bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell compartmentation of ultraviolet‐absorbing compounds: An underexplored tool related to bryophyte ecology, phylogeny and evolution
Authors: Monforte Laura , Soriano Gonzalo , Núñez‐Olivera Encarnación , Martínez‐Abaigar Javier 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can be harmful to photosynthetic organisms, that most frequently respond with the accumulation of protective UV‐absorbing compounds (UVACs). UVACs location in different cell compartments can influence their preferential protective role as antioxidants and/or UV screens. However, the phylogenetic, ecological and evolutionary implications of UVACs compartmentation has been little studied, particularly in bryophytes.

We analysed UVACs in the methanol‐soluble and ‐insoluble fractions (SUVACs and IUVACs respectively) in extracts of 87 bryophytes belonging to their three evolutionary lineages: 22 liverworts, 64 mosses and one hornwort. Assuming that the cell wall‐bound IUVACs are more effective UV screens than the mainly vacuolar SUVACs, thus conferring a higher UV tolerance, we evaluated whether UVACs levels and compartmentation were related to: (1) the bryophyte phylogeny down to the Order level; and (2) the bryophyte ecological attributes, including sun exposure and Ellenberg indicator values (numerical system classifying species' habitat along gradients of environmental factors). A similar phylogenetic and ecological analysis was conducted on the sclerophylly index (the ratio between the dry mass and the surface area of the bryophyte shoot).

Mosses showed lower SUVACs but higher IUVACs and total UVACs, together with higher IUVAC/SUVAC ratios, than liverworts. Thus, mosses would better tolerate UV radiation than liverworts, which matches well with their general ecological preferences. As bryophytes were the earliest diverging land plants, we could infer that the different UVACs compartmentation between mosses and liverworts could have influenced their ecological segregation upon plant land colonization.

UVACs compartmentation also differed between the two major moss lineages (acrocarpous and pleurocarpous), while the anatomically peculiar Sphagnales were the best characterized Order.

There were not solid relationships between UVACs and the ecological attributes considered. Hence, UVACs might be mainly constitutive in bryophytes, depending more on the species phylogeny than on the habitat occupied in nature.

Liverworts were less sclerophyllous than mosses, and, as in tracheophytes, water restrictions and high sun exposures increased sclerophylly.

In conclusion, UVACs compartmentation represents an ecophysiological trait useful to understand the bryophyte ecophylogeny, because different compartmentation modalities seem to imply different UV adaptations and tolerance.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Current spring warming as a driver of selection on reproductive timing in a wild passerine
Authors: Marrot Pascal , Charmantier Anne , Blondel Jacques , Garant Dany 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Evolutionary adaptation as a response to climate change is expected for fitness‐related traits affected by climate and exhibiting genetic variance. Although the relationship between warmer spring temperature and earlier timing of reproduction is well documented, quantifications and predictions of the impact of global warming on natural selection acting on phenology in wild populations remain rare. If global warming affects fitness in a similar way across individuals within a population, or if fitness consequences are independent of phenotypic variation in key‐adaptive traits, then no evolutionary response is expected for these traits.

Here, we quantified the selection pressures acting on laying date during a 24‐year monitoring of blue tits in southern Mediterranean France, a hot spot of climate warming. We explored the temporal fluctuation in annual selection gradients and we determined its temperature‐related drivers.

We first investigated the month‐specific warming since 1970 in our study site and tested its influence on selection pressures, using a model averaging approach. Then, we quantified the selection strength associated with temperature anomalies experienced by the blue tit population.

We found that natural selection acting on laying date significantly fluctuated both in magnitude and in sign across years. After identifying a significant warming in spring and summer, we showed that warmer daily maximum temperatures in April were significantly associated with stronger selection pressures for reproductive timing. Our results indicated an increase in the strength of selection by 46% for every +1°C anomaly.

