bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Apoptotic bodies from endplate chondrocytes enhance the oxidative stress‐induced mineralization by regulating PPi metabolism
Authors: Yuan Feng‐Lai , Xu Rui‐Sheng , Ye Jun‐Xing , Zhao Ming‐Dong , Ren Li‐Jun , Li Xia 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the role of apoptotic bodies (Abs) from the oxidative stressed endplate chondrocytes in regulating mineralization and potential mechanisms. Endplate chondrocytes were isolated from rats and treated with H2O2 to induce oxidative stress. The calcium deposition for matrix mineralization in the cells was examined by histological staining. The expression levels of calcification‐related genes in individual groups of cells were determined by quantitative real time‐PCR (qRT‐PCR). Subsequently, extracellular vesicles (EVs) were purified and characterized. The effect of treatment with H2O2 and/or Abs on the mineralization, extracellular PPi metabolism and related gene expression were determined. Oxidative stress significantly increased the mineralization and promoted the generation of main Abs from endplate chondrocytes. Abs were effectively endocytosed by endplate chondrocytes and co‐localized with collagen (COL)‐II in the cytoplasm, which enhanced the mineralization, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN), Runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and COL‐I expression in endplate chondrocytes. Furthermore, treatment either H2O2 or Abs significantly decreased PPi, but increased Pi production and treatment with both further enhancing the changes in endplate chondrocytes. Similarly, treatment either H2O2 or Abs significantly decreased the ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1), and ankylosis protein (ANK) expression and ENPP1 promoter activity, but increased the tissue‐nonspecific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) expression and TNAP promoter activity in endplate chondrocytes. Oxidative stress promoted the generation of Abs, which might enhance the oxidative stress‐mediated mineralization in endplate chondrocytes by regulating the PPi metabolism.
Evolution and duration of nodules in severe nodular acne on the back: results from a four‐week non‐interventional, prospective study
Authors: Khammari A. , Blanchet‐Réthoré S. , Bourdès V. , Marty C. , Piketty C. , Dréno B. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBackgroundSevere nodular acne is characterized by inflammatory nodules and scarring. Their natural evolution and duration are insufficiently investigated.AimTo investigate the evolution and duration of untreated acne nodules.MethodologyFour‐week, single‐centre, non‐interventional, prospective study in subjects with severe nodular acne on the back. Nodule evolution and duration was assessed using standardized photographs taken twice weekly.ResultsData from 23 subjects were evaluable. Mean age was 25.1 ± 4.9 years, 87% were males, and mean acne duration was 9.7 ± 6.7 years. At baseline, the overall total nodule count was 132 (mean number: 5.7 ± 3.0 nodules/subject). Among others, the following two main pathways were observed: nodules evolving directly into atrophic scars (31.8%) and nodules evolving towards papules into atrophic scars (37.9%). After 4 weeks, 77.3% of baseline nodules had evolved into atrophic scars. After baseline visit, a total of 247 new nodules (3.1 ± 2.2 nodules/week/subject) with a mean duration of 4.9 ± 2.6 days were observed. The mean duration of new nodules was significantly longer in subjects (n = 16) with ≥6 new nodules compared to subjects (n = 7) with <6 new nodules (5.2 ± 1.4 vs. 3.6 ± 0.8 days; P = 0.008)). There was no correlation between the number of new nodules and acne duration or with the number of baseline nodules.ConclusionThis study documents the natural nodule evolution and duration over 4 weeks and showed in 23 patients the scarring potential of untreated severe nodular acne of the back.
