bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The chemosensory appendage proteome of Amblyomma americanum (Acari: Ixodidae) reveals putative odorant‐binding and other chemoreception‐related proteins
Authors: Renthal Robert , Manghnani Leena , Bernal Sandra , Qu Yanyan , Griffith Wendell P. , Lohmeyer Kim , Guerrero Felix D. , Borges Lígia M.F. , Pérez de León Adalberto
Published: June 2016

Proteomic analyses were done on 2 chemosensory appendages of the lone star tick, Amblyomma americanum. Proteins in the fore tarsi, which contain the olfactory Haller's organ, and in the palps, that include gustatory sensilla, were compared with proteins in the third tarsi. Also, male and female ticks were compared. Proteins were identified by sequence similarity to known proteins, and by 3‐dimensional homology modeling. Proteomic data were also compared with organ‐specific transcriptomes from the tick Rhipicephalus microplus. The fore tarsi express a lipocalin not found in the third tarsi or palps. The fore tarsi and palps abundantly express 2 proteins, which are similar to insect odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs). Compared with insect OBPs, the tick OBP‐like sequences lacked the cysteine absent in C‐minus OBPs, and 1 tick OBP‐like sequence had additional cysteines that were similar to C‐plus OBPs. Four proteins similar to the antibiotic protein microplusin were found: 2 exclusively expressed in the fore tarsi and 1 exclusively expressed in the palps. These proteins lack the microplusin copper‐binding site, but they are modeled to have a significant internal cavity, potentially a ligand‐binding site. Proteins similar to the dust mite allergens Der p7 and Der f 7 were found differentially expressed in female fore tarsi. A protein exclusively expressed in the fore tarsi has similarities to Neto, which is known to be involved in clustering of ionotropic glutamate receptors. These results constitute the first report of OBP‐like protein sequences in ticks and point to several research avenues on tick chemosensory reception.
Revealing the combined effects of lactulose and probiotic enterococci on the swine faecal microbiota using 454 pyrosequencing
Authors: Chae Jong Pyo , Pajarillo Edward Alain B. , Oh Ju Kyoung , Kim Heebal , Kang Dae‐Kyung
Published: June 2016

Demand for the development of non‐antibiotic growth promoters in animal production has increased in recent years. This report compared the faecal microbiota of weaned piglets under the administration of a basal diet (CON) or that containing prebiotic lactulose (LAC), probiotic Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 11181 (PRO) or their synbiotic combination (SYN). At the phylum level, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio increased in the treatment groups compared with the CON group, and the lowest proportion of Proteobacteria was observed in the LAC group. At the family level, Enterobacteriaceae decreased in all treatments; more than a 10‐fold reduction was observed in the LAC (0.99%) group compared with the CON group. At the genus level, the highest Oscillibacter proportion was detected in PRO, the highest Clostridium in LAC and the highest Lactobacillus in SYN; the abundance of Escherichia was lowest in the LAC group. Clustering in the discriminant analysis of principal components revealed distinct separation of the feeding groups (CON, LAC, PRO and SYN), showing different microbial compositions according to different feed additives or their combination. These results suggest that individual materials and their combination have unique actions and independent mechanisms for changes in the distal gut microbiota.
Lower leg muscle mass relates to knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Lee Ji Yeon , Han Kyungdo , McAlindon Timothy E. , Park Yong Gyu , Park Sung‐Hwan
Published: June 2016

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between leg muscle mass measured by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and knee pain/stiffness in patients with radiographic knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study using data from the Fifth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. We included participants with radiographic knee OA (Kellgren–Lawrence grade ≥ 2) and obtained the degree of knee pain/stiffness and body composition of both legs and the whole body using DEXA. We calculated the ratios of legs to whole body in terms of muscle and fat mass. Analysis of covariance and multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of leg to whole body mass in patients with knee symptoms, adjusting for possible confounders.

Results

We analyzed data for 1664 individuals. The ratio of leg to whole body muscle mass (LTWMM) was significantly lower in the group with knee pain or stiffness (30.27 ± 0.10 vs. 30.92 ± 0.08%, P < 0.0001). We found a significant inverse trend between the degree of knee pain and LTWMM (P for trend < 0.01). LTWMM was 14% lower in persons with severe pain (P = 0.012) when adjusted for age and sex. Leg to whole body fat mass was higher in the group with knee pain or stiffness (28.65 ± 0.22 vs. 27.95 ± 0.17%, P = 0.009).

Conclusion

DEXA‐measured leg muscle mass was significantly associated with knee pain in people with radiographic knee OA. Low leg muscle mass is a useful clinical indicator for symptomatic knee OA, and DEXA is potentially an excellent tool to quickly assess leg mass in patients with knee OA.
Survey of musculoskeletal abnormalities in school‐going children of hilly and foothill regions of Eastern Himalayas using the pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs, Spine screening method
Authors: Sabui Tapas Kumar , Samanta Moumita , Mondal Rakesh Kumar , Banerjee Indira , Saren Abishek , Hazra Avijit
Published: June 2016

Objective

To study the prevalence and pattern of musculosketetal abnormalities in school‐going children living in the hilly and foothill regions of the Eastern Himalayas using the pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs, Spine (pGALS) screening tool.

