bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular signatures of host specificity linked to habitat specialization in Exaiptasia sea anemones
Authors: Bellis Emily S. , Edlund Reid. B. , Berrios Hazel K. , Lessios Harilaos A. , Denver Dee R. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractRising ocean temperatures associated with global climate change induce breakdown of the symbiosis between coelenterates and photosynthetic microalgae of the genus Symbiodinium. Association with more thermotolerant partners could contribute to resilience, but the genetic mechanisms controlling specificity of hosts for particular Symbiodinium types are poorly known. Here, we characterize wild populations of a sea anemone laboratory model system for anthozoan symbiosis, from contrasting environments in Caribbean Panama. Patterns of anemone abundance and symbiont diversity were consistent with specialization of holobionts for particular habitats, with Exaiptasia pallida/S. minutum (ITS2 type B1) abundant on vertical substrate in thermally stable, shaded environments but E. brasiliensis/Symbiodinium sp. (ITS2 clade A) more common in shallow areas subject to high temperature and irradiance. Population genomic sequencing revealed a novel E. pallida population from the Bocas del Toro Archipelago that only harbors S. minutum. Loci most strongly associated with divergence of the Bocas‐specific population were enriched in genes with putative roles in cnidarian symbiosis, including activators of the complement pathway of the innate immune system, thrombospondin‐type‐1 repeat domain proteins, and coordinators of endocytic recycling. Our findings underscore the importance of unmasking cryptic diversity in natural populations and the role of long‐term evolutionary history in mediating interactions with Symbiodinium.
A land classification protocol for pollinator ecology research: An urbanization case study
Authors: Samuelson Ash E. , Leadbeater Ellouise 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLand‐use change is one of the most important drivers of widespread declines in pollinator populations. Comprehensive quantitative methods for land classification are critical to understanding these effects, but co‐option of existing human‐focussed land classifications is often inappropriate for pollinator research. Here, we present a flexible GIS‐based land classification protocol for pollinator research using a bottom‐up approach driven by reference to pollinator ecology, with urbanization as a case study. Our multistep method involves manually generating land cover maps at multiple biologically relevant radii surrounding study sites using GIS, with a focus on identifying land cover types that have a specific relevance to pollinators. This is followed by a three‐step refinement process using statistical tools: (i) definition of land‐use categories, (ii) principal components analysis on the categories, and (iii) cluster analysis to generate a categorical land‐use variable for use in subsequent analysis. Model selection is then used to determine the appropriate spatial scale for analysis. We demonstrate an application of our protocol using a case study of 38 sites across a gradient of urbanization in South‐East England. In our case study, the land classification generated a categorical land‐use variable at each of four radii based on the clustering of sites with different degrees of urbanization, open land, and flower‐rich habitat. Studies of land‐use effects on pollinators have historically employed a wide array of land classification techniques from descriptive and qualitative to complex and quantitative. We suggest that land‐use studies in pollinator ecology should broadly adopt GIS‐based multistep land classification techniques to enable robust analysis and aid comparative research. Our protocol offers a customizable approach that combines specific relevance to pollinator research with the potential for application to a wide range of ecological questions, including agroecological studies of pest control.
