bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists on cardiovascular risk factors: A narrative review of head‐to‐head comparisons
Authors: Dalsgaard Niels B. , Vilsbøll Tina , Knop Filip K.
Published: October 2017

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is the leading cause of death and morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes. Five CV risk factors (blood pressure, resting heart rate, body weight, cholesterol levels and blood glucose) are monitored routinely as safety and efficacy endpoints in randomized clinical trials for diabetes therapies. To determine if different glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1RAs) had varying effects on these CV risk factors, we reviewed 16 head‐to‐head trials directly comparing GLP‐1RAs that included at least one of the five factors. Few trials reported statistical differences between GLP‐1RAs in terms of systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and total cholesterol. Liraglutide increased heart rate vs its comparators in three separate trials. All GLP‐1RAs reduced glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), but exenatide twice daily and lixisenatide had statistically smaller effects compared with other GLP‐1RAs. These descriptive data indicate that individual GLP‐1RAs affect CV risk factors differently, potentially because of their individual pharmacokinetics and/or size. Short‐acting GLP‐1RAs appeared to result in smaller changes in SBP and total cholesterol compared with continuous‐acting treatments, while large GLP‐1RAs had a reduced effect on body weight compared with small GLP‐1RAs. For glycaemic control, short‐acting GLP‐1RAs had a greater impact on postprandial glucose levels vs continuous‐acting GLP‐1RAs, but for fasting plasma glucose levels and HbA1c, continuous‐acting treatments had the greater effect. No differentiating trends were obvious in heart rate data. These diverse actions of GLP‐1RAs on CV risk factors should aid individualized patient treatment.
Enhancements to the mass‐rearing cage for the malaria vector, Anopheles arabiensis for improved adult longevity and egg production
Authors: Maïga Hamidou , Bimbilé‐Somda Nanwintoum Séverin , Yamada Hanano , Wood Oliver , Damiens David , Mamai Wadaka , Balestrino Fabrizio , Lees Rosemary S. , Dabiré Roch K. , Diabaté Abdoulaye , Gilles J.R.L.
Published: October 2017

Innovations in mosquito mass‐rearing techniques are essential in the quest to develop SIT (sterile insect technique) methods to fight mosquito vectors of disease. This study reports modifications to the Food and Agriculture Organisation/International Atomic Energy Agency (FAO/IAEA) mass‐rearing cage (MRC) for mosquitoes to support the behaviour of adult Anopheles arabiensis Patton (Diptera: Culicidae) and to maximize egg production. The effects of an improved sugar‐feeding device, and the addition of resting sites and a black cloth shroud to create an artificial horizon (visual contrast of light vs. dark at the edge) were assessed for their effect on adult longevity and egg production. Egg production of adults resulting from larvae reared in individual free‐standing trays vs. those reared in the same trays in the FAO/IAEA larval rearing rack was also compared. Finally, the effect of blood feeding and frequency of egg collection from the MRC on average egg production per batch was investigated. Overall, the modifications to the MRC enhanced adult longevity, and the improved cage prototype allowed the collection of more eggs overall from a cohort of adults than was possible using the original and previous cage prototypes. These stepwise improvements are important for the development of economical and logistically efficient mass‐rearing systems for the malaria vector An. arabiensis.
Male sexual competitiveness of two Ceratitis capitata strains, tsl Vienna 8 and OX3864A transgenics, in field cage conditions
Authors: Virginio Jair F. , Gómez Maylen , Pinto Aline M. , Aniely Gessyca G. , Paranhos Beatriz J. , Gava Carlos A.T. , Cáceres Carlos , Walder Júlio M.M.
Published: October 2017

The success of the sterile insect technique (SIT) depends on the ability of sterile males to compete effectively with wild males to mate with wild females. This study compared the sexual competitiveness and other behavioral parameters of males of two strains of Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), tsl Vienna 8 (tsl V‐8) and the transgenic line OX3864A, in competition with wild males from the São Francisco Valley region in Bahia, Brazil. Mating events were observed in field cages containing virgin, sexually mature insects as follows: 50 wild females (10–12 days old), 50 wild males (8–10 days old), and either 50 tsl V‐8 sterile males (5 days old) or 50 transgenic males (3–4 days old). In addition to scoring male type for each mating event, we also monitored the location of mating events within the tree canopy, mating duration, and mating latency. The proportion of females that mated did not differ between the two competition scenarios tested (tsl V‐8 vs. wild males: 0.65 ± 0.04; transgenic vs. wild males: 0.64 ± 0.03). Relative sterility index did not differ between sterile (0.34 ± 0.04) and transgenic males (0.31 ± 0.03). The latency period was significantly longer for transgenic males (84.90 ± 4.87 min) than for sterile (65.24 ± 4.65 min) and wild males (66.61 ± 2.66 min). Mating events involving the three strains occurred in the same area of the tree, i.e., mid‐height, in the central sector and on leaf undersurfaces. The mean duration of mating events involving sterile (94.1 ± 3.59 min) and transgenic males (81.1 ± 3.54 min) were both significantly shorter than for wild males (123.3 ± 1.93 min). Further investigation is suggested to assess other behavioral parameters, such as the amount of sperm transferred by transgenic males, their ability to disperse and survive in the field conditions, and their capacity to prevent females remating with wild males, in order to determine the potential of this transgenic strain for inclusion in the Brazilian SIT programs.
Gamma irradiation of the carob or date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae: dose–response effects on egg hatch, fecundity, and survival
Authors: Chakroun Salwa , Rempoulakis Polychronis , Lebdi‐Grissa Kaouthar , Vreysen Marc J.B.
Published: October 2017

