bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple independent origins of auto-pollination in tropical orchids (Bulbophyllum) in light of the hypothesis of selfing as an evolutionary dead end
Authors: Gamisch Alexander , Fischer Gunter Alexander , Comes Hans Peter 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe transition from outcrossing to selfing has long been portrayed as an ‘evolutionary dead end’ because, first, reversals are unlikely and, second, selfing lineages suffer from higher rates of extinction owing to a reduced potential for adaptation and the accumulation of deleterious mutations. We tested these two predictions in a clade of MadagascanBulbophyllumorchids (30 spp.), including eight species where auto-pollinating morphs (i.e., selfers, without a ‘rostellum’) co-exist with their pollinator-dependent conspecifics (i.e., outcrossers, possessing a rostellum). Specifically, we addressed this issue on the basis of a time-calibrated phylogeny by means of ancestral character reconstructions and within the state-dependent evolution framework of BiSSE (Binary State Speciation and Extinction), which allowed jointly estimating rates of transition, speciation, and extinction between outcrossing and selfing.ResultsThe eight species capable of selfing occurred in scattered positions across the phylogeny, with two likely originating in the Pliocene (ca. 4.4–3.1 Ma), one in the Early Pleistocene (ca. 2.4 Ma), and five since the mid-Pleistocene (ca. ≤ 1.3 Ma). We infer that this scattered phylogenetic distribution of selfing is best described by models including up to eight independent outcrossing-to-selfing transitions and very low rates of speciation (and either moderate or zero rates of extinction) associated with selfing.ConclusionsThe frequent and irreversible outcrossing-to-selfing transitions in MadagascanBulbophyllumare clearly congruent with the first prediction of the dead end hypothesis. The inability of our study to conclusively reject or support the likewise predicted higher extinction rate in selfing lineages might be explained by a combination of methodological limitations (low statistical power of our BiSSE approach to reliably estimate extinction in small-sized trees) and evolutionary processes (insufficient time elapsed for selfers to go extinct). We suggest that, in these tropical orchids, a simple genetic basis of selfing (via loss of the ‘rostellum’) is needed to explain the strikingly recurrent transitions to selfing, perhaps reflecting rapid response to parallel and novel selective environments over Late Quaternary (≤ 1.3 Ma) time scales.
Evolutionary history exposes radical diversification among classes of interaction partners of the MLLE domain of plant poly(A)-binding proteins
Authors: Jiménez-López Domingo , Bravo Jaime , Guzmán Plinio 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundPoly(A)-binding proteins (PABPs) are evolutionarily conserved proteins that have important functions in the regulation of translation and the control of mRNA stability in eukaryotes. Most PABPs encode a C-terminal domain known as the MLLE domain (previously PABC or CTC), which can mediate protein interactions. In earlier work we identified and predicted that four classes of MLLE-interacting proteins were present inArabidopsis thaliana, which we named CID A, B, C, and D. These proteins encode transcription-activating domains (CID A), the Lsm and LsmAD domains of ataxin-2 (CID B), the CUE and small MutS-related domains (CID C), and two RNA recognition domains (CID D). We recently found that a novel class that lacks the LsmAD domain is present in CID B proteins.ResultsWe extended our analysis to other classes of CIDs present in the viridiplantae. We found that novel variants also evolved in classes CID A and CID C. A specific transcription factor domain is present in a distinct lineage in class A, and a variant that lacks at least two distinct domains was also identified in a divergent lineage in class C. We did not detect any variants in Class D CIDs. This class often consists of four to six highly conserved RNA-binding proteins, which suggests that major redundancy is present in this class.ConclusionsCIDs are likely to operate as components of posttranscriptional regulatory assemblies. The evident diversification of CIDs may be neutral or may be important for plant adaptation to the environment and for acquisition of specific traits during evolution. The fact that CIDs subclasses are maintained in early lineages suggest that a presumed interference between duplicates was resolved, and a defined function for each subclass was achieved.
Sex-linked genomic variation and its relationship to avian plumage dichromatism and sexual selection
Authors: Huang Huateng , Rabosky Daniel L. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundSexual dichromatism is the tendency for sexes to differ in color pattern and represents a striking form of within-species morphological variation. Conspicuous intersexual differences in avian plumage are generally thought to result from Darwinian sexual selection, to the extent that dichromatism is often treated as a surrogate for the intensity of sexual selection in phylogenetic comparative studies. Intense sexual selection is predicted to leave a footprint on genetic evolution by reducing the relative genetic diversity on sex chromosome to that on the autosomes.ResultsIn this study, we test the association between plumage dichromatism and sex-linked genetic diversity using eight species pairs with contrasting levels of dichromatism. We estimated Z-linked and autosomal genetic diversity for these non-model avian species using restriction-site associated (RAD) loci that covered ~3 % of the genome. We find that monochromatic birds consistently have reduced sex-linked genomic variation relative to phylogenetically-paired dichromatic species and this pattern is robust to mutational biases.ConclusionsOur results are consistent with several interpretations. If present-day sexual selection is stronger in dichromatic birds, our results suggest that its impact on sex-linked genomic variation is offset by other processes that lead to proportionately lower Z-linked variation in monochromatic species. We discuss possible factors that may contribute to this discrepancy between phenotypes and genomic variation. Conversely, it is possible that present-day sexual selection -- as measured by the variance in male reproductive success -- is stronger in the set of monochromatic taxa we have examined, potentially reflecting the importance of song, behavior and other non-plumage associated traits as targets of sexual selection. This counterintuitive finding suggests that the relationship between genomic variation and sexual selection is complex and highlights the need for a more comprehensive survey of genomic variation in avian taxa that vary markedly in social and genetic mating systems.
Non-invasive monitoring of mitochondrial oxygenation and respiration in critical illness using a novel technique
Authors: Harms Floor A. , Bodmer Sander I. A. , Raat Nicolaas J.H. , Mik Egbert G. 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Although mitochondrial dysfunction is proposed to be involved in the pathophysiology of sepsis, conflicting results are reported. Variation in methods used to assess mitochondrial function might contribute to this controversy. A non-invasive method for monitoring mitochondrial function might help overcome this limitation. Therefore, this study explores the possibility of in vivo monitoring of mitochondrial oxygen tension (mitoPO2) and local mitochondrial oxygen consumptionin in an endotoxin-induced septic animal model.

