bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maladaptive secondary sexual characteristics reduce the reproductive success of hybrids between native and non‐native salmonids
Authors: Fukui Sho , May‐McNally Shannan L. , Taylor Eric B. , Koizumi Itsuro 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHuman‐mediated hybridization between introduced and native species is one of the most serious threats to native taxa. Although field studies have attempted to quantify the relative fitness or reproductive success of parental species and their hybrids, only a few studies have unraveled the factors determining the fitness of hybrids. Here, we hypothesized that maladaptive secondary sexual characteristics may reduce fitness of hybrids between two fish species. To test this, we evaluated the reproductive success of introduced brook trout (BT: Salvelinus fontinalis), native white‐spotted charr (WSC: S. leucomaenis) and their hybrids in a natural stream in Hokkaido, Japan, where the two parental species show remarkably different male secondary sexual characteristics, such as elongated jaws and deeper bodies. We predicted that introgression from WSC is maladaptive for BT males because the BT male has more prominent secondary sexual characteristics. Our results suggest that both sexual selection and outbreeding depression in males and females significantly influence an individual's reproductive success. Our results also suggest that asymmetric introgression may increase the risks to persistence in the recipient species.
Biocrust research: A critical view on eight common hydrological‐related paradigms and dubious theses
Authors: Kidron Giora J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAlthough being relatively young, research on biocrusts has already yielded numerous paradigms and/or dubious theses. The very existence of these “truths” may lead to erroneous conclusions and/or hinder research on these topics. In the current summary, eight paradigms and dubious theses are examined: (a) Biocrusts require physical crusts for establishment; (b) plant establishment is necessary for biocrust establishment on dunes; (c) developmental stages of biocrusts are often regarded as successional stages; (d) climate‐driven crust morphology determines crust hydrology; (e) infiltration (and subsequently run‐off) over biocrusts is determined by soil pores; (f) run‐off in dryland may stem from hydrophobicity; (g) exopolysaccharides trigger infiltration; and (h) mosses impede infiltration and subsequently the growth of perennial plants. During this summary, reasons that lie behind these paradigms and dubious theses are examined using data and/or rationale for a critical analysis. Experimental data, mostly gathered from the Nizzana research site of the Hallamish dune field (Negev Desert, Israel), and published material (mainly from the Tabernas and Tengger deserts) are used. It is argued that most of the paradigms were either based on improper techniques or never thoroughly investigated. The argument presented herein does not necessarily imply that none of the paradigms may take place under very specific conditions but that their acceptance as general “truth” is questionable.
An 11,000‐yr record of diatom assemblage responses to climate and terrestrial vegetation changes, southwestern Québec
Authors: Neil Karen , Gajewski Konrad 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA high‐resolution diatom sequence was developed from continuously laminated lake sediments in southwestern Québec, which spanned the Holocene (~11,000 yr). General and species‐specific changes in the diatom record were synchronous with patterns of vegetation succession inferred from regional palynological studies, demonstrating significant influences of terrestrial ecosystems on lake water chemistry and aquatic biota. Principal components analysis was used to identify three major diatom biostratigraphic zones corresponding broadly to early, mid‐, and late Holocene climate intervals. Benthic alkaliphilus diatom taxa were abundant when the landscape was a Picea‐dominated woodland in the early Holocene (11.1–8.0 ka), and when climate conditions were inferred as relatively cool and dry. In the mid‐Holocene (8.0–3.6 ka), warmer temperatures resulted in a stabilization of soils and forests in the catchment area. Shade‐tolerant tree species (Tsuga, Fagus, and Betula) increased during this time, and planktonic diatom taxa (Discostella stelligera and Fragilaria tenera) were abundant in the lake. The well‐known decline in Tsuga across eastern North America between 6.0 and 5.0 ka corresponded to a shift toward more nutrient‐rich lake conditions for several centuries, indicated by an increase in benthic diatom taxa and a lower ratio of chrysophytes relative to diatoms. Neoglacial cooling in the late Holocene (3.6 ka to present) triggered an initial decline in D. stelligera, which later recovered as a result of nutrient inputs that were associated with increased abundances of hardwood, deciduous species (Betula and Alnus) in the catchment. In addition to providing a high‐resolution record of lake ontogeny for the region, the full Holocene record from this lake adds a new perspective on the spatial extent of regional aridity during the Medieval Warm Period (1.2–0.8 ka).