The dose–response effects of gamma radiation on the carob or date moth Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were studied as a basic requirement for the initiation of an SIT/F1 sterility program. In this study, the effect of gamma radiation was determined on fecundity, egg hatch, longevity, and level of inherited sterility in the carob moth. Newly emerged virgin male and female carob moth adults were exposed to increasing irradiation doses (100, 150, 200, 250, 300, and 350 Gy) to determine the effective dose of gamma rays capable of sterilizing male and female adults of the carob moth. Parental fecundity and longevity was affected by increasing irradiation dose. The results indicated that a dose of 350 Gy could completely sterilize carob moth males. No larvae hatched from eggs deposited by 300 Gy irradiated females. The data indicate that 300 Gy was the fully sterilizing dose for female and sub‐sterilizing dose for male carob moth. Radiation‐induced deleterious inherited effects in offspring from irradiated males and females were expressed as reduction in fecundity, egg hatch, longevity, and decreased adult emergence over subsequent generations.
Role of rock fragment cover on runoff generation and sediment yield in tilled vineyards
Authors: Rodrigo‐Comino J. , García‐Díaz A. , Brevik E. C. , Keestra S. D. , Pereira P. , Novara A. , Jordán A. , Cerdà A.
Published: October 2017

The soil in conventional Mediterranean vineyards is an active and non‐sustainable source of sediment and water. Lack of vegetation cover, small soil organic matter content and intense ploughing result in large rates of erosion in a millennia‐old tillage system. There is a need for soil conservation strategies that enable sustainability of wine and grape production; therefore, it is essential to measure the rates and to investigate the processes and factors of soil erosion. This study evaluated factors that can reduce soil losses in traditional Mediterranean vineyards. The investigation was carried out with 96 rainfall simulation experiments at the pedon scale (0.24 m2) to measure soil detachment and runoff yield under low frequency–high magnitude rainfall events of 1 hour at 55 mm hour−1. On average, runoff was 40.6% of the rainfall, and the rate of soil erosion (i.e. amount of soil lost) was 71.5 g m−2. The key factor controlling erosion was the rock fragment cover. There was a clear decrease in soil losses with increased rock fragment cover on the soil surface, but an increase in surface runoff. The results of our study showed that rock fragments at the pedon scale reduced soil erosion in Mediterranean vineyards, but when a layer of embedded rock fragments developed, large rates of runoff were triggered.

Highlights

We investigated soil erosion factors in Mediterranean vineyards.

Rainfall simulation at the pedon scale achieved accurate measurements.

Rock fragment cover reduces soil losses.

Embedded rock fragment cover will trigger large runoff rates.
Efficacy of vitamins E and C for reversing the cytotoxic effects of nicotine and cotinine
Authors: Torshabi Maryam , Rezaei Esfahrood Zeinab , Jamshidi Mahshid , Mansuri Torshizi Abbas , Sotoudeh Samira
Published: October 2017

Nicotine has adverse cellular and molecular effects on oral mucosa, bone, and teeth. Vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) and vitamin C (ascorbic acid) are biological antioxidants with positive effects on wound healing and bone formation. This in vitro study sought to assess the cytotoxic effects of different concentrations of nicotine and cotinine (a metabolite of nicotine) onMG‐63 osteoblast‐like cells and human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in the presence and absence of antioxidant vitamins E and C (separately and combined). Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using the methyl thiazol tetrazolium (MTT) assay. Cell migration was assessed using the scratch test, and expression of apoptosis‐related genes was quantitatively analyzed using real‐timePCR. Dose‐dependent negative effects of nicotine on the morphology, viability, proliferation, and migration ofMG‐63 andHGFcells were statistically significantly greater than those of cotinine. Vitamin E (separately and combined with vitamin C) was statistically significantly more effective than vitamin C (at the concentration used in this study) at improving cell viability, proliferation, and migration, and at reducing apoptosis of cells exposed to nicotine or cotinine. Based on the positive results of this study, vitamin C and especially vitamin E (systemically and/or locally) may be useful in the repair and regeneration of oral hard and soft tissues in smokers.
Mangrove crab uses victory display to “browbeat” losers from re‐initiating a new fight
Authors: Chen Paul Z. , Carrasco Roman L. , Ng Peter K. L.
Published: October 2017

