bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling direct and indirect effects of hierarchical factors driving microbial stream communities
Authors: Pajunen Virpi , Luoto Miska , Soininen Janne
Published: June 2017

Aim

The diversity and distributions of organisms are jointly influenced by local environment and large‐scale variables, such as land cover patterns, dispersal processes and climate. However, the drivers of microbial diversity are complex and the pathways of these drivers’ effects are to date largely unresolved, especially in freshwaters. We disentangled the causal direct and indirect effects of climate, land cover and water chemistry on stream diatom communities using hierarchical settings.

Location

Finland, a geographical gradient of c. 1200 km (60°–70°N).

Methods

We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse patterns in diatom richness, composition and the uniqueness of species composition in 143 streams. The community composition was defined as the value of the first axis in non‐metric multidimensional scaling and the uniqueness of species composition of each site as its local contribution to beta diversity.

Results

Species richness was mainly affected directly by energy and resource availability, increasing with nutrients but decreasing with growing degree days (GDD). The community composition was strongly influenced directly by conductivity and mainly indirectly by anthropogenic land use but also to a lesser degree by GDD (directly and indirectly), indirectly by precipitation and directly by the amount of boreal wetlands. The uniqueness of species composition increased with conductivity but decreased with nutrient concentrations with high number of unique species in southernmost and northernmost sites.

Main conclusions

Our SEM analyses revealed some of the important links between climate, land cover and water chemistry, all of which influenced the microbial diversity. Energy availability has varying indirect and direct effects on diatom communities regardless of local stream conditions, whereas land cover patterns affect aquatic communities most likely indirectly through water chemistry. Collectively, these results suggest that it is important to consider environmental variables simultaneously at different hierarchically ordered scales in macroecological and biogeographical research.
Knockdown of Mtfp1 can minimize doxorubicin cardiotoxicity by inhibiting Dnm1l‐mediated mitochondrial fission
Authors: Aung Lynn H. H. , Li Ruibei , Prabhakar Bellur S. , Li Peifeng
Published: June 2017

The long‐term usage of doxorubicin (DOX) is largely limited due to the development of severe cardiomyopathy. Many studies indicate that DOX‐induced cardiac injury is related to reactive oxygen species generation and ultimate activation of apoptosis. The role of novel mitochondrial fission protein 1 (Mtfp1) in DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity remains elusive. Here, we report the pro‐mitochondrial fission and pro‐apoptotic roles of Mtfp1 in DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. DOX up‐regulates the Mtfp1 expression in HL‐1 cardiac myocytes. Knockdown of Mtfp1 prevents cardiac myocyte from undergoing mitochondrial fission, and subsequently reduces the DOX‐induced apoptosis by preventing dynamin 1‐like (Dnm1l) accumulation in mitochondria. In contrast, when Mtfp1 is overexpressed, a suboptimal dose of DOX can induce a significant percentage of cells to undergo mitochondrial fission and apoptosis. These data suggest that knocking down of Mtfp1 can minimize the cardiomyocytes loss in DOX‐induced cardiotoxicity. Thus, the regulation of Mtfp1 expression could be a novel therapeutic approach in chemotherapy‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Is ridge preservation/augmentation at periodontally compromised extraction sockets safe? A retrospective study
Authors: Kim Jung‐Ju , Ben Amara Heithem , Schwarz Frank , Kim Hae‐Young , Lee Jung‐Won , Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Koo Ki‐Tae
Published: June 2017

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of ridge preservation/augmentation procedures when performed at compromised extraction sockets.

Methods

Patients subject to ridge preservation/augmentation at periodontally compromised sockets at Seoul National University Dental Hospital (SNUDH) were evaluated in a chart review. Tooth extractions due to acute infection were not included in our study as chronically formed lesions are the only lesions that can be detected from radiographic images. If inflammatory symptoms persisted following ridge preservation/augmentation and antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory therapy, the patient was categorized as a re‐infection case and implanted biomaterial removed.

Results

Of 10,060 patients subject to tooth extractions at SNUDH, 2011 through 2015, 297 cases meeting inclusion criteria were reviewed. The severity and type of lesions were not specific because extracting data was only done by radiographic images and chart records. The review identified eight patients exhibiting inflammatory symptoms that required additional antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory therapy. Within this group, re‐infection occurred in two patients requiring biomaterials removal. The final safety rate for the ridge preservation/augmentation was 99.3%. None of the demographic factors, systemic conditions or choice of biomaterial affected the safety of ridge preservation/augmentation.

Conclusion

Alveolar ridge preservation/augmentation at periodontally compromised sockets appears safe following thorough removal of infectious source.
Association of flossing/inter‐dental cleaning and periodontitis in adults
Authors: Cepeda M. Soledad , Weinstein Rachel , Blacketer Clair , Lynch Michael C.
Published: June 2017

Aim

Assess the association of flossing with periodontitis.

Materials and Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) years 2011‐2014. We used three categories of flossing: 0–1, 2–4 and ≥5 days in the past week and the CDC definition of periodontitis. We calculated odds ratios controlling for age, gender, smoking, drinking, income and dentist visits.

