bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional traits predict tree‐level phenological strategies in a mesic Indian savanna
Authors: Ongole Shasank , Teegalapalli Karthik , Byrapoghu Venkateshwarlu , Ratnam Jayashree , Sankaran Mahesh 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLeaf phenology influences terrestrial primary production by determining the period of carbon uptake. While dominant leaf habit (evergreen/deciduous) is predictable at large scales based on environmental factors, there is substantial variability in the timing of key events such as leaf flush and senescence at smaller site‐level scales. How much of this variability is explained by species functional traits related to a plant's carbon economy? We monitored leaf phenology for 113 individual trees of eleven dominant species in an Indian mesic savanna. Specifically, we related leaf functional traits and wood density to the (i) timing of leaf flush, leaf maturity, peak canopy, and senescence, (ii) duration of leaf deployment, (iii) duration from start of senescence to leaflessness, and (iv) time to attainment of peak mature canopy following leaf flush. We expected species that use resources conservatively (low specific leaf area (SLA), high leaf dry matter content, low leaf nitrogen, and high wood density) to senesce later and retain their leaves longer. For all species, leaflessness was most pronounced in early dry season and leaf flushing occurred in the late dry season. Species with high leaf carbon and dry matter content showed earlier leaf maturation, attained peak mature canopies sooner, and deployed leaves longer. Species with high SLA, leaf nitrogen, and low wood density showed earlier senescence but relationships were weak. In this savanna, phenology at fine scales was indeed associated with species functional traits relating to carbon investment, but these relationships were strong only when intra‐specific variation in phenology was low.
Variation in trunk taper of buttressed trees within and among five lowland tropical forests
Authors: Cushman K. C. , Bunyavejchewin Sarayudh , Cárdenas Dairon , Condit Richard , Davies Stuart J. , Duque Álvaro , Hubbell Stephen P. , Kiratiprayoon Somboon , Lum Shawn K. Y. , Muller‐Landau Helene C. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAccurately projecting global carbon dynamics requires understanding controls over temporal and spatial tropical forest biomass variation. Changes in tropical forest aboveground biomass per area are most commonly estimated using repeat forest plot censuses, but errors in these estimates can be relatively large, limiting our ability to detect real changes in forest carbon. One source of error is nonstandard heights of diameter measurement, which are common in tropical forests because buttressed trees are usually measured above buttresses. Nonstandard and temporally variable measurement heights affect biomass change estimates because tree trunks taper—higher measurements result in smaller diameters and, thus, smaller estimated biomass. Modeling trunk taper is a potential way to correct for biases associated with nonstandard and changing measurement heights. We measured trunk taper for 260 buttressed trees in five lowland tropical forests to assess variation in taper within and among sites. Trunks taper more slowly in trees with larger diameters above buttress, taller buttresses, and higher wood density; these variables together explain 29% of taper variation. We also used plot data to quantify the distribution of measurement heights—and potential for bias in biomass estimates. We found significant variation in measurement heights among plots, and over time within plots. At the site level, our general taper model (taper predicted from diameter above buttress, buttress height, and wood density) produced site‐level biomass estimates within 3.4%, on average, of estimates from measured taper. We recommend using this model to reduce bias from nonstandard measurement heights in studies of tropical forest biomass variation.Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Impact of SIRPα polymorphism on transplant outcomes in HLA‐identical living donor kidney transplantation
Authors: Garcia‐Sanchez Cynthia , Casillas‐Abundis M. Aurora , Pinelli David F. , Tambur Anat R. , Hod‐Dvorai Reut 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSignal‐regulatory protein α (SIRPα), a polymorphic inhibitory membrane‐bound receptor, and its ligand CD47 have recently been implicated in the modulation of innate immune allorecognition in murine models.Here, we investigate the potential impact of SIRPα donor‐recipient mismatches on graft outcomes in human kidney transplantation. To eliminate the specific role of HLA‐matching in alloresponse, we genotyped the two most common variants of SIRPα in a cohort of 55 HLA‐identical, biologically‐related, donor‐recipient pairs. 69% of pairs were SIRPα identical. No significant differences were found between donor‐recipient SIRPα‐mismatch status and T cell‐mediated rejection/borderline changes (25.8% vs. 25%) or slow graft function (15.8% vs. 17.6%). A trend towards more graft failure (GF) (23.5% vs. 5.3%, P = .06), interstitial inflammation (50% vs. 23%, P = .06) and significant changes in peritubular capillaritis (ptc) (25% vs. 0%, P = .02) were observed in the SIRPα‐mismatched group. Unexpectedly, graft‐versus‐host (GVH) SIRPα‐mismatched pairs exhibited higher rates of GF and tubulitis (38% vs. 5%, P = .031 and .61 ± .88 vs. 0, P = .019; respectively).Whether the higher prevalence of ptc in SIRPα‐mismatched recipients and the higher rates of GF in GVH SIRPα‐mismatched pairs represent a potential role for SIRPα in linking innate immunity and alloimmune rejection requires further investigation in larger cohorts.