Signalling behaviour is integral to animal contests. However, post‐contest signals, such as victory displays, have received relatively little attention. One hypothesised function of victory displays is to ensure a more lasting dominance by reducing the risk of losers re‐initiating a new contest with winners. Despite several theoretical studies using game theory that support this hypothesis, empirical support for the understanding of when and why victory displays are used with respect to browbeating is lacking. We use a common South‐East Asian mangrove crab, Perisesarma eumolpe, to examine whether the performance of victory displays by winners, among other factors, affects the time of fight re‐initiation by losers, if at all re‐initiated. Using mixed‐effects survival analysis models, we analysed 77 fights from 27 staged contest trials between randomly paired males. We found losers that experienced victory display performed by winners, presented a decreased instantaneous hazard rate of re‐initiating a new fight than losers that did not. These results corroborate previous game theoretical models indicating that victory displays may function to reduce the chances of losers re‐initiating another fight. In discouraging losers from restarting a fight, winners reduce the potential costs of a future contest.
Mating plugs and sexual cannibalism in the Colombian orb‐web spiderLeucauge mariana
Authors: Hernández Linda , Aisenberg Anita , Molina Jorge
Published: October 2017

InLeucaugeorb‐web spiders, females form mating plugs, which play a part in cryptic female choice after they evaluate male performance during courtship and mating. Our aim was to assess sexual behavior and mating plug formation ofLeucauge marianafrom Colombia (CO). We carried out mating trials to describe in detail courtship and mating behavior of sexual pairs from theCOpopulation, and then compared the results to previously collected data from a Costa Rican population (CR). In addition, we assessed the amount of sperm transferred during mating predict plug formation inCOpairs. AllCOvirgin females mated (n = 23), and mating plug formation occurred in only 11 cases (48%). In contrast, allCRvirgin females mated (n = 43) and 74% formed mating plugs. None of the male courtship or mating behaviors that we measured inCOpairs predicted mating plug formation, in contrast to previous reports fromCR. Mating plugs ofCOconsisted of a matrix of unknown composition (77.2%) and encapsulated and decapsulated sperm (22.8%). InCR, plug composition varied in color and consistency, but also comprised a matrix with encapsulated and decapsulated sperm. We observed female cannibalism of males inCOpairs, which had never been reported inCRpairs. Some female displays during courtship and mating were unique to each population. Different female preferences could explain the observed geographic differences betweenL. marianain male traits and behaviors that could, in turn, promote reproductive isolation. More studies are needed to test this hypothesis.
Habitat complexity dampens selection on prey activity level
Authors: Keiser Carl N. , Ingley Spencer J. , Toscano Benjamin J. , Scharf Inon , Pruitt Jonathan N.
Published: October 2017

Conspecific prey individuals often exhibit persistent differences in behavior (i.e., animal personality) and consequently vary in their susceptibility to predation. How this form of selection varies across environmental contexts is essential to predicting ecological and evolutionary dynamics, yet remains currently unresolved. Here, we use three separate predator–prey systems (sea star–snail, wolf spider–cricket, and jumping spider–cricket) to independently examine how habitat structural complexity influences the selection that predators impose on prey behavioral types. Prior to conducting staged predator–prey interaction encounters, we ran prey individuals through multiple behavioral assays to determine their average activity level. We then allowed individual predators to interact with groups of prey in either open or structurally complex habitats and recorded the number and individual identity of prey that were eaten. Habitat complexity had no effect on overall predation rates in any of the three predator–prey systems. Despite this, we detected a pervasive interaction between habitat structure and individual prey activity level in determining individual prey survival. In open habitats, all predators imposed strong selection on prey behavioral types: sea stars preferentially consumed sedentary snails, while spiders preferentially consumed active crickets. Habitat complexity dampened selection within all three systems, equalizing the predation risk that active and sedentary prey faced. These findings suggest a general effect of habitat complexity that reduces the importance of prey activity level in determining individual predation risk. We reason this occurs because activity level (i.e., movement) is paramount in determining risk within open environments, whereas in complex habitats, other behavioral traits (e.g., escape ability to a refuge) may take precedence.
Transgenerational plasticity and climate change experiments: Where do we go from here?
Authors: Donelson Jennifer M. , Salinas Santiago , Munday Philip L. , Shama Lisa N. S.
Published: October 2017

Phenotypic plasticity, both within and across generations, is an important mechanism that organisms use to cope with rapid climate change. While an increasing number of studies show that plasticity across generations (transgenerational plasticity or TGP) may occur, we have limited understanding of key aspects of TGP, such as the environmental conditions that may promote it, its relationship to within‐generation plasticity (WGP) and its role in evolutionary potential. In this review, we consider how the detection of TGP in climate change experiments is affected by the predictability of environmental variation, as well as the timing and magnitude of environmental change cues applied. We also discuss the need to design experiments that are able to distinguish TGP from selection and TGP from WGP in multigenerational experiments. We conclude by suggesting future research directions that build on the knowledge to date and admit the limitations that exist, which will depend on the way environmental change is simulated and the type of experimental design used. Such an approach will open up this burgeoning area of research to a wider variety of organisms and allow better predictive capacity of the role of TGP in the response of organisms to future climate change.
Changes in the area of permanent grassland and its implications for the provision of bioenergy: Slovakia as a case study
Authors: Kizeková M. , Hopkins A. , Kanianska R. , Makovníková J. , Pollák Š. , Pálka B.
Published: October 2017

