bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Synthesis of Novel Platinum(II) Glycoconjugates, and Evaluation of Their Antitumor Effects
Authors: Han Jianbin , Gao Xiangqian , Liu Ran , Yang Jinna , Zhang Menghua , Mi Yi , Shi Ying , Gao Qingzhi
Published: December 2015

A new series of sugar‐conjugated (trans‐R, R‐cyclohexane‐1, 2‐diamine)‐2‐halo‐malonato‐platinum(II) complexes were designed and synthesized to target tumor‐specific glucose transporters (GLUTs). The water solubility of the sugar‐conjugated platinum (II) complexes was greatly improved by average of 570‐fold, 33‐fold, and 94‐fold, respectively, compared to cisplatin (1.0 mg/mL), carboplatin (17.1 mg/mL), and the newest generation of clinical drug oxaliplatin (6.0 mg/mL). Despite the high water solubility, the platinum(II) glycoconjugates exhibited a notable increase in cytotoxicity by a margin of 1.5‐ to 6.0‐fold in six different human cancer cell lines with respect to oxaliplatin. The potential GLUT1 transportability of the complexes was investigated through a molecular docking study and was confirmed with GLUT1 inhibitor‐mediated cytotoxicity dependency evaluation. The results showed that the sugar‐conjugated platinum(II) complexes can be recognized by the glucose recognition binding site of GLUT1 and their cell killing effect depends highly on the GLUT1 inhibitor, quercetin. The research presenting a prospective concept for targeted therapy anticancer drug design, and with the analysis of the synthesis, water solubility, antitumor activity, and the transportability of the platinum(II) glycoconjugates, this study provides fundamental data supporting the inherent potential of these designed conjugates as lead compounds for GLUT‐mediated tumor targeting.
The Ties That Bind: Social Capital, Families, and Children's Well‐Being
Authors: Parcel Toby L. , Bixby Monica S.
Published: December 2015

Social bonds between parents and their children, an important form of social capital, promote children's cognition and their social adjustment. Both bonding and bridging social capital are consequential, as are parental norms and values, which vary by social class. Parents' working conditions, including occupational complexity and work schedules, influence children's home environments as well as their children's development. Family social capital is more important than school social capital in influencing both cognitive and social child outcomes. Recent studies show how fathers' roles are changing, with implications for social capital in families, and point to bonding with fathers as a possible mechanism for building social capital. We know relatively little about how different forms of capital, including financial, human, cultural, and social capital, combine to influence families and children. We need further analyses regarding how to build social capital, particularly for at‐risk children.
Survival analysis of wide dental implant: systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Chun‐Teh , Chen Ya‐Wei , Starr Jacqueline R. , Chuang Sung‐Kiang
Published: December 2015

Objective

Wide‐diameter implants are frequently placed in molar sites to obtain appropriate restoration profiles, to rescue implants that lack stability, and to engage bone in extraction sites. However, studies of wide‐diameter implant placement have provided conflicting evidence regarding clinical outcomes. This systematic review aims to analyze survival rates of wide‐diameter implants (platform diameter ≥5 mm) and assess clinical variables potentially affecting failure rates.

Material and methods

Electronic search was conducted using MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and EMBASE from January 1980 to October 2014. Publication screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed. Failure rate per implant‐year was analyzed using mix‐effects Poisson regression model to obtain summary estimates of the 5‐year survival rate. Relative risk (RR) was calculated to evaluate the association of different clinical variables with estimated failure rates.

Results

Eleven retrospective studies and eight prospective studies having at least 1‐year follow‐up period were included in the analysis. The estimated 5‐year survival rate was 92.67% (95% confidence interval: [79.60, 97.50]) in the retrospective studies and 97.76% (Confidence interval: [93.25, 99.27]) in the prospective studies. Implant surface and implant diameter were significantly associated with the failure events in the retrospective studies.

Conclusions

Placement of wide‐diameter implants demonstrated a promising survival rate during 5‐year follow‐up. Further controlled trials with the control group and longer follow‐up period are needed to provide the direct evidence comparing survival rates of wide implants with survival rates of narrower implants.
Can We Forget What We Know in a False‐Belief Task? An Investigation of the True‐Belief Default
Authors: Rubio‐Fernández Paula
Published: December 2015

It has been generally assumed in the Theory of Mind literature of the past 30 years that young children fail standard false‐belief tasks because they attribute their own knowledge to the protagonist (what Leslie and colleagues called a “true‐belief default”). Contrary to the traditional view, we have recently proposed that the children's bias is task induced. This alternative view was supported by studies showing that 3 year olds are able to pass a false‐belief task that allows them to focus on the protagonist, without drawing their attention to the target object in the test phase. For a more accurate comparison of these two accounts, the present study tested the true‐belief default with adults. Four experiments measuring eye movements and response inhibition revealed that (a) adults do not have an automatic tendency to respond to the false‐belief question according to their own knowledge and (b) the true‐belief response need not be inhibited in order to correctly predict the protagonist's actions. The positive results observed in the control conditions confirm the accuracy of the various measures used. I conclude that the results of this study undermine the true‐belief default view and those models that posit mechanisms of response inhibition in false‐belief reasoning. Alternatively, the present study with adults and recent studies with children suggest that participants' focus of attention in false‐belief tasks may be key to their performance.
Anti‐SPAG16 antibodies in primary progressive multiple sclerosis are associated with an elevated progression index
Authors: de Bock L. , Fraussen J. , Villar L. M. , Álvarez‐Cermeño J. C. , Van Wijmeersch B. , van Pesch V. , Stinissen P. , Somers V.
Published: December 2015