Results

A total of 6939 adult subjects were included, 35% flossed ≤1 time a week, and 40% had periodontitis. After adjustment, the odds of periodontitis were 17% lower for subjects who flossed >1 time a week than for subjects who flossed less often (odds ratio=0.83, 95% CI 0.72–0.97). A dose response was not observed. Men were twice as likely as women to have periodontitis. Younger subjects, non‐smokers and subjects with the highest incomes had lower odds of having periodontitis.

Conclusions

Flossing was associated with a modestly lower prevalence of periodontitis. Older age, being male, smoking, low income and less frequent dental visits were associated with a higher prevalence of periodontitis. Flossing 2–4 days a week could be as beneficial as flossing more frequently. This is a cross‐sectional study so a causal relation between flossing and periodontitis cannot be established.
Comparison of attractants for monitoring Drosophila suzukii in sweet cherry orchards in Italy
Authors: Tonina L. , Grassi A. , Caruso S. , Mori N. , Gottardello A. , Anfora G. , Giomi F. , Vaccari G. , Ioriatti C.
Published: June 2017

The invasiveness of Drosophila suzukii Matsumura is causing sizable damage to soft fruits and cherry. In order to define a targeted strategy for D. suzukii management, it is important to have access to highly sensitive trapping tools for detection, monitoring and control that are also selective, practical in use, economic, and with low environmental impact. The aim of this study was to compare different combinations of traps and lures to define a best practice approach for D. suzukii monitoring in Italy, extended over a wide elevational gradient and landscape complexity. The high attractiveness was not always combined with high selectivity, as in some cases up to 95% of the Drosophila spp. captured were belonging to species different from D. suzukii. The commercial Droso‐Trap was very efficient providing high capture ability. Overall, the most attractive lure was Droskidrink while Suzukii Trap was the most selective one. Lure attractiveness and selectivity, however, changed during the season in relation to environmental temperatures and phenological developmental stages, suggesting the need for implementing different lures in different periods and for the different purposes (monitoring or mass trapping). In terms of trap management, Droskidrink showed the problem of bacterial‐gel formation, while Suzukii Trap and Pherocon SWD were easier to handle as they did not need to be checked at weekly interval. Finally, these results were gathered to convey the most efficient combination of trap and bait able to efficiently perform mass trapping and attract and kill technique.
Antennal transcriptome and odorant binding protein expression profiles of an invasive mealybug and its parasitoid
Authors: Nie X. P. , Li Q. L. , Xu C. , Li D. Z. , Zhang Z. , Wang M.‐Q. , Zhou A. M. , Li S. Q.
Published: June 2017

Olfaction is fundamental to insect survival due to its roles in host location and interspecific communications. Here, we analysed the transcriptomes of odorant binding proteins (OBPs) from the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis and its endoparasitoid Aenasius bambawalei through RNA‐Seq. The antennal transcriptomes of P. solenopsis and A. bambawalei were assembled, and gene ontology (GO) annotation indicated that the relative abundance of transcripts associated with specific GO terms was highly similar between the two species. We obtained 12 putative odorant binding proteins (OBPs), four chemosensory proteins (CSPs), four odorant receptors (ORs), one gustatory receptor (GR) and one sensory neuron membrane protein (SNMP) from P. solenopsis. There were 54 putative OBPs, 226 ORs, 41 GRs and three SNMPs in A. bambawalei. PsolOBPs exhibited high expression in the third instar nymph and varied expression in female adults of P. solenopsis. Almost all candidate AbamOBPs were expressed at high levels in the sensory organs (antennae, heads and legs) of adult A. bambawalei of both sexes. Among them, AbamOBP31 exhibited an obvious female antennal‐specific expression pattern. AbamOBP1, AbamOBP23, AbamOBP24 and AbamOBP30 were expressed at high levels in male antenna. This study for the first time identified the chemosensory genes and determined their expression patterns in different tissues of the two species. Our results provide important molecular information for the exploration of chemosensory mechanisms in these two species.
Reply to ‘Letter to the Editor’ regarding the article ‘Should we treat severe vasovagal syncope with a pacemaker?’
Authors: Sutton Richard
Published: June 2017

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. Wiles and Dr. Roberts
The role of leadless single‐chamber pacemakers in the treatment of vasovagal syncope
Authors: Wiles B. M. , Roberts P. R.
Published: June 2017

Click here to view the Letter to the Editor by Dr. R. Sutton
Picking the Measuring Stick: The Role of Leaders in Social Comparisons
Authors: Sonpar Karan , Walsh Ian J. , Pazzaglia Federica , Eng Miranda , Dastmalchian Ali
Published: June 2017

Organizational members frequently evaluate how their abilities and standing compare with those of their colleagues. Although these comparisons can have a negative impact on organizations, little attention has been paid to the role of leaders in these processes. Drawing on interviews with individuals in leadership positions in business schools, we develop a framework to explain what triggers leaders’ attention to social comparisons among faculty and how they become involved in them. Central to this framework are leaders’ self‐schemas, which encompass their preferences about the criteria members should use in making comparisons. Leaders’ self‐schemas are activated by discrepancies between their own comparative judgements and those they perceive members to be making and impel them to act in ways consistent with their preferred bases of comparison. Our framework repositions social comparisons as a multi‐perspectival, political phenomenon in which leaders see themselves as playing a role in shaping members’ evaluations and workplace interactions.
Effect of an impaired oral stage on swallowing in patients with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Wakasugi Y. , Yamamoto T. , Oda C. , Murata M. , Tohara H. , Minakuchi S.
Published: June 2017

