bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LncRNA HOTAIR/miR‐613/c‐met axis modulated epithelial‐mesenchymal transition of retinoblastoma cells
Authors: Yang Ge , Fu Yang , Lu Xiaoyan , Wang Menghua , Dong Hongtao , Li Qiuming 
Published: July 2018

AbstractSince lncRNAs could modulate neoplastic development by modulating downstream miRNAs and genes, this study was carried out to figure out the synthetic contribution of HOTAIR, miR‐613 and c‐met to viability, apoptosis and proliferation of retinoblastoma cells. Totally 276 retinoblastoma tissues and tumour‐adjacent tissues were collected, and human retinoblastoma cell lines (ie, Y79, HXO‐Rb44, SO‐Rb50 and WERI‐RB1) were also gathered. Moreover, transfections of pcDNA3.1‐HOTAIR, si‐HOTAIR, miR‐613 mimic, miR‐613 inhibitor, pcDNA3.1/c‐met were performed to evaluate the influence of HOTAIR, miR‐613 and c‐met on viability, apoptosis and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) of retinoblastoma cells. Dual‐luciferase reporter gene assay was also arranged to confirm the targeted relationship between HOTAIR and miR‐613, as well as between miR‐613 and c‐met. Consequently, up‐regulated HOTAIR and down‐regulated miR‐613 expressions displayed associations with poor survival status of retinoblastoma patients (P < 0.05). Besides, inhibited HOTAIR and promoted miR‐613 elevated E‐cadherin expression, yet decreased Snail and Vimentin expressions (P < 0.05). Simultaneously, cell proliferation and cell viability were also less‐motivated (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, c‐met prohibited the functioning of miR‐613, resulting in promoted cell proliferation and viability, along with inhibited cell apoptosis (P < 0.05). Finally, HOTAIR was verified to directly target miR‐613, and c‐met was the direct target gene of miR‐613 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the role of lncRNA HOTAIR/miR‐613/c‐met signalling axis in modulating retinoblastoma cells’ viability, apoptosis and expressions of EMT‐specific proteins might provide evidences for developing appropriate diagnostic and treatment strategies for retinoblastoma.
SNMDA: A novel method for predicting microRNA‐disease associations based on sparse neighbourhood
Authors: Qu Yu , Zhang Huaxiang , Liang Cheng , Ding Pingjian , Luo Jiawei 
Published: July 2018

AbstractmiRNAs are a class of small noncoding RNAs that are associated with a variety of complex biological processes. Increasing studies have shown that miRNAs have close relationships with many human diseases. The prediction of the associations between miRNAs and diseases has thus become a hot topic. Although traditional experimental methods are reliable, they could only identify a limited number of associations as they are time‐consuming and expensive. Consequently, great efforts have been made to effectively predict reliable disease‐related miRNAs based on computational methods. In this study, we present a novel approach to predict the potential microRNA‐disease associations based on sparse neighbourhood. Specifically, our method takes advantage of the sparsity of the miRNA‐disease association network and integrates the sparse information into the current similarity matrices for both miRNAs and diseases. To demonstrate the utility of our method, we applied global LOOCV, local LOOCV and five‐fold cross‐validation to evaluate our method, respectively. The corresponding AUCs are 0.936, 0.882 and 0.934. Three types of case studies on five common diseases further confirm the performance of our method in predicting unknown miRNA‐disease associations. Overall, results show that SNMDA can predict the potential associations between miRNAs and diseases effectively.
Hibernation constrains brain size evolution in mammals
Authors: Heldstab Sandra A. , Isler Karin , van Schaik Carel P. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe expensive brain hypothesis predicts that the lowest stable level of steady energy input acts as a strong constraint on a species’ brain size, and thus, that periodic troughs in net energy intake should select for reduced brain size relative to body mass. Here, we test this prediction for the extreme case of hibernation. Hibernators drastically reduce food intake for up to several months and are therefore expected to have smaller relative brain sizes than nonhibernating species. Using a comparative phylogenetic approach on brain size estimates of 1104 mammalian species, and controlling for possible confounding variables, we indeed found that the presence of hibernation in mammals is correlated with decreased relative brain size. This result adds to recent comparative work across mammals and amphibians supporting the idea that environmental seasonality (where in extremis hibernation is necessary for survival) imposes an energetic challenge and thus acts as an evolutionary constraint on relative brain size.
