bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conjunctival melanoma copy number alterations and correlation with mutation status, tumor features, and clinical outcome
Authors: Kenawy Nihal , Kalirai Helen , Sacco Joseph J. , Lake Sarah L. , Heegaard Steffen , Larsen Ann‐Cathrine , Finger Paul T. , Milman Tatyana , Chin Kimberly , Mosci Carlo , Lanza Francesco , Moulin Alexandre , Schmitt Caroline A. , Caujolle Jean Pierre , Maschi Célia , Marinkovic Marina , Taktak Azzam F. , Heimann Heinrich , Damato Bertil E. , Coupland Sarah E. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractRelatively little is known about the genetic aberrations of conjunctival melanomas (CoM) and their correlation with clinical and histomorphological features as well as prognosis. The aim of this large collaborative multicenter study was to determine potential key biomarkers for metastatic risk and any druggable targets for high metastatic risk CoM. Using Affymetrix single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping arrays on 59 CoM, we detected frequent amplifications on chromosome (chr) 6p and deletions on 7q, and characterized mutation‐specific copy number alterations. Deletions on chr 10q11.21‐26.2, a region harboring the tumor suppressor genes, PDCD4, SUFU, NEURL1, PTEN, RASSF4, DMBT1, and C10orf90 and C10orf99, significantly correlated with metastasis (Fisher's exact, p ≤ 0.04), lymphatic invasion (Fisher's exact, p ≤ 0.02), increasing tumor thickness (Mann–Whitney, p ≤ 0.02), and BRAF mutation (Fisher's exact, p ≤ 0.05). This enhanced insight into CoM biology is a step toward identifying patients at risk of metastasis and potential therapeutic targets for systemic disease.
Plant–soil feedbacks of forest understorey plants transplanted in nonlocal soils along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Ma S. , De Frenne P. , Wasof S. , Brunet J. , Cousins S. A. O. , Decocq G. , Kolb A. , Lemke I. , Liira J. , Naaf T. , Orczewska A. , Plue J. , Wulf M. , Verheyen K. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Climate change is driving movements of many plants beyond, as well as within, their current distributional ranges. Even migrant plants moving within their current range may experience different plant–soil feedbacks (PSF) because of divergent nonlocal biotic soil conditions. Yet, our understanding to what extent soil biotic conditions can affect the performance of within‐range migrant plants is still very limited.

We assessed the emergence and growth of migrant forest herbs (Milium effusum and Stachys sylvatica) using soils and seeds collected along a 1,700 km latitudinal gradient across Europe. Soil biota were manipulated through four soil treatments, i.e. unsterilized control soil (PSFUS), sterilized soil (PSFS), sterilized soil inoculated with unsterilized home soil (PSFS+HI) and sterilized soil inoculated with unsterilized foreign soil (PSFS+FI, expected to occur when both plants and soil biota track climate change).

Compared to PSFS, PSFUS had negative effects on the growth but not emergence of both species, while PSFS+FI only affected S. sylvatica across all seed provenances. When considering seed origin, seedling emergence and growth responses to nonlocal soils depended on soil biotic conditions. Specifically, the home–away distance effect on seedling emergence differed between the four treatments, and significant responses to chemistry either disappeared (M. effusum) or changed (S. sylvatica) from PSFUS to PSFS.

Soil biota emerge as an important driver of the estimated plant migration success. Our results of the effects of soil microorganisms on plant establishment provide relevant information for predictions of the distribution and dynamics of plant species in a changing climate.
Cytogenetics and morphological delimitation between three species of Passiflora L. (subgenus Distephana Cervi)
Authors: de Oliveira O. L. S. , Souza M. M. , de Melo C. A. F. 
Published: January 2019

Abstract

Several studies on cytogenetic characterisation of passion flowers are helpful to elucidate doubts about taxa relationships, delimitation and classification into more coherent groups based on karyomorphological data.

Molecular and conventional cytogenetic techniques were applied to three Passiflora species with red flowers, P. coccinea, P. vitifolia and P. tholozanii, for species karyotype relationships. Additionally, for descriptive morphology, were used flowers, leaves and seeds.

