bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Consequences for the bovine embryo of being derived from a spermatozoon subjected to oxidative stress
Authors: Hendricks KEM , Hansen PJ 
Published: July 2010

Objective  To determine whether oxidative damage of ejaculated frozen–thawed sperm prior to oocyte insemination in vitro affects the competence of the resultant embryo to develop to the blastocyst stage.Method  Extended frozen semen from bulls was thawed, subjected to Percoll gradient purification to obtain motile spermatozoa and mixed with medium containing the pro‐oxidants menadione or tert‐butyl hydroperoxide. After 3 h at 38.5°C, the sperm were washed and used to inseminate oocytes in vitro. Embryo development proceeded until 8 days after insemination.Results  Treatment of sperm with 15 or 30 µmol/L menadione reduced the proportions of oocytes that cleaved and those that developed to the blastocyst stage; 30 µmol/L menadione reduced the proportion of cleaved embryos that developed to the blastocyst stage at day 8 after insemination. Oocytes inseminated with sperm treated with 150 or 300 µmol/L tert‐butyl hydroperoxide had lower proportions of cleavage and blastocyst development, and the proportion of cleaved embryos becoming blastocysts was also reduced.Conclusion  Oxidative damage to ejaculated sperm can compromise the ability of the sperm to cause oocyte cleavage and leads to formation of embryos with reduced competence for development.
An epizootic of bovine ephemeral fever in New South Wales in 2008 associated with long‐distance dispersal of vectors
Authors: Finlaison DS , Read AJ , Kirkland PD 
Published: July 2010

Objective  To report the rapid transmission of bovine ephemeral fever (BEF) virus from north‐western New South Wales south to the Victorian border in January 2008 and to present data that suggests an uncommon meteorological event caused this rapid southward dispersal of vectors.Procedure  The locations of reported clinical cases, data from sentinel herds and results from a survey of cattle in the southern affected area were examined to delineate the distribution of virus transmission. Synoptic weather charts for January 2008 were examined for meteorological conditions that may have favoured movement of vectors in a southerly direction.Results  Cases of BEF and exposure to BEF virus in NSW were confirmed west of the Great Dividing Range, extending from the Queensland border to Finley, on the far North Coast and around the Hunter Valley. A low‐pressure system moved south across the state on 18–19 January 2008, preceding the first cases of BEF in the south of NSW by 1–2 days.Conclusion  Heavy rainfall in December 2007 provided a suitable environment for vector breeding, resulting in the initiation of and support for continuing BEF virus transmission in north‐western NSW. The movement of a low‐pressure system south across central western NSW in mid‐January 2008 after the commencement of BEF virus transmission in the north‐west of the state provided a vehicle for rapid southward movement of infected vectors.
Muscle strain injuries of the hindlimb in eight horses: diagnostic imaging, management and outcomes
Authors: Walmsley EA , Steel CM , Richardson JL , Whitton RC 
Published: July 2010

Objective To describe the clinical presentation, ultrasound findings, management and outcome in horses with muscle tear injuries of the hindlimbs.Design Retrospective case seriesProcedure Medical records of eight horses were reviewed and information on signalment, history, presenting complaint, physical examination findings and further diagnostic tests were recorded. Diagnosis of muscle injury was determined by the presence of abnormal ultrasound findings, compared with the contralateral limb, and, when required, nuclear scintigraphy. Follow‐up information was obtained via telephone interviews with owners, trainers and referring veterinarians.Results Muscle tears causing lameness were identified in the middle gluteal (3), semitendinosus (1), semimembranosus (2) and gracilis (2) muscles. Tears were classified by ultrasound imaging as partial (6) or complete (2). The degree of lameness did not appear to be indicative of the extent of injury or of completion of healing. Long‐term follow‐up was available for seven horses and the outcome was favourable in six cases.Conclusions and clinical relevance Ultrasonography is useful in the diagnosis and assessment of moderate to severe muscle strain injuries. The prognosis appears to be favourable in most cases, although recurrence of injury and lameness can delay the return to athletic activity and an inferior outcome with persistent gait abnormality may occur.
Feeding of prohibited substances (swill) to pigs in Australia
Authors: Schembri N , Hernández‐Jover M , Toribio J‐A , Holyoake PK 
Published: July 2010