Background and purpose

Sperm‐associated antigen 16 (SPAG16), a sperm protein which is upregulated in reactive astrocytes in multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions, has recently been identified as a novel autoantibody target in MS. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anti‐SPAG16 antibody levels differ between MS subtypes (relapsing−remitting, RR; primary or secondary progressive, PP, SP) and whether antibody positivity is associated with clinical characteristics.

Methods

Plasma anti‐SPAG16 antibody levels were determined by recombinant protein enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 374 MS patients (274 RRMS, 39 SPMS and 61 PPMS) and 106 healthy controls.

Results

Significantly elevated anti‐SPAG16 antibodies were found in 22% of MS patients with 93% specificity. Anti‐SPAG16 seropositivity was associated with an increased Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) in overall MS. A higher proportion of PPMS patients showed anti‐SPAG16 antibody reactivity (34%) compared to RRMS (19%) and SPMS (26%), and presented with higher anti‐SPAG16 antibody levels. Seropositive PPMS patients had a significantly increased progression index compared to seronegative patients.

Conclusions

Anti‐SPAG16 antibodies are associated with an increased EDSS in overall MS, indicating that they are linked to a worse MS disease outcome. Moreover, the presence of anti‐SPAG16 antibodies may be a biomarker for a more severe disease in PPMS patients, as indicated by an increased progression index.
Oral health status, dental anxiety, and behavior‐management problems in children with oppositional defiant disorder
Authors: Aminabadi Naser A. , Najafpour Ebrahim , Erfanparast Leila , Jamali Zahra , Pournaghi‐Azar Fatemeh , Tamjid‐Shabestari Shabnam , Shirazi Sajjad
Published: December 2015

Mental disorders have been shown to affect children's oral health. This study was carried out to investigate the oral health status, dental anxiety (DA), and behavior‐management problems (BMPs) during dental treatment in 6‐ to 9‐yr‐old children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)/attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study and control groups included 40 children with ODD/ADHD and 80 normal children, respectively. All participants received an amalgam restoration. During the procedure, the children's behavior was assessed using the Frankl Rating Scale and the Verbal Skill Scale. Parents rated their children's DA using the parental version of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule‐Dental subscale (CFSS‐DS). Comorbid anxiety disorders were assessed using the Kiddie‐Sads‐Present and Lifetime Version questionnaire. Oral health status was assessed using the gingival index and the decayed, missing, and filled teeth score for permanent (DMFT) and primary (dmft) teeth. The findings showed that DA and BMPs were significantly higher in children with ODD/ADHD than in the controls. Furthermore, the frequency of DA and BMPs was higher in children with both ODD/ADHD and a comorbid anxiety disorder than in those without comorbid anxiety disorder. Children with ODD/ADHD had significantly higher DMFT/dmft scores than those in the control group, whereas the difference in gingival index was not statistically significant. In conclusion, children with ODD/ADHD had higher levels of DA, BMP and poorer oral health status.
In vivo evaluation of the effects of hydraulic calcium silicate dental cements on plasma and liver aluminium levels in rats
Authors: Demirkaya Kadriye , Can Demirdöğen Birsen , Öncel Torun Zeynep , Erdem Onur , Çetinkaya Serdar , Akay Cemal
Published: December 2015

Our aim was to test whether the presence of three hydraulic calcium silicate dental cements – MTA Angelus, MTA Fillapex, and Theracal LC – in the dental extraction socket of an in vivo model, would affect the levels of aluminium (Al) in the plasma and liver. Following anesthesia, the right upper incisor of each male Wistar albino rat was extracted and polyethylene tubes filled with MTA Angelus, MTA Fillapex, or Theracal LC were inserted into the depth of the extraction socket and gingival tissue was sutured. The rats were killed 7, 30, or 60 d after the operation. Blood and liver samples were obtained from the rats before they were killed, and the levels of Al were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. Plasma Al levels were higher in the rats in which the mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) cements were implanted, especially MTA Angelus and MTA Fillapex, compared with control rats. In liver samples, however, the differences in Al level were not statistically significant. Our results show that Al might have been released into the circulation from the three dental cements tested, especially MTA Angelus and MTA Fillapex. Further research should be carried out on the possible biological effects of Al liberated from dental cements.
Effects of prenatal antiepileptic drug exposure on newborn brain activity
Authors: Videman Mari , Tokariev Anton , Stjerna Susanna , Roivainen Reina , Gaily Eija , Vanhatalo Sampsa
Published: December 2015

Objective

Prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with an increased risk of cognitive dysfunction at early school age. Our aim was to investigate whether signs of adverse drug effects on brain function could be detected already during the first 2 weeks of life.

