bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regional climate oscillations and local topography shape genetic polymorphisms and distribution of the giant columnar cactus Echinopsis terscheckii in drylands of the tropical Andes
Authors: Quipildor Vilma B. , Kitzberger Thomas , Ortega‐Baes Pablo , Quiroga Maria P. , Premoli Andrea C. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimWe sought to determine if the present fragmentary distribution of the giant columnar cactus Echinopsis terscheckii in tropical drylands is a relict of a previously more widespread range during cold and dry phases of the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM).LocationTropical and subtropical dry ecotonal areas of northern and central Andes of Argentina.MethodsWe combined ecological niche models (ENM) with molecular polymorphisms of isozymes and DNA sequences. We collected samples from 30 individuals at 24 locations for genetic analysis covering a wide range of environmental conditions. We sequenced the nuclear ITS and three non‐coding regions of the chloroplast DNA and we resolved 15 isozyme loci. Potential distribution was modelled using 88 E. terscheckii presence training records and a reduced set of 10 modern bioclimatic variables. LGM and the Mid‐Holocene distributions were derived by projecting bioclimatic data under present to past environmental conditions according to CCSM4 and MIROC‐ESM Global Climate Models.ResultsWe detected high isozyme diversity towards the south. The multivariate cluster analysis yielded two groups of populations that were geographically concordant with the DNA haplotypes located north and south of a divide at 27°S. Distribution models show range expansion during the LGM in two north and south areas separated by a gap of low suitability at 27°S. Suitable areas in the south were close to current populations, while in the north, populations survived in more disjunct locations that probably suffered from founder effects. In contrast, Mid‐Holocene bioclimatic conditions were relatively unsuitable in the south.Main conclusionsOur results suggest that the divergence of north and south groups of E. terscheckii populations reflect long‐lasting persistence through climatic cycles that were reinforced by the presence of an orogenic divide at mid‐latitudes. Latitudinally divergent groups of populations should be treated as distinct evolutionary significant units that deserve independent conservation actions. Increased genetic diversity and inbreeding towards the south may guide setting up priorities for the long‐term protection of a dominant element of drylands as E. terscheckii.
Transcranial Doppler and Lower Extremity Function in Older Adults: Einstein Aging Study
Authors: Ezzati Ali , Rundek Tatjana , Verghese Joe , Derby Carol A. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo determine whether transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) measures of mean blood flow velocity (MBFV) in the major cerebral arteries are associated with measures of lower extremity function in community‐dwelling older adults.DesignCross‐sectional study.SettingCommunity sample.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 70 and older (mean 79.5, 54% female) without dementia participating in the Einstein Aging Study (N = 200).MeasurementsAll participants underwent TCD assessments and tests of lower extremity function at an annual clinic visit. Average MBFV for anterior (left and right anterior and middle cerebral arteries (MCAs)) and posterior (vertebral (VA) and basilar (BA) artery) circulation was measured using a standardized TCD protocol. Lower extremity function was characterized according to gait speed (cm/s) measured using an instrumented walkway, balance according to unipedal stance time (UPST, seconds), and lower extremity strength according to timed repeated chair rise (seconds).ResultsMultiple regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, education, and medical comorbidities showed that lower MBFV in the MCA was associated with slower gait speed and chair rise time but not with UPST. Ordinal regression models showed that lower MBFV in the VA and BA is associated with shorter UPST.ConclusionLow MBFV in the anterior and posterior cerebral circulation was associated with worse lower extremity function and balance in older adults. This might be indicative of the importance of age‐related changes in cerebral hemodynamics in the function of brain regions involved in specific aspects of physical performance.