How clonal are clones? A quest for loss of heterozygosity during asexual reproduction in Daphnia magna
Authors: Dukić Marinela , Berner Daniel , Haag Christoph R. , Ebert Dieter 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDue to the lack of recombination, asexual organisms are predicted to accumulate mutations and show high levels of within‐individual allelic divergence (heterozygosity); however, empirical evidence for this prediction is largely missing. Instead, evidence of genome homogenization during asexual reproduction is accumulating. Ameiotic crossover recombination is a mechanism that could lead to long genomic stretches of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and unmasking of mutations that have little or no effect in heterozygous state. Therefore, LOH might be an important force for inducing variation among asexual offspring and may contribute to the limited longevity of asexual lineages. To investigate the genetic consequences of asexuality, here we used high‐throughput sequencing of Daphnia magna for assessing the rate of LOH over a single generation of asexual reproduction. Comparing parthenogenetic daughters with their mothers at several thousand genetic markers generated by restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing resulted in high LOH rate estimation that largely overlapped with our estimates for the error rate. To distinguish these two, we Sanger re‐sequenced the top 17 candidate RAD‐loci for LOH, and all of them proved to be false positives. Hence, even though we cannot exclude the possibility that short stretches of LOH occur in genomic regions not covered by our markers, we conclude that LOH does not occur frequently during asexual reproduction in D. magna and ameiotic crossovers are very rare or absent. This finding suggests that clonal lineages of D. magna will remain genetically homogeneous at least over time periods typically relevant for experimental work.
Development of an application to support in‐service training of anesthesiologists on preoperative evaluation in a public hospital in Brazil
Authors: Pereira Ricardo Victor Soares , Kubrusly Marcos , Nogueira Ingrid Correia , Gondim Victor José Timbó , Marçal Edgar 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThis study investigated the process of construction, use, and field evaluation of a mobile application for teaching in the anesthesiology area.MethodThe application was built by using the Co‐Design Methodology, which consists of five phases (scoping, shared understanding, brainstorming, refinement and implementation). A one‐week case study was carried out in a hospital involving 20 participants (medical students and residents).ResultsThe results of the test indicated that the developed application presented a high level of usability.ConclusionsThe students considered it to be a useful tool for training and systematizing the preoperative evaluation.
Acceptability and perceptibility thresholds in dentistry: A comprehensive review of clinical and research applications
Authors: Paravina Rade D. , Pérez Maria M. , Ghinea Razvan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to provide a literature review on perceptibility and acceptability thresholds in dentistry and corresponding recommendations.OverviewA literature review on visual thresholds included findings on the judgments of the color and appearance of tooth‐, gingiva‐ and skin‐colored restorative dental materials. Discrepancies in study design contributed to inconsistencies in the research findings of some studies. These differences are related to (a) number of observers and inclusion criteria, (b) specimen number and size, (c) color measurement instrument and the setup and formulas used, (d) psychophysical experiment, (e) data processing (fitting method), and (f) % perceptibility or % acceptability values. A straightforward, consistent and practical model for the clinical and research application and interpretation of visual thresholds and recommended protocols for threshold research were provided.ConclusionsVisual thresholds are of paramount importance as a quality control tool and guide the evaluation and selection of dental materials and their clinical performance. Although clinical shade matching conditions and method are rarely controlled, research on visual thresholds, especially when aiming to set standards for the profession, must be carefully planned and executed.Clinical SignificancePerceptibility and acceptability thresholds define visual match or mismatch of color, translucency, and whiteness in dentistry. Clinical and research findings cannot be fully interpreted in terms of real‐life relevance without comparison with perceptibility and acceptability tolerances.
An outbreak of acute disease and mortality in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) post‐smolts in Norway caused by Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi
Authors: Klakegg Øystein , Abayneh Takele , Fauske Aud Kari , Fülberth Michael , Sørum Henning 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAn outbreak of disease characterized by skin ulcers, fin rot and mortality was observed a few days after the transfer of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from a freshwater smolt production facility to a land‐based seawater post‐smolt site. Dead and moribund fish had severe skin and muscle ulcers, often 2–6 cm wide, particularly caudal to the pectoral fins. Microscopic examination of smears from ulcers and head kidney identified long, slender Gram‐negative rods. Histopathological analysis revealed abundance of long, slender Tenacibaculum‐like bacteria in ulcers and affected fins. Genetic characterization using multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) of seven housekeeping genes, including atpA, dnaK, glyA, gyrB, infB, rlmN and tgt, revealed that the isolates obtained during the outbreak were all clustered with the Tenacibaculum dicentrarchi‐type strain (USC39/09T) from Spain. Two bath challenge experiments with Atlantic salmon and an isolate of T. dicentrarchi from the outbreak were performed. No disease or mortality was observed in the first trial. In the second trial with a higher challenge dose of T. dicentrarchi and longer challenge time, we got 100% mortality within 48 hr. This is the first reported outbreak of disease caused by T. dicentrarchi in Norwegian farmed Atlantic salmon.
