bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fas‐associated factor 1 plays a negative regulatory role in the antibacterial immunity of Locusta migratoria
Authors: He Z. , Wang P. , Shi H. , Si F. , Hao Y. , Chen B. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractInsect immune responses are precisely regulated to maintain immune balance. In this study, the Fas‐associated factor 1 (FAF1) gene of Locusta migratoria manilensis, a homologue of the caspar gene that functions as a specific negative regulator in the antibacterial immunity pathway, was cloned. Gene expression analysis showed that FAF1 was expressed throughout the developmental stages and in all tested tissues, but its transcription levels varied significantly. Thus, FAF1 appears to be tightly regulated and is probably involved in multiple physiological processes. In addition, the antimicrobial peptide gene prolixicin was cloned and characterized. After bacterial challenge, prolixicin was rapidly up‐regulated, whereas FAF1 was markedly down‐regulated. This result was consistent with the observation that prolixicin was hyperactivated when FAF1 was suppressed by RNA interference. Moreover, after bacterial infection, the survival rate of FAF1‐knockdown locusts was much higher than that of the wild‐type. Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that FAF1 shares a similar function as caspar in Drosophila and may be involved in the negative regulation of antibacterial immunity in locusts.
Niobium‐Doped Titania Photocatalyst Film Prepared via a Nonaqueous Sol‐Gel Method
Authors: Joshi Bhavana N. , Yoon Hyun , van Hest Maikel F. A. M. , Yoon Sam S. 
Published: May 2013

