bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of acute hypohydration on glycemic regulation in healthy adults: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Carroll Harriet A. , Templeman Iain , Chen Yung-Chih , Edinburgh Robert M. , Burch Elaine K. , Jewitt Jake T. , Povey Georgie , Robinson Timothy D. , Dooley William L. , Jones Robert , Tsintzas Kostas , Gallo Widet , Melander Olle , Thompson Dylan , James Lewis J. , Johnson Laura , Betts James A.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effect of hydration status on glycemic regulation in healthy adults and explore underlying mechanisms. In this randomized crossover trial, 16 healthy adults (8 men, 8 women) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) when hypohydrated and rehydrated after 4 days of pretrial standardization. One day before OGTT, participants were dehydrated for 1 h in a heat tent with subsequent fluid restriction (HYPO) or replacement (RE). The following day, an OGTT was performed with metabolic rate measurements and pre- and post-OGTT muscle biopsies. Peripheral quantitative computer tomography thigh scans were taken before and after intervention to infer changes in cell volume. HYPO (but not RE) induced 1.9% (SD 1.2) body mass loss, 2.9% (SD 2.7) cell volume reduction, and increased urinary hydration markers, serum osmolality, and plasma copeptin concentration (all P ≤ 0.007). Fasted serum glucose [HYPO 5.10 mmol/l (SD 0.42), RE 5.02 mmol/l (SD 0.40); P = 0.327] and insulin [HYPO 27.1 pmol/l (SD 9.7), RE 27.6 pmol/l (SD 9.2); P = 0.809] concentrations were similar between HYPO and RE. Hydration status did not alter the serum glucose ( P = 0.627) or insulin ( P = 0.200) responses during the OGTT. Muscle water content was lower before OGTT after HYPO compared with RE [761 g/kg wet wt (SD 13) vs. 772 g/kg wet wt (SD 18) RE] but similar after OGTT [HYPO 779 g/kg wet wt (SD 15) vs. RE 780 g/kg wet wt (SD 20); time P = 0.011; trial × time P = 0.055]. Resting energy expenditure was similar between hydration states (stable between −1.21 and 5.94 kJ·kg−1·day−1; trial P = 0.904). Overall, despite acute mild hypohydration increasing plasma copeptin concentrations and decreasing fasted cell volume and muscle water, we found no effect on glycemic regulation.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY We demonstrated for the first time that an acute bout of hypohydration does not impact blood sugar control in healthy adults. Physiological responses to mild hypohydration (<2% body mass loss) caused an elevation in copeptin concentrations similar to that seen in those with diabetes as well as reducing cell volume by ~3%; both of these changes had been hypothesized to cause a higher blood sugar response.
Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on activities of daily living in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Vaes A. W. , Delbressine J. M. L. , Mesquita R. , Goertz Y. M. J. , Janssen D. J. A. , Nakken N. , Franssen F. M. E. , Vanfleteren L. E. G. W. , Wouters E. F. M. , Spruit M. A.
Published: November 2018

A high proportion of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience problems during the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). We aimed to determine the effects of a comprehensive 8-wk pulmonary rehabilitation program on the physiologic response to and performance of ADLs in patients with COPD. Before and after pulmonary rehabilitation, 31 patients with COPD [71% men; mean age: 64.2 (SD 8.4) years; mean forced expiratory volume in the first second: 54.6 (SD 19.9) % predicted] performed physical function tests, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and an ADL test consisting of the following: putting on socks, shoes, and vest; stair climbing; washing up four dishes, cups, and saucers; doing groceries and putting away groceries in a cupboard; folding eight towels; and vacuum cleaning for 4 min. Metabolic load, ventilation, and dynamic hyperinflation were assessed using an Oxycon mobile device. In addition, symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue and time to complete ADLs were recorded. After rehabilitation, patients with COPD used a significantly lower proportion of their peak aerobic capacity and ventilation to perform ADLs, accompanied by lower Borg scores for dyspnea and fatigue. Furthermore, patients needed significantly less time to complete ADLs. Dynamic hyperinflation occurred during the performance of ADLs, which did not change following pulmonary rehabilitation. Changes in physical function, including six-min walk distance, constant work rate test, quadriceps muscle strength, and COPM were significantly correlated with change in average total oxygen uptake during the performance of the ADL test. A comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve the physiologic response to and actual performance of ADLs in patients with COPD.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A high proportion of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience problems during the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). This study clearly demonstrated that a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve the performance of ADLs in patients with COPD, indicated by a significantly shorter time to perform ADLs and a lower metabolic load and dyspnea sensation.
Efficacy of Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide, and Dexamethasone for Extramedullary Intracranial Localization of Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Mele Giuseppe , Pastore Domenico
Published: November 2018