Cervical glandular neoplasia referrals and the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma in situ: Correlating cytology, colposcopy findings, and clinical outcomes
Authors: Nikolopoulos Manolis , Athanasias Pandelis , Godfrey Michelle A. L. , Nikolopoulos Kostis , Maheshwari Manish K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the clinical outcomes of women with possible glandular neoplasia of endocervical type on cervical cytology, and review all diagnoses of cervical adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) over a 5 year period at our institution.Study designA retrospective case‐note review was conducted of all women referred to colposcopy with possible glandular neoplasia of endocervical type on cervical cytology or diagnosed with cervical AIS after biopsy or excision, from January 2014 until December 2018 in a London district hospital.ResultsOf 55 women referred with possible glandular neoplasia of endocervical type, 47 (85.4%) had a significant pathology on histopathological analysis: AIS (n = 22); invasive cancer (n = 7); high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (n = 18). Women with a history of borderline abnormality on cervical cytology within the last 5 years were significantly more likely to be diagnosed with AIS or invasive cancer (P < .05). For the same period 49 women had histologically proven AIS. Among these 22 (44.8%) were referred as possible cervical glandular intraepithelial neoplasia. Other reasons for referral were the following indications: borderline dyskaryosis (n = 13); high‐grade dyskaryosis (n = 8); low‐grade dyskaryosis (n = 4); postcoital bleeding (n = 2).ConclusionDue to the raised risk of significant gynaecological pathology in women with possible glandular neoplasia of endocervical type on cervical cytology, excisional biopsy is essential. Colposcopic impression varies significantly and complete excision of the abnormal lesions should be achieved. AIS is a histological diagnosis and should always be considered during colposcopical and cytopathological assessment.
Possible involvement of type 2 cytokines in alloknesis in mouse models of menopause and dry skin
Authors: Ichimasu Nao , Chen Yue , Kobayashi Keisuke , Suzuki So , Chikazawa Sakiko , Shimura Sakiko , Katagiri Kazumoto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAlloknesis, an abnormal itch sensation induced by innocuous stimuli, is a key phenomenon in the vicious itch‐scratch cycle in patients with atopic dermatitis. Dry skin and pruritus, including alloknesis, are major health problems in peri‐ and post‐menopausal women. We recently reported permeability barrier dysfunction in ovariectomized (OVX) mice—a model of menopause—and found that the dysfunction was related to dry skin. However, the mechanism of the itch remains unknown. Therefore, we examined touch‐ and pruritogen‐evoked alloknesis and epidermal innervation in OVX mice and acetone, diethyl ether and water (AEW)‐treated mice, for the experimental dry skin model. Both alloknesis and epidermal innervation were comparable in OVX and AEW mice. Neutralizing antibodies against IL‐4 and IL‐13 inhibited alloknesis in both OVX and AEW mice as early as 30 min after intradermal administration. Comparable values close to the measurement limit of IL‐4 were found in the skin of HRT and Sham mice as well as AEW and the control mice, but the levels of IL‐4 were within the measurement limit in OVX mice. We could not detect mRNAs of IL‐4 or IL‐13 in any groups of mice. On the other hand, the number of eosinophils and basophils was increased in OVX and AEW mice. These results suggest that impaired barrier function in cooperation with type 2 cytokines derived from eosinophils and basophils in the skin or with endogenous type 2 cytokine may trigger the development of alloknesis, and thus, these cytokines could be a therapeutic target for sensitive skin.