Niobium‐doped Titanium dioxide (Nb:TiO2) transparent films were successfully deposited on glass substrates using a non‐aqueous sol‐gel spin coating technique. The effect of Nb concentration on the structural and photocatalytic properties of Nb:TiO2 films was studied using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and UV visible spectroscopy. The films with 12 at.% (atomic percent) Nb doped TiO2 showed excellent photocatalytic activity through 97.3% degradation of methylene blue (MB) after 2 h of UV irradiation.
An Inordinate Fondness? The Number, Distributions, and Origins of Diatom Species
Authors: Mann David G. , Vanormelingen Pieter 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe number of extant species of diatoms is estimated here to be at least 30,000 and probably ca. 100,000, by extrapolation from an eclectic sample of genera and species complexes. Available data, although few, indicate that the pseudocryptic species being discovered in many genera are not functionally equivalent. Molecular sequence data show that some diatom species are ubiquitously dispersed. A good case can be made that at least some diatom species and even a few genera are endemics, but many such claims are still weak. The combination of very large species numbers and relatively rapid dispersal in diatoms is inconsistent with some versions of the “ubiquity hypothesis” of protist biogeography, and appears paradoxical. However, population genetic data indicate geographical structure in all the (few) marine and freshwater species that have been examined in detail, sometimes over distances of a few tens of kilometres. The mode of speciation may often be parapatric, in the context of a constantly shifting mosaic of temporarily isolated (meta) populations, but if our “intermediate dispersal hypothesis” is true (that long‐distance dispersal is rare, but not extremely rare), allopatric speciation could also be maximized.
Termite Hindguts and the Ecology of Microbial Communities in the Sequencing Age
Authors: Tai Vera , Keeling Patrick J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAdvances in high‐throughput nucleic acid sequencing have improved our understanding of microbial communities in a number of ways. Deeper sequence coverage provides the means to assess diversity at the resolution necessary to recover ecological and biogeographic patterns, and at the same time single‐cell genomics provides detailed information about the interactions between members of a microbial community. Given the vastness and complexity of microbial ecosystems, such analyses remain challenging for most environments, so greater insight can also be drawn from analysing less dynamic ecosystems. Here, we outline the advantages of one such environment, the wood‐digesting hindgut communities of termites and cockroaches, and how it is a model to examine and compare both protist and bacterial communities. Beyond the analysis of diversity, our understanding of protist community ecology will depend on using statistically sound sampling regimes at biologically relevant scales, transitioning from discovery‐based to experimental ecology, incorporating single‐cell microbiology and other data sources, and continued development of analytical tools.
Clinical signs of barotrauma in golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Richardson), and associated effects on post‐release mortality and health
Authors: Hall K C , Broadhurst M K , Butcher P A 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis study assessed the effects of different retrieval depths (2, 10 or 20 m), surface intervals (none or 15 min) and release methods (untreated, vented or recompressed) on the incidence of external and internal clinical signs of barotrauma (ECSB and ICSB) and post‐release mortality in golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Richardson). Fish were assessed for ECSB before and after surface intervals and either monitored for mortality over 3 days in two deep cages or killed for internal examination. When all fish were left untreated, short‐term mortality increased with retrieval depth from 0% and 4.2% among 2 and 10‐m fish, respectively, to 19.2% among 20‐m fish; while surface interval only affected the incidence of two ECSB (excess buoyancy and a prolapsed cloaca). Mortality was also greater among 20‐m fish that were subjected to a 15‐min surface interval and left untreated (22.2%) or vented (22.2%) than those that were recompressed (5.6%). Of the ECSB, only exophthalmia was associated with increased mortality, with half of the affected fish dying. However, many fish retrieved from 10 and 20 m also sustained numerous ICSB, including compressed gonads or vital organs and ruptured or collapsed, haemorrhaging swimbladders that remained deflated for up to 3 days after release.
Lactadherin/MFG‐E8 is essential for microglia‐mediated neuronal loss and phagoptosis induced by amyloid β
Authors: Neniskyte Urte , Brown Guy C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNanomolar β‐amyloid peptide (Aβ) can induce neuronal loss in culture by activating microglia to phagocytose neurons. We report here that this neuronal loss is mediated by the bridging protein lactadherin/milk‐fat globule epidermal growth factor‐like factor 8 (MFG‐E8), which is released by Aβ‐activated microglia, binds to co‐cultured neurons and opsonizes neurons for phagocytosis by microglia. Aβ stimulated microglial phagocytosis, but did not opsonize neurons for phagocytosis. Aβ (250 nM) induced delayed neuronal loss in mixed glial‐neuronal mouse cultures that required microglia and occurred without increasing neuronal apoptosis or necrosis. This neuronal death/loss was prevented by antibodies to MFG‐E8 and was absent in cultures from Mfge8 knockout mice (leaving viable neurons), but was reconstituted by addition of recombinant MFG‐E8. Thus, nanomolar Aβ caused neuronal death by inducing microglia to phagocytose otherwise viable neurons via MFG‐E8. The direct neurotoxicity of micromolar Aβ was not affected by MFG‐E8. The essential role of MFG‐E8 in Aβ‐induced phagoptosis, suggests this bridging protein as a potential therapeutic target to prevent neuronal loss in Alzheimer's disease.
Re‐evaluation of common paradigms regarding the clinical appearance of oral mucosal malignancies
Authors: Allon Irit , Allon Dror M. , Gal Gavriel , Anavi Yakir , Chaushu Gavriel , Kaplan Ilana 
Published: May 2013

PurposeTo evaluate the clinical appearance and rate of ulceration of oral mucosal malignancies, and to investigate the accuracy of clinical provisional diagnoses.MethodsA 10‐year retrospective analysis, which included diagnostic biopsies of malignant tumors of the oral mucosa. The clinical provisional diagnoses were compared with final diagnoses.ResultsTwo hundred and twenty‐seven oral mucosal malignant tumors were included. Squamous cell carcinoma and its variants accounted for the majority (78%) of all malignant tumors. The most common clinical presentations were non‐ulcerated (59.7%) and ulcerated masses (20.4%). Only 11.9% presented as indurate ulcers. The highest ulceration rate of all malignancies was recorded for SCC, with only about half of SCC and its variants ulcerated at the time of biopsy. 31.1% of all malignancies were not clinically suspected to be malignant and did not even include a request to rule out malignancy. There was a better agreement between the clinical provisional diagnoses and microscopic diagnoses in the SCC group than in other types of malignancy (P < 0.001).ConclusionWithin this study sample, non‐ulcerated masses rather than indurate ulcers are the most common clinical appearance of oral mucosal malignancies, and even for SCC, that showed the highest ulceration rate at presentation, half were non‐ulcerated. Approximately, one‐third of oral mucosal malignancies were not suspected to be malignant prior to biopsy. Thus, the level of suspicion currently reserved for mucosal ulcers and ulcerated masses should also be applied to non‐ulcerated oral mucosal masses.
Usefulness of the fluid balance: A randomised controlled trial in neonates
Authors: Bekhof Jolita , van Asperen Yvette , Brand Paul LP 
Published: May 2013

