bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and platelet to lymphocyte ratio as haematological indices of inflammatory response in ceramic workers’ silicosis
Authors: Karataş Mevlüt , Gündüzöz Meşide , Öziş Türkan Nadir , Özakıncı Osman Gökhan , Ergün Dilek 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIntroductionOccupational exposure to crystalline silica over time may result in silicosis: a fatal, irreversible occupational disease leading to lung function impairment. A complex inflammatory process, excessive accumulation of mesenchymal cells and collagen production are the primary mechanisms underlying silicosis. Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) have emerged as representative indices of systemic inflammation.ObjectivesThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the relationship between NLR, PLR and silicosis.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the demographic and laboratory data of ceramic workers who were referred to our Hospital between 2010 and 2018. Five hundred and seventy‐three patients with silicosis and 222 ceramic workers without silicosis (controls) were included in the study.ResultsThe radiographic ILO classification of silicosis patients was as follows: category 1 (71.5%), category 2 (19.2%), category 3 (7.5%). NLR and PLR in categories 2 and 3 were significantly higher when compared with the control group (P < .005). FEV1, FEV1%, FVC, FVC % and PEF were significantly lower in all silicosis patients and also in patients with subcategories (all P < .005). NLR showed a poor positive correlation with CRP (r = 0.095, P < .05) and ESR (r = 0.207, P = .000) while PLR only with ESR (r = 0.317, P = .000) in patients with silicosis. NLR and PLR showed negative correlations with FEV1, FVC and PEF (all P < .005).ConclusionWe conclude that NLR and PLR have significant but poor correlations with pulmonary functions and severity of silicosis, especially in late radiographic profusion categories.
Solitary and multiple epidermolytic acanthoma: A demographic and clinical study of 131 cases
Authors: Roy Simon F. , Ghazawi Feras M. , Choate Keith A. , McNiff Jennifer M. 
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUNDEpidermolytic acanthoma (EA) is a rare, benign acquired cutaneous keratosis displaying epidermolytic hyperkeratosis in more than 50% of its surface. Because of the sparsity of comprehensive studies, little is known on the patient demographics and clinical characteristics of this uncommon entity. We wish to comprehensively characterize the clinical and demographic features of EA and to differentiate it from its mimickers.METHODSWe carried out a retrospective review of 131 cases of EA, recorded clinical and histopathologic features and performed linear regression of yearly incidence rates to assess for possible under‐reporting of this entity.RESULTSEA affected both genders equally. We found 9.08 cases per 100 000 biopsy specimens per year and linear regression analysis showed significantly decreasing incidence rates. Analysis of the anatomical site distribution of EA lesions showed a more frequent genital location in men (39.1% of cases in men, as compared to 11.3% for women). Contrary to previous studies, lesions were most frequently single (91.7%) and the mean age of presentation was 57.8 years.CONCLUSIONThe presented largest case series to‐date indicates that EA is probably an underdiagnosed entity and establishes the demographic and clinical features of EA.
Fifty years’ follow‐up of childhood epilepsy: Medical outcome, morbidity, and medication
Authors: Brorson Lars‐Olov , Eriksson Mats , Blomberg Karin , Stenninger Erik 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveTo describe the long‐term prognosis of childhood epilepsy, with special emphasis on seizure remission, relapse, medication, associated neurologic impairment, mortality rate, and cause of death.MethodsA prospective longitudinal study on a population‐based total cohort of 195 children with epileptic seizures in 1962‐1964. Data were collected from medical records and a questionnaire.ResultsFollow‐up data from 94% of the initial cohort showed the best long‐term prognosis for seizure freedom for children with no intellectual or neurologic impairment. These children had later seizure onset, shorter total duration of epilepsy, and were more often medication free. Only a few of them had isolated relapses. Generalized, rather than focal, epilepsy was associated with fewer relapses and less ongoing medication. The “true incidence” group, with onsets during the inclusion period of 1962‐1964, had the best long‐term prognosis for seizure freedom, with 90% seizure‐free after 50 years. Although only 10% of this group had ongoing seizures at follow‐up, 22% still used anticonvulsive medication, often with old drugs, that is, phenobarbital or phenytoin, as one of the anticonvulsive drugs. The standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 2.61 for the whole group, with no difference between those with or without other neurodeficits. Those who died young either had neurologic impairment or died from epilepsy‐related conditions; later deaths often followed non–epilepsy‐related conditions. No one in the incidence group died of SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy).SignificanceThis 50‐year, long‐term follow‐up of a cohort of persons with childhood epilepsy in general demonstrates a better outcome for seizure freedom compared to our follow‐up after 12 years and to previous reports. We also report a low incidence of seizure relapses. Remission of seizures does not automatically lead to termination of medication. The mortality rate associated with SUDEP was lower than previously reported.
