bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent impulsivity as a sex‐dependent and subtype‐dependent predictor of impulsivity, alcohol drinking and dopamine D2 receptor expression in adult rats
Authors: Hammerslag Lindsey R. , Belagodu Amogh P. , Aladesuyi Arogundade Olubankole A. , Karountzos Angela G. , Guo Qingrou , Galvez Roberto , Roberts Brent W. , Gulley Joshua M.
Published: December 2017

Impulsivity is a personality trait associated with a heightened risk for drug use and other psychiatric conditions. Because impulsivity‐related disorders typically emerge during adolescence, there has been interest in exploring methods for identifying adolescents that will be at risk to develop substance use disorders in adulthood. Here, we used a rodent model to assess inhibitory control (impulsive action) and impulsive decision making (impulsive choice) during adolescence (43–50 days old) or adulthood (93–100 days old) and then examined the impact of development on these impulsivity traits by re‐testing rats 50 days later. Impulsive action was not stable from adolescence to adulthood in male rats and was lowest in adult male rats, relative to adolescents and female rats. Impulsive choice was stable across development and unaffected by age or sex. Next, we examined the connection between our model of impulsivity and two measures relevant to substance abuse research: the initiation of voluntary alcohol drinking and dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) expression in the prelimbic prefrontal cortex. Consumption of saccharin‐sweetened ethanol during 30‐minute sessions in adulthood was associated with adolescent, but not adult, impulsive action, particularly in male rats. Prelimbic D2R expression was reduced in individuals with high levels of impulsive choice, and this relationship appeared to be strongest among female rats. The results of this study demonstrate that impulsive choice, along with its connection to D2R expression, is relatively unchanged by the process of development. For impulsive action, however, individual levels of impulsivity during adolescence predict drinking in adulthood despite changes in the measure during development.
Estimating verbal fluency and naming ability from the test of premorbid functioning and demographic variables: Regression equations derived from a regional UK sample
Authors: Jenkinson Toni‐Marie , Muncer Steven , Wheeler Miranda , Brechin Don , Evans Stephen
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Neuropsychological assessment requires accurate estimation of an individual's premorbid cognitive abilities. Oral word reading tests, such as the test of premorbid functioning (TOPF), and demographic variables, such as age, sex, and level of education, provide a reasonable indication of premorbid intelligence, but their ability to predict other related cognitive abilities is less well understood. This study aimed to develop regression equations, based on the TOPF and demographic variables, to predict scores on tests of verbal fluency and naming ability.

Methods

A sample of 119 healthy adults provided demographic information and were tested using the TOPF, FAS, animal naming test (ANT), and graded naming test (GNT). Multiple regression analyses, using the TOPF and demographics as predictor variables, were used to estimate verbal fluency and naming ability test scores. Change scores and cases of significant impairment were calculated for two clinical samples with diagnosed neurological conditions (TBI and meningioma) using the method in Knight, McMahon, Green, and Skeaff ().

Results

Demographic variables provided a significant contribution to the prediction of all verbal fluency and naming ability test scores; however, adding TOPF score to the equation considerably improved prediction beyond that afforded by demographic variables alone. The percentage of variance accounted for by demographic variables and/or TOPF score varied from 19 per cent (FAS), 28 per cent (ANT), and 41 per cent (GNT). Change scores revealed significant differences in performance in the clinical groups, particularity the TBI group.

Conclusions

Demographic variables, particularly education level, and scores on the TOPF should be taken into consideration when interpreting performance on tests of verbal fluency and naming ability
Consensus statements on the management of metastatic prostate cancer from the Hong Kong Urological Association and Hong Kong Society of Uro‐Oncology
Authors: Poon Darren Ming‐Chun , Chan Chi‐Kwok , Chan Tim‐Wai , Cheung Foon‐Yiu , Kwong Philip Wai‐Kay , Lee Eric Ka‐Chai , Leung Angus Kwong‐Chuen , Leung Simon Yiu‐Lam , Ma Wai‐Kit , So Hing‐Shing , Tam Po‐Chor , Ho Lap‐Yin
Published: December 2017

To establish a set of consensus statements to facilitate physician management strategies for patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPCa) in Hong Kong. A local expert consensus was organized jointly by the two main professional organizations representing prostate cancer specialists in Hong Kong. A total of 12 experts were included in the consensus panel. Six of the most crucial and relevant areas of debate regarding the management of mPCa were identified. With the use of a modified Delphi method, several panel meetings were held for the members to discuss their clinical experience and the published literature relevant to the areas of debate. At the final meeting, each drafted statement was voted on by every member based on its practicability of recommendation in the locality. After the panel voting, a total of 45 consensus statements regarding the management of mPCa were ultimately accepted and established. The consensus statements were primarily derived from the latest clinical evidence and major overseas guidelines, with the consideration of local clinical experience and practicability. These are considered applicable recommendations for Hong Kong physicians for the management of mPCa patients.
Threshold responses of Amazonian stream fishes to timing and extent of deforestation
Authors: Brejão Gabriel L. , Hoeinghaus David J. , Pérez‐Mayorga María Angélica , Ferraz Silvio F. B. , Casatti Lilian
Published: December 2017

