bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
miR‐29a regulates vascular neointimal hyperplasia by targeting YY1
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Yong Hui , Liu Chao , Nie Chan‐Juan , Zhang Xin‐Hua , Zheng Cui‐Ying , Jiang Wen , Yin Wei‐Na , Ren Ming‐Hui , Jin Yu‐Xin , Liu Shu‐Feng , Zheng Bin , Wen Jin‐Kun 
Published: December 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe formation of vascular neointima is mainly related to impairment of the vascular endothelial barrier and abnormal proliferation and migration of smooth muscle cells. The objective of this study was to investigate whether miR‐29a exerts any promoting effect on the vascular neointimal hyperplasia and if so, its mechanism.Materials and methodsRT‐qPCR was performed to determine expression of miR‐29a in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) and vascular neointimal hyperplasia. To further understand its role, we restored its expression in VSMCs by transfection with miR‐29a mimics or inhibitors. Effects of miR‐29a on cell proliferation were also determined.ResultsIn this study, we used two kinds of model to observe the role of miR‐29a in neointimal hyperplasia induced by carotid ligation or balloon injury. The major findings were that: (i) miR‐29a overexpression promoted neointimal hyperplasia induced by carotid ligation; (ii) miR‐29a increased proliferation of VSMCs, one aspect of which was by targeting expression of Ying and yang 1 protein (YY1), a negative regulator of Cyclin D1. A further aspect, was by increasing expression of Krüppel‐like factor 5, a positive regulator of Cyclin D1, thereby allowing formation a synergistic effect. (iii) Tongxinluo (TXL), a traditional Chinese medicine reduced neointimal formation in ligated vessels by inhibiting VSMC proliferation and migration.ConclusionsThese findings provide a new molecular mechanism of TXL in decreasing neointima hyperplasia.
Spatial congruence between taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional hotspots: true pattern or methodological artefact?
Authors: Pardo Iker , Roquet Cristina , Lavergne Sébastien , Olesen Jens M. , Gómez Daniel , García María B. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimTo assess the spatial congruence between hotspots based on taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity, after accounting for the correlation between diversity metrics, and the spatial scale and sampling completeness of data.LocationThe Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (Central Pyrenees, Spain), a species‐rich area subjected to intensive botanical sampling.MethodsWe selected hotspots using different diversity metrics and two different data sources (~49,000 occurrence records of 1379 vascular plants in 1 × 1 km grid cells and 1218 inventories of plant communities containing a total of 859 taxa) and compared their spatial congruence. The effect of sampling completeness of data was explicitly assessed. Phylogenetic diversity and functional diversity (measured with richness‐dependent and richness‐independent metrics) were based on a molecular phylogeny, and a functional dendrogram, respectively. The effectiveness of different types of hotspots in representing other diversity components was tested with permutation tests.ResultsWe found that spurious correlations between diversity metrics explained the congruence between taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional hotspots. When richness‐independent metrics were used, diversity hotspots were no longer congruent regardless of the source of data. Hotspots were biased towards intensively sampled grid cells, and the amount of diversity they captured was exaggerated due to the coarse spatial scale of species‐occurrence data. The efficiency of hotspots in terms of integrating different diversity components was lower at community scale and not significantly higher than expected at random, regardless of the sampling completeness.Main conclusionsOur results stress that the arbitrary use of diversity metrics and the scale of analyses along with the sampling bias in data can distort the true location of hotspots, and exaggerate their spatial congruence. After accounting for such methodological issues, we found a clear mismatch between diversity components that questions the utility of hotspots as a conservation tool of multiple diversity components.
A diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging study of paediatric patients with severe non‐traumatic brain injury
Authors: Molteni Erika , Rocca Maria A , Strazzer Sandra , Pagani Elisabetta , Colombo Katia , Arrigoni Filippo , Boffa Giacomo , Copetti Massimiliano , Pastore Valentina , Filippi Massimo 
Published: December 2016

AimIn this observational study using 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor, we investigated the differential effects of pathology, stage of disease, state of consciousness, and aetiology on the modifications of supra‐ and infra‐tentorial white matter tracts and their correlations with clinical scales in paediatric patients with severe non‐traumatic brain injury.MethodDiffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT‐MRI) was obtained from seven children with unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (UWS; five males, two females; age at event 5y; standard deviation [SD] 2y 1mo), six children in a minimally conscious state (MCS; three males, three females; age at event 5y 10mo; SD 5y), and 10 healthy children as controls(two males, eight females; age at study 10y 10mo; SD 2y 10mo). Fractional anisotropy, mean, axial, and radial diffusivities were calculated for the corpus callosum, inferior, middle (MCP), and superior cerebellar peduncles (SCP).ResultsDT‐MRI parameters from corpus callosum and SCP differed between patients and controls. MCP abnormalities were detected in patients presenting non‐traumatic composite aetiology (n=4) versus those suffering from pure anoxia (n=9). The supra‐tentorial compartment was more damaged (i.e. decreased fractional anisotropy and increased diffusivities) than the infra‐tentorial one. Correlations were found between DT‐MRI abnormalities and Glasgow Outcome Scale scores.InterpretationIn paediatric UWS/MCS, the severity of clinical disability correlates with white matter tract abnormalities.
Biotic interchange in the Anthropocene: strong asymmetry in East Asian and eastern North American plant invasions
Authors: Mason Heberling J. , Jo Insu , Kozhevnikov Andrey , Lee Hyohyemi , Fridley Jason D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimModern species invasions result in the global reshuffling of regional floras, but biogeographical biases in floristic exchanges (origin effects) are underexplored. We compared habitat‐level invasion patterns in two environmentally similar regions, and ask whether plant exchanges are also similar or if one region largely invades the other.LocationEastern North America (ENA) and East Asia (EAS).MethodsWe compiled a new dataset of the 1293 naturalized (i.e. non‐native, self‐sustaining) and invasive (i.e. spreading) plant taxa in EAS, including the habitats they invade and their native distributions. We tested for biases by biogeographical origin, growth form and habitat in EAS invasions, and compared them with those for ENA.ResultsEAS contains 51% fewer naturalizations than ENA, but with a similar biogeographical representation. However, invasions in each region show large differences in biogeographical affinity, taxonomic representation and habitat. Invasions in ENA are biased from East Asia (29% invasive), while invaders in EAS come from a fairly uniform set of major temperate regions. Taxonomically, 54% of Asteraceae naturalizations in EAS are invasive compared with only 16% in ENA. Open habitats are highly invaded in both regions (75% of invasions), but forests are significantly more invaded in ENA than EAS (29% vs. 9%). Reciprocal invasions are asymmetric: EAS contributes more woody invaders to ENA than expected (56% woody, P < 0.001), while in EAS nearly all (91%) invaders from ENA are herbaceous.Main conclusionsAlthough they represent regions of similar temperate environments, the origin, taxonomy and habitat affinities of plant invaders in EAS and ENA floristic regions are strongly contrasting. These differences are robust to differences in introduction effort when the invasiveness of species once naturalized is considered. We suggest these patterns support a historical perspective of invasions that invokes differences in regional selection pressures that pre‐adapt certain floras for invasion into particular environmental conditions.
Territory occupancy and breeding success of Peregrine FalconsFalco peregrinusat various stages of population recovery
Authors: McGrady Michael J. , Hines James E. , Rollie Chris J. , Smith George D. , Morton Elise R. , Moore Jennifer F. , Mearns Richard M. , Newton Ian , Murillo‐García Oscar E. , Oli Madan K. 
