bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide: Potential roles in the pathophysiology and complications of cirrhosis
Authors: Barloese Mads , Chitgar Mohammadnavid , Hannibal Jens , Møller Søren 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide (PACAP) is a ubiquitous neuropeptide with diverse functions throughout the organism. Most abundantly investigated for its role in several neurological disorders as well as in circadian rhythms, other fields of medicine, including cardiology, have recently shown interest in the role of PACAP and its potential as a biomarker. Timely diagnosis and treatment of cirrhosis and its complications is a considerable challenge for health services world‐wide and development of new areas of research is warranted. Direct and indirect evidence exists of PACAP involvement in the cascade of pathological events and processes ultimately leading to cirrhosis and its complications, but its exact role remains to be determined. Studies have documented PACAP involvement in immune function, metabolism, local vasoconstriction and dilatation and systemic vascular decompensation and there is ongoing research of a possible role in liver reperfusion injury. Considering these reports, PACAP could theoretically exude influence on the disease course of cirrhosis through the hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, chronic inflammation, fibrogenesis, vasodilation and reduced vascular resistance. The paucity of literature on the specific topic of PACAP and cirrhosis reflects complex mechanisms and difficulty in accurate measurements and sample taking. This does not detract from the need to further characterize and elucidate the role PACAP plays in the underdiagnosed and undertreated condition of cirrhosis.
Botulinum toxin A injection in the treatment of chronic pelvic pain with hypertonic pelvic floor in women: Treatment techniques and results
Authors: Chuang Fei‐Chi , Yang Tsai‐Hwa , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractChronic pelvic pain (CPP) is an extremely bothersome condition which leads to major effects in women's everyday life. In addition to visceral sources of pain, pelvic floor dysfunction including myofascial pain and spasm on the pelvic floor muscles causing hypertonicity are causes often overlooked. Injecting botulinum toxin type A (BoNT‐A) into hypertonic pelvic floor muscles may aid the relaxation of pelvic floor musculature. The muscles that are injected in CPP treatment include the obturator internus, levator ani (pubococcygeus, iliococcygeus, and puborectalis), and coccygeus. Generally, injections can be performed tolerably with safety under conscious sedation combined with local anesthesia. Most practitioners perform BoNT‐A injection of pelvic floor muscles using anatomical landmarks identified by manual palpation only. For the precise location of injection sites, some needle guidance techniques were proposed, including electromyography, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and/or computed tomography. Side effects of BoNT‐A injection in CPP are rare and self‐limiting. Because of the reversible nature of BoNT‐A, reinjection appears to be necessary. Increasing proof points out that BoNT‐A is a promising treatment option for CPP in women. We conducted a review of published literature in Pubmed, using chronic pelvic pain in women, hypertonic pelvic floor, and botulinum toxin as the keywords. This article aims to summarize the treatment techniques and results of BoNT‐A injection for hypertonic pelvic floor in women with chronic pelvic pain.
Ecological specialization and niche overlap of subterranean rodents inferred from DNA metabarcoding diet analysis
Authors: Lopes Carla Martins , De Barba Marta , Boyer Frédéric , Mercier Céline , Galiano Daniel , Kubiak Bruno Busnello , Maestri Renan , da Silva Filho Pedro Joel Silva , Gielly Ludovic , Coissac Eric , de Freitas Thales Renato Ochotorena , Taberlet Pierre 
Published: July 2020