Structure and function of Shark Bay microbial communities following tropical cyclone Olwyn: A metatranscriptomic and organic geochemical perspective
Authors: Campbell Matthew A. , Coolen Marco J.L. , Visscher Pieter T. , Morris Therese , Grice Kliti 
Published: June 2021

AbstractShark Bay, Western Australia, is episodically impacted by tropical cyclones. During 2015, the region was hit by a category 3 cyclone, “severe tropical cyclone Olywn,” leading to the formation of a black sludge in an intertidal zone harboring microbial mats and microbialites. Upon returning to the impacted site 12 months later, the black sludge deposit was still recognizable between the microbialite columns and mucilaginous cobbles near the shoreline in the impacted area. Metatranscriptomic and organic geochemical analyses were carried out on the cyclone‐derived materials and impacted microbial mat communities to unravel the structure, function, and potential preservation of these deposits following a tropical cyclone. It was found that samples derived from the black sludge contained low relative abundances of cyanobacteria but had higher proportions of heterotrophic and anaerobic microorganisms (e.g., methanogens and sulfate‐reducing bacteria). Increased metabolic activity by these microorganisms (e.g., sulfate reduction and organic matter degradation) is thought to drive calcium carbonate precipitation and helps in mat preservation. Comparison of the aliphatic biomarker by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) analyses showed that C25 highly branched isoprenoid (HBI) alkenes were significantly higher in the cyclone‐derived materials attributed to the relocation of subtidal sediments containing HBI‐producing diatom communities by the tropical cyclone. Raney nickel desulfurization of the polar fraction extracted from a mucilaginous cobble revealed sulfur‐bound hopanoids and a series of benzohopanes. The presence of these compounds could be indicative of microbial matter that has been influenced by the tropical cyclone which may have caused elevated levels of water column anoxia promoting increased sulfurization of the organic matter to occur.
Evaluation of five column‐based isolation kits and their ability to extract miRNA from human milk
Authors: Ahlberg Emelie , Jenmalm Maria C. , Tingö Lina 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMicroRNA can be found in various body fluids, including breast milk. MicroRNA may be transferred from mother to infant via breast milk and potentially regulate the development of the infant's immune system on a post‐transcriptional level. This study aimed to determine the microRNA extraction efficiency of five RNA extraction kits from human skim milk samples. Their efficiency was determined by comparing microRNA concentrations, total RNA yield and purity. Furthermore, hsa‐miR‐148a‐3p expression and the recovery of an exogenous control, cel‐miR‐39‐3p, were quantified using qPCR. Each kit extracted different amounts of microRNA and total RNA, with one kit tending to isolate the highest amount of both RNA species. Based on these results, the extraction kit ReliaPrep™ miRNA Cell and Tissue Miniprep System from Promega was found to be the most appropriate kit for microRNA extraction from human skim milk. Moreover, further research is needed to establish a standardized protocol for microRNA extraction from breast milk.
Kakonein restores diabetes‐induced endothelial junction dysfunction via promoting autophagy‐mediated NLRP3 inflammasome degradation
Authors: Lian Dawei , Liu Jiaying , Han Ruifang , Jin Jiaqi , Zhu Li , Zhang Yanhong , Huang Yi , Wang Xiao , Xian Shaoxiang , Chen Yang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn diabetes‐induced complications, inflammatory‐mediated endothelial dysfunction is the core of disease progression. Evidence shows that kakonein, an isoflavone common in Pueraria, can effectively treat diabetes and its complications. Therefore, we explored whether kakonein protects cardiovascular endothelial function by inhibiting inflammatory responses. In this study, C57BL/6J mice were injected with streptozocin to establish a diabetes model and treated with kakonein or metformin for 7 days. The protective effect of kakonein on cardiovascular endothelial junctions and NLRP3 inflammasome activation was verified through immunofluorescence and ELISA assay. In addition, the regulation of autophagy on the NLRP3 inflammasome was investigated through Western blot, immunofluorescence and RT‐qPCR. Results showed that kakonein restored the function of endothelial junctions and inhibited the assembly and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Interestingly, kakonein decreased the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome protein by not reducing the transcriptional levels of NLRP3 and caspase‐1. Kakonein activated autophagy in an AMPK‐dependent manner, which reduced the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, kakonein inhibited both hyperglycaemia‐induced cardiovascular endothelial junction dysfunction and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, similar to autophagy agonist. Our findings indicated that kakonein exerts a protective effect on hyperglycaemia‐induced chronic vascular disease by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome through autophagy.
