bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic parameters for litter size, piglet growth and sow's early growth and body composition in the Chinese–European line Tai Zumu
Authors: Banville M. , Riquet J. , Bahon D. , Sourdioux M. , Canario L. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryGenetics of piglet growth in association with sow's early growth and body composition were estimated in the Tai Zumu line. Piglet and sow's litter growth traits were calculated from individual weights collected at birth and at 3 weeks of age. Sow's litter traits included the number of piglets born alive (NBA), the mean piglet weight (MW) and the standard deviation of weights within the litter (SDW). Sow's early growth was measured by the age at 100 kg (A100), and body composition included backfat thickness (BF100). A main objective of this study was to estimate separately the direct genetic effect (d) and the maternal genetic effect (m) on piglet weight and daily weight gain during lactation. Variance components were estimated using the restricted maximum likelihood methodology based on animal models. The heritability estimates were 0.19 for NBA, 0.15 and 0.26 for SDW and MW at 3 weeks and 0.42 and 0.70 for A100 and BF100. The NBA was almost independent from SDW. Conversely, the A100 and BF100 were correlated unfavourably with SDW (rg<−0.24, SE<0.12). A stronger selection for litter size should have little effect on litter homogeneity in weights. Selection for lean growth rate tends to favour heterogeneity in weights. The direct effect on piglet weight at birth and daily weight gain accounted for 12% (h² (d) = 0.02) and 50% (h² (d) = 0.11) of the genetic variance, respectively. The association between d and m for piglet weight was not different from zero at birth (rg = 0.19, SE = 0.27), but a strong antagonism between d and m for daily weight gain from birth to 3 weeks was found (rg = −0.41, SE = 0.17). Substantial direct and maternal genetic effects influenced piglet growth until weaning in opposite way.
Cosmeceuticals based on Rhealba® Oat plantlet extract for the treatment of acne vulgaris
Authors: Fabbrocini G. , Saint Aroman M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractRecent evidence suggests that acne vulgaris begins as an inflammation in and around the sebaceous gland and alterations in the lipid content of sebum, which drive hyperproliferation and increased desquamation of keratinocytes within sebaceous follicles. This prevents sebum drainage, causing the formation of microcomedones, which spontaneously regress or become acne lesions when the pilosebaceous unit is further blocked by the accumulation of corneocytes. These conditions are favourable for the proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes, which further aggravates acne by enhancing abnormal desquamation, sebum production and inflammation. Also, skin fragility due to inflammation or irritation by anti‐comedogenic agents can worsen the situation. Rhealba® Oat plantlet extract (Pierre Fabre Dermo Cosmetique) soothes and restores fragile skin in acne by reducing inflammation and inhibits bacterial adhesion of Propionibacterium acnes. Cosmeceuticals combining Rhealba® Oat plantlet extract and hydro‐compensating actives, which are available with or without anti‐comedogenic hydroxy acids, provide a balanced, multifaceted approach for acne patients.
Bacillus thuringiensis plants expressing Cry1Ac, Cry2Ab and Cry1F are not toxic to the assassin bug, Zelus renardii
Authors: Su H.‐H. , Tian J.‐C. , Naranjo S. E. , Romeis J. , Hellmich R. L. , Shelton A. M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCotton‐ and maize‐producing insecticidal crystal (Cry) proteins from the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), have been commercialized since 1996. Bt plants are subjected to environmental risk assessments for non‐target organisms, including natural enemies that suppress pest populations. Here, we used Cry1F‐resistant Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) and Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab‐resistant Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) as prey for the assassin bug, Zelus renardii (Kolenati), a common predator in maize and cotton fields. In tritrophic studies, we assessed several fitness parameters of Z. renardii when it fed on resistant S. frugiperda that had fed on Bt maize expressing Cry1F or on resistant T. ni that had fed on Bt cotton expressing Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab. Survival, nymphal duration, adult weight, adult longevity and female fecundity of Z. renardii were not different when they were fed resistant‐prey larvae (S. frugiperda or T. ni) reared on either a Bt crop or respective non‐Bt crops. ELISA tests demonstrated that the Cry proteins were present in the plant at the highest levels, at lower levels in the prey and at the lowest levels in the predator. While Z. renardii was exposed to Cry1F and Cry1Ac and Cry2Ab when it fed on hosts that consumed Bt‐transgenic plants, the proteins did not affect important fitness parameters in this common and important predator.