Methods

Total of 3608 children, aged 3–12 years were enrolled from 16 schools (5 in the hills) in the eastern Himalayan region. After the three screening questions, the pGALS maneuvers were administered. Subjects were shown a video on pGALS before the actual testing. Those detected to have abnormality were probed in greater detail and referred for treatment as necessary.

Results

The pGALS examination was completed in 3463 children with a median time of 3 min (range 1.9–5.4 min). The abnormality pattern was in the order: growing pains (38.86%), hypermobility (25.54%), mechanical pains (24.46%) and others (11.14%). Among mechanical pain, back and neck problems occurred with a similar overall frequency of 7.61%. Similar order was observed considering only children from the pains. However, in hill children, the proportion of mechanical problems (32.28%) exceeded proportion of hypermobility (23.62%). Asymptomatic hypermobility was more common than symptomatic hypermobility. Maximum prevalence of hypermobility was in 6–9 year age group. Of the 94 children with hypermobility, 55.32% had some kind of joint pain.

Conclusions

Pediatric Gait, Arms, Legs, Spine is an acceptable screening tool for musculoskeletal abnormalities in apparently healthy children. Growing pain is the commonest musculoskeletal complaint while hypermobility is the commonest physical abnormality in school‐going children in the Eastern Himalayas. Asymptomatic hypermobility is more common than symptomatic hypermobility.
Decolonizing Empowerment: Implications for Sustainable Well‐Being
Authors: Kurtiş Tuğçe , Adams Glenn , Estrada‐Villalta Sara
Published: June 2016

Dutt, Grabe, and Castro's (2015) research on implications of market participation for Maasai women's empowerment provides an important basis for rethinking liberatory standards of psychological science and international gender development. Drawing upon their research, we apply a decolonial feminist psychology analysis to the topic of empowerment. This perspective suggests that neoliberal interventions to promote empowerment and well‐being in Majority‐World spaces (i) may cause harm by depriving people of environmentally afforded connection and (ii) reproduce historical and ongoing forms of (neo)colonial domination in ways that are inconsistent with the broader empowerment of humanity in general.
Retracted: The Value‐relevance of Equity Accounted Carrying Amounts and Disclosed Fair Values of Listed Associates
Authors: Badenhorst Wessel M. , Brümmer Leon M. , de Wet Johannes H.vH.
Published: June 2016

Equity accounting is a controversial accounting treatment. Although fair value measurement represents a potential alternative measurement base, information content may be lost under a pure fair value measurement approach. This study investigates the value‐relevance of equity accounted carrying amounts and disclosed fair values of listed associates, using a sample of the largest firms listed in South Africa, Australia and the UK. The main finding is that the alternative measurement bases are incrementally value‐relevant during the sample period of 31 December 2005 to 31 December 2011, implying that equity investors do not blindly accept either measurement base. Rather, investors include their own assessment of the intrinsic value of an entity's listed associates in their valuations.
A Factor Analytic Assessment of Financial Sustainability: The Case of New South Wales Local Government
Authors: Drew Joseph , Dollery Brian
Published: June 2016

Financial sustainability in local government remains a pressing problem which has seen a host of public policy interventions, including compulsory consolidation and performance monitoring through financial sustainability ratios. In September 2014, the New South Wales (NSW) Government announced a reform program centred on increasing scale in local government to make councils ‘fit for the future’. We apply factor analysis to the financial ratios informing the NSW Government's reform initiative to identify the underlying factors for observed financial performance data. We find evidence indicating that three independent underlying factors account for the adopted measures of financial sustainability. The public policy implication arising from this study suggests that the reforms imposed by the NSW Government on NSW municipalities may only meet with limited successa.
Earnings Management in Public Family Firms under Economic Adversity
Authors: Vieira Elisabete F. Simões
Published: June 2016

This paper explores the relationship between the ownership of public firms and their motivation to implement earnings management practices, providing evidence on whether family businesses differ from non‐family businesses in terms of earnings management practices. In addition, it focuses on the possibility of asymmetrical earnings management policies between periods of stability and economic adversity. Based on a sample of Portuguese listed family‐controlled firms for the 1999–2011 period and using a panel data approach, we find no significant differences in the incentive to manage earnings between public family and non‐family firms, suggesting a compensation between the alignment hypothesis, the long‐term orientation of family firms and the desire to pass firms onto succeeding generations, and the entrenchment effect. The evidence shows that earnings management decreases with firms’ profitability, and non‐family firms’ discretionary accruals are mainly influenced by the board of directors. In crisis periods, the discretionary accruals of family firms are especially influenced by firm size. After controlling for different earnings management measures, the determinants of earnings management practices seem somewhat sensitive to the earnings quality proxies. The results provide evidence that directors and policy makers should prevent earnings management procedures in particular situations.
Is emotional lability a marker for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and aggression symptoms in preschoolers?
Authors: Maire Jenna , Galéra Cédric , Meyer Eric , Salla Julie , Michel Grégory
Published: June 2016

Background

Emotional lability (EL) is frequent in school‐aged children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and is associated with more frequent comorbidities and more severe impairment. However, little research has investigated the association between EL, ADHD and comorbid symptoms in preschoolers. This study assessed dimensional EL in preschoolers and its link with ADHD symptoms (e.g. hyperactivity‐impulsivity and inattention) and behavioural and emotional problems (e.g. aggression and anxiety).