Gill morphology and morphometry of the facultative air‐breathing armoured catfish,Corydoras paleatus, in relation on aquatic respiration
Authors: Plaul Silvia E. , Díaz Alcira O. , Barbeito Claudio G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe Neotropical armoured catfishCorydoras paleatusis a facultative air‐breathing teleost commonly exported as ornamental fish. In this species, air breathing enables it to survive and inhabit freshwater environments with low oxygen levels. Therefore, it is important to analyse the gills from a morphological aspect and its dimensions in relation to body mass with reference to aquatic respiration. For that, the gills were analysed using a stereoscopic microscope for morphometric studies, and structural and ultrastructural studies were carried out to compare the four branchial arches. Furthermore, two immunohistochemical techniques were used to locate and identify the presence of a Na+/K+pump. The characterization of the potential for cell proliferation of this organ was assessed using an anti‐PCNA antibody. The results show that gills ofC. paleatuspresent some characteristics related to its diet and lifestyle, such as the limited development of gill rakers and the abundance of taste buds. In addition, other special features associated with the environment and bimodal breathing were observed: scarce and absent mucous cells (MCs) in the gill filaments and branchial lamellae, respectively, and the localization of mitochondria‐rich cells (MRCs) covering the basal third of the branchial lamellae, which reduces the gill respiratory area. A peculiar finding in the gill epithelium of this armoured catfish was the presence of mononuclear cells with sarcomeres similar to myoid cells, whose functional importance should be determined in future studies. Finally, inC. paleatus, the interlamellar space of gill filaments is an important site for cell turnover and ionoregulation; the latter function is also performed by the branchial lamellae.
Age, growth, maturity and extinction risk of an exploited and endangered skate, Atlantoraja castelnaui, from off Uruguay and northern Argentina
Authors: Barbini Santiago A. , Sabadin David E. , Román Jorge M. , Scarabotti Pablo A. , Lucifora Luis O. 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTThe spotback skate Atlantoraja castelnaui (Arhynchobatidae) is a large and threatened skate species subjected to fishing pressure, endemic to the Southwest Atlantic that occurs from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to San Jorge Gulf, Argentina. The age, growth, age at maturity and the maximum intrinsic rate of population increase rmax of A. castelnaui were studied using 152 specimens collected from off Uruguay and north Argentina (35°–42° S), between June 2013 and February 2020. Vertebrae from 143 individuals were used for ageing (females: n = 83, size range 404–1300 mm total length, TL; males: n = 60, size range 400–1270 mm TL). Maximum ages determined for females and males were 30 and 28 years, respectively. To fit growth models, non‐linear and Bayesian estimation approaches were considered. For the first approach, a set of four candidate growth (size‐at‐age) models were fitted: three‐parameter von Bertalanffy, two‐parameter von Bertalanffy with fixed L0, Gompertz and Logistic. In the second approach, von Bertalanffy, Gompertz and Logistic were fitted. For non‐linear estimation, model selection indicated that the entire set of candidate growth models were supported by the data. The von Bertalanffy was selected as the best model for Bayesian estimation. There were no differences in growth between sexes. For the sexes combined, the von Bertalanffy growth model by Bayesian method was considered the most adequate to describe the growth of A. castelnaui (growth mean parameters ± S.D.: L∞ = 1210.29 ± 40.68 mm; k = 0.12 ± 0.01 years−1; L0 = 179.20 ± 11.62 mm). The age at maturity was estimated at 16.21 and 14.04 years for females and males, respectively. The maximum intrinsic rate of population increase rmax was estimated as 0.252 years−1. Life‐history traits and rmax provided in the present study suggest that this species has a relatively low productivity and may be vulnerable to an intense fishing pressure.
