bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stoichiometric traits of stickleback: Effects of genetic background, rearing environment, and ontogeny
Authors: Leal Miguel Costa , Best Rebecca J. , Durston Dan , El‐Sabaawi Rana W. , Matthews Blake
Published: March 2017

Phenotypes can both evolve in response to, and affect, ecosystem change, but few examples of diverging ecosystem‐effect traits have been investigated. Bony armor traits of fish are good candidates for this because they evolve rapidly in some freshwater fish populations, and bone is phosphorus rich and likely to affect nutrient recycling in aquatic ecosystems. Here, we explore how ontogeny, rearing environment, and bone allocation among body parts affect the stoichiometric phenotype (i.e., stoichiometric composition of bodies and excretion) of threespine stickleback. We use two populations from distinct freshwater lineages with contrasting lateral plating phenotypes (full vs. low plating) and their hybrids, which are mostly fully plated. We found that ontogeny, rearing environment, and body condition were the most important predictors of organismal stoichiometry. Although elemental composition was similar between both populations and their hybrids, we found significant divergence in phosphorus allocation among body parts and in phosphorus excretion rates. Overall, body armor differences did not explain variation in whole body phosphorus, phosphorus allocation, or phosphorus excretion. Evolutionary divergence between these lineages in both allocation and excretion is likely to have important direct consequences for ecosystems, but may be mediated by evolution of multiple morphological or physiological traits beyond plating phenotype.
Coral reef mesopredators switch prey, shortening food chains, in response to habitat degradation
Authors: Hempson Tessa N. , Graham Nicholas A. J. , MacNeil M. Aaron , Williamson David H. , Jones Geoffrey P. , Almany Glenn R.
Published: March 2017

Diet specificity is likely to be the key predictor of a predator's vulnerability to changing habitat and prey conditions. Understanding the degree to which predatory coral reef fishes adjust or maintain prey choice, in response to declines in coral cover and changes in prey availability, is critical for predicting how they may respond to reef habitat degradation. Here, we use stable isotope analyses to characterize the trophic structure of predator–prey interactions on coral reefs of the Keppel Island Group on the southern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. These reefs, previously typified by exceptionally high coral cover, have recently lost much of their coral cover due to coral bleaching and frequent inundation by sediment‐laden, freshwater flood plumes associated with increased rainfall patterns. Long‐term monitoring of these reefs demonstrates that, as coral cover declined, there has been a decrease in prey biomass, and a shift in dominant prey species from pelagic plankton‐feeding damselfishes to territorial benthic algal‐feeding damselfishes, resulting in differences in the principal carbon pathways in the food web. Using isotopes, we tested whether this changing prey availability could be detected in the diet of a mesopredator (coral grouper, Plectropomus maculatus). The δ13C signature in grouper tissue in the Keppel Islands shifted from a more pelagic to a more benthic signal, demonstrating a change in carbon sources aligning with the change in prey availability due to habitat degradation. Grouper with a more benthic carbon signature were also feeding at a lower trophic level, indicating a shortening in food chains. Further, we found a decline in the coral grouper population accompanying a decrease in total available prey biomass. Thus, while the ability to adapt diets could ameliorate the short‐term impacts of habitat degradation on mesopredators, long‐term effects may negatively impact mesopredator populations and alter the trophic structure of coral reef food webs.
Not all weeds are created equal: A database approach uncovers differences in the sexual system of native and introduced weeds
Authors: Van Etten Megan L. , Conner Jeffrey K. , Chang Shu‐Mei , Baucom Regina S.
Published: March 2017

Weedy species provide excellent opportunities to examine the process of successful colonization of novel environments. Despite the influence of the sexual system on a variety of processes from reproduction to genetic structure, how the sexual system of species influences weediness has received only limited consideration. We examined the hypothesis that weedy plants have an increased likelihood of being self‐compatible compared with nonweedy plants; this hypothesis is derived from Baker's law, which states that species that can reproduce uniparentally are more likely to successfully establish in a new habitat where mates are lacking. We combined a database of the weed (weedy/nonweedy) and introduction status (introduced/native) of plant species found in the USA with a database of plant sexual systems and determined whether native and introduced weeds varied in their sexual systems compared with native and introduced nonweeds. We found that introduced weeds are overrepresented by species with both male and female functions present within a single flower (hermaphrodites) whereas weeds native to the USA are overrepresented by species with male and female flowers present on a single plant (monoecious species). Overall, our results show that Baker's law is supported at the level of the sexual system, thus providing further evidence that uniparental reproduction is an important component of being either a native or introduced weed.
Biotically driven vegetation mosaics in grazing ecosystems: the battle between bioturbation and biocompaction
Authors: Howison Ruth A. , Olff Han , van de Koppel Johan , Smit Christian
Published: March 2017