Method

One hundred and fifty‐four preschoolers aged 3–6 years old were rated on questionnaires by parents. EL was assessed with the index from the Conners Rating Scale‐Revised and behavioural and emotional problems with an adapted version of the Social Behavior Questionnaire. Multiple linear regressions analyses were conducted.

Results

Higher EL was associated with higher hyperactivity‐impulsivity, inattention, anxiety and aggression problems. After controlling for other behavioural and emotional problems and sociodemographic variables, EL remained associated with hyperactivity‐impulsivity and anxiety.

Conclusions

Emotional lability seems to be a potential marker for ADHD symptoms with internalizing problems in preschoolers and could be a target for diagnosis and early interventions. This finding should be treated with caution as the study was limited by the low response rate of the participants and consequently the small sample size.
Thirty years of research show alcohol to be a cause of intimate partner violence: Future research needs to identify who to treat and how to treat them
Authors: Leonard Kenneth E. , Quigley Brian M.
Published: June 2016

Research over the past 30 years has demonstrated that excessive alcohol use meets all of the epidemiological criteria for causality. While neither a necessary nor a sufficient cause, excessive alcohol use does contribute to the occurrence of partner violence and that contribution is approximately equal to other contributing causes such as gender roles, anger and marital functioning. Current theories of how excessive drinking results in partner violence provide a potentially valuable framework with respect to who should be targeted for interventions with respect to alcohol‐related partner violence and what those interventions should address.
Early and late diastolic strain rate vs global longitudinal strain at rest and during dobutamine stress for the assessment of significant coronary artery stenosis in patients with a moderate and high probability of coronary artery disease
Authors: Rumbinaite Egle , Zaliaduonyte‐Peksiene Diana , Lapinskas Tomas , Zvirblyte Ruta , Karuzas Arnas , Jonauskiene Ieva , Viezelis Mindaugas , Ceponiene Indre , Gustiene Olivija , Slapikas Rimvydas , Vaskelyte Jolanta Justina
Published: June 2016

Background

The aim of this prospective study was to assess the usefulness of global longitudinal strain (GLS), regional diastolic and systolic strain, strain rate (SR) parameters at rest and during dobutamine stress echocardiography for detecting significant coronary artery stenosis in patients with a moderate or high probability of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

Dobutamine stress echocardiography and adenosine magnetic resonance imaging (AMRI) were performed on 127 patients with a moderate and high probability of CAD and left ventricle ejection fraction ≥55%. CAD was defined as ≥70% diameter stenosis on coronary angiography validated as hemodynamically significant by AMRI. Patients were grouped according to coronary angiography and AMRI results: CAD (−) n=67 (52.8%) vs CAD (+) n=60 (47.2%).

Results

There were no significant differences of clinical characteristics, conventional echocardiography, and deformation parameters between the two groups at rest except that GLS was higher in the CAD (−) group (−21.5±2.4% vs −16.2±2.1%, P=.00). GLS at high dobutamine doses had the highest area under the ROC curve (AUC) (AUC 0.955, sensitivity 94%, specificity 92%). Radial late diastolic SR at low doses performed best out of all diastolic parameters with an AUC of 0.789, sensitivity 76.7%, specificity 91.7%. Other deformation parameters including visual assessment were inferior.

Conclusions

Global longitudinal strain is highly sensitive and specific in detecting hemodynamically significant coronary artery stenosis in moderate‐ to high‐risk patients without known CAD. This is the first study showing that GLS is more sensitive and specific compared with early and late diastolic SR parameters or visual assessment in detecting CAD.
Identification of biological pathways regulated by PGRN and GRN peptide treatments using transcriptome analysis
Authors: Rollinson Sara , Young Kate , Bennion‐Callister Janis , Pickering‐Brown Stuart M.
Published: June 2016