Objective  To assess current swill feeding legislation, swill feeding investigation practices by authorities and feeding practices of pig producers who trade via saleyards in eastern Australia in order to determine levels of understanding and conformance related to current swill feeding legislation.Method  A three‐tiered approach was undertaken to gather information on the feeding of prohibited substances (swill) to pigs in Australia. Firstly, a review of swill feeding legislation was undertaken to highlight the commonalities and inconsistencies between the various state and territory legislations in defining swill. Secondly, agricultural authorities were contacted in each state to gather information on swill feeding investigations undertaken in 2006. Finally, face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 106 pig producers who traded pigs at one of six saleyards in eastern Australia to ascertain their knowledge of swill feeding and to determine the feeding practices of this sector of the industry.Results  Areas of concern identified included (1) inconsistencies in the feedstuffs classed as ‘swill’ among states, (2) the number of producers who had been prosecuted for swill feeding in 2006 (n = 4 of 148 inspections), (3) the low knowledge base of producers who sell pigs at saleyards regarding swill feeding, and (4) the types of feedstuffs provided to pigs marketed at saleyards.Conclusion  Our findings highlight the need for a consistent definition for ‘swill’ across Australian states and for improved awareness of swill feeding among producers, particularly those who market pigs at saleyards.
Predicting Intermediate Phenotypes in Asthma Using Bronchoalveolar Lavage‐Derived Cytokines
Authors: Brasier Allan R. , Victor Sundar , Ju Hyunsu , Busse William W. , Curran‐Everett Douglas , Bleecker Eugene , Castro Mario , Chung Kian Fan , Gaston Benjamin , Israel Elliot , Wenzel Sally E. , Erzurum Serpil C. , Jarjour Nizar N. , Calhoun William J. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAn important problem in realizing personalized medicine is the development of methods for identifying disease subtypes using quantitative proteomics. Recently we found that bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytokine patterns contain information about dynamic lung responsiveness. In this study, we examined physiological data from 1,048 subjects enrolled in the US Severe Asthma Research Program (SARP) to identify four largely separable, quantitative intermediate phenotypes. Upper extremes in the study population were identified for eosinophil‐ or neutrophil‐predominant inflammation, bronchodilation in response to albuterol treatment, or methacholine sensitivity. We evaluated four different statistical (“machine”) learning methods to predict each intermediate phenotype using BAL ­cytokine measurements on a 76 subject subset. Comparison of these models using area under the ROC curve and overall classification accuracy indicated that logistic regression and multivariate adaptive regression splines produced the most accurate methods to predict intermediate asthma phenotypes. These robust classification methods will aid future translational studies in asthma targeted at specific intermediate phenotypes. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 147–157
Biomarkers for Establishing a Tolerable Upper Intake Level for Vitamin C
Authors: Johnston Carol S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractDietary reference intakes (DRIs) for vitamin C for healthy U.S. populations are currently being formulated by the Panel on Dietary Antioxidants and Related Compounds of the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine. A major task of the Panel is to analyze the evidence of adverse effects of high-dose vitamin C intakes to derive, if appropriate, a Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) for vitamin C. The present report details current and past research examining potential adverse effects of supplemental vitamin C. The available data indicate that very high intakes of vitamin C (2–4 g/day) are well tolerated biologically in healthy mammalian systems. Currently, strong scientific evidence to define and defend a UL for vitamin C is not available.
Hydrogen Sulfide Is an Endogenous Inhibitor of Phosphodiesterase Activity
Authors: Bucci Mariarosaria , Papapetropoulos Andreas , Vellecco Valentina , Zhou Zongmin , Pyriochou Anastasia , Roussos Charis , Roviezzo Fiorentina , Brancaleone Vincenzo , Cirino Giuseppe 
Published: July 2010

