bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional Characterisation of Eel Dopamine D2 Receptors and Involvement in the Direct Inhibition of Pituitary Gonadotrophins
Authors: Jolly C. , Rousseau K. , Prézeau L. , Vol C. , Tomkiewicz J. , Dufour S. , Pasqualini C. 
Published: July 2016

In various vertebrate species, dopamine (DA) exerts an inhibitory action on reproduction. In the European eel, DA plays a pivotal role in the inhibitory control of gonadotroph function and the blockade of puberty. In vivo studies have suggested that this effect is mediated by receptors pharmacologically related to the D2 family. In the European eel, two distinct D2 receptor (D2‐R) paralogous genes have been identified (D2A‐R and D2B‐R) and both were shown to be expressed in the pituitary. We investigated the potential role of each paralogue in the control of gonadotroph function in this species. Eel recombinant D2A‐R or D2B‐R were expressed in HEK 293 cells, with a universal Gα subunit, and receptor activation was followed by inositol phosphate production. Recombinant D2‐Rs exhibited a comparable affinity for DA, although they had differential affinities for mammalian D2‐R agonists and antagonists, supporting subtle structure/activity differences. Furthermore, using eel pituitary cell primary cultures, the expression by gonadotroph cells of both native eel D2‐R paralogues was examined by in situ hybridisation of D2A‐R or D2B‐R transcripts, coupled with immunofluorescence of luteinising hormone (LH)β or follicle‐stimulating (FSH)β. LH and to a lesser extent, FSH cells expressed both D2‐R transcripts but with a clear predominance of D2B‐R. Notably, D2B‐R transcripts were detected for the majority of LH cells. Accordingly, using these cultures, we showed that DA potently inhibited basal and testosterone‐stimulated LHβ expression and less potently basal and activin‐stimulated FSHβ expression. We also tested some D2‐R antagonists, aiming to select the most adequate one to be used in innovative protocols for induction of eel sexual maturation. We identified eticlopride as the most potent inhibitor of DA action on basal and stimulated LH expression in vitro. Our data suggest a differential functionalisation of the duplicated receptor genes and demonstrate that mainly D2B‐R is involved in the dopaminergic inhibitory control of eel gonadotroph function.
Supporting same‐sex mothers in the Nordic child health field: a systematic literature review and meta‐synthesis of the most gender equal countries
Authors: Wells Michael B , Lang Sarah N 
Published: July 2016

Aims and objectivesTo explore the needs of and support given to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents within the Nordic child health field.BackgroundThe number of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents is growing around the world. However, they face fear, discrimination and heteronormativity within the child health field. The Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland) rank as the most gender equal countries in the world; therefore, they may support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents to a greater extent.DesignSystematic literature review and meta‐synthesis.MethodA systematic search was conducted for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents' experiences in the child health field, which consists of prenatal, labour and birth, postnatal and child health clinics, using PubMed, PsychInfo, Sociological Abstracts and CINAHL, as well as searching the grey literature, from 2000–2015. Ten articles were included. A quality assessment and a meta‐synthesis of the articles were performed.ResultsNearly all studies were qualitative, and most articles had at least one area of insufficient reporting. Only two countries, Sweden and Norway, had lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and inter‐sex parents reporting on the child health field. However, gay, bisexual, transgender and inter‐sex parents' perspectives were nonexistent in the literature; therefore, the results all relate to same‐sex mothers. Five themes were found: Acceptance of Same‐sex Mothers, Disclosing Sexual Orientation, Heteronormative Obstacles, Co‐mothers are Not Fathers, and Being the Other Parent.ConclusionsSame‐sex mothers are generally accepted within the Nordic child health field, but they still face overt and covert heteronormative obstacles, resulting in forms of discrimination and fear. Co‐mothers feel invisible and secondary if they are not treated like an equal parent, but feel noticed and important when they are given equal support.Relevance to clinical practiceChanges at the organisational and personnel levels can be made to better support same‐sex mothers and co‐mothers. Recognising both parents benefits the whole family.
Species delimitation and phylogeographic analyses in the Ectocarpus subgroup siliculosi (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae)
Authors: Montecinos Alejandro E. , Couceiro Lucia , Peters Akira F. , Desrut Antoine , Valero Myriam , Guillemin Marie‐Laure 
Published: July 2016