Biomarker‐based phenotyping of myocardial fibrosis identifies patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction resistant to the beneficial effects of spironolactone: results from the Aldo‐DHF trial
Authors: Ravassa Susana , Trippel Tobias , Bach Doris , Bachran Diana , González Arantxa , López Begoña , Wachter Rolf , Hasenfuss Gerd , Delles Christian , Dominiczak Anna F. , Pieske Burkert , Díez Javier , Edelmann Frank 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundMyocardial fibrosis is characterized by excessive cross‐linking and deposition of collagen type I and is involved in left ventricular stiffening and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). We investigated whether the effect of spironolactone on LVDD in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) depends on its effects on collagen cross‐linking and/or deposition.Methods and resultsWe investigated 381 HFpEF patients from the multicentre, randomized, placebo‐controlled Aldo‐DHF trial with measures of the E:e' ratio. The ratio of serum carboxy‐terminal telopeptide of collagen type I to serum matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (CITP:MMP‐1, an inverse index of myocardial collagen cross‐linking) and serum carboxy‐terminal propeptide of procollagen type I (PICP, a direct index of myocardial collagen deposition) were determined at baseline and after 1‐year treatment with spironolactone 25 mg once daily or placebo. Patients were classified by CITP:MMP‐1 and PICP tertiles at baseline. While CITP:MMP‐1 tertiles at baseline interacted (P < 0.05) with spironolactone effect on E:e', PICP tertiles did not. In fact, while spironolactone treatment did not modify E:e' in patients with lower CITP:MMP‐1 levels, this ratio was significantly reduced in the remaining spironolactone‐treated patients. In addition, PICP was unchanged in patients with lower CITP:MMP‐1 levels but was reduced in the remaining spironolactone‐treated patients.ConclusionsA biochemical phenotype of high collagen cross‐linking identifies HFpEF patients resistant to the beneficial effects of spironolactone on LVDD. It is suggested that excessive collagen cross‐linking, which stabilizes collagen type I fibres, diminishes the ability of spironolactone to reduce collagen deposition in these patients.
Comprehensive in‐hospital monitoring in acute heart failure: applications for clinical practice and future directions for research. A statement from the Acute Heart Failure Committee of the Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC)
Authors: Harjola Veli‐Pekka , Parissis John , Brunner‐La Rocca Hans‐Peter , Čelutkienė Jelena , Chioncel Ovidiu , Collins Sean P. , De Backer Daniel , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Gayat Etienne , Hill Loreena , Lainscak Mitja , Lassus Johan , Masip Josep , Mebazaa Alexandre , Miró Òscar , Mortara Andrea , Mueller Christian , Mullens Wilfried , Nieminen Markku S. , Rudiger Alain , Ruschitzka Frank , Seferovic Petar M. , Sionis Alessandro , Vieillard‐Baron Antoine , Weinstein Jean Marc , de Boer Rudolf A. , Crespo‐Leiro Maria G. , Piepoli Massimo , Riley Jillian P. 
Published: April 2018

This paper provides a practical clinical application of guideline recommendations relating to the inpatient monitoring of patients with acute heart failure, through the evaluation of various clinical, biomarker, imaging, invasive and non‐invasive approaches. Comprehensive inpatientmonitoring is crucial to the optimal management of acute heart failure patients. The European Society of Cardiology heart failure guidelines provide recommendations for the inpatient monitoring of acute heart failure, but the level of evidence underpinning most recommendations is limited. Many tools are available for the in‐hospital monitoring of patients with acute heart failure, and each plays a role at various points throughout the patient's treatment course, including the emergency department, intensive care or coronary care unit, and the general ward. Clinical judgment is the preeminent factor guiding application of inpatient monitoring tools, as the various techniques have different patient population targets. When applied appropriately, these techniques enable decision making. However, there is limited evidence demonstrating that implementation of these tools improves patient outcome. Research priorities are identified to address these gaps in evidence. Future research initiatives should aim to identify the optimal in‐hospital monitoring strategies that decrease morbidity and prolong survival in patients with acute heart failure.