Deforestation is a primary driver of biodiversity change through habitat loss and fragmentation. Stream biodiversity may not respond to deforestation in a simple linear relationship. Rather, threshold responses to extent and timing of deforestation may occur. Identification of critical deforestation thresholds is needed for effective conservation and management. We tested for threshold responses of fish species and functional groups to degree of watershed and riparian zone deforestation and time since impact in 75 streams in the western Brazilian Amazon. We used remote sensing to assess deforestation from 1984 to 2011. Fish assemblages were sampled with seines and dip nets in a standardized manner. Fish species (n = 84) were classified into 20 functional groups based on ecomorphological traits associated with habitat use, feeding, and locomotion. Threshold responses were quantified using threshold indicator taxa analysis. Negative threshold responses to deforestation were common and consistently occurred at very low levels of deforestation (<20%) and soon after impact (<10 years). Sensitive species were functionally unique and associated with complex habitats and structures of allochthonous origin found in forested watersheds. Positive threshold responses of species were less common and generally occurred at >70% deforestation and >10 years after impact. Findings were similar at the community level for both taxonomic and functional analyses. Because most negative threshold responses occurred at low levels of deforestation and soon after impact, even minimal change is expected to negatively affect biodiversity. Delayed positive threshold responses to extreme deforestation by a few species do not offset the loss of sensitive taxa and likely contribute to biotic homogenization.
Methotrexate use in allergic contact dermatitis: a retrospective study
Authors: Patel Ashaki , Burns Erin , Burkemper Nicole M.
Published: December 2017

Background

Methotrexate, a folate antimetabolite, is used to treat atopic dermatitis and psoriasis. Although methotrexate's therapeutic efficacy has been noted in the literature, there are few data on the efficacy of methotrexate treatment for allergic contact dermatitis.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of methotrexate in treating allergic contact dermatitis at a single institution, and also to assess methotrexate efficacy in patients with chronic, unavoidable allergen exposure.

Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of 32 patients diagnosed with allergic contact dermatitis by positive patch test reactions, and who received treatment with methotrexate from November 2010 to November 2014. Demographic and treatment‐associated data were collected from electronic medical records. Ten patients were identified as allergen non‐avoiders secondary to their occupation, and were subgrouped as such.

Results

Seventy‐eight per cent (25/32) of patients showed either a partial or a complete response. Methotrexate had a comparable efficacy rate in the allergen non‐avoiders subset, at 10 of 10. Of the 32 patients, 23% (5/22) had complete clearance of their dermatitis, and 1/10 of allergen non‐avoiders had complete clearance of their dermatitis.

Conclusion

Methotrexate is a well‐tolerated and effective treatment for allergic contact dermatitis, and shows comparable efficacy to immunomodulatory agents such as cyclosporine and azathioprine, with robust efficacy despite persistent allergen exposure in patients with allergic contact dermatitis.
Asymmetric cross‐border protection of peripheral transboundary species
Authors: Thornton Daniel H. , Wirsing Aaron J. , Lopez‐Gonzalez Carlos , Squires John R. , Fisher Scott , Larsen Karl W. , Peatt Alan , Scrafford Matt A. , Moen Ron A. , Scully Arthur E. , King Travis W. , Murray Dennis L.
Published: December 2017

International political boundaries challenge species conservation because they can hinder coordinated management. Peripheral transboundary species, those with a large portion of their range in one country and a small, peripheral portion in an adjacent country, may be particularly vulnerable to mismatches in management because peripheral populations are likely in greater conservation need than core populations. However, no systematic assessment of peripheral transboundary species or their status across borders has been attempted. We show that numerous species in three vertebrate taxa qualify as peripheral transboundary species in North America, and that these species are often protected differently across US–Canadian and US–Mexican borders. Asymmetries in cross‐border protection may threaten populations through disruption of connectivity between periphery and core regions and are especially relevant given expected impacts of climate change and the US–Mexico border wall. Our results highlight the need for greater international collaboration in management and planning decisions for transboundary species.
Carcinoid tumour of soft tissue: Primary or metastasis?
Authors: Gochhait D. , Umamahesweran S. , Dehuri P. , Toi P. C. , Govindarajalou R. , Ponnusamy M.
Published: December 2017

Subcutaneous neuroendocrine tumors (NET) are rare and usually metastatic from deep visceras. However, occasionally a primary carcinoid of soft tissue may be encountered which can be easily diagnosed on cytology. The primary site can be confirmed after exclusion of NET from the deep viscera after extensive radiologic investigation.
Medical applications of nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma in dermatology
Authors: Gan Lu , Zhang Song , Poorun Devesh , Liu Dawei , Lu Xinpei , He Mengwen , Duan Xiaoru , Chen Hongxiang
Published: December 2017

