bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ecoregions within the Brazilian Pampa biome reflected in Odonata species assemblies
Authors: Renner Samuel , Périco Eduardo , Dalzochio Marina S. , Sahlén Göran 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBased on vegetation composition, previous studies of the Pampa biome in southern Brazil have defined seven ecoregions within the area. Here, we test this ecoregion approach studying the semi‐aquatic insect group Odonata in five of these regions, aiming at comparing the ecoregions to the more traditional environmental predictors of water quality and land cover. Based on a data set of occupancy comprising 99 species distributed between 131 localities, a one‐way Permutational Multivariate Analysis of Variance was used to compare differences in the species composition between the ecoregions, followed by a Principal Component Analysis to visualize the variation. The composition varied significantly between all groups tested, and the ordination explained 61.8% of the variance. A partial redundancy analysis of ecoregions, land cover and water quality variables explained 71% of the variance in Odonata community structure. Ecoregion was the most important predictor, followed by water quality and land cover. Within these species assemblies, we could select certain species that were representative of a given ecoregion, to which their distribution within the Pampa biome was entirely or mainly confined. Of 24 representative species 41.7% were rare, while the rest were more abundant and, hence, easier to detect. We suspect that the differences found between the Pampa ecoregions might be due to geology, as such factors may be strong determinants of biodiversity. Specific ecological requirements at the family and genus levels also seemed to act selectively on the species compositions within the ecoregions. Today, the Pampa is highly fragmented due to agricultural activities such as rice cultivation, extensive cattle farming and forest plantations. We suggest that an ecoregion‐based approach to the implementation of conservation measures may be the best way to help these distinct species assemblies survive.
Prostaglandin E2 decrease in induced sputum of hypersensitive asthmatics during oral challenge with aspirin
Authors: Mastalerz Lucyna , Tyrak Katarzyna E. , Ignacak Maria , Konduracka Ewa , Mejza Filip , Ćmiel Adam , Buczek Michał , Kot Adrianna , Oleś Krzysztof , Sanak Marek 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundA special regulatory role for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) has been postulated in nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID)–exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD).ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of systemic aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) administration on airway PGE2 biosynthesis in induced sputum supernatant (ISS) among subjects with NERD or aspirin‐tolerant asthma with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyposis (ATA‐CRSwNP), as well as healthy controls (HC).MethodsInduced sputum (IS) was collected from patients with NERD (n = 26), ATA‐CRSwNP (n = 17), and HC (n = 21) at baseline and after aspirin challenge. Sputum differential cell count and IS supernatant (ISS) levels of prostanoids, PGE2, 8‐iso‐PGE2, tetranor‐PGE‐M, 8‐iso‐PGF2α, and leukotriene C4, D4, and E4, were determined using mass spectrometry. Urinary excretion of LTE4 was measured by ELISA.ResultsNERD subjects had elevated sputum eosinophilic count as compared to ATA‐CRSwNP and HC (median NERD 9.1%, ATA‐CRSwNP 2.1%, and HC 0.4%; P < 0.01). Baseline ISS levels of PGE2 were higher in asthmatics as compared to HC at baseline (NERD vs HC P = 0.04, ATA‐CRSwNP vs HC P < 0.05). Post‐challenge ISS levels of PGE2 compared to baseline significantly decreased in NERD and HC (P < 0.01 and P = 0.01), but not in ATA‐CRSwNP. In NERD, a similar decrease in PGE2 as in HC resulted from 2.8 times lower dose of aspirin.ConclusionAspirin‐precipitated bronchoconstriction is associated with a decrease in airway PGE2 biosynthesis. These results support the mechanism of PGE2 biosynthesis inhibition as a trigger for bronchoconstriction in NERD.
