bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global species richness of hydrobiid snails determined by climate and evolutionary history
Authors: Miller Jonathan P. , Ramos Marian A. , Hauffe Torsten , Delicado Diana 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Efforts to describe spatial patterns of freshwater diversity and to evaluate their underlying factors have traditionally been focused on some animal groups (e.g. amphibians, fish or dragonflies). Despite being a dominant component in continental aquatic ecosystems and crucial for determining priority areas for conservation, broad‐scale data on gastropod total species, endemic and threatened species richness are limited. Based on these biodiversity indices, we identify global hotspots, extinction risk along the elevational gradient and the drivers of species richness patterns in the largest group of freshwater gastropods, the family Hydrobiidae.

Given the strong dependency to a nonmarine aquatic environment, the observed richness patterns of extant hydrobiid species could be significantly influenced by large‐scale geography and dispersal processes as well as climatic conditions affecting continental ecosystems. Therefore, we tested several predictions for species richness derived from ecological and evolutionary hypotheses postulated for other freshwater groups.

Based on a comprehensive literature and biodiversity database review, we compiled the number of total, endemic and threatened species per freshwater ecoregion. We classified ecoregions as hotspots if each biodiversity index was in the top 25% of its range and assessed the effect of 13 environmental and evolutionary factors on species richness using generalised linear models.

We identified 906 species and 157 genera of Hydrobiidae showing mainly a Nearctic–Palearctic distribution and 19 biodiversity hotspots, most located across the Mediterranean Basin. In our data set, 83% of the species were endemic to a single ecoregion. Of the 43% non‐data deficient species, we found almost three times more threatened than non‐threatened species, and extinction risk peaked at 1,500 m a.s.l. Species richness was unequally distributed over biogeographic realms, increased with higher connectivity among ecoregions, and was negatively related with annual temperature range. Latitude and precipitation seasonality explained part of the richness variation by a nonlinear relationship.

The identified hotspots correspond with those of other freshwater taxa. The hump‐shaped relationship of extinction risk with elevation is likely the consequence of decreasing natural and anthropogenic perturbations at higher elevations. Global hotspots of Hydrobiidae richness represent areas of climatic stability with medium precipitation and temperature seasonality that are well connected with other hydrological basins. Our results illustrate that both evolutionary and environmental factors determine these global patterns and that future changes of the latter factors may affect hydrobiid richness.
Consumer‐resource stoichiometry as a predictor of trophic discrimination (Δ13C, Δ15N) in aquatic invertebrates
Authors: Brauns Mario , Boëchat Iola G. , de Carvalho Ana Paula C. , Graeber Daniel , Gücker Björn , Mehner Thomas , von Schiller Daniel 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Trophic interactions are important pathways of energy and matter fluxes in food webs and are commonly quantified using stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N). An important prerequisite for this approach is knowledge on the isotopic difference between consumer and resource (trophic discrimination, Δ13C and Δ15N). The range and mechanism causing variation of trophic discrimination factors remain unclear.

We conducted a controlled feeding experiment with 13 freshwater benthic invertebrate taxa fed with six resources to test if the C:N, C:P and N:P ratios of consumer, resources and consumer‐resource imbalances are significant predictors of Δ13C and Δ15N. We compiled the available literature on discrimination factors for aquatic invertebrates from controlled feeding experiments and field studies to compare the variation in trophic discrimination.

Molar C:N and C:P ratios of resources as well as consumer‐resource imbalances of C:N were significantly related to Δ13C and explained more than 40% of variation of Δ13C, respectively. Resource %N was unrelated to Δ15N, but consumer N:P explained 20% of variation of Δ15N.

Our data taken together with the literature compilation provide a mean Δ13C of 0.1‰ (SD = 2.2, N = 157) and a mean Δ15N of 2.6‰ (SD = 2.0, N = 155) for aquatic invertebrates to be used in mixing model analysis for estimating dietary proportions.

