bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate and fishing drive regime shifts in consumer‐mediated nutrient cycling in kelp forests
Authors: Peters Joseph R. , Reed Daniel C. , Burkepile Deron E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractGlobally, anthropogenic pressures are reducing the abundances of marine species and altering ecosystems through modification of trophic interactions. Yet, consumer declines also disrupt important bottom‐up processes, like nutrient recycling, which are critical for ecosystem functioning. Consumer‐mediated nutrient dynamics (CND) is now considered a major biogeochemical component of most ecosystems, but lacking long‐term studies, it is difficult to predict how CND will respond to accelerating disturbances in the wake of global change. To aid such predictions, we coupled empirical ammonium excretion rates with an 18‐year time series of the standing biomass of common benthic macroinvertebrates in southern California kelp forests. This time series of excretion rates encompassed an extended period of extreme ocean warming, disease outbreaks, and the abolishment of fishing at two of our study sites, allowing us to assess kelp forest CND across a wide range of environmental conditions. At their peak, reef invertebrates supplied an average of 18.3 ± 3.0 µmol NH4+ m−2 hr−1 to kelp forests when sea stars were regionally abundant, but dropped to 3.5 ± 1.0 µmol NH4+ m−2 hr−1 following their mass mortality due to disease during a prolonged period of extreme warming. However, a coincident increase in the abundance of the California spiny lobster, Palinurus interupptus (Randall, 1840), likely in response to both reduced fishing and a warmer ocean, compensated for much of the recycled ammonium lost to sea star mortality. Both lobsters and sea stars are widely recognized as key predators that can profoundly influence community structure in benthic marine systems. Our study is the first to demonstrate their importance in nutrient cycling, thus expanding their roles in the ecosystem. Climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of warming events, and rising human populations are intensifying fishing pressure in coastal ecosystems worldwide. Our study documents how these projected global changes can drive regime shifts in CND and fundamentally alter a critical ecosystem function.
Cotreatment with lenvatinib and warfarin potassium caused prothrombin time prolongation
Authors: Sasaki Yoichi , Sakamori Ryotaro , Yamada Ryoko , Shigekawa Minoru , Tahata Yuki , Makino Yuki , Nakabori Tasuku , Kodama Takahiro , Hikita Hayato , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: May 2019

Lenvatinib is approved as a standard systemic therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients; however, experience with lenvatinib in clinical practice is insufficient. We present the case of a patient with advanced HCC whose prothrombin time – international normalized ratio (PT‐INR) was elevated after cotreatment with lenvatinib and warfarin potassium. The patient was a 26‐year‐old man with congenital abnormalities who had to take warfarin potassium because he had a mechanical heart valve. He was diagnosed with unresectable HCC at 24 years old and was treated by transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and transcatheter arterial infusion. After some interventional radiology treatments, lenvatinib was started. After 4 days of treatment with lenvatinib and warfarin potassium, his PT‐INR increased to 4.13, and the treatment had to be stopped. No changes were observed in other Child–Pugh score factors. The elevation in the PT‐INR after cotreatment with lenvatinib and warfarin potassium was thought to be caused by pharmacological effects of concurrent use or pharmacological sensitivity to warfarin potassium in this patient with liver dysfunction. The PT‐INR must be monitored when lenvatinib is given to advanced HCC patients taking warfarin potassium.