Drug repurposing for Dravet syndrome in scn1Lab−/− mutant zebrafish
Authors: Sourbron Jo , Partoens Michèle , Scheldeman Chloë , Zhang Yifan , Lagae Lieven , de Witte Peter 
Published: January 2019

SummaryDravet syndrome (DS) is a severe genetic epileptic encephalopathy with onset during the first year of life. Zebrafish models recapitulating human diseases are often used as drug discovery platforms, but also for drug repurposing testing. It was recently shown that pharmacological modulation of three serotonergic (5‐HT) receptors (5‐HT1D, 5‐HT2C, 5‐HT2A) exerts antiseizure effects in a zebrafish scn1Lab−/− mutant model of DS. Using the zebrafish DS model, our aim was to examine the possibility of repurposing efavirenz (EFA), lisuride (LIS), and rizatriptan (RIZA), marketed medicines with a 5‐HT on‐ or off‐target profile, as antiepileptic drugs for DS. To examine whether these compounds have a broader antiseizure profile, they were tested in pentylenetetrazol and ethyl ketopentenoate (EKP) zebrafish models. Pharmacological effects were assessed by locomotor behavior, local field potential brain recordings, and bioluminescence. EFA was active in all models, whereas LIS was selectively active in the zebrafish DS model. Mainly, a poor response was observed to RIZA. Taken together, our preclinical results show that LIS could be a potential candidate for DS treatment. EFA was also active in the EKP model, characterized by a high level of treatment resistance, and hence these data are potentially important for future treatment of drug‐resistant epilepsy.
MiR‐744‐3p regulates keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation via targeting KLLN in psoriasis
Authors: Wang Changyuan , Zong Jinbao , Li Yongxi , Wang Xiaoyan , Du Weihua , Li Linfeng 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPsoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and microRNAs have been reported to regulate the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Up‐regulated miR‐744‐3p level was identified to associate with psoriasis while the precise functions of miR‐744‐3p in psoriasis were not well‐elucidated. We first confirmed the up‐regulation of miR‐744‐3p in psoriasis by measuring its expression level in psoriatic samples. We explored the roles of miR‐744‐3p on keratinocytes proliferation and differentiation. We searched the targets of miR‐744‐3p and evaluated the roles of one target, KLLN on keratinocytes proliferation and differentiation. We confirmed the up‐regulation of miR‐744‐3p in psoriatic samples. MiR‐744‐3p promoted keratinocytes proliferation while inhibited differentiation. MiR‐744‐3p targeted KLLN and overexpression of miR‐744‐3p resulted in decreased expression of KLLN. Overexpression of KLLN prevented the effects of miR‐744‐3p on keratinocytes proliferation and differentiation. MiR‐744‐3p regulated the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes through targeting KLLN in psoriasis.