Grazing ecosystems ranging from the Arctic tundra to tropical savannas are often characterized by small‐scale mosaics of herbivore‐preferred and herbivore‐avoided patches, promoting plant biodiversity and resilience. The three leading explanations for bistable patchiness in grazed ecosystems are (1) herbivore‐driven nutrient cycling, (2) plant‐growth–water‐infiltration feedback under aridity, and (3) irreversible local herbivore‐induced abiotic stress (topsoil erosion, salinity). However, these insufficiently explain the high temporal patch dynamics and wide‐ranging distribution of grazing mosaics across productive habitats. Here we propose a fourth possibility where alternating patches are governed by the interplay of two important biotic processes: bioturbation by soil fauna that locally ameliorates soil conditions, promoting tall plant communities, alternating with biocompaction by large herbivores that locally impairs soil conditions, and promotes lawn communities. We review mechanisms that explain rapid conversions between bioturbation‐ and biocompaction‐dominated patches, and provide a global map where this mechanism is possible. With a simple model we illustrate that this fourth mechanism expands the range of conditions under which grazing mosaics can persist. We conclude that the response of grazing systems to global change, as degradation or catastrophic droughts, will be contingent on the correct identification of the dominant process that drives their vegetation structural heterogeneity.
Periodic continuous‐time movement models uncover behavioral changes of wild canids along anthropization gradients
Authors: Péron Guillaume , Fleming Christen H. , de Paula Rogerio C. , Mitchell Numi , Strohbach Michael , Leimgruber Peter , Calabrese Justin M.
Published: March 2017

Most species exhibit periodic behaviors in response to cycles in resources and risks in the environment (circadian, lunar, seasonal, and so on). The ability to respond to anthropogenic perturbations by modifying periodic behaviors remains little studied, as does the question of whether and how periodic behaviors translate into periodic patterns in animal space use, on which we focus. Extending existing continuous‐time stochastic movement models, we propose two new parametric approaches to detect and quantify periodic patterns of space use in animal tracking data, via periodicity in the expected position or circulation in the stochastic component of the path. We use them to study the movements of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus) and coyotes (Canis latrans) along anthropization gradients. These case studies illustrate how periodic patterns can be of natural origin (cycles in the environment) or anthropogenic origin (periodicity in human activity or restrictions on available habitat), suggesting a role for periodic patterns of space use in species persistence in anthropized areas. The method builds upon and extends existing functionalities in the R‐package ctmm, in which the necessary tools are made available.
Carbon dynamics of river corridors and the effects of human alterations
Authors: Wohl Ellen , Hall Robert O. , Lininger Katherine B. , Sutfin Nicholas A. , Walters David M.
Published: March 2017

Research in stream metabolism, gas exchange, and sediment dynamics indicates that rivers are an active component of the global carbon cycle and that river form and process can influence partitioning of terrestrially derived carbon among the atmosphere, geosphere, and ocean. Here we develop a conceptual model of carbon dynamics (inputs, outputs, and storage of organic carbon) within a river corridor, which includes the active channel and the riparian zone. The exchange of carbon from the channel to the riparian zone represents potential for storage of transported carbon not included in the “active pipe” model of organic carbon (OC) dynamics in freshwater systems. The active pipe model recognizes that river processes influence carbon dynamics, but focuses on CO2 emissions from the channel and eventual delivery to the ocean. We also review how human activities directly and indirectly alter carbon dynamics within river corridors. We propose that dams create the most significant alteration of carbon dynamics within a channel, but that alteration of riparian zones, including the reduction of lateral connectivity between the channel and riparian zone, constitutes the most substantial change of carbon dynamics in river corridors. We argue that the morphology and processes of a river corridor regulate the ability to store, transform, and transport OC, and that people are pervasive modifiers of river morphology and processes. The net effect of most human activities, with the notable exception of reservoir construction, appears to be that of reducing the ability of river corridors to store OC within biota and sediment, which effectively converts river corridors to OC sources rather than OC sinks. We conclude by summarizing knowledge gaps in OC dynamics and the implications of our findings for managing OC dynamics within river corridors.
Experimental variations in functional and demographic traits of Lappula semiglabra among dew amount treatments in an arid region
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Dong , Lv Guang‐Hui , Ali Arshad , Ran Qi‐Yang , Gong Xue‐Wei , Wang Fei , Liu Zhi‐Dong , Qin Lu , Liu Wei‐Guo
Published: March 2017

In an arid region, water is the limiting factor for the performance of plants and, hence, the input of water significantly affects the ecological processes. Although the dew phenomenon often occurs in the desert, whether plants can absorb and utilise this water source is still unknown. In this study, we tested the effects of 3 amounts of dew, that is, total natural amount of dew, half amount of natural dew, and no amount of (zero) dew, in order to investigate variations in functional traits and demographic traits in relation to the life history of an ephemeral plant Lappula semiglabra. Results showed that variations in functional traits including plant height, crown area, leaf area, leaf thickness, leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate were significantly increased with increasing dew amount. Leaf water potential was significantly decreased, whereas root length and root diameter showed no significant differences among 3 amounts of dew. Demographic traits including survival rate, survival, total age, and mean life expectancy increased with increasing dew amount, whereas the vanish rate percentage, mortality rate, mortality, and fatal number decreased. In combination, our results showed that leaf and stem traits L. semiglabra related to dew absorption increased with increasing of dew amount, and hence, obtained more water, whereas root traits related to uptake of soil water remain unchanged. We conclude that leaves and stem of L. semiglabra can absorb and efficiently utilise dew as a water resource for better suitability in the arid desert region.
Insectivorous birds disrupt biological control of cereal aphids
Authors: Grass Ingo , Lehmann Katrin , Thies Carsten , Tscharntke Teja
Published: March 2017

