bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exhaustive Exercise With Different Rest Periods Changes the Collagen Content and MMP‐2 Activation on the Calcaneal Tendon
Authors: De Aro Andrea Aparecida , Ferrucci Danilo Lopes , Borges Frederico Padovan , Stach‐Machado Dagmar Ruth , Macedo Denise Vaz , Pimentel Edson Rosa 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTTendons adapt to different mechanical stimuli through a remodeling process involving metalloproteinases (MMPs) and collagen synthesis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the activities of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 and the collagen content in tendons after exhaustive acute exercise sessions over the course of 1, 3, or 6 days, with 1‐hr or 3‐hr rest periods between each session. Wistar rats were grouped into control (C), trained with 1‐hr (groups 1d1h, 3d1h, and 6d1h) and trained with 3‐hr (groups 1d3h, 3d3h and 6d3h) groups with rest periods between the treadmill running sessions, for 1, 3, and 6 days. The analysis of MMP‐2 showed a larger presence of the latent isoform in the 1d3h group and a larger presence of the active isoform in the 6d3h group compared to the control. No differences were detected for MMP‐9. A lower concentration of hydroxyproline was found in the 6d3h group compared to the 6d1h group. Sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed more prominent collagen bands in the 6d3h group, which was confirmed by Western blotting for collagen type I. A higher concentration of glycosaminoglycans was observed in the 3d3h group compared to the 3d1h group, and the 6d3h group presented the highest value for non‐collagenous proteins compared to other groups. In conclusion, different rest periods between exercise sessions had different effects on the composition of the calcaneal tendon because a greater activation of MMP‐2 and a reduction of total collagen were observed on day 6 of exercise with 3‐hr rest periods compared to 1‐hr rest periods. Anat Rec, 297:281–288, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Fossil Record of the Gekkota
Authors: Daza Juan D. , Bauer Aaron M. , Snively Eric D. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTGekkota is often interpreted as sister to all remaining squamates, exclusive of dibamids, or as sister to Autarchoglossa. It is the only diverse lineage of primarily nocturnal lizards and includes some of the smallest amniotes. The skeleton of geckos has often been interpreted as paedomorphic and/or “primitive” but these lizards also display a wide range of structural specializations of the postcranium, including modifications associated with both scansorial locomotion and limb reduction. Although the concept of “Gekkota” has been variously applied by different authors, we here apply a rigorous apomorphy based definition, recent advances in gekkotan morphology and phylogenetics, and diverse comparative material to provide a comprehensive assessment of 28 known pre‐Quaternary geckos, updating the last such review, published three decades ago. Fossils evaluated include both sedimentary fossils and amber‐embedded specimens. Known Cretaceous geckos are exclusively Asian and exhibit character combinations not seen in any living forms. Cenozoic gekkotans derive from sites around the world, although Europe is especially well represented. Paleogene geckos are largely known from disarticulated remains and show similarities to Sphaerodactylidae and Diplodactylidae, although resemblances may be plesiomorphic in some cases. Many Neogene gekkotans are referable to living families or even genera, but their geographic occurrences are often extralimital to those of modern groups, as is consistent with paleoclimatic conditions. The phylogenetic placement of fossil gekkotans has important repercusions for timetree calibration, but at present only a small number of fossils can be confidently assigned to even family level groupings, limiting their utility in this regard. Anat Rec, 297:433–462, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Homology of the Jaw Muscles in Lizards and Snakes—A Solution from a Comparative Gnathostome Approach
Authors: Johnston Peter 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHomology or shared evolutionary origin of jaw adductor muscles in lizards and snakes has been difficult to establish, although snakes clearly arose within the lizard radiation. Lizards typically have temporal adductors layered lateral to medial, and in snakes the muscles are arranged in a rostral to caudal pattern. Recent work has suggested that the jaw adductor group in gnathostomes is arranged as a folded sheet; when this theory is applied to snakes, homology with lizard morphology can be seen. This conclusion revisits the work of S.B. McDowell, J Herpetol 1986; 20:353–407, who proposed that homology involves identity of m. levator anguli oris and the loss of m. adductor mandibulae externus profundus, at least in “advanced” (colubroid) snakes. Here I advance the folded sheet hypothesis across the whole snake tree using new and literature data, and provide a solution to this homology problem. Anat Rec, 297:574–585, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Overview of the South American Fossil Squamates