Ciguatoxin prevalence in 4 commercial fish species along an oceanic exposure gradient in the US Virgin Islands
Authors: Loeffler Christopher R. , Robertson Alison , Flores Quintana Harold A. , Silander Miguel C. , Smith Tyler B. , Olsen David 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Ciguatera fish poisoning is a seafood-toxin illness resulting from consumption of fish contaminated with ciguatoxins. Managing ciguatera fish poisoning is complex. It is made easier, however, by local fishers from endemic areas reporting regional predictability for local fish species’ ciguatera fish poisoning risk, which the present study then tested. We investigated the prevalence of ciguatoxins in 4 commonly marketed and consumed species (Balistes vetula, Haemulon plumierii, Ocyurus chrysurus, and Epinephelus guttatus) across an oceanic gradient (north, south, east, and west) from the US Virgin Islands. Fish muscle extracts were analyzed for Caribbean ciguatoxins using an in vitro mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cytotoxicity assay and confirmed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fish collected from the north location had 0 fish with detectable ciguatoxins; this site also had the greatest wave energy. Caribbean ciguatoxins in fish ranged from 0.01 to 0.11, 0.004 to 0.10, and 0.005 to 0.18 ng Caribbean ciguatoxin-1 eq/g, from the west, east, and south respectively. Ciguatoxin-like activity was detectable by the N2a assay in 40, 41, 50, and 70% of H. plumierii, O. chrysurus, B. vetula, and E. guttatus, respectively. Of the fish collected, 4% had Caribbean ciguatoxin levels exceeding the US Food and Drug Administration guidance of 0.1 ng Caribbean ciguatoxin-1 eq/g fish. These findings concurred with spatial ciguatera fish poisoning prevalence information provided by local fishers in the US Virgin Islands and demonstrate how partnerships between researchers and fishers can aid the improvement of science-based ciguatera fish poisoning management. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;39:1852–1863. Published 2018 Wiley Periodicals Inc. on behalf of SETAC. This article is a US government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America.
Increased neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio independently predicts poor survival in non‐metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Qiu Xiangting , Song Yucui , Cui Yanxiang , Liu Yan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractInflammation plays an important role in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. The neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is widely used to evaluate global inflammation in various tumor types. However, the prognostic role of NLR in non‐metastatic triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients was poorly known. The aim of this study was to explore the association between pre‐treatment NLR and survival in TNBC patients. Data were collected for patients with stages I–III TNBC from 2006 to 2013 at Linyi Central Hospital to analyze pre‐treatment NLR and survival. Overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS) were estimated by the Kaplan–Meier method, and Cox analysis was performed to determine clinicopathological parameters for their prognostic relevance. A total of 406 patients were eligible. Patients with NLR lower than 2.85 exhibited significantly higher OS (P < 0.001) and DFS (P < 0.001) than patients with higher NLR. Higher pre‐treatment NLR was independently correlated with poor OS and DFS, with hazard ratios of 2.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.94–3.72, P = 0.001) and 2.13 (95% CI: 1.68–2.65, P = 0.008), respectively, in the Cox proportional multivariate hazard model. In conclusion, our results indicate that pre‐treatment NLR may be correlated with OS and DFS in early‐stage TNBC patients, and that it may have considerable clinical applications. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(6):529–535, 2018
MicroRNA‐223 inhibits lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response by directly targeting Irak1 in the nucleus pulposus cells of intervertebral disc
Authors: Wang Hua , Hao Pan , Zhang Hu , Xu Cuiping , Zhao Junyan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis study was aimed to research the effect of miR‐223 on the inflammatory responses induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells of rat intervertebral disc. Isolated rat NP cells were induced by LPS. Reverse transcriptase quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to detect gene expression. To detect protein expression, Western blot and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay experiments were applied. The putative targeting relationship between miR‐223 and Irak1 was determined using dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay. We found that miR‐223 was downregulated in LPS‐induced NP cells. MiR‐223 upregulated the expression of extracellular matrix‐related genes (Aggrecan and Collagen II). Matrix degrading enzymes (ADAMTS4, ADAMTS5, MMP3 and MMP13), NO reaction‐associated proteins (PGE2, COX‐2 and INOS) and the expression of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB signaling‐related proteins were downregulated after miR‐233 overexpression. In addition, luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that miR‐223 directly targeted Irak1. MiR‐223 overexpression could inhibit NF‐κB signaling by targeting Irak1, and finally suppress the LPS‐induced inflammation in NP cells. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(6):479–490, 2018