Patterns of dyspnoea onset in patients with acute heart failure: clinical and prognostic implications
Authors: Sokolska Justyna Maria , Sokolski Mateusz , Zymliński Robert , Biegus Jan , Siwołowski Paweł , Nawrocka‐Millward Sylwia , Jankowska Ewa Anita , Todd John , Banasiak Waldemar , Ponikowski Piotr 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimsDespite attempts to improve the management of patients with acute heart failure (HF), virtually all therapeutic agents investigated in large clinical trials failed to show any consistent reduction in mortality and morbidity. Complexity of the clinical syndrome of acute HF seems to be likely an underlying explanation. Traditionally, clinical trials studied mixed patient populations with acute HF, and only recently, better clinical characterization of patients has been proposed. Dyspnoea is the most common presenting symptom related to hospital admission for acute HF. Whether in patients with acute HF, the pattern of symptoms onset preceding hospital admission is associated with clinical characteristics, and the outcomes have not yet been established.Methods and resultsWe investigated 137 patients (mean age: 65 ± 13 years; 80% men) hospitalized due to acute HF with dyspnoea as major reported symptom, who were divided according to the time of its onset into those with acute (n = 98) vs. subacute (n = 39) onset (i.e. within 7 days vs. >7 days preceding hospital admission, respectively). On admission, the former group presented higher blood pressure (138 ± 33 vs. 121 ± 32 mmHg), more often moderate–severe pulmonary congestion (33 vs. 8%), and lower bilirubin level [1.07 (0.72–1.60) vs. 1.27 (0.87–2.06); P < 0.05 in all comparisons]. There were no other differences in baseline clinical characteristics and laboratory indices. Higher percentage of patients with an acute dyspnoea onset reported marked/moderate dyspnoea relief after 6 (18% vs. 7%), 24 (59% vs. 24%), and 48 h (80% vs. 46% assessed as an improvement of at least 5 points in self‐reported 10‐point Likert scale; P < 0.05 in all time points). In patients with an acute onset of dyspnoea after 48 h, a decrease of N‐terminal pro BNP was more frequently observed (83% vs. 65%), and the levels of endothelin‐1 were more reduced [−1.1 (−2.9–0.03) vs 0.4 (−2.2–1.4); all P < 0.05]. Patients with acute onset experienced less in‐hospital HF worsening (13% vs. 40%, P = 0.001), and 1 year cardiovascular mortality was significantly lower (20% vs. 41%, P = 0.01). On the multivariable analysis, subacute pattern of dyspnoea was independent predictor of 12 month cardiovascular mortality in patients with acute HF after adjusting for other prognostic factors: systolic blood pressure, urea, and HF de novo [hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 2.32 (1.13–4.75), P = 0.02].ConclusionsIn patients with acute HF, the pattern of symptoms onset is associated with baseline differences in clinical characteristics, biomarker profile, response to standard treatment, and the long‐term outcomes. This is relevant information for planning future clinical trials.
STAT6 inhibitory peptide reduces dendritic cell migration to the lymph nodes to control Th2 adaptive immunity in the mouse lung
Authors: Lee Soojin , Shan Jichuan , Aldossary Haya , Gaudreault Véronique , Bazett Mark , Fixman Elizabeth D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractType 2 immunity in the lung is promoted through the release of innate cytokines, including TSLP, from lung structural cells. These cytokines drive Type 2 immunity in part through upregulation of OX40L on dendritic cells (DCs). DCs expressing OX40L are potent inducers of Th2 differentiation. We have shown previously that STAT6 inhibitory peptide (STAT6‐IP), a cell penetrating peptide designed to inhibit the STAT6 transcription factor, reduces the induction of Th2 adaptive immunity in murine models of respiratory syncytial virus infection. Here we show that intranasal administration of STAT6‐IP at the time of antigen priming with ovalbumin (OVA), in conjunction with the Nod2 agonist, MDP, reduced frequencies of CD11b+ lung DCs expressing OX40L. Consistent with these reductions, fewer activated DCs were localized to the lung draining lymph nodes in STAT6‐IP‐treated mice. Upon OVA challenge four weeks later, mice treated with STAT6‐IP at the time of OVA/MDP priming did not develop airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) and had reduced influx of eosinophils into the airways, mucus production, and serum OVA‐specific IgE levels. Our findings provide evidence that the long‐lasting inhibitory effects of STAT6‐IP are due in part to inhibition of DC responses that drive maladaptive Th2 adaptive immunity and allergic airways disease.