Results describe for the first time the karyomorphological and chromosome number (2n = 18) for P. tholozanii. anova was performed (P < 0.05) and statistical significance for average chromosome size (CV: 16.53%) between species. Genomic in situ hybridisation (GISH) proved relationships between P. coccinea and P. tholozanii, which suggests a common origin, however, we could not identify hybridisation between genomic probes from P. vitifolia in P. tholozanii chromosomes. Among the species analysed, P. tholozanii has great similarity in karyotypic and morphology to P. coccinea but not to P. vitifolia.

We suggest the inclusion of P. tholozanii in the same subgenus and section as P. coccinea based on the similarity in karyomorphological and morphological traits between the species. Additionally, GISH might indicate a common or hybrid origin of P. tholozanii.
Effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on farmed fish; a review
Authors: Abdel‐Ghany Heba M. , Salem Mohamed El‐S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractChitosan is a cationic polysaccharide that is primarily derived from chitin, a natural polymer of N‐acetyl glucosamine mainly found in crustacean, insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls, by exhaustive alkaline deacetylation to varying degrees. Chitosan has been found to have many favourable biological properties including biosafety, biodegradability and biocompatibility. These advantages make it a very promising material for diverse applications. For terrestrial animals, chitosan has been widely used as a feed additive because of its low side effects, enhancing the growth performance, improving immune functions, inhibition intestinal microbial pathogens and lowering cholesterol. Recently, it has been used as a feed additive in fish diets. Moreover, chitosan has gained an attention as an effective agent in aquaculture water treatment. A number of studies have been conducted on the effectiveness of the use of chitosan in aquaculture. Thus, the present review explored the current state of knowledge on the effects of dietary chitosan on farmed aquatic animals including antimicrobial, growth promoting, antioxidant activity and immunostimulation effects, with a particular emphasis on the optimal dose of chitosan. As well as, this review pointed out the possibility of using chitosan in aquaculture water treatment. According to the studies that were discussed in this review, chitosan is considered as a promising material with a massive potential of applications in aquaculture.
Data‐independent acquisition‐based quantitative proteomic analysis reveals differences in host immune response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to sepsis
Authors: Tong Yiqing , Ku Xin , Wu Chunrong , Liu Jianjun , Yang Chunhui , Tang Wenzhi , Yan Wei , Tang Jianguo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study was aimed to uncover proteins that are differentially expressed in sepsis. Data‐independent acquisition (DIA) was used for analysis to identify differentially expressed proteins in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients. A total of 24 non‐septic intensive care unit (ICU) patients, 11 septic shock patients and 27 patients diagnosed with sepsis were recruited for the mass spectrometry (MS) discovery. PBMCs were isolated from routine blood samples and digested into peptides. A DIA workflow was developed using a quadrupole‐Orbitrap liquid chromatography LC‐MS system, and mass spectra peaks were extracted by Skyline software. Orthogonal partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA) and partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) were applied to distinguish the patient groups at the level of fragment ion and peptide. Differentially expressed proteins in the patient groups were verified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the protein expression. A total of 1062 fragment ions and 122 proteins were identified in the MS‐DIA analysis conducted by Skyline software. Using gene ontology clustering analysis, we discovered that 51 of the 122 identified proteins were associated with biological processes, including carbon metabolism, biosynthesis of antibiotics, platelet activation, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and complement, and coagulation cascades. Among them, five proteins (high‐mobility group box1 [HMGB1], matrix metalloproteinase 8 [MMP8], neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin [NGAL], lactotransferrin [LTF] and grancalcin [GCA]) were identified by ELISA as closely related to the development of sepsis. The ROC curves displayed good sensitivity and specificity.
Mild hypohydration impairs cycle ergometry performance in the heat: A blinded study
Authors: Adams J.D. , Scott Dylan M. , Brand Natasha A. , Suh Hyun‐Gyu , Seal Adam D. , McDermott Brendon P. , Ganio Matthew S. , Kavouras Stavros A. 
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present study was to observe the effect of mild hypohydration on exercise performance with subjects blinded to their hydration status. Eleven male cyclists (weight 75.8 ± 6.4 kg, VO2peak: 64.9 ± 5.6 mL/kg/min, body fat: 12.0 ± 5.8%, Powermax: 409 ± 40 W) performed three sets of criterium‐like cycling, consisting of 20‐minute steady‐state cycling (50% peak power output), each followed by a 5‐km time trial at 3% grade. Following a familiarization trial, subjects completed the experimental trials, in counter‐balanced fashion, on two separate occasions in dry heat (30°C, 30% rh) either hypohydrated (HYP) or euhydrated (EUH). In both trials, subjects ingested 25 mL of water every 5 minutes during the steady‐state and every 1 km of the 5‐km time trials. In the EUH trial, sweat losses were fully replaced via intravenous infusion of isotonic saline, while in the HYP trial, a sham IV was instrumented. Following the exercise protocol, the subjects’ bodyweight was changed by −0.1 ± 0.1% and −1.8 ± 0.2% for the EUH and HYP trial, respectively (P < 0.05). During the second and third time trials, subjects averaged higher power output (309 ± 5 and 306 ± 5 W) and faster cycling speed (27.5 ± 3.0 and 27.2 ± 3.1 km/h) in the EUH trial compared to the HYP trial (Power: 287 ± 4 and 276 ± 5 W, Speed: 26.2 ± 2.9 and 25.5 ± 3.3 km/h, all P < 0.05). Core temperature (Tre) was higher in the HYP trial throughout the third steady‐state and 5‐km time trial (P < 0.05). These data suggest that mild hypohydration, even when subjects were unaware of their hydration state, impaired cycle ergometry performance in the heat probably due to greater thermoregulatory strain.
Impairment in karrikin but not strigolactone sensing enhances root skewing in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Swarbreck Stéphanie M. , Guerringue Yannick , Matthus Elsa , Jamieson Fiona J. C. , Davies Julia M. 
Published: January 2019