Objective—Recent studies have demonstrated that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is produced within the vessel wall froml-cysteine regulating several aspects of vascular homeostasis. H2S generated from cystathione γ-lyase (CSE) contributes to vascular tone; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxing effects of H2S are still under investigation.Methods and Results—Using isolated aortic rings, we observed that addition ofl-cysteine led to a concentration-dependent relaxation that was prevented by the CSE inhibitorsdl-propargylglyicine (PAG) and β-cyano-l-alanine (BCA). Moreover, incubation with PAG or BCA resulted in a rightward shift in sodium nitroprusside-and isoproterenol-induced relaxation. Aortic tissues exposed to PAG or BCA contained lower levels of cGMP, exposure of cells to exogenous H2S or overexpression of CSE raised cGMP concentration. RNA silencing of CSE expression reduced intracellular cGMP levels confirming a positive role for endogenous H2S on cGMP accumulation. The ability of H2S to enhance cGMP levels was greatly reduced by the nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. Finally, addition of H2S to a cell-free system inhibited both cGMP and cAMP breakdown.Conclusion—These findings provide direct evidence that H2S acts as an endogenous inhibitor of phosphodiesterase activity and reinforce the notion that this gasotransmitter could be therapeutically exploited.
Gene Delivery of Sarcoplasmic Reticulum Calcium ATPase Inhibits Ventricular Remodeling in Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Beeri Ronen , Chaput Miguel , Guerrero J. Luis , Kawase Yoshiaki , Yosefy Chaim , Abedat Suzan , Karakikes Ioannis , Morel Charlotte , Tisosky Ashley , Sullivan Suzanne , Handschumacher Mark D. , Gilon Dan , Vlahakes Gus J. , Hajjar Roger J. , Levine Robert A. 
Published: July 2010

Background—

Mitral regurgitation (MR) doubles mortality after myocardial infarction (MI). We have demonstrated that MR worsens remodeling after MI and that early correction reverses remodeling. Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
+2
-ATPase (SERCA2a) is downregulated in this process. We hypothesized that upregulating SERCA2a might inhibit remodeling in a surgical model of apical MI (no intrinsic MR) with independent MR-type flow.

Methods and Results—

In 12 sheep, percutaneous gene delivery was performed by using a validated protocol to perfuse both the left anterior descending and circumflex coronary arteries with occlusion of venous drainage. We administered adeno-associated virus 6 (AAV6) carrying SERCA2a under a
Cytomegalovirus
promoter control in 6 sheep and a reporter gene in 6 controls. After 2 weeks, a standardized apical MI was created, and a shunt was implanted between the left ventricle and left atrium, producing regurgitant fractions of ≈30%. Animals were compared at baseline and 1 and 3 months by 3D echocardiography, Millar hemodynamics, and biopsies. The SERCA2a group had a well-maintained preload-recruitable stroke work at 3 months (decrease by 8±10% vs 42±12% with reporter gene controls;
P
<0.001). Left ventricular dP/dt followed the same pattern (no change vs 55% decrease;
P
<0.001). Left ventricular end-systolic volume was lower with SERCA2a (82.6±9.6 vs 99.4±9.7 mL;
P
=0.03); left ventricular end-diastolic volume, reflecting volume overload, was not significantly different (127.8±6.2 vs 134.3±9.4 mL). SERCA2a sheep showed a 15% rise in antiapoptotic pAkt versus a 30% reduction with the reporter gene (
P
<0.001). Prohypertrophic activated STAT3 was also 41% higher with SERCA2a than in controls (
P
<0.001). Proapoptotic activated caspase-3 rose >5-fold during 1 month in both SERCA2a and control animals (
P
=NS) and decreased by 19% at 3 months, remaining elevated in both groups.

Conclusions—
In this controlled model, upregulating SERCA2a induced better function and lesser remodeling, with improved contractility, smaller volume, and activation of prohypertrophic/antiapoptotic pathways. Although caspase-3 remained activated in both groups, SERCA2a sheep had increased molecular antiremodeling “tone.” We therefore conclude that upregulating SERCA2a inhibits MR-induced post-MI remodeling in this model and thus may constitute a useful approach to reduce the vicious circle of remodeling in ischemic MR.
Glowing Pathfinder Bugs: A Natural Haptic 3D Interface for Interacting Intuitively with Virtual Environments
Authors: Rowe Anthony , Birtles Liam 
Published: July 2010