Methods

We studied prospectively 56 full‐term newborns with prenatal exposure to AEDs and 67 unexposed newborns for the following characteristics: Background information, AED exposure data, pregnancy outcome, neuropsychological evaluation of the mothers, clinical neurologic status with Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination and early cortical activity using electroencephalography (EEG). For EEG assessment, we developed and provide automated quantitation algorithms of several earlier described features: oscillatory bouts at theta and alpha frequencies, frequency spectra, interhemispheric synchrony, and interburst intervals (IBIs).

Results

The AED‐exposed newborns had lower limb and axial tone and were less irritable than the unexposed newborns. EEG assessment disclosed significant differences in alpha bouts, in the frequency spectra, as well as in the spatial distributions of interhemispheric synchrony and IBIs.

Significance

The results indicate that fetal AED exposure may affect early neonatal neurologic status and several features of early cortical activity. The findings suggest that interference of activity‐dependent network development may be a possible mechanism to explain the link from fetal AED exposure to later neurocognitive sequelae.
Antimicrobial selection and dosing in the treatment of wounds in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ross S. E. , Duz M. , Rendle D. I.
Published: December 2015

Reasons for performing study

Antimicrobial stewardship within the veterinary profession is recognised by governing and professional bodies as being important; the attitudes and behaviour of veterinary surgeons merit investigation.

Objectives

To investigate levels of protected antimicrobial use and accuracy of antimicrobial dosing in a common clinical scenario in equine practice.

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Antimicrobial use was evaluated retrospectively in 113 cases subsequently referred to a single referral hospital for the treatment of limb wounds over a 20‐month period. Antimicrobial classification (first‐line, alternative or protected) was made according to guidelines produced by the British Equine Veterinary Association. These guidelines also served as the reference for recommended dose rates.

Results

Systemic antimicrobials were administered prior to referral in 94/113 (83.2%) horses, of which 8 (8.5%) received the protected third or fourth generation cephalosporins or fluoroquinolones. Forty‐eight of 87 (55.2%) horses for which complete dosing data were available received antimicrobials at ≤90% of the recommended dose. Practitioners who held a postgraduate clinical qualification or worked in purely equine practice were no more or less likely to use protected antimicrobials (P = 0.06 and P = 0.64, respectively) or administer inadequate doses (P = 0.75 and P = 0.85, respectively). Veterinary surgeons with more experience were less likely to use protected antimicrobials (P<0.001); however, with the small case numbers, this finding should be interpreted with caution. Heavier horses were more likely to be under‐dosed (P<0.002).

Conclusions

This study highlights the administration of certain classes of antimicrobials in situations where their use is unlikely to be justified. If these findings reflect more general attitudes and behaviour then greater awareness of, and compliance with, recommendations for responsible antimicrobial use are required among equine practitioners. Bodyweight ought to be measured or estimated using validated objective techniques prior to systemic medications being administered.
Ovarian function and pregnancy outcome in pony mares following immunocontraception with native and recombinant porcine zona pellucida vaccines
Authors: Joonè C. J. , Bertschinger H. J. , Gupta S. K. , Fosgate G. T. , Arukha A. P. , Minhas V. , Dieterman E. , Schulman M. L.
Published: December 2015

Reasons for performing study

Few studies have investigated ovarian function in the mare undergoing porcine zona pellucida (pZP) immunocontraception despite reported ovarian dysfunction in other species.

Objectives

This study aimed to describe ovarian function and oestrous cyclicity in pony mares following treatment with either the conventional pZP vaccine or a novel recombinant form of the vaccine derived from porcine ZP3 and ZP4 (reZP). In addition, the contraceptive efficacy of pZP vs. reZP was assessed.

Study design

Blinded, randomised, prospective clinical trial.

Methods

Mares (n = 21) were randomised into 3 groups of 7: Group I received the pZP vaccine, with a booster 5 weeks later; Group II received the reZP vaccine, with a booster 5 weeks later; and Group III (controls) received 2 treatments, 5 weeks apart, of saline and adjuvant alone. Mares underwent weekly monitoring via transrectal palpation and ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract, with daily monitoring during oestrus. Data were collected over a 24 week period coinciding with the physiological breeding season; treatments commenced in Week 4. Serum samples were obtained for antibody titres and ovarian steroid level analyses at 7 day intervals. Cycling mares were bred via fresh semen artificial inseminations over a maximum of 2 consecutive oestrous cycles, commencing 5 weeks post booster vaccination.

Results

Control mares cycled throughout the trial. After treatment, 6 of 7 pZP mares (86%) and one reZP mare (14%) had an extended anoestrus that correlated with basal serum oestradiol and progesterone levels. All mares resumed cyclicity by 10 months post treatment. Pregnancies were diagnosed in all controls, 4 reZP‐ (57%) and none of the pZP‐immunised mares.