SummaryRoots form highly complex systems varying in growth direction and branching pattern to forage for nutrients efficiently. Here mutations in the KAI2 (KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE) α/β‐fold hydrolase and the MAX2 (MORE AXILLARY GROWTH 2) F‐box leucine‐rich protein, which together perceive karrikins (smoke‐derived butenolides), caused alteration in root skewing in Arabidopsis thaliana. This phenotype was independent of endogenous strigolactones perception by the D14 α/β‐fold hydrolase and MAX2. Thus, KAI2/MAX2 effect on root growth may be through the perception of endogenous KAI2‐ligands (KLs), which have yet to be identified. Upon perception of a ligand, a KAI2/MAX2 complex is formed together with additional target proteins before ubiquitination and degradation through the 26S proteasome. Using a genetic approach, we show that SMAX1 (SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2‐1)/SMXL2 and SMXL6,7,8 (SUPPRESSOR OF MAX2‐1‐LIKE) are also likely degradation targets for the KAI2/MAX2 complex in the context of root skewing. In A. thaliana therefore, KAI2 and MAX2 act to limit root skewing, while kai2's gravitropic and mechano‐sensing responses remained largely unaffected. Many proteins are involved in root skewing, and we investigated the link between MAX2 and two members of the SKS/SKU family. Though KLs are yet to be identified in plants, our data support the hypothesis that they are present and can affect root skewing.
A repertoire of cationic and anionic conductances at the plasma membrane of Medicago truncatula root hairs
Authors: Wang Limin , Guo Man‐Yuan , Thibaud Jean‐Baptiste , Véry Anne‐Aliénor , Sentenac Hervé 
Published: January 2019

