bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting gene expression programs correspond with predator‐induced phenotypic plasticity within and across generations in Daphnia
Authors: Hales Nicole R. , Schield Drew R. , Andrew Audra L. , Card Daren C. , Walsh Matthew R. , Castoe Todd A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractResearch has shown that a change in environmental conditions can alter the expression of traits during development (i.e., “within‐generation phenotypic plasticity”) as well as induce heritable phenotypic responses that persist for multiple generations (i.e., “transgenerational plasticity”, TGP). It has long been assumed that shifts in gene expression are tightly linked to observed trait responses at the phenotypic level. Yet, the manner in which organisms couple within‐ and TGP at the molecular level is unclear. Here we tested the influence of fish predator chemical cues on patterns of gene expression within‐ and across generations using a clone of Daphnia ambigua that is known to exhibit strong TGP but weak within‐generation plasticity. Daphnia were reared in the presence of predator cues in generation 1, and shifts in gene expression were tracked across two additional asexual experimental generations that lacked exposure to predator cues. Initial exposure to predator cues in generation 1 was linked to ~50 responsive genes, but such shifts were 3–4× larger in later generations. Differentially expressed genes included those involved in reproduction, exoskeleton structure and digestion; major shifts in expression of genes encoding ribosomal proteins were also identified. Furthermore, shifts within the first‐generation and transgenerational shifts in gene expression were largely distinct in terms of the genes that were differentially expressed. Such results argue that the gene expression programmes involved in within‐ vs. transgeneration plasticity are fundamentally different. Our study provides new key insights into the plasticity of gene expression and how it relates to phenotypic plasticity in nature.
The hypertension of hemophilia is associated with vascular remodeling in the joint
Authors: Barnes Richard F. W. , Cramer Thomas J. , Hughes Tudor H. , von Drygalski Annette 
Published: June 2017

AbstractObjectiveHemophilic arthropathy is associated with pronounced vascular joint remodeling. Also, compared to the general population, PWH have a higher prevalence of hypertension not explained by usual risk factors. As vascular remodeling in various vascular beds is a hallmark of hypertension, we hypothesized that vascular joint remodeling is associated with elevated blood pressures and hypertension.MethodsElbows, knees, and ankles of 28 adult PWH were evaluated for vascular abnormalities with MSKUS/PD, as well as for radiographic and clinical status and pain. Logistic and linear regression models were fitted to examine associations between hypertension, blood pressure, and PD score.ResultsThe extent of vascular abnormalities was associated with hypertension and blood pressures. Hypertensive patients had a higher PD score compared to nonhypertensive patients, and the risk of hypertension increased steeply with PD score. SBP was also strongly associated with PD score, while DBP was only weakly associated.ConclusionsVascular remodeling in hemophilic joints is associated with hypertension and elevated blood pressures. As hypertension is a grave risk factor for intracranial hemorrhage, a prominent cause of mortality in hemophilia patients, future studies are needed to address the causal pathways between vascular joint remodeling and blood pressure.
Examining metrics and magnitudes of molecular genetic differentiation used to delimit cetacean subspecies based on mitochondrial DNA control region sequences
Authors: Rosel Patricia E. , Hancock‐hanser Brittany L. , Archer Frederick I. , Robertson Kelly M. , Martien Karen K. , Leslie Matthew S. , Berta Annalisa , Cipriano Frank , Viricel Amelia , Viaud‐Martinez Karine A. , Taylor Barbara L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCetacean taxonomy continues to be in flux and molecular genetic analyses examining alpha taxonomy in cetaceans have relied heavily on the mitochondrial DNA control region. However, there has been little consistency across studies; a variety of metrics and levels of divergence have been invoked when delimiting new cetacean species and subspecies. Using control region sequences, we explored, across pairs of well‐recognized cetacean populations, subspecies, and species, a suite of metrics measuring molecular genetic differentiation to examine which metrics best categorize these taxonomic units. Nei's estimate of net divergence (dA) and percent diagnosability performed best. All but a single, recently diverged species were unambiguously identified using these metrics. Many subspecies were found at intermediate values as expected, allowing separation from both populations and species, but several had levels of divergence equivalent to populations, resulting in underclassification errors using this single marker. Coupling dA with additional measures, such as percent diagnosability, examining appropriate nuclear genetic markers, and interpreting results in a broader biological context will improve taxonomic investigations in cetaceans.