Efficacy of Monitoring the Sensory Taste Characteristics in Pomegranate Juice with Electronic Tongue and Chemical Measurements
Authors: Bett‐Garber Karen L. , Watson Michael A. , Lea Jeanne M. , Bai Jinhe , Baldwin Elizabeth , Raithore Smita 
Published: November 2014

AbstractTaste is imperative in pomegranate juice and is influenced by many production and processing factors. Measuring sweetness, sourness, bitterness, astringency and toothetch without a sensory panel makes economic sense. This investigation compares descriptive sensory evaluation (DSE) with physical methods. Brix degree (Brix), titratable acidity (TA), pH, methyl cellulose precipitable tannin assay (MCPTA) and electronic tongue (e‐tongue) techniques were measured in six commercial juices. The MCPTA correlated with astringent (r = 0.57, Pr = 0.01) and bitter (r = 0.58, Pr = 0.01), while pH negatively correlated with sour (r = −0.53, Pr = 0.02). DSE and physical measurements sufficiently differentiated brands. DSE could differentiate between five of the six brands. TA, Brix, pH and MCPTA tests differentiated between all six juice brands. The e‐tongue resulted in large differences within four of the brand as well as between brands. Evaluation of these methods by diluting one juice brand facilitated distinguishing how the methods work on the same compounds at declining concentrations.Practical ApplicationsThis study compares pomegranate juice chemical measures (Brix, pH, TA, MCPTA) with actual sensory taste and mouth feeling characteristics as well as introduces the e‐tongue as an application to monitor quality in processed pomegranate juice. The MCPTA assay reasonably correlated with astringency and can be utilized for estimating pomegranate juice astringency in place of sensory evaluation. The information reported is useful for testing juices in research settings and in monitoring juice production for quality assurance purposes.
Quantification of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium verrucosum in Conventional and Organic Grains by qPCR
Authors: Kulik Tomasz , Treder Kinga , Załuski Dariusz 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe analysed the levels of Alternaria, Cladosporium, Fusarium and Penicillium verrucosum in grain samples harvested in 2011 and 2012 from conventional and organic farms using qPCR. In general, both Alternaria and Cladosporium occurred in all cereal grains in the highest quantities, followed by P. verrucosum and Fusarium. Alternaria, Cladosporium and P. verrucosum had the highest levels in crop mixtures, barley and rye and lower levels in wheat, while Fusarium levels were the highest in crop mixtures and wheat. The levels of Alternaria and P. verrucosum were higher in organic rye and wheat than conventional grains. Although the level of Fusarium was higher in conventional than organic rye, opposite results were obtained for crop mixtures. A positive correlation was found between Alternaria, Cladosporium and P. verrucosum, indicating that similar factors might affect the distribution of these fungi in grains.
Long non‐coding RNA HOTTIP is frequently up‐regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and is targeted by tumour suppressive miR‐125b
Authors: Tsang Felice H.C. , Au Sandy L.K. , Wei Lai , Fan Dorothy N.Y. , Lee Joyce M.F. , Wong Carmen C.L. , Ng Irene O.L. , Wong Chun‐Ming 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common human cancers. Recently, emerging evidence has suggested the role of long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in human carcinogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and functional implications of lncRNAs in human HCC.MethodsEighty‐eight well‐annotated lncRNAs were profiled in primary HCC by quantitative RT‐PCR. Functional relevance of lncRNAs was elucidated in HCC cell lines and nude mice models. The regulatory relationship between miRNA and lncRNA was predicted in silico and further validated by luciferase reporter assay and expression analysis.ResultsIn our profiling study, HOTTIP was identified as the most significantly up‐regulated lncRNA in human HCCs, even in early stage of HCC formation. Functionally, knock‐down of HOTTIP attenuated HCC cell proliferation in vitro and markedly abrogated tumourigenicity in vivo. In addition, knock‐down of HOTTIP also inhibited migratory ability of HCC cells and significantly abrogated lung metastasis in orthotopic implantation model in nude mice. HOTTIP is an antisense lncRNA mapped to the distal end of the HOXA gene cluster. Knock‐down of HOTTIP significantly suppressed the expression of a number of HOXA genes. Furthermore, we identified miR‐125b as a post‐transcriptional regulator of HOTTIP. Ectopic expression of miR‐125b reduced HOTTIP‐coupled luciferase activity and suppressed the endogenous level of HOTTIP. Moreover, in human HCCs, HOTTIP expression negatively correlated with that of miR‐125b.ConclusionsHOTTIP is a novel oncogenic lncRNA, which negatively regulated by miR‐125b. Overexpression of HOTTIP contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis by regulating the expression of its neighbouring protein‐coding genes.
