bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maduramicin induces cardiac muscle cell death by the ROS‐dependent PTEN/Akt–Erk1/2 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Yue , Feng Meng , Hu Xiaoyu , Zhang Hai , Zhang Ruijie , Dong Xiaoqing , Liu Chunxiao , Zhang Zhao , Jiang Shanxiang , Huang Shile , Chen Long 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMaduramicin (Mad), a polyether ionophore antibiotic, has been reported to be toxic to animals and humans because of being used at high doses or for long time, resulting in heart failure. However, the toxic mechanism of Mad in cardiac muscle cells is not well understood. Here, we show that Mad induced cell viability reduction and apoptosis in cardiac‐derived H9c2, HL‐1 cells, primary cardiomyocytes, and murine cardiac muscles, which was because of the inhibition of extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2). Expression of constitutively active mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MKK1) attenuated Mad‐induced cell death in H9c2 cells, whereas silencing Erk1/2 or ectopic expression of dominant negative MKK1 strengthened Mad‐induced cell death. Moreover, we found that both phosphatase and tensin homolog on chromosome 10 (PTEN) and protein kinase B (Akt) were implicated in the regulation of Erk1/2 inactivation and apoptosis in the cells and tissues exposed to Mad. Overexpression of dominant negative PTEN and/or constitutively active Akt, or constitutively active Akt and/or constitutively active MKK1 rescued the cells from Mad‐induced dephosphorylated‐Erk1/2 and cell death. Furthermore, Mad‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) activated PTEN and inactivated Akt–Erk1/2 contributing to cell death, as N‐acetyl‐
L‐cysteine ameliorated the event. Taken together, the results disclose that Mad inhibits Erk1/2 via ROS‐dependent activation of PTEN and inactivation of Akt, leading to cell death in cardiac muscle cells. Our findings suggest that manipulation of the ROS–PTEN–Akt–Erk1/2 pathway may be a potential approach to prevent Mad‐induced cardiotoxicity.
Role of trees in climate change and their authentication through scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Arshad Sohaib , Ahmad Mushtaq , Saboor Abdul , Ibrahim Faridah Hanum , Mustafa Muhammad Raza Ul , Zafar Muhammad , Ashfaq Shomaila 
Published: December 2018

AbstractClimate change is the most realistic theory of this era. Sudden and drastic changes are happening on the earth and the survival of mankind is becoming questionable in the future. The plants play the key role in controlling the climate change. The study emphasizes on role of trees in the cop up or damaging the climate of this earth, whether they are medicinal trees or economically important trees. Due to the overgrazing and intense deforestation the climate is being affected hazardously. The global warming phenomenon is occurring due to the less availability of trees and more carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. In total 20 plants were collected from across the Pakistan on the basis of their abundance and their key roles. Out of which seeds of eight plants were scanned through scanning electron microscope for correct authentication and importance of these medicinally important trees in mitigating the climate change.Research Highlights

The role of forest sector in the climate's change mitigation.
Medicinally and economically important tree species across Pakistan.
By using SEM, Ultra seed sculpturing features as an authentication tool.
To formulate some policies to stop or control deforestation.
Edge clique cover of claw‐free graphs
Authors: Javadi Ramin , Hajebi Sepehr 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe smallest number of cliques, covering all edges of a graph , is called the (edge) clique cover number of and is denoted by . It is an easy observation that if is a line graph on vertices, then . G. Chen et al. [Discrete Math. 219 (2000), no. 1–3, 17–26; MR1761707] extended this observation to all quasi‐line graphs and questioned if the same assertion holds for all claw‐free graphs. In this paper, using the celebrated structure theorem of claw‐free graphs due to Chudnovsky and Seymour, we give an affirmative answer to this question for all claw‐free graphs with independence number at least three. In particular, we prove that if is a connected claw‐free graph on vertices with three pairwise nonadjacent vertices, then and the equality holds if and only if is either the graph of icosahedron, or the complement of a graph on vertices called “twister” or the power of the cycle , for some positive integer .
The Topography of the Superficial Roots and Ganglia of the Anterior Lateral Line Nerve of the Smooth Dogfish,Mustelus canis
Authors: McCready Paul J. , Boord Robert L. 