Plasma is an ionized gas that consists of positively and negatively charged particles, neutral atoms, and photons. Recent developments in plasma sources have made it possible to generate room‐temperature plasma in the “open air”, thus enabling the application of plasma in vivo. Using nonthermal plasma, active agents can be efficiently delivered to target cells without creating thermal damage. Also known as cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP), nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma offers innovative medical applications. In this context, it has also gained wide attention in the field of dermatology. The complex and variable mixture of active agents in plasma – predominantly reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS) – can control or trigger complex biochemical reactions, achieving the desired effects in a dose‐dependent manner. The objective of the present review is to present potential applications of plasma in dermatology and analyze its potential mechanisms of action.
Disentangling scale dependencies in species environmental niches and distributions
Authors: Mertes Katherine , Jetz Walter
Published: December 2017

Understanding species’ responses to environmental conditions, and how these ­species–environment associations shape spatial distributions, are longstanding goals in ecology and biogeography. However, an essential component of species–environment relationships – the spatial unit, or grain, at which they operate – remains unresolved. We identify three components of scale‐dependence in analyses of species–environment associations: 1) response grain, the grain at which species respond most strongly to their environment; 2) environment spatial structure, the pattern of spatial autocorrelation intrinsic to an environmental factor; and 3) analysis grain, the grain at which analyses are conducted and ecological inferences are made.

We introduce a novel conceptual framework that defines these scale components in the context of analyzing species–environment relationships, and provide theoretical examples of their interactions for species with various ecological attributes. We then use a virtual species approach to investigate the impacts of each component on common methods of measuring and predicting species–environment relationships. We find that environment spatial structure has a substantial impact on the ability of even simple, univariate species distribution models (SDMs) to recover known species–­environment associations at coarse analysis grains. For simulated environments with ‘fine’ and ‘intermediate’ spatial structure, model explanatory power, and the frequency with which simple SDMs correctly estimated a virtual species’ response to the simulated environment, dramatically declined as analysis grain increased.

Informed by these results, we use a scaling analysis to identify maximum analysis grains for individual environmental factors, and a scale optimization procedure to determine the grain of maximum predictive accuracy. Implementing these analysis grain thresholds and model performance standards in an example east African study system yields more accurate distribution predictions, compared to SDMs independently constructed at arbitrary analysis grains. Finally, we integrate our conceptual framework with virtual and empirical results to provide practical recommendations for researchers asking common questions about species–environment relationships.
Elevational gradients in plant defences and insect herbivory: recent advances in the field and prospects for future research
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Petry William K. , Mooney Kailen A. , Rasmann Sergio , Abdala-Roberts Luis
Published: December 2017

Classic research on elevational gradients in plant–herbivore interactions holds that insect herbivore pressure is stronger under warmer, less seasonal climates characteristic of low elevations, and that this in turn selects for increased defence in low‐ (relative to high‐) elevation plants. However, recent work has questioned this paradigm, arguing that it overly simplifies the ecological complexity in which plant–insect herbivore interactions are embedded along elevational gradients. Numerous biotic and abiotic factors vary with elevation, and their simultaneous influences are the focus of current work on elevational gradients in insect herbivory and plant defences. The present review 1) synthesizes current knowledge on elevational gradients in plant–insect herbivore interactions; 2) critically analyses research gaps and highlights recent advances that contribute to filling these gaps; and 3) outlines new research opportunities to uncover underlying mechanisms and build towards a unified theory on elevational gradients. We conclude that the next generation of studies should embrace community complexity – including multi‐trophic dynamics and the multivariate nature of plant defence – and to do so by combining observational data, manipulative experiments and emerging analytical tools.
Diverse effects of invasive ecosystem engineers on marine biodiversity and ecosystem functions: A global review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Guy‐Haim Tamar , Lyons Devin A. , Kotta Jonne , Ojaveer Henn , Queirós Ana M. , Chatzinikolaou Eva , Arvanitidis Christos , Como Serena , Magni Paolo , Blight Andrew J. , Orav‐Kotta Helen , Somerfield Paul J. , Crowe Tasman P. , Rilov Gil
Published: December 2017