We investigated the swallowing function in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) using deteriorated tongue control because patients with PD frequently exhibit an impaired oral stage of swallowing and the tongue movement affects oral and pharyngeal stage. In total, 201 patients with PD (106 men, 95 women; mean age 70·6 ± 8·0 years; median Hoehn‐Yahr Stage III) were studied. The patients swallowed 10 mL of liquid barium under videofluorography, and their oral transit time (OTT) was measured. Based on 20 healthy controls (mean age 70·3 ± 7·8 years) with an OTT + 2 standard deviation (0·89 + 2 × 0·46) of 1·81 s, the patients with PD were divided into 167 patients with an OTT < 1·81 s and 34 patients with an OTT ≥ 1·81 s. Swallowing function was compared between the groups and assessed using logistic regression analysis. The following factors were significantly associated with oral stage impairment in both groups: tongue‐to‐palate contact, tongue root‐to‐posterior pharyngeal wall contact, premature spillage into the pharynx, aspiration and onset of swallowing reflex. Logistic regression analysis showed that tongue root‐to‐posterior pharyngeal wall contact, onset of swallowing reflex and aspiration were independent factors. PD patients with prolonged OTT displayed poor lingual control and decreased range of motion of the tongue due to bradykinesia and rigidity. Such problems in the oral stage affected the subsequent pharyngeal stage of swallowing with aspiration. Lingual movement in the oral stage thus appears to play an important role in the sequential movement of swallowing in PD.
Reliability of surface electromyography measurements from the suprahyoid muscle complex
Authors: Kothari M. , Stubbs P. W. , Pedersen A. R. , Jensen J. , Nielsen J. F.
Published: June 2017

Assessment of swallowing musculature using motor evoked potentials (MEPs) can be used to evaluate neural pathways. However, recording of the swallowing musculature is often invasive, uncomfortable and unrealistic in normal clinical practice. To investigate the possibility of using the suprahyoid muscle complex (SMC) using surface electromyography (sEMG) to assess changes to neural pathways by determining the reliability of measurements in healthy participants over days. Seventeen healthy participants were recruited. Measurements were performed twice with one week between sessions. Single‐pulse (at 120% and 140% of the resting motor threshold (rMT)) and paired‐pulse (2 ms and 15 ms paired pulse) transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) were used to elicit MEPs in the SMC which were recorded using sEMG. ≈50% of participants (range: 42–58%; depending on stimulus type/intensity) had significantly different MEP values between day 1 and day 2 for single‐pulse and paired‐pulse TMS. A large stimulus artefact resulted in MEP responses that could not be assessed in four participants. The assessment of the SMC using sEMG following TMS was poorly reliable for ≈50% of participants. Although using sEMG to assess swallowing musculature function is easier to perform clinically and more comfortable to patients than invasive measures, as the measurement of muscle activity using TMS is unreliable, the use of sEMG for this muscle group is not recommended and requires further research and development.
Effortful swallow with resistive electrical stimulation training improves pharyngeal constriction in patients post‐stroke with dysphagia
Authors: Kim H. , Park J.‐W. , Nam K.
Published: June 2017

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of effortful swallow combined with surface electrical stimulation as a form of resistance training on pharyngeal constriction function in post‐stroke patients with dysphagia. Nineteen patients post‐stroke with dysphagia received 20 min effortful swallow training with resistive electrical stimulation for 5 days per week for 4 weeks. Electrical stimulation was applied on the infrahyoid area as resistance against hyoid elevation. Stimulation intensity was adjusted daily up to the maximum tolerable level of the participant. Blinded biomechanical measurements of the extent of hyoid elevation were taken and the pharyngeal constriction ratio (PCR) determined after training. The change of the PCR and the relationship between hyoid elevation and the PCR were evaluated. The post‐training PCR was significantly decreased compared to pre‐training PCR (P < 0·05). There was a high inverse correlation between the hyoid elevation and the PCR (r = −1·992, P < 0·05). Effortful swallow with resistive electrical stimulation training increases pharyngeal constriction. It can be used as a treatment to improve pharyngeal constriction in patients with dysphagia.
BURIAL HISTORY AND THERMAL MATURITY EVOLUTION OF THE TERMIT BASIN, NIGER
Authors: Harouna M. , Pigott J. D. , Philp R. P.
Published: June 2017