Published: December 2018

The topographic relationships of the superficial roots and ganglia of the anterior lateral line nerve (NLLa) to each other and to cranial nerves V, VII and VIII were studied, in the smooth dogfishMustelus canis, by dissection of Sudan Black Bstained specimens. NLLa consists of four branches: namely, superficial ophthalmic, buccal, otic and external mandibular. Each branch carries lateral line neurons exclusively and forms a dorsal root and a ventral root which enter the anterior lateral line lobe and posterior lateral line lobe of the medulla respectively.It is estimated that slightly more than 50% of the fibers of the superficial opthalmic, approximately 60% of the fibers of the buccal, at least 35% of the fibers of the otic and about 20% of the fibers of the external mandibular constitute the dorsal root. The ventral root is comprised of less than 50% of the fibers of the superficial ophthalmic, 40% of the fibers of the buccal, at least 50% of the fibers of the otic, and 80% of the fibers of the external mandibular.These results are correlated with the peripheral distribution and central termination of NLLa and it is concluded that the dorsal root carries axons from ampullary receptors and the ventral root carries fibers that innervate ordinary lateral line sense organs.
Increased mean R2* in the deep gray matter of multiple sclerosis patients: Have we been measuring atrophy?
Authors: Hernández‐Torres Enedino , Wiggermann Vanessa , Machan Lindsay , Sadovnick A. Dessa , Li David K.B. , Traboulsee Anthony , Hametner Simon , Rauscher Alexander 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundMagnetic resonance relaxometry studies in multiple sclerosis (MS) have suggested that iron accumulates within deep gray matter (DGM) structures early in the disease course. However, the commonly utilized mean R2* and magnetic susceptibility measures reflect regional iron concentration but not a structure's total iron content. Thus, tissue atrophy could impact mean R2* and magnetic susceptibility estimates.PurposeTo demonstrate that both average iron concentration and total iron content need to be reported in order to distinguish between atrophy‐related and definite magnetic susceptibility changes.Study TypeObservational.PopulationThe study was performed on 30 healthy controls (HCs) and 39 people with definite MS.Field Strength/Sequence3T Philips Achieva using an 8‐channel SENSE head coil. R2* data were acquired using a multiecho gradient echo sequence and diffusion tensor imaging data were acquired using an echo‐planar sequence.AssessmentTotal iron content in DGM structures was assessed by calculating the sum of all R2* values within a region (denoted as ) and compared to the mean R2* as a measure of iron concentration.Statistical TestSignificant group differences were investigated in a linear regression model. All DGM structures were assessed individually and the significance threshold was adjusted using the Bonferroni‐Holm correction for multiple comparisons.ResultsThere was an increased mean DGM R2* in MS patients compared to HCs (significant in the pallidus, P = 0.0051). In contrast, in patients was found to be lower in the thalamus and the caudate (P = 0.0011) compared to HCs, and similar between the two cohorts in the other DGM regions.Data ConclusionAn increase in mean R2* may not necessarily reflect increased iron accumulation. We propose as an additional metric to account for the effects of tissue atrophy when assessing tissue content changes, such as iron deposition or loss.Level of Evidence: 1Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:201–208.
