bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inter‐laboratory variation in corticosterone measurement: Implications for comparative ecological and evolutionary studies
Authors: Fanson Kerry V. , Németh Zoltán , Ramenofsky Marilyn , Wingfield John C. , Buchanan Katherine L. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Interspecific comparisons of endocrine data are useful for drawing broad conclusions concerning the role of ecological variables in the evolution of physiological pathways. However, comparisons of endocrine data generated by different research groups are problematic, due to inter‐laboratory variation in measured hormone values. To date, we know of no study which has quantified the extent of inter‐laboratory variation in the measurement of hormone levels, outside of biomedical studies.

To evaluate the extent to which laboratories differ in their measurement of hormones, we prepared seven samples of avian plasma with known concentrations of corticosterone and sent them for blind analyses to 19 laboratories and asked them to report the methods used and the values obtained.

Both absolute hormone concentrations and the ratios between samples were equally variable, up to an order of magnitude different for some concentrations. Laboratory identity accounted for more than 80% of the variation in reported corticosterone, but we could not identify any methodological factors that consistently contributed to this inter‐laboratory variation. In addition, laboratory measurement error was significantly correlated with the latitude of the primary study species for each laboratory, suggesting that inter‐laboratory variation has the potential to drive trends in corticosterone datasets.

Inter‐laboratory variation in corticosterone measurement may have serious implications for quantitative comparisons of endocrine values across laboratories, although comparisons of qualitative patterns may be more robust because rank order of the samples was relatively consistent across laboratories. Ignoring laboratory effect and the non‐independence of data may lead to an inflated rate of Type I error and spurious correlations.
Enhanced functional properties of human limbal stem cells by inhibition of the miR‐31/FIH‐1/P21 axis
Authors: Liu Zhiping , Zhan Weijiao , Zeng Minzhi , Chen Jinghong , Zou Huyong , Min Zhiqun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveOn the basis of the functional roles of the embryonic stem cell niche (ESCN) in the human limbal stem cells (LSCs), we proposed to explore the potential roles of microRNAs in regulating the self‐renewal and differentiation of LSCs cultured in the ESCN.MethodsThe LSCs were cultured in different media, either in CnT‐20 media or in CnT‐20 + 20% ES culture supernatant (ESC‐CM). The LSCs cultured in ESC‐CM were then transfected with microRNA‐31 (miR‐31) mimic or antago‐31. The colony‐forming efficiency (CFE) was analysed. Cell cycle, apoptosis, mitochondrial potential and reactive oxygen species were analysed by flow cytometry, and quantitative real‐time PCR was used to determine the expression levels of FIH‐1, P21, P63, ABCG2, CK3, microRNA‐31, microRNA‐143, microRNA‐145 and microRNA‐184. Indirect immunostaining was employed to detect the expression of P63, ABCG2, survivin, connexin‐43 and CK3. Western blot was employed to detect the expression of FIH‐1, P63, P21, CK3, caspase 3, Tcf4, β‐catenin, survivin, GSK3β and pGSK3β.ResultsCompared with cells grown in CnT‐20, the level of miR‐31 in cells grown in ESC‐CM was lower. We investigated the roles that miR‐31 and FIH‐1 play in regulating the functional properties of LSCs. We used antagomirs (antago) to reduce the level of miR‐31 in LSCs. Antago‐31 increased FIH‐1 levels and significantly reduced P21 expressional level in LSCs compared to irrelevant‐antago (Ir‐antago) treatment. The downregulation of miR‐31 in LSCs promotes the maintenance of stemness.ConclusionES culture supernatant (ESC‐CM) regulates the fate of LSCs in part by inhibiting the miR‐31/FIH‐1/P21 axis. This study may have a high impact on the expansion of LSCs in regenerative medicine, especially for ocular surface reconstruction.