Molecular mechanisms governing plant responses to high temperatures
Authors: Li Bingjie , Gao Kang , Ren Huimin , Tang Wenqiang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe increased prevalence of high temperatures (HTs) around the world is a major global concern, as they dramatically affect agronomic productivity. Upon HT exposure, plants sense the temperature change and initiate cellular and metabolic responses that enable them to adapt to their new environmental conditions. Decoding the mechanisms by which plants cope with HT will facilitate the development of molecular markers to enable the production of plants with improved thermotolerance. In recent decades, genetic, physiological, molecular, and biochemical studies have revealed a number of vital cellular components and processes involved in thermoresponsive growth and the acquisition of thermotolerance in plants. This review summarizes the major mechanisms involved in plant HT responses, with a special focus on recent discoveries related to plant thermosensing, heat stress signaling, and HT‐regulated gene expression networks that promote plant adaptation to elevated environmental temperatures.
Identification and integrated analysis of microRNA expression profiles in keloid
Authors: Zhong Lianmei , Bian Ligong , Lyu Jing , Jin Huiyan , Liu Zijie , Lyu Lechun , Lu Di 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBackgroundKeloid is a common abnormal cutaneous fibroproliferative disorder. However, the process underlying keloid pathogenesis still remains to be unclear.ObjectiveTo integrated analyse the miRNA expression profiles of keloid.MethodsWe performed miRNA expression profiles analysis of 3 paired keloid and normal tissue samples by miRNA microarray. Differentially expressed miRNAs were further performed integrative analysed and validated using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). After predicting target genes, we constructed the miRNA‐target genes interaction network and carried out bioinformatics analysis.ResultsThe results revealed that 264 miRNAs were significantly altered. The expression of high frequency miRNAs which included miRNA‐199a‐5p, miRNA‐21‐5p, miRNA‐214‐5p, miRNA‐424‐5p, and miRNA‐205‐5p was further evaluated. The gene ontology (GO) analyses and the top enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways showed these target genes were associated with MAPK signaling pathway and HIF‐1 signaling pathway.ConclusionThis study revealed the profiling of miRNAs in keloid that are potentially implicated in the development of this disease and could serve as novel diagnostic and therapeutic target of keloid.
Perspectives on Disruptive Innovations
Authors: Kumaraswamy Arun , Garud Raghu , Ansari Shahzad (Shaz) 
Published: July 2018

AbstractEveryday experiences speak to the accelerated pace of innovation in this era of continual change. Sometimes, innovations enhance the value of existing products and services. At other times, they render existing business models obsolete, disrupt value‐networks, prompt providers to rethink who their customers are, and lead customers to rethink what they value. What does it mean to manage in such a world of disruptive changes, and how might we research this phenomenon? Together with the contributors to this special issue, we anchor, explore and extend the meanings associated with the concept of disruptive innovation. In particular, we discuss several perspectives on disruption – evolutionary, relational, temporal and framing – that culminate in a performative (as opposed to a predictive) approach to thinking about the phenomenon. In doing so, our intention is to open up the agenda for both researchers and practitioners.
Molecular characterization of Alternaria alternata population isolated from Upper Egyptian tomato fruits
Authors: Gherbawy Youssuf , Hussein Mohamed A. , Runge Fabian , Spring Otmar 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAlternaria alternata is the most common fungal pathogen of tomatoes in Upper Egypt. Morphological identification of this fungus is challenging; therefore, this study searched for new classification tools based on molecular techniques. Using a dilution plating method, 67 strains of A. alternata were isolated from 34 samples of rotten tomato fruits representing the Giza 80 and Edkawy cultivars. The collected strains were identified using the amplification products of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (Gpd) and Alt a1, which is a gene involved in the production of most of the allergens produced by A. alternata. The screening revealed that A. alternata constituted more than half of the total fungi recovered from rotten tomatoes in this study. According to the phylogenetic analysis using these three loci, the collected strains clustered in accordance with the host cultivar type from which they had been isolated. Specific gene random primer polymerase chain reaction (SGRP‐PCR) techniques indicated that the A. alternata population in the tested region has a high genetic diversity. The pathogenicity test showed that most of the A. alternata isolates (67.2%) were highly pathogenic, and no correlation was found between the phylogenetic analysis and pathogenicity. In addition, the influence of the fungicide Disan 80% on the collected strains showed significant differences that were attributed to the source of isolation.