Published: December 2016

Organochlorine pesticides disrupted reproduction and killed many raptorial birds, and contributed to population declines during the 1940s to 1970s. We sought to discern whether and to what extent territory occupancy and breeding success changed from the pesticide era to recent years in a resident population of Peregrine FalconsFalco peregrinusin southern Scotland using long‐term (1964–2015) field data and multi‐state, multi‐season occupancy models. Peregrine territories that were occupied with successful reproduction in one year were much more likely to be occupied and experience reproductive success in the following year, compared with those that were unoccupied or occupied by unsuccessful breeders in the previous year. Probability of territory occupancy differed between territories in the eastern and western parts of the study area, and varied over time. The probability of occupancy of territories that were unoccupied and those that were occupied with successful reproduction during the previous breeding season generally increased over time, whereas the probability of occupancy of territories that were occupied after failed reproduction decreased. The probability of reproductive success (conditional on occupancy) in territories that were occupied during the previous breeding season increased over time. Specifically, for territories that had been successful in the previous year, the probability of occupancy as well as reproductive success increased steadily over time; these probabilities were substantially higher in recent years than earlier, when the population was still exposed to direct or residual effects of organochlorine pesticides. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that progressive reduction, followed by a complete ban, in the use of organochlorine pesticides improved reproductive success of Peregrines in southern Scotland. Differences in the temporal pattern of probability of reproductive success between south‐eastern and south‐western Scotland suggest that the effect of organochlorine pesticides on Peregrine reproductive success and/or the recovery from pesticide effects varied geographically and was possibly affected by other factors such as persecution.
National Culture and Default on Mortgages
Authors: Tajaddini Reza , Gholipour Hassan F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the relationship between national cultural characteristics and default on mortgages (DOM). Using Hofstede's constructs and controlling for other relevant determinants of DOM, our regression analyses show that borrowers from countries with high individualism may default more on their mortgages in both a relatively stable economic period and during a period of crisis. Moreover, we find that borrowers from societies showing lower level of pragmatism and higher level of indulgence default more on their mortgages in a stable economic period. Our findings suggest important implications for multinational financial institutions that provide mortgages across countries.
Identification and Analysis of Factors Contributing to the Reduction in Seclusion and Restraint for a Population with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Larue Caroline , Goulet Marie‐Hélène , Prevost Marie‐Josée , Dumais Alexandre , Bellavance Jacques 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundA cohort of 11 patients with an intellectual disability and a psychiatric diagnosis present severe behavioural disorders in psychiatric hospital of Quebec in 2009. Control‐measure use for this clientele has now been reduced. How do management personnel, families and care teams explain the changes? What clinical interventions did management and care providers implement that contributed to the reduction?MethodA retrospective case study was conducted. Five focus groups were held with people involved in their care, and the patient files were examined.ResultsThe factors contributing to this change were the cohesion of the care providers, the involvement of the families and the efforts to determine the function of the behaviour.ImplicationsThis study may inspire other care teams to try new approaches in dealing with patients with severe behavioural disorders. Also, the model of factors and interventions supporting a reduction in seclusion and restraint measures may inspire future studies.
Holocene tree line changes in the Canadian Cordillera are controlled by climate and topography
Authors: Schwörer Christoph , Gavin Daniel G. , Walker Ian R. , Hu Feng Sheng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimAlthough ongoing climate change is expected to lead to an upward shift of tree lines in mountain areas, evidence for widespread tree line advances remains scarce, implying secondary controls on tree line dynamics at the local scale. We aim to determine if vegetation change in response to past warm periods was regionally synchronous or if local factors such as topography, geomorphology or fire caused divergent local responses.LocationThe Canadian Cordillera in south‐eastern British Columbia (Canada).MethodsWe analysed post‐glacial sediments from three lakes at or just below the present tree line for macrofossils, pollen and charcoal to infer past local forest composition, density, dynamics and fire disturbance.ResultsAt two lakes (Windy and Redmountain), tree macrofossil concentrations were highest in the warmer‐than‐present Early Holocene (11,700–7000 cal. bp), indicating higher forest density and tree line position during this time period. At the third lake (Thunder), macrofossil concentrations were low during the Early Holocene and reached maximum values in the mid‐Holocene (7000–3000 cal. bp). The divergent vegetation dynamics and species composition at Thunder Lake suggest that moisture availability may have limited the establishment of closed forests on steep south‐facing slopes or shallow soils in the Early Holocene.Main conclusionsSummer temperature was the main driver of tree line dynamics over millennial to decadal time‐scales. Closed forests, however, occurred only in areas of adequate moisture availability, which is controlled by topography and geomorphology. We therefore expect a rapid upward shift of tree lines during the 21st century in response to warmer temperatures, but only where deep soils or favourable aspects provide sufficient moisture for tree growth. Upward forest expansion will therefore be patchy and occur first in favourable microsites.