AbstractKnowledge of how animal species use food resources available in the environment can increase our understanding of many ecological processes. However, obtaining this information using traditional methods is difficult for species feeding on a large variety of food items in highly diverse environments. We amplified the DNA of plants for 306 scat and 40 soil samples, and applied an environmental DNA metabarcoding approach to investigate food preferences, degree of diet specialization and diet overlap of seven herbivore rodent species of the genus Ctenomys distributed in southern and midwestern Brazil. The metabarcoding approach revealed that these species consume more than 60% of the plant families recovered in soil samples, indicating generalist feeding habits of ctenomyids. The family Poaceae was the most common food resource retrieved in scats of all species as well in soil samples. Niche overlap analysis indicated high overlap in the plant families and molecular operational taxonomic units consumed, mainly among the southern species. Interspecific differences in diet composition were influenced, among other factors, by the availability of resources in the environment. In addition, our results provide support for the hypothesis that the allopatric distributions of ctenomyids allow them to exploit the same range of resources when available, possibly because of the absence of interspecific competition.
Genetic monitoring of translocated plant populations in practice
Authors: Van Rossum Fabienne , Hardy Olivier J. , Le Pajolec Sarah , Raspé Olivier 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPlant translocations allow the restoration of genetic diversity in inbred and depauperate populations and help to prevent the extinction of critically endangered species. However, the successes of plant translocations in restoring genetically viable populations and the possible associated key factors are still insufficiently evaluated. To fill this gap, we carried out a thorough genetic monitoring of three populations of Arnica montana that were created or reinforced by the translocation of plants obtained from seeds of two large natural source populations from southern Belgium. We genotyped nine microsatellite markers and measured fitness quantitative traits over two generations (transplants, F1 seed progeny and newly established F1 juveniles). Two years after translocation, the genetic restoration had been effective, with high genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation across generations, extensive contemporary pollen flow, admixture between seed sources in the F1 generation and recruitment of new individuals from seeds. We detected site, seed source and maternal plant effects on plant fitness. The results also suggest that phenotypic plasticity may favour short‐term individual survival and long‐term adaptive capacity and enhance the evolutionary resilience of the populations to changing environmental conditions. We found no sign of heterosis or outbreeding depression at early life stages in the F1 generation. Our findings emphasize the importance of the translocation design (700 transplants of mixed sources, planted at high density) as well as the preparatory site management for the successful outcome of the translocations, which maximized flowering, random mating, and recruitment from seeds in the first years after translocation.
Sex and hatching order modulate the association between MHC‐II diversity and fitness in early‐life stages of a wild seabird
Authors: Pineaux Maxime , Merkling Thomas , Danchin Etienne , Hatch Scott , Duneau David , Blanchard Pierrick , Leclaire Sarah 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGenes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) play a pivotal role in parasite resistance, and their allelic diversity has been associated with fitness variations in several taxa. However, studies report inconsistencies in the direction of this association, with either positive, quadratic or no association being described. These discrepancies may arise because the fitness costs and benefits of MHC diversity differ among individuals depending on their exposure and immune responses to parasites. Here, we investigated in black‐legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla) chicks whether associations between MHC class‐II diversity and fitness vary with sex and hatching order. MHC‐II diversity was positively associated with growth and tick clearance in female chicks, but not in male chicks. Our data also revealed a positive association between MHC‐II diversity and survival in second‐hatched female chicks (two eggs being the typical clutch size). These findings may result from condition‐dependent parasite infections differentially impacting sexes in relation to hatching order. We thus suggest that it may be important to account for individual heterogeneities in traits that potentially exert selective pressures on MHC diversity in order to properly predict MHC–fitness associations.
Functional income distribution, capacity utilization, capital accumulation and productivity growth in Turkey: A post‐Kaleckian analysis
Authors: Kurt Ozan Ekin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this article is to examine the relation between functional income distribution, capacity utilization, capital accumulation and productivity in Turkey by identifying demand and overall regimes prevalent in the economy. For this purpose, we conducted an empirical analysis using different specifications of the post‐Kaleckian model of Hein and Tarassow. This model defines and characterizes an overall regime by endogenizing productivity growth and integrating it into the models in this tradition. Empirical findings show that while the demand regime is wage‐led, the overall regime turns out to be unstable in Turkey due to the destabilizing impact of productivity growth. This article contributes to the literature by being the first study that simultaneously identifies the demand and the overall regimes of an economy.
LapG mediates biofilm dispersal in Vibrio fischeri by controlling maintenance of the VCBS‐containing adhesin LapV
Authors: Christensen David G. , Marsden Anne E. , Hodge‐Hanson Kelsey , Essock‐Burns Tara , Visick Karen L. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractEfficient symbiotic colonization of the squid Euprymna scolopes by the bacterium Vibrio fischeri depends on bacterial biofilm formation on the surface of the squid’s light organ. Subsequently, the bacteria disperse from the biofilm via an unknown mechanism and enter through pores to reach the interior colonization sites. Here, we identify a homolog of Pseudomonas fluorescens LapG as a dispersal factor that promotes cleavage of a biofilm‐promoting adhesin, LapV. Overproduction of LapG inhibited biofilm formation and, unlike the wild‐type parent, a ΔlapG mutant formed biofilms in vitro. Although V. fischeri encodes two putative large adhesins, LapI (near lapG on chromosome II) and LapV (on chromosome I), only the latter contributed to biofilm formation. Consistent with the Pseudomonas Lap system model, our data support a role for the predicted c‐di‐GMP‐binding protein LapD in inhibiting LapG‐dependent dispersal. Furthermore, we identified a phosphodiesterase, PdeV, whose loss promotes biofilm formation similar to that of the ΔlapG mutant and dependent on both LapD and LapV. Finally, we found a minor defect for a ΔlapD mutant in initiating squid colonization, indicating a role for the Lap system in a relevant environmental niche. Together, these data reveal new factors and provide important insights into biofilm dispersal by V. fischeri.
Susceptibility testing of clinical isolates of Sporothrix globosa in Shandong, China
Authors: Bao Fangfang , Pan Qing , Wang Zhenzhen , Liu Hong , Zhang Furen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the antifungal susceptibility of Sporothrix globosa isolated from Shandong, China, and compare the differences of antifungal activity in vitro between yeast and mycelial phases.MethodsThe in vitro sensitivity of mycelium phase and yeast phase of Sporothrix globosa to anidulafungin, micafungin, caspofungin, 5‐flucytosine, posaconazole, voriconazole, itraconazole, fluconazole and amphotericin B was tested by Sensititre™ YeastOne™. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of mycelium phase and yeast phase were calculated. SPSS 19.0 software was used to conduct non‐parametric rank sum test for MIC values, and P < .05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsThe mycelium phase and yeast phase were the most sensitive to itraconazole and the least sensitive to fluconazole. The yeast phase of the same strain was more sensitive to itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, micafungin, anidulafungin, caspofungin and 5‐fluorouracil, compared with the mycelium (P < .05). However, fluconazole and amphotericin B had no significant difference in mycelium phase and yeast phase.ConclusionsItraconazole is the most active antifungal agent in vitro against S globosa. The yeast phase of the same strain is more sensitive than that of the mycelium.
Natural variation in the OsbZIP18 promoter contributes to branched‐chain amino acid levels in rice
Authors: Sun Yangyang , Shi Yuheng , Liu Guige , Yao Fang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Yang Chenkun , Guo Hao , Liu Xianqing , Jin Cheng , Luo Jie 
Published: July 2020