Conclusions

The current study demonstrates the reversible suppression of ovarian function in pony mares following treatment with pZP. The effect of the reZP vaccine on pregnancy outcome requires further investigation.
Predictable Sports Sentiment and Local Trading
Authors: Akhigbe Aigbe , Newman Melinda , Whyte Ann Marie
Published: December 2015

We examine whether predictable outcomes of the National Basketball Association playoff games can generate increased trading of firms headquartered in the geographic area of the participating teams. We find statistically significant increased trading before games and this effect is more pronounced and persistent for games with more predictable outcomes, for predictable losses more than wins, and for more critical games. We also find that this effect is more pronounced for firms that are more vulnerable to shifts in investor sentiment and we find weak evidence that trading leads to price effects. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that predictable sentiment can drive investor behavior.
Towards a body hair atlas of women of caucasian ethnicity
Authors: Schweiger D. , Hoff A. , Scheede S. , Fischer F. , Tilsner J. , Lüttke J. , Neumann Y. , Hagens R.
Published: December 2015

Objective

A preliminary study was conducted in 17 female volunteers (mean age 29.8 years) to gain deeper insights into the characteristics of terminal Caucasian female body hair of different body parts. The focus on Caucasian women was driven by the high number of different scalp hair phenotypes in this ethnicity and intended to identify relevant differences between body areas to improve body hair removal approaches.

Methods

Multiple growth parameters and structural parameters were assessed for hair on the upper arm, forearm, upper leg, lower leg, axilla and intimate area and compared to scalp data.

Results

In particular, macroscopic and much less microscopic or hair surface properties differ strikingly in the investigated body areas. Hair density on the body is much lower than on scalp with the highest hair density in the axilla and intimate area. Multihair follicular units are described for scalp but were also found to a smaller proportion in the axilla and the intimate area. Substantial percentages of hair triplets are only found on the scalp and intimate area. Hair diameter is highest in the intimate area, followed by axillary and lower leg hair and correlates with a faster hair growth rate. The angle of emerging hair is smallest in the intimate area, axilla and on the lower leg. Hair shafts on the lower leg and in the axilla have most overlapping cuticle layers, but independent of body region, no significant differences in the mean thickness of cuticle layers were detectable. In addition, no differences were found in the mean distance between cuticle layer edges along the hair shaft and the hair surface roughness. Hair on the scalp, forearm, upper arm and upper leg had an almost round shape, whereas hair of the lower leg, intimate area and axilla had more elliptical shape. Hairs on the arm showed the highest luminance values and no visible medulla. The darkest hairs were in the axilla and intimate area containing the highest level of visible medulla in hair shafts.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first systematic study comparing terminal hair properties in all cosmetically relevant body regions in Caucasian women.
Effect of endodontic irrigants on biofilm matrix polysaccharides
Authors: Tawakoli P. N. , Ragnarsson K. T. , Rechenberg D. K. , Mohn D. , Zehnder M.
Published: December 2015

Aim

To specifically investigate the effect of endodontic irrigants at their clinical concentration on matrix polysaccharides of cultured biofilms.

Methodology

Saccharolytic effects of 3% H2O2, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 17% EDTA, 5% NaOCl and 0.9% saline (control) were tested using agarose (α 1‐3 and β 1‐4 glycosidic bonds) blocks (n = 3) in a weight assay. The irrigants were also applied to three‐species biofilms (Streptococcus mutans UAB 159, Streptococcus oralis OMZ 607 and Actinomyces oris OMZ 745) grown anaerobically on hydroxyapatite discs (n = 6). Glycoconjugates in the matrix and total bacterial cell volumes were determined using combined Concanavalin A‐/Syto 59‐staining and confocal laser‐scanning microscopy. Volumes of each scanned area (triplicates/sample) were calculated using Imaris software. Data were compared between groups using one‐way anova/Tukey HSD, α = 0.05.

Results

The weight assay revealed that NaOCl was the only irrigant under investigation capable of dissolving the agarose blocks. NaOCl eradicated stainable matrix and bacteria in cultured biofilms after 1 min of exposure (P < 0.05 compared to all groups, volumes in means ± standard deviation, 10−3 mm3 per 0.6 mm2 disc; NaOCl matrix: 0.10 ± 0.08, bacteria: 0.03 ± 0.06; saline control matrix: 4.01 ± 1.14, bacteria: 11.56 ± 3.02). EDTA also appeared to have some effect on the biofilm matrix (EDTA matrix: 1.90 ± 0.33, bacteria: 9.26 ± 2.21), whilst H2O2 and CHX merely reduced bacterial cell volumes.