Mutations in progranulin (PGRN) have been linked to two neurodegenerative disorders, heterozygote mutations with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and homozygote mutations with neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL). Human PGRN is 593aa secreted growth factor, made up of seven and a half repeats of a highly conserved granulin motif that is cleaved to produce the granulin peptides A–G and paragranulin. While it is thought that PGRN protects against neurodegeneration through its role in inflammation and tissue repair, the role of PGRN and granulins in the nervous system is currently unclear. To better understand this, we prepared recombinant PGRN, granulin A‐F and paragranulin, and used these to treat differentiated neuronal SH‐SY5Y cells. Using RNA sequencing and bioinformatics techniques we investigated the functional effects of PGRN and the individual granulins upon the transcriptome. For PGRN treatment we show that the main effect of short‐duration treatments is the down‐regulation of transcripts, supporting that signalling pathway induction appears to be dominant effect. Gene ontology analysis, however, also supports the regulation of biological processes such as the spliceosome and proteasome in response to PGRN treatment, as well as the lysosomal pathway constituents such as CHMP1A, further supporting the role of PGRN in lysosomal function. We also show that the response to granulin treatments involves the regulation of numerous non‐coding RNA's, and the granulins cluster into groups of similar activity on the basis of expression profile with paragranulin and PGRN having similar expression profiles, while granulins B, D, E and G appear more similar.
Effects of acute tryptophan depletion on central processing of CT‐targeted and discriminatory touch in humans
Authors: Trotter Paula Diane , McGlone Francis , McKie Shane , McFarquhar Martyn , Elliott Rebecca , Walker Susannah Claire , Deakin John Francis William
Published: June 2016

C‐tactile afferents (CTs) are slowly conducting nerve fibres, present only in hairy skin. They are optimally activated by slow, gentle stroking touch, such as those experienced during a caress. CT stimulation activates affective processing brain regions, alluding to their role in affective touch perception. We tested a theory that CT‐activating touch engages the pro‐social functions of serotonin, by determining whether reducing serotonin, through acute tryptophan depletion, diminishes subjective pleasantness and affective brain responses to gentle touch. A tryptophan depleting amino acid drink was administered to 16 healthy females, with a further 14 receiving a control drink. After 4 h, participants underwent an fMRI scan, during which time CT‐innervated forearm skin and CT non‐innervated finger skin was stroked with three brushes of differing texture, at CT‐optimal force and velocity. Pleasantness ratings were obtained post scanning. The control group showed a greater response in ipsilateral orbitofrontal cortex to CT‐activating forearm touch compared to touch to the finger where CTs are absent. This differential response was not present in the tryptophan depleted group. This interaction effect was significant. In addition, control participants showed a differential primary somatosensory cortex response to brush texture applied to the finger, a purely discriminatory touch response, which was not observed in the tryptophan depleted group. This interaction effect was also significant. Pleasantness ratings were similar across treatment groups. These results implicate serotonin in the differentiation between CT‐activating and purely discriminatory touch responses. Such effects could contribute to some of the social abnormalities seen in psychiatric disorders associated with abnormal serotonin function.
Brain BDNF levels are dependent on cerebrovascular endothelium‐derived nitric oxide
Authors: Banoujaafar Hayat , Monnier Alice , Pernet Nicolas , Quirié Aurore , Garnier Philippe , Prigent‐Tessier Anne , Marie Christine
Published: June 2016

Scientific evidence continues to demonstrate a link between endothelial function and cognition. Besides, several studies have identified a complex interplay between nitric oxide (NO) and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a neurotrophin largely involved in cognition. Therefore, this study investigated the link between cerebral endothelium‐derived NO and BDNF signaling. For this purpose, levels of BDNF and the phosphorylated form of endothelial NO synthase at serine 1177 (p‐eNOS) were simultaneously measured in the cortex and hippocampus of rats subjected to either bilateral common carotid occlusion (n = 6), physical exercise (n = 6) or a combination of both (n = 6) as experimental approaches to modulate flow‐induced NO production by the cerebrovasculature. Tropomyosin‐related kinase type B (TrkB) receptors and its phosphorylated form at tyrosine 816 (p‐TrkB) were also measured. Moreover, we investigated BDNF synthesis in brain slices exposed to the NO donor glyceryl trinitrate. Our results showed increased p‐eNOS and BDNF levels after exercise and decreased levels after vascular occlusion as compared to corresponding controls, with a positive correlation between changes in p‐eNOS and BDNF (r = 0.679). Exercise after vascular occlusion did not change levels of these proteins. Gyceryl trinitrate increased proBDNF and BDNF levels in brain slices, thus suggesting a possible causal relationship between NO and BDNF. Moreover, vascular occlusion, like exercise, resulted in increased TrkB and p‐TrkB levels, whereas no change was observed with the combination of both. These results suggest that brain BDNF signaling may be dependent on cerebral endothelium‐derived NO production.
Relatedness and dispersal distance of eusocial bee males on mating swarms
Authors: dos Santos Charles Fernando , Imperatriz‐Fonseca Vera Lucia , Arias Maria Cristina
Published: June 2016