Chylomicronemia risk factors ranked by importance for the individual and community in 108 711 women and men
Authors: Pedersen S. B. , Varbo A. , Langsted A. , Nordestgaard B. G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundHypertriglyceridemia prevalence is increasing as more individuals become obese, and chylomicronemia risk factors for the individual and community have not been described previously.ObjectiveTo describe chylomicronemia risk factors in the general population for individuals and community.MethodsA total of 108 711 individuals from the Copenhagen General Population Study were grouped as unlikely chylomicronemia (nonfasting triglycerides <2 mmol L−1 (177 mg dL−1)), possible chylomicronemia (2–4.99 mmol L−1 (177–442 mg dL−1)), probable chylomicronemia (5–9.99 mmol L−1 (443–885 mg dL−1)) and definite chylomicronemia (≥10 mmol L−1 (≥ 886 mg dL−1)). Relative risk (RR) from Poisson regression ranked dichotomized chylomicronemia risk factors for individuals, and population attributable fractions (PAF) for the community: type 2 diabetes, alcohol intake, obesity, fat intake, hypothyroidism, kidney function, education, sedentary lifestyle, menopause and hormone replacement (women).ResultsFor women and men, chylomicronemia was unlikely in 81% and 64%, possible in 18% and 33%, probable in 1% and 3% and definite in 0.03% and 0.14%, respectively. For the individual, the three top‐ranked risk factors for probable/definite versus unlikely chylomicronemia in women were type 2 diabetes (RR: 4.21; 95% confidence interval: 3.30–5.36), menopause (RR: 3.74; 2.62–5.36) and obesity (RR: 3.44; 2.81–4.21). Corresponding top‐ranked risk factors in men were obesity (RR: 3.86; 3.46–4.30), type 2 diabetes (RR: 1.88; 1.61–2.19) and reduced kidney function (RR: 1.86; 1.48–2.34). For the community, top‐ranked risk factors in women were menopause (PAF: 63%), obesity (PAF: 29%) and type 2 diabetes (PAF: 15%). Corresponding top‐ranked risk factors in men were obesity (PAF: 29%), type 2 diabetes (PAF: 6.4%) and sedentary lifestyle (PAF: 6.0%).ConclusionsObesity and type 2 diabetes were the most important modifiable chylomicronemia risk factors in women and men, both for the individual and community. This could influence chylomicronemia prevention and help design randomized trials aimed at reducing triglycerides.
Natural plant volatiles as an alternative approach to control stem‐end rot in avocado cultivars
Authors: Obianom Chinelo , Sivakumar Dharini 
Published: November 2017

AbstractStem‐end rot is a postharvest disease associated with multiple important fungal pathogens including Lasiodiplodia theobromae. The incidence of stem‐end rot in avocado during postharvest storage affects the shelf life, quality and marketability of the fruit. This study is aimed at the investigation of the antifungal activities of selected natural plant volatiles (vapour phase): citral, octanal, hexanal and thymol against L. theobromae (causal pathogen of stem‐end rot) in vitro and in vivo in “Hass” and “Fuerte” avocados. Hexanal showed a lower inhibitory effect on the radial mycelial growth of L. theobromae in vitro. However, citral at a minimum concentration of 4 μl/L revealed fungicidal activity and completely inhibited the spore germination of L. theobromae. Artificially inoculated “Hass” and “Fuerte” avocados with L. theobromae were exposed to citral (768 μl) and commercial fungicide prochloraz and stored for 6 days at 20°C and 14 days at 10°C separately and thereafter held at 20°C for 3 days to simulate the retail shelf conditions. Although citral in a volatile phase effectively reduced the development of stem‐end rot in both cultivars, its effect was significant in “Fuerte” with 75% reduction in the incidence of stem‐end rot. The biochemical analysis demonstrated an increase in total phenol contents, phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase, chitinase and β‐1, 3 glucanase activity in fruit exposed to citral when compared to the reference treatment prochloraz and the untreated control for both cultivars. Furthermore, fruits exposed to citral retained the ready‐to‐eat firmness and therefore could be considered a potential alternative treatment to control stem‐end rot at the postharvest stage.
Invasive plants differ from native plants in their impact on native communities
Authors: Sun Yan , Junod Aline 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimsAlthough the impacts of alien plant invasions on native communities are well documented, the mechanisms that underlie these impacts are poorly resolved. Little is yet known as to why invasive alien plants have greater impacts than native species on their neighbouring species within a community. We investigated two potential mechanisms by which invasive plants may harm neighbouring species: resource competition and novel compounds of the invaders.LocationsField removal experiment in France and Switzerland, and common garden experiment at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.MethodsWe first conducted a field removal experiment to compare the response of neighbouring communities to experimental biomass removal of two alien invasive vs two dominant native plant species in two sites of each target species (thus eight sites in total). In addition, we conducted a common garden pot experiment to compare the effect of eight triplets of closely related target species (24 species in total), each consisting of an alien invasive species in Europe, a dominant native and a random native species, on the growth of a grass community under the addition or not of activated carbon (AC).Results(1) Field removal experiment: in the control plots, we found that the biomass of native species explained a substantial amount of the variation in biomass of the neighbouring communities, but the invader's biomass did not. Moreover, the neighbouring community recovered from removal of the dominant native species, showing a significant increase in biomass, but did not after removal of the invaders. (2) Common garden pot experiment: we found a larger effect of invasive species than native species on the growth rate of the grass community, but this difference disappeared when AC was added.ConclusionBoth experiments suggest that the impact of some invasive species is not driven by resource competition, but by other mechanisms, most likely by novel weapons or novel plant–soil interactions.
