bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galanin modulates human and murine neutrophil activation in vitro
Authors: Sternberg F. , Lang A. A. , Koller A. , Lang R. , Bianchini R. , Kofler B. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimsPolymorphonuclear neutrophils are key players in innate immunity. The innate immune system needs to be tightly controlled to ensure proper activation but also no overactivation. Galanin has been shown to regulate inflammatory reactions, and therefore, we aimed to elucidate the expression of galanin and its three receptors (GAL1‐GAL3) in polymorphonuclear neutrophils and to evaluate whether galanin exerts direct or indirect effects on human and murine polymorphonuclear neutrophils.MethodsHuman peripheral polymorphonuclear neutrophils were isolated from fresh blood of healthy donors, and murine polymorphonuclear neutrophils were isolated from bone marrow of C57BL/6N mice. Gene expression was evaluated by qRT‐PCR. As a marker for polymorphonuclear neutrophil activation, CD11b integrin surface expression was measured by FACS analysis. Furthermore, a label‐free technology measuring ligand‐induced dynamic mass redistribution was used to evaluate the response of polymorphonuclear neutrophils to galanin.ResultsGAL2 receptor expression was found in both human and murine polymorphonuclear neutrophils, galanin and GAL3 receptor were exclusively expressed in murine bone marrow polymorphonuclear neutrophils, and GAL1 receptor was not detectable in polymorphonuclear neutrophils of either species. Galanin treatment was not able to induce CD11b integrin surface expression or dynamic mass redistribution in human polymorphonuclear neutrophils and murine bone marrow polymorphonuclear neutrophils. However, galanin treatment significantly enhanced the response of polymorphonuclear neutrophils of both species to interleukin‐8.ConclusionGalanin can be regarded as an immunomodulatory peptide as it can sensitize polymorphonuclear neutrophils towards pro‐inflammatory cytokines in humans and mice.
Long‐term vegetation dynamics (40 yr) in the Succulent Karoo, South Africa: effects of rainfall and grazing
Authors: van Rooyen Margaretha W. , Le Roux Annelise , Geldenhuys Conrad , van Rooyen Noel , Broodryk Nadine L. , van der Merwe Helga 
Published: December 2014

AbstractQuestionsVegetation change in arid regions with a coefficient of rainfall exceeding 33% usually displays non‐equilibrium dynamics, where abiotic factors override internal biotic controls. Irreversible changes have nonetheless also been described for arid regions. What are the contributions of internal/equilibrium vs external/non‐equilibrium factors to vegetation dynamics and can degradation due to overstocking be reversed after removal of livestock?LocationGoegap Nature Reserve, Namaqualand, South Africa.MethodsThe descending point method was conducted annually from 1974 at two transects. Vegetation change was assessed in terms of vegetation cover, species composition, life‐form composition, range condition, species richness and diversity. Principal coordinates analysis was used to illustrate the trajectories in floristic data, and the effects of stocking density and rainfall were examined with redundancy analysis.ResultsVegetation cover, species richness and Shannon‐Wiener index of diversity showed an increase and range condition improved with time. These positive changes could be related to the removal of high numbers of livestock and low wildlife numbers in the first years of survey. A gradual decline in the rate of increase in some of these parameters could be related to high grazing pressure during the later monitored years. There was a notable increase in non‐succulent chamaephytes, but the initial increase in succulent chamaephytes was not sustained. The directional change evident in perennial species composition, supports the equilibrium concept, whereby the negative changes induced by heavy grazing were partially reversed. Within the directional change, four quasi‐stable states could be distinguished, which could be reconciled with the state‐and‐transition model. The annual component showed no directional change, but displayed event‐driven, non‐equilibrium dynamics by fluctuating in reaction to the timing and quantity of rainfall.ConclusionsThe vegetation change displayed elements of both equilibrium and non‐equilibrium dynamics, and demonstrated that the effects of heavy grazing in the Succulent Karoo were reversible. Overall, the recovery process proceeded slowly and was primarily detected in the perennial component of the vegetation. The increase in wildlife numbers in the later studied years and decline in perennial vegetation cover stress the need for active management of animal numbers to avoid vegetation degradation.