Co‐occurrence among three divergent plant‐castrating fungi in the same Silene host species
Authors: Abbate Jessica L. , Gladieux Pierre , Hood Michael E. , de Vienne Damien M. , Antonovics Janis , Snirc Alodie , Giraud Tatiana 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe competitive exclusion principle postulates that different species can only coexist in sympatry if they occupy distinct ecological niches. The goal of this study was to understand the geographical distribution of three species of Microbotryum anther‐smut fungi that are distantly related but infect the same host plants, the sister species Silene vulgaris and S. uniflora, in Western Europe. We used microsatellite markers to investigate pathogen distribution in relation to host specialization and ecological factors. Microbotryum violaceo‐irregulare was only found on S. vulgaris at high elevations in the Alps. Microbotryum lagerheimii could be subdivided into two genetically differentiated clusters, one on S. uniflora in the UK and the second on S. vulgaris in the Alps and Pyrenees. The most abundant pathogen species, M. silenes‐inflatae, could be subdivided into four genetic clusters, co‐occurring in the Alps, the UK and the Pyrenees, and was found on both S. vulgaris and S. uniflora. All three fungal species had high levels of homozygosity, in agreement with the selfing mating system generally observed in anther‐smut fungi. The three pathogen species and genetic clusters had large range overlaps, but occurred at sites with different elevations, temperatures and precipitation levels. The three Microbotryum species thus do not appear to be maintained by host specialization or geographic allopatry, but instead may occupy different ecological niches in terms of environmental conditions.
Stream flow alone does not predict population structure of diving beetles across complex tropical landscapes
Authors: Lam Athena , Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , Kindler Carolin , Van Dam Matthew H. , Panjaitan Rawati , Roderick George K. , Balke Michael 
Published: July 2018

AbstractRecent theoretical advances have hypothesized a central role of habitat persistence on population genetic structure and resulting biodiversity patterns of freshwater organisms. Here, we address the hypothesis that lotic species, or lineages adapted to comparably geologically stable running water habitats (streams and their marginal habitats), have high levels of endemicity and phylogeographic structure due to the persistent nature of their habitat. We use a nextRAD DNA sequencing approach to investigate the population structure and phylogeography of a putatively widespread New Guinean species of diving beetle, Philaccolilus ameliae (Dytiscidae). We find that P. ameliae is a complex of morphologically cryptic, but geographically and genetically well‐differentiated clades. The pattern of population connectivity is consistent with theoretical predictions associated with stable lotic habitats. However, in two clades, we find a more complex pattern of low population differentiation, revealing dispersal across rugged mountains and watersheds of New Guinea up to 430 km apart. These results, while surprising, were also consistent with the original formulation of the habitat template concept by Southwood, involving lineage‐idiosyncratic evolution in response to abiotic factors. In our system, low population differentiation might reflect a young species in a phase of range expansion utilizing vast available habitat. We suggest that predictions of life history variation resulting from the dichotomy between lotic and lentic organisms require more attention to habitat characterization and microhabitat choice. Our results also underpin the necessity to study fine‐scale processes but at a larger geographical scale, as compared to solely documenting macroecological patterns, to understand ecological drivers of regional biodiversity. Comprehensive sampling especially of tropical lineages in complex and threatened environments such as New Guinea remains a critical challenge.