Insect‐feeding birds may interfere with trophic interactions in plant–insect food webs, which may be particularly important in agroecosystems. Here, we studied how Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) affect aphids and their predators in cereal fields using bird exclusion experiments. The Tree Sparrows fed their nestlings with aphid antagonists. Hoverflies and ladybird beetles accounted for 77% of the food for the nestlings during peak aphid density. When birds were excluded, densities of hoverfly larvae, which were the most abundant aphid predator group in the cereals, were 4% higher in wheat and 45% higher in oat, while aphid densities were 24% lower in wheat and 26% lower in oat. The demonstrated disruption of biological control by mesopredators through bird predation may be a common phenomenon in cropping systems characterized by small‐sized and abundant pest species. Management of biotic interactions such as biological control needs a broad food‐web perspective, even in simplified agroecosystems.
Provenance‐by‐environment interaction of reproductive traits in the invasion ofSpartina alterniflorain China
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Strong Donald R. , Pennings Steven C. , Zhang Yihui
Published: March 2017

Ecological invasions are facilitated by pre‐adaptation and phenotypic plasticity, upon which evolution can act. The rapid invasion of the intertidal grassSpartina alterniflorain China during the last 36 yr is a test case for the roles of these mechanisms. A previous study ofS. alterniflorain China found strong latitudinal clines in vegetative and sexual traits and concluded that most of this variation was due to phenotypic plasticity. Recent observations suggested provenance‐by‐environment interactions, and we employed common gardens at multiple latitudes as a test of this idea. Phenotypically, field plant height, which correlates strongly with biomass and other indices of vegetative performance in this species, showed a hump‐shaped relationship across 10 sites, covering 19° of latitude; field seed set increased linearly with latitude. To assess the role of plasticity vs. genetic differentiation in these patterns, we grew plants from the ten field sites in three common gardens at low (20.9° N), mid (28.3° N), and high (38.0° N) latitudes to maturity, at 18 months. Plant height varied among common gardens, with the tallest plants at mid latitude, mirroring the field pattern, consistent with the previous study. Within the gardens, latitude of origin also affected plant height. Seed set varied among the gardens, with the greatest values at high latitudes, again mirroring the field pattern and indicating substantial plasticity. Evidence of evolution was found as increasing seed set with latitude among provenances within common gardens. However, the effect differed among common gardens, with the greatest slope in the high‐latitude garden, lower slope in the mid‐latitude garden, and no relationship in the low‐latitude garden, indicating a provenance‐by‐environment interaction. The number of surviving plants also suggested a provenance‐by‐environment interaction; no relationship with latitude among provenances in the two southern gardens and increasing survival with latitude in the northern garden. Field seedling density was ~200‐fold greater at high than at low latitude sites. The profuse seed germination and recruitment in the north could have created high selection intensity resulting in evolution of reproductive traits at high latitudes with the result that the mechanisms of the invasion differ with latitude.
Qinghai–tibetan plateau peatland sustainable utilization under anthropogenic disturbances and climate change
Authors: Yang Gang , Peng Changhui , Chen Huai , Dong Faqin , Wu Ning , Yang Yanzheng , Zhang Yao , Zhu Dan , He Yixin , Shi Shengwei , Zeng Xiaoyang , Xi Tingting , Meng Qingxiang , Zhu Qiuan
Published: March 2017

Often referred to as the “Third Pole,” China's Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau developed large amounts of peatland owing to its unique alpine environment. As a renewable resource, peat helps to regulate the climate as well as performing other important functions. However, in recent years, intensifying climate change and anthropogenic disturbances have resulted in peatland degradation and consequently made sustainable development of peatland more difficult. This review summarizes peatland ecological and economic functions, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, energy supplies, and ecotourism. It identifies climate change and anthropogenic disturbances as the two key factors attributing to peatland degradation and ecosystem carbon loss. Current problems in environmental degradation and future challenges in peatland management under the effects of global warming are also discussed and highlighted.
Neprilysin inhibition in heart failure: mechanisms and substrates beyond modulating natriuretic peptides
Authors: D'Elia Emilia , Iacovoni Attilio , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Lorini Ferdinando L. , Perlini Stefano , Senni Michele
Published: March 2017

The autonomic nervous system, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and the natriuretic peptide system represent critical regulatory pathways in heart failure and as such have been the major targets of pharmacological development. The introduction and approval of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi) have broadened the available drug treatments of patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Neprilysin catalyses the degradation of a number of vasodilator peptides, including the natriuretic peptides, bradykinin, substance P, and adrenomedullin, as well as vasoconstrictor peptides, including endothelin‐1 and angiotensin I and II. We review the multiple, potentially competing, substrates for neprilysin inhibition, and the resultant composite clinical effects of ARNi therapy. A mechanistic understanding of this novel therapeutic class may provide important insights into the expected on‐target and off‐target effects when this agent is more widely prescribed.
Proteasome ubiquitin receptor PSMD4 is an amplification target in breast cancer and may predict sensitivity to PARPi
Authors: Fejzo Marlena S. , Anderson Lee , Chen Hsiao‐Wang , Guandique Enrique , Kalous Ondrej , Conklin Dylan , Slamon Dennis J.
Published: March 2017

Poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an enzyme involved in DNA repair under investigation as a chemotherapeutic target. Current randomized phase three trials of PARPi in metastatic breast cancer are limited to patients with documented BRCA1/2 mutations and no biomarker of PARPi beyond BRCA status is available. In an effort to identify novel biomarkers for PARP inhibition, we created a cell line (HCC1187/TALRES) resistant to the PARP1 inhibitor talazoparib. Herein we show by array‐CGH that HCC1187/TALRES has a selective loss of the proteasome ubiquitin receptor PSMD4 amplicon resulting in significant down‐regulation of PSMD4. Conversely, we find that breast cancer cell lines that have copy number gain or amplification for PSMD4 are significantly more sensitive to talazoparib. Functional studies reveal that knock‐down of PSMD4 in amplified breast cancer cells and loss of the PSMD4 amplicon result in knock‐down of PARP1 protein. We show that PSMD4 is amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer and its overexpression correlates with poor survival. Knock‐down of PSMD4 results in a significant decrease in cell growth. We provide evidence that PSMD4 is a proteasomal amplification target in breast cancer that PSMD4 amplification confers sensitivity to PARP inhibition, and that PSMD4 amplification is lost in the process of acquiring resistance to PARPi. Finally, this study shows not only that PSMD4 copy number correlates with PARPi sensitivity, but also, that it may be a better predictor of sensitivity to PARPi than BRCA1/2 mutation.
Comparison of a semiautomatic protocol using plastering and three‐dimensional scanning techniques with the direct measurement protocol for hand anthropometry
Authors: Lee Wonsup , Yang Xiaopeng , Yoon Sunghye , Lee Baekhee , Jeon Eunjin , Kim Heeeun , You Heecheon
Published: March 2017

This study aimed to compare a three‐dimensional (3D) semiautomatic measurement protocol (3D‐SAMP) that measures hand dimensions using a plaster hand and a 3D scanner with the conventional direct measurement protocol (DMP). An experiment was conducted to measure 52 dimensions of one hand by 20 measurers with three repetitions. The locations of landmarks attached to the plaster hand were automatically identified and then measurements of the hand dimensions were automatically extracted in the 3D‐SAMP. Significant measurement differences with a range of 2.1 to 4.4 mm between the 3D‐SAMP and the DMP were observed in 13 out of the 52 dimensions, and the 3D‐SAMP showed better reliability than the DMP in terms of intra‐ and intermeasurer variability. The 3D‐SAMP was found significantly faster and easier in hand measurement than the DMP (11.1 ± 3.5 min for 3D‐SAMP and 17.8 ± 4.5 min for DMP; 5.2 ± 0.8 for 3D‐SAMP and 4.3 ± 0.8 for DMP using a 7‐point scale with 1 for very dissatisfied and 7 for very satisfied for ease of measurement) when fabrication (about 1 hr 10 min) and scanning (3 min) of a plaster hand were not considered. The proposed 3D‐SAMP is applicable only to plaster hands available in hand measurement.
Dacomitinib‐induced diarrhoea is associated with altered gastrointestinal permeability and disruption in ileal histology in rats
Authors: Van Sebille Ysabella Z.A. , Gibson Rachel J. , Wardill Hannah R. , Secombe Kate R. , Ball Imogen A. , Keefe Dorothy M.K. , Finnie John W. , Bowen Joanne M.
Published: March 2017

Dacomitinib—an irreversible pan‐ErbB tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)—causes diarrhoea in 75% of patients. Dacomitinib‐induced diarrhoea has not previously been investigated and the mechanisms remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to develop an in‐vitro and in‐vivo model of dacomitinib‐induced diarrhoea to investigate underlying mechanisms. T84 cells were treated with 1‐4 μM dacomitinib and resistance and viability were measured using transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and XTT assays. Rats were treated with 7.5 mg/kg dacomitinib daily via oral gavage for 7 or 21 days (n = 6/group). Weights, and diarrhoea incidence were recorded daily. Rats were administered FITC‐dextran 2 hr before cull, and serum levels of FITC‐dextran were measured and serum biochemistry analysis was conducted. Detailed histopathological analysis was conducted throughout the gastrointestinal tract. Gastrointestinal expression of ErbB1, ErbB2 and ErbB4 was analysed using RT‐PCR. The ileum and the colon were analysed using multiplex for expression of various cytokines. T84 cells treated with dacomitinib showed no alteration in TEER or cell viability. Rats treated with dacomitinib developed severe diarrhoea, and had significantly lower weight gain. Further, dacomitinib treatment led to severe histopathological injury localised to the ileum. This damage coincided with increased levels of MCP1 in the ileum, and preferential expression of ErbB1 in this region compared to all other regions. This study showed dacomitinib induces severe ileal damage accompanied by increased MCP1 expression, and gastrointestinal permeability in rats. The histological changes were most pronounced in the ileum, which was also the region with the highest relative expression of ErbB1.
Tumor detection in T1, T2, FLAIR and MPR brain images using a combination of optimization and fuzzy clustering improved by seed‐based region growing algorithm
Authors: Vishnuvarthanan G. , Rajasekaran M. Pallikonda , Vishnuvarthanan N. Anitha , Prasath T. Arun , Kannan M.
Published: March 2017