Innate and adaptive stimulation of murine diverse NKT cells result in distinct cellular responses
Authors: Tripathi Prabhanshu , Sedimbi Saikiran K. , Singh Avadhesh Kumar , Löfbom Linda , Issazadeh‐Navikas Shohreh , Weiss Siegfried , Förster Irmgard , Karlsson Mikael C. I. , Yrlid Ulf , Kadri Nadir , Cardell Susanna L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractNatural killer T (NKT) cells recognize glycolipids presented on CD1d. They share features of adaptive T lymphocytes and innate NK cells, and mediate immunoregulatory functions via rapid production of cytokines. Invariant (iNKT) and diverse (dNKT) NKT cell subsets are defined by their TCR. The immunological role of dNKT cells, that do not express the invariant TCRα‐chain used by iNKT cells, is less well explored than that of iNKT cells. Here, we investigated signals driving Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligand activation of TCR‐transgenic murine dNKT cells. IFN‐γ production by dNKT cells required dendritic cells (DC), cell‐to‐cell contact and presence of TLR ligands. TLR‐stimulated DC activated dNKT cells to secrete IFN‐γ in a CD1d‐, CD80/86‐ and type I IFN‐independent manner. In contrast, a requirement for IL‐12p40, and a TLR ligand‐selective dependence on IL‐18 or IL‐15 was observed. TLR ligand/DC stimulation provoked early secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by both CD62L+ and CD62L− dNKT cells. However, proliferation was limited. In contrast, TCR/co‐receptor‐mediated activation resulted in proliferation and delayed production of a broader cytokine spectrum preferentially in CD62L− dNKT cells. Thus, innate (TLR ligand/DC) and adaptive (TCR/co‐receptor) stimulation of dNKT cells resulted in distinct cellular responses that may contribute differently to the formation of immune memory.
Effects of astaxanthin on sensory‐motor function in a compression model of spinal cord injury: Involvement ofERKandAKTsignalling pathway
Authors: Fakhri Sajad , Dargahi Leila , Abbaszadeh Fatemeh , Jorjani Masoumeh 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundSpinal cord injury (SCI) causes continuous neurological deficits and major sensory‐motor impairments. There is no effective treatment to enhance sensory‐motor function followingSCI. Thus, it is crucial to develop novel therapeutics for this particular patient population. Astaxanthin (AST) is a strong antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory and anti‐apoptotic agent. In the present study, it was tested in a severe compressionSCImodel with emphasis on sensory‐motor outcomes, signalling pathway, along with other complications.MethodsA severeSCIwas induced by compression of the rat thoracic spinal cord with an aneurysm clip and treatment withASTor the vehicle was carried out, 30 min after injury. Behavioural tests including open field, von Frey, hot plate andBBBwere performed weekly to 28 days post‐injury. Rats were assigned to measure blood glucose, weight and auricle temperature. Western blot and histological analysis also were performed at the same time points.ResultsASTdecreased mechanical and thermal pain and also improved motor function performance, reduced blood glucose and auricle temperature increases and attenuated weight loss inSCIrats. Western blot analysis showed decreased activation ofERK1/2 and increased activation ofAKTfollowingASTtreatment. The histology results revealed thatASTconsiderably preserved myelinated white matter and the number of motor neurons followingSCI.ConclusionTaken together, the beneficial effects ofASTto improve sensory‐motor outcomes, attenuate pathological tissue damage and modulateERKandAKTsignalling pathways followingSCI, suggest it as a strong therapeutic agent towards clinical applications.SignificanceSpinal cord injury (SCI) impairs sensory‐motor function and causes complications, which astaxanthin (AST) has the potential to be used as a treatment for. The present study investigates the effects ofASTin a compression model ofSCIwith emphasis on sensory‐motor outcomes alongside other complications, histopathological damage and also related signalling pathways.