Our study bridges the currently separated disciplines of stable isotope discrimination and ecological stoichiometry and shows that resource C:N:P and consumer‐resource imbalances are powerful predictors of invertebrate trophic discrimination. Including these stoichiometric predictors into stable isotope mixing models may improve the estimates of the contribution of organic matter sources to the diet of invertebrate consumers. The overall discrimination factors for aquatic invertebrates derived from this study may help to produce precise estimates in trophic ecology if taxon‐specific discrimination factors are unavailable.
Amphibian‐mediated nutrient fluxes across aquatic–terrestrial boundaries of temporary wetlands
Authors: Fritz Kelley A. , Whiles Matt R. 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Resource subsidies of energy and nutrients can be transported via physical forces, such as gravity, wind or water and biotic processes, such as animal migration or emigration. Migratory transport of nutrient subsidies may be associated with reproductive processes, such as the deposition of eggs or emigration of juveniles to adult habitats.

We quantified net nutrient fluxes associated with amphibian migrations across aquatic–terrestrial boundaries of eight temporary ponds in Illinois, USA. We measured carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) subsidies from terrestrial environments to ponds, in the form of eggs, and the reciprocal subsidies from ponds to terrestrial environments via juvenile emigration.

Juvenile emergence biomass did not follow patterns of egg biomass, as not all species bred successfully in each pond, resulting in variability in the magnitude of nutrient fluxes both across ponds and species.

The terrestrial environment was not always the recipient system of net nutrient fluxes. Hydroperiod, trophic interactions and species composition explained some dynamics of N and P subsidies.