Modulation of epithelial cell polarity by bacterial pathogens
Authors: Tapia Rocio , Kralicek Sarah E. , Hecht Gail A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEpithelial cells constitute a physical barrier that aids in protecting the host from microbial pathogens. Polarized epithelial cells contain distinct apical and basolateral membrane domains separated by intercellular junctions, including tight junctions (TJs), which contribute to the maintenance of apical–basal polarity. Polarity complexes also contribute to the establishment of TJ formation. Several pathogens perturb epithelial TJ barrier function and structure in addition to causing a loss of apical–basal polarity. Here, we review the impact of pathogenic bacteria on the disruption of cell–cell junctions and epithelial polarity.
Direct Estimation of Equivalence Scales and More Evidence on Independence of Base
Authors: Biewen Martin , Juhasz Andos 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe explore a direct approach to estimating household equivalence scales from income satisfaction data. Our method differs from previous approaches to using satisfaction data for this purpose in that it can be used to directly fit and evaluate closed‐form and non‐parametric equivalence scales of any desired form. Its flexibility makes it easy to consider specific aspects such as income dependence or more specific information on household composition (such as whether household members live in a partner relationship). We estimate and evaluate a number of scales used in the literature. If the equivalence scale is assumed to be independent of income and to depend only on household size, we do not reject the validity of the widely used square‐root scale at conventional significance levels. We also test GESE and GAESE restrictions (Donaldson and Pendakur, 2003, 2006) and investigate in detail to what extent household economies of scale depend on income. Our results suggest that the income dependence differs fundamentally across household types (rising economies of scale for ‘family’ households, falling economies of scale for multi‐adult households without children and no income dependence for other households).
Can atrophic‐erosive oral lichen planus promote cardiovascular diseases? A population‐based study
Authors: Conrotto D , Barattero R , Carbone M , Gambino A , Sciannameo V , Ricceri F , Conrotto F , Broccoletti R , Arduino P‐G 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveLichen planus has been recently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The oral manifestations can be divided into white hyperkeratotic lesions (WL) and atrophic and erosive lesions (RL). The aim of this report was to compare the presence of CVDs between patients affected by WL or RL, to test the hypothesis that RL are associated with an increased incidence of CVDs.Subjects and methodsPatients were analysed through a complete collection of all the risk factors for CVDs. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a cardiovascular event—acute coronary syndrome (ACS), any revascularization or stroke/TIA. A multivariable logistic regression model, adjusted for age at diagnosis, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, diabetes, hypertension, CVDs familiarity and periodontitis, was performed.ResultsA prospective cohort of 307 patients has been evaluated; 185 (60.3%) had WL and 122 RL (39.7%). Twenty‐four patients had a CVD. ACS occurred more frequently in RL (adjusted odds ratio 5.83; 95% CI: 1.16—29.39), mainly due to the higher risk of it after the histological diagnosis of Oral lichen planus OLP (odds ratio 4.23; 95% CI: 0.66—27.23).ConclusionPatients with RL could possibly have a higher risk of developing ACS. Further analysis on larger cohort is however warranted.
