bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ocean's Twelve: flagellar and biofilm chromids in the multipartite genome of Marinovum algicola DG898 exemplify functional compartmentalization
Authors: Frank Oliver , Göker Markus , Pradella Silke , Petersen Jörn 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe marine bacterium Marinovum algicola DG898 is a representative of the Roseobacter group (Rhodobacteraceae, Alphaproteobacteria) and harbours a wealth of 11 extrachromosomal replicons (ECRs) unprecedented for Proteobacteria. The relevance of ECRs has previously been exemplified by photosynthesis and biofilm plasmids, but the evolutionary forces for the emergence of multipartite genomes are largely unknown. The newly established genome revealed the exceptional metabolic potential of Marinovum and its adaptation to the phycosphere. Comparative codon usage analyses allowed the identification of eight chromids and three plasmids. Functional gene clustering is documented by the 52‐kb biofilm chromid that is required for surface attachment. The most conspicuous finding is the presence of a highly expressed chromid‐encoded flagellum gene cluster (FGC, fla2) that is indispensable for swimming motility. Marinovum algicola DG898 harbours an additional chromosome‐encoded flagellum (fla1) with unknown function. Comprehensive phylogenetic analyses revealed the presence of a third FGC type (fla3) in Rhodobacteraceae and indicated the transmission of complete FGCs via conjugation. The current Marinovum study indicates a functional correlation of the intracellular fla2‐chromid localization and the subcellular positioning of the flagellum. The proposed mechanism might represent – apart from horizontal transfer – a novel driving force for the emergence of multipartite genomes.
A DGGE Marker‐Mediated Fast Monitoring of Bacterial Diversity and Comprehensive Identification of High‐Temperature Daqu Starter
Authors: Shanqimuge  , Liang Huizhen , Zhang Changxia , Shao Chunfu , Peng Xiaopei , Liang Liquan , Su Jing , Li Changwen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBacteria play an essential role in Daqu starter (Daqu) fermentation. The identification of Daqu bacteria was investigated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis of the highly variable V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene. Here, we define a novel DGGE marker for the quick identification of Daqu bacteria. A dynamic alteration of the bacterial populations at different stages of fermentation was determined through a 2‐y continuous monitoring. The physicochemical parameters of Daqu at different fermentation stages were investigated by weighing, NaOH titration, and HCl hydrolysis together with Fehling reagent methods. Furthermore, infrared spectral analysis using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy was performed to determine physicochemical changes of Daqu. Therefore, our studies provide key insight for a comprehensive quality control of Daqu at different fermentation stages using the PCR‐DGGE analysis combined with the physicochemical measurement.
Intra‐ and postoperative low‐dose ketamine for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Minoshima R. , Kosugi S. , Nishimura D. , Ihara N. , Seki H. , Yamada T. , Watanabe K. , Katori N. , Hashiguchi S. , Morisaki H. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundIn this randomized controlled trial, we examined whether intra‐ and postoperative infusion of low‐dose ketamine decreased postoperative morphine requirement and morphine‐related adverse effects as nausea and vomiting after scoliosis surgery.MethodsAfter IRB approval and informed consent, 36 patients, aged 10–19 years, undergoing posterior correction surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis, were randomly allocated into two groups: intra‐ and postoperative ketamine infusion at a rate of 2 μg/kg/min until 48 h after surgery (ketamine group, n = 17) or infusion of an equal volume of saline (placebo group, n = 19). All patients were administered total intravenous anesthesia with propofol and remifentanil during surgery and intravenous morphine using a patient‐controlled analgesia device after surgery. The primary outcome was cumulative morphine consumption in the initial 48 h after surgery. Pain scores (Numerical Rating Scale, NRS, 0–10), sedation scales, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), and antiemetic consumption were recorded by nurses blinded to the study protocol for 48 h after surgery.ResultsPatient characteristics did not differ between the two groups. Cumulative morphine consumption for 48 h after surgery was significantly lower in the ketamine group compared to the placebo group (0.89 ± 0.08 mg/kg vs. 1.16 ± 0.07 mg/kg, 95% confidence interval for difference between the means, 0.03–0.48 mg/kg, P = 0.019). NRS pain, sedation scales, and incidence of PONV did not differ between the two groups. Antiemetic consumption was significantly smaller in ketamine group.ConclusionsIntra‐ and postoperative infusion of low‐dose ketamine reduced cumulative morphine consumption and antiemetic requirement for 48 h after surgery.