Throughout Europe, grasslands are managed primarily for agricultural production but also provide a range of ecosystem services, the magnitude of which is influenced by their area, management and the abiotic properties of the ecosystem. The grassland area in Europe has been affected by significant changes in recent decades, including abandonment and conversion to arable land. This study presents an assessment of changes in the permanent grassland area with reference to Slovakia and provides an assessment of the bioenergy potential of permanent grassland surplus to agricultural needs. In 2015, of the total permanent grassland area (868,000 ha) 42% had ceased to be used as feed for milk or meat production and had been abandoned. Results from field experiments show that low‐level improvement of permanent grasslands, e.g., by oversowing commonly sown agricultural grassland species and low‐dose fertilization (up to 30 kg N ha−1 year−1) could provide herbage biomass of 1.7 million tonnes of herbage dry matter per year. This would be sufficient to generate an energy output of approximately 31.3–31.9 PJ/year (4.5% of the current gross inland energy consumption of Slovakia). Low‐intensity use of the currently surplus permanent grassland is also considered to have potential beneficial outcomes in terms of delivery of ecosystem services. Results are also discussed in the context of countries beyond the case‐study area.
Regenerative medicine: Stroke survivor and carer views and motivations towards a proposed stem cell clinical trial using placebo neurosurgery
Authors: Cunningham Nicola A. , Abhyankar Purva , Cowie Julie , Galinsky Jayne , Methven Karen
Published: October 2017

Background

Few studies explore stroke survivor views and motivations towards stem cell therapy (SCT). This qualitative study explores the views and motivations of both stroke survivors and their partners/carers towards a proposed 2‐arm Phase III Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) comparing intracerebral insertion of stem cells with placebo neurosurgery in stroke survivors with disability.

Objective

To explore views and motivations towards a proposed 2‐arm stem cell trial and identify factors that may impede and enhance participation.

Design

This study adopts a naturalistic design to explore the complexity of this field, employing a participatory action‐research approach comprising a specialized Conversation (World) Café form of focus group. Data were collected via 5 Conversation Cafés with stroke survivors (age 40‐75) and partners/carers between June and October 2016. Of 66 participants, 53 (31 male, 22 female) were stroke survivors and 13 (6 female, 7 male) were partners/carers. Qualitative data were analysed using a thematic approach.

Discussion and Conclusion

Stroke survivor views and motivations reflect anticipation of the personal and future benefits of regenerative medicine. Partners/carers sought to balance the value of stroke survivor hope with carrying the weight of hope as carer, a conflict burden adding to known caregiver burden. All participants expressed the need for during and post‐trial psychological support. This study provides a rare opportunity to explore the prospective views and motivations of stroke survivors and their partners/carers towards a proposed Phase III 2‐arm RCT. This adds weight to qualitative evidence exploring capacity, consent, decision making, perceptions of treatment risk and supports required for clinical trial participation.
Cleaning of used rotary nickel‐titanium files in an ultrasonic bath by locally intensified acoustic cavitation
Authors: Bryson L. M. , Fernandez Rivas D. , Boutsioukis C.
Published: October 2017

Aim

To compare the pre‐sterilization cleaning of rotary Ni‐Ti files of different sizes previously used a. ex vivo and b. clinically by a washer–disinfector, a regular ultrasonic bath, and the same ultrasonic bath in combination with a recently developed cavitation intensifying method.

Methodology

Two sets of two hundred rotary Ni‐Ti files, one previously used ex vivo and another one used clinically, were collected from the undergraduate and postgraduate clinics of the Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA). The instruments were immersed in an enzymatic solution and subsequently cleaned either by a washer–disinfector, a regular ultrasonic bath combined with a glass beaker, the same bath combined with a beaker lined with two cavitation intensifying sheets or with two standard plastic sheets. The positive control consisted of used files that did not undergo any cleaning and the negative control included new unused files. The instruments were then stained to reveal remaining protein material and scored under a stereoscopic microscope. The results were analysed by nonparametric statistical tests (α = 0.05).

Results

No significant difference was found between the combination of the ultrasonic bath and the regular glass beaker and the same ultrasonic bath with the beaker lined with the cavitation intensifying sheets. The washer–disinfector left significantly more debris compared to the latter group when clinically used files were evaluated (P ≤ 0.001). The effect of instrument size on cleaning was not consistent.

Conclusion

None of the tested methods was able to remove all residual protein material from the files; however, it could be noted that this study did not follow the reprocessing protocol provided by the manufacturer.
A new system for classifying tooth, root and canal anomalies
Authors: Ahmed H. M. A. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: October 2017

Understanding the normal anatomical features as well as the more unusual developmental anomalies of teeth, roots and root canals is essential for successful root canal treatment. In addition to various types of root canal configuration and accessory canal morphology, a wide range of developmental tooth, root and canal anomalies exists, including C‐shaped canals, dens invaginatus, taurodontism, root fusion, dilacerations and palato‐gingival grooves. There is a direct association between developmental anomalies and pulp and periradicular diseases that usually require a multidisciplinary treatment approach to achieve a successful outcome. A number of classifications have categorized tooth, root and canal anomalies; however, several important details are often missed making the classifications less than ideal and potentially confusing. Recently, a new coding system for classifying root, root canal and accessory canal morphology has been introduced. The purpose of this article is to introduce a new system for classifying tooth, root and canal anomalies for use in research, clinical practice and training, which can serve as complementary codes to the recently described system for classifying root, as well as main and accessory canal morphology.
On the effect of tribo‐corrosion on reciprocating scratch behaviors of phosphate laser glass
Authors: He Hongtu , Yu Jiaxin , Ye Jiahao , Zhang Yafeng
Published: October 2017