The effect of covering material on the yield, quality and chemical composition of greenhouse‐grown tomato fruit
Authors: Petropoulos Spyridon A , Fernandes Ângela , Katsoulas Nikolaos , Barros Lillian , Ferreira Isabel CFR 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDDuring the last few decades, greenhouse technology for horticultural crops has focused on retaining optimum conditions within the greenhouse environment that could allow for a compromise between maximum yields and minimum production costs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three greenhouse covering materials and five harvesting dates on the yield and quality parameters of hydroponically produced tomato fruit, as well as on energy consumption.RESULTSPlants had a higher growth rate at early stages for S‐PE cover material, while differences were minimized at later stages. Tocopherol content was the highest for ID‐PE material and harvesting later than 170 days after transplanting (DAT), while sugar content (fructose and glucose) was the highest for S‐PE material and 157 DAT. Organic acid content was the highest at early harvestings, especially for 7‐PE and S‐PE cover materials, while it exhibited decreasing trends at later harvesting dates. Antioxidant properties showed a varied response to cover materials and harvesting dates, while β‐carotene, carotenoids and chlorophylls were the highest for 7‐PE material.CONCLUSIONSThe results showed that both cover materials and harvesting date may affect significantly tomato fruit quality, especially sugar and organic acid contents which are associated with fruit taste, as well as tocopherols which contribute to antioxidant properties and pigments that are associated with fruit ripening and earliness of marketable maturity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Plant constituents affecting food selection by sika deer
Authors: Agetsuma Naoki , Agetsuma‐Yanagihara Yoshimi , Takafumi Hino , Nakaji Tatsuro 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTWe directly observed the feeding behaviors of Yaku sika deer (Cervus nippon yakushimae), the smallest subspecies of Japanese sika deer, by following 6 wild, habituated, and individually identifiable animals in a natural warm‐temperate forest on the island of Yakushima, southern Japan, 2005–2006. Deer fed on various plant species and parts but predominantly on the fallen leaves, fruits, seeds, and flowers of woody plants (∼82% of food items) at 59 natural feeding plots. We analyzed 8 key plant constituents of eaten and uneaten items at the feeding plots, and examined the effects of each constituent on food selection by multivariate and univariate generalized linear mixed models. The multivariate analysis, which evaluated the effect of each plant constituent on food selection by controlling influences of the other constituents in the food items, showed that deer selected food items with higher contents of crude fat, crude protein, and total phenolics but with lower contents of lignin and condensed tannin from the available items at the feeding plots. Neither soluble nor structural carbohydrate, nor ash content affected selection of food items. It may be advantageous for these small ungulates with shorter gastrointestinal tracts to select foods that are relatively rich in fat because of the higher energy content of fat compared with carbohydrates. Furthermore, it appears that non‐tannin phenolics may have beneficial functions in this species. The univariate analyses showed different effects of crude protein and structural carbohydrate on food selection compared to those derived from the multivariate analysis. We demonstrate that accounting for influences of other plant constituents by using multivariate analyses is important to ensure that any effects of individual plant constituents are not overlooked or overstated. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.
Predicting laryngeal exposure in microlaryngoscopy: External validation of the laryngoscore
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Gatto Annalisa , Fortunati Alfonso , Marzolino Riccardo , Giudici Fabiola , Boscolo Nata Francesca 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesOptimal laryngeal exposure during transoral laryngeal surgery is fundamental. We aimed to evaluate the reliability of a recently proposed score (Laryngoscore) in predicting difficult laryngeal exposure (DLE) in an independent cohort of patients undergoing elective microlaryngoscopy. We also verified the relation between DLE, surgeon's expertise, and difficult intubation, and investigated possible areas for score improvement.Study DesignProspective validation study.MethodsA total of 136 patients were preoperatively evaluated using the Laryngoscore. Patients were divided into three classes according to patient position, type of laryngoscope, and need for external counterpressure to expose the anterior commissure. Based on their mean scores, two groups were identified: good laryngeal exposure (GLE) and DLE. A receiver operating characteristic curve with the Youden index was used to calculate the optimal cutoff value. The χ2 and Fisher exact test were used to correlate GLE and DLE to the surgeon's expertise and difficult intubation. The intraoperative anatomical parameters underlying DLE were also recorded.ResultsThe optimal cutoff value for differentiating GLE and DLE was 4, which identified 80.6% of DLE cases. No statistically significant difference in GLE and DLE distribution was found between surgeons (P = 0.43). The correlation between difficult intubation and DLE was statistically significant (P = 0.03). The intraoperative parameters determining DLE were epiglottis characteristics (floppy, tight, or short), bulky abdomen and chest, bulky tongue base, mobile teeth, and a narrow laryngeal aditus.ConclusionThe Laryngoscore is reliable for detecting DLE preoperatively. The inclusion of additional parameters may allow a more complete assessment and maximize its diagnostic accuracy.Level of Evidence2bLaryngoscope, 129:1438–1443, 2019
Soil salinization of cultivated land in Shandong Province, China—Dynamics during the past 40 years
Authors: Xiao Yang , Zhao Gengxing , Li Tao , Zhou Xue , Li Jianmin 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAn objective requirement of the sustainable utilization of soil resources and agricultural production management is the determination of the status of soil salinization and an understanding of its dynamics. This study selected the coastal plain, the Yellow River flood plain, and key inland areas with salinization in Shandong Province. Sampling and analysis of soil salinization in cultivated lands were conducted in 2015–2016, and 3,551 valid samples were obtained. Statistical and spatial analyses were performed and compared with the data from the Second Soil Survey (1979–1985). The degree, area, distribution, and dynamic characteristics of soil salinization in Shandong Province were analyzed. The results showed that the total salt content of the study area was mainly slight to moderate, and the salinization was dominated by chloride salts. At present, the land area of salinized cultivated land was 384.00 thousand ha, accounting for 11.30% of the total cultivated land area. Soil salinization showed a concentrated distribution along the coastal plain that was scattered in the Yellow River flood plain and inland areas, and the salinity decreased from the coast to the inland area. Compared with the Second Soil Survey period, the salinized cultivated land area had decreased by 431.59 thousand ha, a decrease of 52.9%. The degree of salinization, especially in coastal area, was substantial, and the gravity center moved northeastward. In this study, the characteristics and dynamics of the present state of soil salinization in Shandong Province were examined, providing a scientific basis for the utilization and management of cultivated land resources in saline areas.
