bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T polymorphism and the risk of male infertility: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu W. , Shen O. , Qin Y. , Lu J. , Niu X. , Zhou Z. , Lu C. , Xia Y. , Wang S. , Wang X. 
Published: April 2011

SummarySeveral molecular epidemiological studies have been conducted to examine the association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and male infertility susceptibility, but the results remain inconsistent. To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta‐analysis was performed. A total of 10 case–control studies, including 2275 cases and 1958 controls, were selected. Crude odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were used to assess the strength of association in the additive model, dominant model and recessive model. In the overall analysis, no significant association between the polymorphism and risk of male infertility was observed. Stratified analysis showed that significantly strong association between MTHFR C677T polymorphism and male infertility were present only in Asians (OR = 1.79 for TT vs. CC genotype; OR = 1.42 for CT/TT vs. CC genotype; OR = 1.50 for TT vs. CC/CT genotype; OR = 1.36 for T vs. C allele), but not in Caucasians. Additionally, MTHFR 677T was associated with a significant increase in the risk of azoospermia in all genetic models. No significantly increased risks of oligoasthenoteratozoospermia were found in any of the genetic models. In conclusion, this meta‐analysis supports that MTHFR C677T polymorphism is capable of causing male infertility susceptibility in Asians, but not in Caucasians.
Large nuclear vacuoles are indicative of abnormal chromatin packaging in human spermatozoa
Authors: Franco Jr J. G. , Mauri A. L. , Petersen C. G. , Massaro F. C. , Silva L. F. I. , Felipe V. , Cavagna M. , Pontes A. , Baruffi R. L. R. , Oliveira J. B. A. , Vagnini L. D. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryThe aim of this investigation was to determine the presence of abnormal sperm chromatin packaging in spermatozoa with large nuclear vacuoles (LNV) selected via high magnification by analysing the pattern of chromomycin A3 (CMA3) staining. A prospective observational study was designed to analyse semen samples obtained from 66 men undergoing infertility diagnosis and treatment. The numbers of cells with normal (dull yellow staining of the sperm head/CMA3‐negative) and abnormal (bright yellow fluorescence of the sperm head/CMA3‐positive) chromatin packaging were determined on slides with normal and LNV spermatozoa. The presence of bright yellow fluorescence (CMA3‐positive) was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in spermatozoa with LNV than in normal spermatozoa (719/1351; 53.2% vs. 337/835; 40.3%, respectively), reflecting a higher percentage of abnormal chromatin packaging in spermatozoa with large LNV. Our data support the hypothesis that the presence of LNV reflects the presence of abnormal chromatin packaging, which may facilitate sperm DNA damage. As sperm nuclear vacuoles are evaluated more precisely at high magnifications using motile sperm organelle morphology examination (MSOME), the present results support the use of high‐magnification sperm selection for intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
Sleep‐dependent modulation of affectively guided decision‐making
Authors: PACE‐SCHOTT EDWARD F. , NAVE GENEVIEVE , MORGAN ALEXANDRA , SPENCER REBECCA M. C. 
Published: April 2011

SummaryA question of great interest in current sleep research is whether and how sleep might facilitate complex cognitive skills such as decision‐making. The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) was used to investigate effects of sleep on affect‐guided decision‐making. After a brief standardized preview of the IGT that was insufficient to learn its underlying rule, participants underwent a 12‐h delay containing either a normal night’s sleep (Sleep group; N = 28) or continuous daytime wake (Wake group; N = 26). Following the delay, both groups performed the full IGT. To control for circadian effects, two additional groups performed both the preview and the full task either in the morning (N = 17) or the evening (N = 21). In the IGT, four decks of cards were presented. Draws from two ‘advantageous decks’ yielded low play‐money rewards, occasional low losses and, over multiple draws, a net gain. Draws from ‘disadvantageous’ decks yielded high rewards, occasional high losses and, over multiple draws, a net loss. Participants were instructed to win and avoid losing as much as possible, and better performance was defined as more advantageous draws. Relative to the wake group, the sleep group showed both superior behavioral outcome (more advantageous draws) and superior rule understanding (blindly judged from statements written at task completion). Neither measure differentiated the two control groups. These results illustrate a role of sleep in optimizing decision‐making, a benefit that may be brought about by changes in underlying emotional or cognitive processes.