Anthropogenic alterations that affect amphibian communities, such as habitat fragmentation and conversion for agriculture and urbanisation, could have large‐scale impacts on nutrient fluxes and connectivity of temporary pond–forest systems.
Reproductive performance and diving behaviour share a common sea‐ice concentration optimum in Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae)
Authors: Le Guen Camille , Kato Akiko , Raymond Ben , Barbraud Christophe , Beaulieu Michaël , Bost Charles‐André , Delord Karine , MacIntosh Andrew J. J. , Meyer Xavier , Raclot Thierry , Sumner Michael , Takahashi Akinori , Thiebot Jean‐Baptiste , Ropert‐Coudert Yan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe Southern Ocean is currently experiencing major environmental changes, including in sea‐ice cover. Such changes strongly influence ecosystem structure and functioning and affect the survival and reproduction of predators such as seabirds. These effects are likely mediated by reduced availability of food resources. As such, seabirds are reliable eco‐indicators of environmental conditions in the Antarctic region. Here, based on 9 years of sea‐ice data, we found that the breeding success of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) reaches a peak at intermediate sea‐ice cover (ca. 20%). We further examined the effects of sea‐ice conditions on the foraging activity of penguins, measured at multiple scales from individual dives to foraging trips. Analysis of temporal organisation of dives, including fractal and bout analyses, revealed an increasingly consistent behaviour during years with extensive sea‐ice cover. The relationship between several dive parameters and sea‐ice cover in the foraging area appears to be quadratic. In years of low and high sea‐ice cover, individuals adjusted their diving effort by generally diving deeper, more frequently and by resting at the surface between dives for shorter periods of time than in years with intermediate sea‐ice cover. Our study therefore suggests that sea‐ice cover is likely to affect the reproductive performance of Adélie penguins through its effects on foraging behaviour, as breeding success and most diving parameters share a common optimum. Some years, however, deviated from this general trend, suggesting that other factors (e.g. precipitation during the breeding season) might sometimes become preponderant over the sea‐ice effects on breeding and foraging performance. Our study highlights the value of monitoring fitness parameters and individual behaviour concomitantly over the long‐term to better characterize optimal environmental conditions and potential resilience of wildlife. Such an approach is crucial if we want to anticipate the effects of environmental change on Antarctic penguin populations.
Hydrological response of biological soil crusts to global warming: A ten‐year simulative study
Authors: Li Xin‐Rong , Jia Rong‐Liang , Zhang Zhi‐Shan , Zhang Peng , Hui Rong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBiological soil crusts across the desert regions play a key role in regional ecological security and ecological health. They are vital biotic components of desert ecosystems that maintain soil stability, fix carbon and nitrogen, influence the establishment of vascular plants, and serve as habitats for a large number of arthropods and microorganisms, as well as influencing soil hydrological processes. Changes in temperature and precipitation are expected to influence the functioning of desert ecosystems by altering biotic components such as the species composition of biological soil crusts. However, it remains unclear how these important components will respond to the prolonged warming and reduced precipitation that is predicted to occur with climate change. To evaluate how the hydrological properties of these biological soil crusts respond to these alterations, we used open‐top chambers over a 10‐year period to simulate warming and reduced precipitation. Infiltration, dew entrapment, and evaporation were measured as surrogates of the hydrological functioning of biological soil crusts. It was found that the ongoing warming coupled with reduced precipitation will more strongly affect moss in crustal communities than lichens and cyanobacteria, which will lead to a direct alteration of the hydrological performance of biological soil crusts. Reductions in moss abundance, surface cover, and biomass resulted in a change in structure and function of crustal communities, decreased dew entrapment, and increased infiltration and evaporation of biological soil crusts in desert ecosystems, which further impacted on the desert soil water balance.
Salivary hypofunction: An update on therapeutic strategies
Authors: Salum Fernanda G. , Medella‐Junior Francisco de Assis Carvalho , Figueiredo Maria A. Zancanaro , Cherubini Karen 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo perform a literature review addressing the therapeutic strategies for salivary hypofunction.BackgroundQualitative and quantitative salivary dysfunctions predispose to changes in the oral mucosa and teeth, cause impairment to oral functions and negative impact on quality of life.Materials and methodsA MEDLINE/PubMed search was conducted using the terms “Xerostomia” AND, “Saliva Artificial” OR, “Citric Acid,” “Malic Acid,” “Chewing Gum,” “Acupuncture” OR, “Pilocarpine” OR, “Bethanechol” OR, “Cevimeline” OR, “Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy” OR, “Stem Cell Therapy” OR “Genetic Therapy” and their Mesh Terms.ResultsWe selected 25 clinical trials investigating the effects of salivary substitutes, chewing gum, malic and citric acids, pilocarpine, cevimeline, bethanechol, acupuncture, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and regenerative therapies on salivary hypofunction. In most studies, the number of participants was low and the follow‐up times short. The therapeutic modalities were classified according to the level of evidence on salivary dysfunction.ConclusionsPilocarpine and cevimeline had the strongest evidence of beneficial effect on salivary hypofunction. Citric and malic acids increase salivary flow but also increase the risk of erosion and dental caries. There are no controlled clinical trials supporting the efficacy of acupuncture, stem cell therapy and gene therapy on salivary dysfunction, although clinical observations suggest a promising effect. There is no evidence supporting salivary substitutes, chewing gum, bethanechol or hyperbaric oxygen on the treatment of salivary hypofunction.
Phenotypic and functional characterization of tumor‐derived endothelial cells isolated from primary human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Yang Liping , Chen Xudong , Qian Hongyan , Zhang Suqing , Chen Yali , Luo Runhua , Shao Jingjing , Liu Huanliang , Chen Jianguo 
Published: June 2018

AimsTumor endothelial cells (TECs) have been investigated using human tumor xenografts in mice models. In order to provide pure human TECs for the updating of clinical anti‐angiogenic cancer therapy, in the present study we established a protocol of purification of TECs derived from clinical hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and revealed the TEC features by in vitro and in vivo assays.MethodsWe isolated TECs from fresh surgical resections of HCC by magnetic‐activated cell sorting and purified by flow cytometry sorting upon CD31 expression, referred to as ECDHCCs. Next, we identified cultured ECDHCCs by morphology, phenotype, genotype, and functional assays.ResultsThe ECDHCCs appeared as Weibel–Palade bodies under electron microscopy. They expressed endothelial markers, such as CD31, CD105, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, and expressed the genes that are associated with pro‐angiogenesis, especially vascular endothelial growth factor, epiregulin, and programmed cell death 10. Functionally, ECDHCCs were capable of tube formation, wound healing, and Transwell migration in vitro. These in vitro behaviors were validated by in vivo Matrigel plug assay in mice. Finally, comparison of ECDHCC with the Hep‐G2 liver cancer cell line showed there was no similarity of phenotype or function between these two types of cells.ConclusionsTumor endothelial cells derived from human HCC can be isolated and purified from clinical samples by flow cytometer. They have the endothelial phenotype and morphologic features and are capable of tube formation and migration. This study provides a useful model for researchers to study tumor angiogenesis and screening of candidate targets.
Level of interobserver variability estimation as a valuable tool: assessment of tumour budding in colon cancer
Authors: Martin Benedikt , Schäfer Eva , Jakubowicz Elzbieta , Mayr Patrick , Ihringer Regina , Anthuber Matthias , Schenkirsch Gerhard , Schaller Tina , Märkl Bruno 
Published: June 2018