Invasive ecosystem engineers (IEE) are potentially one of the most influential types of biological invaders. They are expected to have extensive ecological impacts by altering the physical–chemical structure of ecosystems, thereby changing the rules of existence for a broad range of resident biota. To test the generality of this expectation, we used a global systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine IEE effects on the abundance of individual species and communities, biodiversity (using several indices) and ecosystem functions, focusing on marine and estuarine environments. We found that IEE had a significant effect (positive and negative) in most studies testing impacts on individual species, but the overall (cumulative) effect size was small and negative. Many individual studies showed strong IEE effects on community abundance and diversity, but the direction of effects was variable, leading to statistically non‐significant overall effects in most categories. In contrast, there was a strong overall effect on most ecosystem functions we examined. IEE negatively affected metabolic functions and primary production, but positively affected nutrient flux, sedimentation and decomposition. We use the results to develop a conceptual model by highlighting pathways whereby IEE impact communities and ecosystem functions, and identify several sources of research bias in the IEE‐related invasion literature. Only a few of the studies simultaneously quantified IEE effects on community/diversity and ecosystem functions. Therefore, understanding how IEE may alter biodiversity–ecosystem function relationships should be a primary focus of future studies of invasion biology. Moreover, the clear effects of IEE on ecosystem functions detected in our study suggest that scientists and environmental managers ought to examine how the effects of IEE might be manifested in the services that marine ecosystems provide to humans.
Global diurnal and nocturnal parameters of stomatal conductance in woody plants and major crops
Authors: Hoshika Yasutomo , Osada Yutaka , de Marco Alessandra , Peñuelas Josep , Paoletti Elena
Published: December 2017

Aim

Stomata regulate CO2uptake, water‐vapour loss and uptake of gaseous pollutants. Jarvis‐type models that apply multiple‐constraint functions are commonly used to estimate stomatal conductance (gs), but most parameters for plant functional types (PFTs) have been estimated using limited information. We refined the data set of key components of thegsresponse to environmental factors in global PFTs.

Location

Global.

Time period

Data published in 1973–2015.

Major taxa studied

Woody plants and major crops (rice, wheat and maize).

Methods

We reviewed 235 publications of field‐observedgsfor the parameterization of Jarvis‐type models in global PFTs. The relationships between stomatal parameters and climatic factors [mean annual air temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP)] were assessed.

Results

We found that maximal stomatal conductance (gmax) in global woody plants was correlated with MAP rather than with MAT. Thegmaxof woody plants on average increased from 0.18 to 0.26 mol/m2/s with an increase in MAP from 0 to 2,000 mm. Models, however, can use a singlegmaxacross major crops (0.44 mol/m2/s). We propose similar stomatal responses to light for C3crops and woody plants, but C4crops should use a higher light saturation point ofgs. Stomatal sensitivity to vapour‐pressure deficit (VPD) was similar across forest PFTs and crops, although desert shrubs had a relatively low sensitivity of stomata to VPD. The optimal temperature forgsincreased by 1 °C for every 3.0 °C of MAT. Stomatal sensitivity to predawn water potential was reduced in hot and dry climate. The fraction of nighttime conductance togmax(0.14 for forest trees, 0.28 for desert shrubs and 0.13 for crops) should be incorporated into the models.

Main conclusions

This analysis of globalgsdata provides a new summary ofgsresponses and will contribute to modelling studies for plant–atmosphere gas exchange and land‐surface energy partitioning.
Drivers of terrestrial plant production across broad geographical gradients
Authors: Michaletz Sean T. , Kerkhoff Andrew J. , Enquist Brian J.
Published: December 2017

Terrestrial net primary production (NPP) varies across global climate gradients, but the mechanisms through which climate drives this variation remain subject to debate. Specifically, it is debatable whether NPP is primarily influenced by ‘direct’ effects of climate on the kinetics of plant metabolism or ‘indirect’ effects of climate on plant size, stand biomass, stand age structure and growing season length. We clarify several issues in this debate by presenting multiple lines of evidence that support a primarily indirect influence of climate on global variation in NPP across broad geographical gradients. First, we highlight > 60 years of research that suggests leaf area, growing season length, plant biomass and/or plant age are better predictors of NPP than climate or latitude. Second, we refute recent claims that using biomass and age as predictors of NPP represents circular reasoning. Third, we illustrate why effects of climate on the kinetics of plant production must be evaluated using instantaneous (not annualized) rates of productivity. Fourth, we review recent analyses showing that the effects of biomass and age on NPP are much stronger than the effects of climate. Fifth, we present new analyses of a high‐quality NPP dataset that demonstrate further that biomass, age and growing season length are better predictors of global variation in NPP than climate variables. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that variation in NPP across global climate gradients primarily reflects the influence of climate on growing season length and stand biomass, as well as stand age, rather than the effects of temperature and precipitation on the kinetics of metabolism. However, this hypothesis should be evaluated further using larger, high‐quality observational and experimental datasets spanning multiple geographical scales.
Climate contributes to the evolution of pesticide resistance
Authors: Maino James L. , Umina Paul A. , Hoffmann Ary A.
Published: December 2017

Aim

The evolution of pesticide resistance through space and time is of great economic significance to modern agricultural production systems, and consequently, is often well documented. It can thus be used to dissect the evolutionary and ecological processes that underpin large‐scale evolutionary responses. There are now nearly 600 documented cases of pesticide resistance in arthropod pests. Although the evolution of resistance is often attributed to the persistent use of chemicals for pest suppression, the rate of development of resistance should also depend on other factors, including climatic conditions that influence population size and generation time. Here, we test whether climatic variables are linked to evolution of resistance by examining the spatial pattern of pyrethroid resistance in an important agricultural pest.

Location

Southern, agricultural regions of Australia.