Effect of amantadine on oxymorphone‐induced thermal antinociception in cats
Authors: SIAO K. T. , PYPENDOP B. H. , ESCOBAR A. , STANLEY S. D. , ILKIW J. E. 
Published: April 2011

Siao, K. T., Pypendop, B. H., Escobar, A., Stanley, S. D., Ilkiw, J. E. Effect of amantadine on oxymorphone‐induced thermal antinociception in cats.J. vet. Pharmacol. Therap. 35, 169–174.This study examined the effect of amantadine, anN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antagonist, on the thermal antinociceptive effect of oxymorphone in cats. Six adult healthy cats were used. After baseline thermal threshold determinations, oxymorphone was administered intravenously to maintain plasma oxymorphone concentrations of 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 400 ng/mL. In addition, amantadine, or an equivalent volume of saline, was administered intravenously to maintain a plasma amantadine concentration of 1100 ng/mL. Thermal threshold and plasma oxymorphone and amantadine concentrations were determined at each target plasma oxymorphone concentration. Effect maximum models were fitted to the oxymorphone concentration–thermal threshold data, after transformation in % maximum response. Oxymorphone increased skin temperature, thermal threshold, and thermal excursion (i.e., the difference between thermal threshold and skin temperature) in a concentration‐dependent manner. No significant difference was found between the amantadine and saline treatments. Mean ± SE oxymorphone EC50were 14.2 ± 1.2 and 24.2 ± 7.4 ng/mL in the amantadine and saline groups, respectively. These values were not significantly different. Large differences in oxymorphone EC50in the saline and amantadine treatment groups were observed in two cats. These results suggest that amantadine may decrease the antinociceptive dose of oxymorphone in some, but not all, cats.
Contribution of Hfq to photooxidative stress resistance and global regulation in Rhodobacter sphaeroides
Authors: Berghoff Bork A. , Glaeser Jens , Sharma Cynthia M. , Zobawa Monica , Lottspeich Friedrich , Vogel Jörg , Klug Gabriele 
Published: April 2011

SummaryThe photosynthetic alphaproteobacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides has to cope with photooxidative stress that is caused by the bacteriochlorophyll a‐mediated formation of singlet oxygen (1O2). Exposure to 1O2 induces the alternative sigma factors RpoE and RpoHII which then promote transcription of photooxidative stress‐related genes, including small RNAs (sRNAs). The ubiquitous RNA chaperone Hfq is well established to interact with and facilitate the base‐pairing of sRNAs and target mRNAs to influence mRNA stability and/or translation. Here we report on the pleiotropic phenotype of a Δhfq mutant of R. sphaeroides, which is less pigmented, produces minicells and is more sensitive to 1O2. The higher 1O2 sensitivity of the Δhfq mutant is paralleled by a reduced RpoE activity and a disordered induction of RpoHII‐dependent genes. We used co‐immunoprecipitation of FLAG‐tagged Hfq combined with RNA‐seq to identify association of at least 25 sRNAs and of mRNAs encoding cell division proteins and ribosomal proteins with Hfq. Remarkably, > 70% of the Hfq‐bound sRNAs are 1O2‐affected. Proteomics analysis of the Hfq‐deficient strain revealed an impact of Hfq on amino acid transport and metabolic functions. Our data demonstrate for the first time an involvement of Hfq in regulation of photosynthesis genes and in the photooxidative stress response.
Increased exposure to UV‐B radiation during early development leads to enhanced photoprotection and improved long‐term performance in Lactuca sativa
Authors: WARGENT JASON J. , ELFADLY ESLAM M. , MOORE JASON P. , PAUL NIGEL D. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTPlant responses to solar UV radiation are numerous and have often been considered from a perspective of negative outcomes for plant productivity. In this study, we used two experimental approaches consisting of: (1) field‐based spectrally modifying filters in addition to (2) controlled indoor exposure to UV‐B, to examine the effects of UV radiation on growth and photosynthetic performance of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) seedlings. Various aspects of growth were affected in plants grown under a UV‐inclusive environment compared to a UV‐depleted environment, including reductions in leaf expansion, increases in leaf thickness and the rate of net photosynthesis. After transplantation to a uniform field environment, lettuce plants initially propagated under the UV‐inclusive environment exhibited higher harvestable yields than those from a UV‐depleted environment. In controlled conditions, photosynthetic rates were higher in plants grown in the presence of UV‐B radiation, and relative growth of plants pre‐acclimatized to UV‐B was also increased, in addition to higher maximum photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) (Fv/Fm) following subsequent exposure to high photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and temperature stress. Our findings are discussed within the context of sustainability in agriculture and the paradigm shift in photobiology which such beneficial responses to UV radiation could represent.