Chemical, microbiological, sensory, and rheological properties of fresh goat milk cheese made by different starter cultures during storage
Authors: Pappa Eleni C. , Kondyli Efthymia , Bosnea Loulouda , Malamou Evdokia , Vlachou Anna‐Maria 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFresh soft goat milk cheese was manufactured by two different starter cultures, a mixture consisting of mesophilic and thermophilic microorganisms, that is, Lactococcus Lactis subsp.cremoris, Lactococcus Lactis subsp. lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus (cheese A) and a mesophilic one containing Lactococcus Lactis subsp. cremoris and Lactococcus Lactis subsp. lactis(cheese B). The cheesemaking technology included milk pasteurization, starter culture incubation, milk clotting by liquid rennet and salting in brine containing 15% w/w NaCl. The cheeses were matured for 5 days at 16–17°C and then were packaged in shrink polyethylene bags under vacuum and transferred to cold room (3–4°C) for storage. The composition, microbiological, organoleptic and rheological properties of cheeses were investigated. Cheese microbiota was dominated by mesophilic lactobacilli and cocci. Yeasts and molds were found at the end of storage (60‐day) resulting in the gradual spoilage of cheeses. All cheeses received low scores for hardness while they were very much appreciated for their organoleptic properties. Cheese A presented lower levels of total volatile compounds at 5 days but higher at 60 days than cheese B.Practical ApplicationsIt is widely known that goat milk has high nutritional properties. In Greece, goat milk is usually added in sheep milk in order to produce protected designation of origin and other traditional cheeses. Greek goat milk cheeses are usually white—brined or hard cheeses and they are produced in small scale. The aim of the present study was to investigate the cheesemaking technology of fresh soft goat milk cheese and evaluate the influence of using different cultures on the chemical, microbiological, sensory and rheological properties of this cheese. The results have shown that a good quality fresh goat cheese can be manufactured with shelf life up to 60 days and mesophilic or mixed thermophilic–mesophilic cultures can be used.
Safety and effectiveness of ustekinumab in Crohn's disease: Interim results of post‐marketing surveillance in Japan
Authors: Yokoyama Seiji , Asano Teita , Nagano Katsumasa , Tsuchiya Hiroaki , Takagishi Masayuki , Tsujioka Shigeharu , Miura Naomi , Matsumoto Takayuki 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and AimUstekinumab, a human anti‐interleukin‐12/23 monoclonal antibody, has been approved in Japan for the treatment of Crohn's disease. Here, we report the findings from an 8‐week interim analysis of post‐marketing surveillance to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of ustekinumab in Japanese patients with Crohn's disease.MethodsPatients initiating ustekinumab treatment were prospectively evaluated from May 2017 to June 2020 at 91 medical centers in Japan. Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and serious ADRs (SADRs) were monitored. Effectiveness was evaluated by clinical response, clinical remission, and changes in Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) from baseline to week 8. Presence of perianal disease was documented at baseline and week 8.ResultsIn total, 341 patients were enrolled in the study, of which 339 were included in the safety analysis while 334 were included in the effectiveness analysis. The overall incidences of ADRs and SADRs were 5.3% and 2.1%, respectively. Worsening of Crohn's disease was the most common event. The clinical response and clinical remission rate at week 8 were 40.0% and 48.5%, respectively. Significant improvements in CDAI and serum CRP (P < 0.001) were observed at week 8. CDAI decreased significantly (mean difference: −31.4; 95% confidence interval: −61.1, −1.7; P = 0.038) in biologics‐naïve patients versus patients who had received two or more biologics.ConclusionsThis 8‐week interim analysis of the real‐world study confirmed the effectiveness of ustekinumab‐based therapy in Japanese patients with Crohn's disease. No new safety concerns were found during 8‐week induction period in the Japanese clinical settings.