Classification of South Brazilian grasslands: Implications for conservation
Authors: Andrade Bianca O. , Bonilha Camila L. , Overbeck Gerhard E. , Vélez‐Martin Eduardo , Rolim Rosângela G. , Bordignon Sérgio Augusto L. , Schneider Angelo A. , Vogel Ely Cleusa , Lucas Dióber B. , Garcia Élen N. , dos Santos Emily D. , Torchelsen Fábio P. , Vieira Mariana S. , Silva Filho Pedro J. S. , Ferreira Pedro M. A. , Trevisan Rafael , Hollas Raquel , Campestrini Sérgio , Pillar Valério D. , Boldrini Ilsi I. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimsWe offer a first classification of South Brazilian grasslands (Campos Sulinos) based on quantitative vegetation data and describing grassland types in terms of dominant and indicator species.LocationSouth Brazilian grasslands (Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul states).MethodsWe described vegetation plots in 167 sampling units throughout the region using a stratified nested design, totalizing 1,502 1 m² quadrats. We classified vegetation using cluster analysis based on Bray–Curtis dissimilarities, establishing three vegetation types and ten subtypes. We conducted indicator species analysis within the resulting subtypes, and for all possible combinations of subtypes.ResultsIn the cluster analyses, a clear separation of poorly drained grasslands from the drier sites appeared. Further, a clear distinction between grasslands in the South Brazilian highland region, situated in the Atlantic Forest biome, and the grasslands of the Pampa biome, to the south, emerged, reflecting climatic and management differences. Highland grasslands showed lower species cover dominance, while in the Pampa, Paspalum notatum clearly was the most important species and the abundance of exotic species was higher.ConclusionsOur study provides the first classification of South Brazilian grasslands based on quantitative vegetation data recorded in a standardized sampling design. The data support the division of grasslands into the main phytogeographic units of the region (Brazilian biome classification). Grasslands in these two regions also differ in terms of species dominance pattern (higher dominance in Pampa grasslands, likely also due to higher grazing levels) and in terms of conservation state (low presence of exotic species in highland grasslands). Our results are important for conservation policies, which can now consider the presence of different grassland types in different region, but more data will be necessary for a more detailed classification that considers different abiotic features in more detail.
Reproductive biology of the unique mudskipper Periophthalmodon septemradiatus living from estuary to upstream of the Hau River
Authors: Dinh Quang Minh , Tran Lam Thanh , Ngo Nhu Chon , Pham Tram Bich , Nguyen Tien Thi Kieu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis study provided new knowledge on reproductive traits of the unique mudskipper Periophthalmodon septemradiatus that is also a potential aquarium pet. Fish specimens were obtained by using fishing rods at the muddy flat in tributaries of the Hau River from August 2017 to July 2018. Data analysis of a collection of 1,504 individuals (930 males and 674 females) showed that the sex ratio of this species was significantly different from the ratio 1:1. As mature gonads were found monthly during the study period, it is suggested that P. septemradiatus is an iteroparous species releasing eggs for a year‐round cycle. The fish length at first mature (Lm) showed an increase from estuary to upstream areas. Male P. septemradiatus had higher Lm values than that of females. Likely, the batch fecundity increased from estuary region (5,916 ± 312 SEM eggs) towards upstream area (11,451 ± 953 SEM eggs). The fish total length and weight values had strong positive relationships with batch fecundity, as shown by high determination values (r2), suggesting that batch fecundity increased with fish size. This study provided more information on reproductive biology of P. septemradiatus, which can be utilized for fish population conservation and artificial reproductive study.
Greening the hospitality industry in the developing world: Analysis of the drivers and barriers
Authors: Mzembe Andrew Ngawenja , Melissen Frans , Novakovic Yvonne 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe implementation of sustainability agendas in the tourism and hospitality industry in developing countries has received little scholarly attention. Working to fill this gap, this paper provides a holistic analysis of the drivers of, and barriers to, sustainability initiatives in the Malawian hospitality industry. Drawing insights from the resource‐based view and institutional theory, it highlights that tensions between global and local norms and values are as important as tensions between internal organizational factors and the isomorphic forces within the organizational fields for implementing sustainability agendas. The paper further reveals the mediating role played by firm size and ownership. It, thus, makes a contribution to the understanding of the role of business in society by focusing on the complex dynamics associated with the adoption of sustainability agendas in an under‐researched context, and demonstrating how tensions between internal organizational factors and local societal expectations within the host countries can shape the nature and focus of the sustainability agenda itself.