Methods
Animals (rats n = 28) were assigned to a control group (no treatment), or to receive lipopolysaccharide without fluid resuscitation (LPS-NR) or lipopolysaccharide plus fluid resuscitation (LPS-FR). Sepsis was induced by intravenous LPS injection (1.6 mg/kg during 10 min), fluid resuscitation was performed by continuous infusion of a colloid solution, 7 ml kg−1 h−1 and a 2-ml bolus of the same colloid solution. MitoPO2 and ODR were measured by means of the protoporphyrin IX-triplet state lifetime technique (PpIX-TSLT). Kinetic aspects of the drop in mitoPO2 were recorded during 60s of skin compression. ODR was derived from the slope of the mitoPO2 oxygen disappearance curve. Measurements were made before and 3 h after induction of sepsis.

Results
At baseline (t0) all rats were hemodynamically stable. After LPS induction (t1), significant (p < 0.05) hemodynamic changes were observed in both LPS groups. At t0, mitoPO2 and ODR were 59 ± 1 mmHg, 64 ± 3 mmHg, 68 ± 4 mmHg and 5.0 ± 0.3 mmHg s−1, 5.3 ± 0.5 mmHg s−1, 5.7 ± 0.5 mmHg s−1 in the control, LPS-FR and LPS-NR groups, respectively; at t1 these values were 58 ± 5 mmHg, 50 ± 2.3 mmHg, 30 ± 3.3 mmHg and 4.5 ± 0.5 mmHg s−1, 3.3 ± 0.3 mmHg s−1, 1.8 ± 0.3 mmHg s−1, respectively. At t1, only mitoPO2 showed a significant difference between the controls and LPS-NR. In contrast, at t1 both LPS groups showed a significantly lower ODR compared to controls.