Mesenchymal stem cells in psoriatic lesions affect the skin microenvironment through circular RNA
Authors: Liu Ruifeng , Chang Wenjuan , Li Juan , Cheng Yueai , Dang Erle , Yang Xiaohong , Wang Qiang , Wang Gang , Li Xinhua , Zhang Kaiming 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPsoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease. Our previous studies revealed abnormal immune regulation of skin mesenchymal stem cells (S‐MSCs) in psoriatic lesions. Circular RNA (circRNA) molecules were recently discovered as a new class of non‐coding regulatory RNAs. Their role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis has not yet been studied. To explore potential circRNA‐mediated mechanisms of S‐MSCs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, we sequenced mRNAs and circRNAs of MSCs from normal skin and psoriatic lesions, followed by functional prediction and interaction analyses. In total, 129 circRNAs were differentially expressed, including 123 up‐regulated and 6 down‐regulated circRNAs, in MSCs from psoriatic lesions. Pathway analysis showed that the genes significantly down‐regulated in psoriatic as compared to normal S‐MSCs were mainly involved in JAK‐STAT signalling. According to a circRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA interaction network, the expression of circRNAs associated with these mRNAs was also down‐regulated in MSCs of psoriatic skin lesions. Knockdown of the circRNA gene chr2:206992521|206994966 reduced the capacity of S‐MSCs to inhibit T‐cell proliferation upon co‐culture in normal as well as lesion‐derived S‐MSCs. Secreted‐cytokine profiles (IL‐6, IL‐11 and hepatocyte growth factor) were also similar in normal and lesion‐derived S‐MSCs after circRNA knockdown. Thus, the circRNA chr2:206992521|206994966 in S‐MSCs from psoriatic lesions affects the activity of T lymphocytes in local lesions by influencing their cytokine secretion. Taken together, our findings indicate that circRNA mediates the role of S‐MSCs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis.
Microbial and macroinvertebrate communities, but not leaf decomposition, change along a mining‐induced salinity gradient
Authors: Vander Vorste Ross , Timpano Anthony J. , Cappellin Catie , Badgley Brian D. , Zipper Carl E. , Schoenholtz Stephen H. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Natural levels of salinity in aquatic ecosystems drive biodiversity patterns across broad spatial scales; however, less is known about changes in biotic communities and the ecosystem functions they support along anthropogenic salinisation gradients. Resource extraction often causes salinisation of freshwater ecosystems which may extirpate salinity‐sensitive macroinvertebrates and microbes and thus reduce rates of organic matter decomposition.

We quantified bacterial (16S), fungal (ITS) and macroinvertebrate taxonomic richness, composition, and β‐diversity across the resulting gradient of specific conductance (annual mean: 25–1,383 μS/cm) in 24 headwater streams in the eastern U.S.A. variously influenced by surface coal mining but selected to minimise habitat and water‐quality differences other than salinity. Furthermore, we measured rates of organic matter decomposition in submersed leaf packs (Quercus alba) across these same sites.

Bacterial and reach‐wide macroinvertebrate richness was reduced along the mining‐induced salinity gradient whereas fungal or leaf‐pack macroinvertebrate richness remained similar. Community composition of microbes and macroinvertebrates changed along the salinity gradient, with mining‐influenced sites becoming increasingly dissimilar to reference sites as salinity increased. Beta‐diversity was driven by taxonomic replacement rather than nestedness for microbial and macroinvertebrate communities.

Organic matter decomposition rates in mining‐influenced streams were not reduced even at mean specific conductance levels 10× higher than reference sites. We attribute maintenance of decomposition rates to salinity tolerance of both fungi and macroinvertebrate shredders found in leaf packs.

Our study informs theory linking anthropogenic alteration of biotic communities to rates of ecosystem functions by providing evidence that taxonomic replacement and stressor‐tolerance of specific functional groups along a mining‐induced salinity gradient can maintain certain ecosystem functions, at least within the studied salinity range. We therefore advise against generalising biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships in other salinised systems, but caution that organic matter decomposition may be altered at salinity levels above those observed in our study and that other ecosystem functions may be affected by loss of salinity‐sensitive taxa.