Crew Resource Management in the Intensive Care Unit: a prospective 3‐year cohort study
Authors: Haerkens M. H. T. M. , Kox M. , Lemson J. , Houterman S. , van der Hoeven J. G. , Pickkers P. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundHuman factors account for the majority of adverse events in both aviation and medicine. Human factors awareness training entitled “Crew Resource Management (CRM)” is associated with improved aviation safety. We determined whether implementation of CRM impacts outcome in critically ill patients.MethodsWe performed a prospective 3‐year cohort study in a 32‐bed ICU, admitting 2500–3000 patients yearly. At the end of the baseline year, all personnel received CRM training, followed by 1 year of implementation. The third year was defined as the clinical effect year. All 7271 patients admitted to the ICU in the study period were included.The primary outcome measure was ICU complication rate. Secondary outcome measures were ICU and hospital length of stay, and standardized mortality ratio.ResultsOccurrence of serious complications was 67.1/1000 patients and 66.4/1000 patients during the baseline and implementation year respectively, decreasing to 50.9/1000 patients in the post‐implementation year (P = 0.03). Adjusted odds ratios for occurrence of complications were 0.92 (95% CI 0.71‐1.19, P = 0.52) and 0.66 (95% CI 0.51‐0.87, P = 0.003) in the implementation and post‐implementation year. The incidence of cardiac arrests was 9.2/1000 patients and 8.3/1000 patients during the baseline and implementation year, decreasing to 3.5/1000 patients (P = 0.04) in the post‐implementation year, while cardiopulmonary resuscitation success rate increased from 19% to 55% and 67% (P = 0.02). Standardized mortality ratio decreased from 0.72 (95% CI 0.63‐0.81) in the baseline year to 0.60 (95% CI 0.53‐0.67) in the post‐implementation year (P = 0.04).ConclusionOur data indicate an association between CRM implementation and reduction in serious complications and lower mortality in critically ill patients.
Genetic evidence for common pathways in human age‐related diseases
Authors: Johnson Simon C. , Dong Xiao , Vijg Jan , Suh Yousin 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAging is the single largest risk factor for chronic disease. Studies in model organisms have identified conserved pathways that modulate aging rate and the onset and progression of multiple age‐related diseases, suggesting that common pathways of aging may influence age‐related diseases in humans as well. To determine whether there is genetic evidence supporting the notion of common pathways underlying age‐related diseases, we analyzed the genes and pathways found to be associated with five major categories of age‐related disease using a total of 410 genomewide association studies (GWAS). While only a small number of genes are shared among all five disease categories, those found in at least three of the five major age‐related disease categories are highly enriched for apoliprotein metabolism genes. We found that a more substantial number of gene ontology (GO) terms are shared among the 5 age‐related disease categories and shared GO terms include canonical aging pathways identified in model organisms, such as nutrient‐sensing signaling, translation, proteostasis, stress responses, and genome maintenance. Taking advantage of the vast amount of genetic data from the GWAS, our findings provide the first direct evidence that conserved pathways of aging simultaneously influence multiple age‐related diseases in humans as has been demonstrated in model organisms.
Seed Banks in Savanna, Forest Fragments, and Continuous Forest Edges Differ in a Tropical Dry Forest in Madagascar
Authors: Valenta Kim , Steffens Travis S. , Rafaliarison Radoniaina R. , Chapman Colin A. , Lehman Shawn M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRapid deforestation has fragmented habitat across the landscape of Madagascar. To determine the effect of fragmentation on seed banks and the potential for forest regeneration, we sampled seed viability, density and diversity in 40 plots of 1 m2 in three habitat types: forest fragments, the near edge of continuous forest, and deforested savanna in a highly fragmented dry deciduous forest landscape in northwestern Madagascar. While seed species diversity was not different between forest fragments and continuous forest edge, the number of animal‐dispersed seeds was significantly higher in forest fragments than in continuous forest edge, and this pattern was driven by a single, small‐seeded species. In the savanna, seeds were absent from all but three of the 40 plots, indicating that regeneration potential is low in these areas. Several pre‐ and post‐dispersal biotic and abiotic factors, including variation in the seed predator communities and edge effects could explain these findings. Understanding the extent to which seed dispersal and seed banks influence the regeneration potential of fragmented landscapes is critical as these fragments are the potential sources of forest expansion and re‐connectivity.