Reconstruction of the burial history and thermal evolution of the Cretaceous – Tertiary Termit Basin, a sub‐basin within the larger Eastern Niger Basin of Niger, indicates spatially and temporally variable conditions for organic matter maturation during the basin's multi‐phased evolution. Three episodes of tectonic subsidence which correspond to the observed fault mechanical stratigraphy within the Termit Basin are identified: Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian to early Paleocene, and Oligocene. These episodes fall within the regional tectonic phases of the West African Rift System delineated by previous studies. The basin exhibits substantial heterogeneity in the magnitude of the tectonic episodes and in consequent thermal maturities. For this paper, 1D burial and thermal histories of eight widely dispersed wells in the Agadem permit area in the SW of the Termit Graben were modelled to investigate the maturation of organic matter in source rocks ranging from Santonian to Oligocene in age. The kinetic modelled maturities match with maturities based on Rock‐Eval Tmax values for four wells if present‐day heat flows are elevated. Future exploration strategies in the Termit Basin should take into consideration these heterogeneities in thermal histories and tectonic pulses, which may lead to the development of hydrocarbon accumulations with different oil‐gas compositions in different reservoir compartments.
Dried blood spot sampling of nilotinib in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia: a comparison with venous blood sampling
Authors: Boons Christel C L M , Chahbouni Abdel , Schimmel Anneliene M , Wilhelm Abraham J , den Hartog Yvonne M , Janssen Jeroen J W M , Hendrikse N Harry , Hugtenburg Jacqueline G , Swart Eleonora L
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To compare nilotinib concentrations obtained by venous blood sampling and dried blood spot (DBS) in patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). It was investigated how to predict nilotinib plasma levels on the basis of DBS.

Methods

Forty duplicate DBS and venous blood samples were collected from 20 patients. Capillary blood was obtained by finger prick and spotted on DMPK-C Whatman sampling paper, simultaneously with venous blood sampling. Plasma concentrations were predicted from DBS concentrations using three methods: (1) individual and (2) mean haematocrit correction and (3) the bias between plasma and DBS concentrations. Results were compared using Deming regression and Bland–Altman analysis.

Key findings

Nilotinib plasma concentrations ranged from 376 to 2663 μg/l. DBS concentrations ranged from 144 to 1518 μg/l. The slope was 0.56 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.61) with an intercept of −41.68 μg/l (95% CI, −93.78 to 10.42). Mean differences between calculated and measured plasma concentrations were −14.3% (method 1), −14.0% (method 2) and −0.6% (method 3); differences were within 20% of the mean in 73%, 85% and 80% of the samples, respectively. The slopes were respectively 0.96 (95% CI, 0.86 to 1.06), 0.95 (95% CI, 0.86 to 1.03) and 1.00 (95% CI, 0.91 to 1.09).

Conclusions

Plasma concentrations of nilotinib could be predicted on the basis of DBS. DBS sampling to assess nilotinib concentrations in CML patients seems a suitable alternative for venous sampling.
Asn194Lys mutation in RVG29 peptide increases GFP transgene delivery by endocytosis to neuroblastoma and astrocyte cells
Authors: Villa-Cedillo Sheila Adela , Rodríguez-Rocha Humberto , Zavala-Flores Laura Mireya , Montes-de-Oca-Luna Roberto , García-García Aracely , Loera-Arias Maria de Jesus , Saucedo-Cárdenas Odila
Published: June 2017

Objectives

A cell-penetrating peptide-based delivery system could target specific types of cells for therapeutic genes delivery. To increase the gene delivery efficiency into neuronal phenotype cells, we introduced an Asn194Lys mutation to RVG29 peptide derived from rabies virus glycoprotein and added a nuclear localization signal to enhance its nuclear import.

Methods

Mutant RVG or wild-type RVG peptide, a karyophilic peptide (KP) and a plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein (pGL) were bound by electrostatic charges to form four different kinds of RVG complexes. Immunofluorescence was used to assess the gene transfection efficiency into astrocytes, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), SH-SY5Y, HeLa and NIH/3T3 cells. The cellular uptake mechanism of RVG29 complexes was examined using endocytosis inhibitors.

Key findings

The mRVG29 peptide has the ability to enhance the nuclear import of plasmids. The Asn194Lys mutation in RVG29 peptide of the pGL-mRVG29 complex and the addition of KP to the pGL-RVG29-KP complex increased the capacity to deliver DNA by endocytosis in astrocytes and SH-SY5Y cells.

Conclusions

The complexes pGL-mRVG29 and pGL-RVG29-KP have specificity for transfecting astrocytes and SH-SY5Y cells. The karyophilic capacity of this new mRVG peptide render it promising candidate to act as gene delivery vector into the brain cells.
Proinflammatory effects and mechanisms of calprotectin on human gingival fibroblasts
Authors: Gao H. , Hou J. , Meng H. , Zhang X. , Zheng Y. , Peng L.
Published: June 2017

Background and Objective

Calprotectin (S100A8/A9) is a heterodimer of S100A8 and S100A9 and is associated with multiple inflammatory diseases, including Crohn's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and periodontitis. Levels of calprotectin are elevated in the gingival crevicular fluid of patients with periodontitis; however, the effects of calprotectin on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) remain unknown. This study investigated the proinflammatory activity of calprotectin on HGFs and the functional receptors and signaling pathways engaged by calprotectin.

Material and methods

HGFs were stimulated by equimolar concentrations of S100A8 and/or S100A9, and the expression levels of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8 were detected using real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. The calprotectin receptors were identified by pre‐incubating HGFs with the toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 inhibitor or the antibody targeting the advanced glycation end product receptor (RAGE). The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and signaling pathways were also investigated by treating HGFs with ROS inhibitor or specific pathway inhibitors, respectively.