Stingless bee males (Hymenoptera: Apidae) aggregate themselves for reproductive purposes. The knowledge of relatedness among the males attending the aggregations and the distance that they disperse from their natal nests to aggregations may provide important data to effectively conserve these bees. Here, we estimated these properties for Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille, 1811) males. Microsatellite molecular markers were used to genotype bees sampled from local nests and in mating swarms in order to identify the nests of origin of males and maternal genotypes of concerning queens. The distances from assigned nests to the mating swarms allowed us to estimate the distances travelled by males. A genetic relationship analysis was conducted to verify whether T. angustula males were closely related to nests where they aggregated. A pairwise relatedness analysis was also performed among all T. angustula males in each mating swarm. Our results demonstrated that T. angustula mating swarms received dozens to hundreds of males from several colonies (up to 70). Only two of the five mating swarms contained any males that were closely related to the bees from the new nests in construction. The relatedness among males was also extremely low. Yet, dispersal distance of T. angustula males ranged hundreds of meters up to 1.6 km, with evidence of reaching 2.25 km according to their flight radius obtained from their foraging area for locality. These data indicate a highly efficient mating system with minimal inbreeding in this bee species, with a great dispersal capability not previously found for stingless bee males.
Impaired glyoxalase activity is associated with reduced expression of neurotrophic factors and pro‐inflammatory processes in diabetic skin cells
Authors: Reichert Olga , Fleming Thomas , Neufang Gitta , Schmelz Martin , Genth Harald , Kaever Volkhard , Wenck Horst , Stäb Franz , Terstegen Lara , Kolbe Ludger , Roggenkamp Dennis
Published: June 2016

Patients suffering from type II diabetes develop several skin manifestations including cutaneous infections, diabetic dermopathy, diabetic bullae and acanthosis nigricans. Diabetic micro‐ and macroangiopathy as well as diabetic neuropathy are believed to play a crucial role in the development of diabetic skin disorders. A reduced cutaneous nerve fibre density was reported in diabetic subjects, which subsequently leads to impaired sensory nerve functions. Using an innervated skin model, we investigated the impact of human diabetic dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes on porcine sensory neurons. Diabetic skin cells showed a reduced capacity to induce neurite outgrowth due to a decreased support with neurotrophic factors, such as NGF. Furthermore, diabetic keratinocytes displayed insulin resistance and increased expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines demonstrating the persistent effect of diabetes mellitus on human skin cells. Dysregulations were related to a significantly reduced glyoxalase enzyme activity in diabetic keratinocytes as experimentally reduced glyoxalase activity mimicked the increase in pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression and reduction in NGF. Our results demonstrate an impaired crosstalk of diabetic skin cells and sensory neurons favouring hypo‐innervation. We suggest that reduced methylglyoxal detoxification contributes to an impaired neurocutaneous interaction in diabetic skin.
Myeloid cell populations and fibrogenic parameters in bleomycin‐ and HOCl‐induced fibrosis
Authors: Raker Verena K. , Kim Yong Ook , Haub Jessica , Lorenz Nadine , Schmidt Talkea , Stegemann Agatha , Böhm Markus , Schuppan Detlef , Steinbrink Kerstin
Published: June 2016

Mouse models resembling systemic sclerosis can be chemically induced by application of bleomycin or hypochloric acid (HOCl). To date, little is known about inflammatory cells and their potential role in scleroderma (Scl)‐related fibrosis. Therefore, we compared both Scl models to define the early immune cell subsets in relation to fibrosis‐related parameters. Both agents induced a significant increase in dermal thickness and collagen deposition after 4 weeks, as hallmarks of Scl. However, clinical skin thickness, densely packed, sirius red‐stained collagen bundles and collagen cross‐links were more pronounced in HOCl‐induced Scl. In parallel, there was a significant upregulation of procollagen α1(I), α‐SMA and TGF‐β transcripts in HOCl animals, whereas IL‐1β and MMP‐13 mRNA levels were significantly increased in bleomycin‐treated mice. Flow cytometric analysis of the Scl skin demonstrated an early cellular infiltrate containing mainly CD19+ B cells, CD4+ T cells, CD11c+ DC and CD11b+ myeloid cells, the latter ones being significantly more prominent after HOCl injection. Subanalysis revealed that Scl mice exhibited a significant increase of inflammatory myeloid CD11b+ Ly6Clow–high CD64low–high cells (HOCl>bleomycin). In particular, in the HOCl model, activated dermal macrophages (CCR2low MHCIIhigh) and monocyte‐derived DC (CCR2high MHCIIhigh) predominated over less activated CD11b+ myeloid cells. In conclusion, the two models differ in certain aspects of the murine and human scleroderma but in the HOCl model, myeloid CD11b+ MHCIIhigh cells correlate with some fibrosis‐related parameters. Therefore, analysis of both models is suggested to cover a comprehensive profile of Scl symptoms but with focus on the HOCl model when the role of early myeloid immune cells will be evaluated.
Urbanization and biological invasion shape animal personalities
Authors: Lapiedra Oriol , Chejanovski Zachary , Kolbe Jason J.
Published: June 2016