The endocannabinoid system in renal cells: regulation of Na+ transport by CB1 receptors through distinct cell signalling pathways
Authors: Sampaio L S , Taveira Da Silva R , Lima D , Sampaio C L C , Iannotti F A , Mazzarella E , Di Marzo V , Vieyra A , Reis R A M , Einicker‐Lamas M 
Published: December 2014

Background and PurposeThe function of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in renal tissue is not completely understood. Kidney function is closely related to ion reabsorption in the proximal tubule, the nephron segment responsible for the re‐absorption of 70–80% of the filtrate. We studied the effect of compounds modulating the activity of cannabinoid (CB) receptors on the active re‐absorption of Na+ in LLC‐PK1 cells.Experimental ApproachChanges in Na+/K+‐ATPase activity were assessed after treatment with WIN55,212‐2 (WIN), a non‐selective lipid agonist, and haemopressin (HP), an inverse peptide agonist at CB1 receptors. Pharmacological tools were used to investigate the signalling pathways involved in the modulation of Na+ transport.Key ResultsIn addition to CB1 and CB2 receptors and TRPV1 channels, the mRNAs encoding for enzymes of the ECS were also expressed in LLC‐PK1. WIN (10−7 M) and HP (10−6 M) altered Na+ re‐absorption in LLC‐PK1 in a dual manner. They both acutely (after 1 min) increased Na+/K+‐ATPase activity in a TRPV1 antagonist‐sensitive way. WIN's stimulating effect persisted for 30 min, and this effect was partially blocked by a CB1 antagonist or a PKC inhibitor. In contrast, HP inhibited Na+/K+‐ATPase after 30 min incubation, and this effect was attenuated by a CB1 antagonist or a PKA inhibitor.Conclusion and ImplicationsThe ECS is expressed in LLC‐PK1 cells. Both CB1 receptors and TRPV1 channels regulate Na+/K+‐ATPase activity in these cells, and are modulated by lipid and peptide CB1 receptor ligands, which act via different signalling pathways.
The fibrate gemfibrozil is a NO‐ and haem‐independent activator of soluble guanylyl cyclase: in vitro studies
Authors: Sharina I G , Sobolevsky M , Papakyriakou A , Rukoyatkina N , Spyroulias G A , Gambaryan S , Martin E 
Published: December 2014

Background and PurposeFibrates are a class of drugs widely used to treat dyslipidaemias. They regulate lipid metabolism and act as PPARα agonists. Clinical trials demonstrate that besides changes in lipid profiles, fibrates decrease the incidence of cardiovascular events, with gemfibrozil exhibiting the most pronounced benefit. This study aims to characterize the effect of gemfibrozil on the activity and function of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC), the key mediator of NO signalling.Experimental ApproachHigh‐throughput screening of a drug library identified gemfibrozil as a direct sGC activator. Activation of sGC is unique to gemfibrozil and is not shared by other fibrates.Key ResultsGemfibrozil activated purified sGC, induced endothelium‐independent relaxation of aortic rings and inhibited platelet aggregation. Gemfibrozil‐dependent activation was absent when the sGC haem domain was deleted, but was significantly enhanced when sGC haem was lacking or oxidized. Oxidation of sGC haem enhanced the vasoactive and anti‐platelet effects of gemfibrozil. Gemfibrozil competed with the haem‐independent sGC activators ataciguat and cinaciguat. Computational modelling predicted that gemfibrozil occupies the space of the haem group and interacts with residues crucial for haem stabilization. This is consistent with structure‐activity data which revealed an absolute requirement for gemfibrozil's carboxyl group.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese data suggest that in addition to altered lipid and lipoprotein state, the cardiovascular preventive benefits of gemfibrozil may derive from direct activation and protection of sGC function. A sGC‐directed action may explain the more pronounced cardiovascular benefit of gemfibrozil observed over other fibrates and some of the described side effects of gemfibrozil.