Results

S100A9 and S100A8/A9 significantly upregulated IL‐6 and IL‐8 expression, which was inhibited upon treatment with the TLR4 inhibitor TAK242. Pretreatment with RAGE‐blocking antibodies did not affect cytokine expression. Additionally, S100A9 promoted the production of IL‐6 and IL‐8 from HGFs via different signaling pathways. IL‐6 expression was upregulated via the NF‐κB, c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, and IL‐8 expression was upregulated via NF‐κB, p38, JNK1/2 and extracellular‐regulated kinase 1/2 MAPK pathways. The release of both cytokines was dependent upon the production of ROS.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that calprotectin exerts proinflammatory effects on HGFs via the S100A9 subunit and TLR4‐mediated NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
Polyclonal and monoclonal B lymphocytes response in HCV‐infected patients treated with direct‐acting antiviral agents
Authors: Schiavinato A. , Zanetto A. , Pantano G. , Tosato F. , Nabergoj M. , Fogar P. , Piva E. , Gambato M. , Franceschet E. , Floreani A. , Farinati F. , Burra P. , Russo F. P. , Plebani M.
Published: June 2017

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) chronic infection can be associated with extrahepatic manifestations such as mixed cryoglobulinaemia and lymphoproliferative disorders that are endowed with increased rates of morbidity and all‐cause mortality. In this study, we used flow cytometry to evaluate the effect of interferon‐free antiviral treatment on peripheral blood lymphocytes in HCV‐infected patients with or without associated lymphoproliferative disorders. Flow cytometry analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was performed at baseline and at the end of treatment. In HCV‐infected patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, we evaluated immunoglobulin (Ig) light chain κ/λ ratio variations as a measure of monoclonal B‐cell response to antiviral therapy. Healthy volunteers were enrolled as controls. A total of 29 patients were included, nine with and 20 without lymphoproliferative disorders. Sustained virological response was achieved in 29 of 29 patients. We observed a significant reduction in the B‐cell compartment (39% global reduction) in eight of nine HCV‐infected patients with lymphoproliferative disorders after viral clearance. We recognized the same trend, even if less pronounced, in HCV‐infected patients without lymphoproliferative disorders (9% global reduction). Among HCV‐infected patients with lymphoproliferative disorders, three showed an improvement/normalization of the immunoglobulin light chain ratio, whereas in the remaining six patients monoclonal B cells persisted to be clonally restricted even 1 year after the end of treatment. Our data show that DAAs treatment can be effective in reducing the frequency of pathological B cells in the peripheral blood of HCV‐infected patients affected by HCV‐associated lymphoproliferative disorders; however, monoclonal populations can persist after viral eradication.
Dietary analysis of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) from faecal samples and overlap with fisheries in Erimo, Japan
Authors: Hui Tabitha C. Y. , Morita Yuka , Kobayashi Yumi , Mitani Yoko , Miyashita Kazushi
Published: June 2017

The number of harbour seals in Japan has been rebounding since protection began in the mid‐1980s. With the increase in seal numbers, increased conflict with fisheries has occurred through depredation and the belief that seals compete with fisheries for prey. However, competition can only be determined if the prey species and quantities seals consume over time are known. We studied the diet of harbour seals in Erimo, site of the largest population of harbour seals in Japan, from 2011 to 2012 and assessed the degree of prey overlap with local fisheries. We used both hard parts and DNA techniques to identify prey items in seal scats, and compared these results to local fisheries data. A total of 46 prey occurrences was detected by both methods, of which 17 matched between techniques at least to the family level. Hard parts methods identified five incidences of prey undetected by DNA methods in five scats (one incidence per scat). DNA methods identified 24 additional prey occurrences in 13 scats, for which no hard part evidence for that prey had been found. This more than doubled the total number of prey occurrences across the 15 scats compared. Overall, the most frequently occurring harbour seal prey were walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma), sculpins and snailfishes. In contrast, the top three groups targeted by fisheries were codfishes, salmon and invertebrates. Many species common in the harbour seal's diet such as snailfishes and blennies were not targeted by fisheries. Fishes such as greenlings, sculpins, rockfishes and Japanese anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) were common in the diet of harbour seals, but made up a very small proportion of fisheries catches in Erimo. The importance of other prey species varied between seasons. Sculpins, greenlings and forage fishes were the top three prey groups for harbour seals in spring by percent modified frequency of occurrence, whereas the most important target groups by percentage mass caught by fisheries were codfishes, cephalopods and other invertebrates. Sculpins and rockfishes remained as important prey items for harbour seals in summer and autumn, in addition to codfishes, snailfishes and blennies. In contrast, the main groups caught by fisheries in summer were other fishes, particularly Japanese amberjack (Seriola quinqueradiata) and various species of sharks and eels, and invertebrates. By autumn, Erimo fisheries had focussed on catching salmon. Salmon were taken by harbour seals as well during this period, but at a relatively lower frequency compared to other prey groups. The results of our study show that although harbour seals consumed several of the prey species targeted by fisheries, the relative importance of these species to seals and fisheries and the seasons in which they were targeted were different.
Scales of recruitment variability in warming waters: Comparing native and introduced oysters in Hood Canal, Washington, USA
Authors: Valdez Stephanie R. , Ruesink Jennifer L.
Published: June 2017