Novel selective pressures derived from human activities challenge the persistence of animal populations worldwide. Behavior is expected to be a major factor driving animals’ responses to global change because it largely determines how animals interact with the environment. However, the role of individual variation in behavior to facilitate the persistence of animals in changing environments remains poorly understood. Here, we adopted an animal personality approach to investigate whether different behavioral traits allow animals to deal with two major components of global change: urbanization and biological invasions. By studying six populations of Anolis sagrei lizards, we found for the first time that anoles vary consistently in their behavior across different times and contexts. Importantly, these animal personalities were consistent in the wild and in captivity. We investigated whether behavioral traits are pulled in different directions by different components of global change. On the one hand, we found that lizards from urban areas differ from nearby forest lizards in that they were more tolerant of humans, less aggressive, bolder after a simulated predator attack, and they spent more time exploring new environments. Several of these risk‐taking behaviors constituted a behavioral syndrome that significantly differed between urban and forest populations. On the other hand, the behavior of urban A. sagrei coexisting with the invasive predatory lizard Leiocephalus carinatus was associated with dramatic changes in their foraging niche. Overall, we provide evidence that differences in animal personalities facilitate the persistence of animals under novel selective regimes by producing adaptive behaviors relevant to their ecology such as predator avoidance. Our results suggest that natural selection can favor certain behaviors over others when animals are confronted with different ecological challenges posed by global change. Therefore, we underscore the need to incorporate behavioral ecology into the study of how animals adaptively respond to human‐induced environmental changes.
New directions in island biogeography
Authors: Santos Ana M. C. , Field Richard , Ricklefs Robert E.
Published: June 2016

Aim

Much of our current understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes comes from island research. With the increasing availability of data on distributions and phylogenetic relationships and new analytical approaches to understanding the processes that shape species distributions and interactions, a re‐evaluation of this ever‐interesting topic is timely.

Location

Islands globally.

Methods

We start by arguing that the reasons why island research has achieved so much in the past also apply to the future. We then critically assess the current state of island biogeography, focusing on recent changes in emphasis, including research featured in this special issue ofGlobal Ecology and Biogeography. Finally, we suggest promising themes for the future. We cover both ecological and evolutionary topics, although the greater emphasis on island ecology reflects our own backgrounds and interests.

Results

Much ecological theory has been directly or indirectly influenced by research on island biotas. Currently, island biogeography is renascent, with research focusing on, among other things, patterns and processes underlying species interaction networks, species coexistence and the assembly of island communities through ecological and evolutionary time. Continuing island research should provide additional insight into biological invasions and other impacts of human activities, functional diversity and ecosystem functioning, extinction and diversification, species pools and more. Deeper understanding of the similarities and differences between island and mainland systems will aid transferability of island theory to continental regions.

Main conclusions

As research in biogeography and related fields expands in new directions, islands continue to provide opportunities for developing insights, both as natural laboratories for ecology and evolution and because of the exceptions islands often present to the usual ‘rules’ of ecology. New data collection initiatives are needed on islands world‐wide and should be directed towards filling gaps in our knowledge of within‐island distributions of species, as well as the functional traits and phylogenetic relationships of island species.
Facial expression under stiff stratum corneum leads to strain concentrations, followed by residual wrinkle formation
Authors: Hara Y. , Hirao T. , Iwai I.
Published: June 2016

Objective

Computer simulation studies of skin models, which indicate skin compression in the same manner as facial expressions, have suggested that stratum corneum could control skin‐folding patterns, which may play an essential role in wrinkle formation. However, it is not clear to what extent the mechanics of stratum corneum influence wrinkle formation in vivo. The aim of this study was to verify that stratum corneum could control strain distribution during facial expressions, which in turn leads to wrinkle formation.

Methods

In experiments in vivo, volunteers were instructed to smile under 10% or 80% relative humidity (dry or humid conditions, respectively). Skin movement around their eye corners during smiling was captured by a high‐speed video camera. Particle‐tracking velocimetry was applied to video recordings to analyse skin strain distribution. Also, wrinkle volumes before or after smiling were measured using replicas.

Results

With smiling under dry conditions, high strain was localized to form crease‐shaped wrinkles whereas, under humid conditions, localized strain was dispersed. Furthermore, increased wrinkle volume after smiling was promoted under dry conditions.

Conclusion

Because exposure to dry or humid conditions in the short term could affect only stratum corneum mechanics, the present results indicated that stratum corneum could be considered to be responsible for localized strain during facial expressions. This strain is followed by residual wrinkle formation. Accumulation of residual wrinkles will produce permanent wrinkles in the long term. Improving the mechanics of stratum corneum might be an effective approach in wrinkle formation prevention.
Characteristics of teeth referred to a public dental specialist clinic in endodontics
Authors: Sebring D. , Dimenäs H. , Engstrand S. , Kvist T.
Published: June 2016

Aim

To investigate referrals to a specialist clinic in endodontics in relation to previously root filled teeth and to determine how many of these teeth had a history of symptoms and the extent to which antibiotics were prescribed.