The role of the southern water vole Arvicola sapidus in the diet of predators: a review
Authors: Mate Isabel , Barrull Joan , Gosálbez Joaquim , Ruiz‐Olmo Jordi , Salicrú Miquel 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
For the recovery and conservation of endangered species such as the southern water vole Arvicola sapidus, it is important to understand the effects of predation on their populations.
The impact of a predator on a prey species depends on the dynamics and structure of their populations, the abundance of both species and their relationships with other species. When considering broad geographic areas, the analysis of the trophic dimension can provide an estimate of the effect of predatory pressure on the prey.
To determine the potential impact of predators on the southern water vole, we used information provided in 74 studies concerning the diet of predators in the geographical range of the prey species. The trophic spectrum was determined based on faeces, stomach contents or pellets in which the arvicoline was present.
Based on the percentage of biomass consumed in each of nine trophic categories, the potential impact posed by predators was linked with dietary profile, trophic diversity, intensity of southern water vole consumption and availability of preferred prey.
In the localities studied, southern water voles are not the preferred prey of any of the predators we considered, but represent an alternative prey for some of them, especially when their main prey species are scarce. The predators with the greatest potential impact on southern water vole populations are Lutra lutra and Ardea cinerea; those with a moderate impact are some mesocarnivores (Felis silvestris, Genetta genetta, Neovison vison, Vulpes vulpes and Martes foina), a bird frequenting aquatic environments (Ciconia ciconia), and the raptors Aquila fasciatus and Hieraaetus pennatus.
The results obtained may be useful in the planning of measures for the conservation of the southern water vole, such as translocations or reintroductions, and in the design of strategies to reduce predatory pressure with the aim of promoting the success of these programmes.
Global effort allocation in marine mammal research indicates geographical, taxonomic and extinction risk‐related biases
Authors: Jarić Ivan , Knežević‐Jarić Jelena , Gessner Jörn 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Although marine mammals are considered to be disproportionately threatened compared with terrestrial mammals, and research data on marine mammals are limited, few attempts have been undertaken to analyse overall marine mammal research effort.
We applied the bibliometric approach to evaluate global trends in research on pinnipeds and cetaceans and attempted to evaluate the distribution of publication output with respect to spatial, taxonomic and conservation status‐related patterns.
Results show that global marine mammal research is disproportionately directed towards less endangered species. There is an uneven scientific focus among different cetacean and pinniped groups. A spatial asymmetry in research effort was also observed: a negative relationship exists between research allocation and regional marine mammal species richness. Cetacean species with larger ranges and pinniped species with larger population abundances tend to be better studied than others.
The observed patterns may exist because researchers have limited access to specimens of highly endangered species and to species found in less accessible habitats. Researchers from high‐income countries may also focus their research on species geographically close to them, and other economic considerations may lead to research bias. The observed unevenness of research allocation may result in a lack of information needed by policy‐makers and resource managers for the development of sound conservation and restoration measures, and thus in reduced effectiveness of policies and management practices.