Conclusion

Sodium hypochlorite can break glycosidic bonds. It dissolves glycoconjugates in the biofilm matrix. It also lyses bacterial cells.
Corporate Governance, Companies’ Disclosure Practices and Market Transparency: A Cross Country Study
Authors: Beekes Wendy , Brown Philip , Zhan Wenwen , Zhang Qiyu
Published: December 2015

We examine the link between corporate governance, companies’ disclosure practices and their equity market transparency in a study of more than 5,000 listed companies in 23 countries covering the period 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2008. Our results confirm the belief that better‐governed firms make more frequent disclosures to the market. We also find greater disclosure in common law relative to code law countries. However firms with better governance in both code and common law countries make more frequent disclosures. We measure market transparency by the timeliness of prices. In contrast to single country studies, results show, for the 23 countries collectively, better corporate governance is associated with less timely share prices. This would suggest that a firm substitutes better corporate governance for transparency. We are thus led to the conclusion that even if information is disclosed more frequently by better‐governed firms, it does not necessarily follow that information is reflected in share prices on a timelier basis.
What Drives Target Price Forecasts and Their Investment Value?
Authors: Da Zhi , Hong Keejae P. , Lee Sangwoo
Published: December 2015

This paper examines the informativeness of analysts’ target price forecasts by relating the investment value of target prices to their primary drivers. Decomposing target price forecasts into near‐term earnings forecasts and price‐to‐earnings ratio forecasts, we show that target price revisions reflect information from both components. In addition, we also find that the relative importance of each component in target price revisions is related to firm characteristics. A portfolio based on target price implied expected returns delivers significant abnormal returns. More importantly, we find that the abnormal returns are associated with both earnings and price‐to‐earnings forecasts, which suggests that the informativeness of target price forecasts comes not only from analysts’ ability to forecast short‐term earnings but also from their ability to assess risk and long‐term growth prospect implied in price‐to‐earnings forecasts.
Annual Research Review: Transdiagnostic neuroscience of child and adolescent mental disorders – differentiating decision making in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, depression, and anxiety
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S. , Cortese Samuele , Fairchild Graeme , Stringaris Argyris
Published: December 2015

Background

Ineffective decision making is a major source of everyday functional impairment and reduced quality of life for young people with mental disorders. However, very little is known about what distinguishes decision making by individuals with different disorders or the neuropsychological processes or brain systems underlying these. This is the focus of the current review.

Scope and methodology

We first propose a neuroeconomic model of the decision‐making process with separate stages for the prechoice evaluation of expected utility of future options; choice execution and postchoice management; the appraisal of outcome against expectation; and the updating of value estimates to guide future decisions. According to the proposed model, decision making is mediated by neuropsychological processes operating within three domains: (a) self‐referential processes involved in autobiographical reflection on past, and prospection about future, experiences; (b) executive functions, such as working memory, inhibition, and planning, that regulate the implementation of decisions; and (c) processes involved in value estimation and outcome appraisal and learning. These processes are underpinned by the interplay of multiple brain networks, especially medial and lateralized cortical components of the default mode network, dorsal corticostriatal circuits underpinning higher order cognitive and behavioral control, and ventral frontostriatal circuits, connecting to brain regions implicated in emotion processing, that control valuation and learning processes.

Findings and conclusion

Based on clinical insights and considering each of the decision‐making stages in turn, we outline disorder‐specific hypotheses about impaired decision making in four childhood disorders: attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), depression, and anxiety. We hypothesize that decision making inADHDis deficient (i.e. inefficient, insufficiently reflective, and inconsistent) and impulsive (biased toward immediate over delayed alternatives). InCD, it is reckless and insensitive to negative consequences. In depression, it is disengaged, perseverative, and pessimistic, while in anxiety, it is hesitant, risk‐averse, and self‐deprecating. A survey of current empirical indications related to these disorder‐specific hypotheses highlights the limited and fragmentary nature of the evidence base and illustrates the need for a major research initiative in decision making in childhood disorders. The final section highlights a number of important additional general themes that need to be considered in future research.
Developmental Responses of the Lateral Hypothalamus to Leptin in Neonatal Rats, and its Implications for the Development of Functional Connections with the Ventral Tegmental Area
Authors: Gjerde E. , Long H. , Richard D. , Walker C.‐D.
Published: December 2015

Food intake is regulated by a close communication between the hypothalamus and the mesocorticolimbic pathways, which are still developing during the perinatal period in the rat, and are known targets for peripheral metabolic hormones such as leptin. A key region for this communication is the lateral hypothalamus (LH), although the onset of leptin responsiveness in the LH is unknown. We examined the activation of cellular signalling molecules in identified LH neurones on postnatal day (PND)10 and 16 and determined whether leptin directly targets orexin A (ORX‐A) or neurotensin (NT) LH neurones through the detection of leptin receptors (ObRb) mRNA on these neurones. Next, using retrograde labelling in PND6 pups, we tested whether phenotypically identified neurones of the LH that respond to leptin project to ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurones. Leptin significantly induced phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (pERK)1/2 and phosphorylated signal transducer activator of transcription (pSTAT)3 in the LH on PND16, whereas, on PND10, modest pERK1/2‐ and sparse pSTAT3‐positive cells were identified. On PND16, most pERK1/2‐activated neurones contain ORX‐A and leptin‐induced pSTAT3 was observed in other unidentified neurones. Afferents to the VTA were observed on PND6, including a large input from the LH, which contained both ORX‐A‐positive and non‐ORX‐A neurones, with some of these ORX‐A neurones being activated by leptin treatment. Leptin receptor (ObRb) mRNA in the LH did not colocalise with ORX‐A neurones on PND10, and only a few NT‐positive neurones displayed ObRb mRNA expression. Thus, functional responsiveness to leptin in LH neurones is only partially achieved prior to the onset of independent feeding on PND16, and ORX‐A neurones are indirectly activated by leptin. The presence of anatomical connections between the LH and the VTA in the first week of life, prior to the development of leptin responsiveness in both structures, suggests that tissue responsiveness to leptin, rather than the maturation of neuronal connections, critically regulates the onset of independent feeding.
Mixotrophy in the terrestrial green alga Apatococcus lobatus (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Gustavs Lydia , Schumann Rhena , Karsten Ulf , Lorenz Maike
Published: December 2015