Demography of Euterpe precatoria and Mauritia flexuosa in the Amazon: application of integral projection models for their harvest
Authors: Isaza Carolina , Bernal Rodrigo , Galeano Gloria , Martorell Carlos 
Published: June 2017

AbstractNon‐Timber Forest Products like palm fruits are fundamental in the livelihood of Amerindian groups. For the last 10 years the fruits of wild palm species, like Euterpe precatoria and Mauritia flexuosa, have been entering into global markets. These species are mostly harvested felling the adults, a practice that may have a disproportionate impact in the conservation of the populations. We studied the demography of E. precatoria and M. flexuosa, two important palms of the Amazon, using integral projection models, to characterize the population dynamics and project impact of different fruit harvest methods: adult felling and direct fruit harvest. We followed over 1400 individuals from populations with low harvest intensities in the Tikuna community of Amacayacu, Amazonas, Colombia from 2011 to 2013, establishing four plots for E. precatoria in seasonally inundated forests and two for M. flexuosa in swamps. The population growth in E. precatoria was slightly declining, whereas M. flexuosa was stable. As expected, the simulations of adult felling diminished λ and the number of available adults under any scenario for either species. On the contrary, the simulations support existing information that climbing and other non‐destructive harvest methods would probably allow a sustainable management, satisfying the demand and preserving wild populations.
Progressive aortic root dilatation in pediatric heart transplant recipients
Authors: Sachdeva Shagun , Zhang Liyun , Simpson Pippa , Frommelt Peter C. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundTo determine prevalence, clinical implication, and risk factors for aortic root dilation (ARD) in pediatric heart transplant recipients.MethodsSerial echocardiograms were reviewed in all pediatric heart transplant recipients from 1999 to 2014 to assess maximal systolic diameter at the aortic annulus, aortic sinus, aortic sino‐tubular (ST) junction, and ascending aorta. ARD was defined by a sinus/annulus ratio >1.56, ST junction/annulus ratio >1.28, and/or ascending aorta/annulus ratio >1.35.ResultsA total of 147 subjects (53% male) were evaluated; 50% had congenital heart disease (CHD). Of the 74 with CHD, 38 had prior aortic arch reconstruction. The median age at transplant was 3 years (7 days–20.3 years) with a median duration of follow‐up of 3.88 years (3 months–15 years). Prevalence of ARD significantly increased in the cohort from 15.6% at the initial echocardiogram to 49.6% at later follow‐up (P<.0001). The median duration to development of ARD was 7.6 months. There were no significant differences in prevalence of ARD or days to maximum ratio based on the pretransplant diagnosis. Aortic regurgitation was very rare (7 with ≤mild) and did not correlate with ARD or require any interventions.ConclusionDuring intermediate follow‐up, ARD commonly develops in children post–heart transplant, and prevalence increases with time after transplant. Within 1 year after transplant, almost 50% had developed abnormalities in aortic root size that were not apparent at the initial posttransplant echocardiogram. Preexisting CHD or need for prior arch reconstruction did not increase the risk of ARD.
Population genetic structure and connectivity of deep‐sea stony corals (Order Scleractinia) in the New Zealand region: Implications for the conservation and management of vulnerable marine ecosystems
Authors: Zeng Cong , Rowden Ashley A. , Clark Malcolm R. , Gardner Jonathan P. A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDeep‐sea stony corals, which can be fragile, long‐lived, late to mature and habitat‐forming, are defined as vulnerable marine ecosystem indicator taxa. Under United Nations resolutions, these corals require protection from human disturbance such as fishing. To better understand the vulnerability of stony corals (Goniocorella dumosa, Madrepora oculata, Solenosmilia variabilis) to disturbance within the New Zealand region and to guide marine protected area design, genetic structure and connectivity were determined using microsatellite loci and DNA sequencing. Analyses compared population genetic differentiation between two biogeographic provinces, amongst three subregions (north–central–south) and amongst geomorphic features. Extensive population genetic differentiation was revealed by microsatellite variation, whilst DNA sequencing revealed very little differentiation. For G. dumosa, genetic differentiation existed amongst regions and geomorphic features, but not between provinces. For M. oculata, only a north–central–south regional structure was observed. For S. variabilis, genetic differentiation was observed between provinces, amongst regions and amongst geomorphic features. Populations on the Kermadec Ridge were genetically different from Chatham Rise populations for all three species. A significant isolation‐by‐depth pattern was observed for both marker types in G. dumosa and also in ITS of M. oculata. An isolation‐by‐distance pattern was revealed for microsatellite variation in S. variabilis. Medium to high levels of self‐recruitment were detected in all geomorphic populations, and rates and routes of genetic connectivity were species‐specific. These patterns of population genetic structure and connectivity at a range of spatial scales indicate that flexible spatial management approaches are required for the conservation of deep‐sea corals around New Zealand.