Our results confirm the general assumption that recent climate change translates into strong selection favouring earlier breeders in passerine birds. Our findings also suggest that differences in fitness among individuals varying in their breeding phenology increase with climate warming. Such climate‐driven influence on the strength of directional selection acting on laying date could favour an adaptive response in this trait, since it is heritable.
Trade‐offs in berry production and biodiversity under prescribed burning and retention regimes in boreal forests
Authors: Granath Gustaf , Kouki Jari , Johnson Samuel , Heikkala Osmo , Rodríguez Antonio , Strengbom Joachim 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Green tree retention and prescribed burning are the practices used to mitigate negative effects of boreal forestry. Beside their effects on biodiversity, these practices should also promote non‐timber forest products (NTFPs). We assessed: (1) how prescribed burning and tree retention influence NTFPs by examining the production of bilberry, Vaccinium myrtillus and cowberry, Vaccinium vitis‐idaea; (2) if there are synergies or trade‐offs in the delivery of these NTFPs in relation to the delivery of species richness, focusing on five groups of forest‐dwelling species.

We used a long‐term experiment located in eastern Finland, with three different harvesting treatments: clear‐cut logging, logging with retention patches and unlogged, which were combined with or without prescribed burning. Eleven years after the treatment application, we scored plant cover and berry production in different microhabitats within these treatments, while species richness data for five species groups (ground layer lichens and bryophytes, vascular plants, saproxylic beetles, pollinators—here bees and hoverflies) were collected at the stand level.

Logging favoured cowberry production, particularly for plants growing in the vicinity of stumps. Logging was detrimental for cover and berry production of bilberry. Retention mitigated these negative effects slightly, but cover and berry production were still substantially lower compared to unlogged forests. Prescribed burning increased the cowberry production in retention patches and in unlogged forest. Bilberry production decreased with burning, except in unlogged forest where the effect was neutral.

No single management treatment simultaneously favoured all values—NTFPs and richness—and trade‐offs among values were common. Only bilberry production and beetle diversity were higher under retention forestry, or in unlogged stands, compared to logged stands. Prescribed burning favoured many values when performed in combination with retention forestry, or in unlogged stands, but different treatment combinations favoured different species groups.

Synthesis and applications. Our results demonstrate that widely applied conservation practices in managed boreal forests are unlikely to benefit all ecosystem values everywhere. If high multifunctionality is desired, managing at a landscape scale, countering the local trade‐offs among values, may be more appropriate than the stand‐scale conservation practices commonly practiced today.
Volatile organic compounds associated with milk spoilage by psychrotrophic bacteria
Authors: Decimo Marilù , Cabeza María C , Ordóñez Juan A , De Noni Ivano , Brasca Milena 
Published: January 2018