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Reporter Strains as Tools for Drug Discovery and Development
Authors: Abramovitch Robert B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractReporter strains have proven to be powerful tools to study Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) physiology. Transcriptional and translational reporter strains are engineered by fusing a readout gene, encoding a fluorescent, luminescent or enzymatic protein, downstream of a promoter or in‐frame with a gene of interest. When the reporter is expressed, it generates a signal that acts as a synthetic phenotype, enabling the study of physiologies that might have otherwise been hidden. This review will discuss approaches for generating reporter strains in Mtb and how they can be used as tools for high‐throughput genetic and small molecule screening and as biomarkers for examining Mtb responses to drug or immune stresses during animal infections. Fluorescent reporter strains have an added benefit in that they can be used for single‐cell studies both in vitro and in vivo, thus enabling the study of mechanisms underlying phenotypic heterogeneity. Recent examples of the use of Mtb reporter strains will be presented with a focus on how they can be used as tools for drug discovery and development. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(9):818–825, 2018
Investigation of the active biofilm communities on polypropylene filter media in a fixed biofilm reactor for wastewater treatment
Authors: Naz Iffat , Hodgson Douglas , Smith Ann , Marchesi Julian , Sehar Shama , Ahmed Safia , Lynch Jim , Avignone‐Rossa Claudio , Saroj Devendra P 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis research is focused on the effect of temperature on the growth of active biofilms on polypropylene (PP) filter media in aerobic fixed biofilm reactors (FBR) for wastewater treatment.RESULTSHigh‐throughput sequencing was used to explore the composition and diversity of the microbial community of 14‐days‐old (starting phase) biofilms grown at 10, 20 and 30°C. Members of the classesProteobacteria, Bacteroidetes,andFirmicuteswere predominant in all the biofilm samples retrieved from PP‐FBRs. A total of 108 genera of bacteria were identified, with some of them present in all three reactors, includingTrichococcus, Zoogloea, Aeromonas, Acidovorax,andMalikias,among others. Besides these shared populations, certain genera were abundantly found in individual biofilm samples, likeBrevundimonas(17.1%),Chitinimonas(10.3%) andRoseateles(39.3%), at 10, 20, and 30°C, respectively. The metabolic capabilities of active microbial communities in PP‐FBRs were estimated by assessing the changes in different variables (BOD, DO, and pH) in the influent and effluent during operation. A noteworthy BOD removal (66.6%) was shown by PP‐FBRs operating at 30°C, compared with 20°C (28.3%) and 10°C (28.8%),consistent with the DO levels recorded in the effluents, highest at 30°C (70.5%), and decreasing with declining temperatures. Substantial wastewater treatment efficiencies were observed in the reactors at 30°C, attributable to the higher relative abundance and diversity of microbial biofilms.CONCLUSIONSThe development of physiologically active biofilms in PP at all prevailing temperatures strongly suggests that the material is suitable to be employed in FBRs for wastewater treatment at different operational temperatures. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The pathogenicity of IL-33 on steroid-resistant eosinophilic inflammation via the activation of memory-type ST2+CD4+ T cells
Authors: Hirahara Kiyoshi , Mato Naoko , Hagiwara Koichi , Nakayama Toshinori 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The lungs are the primary organs of the respiratory system in many animals and have unique epithelial barrier systems to protect the host from continuous invasion of various harmful particles, such as viruses and bacteria. IL-33, a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, is released from epithelial cells in the mucosal organs and drives the type 2 immune response by activating a number of immune cells in cases of helminth infection. However, IL-33 derived from epithelial cells also causes various allergic diseases via the activation of ST2-positive immune cells, including memory-type (CD62LlowCD44hi) ST2+CD4+ T cells in the lung. Recent studies have revealed that the type 2 inflammation induced by IL-33 is steroid resistant. Steroid resistance causes severe chronic inflammatory diseases, such as intractable asthma. In this review, we will discuss the impact of ST2+CD4+ T cells on shaping the pathology of IL-33-induced eosinophilic inflammation. We will also highlight the mechanism underlying steroid resistance in eosinophilic pneumonia. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying steroid resistance is crucial for the development of new therapeutic strategies for intractable allergic diseases.