Global patterns of body size evolution in squamate reptiles are not driven by climate
Authors: Slavenko Alex , Feldman Anat , Allison Allen , Bauer Aaron M. , Böhm Monika , Chirio Laurent , Colli Guarino R. , Das Indraneil , Doan Tiffany M. , LeBreton Matthew , Martins Marcio , Meirte Danny , Nagy Zoltán T. , Nogueira Cristiano de C. , Pauwels Olivier S. G. , Pincheira‐Donoso Daniel , Roll Uri , Wagner Philipp , Wang Yuezhao , Meiri Shai 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimVariation in body size across animal species underlies most ecological and evolutionary processes shaping local‐ and large‐scale patterns of biodiversity. For well over a century, climatic factors have been regarded as primary sources of natural selection on animal body size, and hypotheses such as Bergmann's rule (the increase of body size with decreasing temperature) have dominated discussions. However, evidence for consistent climatic effects, especially among ectotherms, remains equivocal. Here, we test a range of key hypotheses on climate‐driven size evolution in squamate reptiles across several spatial and phylogenetic scales.LocationGlobal.Time periodExtant.Major taxa studiedSquamates (lizards and snakes).MethodsWe quantified the role of temperature, precipitation, seasonality and net primary productivity as drivers of body mass across ca. 95% of extant squamate species (9,733 spp.). We ran spatial autoregressive models of phylogenetically corrected median mass per equal‐area grid cell. We ran models globally, across separate continents and for major squamate clades independently. We also performed species‐level analyses using phylogenetic generalized least square models and linear regressions of independent contrasts of sister species.ResultsOur analyses failed to identify consistent spatial patterns in body size as a function of our climatic predictors. Nearly all continent‐ and family‐level models differed from one another, and species‐level models had low explanatory power.Main conclusionsThe global distribution of body mass among living squamates varies independently from the variation in multiple components of climate. Our study, the largest in spatial and taxonomic scale conducted to date, reveals that there is little support for a universal, consistent mechanism of climate‐driven size evolution within squamates.
Global trade‐offs of functional redundancy and functional dispersion for birds and mammals
Authors: Cooke Robert S. C. , Bates Amanda E. , Eigenbrod Felix 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimThe diversity of birds and mammals is typically described in separate analyses, but species may play similar roles. Here, we develop a comparative trait framework for birds and mammals to provide a global quantification of the similarity of species roles (functional redundancy) and the breadth of roles across taxa (functional dispersion). We predict different contributions of birds and mammals to redundancy and dispersion, and unique geographical patterns of redundancy and dispersion by including both taxa.LocationGlobal.Time periodContemporary.Major taxa studiedBirds and mammals.MethodsWe systematically select, compile and impute the same six traits (i.e., a common currency of traits) across 15,485 bird and mammal species from multiple databases. We use these six traits to compute functional redundancy and functional dispersion for birds and mammals across all 825 terrestrial ecoregions. We then calculate the standardized effect size (SES) of these observed values compared with null expectations, based on a randomization of species composition (i.e., independent of differences in species richness).ResultsWe find that species‐rich regions, such as the Neotropics, have high functional redundancy coupled with low functional dispersion, characterizing a global trade‐off. Thus, in general, as species richness increases, the similarity in species functional roles also increases. We therefore suggest that different processes generate species richness/functional redundancy and functional dispersion, leading to a novel, and generally non‐tropical, distribution of hotspots of high functional dispersion across Madagascar, Eastern Asia and Western USA.Main conclusionsWe recommend consideration of both the similarity and the breadth of functional roles across species pools, including taxa that may play similar roles. We therefore suggest that functional redundancy, as a means of insurance, and functional dispersion, as an indicator of response diversity, should be evaluated further as conservation objectives.
Climate‐driven convergent evolution of plumage colour in a cosmopolitan bird
Authors: Romano Andrea , Séchaud Robin , Hirzel Alexandre H. , Roulin Alexandre 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimThe investigation of phenotypic diversity across geographical gradients is pivotal to understanding the evolution and adaptive functions of alternative phenotypes. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the polymorphism in ventral plumage colouration observed in the cosmopolitan common barn owl group is determined by climatic factors, such as temperature and rainfall, consistent with Gloger’s and Bogert’s biogeographical rules.LocationWorld.Time period1809–2017.Major taxa studiedTyto alba species complex.MethodsWe analysed the variation in heritable melanin‐based plumage colour according to annual temperature and rainfall in 9,110 individuals of the cosmopolitan barn owl, with three distinct evolutionary lineages representing its entire distribution range: the Afro‐European Tyto alba, occurring between Scandinavia and South Africa, the American Tyto furcata, found from southern Canada to Patagonia, and the Australasian Tyto javanica, living between the Himalayan Plateau and Tasmania.ResultsAlthough the geographical distribution of colour morphs is heterogeneous among the lineages, in all of them plumage colour becomes darker with increasing annual rainfall, indicating a convergent selection of darker morphs in humid habitats possibly to improve camouflage against the dark environment and/or to repel water more efficiently. Moreover, in T. alba and T. furcata, melanization increases at decreasing temperature, suggesting its possible role in thermoregulation.DiscussionThese findings provide convincing evidence of repeated evolution of similar body colouration patterns at a worldwide scale compatible with the main biogeographical rules, while emphasizing the possible role of melanin‐based traits in animal adaptation to climate change.