Morphology and dynamics of the intertidal floodplain along the Amazon tidal river
Authors: Fricke Aaron T. , Nittrouer Charles A. , Ogston Andrea S. , Nowacki Daniel J. , Asp Nils E. , Souza Filho Pedro W. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDepositional environments along the tidal river downstream of Óbidos have been proposed as important sinks for up to one third of the sediment discharge from the Amazon River. However, the morphology of the intertidal floodplain and the dynamics of sediment exchange along this reach have yet to be described. River‐bank surveys in five regions along the Amazon tidal river reveal a distinct transition in bank morphology between the upper, central and lower reaches of the tidal river. The upper tidal‐river floodplain is defined by prominent natural levees that control the transfer of water and sediment between the mainstem Amazon River and its floodplain. Greater tidal influence in the central tidal river suppresses levee development, and tidal currents increase sediment transport into the distal parts of the floodplain. In the lower tidal river, the floodplain morphology closely resembles marine intertidal environments (e.g. mud flats, salt marshes), with dendritic tidal channels incising elevated vegetated flats. Theory, morphology and geochronology suggest that the dynamics of sediment delivery to the intertidal floodplain of the Amazon tidal river vary along its length due to the relative influence and coupling of fluvial and tidal dynamics. ©  2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formation of the oxidized flavor compounds at different heat treatment and changes in the oxidation stability of milk
Authors: Li Yan H. , Wang Wei J. , Zhang Fan , Shao Zhi Peng , Guo Liang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe oxidized flavor could affect the sensory acceptability of consumers. In this study, the oxidized flavor compound (OFC) in different heated milk was analyzed using the solid phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME–GC–MS). The concentration of OFC increased with increasing the intensity of heat treatment. The concentrations of heptanal, nonanal, 2‐heptanone, and 2‐nonanone in the heated milk samples were in the range of 1.88–5.51, 1.03–3.26, 6.89–88.04, and 1.46–12.78 μg/kg, respectively. The correlation coefficients between the OFC and the heat intensity were above 0.86. It was found that the intensity of heat treatment (below 80°C for 10 min) could not cause the significant changes in the distribution of fat globules. The contents of partial proteins in milk fat globule membrane gradually destructed with increasing the intensity of heat treatment. The DPPH˙ scavenging activity reduced by 23.15%, and the peroxide value (POV) increased by 37.23% as raw milk was heated at 90°C for 20 min. Values of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) had a tendency to increase as the heated time was operated for 20 min (p < 0.05). It indicated the heat treatment could change the oxidative environment of milk and influence the distribution of milk fat and the formation of oxidized flavor compounds.
A scoping review of empirical evidence on the impacts of the DRG introduction in Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Koné Insa , Maria Zimmermann Bettina , Nordström Karin , Simone Elger Bernice , Wangmo Tenzin 
Published: November 2018

SummaryContextGermany and Switzerland have introduced diagnosis‐related groups (DRGs) for hospital reimbursement. This scoping review aims to evaluate if empirical evidence exists on the effect of the DRG introduction.MethodsMedline via PubMed, Embase (Elsevier), CINAHL, PsychINFO, and Psyndex were systematically screened for studies from 2003 onwards using keywords—DRG, prospective payment system, and lump sum—in English, German, and French. Abstracts were screened for alignment with our inclusion criteria and classified as editorial/commentary, review, or empirical study. The full‐text extraction included data on country, study design, collected data, study population, specialty, comparison group, and outcome measures.ResultsOur literature search yielded 1944 references, of which 1405 references were included in the abstract screening after removal of duplicates. 135 articles were relevant to DRG, including 94 editorials/comments/reviews and 41 empirical articles from 36 different samples. The most frequently used outcome parameters were length of stay (12), reimbursement/cost (9), and case numbers (9).ConclusionsOnly a minority of identified articles (30.4%; 41 of 135) presented empirical data. This indicates that discussion on the topic is not totally evidence‐based. The only common trend was a decrease in length of stay.