Impact of UGT1A1 genetic polymorphism on toxicity in unresectable pancreatic cancer patients undergoing FOLFIRINOX
Authors: Shirasu Hiromichi , Todaka Akiko , Omae Katsuhiro , Fujii Hirofumi , Mizuno Nobumasa , Ozaka Masato , Ueno Hideki , Kobayashi Satoshi , Uesugi Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Noritoshi , Hayashi Hideyuki , Sudo Kentaro , Okano Naohiro , Horita Yosuke , Kamei Keiko , Yukisawa Seigo , Kobayashi Marina , Fukutomi Akira 
Published: November 2018

Studies have indicated an association between UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase‐1A1 (UGT1A1) genetic polymorphisms and irinotecan‐induced toxicity. We undertook this study to investigate the association between UGT1A1 genetic polymorphisms and toxicity in patients treated with the FOLFIRINOX (comprising oxaliplatin, irinotecan, fluorouracil, and leucovorin) chemotherapy regimen in the JASPAC 06 study. Patients screened for UGT1A1*6 and UGT1A1*28, and treated with either the original FOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, irinotecan 180 mg/m2, leucovorin 200 mg/m2, bolus 5‐fluorouracil [5‐FU] 400 mg/m2, and continuous 5‐FU 2400 mg/m2) or a modified FOLFIRINOX (oxaliplatin 85 mg/m2, irinotecan 150 mg/m2, leucovorin 200 mg/m2, and continuous 5‐FU 2400 mg/m2) as first‐line chemotherapy were included. Of 199 patients eligible for this analysis, 79 patients were treated with the original FOLFIRINOX regimen and 120 patients were treated with the modified FOLFIRINOX regimen. In the original FOLFIRINOX group, 54 were UGT1A1 WT, and 25 were UGT1A1 heterozygous type (−/*6, 12 patients; −/*28, 13 patients). In the modified FOLFIRINOX group, 64 were UGT1A1 WT and 56 were UGT1A1 heterozygous type (−/*6, 33 patients; −/*28, 23 patients).In the original FOLFIRINOX group, the incidence of diarrhea was significantly higher among patients with UGT1A1 heterozygous type than among those with UGT1A1 WT and the incidence of leukopenia and diarrhea was significantly higher among patients with UGT1A1 −/*6 than among those with UGT1A1 −/*28. Patients with UGT1A1 heterozygous type, especially those with UGT1A1 −/*6, tended to show a higher incidence rate of severe adverse events, but this was not statistically significant. However, for patients who received the modified FOLFIRINOX, there was no difference in the frequency of adverse events due to UGT1A1 status. In conclusion, patients with heterozygous UGT1A1 polymorphisms treated with the original FOLFIRINOX regimen experienced severe toxicity more frequently than patients with WT UGT1A1.
Protected areas: A focus on Brazilian freshwater biodiversity
Authors: Azevedo‐Santos Valter M. , Frederico Renata G. , Fagundes Camila K. , Pompeu Paulo S. , Pelicice Fernando M. , Padial André A. , Nogueira Marcos G. , Fearnside Philip M. , Lima Luciano B. , Daga Vanessa S. , Oliveira Fagner J. M. , Vitule Jean R. S. , Callisto Marcos , Agostinho Angelo A. , Esteves Francisco A. , Lima-Junior Dilermando P. , Magalhães André L. B. , Sabino José , Mormul Roger P. , Grasel Daniel , Zuanon Jansen , Vilella Fábio S. , Henry Raoul 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBrazil has a variety of aquatic ecosystems and rich freshwater biodiversity, but these components have been constantly damaged by the expansion of unsustainable activities. An array of different conservation strategies is needed, especially the creation of protected areas (PAs, hereafter). However, Brazil's PAs are biased towards terrestrial ecosystems and we argue that current PAs have limited efficacy in the protection of freshwater biodiversity. New PAs should better consider aquatic environments, covering entire basins, rivers and other freshwater habitats. We recommend ways to implement these PAs and provide guidance to avoid social impacts. Freshwater systems in Brazil provide essential goods and services but these ecosystems are being rapidly degraded and will be lost if not adequately protected.
Effect of canagliflozin treatment on hepatic triglyceride content and glucose metabolism in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cusi Kenneth , Bril Fernando , Barb Diana , Polidori David , Sha Sue , Ghosh Atalanta , Farrell Kristin , Sunny Nishanth E. , Kalavalapalli Srilaxmi , Pettus Jeremy , Ciaraldi Theodore P. , Mudaliar Sunder , Henry Robert R. 