EMD of myeloma usually occurs several years after diagnosis and is associated with a very poor OS of <6 months due to the fact that there are no efficient treatment options. In rrMM with EMDs, the most effective treatment is a lymphoma-like polychemotherapy regimen such as PACE, Dexa-BEAM, and HyperCVAD followed by ASCT or allogeneic SCT. RT of soft-tissue plasmacytoma is the further treatment choice and results in a high rate of local control and a prolonged disease-free survival. We report the case of a 41-year-old man affected by ultra-high-risk symptomatic IgAλMM with extramedullary intracranial soft-tissue relapsed after VTD-PACE followed by ASCT. The salvage program with KRd regimen determines a second biochemical and haematological remission and a gradual reduction in size of the extramedullary intracranial soft-tissue even in the absence of local aggressive radiotherapy, suggesting that carfilzomib and lenalidomide together could be effective also in this critical situation.
The Pesticide Exposure of People Living in Agricultural Community, Northern Thailand
Authors: Wongta Anurak , Sawarng Nootchakarn , Tongchai Phannika , Sutan Kunrunya , Kerdnoi Tanyaporn , Prapamontol Tippawan , Hongsibsong Surat
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim. Biomarkers of pesticide exposure are generally lacking in communities where agricultural crops are grown. The purpose of this study was to focus on evaluating biomarkers of pesticide exposure in people living in an agricultural area of San Pa Tong District in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand. Materials and Methods. One hundred and twenty-four participants (38 nonfarm workers, 38 rice growers, 31 longan growers, and 17 vegetable growers) from San Pa Tong District gave consent to participate in the study. Pesticide exposure was assessed by determining acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) levels in blood samples using Ellman’s method and measuring 6-dialkylphosphate metabolites (DAPs), 3-phenoxybenzoic acid (3-PBA), and glyphosate in urine samples using chromatographic methods. Results. AChE and BChE activities in the nonfarm worker group had higher level than those in the grower groups. DAPs were detected in almost all urine samples and 3-PBA was detected in 12-45% of each group, while glyphosate was found in 11 – 30% among the three groups of growers but not in nonfarm workers. Conclusion. In this study, participants living in an agricultural area of San Pa Tong District were exposed to organophosphate, synthetic pyrethroid, and glyphosate through multiple pathways.
Form Finding of Shell Bridges Using the Pneumatic Forming of Hardened Concrete Construction Principle
Authors: Kromoser Benjamin , Pachner Thomas , Tang Chengcheng , Kollegger Johann , Pottmann Helmut
Published: November 2018

Concrete shells are fascinating structures. Even thin shells can span over large areas without requiring any columns. If a form‐defining load case exists, the shape of the shell can be designed to ensure that the forces in the structure are transferred primarily by the membrane action, which leads to an even distribution of the stresses across the shell surface. Concrete as a material, characterized by high compressive strength and low tensile strength, can be used with a very high degree of utilization. A fundamental problem with building concrete shells is the high effort required for the production of the complicated formwork. A new construction principle called Pneumatic Forming of Hardened Concrete (PFHC) was invented at TU Wien and requires no traditional formwork or falsework during the construction process. An air cushion is used to lift a flat hardened concrete plate, and at the same time, additional post‐tensioning cables are tightened to support the transformation of the flat plate into a double‐curved shell. One possible application of PFHC is the construction of shell bridges. Here, the shape of the shell has to be designed according to the acting loads and the boundary conditions of the construction method. This paper describes the partly conflicting factors involved in the form‐finding process for practical application and the semiautomated workflow for optimizing the geometry of shell bridges. In the first optimization step, the final bridge shape is determined using a particle‐spring system or alternatively a thrust‐network approach. In the second optimization step, the shell is completed to form a full dome—this is called the reference geometry and is required for the new construction method. Finally, the reference geometry is discretized into single‐curved panels by using a mesh‐based optimization framework. To frame the presented work, an overview of different experimental and computer‐aided form‐finding methods is given.
The Construction Technology of Roof Steel Structure in YanCheng NanYang Airport
Authors: Yang Qin , Yu Shaole , Zhang Xuewei , Wang Zhijun , Yan Junsheng , Chen Xinxi
Published: November 2018