Of mothballs and old yellow enzymes
Authors: Sawers R. Gary 
Published: November 2014

SummaryPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent and toxic environmental pollutants that accumulate in anoxic habitats. With the exception of naphthalene, nothing is known about the microbial degradation of PAH in these environments. The challenge that must be met in anaerobic PAH degradation is the destabilization of the resonance energy of the aromatic ring system, which requires electrons with very negative redox potentials. Estelmann et al. (2014) identify two enzymes from sulphate‐reducing bacteria that perform successive 2‐electron reductions of a coenzyme A thioester derivative of naphthalene. The first reduces 2‐naphthoyl‐CoA to 5,6‐dihydro‐2‐naphthoyl‐CoA and the second generates 5,6,7,8‐tetrahydro‐2‐naphthoyl‐CoA. Surprisingly, both enzymes are members of the ‘old yellow enzyme’ (OYE) family of flavoproteins. Neither uses adenosine triphosphate to achieve reduction of the aromatic ring. Typically, OYEs have flavin mononucleotide as cofactor and use nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (phosphate) as reductant. Both ring reductases have flavin adenine dinucleotide and an iron‐sulphur cluster as additional cofactors. Evidence also suggests that in the sulphate‐reducing bacteria, these enzymes form a complex, allowing substrate channeling. The findings of this superb study represent unprecedented biochemistry. This work sheds light on how microbes meet the thermodynamic challenges of life at the redox limit.
Stage‐specific global alterations in the transcriptomes of Lyme disease spirochetes during tick feeding and following mammalian host adaptation
Authors: Iyer Radha , Caimano Melissa J. , Luthra Amit , Axline David , Corona Arianna , Iacobas Dumitru A. , Radolf Justin D. , Schwartz Ira 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBorrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, is maintained in nature within an enzootic cycle involving a mammalian reservoir and an Ixodes sp. tick vector. The transmission, survival and pathogenic potential of B. burgdorferi depend on the bacterium's ability to modulate its transcriptome as it transits between vector and reservoir host. Herein, we employed an amplification‐microarray approach to define the B. burgdorferi transcriptomes in fed larvae, fed nymphs and in mammalian host‐adapted organisms cultivated in dialysis membrane chambers. The results show clearly that spirochetes exhibit unique expression profiles during each tick stage and during cultivation within the mammal; importantly, none of these profiles resembles that exhibited by in vitro grown organisms. Profound shifts in transcript levels were observed for genes encoding known or predicted lipoproteins as well as proteins involved in nutrient uptake, carbon utilization and lipid synthesis. Stage‐specific expression patterns of chemotaxis‐associated genes also were noted, suggesting that the composition and interactivities of the chemotaxis machinery components vary considerably in the feeding tick and mammal. The results as a whole make clear that environmental sensing by B. burgdorferi directly or indirectly drives an extensive and tightly integrated modulation of cell envelope constituents, chemotaxis/motility machinery, intermediary metabolism and cellular physiology. These findings provide the necessary transcriptional framework for delineating B. burgdorferi regulatory pathways throughout the enzootic cycle as well as defining the contribution(s) of individual genes to spirochete survival in nature and virulence in humans.
Escherichia coli radD (yejH) gene: a novel function involved in radiation resistance and double‐strand break repair
Authors: Chen Stefanie H. , Byrne Rose T. , Wood Elizabeth A. , Cox Michael M. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryA transposon insertion screen implicated the yejH gene in the repair of ionizing radiation‐induced damage. The yejH gene, which exhibits significant homology to the human transcription‐coupled DNA repair gene XPB, is involved in the repair of double‐strand DNA breaks. Deletion of yejH significantly sensitized cells to agents that cause double‐strand breaks (ionizing radiation, UV radiation, ciprofloxacin). In addition, deletion of both yejH and radA hypersensitized the cells to ionizing radiation, UV and ciprofloxacin damage, indicating that these two genes have complementary repair functions. The ΔyejH ΔradA double deletion also showed a substantial decline in viability following an induced double‐strand DNA break, of a magnitude comparable with the defect measured when the recA, recB, recG or priA genes are deleted. The ATPase activity and C‐terminal zinc finger motif of yejH play an important role in its repair function, as targeted mutant alleles of yejH did not rescue sensitivity. We propose that yejH be renamed radD, reflecting its role in the DNA repair of radiation damage.