Conclusion
These data show the feasibility to monitor alterations in mitochondrial oxygen consumption in vivo by PpIX-TSLT in a septic rat model. These results may contribute to the development of a clinical device to monitor mitochondrial function in the critically ill.
Altering the mechanical scenario to decrease the driving pressure
Authors: Borges João Batista , Hedenstierna Göran , Larsson Anders , Suarez-Sipmann Fernando 
Published: September 2015

AbstractVentilator settings resulting in decreased driving pressure (ΔP) are positively associated with survival. How to further foster the potential beneficial mediator effect of a reduced ΔP? One possibility is promoting the active modification of the lung’s “mechanical scenario” by means of lung recruitment and positive end-expiratory pressure selection. By taking into account the individual distribution of the threshold-opening airway pressures to achieve maximal recruitment, a redistribution of the tidal volume from overdistended to newly recruited lung occurs. The resulting more homogeneous distribution of transpulmonary pressures may induce a relief of overdistension in the upper regions. The gain in lung compliance after a successful recruitment rescales the size of the functional lung, potentially allowing for a further reduction in ΔP.
Intraocular pressure reduction and neuroprotection conferred by bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells in an animal model of glaucoma
Authors: Roubeix Christophe , Godefroy David , Mias Céline , Sapienza Anaïs , Riancho Luisa , Degardin Julie , Fradot Valérie , Ivkovic Ivana , Picaud Serge , Sennlaub Florian , Denoyer Alexandre , Rostene William , Sahel José Alain , Parsadaniantz Stéphane Melik , Brignole-Baudouin Françoise , Baudouin Christophe 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Introduction
Glaucoma is a sight-threatening retinal neuropathy associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) due to degeneration and fibrosis of the trabecular meshwork (TM). Glaucoma medications aim to reduce IOP without targeting the specific TM pathology, Bone-marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are used today in various clinical studies. Here, we investigated the potential of MSCs therapy in an glaucoma-like ocular hypertension (OHT) model and decipher in vitro the effects of MSCs on primary human trabecular meshwork cells.

Methods
Ocular hypertension model was performed by cauterization of 3 episcleral veins (EVC) of Long-Evans male rat eyes. MSCs were isolated from rat bone marrow, amplified in vitro and tagged with quantum dot nanocrystals. Animals were distributed as 1) MSCs group receiving 5.105cells/6μl Minimum Essential Medium and 2) MEM group receiving 6μl MEM (n = 10 each). Injections were performed into the anterior chamber of 20 days-hypertensive eyes and IOP was monitored twice a week for 4 weeks. At the end of experiment, cell distribution in the anterior segment was examined in confocal microscopy on flat mounted corneas. Moreover, we tested in vitro effects of MSCs conditioned medium (MSC-CM) on primary human trabecular meshwork cells (hTM cells) using Akt activation, myosin phosphorylation and TGF-β2-dependent profibrotic phenotype in hTM cells.

Results
We demonstrated a rapid and long-lasting in vivo effect of MSCs transplantation that significantly reduced IOP in hypertensive eyes induced by EVC. MSCs were located to the ciliary processes and the TM. Enumeration of RGCs on whole flat-mounted retina highlighted a protective effect of MSCs on RGCs death. In vitro, MSC-CM promotes: (i) hTM cells survival by activating the antiapoptotic pathway, Akt, (ii) hTM cells relaxation as analyzed by the decrease in myosin phosphorylation and (iii) inhibition of TGF-β2-dependent profibrotic phenotype acquisition in hTM cells.