Catalase but not vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms are associated with nonsegmental vitiligo in Northwestern Mexicans
Authors: Ochoa‐Ramírez Luis A. , Díaz‐Camacho Sylvia P. , Becerra‐Loaiza Denisse S. , Verdugo‐Nieto Lucía , Muñoz‐Estrada Víctor F. , Servín‐Vázquez Luis A. , Osuna‐Ramírez Ignacio , Rodríguez‐Millán José , Velarde‐Félix Jesús S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundVitiligo is an acquired pigmentation disorder characterized by melanocyte loss via autoimmune mechanisms triggered by oxidative stress. Gene polymorphisms in antioxidant enzymes and immunomodulators such as catalase (CAT) and vitamin D receptor (VDR), respectively, have been linked to vitiligo in European and Asian populations. Our aim was to evaluate the role ofCATandVDRgene polymorphisms as well as CAT and vitamin D in nonsegmental vitiligo in Northwestern Mexicans.MethodsA total of 357 subjects, 173 nonsegmental vitiligo patients and 184 age‐gender matched healthy controls, were genotyped byPCR‐restriction fragment length polymorphism.CATactivity was determined in 39 patients and in 39 controls and vitamin D (VitD) levels in 35 individuals per group.ResultsCAT419 C/T gene polymorphism was not informative, ‐89 A/T was associated with risk (P = 0.02), and 389 C/T conferred protection against vitiligo along withAThaplotype (P < 0.01 in both cases).VDRBsmI,ApaI, andTaqI gene polymorphisms were not associated with vitiligo, butBsmI was more prevalent in patients with Koebner phenomenon (P = 0.02). SerumCATactivity and VitD levels were lower in patients than in controls, but they showed no association with any vitiligo clinical characteristics neither with their gene polymorphisms.ConclusionsOur results suggest a role forCATgene polymorphisms in vitiligo susceptibility in the Mexican population and a lack of association withVDRgene polymorphisms.
Exploring the functionality of starches from corms and cormels of Xanthosoma sagittifolium
Authors: Calle Jehannara , Benavent‐Gil Yaiza , Garzón Raquel , Rosell Cristina M. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryXanthosoma sagittifolium, belonging to the araceas family, represents an attractive alternative as a starch source. Nevertheless, as a rhizome plant two differentiated parts could be distinguished named corms and cormels." by "However, the rhizome of Xanthosoma sagittifolium has two differentiate parts named corms and cormels of Xanthosoma. Granules morphology, composition, hydration properties, pasting/thermal behaviour, as well as gelling performance were assessed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) revealed different morphology, granules were organised as aggregates in starch isolated from corms. Corms starch displayed lower hydration properties, lower apparent viscosity during heating and cooling and higher gelatinisation temperatures than cormels starch. Gels from corms starch showed less syneresis than cormels starch, but no significant differences were observed regarding their hardness. Therefore, the part of the araceas plant from which the starch is extracted must be always defined, because significant differences in their functionality are ascribed to their morphological origin.
Insect genomes: progress and challenges
Authors: Li F. , Zhao X. , Li M. , He K. , Huang C. , Zhou Y. , Li Z. , Walters J. R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the wake of constant improvements in sequencing technologies, numerous insect genomes have been sequenced. Currently, 1219 insect genome‐sequencing projects have been registered with the National Center for Biotechnology Information, including 401 that have genome assemblies and 155 with an official gene set of annotated protein‐coding genes. Comparative genomics analysis showed that the expansion or contraction of gene families was associated with well‐studied physiological traits such as immune system, metabolic detoxification, parasitism and polyphagy in insects. Here, we summarize the progress of insect genome sequencing, with an emphasis on how this impacts research on pest control. We begin with a brief introduction to the basic concepts of genome assembly, annotation and metrics for evaluating the quality of draft assemblies. We then provide an overview of genome information for numerous insect species, highlighting examples from prominent model organisms, agricultural pests and disease vectors. We also introduce the major insect genome databases. The increasing availability of insect genomic resources is beneficial for developing alternative pest control methods. However, many opportunities remain for developing data‐mining tools that make maximal use of the available insect genome resources. Although rapid progress has been achieved, many challenges remain in the field of insect genomics.