The effect of climate change on natural oyster recruitment has the potential to disrupt many of the ecosystem services oysters provide. Due to the temperature‐sensitivity of reproduction, oyster recruitment may shift as water temperatures rise. A biological imprint of climate change was revealed in a multi‐decadal time series of recruitment of non‐native Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) in the main stem of Hood Canal, Washington, USA, extracted from historic fishery documents. Water in July and August warmed significantly from 1945 to 1995 (0.028 ± 0.004°C per year [±SE]) and accounted for an increase in Pacific oyster recruitment (7% per year, 0.028 ± 0.006 spat per year on log scale [±SE]); recruitment also strongly tracked inter‐annual variability in summer water temperature. Methods used to collect historical data were repeated in 2013–2015 when recruitment of both Pacific oysters and native Olympia oysters (Ostrea lurida) were recorded in main stem and lower Hood Canal. Both historic and modern data show large variation within and between years for temperature as well as recruitment. The modern data add information regarding spatial variation, in that recruitment patterns in the two regions of Hood Canal were decoupled. As temperatures continue to increase, non‐native Pacific oysters are likely to be favored over Olympia oysters, which recruit earlier at lower temperatures and presently contribute less than half of total oyster recruits. Future recruitment, however, may be limited by environmental factors other than temperature, a point indicated particularly in Hood Canal where many subtidal species already respond strongly to gradients in dissolved oxygen.
Sex‐specific affinity for redox‐active metals influences antioxidant responses of Callinectes amnicola (blue crab) populations in littoral and open water habitats of a tropical coastal lagoon
Authors: Jerome Fisayo Christie , Hassan Adesola A , Chukwuka Azubuike Victor
Published: June 2017

The critical role of ecological preferences and opportunity in determining contaminant uptake and adaptive responses of sexes in the wild is still poorly understood. This ecological relationship was investigated by measuring metal bioaccumulation and antioxidant activity in male and female blue crab populations from open water habitat and the littoral/inter‐tidal zone of the Lagos Lagoon. A total of 741 samples of blue crab (littoral zone: 263 females, 137 males; open water zone, 230 females, 111 males) was collected monthly over 24 months (January 2010–January 2012) from each site and the measurements of morphometric features (wet weight, carapace length, carapace width) were recorded; condition index, metal (redox active: Cu, Zn, redox inactive: Pb, Cd) concentration in tissues (gills, hepatopancreas, gonads and muscle) and antioxidant activity (superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase and malondialdehyde) were measured for each sex. Monthly sediment samples for both habitats were also analysed for metals using standard methods. Female crabs were significantly larger (p < .05) with a better condition index than the male crabs across sites and seasons, while higher oxidative damage was recorded in male crabs in the littoral zone compared to the open water zone. The results show that there was a negative association between antioxidant activity and lipid peroxidation; a negative relationship between concentrations of redox‐inactive metals (Pb and Cd) and antioxidant activity in male crab tissues; and a positive relationship between uptake of a redox‐active metal (Cu) and antioxidant activity in female crab tissues. Although these trends suggest sex‐specific toxicity, they also associate redox‐inactive metals with the downregulation of antioxidant activity and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the higher condition index of females corroborates the possibility of sex‐specific toxicity, while the larger‐sized females compared to males suggests size‐sexual dimorphism in the blue crab populations. The site‐specific oxidative damage between sexes may be attributed to the different complexity of both habitats, which affords different ecological opportunities for the sexes.
First record of vertical rhizomes in the seagrass Zostera marina (Novigrad Sea, Croatia)
Authors: Mokos Melita , Schultz Stewart T. , Zubak Ivana , Kruschel Claudia
Published: June 2017

We report the first record of vertical rhizome growth in the temperate seagrass Zostera marina. In a population of Z. marina occurring on subtidal sand in the Novigrad Sea (Croatia), an area subject to episodic high sediment transport, collected plants of Z. marina showed vertical rhizomes with shorter and narrower inter‐nodes (mean length = 3.4 ± 1.5 SD mm, mean width = 1.9 ± 0.3 SD mm) than those recorded for horizontal rhizomes (mean length = 9.0 ± 3.5 SD mm, mean width = 2.8 ± 0.4 SD mm). Out of a sample of 1130 rhizome fragments, 288 (25.5%) were vertical. Repeated moderate burial events may have stimulated the production of vertical rhizomes, and the ability of Z. marina to produce vertical rhizomes may enable it to withstand moderate burial in this highly dynamic environment.
Effects of acidified seawater on calcification, photosynthetic efficiencies and the recovery processes from strong light exposure in the coral Stylophora pistillata
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Iguchi Akira , Suzuki Atsushi , Sakai Kazuhiko , Nojiri Yukihiro
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate whether coral photosynthetic efficiencies and recovery processes are affected by CO2‐driven ocean acidification in symbiont photosynthesis and coral calcification. We investigated the effects of five CO2 partial pressure (pCO2) levels in adjusted seawater ranging from 300 μatm (pre‐industrial) to 800 μatm (near‐future) and strong and weak light intensity on maximum photosynthetic efficiency and calcification of a branching coral, Stylophora pistillata, as this species has often been used in rearing experiments to investigate the effects of acidified seawater on calcification and photosynthetic algae of corals. We found that, the photosynthetic efficiencies and recovery patterns under different light conditions did not differ among pCO2 treatments. Furthermore, calcification of S. pistillata was not affected by acidified seawater under weak or strong light conditions. Our results indicate that the photosynthetic efficiency and calcification of S. pistillata are insensitive to changes in ocean acidity.
Cosmic‐ray exposure histories of the lunar meteorites AaU 012 and Shişr 166
Authors: Mészáros Marianna , Leya Ingo , Hofmann Beda A.
Published: June 2017