The green microalga Apatococcus lobatus is widely distributed in terrestrial habitats throughout many climatic zones. It dominates green biofilms on natural and artificial substrata in temperate latitudes and is regarded as a key genus of obligate terrestrial consortia. Until now, its isolation, cultivation and application as a terrestrial model organism has been hampered by slow growth rates and low growth capacities. A mixotrophic culturing approach clearly enhanced the accumulation of biomass, thereby permitting the future application of A. lobatus in different types of bio‐assays necessary for material and biofilm research. The ability of A. lobatus to grow mixotrophically is assumed as a competitive advantage in terrestrial habitats.
Potential distribution of the invasive freshwater dinoflagellate Ceratium furcoides (Levander) Langhans (Dinophyta) in South America
Authors: Meichtry de Zaburlín Norma , Vogler Roberto E. , Molina María J. , Llano Víctor M.
Published: December 2015

Dinoflagellates of the genus Ceratium are predominantly found in marine environments, with a few species in inland waters. Over the last decades, the freshwater species Ceratium hirundinella and Ceratium furcoides have colonized and invaded several South American basins. The purpose of this study was to create a distribution model for the invasive dinoflagellate C. furcoides in South America in order to further investigate the basins at potential risk, as well as the environmental conditions that influence its expansion. This species is known to develop blooms due to its mobility, resistance to sedimentation, and optimized use of resources. Although nontoxic, blooms of the species cause many problems to both the natural ecosystems and water users. Potential distribution was predicted by using a maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). Model was run with 101 occurrences obtained from the scientific literature, and climatic, hydrological and topographic variables. The developed model had a very good performance for the study area. The most susceptible areas identified were mainly concentrated in the basins between southeastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina. Besides already affected regions, new potentially suitable areas were identified in temperate regions of South America. The information generated here will be useful for authorities responsible for water and watershed management to monitor the spread of this species and address problems related to its establishment in new environments.
Out of Africa: Complete and partial remissions as a combined outcome in patients with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis in Cape Town
Authors: Ameh Oluwatoyin I , Swanepoel Charles R , Aderibigbe Ademola , Kengne Andre´ P , Okpechi Ikechi G
Published: December 2015

Aim

Remission outcomes among patients with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis is unknown in Africa. We sought to determine remission outcomes in a cohort of South African adult patients with IMGN.

Methods

This was a retrospective review of patients with biopsy‐proven IMGN over a 10 year period. Secondary causes of MN were excluded. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and histological records were retrieved for analysis. The trends in biochemical parameters from baseline were determined. The primary outcome was the attainment of a complete or partial remission (CR / PR) at the last follow‐up.

Results

Fifty‐six patients met the criteria for inclusion and 43 had subsequent follow‐up care with a median duration of follow‐up of 23.0 (13.0–48.0) months. Sixteen patients (37.2%) were treated with immunosuppression (corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide) and 81.4% received anti‐proteinuric agents. There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical features of patients categorized by immunosuppression (ISP) use. Changes in level of proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were also not significantly different between the two groups. Eighteen patients (41.9%) reached CR or PR at the last visit. The median times‐to‐remission of patients according to ISP status were similar at 48.6 and 48.7 months respectively (P = 0.104) while the proportions of patients not reaching CR/PR at 12 and 24 months were 94.6% and 80.8% respectively. Gender and race did not predict remission status (P > 0.05). Predictors of CR/PR at last visit were eGFR [OR 1.01 (95%CI: 1.00 – 1.02); P = 0.041], and systolic BP (OR 0.97 [95%CI: 0.95 – 0.99); P = 0.036].

Conclusion

Remission outcomes in this African IMGN cohort are delayed and poor.
Public Reception of Climate Science: Coherence, Reliability, and Independence
Authors: Hahn Ulrike , Harris Adam J. L. , Corner Adam
Published: December 2015

Possible measures to mitigate climate change require global collective actions whose impacts will be felt by many, if not all. Implementing such actions requires successful communication of the reasons for them, and hence the underlying climate science, to a degree that far exceeds typical scientific issues which do not require large‐scale societal response. Empirical studies have identified factors, such as the perceived level of consensus in scientific opinion and the perceived reliability of scientists, that can limit people's trust in science communicators and their subsequent acceptance of climate change claims. Little consideration has been given, however, to recent formal results within philosophy concerning the relationship between truth, the reliability of evidence sources, the coherence of multiple pieces of evidence/testimonies, and the impact of (non‐)independence between sources of evidence. This study draws on these results to evaluate exactly what has (and, more important, has not yet) been established in the empirical literature about the factors that bias the public's reception of scientific communications about climate change.
An integrative approach for species delimitation in the spider genus Grammostola (Theraphosidae, Mygalomorphae)
Authors: Montes de Oca Laura , D'Elía Guillermo , Pérez‐Miles Fernando
Published: December 2015