Effects of solvent‐induced morphology evolution of Zn2GeO4 on photocatalytic activities of g‐C3N4/Zn2GeO4 composites
Authors: Pei Liu , Xu Yan , Liu Jiaqiang , Wu Junbiao , Han Yide , Zhang Xia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMorphology modulation of photocatalyst has been demonstrated to be a crucial strategy for improving the catalytic performance in solar energy conversion system. Here we systematically investigated the influence of the solvent‐dependent morphology evolution of Zn2GeO4 phase on the photocatalytic efficiency of the as‐prepared g‐C3N4/Zn2GeO4 composites. The morphologies of Zn2GeO4 were rationally tuned from flower‐like nanosheets to length‐controllable nanorods, and microclusters assembled from microrods through regulating the solution polarity of different organic solvents. Accordingly, the Zn2GeO4 sample prepared in ethylene glycol (EG) with long rod‐like morphology and integrated with g‐C3N4, abbreviated as g‐C3N4/Zn2GeO4(1:1)‐EG, exhibited the best visible‐light absorption ability and the highest efficiency. The synergetic effect of the long rod‐like Zn2GeO4 phase with many exposed (110) crystalline facets and g‐C3N4 accelerates the separation and interface transportation of photoexcited charge carriers, as confirmed by photocurrent measurements. The MB degradation mechanism was also proposed to clarify the charge‐transfer process and the improved photodegradation activity. This study offers an experimental basis for understanding the significance of morphology control on rational design of photocatalysts with improved performance.
Recent decadal drought reverts warming‐triggered growth enhancement in contrasting climates in the southern Andes tree line
Authors: Fajardo Alex , Gazol Antonio , Mayr Christoph , Camarero J. Julio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimsRising temperature and declining summer precipitation due to the 1970s‐climate shift in southern South America have reduced forest productivity at dry sites. Here, we worked with the most widespread Southern Hemisphere tree line species, Nothofagus pumilio, across contrasting climatic conditions and determined whether rising atmospheric CO2 concentrations as well as warmer and drier climatic conditions provoked by the 70s‐climatic shift have been causing systematic changes in tree line growth rates and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE).Location36–54°S, southern Andes.Time period1950–2010.Major taxa studiedNothofagus pumilio.MethodsWe worked at five disparate climatic tree line locations, spanning 18 degrees of latitude; at each location, we sampled trees at four different elevations, including tree line elevation. We quantified the variation in annual tree‐ring width (TRW) as a function of climate, elevation, tree age, size, annual CO2 concentrations and location, using linear mixed‐effects models and interpreted TRW trends in relation to iWUE and isotope (δ13C and δ18O) signalling.ResultsAcross locations, the patterns of tree line growth occurring in the 1980–2010 period exhibited a clear and significant negative trend, in contrast to the previous 1950–1980 period. We found an increase in iWUE and δ18O across time and locations. Given that an increase in δ18O indicates a decrease in stomatal conductance, we assert that drought‐induced stomatal closure appears to be causing the reduction in growth.Main conclusionsWe show unequivocal evidence that warmer and drier summer conditions translated into a decrease in growth rates along the elevational tree line of the southern Andes, reverting previous growth improvements linked to climate warming. An improvement in iWUE at all locations is most likely explained by decreased stomatal conductance given the rising δ18O signal. An iWUE–growth decoupling may act as an ecological strategy to respond to drought.
Anuran 3D models reveal the relationship between surface area‐to‐volume ratio and climate
Authors: Ferreira Amado Talita , Moreno Pinto Marta Gloria , Olalla‐Tárraga Miguel Ángel 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimThe relationship size–environment has been continuously debated for ectotherms. Surface‐to‐volume ratios are recurrently suggested as the cause of body size responses to climate, but most inferences on organismal size clines stem from single linear measurements of body length. Here, we illustrate how new photogrammetric techniques can be applied to characterize amphibian morphologies with 3D models. Using the natterjack toad (Epidalea calamita) as model organism, we compared the performance of climatic models in accounting for body size (measured as snout‐to vent length, SVL) and body geometry (surface area‐to‐volume ratios) variation across macroclimatic gradients.LocationPalaearctic.TaxonEpidalea calamita (former genus Bufo).MethodsWe used photogrammetry techniques to reconstruct 104 museum specimens of Epidalea calamita into 3D models and to collect geometric data (volume and surface area) to calculate surface area‐to‐volume ratios (SA:V). We then apply spatial and non‐spatial regression to examine the relationships between SA:V, SVL and a set of bioclimatic variables.ResultsIn accordance with the water conservation hypothesis, SA:V decreased towards more arid environments, a pattern that remained consistent after accounting for spatial autocorrelation effects. Only mean annual temperature was significant correlated with SVL. The contrast between both sets of models indicates that more traditional body size metrics (SVL) and body geometry (SA:V) do not operate the same constraints.Main conclusionsWe show that the variation in SA:V can be explained by the geographical variation in aridity. Evaporative water loss in wet‐skinned ectotherms is highly dependent on the surface area of the skin exposed to the air. In contrast, SVL models detected that body length was more associated with mean annual temperature. This finding stresses the importance of selecting different metrics of body geometry and body size when examining variation across climatic gradients.