The volatile organic compounds of milk contaminated with psychrotrophic bacteria were studied by HS‐SPME and GC/MS. Pseudomonas fluorescens PS14, Pseudomonas fragi PS55, Pseudomonas mosselii PS39, Pseudomonas rhodesiae PS62 and Serratia marcescens S92 were inoculated in sterilised milk (2.5% fat) stored at either 5 °C or 10 °C. A total of 47 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) belonging to seven chemical groups were identified in the spoiled milk. Volatile organic compound patterns peculiar to the inoculate bacterial strains were highlighted. 3‐Methylbutan‐1‐ol, 2 methylpropan‐1‐ol, 3‐hydroxybutan‐2‐one, butan‐2,3‐dione, butanoic and hexanoic acids were revealed as potential chemical spoilage indexes of milk spoilage due to the activity of the five psychrotrophic strains studied.
Diagnosing Crime and Diagnosing Disease‐II: Visual Pattern Perception and Diagnostic Accuracy
Authors: Satya‐Murti Saty , Lockhart Joseph J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPreviously, we reviewed how general cognitive processes might be susceptible to bias across both forensic and clinical fields, and how interdisciplinary comparisons could reduce error. We discuss several examples of clinical tasks which are heavily dependent on visual processing, comparing them to eyewitness identification (EI). We review the “constructive” nature of visual processing, and how contextual factors influence both medical experts and witnesses in decision making and recall. Overall, studies suggest common cognitive factors uniting these visual tasks, in both their strengths and shortcomings. Recently forensic sciences have advocated reducing errors by identifying and controlling nonrelevant information. Such efforts could effectively assist medical diagnosis. We suggest potential remedies for cognitive bias in these tasks. These can generalize across the clinical and forensic domains, including controlling the sequencing of contextual factors. One solution is an agnostic primary reading before incorporation of a complete history and interpretation.
Size Assessment of the Gray Reef Shark Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos Inferred from Teeth Marks on Human Wounds
Authors: Jublier Noémie , Clua Eric E. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAn accurate assessment of the biting shark size is paramount for better understanding the agonistic behavior of a species toward humans. The gray reef shark is involved in many accidental bites. Based on the capture of 35 gray sharks, we calculated the algorithm that allows the assessment of the shark size, through the interdental distance (IDD) inferred from teeth marks on human wounds. Our results show a negative allometric relationship and that IDD calculated from imprints perpetrated by the upper jaw are globally similar with those from the lower jaw, in spite of heterodonty. We applied our findings to two cases of accidental bites by this species. Both of the victims had declared that the shark length was “at least 2 m”. Based on our algorithm, the assessment of the shark TL was approx. 180 and 160 cm, respectively, which correspond to an overestimation of ≥20% by the victims.
Violence, Guns, and Suicide in New Orleans: Results from a Qualitative Study of Recent Suicide Decedents
Authors: Ramchand Rajeev , Franklin Enchanté , Thornton Elizabeth , Deland Sarah M. , Rouse Jeffrey C. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMany Americans own guns to protect themselves against other people, but there is evidence that both victimization and gun access increase suicide risk. We conducted qualitative interviews with informants of 17 suicide cases in New Orleans of the 60 who died between January 2015 and April 2016 to understand the relationship between past trauma, gun access and storage, and suicide. Nine cases had experienced a past trauma, including three who had recently had a family member killed by homicide. Eight died via firearm; of those, seven owned the guns they used to take their lives and stored them locked (but loaded) at home or in their cars. Preventing community violence and addressing its sequelae may be important for reducing suicides. A multi‐pronged strategy consisting of policies, education, and marketing will likely be needed to address the risk of suicide conferred by gun access.
Polysaccharides Reduce Absorption and Mutagenicity of 3‐Amino‐1,4‐Dimethyl‐5H‐Pyrido[4,3‐b]Indole In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Luo Lingying , Bai Yun , Zhou Guanghong 
Published: January 2018