Tumor and Edema region present in Magnetic Resonance (MR) brain image can be segmented using Optimization and Clustering merged with seed‐based region growing algorithm. The proposed algorithm shows effectiveness in tumor detection in T1 ‐ w, T2 – w, Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery and Multiplanar Reconstruction type MR brain images. After an initial level segmentation exhibited by Modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) and Fuzzy C – Means (FCM) algorithm, the seed points are initialized using the region growing algorithm and based on these seed points; tumor detection in MR brain images is done. The parameters taken for comparison with the conventional techniques are Mean Square Error, Peak Signal to Noise Ratio, Jaccard (Tanimoto) index, Dice Overlap indices and Computational Time. These parameters prove the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. Heterogeneous type tumor regions present in the input MR brain images are segmented using the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, the algorithm shows augmentation in the process of brain tumor identification. Availability of gold standard images has led to the comparison of the suggested algorithm with MPSO‐based FCM and conventional Region Growing algorithm. Also, the algorithm recommended through this research is capable of producing Similarity Index value of 0.96, Overlap Fraction value of 0.97 and Extra Fraction value of 0.05, which are far better than the values articulated by MPSO‐based FCM and Region Growing algorithm. The proposed algorithm favors the segmentation of contrast enhanced images. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 27, 33–45, 2017
Stochastic Dynamic Programming‐Based Approach for Optimal Irrigation Scheduling under Restricted Water Availability Conditions
Authors: Anvari S. , Mousavi S.J. , Morid S.
Published: March 2017

This study presents an optimization approach for irrigation scheduling across the different growth stages of crops and estimates crop yield functions considering evapotranspiration uncertainty and water scarcity. A stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) model is developed in which the restriction on total water availability is explicitly accounted for by an additional state variable. The model is used to derive optimal 10‐day allocation policies and maximize the expected value of annual yield as the objective function. The application of the proposed approach is illustrated in a multi‐crop realistic case downstream of Zayandeh‐Rud Dam, in the central plateau of Iran. Simulation of the derived optimal policies shows the significance of the proposed methodology compared with a deterministic linear programming‐based approach. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of PIV Experiment and Numerical Simulation on the Velocity Distribution of Intermediate Pressure Jets with Different Nozzle Parameters
Authors: Jiang Yue , Li Hong , Xiang Qingjiang , Chen Chao
Published: March 2017

The need for a reliable research method of the external flow field has increased with the more widespread use of intermediate pressure jets. The experimental method and numerical simulation method were investigated, using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique and the volume of fluid‐level set (VOF‐level set) method. Both methods performed well on nozzles with different geometric parameters at distances close to the nozzle and further away from it. With reference to the different measurement windows, the velocities in vertical profiles along the x‐axis, the change of maximum jet velocities and the break‐up length ranges of jet flows were obtained. The two methods authenticate each other, and the results indicate that the maximum velocities of jets decrease and the distribution widths of velocity field also increase with increase in distance away from the nozzles. The PIV and simulation gave similar results at different distances from the nozzle, and the experimental values were slightly higher than the simulation values due to the pressure fluctuation with an error of less than 8%. The break‐up length of jets increases with pressures in situations where the experimental values were lower than the simulation values due to the effect of air. The experimental data from PIV agreed well with the simulation results. Therefore, the accuracy and reliability of the PIV experiment and the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) result simulation were both validated. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun nerve guide scaffold of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/collagen/nanobioglass: an in vitro study in peripheral nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Mohamadi Forouzan , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Reza Nourani Mohammad , Ali Derakhshan Mohammad , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Sadegh Nazockdast Mohammad , Farokhi Mehdi , Tajerian Roksana , Faridi Majidi Reza , Ai Jafar
Published: March 2017

Among various methods, nerve tissue engineering (NTE) is one of the applicable methods to reconstruct damaged nerve tissues. Electrospinning technique and biomaterials are often considered to fabricate fibrous tissue engineered conduits which have great similarity to the extracellular matrix on fiber structure. Polymer blending is one of the most effective methods for the production of new materials with outstanding features. In this study, conduit structures as main part of the peripheral nerve regeneration based on polymer blend nanocomposites poly(ε‐caprolactone)/collagen/nanobioglass (PCL/collagen/NBG) were manufactured by electrospinning technique. Various properties of electrospun mats were investigated by using contact angle, tensile, degradation time, porosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). The SEM analysis was shown that size range and average pore size of polymer blend nanocomposite nanofibers were about 250–400 nm and 0.7 µm, respectively, with an optimum porosity of 62.5%. The XRD result was shown that synthesized nanoparticles of NBG had amorphous structures. Also, FTIR analysis indicated that good interaction between polymer–polymer macromolecules and polymer particles. The contact angle and tensile tests were indicated that electrospun webs showed good hydrophilicity and toughness properties. According to SEM, MTT assay and DAPI staining technique, the ability to support cell attachment and viability of samples were characterized. In vitro study indicated electrospun collagen/PCL/NBG nanofibrous conduit promoted Human Endometrial Stem cells (hEnSCs) adhesion and proliferation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1960–1972, 2017.
Cathepsin K Controls Cortical Bone Formation by Degrading Periostin
Authors: Bonnet Nicolas , Brun Julia , Rousseau Jean-Charles , Duong Le T , Ferrari Serge L
Published: March 2017