Authors: Albino Adriana María , Brizuela Santiago 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe evolution of squamates in South America is the result of the complex geological and paleoclimatic history of this part of the world. The incomplete and episodic fossil record allows us to know only a small part of this evolution. Most Mesozoic squamate remains come from the Patagonian region, but remarkable specimens have also been recovered from Brazil. Both major squamate clades (Iguania and Scleroglossa) are present in the South American Mesozoic. Remains of Mesozoic snakes are common and diverse in Cretaceous deposits, including some of the most primitive terrestrial forms. Paleogene and Neogene squamate remains have been recognized from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. Paleogene lizard record appears to be scarce in comparison to that of the Mesozoic, whereas snakes show an important Paleogene diversity. At least two extant boid snakes appeared during this epoch (Boa and Corallus). The South American Miocene included some extant genera of Iguania, Teiidae, and Boidae but extinct genera were also present. “Colubrids” appeared at the early Miocene, whereas the first viperid is known from the late Miocene. Most of the Paleogene and early Neogene squamate families and genera have been recognized outside their current range of distribution following favorable climatic conditions for ectothermic vertebrates. During the latest Miocene and Pliocene few extant squamate taxa are found to occur outside their present distribution. The earliest amphisbaenian of South America is known from the Pliocene. Most Pleistocene and Holocene squamate remains are assigned to living genera, and some extant species were recognized. Anat Rec, 297:349–368, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Through the Looking Glass: The Spectacle in Gymnophthalmid Lizards
Authors: Guerra‐Fuentes Ricardo Arturo , Roscito Juliana G. , Nunes Pedro M. Sales , Oliveira‐Bastos Priscilla Rachel , Antoniazzi Marta Maria , Carlos Jared , Rodrigues Miguel Trefaut 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe anatomy and development of the eyelids in squamate reptiles are still relatively unknown, considering its variation within the group. The neotropical Gymnophthalmini are traditionally characterized by having lost the eyelids, but their structure is not well described. In this study, the embryonic development and the adult morphology of the gymnophthalmid eye, with special attention to the eyelids, the nictitating membrane, and the spectacle are described. The eye in some Gymnophthalmini is covered by a spectacle, formed by the embryonic fusion of the dorsal and ventral eyelids, a character possibly synapomorphic to the tribe. The genusTretioscincus, which floats either as sister to all other Gymnophthalmini, or is nested within the group, is unique in showing functional and movable eyelids. Thus, the presence of functional eyelids can be either considered as the primitive condition for the gymnophthalmini or as a re‐acquisition of the character, showing the importance of a well‐established phylogenetic hypothesis for understanding morphological evolution. Anat Rec, 297:496–504, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantitative Analysis of Orofacial Development and Median Clefts in Xenopus Laevis
Authors: Kennedy Allyson E. , Dickinson Amanda J. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTXenopus has become a useful tool to study the molecular mechanisms underlying orofacial development. However, few quantitative analyses exist to describe the anatomy of this region. In this study we combine traditional facial measurements with geometric morphometrics to describe anatomical changes in the orofacial region during normal and abnormal development. Facial measurements and principal component (PC) analysis indicate that during early tadpole development the face expands primarily in the midface region accounting for the development of the upper jaw and primary palate. The mouth opening correspondingly becomes flatter and wider as it incorporates the jaw elements. A canonical variate analysis of orofacial and mouth opening shape emphasized that changes in the orofacial shape occur gradually. Orofacial anatomy was quantified after altered levels of retinoic acid using all‐trans retinoic acid or an inhibitor of retinoic acid receptors or by injecting antisense oligos targeting RALDH2. Such perturbations resulted in major decreases in the width of the midface and the mouth opening illustrated in facial measurements and a PC analysis. The mouth opening shape also had a gap in the primary palate resulting in a median cleft in the mouth opening that was only illustrated quantitatively in the morphometric analysis. Finally, canonical and discriminant function analysis statistically distinguished the orofacial and mouth opening shape changes among the different modes used to alter retinoic acid signaling levels. By combining quantitative analyses with molecular studies of orofacial development we will be better equipped to understand the complex morphogenetic processes involved in palate development and clefting. Anat Rec, 297:834–855, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Geometric Morphometric Analysis of the Breast‐Shoulder Apparatus of Lizards: A Test Case Using Jamaican Anoles (Squamata: Dactyloidae)
Authors: Tinius Alexander , Russell Anthony Patrick 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe breast‐shoulder apparatus (BSA) is a structurally and kinematically complex region of lizards. Compared with the pelvic region it has received little attention, even though its morphological variation is known to be extensive. This variability has seldom been the focus of functional explanation, possibly because the BSA has been difficult to explore as a composite entity. In this study we apply geometric morphometric techniques to the analysis of the BSA in an attempt to more fully understand its configuration in relation to differential use in locomotion. Our approach centers upon the Jamaican radiation of anoline lizards (genus Norops) as a tractable, small monophyletic assemblage consisting of species representing several ecomorphs. We hypothesized that the different species and ecomorphs would exhibit variation in the configuration of the BSA. Our findings indicate that this is so, and is expressed in the component parts of the BSA, although it is subtle except for Norops valencienni (twig ecomorph), which differs greatly in morphology (and behavior) from its island congeners. We further found similarities in the BSA of N. grahami, N. opalinus (both trunk‐crown ecomorphs), and N. garmani (crown giant). These outcomes are promising for associating morphology with ecomorphological specialization and for furthering our understanding of the adaptive response of the BSA to demands on the locomotor system. Anat Rec, 297:410–432, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