Kisspeptin and RFRP3 modulate body mass in Phodopus sungorus via two different neuroendocrine pathways
Authors: Cázarez‐Márquez Fernando , Milesi Sebastien , Laran‐Chich Marie‐Pierre , Klosen Paul , Kalsbeek Andries , Simonneaux Valérie 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMany animals exhibit remarkable metabolic and reproductive adaptations to seasonal changes in their environment. When day length shortens, Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) reduce their body weight and inhibit their reproductive activity, whereas the opposite occurs in springtime. These physiological adaptations are considered to depend on photoperiodic changes in hypothalamic genes encoding the peptides kisspeptin (Kp) and RFamide‐related peptide 3 (RFRP3) for the control of reproduction, as well as pro‐opiomelanocortin and somatostatin for metabolic regulation. The present study investigates the effect of Kp and RFRP3 on long‐term body weight regulation, aiming to establish whether metabolic and reproductive hypothalamic networks may interact during adaptation to seasonal physiology. We found that chronic central administration of both Kp and RFRP3 in short photoperiod‐adapted male Djungarian hamsters increased body weight, although via different pathways. The effect of Kp was dependent on testicular activity because castration prevented the body weight increase and was associated with an increase in pro‐opiomelanocortin and neuropeptide Y expression. On the other hand, the orexigenic effect of RFRP3 was associated with an increase in circulating insulin and leptin levels, although it had no effect on any of the hypothalamic metabolic genes investigated, and did not change circulating levels of sex steroids. Notably, neither Kp, nor RFRP3 altered female hamster metabolic parameters. Thus, using a rodent model exhibiting seasonal changes in reproduction and metabolism, the present study demonstrates that, in addition to its role in the central control of reproduction, Kp also participates in body weight control in a sex‐dependent manner via an anabolic action of testosterone. Conversely, RFRP3 affects body weight control in males mostly by acting on adiposity, with no overt effect on the reproductive system in both sexes.
High prevalence of BRAF V600E mutations in Korean patients with ameloblastoma: Clinicopathological significance and correlation with epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Oh Kyu‐Young , Cho Sung‐Dae , Yoon Hye‐Jung , Lee Jae‐Il , Ahn Sun‐Ha , Hong Seong‐Doo 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundBRAF V600E mutations are activating mutations that have recently been detected in ameloblastoma. However, their prevalence has not been reported in East Asian patients with ameloblastoma and their clinicopathological significance remains unclear. In this study, we examined the prevalence and clinicopathological significance of BRAF V600E mutations in Korean patients with ameloblastoma. In addition, we investigated the relationship between BRAF V600E mutations and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, which has not been studied in ameloblastoma.MethodsThirty ameloblastoma tissue samples were collected, and DNA isolation, polymerase chain reaction, and Sanger sequencing were performed to detect BRAF V600E mutations. Immunohistochemistry was carried out using antibodies against two epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐inducing transcription factors, Twist and Snail. Associations of BRAF V600E mutations with clinicopathological factors and expression of Twist and Snail were statistically analyzed.ResultsWe found a high frequency (90.0%) of BRAF V600E mutations, and mutation status was not associated with clinicopathological factors including age, tumor location, and recurrence. Positive expression of Twist and Snail was observed in 33.3% and 56.7% of cases, respectively, and associated with recurrence (P = 0.020 and 0.010, respectively). There was no correlation between BRAF V600E mutation status and expression of Twist and Snail (P = 1.000, for both).ConclusionsA higher prevalence of BRAF V600E mutations was identified in Korean patients with ameloblastoma compared with previous studies, which indicates that BRAF‐targeted therapies can be widely used for refractory ameloblastomas. Furthermore, our findings suggest that BRAF V600E mutations and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition may act independently in the development of ameloblastoma.