Published: November 2018

AimTo evaluate the impact of the sodium glucose co‐transporter 2 inhibitor canagliflozin on intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) accumulation and its relationship to changes in body weight and glucose metabolism.Materials and methodsIn this double‐blind, parallel‐group, placebo‐controlled, 24‐week trial subjects with inadequately controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM; HbA1c = 7.7% ± 0.7%) from two centres were randomly assigned (1:1) to canagliflozin 300 mg or placebo. We measured IHTG by proton‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy (primary outcome), hepatic/muscle/adipose tissue insulin sensitivity during a 2‐step euglycaemic insulin clamp, and beta‐cell function during a mixed meal tolerance test. Analyses were per protocol.ResultsBetween 8 September 2014‐13 June 2016, 56 patients were enrolled. Canagliflozin reduced HbA1c (placebo‐subtracted change: −0.71% [−1.08; −0.33]) and body weight (−3.4% [−5.4; −1.4]; both P ≤ 0.001). A numerically larger absolute decrease in IHTG occurred with canagliflozin (−4.6% [−6.4; −2.7]) versus placebo (−2.4% [−4.2; −0.6]; P = 0.09). In patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 37), the decrease in IHTG was −6.9% (−9.5; −4.2) versus −3.8% (−6.3; −1.3; P = 0.05), and strongly correlated with the magnitude of weight loss (r = 0.69, P < 0.001). Body weight loss ≥5% with a ≥30% relative reduction in IHTG occurred more often with canagliflozin (38% vs. 7%, P = 0.009). Hepatic insulin sensitivity improved with canagliflozin (P < 0.01), but not muscle or adipose tissue insulin sensitivity. Beta‐cell glucose sensitivity, insulin clearance, and disposition index improved more with canagliflozin (P < 0.05).ConclusionsCanagliflozin improves hepatic insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion and clearance in patients with T2DM. IHTG decreases in proportion to the magnitude of body weight loss, which tended to be greater and occur more often with canagliflozin.
Circadian pacemaker neurons of the Madeira cockroach are inhibited and activated by GABAA and GABAB receptors
Authors: Giese Maria , Wei HongYing , Stengl Monika 
Published: November 2018

AbstractGABA is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the circadian pacemaker circuits of mammals and insects. In the Madeira cockroach the accessory medulla (AME) in the brain′s optic lobes is the circadian clock that orchestrates rest‐activity rhythms in synchrony with light dark cycles. Three prominent GABAergic tracts connect the AME to termination sites of compound eye photoreceptors in the lamina and medulla. Parallel GABAergic light entrainment pathways were suggested to either advance or delay the clock for adjustment to changing photoperiods. In agreement with this hypothesis GABA activated or inhibited AME clock neurons, allowing for the distinction of three different GABA response types. Here, we examined which GABA receptors are responsible for these response types. We found that both ionotropic GABAA receptors and metabotropic GABAB receptors were expressed in AME clock cells. Via different signalling pathways, either one of them could account for all three GABA response types. The muscimol‐dependently activated GABAA receptor formed a chloride channel, while the SKF 97541‐dependently activated GABAB receptor signalled via G‐proteins, apparently targeting potassium channels. Expression of chloride exporters or importers determined whether GABAA receptor activation hyper‐ or depolarized AME neurons. For GABAB receptor responses second messenger gated channels present in the clock cells appeared to decide about the polarity of the GABA response. In summary, circadian clock neurons co‐expressed inhibitory and/or excitatory GABAA and GABAB receptors in various combinations, while cotransporter expression and the set of second messenger gated ion channels present allowed for distinct signalling in different clock neurons.
Ethanol upregulates the P2X7 purinergic receptor in human macrophages
Authors: Le Daré Brendan , Victoni Tatiana , Bodin Aude , Vlach Manuel , Vene Elise , Loyer Pascal , Lagente Vincent , Gicquel Thomas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAlcohol consumption is considered to be the third leading cause of death in the United States. In addition to its direct toxicity, ethanol has two contrasting effects on the immune system: the nucleotide oligomerization domain‐like receptor pyrin domain‐containing‐3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is inhibited by acute ethanol exposure but activated by chronic ethanol exposure. Purinergic receptors (especially the P2X7 receptor) are able to activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and are involved in many ethanol‐related diseases (such as gout, pulmonary fibrosis, alcoholic steatohepatitis, and certain cancers). We hypothesized that ethanol regulates purinergic receptors and thus modulates the NLRP3 inflammasome's activity. In experiments with monocyte‐derived macrophages, we found that interleukin (IL)‐1β secretion was inhibited after 7 h of exposure (but not 48 h of exposure) to ethanol. The disappearance of ethanol's inhibitory effect on IL‐1β secretion after 48 h was not mediated by the upregulated production of IL‐1β, IL‐1α, IL‐6 or the inflammasome components NLRP3, apoptosis‐associated speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, and caspase 1. P2X7R expression was upregulated by ethanol, whereas expression of the P2X4 and P2X1 receptors was not. Taken as a whole, our results suggest that ethanol induces NLRP3 inflammasome activation by upregulating the P2X7 receptor. This observation might have revealed a new mechanism for inflammation in ethanol‐related diseases.