Glowing Pathfinder Bugs is an interactive art project primarily aimed at children and created by the digital arts group Squidsoup. It uses projection to visualize virtual bugs on a real sandpit. The bugs are aware of their surroundings and respond to its form in their vicinity. By altering the topography of the sand, participants affect the bugs' environment in real time, facilitating direct communication between them and computer-generated creatures. This highly malleable and tactile physical environment lets us define and carve out the landscape in which the creatures exist in real time. Thus, virtual creatures and real people coexist and communicate through a shared tactile environment. Participants can use natural modes of play, kinesthetic intelligence, and their sense of tactility to collaboratively interact with creatures inhabiting a hybrid parallel world. This paper describes the project and analyzes how children in particular respond to the experience; it looks at the types of physical formations that tend to be built and notes how children instinctively anthropomorphize the bugs, treating projected imagery as living creatures — though with a ludic twist.
Variable habitat use influences the mating system of a Lesser Antillean anole
Authors: Powell Robert , Eifler Douglas , Joyce Trevor 
Published: July 2010

AbstractEcologically versatile Anolis schwartzi from St. Eustatius (Lesser Antilles) occurs in various habitats, usually in shaded situations and often in higher densities when associated with rock piles, rock slides, and stone walls. In order to evaluate the mating systems of A. schwartzi in different habitats, we examined populations in rocky and adjacent forested plots in Boven National Park to test the following predictions: (1) Population densities would be higher in habitats with rocks or rock slides than in nearby areas of forest without rocks. (2) Males would be larger in favoured habitats with higher population densities. (3) Behaviours related to territoriality and aggression would be more prevalent in habitats with higher population densities. In fact, population densities were higher in rock plots, males and females were larger in rock plots, and males engaged in territorial/aggressive behaviours (push-ups, movements, presumably necessary for surveying territories, and chases) more frequently in rock plots. Large male A. schwartzi in rock plots with high population densities apparently exclude small males (social exclusion hypothesis). Average female:male densities in forest plots approached 1:1, which is suggestive of monogamy, whereas that in rock plots was 0.72. Consequently, the mating systems of A. schwartzi appear to vary in a predictable manner along the spectrum of monogamy to polygyny between proximate habitats between which no genetic isolation is possible.
Predation risk, escape and refuge use by mountain spiny lizards (Sceloporus jarrovii)
Authors: Avalos Arián , Cooper, Jr. William 
Published: July 2010

AbstractEconomic theories of antipredatory behavior take into account expected fitness losses and gains to predict escape decisions. Prey at greater risk are predicted to have longer flight initiation distance (= distance from predator when escape begins), flee farther, be more likely to enter refuge, and have longer hiding time (= time between entering and exiting refuge). We simulated predators to study effects of risk factors in the lizard Sceloporus jarrovii. Flight initiation distance, distance fled and probability of entering refuge increased with approach speed. Flight initiation distance increased additively with increases in speed and directness of approach. Lizards habituated to human presence had shorter flight initiation distances than unhabituated lizards. As predicted from greater threat posed by a persistent predator, flight initiation distance and hiding time were longer after the second of two approaches. Fleeing was more likely when an investigator stood nearby and turned toward them than when farther way or turned away. These findings verify theoretical predictions of escape and refuge use for several risk factors and most are consistent with those for other lizards. However, speed and directness of approach had additive effects in S. jarrovii, but interacted in other species. Another novel finding was a small interaction between individual investigator and directness of approach. Although outcomes of tests of escape and refuge use theories consistently confirm qualitative predictions, quantitative comparisons between studies by different investigators may have limited value unless information is available about relative responses by prey to each investigator.
Two complete mitochondrial genomes of Crocodylus and implications for crocodilians phylogeny
Authors: Yan Peng , Feng Ge , Li Xiaoqiang , Wu Xiaobing 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe complete mitochondrial (mt) genomes of two crocodilians: Crocodylus palustris and Crocodylus mindorensis, were sequenced in order to examine their gene and genome features. Additionally, we intended to increase the amount of molecular data suitable for phylogenetic analysis. Their gene orders conform to other crocodilians that have been sequenced, except the arrangement of two tRNA genes differ from other vertebrates, showing that the gene order of crocodilians is remarkably conserved. Phylogenetic analyses (maximum likelihood, Bayesian inference) based on the mt protein-coding genes at the nucleotide level were performed among crocodilians for which complete mt genomes were available. The results suggest that the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) joins the false gharial (Tomistoma schlegelii) on a common branch, that constitutes a sister group to traditional Crocodylidae. In this report, Mecistops cataphractus is evidently most closely related to Osteolaemus tetraspis. They are isolated as sister taxon from the main clades in Crocodylus. Regarding Paleosuchus, it appears as sister group to Caiman within the Alligatoridae. In particular, relationships among species of Crocodylus (true crocodiles) are discussed.
The Messages and Practices of the European Union’s Public Diplomacy
Authors: Rasmussen Steffen Bay 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis article examines the messages and practices of the European Union’s public diplomacy. Public diplomacy is conceptualized as a modality of diplomacy that seeks to influence foreign political discourses. The influence sought by the EU through its messages relates to the projection of its identity as an actor and to the diffusion of its own normative foundation, which are potentially conflicting objectives. EU public diplomacy is characterized by its decentralized nature, where the European Commission’s delegations in third states are the most important actors in the network ‘doing’ EU public diplomacy. The article concludes that the network organization of EU public diplomacy, although giving rise to important problems of coherence, is well adapted to the current patterns of diplomatic interaction and the pursuit of EU strategic objectives, and indeed is more effective than a more unitary actor that was able to speak with a single voice in international relations.
Sputum issues as defined by patients with cystic fibrosis: a qualitative investigation
Authors: Tierney S. , Riley D. , Jones A.M. , Webb A.K. , Horne M. 
Published: July 2010