Bioprospecting for fungi with potential pathogenic activity on leaves of Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul
Authors: Campos‐Rivero Gerardo , Sánchez‐Teyer Lorenzo F. , De la Cruz‐Arguijo Erika A. , Ramírez‐González Maria S. , Larralde‐Corona Claudia P. , Narváez‐Zapata José A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThirty different fungal strains were isolated from A. tequilana leaves showing disease symptoms such as wilt and curled leaves, black, red and chlorotic spots. Ten genera were identified and confirmed by using the LSU D1/D2 rDNA and ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2 regions, mainly of the Ascomycota phylum, where the Lasiodiploidia and Neoscytalidium genera were the more (46.6%) abundant. The other genera identified were Cladosporium, Cytospora, Epicoccum, Flavodon, Lasiodiplodia, Myrmaecium, Neoscytalidium, Penicillium, Peniophora, Purpureocillium, Trametes and Fusarium. Five strains of Lasiodiplodia and one of Fusarium were selected based on their representativeness and pathogenic potential on Agaves. Pathogenic potential was analysed by both, an infection assay, evidenced as necrosis, and by pectinolytic activity. Specifically, necrosis infection assay was conducted by puncture (wounded) infection and by direct mycelium contact. In general, Lasiodiplodia strains exhibited different pathogenic profiles according to their necrosis percentages, regardless of the infection method used. Fusarium strain analysed also showed a high necrosis infection (> 99%). Pectinolytic activity used as an indirect measurement of pathogenesis presented a high Fusarium extract activity (peaking at 23.9 U). Lasiodiplodia strains exhibited up 6 times more enzymatic activity (peaking at 143.5) than Fusarium strain analysed. In addition, Agave leaf extracts used totally or partially as carbon source during fungal induction culture may induce different pathogenic activities in these strains. In general, the two pathogenicity assays implemented evidenced differences in the pathogenicity profile of these analysed strains.
Monitoring cellular C:N ratio in phytoplankton by means of FTIR‐spectroscopy
Authors: Wagner Heiko , Jebsen Christian , Wilhelm Christian 
Published: March 2019

Statistical growth rate modelling can be applied in a variety of ecological and biotechnological applications. Such models are frequently based on Monod or Droop equations and, especially for the latter, require reliable determination of model input parameters such as C:N quotas. Besides growth rate modelling, a C:N quota quantification can be useful for monitoring and interpretation of physiological acclimation to abiotic and biotic disturbances (e.g., nutrient limitations). However, as high throughput C:N quota determination is difficult to perform, alternatives need to be established. Fourier‐transformed infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is used to analyze a variety of biochemical, chemical, and physiological parameters in phytoplankton. Hence, a quantification of the C:N quota should also be feasible. Therefore, using FTIR spectroscopy, six phytoplankton species from among different phylogenetic groups have been analyzed to determine the effect of nutrient limitation on C:N quota patterns. The typical species‐specific response to increasing nitrogen limitation was an increase in the C:N quota. Irrespective of this species specificity, we were able to develop a reliable multi‐species C:N quota prediction model based on FTIR spectroscopy using the partial least square regression (PLSR) algorithm. Our data demonstrate that the PLSR approach is more robust in C:N quota quantification (R2 = 0.93) than linear correlation of C:N quota versus growth rate (R2 ranges from 0.74 to 0.86) or biochemical information based on FTIR spectra (R2 ranges from 0.82 to 0.89). This accurate prediction of C:N values may support high throughput measurements in a broad range of future approaches.