Summary

Branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that must be obtained from the diet for humans and animals, and they play important roles in various aspects of plant growth and development. Although BCAA biosynthetic pathways in higher plants have been uncovered, knowledge of their genetic control is still limited, and no positive regulators have been identified to date.

Here, we showed that variation in BCAA levels in rice is attributable to differential transcription of OsbZIP18, a basic leucine zipper (bZIP) transcription factor, due to polymorphisms in its promoter.

Functional analysis revealed that OsbZIP18 positively regulates BCAA synthesis by binding directly to the ACE and C‐box cis‐elements in the promoters of the biosynthetic genes branched‐chain aminotransferase1 (OsBCAT1) and OsBCAT2. We further demonstrated that OsbZIP18 is strongly induced by nitrogen (N) deficiency and that N starvation results in enhanced BCAA levels in an OsbZIP18‐dependent manner.

Overall, we identified OsbZIP18, a positive regulator of BCAA biosynthesis, which contributed to natural variation in BCAA levels and mediated BCAA accumulation through de novo synthesis by directly modulating the key biosynthetic genes OsBCAT1 and OsBCAT2.
Far‐red radiation stimulates dry mass partitioning to fruits by increasing fruit sink strength in tomato
Authors: Ji Yongran , Nuñez Ocaña Diego , Choe Daegeun , Larsen Dorthe H. , Marcelis Leo F. M. , Heuvelink Ep 
Published: July 2020

Summary

Far‐red (FR) light promotes fruit growth by increasing dry mass partitioning to fruits, but the mechanism behind this is unknown. We hypothesise that it is due to an increased fruit sink strength as FR radiation enhances sugar transportation and metabolism.

Tomato plants were grown with or without 50–80 μmol m−2 s−1 of FR radiation added to a common background 150–170 μmol m−2 s−1 red + blue light‐emitting diode lighting. Potential fruit growth, achieved by pruning each truss to one remaining fruit, was measured to quantify fruit sink strength. Model simulation was conducted to test whether the measured fruit sink strength quantitatively explained the FR effect on dry mass partitioning. Starch, sucrose, fructose and glucose content were measured. Expression levels of key genes involved in sugar transportation and metabolism were determined.

FR radiation increased fruit sink strength by 38%, which, in model simulation, led to an increased dry mass partitioned to fruits that quantitatively agreed very well with measured partitioning. FR radiation increased fruit sugar concentration and upregulated the expression of genes associated with both sugar transportation and metabolism.

This is the first study to demonstrate that FR radiation stimulates dry mass partitioning to fruits mainly by increasing fruit sink strength via simultaneous upregulation of sugar transportation and metabolism.
Universal response pattern of phytoplankton growth rates to increasing CO2
Authors: Paul Allanah J. , Bach Lennart T. 
Published: July 2020

