bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monitoring the effects of land transformation on African clawless otters (Aonyx capensis) using fecal glucocorticoid metabolite concentrations as a measure of stress
Authors: MAJELANTLE Tshepiso L. , MCINTYRE Trevor , GANSWINDT Andre 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn a time of increasing environmental change caused by anthropogenic disturbance, there is a greater need to understand animal adaptations to manmade environments. In this regard, the measurement of stress‐related endocrine markers provides a useful tool to examine the impact of environmental challenges and the physiological consequences for wildlife occupying such space. The aims of the present study were to validate fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) concentrations as a measure of stress using samples from a male African clawless otter (Aonyx capensis; n = 1) and to compare fGCM concentrations of otters occurring in a transformed and in 2 natural areas in South Africa. From the 5 different enzyme‐immunoassays (EIA) tested, a cortisol and oxoetiocholanolone (measuring 11,17 dioxoandrostanes) EIA revealed the highest response (74% and 48% increase, respectively) 30 and 24 hours after a stress event (translocation of a captive individual as part of its rehabilitation prior to release), respectively. For both EIAs, fGCM concentrations were comparable for samples collected up to 3 h post‐defecation. Using the cortisol EIA for subsequent analyses, fGCM concentrations of animals from the transformed area (n = 20; mean [± SD]: 0.468 [± 0.539] µg/g dry weight [DW]) were significantly higher (P = 0.013) than those from otters in the natural areas (n = 17; 0.242 [± 0.226] µg/g DW). These preliminary results suggest that African clawless otters may have increased adrenocortical activity that could be due to conditions linked to living in a transformed environment.
Exquisite structure of the lateral line system in eyeless cavefish Sinocyclocheilus tianlinensis contrast to eyed Sinocyclocheilus macrophthalmus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)
Authors: MA Zhiqiang , HERZOG Hendrik , JIANG Yonggang , ZHAO Yahui , ZHANG Deyuan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, the lateral line systems in Chinese cavefish eyeless Sinocyclocheilus tianlinensis and eyed Sinocyclocheilus macrophthalmus were investigated to reveal their morphological changes to survive in harsh environments. Compared with the eyed cavefish S. macrophthalmus (atypical), the lateral line system in the eyeless cavefish S. tianlinensis (typical) has certain features to adapt to the dark cave environments: the superficial lateral line system in the eyeless species possesses a higher number of superficial neuromasts and more hair cells within an individual neuromast, and the trunk lateral line canal system in S. tianlinensis exhibits larger canal pores, higher canal diameter and more pronounced constrictions. Fluid–structure interaction analysis suggested that the trunk lateral line canal system in the eyeless S. tianlinensis should be more sensitive than that in the eyed S. macrophthalmus. These morphological features of the lateral line system in the eyeless S. tianlinensis probably enhance the functioning of the lateral line system and compensate for the lack of eyes. The revelation of the form–function relationship in the cavefish lateral line system provides inspiration for the design of sensitive artificial flow sensors.
A Long View of Southern California Water Supply: Perfect Droughts Revisited
Authors: Woodhouse C.A. , Meko D.M. , Bigio E.R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe impact of drought on water resources in arid and semiarid regions can be buffered by water supplies from different source regions. Simultaneous drought in all major source regions — or perfect drought — poses the most serious challenge to water management. We examine perfect droughts relevant to Southern California (SoCal) water resources with instrumental records and tree‐ring reconstructions for the Sacramento and Colorado Rivers, and SoCal. Perfect droughts have occurred five times since 1906, lasting two to three years, except for the most recent event, 2012–2015. This number and duration of perfect droughts is not unusual in the context of the past six centuries. The modern period stands out for the relatively even distribution of perfect droughts and lacks the clusters of perfect drought documented in prior centuries. In comparison, perfect droughts of the 12th Century were both longer (up to nine years) and more widespread. Perfect droughts of the 20th and 21st Centuries have occurred under different oceanic/atmospheric patterns, zonal and meridional flow, and ENSO or non‐ENSO conditions. Multidecadal coherence across the three regions exists, but it has varied over the past six centuries, resulting in irregular intervals of perfect drought. Although the causes of perfect droughts are not clear, given the long‐term natural variability along with projected changes in climate, it is reasonable to expect more frequent and longer perfect droughts in the future.