Using a reciprocating ball‐on‐flat tribometer, the friction and wear behaviors of phosphate laser (PL) glass were investigated in dry air and liquid water to reveal the effect of tribo‐corrosion on the reciprocating scratch behaviors of PL glass. In this regard, material removal and (sub)surface cracking of PL glass were studied by comparing the absence/presence of water under reciprocating scratch conditions. It was found that regardless of applied load conditions, material removal volume in water was higher than the test in dry air, suggesting that the tribo‐corrosion (shear stress‐assisted hydrolysis) accelerated the material removal of PL glass in water. In contrast, surface and subsurface cracking at the contact region of PL glass in water were weaker than the test in dry air, and stress‐corrosion and tribo‐corrosion alone cannot explain the suppressed cracking in water. It was suggested that liquid water acted as a lubricant during friction, which reduced the shear stress on glass substrate to weaken glass cracking. The results provide new insights into the scratch behavior of glass materials, which would be useful in understanding the contact damage mechanism of glass materials in the presence of water.
Managing exercise with another highly valued and conflicting leisure time goal
Authors: Blouin Jocelyn E. , Gyurcsik Nancy C.
Published: October 2017

Research has identified concurrent self‐regulatory efficacy as a consistent exercise predictor when adults pursue another non‐exercise leisure time goal. Although intergoal conflict is an inconsistent exercise predictor, prior research did not ensure that goals were sufficiently highly valued to truly conflict. Other possible exercise predictors have not been examined among concurrent goals. The purpose was to examine whether intergoal conflict and outcome expectations (likelihood; value) predicted moderate‐vigorous exercise over 1 month, beyond concurrent self‐regulatory efficacy, when adults held highly valued, conflicting exercise and non‐exercise goals concurrently. Eighty‐seven adult exercisers pursuing highly valued and conflicting exercise and non‐exercise goals completed online surveys assessing (1) concurrent self‐regulatory efficacy, intergoal conflict, and outcome expectations at Time 1 and (2) exercise over the prior month at Time 2. A hierarchical multiple regression (R2 adjusted = 0.24, p < .001) revealed intergoal conflict and outcome expectations accounted for a significant additional 13% of exercise variance, beyond self‐regulatory efficacy. Future research should examine these social cognitions across adults who vary in their exercise levels (i.e., beginner, irregular, regular exercisers). Valuable information about which social cognitions should be targeted to improve exercise levels among each group to that of regular exercisers would result.
Pressure‐dependent Raman modes near the cubic‐tetragonal transition in strontium titanate
Authors: Kiraci Ali , Yurtseven Hamit
Published: October 2017

The pressure dependence of the Raman frequency shifts of various Raman modes is calculated at room temperature using the volume data from the literature for the cubic‐tetragonal transition in SrTiO3. The isothermal mode Grüneisen parameters of those Raman modes are obtained, which decrease with increasing pressure for this molecular crystal. Calculated Raman frequencies are then used to predict the damping constant and the inverse relaxation time of those Raman modes as a function of pressure by means of the pseudospin‐phonon (PS) coupled model and the energy fluctuation (EF) model to describe the cubic‐tetragonal transition in SrTiO3. Also, the values of the activation energy are extracted for the Raman modes studied using both models (PS and EF). Our predicted damping constant and the inverse relaxation time for the Raman modes, can be compared with the experimental measurements close to the cubic‐tetragonal transition in SrTiO3.
High temperature‐insensitive ferro‐/piezoelectric properties and nanodomain structures of Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–PbZrO3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 relaxor single crystals
Authors: He Wenhui , Li Qiang , Xi Xiaoqing , Yan Qingfeng
Published: October 2017

For rhombohedral (R) Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)O3–PbZrO3–Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3–PbTiO3 (PIN–PZ–PMN–PT) relaxor single crystal, high temperature‐insensitive behaviors under different external stimuli were observed (remnant polarization Pr from 30°C to 180°C and piezoelectric strain d33* from 30°C to 116°C). When electric field E ≥ 50 kV/cm in the case of an activation field Ea = 40‐50 kV/cm was applied, it was found that the domain switching was accompanied by a phase transition. The high relaxor nature of the R phase PIN–PZ–PMN–PT was speculated to account for the large Ea and high piezoelectric response. The short‐range correlation lengths extracted from the out‐of‐plane (OP) and in‐plane (IP) nanodomain images, were 64 nm and 89 nm, respectively, which proved the high relaxor nature due to In3+ and Zr4+ ions entering the B‐site in the ABO3‐lattice and enhancing the disorder of B‐site cations in the R phase PIN–PZ–PMN–PT. The switching process of R nanodomain variants under the step‐increased tip DC voltage was visually revealed. Moreover, the time‐dependent domain evolution confirmed the high relaxor nature of the R phase PIN–PZ–PMN–PT single crystal.
Historical biogeography of the palaeoendemic toad genus Oreophrynella (Amphibia: Bufonidae) sheds a new light on the origin of the Pantepui endemic terrestrial biota
Authors: Kok Philippe J. R. , Ratz Sebastian , MacCulloch Ross D. , Lathrop Amy , Dezfoulian Raheleh , Aubret Fabien , Means D. Bruce
Published: October 2017