Objectives: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) are asked to provide a sputum sample at clinic to test for potentially harmful pathogens. However, some appear to struggle with this request. Research into the difficulties experienced by these patients is lacking. This study set out to explore this issue in depth, using a qualitative research approach. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 patients identified as having difficulties with sputum by the physiotherapists involved in their care. Framework analysis was applied to collected data. Results: An overarching concept derived from the interview material was a concern about sputum coming to be a defining feature of identity. This was reflected in the following four themes: (1) being seen as dirty because sputum is socially vilified as thus; (2) sputum exposing an invisible condition; (3) sputum acting as a reminder of having CF; (4) being seen as sputum producers by practitioners. Discussion: Patients’ difficulties with expectorating sputum were multifaceted and included psychosocial and physical factors. Practitioners need to appreciate that for some people, a request for sputum can cause significant discomfort. Individualized interventions to assist these patients may prove helpful.
Fanconi anemia group J mutation abolishes its DNA repair function by uncoupling DNA translocation from helicase activity or disruption of protein-DNA complexes
Authors: Wu Yuliang , Sommers Joshua A. , Suhasini Avvaru N. , Leonard Thomas , Deakyne Julianna S. , Mazin Alexander V. , Shin-ya Kazuo , Kitao Hiroyuki , Brosh Robert M. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) is a genetic disease characterized by congenital abnormalities, bone marrow failure, and susceptibility to leukemia and other cancers. FANCJ, one of 13 genes linked to FA, encodes a DNA helicase proposed to operate in homologous recombination repair and replicational stress response. The pathogenic FANCJ-A349P amino acid substitution resides immediately adjacent to a highly conserved cysteine of the iron-sulfur domain. Given the genetic linkage of the FANCJ-A349P allele to FA, we investigated the effect of this particular mutation on the biochemical and cellular functions of the FANCJ protein. Purified recombinant FANCJ-A349P protein had reduced iron and was defective in coupling adenosine triphosphate (ATP) hydrolysis and translocase activity to unwinding forked duplex or G-quadruplex DNA substrates or disrupting protein-DNA complexes. The FANCJ-A349P allele failed to rescue cisplatin or telomestatin sensitivity of a FA-J null cell line as detected by cell survival or γ-H2AX foci formation. Furthermore, expression of FANCJ-A349P in a wild-type background exerted a dominant-negative effect, indicating that the mutant protein interferes with normal DNA metabolism. The ability of FANCJ to use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to produce the force required to unwind DNA or destabilize protein bound to DNA is required for its role in DNA repair.