The genus Ectocarpus (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae) contains filamentous algae widely distributed in marine and estuarine habitats of temperate regions in both hemispheres. While E. siliculosus has become a model organism for genomics and genetics of the brown macroalgae, accurate species delineation, distribution patterns and diversity for the genus Ectocarpus remain problematic. In this study, we used three independent species delimitation approaches to generate a robust species hypothesis for 729 Ectocarpus specimens collected mainly along the European and Chilean coasts. These approaches comprised phylogenetic reconstructions and two bioinformatics tools developed to objectively define species boundaries (General Mixed Yule Coalescence Method and Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery). Our analyses were based on DNA sequences of two loci: the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 1 of the ribosomal DNA. Our analyses showed the presence of at least 15 cryptic species and suggest the existence of incomplete lineage sorting or introgression between five of them. These results suggested the possible existence of different levels of reproductive barriers within this species complex. We also detected differences among species in their phylogeographic patterns, range and depth distributions, which may suggest different biogeographic histories (e.g., endemic species or recent introductions).
Effect of Fenoldopam Continuous Infusion on Glomerular Filtration Rate and Fractional Excretion of Sodium in Healthy Dogs
Authors: Kelly K.L. , Drobatz K.J. , Foster J.D. 
Published: July 2016

BackgroundAcute kidney injury (AKI) is a common problem in small‐animal patients and carries a guarded prognosis with substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly in oligoanuric dogs. Fenoldopam, a selective dopamine agonist, has been shown to increase urine output in healthy dogs and cats; however, the mechanism of action is unknown.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of fenoldopam infusion on glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) in healthy dogs.AnimalsTen healthy, privately owned dogs.MethodsRandomized, crossover design with negative control. Ten healthy dogs were given fenoldopam diluted in 5% dextrose (D5W) as a continuous IV infusion of 0.8 μg/kg/min for 5 hours and a control infusion of D5W alone, 7 days apart. Glomerular filtration rate was measured by exogenous iohexol clearance, beginning 1 hour after the start of the fenoldopam infusion. Fractional excretion of sodium (FeNa) was measured before and after the infusion. Glomerular filtration rate and change in FeNa were compared between treatment days.ResultsFenoldopam infusion resulted in a significantly increased (P= .0166) GFR (median GFR, 3.33 mL/min/kg) in healthy dogs compared with D5W infusion (median GFR, 2.71 mL/kg/min). Fenoldopam also resulted in a significantly increased (P= .0148) FeNa (mean change, 0.106), whereas infusion of D5W alone did not (mean change, 0.016).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceIn healthy dogs, fenoldopam significantly increased GFR and FeNa compared with infusion of D5W alone. No adverse effects were seen.
The effects of clopidogrel and omeprazole on platelet function in normal dogs
Authors: Thames B. E. , Lovvorn J. , Papich M. G. , Wills R. , Archer T. , Mackin A. , Thomason J. 
Published: July 2016