AimsTumour budding is considered to be a good marker for progression and prognosis in colorectal carcinomas. A uniform classification system has been established recently. The natural element of uncertainty in the practice of human medicine is also exhibited in the assessment of tumour budding. We tested the hypothesis that interobserver variability can be estimated during the assessment process and investigated its potential clinical implication.Methods and resultsSix investigators with different levels of experience could perceive different levels of difficulty (LOD) and estimated different levels of interobserver variability (LOIV) (Li1, lower than average; Li2, average; Li3, higher than average) during the assessment of tumour budding in 244 cases of colon cancer (pT3/4). In total, the LOIV showed following distribution: Li1: 36.1%, Li2: 43.9% and Li3: 20.0%. The LOIV was correlated significantly with the LOD given by the investigator. In total, the agreement rates with the final consensus classification were: Li1: 93.4%, Li2: 78.5% and Li3: 58.4%. The relative risk of disagreement with the final consensus classification was more than six times higher when a case was estimated to have a high rather than a low interobserver variability.ConclusionOur data show that the investigator can estimate the interobserver variability during the ongoing rating process in pT3/4 colon cancer. The LOIV/LOD seems to be a valuable parameter of the assessment quality. For Li3 cases further measures seem mandatory.
Assessment of patient understanding of their medicines: interviews with community dwelling older Australians
Authors: Corre Lauren J , Hotham Elizabeth , Tsimbinos Jacquie , Todd Ian , Scarlett Greg , Suppiah Vijayaprakash 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Objective
To identify patterns of medication load, client’s care team, coordination of healthcare and clients’ understanding of their medications.

Methods
Face-to-face interviews were conducted with community-dwelling older Australians between June and August 2017 in three community pharmacies in Adelaide, South Australia.

Key findings
Forty interviews were conducted. On average, participants were taking 7.53 medicines with 77.5% using five or more regularly. Lack of collaboration between healthcare professionals, need for increased communication between prescribers and increased patient education on medicines, were highlighted. This study demonstrates that polypharmacy and inappropriate prescribing are occurring within the community pharmacy setting, but shows insight into how these concerns can be overcome, by implementing pharmacist-led services such as non-dispensing pharmacists in community pharmacies.

Conclusion
Careful consideration when prescribing and effective communication are required to minimise risks associated with polypharmacy in this population.
In situ Y2Si2O7 coatings on SiC fibers: Thermodynamic analysis and processing
Authors: Mogilevsky Pavel , Boakye Emmanuel E. , Key Thomas S. , Parthasarathy Triplicane A. , Hay Randall S. , Cinibulk Michael K. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractIt is shown using thermodynamic analysis and kinetic modeling that a processing window exists for the formation of Y2Si2O7 coatings on SiC. The proposed method is validated using an experimental procedure in which the in situ formation of Y2Si2O7 on a commercial SiC‐based fiber is demonstrated. The method involves the deposition of YPO4 on preoxidized fine diameter SiC‐based fibers, and heat treating the coated fibers within a calculated processing window of oxygen partial pressure, temperature, degree of preoxidation, and coating thickness. The results are promising for the development of environmentally resistant interfacial coatings for SiC‐fiber reinforced SiC‐based matrix composites. The proposed and validated approach allows a low‐cost method to obtain continuous hermetic coatings on SiC fibers with interfacial properties adequate for tough composite behavior that resists degradation under turbine engine conditions.
Lipopolysaccharide enhances ADAR2 which drives Hirschsprung's disease by impairing miR‐142‐3p biogenesis
Authors: Peng Lei , Zhang Hua , Su Yang , Shen Qiyang , Du Chunxia , Xie Hua , Li Hongxing , Yan Jin , Shen Ziyang , Jiang Weiwei , Xia Yankai , Xu Xiaoqun , Tang Weibing 
Published: June 2018