AimTo assess the effects of fluid balance charts in neonates with moderate disease severity on duration of hospitalisation and medical interventions.MethodsRandomised, controlled trial in a neonatal ward in a general teaching hospital in the Netherlands between June 2009 and March 2010.One hundred seventy neonates with moderate disease severity, requiring continuous monitoring of vital parameters (mean gestational age 36+2 weeks (standard deviation 2+5 days), mean birthweight 2782 g (standard deviation 749 g)) participated. In the control group (n = 86), attending physicians could access all fluid balance data, whilst these data were blacked out in the intervention group (n = 84). Primary outcome was length of hospital stay. Secondary outcomes were percentage weight loss, interventions based on the fluid status, unblinding of fluid balance data and incident reporting.ResultsLength of hospital stay did not differ significantly between the intervention and the control group (median 9 vs. 8 days, with ratio of geometric mean 1.25, 95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.57; P = 0.06). We found no significant differences in secondary outcomes.ConclusionsRoutinely keeping fluid balances in neonates with moderate disease severity does not affect duration of hospitalisation or medical treatment.
Enzyme effects on extruded diets for dogs with soybean meal as a substitute for poultry by‐product meal
Authors: Tortola L. , Souza N. G. , Zaine L. , Gomes M. O. S. , Matheus L. F. O. , Vasconcellos R. S. , Pereira G. T. , Carciofi A. C. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe effects of exogenous enzymes supplementation on kibble diets for dogs formulated with soybean meal (SBM) as a substitute for poultry by‐product meal (PM) was investigated on nutrient digestibility, fermentation products formation, post‐prandial urea response and selected faecal bacteria counts. Two kibble diets with similar compositions were used in two trials: PM‐based diet (28.9% of PM; soybean hulls as a fibre source) and SBM‐based diet (29.9% of SBM). In experiment 1, the SBM diet was divided into three diets: SBM‐0, without enzyme addition; SBM‐1, covered after extrusion with 7500 U protease/kg and 45 U cellulase/kg; and SBM‐2, covered with 15 000 U protease/kg and 90 U cellulase/kg. In experiment 2, the SBM diet was divided into three diets: SBM‐0; SBM‐1, covered with 140 U protease/kg; 8 U cellulase/kg, 800 U pectinase/kg, 60 U phytase/kg, 40 U betaglucanase/kg and 20 U xylanase/kg; and SMB‐2, covered with 700 U protease/kg, 40 U cellulase/kg, 4000 U pectinase/kg, 300 U phytase/kg, 200 U betaglucanase/kg and 100 U xylanase/kg. Each experiment followed a block design with six dogs per diet. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means compared by orthogonal and polynomial contrasts (p < 0.05). In both experiments, nutrients and energy digestibility did not differ between diets (p > 0.05). SBM consumption resulted in increased faecal moisture and production (p < 0.05), without effect on faecal score. Higher concentration of propionate, acetate and lactate, and lower ammonia and pH were found in the faeces of dogs fed SBM (p < 0.05). Higher post‐prandial urea was verified in dogs fed SBM (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, the addition of enzymes increased faecal concentration of propionate, acetate and total short‐chain fatty acid (p < 0.05) and tended to reduce post‐prandial urea concentration (p = 0.06). Although with similar digestibility, SBM shows a worse utilization of absorbed amino acids than the PM. Soybean oligosaccharides can beneficially change gut fermentation product formation. Enzymes can increase the gut fermentation activity and improve the SBM proteic value.
Dietary effects of linseed on fatty acid composition of milk and on liver, adipose and mammary gland metabolism of periparturient dairy cows
Authors: Mach N. , Zom R. L. G. , Widjaja H. C. A. , van Wikselaar P. G. , Weurding R. E. , Goselink R. M. A. , van Baal J. , Smits M. A. , van Vuuren A. M. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryDuring the transition period in dairy cows, drastic adaptations within and between key tissues and cell types occur in a coordinated manner to support late gestation, the synthesis of large quantities of milk and metabolic homoeostasis. The start of lactation coincides with an increase of triacylglycerols in the liver, which has been associated with several economically important diseases in dairy cows (i.e. hepatic lipidiosis, mastitis). The polyunsaturated fatty acids have been used to improve liver metabolism and immune function in the mammary gland. Therefore, the effects of dietary linseed supplementation on milk quality and liver, adipose and mammary gland metabolism of periparturient dairy cows were studied in 14 cows that were randomly assigned to control or linseed supplementation. Animals were treated from 3 weeks antepartum until 6 weeks post‐partum. Linseed did not modify dry matter intake, but increased milk yield and lactose yield, and decreased milk fat concentration, which coincided with lower proportion of C16 and higher proportions of stearic acid, conjugated linoleic acid and α‐linolenic acid in milk fat. Linseed supplementation did not significantly change the expression of key lipid metabolism genes in liver and adipose tissues, except of glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) in liver, which was increased in cows supplemented with linseed, suggesting that more glucose was secreted and probably available for lactose synthesis compared with cows fed control diet. Large adaptations of transcription occurred in the mammary gland when dairy cows were supplemented with linseed. The main affected functional modules were related to energy metabolism, cell proliferation and remodelling, as well as the immune system response.
Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and fermentation profile in healthy horses
Authors: Mackenthun E. , Coenen M. , Vervuert I. 
Published: May 2013

SummarySupplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC) in horses may have some potential to modify microbial populations and thereby improve fibre digestibility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SC on apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients, with a special focus on fibre digestion in healthy horses. The fermentation profile of microbial populations was another focus of interest. Twelve geldings were randomly assigned to three groups. The basal diet consisted of cracked corn (2 g starch/kg body weight [BW]) and hay (1.2 kg/100 kg BW). During adaptation (3 weeks) and the total faecal collection period (5 days), cracked corn was fed once daily either as control (0 g SC) or supplemented with 1 or 3 g SC (1 g SC = 2 × 1010 colony‐forming units [cfu]). There was a 4‐week wash‐out period between the different SC regimes. Faeces were sampled by rectal collection for the analysis of pH, nitrogen, lactic acid, short‐chain fatty acids (SCFA) and SC. In faeces, mean SC cfu was significantly lower than the quantity supplemented: 0 g SC, no detection; 1 g SC, 1.1 × 106 cfu; 3 g SC, 3.6 × 106 cfu. Apparent total tract digestibility of crude fibre varied approximately 40% without any treatment‐related effects. Short‐chain fatty acids, lactic acids and pH in faeces were not significantly affected by SC supplementation. Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation was not associated with any changes in the fermentation profiles, and fibre digestion accordingly remained unchanged in intact and healthy horses. Taking into account that fibre digestion remained unchanged and recovery rate of SC in faeces was mariginal, colonization and proliferation of SC in the healthy equine intestinal tract seems to be unlikely.
Raw hulled shredded acorns from Downy Oak (Quercus pubescens) in the diet of pigs: effects on digestibility and faeces characteristics
Authors: Cappai M. G. , Wolf P. , Rust P. , Pinna W. , Kamphues J. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryFaeces quality and composition are both of interest to veterinary practitioners dealing with pigs’ health and disturbances in the alimentary tract, especially in free‐range situations. In the Mediterranean basin, acorns are used as a starch source for fattening pigs, yet little information is available on how that affects faecal quality and digestibility. Therefore, a combined diet containing ripe hulled shredded acorns vs. a pelleted complete diet for finishers was evaluated for the digestibility and faecal consistency. The trial involved eight crossbred pigs, and a matched‐pair approach was used to divide animals into two groups, which were fed with two different diets: acorns group (A): n = 4, 70% ripe hulled shredded acorns + 30% pelleted complete diet combined, as fed; control group (C): n = 4, 100% pelleted complete feed. The pigs were housed individually and fed the experimental diets for 8 days; daily feed intake and faeces amounts were recorded and faeces quality assessed. The digestibility of organic matter (OM) and starch of the two diets, as well as of pure acorns, were calculated and compared. Daily feed consumption was significantly higher in group A, but the mean dry matter intake (DMI) per pig was similar in both groups. Dark, firm and consistent faeces were reported for each pig from group A in comparison with group B, whose faeces were paler and softer. Digestibility of OM and starch were lower in group A than in group B (67.8 ± 3.4 vs. 83.9 ± 1.1 and 82.5 ± 3.4 vs. 92.3 ± 2.1 respectively): total tract digestibility of native starch from pure acorns was calculated at 77%. The peculiar consistency of faeces was related to macroscopic acorn hulls, constantly detected in the faeces of all animals sampled in group A.
Female Ejaculation Orgasm vs. Coital Incontinence: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pastor Zlatko 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Women may expel various kinds of fluids during sexual arousal and at orgasm. Their origins, quantity, compositions, and expulsion mechanisms depend on anatomical and pathophysiological dispositions and the degree of sexual arousal. These are natural sexual responses but may also represent symptoms of urinary incontinence.