The roof steel structure in the Terminal 2 building of YanCheng NanYang Airport has a large span and a considerably difficult construction. According to the project characteristics, the construction scheme of the roof steel structure follows the principle of subareas and substeps, with the truss lifting in segmentation. To ensure construction safety, a construction monitoring scheme was adopted in this project. According to the layout of the roof steel structure, a total of 10 monitoring points are arranged to monitor the stress of the roof steel structure during the construction process. This paper first gives a brief introduction to the general situation regarding the engineering, followed by a detailed description of the construction scheme of such a roof steel structure. Then, the monitoring results, including monitoring of the main truss’ stress and column head, are introduced. The monitoring results revealed that the variation of stress in monitoring points followed the same trend as the monitoring data. The maximum stress was 166.6 MPa according to the monitoring results, which indicate that the stress of the roof steel structure is in the elastic stage during the construction process and the construction scheme is feasible.
In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Methanolic Extract from Caesalpinia coriaria J. Willd Fruits against Haemonchus contortus Eggs and Infective Larvae
Authors: De Jesús-Martínez X. , Olmedo-Juárez A. , Olivares-Pérez J. , Zamilpa A. , Mendoza de Gives P. , López-Arellano M. E. , Rojas-Hernández S. , Villa-Mancera A. , Camacho-Díaz L. M. , Cipriano-Salazar M.
Published: November 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro lethal effect of a methanolic extract (ME) from Caesalpinia coriaria fruits against Haemonchus contortus eggs and infective larvae. The anthelmintic activity was assessed using the egg hatching inhibition assay (EHI) and the mortality test. The ME was assessed using five concentrations as follows: 6.15, 3.12, 1.56, and 0.78 mg/mL to eggs and 150, 100, 75, and 50 mg/mL to larvae, respectively. Ivermectin (5 mg/mL) was used as positive control and 4% methanol and distilled water were used as negative controls. The data of ovicidal and larvicidal effect were analyzed with a completely randomized design through ANOVA analysis using the general linear model (GLM) and lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) were estimated through a Probit analysis using the SAS program. A clear ME increased concentration dependence effect was observed in the EHI and mortality tests. The highest activity of the methanolic extract was observed at the highest concentration (P < 0.05) to obtain a similar effect to the positive control (ivermectin), with LC50 = 78.38 and 0.00064 mg/mL and LC90 =235.63 and 0.024 mg/mL, respectively, for larvae and eggs. The results indicate that the C. coriaria fruit ME possesses in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal properties (gallotannins: methyl gallate) against H. contortus that needs to be investigated more in vivo for the control of gastroenteric nematodes in ruminants.
Ablation of Cancer Stem Cells by Therapeutic Inhibition of the MDM2–p53 Interaction in Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma
Authors: Andrews April , Warner Kristy , Rodriguez-Ramirez Christie , Pearson Alexander T. , Nör Felipe , Zhang Zhaocheng , Kerk Samuel , Kulkarni Aditi , Helman Joseph I. , Brenner J. Chad , Wicha Max S. , Wang Shaomeng , Nör Jacques E.
Published: November 2018

Purpose:

Unique cells characterized by multipotency, self-renewal, and high tumorigenic potential have been recently discovered in mucoepidermoid carcinomas. These cells are defined by high aldehyde dehydrogenase activity and high CD44 expression (ALDHhighCD44high) and function as cancer stem cells (CSC). It has been recently shown that p53 regulates cell differentiation, suggesting that induction of p53 by therapeutic blockade of the MDM2–p53 interaction may constitute a novel strategy to ablate CSCs. Here, we evaluated the effect of a small-molecule inhibitor of MDM2–p53 interaction (MI-773) on the fraction of CSCs in mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

Experimental Design:

Human mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells (UM-HMC-1,-3A,-3B) were used to assess the effect of MI-773 on cell survival, cell cycle, fraction of CSCs, and expression of p53, p21, MDM2, and Bmi-1 (key regulator of self-renewal). Mice bearing xenograft tumors generated with these mucoepidermoid carcinoma cells were treated with MI-773 to determine the effect of MDM2-p53 inhibition on CSCs in vivo.

Results:

MDM2 is highly expressed in human mucoepidermoid carcinoma tissues. MI-773 induced expression of p53 and its downstream targets p21 and MDM2, caused G1 cell–cycle arrest, and induced mucoepidermoid carcinoma tumor cell apoptosis in vitro. Importantly, a marked decrease in expression of Bmi-1 and in the fraction of ALDHhighCD44high (CSCs) was caused by MI-773 in vitro and in mice harboring mucoepidermoid carcinoma xenografts.

Conclusions:

Collectively, these data demonstrate that MI-773 reduces the fraction of CSCs, suggesting that patients with mucoepidermoid carcinoma might benefit from therapeutic inhibition of the MDM2–p53 interaction.
Impact of Modern Drug Therapy on Surgery: Crohn's Disease
Authors: Kienle Peter
Published: November 2018

Background: A significant number of patients with Crohn's disease needs to undergo surgery, and many of these patients are under modern drug treatment. These drugs may influence the rate of perioperative complications. This may have an impact on the chosen surgical strategy. Methods: This review considers clinical studies and guidelines on the effect of modern drug treatment on surgical complication rates and surgical strategy in patients with Crohn's disease. Results: Steroids above a certain dose significantly influence perioperative complications and should therefore be tapered down before performing elective surgery. Anti-TNF-alpha drugs are associated with perioperative complications, and therefore a safe interval between drug intake and surgery should be adhered to. The data on newer biologicals is scarce and conflicting; thus, it seems prudent to wait at least for one dosing interval before operating. In the emergency setting, patients undergoing bowel resection while on the above medications without an adequate interval to the last medication dose should generally get a resectional or diverting stoma. Conclusion: Modern drug treatment influences the surgical strategy in patients with Crohn's disease.
Targeting P-Glycoprotein: Nelfinavir Reverses Adriamycin Resistance in K562/ADR Cells
Authors: Liu Wei , Meng Qiang , Sun Yaoting , Wang Changyuan , Huo Xiaokui , Liu Zhihao , Sun Pengyuan , Sun Huijun , Ma Xiaodong , Liu Kexin
Published: November 2018