Estimating the Frequency and Extent of Overbank Flow of a Baseflow‐Dominated Stream Flowing through a Wetland
Authors: Potter Kenneth W. , Boyington T. Matthew 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRiver floodplains provide critical habitat for a wide range of animal and plant species and reduce phosphorus and nitrogen loads in streams. It has been observed that baseflow‐dominated streams flowing through wetlands are commonly at or near bankfull and overflow their banks much more frequently than other streams. However, there is very little published quantitative support for this observation. The study focuses on a 1‐km reach of Black Earth Creek, a stream in the Midwestern United States (U.S.). We used one‐dimensional hydraulic modeling to estimate bankfull discharge at evenly spaced stream cross sections, and two‐dimensional modeling to quantitate the extent of wetland inundation as a function of discharge. We then used historical streamflow data from two U.S. Geological Survey gaging stations to quantitate the frequency of wetland inundation. For the with‐sediment case, the frequency of overbank conditions at the 38 cross sections in the wetland ranged from 3 to 85 days per year and averaged 43 days per year. Ten percent of the wetland was inundated for an average of 35 days per year. For the without‐sediment case, the frequency of overbank conditions ranged from 2.6 to 48 days per year and averaged 14 days per year. Also, 10% of the wetland was inundated for an average of 25 days per year. These unusually high rates of floodplain inundation are likely due in part to the very low stream gradient and shallow depths of overbank flow.
Targeted genotyping to identify potential functional variants associated with cholesterol content in bovine milk
Authors: Do D. N. , Schenkel F. , Miglior F. , Zhao X. , Ibeagha‐Awemu E. M. 
Published: January 2020

SummaryHigh blood cholesterol concentration, mainly caused by high dietary cholesterol, is a potential risk factor for human health. Dairy products are important sources of human dietary cholesterol intake. Therefore, monitoring bovine milk cholesterol concentration is important for human health benefit. Genetic selection for improvement of cow milk cholesterol content requires understanding of the genetics of milk cholesterol. For this purpose, we performed analyses of additive and dominance effects of 126 potentially functional SNPs within 43 candidate genes with milk cholesterol content [expressed as mg of cholesterol in 100 g of fat (CHL_fat) or in 100 mg of milk (CHL_milk)]. The additive and dominance effects of SNPs rs380643365 in AGPAT1 (P = 0.04) and rs134357240 in SOAT1 (P = 0.035) genes associated significantly with CHL_fat. Moreover, five (rs109326954 and rs523413537 in DGAT1, rs109376747 in LDLR, rs42781651 in FAM198B and rs109967779 in ACAT2) and four (rs137347384 in RBM19, rs109376747 in LDLR, rs42016945 in PPARG and rs110862179 in SCAP) SNPs were significantly associated with CHL_milk (P < 0.05) based on additive and dominance effect analyses respectively. Rs109326954 and rs523413537 in DGAT1 explained a considerable portion of the phenotypic variance of CHL_milk (7.54 and 6.84% respectively), and might be useful in selection programs for reduced milk cholesterol content. Several significantly associated SNPs were in genes (such as ACAT2 and LDLR) involved in cholesterol metabolism in the liver or cholesterol transport, suggesting multiple mechanisms regulating milk cholesterol content. Nine and seven SNPs identified by additive or dominance effect analyses associated significantly with milk yield and fat yield respectively. Further analyses are required to better understand the consequences of these variants and their potential use in genomic selection of the studied traits.
Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of parenterally administered dutogliptin: A prospective dose‐escalating trial
Authors: Buchtele Nina , Schwameis Michael , Schoergenhofer Christian , Derhaschnig Ulla , Firbas Christa , Karch Rudolf , Nix Darrell , Schenk Roman , Jilma Bernd 
Published: January 2020

AimsAnimal studies suggest that inhibition of dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP‐IV) may improve heart function and survival after myocardial infarction by increasing cardiac myocytes’ regenerative capacity. Parenterally administered dutogliptin may provide continuous strong DPP‐IV inhibition to translate these results into humans. This trial investigated the safety and tolerability, as well as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, of parenterally administered dutogliptin after single and repeated doses.MethodsIn an open‐label trial, volunteers received dutogliptin at increasing doses of 30–120 mg subcutaneously or 30 mg intravenously in the single‐dose cohorts. Subjects in the multiple‐dose cohort received 60, 90 or 120 mg dutogliptin subcutaneously once daily on 7 consecutive days.ResultsForty healthy males were included in the trial. No related serious adverse events occurred. Mild local injection site reactions with no requirement for intervention comprised 147 of 153 (96%) related adverse events. Subcutaneous bioavailability was approximately 100%. Multiple injections at daily intervals did not lead to the accumulation of the study drug. The accumulation ratios based on AUC0‐24h range from 0.90 to 1.03, supporting this argument. All subjects receiving ≥60 mg dutogliptin yielded a maximum DPP‐IV inhibition >90%. The duration of DPP‐IV inhibition over time increased in a dose‐dependent manner and was highest in the 120‐mg multiple‐dosing cohort with a maximum AUEC0‐24h of 342 h % (standard deviation: 73), translating into 86% DPP‐IV inhibition 24 hours after dosing.ConclusionParenteral injection of dutogliptin was safe and subcutaneous bioavailability is excellent. DPP‐IV inhibition increased dose dependently to >86% over 24 hours after multiple doses of 120 mg dutogliptin.
Claspin overexpression is associated with high‐grade histology and poor prognosis in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kobayashi Go , Sentani Kazuhiro , Babasaki Takashi , Sekino Yohei , Shigematsu Yoshinori , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Oue Naohide , Teishima Jun , Matsubara Akio , Sasaki Naomi , Yasui Wataru 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRenal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common human cancers. We previously reported that claspin is a key regulator in the progression of gastric cancer, and it likely plays an important role in cancer stem cells of gastric cancer. However, the significance of claspin in RCC has not been examined. First, we analyzed the expression and distribution of claspin in 95 RCC cases by immunohistochemistry. In the nonneoplastic kidney, the staining of claspin was either weak or absent, whereas RCC tissue showed nuclear staining. In total, claspin expression was detected in 45 (47%) of 95 RCC cases. The claspin staining appeared relatively stronger in high nuclear grade RCC than in low nuclear grade RCC. Claspin‐positive RCC cases were associated with higher T grade, tumor stage, nuclear grade, vein invasion, and poorer prognosis. CLSPN siRNA treatment decreased RCC cell proliferation. The levels of phosphorylated Erk and Akt were lower in CLSPN siRNA‐transfected RCC cells than in control cells. In addition, claspin was coexpressed with CD44, epidermal growth factor receptor, p53, and programmed death ligand‐1. These results suggest that claspin plays an important role in tumor progression in RCC and might be a prognostic marker and novel therapeutic target molecule.
Mitochondrial DNA pathogenic mutations in multiple symmetric lipomatosis
Authors: López‐Gallardo Ester , Cammarata‐Scalisi Francisco , Emperador Sonia , Hernández‐Ainsa Carmen , Habbane Mouna , Vela‐Sebastián Ana , Bayona‐Bafaluy María Pilar , Montoya Julio , Ruiz‐Pesini Eduardo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe frequency of dermatological manifestations in diseases due to mitochondrial DNA mutations is not well known, although multiple symmetric lipomatosis has been repeatedly associated to mitochondrial DNA mutations. Here, we present a patient suffering from multiple symmetric lipomatosis and other skin signs. We found a new mitochondrial DNA mutation, m.8357T>C, in the tRNALys‐coding gene and, using a cybrid approach, confirmed its pathogenicity. A meta‐analysis of the dermatological signs of the patient shows that they are not common in patients with confirmed mitochondrial DNA mutations and suggests that, in these cases, lipomatosis is not related to the oxidative phosphorylation dysfunction, but to an alteration of an additional function associated to particular mitochondrial tRNAs.