VEGF Increases Paracellular Permeability in Brain Endothelial Cells via Upregulation of EphA2
Authors: Miao Ziwei , Dong Yanbin , Fang Wengang , Shang Deshu , Liu Dongxin , Zhang Ke , Li Bo , Chen Yu‐Hua 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTNeurological disorders are associated with an increase in the permeability of human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMEC). Our previous findings have indicated that EphA2 could increase the permeability of HBMEC. Recent evidence has linked EphA2 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to abnormalities in the vascular response. However, it is unclear whether EphA2 is involved in the VEGF‐induced changes in the permeability of HBMEC. Here, changes in permeability were determined by measuring transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and the flux of FITC‐dextran. We found that knockdown of EphA2 in HBMEC abolished the VEGF‐induced reduction in TEER and increase in flux of fluorescent dextran. Moreover, VEGF‐induced redistribution of ZO‐1 and the recruitment of detergent‐soluble occludin and claudin‐5 were also prevented. Further results showed that VEGF increased EphA2 expression in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, which was inhibited by a neutralizing antibody against VEGFR2 or SU1498. VEGF‐induced EphA2 expression was suppressed in the brain endothelium following treatments with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002, Akt inhibitor or transfection with the dominant‐negative PI3K mutants (Δp110). Similar results were obtained when ERK1/2 activation was inhibited by PD98059 or ERK1/2 siRNA transfection. Our data suggest that VEGF upregulates the expression of EphA2 in HBMEC through binding to VEGFR2 and subsequently activating the intracellular PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, which contribute to an increase in paracellular permeability. These data reveal a novel role for VEGF as a regulator of EphA2 expression in the brain endothelial cells and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of VEGF‐mediated changes in paracellular permeability. Anat Rec, 297:964–972, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Appositional Articular Morphology of the Talo‐crural Joint: The Influence of Substrate Use on Joint Shape
Authors: Turley Kevin , Frost Stephen R. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe appositional articular morphology of the talo‐crural joint is the third component of the joint complex. It is a site of internal integration of this highly stable functional evolutionary unit. Prior studies of the other two components, tibia and talus, demonstrated that substrate preference influenced their articular shape. This effect was unrelated to physical attributes (size and mass) and phylogeny (superfamily). The effect of this behavioral factor, substrate preference, on shape and integration of the appositional articular morphology was investigated. Two hundred forty‐five matched distal tibial and proximal talar landmarked surfaces from 12 diverse Catarrhine taxa were studied. Shape effects due to the same factors previously studied were examined in the tibial and talar subsets and were highly significant (P < 0.0001). These were assessed using Multivariate Regression and Relative Warps analysis, and Permutation tests, with results consistent with prior unmatched cohorts. Substrate preference influenced shape and was unrelated to the other factors across taxa. Singular Warp analysis of the cross‐covariance matrix revealed sorting of taxa by substrate use, unrelated to physical attributes and phylogeny. Finally, the sorting demonstrated a signal of convergent evolution among distantly related taxa and divergent evolution among closely related taxa reflecting substrate use. Results were consistent with a behavioral influence, substrate use, affecting articular shape and integration in this highly stable functional evolutionary unit, and signals with evolutionary implications. Anat Rec, 297:618–629, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of coronal cementum in hypsodont horse cheek teeth
Authors: Sahara Noriyuki 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe horse is a grazing herbivore whose cheek teeth are hypsodon; that is, they possess long crowns that are completely covered by coronal cement at eruption. For elucidation of the sequential events in the formation of this coronal cementum in the mandibular horse cheek teeth, in the present study the lower 3rd permanent premolar teeth (PM4) from 3.5‐, 4‐, and 5‐year‐old horses were compared by using radiography, microcomputed tomography (Miro‐CT), light microscopy (LM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The present study clearly showed that prior to coronal cementogenesis tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)‐positive odontoclasts resorbed on the enamel surface of the reserve crown in horse cheek tooth. Enamel resorption areas were relatively narrow, and started from the cuspal tips, and moved in the apical direction during tooth development. A primary cementum was