On the roles of landscape heterogeneity and environmental variation in determining population genomic structure in a dendritic system
Authors: Brauer Chris J. , Unmack Peter J. , Smith Steve , Bernatchez Louis , Beheregaray Luciano B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractDispersal and natural selection are key evolutionary processes shaping the distribution of phenotypic and genetic diversity. For species inhabiting complex spatial environments however, it is unclear how the balance between gene flow and selection may be influenced by landscape heterogeneity and environmental variation. Here, we evaluated the effects of dendritic landscape structure and the selective forces of hydroclimatic variation on population genomic parameters for the Murray River rainbowfish, Melanotaenia fluviatilis across the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. We genotyped 249 rainbowfish at 17,503 high‐quality SNP loci and integrated these with models of network connectivity and high‐resolution environmental data within a riverscape genomics framework. We tested competing models of gene flow before using multivariate genotype–environment association (GEA) analysis to test for signals of adaptive divergence associated with hydroclimatic variation. Patterns of neutral genetic variation were consistent with expectations based on the stream hierarchy model and M. fluviatilis’ moderate dispersal ability. Models incorporating dendritic network structure suggested that landscape heterogeneity is a more important factor determining connectivity and gene flow than waterway distance. Extending these results, we also introduce a novel approach to controlling for the unique effects of dendritic network structure in GEA analyses of populations of aquatic species. We identified 146 candidate loci potentially underlying a polygenic adaptive response to seasonal fluctuations in stream flow and variation in the relative timing of temperature and precipitation extremes. Our findings underscore an emerging predominant role for seasonal variation in hydroclimatic conditions driving local adaptation and are relevant for informing proactive conservation management.
The pulmonary microvasculature entraps induced vascular progenitor cells (iVPCs) systemically delivered after cardiac ischemia‐reperfusion injury: Indication for preservation of heart function via paracrine effects beyond engraftment
Authors: Ziegler Melanie , Haigh Katharina , Nguyen Thao , Wang Xiaowei , Lim Bock , Yap May Lin , Eddy Eleanor M. , Haigh Jody J. , Peter Karlheinz 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveStem cell‐based regenerative therapies have been intensively studied with the aim to define an ideal cell type for the treatment of myocardial infarction. We tested systemically delivered, platelet‐targeted induced vascular progenitor cells (iVPCs) to study their potential to salvage damaged myocardium after ischemia‐reperfusion injury.MethodsUsing a mouse model of ischemia‐reperfusion injury, we tested the potential of platelet‐targeted iVPCs (1 × 106 targ‐iVPCs) compared to non‐targ‐iVPCs and a saline control. Bioluminescence imaging, echocardiography, and histological analyses were performed.ResultsFour weeks after ischemia‐reperfusion injury, systemic delivery of targ‐iVPCs led to reduced fibrosis and infarct size (PBS: 25.7 ± 3.9 vs targ‐iVPC: 18.4 ± 6.6 vs non‐targ‐iVPC: 25.1 ± 3.7%I/LV, P < 0.05), increased neovascularization, and restored cardiac function (PBS: 44.0 ± 4.2 vs targ‐iVPC: 54.3 ± 4.5 vs non‐targ‐iVPC: 46.4 ± 3.8%EF, P < 0.01). Cell tracking experiments revealed entrapment of intravenously injected iVPCs in the pulmonary microvasculature in both cell‐treated groups.ConclusionsSystemic delivery of iVPCs after cardiac ischemia‐reperfusion injury is limited by pulmonary entrapment of the cells. Nevertheless, targ‐iVPCs reduced infarct size, fibrosis, increased neovascularization, and most importantly retained cardiac function. These findings contribute to the mechanistic discussion of cell‐based therapy and ultimately identify activated platelet‐targeted iVPCs as candidates for cell therapy and also describe cell therapy benefits without the necessity of engrafting.
Arteriolar and capillary responses to CO2 and H+ in hamster skeletal muscle microvasculature: Implications for active hyperemia
Authors: Charter Mackenzie E. , Lamb Iain R. , Murrant Coral L. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe hypothesized that CO2 and H+ stimulate capillaries and arterioles to produce local and conducted vasodilations required to coordinate the distribution of blood flow to contracting skeletal muscle fibers.MethodsCO2 and H+ independently and in combination were applied to 2A arterioles (first branch order from the 1A feed arteriole) and capillaries of the in situ, blood‐perfused hamster cremaster muscle. The resulting local and conducted vasodilations were measured.ResultsH+ (pH: 7.2‐6.6) and CO2 (5% and 10%) applied to the vascular network induced 2A arteriolar vasodilations, while 15% CO2 produced vasoconstriction. Localized application of H+ produced 2A arteriolar vasodilation, while 15% CO2 resulted in a variable response. Simultaneous application of CO2 and H+ did not result in the predicted additive effects. Application of CO2 and H+ alone or combined on arterioles or capillaries did not induce a conducted response.ConclusionsCO2 and H+ produce arteriolar vasodilation but, critically, cannot stimulate the spread of vasodilation throughout the network, thus limiting their ability to coordinating blood flow to contracting skeletal muscle fibers. Given their potential for interaction, the importance of CO2 and H+ may lie in their ability to modify the effects of other vasodilators.