Proteomic profile of aphids exposed to wheat with different contents of benzoxazinoids
Authors: Barrios‐Sanmartín Joceline , Bosquée Emilie , Rubio‐Meléndez María E. , Ramírez Claudio C. , Francis Frédéric 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBenzoxazinoids are key defence chemicals in cereals that are known to affect several aspects of aphid biology. However, little is known about how they affect aphid physiology. In the present study, we report changes in the whole‐body proteomic profiles of a 2,4‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxy‐1,4‐benzoxazin‐3‐one (DIMBOA)‐susceptible genotype of the grain aphid Sitobion avenae (F.) after being exposed to wheat cultivars containing contrasting levels of DIMBOA. The proteome is analyzed after 14 days (short term) and 28 days (long term) of rearing on these cultivars. Seventy‐two proteins are differentially regulated among the treatments and 49 are identified. Exposure to high‐DIMBOA plants results in a higher number of proteins regulated long term. DIMBOA exposure in S. avenae initially generates greater cellular activities, mostly involving cytoskeleton function and possibly related to detoxification. This function appears to be unimportant at long term and is eventually replaced by effects on metabolism function and homeostasis. Taken together, the results of the present study show that the responses of aphids to the secondary plant compounds, such as DIMBOA, exhibit a temporal dynamic in the proteome, possibly helping aphids to overcome the effect of these toxic compounds.
A simplistic approach to detect health anomalies at a regional level using shrimp production data
Authors: Muniesa Ana , Cabanillas‐Ramos Julio , Ruiz‐Zarzuela Imanol , Magallón‐Barajas Francisco J. , de Blas Ignacio 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe global production and yield of shrimp ponds depend on multiple factors, and an unexpected variation in production parameters could be an indicator of pathological events such as white spot disease (WSD) outbreaks in a syndromic surveillance system. Using the production data from 7139 production cycles at farm level collected at two Mexican states (Sonora and Sinaloa) from 2004 to 2011, an ecological survey (also called correlational study) has been carried out summarizing data for year and oceanic basin. The production results had been analysed looking for significant association (P < 0.050) using correlation and linear regression. The average yield at harvest was not correlated with the frequency of WSD outbreaks. However, four strong and significant relationships were observed as follows: the total stocked area depends on previous total stocked area, the weight at harvest depends on the length of cycle, the yield at harvest depends on the harvest density and the stocking density depends on previous average stocking density. Within these associations, some observed results differed significantly from expected values, and these may be related to changes in production management or undetected pathological events. The analysis of significant deviations from predictions of regression analysis could provide additional evidence of changes in the production system, and in some cases could be an early indicator of subclinical and/or emergent diseases.
Facies model of a mixed clastic–carbonate, wave‐dominated open‐coast tidal flat (Tithonian–Berriasian, north‐east Spain)
Authors: Bádenas Beatriz , Aurell Marcos , Gasca José M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDetailed logging and analysis of the facies architecture of the upper Tithonian to middle Berriasian Aguilar del Alfambra Formation (Galve sub‐basin, north‐east Spain) have made it possible to characterize a wide variety of clastic, mixed clastic–carbonate and carbonate facies, which were deposited in coastal mudflats to shallow subtidal areas of an open‐coast tidal flat. The sedimentary model proposed improves what is known about mixed coastal systems, both concerning facies and sedimentary processes. This sedimentary system was located in an embayed, non‐protected area of a wide C‐shaped coast that was seasonally dominated by wave storms. Clastic and mixed clastic–carbonate muds accumulated in poorly drained to well‐drained, marine‐influenced coastal mudflat areas, with local fluvial sandstones (tide‐influenced fluvial channels and sheet‐flood deposits) and conglomerate tsunami deposits. Carbonate‐dominated tidal flat areas were the loci of deposition of fenestral‐laminated carbonate muds and grainy (peloidal) sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification. Laterally, the tidal flat was clastic‐dominated and characterized by heterolithic sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification and local tidal sandy bars. Peloidal and heterolithic sediments with hummocky cross‐stratification are the key facies for interpreting the wave (storm) dominance in the tidal flat. Subsidence and high rates of sedimentation controlled the rapid burial of the storm features and thus preserved them from reworking by fair‐weather waves and tides.