Methodology

The total number of referrals to the specialist clinic in endodontics in Gothenburg, Sweden, in 2011 was investigated retrospectively by means of patient records. The endodontic status together with the presence or absence of symptoms was registered. The following variables were also examined: gender, age, tooth number and lower or upper jaw. Additionally for root filled teeth, the type of restoration, the technical quality of the root filling and the presence of apical periodontitis were registered. The use of antibiotics was examined for all of the included teeth. Statistical analysis was performed using generalized estimating equation methods applied to univariable and multivariable logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1117 patient records were investigated, including 1341 referred teeth. Pain and/or swelling were recorded for 658 (54.3%) teeth. Symptoms were significantly more associated with females (P < 0.0001) and molar teeth (P < 0.0001). Seven hundred twenty‐nine (54.4%) of the referred teeth were root filled, and of these, 377 (56.0%) were associated with pain and/or swelling. Root filled teeth restored with a post and core were less frequently related to symptoms (P = 0.009). One hundred sixty‐two (22.3%) root filled teeth were treated with antibiotics, which was significantly more frequent than for non‐root filled teeth (P < 0.0001). Also, root filled teeth with an adequate root filling were significantly associated with more frequent antibiotics prescriptions (23.8%) than root filled teeth with an inadequate root filling (17.0%) (P = 0.0010).

Conclusion

Root filled teeth constituted the majority of cases referred to this specialist clinic in endodontics. The majority of these teeth were associated with symptomatic conditions, and antibiotics were prescribed to approximately 20% of the patients referred for a root filled tooth. The findings suggest that symptomatic root filled teeth may be a substantial clinical problem in general dentistry and contribute to avoidable prescription of antibiotics.
Detection of t(9;22) b2a2 fusion transcript by flow cytometry
Authors: Ranjbaran R. , Okhovat M. A. , Abbasi M. , Moezzi L. , Aboualizadeh F. , Amidzadeh Z. , Golafshan H. A. , Behzad‐Behbahani A. , Sharifzadeh S.
Published: June 2016

Introduction

We assessed the feasibility of flow cytometry–fluorescent in situ hybridization technique in the detection of translocated mRNA in the cytoplasm of human peripheral blood nucleated cells. It is assumed that this assay can be applied as a diagnostic method in the detection of chromosomal translocation which commonly occurs in hematologic malignancies.

Methods

KCL‐22 cell line and white blood cells from 21 CML patients were recruited in the study. Cells were isolated and fixed. After permeabilization, cells were resuspended in hybridization buffer and probes were added to the mixture. Subsequently, cells were washed and analyzed on the flow cytometer instrument. The flow cytometry results were compared with qRT‐PCR and fluorescent microscope outcomes.

Results

Using the current principle, 97 ± 2.1% of the KCL‐22 cells were labeled with b2a2 mRNA‐specific probes. In addition, seven patients were recognized positive for t(9;22) b2a2. The percentage of cells containing abovementioned translocation in these patients was varied from 3.26% to 97.8%. There was no false‐positive result in negative controls (K562 with BCR‐ABL1 b3a2, NB4, and Jurkat cell lines) along with blood samples of normal controls. All the results obtained by flow‐FISH were confirmed by qRT‐PCR and fluorescent microscope.

Conclusion

This strategy benefits from appropriate specificity, sensitivity, rapidity, and ability in the determination of malignant cell percentage. Therefore, it can improve traditional time‐consuming and labor‐intensive FISH method.
T.S. Papola and the development of labour economics in India
Authors: RODGERS Gerry
Published: June 2016

T.S. Papola, who passed away in November 2015, was one of the founding members of the Editorial Board of the International Labour Review in 2007. But he was above all a pioneering figure of labour economics in India, whose influential work has gained wide international recognition. Drawing on the author's personal acquaintance and collaboration with Professor Papola, this short article highlights some of his major contributions.
Photoluminescence Enhancement of SiO2‐Coated LaPO4:Eu3+ Inverse Opals by Surface Plasmon Resonance of Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Li Jun , Yang Zhengwen , Shao Bo , Yang Jianzhi , Wang Yida , Qiu Jianbei , Song Zhiguo
Published: June 2016

The surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) and SiO2 coating had been extensively employed to improve the photoluminescence (PL) intensity of nanomaterials. In the article, the LaPO4:Eu3+ inverse opal photonic crystals were fabricated via combining a self‐assembly process with a sol–gel method. The SiO2 shells were formed on the skeleton surface of LaPO4:Eu3+ inverse opals and the Ag NPs were added into the voids of LaPO4:Eu3+ inverse opals with the SiO2 shells. The influence of the SiO2 shells and Ag NPs on the PL of the LaPO4:Eu3+ inverse opals were investigated. About sevenfold luminescence enhancement of LaPO4:Eu3+ inverse opals was obtained by the coordination action of surface plasmon absorption effects of Ag nanoparticle and silica‐coating effects. The luminescence enhancement mechanisms of LaPO4:Eu3+ inverse opals were discussed.
“Cardio‐Neuromodulation” With a Multielectrode Irrigated Catheter: A Potential New Approach for Patients With Cardio‐Inhibitory Syncope
Authors: DEBRUYNE PHILIPPE
Published: June 2016