Abstract3‐Amino‐1,4‐dimethyl‐5H‐pyrido[4,3‐b]indole (Trp‐P‐1) is a group 2B carcinogen characterized by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and great efforts have been taken to reduce Trp‐P‐1 mutagenicity to humans. In this study, the effect of a reduction of Trp‐P‐1 on intestinal absorption as a promising strategy was investigated. The data showed that when 20 mM Trp‐P‐1 cotransported with 10 mM of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), xanthan gum, or carrageenan, the absorption rate of Trp‐P‐1 was reduced by 31.5%, 49.5%, or 72.9% in MDCK‐MDR1 cell monolayer, respectively; and 64.6%, 83.4%, or 64.1% in rat intestinal tissues, correspondingly. These 3 polysaccharides also reduced pharmacokinetic parameters, that is, Cmax, AUC0‐t, and AUC0‐∞, after Trp‐P‐1 was given to rats intragastrically. However, gum arabic did not exhibit similar effects on Trp‐P‐1 absorption in vitro or in vivo. The Ames test showed that these 3 polysaccharides reduced Trp‐P‐1 mutagenicity to Salmonella typhimurium TA98, but gum arabic did not. Isothermal titration calorimetry assay indicated that Trp‐P‐1 interacted with these 3 polysaccharides. Thermodynamic study showed that the actual value of △H <0, but its absolute value greater than the corresponding value of T∆S, suggest a specific interaction between Trp‐P‐1 and these 3 polysaccharides, probably through the hydrogen bond and/or ion interaction. Reduction of Trp‐P‐1 intestinal absorption using food additives could be one of the strategies to suppress Trp‐P‐1‐induced carcinogenesis in human.Practical Application
This study provides insightful information for the food industry how gum arabic, xanthan gum, kappa carrageenan, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose affect the absorption of Trp‐P‐1.
This study also provides novel information regarding a better formulation for meat products to reduce Trp‐P‐1 absorption.
Antimicrobial‐Resistance Genetic Markers in Potentially Pathogenic Gram Positive Cocci Isolated from Brazilian Soft Cheese
Authors: Resende Juliana Alves , Fontes Cláudia Oliveira , Ferreira‐Machado Alessandra Barbosa , Nascimento Thiago César , Silva Vânia Lúcia , Diniz Cláudio Galuppo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAlthough most Brazilian dairy products meet high technological standards, there are quality issues regarding milk production, which may reduce the final product quality. Several microbial species may contaminate milk during manufacture and handling. If antimicrobial usage remains uncontrolled in dairy cattle, the horizontal transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes in foodstuffs may be of particular concern for both food producers and dairy industry. This study focused on the evaluation of putative Gram positive cocci in Minas cheese and of antimicrobial and biocide resistance genes among the isolated bacteria. Representative samples of 7 different industrially trademarked Minas cheeses (n= 35) were processed for selective culture and isolation of Gram positive cocci. All isolated bacteria were identified by DNA sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Antimicrobial resistance genes were screened by PCR. Overall, 208 strains were isolated and identified as follows:Enterococcus faecalis(47.6%),Macrococcus caseolyticus(18.3%),Enterococcus faecium(11.5%),Enterococcus caseliflavus(7.7%),Staphylococcus haemolyticus(7.2%),Staphylococcus aureus(4.3%),Staphylococcus epidermidis(2.9%), andEnterococcus hirae(0.5%). The genetic markersmecA (78.0%) andsmr(71.4%) were the most prevalent, but others were also detected, such asblaZ (65.2%),msrA (60.9%),msrB (46.6%),linA (54.7%), andaacA‐aphD (47.6%). The occurrence of opportunist pathogenic bacteria harboring antimicrobial resistance markers in the cheese samples are of special concern, since these bacteria are not considered harmful contaminating agents according to the Brazilian sanitary regulations. However, they are potentially pathogenic bacteria and the cheese may be considered a reservoir for antimicrobial resistance genes available for horizontal transfer through the food chain, manufacturing personnel and consumers.
Phytochemicals, Anti‐Inflammatory, Antiproliferative, and Methylglyoxal Trapping Properties of Zijuan Tea
Authors: Gao Xiong , Ho Chi‐Tang , Li Xiaofei , Lin Xiaorong , Zhang Yuanyuan , Chen Zhongzheng , Li Bin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractZijuan tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) is a unique anthocyanin‐rich tea cultivar in China. Although chemical component analysis of Zijuan tea and extraction technology of anthocyanins was widely documented, its functional properties have not been extensively explored. In this study, the anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, and methylglyoxal (MGO) trapping activities of water extract (ZWE) and ethyl acetate extract (ZEE) of Zijuan tea were investigated for the 1st time. Results showed that ZWE and ZEE exhibited inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, and interleukin (IL)‐6 production as well as inducible nitric oxide synthase protein (iNOS) expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, Zijuan tea extracts exerted stronger antiproliferative activity against HCT‐116 cells compared with HepG2 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells, and thus could induce apoptosis in HCT‐116 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, Zijuan tea extracts were effective in trapping MGO under simulated physiological conditions, and the T1/2 (the time for 50% MGO remaining) values of ZWE and ZEE were 3.69 and 6.20 min, respectively. Additionally, the contents of total phenolics and catechins in ZEE were 685.43 ± 16.00 and 454.96 ± 4.21 mg/g extract, respectively, and in ZWE were 422.59 ± 12.09 and 307.29 ± 0.85 mg/g extract, respectively. Therefore, ZEE exhibited better anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, and MGO trapping properties than ZWE may be mainly attributed to its higher (P < 0.05) content of total phenolics, expecially catechins. These results suggest that Zijuan tea could be a potential natural resource for the development of functional tea beverage.Practical ApplicationThis study revealed that Zijuan tea extracts possessed anti‐inflammatory, antiproliferative, and methylglyoxal trapping potentials in vitro. With high anthocyanins and polyphenols, Zijuan tea can be developed into a healthy tea beverage or used as a natural component to reduce the level of methylglyoxal in Maillard reaction.