Transient Population Dynamics of Two Epiphytic Orchid Species after Hurricane Ivan: Implications for Management
Authors: Raventós José , González Elaine , Mújica Ernesto , Bonet Andreu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPopulations of epiphytic orchids in disturbance‐prone environments rarely reach stable‐stage equilibrium. We characterized the post‐disturbance, transient dynamics of two epiphytic orchids, Broughtonia cubensis, and the leafless Dendrophylax lindenii, comparing the following indices: reactivity/first‐time attenuation, maximal amplification/attenuation, and amplified/attenuated inertia. We also assessed the effects of reintroducing only seeds or only adults, by examining the elasticity of the inertia on the vital rates. For 2006–2010, the stochastic growth rate of D. lindenii was λs = 0.94, or a 6 percent decrease per annum. First‐time step attenuation indicates that in 1 year, the population could decrease by an additional 16 percent, and in the worst‐case scenario could decrease by almost half, relative to the stable‐stage distribution, in 10 years. Broughtonia cubensis had a λs = 1.03; reactivity and first‐time step attenuation indicates that in 1 year, the population should not change by more than 14 percent of the estimated stable‐stage distribution. However, the worst‐case scenario projected a reduction of 40 percent relative to the stable‐stage distribution within 8 years. A comparison of reintroduction strategies assessed by elasticity of the population momentum showed that adults performed better when relocated to new habitats.
Elevation, Topography, and Edge Effects Drive Functional Composition of Woody Plant Species in Tropical Montane Forests
Authors: Apaza‐Quevedo Amira , Lippok Denis , Hensen Isabell , Schleuning Matthias , Both Sabine 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTropical montane forests comprise heterogeneous environments along natural gradients of topography and elevation. Human‐induced edge effects further increase the environmental heterogeneity in these forests. The simultaneous effects of natural and human‐induced gradients on the functional diversity of plant leaf traits are poorly understood. In a tropical montane forest in Bolivia, we studied environmental gradients associated with elevation (from 1900 m to 2500 m asl), topography (ridge and gorge), and edge effects (forest edge vs. forest interior), and their relationship with leaf traits and resource‐use strategies. First, we investigated associations of environmental conditions (soil properties and microclimate) with six leaf traits, measured on 119 woody plant species. Second, we evaluated changes in functional composition with community‐weighted means and functional structure with multidimensional functional diversity indices (FRic, FEve and FDiv). We found significant associations between leaf traits and soil properties in accordance with the trade‐off between acquisition and conservation of resources. Functional composition of leaf traits shifted from the dominance of acquisitive species in habitats at low altitudes, gorges, and forest interior to the dominance of conservative species in habitats at high altitudes, ridges, and forest edges. Functional structure was only weakly associated with the environmental gradients. Natural and human‐induced environmental gradients, especially soil properties, are important for driving leaf traits and resource‐use strategies of woody plants. Nevertheless, weak associations between functional structure and environmental gradients suggest a high redundancy of functional leaf traits in this tropical montane forest.
Movement Patterns of Frugivorous Birds Promote Functional Connectivity among Chaco Serrano Woodland Fragments in Argentina
Authors: Díaz Vélez María Celeste , Silva Wesley R. , Pizo Marco A. , Galetto Leonardo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMovement patterns of frugivorous birds may be altered in anthropogenically fragmented landscapes, with possible consequences for seed dispersal and plant recruitment. We studied the movement patterns and functional connectivity of six frugivorous bird species (Colaptes melanochloros, Thraupis bonariensis, Pitangus sulphuratus, Saltator aurantiirostris, Turdus amaurochalinus, and Elaenia spp.) in a fragmented Chaco‐woodland landscape in Argentina. We recorded the directions of bird movements (arrivals and departures) and whether their destination was oriented toward a specific neighboring fragment. We evaluated the movement rates, distance of interpatch movement, and functional connectivity within the landscape for the six bird species. We applied a novel approach, graph theory, to represent bird movement patterns in the landscape and the functional connections among fragments for each bird species. Bird movements were recorded at point‐count stations established along the edges of each fragment. The directions of arrival and departure movements from and to neighboring fragments revealed complex movement patterns. However, the destination of bird movements after leaving the focal fragments was usually concentrated on only a few neighboring fragments of different sizes. Pitangus sulphuratus and T. bonariensis showed larger movement rates and higher functional connectivity (number of graphs and functional area) than the other frugivorous species. The functional connectivity mediated by movement of frugivorous birds may promote seed dispersal of many bird‐dispersed plant species. As forest loss and fragmentation of Chaco subtropical forests increase, understanding the pivotal role of mobile links exerted by avian seed dispersers is vital to maintaining and conserving this unique ecosystem.