“Cardio‐Neuromodulation”: A New Syncope Treatment

Syncope is frequently neurally mediated and can seriously affect quality of life. Different ablation strategies have been successfully performed. These approaches have not gained wide acceptance and are quite extensive and complex, exposing patients to significant risks. This article reports the case of a 16‐year‐old girl who was severely affected by frequent and prolonged episodes of syncope and was treated by tailored ablation of the anterior right ganglionated plexus with a multielectrode irrigated catheter. She had fainted >30 times in the 5 years preceding treatment, experiencing approximately 10 severe episodes of syncope in the previous 12 months. After 3 minutes of ablation, the P‐P interval was reduced by >400 milliseconds. Syncope disappeared and the patient has remained completely asymptomatic over a follow‐up of 22 months. The “reset” basal P‐P interval has remained unchanged (follow‐up electrocardiogram at 16 months). At 6 months, there was no residual heart rate activity <50 bpm. On 24‐hour rhythm registration, P‐P intervals ≥1,000 milliseconds (corresponding to a heart rate of ≤60 bpm) were reduced by >16,000 beats. We believe that this case report is original for several reasons: the unusual clinical presentation; the unique structure targeted; the very limited ablation, implying much lower risks for the patient; the anatomical approach; and the different endpoint. This new “cardio‐neuromodulation” approach could be useful for the treatment of patients with neurally mediated syncope.
Methylglyoxal induces cell death through endoplasmic reticulum stress‐associated ROS production and mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Chan Chi‐Ming , Huang Duen‐Yi , Huang Yi‐Pin , Hsu Shu‐Hao , Kang Lan‐Ya , Shen Chung‐Min , Lin Wan‐Wan
Published: June 2016

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) are two important leading causes of acquired blindness in developed countries. As accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells plays an important role in both DR and AMD, and the methylglyoxal (MGO) within the AGEs exerts irreversible effects on protein structure and function, it is crucial to understand the underlying mechanism of MGO‐induced RPE cell death. Using ARPE‐19 as the cell model, this study revealed that MGO induces RPE cell death through a caspase‐independent manner, which relying on reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, intracellular calcium elevation and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response. Suppression of ROS generation can reverse the MGO‐induced ROS production, MMP loss, intracellular calcium increase and cell death. Moreover, store‐operated calcium channel inhibitors MRS1845 and YM‐58483, but not the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) receptor inhibitor xestospongin C, can block MGO‐induced ROS production, MMP loss and sustained intracellular calcium increase in ARPE‐19 cells. Lastly, inhibition of ER stress by salubrinal and 4‐PBA can reduce the MGO‐induced intracellular events and cell death. Therefore, our data indicate that MGO can decrease RPE cell viability, resulting from the ER stress‐dependent intracellular ROS production, MMP loss and increased intracellular calcium increase. As MGO is one of the components of drusen in AMD and is the AGEs adduct in DR, this study could provide a valuable insight into the molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic intervention of AMD and DR.
Aerobic exercise training rescues cardiac protein quality control and blunts endoplasmic reticulum stress in heart failure rats
Authors: Bozi Luiz H. M. , Jannig Paulo R. , Rolim Natale , Voltarelli Vanessa A. , Dourado Paulo M. M. , Wisløff Ulrik , Brum Patricia C.
Published: June 2016

Cardiac endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress through accumulation of misfolded proteins plays a pivotal role in cardiovascular diseases. In an attempt to reestablish ER homoeostasis, the unfolded protein response (UPR) is activated. However, if ER stress persists, sustained UPR activation leads to apoptosis. There is no available therapy for ER stress relief. Considering that aerobic exercise training (AET) attenuates oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium imbalance, it may be a potential strategy to reestablish cardiac ER homoeostasis. We test the hypothesis that AET would attenuate impaired cardiac ER stress after myocardial infarction (MI). Wistar rats underwent to either MI or sham surgeries. Four weeks later, rats underwent to 8 weeks of moderate‐intensity AET. Myocardial infarction rats displayed cardiac dysfunction and lung oedema, suggesting heart failure. Cardiac dysfunction in MI rats was paralleled by increased protein levels of UPR markers (GRP78, DERLIN‐1 and CHOP), accumulation of misfolded and polyubiquitinated proteins, and reduced chymotrypsin‐like proteasome activity. These results suggest an impaired cardiac protein quality control. Aerobic exercise training improved exercise capacity and cardiac function of MI animals. Interestingly, AET blunted MI‐induced ER stress by reducing protein levels of UPR markers, and accumulation of both misfolded and polyubiquinated proteins, which was associated with restored proteasome activity. Taken together, our study provide evidence for AET attenuation of ER stress through the reestablishment of cardiac protein quality control, which contributes to better cardiac function in post‐MI heart failure rats. These results reinforce the importance of AET as primary non‐pharmacological therapy to cardiovascular disease.