Renal effects of chronic pharmacological manipulation of CB2 receptors in rats with diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Jenkin K A , O'Keefe L , Simcocks A C , Briffa J F , Mathai M L , McAinch A J , Hryciw D H 
Published: December 2014

Background and PurposeIn diabetic nephropathy agonism of CB2 receptors reduces albuminuria and podocyte loss; however, the role of CB2 receptors in obesity‐related nephropathy is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the role of CB2 receptors in a model of diet‐induced obesity (DIO) and characterize the hallmark signs of renal damage in response to agonism (AM1241) and antagonism (AM630) of CB2 receptors.Experimental ApproachMale Sprague Dawley rats were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD: 40% digestible energy from lipids) for 10 weeks. In another cohort, after 9 weeks on a HFD, rats were injected daily with either 3 mg·kg−1 AM1241, 0.3 mg·kg−1 AM630 or saline for 6 weeks.Key ResultsTen weeks on a HFD significantly reduced renal expression of CB2 receptors and renal function. Treatment with AM1241 or AM630 did not reduce weight gain or food consumption in DIO. Despite this, AM1241 significantly reduced systolic BP, peri‐renal adipose accumulation, plasma leptin, urinary protein, urinary albumin, urinary sodium excretion and the fibrotic markers TGF‐β1, collagen IV and VEGF in kidney lysate. Treatment with AM630 of DIO rats significantly reduced creatinine clearance and increased glomerular area and kidney weight (gross and standardized for body weight). Diastolic BP, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, plasma creatinine, plasma TGF‐β1 and kidney expression of fibronectin and α‐smooth muscle actin were not altered by either AM1241 or AM630 in DIO.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that while agonism of CB2 receptors with AM1241 treatment for 6 weeks does not reduce weight gain in obese rats, it leads to improvements in obesity‐related renal dysfunction.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Endocannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.7/issuetoc
Clonal Diversity and Fine‐scale Genetic Structure in a High Andean Treeline Population
Authors: Peng Yanling , Macek Petr , Macková Jana , Romoleroux Katya , Hensen Isabell 
Published: December 2014

AbstractClonal propagation becomes more abundant with increasing altitudes as environmental conditions worsen. To date, little attention has been paid to the way in which clonal propagation affects genetic diversity and the fine‐scale spatial genetic structure (FSGS) of clonal alpine trees. An AFLP study was undertaken to quantify the clonal and genetic diversity and FSGS of the vulnerable treeline species Polylepis reticulata in Ecuador. We successfully genotyped 32 and 75 ramets within 4 m × 100 m (coarse scale) and 4 m × 4 m (fine scale) transects of one population, respectively. Higher genotypic diversity was detected at the coarse scale than at the fine scale, while lower genetic diversity was detected for P. reticulata than other Polylepis spp. at both scales. Significantly stronger FSGS was detected at the ramet level than the genet level for P. reticulata within a spatial distance of 3 m. The studied P. reticulata population showed pronounced FSGS (Sp = 0.012 at the genet level, a statistic reflecting declining pairwise kinship with distance) revealed restricted gene dispersal, which implies restricted seed dispersal for this population, assuming pollen flow is as extensive as that described for other wind‐pollinated tree species. Our results revealed that clonal diversity is a function of both sample size and the spatial scale of the sampling area. The findings highlights that clonal propagation has affected FSGS within a spatial distance of 3 m for this species.
COMPRES: a prospective postmarketing evaluation of the compression anastomosis ring CAR 27™/ColonRing™
Authors: D'Hoore A. , Albert M. R. , Cohen S. M. , Herbst F. , Matter I. , Van Der Speeten K. , Dominguez J. , Rutten H. , Muldoon J. P. , Bardakcioglu O. , Senagore A. J. , Ruppert R. , Mills S. , Stamos M. J. , Påhlman L. , Choman E. , Wexner S. D. ,   the COMPRES collaborative study group
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimPreclinical studies have suggested that nitinol‐based compression anastomosis might be a viable solution to anastomotic leak following low anterior resection. A prospective multicentre open label study was therefore designed to evaluate the performance of the ColonRing™ in (low) colorectal anastomosis.MethodThe primary outcome measure was anastomotic leakage. Patients were recruited at 13 different colorectal surgical units in Europe, the United States and Israel. Institutional review board approval was obtained.ResultsBetween 21 March 2010 and 3 August 2011, 266 patients completed the study protocol. The overall anastomotic leakage rate was 5.3% for all anastomoses, including a rate of 3.1% for low anastomoses. Septic anastomotic complications occurred in 8.3% of all anastomoses and 8.2% of low anastomoses.ConclusionNitinol compression anastomosis is safe, effective and easy to use and may offer an advantage for low colorectal anastomosis. A prospective randomized trial comparing ColonRing™ with conventional stapling is needed.