initially deposited on the irregularly pitted enamel–cementum junction (ECJ) of the infolding and peripheral enamel. The infolding cementum filled grooves completely by the time of tooth eruption. On the other hand, in the peripheral cementum, the secondary and tertiary cementum layers were sequentially deposited on the primary cementum. These two cementum layers were sites for the insertion of the periodontal ligaments, and were continually laid down on the primary cementum coronally rather than apically throughout the life. The results of the present study suggest that the coronal cementum of horse cheek teeth is a multistructural and multifunctional tissue, meeting the requirements of its many different functions. Anat Rec, 297:716–730, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of Thermal Stress on Hepatic Melanomacrophages of Eupemphix nattereri (Anura)
Authors: De Souza Santos Lia Raquel , Franco‐Belussi Lilian , Zieri Rodrigo , Borges Rinneu Elias , De Oliveira Classius 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTMelanomacrophages are the pigmented cells present in the hematopoietic organs. Besides melanin, hemosiderin and lipofuscin are also observed in the melanomacrophages. For the liver, however, numerous studies relate these cells to immunological and metabolic functions. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatic metabolism by quantifying melanin, hemosiderin and lipofuscin in the anuran Eupemphix nattereri submitted to varying thermal conditions. E. nattereri adult males were separated into three groups, as follows: (i) five animals in the control group were kept at room temperature (27°C); (ii) 30 animals were submitted to hyperthermic (35.1°C); and (iii) 30 to hypothermic (18.9°) conditions. In each experiment, the animals were analyzed and separated into two different treatments: (1) immediately after undergoing the stress; and, (2) after recovering from the stress caused by the stimulus, at three distinct times (12 hr, 24 hr, and 48 hr). Both hyperthermia and hypothermia decreased hepatic pigmentation after thermal stress. The recovered animals of both experimental treatments showed as much pigmentation as the control animals. Thermal stress alters hemosiderin and lipofuscin as well, which may be related to liver function catabolism. In conclusion, liver pigmentation decreased due to temperature variation and duration of thermal stimulation to which the animals were exposed. The increase in temperature rather than hypothermia led to more drastic physiological disorders. In this study, we observed that thermal stress for a short period compromises the morphology and liver function, as observed by the changing pigmentation of melanomacrophages. These analyses can be used as biomarkers of environmental effects. Anat Rec, 297:864–875, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eye Size and Visual Acuity Influence Vestibular Anatomy in Mammals
Authors: Kemp Addison D. , Christopher Kirk E. 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThe semicircular canals of the inner ear detect head rotations and trigger compensatory movements that stabilize gaze and help maintain visual fixation. Mammals with large eyes and high visual acuity require precise gaze stabilization mechanisms because they experience diminished visual functionality at low thresholds of uncompensated motion. Because semicircular canal radius of curvature is a primary determinant of canal sensitivity, species with large canal radii are expected to be capable of more precise gaze stabilization than species with small canal radii. Here, we examine the relationship between mean semicircular canal radius of curvature, eye size, and visual acuity in a large sample of mammals. Our results demonstrate that eye size and visual acuity both explain a significant proportion of the variance in mean canal radius of curvature after statistically controlling for the effects of body mass and phylogeny. These findings suggest that variation in mean semicircular canal radius of curvature among mammals is partly the result of selection for improved gaze stabilization in species with large eyes and acute vision. Our results also provide a possible functional explanation for the small semicircular canal radii of fossorial mammals and plesiadapiforms. Anat Rec, 297:781–790, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
First Evidence of Pathology in the Forelimb of the Late Miocene Saber‐Toothed Felid Promegantereon ogygia (Machairodontinae, Smilodontini)
Authors: Salesa Manuel J. , Antón Mauricio , Siliceo Gema , Pesquero María Dolores , Alcalá Luis 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWe examined the first evidence of pathology in the forelimb of the primitive saber‐toothed felid Promegantereon ogygia, observed in a radius from the late Miocene (Vallesian, MN 10) site of La Roma 2 (Teruel, Spain). This fossil is the first evidence of a member of the Machairodontinae in this locality, and the first fossil of this species found in the Miocene basin of Teruel. The radius shows an exostosis shaped as a rough and wide bony crest probably caused by the lesion and posterior ossification of part of the tendon of the muscle abductor pollicis longus, an important extensor and abductor of the thumb. The lesion was probably due to a tearing or to high levels of exertion experienced by this muscle over a relatively long time, a general type of lesion also observed in other vertebrate fossils. With saber‐toothed felids using their thumbs to immobilize prey during the hunt, the studied lesion probably affected in a significant manner the predatory abilities of the animal, causing at least a decrease in its hunting success rate. Anat Rec, 297:1090–1095, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.