Background/Aims: The emergence of multidrug resistance (MDR) caused by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression is a serious obstacle to the treatment of chronic myelocytic leukemia. In recent years, some clinical trials have shown that nelfinavir (NFV), a traditional anti-HIV drug, has anti-cancer effects. Some researchers have also shown NFV might be a potential P-gp inhibitor. This study is aimed at investigating whether nelfinavir can act as an MDR-reversal drug and to clarify its molecular mechanism as well. Methods: K562 and K562/ADR cell lines were applied in the study. Cytotoxicity was detected by CCK-8 reagents. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry and inverted fluorescence microscopy to detect the binding of apoptotic dyes to cells. Western blot was used to detect the expression of proteins. Drug-protein molecular docking simulation by using Sybyl-x 2.0 software. Results: Non-toxic concentrations of NFV (1.25–5 μM) could reverse Adriamycin (ADR), colchicine, paclitaxel, and imatinib resistance of K562/ADR cells, with reversal indexes of up to 10.8, 7.4, 57, and 9.3, respectively. NFV inhibited P-gp efflux function, as evidenced by the significant increase in the intracellular accumulation of ADR and Rho-123, without affecting P-gp protein and mRNA expression levels. Further ATP content detection and molecular docking simulations showed that NFV could decrease intracellular ATP content and has a high affinity with the active functional regions of P-gp, respectively. When co-administered with ADR, NFV increased intracellular reactive oxygen species as well as blocked the ERK/Akt signaling pathway, leading to cell apoptosis. Conclusion: NFV inhibited P-gp function, decreased intracellular ATP content, and promoted cell apoptosis in K562/ADR cells, thereby reversing MDR. These findings encourage further animal and clinical MDR studies with a combination therapy consisting of NFV and chemotherapeutic drugs.
Uma perspectiva existencialista do fundamentalismo
Authors: Begeres Bisneto Victor
Published: November 2018

Este artigo busca oferecer outra perspectiva para se compreender o fundamentalismo islâmico, especialmente sua corrente mais ativa e politicamente engajada, o jihadismo. Nesse caso, a filosofia existencialista foi usada como suporte para fomentar reflexões sobre uma possível face niilista do fundamentalismo islâmico. A narrativa mais clássica do niilismo sobre a invenção de “consolos” – como a própria religião, o apego a uma falsa realidade que suprime a noção de finitude da vida a partir da criação de “outros mundos” e sem o qual a vida se torna insuportável – é de certa forma subvertida pelo fundamentalismo mais extremista. Assim, é a religião que dota os indivíduos de sentido, nem que para isso esse mundo aparente tenha que ser destruído, aniquilado (annihilate). A modernidade e suas próteses tecnológicas têm afastado o homem de Deus. Por isso é necessário, dentro dessa concepção, que ela seja negada e combatida, mesmo que seja com a própria vida, em muitos casos.
Association Between Prevalence of Peripheral Artery Disease and Radiation Exposure in the Atomic Bomb Survivors
Authors: Takahashi Ikuno , Cologne John , Haruta Daisuke , Yamada Michiko , Takahashi Tetsuya , Misumi Munechika , Fujiwara Saeko , Matsumoto Masayasu , Kihara Yasuki , Hida Ayumi , Ohishi Waka
Published: November 2018

Background

Past reports suggested that total‐body irradiation at 0.5 to 1.0 Gy could be responsible for atherosclerosis. Peripheral artery disease (
PAD
) is a manifestation of systematic atherosclerosis. Whether the consequences of a low‐to‐moderate dose of radiation include increased risk of
PAD
remains to be determined. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between radiation exposure and prevalence of
PAD
among Japanese atomic bomb survivors.

Methods and Results

Radiation exposure from the atomic bombing was assessed in 3476 participants (41.1% men, mean age 74.8 years with SD 6.4 years) with a cross‐sectional survey in 2010 to 2014. Left‐ and right‐side ankle‐brachial indexes and upstroke time (
UT
) were obtained using oscillometric
VP
‐2000.
PAD
was defined as an ankle‐brachial index of 1.0 or less or a prior history related to revascularization.
UT
was considered a sensitive marker of early‐stage
PAD
. Association between radiation exposure and
PAD
or
UT
was assessed using multivariable regression analyses with adjustment for potential confounding factors. Of 3476 participants, 79 (2.3%) were identified as having prevalent
PAD
. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that radiation dose was unrelated to
PAD
prevalence (odds ratio, 0.83; 95% confidence interval [0.57‐1.21]).
UT
appeared to increase with radiation dose, but the increase was not statistically significant (1.09 ms/Gy; 95% confidence interval [−0.17 to 2.36]).