Aim
The study aims to clarify the etiology of fluid leakage at orgasm, distinguish between associated physiological sexual responses, and differentiate these phenomena from symptoms of illness.

Methods
A systematic literature review was performed. EMBASE (OvidSP) and Web of Science databases were searched for the articles on various phenomena of fluid expulsions in women during sexual arousal and at orgasm.

Main Outcome Measures
Articles included focused on female ejaculation and its variations, coital incontinence (CI), and vaginal lubrication.

Results
Female ejaculation orgasm manifests as either a female ejaculation (FE) of a smaller quantity of whitish secretions from the female prostate or a squirting of a larger amount of diluted and changed urine. Both phenomena may occur simultaneously. The prevalence of FE is 10–54%. CI is divided into penetration and orgasmic forms. The prevalence of CI is 0.2–66%. Penetration incontinence occurs more frequently and is usually caused by stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Urodynamic diagnoses of detrusor overactivity (DOA) and SUI are observed in orgasmic incontinence.

Conclusions
Fluid expulsions are not typically a part of female orgasm. FE and squirting are two different physiological components of female sexuality. FE was objectively evidenced only in tens of cases but its reported high prevalence is based mostly on subjective questionnaire research. Pathophysiology of squirting is rarely documented. CI is a pathological sign caused by urethral disorder, DOA, or a combination of both, and requires treatment. An in-depth appreciation of these similar but pathophysiologically distinct phenomena is essential for distinguishing normal, physiological sexual responses from signs of illness.
Pepino mosaic virus triple gene block protein 1 (TGBp1) interacts with and increases tomato catalase 1 activity to enhance virus accumulation
Authors: Mathioudakis Matthaios M. , Veiga Rita S. L. , Canto Tomas , Medina Vicente , Mossialos Dimitris , Makris Antonios M. , Livieratos Ioannis 
Published: May 2013

SummaryVarious plant factors are co‐opted by virus elements (RNA, proteins) and have been shown to act in pathways affecting virus accumulation and plant defence. Here, an interaction between Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) triple gene block protein 1 (TGBp1; p26) and tomato catalase 1 (CAT1), a crucial enzyme in the decomposition of toxic hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), was identified using the yeast two‐hybrid assay, and confirmed via an in vitro pull‐down assay and bimolecular fluorescent complementation (BiFC) in planta. Each protein was independently localized within loci in the cytoplasm and nuclei, sites at which their interaction had been visualized by BiFC. Following PepMV inoculation, CAT mRNA and protein levels in leaves were unaltered at 0, 3 and 6 days (locally) and 8 days (systemically) post‐inoculation; however, leaf extracts from the last two time points contained increased CAT activity and lower H2O2 levels. Overexpression of PepMV p26 in vitro and in planta conferred the same effect, suggesting an additional involvement of TGBp1 in potexvirus pathogenesis. The accumulation of PepMV genomic and subgenomic RNAs and the expression of viral coat protein in noninoculated (systemic) leaves were reduced significantly in CAT‐silenced plants. It is postulated that, during PepMV infection, a p26–CAT1 interaction increases H2O2 scavenging, thus acting as a negative regulator of plant defence mechanisms to promote PepMV infections.