Transcriptomic analysis of rice aleurone cells identified a novel abscisic acid response element
Authors: Watanabe Kenneth A. , Homayouni Arielle , Gu Lingkun , Huang Kuan‐Ying , Ho Tuan‐Hua David , Shen Qingxi J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSeeds serve as a great model to study plant responses to drought stress, which is largely mediated by abscisic acid (ABA). The ABA responsive element (ABRE) is a key cis‐regulatory element in ABA signalling. However, its consensus sequence (ACGTG(G/T)C) is present in the promoters of only about 40% of ABA‐induced genes in rice aleurone cells, suggesting other ABREs may exist. To identify novel ABREs, RNA sequencing was performed on aleurone cells of rice seeds treated with 20 μM ABA. Gibbs sampling was used to identify enriched elements, and particle bombardment‐mediated transient expression studies were performed to verify the function. Gene ontology analysis was performed to predict the roles of genes containing the novel ABREs. This study revealed 2443 ABA‐inducible genes and a novel ABRE, designated as ABREN, which was experimentally verified to mediate ABA signalling in rice aleurone cells. Many of the ABREN‐containing genes are predicted to be involved in stress responses and transcription. Analysis of other species suggests that the ABREN may be monocot specific. This study also revealed interesting expression patterns of genes involved in ABA metabolism and signalling. Collectively, this study advanced our understanding of diverse cis‐regulatory sequences and the transcriptomes underlying ABA responses in rice aleurone cells.
Prevalence of sleep problems in Japanese preschoolers in a medium‐sized city: Community‐based survey using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire
Authors: Takahashi Michio , Adachi Masaki , Yasuda Sayura , Osato‐Kaneda Ayako , Saito Manabu , Kuribayashi Michito , Nakamura Kazuhiko 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlthough the mean score of the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) differs between countries, there are no normative data for the CSHQ of Japanese preschoolers based on a community sample. The aims of this study were therefore to present normative data for the CSHQ and determine the prevalence and characteristics of sleep problems in Japanese preschoolers. Parents or the primary caregiver of 482 preschoolers aged 4–5 years completed the CSHQ and the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Approximately 80% of preschoolers scored above the cut‐off for sleep disturbance on the CSHQ. In addition, co‐sleeping was prevalent in Japanese preschoolers but the habit of co‐sleeping contributed little to behavioral and emotional problems. Sleep problems appear to be prevalent in Japanese preschoolers based on the CSHQ, and could be associated with the Japanese sleep habit of co‐sleeping.
Unique clinical conditions associated with different acinar regions of fibrosis in long‐term surviving pediatric liver grafts
Authors: Baas Marjolein , Gouw Annette S. H. , van den Heuvel Marius C. , Hepkema Bouke G. , Peeters Paul M. G. J. , Verkade HenkJan , Scheenstra René 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn the majority of long‐term survivors after PLTx, graft fibrosis has been identified. Recently, subtypes of graft fibrosis have been described based on their predominant acinar localization. We aimed to evaluate whether the development of portal, perisinusoidal, and centrilobular distribution of graft fibrosis is related to patient or transplantation‐related parameters. We reviewed the histological features in protocol liver biopsies taken at 1 and 5 years after PLTx of 47 children on a tacrolimus‐based immunosuppressive regimen. Fibrosis was assessed according to the LAFSc. The prevalence of portal fibrosis increased from 31% to 62%, sinusoidal from 68% to 79%, and centrilobular from 76% to 85%. The presence of portal fibrosis was associated with total bilirubin and γGT levels (each P<.02) and tended to be associated with biliary complications (P=.06). Sinusoidal fibrosis was associated with prior rejection episodes (P<.02) and centrilobular fibrosis with the presence of HLA mismatches (P=.02). In conclusion, using the LAFSc, we found a high incidence of progressive fibrosis in the 1‐year and 5‐year protocol biopsies after PLTx. Progression of fibrosis was observed in all acinar compartments, and each of the three locations is associated with different clinical conditions.