Conclusions

We found no clear association of radiation dose with
PAD
, but it remains to be determined whether
UT
is associated with radiation dose.
Ecological correlates in Brazilian Amazonian anurans: implications for conservation
Authors: Neckel-Oliveira Selvino , Neckel-Oliveira Selvino , Galatti Ulisses , Neckel-Oliveira Selvino , Galatti Ulisses , Faveri Sarita B. , Neckel-Oliveira Selvino , Galatti Ulisses , Faveri Sarita B. , Albareli Luiz P. , Neckel-Oliveira Selvino , Galatti Ulisses , Faveri Sarita B. , Albareli Luiz P. , Nascimento Henrique E.M.
Published: November 2018

The objective of the present study is to identify the ecological characteristics of Amazonian frogs that would make them candidates for endangered species status, and to quantify correlations between body size and geographic distribution. The study included 180 species for which information was available on life history characteristics, including reproductive mode, aquatic larval development, primary larval habitat and adult microhabitat, and activity period. Species with aquatic development were classified in eight ecological groups based on a cluster analysis. Twenty-eight of the aquatic-developing species share a stream-based larval development stage with groups of endangered or vulnerable species from Australia and Central America. The Amazonian species have geographic ranges around five times larger than their Australian and Central American counterparts. The median clutch size and geographic range in aquatic-developing anuran species were 20 percent and 3.3 percent greater, respectively, than those of terrestrial-developing species. For both aquatic- and terrestrial-developing species, body size was positively associated with clutch size. Body size was also correlated with geographic range in aquatic-developing, but not in terrestrial species. Restricted geographic ranges and a lack of populations in protected areas were recorded in both groups. Most of these species occur in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon, which not only has poor coverage of protected areas, but is becoming increasingly threatened by ongoing economic development. The systematic monitoring of the region’s anurans and the creation of new conservation units should thus be of the highest priority.
Melting pots and hotspots: genetic variation within Acanthodactylus erythrurus (Reptilia: Lacertidae) from the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Harris D. James , Belliure Josabel , Cuervo José Javier
Published: November 2018

Identification of high levels of intraspecific genetic variability is common among assessments of reptiles from the Iberian Peninsula, conforming to the “refugia within refugia” hypothesis. Divergent genetic lineages are often found to be allopatric, or with limited contact or hybrid zones; such zones are more widely reported in Northern Europe, leading to the “melting pots not hotspots” hypothesis. However, population level sampling is needed to determine if divergent lineages overlap, something that is often missing in phylogenetic studies. Mitochondrial genetic diversity was assessed within the lacertid lizard Acanthodactylus erythrurus across the Iberian Peninsula. Not only were highly divergent lineages recovered in the southern region, but also considerable admixture of these was identified, particularly in northern populations. This has implications for biogeographic scenarios, with patterns typically identified at a larger scale emerging within a single European southern refugium. It also indicates that divergent mtDNA lineages appear to freely mix, at least within this species, which has taxonomic implications.
Consumption of the eggs, hatchlings, and tadpoles of Green Frogs (Lithobates clamitans) by native and non-native predators
Authors: Smith Geoffrey R. , Rettig Jessica E. , Smyk Mallory , Jones Maggie , Eng-Surowiec Genevieve , Mirshavili Davit , Hollis Jeremy
Published: November 2018

Predation by native and non-native predators on the eggs, embryos, and early stage tadpoles can affect the recruitment of offspring into a population. We examined the effects of native (Little Brown Mudbugs, Cambarus thomai; overwintered Rana tadpoles; Common Green Darner, Anax junius, larvae) and non-native (Western Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis) potential predators on the eggs, hatchlings, and early tadpoles of the Green Frog (Lithobates clamitans). The predators had no effect on survivorship or hatching of L. clamitans eggs. However, tadpole survivorship was significantly reduced by dragonfly larvae and crayfish, but not G. affinis or the overwintered ranid tadpoles. Our observation that invertebrates consumed Green Frog tadpoles while vertebrates did not is consistent with palatability contributing to the tadpoles’ susceptibility to different predators. Our results therefore suggest Green Frog tadpoles, but not eggs or embryos, from some populations may be subject to differential predation by invertebrate and vertebrate predators.
Thermal sensitivity of performance of Phymaturus palluma (Liolaemidae) in the highlands of Aconcagua: vulnerability to global warming in the Andes
Authors: Vicenzi Nadia , Kubisch Erika , Ibargüengoytía Nora , Corbalán Valeria
Published: November 2018

Ectotherms are especially vulnerable to climate change due to their dependence on environmental thermal conditions to obtain adequate body temperatures for physiological performance. An approach to predict the impact of global warming in ectotherms is quantifying their locomotor sensitivities to temperature across the thermal performance curves (TPCs) owing to the crucial role running plays on most of their activities, like dispersion, reproduction, and foraging. Here, we have examined the relationship between body temperature (Tb) and locomotor performance in juveniles and adults of the high-mountain lizard Phymaturus palluma. We have determined the speed in long (LR) and sprint runs (SR) at five different body temperatures, and their relationship with morphological traits. In addition, we have measured the operative temperatures in the microenvironments used by P. palluma to evaluate their vulnerability to global warming. For this, we have estimated the thermal safety margin and warming tolerance. Phymaturus palluma showed a left-skewed TPCs for LR and SR. The optimal temperature (To) matched the set point of preferred temperatures and the performance breadth was correlated with the variance in Tb registered in the field, as the thermal coadaptation hypothesis predicts. The rising temperatures projected by the study site could represent a threat for the species, because currently P. palluma experiences operative temperatures that include their performance breadth and To. Moreover, we have demonstrated that the species currently exhibit negative thermal safety margins, thus an increase in ambient temperatures will reduce the amount of time in which lizards could achieve an optimal performance.
Play, variation in play and the development of socially competent rats
Authors: Himmler Stephanie M. , Himmler Brett T. , Pellis Vivien C. , Pellis Sergio M.
Published: November 2018