Governance principles for community‐centered conservation in the post‐2020 global biodiversity framework
Authors: Armitage Derek , Mbatha Philile , Muhl Ella‐Kari , Rice Wayne , Sowman Merle 
Published: January 2020

AbstractStrategies to protect biodiversity in the face of a global crisis must be place‐based and sensitive to context. A failure to consider the socioeconomic and political circumstances, as well as wellbeing needs and lived realities of those most directly reliant upon biodiversity will further undermine progress on Aichi targets and subsequent goals for the post‐2020 framework. How communities experience the benefits or costs of conservation action is influenced in large measure by the principles that guide conservation governance, and the subsequent institutional structures and processes that frame conservation action (at local to global scales). In this article, we define and critically reflect on core principles of community‐centered conservation governance needed to yield desirable and long‐term conservation outcomes—both ecological and social (i.e., equitable and just). In doing so, we emphasize a conception of community‐centered conservation that we argue is relevant to guide implementation of a post‐2020 biodiversity framework, and which is based on a foundation of well‐established evidence. Core principles of community‐centered conservation governance include: (a) building multilevel networks and collaborative relationships needed to coproduce conservation solutions; (b) promoting equity and recognizing the central role of women as agents of positive change in conservation efforts across scales; (c) reframing conservation action through the lens of reconciliation and redress (e.g., responding to injustices from land grabs and territorial enclosures); (d) ensuring a rights‐based approach to conservation action in which community agency, access and decision making autonomy are supported; and (e) revitalizing the customary and local institutions that provide legitimate and adaptive strategies for the stewardship of biodiversity.
Diagnostic performance of endoscopic ultrasound through‐the‐needle microforceps biopsy of pancreatic cystic lesions: Systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Tacelli Matteo , Celsa Ciro , Magro Bianca , Barchiesi Marco , Barresi Luca , Capurso Gabriele , Arcidiacono Paolo Giorgio , Cammà Calogero , Crinò Stefano Francesco 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesEndoscopic ultrasound through‐the‐needle biopsy (EUS‐TTNB) is a useful tool for differential diagnosis among pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Cystic fluid cytology (CFC) is recommended by guidelines, but its diagnostic accuracy is about 50%. The aim of this meta‐analysis is to assess the clinical impact of EUS‐TTNB in terms of technical success (TS), histological accuracy (HA) and diagnostic yield (DY).MethodsOriginal studies in English language on EUS‐TTNB were searched in MEDLINE and EMBASE until October 2019. Diagnostic accuracy of EUS‐TTNB for identification of mucinous PCLs was calculated using individual diagnostic data of patients who underwent CFC and surgery.ResultsNine studies, including 454 patients who underwent EUS‐TTNB, met the inclusion criteria for the meta‐analysis. TS and HA of EUS‐TTNB were, respectively, 98.5% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 97.3%–99.6%) and 86.7% (95%CI 80.1–93.4). DY was 69.5% (95%CI 59.2–79.7) for EUS‐TTNB and 28.7% (95%CI 15.7–41.6) for CFC. Heterogeneity persisted significantly high in most of subgroup analyses. In the multivariate meta‐regression, cyst size was independently associated with higher DY. Sensitivity and specificity for mucinous PCLs were 88.6 and 94.7% for EUS‐TTNB, and 40 and 100% for CFC. Adverse events rate was 8.6% (95%CI 4.0–13.1).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis shows that EUS‐TTNB is a feasible technique that allows a high rate of adequate specimens to be obtained for histology; in about two‐thirds of patients a specific histotype diagnosis could be assessed. The number of adverse events is slightly higher respect to standard EUS‐FNA, but complications are very rarely severe.