Measures of biologically relevant environmental heterogeneity improve prediction of regional plant species richness
Authors: Cramer Michael D. , Verboom G. Anthony 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimRelatively few models of species richness explicitly consider aspects of environmental heterogeneity, other than topographic heterogeneity. We hypothesized that environmental heterogeneity is an important determinant of species richness, especially in ancient climatically stable environments.LocationSouth Africa, which accommodates a range of biomes that differ strongly in species richness.MethodsWe included measures of climatic, edaphic and biotic variables and their spatial heterogeneities in boosted regression tree models of vascular plant species richness. Species richness was assessed using herbarium records per quarter degree square (QDS). To avoid autocorrelation and problems of variable collection rates we iteratively randomly subsampled 20% of the available QDS. We also verified estimates of species richness using an independent data source.ResultsThe models predicted 68% of QDS species richness and 95% of biome richness. Spatial variability in diurnal temperature range was the strongest predictor of species richness, and inclusion of edaphic and biotic terms as well as spatial heterogeneities increased the explanatory power of the model considerably. Heterogeneity variables featured strongly (8 of 13) as predictors of species richness, but several resource variables (e.g. precipitation, seasonality and evapotranspiration) were also important. The spatial heterogeneities of some variables (e.g. water availability, fire) were related to their mean values, possibly explaining why some global models that have not explicitly included heterogeneity (other than topographic) perform well.Main conclusionsEnvironmental heterogeneities are important predictors of species richness, yielding accurate predictions even in the absence of any consideration of diversification rates or environmental stability. Greater heterogeneity of some resource variables when limiting, contributed to modelled species richness, adding to understanding of why species richness of some resource‐poor Mediterranean‐ecosystems is high. We suggest that species richness in ancient, climatically stable Mediterranean‐ecosystems is contingent on resource and environmental heterogeneity that has enabled both the diversification and maintenance of regional species richness.
Gecko phylogeography in the Western Indian Ocean region: the oldest clade of Ebenavia inunguis lives on the youngest island
Authors: Hawlitschek Oliver , Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , Gehring Philip‐Sebastian , Ratsoavina Fanomezana M. , Cole Nik , Crottini Angelica , Nopper Joachim , Lam Athena W. , Vences Miguel , Glaw Frank 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimWe studied the gecko genus Ebenavia to reconstruct its colonization history, test for anthropogenic versus natural dispersal out of Madagascar, and correlate divergence date estimates of our phylogeny with geological age estimates of islands in the region.LocationMadagascar and surrounding islands of the Western Indian Ocean (Comoros, Mayotte, Mauritius, Pemba).MethodsWe reconstructed the phylogeny of Ebenavia covering its entire geographical range using a molecular data set of three mitochondrial and two nuclear markers. We estimated divergence times based on calibrations using (1) previously calculated mutation rates of mitochondrial markers, (2) a combination of these rates with old or (3) young geological age estimates for some of the islands inhabited by the genus, and (4) an independent data set with fossil outgroup calibration points.ResultsEbenavia inunguis, one of two recognized species of the genus, comprises multiple ancient evolutionary lineages. The earliest divergence within this complex (Miocene, 13–20 Ma; 95% credibility interval [CI]: 4–29 Ma) separates the population of the Comoros Islands, excluding Mayotte, from all other lineages. The age estimates for island lineages coincide with the geological age estimates of the islands except for Grand Comoro, where the age of the local clade (3–5 Ma; 95% CI: 2–7 Ma) significantly predates the estimated island age (0·5 Ma). A clade from north Madagascar + Mayotte + Pemba is estimated to have diverged from an eastern Malagasy clade in the Miocene.Main ConclusionsOur results suggest that Grand Comoro Island is geologically older than previously estimated. The islands of the Comoros and Pemba were probably colonized via natural dispersal out of Madagascar (> 1000 km in the case of Pemba). Mauritius was most likely colonized only recently from eastern Madagascar via human translocation.