We measured the concentrations and isotopic compositions of the stable isotopes of He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe in the two lunar impact‐melt breccias Abar al’ Uj (AaU) 012 and Shişr 166 to obtain information on their cosmic‐ray exposure histories and possible launch pairing; the latter was suggested because of their similar chemical composition. AaU 012 has higher gas concentrations than Shişr 166 and clearly contains implanted solar wind gases, indicating a shallow to moderate shielding for this meteorite in the lunar regolith. The maximum shielding depth of AaU 012 was most likely ≤310 g cm−2 and its lunar regolith residence time was ≥420 ± 70 Ma. Our results indicate that in Shişr 166 the trapped component is a mixture of air and solar wind. The low concentration of cosmogenic and solar wind gases indicate substantial diffusive gas loss and a shielding depth of <700 g cm−2 on the Moon for Shişr 166. All differences seen in the concentrations and isotopic compositions of the noble gases suggest that AaU 012 and Shişr 166 are most likely not launch pairs, although a different exposure history on the Moon does not exclude the possibility that the two meteorites were ejected by a single, large impact event.
Variation in gene regulation underlying annual and perennial flowering in Arabideae species
Authors: Friedman Jannice
Published: June 2017

The diversity of life history strategies within the angiosperms illustrates the evolutionary flexibility of reproductive characteristics. The number of times an individual reproduces is a key life history trait, and transitions from iteroparous perennials to semelparous annuals have occurred frequently in the flowering plants. Despite the frequency of this evolutionary transition, and the importance of annuality versus perenniality to both agriculture and ecology, understanding the molecular and genetic mechanisms involved in perennial flowering is in their infancy. In this issue of Molecular Ecology, Kiefer et al. () make significant progress towards understanding divergence in seasonal flowering between annual and perennial species in the Arabideae tribe of Brassicaceae. By combining a comparative approach with gene expression and sequence comparisons, they show that transcriptional differences in FLC orthologs, a floral inhibitor in Arabidopsis thaliana, have occurred repeatedly and underlie differences in flowering between annuals and perennials.
Cholinesterases in normal and Alzheimer's disease primary olfactory gyrus
Authors: Hamodat H. , Cash M. K. , Fisk J. D. , Darvesh S.
Published: June 2017

Aims

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cholinergic dysfunction and deposition of β‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques and tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) in the brain. Olfactory abnormalities often precede cognitive symptoms in AD, indicating early involvement of pathology in olfactory structures. The cholinergic system is important not only in cognition but also in modulation of the olfactory system. The primary olfactory gyrus (POG) is comprised of the olfactory tract, anterior olfactory nucleus (AON) and olfactory area (OA). Because of the importance of the olfactory and cholinergic systems, we examined the anatomical and cholinergic organization of the POG in normal human brain and neuropathology in AD.

Methods

Cytoarchitecture of the POG was studied using Nissl staining in normal (n = 8) and AD (n = 6) brains. Distributions of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) were determined using histochemical methods. Aβ plaques and tau NFTs were detected using immunohistochemistry. Abundance of AD pathology was assessed using a semi‐quantitative approach.

Result

Nissl staining showed pyramidal cells in the AON and paleocortical organization of the OA. AChE stained neurons and neuropil in the AON and OA, while BChE activity was noted in the olfactory tract and in AON and OA neurons. Pathology was frequent in the AD POG and the abundance of BChE‐associated AD pathology was greater than that associated with AChE.

Conclusions

AChE and BChE activities in normal POG recapitulated their distributions in other cortical regions. Greater abundance of BChE‐associated, in comparison to AChE‐associated, AD pathology in the POG suggests preferential involvement of BChE in olfactory dysfunction in AD.
Prolonged embryogenesis in Austrobaileya scandens (Austrobaileyaceae): its ecological and evolutionary significance
Authors: Losada Juan M. , Bachelier Julien B. , Friedman William E.
Published: June 2017

The embryology of basal angiosperm lineages (Amborella, Nymphaeales and Austrobaileyales) is central to reconstructing the early evolution of flowering plants. Previous studies have shown that mature seeds in Austrobaileyales are albuminous, with a small embryo surrounded by a substantial diploid endosperm. However, little is known of seed ontogeny and seedling germination in Austrobaileya scandens, sister to all other extant Austrobaileyales.

Standard histochemical techniques were used to study ovule/seed development and germination of Austrobaileya.