Time period

2007–2015.

Major taxa studied

The redlegged earth mite, Halotydeus destructor.

Methods

We quantified patterns of chemical usage based on paddock histories and collated long‐term climatic data. These data were then compared against presence–absence data on resistance using a boosted regression‐tree approach, applied here for the first time to the spatial categorization of pesticide resistance.

Results

Although chemical usage was a key driver of resistance, our analysis revealed climate‐based signals in the spatial distribution of resistance, linked to regional variation in aridity, temperature seasonality and precipitation patterns. Climatic regions supporting increased voltinism were positively correlated with resistance, in line with expectations that increased voltinism should accelerate evolutionary responses to selection pressures.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest that the prediction of rapid evolutionary processes at continental scales, such as pesticide resistance, will be improved through methods that incorporate climate and ecology, in addition to more immediate selection pressures, such as chemical usage. Boosted regression trees present a powerful tool in the management of resistance issues that has hitherto not been used.
I131 reinforces antitumor activity of metuximab by reversing epithelial–mesenchymal transition via VEGFR‐2 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wu Lu , Sun Bin , Lin Xuejing , Liu Chunying , Qian Haihua , Chen Lei , Yang Yefa , Shen Feng , Su Changqing
Published: December 2017

CD147 is highly expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and associated with the invasion and metastasis of HCC. The efficacy of I131‐metuximab (I131‐mab), a newly developed agent that targets CD147, as a radio‐immunotherapy for local HCC, has been validated in clinical practice. However, the synergistic anticancer activity and molecular mechanism of different conjugated components within I131‐mab remain unclear. In this study, the cytological experiments proved that I131‐mab inhibited the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells. Mechanically, this inhibition effect was mainly mediated by the antibody component part of I131‐mab, which could reverse the epithelial–mesenchymal transition of HCC cells partially by suppressing the phosphorylation of VEGFR‐2. The inhibitory effect of I131 on HCC cell proliferation and invasion is limited, whereas, when combined with metuximab, I131 significantly enhanced the sensitivity of HCC cells to CD147‐mab and consequently reinforced the anticancer effects of CD147‐mab, suggesting that the two components of I131‐mab exerted synergistic anti‐HCC capability. Furthermore, the experiments using SMMC‐7721 human HCC xenografts in athymic nude mice showed that I131‐mab and CD147‐mab significantly inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors and that I131‐mab was more effective than CD147‐mab. In conclusion, our results elucidated the mechanism underlying the anti‐HCC effects of I131‐mab and provided a theoretical foundation for the clinical application of I131‐mab.
Seroprevalence of Helicobacter pylori in Hispanics living in Puerto Rico: A population‐based study
Authors: González‐Pons María , Soto‐Salgado Marievelisse , Sevilla Javier , Márquez‐Lespier Juan M. , Morgan Douglas , Pérez Cynthia M. , Cruz‐Correa Marcia
Published: December 2017

Background

Helicobacter pylori is an important etiologic factor for peptic ulcers and gastric cancer, one of the top ten leading causes of cancer death in Puerto Rico. However, the prevalence of H. pylori infections in this population was previously unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the seroprevalence of H. pylori and its associated risk factors in Puerto Rico.

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional study was designed using an existing population‐based biorepository. Seropositivity was determined using the Premier™ H. pylori immunoassay. Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence was estimated with 95% confidence using marginal standardization following logistic regression. To assess the risk factors associated with H. pylori seropositivity, a multivariable log‐binomial model was fitted to estimate the prevalence ratio (PR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI).

Results

A total of 528 population‐based serum samples were analyzed. The mean age of the study population was 41 ± 12 years, of whom 55.3% were females. The overall seroprevalence of H. pylori was 33.0% (95% CI = 28.3%‐38.1%). Increasing age and having <12 years of education were significantly (P < .05) associated with H. pylori seropositivity in the multivariable model; however, residing in counties with low population density reached marginal significance (P = .085).

Conclusions

We report that H. pylori infection is common among Hispanics living in Puerto Rico. The H. pylori seroprevalence observed in Puerto Rico is similar to the seroprevalence reported in the overall population of the United States. The association between H. pylori seroprevalence and the risk factors analyzed offers insight into the epidemiology of gastric cancer in Puerto Rico and warrants further investigation.
HbAHP‐25 attenuates HIV‐1 gp120 mediated inflammation and barrier dysfunction
Authors: Bashir T , Reddy KVR
Published: December 2017

Objectives

Development of HbAHP‐25, a peptide that prevents HIV‐1 entry into cells by blocking gp120‐CD4 interaction, as a topical anti‐HIV drug, necessitates that it is first tested for toxic or abrasive effects on genital epithelial cells and also on the vaginal microbiome. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to investigate whether: (1) HbAHP‐25 has any adverse effect on growth and membrane integrity of various cell lines, and (2) HbAHP‐25 neutralizes gp120 mediated insults on genital epithelial cells.