Multi‐basin depositional framework for moisture‐balance reconstruction during the last 1300 years at Lake Bogoria, central Kenya Rift Valley
Authors: De Cort Gijs , Verschuren Dirk , Ryken Els , Wolff Christian , Renaut Robin W. , Creutz Mike , Van der Meeren Thijs , Haug Gerald , Olago Daniel O. , Mees Florias 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMulti‐proxy analysis of sediment cores from five key locations in hypersaline, alkaline Lake Bogoria (central Kenya Rift Valley) has allowed reconstruction of its history of depositional and hydrological change during the past 1300 years. Analyses including organic matter and carbonate content, granulometry, mineralogical composition, charcoal counting and high‐resolution scanning of magnetic susceptibility and elemental geochemistry resulted in a detailed sedimentological and compositional characterization of lacustrine deposits in the three lake basins and on the two sills separating them. These palaeolimnological data were supplemented with information on present‐day sedimentation conditions based on seasonal sampling of settling particles and on measurement of physicochemical profiles through the water column. A new age model based on 210Pb, 137Cs and 14C dating captures the sediment chronology of this hydrochemically complex and geothermally fed lake. An extensive set of chronological tie points between the equivalent high‐resolution proxy time series of the five sediment sequences allowed transfer of radiometric dates between the basins, enabling interbasin comparison of sedimentation dynamics through time. The resulting reconstruction demonstrates considerable moisture‐balance variability through time, reflecting regional hydroclimate dynamics over the past 1300 years. Between ca 690 and 950 AD, the central and southern basins of Lake Bogoria were reduced to shallow and separated brine pools. In the former, occasional near‐complete desiccation triggered massive trona precipitation. Between ca 950 and 1100 AD, slightly higher water levels allowed the build‐up of high pCO2 leading to precipitation of nahcolite still under strongly evaporative conditions. Lake Bogoria experienced a pronounced highstand between ca 1100 and 1350 AD, only to recede again afterwards. For a substantial part of the time between ca 1350 and 1800 AD, the northern basin was probably disconnected from the united central and southern basins. Throughout the last two centuries, lake level has been relatively high compared to the rest of the past millennium. Evidence for increased terrestrial sediment supply in recent decades, due to anthropogenic soil erosion in the wider Bogoria catchment, is a reason for concern about possible adverse impacts on the unique ecosystem of Lake Bogoria.