The mygalomorph genus Grammostola (family Theraphosidae) is endemic to South America. The species Grammostola anthracina is one of the largest spiders in Uruguay and reputed to be the longest lived tarantula in the world. This nominal species has two distinct colour morphs comprising black and reddish‐brown forms with controversial taxonomic status. Here, we present a phylogenetic study based on molecular characters (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) of haplotypes of G. anthracina and closely related species. Our analysis together with new morphological data and biogeographical information indicates that the two morphs of G. anthracina constitute different species that are not sister to each other. Consequently, a new species, Grammostola quirogai is described, diagnosed and illustrated to encompass the black morph. Phylogenetic relationships and new taxonomic characters for Grammostola species included in this study are discussed.
Molecular phylogeny of South‐East Asian arboreal murine rodents
Authors: Pagès Marie , Fabre Pierre‐Henri , Chaval Yannick , Mortelliti Alessio , Nicolas Violaine , Wells Konstans , Michaux Johan R. , Lazzari Vincent
Published: December 2015

Recent phylogenetic studies and taxonomic reviews have led to nearly complete resolution of the phylogenetic divisions within the old world rats and mice (Muridae, Murinae). The Micromys division and Pithecheir division are two notable exceptions where groupings of species into these divisions based on morphology and arboreal lifestyle have not been supported by phylogenetic evidence. Several enigmatic species from these divisions have been missing from molecular studies, preventing a rigorous revision of phylogenetic relationships. In this study, we sequenced for the first time one mitochondrial and three nuclear genes from South‐East Asian keystone species of these two arboreal divisions: Hapalomys delacouri (Micromys division), Lenothrix canus and Pithecheir parvus (Pithecheir division). We also complemented the molecular data already available for the two divisions with new data from Sundaic Chiropodomys, Indian Vandeleuria oleracea and the recently described Sulawesian Margaretamys christinae. Using this new phylogenetic framework and molecular dating methodologies, our study allows some more detailed classification of the former Micromys and Pithecheir divisions, while confirming their polyphyletic status. Specifically, the former Micromys division should now be split into four monotypic divisions: Chiropodomys, Hapalomys, Micromys and Vandeleuria divisions. The former Pithecheir division is likely to be refined and restricted to Pithecheir and probably Pithecheirops, whereas Lenothrix and Margaretamys should now be recognized as representatives of the Dacnomys division. Our findings have profound implications with regard to the systematics of Murinae, as well as to the early evolution of murine morphology and dental characters.
Reverse Capitalism
Authors: Mevorach Baruch
Published: December 2015

A rather strange end of history, in Fukuyama's terms (Fukuyama, 1992), is presented in the paper. Backed by the following six paradoxes, the entrepreneur and tycoon are beginning to return to the cozy lap of socialist ideology, while leaving behind their faithful worker, an unwilling prisoner of a cruel and alienated capitalistic ideology. Entrepreneurs are living in a "No Risk Society", while faithful workers are prisoners of a "Full Risk Society" (Aharoni, 1981). The six paradoxes, presented hereafter, are as follows: “A negative correlation exists between the amount of time and energy devoted to an organization and the degree of ownership thereof”.“A negative correlation exists between the degree of identification with, involvement in, commitment to and loyalty to an organization and the degree of ownership thereof”.“Ownership of organizations is not acquired by one’s own means. Owners are not really owners in the traditional sense of making purchases using their own money”.“The loss of the workplace is devastating for a worker, whereas the direct damage to the owners as a result of going out of business can sometimes be relatively marginal”. “In times of affluence, valuations are made on the stock exchange itself, which puts a high value on the companies traded in it; in times of depression, valuations are commissioned from outsiders, and they too traditionally put a high figure on the value of the company ordering the valuation”.“The price of a product is particularly high when sold up the hierarchy, from the private to the public company (upward generosity); the price of the same product is particularly low when sold down the hierarchy, from the public to the private company (downward stinginess)”.
What can we learn from RELAX-AHF compared to previous AHF trials and what does the future hold?
Authors: Cannon Jane A , McKean Andrew R , Jhund Pardeep S , McMurray John J V
Published: December 2015

Each year in the USA there are over 1 million hospital admissions directly related to heart failure (HF). With similar rates across Europe, this places a huge economic burden on healthcare systems globally. Hospitalisation for HF is associated with poor clinical outcomes with 25% of patients being readmitted with signs and symptoms of HF within 1 month of discharge and 10–20% dying in the 6 months after discharge. Although hospital admission could be a sign of disease progression, it is also possible that some of the treatments given acutely for example, inotropic therapy, may result in neurohormonal, haemodynamic and other effects accelerating end-organ damage and contributing to these poor outcomes after discharge. In contrast to the treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF), clinical trials conducted over the past decade in patients with acute HF (AHF) have failed to show significant reductions in morbidity or mortality despite some agents causing beneficial changes in symptoms. As such, the current treatment of patients hospitalised with HF is mainly based on consensus rather than clinical evidence and has changed little over time. We review RELAX-AHF in the context of the other key, large-scale AHF trials conducted over the past 15 years and compare and contrast study design and outcomes in an attempt to determine which factors might be associated with a successful trial in the future.
Number of emerged seedlings and seedling longevity of the non-recruiting, Critically Endangered Håyun lågu Tree Serianthes nelsonii Merr. (Fabales: Leguminosae) are influenced by month of emergence
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Cascasan April N.
Published: December 2015