PFKFB4 negatively regulated the expression of histone acetyltransferase GCN5 to mediate the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer
Authors: Lu Huanquan , Chen Siyuan , You Zhijian , Xie Chuping , Huang Shichuan , Hu Xiarong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThyroid cancer (TC) is the most common malignant endocrine tumor, and its incidence has progressively increased over several decades. Accumulating evidence has suggested that PFKFB4, a critical regulatory enzyme of glycolysis, has been implicated in various solid cancers. However, the exact effect of PFKFB4 on TC remains unclear. Hence, the objective of this work was to investigate the role of PFKFB4 in TC and explore the underlying regulatory mechanisms. Here, we provide evidence that mRNA levels of PFKFB4 were upregulated in TC patients’ thyroids and cell lines. Downregulation of PFKFB4 reduced TC cell viability and inhibited colony formation. In addition, the migration and invasion of TC cells were suppressed by PFKFB4 knockdown, suggesting that PFKFB4 is positively correlated with tumorigenesis of TC. Molecularly, knockdown of PFKFB4 significantly inhibited expression of GCN5 and phosphorylation of PI3K/AKT. Moreover, the suppressive role of shPFKFB4 in TC cell growth was reversed by upregulation of GCN5. Finally, the in vivo experiment indicated that downregulation of PFKF4B suppressed tumor growth in xenografts TC model mice. In total, our results suggested that PFKFB4‐mediated TC tumorigenesis by positively regulating GCN5 and PI3K/AKT signaling. These findings provide new research directions and therapeutic options considering PFKF4B as a novel diagnosis marker and therapeutic target.
State of the art: understanding and integration of the social context in diabetes care
Authors: de Wit M. , Trief P. M. , Huber J. W. , Willaing I. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWe review the past 25 years of research addressing challenges people living with diabetes experience in their daily lives related to social contexts, i.e. in their family, at work and in society at large, and identify research gaps. We found that young people with diabetes, as they develop through to adulthood, are exposed to considerable risks to their physical and mental health. Family‐system interventions have had mixed outcomes. Research in this area would benefit from attention to ethnic/cultural diversity, and involving fathers and other family members. In adults with diabetes, social support relates to better diabetes outcomes. While family member involvement in care is likely to affect health and psychosocial outcomes of the person with diabetes, key elements and mediators of effective family interventions need to be identified. The challenges of diabetes management at work are under‐researched; distress and intentional hyperglycaemia are common. When depression is comorbid with diabetes, there are increased work‐related risks, e.g. unemployment, sickness absence and reduced income. Research to support people with diabetes at work should involve colleagues and employers to raise awareness and create supportive environments. Stigma and discrimination have been found to be more common than previously acknowledged, affecting self‐care, well‐being and access to health services. Guidance on stigma‐reducing choice of language has been published recently. Resilience, defined as successful adaptation to adversity such as stigma and discrimination, requires studies relevant to the specific challenges of diabetes, whether at diagnosis or subsequently. The importance of the social context for living well with diabetes is now fully recognized, but understanding of many of the challenges, whether at home or work, is still limited, with much work needed to develop successful interventions.
The limiting factor: energy, growth, and divergence, 1820–1913
Authors: Malanima Paolo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractOn the basis of a new series on the consumption of traditional and modern sources of energy between 1820 and 1913, this article addresses the start of modern growth and the great divergence on the world scale. Since the beginning of the nineteenth century, the greater availability of modern energy sources expanded working capacity well beyond the potential of previous agricultural civilizations. Growth of energy consumption rose primarily in western Europe, northern America, and Oceania. As a result, labour productivity rose, leading to an increase in real wages, which was an incentive to replace labour with mechanical engines. The higher energy consumption in these three macro‐areas led to global inequality in productive capacity and technology which peaked on the eve of the First World War.
Sensitivity of primary production to precipitation across the United States
Authors: Maurer Gregory E. , Hallmark Alesia J. , Brown Renée F. , Sala Osvaldo E. , Collins Scott L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPrimary production, a key regulator of the global carbon cycle, is highly responsive to variations in climate. Yet, a detailed, continental‐scale risk assessment of climate‐related impacts on primary production is lacking. We combined 16 years of MODIS NDVI data, a remotely sensed proxy for primary production, with observations from 1218 climate stations to derive values of ecosystem sensitivity to precipitation and aridity. For the first time, we produced an empirically‐derived map of ecosystem sensitivity to climate across the conterminous United States. Over this 16‐year period, annual primary production values were most sensitive to precipitation and aridity in dryland and grassland ecosystems. Century‐long trends measured at the climate stations showed intensifying aridity and climatic variability in many of these sensitive regions. Dryland ecosystems in the western US may be particularly vulnerable to reductions in primary production and consequent degradation of ecosystem services as climate change and variability increase in the future.