Culturing with modified EGM2 medium enhances porcine neonatal islet‐like cell clusters resistance to apoptosis in islet xenotransplantation
Authors: Ma Xiaoqian , Yang Cejun , Zhang Juan , Wang Jia , Li Wei , Xu Chang , Rong Pengfei , Ye Bin , Wu Minghua , Jiang Jianhui , Yi Shounan , Wang Wei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundNeonatal pig islet‐like cell clusters (NICC) are an attractive source of insulin‐producing tissue for potential transplantation treatment of type 1 diabetic patients. However, a considerable loss of NICC after their transplantation due to apoptosis resulted from islet isolation and instant blood‐mediated inflammatory reaction remains to be overcome.MethodsEGM2 medium depleted with hydrocortisone and supplemented with 50 mmol/L isobutylmethylxanthine, 10 mmol/L nicotinamide, and 10 mmol/L glucose was used to culture NICC at day 1, the day after isolation and changed every other day. NICC cultured with EGM2 or control Ham's F‐10 medium were collected at day 7 of culture for the following assays. The viability of NICC was evaluated by AO/EB staining and FACS. Static assay and oxygen consumption rate analysis were performed to assess the function of NICC. Insulin and glucagon gene expression were measured by real‐time PCR. Tubing loops model and TUNEL assay were performed to confirm the apoptosis‐resistant ability of NICC cultured with modified EGM2 medium. Serum starvation and hypoxia treatment were used to test the tolerant capability of NICC in the microenvironment of hypoxia/nutrient deficiency in vitro. The molecules involved in apoptosis pathways in NICC were analyzed by Western blotting.ResultsCompared with Ham's F‐10 medium, culturing NICC with EGM2 medium led to increased number and viability of NICC with higher stimulation index, upregulated gene expression of both insulin and glucagon, and enhanced mitochondria function. Furthermore, fewer modified EGM2 medium cultured NICC were found under apoptosis when evaluated in an in vitro tubing loop model of IBMIR. Moreover, EGM2 medium cultured NICC demonstrated much less apoptotic cells under either serum starvation or hypoxia condition than their Ham's F‐10 medium cultured counterparts. The enhanced capability of EGM2 cultured NICC to resist apoptosis was associated with their elevated protein levels of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family member Mcl‐1.ConclusionCulturing NICC with EGM2 provides a simple and effective approach not only to increase NICC yield, viability, and maturation but also to enhance their resistance to apoptosis to preserve the initial graft mass for successful islet xenotransplantation.
The effect of epitope‐based ligation of ICAM‐1 on survival and retransplantation of pig islets in nonhuman primates
Authors: Lee Jae‐Il , Kim Jiyeon , Choi Yun‐Jung , Park Hi‐Jung , Park Hye‐Jin , Wi Hae Joo , Yoon Sunok , Shin Jun‐Seop , Park Jin Kyun , Jung Kyeong Cheon , Lee Eun Bong , Kang Hee Jung , Hwang Eung Soo , Kim Sang‐Joon , Park Chung‐Gyu , Park Seong Hoe 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundPig islet xenotransplantation is a promising alternative to allogeneic transplantation. However, the wide immunologic barrier between pigs and primates limits the long‐term survival of the graft. MD‐3, a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb) that recognizes a particular epitope of human ICAM‐1, can render T cells tolerant to a xenograft by arresting dendritic cell maturation. We report the long‐term survival of adult wild‐type pig islets and successful retransplantation in nonhuman primates using a protocol comprising induction with MD‐3 mAb and maintenance with anti‐CD154 mAb and sirolimus.MethodsEleven rhesus monkeys were assigned to three groups. Group 1 (n = 4) involved treatment with MD‐3 induction, short‐term (<4 months) administration of anti‐CD154 mAb, and maintenance therapy with sirolimus. Group 2 (n = 4) involved treatment with MD‐3 induction and long‐term maintenance therapy with anti‐CD154 mAb and sirolimus. Group 3 (n = 3) involved only maintenance therapy with anti‐CD154 mAb and sirolimus. Diabetes was induced in monkeys by streptozotocin, and pig islets (61 000‐112 000 IEQ/kg for each transplant; up to 280 000 IEQ/kg per recipient) were infused through the portal vein. The in vivo functional potency of the isolated islets was tested by minimal model transplant in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic NOD/SCID mice, and the mean AUC of blood glucose level divided by the number of follow‐up days was calculated.ResultsThe islet grafts survived more than 6 months (between 225 and 727 days) in nine of 12 transplants of MD‐3‐treated groups 1 and 2, whereas in the absence of MD‐3 mAb, survival was <40 days. In three transplants of the MD‐3‐treated Group 2, functional graft survival was only for 104, 125, and 154 days. In these cases, a retrospective analysis suggested that the relatively short survival duration was associated with the relatively high AUC value in the NOD/SCID bioassay. Notably, when retransplantation was performed in Group 3, blood glucose control was extended up to 956 days, which was supported by MD‐3 mAb‐based suppression of adaptive immunity. No replication of cytomegalovirus genes was observed.ConclusionsLong‐term survival of pig islet xenografts and successful retransplantation were achieved with MD‐3 mAb‐based immunosuppression regimen in this pig‐to‐monkey transplantation model. It should be emphasized that these encouraging results were achieved following the transplantation of islets from pigs that had not been genetically modified. Considering that it is possible to further substantially reduce the destruction of grafted islet using genetically modified pig islet, the islet requirement could be reduced and much longer graft survival can be achieved.