Successful removal of jejunal leiomyosarcoma in a Quarter Horse mare
Authors: Oreff G. L. , Tatz A. J. , Dahan R. , Valentine B. A. , Kelmer G. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryA 9‐year‐old Quarter Horse mare was presented due to chronic colic in the past year, which deteriorated rapidly prior to presentation. On exploratory laparotomy a solitary, well encapsulated mass was found, partially attached to the seromuscular layer of the intestine. Removal of the mass was achieved without the use of enterotomy or resection and anastomosis. The mass was diagnosed using histology and immunohistochemistry assays as leiomyosarcoma. Despite the aggressive nature of the neoplasm, the mare returned to full function and there was no evidence of recurrence 5 years post‐operatively.
Integrating future scenario‐based crop expansion and crop conditions to map switchgrass biofuel potential in eastern Nebraska, USA
Authors: Gu Yingxin , Wylie Bruce K. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSwitchgrass (Panicum virgatum) has been evaluated as one potential source for cellulosic biofuel feedstocks. Planting switchgrass in marginal croplands and waterway buffers can reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and improve regional ecosystem services (i.e. it serves as a potential carbon sink). In previous studies, we mapped high risk marginal croplands and highly erodible cropland buffers that are potentially suitable for switchgrass development, which would improve ecosystem services and minimally impact food production. In this study, we advance our previous study results and integrate future crop expansion information to develop a switchgrass biofuel potential ensemble map for current and future croplands in eastern Nebraska. The switchgrass biomass productivity and carbon benefits (i.e. NEP: net ecosystem production) for the identified biofuel potential ensemble areas were quantified. The future scenario‐based (‘A1B’) land use and land cover map for 2050, the US Geological Survey crop type and Compound Topographic Index (CTI) maps, and long‐term (1981–2010) averaged annual precipitation data were used to identify future crop expansion regions that are suitable for switchgrass development. Results show that 2528 km2 of future crop expansion regions (~3.6% of the study area) are potentially suitable for switchgrass development. The total estimated biofuel potential ensemble area (including cropland buffers, marginal croplands, and future crop expansion regions) is 4232 km2 (~6% of the study area), potentially producing 3.52 million metric tons of switchgrass biomass per year. Converting biofuel ensemble regions to switchgrass leads to potential carbon sinks (the total NEP for biofuel potential areas is 0.45 million metric tons C) and is environmentally sustainable. Results from this study improve our understanding of environmental conditions and ecosystem services of current and future cropland systems in eastern Nebraska and provide useful information to land managers to make land use decisions regarding switchgrass development.
A systematic review of the relationship between glycemic control and necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum in patients with diabetes mellitus
Authors: Mistry Bhavik D. , Alavi Afsaneh , Ali Saima , Mistry Nisha 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe association of specific skin disorders with diabetes mellitus (DM) has been well established. Current literature suggests that approximately 30–91% of patients with diabetes will experience at least one cutaneous manifestation of this systemic disease in their lifetime. To date, there are limited articles summarizing the link between necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum (NLD) prognosis and glycemic control in patients with diabetes. The objective of the study is to summarize and appraise the available evidence assessing the relationship between glycemic control and NLD. A literature search was conducted based on MEDLINE (1946–2015), EMBASE (1980–2015), Google Scholar, and PubMed for publications that described the results of diabetes control and NLD. Further studies were identified from bibliographies of all relevant studies, gray literature, and annual scientific assemblies. All studies investigating the relationship between DM (type 1 and type 2) management and NLD were included. Two reviewers independently extracted data including demographics, type of diabetes management measures (glucose, HbA1c, insulin), comorbidities, and outcome. A total of 622 studies were identified, and 10 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria: two case series and eight case reports. Of the 24 patients with NLD, 13 patients reported resolution of NLD after implementing various methods of glycemic control (diabetic diet consisting of 1600 kcal/day [1 patient], insulin regimen [3 patients], and pancreatic transplantation [9 patients]). Glycemic control may have a role in influencing the prognosis of necrobiosis lipoidica in patients with diabetes; however, there is currently insufficient evidence to support or refute this claim.