Aim

Using the Pantepui palaeoendemic toad genus Oreophrynella, we explored (1) the origin of Pantepui endemism and the hypothesis of Pantepui being a source of diversity for the surrounding areas, including the geologically younger Andes; (2) whether early diversification of Oreophrynella conforms with that of Stefania (Hemiphractidae), another Pantepui endemic amphibian, which was recently shown to have vicariantly diverged from Pantepui highlands widespread Oligocene ancestors.

Location

The fractured island‐like topography of the Pantepui biogeographical region in north‐eastern South America.

Methods

We inferred the molecular phylogeny of Oreophrynella and other “basal” Bufonidae genera using three mitochondrial and two nuclear DNA sequences under Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. We estimated divergence times using a relaxed‐clock model and reconstructed ancestral areas through multiple models in a common likelihood framework.

Results

Phylogenetic analyses recovered a monophyletic Oreophrynella sister to Atelopus. Biogeographical analyses strongly suggested colonization of Pantepui via a pre‐Miocene (Eocene/Oligocene) long‐distance dispersal of a proto‐Andean ancestor, followed by pre‐Quaternary (lower Miocene) vicariant divergences of main lineages, and endemism of these main lineages to distinct biogeographical subunits.

Main conclusions

Our results suggest that at least part of the Pantepui diversity stemmed from dispersals from the proto‐Andes. Three hypotheses emerge for the origin and evolution of Pantepui endemism, the Distance Dispersal theory, the Plateau theory and the Disturbance–Vicariance theory. Our results indicate that the early diversification of Oreophrynella conforms to that of Stefania, but hint at different factors responsible for the survival or extinction of different tepui summit amphibians.
Cannibalism in non‐native brown trout Salmo trutta and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss stream‐dwelling populations
Authors: Musseau C. , Vincenzi S. , Jesenšek D. , Crivelli A. J.
Published: October 2017

Introduced and allopatric populations of brown trout Salmo trutta and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss were sampled in Slovenia for stable isotope analysis to assess dietary niche shifts through ontogeny and estimate the propensity for cannibalism. Both S. trutta and O. mykiss are cannibals, with higher average relative contribution of conspecific assimilated energy for S. trutta (27·9%) compared with O. mykiss (7·7%). The smallest cannibal was 166 mm in the S. trutta population and 247 mm in the O. mykiss population.
Estimating Uncertainty in Household Energy Footprints
Authors: Min Jihoon , Rao Narasimha D.
Published: October 2017

We develop a methodology to characterize and quantify uncertainty in relating consumption to production in household energy footprints. This uncertainty arises primarily from inconsistencies between national accounts and household surveys and, to a smaller extent, from using aggregated sectors. Researchers may introduce significant inaccuracies by ignoring these inconsistencies when reporting household footprints. We apply the methodology to India and Brazil, where we find the size of this uncertainty to be higher than 20% of footprints at most income levels. We expect that previous estimates for these countries may have been overestimated due to these inconsistencies. Other knowledge gaps, such as inaccuracies in multiregional input‐output tables and household surveys, add further uncertainty beyond our estimates.
Understanding the role of steroids in typical and atypical brain development: Advantages of using a “brain in a dish” approach
Authors: Adhya D. , Annuario E. , Lancaster M. A. , Price J. , Baron‐Cohen S. , Srivastava D. P.
Published: October 2017

Steroids have an important role in growth, development, sexual differentiation and reproduction. All four classes of steroids, androgens, oestrogens, progestogens and glucocorticoids, have varying effects on the brain. Androgens and oestrogens are involved in the sexual differentiation of the brain, and also influence cognition. Progestogens such as progesterone and its metabolites have been shown to be involved in neuroprotection, although their protective effects are timing‐dependent. Glucocorticoids are linked with stress and memory performance, also in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Importantly, dysfunction in steroid function has been implicated in the pathogenesis of disease. Moreover, regulating steroid‐signalling has been suggested as potential therapeutic avenue for the treatment of a number of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. Therefore, clarifying the role of steroids in typical and atypical brain function is essential for understanding typical brain functions, as well as determining their potential use for pharmacological intervention in the atypical brain. However, the majority of studies have thus far have been conducted using animal models, with limited work using native human tissue or cells. Here, we review the effect of steroids in the typical and atypical brain, focusing on the cellular, molecular functions of these molecules determined from animal models, and the therapeutic potential as highlighted by human studies. We further discuss the promise of human‐induced pluripotent stem cells, including advantages of using three‐dimensional neuronal cultures (organoids) in high‐throughput screens, in accelerating our understanding of the role of steroids in the typical brain, and also with respect to their therapeutic value in the understanding and treatment of the atypical brain.
Steroids, stress and the gut microbiome‐brain axis
Authors: Tetel M. J. , de Vries G. J. , Melcangi R. C. , Panzica G. , O'Mahony S. M.
Published: October 2017