SummaryPhytoplankton growth rate is a key variable controlling species succession and ecosystem structure throughout the surface ocean. Carbonate chemistry conditions are known to influence phytoplankton growth rates but there is no conceptual framework allowing us to compare growth rate responses across taxa. Here we analyse the literature to show that phytoplankton growth rates follow an optimum curve response pattern whenever the tested species is exposed to a sufficiently large gradient in proton (H+) concentrations. Based on previous findings with coccolithophores and diatoms, we argue that this ‘universal reaction norm’ is shaped by the stimulating influence of increasing inorganic carbon substrate (left side of the optimum) and the inhibiting influence of increase H+ (right side of the optimum). We envisage that exploration of carbonate chemistry‐dependent optimum curves as a default experimental approach will boost our mechanistic understanding of phytoplankton responses to ocean acidification, like temperature curves have already boosted our mechanistic understanding to global warming.
Water content quantitatively affects metabolic rates over the course of plant ontogeny
Authors: Huang Heng , Ran Jinzhi , Ji Mingfei , Wang Zhiqiang , Dong Longwei , Hu Weigang , Deng Yan , Hou Chen , Niklas Karl J. , Deng Jianming 
Published: July 2020

Summary

Plant metabolism determines the structure and dynamics of ecological systems across many different scales. The metabolic theory of ecology quantitatively predicts the scaling of metabolic rate as a function of body size and temperature. However, the role of tissue water content has been neglected even though hydration significantly affects metabolism, and thus ecosystem structure and functioning.

Here, we use a general model based on biochemical kinetics to quantify the combined effects of water content, body size and temperature on plant metabolic rates. The model was tested using a comprehensive dataset from 205 species across 10 orders of magnitude in body size from seeds to mature large trees.

We show that water content significantly influences mass‐specific metabolic rates as predicted by the model. The scaling exponents of whole‐plant metabolic rate vs body size numerically converge onto 1.0 after water content is corrected regardless of body size or ontogenetic stage.

The model provides novel insights into how water content together with body size and temperature quantitatively influence plant growth and metabolism, community dynamics and ecosystem energetics.
Could medications and biologic factors affect post‐orthodontic tooth movement changes? A systematic review of animal studies
Authors: Kaklamanos Eleftherios G. , Makrygiannakis Miltiadis A. , Athanasiou Athanasios E. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractImmediately after the removal of orthodontic appliances, the teeth might start to drift away from their corrected position in an attempt to reach a new equilibrium. Medications and biologic factors could potentially modulate these processes. The objective of the present systematic review is to systematically investigate and appraise the quality of the evidence regarding the effect of various medications and biologic factors on the rate of relapse following active tooth movement. Search without restrictions in eight databases and hand searching until April 2020 were conducted. Studies performed on animal models investigating the effects of medication and biologic factors on the rate of relapse following orthodontic tooth movement were considered. Following study retrieval and selection, relevant data were extracted and the risk of bias was assessed. Seventeen studies were finally identified, mostly at either high or unclear risk of bias. Ketorolac did not show any significant effects on relapse, while the administration of tetracycline, atorvastatin, psoralen and raloxifene decreased it. Overall, the same result was observed with bisphosphonates with the exception of low dosage of risedronate, which did not have an effect. Osteoprotegerin and strontium resulted in reduced relapse, but not in the immediate post‐administration period. Inconsistent or conflicting effects were noted after the use of simvastatin and relaxin. The quality of the available evidence was considered at best as low. It can be concluded that specific medications and biologic factors may have an effect on the rate of relapse following tooth movement. The orthodontist should be knowledgeable about the substances potentially affecting retention.
Isorhamnetin induces the paraptotic cell death through ROS and the ERK/MAPK pathway in OSCC cells
Authors: Chen Qian , Song Shaojuan , Wang Zhen , Shen Yingqiang , Xie Liang , Li Jing , Jiang Lu , Zhao Hang , Feng Xiaodong , Zhou Yu , Zhou Min , Zeng Xin , Ji Ning , Chen Qianming 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectiveThere were rarely investigations on the effects and molecular mechanisms of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cells when treated with isorhamnetin. This article assesses the anti‐cancer effect of isorhamnetin.Methods and materialsOral squamous cell carcinoma cells were treated with or without isorhamnetin. Cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest, cell migration, cell death, and the related signaling pathways were evaluated.ResultsThe results revealed that cell proliferation was inhibited in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, which was confirmed by diminished cell viability and revealed by decreased in the number of cell colonies. In addition, the cell cycle arrested in the G2/M phase, and the protein levels of cyclin B1 and CDC2 were suppressed. Moreover, the cell migration was inhibited, and the protein levels of related proteins were modulated. Furthermore, it could be observed that abundant cytoplasmic vacuoles existed which that were derived from mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. It was confirmed that cell death did not result from apoptosis and may have which may be apt to paraptosis. Isorhamnetin was observed to upregulate phosphorylated ERK cascades and increase intracellular reactive oxygen species levels.ConclusionsOur study suggested that the anti‐cancer effect of isorhamnetin might trigger paraptosis, which may indicate a new therapeutic approach to OSCC.