Review on the impact of IL-33 in the development of eosinophilic lung inflammation and the mechanism of steroid resistance in the airway inflammation.
An investigation into the use of radiographer abnormality detection systems by Queensland public hospitals
Authors: Murphy Andrew , Neep Michael 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIntroductionA Radiographer Abnormality Detection System (RADS), such as the ‘red dot system’, involves radiographers highlighting the presence of potential acute abnormalities on radiographs in the emergency setting. The literature suggests little additional training is required of radiographers to participate in such a system, posing little impact on current workflow while remaining a cost‐effective, easy‐to‐implement program. However, its use outside the United Kingdom is sporadic. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of use of a RADS in Queensland public hospitals.MethodsA cross‐sectional web‐based questionnaire was developed and distributed to 28 medical imaging department directors throughout metropolitan, rural and remote Queensland (Australia) public hospitals. The results of this survey were analysed using conventional descriptive statistics of response frequencies and the percentage of the sample.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed by 25 radiography directors (89% response rate). Sixteen percent of respondents, all metropolitan‐based, indicated a RADS was in operation (n = 4/25; 16%). Respondents without a RADS (n = 21/21; 100%) expressed interest in a trial. Just over half (n = 13/25; 52%) of the respondents believed their staff members were not trained appropriately to implement a RADS successfully.ConclusionThis study found an infrequent use of RADSs in Queensland public hospitals. This finding presents a unique opportunity for medical imaging professionals to enhance communication between the facets of a multidisciplinary emergency team via the implementation of RADS complemented by a radiographer commenting system.
Mechanical and moisture barrier properties of corn distarch phosphate film influenced by modified microcry stalline corn straw cellulose
Authors: Shao Xinru , Sun Haitao , Jiang Ruiping , Qin Ting , Ma Zhongsu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this paper, a novel modified microcrystalline corn straw cellulose (MMCSC) was prepared by ultrasonic/microwave‐assisted treatment. Effective incorporation of MMCSC into corn distarch phosphate (CDP)‐based composite films was investigated.RESULTSAs the proportion of MMCSC was increased, tensile strength increased initially before decreasing, and the elongation at break always decreased. The composite film of MMCSC20 showed the lowest water vapor permeability (2.917 × 10−7 g m−1 h−1 Pa−1). The measurement of surface color showed that by the increasing of the MMCSC proportion in composite films, the L* and b* values and the total color difference (ΔE*) increased, while a* values decreased. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction analysis indicated that, with the incorporation of MMCSC, the stable structure of the films was enhanced through cross‐linking and the crystallinity was increased. A scanning electron microscopy study revealed the surface microstructure of films (MMCSC0–MMCSC30) was smooth and homogeneous, and there was no distinct separation in the matrix of composite films.CONCLUSIONThe incorporation of suitable MMCSC could improve the properties of composite films. The CDP–MMCSC films, which are completely biodegradable and environmental friendly, have a high potential to be used for food packaging. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
The “little emperor” and the luxury brand: How overt and covert narcissism affect brand loyalty and proneness to buy counterfeits
Authors: Fastoso Fernando , Bartikowski Boris , Wang Siqi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe authors build on approach‐avoidance motivations theory to investigate the relationship between narcissism and luxury brand consumption. Narcissistic consumers, that is, those showing excessive conceit, are prone to consuming high‐prestige products and are thus attractive targets for luxury brands. Yet despite research in psychology distinguishing two types of narcissism, overt (or grandiose) and covert (or vulnerable) narcissism, little is known about how luxury consumption varies by these forms of narcissism. This paper focuses on Chinese Generation Y consumers to examine how overt and covert narcissism differ in their effects on luxury brand loyalty and proneness to purchase counterfeits as well as the moderating role of brand‐image self‐image congruity on the relationship between overt/covert narcissism and brand loyalty. Findings highlight the need for marketers to understand narcissistic targets more clearly in order to develop successful strategies to foster brand loyalty and diminish counterfeit consumption.