteoclast‐like cells was assessed.ResultsTNF‐α was highest levels in supernatants at 7 d in co‐cultures and declined at 14 and 21 d. TNF‐α was undetectable in cultures that received infliximab. The formation and activity of osteoclasts in co‐cultures was not affected by infliximab. In contrast, infliximab in cultures of only PBMC significantly reduced the formation of osteoclasts. This reduction was accompanied by a decreased number and size of cell clusters, a step that precedes the formation of osteoclasts. TNF‐α was again undetectable in the supernatant of infliximab‐treated cultures, but was detectable at similar levels in cell lysates of control and infliximab‐treated PBMC cultures.ConclusionOur study shows that the contribution of TNF‐α to osteoclast formation is cell system dependent. It contributes to PBMC‐induced osteoclast formation, possibly by establishing stronger cell–cell interactions that precede osteoclast formation.
Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of Neovaginoplasty Using Penile Skin in Male to Female Transsexuals
Authors: Buncamper Marlon E. , Honselaar Jara S. , Bouman Mark Bram , Özer Müjde , Kreukels Baudewijntje P.C. , Mullender Margriet G. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT

Introduction
In the treatment of transgender women, the surgical construction of a neo vagina, or vaginoplasty, is the final stage in the transition to the desired gender. Surgeons aim to create a neovagina that is in function and appearance as close to a biological vagina as possible. However, to date, it is insufficiently clear whether transgender women are satisfied with the functional and cosmetic outcomes of vaginoplasty.

Aims
Our aim was to assess if penile skin inversion neovaginoplasty performed in transgender women meet the objectives strived for, by determining functional and aesthetic outcomes, as well as the physical and sexual well being and satisfaction.

Methods
We performed a retrospective survey study on 49 transgender women who underwent vaginoplasty using the penile skin inversion technique. Participants were asked to fill out the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), a combination of the Amsterdam Hyperactive Pelvic Floor Scale—Women (AHPFS W) and the Female Genital Self Imaging Scale, and a short questionnaire for self evaluation of vaginoplasty. Photographs of the genitalia were taken for objective assessment by an independent panel.

Main Outcome Measures
Primary outcomes were the functional and aesthetic evaluation as perceived by the trangender women themselves. Secondary outcomes were the aesthetic evaluation of the vaginoplasty by an independent panel.

Results
Functionality and appearance were both given an average score of 8 out of 10. Despite this high score, 56% is sexually dysfunctional according to the FSFI, mainly because of not being sexually active, or due to problems with lubrication and discomfort. In 75%, the result met the expectation and 70% thinks their genital is feminine enough.

Conclusion
This study demonstrates that, despite relatively low FSFI scores, this group of transgender women is very satisfied with both the functional and aesthetic results of neovaginoplasty using penile skin inversion.
Phenotypic plasticity and divergence in gene expression
Authors: Healy Timothy M. , Schulte Patricia M. 
Published: June 2015