Evaluation of microbial toxins, trace elements and sensory properties of a high‐theabrownins instant Pu‐erh tea produced using Aspergillus tubingensis via submerged fermentation
Authors: Wang Qiuping , Šarkanj Bojan , Jurasovic Jasna , Chisti Yusuf , Sulyok Michael , Gong Jiashun , Sirisansaneeyakul Sarote , Komes Draženka 
Published: November 2018

SummaryTheabrownins (TB) are polymeric phenolic compounds associated with the multiple bioactivities of Pu‐erh tea, a post‐fermented Chinese dark tea. High‐TB instant Pu‐erh tea was produced via a novel submerged fermentation (SF) using Aspergillus tubingensis and compared with samples produced commercially via the conventional solid‐state fermentation (SSF). Viable microorganisms and microbial toxins, especially aflatoxins B1, G1, B2, G2, cyclopiazonic acid, fumonisins B1, B2, B3 and ochratoxin A, were below the detection limit in all samples. Fewer microbial metabolites were found in SF instant tea compared with the SSF teas. Based on an adult consuming 1 g of instant Pu‐erh tea daily, the dietary intake of investigated elements was below the safe limits recommended by various authorities. Tasters viewed the instant tea infusions as very mild, smooth, mellow and full. This suggested that submerged fermentation using A. tubingensis offers a speedy and safe alternative to commercial production of instant Pu‐erh tea.
Non‐canonical activation ofCREBmediates neuroprotection in aCaenorhabditis elegansmodel of excitotoxic necrosis
Authors: Feldmann K. Genevieve , Chowdhury Ayesha , Becker Jessica L. , McAlpin N'Gina , Ahmed Taqwa , Haider Syed , Richard Xia Jian X. , Diaz Karina , Mehta Monal G. , Mano Itzhak 
Published: November 2018

AbstractExcitotoxicity, caused by exaggerated neuronal stimulation by Glutamate (Glu), is a major cause of neurodegeneration in brain ischemia. While we know that neurodegeneration is triggered by overstimulation of Glu‐receptors (GluRs), the subsequent mechanisms that lead to cellular demise remain controversial. Surprisingly, signaling downstream of GluRs can also activate neuroprotective pathways. The strongest evidence involves activation of the transcription factorcAMPresponse element‐binding protein (CREB), widely recognized for its importance in synaptic plasticity. Canonical views describeCREBas a phosphorylation‐triggered transcription factor, where transcriptional activation involvesCREBphosphorylation and association withCREB‐binding protein. However, givenCREB's ubiquitous cross‐tissue expression, the multitude of cascades leading toCREBphosphorylation, and its ability to regulate thousands of genes, it remains unclear howCREBexerts closely tailored, differential neuroprotective responses in excitotoxicity. A non‐canonical, alternative cascade for activation ofCREB‐mediated transcription involves theCREBco‐factorcAMP‐regulated transcriptional co‐activator (CRTC), and may be independent ofCREBphosphorylation. To identify cascades that activateCREBin excitotoxicity we used aCaenorhabditis elegansmodel of neurodegeneration by excitotoxic necrosis. We demonstrated thatCREB's neuroprotective effect was conserved, and seemed most effective in neurons with moderate Glu exposure. We found that factors mediating canonicalCREBactivation were not involved. Instead, phosphorylation‐independentCREBactivation in nematode excitotoxic necrosis hinged onCRTC.CREB‐mediated transcription that depends onCRTC, but not onCREBphosphorylation, might lead to expression of a specific subset of neuroprotective genes. Elucidating conserved mechanisms of excitotoxicity‐specificCREBactivation can help us focus on core neuroprotective programs in excitotoxicity.imageCover Image for this issue: doi:10.1111/jnc.14494.