Conclusions
MSCs injection in the ocular anterior chamber in a rat model of OHT provides neuroprotective effect in the glaucoma pathophysiology via TM protection. These results demonstrate that MSCs constitute promising tool for treating ocular hypertension and retinal cell degeneration.
Neuroinflammatory signals enhance the immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties of multipotent adult progenitor cells
Authors: Ravanidis Stylianos , Bogie Jeroen F. J. , Donders Raf , Craeye David , Mays Robert W. , Deans Robert , Gijbels Kristel , Bronckaers Annelies , Stinissen Piet , Pinxteren Jef , Hellings Niels 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIntroductionStem cell-based therapies are currently widely explored as a tool to treat neuroimmune diseases. Multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPC) have been suggested to have strong immunomodulatory and neuroprotective properties in several experimental models. In this study, we investigate whether MAPC are of therapeutic interest for neuroinflammatory disorders such as multiple sclerosis by evaluating their capacities to modulate crucial pathological features and gain insights into the molecular pathways involved.MethodsRat MAPC were treated with combinations of pro-inflammatory cytokines that are closely associated with neuroinflammatory conditions, a process called licensing. mRNA expression of immunomodulatory molecules, chemokines and chemokine receptors was investigated. The migratory potential of licensed rat MAPC towards a broad spectrum of chemokines was tested in a Transwell assay. Furthermore, the effect of licensing on the ability of rat MAPC to attract and suppress the proliferation of encephalitogenic T cells was assessed. Finally, neuroprotective properties of rat MAPC were determined in the context of protection from oxidative stress of oligodendrocytes. Therefore, rat MAPC were incubated with conditioned medium of OLN93 cells subjected to sublethal doses of hydrogen peroxide and the gene expression of neurotrophic factors was assessed.ResultsAfter licensing, a wide variety of immunomodulatory molecules and chemokines, including inducible nitric oxide synthase and fractalkine, were upregulated by rat MAPC. The migratory properties of rat MAPC towards various chemokines were also altered. In addition, rat MAPC were found to inhibit antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and this suppressive effect was further enhanced after pro-inflammatory treatment. This phenomenon was partially mediated through inducible nitric oxide synthase or cyclooxygenase-2. Activated rat MAPC secreted factors that led to attraction of myelin-specific T cells. Finally, exposure of rat MAPC to an in vitro simulated neurodegenerative environment induced the upregulation of mRNA levels of vascular endothelial growth factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor. Factors secreted by rat MAPC in response to this environment partially protected OLN93 cells from hydrogen peroxide-induced cell death.ConclusionsRat MAPC possess immune modulatory and neuroprotective properties which are enhanced in response to neuroinflammatory signals. These findings thereby warrant further research to evaluate MAPC transplantation as a therapeutic approach in diseases with an immunological and neurodegenerative component such as multiple sclerosis.
Current approaches in identification and isolation of human renal cell carcinoma cancer stem cells
Authors: Khan Mohammed I. , Czarnecka Anna M. , Helbrecht Igor , Bartnik Ewa , Lian Fei , Szczylik Cezary 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn recent years, cancer stem cells (CSCs)/tumor initiating cells (TICs) have been identified inside different tumors. However, currently used anti-cancer therapies are mostly directed against somatic tumor cells without targeting CSCs/TICs. CSCs/TICs also gain resistance to chemotherapies/radiotherapies. For the development of efficient treatment strategies, choosing the best method for isolation and characterization of CSCs/TICs is still debated among the scientific community. In this review, we summarize recent data concerning isolation techniques for CSCs using magnetic cell sorting and flow cytometry. The review focuses on the strategies for sample preparation during flow cytometric analysis, elaborating biomarkers such as CXCR4, CD105, and CD133. In addition, functional properties characteristic of CSCs/TICs using side population selection through Hoechst 33342 dye, aldehyde dehydrogenase 1, dye-cycle violet, and rhodamine 123 are also discussed. We also include a special focus on enriching CSCs/TICs using three-dimensional cell culture models such as agarose–agarose microbeads and sphere formation.
On Death, Dying, and Terminality: Today, Yesterday, and Tomorrow
Authors: Halper Thomas 
Published: September 2015