Emergence and longevity of seedlings beneath Guam’s only known Håyun lågu Tree Serianthes nelsonii were studied to determine the fate of every observed seedling during 2013.  Newly emerged seedlings were marked with wire stakes every 15 days, then the stakes were collected at each seedling upon death.  Longevity of each seedling was calculated from the marked ending and emergence dates.  The least number of newly emerged seedlings was recorded at the end of the dry season, and the greatest number of newly emerged seedlings was recorded in the beginning of the rainy season.  More than half of the year’s 374 seedlings died in less than 30 days.  Seedling longevity ranged from a mean of 31 days for seedlings that emerged in May to 78 days for seedlings that emerged in June.  Our results reveal that the baseline level of recruitment potential of the lone survivor of this species on Guam is substantial, and underscore the need for further research to determine the factors associated with the acutely limited seedling lifespan.

 
Length-weight and length-length relationships of seven loach species (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from five localities in northern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Keskar Ashwini , Kumkar Pradeep , Paingankar Mandar S. , Padhye Anand , Dahanukar Neelesh
Published: December 2015

Length-weight (LWR) and length-length (LLR) relationships of seven loach species (Teleostei: Cypriniformes): Botia striata, Lepidocephalichthys thermalis, Paracanthocobitis mooreh, Indoreonectes evezardi, Nemacheilus anguilla, Nemachilichthys rueppelli and Schistura denisoni were studied from five localities within the Krishna River system of the Indian Western Ghats: Lonawala (Indrayani River), Paud (Mula River), Warje (Mutha River), Bhor (Nira River) and Patan (Koyna River).  With the exception of L. thermalis all species are endemic to peninsular India, and to our knowledge this is the first presentation of LWR and LLR data for them.  New maximum lengths are also reported for I. evezardi, N. anguilla, N. rueppelli and S. denisoni. 
Birds of sacred groves of northern Kerala, India
Authors: Jyothi K. M. , Nameer P. O.
Published: December 2015

Sacred groves are patches of vegetation preserved due to  religious or cultural tradition.  They are protected through spiritual beliefs.  Sacred groves provide an excellent abode to the biodiversity of the region where they are located.   Scientific exploration of fauna from sacred groves of India is few and far between.  The present study was conducted to explore the bird diversity and abundance in 15 selected sacred groves of northern Kerala, eight from Kannur District and seven from Kasargod District each.  A total of 111 bird species were observed belonging to 49 families and 16 orders.  The sacred groves of northern Kerala support many of the ‘forest-birds’ such as the Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii, Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella, Tickell’s Blue-flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae, Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus, Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente, Malabar Whistling-Thrush Myophonus horsfieldii, Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra, etc.  The sacred groves of northern Kerala also support two endemic bird species of the Western Ghats, such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus and Rufous Babbler Turdoides subrufa. Five species of raptors and four owl species were reported from the sacred groves of north Kerala during the present study.  The breeding of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle has been reported at Edayilakadu Kavu, a sacred grove in Kasargod District.  The sacred groves of northern Kerala also supported 17 species of long distant migratory birds.  Thazhe Kavu, recorded the Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, a Near-Threatened bird according to IUCN.

 
A review of the genus Platecrizotes Ferrière (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) with the description of a new species from India
Authors: Sureshan P. M. , Farsana V.K. Raseena , Nikhil K.
Published: December 2015

The genus Platecrizotes Ferrière (1934) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is reviewed, and a new species, P. keralensis is described from India.  Affinities of the new species with the other known species are discussed and a key to the world species is also provided.

 
New records of Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Majumder Amitava , Raha Angshuman , Mitra Bulganin , Chandra Kailash
Published: December 2015

The present study reports new distribution records of seven species of Cerambycid beetles belonging to seven genera of seven tribes and under two subfamilies from Madhya Pradesh.  As a result, based on the past literature and the present study, a total of 18 species of Cerambycidae are known from Madhya Pradesh. The paper also provides detailed diagnostic characters of the eight studied species. 

 
Recent report of Dark Himalayan Oakblue Arhopala rama Kollar, 1848 (Lepidoptera: Papilionoidea: Theclinae) from Tenga Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Singh Rachit Pratap
Published: December 2015

The known distribution range of Arhopala rama ramosa from India is in Manipur (Evans 1932).  However, sighting of this subspecies from Arunachal Pradesh extends its range to Arunachal Pradesh by ca. 570 kilometers from Manipur. Key identifying features have also been mentioned for both the subspecies.

 