Redefining temperate forest responses to climate and disturbance in the eastern United States: New insights at the mesoscale
Authors: Druckenbrod Daniel L. , Martin‐Benito Dario , Orwig David A. , Pederson Neil , Poulter Benjamin , Renwick Katherine M. , Shugart Herman H. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimClimate and disturbance alter forest dynamics, from individual trees to biomes and from years to millennia, leaving legacies that vary with local, meso‐ and macroscales. Motivated by recent insights in temperate forests, we argue that temporal and spatial extents equivalent to that of the underlying drivers are necessary to characterize forest dynamics across scales. We focus specifically on characterizing mesoscale forest dynamics because they bridge fine‐scale (local) processes and the continental scale (macrosystems) in ways that are highly relevant for climate change science and ecosystem management. We revisit ecological concepts related to spatial and temporal scales and discuss approaches to gain a better understanding of climate–forest dynamics across scales.LocationEastern USA.Time periodLast century to present.Major taxa studiedTemperate broadleaf forests.MethodsWe review regional literature of past tree mortality studies associated with climate to identify mesoscale climate‐driven disturbance events. Using a dynamic vegetation model, we then simulate how these forests respond to a typical climate‐driven disturbance.ResultsBy identifying compound disturbance events from both a literature review and simulation modelling, we find that synchronous patterns of drought‐driven mortality at mesoscales have been overlooked within these forests.Main conclusionsAs ecologists, land managers and policy‐makers consider the intertwined drivers of climate and disturbance, a focus on spatio‐temporal scales equivalent to those of the drivers will provide insight into long‐term forest change, such as drought impacts. Spatially extensive studies should also have a long temporal scale to provide insight into pathways for forest change, evaluate predictions from dynamic forest models and inform development of global vegetation models. We recommend integrating data collected from spatially well‐replicated networks (e.g., archaeological, historical or palaeoecological data), consisting of centuries‐long, high‐resolution records, with models to characterize better the mesoscale response of forests to climate change in the past and in the future.
Fascin in lamellipodia contributes to cell elasticity by controlling the orientation of filamentous actin
Authors: Tanaka Minami , Fujii Yuki , Hirano Kazumi , Higaki Takumi , Nagasaki Akira , Ishikawa Ryoki , Okajima Takaharu , Katoh Kaoru 
Published: January 2019

AbstractFascin, an actin‐bundling protein, is present in the filopodia and lamellipodia of growth cones. However, few studies have examined lamellipodial fascin because it is difficult to observe. In this study, we evaluated lamellipodial fascin. We visualized the actin meshwork of lamellipodia in live growth cones by super‐resolution microscopy. Fascin was colocalized with the actin meshwork in lamellipodia. Ser39 of fascin is a well‐known phosphorylation site that controls the binding of fascin to actin filaments. Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching experiments with confocal microscopy showed that binding of fascin was controlled by phosphorylation of Ser39 in lamellipodia. Moreover, TPA, an agonist of protein kinase C, induced phosphorylation of fascin and dissociation from actin filaments in lamellipodia. Time series images showed that dissociation of fascin from the actin meshwork was induced by TPA. As fascin dissociated from actin filaments, the orientation of the actin filaments became parallel to the leading edge. The angle of actin filaments against the leading edge was changed from 73° to 15°. This decreased the elasticity of the lamellipodia by 40%, as measured by atomic force microscopy. These data suggest that actin bundles made by fascin contribute to elasticity of the growth cone.