It is becoming well established that the gut microbiome has a profound impact on human health and disease. In this review, we explore how steroids can influence the gut microbiota and, in turn, how the gut microbiota can influence hormone levels. Within the context of the gut microbiome‐brain axis, we discuss how perturbations in the gut microbiota can alter the stress axis and behaviour. In addition, human studies on the possible role of gut microbiota in depression and anxiety are examined. Finally, we present some of the challenges and important questions that need to be addressed by future research in this exciting new area at the intersection of steroids, stress, gut‐brain axis and human health.
Diversity of oxytocin neurones: Beyond magno‐ and parvocellular cell types?
Authors: Althammer F. , Grinevich V.
Published: October 2017

The hypothalamic neuropeptide oxytocin (OT), which is evolutionarily conserved among different species throughout the animal kingdom, is a key modulator of a variety of socio‐emotional behaviours such as fear, trust and empathy. OT cells in the mammalian hypothalamus have been traditionally divided into two distinct types: agnocellular (magnOT) and parvocellular (parvOT) or preautonomic neurones. This distinction is based on OT cell sizes and shapes, projections, electrophysiological activity and functions. Indeed, although neuroendocrine magnOT neurones are known to primarily project their axons to the posterior pituitary and to a number of forebrain regions, non‐neuroendocrine parvOT neurones have been seen as the main source of OT innervation of the brainstem and spinal cord to control autonomic functions and pain perception. However, very recent findings have demonstrated distinct genetic profiles in OT neurones, allowing the discrimination of at least four types of cells expressing OT. Furthermore, unexpected axonal projections of parvOT neurones to the forebrain and magnOT neurones to the midbrain have been newly reported. In this review, we focus on the detailed analysis of methods of distinction between OT cell types, in‐ and output sites, and morphology, as well as on the direct connectivity between OT neurones and its physiological significance. Finally, we propose a hypothesis suggesting that the central OT system is composed of more than just two OT cell types, which needs to be confirmed by the application of available genetic and anatomical techniques.
Does the Risk Outweigh the Benefits? Adolescent Responses to Completing Health Surveys
Authors: Shaw Thérèse , Runions Kevin C. , Johnston Robyn S. , Cross Donna
Published: October 2017

The aim of this study is to describe the self‐reported experiences of adolescents in population‐based samples when completing health‐related surveys on topics with varying potential for evoking distress. Survey data were collected in three school‐based studies of bullying behaviors (N = 1,771, 12–14 years), alcohol use (N = 823, 12, 15, and 17 years), and electronic image sharing (N = 274, 13 years). Between 5% and 15% of respondents reported being upset at survey completion, but at most 1.4% were entirely negative in their evaluation. Age was not associated with being upset, but younger adolescents were more likely to see benefit in participation. Although concurrent mental health symptoms increased the risk of being upset, this was mostly mitigated by perceived benefits from participation.
Association Between Experiencing Relational Bullying and Adolescent Health‐Related Quality of Life
Authors: Chester Kayleigh L. , Spencer Neil H. , Whiting Lisa , Brooks Fiona M.
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Bullying is a public health concern for the school‐aged population, however, the health outcomes associated with the subtype of relational bullying are less understood. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between relational bullying and health‐related quality of life (HRQL) among young people.

METHODS

This study utilized data from 5335 students aged 11‐15 years, collected as part of the 2014 Health Behavior in School‐aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in England. Data were collected through self‐completed surveys. Multilevel analysis modeled the relationship between relational bullying and HRQL. Demographic variables (sex, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status) and other forms of bullying were controlled for.

RESULTS

Experiencing relational bullying had a significant negative association with HRQL whilst controlling for other forms of bullying. Weekly relational bullying resulted in an estimated 5.352 (95% confidence interval (CI), −4.178, −6.526) decrease in KIDSCREEN‐10 score compared with those not experiencing relational bullying.

CONCLUSION

Experiencing relational bullying is associated with poorer HRQL. The findings question the perception of relational bullying as being a predominantly female problem. Girls were more likely to report experiencing relational bullying, but the negative association with HRQL was equal for boys and girls.
Attenuation of oxidative stress and artificial wound closure in C2C12 myoblasts induced by sequential extracts of Boerhavia diffusa
Authors: Yahaya Ewura Seidu , Cordier Werner , Steenkamp Paul Anton , Steenkamp Vanessa
Published: October 2017

Objectives

Whole plants of Boerhavia diffusa L. are widely used medicine in Ghana and other tropical countries, for the treatment of wounds and other ailments. The aim of the study was to determine the ability of sequential extracts of B. diffusa to influence oxidation and wound closure in myoblast cells in vitro.

Methods

Sequential extracts were prepared from the whole plant using four solvents of increasing polarity (hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol and water). Cytotoxicity was determined using the sulforhodamine B staining assay, phase-contrast microscopy, plasDIC microscopy and live–dead staining. Extracts were tested for their ability to reduce 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH)-induced oxidation and mediate cell migration after artificial wound generation in C2C12 myoblast cells using the scratch wound assay.