Lineage splitting, secondary contacts and genetic admixture of a widely distributed marine invertebrate
Authors: Pérez‐Portela R. , Rius M. , Villamor A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimWe explore the genetic structure of the widespread starfish, Marthasterias spp., in order to: (1) identify historical causes of genetic divergence, (2) test the effect of past climatic events on populations’ demography and (3) explore main barriers to gene flow.LocationNorth‐ and south‐east Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.MethodsWe amplified and sequenced three mitochondrial genes and one nuclear intron, and genotyped five nuclear microsatellite loci from 337 specimens. We reconstructed the phylogeny and phylogeography of Marthasterias spp. using the obtained DNA sequences, and used the microsatellite loci to explore major genetic discontinuities along the European coast.ResultsOur results suggested the existence of two allopatric species, one in the Northern Hemisphere (M. glacialis) and another in the Southern Hemisphere (Marthasterias sp.). This allopatric split could be attributed to recent changes in oceanographic circulation of the eastern Atlantic Ocean that may have acted as barrier to gene flow. Mitochondrial divergence between European lineages could be attributed to potential vicariance during Pleistocene glacial periods, but was not supported by nuclear markers, which may be indicative of recent genetic admixture. Secondary contact after glacial periods and gene flow across the Gibraltar Strait may explain this pattern. Genetic structure of M. glacialis based on nuclear markers did not show much divergence among geographical areas although most populations were significantly differentiated.Main conclusionsThe phylogeography of the widely distributed genus Marthasterias has most likely been shaped by recent changes in climate and oceanographic patterns. Major changes of ocean current patterns initially resulted in splitting between Northern and Southern Hemisphere lineages. Subsequently, glacial periods most likely enhanced vicariance of European lineages, followed by a post‐glacial expansion facilitating secondary contacts and genetic admixture.
Nd:YAG and pulsed dye laser therapy in infantile haemangiomas: a retrospective analysis of 271 treated haemangiomas in 149 children
Authors: Hartmann F. , Lockmann A. , Grönemeyer L.‐L. , Haenssle H.A. , Zutt M. , von Fintel H. , Kühnle I. , Schön M.P. , Thoms K.‐M. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractBackgroundInfantile haemangiomas (IH) are common benign tumours in infancy. Most IH resolve spontaneously, but some require treatment due to ulceration, functional impairment or cosmetic disfiguration. While systemic propranolol is effective in many cases, laser therapy may be a safe topical alternative.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy of combined Nd:YAG/pulsed dye laser (PDL) or PDL alone for therapy of IH.Patients and methodsA total of 271 IH in 149 infants were treated with combined Nd:YAG/PDL or PDL alone. Based on photographs before and 4–6 weeks after the last treatment, the results were evaluated independently by three physicians. Remissions were categorized as 0–25% (I), 26–50% (II), 51–75% (III) and 76–100% (IV).ResultsIn total, 472 laser treatments were performed. In 137 of 149 infants (91.9%) laser therapy was performed during a short sevoflurane mask anaesthesia, while 12 of 149 infants (8.1%) received topical anaesthetic gel. Combined Nd:YAG/PDL was applied in 187 of 271 IH (69.0%), while PDL alone in 84 of 271 IH (31.0%). On average, 1.74 treatments per IH were necessary (Nd:YAG/PDL: 1.95, PDL: 1.26). Moderate or strong (III/IV) improvement was observed in 92.4% of all IH treated. No serious adverse effects were observed.ConclusionCombined Nd:YAG/PDL therapy is an effective and well‐tolerated local treatment option for IH of any classification, in any phase of development and at any age. With regard to the systemic use of propranolol, combined Nd:YAG/PDL therapy seems a safe and promising alternative in many cases.