Although inhibitors of bone resorption concomitantly reduce bone formation because of the coupling between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, inhibition or deletion of cathepsin k (CatK) stimulates bone formation despite decreasing resorption. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this increase in bone formation, particularly at periosteal surfaces where osteoclasts are relatively poor, remain unclear. Here we show that CatK pharmacological inhibition or deletion (Ctsk-/- mice) potentiates mechanotransduction signals mediating cortical bone formation. We identify periostin (Postn) as a direct molecular target for degradation by CatK and show that CatK deletion increases Postn and β-catenin expression in vivo, particularly at the periosteum. In turn, Postn deletion selectively abolishes cortical, but not trabecular, bone formation in CatK-deficient mice. Taken together, these data indicate that CatK not only plays a major role in bone remodeling but also modulates modeling-based cortical bone formation by degrading periostin and thereby moderating Wnt-β-catenin signaling. These findings provide novel insights into the role of CatK on bone homeostasis and the mechanisms of increased cortical bone volume with CatK mutations and pharmacological inhibitors. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Tumor Suppressor PTPRJ Is a Target of miR‐155 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Fei , Tu Rongfu , Li Keke , Ye Pengxiang , Cui Xiaofeng
Published: March 2017

PTPRJ is known for its antiproliferative role. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of PTPRJ has frequently been observed in various human cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC), lung cancer, and breast cancer. However, the function and mechanism of PTPRJ in CRC are not well understood. At the present study, we show that ectopic expression of PTPRJ inhibits cell growth, migration, and invasiveness in CRC cell line HCT116. Moreover, PTPRJ inhibits the tumorigenecity of HCT116 in a xenograft tumor model. MiR‐155, the well‐known oncomiR in CRC, is identified as an upstream factor of PTPRJ. MiR‐155 directly binds to the 3′ untranslated region of PTPRJ mRNA and suppresses the mRNA and protein levels of PTPRJ. Furthermore, the growth‐promoting and AKT signaling activation effect of miR‐155 was abrogated by PTPRJ overexpression, and vice versa. Our study reveals the crucial role of miR‐155/PTPRJ/AKT axis in proliferation and migration of CRC cells and suggests a therapeutic potential of PTPRJ. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3391–3400, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions of Copaiba Oil Are Related to Liver Cell Modifications in Arthritic Rats
Authors: Castro Ghizoni Cristiane V. , Arssufi Ames Ana P. , Lameira Osmar A. , Bersani Amado Ciomar A. , Sá Nakanishi Anacharis B. , Bracht Lívia , Marçal Natali Maria R. , Peralta Rosane M. , Bracht Adelar , Comar Jurandir F.
Published: March 2017

The present study investigated the action of copaiba oil (Copaifera reticulata) on the systemic inflammation, oxidative status, and liver cell metabolism of rats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis. The later is an experimental autoimmune pathology that shares many features with the human rheumatoid arthritis. Holtzman rats were distributed into the following groups: control (healthy) rats; control rats treated with copaiba oil at the doses of 0.58 and 1.15 g · kg−1, arthritic rats, and arthritic rats treated with copaiba oil (0.58 and 1.15 g · kg−1). The oil was administrated orally once a day during 18 days after arthritis induction. Both doses of copaiba oil improved the paw edema and the dose of 0.58 mg · kg−1 improved the swollen adrenals and lymph nodes besides decreasing the plasmatic myeloperoxidase activity (−30%) of arthritic rats. Copaiba oil (1.15 g · kg−1) abolished the increases of protein carbonyl groups and reactive oxygen species in the liver and both doses increased the liver GSH content and the catalase activity in arthritic rats. Copaiba oil (1.15 g · kg−1) decreased glycolysis (−65%), glycogenolysis (−58%), and gluconeogenesis (−30%) in the liver of arthritic animals. However, gluconeogenesis was also diminished by the treatment of control rats, which presented lower body weight gain (−45%) and diminished number of hepatocytes per liver area (−20%) associated to higher liver weight (+29%) and increased hepatocyte area (+13%). The results reveal that copaiba oil presented systemic anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant actions in arthritic rats. These beneficial effects, however, were counterbalanced by harmful modifications in the liver cell metabolism and morphology of healthy control rats. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3409–3423, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Retracted: Effects of MicroRNA‐19b on the Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Migration of Wilms’ Tumor Cells Via the PTEN/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Ge‐Liang , Yang Han‐Jie , Liu Bo , Liu Tian
Published: March 2017