AbstractResearches over the past decade suggest that lipopolysaccharide is a dominant driver of gastrointestinal motility and could damage the enteric neuron of rat or porcine. However, it remains poorly defined whether LPS participates in Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR). Here, we discovered that LPS increased in HSCR tissues. Furthermore, LPS treatment suppressed the proliferation and differentiation of neural precursor cells (NPCs) or proliferation and migration of human 293T cells. ADAR2 (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA2)‐mediated post‐transcriptional adenosine‐to‐inosine RNA editing promotes cancer progression. We show that increased LPS activates ADAR2 and subsequently regulates the A‐to‐I RNA editing which suppresses the miR‐142 expression. RNA sequencing combined with qRT‐PCR suggested that ADAR2 restrain cell migration and proliferation via pri‐miR‐142 editing and STAU1 up‐regulation. In conclusion, the findings illustrate that LPS participates in HSCR through the LPS‐ADAR2‐miR‐142‐STAU1 axis.
The regulatory role of microRNAs in angiogenesis‐related diseases
Authors: Sun Li‐Li , Li Wen‐Dong , Lei Feng‐Rui , Li Xiao‐Qiang 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non‐coding RNAs that regulate gene expression at a post‐transcriptional level via either the degradation or translational repression of a target mRNA. They play an irreplaceable role in angiogenesis by regulating the proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration and tube formation of angiogenesis‐related cells, which are indispensable for multitudinous physiological and pathological processes, especially for the occurrence and development of vascular diseases. Imbalance between the regulation of miRNAs and angiogenesis may cause many diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, aneurysm, Kawasaki disease, aortic dissection, phlebothrombosis and diabetic microvascular complication. Therefore, it is important to explore the essential role of miRNAs in angiogenesis, which might help to uncover new and effective therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases. This review focuses on the interactions between miRNAs and angiogenesis, and miRNA‐based biomarkers in the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of angiogenesis‐related diseases, providing an update on the understanding of the clinical value of miRNAs in targeting angiogenesis.
Comparative evaluation of maximum parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic reconstruction using empirical morphological data
Authors: Schrago Carlos G. , Aguiar Barbara O. , Mello Beatriz 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe use of discrete morphological data in Bayesian phylogenetics has increased significantly over the last years with the proposal of total evidence analysis and the treatment of fossils as terminal taxa in Bayesian molecular dating. Both approaches rely on the assumption that probabilistic Markov models reasonably accommodate all the complexity of morphological evolution of discrete traits. The performance of such morphological models used in Bayesian phylogenetics has been thoroughly investigated, but conclusions so far were based mostly on simulated data. In this study, we have surveyed MorphoBank and obtained a large number of morphological matrices to evaluate Bayesian phylogenetic inference (BI) under Lewis’ Mk model in comparison with the maximum parsimony (MP) algorithm. We found that trees estimated by both methods frequently differed and that BI generated a larger amount of polytomic tree topologies. The number of trees contained in the 95% Bayesian credibility interval was significantly greater than the number of equally parsimonious trees. We also investigated which factors mostly influenced the topological difference between maximum parsimony and Bayesian tree topologies and found that the number of terminals in morphological matrices was the variable with the highest association with the topological distance between trees inferred by BI and MP. Surprisingly, we show that differences between both approaches were not influenced by increasing sample size. Our results, which were based on a large set of empirical matrices, corroborate recent findings that BI is less precise than MP.