Self‐assembling polymeric dendritic peptide as functional osteogenic matrix for periodontal regeneration scaffolds—an in vitro study
Authors: Das Eva C. , Dhawan Sameer , Babu Jisha , Anil Kumar PR , Kumary Thrikkovil Variathu , Haridas V , Komath Manoj 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveRegeneration of periodontal defects is challenging as it necessitates the formation of complex tissue structure with cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone. Rather than the conventional barrier membranes, scaffolds mimicking extracellular matrix (ECM) can achieve faster healing as they promote migration, adhesion, and differentiation of native progenitor cells. This work explores the possibility of a functional osteogenic matrix based on self‐assembling peptide appended dendritic polydiacetylene in regenerating diseased periodontia.MethodThe amino acid lysine was appended onto a diacetylene core, which was converted to a polymeric dendritic lysine matrix (Lys‐PDA) through photopolymerization. This bioactive matrix was evaluated in vitro for the viability, adhesion, spreading, and differentiation of cultured human periodontal ligament (hPDL) progenitor cells. Its osteogenic differentiation was analysed by histologic staining and expression of osteogenic markers (alkaline phosphatase and Osteonectin). Electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) mat, a candidate barrier material, was fabricated and functionalized with Lys‐PDA matrix, and the cell viability, adhesion, and spreading of hPDL cells were evaluated.ResultsThe dendritic Lys‐PDA matrix well supported the hPDL cell growth and differentiation. The cells were viable and showed good cytoskeletal organization. Early expression of osteogenic markers and mineralization was noted in vitro in the presence of Lys‐PDA matrix. The electrospun PCL mat functionalized with Lys‐PDA maintained the viability, morphology, and spreading of the hPDL cells.SignificanceThe ECM mimetic dendritic peptide matrices are capable of hosting and differentiating cells which can lead to the regeneration of periodontal tissue architecture. They could be used in conjunction with barrier membranes for better results.
Functional and phylogenetic consequences of plant invasion for coastal native communities
Authors: de la Riva Enrique G. , Godoy Oscar , Castro‐Díez Pilar , Gutiérrez‐Cánovas Cayetano , Vilà Montserrat 
Published: March 2019

AbstractQuestionDo invasions by alien plant species with contrasting trait profiles (Arctotheca calendula, Carpobrotus spp., Conyza bonariensis and Opuntia dillenii) change the functional and phylogenetic structure of coastal plant communities?LocationAtlantic coastal habitats in Huelva (Spain).MethodsWe identified species diversity and composition in 220 paired (invaded and non‐invaded) plots along the coast (440 plots in total). We measured nine functional traits for every native and invader species, namely, specific leaf area (SLA), specific root length (SRL), leaf and root dry mass content (LDMC and RDMC) and carbon isotope fraction (δ13C). We calculated, at the plot scale, community means (CMs) for each trait, functional richness, Faith's phylogenetic diversity and functional and phylogenetic mean pairwise dissimilarities.ResultsThree out the four species showed rather extreme trait values compared to the native flora with greater impact on invaded communities. In plots invaded by A. calendula the values of the native communities of SLA and SRL increased, while LDMC, RDMC and δ13C decreased showing CMs more similar to its functional profile. Besides, these plots showed lower functional and phylogenetic diversity in the native component of the community. In plots invaded by Carpobrotus spp. and O. dillenii the CMs values for LDMC and δ13C increased, but have little effect on the functional and phylogenetic structure of the native communities, while no differences were observed for the communities invaded by C. bonariensis (the most functionally similar to the native species).ConclusionsOur study highlights that inferring community assembly rules from the exploration of functional and phylogenetic differences between invaded and non‐invaded plots is not straightforward. By considering invaders with different functional profiles, we have shown that species with different mechanisms of invasion have contrasting impacts on the community. Consequently, the effect of plant invaders differs depending on their functional distinction from the recipient community, rather than their phylogenetic origin.