Successful liver transplantation for non‐resectable desmoplastic nested spindle cell tumor complicated by Cushing's syndrome
Authors: Tehseen Sarah , Rapkin Louis , Schemankewitz Erwin , Magliocca Joseph F. , Romero Rene 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDesmoplastic spindle cell tumors of liver are rare tumors of low malignant potential characterized by well‐demarcated nests of spindle and epithelioid cells in a dense desmoplastic stroma. While surgery remains the definitive treatment, there have been reports of tumor recurrence locally and metastasis which respond poorly to chemotherapy. Hepatic transplant has been attempted in cases of recurrence or large size of primary tumor. Long‐term follow‐up and imaging surveillance are required as these tumors have shown a tendency for recurrence many years after initial therapy.
Reproductive phenology of Melastomataceae species with contrasting reproductive systems: contemporary and historical drivers
Authors: Brito V. L. G. , Maia F.R. , Silveira F. A. O. , Fracasso C. M. , Lemos‐Filho J. P. , Fernandes G. W. , Goldenberg R. , Morellato L. P. C. , Sazima M. , Staggemeier V. G. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Flowering and fruiting are key events in the life history of plants, and both are critical to their reproductive success. Besides the role of evolutionary history, plant reproductive phenology is regulated by abiotic factors and shaped by biotic interactions with pollinators and seed dispersers. In Melastomataceae, a dominant Neotropical family, the reproductive systems vary from allogamous with biotic pollination to apomictic, and seed dispersal varies from dry (self‐dispersed) to fleshy (animal‐dispersed) fruits. Such variety in reproductive strategies is likely to affect flowering and fruiting phenologies.

In this study, we described the reproductive phenology of 81 Melastomataceae species occurring in two biodiversity hotspots: the Atlantic rain forest and the campo rupestre. We aim to disentangle the role of abiotic and biotic factors defining flowering and fruiting times of Melastomataceae species, considering the contrasting breeding and seed dispersal systems, and their evolutionary history.

In both vegetation types, pollinator‐dependent species had higher flowering seasonality than pollinator‐independent ones. Flowering patterns presented phylogenetic signal regardless of vegetation type. Fruiting of fleshy‐fruited species was seasonal in campo rupestre but not in Atlantic rain forest; the fruiting of dry‐fruited species was also not seasonal in both vegetation types. Fruiting showed a low phylogenetic signal, probably because the influence of environment and dispersal agents on fruiting time is stronger than the phylogenetic affinity.

Considering these ecophylogenetic patterns, our results indicate that flowering may be shaped by the different reproductive strategies of Melastomataceae lineages, while fruiting patterns may be governed mainly by the seed dispersal strategy and flowering time, with less phylogenetic influence.
Feed restriction regime in a rabbit line selected for growth rate alters oocyte maturation manifested by alteration in MSY2 gene expression
Authors: Naturil‐Alfonso C , Peñaranda DS , Vicente JS , Marco‐Jiménez F 
Published: June 2017

ContentsYoung rabbit females selected for growth rate may have nutritional needs, which may not be met with the common practice of feed restriction during rearing in commercial rabbit production. The aim of this study was to analyse whether two different feeding programmes: ad libitum or restricted (130 g/day) feeding, applied in young rabbit females for 1 month at the end of rearing, could modulate the origin of ovulation process and the quality of the oocytes. At 16 weeks of age, 34 females were randomly assigned to restricted or ad libitum feeding, maintaining these conditions for a month. Then, in an initial experiment, transcriptional profiling of hypothalamus–hypophysis tissue was performed to assess failure to ovulate. In the second experiment, the gene expression analysis of some candidate genes related to oocytes quality was performed. Our results demonstrated that neither of the two feeding programmes modified the transcription of hypothalamus–hypophysis tissue, while the only differences in MSYR expression were found in in vivo mature oocytes ready for successful fertilization. Specifically, MSYR was over‐expressed in oocytes from females fed ad libitum. MSYR is one of the most abundant proteins in the oocyte and has proven to be a key regulator of maternal RNA transcription and translation. This finding suggests that MSYR gene is a promising gene in our understanding of the relationship between high growth rate and reproductive performance decline.