Methods

MTT and trans‐epithelial resistance (TER) assays were performed to assess the viability and integrity of epithelial cells. Real‐time PCR and Immunofluorescence/Western blotting were used to decipher the expression of tight junction proteins, at the mRNA and protein levels, respectively. A multiplex cytokine assay was performed to quantify the cytokines.

Results

HbAHP‐25 had no adverse effect on the viability of VK2/E6E7, End1/E6E7, Ect1/E6E7 and HEC‐1A cells, and also on growth of lactobacilli. The barrier integrity of HbAHP‐25‐treated cells remained unaltered. Expression of tight junction proteins, Claudin‐1 and ZO‐1, at transcript and protein levels, remained unaltered in HbAHP‐25‐treated HEC‐1A cells. Interestingly, HbAHP‐25 treatment prevented the breach of barrier integrity caused by gp120. Further, HbAHP‐25 did not elicit the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Instead, the in vitro induction of inflammatory cytokines by gp120 was also abrogated in the presence of HbAHP‐25.

Conclusion

HbAHP‐25 is exceedingly safe to genital epithelial cells and attenuates HIV‐1 gp120‐mediated barrier dysfunction by limiting excessive inflammation. This study provides significant evidences in the favor of HbAHP‐25's potential as a topical anti‐HIV agent.
Diets rich in saturated fat and fructose induce anxiety and depression‐like behaviours in the rat: is there a role for lipid peroxidation?
Authors: Gancheva Silvia , Galunska Bistra , Zhelyazkova‐Savova Maria
Published: December 2017

Epidemiological studies reveal associations between obesity/metabolic syndrome and mood disorders. We assessed behavioural changes in rats fed diets enriched in fat and fructose in different proportions and correlated the observed alterations with biochemical changes induced by the diets. Three groups of rats were used as follows: control (C) animals fed regular rat chow, rats fed high‐fat diet (HF) and rats fed high‐fat and high‐fructose diet (HFHF). HF and HFHF animals were also given a 10% fructose solution as drinking water. Behavioural and biochemical parameters were determined. Anxiety was measured by the open‐field and the social interaction test. Depression‐like behaviour was evaluated by the forced swimming test. The object recognition test was utilized to assess effects on memory. Diet‐exposed animals displayed signs of anxiety in the open‐field (HF rats had reduced central time; HFHF rats had reduced number of central entries) and in the social interaction test (decreased time of interaction in HF group). In the forced swimming test, the immobility time was prolonged in the HFHF group. While different measures of anxiety scores correlated with visceral adiposity and dyslipidemia, results from both social interaction and forced swimming tests were significantly associated with lipid peroxidation, which in turn also correlated with the metabolic parameters. The experimental diets did not affect the object recognition memory. Both experimental diets induced metabolic derangements in rats and provoked similar anxiety‐ and depression‐like behaviours. Lipid peroxidation seems to play a role in translating diet‐induced metabolic alterations into behavioural disorders.
Further Mining the Predictability of Moving Averages: Evidence from the US Stock Market
Authors: Ma Chaoqun , Wen Danyan , Wang Gang‐Jin , Jiang Yong
Published: December 2017

Most studies on the predictability of moving average (MA) technical analysis use the discrete (buy/sell) trading recommendations. However, it is possibly incomplete or unreliable to explore the predictability of MA by only employing its generated trading signals. To further explore the forecastability of MA, we study its measurable impact on the stock market returns by using a conventional predictive regression framework. Our empirical study on the US stock market with respect to more detailed price information finds, (i) that the proposed predictor, MADP (MA based on daily prices) shows significant predictability in‐ and out‐of‐sample, and significantly outperforms the historical average (HA) benchmark as well as the MA based on monthly prices, (ii) that the predictability of MADP centers on the short‐term lags (within the most recent 10 days) and disappears when lags are beyond 20 days, and (iii) that the economic evaluation of the portfolios based on trading strategies confirms the superior performance of MADP with short‐term lags against the benchmark even though considering transaction costs.
Corruption scandals, scandal clusters and contemporary politics in New Zealand
Authors: Barrett Patrick , Zirker Daniel
Published: December 2017

While New Zealand enjoys a widely held view that it symbolises the qualities of a corruption‐free democracy, over the past several years corruption scandals have increased markedly in number and intensity. It appears that corruption is becoming a part of the language of politics in New Zealand in a new way. This article explores this proposition with a particular focus on the incidence and character of corruption scandals during politically significant periods. It is an exploratory and admittedly impressionistic analysis that surveys the incidence of corruption scandals between 2000 and 2016. The article examines media reports of corruption scandals and the apparent and periodic appearance of the accumulation of corruption scandals, or scandal clusters. The primary goal is to explore whether such clusters are evident in media reports, whether these appear to be qualitatively different in concentration and intensity, and if so, to ask what new questions this raises for further research.
Utility of a Precision Medicine Test in Elderly Adults with Symptoms Suggestive of Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Ladapo Joseph A. , Budoff Matthew J. , Sharp David , Kuo Jane Z. , Huang Lin , Maniet Bruce , Herman Lee , Monane Mark
Published: December 2017

Background

Diagnosing obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) is challenging in elderly adults, and current diagnostic approaches for CAD expose these individuals to risks from contrast dye and invasive procedures.