A maritime pine antimicrobial peptide involved in ammonium nutrition
Authors: CANALES JAVIER , AVILA CONCEPCIÓN , CÁNOVAS FRANCISCO M. 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTA large family of small cysteine‐rich antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) is involved in the innate defence of plants against pathogens. Recently, it has been shown that AMPs may also play important roles in plant growth and development. In previous work, we have identified a gene of the AMP β‐barrelin family that was differentially regulated in the roots of maritime pine (Pinus pinaster Ait.) in response to changes in ammonium nutrition. Here, we present the molecular characterization of two AMP genes, PpAMP1 and PpAMP2, showing different molecular structure and physicochemical properties. PpAMP1 and PpAMP2 displayed different expression patterns in maritime pine seedlings and adult trees. Furthermore, our expression analyses indicate that PpAMP1 is the major form of AMP in the tree, and its relative abundance is regulated by ammonium availability. In contrast, PpAMP2 is expressed at much lower levels and it is not regulated by ammonium. To gain new insights into the function of PpAMP1, we over‐expressed the recombinant protein in Escherichia coli and demonstrated that PpAMP1 strongly inhibited yeast growth, indicating that it exhibits antimicrobial activity. We have also found that PpAMP1 alters ammonium uptake, suggesting that it is involved in the regulation of ammonium ion flux into pine roots.
Methylglyoxal functions as Hill oxidant and stimulates the photoreduction of O2 at photosystem I: a symptom of plant diabetes
Authors: SAITO RYOTA , YAMAMOTO HIROSHI , MAKINO AMANE , SUGIMOTO TOSHIO , MIYAKE CHIKAHIRO 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTWe elucidated the metabolism of methylglyoxal (MG) in chloroplasts of higher plants. Spinach chloroplasts showed MG‐dependent NADPH oxidation because of aldo‐keto reductase (AKR) activity. Km for MG and Vmax of AKR activity were 6.5 mm and 3.3 µmol NADPH (mg Chl)−1 h−1, respectively. Addition of MG to illuminated chloroplasts induced photochemical quenching (Qp) of Chl fluorescence, indicating that MG stimulated photosynthetic electron transport (PET). Furthermore, MG enhanced the light‐dependent uptake of O2 into chloroplasts. After illumination of chloroplasts, accumulation of H2O2 was observed. Km for MG and Vmax of O2 uptake were about 100 µm and 200 µmol O2 (mg Chl)−1 h−1, respectively. MG‐dependent O2 uptake was inhibited by 3‐(3,4‐dichlorophenyl)‐1,1‐dimethylurea (DCMU) and 2,5‐dibromo‐3‐methyl‐6‐isopropyl‐p‐benzoquinone (DBMIB). Under anaerobic conditions, the Qp of Chl fluorescence was suppressed. These results indicate that MG was reduced as a Hill oxidant by the photosystem I (PSI), and that O2 was reduced to O2– by the reduced MG. In other words, MG produced in chloroplasts is preferentially reduced by PSI rather than through AKR. This triggers a type of oxidative stress that may be referred to as ‘plant diabetes’, because it ultimately originates from a common metabolite of the primary pathways of sugar anabolism and catabolism.
Inorganic carbon acquisition in two green marine Stichococcus species
Authors: MOAZAMI‐GOUDARZI MARYAM , COLMAN BRIAN 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTThe mechanism of inorganic carbon (Ci) uptake was examined in the marine green microalgae Stichococcus cylindricus and Stichococcus minor. External carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity was not detected in either species, by potentiometric assay or by mass spectrometry. Photosynthetic characteristics of Ci uptake indicate that both species have high apparent affinity for CO2 with a low K1/2(CO2) of about 10 µm. The O2 evolution rates in light exceeded the spontaneous CO2 formation rate by 2.5‐fold in both species, which thus have active bicarbonate uptake. Mass spectrometric monitoring of CO2 and O2 fluxes showed that rates of O2 evolution exceeded those of CO2 depletion by about three‐ and twofold in S. minor and S. cylindricus, respectively, and also showed, in cells photosynthesizing at pH 8.2, a rapid depletion of CO2 upon illumination to a CO2 compensation concentration of 15.42 and 12.03 µm in S. minor and S. cylindricus, respectively. Both species also exhibit active CO2 uptake: addition of bovine CA at CO2 compensation concentration caused a rapid rise in CO2 as the CO2–HCO3‐ equilibrium was restored. Accumulation of unfixed Ci by cells at pH 8.2 was calculated to be 84.33 mm in S. cylindricus, and 30.37 mm in S. minor to give internal accumulations of 23‐ and 8‐fold, respectively, compared to the external Ci concentration.