Endoscopic treatment of pediatric post‐transplant biliary complications is safe and effective
Authors: Dechêne Alexander , Kodde Cathrin , Kathemann Simone , Treckmann Jürgen , Lainka Elke , Paul Andreas , Gerken Guido , Feldstein Ariel E. , Hoyer Peter F. , Canbay Ali 
Published: December 2014

Background and AimBiliary complications (BC) after liver transplantation (LT) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Incidence of BC after pediatric LT is more than 10%. In adults, treatment by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) is successful. As data in pediatric patients are limited, endoscopic treatment of BC in a pediatric cohort in a German transplant center was analyzed.MethodsLT recipients <18 years of age who were endoscopically treated for BC at University Hospital Essen were retrospectively analyzed. Characteristics of LT, endoscopic treatment measures, clinical and endoscopic presentation of BC, and outcomes after endoscopic treatment were evaluated.ResultsSeventeen patients (median age 12 years) with clinical signs of BC were treated endoscopically using ERCP. Eleven patients had received a full‐size liver, and six a left‐sided living‐donor transplant graft. In 12 patients, the bile ducts were accessible via Vater's papilla and five patients had a bilioenteric anastomosis. Biliary sphincterotomy was done in 13 patients. Eleven patients presented with stricture of the biliary anastomosis (AST), either isolated (nine) or in combination with biliary cast syndrome (BCS) or biliary leakage (one patient each). Ischemia‐type biliary lesions (ITBL) were found in two patients. Five patients suffered from BCS, either as isolated pathology (two) or in combination with AST, bile leak or ITBL. In one patient, biliary access via the major papilla was not obtainable.ConclusionsBC in pediatric LT were treated safely and successfully in pediatric patients when the biliary tract was accessible. The most common complications were AST, BCS and ITBL.
Host–plant quality alters herbivore responses to temperature: a case study using the generalist Hyphantria cunea
Authors: Jang Taehwan , Rho Myung Suk , Koh Sang‐Hyun , Lee Kwang Pum 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe nutritional quality of host plants is an important determinant of fitness in insect herbivores. However, it remains an open question whether the ingestion of a particular plant will have the same effects on an herbivore under differing thermal conditions. We measured the performance of the generalist‐feeding caterpillars of Hyphantria cunea Drury (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) raised on one of five natural host plants to determine their nutritional quality: Platanus occidentalis L. (Platanaceae), Sophora japonica (L.) Schott (Fabaceae), Prunus × yedoensis Matsum. (Rosaceae), Cornus kousa Hance (Cornaceae), or Betula platyphylla Sukaczev (Betulaceae). Caterpillars performed well on P. occidentalis, S. japonica, and P. × yedoensis, but poorly on C. kousa and B. platyphylla. The nutritional phenotype of caterpillars varied among host–plant groups, with the proportion of lipid‐free body mass to lipid content being higher for caterpillars raised on P. occidentalis and S. japonica (3.8–4.2:1) than for caterpillars raised on P. × yedoensis (1.6–2.1:1). A multi‐factorial experimental design was employed to investigate the interactive effects of host–plant quality and temperature on the performance of H. cunea caterpillars raised on either P. occidentalis or P. × yedoensis at three rearing temperatures (20, 25, or 30 °C). Caterpillars raised on P. occidentalis displayed a monotonic decrease in development time with increasing temperature, but the development time of those on P. × yedoensis decreased rapidly as temperature rose from 20 to 25 °C and then stayed unchanged despite further increase in temperature. The rate at which body size increased with decreasing temperature was much steeper for caterpillars raised on P. occidentalis than for those on P. × yedoensis. Collectively, these results indicate that host plant can alter the thermal reaction norms for the key life‐history traits of herbivores. This study has implications for understanding the impacts of climate change on herbivore–plant interactions.
Diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake in recently untreated lymphoma: incidence and relevance
Authors: Adams Hugo J.A. , Kwee Thomas C. , Fijnheer Rob , Dubois Stefan V. , Nievelstein Rutger A.J. , de Klerk John M.H. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPurposeTo determine the incidence of diffusely increased bone marrow 18F‐fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose (FDG) uptake at positron emission tomography (PET) in recently untreated lymphoma and to assess the frequency of lymphoma‐positive bone marrow biopsies (BMBs) in these patients.MethodsFDG‐PET scans of all patients presenting with newly diagnosed or relapsed lymphoma were reviewed. Patients with non‐focal diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake, who had not received therapy within 3 months, were identified. The incidences of diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake and the frequencies of positive posterior iliac crest BMBs among those cases were calculated.ResultsThe incidences of diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake in all lymphomas, and in Hodgkin lymphoma, aggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), indolent NHL, and mantle cell NHL separately, were 4.2% (23/542), 9.3% (7/75), 3.4% (8/239), 3.3% (7/214), and 7.1% (1/14), respectively, and frequencies of positive BMBs among these subgroups were 55.0% (11/20), 0.0% (0/7), 83.3% (5/6), 83.3% (5/6), and 100% (1/1), respectively.ConclusionThe incidence of diffusely increased bone marrow FDG uptake in recently untreated lymphoma is low, albeit higher in Hodgkin lymphoma than in NHL. BMB in such patients is likely to be negative in Hodgkin lymphoma, but positive in the majority of NHL cases.
Habitat segregation and ecological character displacement in cryptic African malaria mosquitoes
Authors: Tene Fossog Billy , Ayala Diego , Acevedo Pelayo , Kengne Pierre , Ngomo Abeso Mebuy Ignacio , Makanga Boris , Magnus Julie , Awono‐Ambene Parfait , Njiokou Flobert , Pombi Marco , Antonio‐Nkondjio Christophe , Paupy Christophe , Besansky Nora J. , Costantini Carlo 
Published: December 2014

AbstractUnderstanding how divergent selection generates adaptive phenotypic and population diversification provides a mechanistic explanation of speciation in recently separated species pairs. Towards this goal, we sought ecological gradients of divergence between the cryptic malaria vectorsAnopheles coluzziiandAn. gambiaeand then looked for a physiological trait that may underlie such divergence. Using a large set of occurrence records and eco‐geographic information, we built a distribution model to predict the predominance of the two species across their range of sympatry. Our model predicts two novel gradients along which the species segregate: distance from the coastline and altitude.Anopheles coluzziishowed a ‘bimodal’ distribution, predominating in xeric West African savannas and along the western coastal fringe of Africa. To test whether differences in salinity tolerance underlie this habitat segregation, we assessed the acute dose–mortality response to salinity of thirty‐two larval populations from Central Africa. In agreement with its coastal predominance,Anopheles coluzziiwas overall more tolerant thanAn. gambiae. Salinity tolerance of both species, however, converged in urban localities, presumably reflecting an adaptive response to osmotic stress from anthropogenic pollutants. When comparing degree of tolerance in conjunction with levels of syntopy, we found evidence of character displacement in this trait.
Inflammatory mechanisms of endometritis
Authors: Woodward E. M. , Troedsson M. H. T. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryTransient post breeding endometritis is a normal physiological reaction in the mare, as it is believed that an inflammatory response is necessary for the effective removal of contaminating bacteria and excess spermatozoa introduced into the uterus. While most mares can clear endometritis within a reasonable amount of time, persistent endometritis caused by either bacteria or spermatozoa can threaten the success of a pregnancy. A subpopulation of mares is susceptible to persistent endometritis, and these mares are a concern in equine reproductive medicine. Research has identified several factors that contribute to susceptibility; however, the exact mechanisms of the progression of the disease are still being elucidated. Current research focuses on endometrial gene expression during endometritis in an attempt to understand the timing of specific inflammatory processes involved with the development of susceptibility to persistent endometritis. With an increased understanding of the mechanisms involved with the disease, current treatments can be improved upon, and new treatments can be developed to target affected pathways.The Summary is available in Chinese – see Supporting information.