Design

A Registry to Evaluate Patterns of Care Associated with the Use of Corus CAD in Real World Clinical Care Settings (PRESET; NCT01677156), pragmatic clinical trial.

Setting

Community, 21 primary care practices.

Participants

Of 566 stable, nonacute outpatients presenting with symptoms suggestive of obstructive CAD, the 176 who were aged 65 and older (median age 70, 61% female) were the current study participants.

Intervention

Blood‐based precision medicine test, incorporating age, sex, and gene expression score (ASGES) to improve clinical decision‐making and quality of care.

Measurements

Information on demographic characteristics, clinical factors, ASGES results (range 1–40; low (≤15), high (>15)), referral patterns to cardiology and advanced cardiac testing, and major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) was collected in a subgroup analysis of elderly adults in the PRESET Registry. Follow‐up was for 1 year after ASGES testing.

Results

Median ASGES was 25, and 40 (23%) participants had a low score. Clinicians referred 12.5% of participants with a low ASGES and 49.3% with a high ASGES to cardiology or advanced cardiac testing (odds ratio for referral = 0.12, P < .001, adjusted for participants demographics and clinical covariates). Higher scores were associated with greater likelihood of posttest cardiac referral. At 1‐year follow‐up, the incidence of a MACE or revascularization was 10% (13/136) in the high ASGES group and 0% (0/40) in the low ASGES group (P = .04).

Conclusion

The ASGES test showed potential clinical utility in the evaluation of elderly outpatients with symptoms suggestive of obstructive CAD. Test use may reduce unnecessary referrals and the risk of procedure‐related complications in individuals with low ASGES, who are unlikely to benefit from further testing, while also identifying individuals who may benefit from further cardiac evaluation and management.
In vitro effect of antiretroviral drugs on cultured primary astrocytes: analysis of neurotoxicity and matrix metalloproteinase inhibition
Authors: Latronico Tiziana , Pati Ilaria , Ciavarella Rossana , Fasano Anna , Mengoni Fabio , Lichtner Miriam , Vullo Vincenzo , Mastroianni Claudio Maria , Liuzzi Grazia Maria
Published: December 2017

There is little information available on the possible toxic effects that antiretroviral (ARV) drugs used for the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected subjects, may have on the central nervous system (CNS) resident cells. Moreover, it remains unclear whether the efficacy of the ARV drugs may also be due to their ability to exert extravirological effects on factors responsible for the development of HIV brain injury, e.g., matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). This study investigates the toxicity of three different ARV drugs and on their ability to modulate levels and expression of gelatinases A (MMP‐2) and B (MMP‐9) in astrocytes. Primary cultures of rat astrocytes were activated by exposure to lipopolysaccaride (LPS) and simultaneously treated with darunavir, maraviroc, or raltegravir, used alone or in combination. Among the tested drugs, maraviroc was the less toxic for astrocytes. At toxic concentration (TC50), the studied drugs induced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that the oxidative stress may represent a mechanism of ARV toxicity. As assessed by gelatin zymography and RT‐PCR, the single antiretroviral drugs reduced levels and expression of both MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 through the inhibition of the signaling transduction pathway of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase1/2, which is involved in the regulation of MMP‐9 gene. A synergistic inhibition of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 was observed with combinations of the studied ARV drugs. The present results indicate that maraviroc, darunavir, and raltegravir, through their ability to inhibit MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 at doses non‐toxic for astrocytes, might have a great potential for the management of HIV‐associated neurological complications.

image
Chemical hypoxia‐induced integrated stress response activation in oligodendrocytes is mediated by the transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 (NRF2)
Authors: Teske Nico , Liessem Annette , Fischbach Felix , Clarner Tim , Beyer Cordian , Wruck Christoph , Fragoulis Athanassios , Tauber Simone C. , Victor Marion , Kipp Markus
Published: December 2017

The extent of remyelination in multiple sclerosis lesions is often incomplete. Injury to oligodendrocyte progenitor cells can be a contributing factor for such incomplete remyelination. The precise mechanisms underlying insufficient repair remain to be defined, but oxidative stress appears to be involved. Here, we used immortalized oligodendrocyte cell lines as model systems to investigate a causal relation of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling cascades. OLN93 and OliNeu cells were subjected to chemical hypoxia by blocking the respiratory chain at various levels. Mitochondrial membrane potential and oxidative stress levels were quantified by flow cytometry. Endoplasmic reticulum stress was monitored by the expression induction of activating transcription factor 3 and 4 (Atf3, Atf4), DNA damage‐inducible transcript 3 protein (Ddit3), and glucose‐regulated protein 94. Lentiviral silencing of nuclear factor (erythroid‐derived 2)‐like 2 or kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 was applied to study the relevance of NRF2 for endoplasmic reticulum stress responses. We demonstrate that inhibition of the respiratory chain induces oxidative stress in cultured oligodendrocytes which is paralleled by the expression induction of distinct mediators of the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, namely Atf3, Atf4, and Ddit3. Atf3 and Ddit3 expression induction is potentiated in kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1‐deficient cells and absent in cells lacking the oxidative stress‐related transcription factor NRF2. This study provides strong evidence that oxidative stress in oligodendrocytes activates endoplasmic reticulum stress response in a NRF2‐dependent manner and, in consequence, might regulate oligodendrocyte degeneration in multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders.