SummaryRoot hairs, as lateral extensions of epidermal cells, provide large absorptive surfaces to the root and are major actors in plant hydromineral nutrition. In contact with the soil they also constitute a site of interactions between the plant and rhizospheric microorganisms. In legumes, initiation of symbiotic interactions with N2‐fixing rhizobia is often triggered at the root hair cell membrane in response to nodulation factors secreted by rhizobia, and involves early signaling events with changes in H+, Ca2+, K+ and Cl− fluxes inducing transient depolarization of the cell membrane. Here, we aimed to build a functional repertoire of the major root hair conductances to cations and anions in the sequenced legume model Medicago truncatula. Five root hair conductances were characterized through patch‐clamp experiments on enzymatically recovered root hair protoplasts. These conductances displayed varying properties of voltage dependence, kinetics and ion selectivity. They consisted of hyperpolarization‐ and depolarization‐activated conductances for K+, cations or Cl−. Among these, one weakly outwardly rectifying cationic conductance and one hyperpolarization‐activated slowly inactivating anionic conductance were not known as active in root hairs. All five conductances were detected in apical regions of young growing root hairs using membrane spheroplasts obtained by laser‐assisted cell‐wall microdissection. Combined with recent root hair transcriptomes of M. truncatula, this functional repertoire of conductances is expected to help the identification of candidate genes for reverse genetics studies to investigate the possible role of each conductance in root hair growth and interaction with the biotic and abiotic environment.
Unilateral renal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis in a mixed‐breed dog carrying a FLCN gene mutation
Authors: Ciccarelli Stefano , Di Bello Antonio , Valastro Carmela , Leo Chiara , Lenoci Diana , Rana Elisa , Franchini Delia 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundRenal cystadenocarcinoma and nodular dermatofibrosis (RCND) is a rare inherited cancer syndrome observed predominantly in the German shepherd dog breed, known to be associated with dominant autosomal transmission of mutation H255R of the encoding folliculin gene (FLCN). The syndrome usually features bilateral, multifocal kidney tumours and skin nodules, consisting of dense collagen fibres, with previous reports showing a poor prognosis. Although historically nodular dermatofibrosis (ND) has been considered a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with renal cystadenocarcinoma; this hypothesis has been questioned.ObjectivesTo report a case of unilateral renal adenocarcinoma in a dog with RCND syndrome, with 40‐month follow‐up.AnimalA neutered 5‐year‐old female, mixed‐breed dog.Methods and materialsNodular dermatofibrosis was confirmed with histopathological evaluation. Contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) supported a presumptive diagnosis of unilateral renal neoplasia and the kidney was removed.ResultsNodular dermatofibrosis with unilateral RC was confirmed by histopathological evaluation and DNA sequencing; this was positive for the heterozygous form for the H255R mutation in the FLCN gene. Follow‐up at 40 months after nephrectomy showed progressive increase in the size and number of nodular lesions.Conclusion and clinical importanceThis case supports the hypothesis that nodular dermatofibrosis is not a paraneoplastic syndrome associated with cystadenocarcinoma. It may be instead an independent dermatological feature of the same genetic disease, linked to the mutation of FLCN given that the cutaneous nodules in this dog increased in size and number after removal of the adenocarcinoma.
Physiological roles and molecular mechanisms of K+‐Cl− cotransport in the mammalian kidney and cardiovascular system: where are we?
Authors: Garneau A. P. , Marcoux A. A. , Slimani S. , Tremblay L. E. , Frenette‐Cotton R. , Mac‐Way F. , Isenring P. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractIn the early 80s, renal microperfusion studies led to the identification of a basolateral K+‐Cl− cotransport mechanism in the proximal tubule, thick ascending limb of Henle and collecting duct. More than ten years later, this mechanism was found to be accounted for by three different K+‐Cl− cotransporters (KCC1, KCC3 and KCC4) that are differentially distributed along the renal epithelium. Two of these isoforms (KCC1 and KCC3) were also found to be expressed in arterial walls, the myocardium and a variety of neurons. Subsequently, valuable insights have been gained into the molecular and physiological properties of the KCCs in both the mammalian kidney and cardiovascular system. There is now robust evidence indicating that KCC4 sustains distal renal acidification and that KCC3 regulates myogenic tone in resistance vessels. However, progress in understanding the functional significance of these transporters has been slow, probably because each of the KCC isoforms is not identically distributed among species and some of them share common subcellular localizations with other KCC isoforms or sizeable conductive Cl− pathways. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the process of K+‐Cl− cotransport are still ill defined. The present review focuses on the knowledge gained regarding the roles and properties of KCCs in renal and cardiovascular tissues.
Acetylcholine receptors in the equatorial region of intrafusal muscle fibres modulate mouse muscle spindle sensitivity
Authors: Gerwin Laura , Haupt Corinna , Wilkinson Katherine A. , Kröger Stephan 
Published: January 2019