HLA Class II Alleles and Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Cangussu L. O. F. , Teixeira R. , Campos E. F. , Rampim G. F. , Mingoti S. A. , Martins‐Filho O. A. , Gerbase‐DeLima M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate association of human leucocyte antigens (HLA)‐DRB1 and DQB1 polymorphisms with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and with the occurrence of severe liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in chronically infected patients. Ninety‐nine white patients, from southeast Brazil, with confirmed HCV chronic infection were included in the study. Severe fibrosis/cirrhosis (METAVIR scores F3–F4) was present in 49 patients. HLA‐DRB1 specificities and DRB1*11 and DQB1* alleles were determined by PCR‐SSP, and their frequencies were compared between patients and a control group of 103 healthy white Brazilian individuals. The results confirmed previous reports of the association of DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 with protection from chronic HCV infection, but did not confirm their association with protection from severe fibrosis/cirrhosis. Furthermore, the results suggested that the polymorphic sites on HLA molecules responsible for protection from chronic HCV infection are encoded not only by the DRB1*1101 and DQB1*0301, as suggested in the literature, but also by other DRB1*11 and DQB1*03 alleles. Thus, we hypothesized that the common polymorphic residues shared by different DRB1*11 and/or DQB1*03 alleles might be responsible for selection of viral epitopes for presentation to CD4+ T cells, leading to an efficient immune response against the virus.
A Single‐Stranded DNA‐Cross‐Reactive Immunogenic Epitope of Human Homocysteine‐Inducible Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein
Authors: Oka Y. , Hirabayashi Y. , Ikeda T. , Fujii H. , Ishii T. , Harigae H. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe mechanism involved in generating anti‐DNA antibodies (Abs) remains unclear, as DNA is poorly immunogenic. Molecular mimicry between DNA and non‐DNA substances has been implicated as a possible mechanism. We previously reported that homocysteine‐inducible endoplasmic reticulum protein (Herp), which is induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress, is recognized by anti‐double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) IgG from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and that immunization with Herp elicits anti‐dsDNA Abs in BALB/c mice. In this study, we observed that anti‐single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA) Abs were also generated in Herp‐immunized BALB/c mice and established an anti‐Herp monoclonal antibody (mAb), HT4, which specifically cross‐reacted with ssDNA. The epitope of the HT4 mAb on Herp, ‘EPAGSNR’, was identified by screening a synthetic peptide library. The binding of the HT4 mAb to the peptide was competitively inhibited by ssDNA. Immunization of the epitope peptide elicited anti‐ssDNA Abs in BALB/c mice. These results indicate that the epitope exists in a human self‐protein, mimics ssDNA and shows antigenicity for anti‐ssDNA Abs in normal mice. Anti‐ssDNA Abs are often found in patients with drug‐induced lupus erythematosus. Treatment with representative drugs that cause drug‐induced lupus (chlorpromazine, procainamide and hydralazine) induced Herp expression and apoptosis in HeLa cells. These findings suggest that molecular mimicry between Herp and ssDNA is involved in anti‐ssDNA Ab production in drug‐induced lupus.
Measuring Autoantibodies against IL‐17F and IL‐22 in Autoimmune Polyendocrine Syndrome Type I by Radioligand Binding Assay Using Fusion Proteins
Authors: Oftedal B. E. V. , Kämpe O. , Meager A. , Ahlgren K. M. , Lobell A. , Husebye E. S. , Wolff A. S. B. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAutoantibodies against interleukin (IL)‐17A, IL‐17F and IL‐22 have recently been described in patients with autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type I (APS I), and their presence is reported to be highly correlated with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC). The aim of this study was to develop a robust high‐throughput radioligand binding assays (RLBA) measuring IL‐17F and IL‐22 antibodies, to compare them with current enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) of IL‐17F and IL‐22 and, moreover, to correlate the presence of these antibodies with the presence of CMC. Interleukins are small molecules, which makes them difficult to express in vitro. To overcome this problem, they were fused as dimers, which proved to increase the efficiency of expression. A total of five RLBAs were developed based on IL‐17F and IL‐22 monomers and homo‐ or heterodimers. Analysing the presence of these autoantibodies in 25 Norwegian APS I patients revealed that the different RLBAs detected anti‐IL‐17F and anti‐IL‐22 with high specificity, using both homo‐ and heterodimers. The RLBAs based on dimer proteins are highly reproducible with low inter‐ and intravariation and have the advantages of high throughput and easy standardization compared to ELISA, thus proving excellent choices for the screening of IL‐17F and IL‐22 autoantibodies.