Omeprazole is used concurrently with clopidogrel to reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects. In humans, the concurrent use of these two drugs can reduce the antiplatelet efficacy of clopidogrel. Our objective was to determine the effects of omeprazole and clopidogrel on platelet function in healthy dogs. A crossover study utilized turbidimetric aggregometry (ADP and collagen) and the PFA‐100® with the collagen/ADP cartridge to evaluate platelet function in eight healthy dogs during the administration of clopidogrel (1 mg/kg/24 h p.o.), omeprazole (1 mg/kg/24 h p.o.), and a combination of clopidogrel and omeprazole. Drug metabolite concentrations were also measured. Compared to pretreatment, on Days 3 and 5, with ADP as the agonist, there was a significant decrease in maximum amplitude on aggregometry for both clopidogrel and clopidogrel/omeprazole groups. The following revealed no significant differences between clopidogrel and clopidogrel/omeprazole groups when compared on Days 3 and 5: maximum amplitude on aggregometry with ADP or collagen agonists, and PFA‐100® closure times. When compared to the clopidogrel group, clopidogrel metabolite concentrations in the clopidogrel/omeprazole group were significantly higher on Days 3 and 5. The concurrent administration of omeprazole and clopidogrel in healthy dogs was associated with an increase in the plasma concentration of an inactive metabolite of clopidogrel, but does not significantly alter the antiplatelet effects of clopidogrel.
Predation risk between cannibalistic aeshnid dragonflies influences their functional response on a larval salamander prey
Authors: Anderson T. L. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn size‐structured populations of predators, the threat of cannibalism can influence behavior of prey that are attempting to avoid predation by larger conspecifics, including reducing their foraging rates. Such behavioral responses subsequently release basal prey of both cannibal and non‐cannibal predators from predation risk. However, whether the non‐consumptive effects of cannibalism on conspecific predators varies with basal heterospecific prey density is relatively unexplored. I conducted a laboratory study in plastic containers to test whether cannibalism risk influenced the functional response of dragonflies while foraging on three different densities of larval salamander prey. Dragonfly predators foraged with a Type II functional response, and when exposed to cannibalism cues, per capita feeding rates were lower at high prey densities. Salamander prey mortality rates declined with increasing prey densities, but the presence of cannibalism risk did not influence this pattern. Overall, this study shows that functional response curves of predators can vary in response to whether cannibalism risk is present in their environment across a small range of prey densities. Incorporating synergistic effects of multiple processes, such as non‐consumptive risk factors and prey density, may help further elucidate the processes that structure both predator and prey population dynamics.
Molecular mechanisms and the conflict between courtship and aggression in three‐spined sticklebacks
Authors: Sanogo Yibayiri O. , Bell Alison M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn nature, animals often face conflicting demands. For example, breeding males must attract a mate but at the same time be ready to defend against rivals. The molecular mechanisms by which the brain resolves behavioural trade‐offs are largely unknown. In this study, we compared the brain transcriptional responses of territorial male three‐spined sticklebacks to a mating opportunity with a female and to a territorial challenge by a rival male. We focused on the diencephalon and the cerebellum, two regions of the brain implicated in courtship and aggression. There was a set of genes that were differentially expressed in response to both a courtship opportunity and a territorial challenge. Closer inspection of the direction of regulation revealed that genes that were downregulated in response to a courtship opportunity were upregulated in response to a territorial challenge and vice versa. Our study reveals some of the potential molecular mechanisms underlying behavioural trade‐offs between sex and aggression, along with a possible solution to the conflict via social context‐dependent gene regulation.
Movements of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Bristol Bay, Alaska
Authors: Citta John J. , Quakenbush Lori T. , Frost Kathryn J. , Lowry Lloyd , Hobbs Roderick C. , Aderman Helen 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe describe the annual distribution of beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in Bristol Bay, Alaska, using data from 31 satellite‐linked transmitters during 2002–2011. Bristol Bay has one of the largest and best studied Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) fisheries in the world, allowing us to link the seasonal distribution of belugas to that of salmon. During salmon migrations, beluga movements were restricted to river entrances. Belugas generally did not relocate to different river entrances or change bays during peak salmon periods. However, the location of belugas was not related to the number of salmon passing counting towers, suggesting that belugas were either selecting locations that were good for catching salmon or there were simply more salmon than belugas needed to supply their nutritional needs. The distribution of belugas expanded after salmon runs ended, and was greatest in winter when belugas ranged beyond the inner bays, traveling as far west as Cape Constantine. Belugas continued to frequent the inner bays in winter whenever sea ice conditions allowed, e.g., when winds moved sea ice offshore; however, they were never located south of the southern ice edge in open water or outside of Bristol Bay.
ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE SIX‐LIKE4 (RSL4) promotes root hair elongation by transcriptionally regulating the expression of genes required for cell growth
Authors: Vijayakumar Priya , Datta Sourav , Dolan Liam 
Published: July 2016