Still a reasonable goal: Targeting cholesterol in dialysis and advanced chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Heine Gunnar H. , Rogacev Kyrill S. , Weingärtner Oliver , Marsche Gunther 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have a high burden of cardiovascular disease. In the general population, lipid metabolism disorders, which cause the initiation and progression of atherosclerotic vascular changes, are major targets for preventive and therapeutic strategies in cardiovascular medicine. However, data from large cohort studies and from clinical trials suggest that the treatment guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention and therapy cannot uncritically be transferred from individuals with intact renal function to CKD patients. Thus, unlike in the general population, neither plasma levels of HDL‐cholesterol, nor the key parameter of HDL‐cholesterol function—that is, cholesterol efflux capacity—predicts future cardiovascular events. Therefore, HDL‐cholesterol should presently not be considered as therapeutic target in CKD patients. In contrast, lowering of LDL‐cholesterol has been shown to reduce cardiovascular events at least among nondialysis CKD patients. The cardiovascular benefit of targeting LDL‐cholesterol among dialysis CKD patients is less evident. We strongly believe that at least some subgroups of dialysis patients may profit from such treatment, particularly those with highest baseline LDL‐cholesterol. Finally, as CKD patients have been characterized to have rather high intestinal cholesterol absorption, and relatively low hepatic cholesterol synthesis, substituting combined statin/ezetimibe treatment for statin monotherapy may be of particular benefit for nephrologic patients.
Effects of resistance training using known vs unknown loads on eccentric‐phase adaptations and concentric velocity
Authors: Hernández‐Davó J. L. , Sabido R. , Behm D. G. , Blazevich A. J. 
Published: June 2017

The aims of this study were to compare both eccentric‐ and concentric‐phase adaptations in highly trained handball players to 4 weeks of twice‐weekly rebound bench press throw training with varying loads (30%, 50% and 70% of one‐repetition maximum [1‐RM]) using either known (KL) or unknown (UL) loads and to examine the relationship between changes in eccentric‐ and concentric‐phase performance. Twenty‐eight junior team handball players were divided into two experimental groups (KL or UL) and a control group. KL subjects were told the load prior each repetition, while UL were blinded. For each repetition, the load was dropped and then a rebound bench press at maximum velocity was immediately performed. Both concentric and eccentric velocity as well as eccentric kinetic energy and musculo‐articular stiffness prior to the eccentric‐concentric transition were measured. Results showed similar increases in both eccentric velocity and kinetic energy under the 30% 1‐RM but greater improvements under 50% and 70% 1‐RM loads for UL than KL. UL increased stiffness under all loads (with greater magnitude of changes). KL improved concentric velocity only under the 30% 1‐RM load while UL also improved under 50% and 70% 1‐RM loads. Improvements in concentric movement velocity were moderately explained by changes in eccentric velocity (R2=.23‐.62). Thus, UL led to greater improvements in concentric velocity, and the improvement is potentially explained by increases in the speed (as well as stiffness and kinetic energy) of the eccentric phase. Unknown load training appears to have significant practical use for the improvement of multijoint stretch‐shortening cycle movements.
Taking Prejudice Seriously: Burkean Reflections on the Rural Past and Present
Authors: von Essen Erica , Allen Michael P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractUrban‐based nature conservation elites often condemn rural communities as backwards when they appeal to the value of tradition. Nevertheless, drawing from an interview study of Swedish hunters, we show that appeals to tradition express a coherent, if problematic, philosophical vision. We ask, then, two questions: (1) Do the ideas of Swedish hunters reflect a coherent philosophical vision? (2) Could this vision have a positive function in facilitating improved public dialogue over conservation policy? We examine this overlooked phenomenon of philosophical beliefs as the basis for contesting conservation policy. We also elucidate the negative consequences of this oversight for nature conservation policy debates. Finally, we discuss its positive function in nature conservation policy‐making. Overall, we argue that policymakers should strive for a better understanding and appreciation of the hunters’ philosophical vision and that the hunters themselves should strive to better articulate this vision rather than their resentments.