Two SCID cases with Cernunnos‐XLF deficiency successfully treated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Çağdaş Deniz , Özgür Tuba Turul , Asal Gülten Türkkanı , Revy Patrick , De Villartay Jean‐Pierre , van der Burg Mirjam , Sanal Özden , Tezcan İlhan 
Published: April 2011

Çağdaş D, Özgür TT, Asal GT, Revy P, De Villartay J‐P, van der Burg M, Sanal Ö, Tezcan İ. Two SCID cases with Cernunnos‐XLF deficiency successfully treated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Abstract:  SCID affects T and B cell differentiation and functions, presenting with severe opportunistic infections in the early postnatal period. It is fatal unless stem cell transplantation is performed. RS SCID forms are caused by defects in the NHEJ pathway, the enzymatic process required for the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks. Cernunnos‐XLF defect is one of the defects in this pathway. Here, we present two patients with Cernunnos‐XLF defect, both having microcephaly, prominent growth retardation, and T‐B‐NK+SCID, one of whom had AHA. These patients received hematopoietic stem cells from HLA identical related donor without conditioning regimen and recovered without any complication. Now, both of the patients are well and alive seven and one yr after transplantation, respectively. A remarkable observation was the severe diarrhea that occurred in both patients soon after transplantation.
Identification and characterization of microsatellite markers from Musa balbisiana
Authors: Wang Jing‐yi , Huang Bing‐zhi , Chen Ye‐yuan , Feng Su‐ping , Wu Yao‐ting 
Published: April 2011

With 2 figures and 2 tablesAbstractMicrosatellite sequences were determined from Musa balbisiana, a wild diploid species in China, using selectively amplified microsatellite analysis. Fourteen microsatellite loci were evaluated in a collection of 22 cultivated bananas and 11 wild species. A total of 77 alleles were detected with an average of 5.5 alleles and heterozygosity (H) = 0.355 per locus. Efficient loci transferability of M. balbisiana simple sequence repeat markers across other wild species of the genus was observed. Sequencing alleles at four loci showed that, apart from microsatellite length variation, point mutations and insertions/deletions were quite abundant, especially when comparing Musella lasiocarpa and Ensete glaucum with the other Musa species/subspecies. In the sequenced regions, some single‐nucleotide polymorphisms were identified which distinguished M. lasiocarpa and E. glaucum from the other Musa species.
Laser‐assisted Vitrification of Large Equine Embryos
Authors: Scherzer J , Davis C , Hurley DJ 
Published: April 2011

ContentsThe major difficulty in providing the benefits of embryo cryopreservation for equine agriculture is the mismatch between the optimal embryo age for collection from the mare (7–8 days after ovulation was detected) and the optimal age for freezing under current methods (6.5 days after ovulation). To overcome this limitation, we tested a method to enhance penetration of cryopreservative across the capsule and trophoblast of day 7 and 8 embryos combined with rapid freezing by vitrification. Six small embryos (< 300 μm in diameter) were collected on day 6–7 after ovulation and twelve larger embryos were recovered on day 7–8. In the treatment group, replacement of blastocoelic fluid with cryopreservative solution was facilitated by a laser system used to create a small opening in the embryonic capsule and trophectoderm. All embryos were vitrified using a CryoLeaf freezing support. After recovery from freezing and embryo transfer, three of four small untreated embryos (< 300 μm in diameter, 75%) and four of nine large blastocysts in the treatment group (> 300 μm in diameter, 44%) resulted in a vesicle as detected by ultrasonography approximately one week after transfer. However, only one recipient mare was still pregnant on day 23, and she delivered a live foal. Further investigation is required to determine why most of the embryos in this experiment were lost between day 13 and day 23 of gestation.