Key points
Acetylcholine receptors are aggregated in the central regions of intrafusal muscle fibres.
Single unit muscle spindle afferent responses from isolated mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle were recorded in the absence of fusimotor input to ramp and hold stretches as well as to sinusoidal vibrations in the presence and absence of the acetylcholine receptor blockers d‐tubocurarine and α‐bungarotoxin.
Proprioceptive afferent responses to both types of stretch were enhanced in the presence of either blocker.
Blocking acetylcholine uptake and vesicular acetylcholine release by hemicholinium‐3 also enhanced stretch‐evoked responses.
These results represent the first evidence that acetylcholine receptors negatively modulate muscle spindle responses to stretch.
The data support the hypothesis that the sensory nerve terminal is able to release vesicles to fine‐tune proprioceptive afferent sensitivity.
AbstractMuscle spindles are complex stretch‐sensitive mechanoreceptors. They consist of specialized skeletal muscle fibres, called intrafusal fibres, which are innervated in the central (equatorial) region by afferent sensory axons and in both polar regions by efferent γ‐motoneurons. Previously it was shown that acetylcholine receptors (AChR) are concentrated in the equatorial region at the contact site between the sensory neuron and the intrafusal muscle fibre. To address the function of these AChRs, single unit sensory afferents were recorded from an isolated mouse extensor digitorum longus muscle in the absence of γ‐motoneuron activity. Specifically, we investigated the responses of individual sensory neurons to ramp‐and‐hold stretches and sinusoidal vibrations before and after the addition of the competitive and non‐competitive AChR blockers d‐tubocurarine and α‐bungarotoxin, respectively. The presence of either drug did not affect the resting action potential discharge frequency. However, the action potential frequencies in response to stretch were increased. In particular, frequencies of the dynamic peak and dynamic index to ramp‐and‐hold stretches were significantly higher in the presence of either drug. Treatment of muscle spindle afferents with the high‐affinity choline transporter antagonist hemicholinium‐3 similarly increased muscle spindle afferent firing frequencies during stretch. Moreover, the firing rate during sinusoidal vibration stimuli at low amplitudes was higher in the presence of α‐bungarotoxin compared to control spindles also indicating an increased sensitivity to stretch. Collectively these data suggest a modulation of the muscle spindle afferent response to stretch by AChRs in the central region of intrafusal fibres possibly fine‐tuning muscle spindle sensitivity.
The Effect of Tissue Flossing on Ankle Range of Motion, Jump, and Sprint Performance in Elite Rugby Union Athletes
Authors: Mills Blair , Mayo Brad , Tavares Francisco , Driller Matthew 
Published: January 2019

Context: Given the relatively novel technique of tissue flossing is currently lacking in the research literature despite some positive findings in preliminary studies, the modality clearly requires further research. Current evidence suggests that band flossing results in performance improvements and may also be an effective method in injury prevention. Objective: Previous research has shown that tissue flossing may result in increased ankle range of motion, jump, and sprinting performance in recreational athletes. The present study aims to extend on this research, within an elite athlete sample. Design: Counterbalanced, cross-over design with experimental and control trials, separated by 1 week. Setting: University laboratory. Participants: Fourteen professional male rugby union athletes (mean [SD]: age 23.9 [2.7] y). Intervention: Application of a floss band to both ankles (FLOSS) for 2 minutes or without flossing of the ankle joints (CON) on 2 separate occasions. Main Outcome Measures: A weight-bearing lunge test, a countermovement jump test, and a 20-m sprint test at pre and at 5 and 30 minutes post application of the floss band or control. Results: There were no statistically significant interactions between treatment (FLOSS/CON) and time for any of the measured variables (P > .05). Effect size analysis revealed small benefits for FLOSS in comparison with CON for countermovement performance 5 minutes post (d = 0.28) and for 10-m (d = −0.45) and 15-m (d = −0.24) sprint time 30 minutes post. Conclusion: Findings from the current study suggest minimal benefits of tissue flossing when applied to the ankle joint in elite athletes for up to 30 minutes following their application.