Functional interactions between potassium and phosphate homeostasis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Canadell David , González Asier , Casado Carlos , Ariño Joaquín 
Published: November 2014

SummaryMaintenance of ion homeostatic mechanisms is essential for living cells, including the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Whereas the impact of changes in phosphate metabolism on metal ion homeostasis has been recently examined, the inverse effect is still largely unexplored. We show here that depletion of potassium from the medium or alteration of diverse regulatory pathways controlling potassium uptake, such as the Trk potassium transporters or the Pma1 H+‐ATPase, triggers a response that mimics that of phosphate (Pi) deprivation, exemplified by accumulation of the high‐affinity Pi transporter Pho84. This response is mediated by and requires the integrity of the PHO signaling pathway. Removal of potassium from the medium does not alter the amount of total or free intracellular Pi, but is accompanied by decreased ATP and ADP levels and rapid depletion of cellular polyphosphates. Therefore, our data do not support the notion of Pi being the major signaling molecule triggering phosphate‐starvation responses. We also observe that cells with compromised potassium uptake cannot grow under limiting Pi conditions. The link between potassium and phosphate homeostasis reported here could explain the invasive phenotype, characteristic of nutrient deprivation, observed in potassium‐deficient yeast cells.
Fulminant bilateral cerebral infarction caused by paradoxical embolism in a patient with protein S Ala525Val substitution
Authors: Yoshikawa Yoji , Kitayama Jiro , Ishikawa Hiromi , Nakamura Asako , Taniguchi Fumina , Morishita Eriko , Ago Tetsuro , Nakane Hiroshi , Kitazono Takanari 
Published: November 2014

AbstractWe report a 42‐year‐old woman who developed sudden fulminant cerebral infarction in the bilateral middle cerebral artery territories, causing status epilepticus and a decreased level of consciousness. Investigation showed thrombus in the right soleus vein and a patent foramen ovale, but no obvious embolic source, such as atrial fibrillation or a carotid or cerebral artery atherosclerotic lesion. Blood coagulation tests showed decreased levels of free protein S (25%) and total protein S (52%), and decreased protein S activity (15%). The patient was diagnosed with cerebral infarction as a result of paradoxical embolism, and type I protein S deficiency. DNA sequencing identified a novel point mutation in the PROS1 gene, leading to the amino acid substitution, Ala525Val. It should be noted that this protein S mutation can cause thrombophilia and cerebral infarction.
The accuracy of patient‐reported measures for GI symptoms: a comparison of real time and retrospective reports
Authors: Lackner J. M. , Jaccard J. , Keefer L. , Firth R. , Carosella A. M. , Sitrin M. , Brenner D. ,   Representing the IBSOS Research Group
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundObtaining accurate information about gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms is critical to achieving the goals of clinical research and practice. The accuracy of patient data is especially important for functional GI disorders (e.g., IBS) whose symptoms lack a biomarker and index illness severity and treatment response. Retrospective patient‐reported data are vulnerable to forgetting and various cognitive biases whose impact has not been systematically studied in patients with GI disorders. The aim of this study was to document the accuracy of patient‐reported GI symptoms over a reporting period (1 week) most representative of the time frame used in research and clinical care.MethodsSubjects were 273 Rome III‐diagnosed IBS patients (mean age = 39 years, 89% F) who completed end of day GI symptom ratings for 7 days using an electronic diary. On Day 8, Subjects recalled the frequency and/or intensity of IBS symptoms over the past 7 days. Reports were then compared against a validation criterion based on aggregated end of day ratings.Key ResultsAt the group level, subjects recalled most accurately abdominal pain and urgency intensity at their worst, urgency days, and stool frequency. When data were analyzed at the individual level, a subgroup of subjects had difficulty recalling accurately symptoms that showed convergence between recall and real time reports at the group level.Conclusions & InferencesAlthough many patients' recollection for specific GI symptoms (e.g., worst pain, stool frequency) is reasonably accurate, a non‐trivial number of other symptoms (e.g., typical pain) are vulnerable to distortion from recall biases that can reduce sensitivity of detecting treatment effects in clinical and research settings.