Personality change across the life span: Insights from a cross‐cultural, longitudinal study
Authors: Chopik William J. , Kitayama Shinobu 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectivePersonality traits are characterized by both stability and change across the life span. Many of the mechanisms hypothesized to cause personality change (e.g., the timing of various social roles, physical health, and cultural values) differ considerably across culture. Moreover, personality consistency is valued highly in Western societies, but less so in non‐Western societies. Few studies have examined how personality changes differently across cultures.MethodWe employed a multilevel modeling approach to examine age‐related changes in Big Five personality traits in two large panel studies of Americans (n = 6,259; Mage = 46.85; 52.5% female) and Japanese (n = 1,021; Mage = 54.28; 50.9% female). Participants filled out personality measures twice, over either a 9‐year interval (for Americans) or a 4‐year period (for Japanese).ResultsChanges in Agreeableness and Openness to Experience did not systematically vary across cultures; changes in Extraversion, Neuroticism, and Conscientiousness did vary across cultures. Further, Japanese show significantly greater fluctuation in the level of all the traits tested over time than Americans.ConclusionsThe culture‐specific social, ecological, and life‐course factors that are associated with personality change are discussed.
A simple in silico strategy identifies candidate biomarkers for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in morbidly obese subjects
Authors: Giraudi Pablo J. , Gambaro Sabrina E. , Ornelas Arroyo Sofia , Chackelevicius Carla M. , Giuricin Michela , Silvestri Marta , Macor Daniele , Crocé Lory S. , Bonazza Deborah , Soardo Giorgio , de Manzini Nicolò , Zanconati Fabrizio , Tiribelli Claudio , Palmisano Silvia , Rosso Natalia 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disorder, tightly associated with obesity.The histological spectrum of the disease ranges from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, with different stages of fibrosis, and fibrosis stage is the most significant predictor of mortality in NAFLD. Liver biopsy continues to be the gold standard for its diagnosis and reliable non‐invasive diagnostic tools are unavailable. We investigated the accuracy of candidate proteins, identified by an in silico approach, as biomarkers for diagnosis of fibrosis.MethodsSeventy‐one morbidly obese (MO) subjects with biopsy‐proven NAFLD were enrolled, and the cohort was subdivided according to minimal (F0/F1) or moderate (F2/F3) fibrosis. The plasmatic level of CD44 antigen (CD44), secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and insulin‐like growth factor 2 (IGF2) were determined by ELISA. Significant associations between plasmatic levels and histological fibrosis were determined by correlation analysis and the diagnostic accuracy by the area under receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC).ResultsEighty‐two percentage of the subjects had F0/F1 and 18% with F2/F3 fibrosis. Plasmatic levels of IGF2, EGFR and their ratio (EGFR/IGF2) were associated with liver fibrosis, correlating inversely for IGF2 (P < .006) and directly (P < .018; P < .0001) for EGFR and EGFR/IGF2 respectively. The IGF2 marker had the best diagnostic accuracy for moderate fibrosis (AUROC 0.83), followed by EGFR/IGF2 ratio (AUROC 0.79) and EGFR (AUROC 0.71).ConclusionsOur study supports the potential utility of IGF2 and EGFR as non‐invasive diagnostic biomarkers for liver fibrosis in morbidly obese subjects.