The extent to which phenotypic plasticity, or the ability of a single genotype to produce different phenotypes in different environments, impedes or promotes genetic divergence has been a matter of debate within evolutionary biology for many decades (see, for example, Ghalambor et al. ; Pfennig et al. ). Similarly, the role of evolution in shaping phenotypic plasticity remains poorly understood (Pigliucci ). In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Dayan et al. () provide empirical data relevant to these questions by assessing the extent of plasticity and divergence in the expression levels of 2272 genes in muscle tissue from killifish (genus Fundulus) exposed to different temperatures. F. heteroclitus (Fig. A) and F. grandis are minnows that inhabit estuarine marshes (Fig. B) along the coasts of the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico in North America. These habitats undergo large variations in temperature both daily and seasonally, and these fish are known to demonstrate substantial phenotypic plasticity in response to temperature change (e.g. Fangue et al. ). Furthermore, the range of F. heteroclitus spans a large latitudinal gradient of temperatures, such that northern populations experience temperatures that are on average ~10°C colder than do southern populations (Schulte ). By comparing gene expression patterns between populations of these fish from different thermal habitats held in the laboratory at three different temperatures, Dayan et al. () address two important questions regarding the interacting effects of plasticity and evolution: (i) How does phenotypic plasticity affect adaptive divergence? and (ii) How does adaptive divergence affect plasticity?
DiagnosticSNPs reveal widespread introgressive hybridization between introduced bighead and silver carp in theMississippiRiverBasin
Authors: Lamer James T. , Ruebush Blake C. , Arbieva Zarema H. , McClelland Michael A. , Epifanio John M. , Sass Greg G. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHybridization among conspecifics in native and introduced habitats has important implications for biological invasions in new ecosystems. Bighead (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and silver carp (H. molitrix) are genetically isolated and occur in sympatry within their native range. Following their introduction to North America, however, introgressant hybrids have been reported throughout their expanded range within the Mississippi River Basin (MRB). The extent of introgression, both spatially and generationally, is largely unknown. Therefore, we examined mixed‐species populations from across theMRBto characterize the extent of interspecific gene flow. We assayed 2798 individuals from nine locations with a suite of species‐diagnosticSNPs (57 nuclear and one mitochondrial). Forty‐four per cent (n = 1244) of individuals displayed hybrid genotypes. Moreover, the composition of hybrid genotypes varied among locations and represented complex hybrid swarms with multiple generations of gene flow. Introgressive hybrids were identified from all locations, were bidirectional and followed a bimodal distribution consisting primarily of parental or parental‐like genotypes and phenotypes. All described hybrid categories were present among individuals from 1999 to 2008, with parents and later‐generation backcrosses representing the largest proportion of individuals among years. Our mitochondrialSNP(COII), tested on a subset of 730 individuals, revealed a silver carp maternal bias in 13 of 21 (62%) F1hybrids, in all silver carp backcrosses, and maintained throughout many of the bighead carp backcrosses. The application of this suite of diagnostic markers and the spatial coverage permits a deeper examination of the complexity in hybrid swarms between two invasive, introduced species.
The southwestern Carpathians as an ancient centre of diversity of freshwater gammarid amphipods: insights from the Gammarus fossarum species complex
Authors: Copilaş‐Ciocianu Denis , Petrusek Adam 
Published: June 2015

AbstractGammarus fossarum is a diverse species complex of epigean freshwater amphipods throughout Europe. Due to their poor dispersal capabilities and ubiquity, these crustaceans may serve as a model for investigating the influence of historical factors on the contemporary distribution and diversity patterns of freshwater macrozoobenthos. Here, we investigate the fine‐scale phylogeographic structure of this complex across its range in the southwestern Carpathian Mountains, which comprises two areas that are geographically isolated from its main European distribution area as well as from each other. Given the Tertiary age of many freshwater Gammarus species, we hypothesize that the southwestern Carpathian populations reflect a relict distribution pattern. We used two mitochondrial and three nuclear markers from 32 localities to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and estimate the timings of divergence among southwestern Carpathian and non‐Carpathian lineages. Cryptic diversity was evaluated from mitochondrial markers by employing phylogenetic and distance‐based methods. We distinguished at least 16 cryptic microendemic taxa, some of them coexisting, distributed in the southwestern Carpathians in a mosaic‐like pattern. These lineages form a monophyletic group together with several lineages from southeastern Europe. Estimated divergence times indicate a Middle Miocene origin of this clade, with many deep splits dating back to more than 10 Ma. This time frame corresponds with a period of intense geological subsidence in the region that gave birth to the Pannonian Basin. We conclude that subsidence could have been an important driver of diversification in freshwater Gammarus and that the southwestern Carpathians represent an ancient centre of diversity for these crustaceans.
Association of UBP1 to ribonucleoprotein complexes is regulated by interaction with the trypanosome ortholog of the human multifunctional P32 protein
Authors: Cassola Alejandro , Romaniuk María Albertina , Primrose Debora , Cervini Gabriela , D'Orso Iván , Frasch Alberto Carlos 
Published: June 2015