Studies on laboratory rats (Rattus norvegicus) have revealed that experience with social play in the juvenile period is important for the development of improved social skills, an improvement that appears to be mediated by the prefrontal cortex. But there is much variation in both the frequency with which play occurs and in the complexity of the actions performed among different strains of rats. Is all this variation adaptive in serving play’s critical developmental role? The integrative approach advocated by Tinbergen provides a framework with which to assess such variation. A review of what is known and the inclusion of some novel data suggest that irrespective of the form of the play, rats of all strains converge on the same key experiences, experiences that have been implicated in the development of social skills. The lessons learnt from rats may serve as a guide for broader cross-species comparisons.
Friend or foe? Social system influences the allocation of signals across functional categories in the repertoires of the New World jays
Authors: Rosa Gabriel L.M. , Ellis Jesse M. , Bonaccorso Elisa , dos Anjos Luiz
Published: November 2018

Many factors could influence repertoire size and function. Here, we provide a review of the descriptions of vocal repertoires of New World jays and a unifying terminology for function of their vocalizations. We summarized 19 different functional types of vocal behaviour shared by at least two species, for review purposes. Comparing the 14 studied species, we also classified vocalizations into four major classes defined a priori: ‘Social Integration’, ‘Conflict Resolution’, ‘Predator-related’, and ‘Breeding’. Cooperative breeding, as well as group size, are related not only to repertoire size, but to how species allocate their vocalizations into functional classes. We discuss the tendencies of Conflict Resolution and Social Integration and the possibility of the existence and implications of a trade-off between those functional classes. We identified gaps in the current knowledge on vocalizations of the studied species, and emphasize the importance of empiric evidence of vocalization function in the New World jays.
Indications of contagious behaviours in the southern elephant seal: an observational study
Authors: Wojczulanis-Jakubas K. , Plenzler J. , Jakubas D.
Published: November 2018

Behavioural contagion is a curious phenomenon of human social life which is believed to facilitate group living. It has also been demonstrated in animals that some behaviours may be contagious: how widespread this phenomenon is remains unclear, as only a few species have been tested. In this context, we examined whether three behaviours commonly exhibited by moulting southern elephant seals (Mirounga leonina): “sneezing”, scratching and yawning could be contagious. Using the randomization approach, we found this to be the case in general for all the behaviours, although the pattern was not that obvious or present at all for all the social groups. This indicates there is a potential for social contagion but the issue is complex. Despite limitations associated with observational study on small-size social groups, this is the first report of contagious behaviours in marine mammals and is to encourage further investigation.
Distribution of the parental care in the Iberian magpie Cyanopica cooki: worker males but lazy helpers?
Authors: de la Cruz Carlos , Expósito-Granados Mónica , Valencia Juliana
Published: November 2018

In many species of cooperative breeding birds, breeders and helpers participate in the parental care with different food provision rules. Normally, helpers feed nestlings less frequently and with smaller quantities of food than breeders. But studies analysing the reaction of feeders to nestling demand are scarce and rarely measure the quantity of food that is actually delivered. In this study, we analysed the provisioning effort of breeders and helpers in the Iberian Magpie, Cyanopica cooki, and how this effort varies with brood demand. We did so by measuring the nestling feeding rate and the biomass supply of each individual. In this way, we obtained a more accurate measurement of the investment assumed by each individual belonging to each status. We found that breeding males visited the nest more often than both breeding females and helpers (mean = 2.24; 0.85 and 1.58, respectively). Furthermore, breeding males delivered more biomass in each feeding visit to the nest than those from other statuses. Breeders, both male and female, increased their parental effort (i.e., provisioning rate and biomass) when brood demand was higher (i.e., more siblings and older nestlings), whereas helpers contributed differently to the nest, but depending on the two types of helpers occurring in this species. Differences in the possible benefits obtained by breeders and helpers may explain these different strategies. In addition, male and female breeders (but not helpers) reduce the feeding rate throughout the breeding season. Thus, in the Iberian magpie, breeders and helpers reveal different patterns of investment depending on nestling food demand.
Phylogenetic relationships of three families of the suborder Mononchina Kirjanova & Krall, 1969 inferred from 18S rDNA
Authors: Koohkan Mina , Shokoohi Ebrahim , Mullin Peter
Published: November 2018