HHV‐6 in liver transplantation: A literature review
Authors: Phan Tuan L. , Lautenschlager Irmeli , Razonable Raymund R. , Munoz Flor M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHuman herpesvirus 6 (HHV‐6A and HHV‐6B) can cause primary infection or reactivate from latency in liver transplant recipients, which can result in a variety of clinical syndromes, including fever, hepatitis, encephalitis and higher rates of graft dysfunction as well as indirect effects including increased risks of mortality, CMV disease, hepatitis C progression and greater fibrosis scores. Although HHV‐6 infection is currently diagnosed by quantifying viral DNA in plasma or blood, biopsy to demonstrate histopathological effects of HHV‐6 remains the gold standard for diagnosis of end‐organ disease. HHV‐6 reactivation may be restricted to the infected organ with no evidence of active infection in the blood. HHV‐6 infections in liver transplant patients are mostly asymptomatic, but clinically significant tissue‐invasive infections have been treated successfully with ganciclovir, foscarnet or cidofovir. Inherited chromosomally integrated HHV‐6 (ciHHV‐6), in either the recipient or the donor organ, may create confusion about systemic HHV‐6 infection. Recipients with inherited ciHHV‐6 may have an increased risk of opportunistic infection and graft rejection. This article reviews the current scientific data on the clinical effects, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of HHV‐6 infections in liver transplant recipients.
Immunogenicity of plant‐produced African horse sickness virus‐like particles: implications for a novel vaccine
Authors: Dennis Susan J. , Meyers Ann E. , Guthrie Alan J. , Hitzeroth Inga I. , Rybicki Edward P. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryAfrican horse sickness (AHS) is a debilitating and often fatal viral disease affecting horses in much of Africa, caused by the dsRNA orbivirus African horse sickness virus (AHSV). Vaccination remains the single most effective weapon in combatting AHS, as there is no treatment for the disease apart from good animal husbandry. However, the only commercially available vaccine is a live‐attenuated version of the virus (LAV). The threat of outbreaks of the disease outside its endemic region and the fact that the LAV is not licensed for use elsewhere in the world, have spurred attempts to develop an alternative safer, yet cost‐effective recombinant vaccine. Here, we report the plant‐based production of a virus‐like particle (VLP) AHSV serotype five candidate vaccine by Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transient expression of all four capsid proteins in Nicotiana benthamiana using the cowpea mosaic virus‐based HyperTrans (CPMV‐HT) and associated pEAQ plant expression vector system. The production process is fast and simple, scalable, economically viable, and most importantly, guinea pig antiserum raised against the vaccine was shown to neutralize live virus in cell‐based assays. To our knowledge, this is the first report of AHSV VLPs produced in plants, which has important implications for the containment of, and fight against the spread of, this deadly disease.
Beyond MITF: Multiple transcription factors directly regulate the cellular phenotype in melanocytes and melanoma
Authors: Seberg Hannah E. , Van Otterloo Eric , Cornell Robert A. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryMITF governs multiple steps in the development of melanocytes, including specification from neural crest, growth, survival, and terminal differentiation. In addition, the level of MITF activity determines the phenotype adopted by melanoma cells, whether invasive, proliferative, or differentiated. However, MITF does not act alone. Here, we review literature on the transcription factors that co‐regulate MITF‐dependent genes. ChIP‐seq studies have indicated that the transcription factors SOX10, YY1, and TFAP2A co‐occupy subsets of regulatory elements bound by MITF in melanocytes. Analyses at single loci also support roles for LEF1, RB1, IRF4, and PAX3 acting in combination with MITF, while sequence motif analyses suggest that additional transcription factors colocalize with MITF at many melanocyte‐specific regulatory elements. However, the precise biochemical functions of each of these MITF collaborators and their contributions to gene expression remain to be elucidated. Analogous to the transcriptional networks in morphogen‐patterned tissues during embryogenesis, we anticipate that the level of MITF activity is controlled not only by the concentration of activated MITF, but also by additional transcription factors that either quantitatively or qualitatively influence the expression of MITF‐target genes.