SummaryRegulation of gene expression in trypanosomatid parasitic protozoa is mainly achieved posttranscriptionally. RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) associate to 3′ untranslated regions in mRNAs through dedicated domains such as the RNA recognition motif (RRM). Trypanosoma cruzi UBP1 (TcUBP1) is an RRM‐type RBP involved in stabilization/degradation of mRNAs. TcUBP1 uses its RRM to associate with cytoplasmic mRNA and to mRNA granules under starvation stress. Here, we show that under starvation stress, TcUBP1 is tightly associated with condensed cytoplasmic mRNA granules. Conversely, under high nutrient/low density‐growing conditions, TcUBP1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes are lax and permeable to mRNA degradation and disassembly. After dissociating from mRNA, TcUBP1 can be phosphorylated only in unstressed parasites. We have identified TcP22, the ortholog of mammalian P32/C1QBP, as an interactor of TcUBP1 RRM. Overexpression of TcP22 decreased the number of TcUBP1 granules in starved parasites in vivo. Endogenous TcUBP1 RNP complexes could be dissociated in vitro by addition of recombinant TcP22, a condition stimulating TcUBP1 phosphorylation. Biochemical and in silico analysis revealed that TcP22 interacts with the RNA‐binding surface of TcUBP1 RRM. We propose a model for the decondensation of TcUBP1 RNP complexes in T. cruzi through direct interaction with TcP22 and phosphorylation.
Emmonsiellopsis, a new genus related to the thermally dimorphic fungi of the family Ajellomycetaceae
Authors: Marin‐Felix Y. , Stchigel A. M. , Cano‐Lira J. F. , Sanchis M. , Mayayo E. , Guarro J. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryTwo interesting fungi were isolated from fluvial sediments collected in the North of Spain. They were morphologically related to the thermally dimorphic fungi of the family Ajellomycetaceae, but the analysis of the internal transcribed spacer region of the rDNA, and the domains D1 and D2 of the 28S rRNA gene sequences confirmed that they were different from all the species described in that family. They were accommodated in the new genus Emmonsiellopsis as E. coralliformis sp. nov. and E. terrestris sp. nov. The two species are distinguished mainly by the maximum temper‐ature of growth (up to 33 °C for E. coralliformis and to 42 °C for E. terrestris), the dendritic mycelium of E. coralliformis and the conidial ornamentation (verrucose in E. coralliformis and spinulose in E. terrestris). In addition, the phylogenetic data demonstrated that Ajellomyces griseus also represents a new genus within the Ajellomycetaceae, namely Helicocarpus. This new genus is easily distinguished by the lack of asexual morph, the production of brownish gymnothecial ascomata and oblate to lenticular, sparingly pitted ascospores. The proposal of both new genera was confirmed by the analysis of actin gene sequences.
FatalFusarium solanispecies complex infections in elasmobranchs: the first case report for black spotted stingray (Taeniura melanopsila) and a literature review
Authors: Fernando Nimal , Hui Suk‐Wai , Tsang Chi‐Ching , Leung Shui‐Yee , Ngan Antonio H. Y. , Leung Raymond W. W. , Groff Joseph M. , Lau Susanna K. P. , Woo Patrick C. Y. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryFusariumspecies are environmental saprophytic fungi. Among the manyFusariumspecies, members of theFusarium solanispecies complex (FSSC) are the most prevalent and virulent in causing human and animal infections. In this study, we describe the first case of fatalFSSCinfection in a black spotted stingray and three concomitant infections in scalloped hammerhead sharks. In the stingray, cutaneous lesions were characterised by ulcers and haemorrhage of the ventral pectoral fin, or ‘ray’, especially around the head; while cutaneous lesions in the sharks were characterised by ulcers, haemorrhage, as well as white and purulent exudates at the cephalic canals of the cephalofoil and lateral line. Histological sections of the cutaneous lesions revealed slender (1–4 μm in diameter), branching, septate fungal hyphae. Internal transcribed spacer region and 28S nrDNAsequencing of the fungal isolates from the fish showed two isolates wereF. keratoplasticum(FSSC2) and the other two wereFSSC12. Environmental investigation revealed theFSSCstrains isolated from water and biofilms in tanks that housed the elasmobranchs were alsoF. keratoplasticumandFSSC12.Fusariumis associated with major infections in elasmobranchs andFSSC12 is an emerging cause of infections in marine animals.DNAsequencing is so far the most reliable method for accurate identification ofFusariumspecies.
Endurantism vs. Perdurantism?: A Debate Reconsidered
Authors: Magidor Ofra 
Published: June 2015