Wilms’ tumor (WT) is a most common renal cancer that occurs among children, and microRNA‐19b (miR‐19b) usually participates in various human cancers. Importantly, the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a key role in cell apoptosis, growth and proliferation. Thus, our present study aims to investigate the effect of miR‐19b on the PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during WT cell proliferation, migration, and apoptosis. WT tissues and adjacent normal tissues from WT patients were collected. qRT‐PCR was applied to detect miR‐19b expression in both the WT tissues and the adjacent normal tissues, immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the protein expressions of PTEN, P13K, and p‐Akt, SK‐NEP‐1 cells were divided into the blank, negative control (NC), miR‐19b mimics and miR‐19b inhibitors groups. MTT assay, propidium iodide (PI) staining, Annexin‐V/PI double‐staining, Transwell assay and Western blotting were performed to examine cell proliferation, cycle, apoptosis, migration, and invasion, and the protein expressions of PTEN, P13K, Akt, and p‐Akt. Increased miR‐19b expression, positive expression rates of P13K and Akt, decreased PTEN expression rate, a negative correlation between PTEN expression and tumor lymph node metastasis, and a positive correlation between the expression of P13K and Akt and the clinical stages were observed in the WT tissues. The miR‐19b inhibitors group exhibited decreased cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, migration and invasion, and protein expressions of PI3K and p‐Akt but increased PTEN protein expression compared with the blank and NC groups. Thus, inhibition of miR‐19b suppresses the progression of WT by modulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3424–3434, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
STAT1 Inhibits MiR‐181a Expression to Suppress Colorectal Cancer Cell Proliferation Through PTEN/Akt
Authors: Zhang Xingwen , Li Xiang , Tan Fengbo , Yu Nanhui , Pei Haiping
Published: March 2017

Signal transducers and activators of transcription 1 (STAT1) exhibits tumor‐suppressor properties by inhibiting oncogenic pathways and promoting tumor immunosurveillance. MicroRNAs, a group of non‐coding endogenous ones, may regulate gene expression and plays specific roles in tumorigenesis. Recently, miR‐181a has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Using human colorectal cancer cell lines, we demonstrated that STAT1 suppresses both LoVo and SW480 cell growth by down‐regulating miR‐181a. STAT1 regulates the expression of miR‐181a through binding to the elements in the miR‐181a's promoter region. Further, we revealed that miR‐181a accelerates CRC cell proliferation through phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome ten (PTEN). In addition, PTEN protein was upregulated in response to STAT1 overexpression or miR‐181a inhibition, downregulated in response to STAT1 knockdown or miR‐181a overexpression. Without changes on the AKT protein level, p‐AKT was downregulated by STAT1 overexpression or miR‐181a inhibition while upregulated by STAT1 knockdown or miR‐181a overexpression, indicating PTEN/Akt pathway activated in STAT1/miR‐181a regulation of CRC cell proliferation. Taken together, our findings shed new light on the STAT1/miR‐181a/PTEN pathway in colorectal cancer and add new insight regarding the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancer. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3435–3443, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iodinated TG in Thyroid Follicular Lumen Regulates TTF‐1 and PAX8 Expression via TSH/TSHR Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Huibin , Shi Yaxiong , Liang Bo , Cai Huiyao , Cai Qingyan
Published: March 2017

Our previous study showed that highly iodinated thyroglobulin (TG) inhibited thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) and paired box gene 8 (PAX8) expression, but the potential mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a thyroid follicle model in vitro to mimic its natural physiological structure and explored how iodinated TG in the follicular lumen tuned TTF‐1 and PAX8 expression. Our data showed that lowly iodinated TG enhanced PKA activity while upregulation of both TTF‐1 and PAX8 expression; and that highly iodinated TG triggered PKC activity while suppression of TTF‐1 and PAX8 expression. Further, PKA agonist alone could increase TTF‐1 and PAX8 expression while PKC agonist decreased TTF‐1 and PAX8 level. If blocking PLC‐PKC pathway using PKC‐specific inhibitor, highly iodinated TG significantly promoted the expressions of TTF‐1 and PAX8, and similarly PKA‐specific blocker moderately inhibited TTF‐1 and PAX8 expression. And opposite tendencies of TTF1 and PAX8 aberrant expression were observed in the condition of low iodinated TG when blocking PLC‐PKC and cAMP‐PKA signaling pathways. Our results indicated that iodinated TG manipulated TTF‐1 and PAX8 expression through PLC‐PKC and cAMP‐PKA pathways, and highly iodinated TG played inhibitory role via PLC‐PKC pathway from the TTF1 and PAX8 perspective while low level of iodinated TG was an activator through cAMP‐PKA pathway. Our findings proved that iodinated TG in thyroid follicular lumen regulated TTF‐1 and PAX8 expression through thyroid stimulating hormone/thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSH/TSHR) mediated cAMP‐PKA and PLC‐PKC signaling pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3444–3451, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Regulation role of CRTC3 in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Xu Ziye , Wu Weiche , Wang Yizhen , Shan Tizhong
Published: March 2017

The cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)—protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway plays important role in regulating energy homeostasis. Many of the effects of the cAMP‐PKA signaling is mediated through the cAMP responsive element binding protein (CREB) and its coactivator CREB‐regulated transcription coactivators (CRTCs). CRTC3 is a member of CRTCs family proteins and plays important roles in glucose and energy metabolism. Previous studies show that global knockout of CRTC3 enhances oxygen consumption and energy expenditure and subsequently protects the knockout animal against obesity. In skeletal muscle, CRTC3 affects lipid and glycogen metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. In white adipocytes, CRTC3 regulates GLUT4 expression and glucose uptake. More recently, the localization and function of CRTC3 in brown fat have been reported. In this review, we mainly discuss the regulatory role of CRTC3 in skeletal muscle and adipose tissues.
Skewed X‐chromosome inactivation plays a crucial role in the onset of symptoms in carriers of Becker muscular dystrophy
Authors: Viggiano Emanuela , Picillo Esther , Ergoli Manuela , Cirillo Alessandra , Del Gaudio Stefania , Politano Luisa
Published: March 2017

Background

Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) is an X‐linked recessive disorder affecting approximately 1: 18.000 male births. Female carriers are usually asymptomatic, although 2.5–18% may present muscle or heart symptoms. In the present study, the role of the X chromosome inactivation (XCI) on the onset of symptoms in BMD carriers was analysed and compared with the pattern observed in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) carriers.

Methods

XCI was determined on the lymphocytes of 36 BMD carriers (both symptomatic and not symptomatic) from 11 families requiring genetic advice at the Cardiomyology and Medical Genetics of the Second University of Naples, using the AR methylation‐based assay. Carriers were subdivided into two groups, according to age above or below 50 years. Seven females from the same families known as noncarriers were used as controls. A Student's t‐test for nonpaired data was performed to evaluate the differences observed in the XCI values between asymptomatic and symptomatic carriers, and carriers aged above or below 50 years. A Pearson correlation test was used to evaluate the inheritance of the XCI pattern in 19 mother–daughter pairs.

Results

The results showed that symptomatic BMD carriers had a skewed XCI with a preferential inactivation of the X chromosome carrying the normal allele, whereas the asymptomatic carriers and controls showed a random XCI. No concordance concerning the XCI pattern was observed between mothers and related daughters.

Conclusions

The data obtained in the present study suggest that the onset of symptoms in BMD carriers is related to a skewed XCI, as observed in DMD carriers. Furthermore, they showed no concordance in the XCI pattern inheritance.
Descriptive review of acute cholecystitis: Japan‐Taiwan collaborative epidemiological study
Authors: Yokoe Masamichi , Takada Tadahiro , Hwang Tsann‐Long , Endo Itaru , Akazawa Kohei , Miura Fumihiko , Mayumi Toshihiko , Mori Rintaro , Chen Miin‐Fu , Jan Yi‐Yin , Ker Chen‐Guo , Wang Hsiu‐Po , Itoi Takao , Gomi Harumi , Kiriyama Seiki , Wada Keita , Yamaue Hiroki , Miyazaki Masaru , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: March 2017

Background

Since the publication of the Tokyo Guidelines (TG13) for the management of acute cholecystitis (AC), multidirectional studies have been published. However, epidemiological research about AC with big data was not projected. The aim of this study was to reveal the actual clinical conditions of AC.

Method

The study was designed as an international multicenter retrospective study of AC in Japan and Taiwan from 2011 to 2013. The factors investigated comprised data related to demographic, history, physical examinations, laboratory and imaging findings. Based on these data, we investigated the various values of AC, and real situation with respect to severity and treatment.

Results

A total of 5,459 patients with AC were reviewed. Thirty‐day mortality rate was 1.1%. Based on the diagnostic criteria, 4,088 patients had a definite diagnosis and 291 had a suspected diagnosis. According to the severity grading, 939 patients were classified as Grade III, 2,308 as Grade II, and 2,130 as Grade I. Cholecystectomy was performed in total of 4,266 patients and 2,765 patients had laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The main etiologies were gallbladder stones in 4,623 cases.

Conclusion

This epidemiological study with large population will undoubtedly contribute to establish the best practice for managing AC worldwide.
Moral variables before and after a court‐mandated psychological treatment of men convicted of violence against their partners: Evolution and relationship with sexist attitudes
Authors: Vecina Maria L.
Published: March 2017

Assuming that some moral variables can play a role in explaining intimate partner violence (IPV) and its treatment, this study explores the evolution of the relationship between some moral variables, which have recently been connected to IPV, and sexist attitudes in 160 men convicted of violence against the partner. The general hypothesis is that the moral variables can change during psychological treatments, and therefore be intervention targets, because they are related to more traditional variables in the field of IPV, such as sexist attitudes. To test this idea, we took pretreatment and posttreatment measures on moral variables (moral absolutism and moral foundations) and sexist attitudes (benevolent and hostile sexism) and analyzed their relationships and their changes after the completion of a prescribed psychological treatment. The results showed that (a) the moral variables were significantly correlated with the sexist attitudes before and after the treatment; (b) the men convicted of violence against the partner held with less certainty their general beliefs about morality and their particular beliefs about the binding moral foundations (in‐group, authority, and purity) after the unspecific psychological treatment; and (c) their moral absolutism before the treatment predicted the remaining sexist attitudes after the treatment. Practical implications can be drawn to better understand this kind of prevalent violence and eventually to improve the psychological treatments.