CRKL oncogene is downregulated by p53 through miR‐200s
Authors: Tamura Miyuki , Sasaki Yasushi , Kobashi Kenta , Takeda Kousuke , Nakagaki Takafumi , Idogawa Masashi , Tokino Takashi 
Published: June 2015

Tumor suppressive miRNAs that target oncogenes are frequently downregulated in cancers, and this downregulation leads to oncogene pathway activation. Thus, tumor suppressive miRNAs and their target oncogenes have been proposed as useful targets in cancer treatment. miR‐200 family downregulation has been reported in cancer progression and metastasis. The miR‐200 family consists of two gene clusters, miR‐200b/200a/429 and miR‐200c/141, which are located on human chromosomes 1 and 12, respectively. Here, we identified that p53 response elements are located around both clusters of the miR‐200 family and confirmed that miR‐200s are transcriptional targets of the p53 family. In silico analyses of miRNA targets established the CRKL oncogene as a potential target for miR‐200b/200c/429. Moreover, miR‐200b/200c/429 inhibited CRKL mRNA and protein expression by directly targeting its 3′‐UTR region. Importantly, endogenous CRKL expression was decreased in cancer cells through the introduction of p53 family and endogenous p53 activation. Moreover, the downregulation of CRKL by siRNA inhibited cancer cell growth. The Oncomine database demonstrates that CRKL is overexpressed in a subset of cancer types. Furthermore, CRKL is significantly overexpressed in primary breast cancer tissues harboring mutant TP53. Our results demonstrate that the p53 target miR‐200b/200c/429 miRNAs are negative regulators of the CRKL oncogene.
Anterior gradient 2 is a binding stabilizer of hypoxia inducible factor‐1α that enhances CoCl2‐induced doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer cells
Authors: Li Zheqi , Zhu Qi , Hu Lingyun , Chen Hao , Wu Zhenghua , Li Dawei 
Published: June 2015

Hypoxia inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) is associated with human breast cancer chemoresistance. Various reports have suggested that multiple pathways are involved inHIF‐1α induction and that the molecular mechanisms regulatingHIF‐1α‐induced chemoresistance are still not fully understood. Here, we report that anterior gradient 2 (AGR2), a proposed breast cancer biomarker, is an essential regulator in hypoxia‐induced doxorubicin resistance through the binding and stabilization ofHIF‐1α. Our results show that knockdown ofAGR2 inMCF‐7 cells leads to the suppression ofHIF‐1α‐induced doxorubicin resistance, whereas elevated levels ofAGR2 inMDA‐MB‐231 cells enhanceHIF‐1α‐induced doxorubicin resistance.AGR2 expression, in turn, is upregulated by the hypoxic induction ofHIF‐1α at both translational and transcriptional levels via a hypoxia‐responsive region from −937 to −912 bp on theAGR2 promoter sequence. By specific binding toHIF‐1α, the increased level of intracellularAGR2 stabilizesHIF‐1α and delays its proteasomal degradation. Finally, we found thatAGR2‐stabilizedHIF‐1α escalates multiple drug resistance protein 1 (MDR1)mRNAlevels and limits doxorubicin intake ofMCF‐7 cells, whereasMCF‐7/ADR, a doxorubicin resistant cell line with deficientAGR2 andHIF‐1α, acquires wild‐typeMDR1 overexpression. Our findings, for the first time, describeAGR2 as an important regulator in chemical hypoxia‐induced doxorubicin resistance in breast cancer cells, providing a possible explanation for the variable levels of chemoresistance in breast cancers and further validatingAGR2 as a potential anti‐breast cancer therapeutic target.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Ursolic acid Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Prodrugs
Authors: Yang Xiang , Li Yuanfang , Jiang Wei , Ou Minrui , Chen Yali , Xu Yu , Wu Qiong , Zheng Qing , Wu Fuqiang , Wang Lue , Zou Wentao , Zhang Yitong J. , Shao Jingwei 
Published: June 2015