One of the central debates in contemporary metaphysics has been the debate between endurantism and perdurantism about persistence. In this paper I argue that much of this debate has been misconstrued: most (if not all) of the arguments in the debate crucially rely on theses which are strictly orthogonal to the endurantism/perdurantism debate.To show this, I note that the arguments in the endurantism/perdurantism debate typically take the following form: one presents a challenge that endurantists (/perdurantists) allegedly have some trouble addressing, and to which perdurantism (/endurantism) apparently has a straightforward response. I argue, however, that in each case, there are versions of endurantism (/perdurantism) that can offer precisely the same (or at least a highly analogous) response to the challenge, and thus the ability to provide this particular solution does not directly tell in favour of one the two views.In §1, I elaborate two views which will be particularly prominent in the discussion: liberal endurantism and restrictive perdurantism. In §2–6 I discuss in turn the central pro‐perdurantism arguments: the argument from anthropocentricism, the argument from vagueness, the argument from recombination, the argument from temporary intrinsics, and the argument from coincidence. In §7–8, I discuss the main pro‐endurantism arguments: the arguments from motion, and the argument from permanent coincidence. Finally, in §9, I discuss what conclusion can be drawn from this discussion.
Perception of photoperiod in individual buds of mature trees regulates leaf‐out
Authors: Zohner Constantin M. , Renner Susanne S. 
Published: June 2015

Summary

Experimental data on the perception of day length and temperature in dormant temperate zone trees are surprisingly scarce.

In order to investigate when and where these environmental signals are perceived, we carried out bagging experiments in which buds on branches of Fagus sylvatica, Aesculus hippocastanum and Picea abies trees were exposed to natural light increase or kept at constant 8‐h days from December until June. Parallel experiments used twigs cut from the same trees, harvesting treated and control twigs seven times and then exposing them to 8‐ or 16‐h days in a glasshouse.

Under 8‐h days, budburst in Fagus outdoors was delayed by 41 d and in Aesculus by 4 d; in Picea, day length had no effect. Buds on nearby branches reacted autonomously, and leaf primordia only reacted to light cues in late dormancy after accumulating warm days. Experiments applying different wavelength spectra and high‐resolution spectrometry to buds indicate a phytochrome‐mediated photoperiod control.

By demonstrating local photoperiodic control of buds, revealing the time when these signals are perceived, and showing the interplay between photoperiod and chilling, this study contributes to improved modelling of the impact of climate warming on photosensitive species.
Cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway in the non‐obese diabetic mouse model
Authors: Koopman FA , Vosters JL , Roescher N , Broekstra N , Tak PP , Vervoordeldonk MJ 
Published: June 2015

ObjectiveActivation of the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway (CAP) has been shown to reduce inflammation in animal models, while abrogation of the pathway increases inflammation. We investigated whether modulation of CAP influences inflammation in the non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mouse model for Sjögren's syndrome and type 1 diabetes.MethodsThe alpha‐7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) was stimulated with AR‐R17779 or nicotine in NOD mice. In a second study, unilateral cervical vagotomy was performed. α7nAChR expression, focus scores, and salivary flow were evaluated in salivary glands (SG) and insulitis score in the pancreas. Cytokines were measured in serum and SG.Resultsα7nAChR was expressed on myoepithelial cells in SG. Monocyte chemotactic protein‐1 levels were reduced in SG after AR‐R17779 treatment and tumor necrosis factor production was increased in the SG of the vagotomy group compared to controls. Focus score and salivary flow were unaffected. NOD mice developed diabetes more rapidly after vagotomy, but at completion of the study there were no statistically significant differences in number of mice that developed diabetes or in insulitis scores.ConclusionIntervention of the CAP in NOD mice leads to minimal changes in inflammatory cytokines, but did not affect overall inflammation and function of SG or development of diabetes.