Targeting miR‐193a‐AML1‐ETO‐β‐catenin axis by melatonin suppresses the self‐renewal of leukaemia stem cells in leukaemia with t (8;21) translocation
Authors: Zhou Bin , Ye Haige , Xing Chongyun , Liang Bin , Li Haiying , Chen Linling , Huang Xingzhou , Wu Yanfei , Gao Shenmeng 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAML1‐ETO, the most common fusion oncoprotein by t (8;21) in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), enhances hematopoietic self‐renewal and leukemogenesis. However, currently no specific therapies have been reported for t (8;21) AML patients as AML1‐ETO is still intractable as a pharmacological target. For this purpose, leukaemia cells and AML1‐ETO‐induced murine leukaemia model were used to investigate the degradation of AML1‐ETO by melatonin (MLT), synthesized and secreted by the pineal gland. MLT remarkedly decreased AML1‐ETO protein in leukemic cells. Meanwhile, MLT induced apoptosis, decreased proliferation and reduced colony formation. Furthermore, MLT reduced the expansion of human leukemic cells and extended the overall survival in U937T‐AML1‐ETO‐xenografted NSG mice. Most importantly, MLT reduced the infiltration of leukaemia blasts, decreased the frequency of leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) and prolonged the overall survival in AML1‐ETO‐induced murine leukaemia. Mechanistically, MLT increased the expression of miR‐193a, which inhibited AML1‐ETO expression via targeting its putative binding sites. Furthermore, MLT decreased the expression of β‐catenin, which is required for the self‐renewal of LSC and is the downstream of AML1‐ETO. Thus, MLT presents anti‐self‐renewal of LSC through miR‐193a‐AML1‐ETO‐β‐catenin axis. In conclusion, MLT might be a potential treatment for t (8;21) leukaemia by targeting AML1‐ETO oncoprotein.
SCD1 activation impedes foam cell formation by inducing lipophagy in oxLDL‐treated human vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pi Huifeng , Wang Zhen , Liu Mengyu , Deng Ping , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Zhou , Gao Feng 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe formation of fat‐laden foam cells, which contributes to the fatty streaks in the plaques of atheromas, is an important process in atherosclerosis. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) are a critical origin of foam cells. However, the mechanisms that underlie VSMC foam cell formation are not yet completely understood. Here, we demonstrated that oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) inhibited lipophagy by suppressing lipid droplet (LD)‐lysosome fusion and increased VSMC foam cell formation. Moreover, although oxLDL treatment inhibited lysosomal biogenesis, it had no significant effect on lysosomal proteolysis and lysosomal pH. Notably, through TMT‐based quantitative proteomic analysis and database searching, 94 differentially expressed proteins were identified, of which 54 were increased and 40 were decreased in the oxLDL group compared with those in the control group. Subsequently, SCD1, a protein of interest, was further investigated. SCD1 levels in the VSMCs were down‐regulated by exposure to oxLDL in a time‐dependent manner and the interaction between SCD1 and LDs was also disrupted by oxLDL. Importantly, SCD1 overexpression enhanced LD‐lysosome fusion, increased lysosomal biogenesis and inhibited VSMC foam cell formation by activating TFEB nuclear translocation and its reporter activity. Modulation of the SCD1/TFEB‐mediated lipophagy machinery may offer novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Thermal resistance of Listeria monocytogenes and background microbiota in unsalted and 10% salted liquid egg yolk