Ursolic acid (UA) is a natural product which has been shown to possess a wide range of pharmacological activities, in particular those with anticancer activity. In this study, 13 novel ursolic acid derivatives were designed and synthesized in an attempt to further improve compound potency. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed using mass spectrometry, infrared spectroscopy, and 1H NMR. The ability of the UA derivatives to inhibit cell growth was assayed against both various tumor cell lines and a non‐pathogenic cell line, HELF. Analysis of theoretical toxicity risks for all derivatives was performed using OSIRIS and indicated that the majority of compounds would present moderate to low risks. Pharmacological results indicated that the majority of the derivatives were more potent growth inhibitors than UA. In particular, 5b demonstrated IC50 values ranging from 4.09 ± 0.27 to 7.78 ± 0.43 μm against 12 different tumor cell lines. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that 5b induced G0/G1 arrest in three of these cell lines. These results were validated by structural docking studies, which confirmed that UA could bind to cyclins D1 (Cyc D1) and cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDK6), the key regulators of G0/G1 transition in cell cycle, while the piperazine moiety of 5b could bind with glucokinase (GK), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), and ATPase, which are the main proteins involved in cancer cell metabolism. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining confirmed that 5b was capable of inducing apoptosis and decreasing cell viability in a dose‐dependent manner.
The influence of sinus membrane thickness upon membrane perforation during lateral window sinus augmentation
Authors: Lin Yen‐Hua , Yang Yueh‐Chao , Wen Shih‐Cheng , Wang Hom‐Lay 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate: (1) sinus membrane thickness in patients receiving lateral window sinus augmentation via cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) and (2) the influence of Schneiderian membrane thickness upon membrane perforation during lateral window approach.Material and methodsA total of 73 subjects with 81 sinus lift procedures between years 2010 and 2013 were recruited consequently. Each patient selected had CBCT images in initial and immediately after surgery. The values and correlation between variables of membrane thickness, perforation rate, membrane morphology, residual bone height, and elevated bone height were evaluated.ResultsThe mean thickness of the Schneiderian membrane was 1.32 ± 0.87 mm. Perforation rate was lowest (7.14%) when membrane thickness was 1–1.5 mm. As membrane became thicker (≥2 mm) or thinner (<1 mm), the perforation rate increased abruptly. When examined the membrane thickness category, Class B (between ≥1 mm and <2 mm) had the lowest perforation rate. Statistically significant correlation was found between the perforation and the membrane thickness. The amount of the remaining bone height did not significantly correlate to the membrane thickness nor influence the membrane perforation.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that membrane thickness was related to the sinus perforation during lateral window sinus augmentation. The perforation rate was lowest when the membrane thickness was 1–1.5 mm.
Massive haemoptysis from a central pulmonary arterial pseudoaneurysm secondary to advanced lung cancer: successful treatment by Guglielmi detachable coil embolization
Authors: Zhang Jie , Jiang Sen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMassive haemoptysis is a life‐threatening condition in patients with lung cancer. Endovascular embolization has been well‐established as an effective means of treating this condition. Haemoptysis of pulmonary arterial origin is rare, and a pulmonary artery pseudoaneurysm (PAP) is generally the main cause. PAP due to lung cancer is also very rare, and the site of bleeding always involves the peripheral lung. We report an unusual case of central PAP secondary to advanced central squamous‐cell carcinoma of the lung in a patient with acute massive haemoptysis. The sac of the pseudoaneurysm underwent successful embolization using various Guglielmi detachable coils (GDCs). The patient died of lung cancer without recurrence of haemoptysis 42 days post‐embolization. To the best of our knowledge, this case report is the first to describe massive haemoptysis caused by central PAP due to lung cancer and its successful treatment by GDC embolization.