image
Neurobiology of gender identity and sexual orientation
Authors: Roselli C. E.
Published: December 2017

Sexual identity and sexual orientation are independent components of a person's sexual identity. These dimensions are most often in harmony with each other and with an individual's genital sex, although not always. The present review discusses the relationship of sexual identity and sexual orientation to prenatal factors that act to shape the development of the brain and the expression of sexual behaviours in animals and humans. One major influence discussed relates to organisational effects that the early hormone environment exerts on both gender identity and sexual orientation. Evidence that gender identity and sexual orientation are masculinised by prenatal exposure to testosterone and feminised in it absence is drawn from basic research in animals, correlations of biometric indices of androgen exposure and studies of clinical conditions associated with disorders in sexual development. There are, however, important exceptions to this theory that have yet to be resolved. Family and twin studies indicate that genes play a role, although no specific candidate genes have been identified. Evidence that relates to the number of older brothers implicates maternal immune responses as a contributing factor for male sexual orientation. It remains speculative how these influences might relate to each other and interact with postnatal socialisation. Nonetheless, despite the many challenges to research in this area, existing empirical evidence makes it clear that there is a significant biological contribution to the development of an individual's sexual identity and sexual orientation.
Towards understanding the dose and timing effect of hydrocortisone treatment on the scleral ossicle system within the chicken eye
Authors: Hammer Christine L. , Franz‐Odendaal Tamara A.
Published: December 2017

Previous work, almost four decades ago, showed that hydrocortisone (HC) treatment reduces the number of skeletogenic condensations that give rise to the scleral ossicles in the chicken eye. The scleral ossicles are a ring of overlapping intramembranous bones, the sclerotic ring, and are present in most reptiles, including birds. The scleral condensations that give rise to the scleral ossicles are induced by a series of overlying thickenings (or papillae) of the conjunctival epithelium. Here, we further explore the effects of altering the dosage and timing of HC treatment on the morphology and number of skeletogenic condensations and conjunctival papillae. We show that high doses can completely obliterate the entire sclerotic ring. Significantly, the reduction in papillae number we observed was less extreme than that of the scleral condensations, indicating that additional factors contribute to the observed skeletogenic condensation loss. Via immunohistochemical analyses, we show that HC treatment alters the spatial expression pattern of several extracellular matrix components (tenascin‐C, decorin and procollagen I) and also alters the vasculature network within the sclera. This research provides important insights into understanding the role of the scleral tissue components in ossicle development within the vertebrate eye.
STRO‐1 confers myofibroblast transdifferentiation in fibroblasts derived from oral submucous fibrosis
Authors: Yu Cheng‐Chia , Liao Yi‐Wen , Yu Chuan‐Hang , Chang Yu‐Chao
Published: December 2017

Background

STRO‐1 is a mesenchymal cell marker present on all clonogenic stromal precursors. Current evidence has indicated that the pathogenesis of fibrotic changes may be mediated by stemness properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of STRO‐1 in areca quid chewing‐associated oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).

Methods

Thirty OSF specimens and ten normal buccal mucosae were examined by immunohistochemistry. The activity of STRO‐1 from fibroblasts cultured from normal buccal mucosa (BMFs) and OSF (OSFFs) were measureed and the effect of arecoline, a major areca nut alkaloid, on STRO‐1 in BMFs was evaluated. Compared the activities between sorted STRO‐1+ cells and STRO‐1− cells from OSFF were measured by collagen gel contraction, migration, invasion abilities, and the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and pro‐α1 (I) chain of type I collagen.

Results

Our results first showed that the expression of STRO‐1 was more evident in areca quid chewing‐associated OSF than normal buccal mucosa tissues (P < .05). Arecoline dose‐dependently activated the level of STRO‐1 in BMFs (P < .05). The relative expression of STRO‐1 was significantly higher in OSFFs compared with BMFs (P < .05). In addition, the sorted STRO‐1+ cells from OSFFs exhibited higher collagen gel contraction, migration, and invasion abilities as well as elevated expression of α‐SMA and pro‐α1 (I) chain of type I collagen than the negative subset (P < .05).

Conclusion

These findings suggested that the stemness marker STRO‐1 may be a crucial factor in the pathogenesis of areca quid chewing‐associated OSF.