Mononchida is an order of predatory nematodes and includes the suborders Bathyodontina and Mononchina. In this survey, sequences of the 18S rDNA were amplified and used to reconstruct the phylogeny of the Mononchina. Phylogenetic analyses using Neighbour Joining (NJ) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) were employed with five outgroup taxa and 65 mononch sequences including 14 new sequences from Iran. Both analyses indicated that the Anatonchus is monophyletic. Actus was placed as the sister group of Mylonchulus with weak and strong support, respectively, from the ML and NJ analyses. In both phylogenetic analyses, trees obtained from SSU rDNA alignments were subdivided into five highly- or moderately-supported clades, designated Clade I: Mylonchulus spp., Clade II: Actus salvadoricus, Clade III: Anatonchus spp., a group comprising the genera Clarkus, Coomansus, Miconchus and Prionchulus, Clade IV: Mononchus spp., and Clade V: Granonchulus sp. The 18S rDNA analysis demonstrated that this region of the nuclear genome can be used to resolve the relationships of members of this suborder.
Nematology, crop protection and food security
Authors: Ciancio Aurelio
Published: November 2018

The role of nematology in food security is discussed. Nematology began with the classification of species. The onset of monocultures required effective nematode management tools. Recently, more complex approaches to management include ecology, natural sciences and genomics, with important fallouts in crop protection. The food security goal is to satisfy any dietary need for the healthy life of all but this message has not spread globally. Benefits achievable through crop technologies are not equally distributed and food security is not yet assured for several million people. Many social, political or economic factors are involved, and nematology may only partially contribute to achieve this goal. However, the scientific knowledge produced can contribute to solving some food security issues. Fundamental conditions are free access to education and science, as well as support for independent production of knowledge, improving regional and international cooperation and research.
Long-term changes (1979-2015) in the nematode fauna in Sivash Bay (Sea of Azov), Russia, worldwide the largest hypersaline lagoon, during salinity transformations
Authors: Sergeeva Nelli G. , Shadrin Nickolai V. , Anufriieva Elena V.
Published: November 2018

Sivash Bay is the largest hypersaline lagoon in the world. In 1963-1975 the North Crimean Canal was constructed, with water from the River Dnieper and discharge of drainage water collected from agricultural lands into Sivash Bay. Salinity in Sivash Bay began to drop, resulting in a new brackish water ecosystem. The political decision to stop supplying water from the River Dnieper to the Canal was made in 2014, and the discharge of fresh water into the lagoon ended, resulting in an increase in salinity up to 60-75 g l−1. This study showed that the abundance of meiobenthos increased, with Nematoda dominating. The composition of nematode species in the lagoon has not previously been studied. Using samples from 1979, 2013 and 2015, 50 nematode species and forms were identified in 1979, 32 in 2013 and 21 in 2015. The species composition of nematodes at different periods was significantly different. The average abundance of nematodes was 134 198 ind. m−2 in 2013 and 606 660 ind. m−2 in 2015.
Paratylenchus jasmineae sp. n. (Nematoda: Paratylenchinae) from rhizosphere of Jasminum sambac in India
Authors: Phani Victor , Somvanshi Vishal Singh , Rao Uma , Khan Matiyar Rahaman
Published: November 2018

A new species of pin nematode, Paratylenchus jasmineae sp. n., was isolated and described from the rhizosphere of jasmine in India. The new species can be diagnosed by having a relatively larger body length of 248-355 μm, stylet length of 24.6-28.5 μm, lateral field with four lateral lines, the presence of small post-vulval uterine sac and absence of advulval flaps in the females. Additional morphological characters included continuous lip region with small projected submedian lobes, large and oblong-shaped spermatheca, the presence of prevulval swelling, and arcuate conoid tail with finely rounded terminus. Molecular characterisation of the species was carried out based on internal transcribed spacer sequence (ITS rRNA) and D2-D3 expansion segment of 28S rRNA subunit. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and D2-D3 molecular markers resulted in clear separation of P. jasmineae sp. n. from other Paratylenchus species.
‘In All Actions Concerning Children’?
Authors: Sormunen Milka
Published: November 2018

Best interests of the child safeguarded by Article 3(1) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (crc) have to be a primary consideration in all actions concerning children. This article evaluates implementation of Article 3(1) in practice by analysing recent jurisprudence of the Supreme Administrative Court of Finland. Results of the study indicate differences between case groups in considering and referring to best interests; the Supreme Administrative Court has considered best interests regularly in cases concerning aliens and child welfare, sometimes in cases related to primary education and reimbursements, and never in cases related to environmental permits. The meaning of the best interests of the child varies between case groups, and the connection to human rights often remains unclear. Best interests have been referred to more often when they have been mentioned in the applicable law or its preparatory works. The results support including a comprehensive reference to the best interests in national laws.
Underlying Dynamics of Child Birth Registration in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chereni Admire
Published: November 2018

By accentuating the potential adverse impacts of the absence of a birth certificate on a child’s well-being across their life cycle, human rights organisations have made a strong case for universal child birth registration. Consequently, in most developing countries, people’s awareness of the importance of birth registration has dramatically increased. Yet in Zimbabwe, universal birth registration remains a pipe dream. Drawing on a mixed-method study of birth registration in Zimbabwe’s Bindura district, the article addresses this paradox by closely examining the underlying dynamics of birth registration success. It finds that birth registration outcomes emerge from a dynamic interplay of economic, non-economic, personal and structural factors. Moreover, whereas existing research tends to accentuate economic determinants of birth registration, social and cultural factors are equally important influences of birth registration success.
De-colonising Human Rights: Customary Justice and Child Protection in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Paton Micheil
Published: November 2018