Prohedonic properties of gamma‐hydroxybutyrate are associated with changes in limbic resting‐state functional connectivity
Authors: Bosch Oliver G. , Esposito Fabrizio , Dornbierer Dario , von Rotz Robin , Kraehenmann Rainer , Staempfli Philipp , Quednow Boris B. , Seifritz Erich 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveGamma‐hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is an endogenous GHB‐/GABA‐B receptor agonist and a narcolepsy treatment. However, GHB is also abused for its prohedonic effects. On a neuronal level, it was shown that GHB increases regional cerebral blood flow in limbic areas such as the right anterior insula (rAI) and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). We aimed to further explore the association between the subjective and neuronal signatures of GHB.MethodWe assessed subjective effects and resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) of an rAI‐ and an ACC‐seed in 19 healthy male subjects after GHB (35 mg/kg p.o.) using a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over functional magnet resonance imaging design.ResultsGHB increased subjective ratings for euphoria (p < 0.001) and sexual arousal (p < 0.01). Moreover, GHB increased rAI‐rsFC to the right thalamus and the superior frontal gyrus and decreased ACC‐rsFC to the bilateral paracentral lobule (all p < 0.05, cluster corrected). Moreover, GHB‐induced euphoria was associated with rAI‐rsFC to the superior frontal gyrus (p < 0.05, uncorrected).ConclusionsGHB induces prohedonic effects such as euphoria and sexual arousal and in parallel modulates limbic rsFC with areas linked to regulation of mood, cognitive control, and sexual experience. These results further elucidate the drug's effects in neuropsychiatric disorders and as drug of abuse.
Paracoccus denitrificans Oxidative Phosphorylation: Retentions, Gains, Losses, and Lessons En Route to Mitochondria
Authors: Ferguson Stuart J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThere are many similarities between the oxidative phosphorylation apparatus of mitochondria and those found in the cytoplasmic membranes of alpha‐proteobacteria, exemplified by Paracocus denitrificans. These similarities are reviewed here alongside consideration of the differences between mitochondrial and bacterial counterparts, as well as the loss from the modern mitochondria of many of the bacterial respiratory proteins. The assembly of c‐type cytochromes is of particular evolutionary interest as the post‐translational apparatus used in the alpha‐proteobacteria is found in plants, and for example in eukyarotic species including algae of various kinds together with jakobids, but has been superseded by different systems in mitochondria of metazoans and trypanosomatids. All mitochondrial cytochromes c have the N‐terminal sequence feature that is recognised by the metazoan system whereas the bacterial counterparts do not, suggesting that the loss of the bacterial system from eukaryotes occurred in the context of an already present recognition sequence in the eukaryotic cytochromes. Interestingly, in the case of cytochromes c1 the putative recognition features for the metazoans appear to be substantially present in the bacterial proteins. The ability to prepare from P. denitrificans inverted membrane vesicles with classic respiratory control presents a valuable system from which to draw lessons concerning the long debated topic of what controls the rates of respiration and ATP synthesis in mitochondria. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 70(12):1214–1221, 2018
Poor Vitamin K Status Is Associated With Low Bone Mineral Density and Increased Fracture Risk in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Evenepoel Pieter , Claes Kathleen , Meijers Bjorn , Laurent Michaël , Bammens Bert , Naesens Maarten , Sprangers Ben , Pottel Hans , Cavalier Etienne , Kuypers Dirk 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACT

Chronic kidney disease and osteoporosis are major public health problems associated with an aging population. Vitamin K insufficiency is prevalent among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Preliminary data indicate that poor vitamin K status may compromise bone health and that increased inflammation may be in the causal pathway. We performed an ancillary analysis of data collected in the frame of prospective observational cohort studies exploring various aspects of bone health in de novo renal transplant recipients to investigate the association between vitamin K status, inflammation, bone mineral density, and incident clinical fractures. Parameters of mineral metabolism (including biointact PTH and FGF23, sclerostin, calcidiol, calcitriol) and inflammation (CRP and IL-6), osteoprotegerin, bone turnover markers (P1NP, BsAP, and TRAP5B), and dephosphorylated-uncarboxylated Matrix Gla Protein (dp-ucMGP) were assessed on blood samples collected immediately prior to kidney transplantation in 468 patients. Areal bone mineral density (aBMD) was measured at the lumbar spine and femoral neck by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry within 14 days posttransplant. Poor vitamin K status, defined by dp-ucMGP &gt;500 nmol/L, was highly prevalent (90%). High dp-ucMGP levels independently associated with elevated inflammatory markers and low aBMD. No associations were observed between vitamin K status and bone turnover markers. During a median follow-up of 5.1 years, 33 patients sustained a fragility fracture. In Cox-proportional hazards analysis, a dp-ucMGP above median associated with incident fractures, independent of classical determinants, including age, gender, history of fracture, and aBMD (HR 2.21; 95% CI, 1.00 to 4.91; p &lt; 0.05). In conclusion, poor vitamin K status associates with inflammation and low aBMD in patients with ESRD and confers an increased risk of incident fractures in de novo renal transplant recipients. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.