Key findings

All extracts indicated negligible cytotoxicity (IC50 > 100 μg/ml), and microscopic evaluation showed no difference from negative controls. AAPH induced a 2.87-fold increase in reactive oxygen species compared to the negative control. Pretreatment with 100 μg/ml of the extracts reduced AAPH-induced oxidation to 1.70-fold of the untreated controls (P < 0.001). Wound closures in the methanol and water extract treatments were 18.08% and 20.76% higher than the negative control, respectively (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the hexane, methanol and water extracts of B. diffusa whole plant promote artificial wound healing and protection against oxidation in vitro and therefore warrant further research into its mechanisms of wound healing.
A novel R3 MYB transcriptional repressor associated with the loss of floral pigmentation in Iochroma
Authors: Gates Daniel J. , Olson Bradley J. S. C. , Clemente Tom E. , Smith Stacey D.
Published: October 2017

Losses of floral pigmentation represent one of the most common evolutionary transitions in flower color, yet the genetic basis for these changes has been elucidated in only a handful of cases.

Here we used crossing studies, bulk‐segregant RNA sequencing, phylogenetic analyses and functional tests to identify the gene(s) responsible for the transition to white flowers in Iochroma loxense.

Crosses between I. loxense and its blue‐flowered sister species, I. cyaneum, suggested that a single locus controls the flower color difference and that the white allele causes a nearly complete loss of pigmentation. Examining sequence variation across phenotypic pools from the crosses, we found that alleles at a novel R3 MYB transcription factor were tightly associated with flower color variation. This gene, which we term MYBL1, falls into a class of MYB transcriptional repressors and, accordingly, higher expression of this gene is associated with downregulation of multiple anthocyanin pigment pathway genes. We confirmed the repressive function of MYBL1 through stable transformation of Nicotiana.

The mechanism underlying the evolution of white flowers in I. loxense differs from that uncovered in previous studies, pointing to multiple mechanisms for achieving fixed transitions in flower color intensity.
Tolerance of olive (Olea europaea) cv Frantoio to Verticillium dahliae relies on both basal and pathogen‐induced differential transcriptomic responses
Authors: Leyva‐Pérez María de la O , Jiménez‐Ruiz Jaime , Gómez‐Lama Cabanás Carmen , Valverde‐Corredor Antonio , Barroso Juan B. , Luque Francisco , Mercado‐Blanco Jesús
Published: October 2017

Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO) is one of the most serious biotic constraints for this tree crop. Our knowledge of the genetics of the tolerance/resistance to this disease is very limited. Here we show that tolerance of the cv Frantoio relies on both basal and early pathogen‐induced differential transcriptomic responses.

A comparative transcriptomic analysis (RNA‐seq) was conducted in root tissues of cvs Frantoio (VWO‐tolerant) and Picual (VWO‐susceptible). RNA samples originated from roots of inoculated olive plants during the early infection stages by Verticillium dahliae (highly virulent, defoliating pathotype).

A huge number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were found between ‘Frantoio’ and ‘Picual’ (27 312 unigenes) in the absence of the pathogen. Upon infection with V. dahliae, ‘Picual’ and ‘Frantoio’ plants responded differently too. In the early infection stages, four clusters of DEGs could be identified according to their time‐course expression patterns. Among others, a pathogenesis‐related protein of the Bet v I family and a dirigent‐like protein involved in lignification, and several BAK1, NHL1, reactive oxygen species stress response and BAM unigenes showed noticeable differences between cultivars.

Tolerance of ‘Frantoio’ plants to VWO is a consequence of a complex and multifaceted process which involves many plant traits.
Urban habitat restoration provides a human health benefit through microbiome rewilding: the Microbiome Rewilding Hypothesis
Authors: Mills Jacob G. , Weinstein Philip , Gellie Nicholas J. C. , Weyrich Laura S. , Lowe Andrew J. , Breed Martin F.
Published: October 2017

Restoration aims to return ecosystem services, including the human health benefits of exposure to green space. The loss of such exposure with urbanization and industrialization has arguably contributed to an increase in human immune dysregulation. The Biodiversity and Old Friends hypotheses have described the possible mechanisms of this relationship, and suggest that reduced exposure to diverse, beneficial microorganisms can result in negative health consequences. However, it is unclear whether restoration of biodiverse habitat can reverse this effect, and what role the environmental microbiome might have in such recovery. Here, we propose the Microbiome Rewilding Hypothesis, which specifically outlines that restoring biodiverse habitats in urban green spaces can rewild the environmental microbiome to a state that enhances primary prevention of human disease. We support our hypothesis with examples from allied fields, including a case study of active restoration that reversed the degradation of the soil bacterial microbiome of a former pasture. This case study used high‐throughput amplicon sequencing of environmental DNA to assess the quality of a restoration intervention in restoring the soil bacterial microbiome. The method is rapid, scalable, and standardizable, and has great potential as a monitoring tool to assess functional outcomes of green‐space restoration. Evidence for the Microbiome Rewilding Hypothesis will help motivate health professionals, urban planners, and restoration practitioners to collaborate and achieve co‐benefits. Co‐benefits include improved human health outcomes and investment opportunities for biodiversity conservation and restoration.