This article argues that the potential contribution of customary justice systems to the realisation of human rights has been under-investigated, under-acknowledged and under-utilised, primarily due to historical and lingering colonial attitudes within the international community. The article focuses on the example of child protection in Papua New Guinea, a country where customary justice is the only accessible form of justice for the vast majority of the population. Some of the article’s recommendations may also be applicable in other societies. The article examines potential reasons for the reluctance of the international community to recognise and support customary justice systems in the implementation of human rights. The article argues that the application of customary justice constitutes a cultural right, and potentially offers some superior human rights practices from which the international community could learn and benefit.
Does Ireland Measure Up?
Authors: Coveney Fiona Broughton
Published: November 2018

This article examines protection rights under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989 (crc) and assesses the extent to which such protection rights are afforded to prenatal children in Ireland in the context of prenatal exposure to alcohol. It follows on from the article, “Overstepping the Mark?” (Broughton, 2016: 687–717) in which the author demonstrates the possibilities for the application of the crc to prenatal children. Within the context of protection rights under the crc, this article examines Irish law and policy on protecting children from prenatal alcohol exposure, through the lenses of both child protection and public policy. The central thesis of the article is that although Irish law has the potential to offer prenatal children crc protection rights from this type of harm, legal interpretation has hindered this potential and legal clarity is now necessary to bolster policy and practice, in the best interest of children.
“Done Because We Are Too Menny”
Authors: O’Brien Charlotte
Published: November 2018

Among a swathe of major welfare reforms, one has received little academic attention – the two-child rule, restricting claims for key benefits to a maximum of two children. In negating the status of specific children within the framework of subsistence benefits, the measure clashes profoundly with a series of international legal obligations. In particular, the rule is set to increase child poverty, calling into question the role and purpose of the un Convention on the Rights of the Child (un crc) in the law-making process. This paper explores problematic recent decisions that risk creating a human rights chasm when it comes to children and social security rights, and argues that existing legal provisions can and should be used to fill that gap. It finds no evidence that the best interests of the child were a primary consideration in the enactment of the two-child rule, and argues that the justificatory narrative of welfare decadence is manifestly without reasonable foundation. If the un crc does not bite here, then we must question whether children have any social security rights at all.
Welfare or Agency? Children’s Interests as Foundation of Children’s Rights
Authors: Liebel Manfred
Published: November 2018

In the debate on children’s rights, reference is often made to children’s interests but very little attention is paid to what the interests of children actually are, how they come about, and how they contribute to the foundation and understanding of children’s rights and to a practice oriented towards these rights. The author explains the complex relationship between children’s rights and interests, while illuminating some of its reasons and consequences. Since children’s rights are to be understood as human rights, the author takes a more general approach to the political and moral philosophical debate on human rights, in which reference to interests plays an important role. He relates the most important arguments in this debate specifically to children’s rights and offers an interest-based theoretical justification of children’s rights as agency rights.
Captured Media: Limitations and Structural Hindrances to Media Freedom in Serbia
Authors: Kmezic Marko
Published: November 2018

This article investigates persistent limitations to media freedom in Serbia, principally understood as the legal status of press freedom and how this is put into practice (or not). Critically reviewing the set of newly adopted media laws and features of the crisis of press freedom over the past five years, the article suggests that, despite constitutional guarantees, adoption of relevant legislation, and decriminalization of libel, media freedom in Serbia still remains deficient owing to shortfalls in norm implementation and the rise of new challenges such as internet censorship. The findings offer a fuller picture of how a lack of transparency in media funding and media ownership, strong economic dependence of media workers, lack of adequate protection for journalists, and pressure from interconnected political and business groups has led to creeping self-censorship in the Serbian media.
A New Mahutia-Species from East Africa (Col. Chrysomelidae)
Authors: SILFVERBERG HANS
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Mahutia holmi sp. n. is described from Mt. Elgon, Kenya. The species is compared with other species of the genus, including Pseudorupilia fletcheri Bryant, which is transferred to the genus Mahutia.
Presumed Chemosensory Hairs in Talitrid Amphipods (Crustacea)
Authors: DAHL ERIK
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Sensory hairs in a number of Talitrid Amphipods were studied by means of scanning electron microscopy. The general pattern is closely similar in all species although minor specific differences seem to occur.

Two main morphological types of sensory hairs are present, viz (1) thin-walled hairs and (2) hairs protected by a spine from which only the distal part of the hair protrudes subterminally, giving the impression of a two-tipped spine. Some intermediate types also occur.

The terminal part of both types of hair, however, is of exactly the same type with leaf-like protecting cuticular structures and a terminal pore. Therefore it is concluded that they all have at least a similar function, and a previously published analysis of antennular thin-walled hairs in two of the species makes it highly probable on morphological grounds that this function is chemosensory.

Both types of hairs are widely distributed on the appendages, although the spine-hairs are more prevalent on the pereiopods, uropods, and telson. Practically every spine carries a sensory appendage and it can be concluded that a wealth of sensory information is received by them.

The body wall is provided with numerous structures described in the paper, the function of which is unknown but may well be sensory.