Early development of the endosperm in Austrobaileya is ab initio cellular with pronounced cell proliferation. The nucellus transiently accumulates some starch, but is obliterated by expansion of a massive endosperm, where all embryo‐nourishing reserves are ultimately stored. Twelve months elapse from fertilization to fruit abscission. Seeds are dispersed with a minute embryo, requiring 12 additional months for seedling establishment.

The 2 yr required for seedling establishment is an apomorphic feature of Austrobaileya, probably related to germination in extremely dark understory conditions. Remarkably, although Austrobaileya seeds are nearly 50 times larger (by length) than the smallest seeds of extinct and extant members of early divergent angiosperm lineages, the embryo to seed ratio (E : S) falls squarely within the narrow range that characterizes the albuminous seeds of ancient flowering plant lineages.
Interactions of saprotrophic fungi with tree roots: can we observe the emergence of novel ectomycorrhizal fungi?
Authors: Baldrian Petr , Kohout Petr
Published: June 2017

This article is a Commentary on Smith et al., 215: 747–755.
Fluid pressurization and tractional forces during TMJ disc loading: A biphasic finite element analysis
Authors: Wu Y. , Cisewski S. E. , Wei F. , She X. , Gonzales T. S. , Iwasaki L. R. , Nickel J. C. , Yao H.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To investigate the ploughing mechanism associated with tractional force formation on the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc surface.

Setting and Sample Population

Ten left TMJ discs were harvested from 6‐ to 8‐month‐old male Yorkshire pigs.

Materials and Methods

Confined compression tests characterized mechanical TMJ disc properties, which were incorporated into a biphasic finite element model (FEM). The FEM was established to investigate load carriage within the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the ploughing mechanism during tractional force formation by simulating previous in vitro plough experiments.

Results

Biphasic mechanical properties were determined in five TMJ disc regions (average±standard deviation for aggregate modulus: 0.077±0.040 MPa; hydraulic permeability: 0.88±0.37×10−3 mm4/Ns). FE simulation results demonstrated that interstitial fluid pressurization is a dominant loading support mechanism in the TMJ disc. Increased contact load and duration led to increased solid ECM strain and stress within, and increased ploughing force on the surface of the disc.

Conclusion

Sustained mechanical loading may play a role in load carriage within the ECM and ploughing force formation during stress‐field translation at the condyle–disc interface. This study further elucidated the mechanism of ploughing on tractional force formation and provided a baseline for future analysis of TMJ mechanics, cartilage fatigue and early TMJ degeneration.
Effect of exogenous retinoic acid on tooth movement and periodontium healing following tooth extraction in a rat model
Authors: Nishio C. , Rompré P. , Moldovan F.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of isotretinoin on orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) and wound healing following exodontia.

Setting and Sample Population

Sixteen 40‐day‐old male Wistar rats were divided into two groups: (a) OTM and (b) tooth extraction (TE) of the upper 1st molar and OTM. The experimental animals were treated with isotretinoin (7.5 mg/kg) and the control animals with oil solution for 37 days.

Materials and methods

The OTM and bone volume were evaluated by the micro‐CT and the periodontium healing was assessed by immunohistochemistry for VEGF‐C, COX‐2 and IL‐1ß.

Results

The animals of both groups submitted to the TE showed a statistically significant decrease in the bone volume percentage and increase in OTM. No significant difference of OTM and bone volume was observed between the control and experimental group. However, the alveolar bone of the isotretinoin group revealed more medullary spaces with inflammatory, hematopoietic cells, blood vessels and intense immunolabeling for VEGF‐C. This group also showed faster gingival regeneration. No significant difference was observed in the COX‐2 and IL‐1ß labelings following TE between both groups.

Conclusion

The isotretinoin did not affect the OTM nor did it cause an alteration in maxillary bone volume. This exogenous acid may contribute to the acceleration of gingival healing.
In silico and functional evaluation of PTH1R mutations found in patients with primary failure of eruption (PFE)
Authors: Hendricks H. M. , Bencharit S. , Seaman W. , Frazier‐Bowers S. A.
Published: June 2017

Structured Abstract

Objectives

The genetic basis of PFE (OMIM ID: 125350) was interrogated using molecular functional studies. PFE is a disorder that results in a poor prognosis in the eruption of teeth and by extension, in treatment with a continuous archwire. We tested the hypothesis that PTH1R mutations result in loss of function due to altered protein structure to determine (i) the fate of a functional PTH1R mutation and (ii) the resulting PTH1R protein structure of each functional mutation.

Methods

We used immunofluorescence assay of COS7 cells that were transfected with either the WT or 1092delG PTH1R mutation sequence to compare the fate of the expressed protein. We also performed in silico analysis of the WT PTH1R and four different functional PTH1R mutations

Results

Functional studies (IFA) showed a variation in expression between the WT and mutant PTH1R. Further, in silico analysis showed structural differences between WT and mutant PTH1R proteins, particularly in the regions of the 3rd intracellular loop and the 6th transmembrane domain required for efficient PTH1R function.

Conclusion

PTH1R mutations identified in PFE likely result from diminished function due to truncation of the protein, lack of efficient G‐protein interactions and putatively attenuated signal transduction. By identifying the mode of protein dysfunction, scientist‐clinicians are better prepared to recognize and thereby develop improved methods of treatment, starting at the molecular level.