Influence of culture change on the perception of fear and anxiety pathways in Endodontics: A pilot proof of concept study
Authors: Carter Ava Elizabeth , AlShwaimi Emad , Boschen Mark , Carter Geoffery , George Roy 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study assessed the influence of cultural changes (known as acculturation) on pathways of fear and anxiety in Endodontics. A purposive sampling technique identified patients of Saudi Arabian descent living in Australia and Saudi Arabia. Only patients with root canal fillings (or treatment planned for endodontic treatment) were included. Patients with intellectual disabilities, surgical root therapy, and aged under 20 were excluded. Consenting patients attending the dental clinics of University of Griffith University, Australia and University of Dammam, Saudi Arabia completed the “My Endodontic Fear Questionnaire.” Three hundred and twenty‐four patients (21–75 years) were included, 90% of participants reported more than one pathway. Australian Saudi Arabians mainly utilised vicarious pathway (94.9%), whilst Saudi Arabians utilised the verbal threat (93.5%) and parental pathway (78.3%). This study highlights the possible role of acculturation on the perception of fear and anxiety in Endodontics; however, further research with other ethnic groups is essential to enhance our understanding.
Complications of curative radiation treatment for early prostate cancer
Authors: James Melissa , McLean Gabrielle , Williams Stephen , Robinson Bridget , Yi Ma 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo report the incidence of urological complications following curative radiation treatment for early prostate cancer, including minimally invasive urological procedures (MUIP), hospital admissions and open surgical procedures. Second malignancies following radiation are also reported and compared with patients undergoing a prostatectomy.MethodsIncluded were patients receiving curative intent external beam radiation treatment for early prostate cancer between January 1, 2002, and December 31, 2009. Medical records were reviewed for baseline characteristics, treatment details and outcomes. Kaplan–Meier methods were used to derive the 5‐year cumulative incidence of the urological outcomes and second malignancy.ResultsThere were 439 patients identified. The median follow‐up was 6.96 years. The median age was 69. A total of 56 patients developed a radiation related urological complication, 25 requiring hospital admission. The 5‐year cumulative incidence for an MIUP and admission was 3.95% (95% confidence interval (CI), 2.47–6.28) and 2.24% (95% CI, 1.17–4.27), respectively. There were no open surgical procedures. Further malignancy developed in 27 patients during the 5‐ to 9‐year posttreatment period with a cumulative incidence of 10.7% (95% CI, 7.31–15.51). Of the comparator prostatectomy group, of the 265 eligible patients analyzed, 19 patients developed a second malignancy with a cumulative incidence of 9.92% (95% CI, 6.28–15.48). On log‐rank testing, there was no difference in the cumulative incidence rates of second malignancy between 5 and 9 years, following respective treatments (P = 0.8554).ConclusionsThe incidence of MUIP, hospital admissions and open surgical procedures following radiation is reassuringly low. The second malignancy rates are also low and similar to the rates in patients treated with a prostatectomy.
Sputum cytology during late‐phase responses to inhalation challenge with different allergens
Authors: Revez J. A. , Killian K. J. , O'Byrne P. M. , Boulet L.‐P. , Upham J. W. , Gauvreau G. M. , Ferreira M. A. R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundIn mouse models of allergic asthma, exposure to different allergens can trigger distinct inflammatory subtypes in the airways. We investigated whether this observation extends to humans.MethodsWe compared the frequency of sputum inflammatory subtypes between mild allergic asthma subjects (n = 129) exposed to different allergens in inhalation challenge tests. These tests were performed using a standardized protocol as part of clinical trials of experimental treatments for asthma, prior to drug randomization. Five allergen types were represented: the house dust mites Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae, ragweed, grass, and cat.ResultsOf 118 individuals with a sputum sample collected before allergen challenge (baseline), 45 (38%) had paucigranulocytic, 51 (43%) eosinophilic, 11 (9%) neutrophilic, and 11 (9%) mixed granulocytic sputum. Of note, most individuals with baseline paucigranulocytic sputum developed eosinophilic (48%) or mixed granulocytic (43%) sputum 7 hours after allergen challenge, highlighting the dynamic nature of sputum inflammatory subtype in asthma. Overall, there was no difference in the frequency of sputum inflammatory subtypes following challenge with different allergen types. Similar results were observed at 24 hours after allergen challenge.ConclusionsUnlike reported in mice, in humans the sputum inflammatory subtype observed after an allergen‐induced asthma exacerbation is unlikely to be influenced by the type of allergen used.