TheStreptococcus agalactiaecell wall‐anchored protein PbsP mediates adhesion to and invasion of epithelial cells by exploiting the host vitronectin/αvintegrin axis
Authors: De Gaetano Giuseppe Valerio , Pietrocola Giampiero , Romeo Letizia , Galbo Roberta , Lentini Germana , Giardina Miriam , Biondo Carmelo , Midiri Angelina , Mancuso Giuseppe , Venza Mario , Venza Isabella , Firon Arnaud , Trieu‐Cuot Patrick , Teti Giuseppe , Speziale Pietro , Beninati Concetta 
Published: July 2018

SummaryBinding of microbial pathogens to host vitronectin (Vtn) is a common theme in the pathogenesis of invasive infections. In this study, we characterized the role of Vtn in the invasion of mucosal epithelial cells byStreptococcus agalactiae(i.e. group B streptococcus or GBS), a frequent human pathogen. Moreover, we identified PbsP, a previously described plasminogen‐binding protein of GBS, as a dual adhesin that can also interact with human Vtn through its streptococcal surface repeat (SSURE) domains. Deletion of thepbsPgene decreases both bacterial adhesion to Vtn‐coated inert surfaces and the ability of GBS to interact with epithelial cells. Bacterial adherence to and invasion of epithelial cells were either inhibited or enhanced by cell pretreatment with, respectively, anti‐Vtn antibodies or Vtn, confirming the role of Vtn as a GBS ligand on host cells. Finally, antibodies directed against the integrin αvsubunit inhibited Vtn‐dependent cell invasion by GBS. Collectively, these results indicate that Vtn acts as a bridge between the SSURE domains of PbsP on the GBS surface and host integrins to promote bacterial invasion of epithelial cells. Therefore, inhibition of interactions between PbsP and extracellular matrix components could represent a viable strategy to prevent colonization and invasive disease by GBS.
A malectin‐like/leucine‐rich repeat receptor protein kinase gene, RLK‐V, regulates powdery mildew resistance in wheat
Authors: Hu Ping , Liu Jiaqian , Xu Jiefei , Zhou Chuanyu , Cao Shuqi , Zhou Weihao , Huang Zhenpu , Yuan Sufan , Wang Xiue , Xiao Jin , Zhang Ruiqi , Wang Haiyan , Zhang Shouzhong , Xing Liping , Cao Aizhong 
Published: July 2018

SummaryPattern recognition receptors (PRRs) can trigger plant immunity through the recognition of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns. In this study, we report that a malectin‐like/leucine‐rich repeat receptor protein kinase gene, RLK‐V, from Haynaldia villosa putatively acts as a PRR to positively regulate powdery mildew resistance caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) in wheat. RLK‐V has two alternatively spliced transcripts corresponding to an intact RLK‐V1.1 and a truncated RLK‐V1.2 caused by intron retention. Expression analysis showed that both transcripts could be up‐regulated by Bgt in resistant materials, whereas the functional RLK‐V1.1 was expressed only after Bgt inoculation. Promoter activity assays indicated that RLK‐V could respond to Bgt even in susceptible wheat. Silencing of RLK‐V in Pm21‐carrying resistant materials resulted in compromised resistance to Bgt. In addition, over‐expression of RLK‐V1.1 in Pm21‐lacking susceptible Yangmai158 and SM‐1 by single‐cell transient expression and stable transformation in Yangmai158 could improve powdery mildew resistance. We propose that RLK‐V regulates basal resistance to powdery mildew, which is also required for broad‐spectrum resistance mediated by the Pm21 gene. Over‐expression of RLK‐V1.1 could trigger cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana, and RLK‐V1.1 transgenic wheat accumulated more reactive oxygen species and displayed a stronger hypersensitive response than did the recipient, which led to enhanced Bgt resistance. However, constitutive activation of RLK‐V1.1 resulted in the abnormal growth of transgenic plants.