Emerging options in immune‐mediated hearing loss
Authors: Sakano Hitomi , Harris Jeffrey P. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveAIED (autoimmune inner ear disease) is an autoimmune process that leads to the dysfunction of the inner ear, resulting in fluctuating, audiovestibular symptoms. Although the pathogenesis is likely heterogeneous, immune processes within the inner ear ultimately lead to histopathologic changes and sensorineural hearing loss. This review will discuss the latest evidence on treatment options.MethodsA literature search on articles pertaining to the treatment of autoimmune inner ear disease was performed on PubMed.ResultsCorticosteroid treatment continues to remain as first line therapy for AIED but long‐term responsiveness is poor. Cytotoxic chemotherapies can be effective alternatives for steroid nonresponsive patients, but significant side effects may limit their use. Intratympanic steroid injections are beneficial and although there is not enough evidence currently to supplant oral steroid trial they may be a useful adjunct if steroid toxicity is an issue. The efficacy of biologic agents has been variable. Compared to placebo, etanercept does not improve the hearing improvement already attained by steroids alone. However, open pilot studies of other biologic agents show hearing improvements, improvements in tinnitus/aural fullness/vertigo, ability to wean steroid dependency, or benefits in steroid‐resistant AIED.ConclusionThere is currently not enough evidence that alternative treatments supersede the use of initial steroid treatment. Biologic agents and intratympanic steroid injections are relatively well tolerated and should be considered as adjunctive therapy. More studies on the efficacy of various biologics and more studies on the treatment of steroid resistant disease especially after initial benefit are still needed. For those who eventually lose their hearing, cochlear implantation remains as a viable option.Level of Evidenceexpert opinion.
Discovery of a novel potexvirus in the seagrass Thalassia testudinum from Tampa Bay, Florida
Authors: Van Bogaert Noémi , Rosario Karyna , Furman Bradley T. , Hall Margaret O. , Greco Anthony M. , Breitbart Mya 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSeagrass meadows are important coastal ecosystems that are declining worldwide. Given the profound impact of the microbiome on plant health, exploration of the seagrass microbiome is critical for proper ecosystem management and conservation. Although prior studies have investigated seagrass‐associated bacteria, fungi, and protists, virtually nothing is known about viruses infecting these flowering marine plants. Here, we report genomic and microscopic evidence of a new positive‐sense, single‐stranded ribonucleic acid virus infecting apparently healthy Thalassia testudinum in Florida. The virus, named turtlegrass virus X (TVX), shares 66% genome‐wide pairwise identity with foxtail mosaic virus, a potexvirus that infects terrestrial grasses. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed TVX presence in 10% to 80% of T. testudinum leaves from two Tampa Bay sampling locations in February and August 2017, with an average viral load of 4.65 × 108 copies per mg leaf tissue. The discovery of TVX advances seagrass microbiome research, prompting further studies to assess its ecological impact.