Not long ago, America viewed death and dying with a familiar fear and hostility. But today the subject has become fashionable, part of the transient pop culture, and as a consequence, trivialized and sentimentalized.
When lifespans were shorter, deaths quicker, and man felt helpless before nature, death and dying were repeated intruders into the daily routine, usually occurring at home. But with the birth of the modern clinic in late eighteenth century Europe, the focus shifted from the patient to his affliction. Medicine became more scientific and effective as a result; yet the patient has suffered from this change, too, often feeling profoundly alienated from the entire medical apparatus. For terminally ill patients, the problem is especially severe; but the hospice approach (patient-centered like the old medieval hospital, and yet owing much to modern specialization and technology) promises physical and emotional amelioration of suffering in an imperfect but valuable departure from recent tradition.
Choice by Constraint: The Selection and Function of Specialties among Women Physicians-in-Training
Authors: Davidson Lynne R. 
Published: September 2015

This paper asserts that the selection of medical specialty by women physicians-in-training is a “choice by constraint.” Comparative data on men and women interns and residents are provided in order to document parameters of constraint in three separate areas: 1) subjective reasons for selection of medical specialty and subspecialty; 2) the type of practice a physician intends to enter; and 3) the differential function served by high vs. low interaction specialties.
Findings suggest that severe constraints occur on the specific level of subspecialty, rather than on the more general level of specialty. Findings also show that high and low interaction specialties serve two distinctly separate socioemotional functions for different types of women. Within the present medical system these functions are considerably restrictive.
Facile and Efficient Transformation of Lignocellulose into Levulinic Acid Using an AlCl3·6H2O/H3PO4 Hybrid Acid Catalyst
Authors: Nemoto Koji , Tominaga Ken-ichi , Sato Kazuhiko 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Combination use of AlCl3·6H2O with H3PO4 has led to the development of an efficient water-tolerant catalyst system, acting cooperatively in aqueous media to produce levulinic acid from microcrystalline cellulose. This catalyst system was extended to the direct transformation of various raw biomass resources to levulinic acid in good yields.
Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Specific Intervention on 30-Day Readmission Rates for High-Risk Patients with Pneumonia
Authors: Lisenby Katelin M. , Carroll Douglas N. , Pinner Nathan A. 
Published: September 2015

Background Pharmacist interventions have been shown to have an impact on reducing readmission rates, however further research is necessary to target resources to high-risk populations and determine the most effective bundle of interventions. Objective To evaluate the effect of a pharmacist-bundled intervention on 30-day readmission rates for high-risk patients with pneumonia. Methods A pilot study with a historical control conducted at a community, teaching-affiliated medical center. Up to 65 selected subjects were included if they had pneumonia and any of the following high-risk criteria: admission within 6 months, at least 5 scheduled home medications, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or heart failure. A retrospective chart review was conducted to compile the historical control group that received usual care between June and November 2013. Patients admitted from December 2013 through March 2014 were reviewed to receive a bundled intervention. The primary outcome was 30-day readmission rates. Risk factors and reasons for readmission, pharmacist clinical interventions, and the time interval between discharge and readmission were also evaluated. Results A trend toward a reduced 30-day readmission rate was observed in the intervention group ( n = 43) compared to those who received usual care ( n = 65) (27.9% vs 40.0%; relative risk [RR], 0.6977; 95% CI, 0.3965–1.2278; P = .2119). The most commonly identified high-risk inclusion criteria were having at least 5 scheduled home medications and COPD. The time interval between discharge and readmission did not considerably differ between groups (10.8 vs 10.6 days). Conclusions The pharmacist-bundled intervention was associated with a reduced 30-day readmission rate for high-risk patients with pneumonia.