Authors: Huang Lihan 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Listeria monocytogenes is a major foodborne pathogen that may contaminate liquid egg yolk (LEY). A background microbiota, purified and identified as Enterococcus faecium with a 99.0% probability, was found in pasteurized unsalted LEY. This study was conducted to investigate the thermal resistance of L. monocytogenes and the background microbiota in unsalted and 10% salted LEY at temperatures between 55 and 67.5°C. Both Weibull model and linear survival model were used to analyze the survival curves. Data analysis showed that the thermal resistance of E. faecium was not affected by the addition of 10% salt in LEY, and it was almost two orders in magnitude higher than that of L. monocytogenes in unsalted LEY. Adding 10% salt to LEY significantly elevated the thermal resistance of L. monocytogenes to the level of E. faecium. It can be concluded that the heating conditions used to inactivate L. monocytogenes or Salmonella Enteritidis would not be able to kill E. faecium if it is found in unsalted LEY, while similar heating conditions can be used to kill both L. monocytogenes and E. faecium in 10% salted LEY. The results of this study may be used to design adequate heating conditions to inactivate L. monocytogenes and E. faecium in LEY.Practical applicationsSalted liquid egg yolk (LEY) contaminated with L. monocytogenes may require higher temperature or longer time to process. This study determined the thermal processing conditions that may be required to inactivate L. monocytogenes. The results attained from this study may be useful to the food industry that uses 10% salted LEY in the products.
DEK43 is a P‐type pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein responsible for the Cis‐splicing of nad4 in maize mitochondria
Authors: Ren Ru Chang , Wang Li Li , Zhang Lin , Zhao Ya Jie , Wu Jia Wen , Wei Yi Ming , Zhang Xian Sheng , Zhao Xiang Yu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMitochondria, the main energy transducers in plant cells, require the proper assembly of respiratory chain complexes I–V for their function. The NADH dehydrogenase 4 (nad4) gene encodes mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I subunit IV, but the mechanism underlying nad4 transcript splicing is unclear. Here, we report that the P‐type pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein DEFECTIVE KERNEL 43 (DEK43) is responsible for cis‐splicing of the nad4 transcript in maize. We demonstrate that DEK43 localizes to both the nucleus and mitochondria. The mutation of Dek43 resulted in embryo‐lethal and light‐colored defective kernels. Among the 22 mitochondrial group II introns, the splicing efficiency of nad4 introns 1 and 3 was reduced by up to 50% compared to the wild type. The levels of complex I and supercomplex I+III2 were also reduced in dek43. Furthermore, in‐gel NADH dehydrogenase assays indicated that the activities of these complexes were significantly reduced in dek43. Further, the mitochondrial ultrastructure was altered in the mutant. Together, our findings indicate that DEK43, a dual‐localized PPR protein, plays an important role in maintaining mitochondrial function and maize kernel development.
Novel topical dermal repair: A clinical analysis
Authors: Yeh Lindsey C. , Gonzalez Noelani , Goldberg David J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundThere is an increasing interest in and demand for noninvasive anti‐aging treatments, and cosmeceuticals are an effective adjunct treatment to in‐office cosmetic treatments.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the short‐term cosmetic benefits of a topical anti‐wrinkle cream (Ultrascript Dermal Regenesis, Montclair, NJ) and a topical evening DNA repair serum (Dermal DNA Repair Serum with the active ingredient AC‐11 from Optigenex INC).MethodsFourteen women of all Fitzpatrick skin types were randomized to receive either the topical anti‐wrinkle cream (AM cream) only or the AM cream and the topical evening DNA repair serum (PM serum) for 16 weeks. Subjects noted their subjective improvement in wrinkles, pore size, hyperpigmentation, and overall skin quality. Two blinded physicians evaluated the appearance of wrinkles pre‐ and postapplication of the AM cream.ResultsParticipants who applied the AM cream only reported subjective improvement in wrinkles and overall quality of their skin. Immediate improvement of wrinkles was seen after the application of the AM cream. Subjects who applied both the AM cream and PM serum noted improvement in pore size.ConclusionThis novel anti‐wrinkle cream is a safe and effective topical treatment for the immediate, but short‐term improvement of wrinkles. Prolonged use of the cream and continued follow‐up may show additional long‐term benefits.