Phosphonate utilization by eukaryotic phytoplankton
Authors: Whitney LeAnn P. , Lomas Michael W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPhytoplankton readily assimilate dissolved inorganic phosphorus (phosphate; Pi) into essential biomolecules, making it their preferred form of phosphorus (P). In low Pi marine environments, phytoplankton also utilize dissolved organic P (DOP) compounds to sustain primary productivity. Phosphonates comprise up to 10% of the DOP pool and have been shown to be an important source of P in the nutrition of marine prokaryotic phytoplankton. To date, the ability of eukaryotic phytoplankton to supplement growth with natural phosphonates remains unknown. Here, we show that the growth rates of two eukaryotic phytoplankton species grown on phosphonate(s) as the sole source of P were significantly greater than growth rates under Pi‐deficient conditions. Phosphonate did not support growth of a third species, indicating utilization is not universal among eukaryotic phytoplankton. Taken together, these results indicate that direct uptake and utilization of extracellular phosphonates may no longer be restricted to the realm of prokaryotes.
Quantifying Guest–Host Dynamics in Supramolecular Assemblies to Analyze Their Robustness
Authors: Bastings Maartje M. C. , Hermans Thomas M. , Spiering A. J. H. , Kemps Erwin W. L. , Albertazzi Lorenzo , Kurisinkal Eva E. , Dankers Patricia Y. W. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe most basic function of synthetic microenvironments for tissue engineering is to act as a physical substrate for cell attachment, migration, and proliferation, similar to the natural cell environment. Functionalization of supramolecular materials with guest compounds that display the same recognition moieties is a common strategy to introduce biofunctionality. However, besides a robust interaction with the material, a certain level of dynamics needs to be conserved for an adaptive interface toward the living environment. A balance between robust material functionalization and dynamic cell interaction needs to be met. The detailed analysis hereof using a ureido‐pyrimidinone (UPy) poly(ethylene glycol) system in dilute and transient network regime is demonstrated. Monovalent and bivalent UPy‐functionalized guest molecules are designed and their interaction with UPy‐host fibers is evaluated. Analysis of guest interaction in the dilute state by microfluidics, and in the gel state, by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and fluorescence resonance energy transfer is proven to be suitable to quantify the local and ensemble guest mobility. The results demonstrate that the interaction of bioactive moieties through supramolecular host–guest chemistry yields a dynamic system, which is stronger for divalent guests but risks unintended leakage in the case of functional monomeric units.
Is the LICOX® PtO2 system reliable for monitoring of free flaps? Comparison between two cohorts of patients
Authors: Arnež Zoran Marij , Ramella Vittorio , Papa Giovanni , Novati Federico Cesare , Manca Elisa , Leuzzi Sara , Stocco Chiara 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundLicox® PtO2 is a minimally invasive monitoring system for continuous measurement of tissue oxygen tension in all types of free tissue transfers. Our study compares two consecutive series of patients undergoing microsurgical reconstruction monitored with standard clinical bedside surveillance and with the Licox® PtO2 system regarding flap loss and flap salvage, the sensitivity, specificity, and cost‐effectiveness.MethodsWe performed a longitudinal observational prospective study of all patients undergoing microsurgical reconstructions between 2016 and 2017. Group 1 included 43 patients that underwent standard clinical bedside postoperative flap monitoring whereas group 2 included 44 consecutive patients also monitored with Licox® PtO2 system. Flap complications such as return to theater for vascular compromise, partial and total flap loss and flap salvage rate were analyzed.ResultsWe recorded no significant difference between the two groups regarding the rate of vascular complications (P = .31), return to the theater (P = .31), flap salvage (P = .9), partial and total flap loss (P = .36 and P = .49, respectively). When analyzing the Licox® PtO2 system monitoring group, we documented six false‐positive results (13.6%) and 0 false negatives with an accuracy of 0.86, a sensibility of 1.00, and a specificity of 0.85.ConclusionsThis is the first study that provides statistical data about the comparison of postoperative free flap monitoring by standard clinical bedside method and Licox® PtO2 system. For the monitoring of buried flaps, the Licox® PtO2 monitoring can be used only as a supplement to other systems. Its use, compared to near‐infrared spectroscopy or clinical bedside monitoring, was not found cost‐efficient.