Summary

ROOT HAIR DEFECTIVE SIX‐LIKE4 (RSL4) is necessary and sufficient for root hair elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Root hair length is determined by the duration for which RSL4 protein is present in the developing root hair. The aim of this research was to identify genes regulated by RSL4 that affect root hair growth.

To identify genes regulated by RSL4, we identified genes whose expression was elevated by induction of RSL4 activity in the presence of an inhibitor of translation.

Thirty‐four genes were identified as putative targets of RSL transcriptional regulation, and the results suggest that the activities of SUPPRESSOR OF ACTIN (SAC1), EXOCSYT SUBUNIT 70A1 (EXO70A1), PEROXIDASE7 (PRX7) and CALCIUM‐DEPENDENT PROTEIN KINASE11 (CPK11) are required for root hair elongation.

These data indicate that RSL4 controls cell growth by controlling the expression of genes encoding proteins involved in cell signalling, cell wall modification and secretion.
Waist‐to‐height ratio, body mass index and waist circumference for screening paediatric cardio‐metabolic risk factors: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Lo K. , Wong M. , Khalechelvam P. , Tam W. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryWaist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR) is superior to body mass index and waist circumference for measuring adult cardio‐metabolic risk factors. However, there is no meta‐analysis to evaluate its discriminatory power in children and adolescents. A meta‐analysis was conducted using multiple databases, including Embase and Medline. Studies were included that utilized receiver‐operating characteristics curve analysis and published area under the receiver‐operating characteristics curves (AUC) for adiposity indicators with hyperglycaemia, elevated blood pressure, dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome and other cardio‐metabolic outcomes. Thirty‐four studies met the inclusion criteria. AUC values were extracted and pooled using a random‐effects model and were weighted using the inverse variance method. The mean AUC values for each index were greater than 0.6 for most outcomes including hypertension. The values were the highest when screening for metabolic syndrome (AUC > 0.8). WHtR did not have significantly better screening power than other two indexes in most outcomes, except for elevated triglycerides when compared with body mass index and high metabolic risk score when compared with waist circumference. Although not being superior in discriminatory power, WHtR is convenient in terms of measurement and interpretation, which is advantageous in practice and allows for the quick identification of children with cardio‐metabolic risk factors at an early age.
Family‐based social determinants and child health: Cross‐sectional study
Authors: Protano Carmela , Valeriani Federica , Macedonio Alessandro , Cammarota Flavia , Romano Spica Vincenzo , Orsi Giovanni Battista , Vitali Matteo 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the association between urbanization of residential area, parent education level, employment status, overweight/obesity, physical activity, and exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), in a sample of healthy Italian school‐age children (5–11 years).MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted on 432 children resident, respectively, in a highly urban and in a rural area (Latium Region) in 2014. Information on children and families were obtained via questionnaire.ResultsOne‐third of children were overweight or obese, 15% did not participate in any sport outside school, and more than one‐third were exposed to ETS in the domestic environment. Living in a rural area (adjusted OR, 2.55; 95%CI: 1.18–5.52) and lower maternal education (adjusted OR, 2.32; 95%CI: 1.03–5.27) were significant predictors of overweight/obese status. Moreover, lower maternal education level (adjusted OR, 2.74; 95%CI: 1.40–5.33) and paternal education level (adjusted OR, 3.06; 95%CI: 1.54–6.07) were significant predictors of ETS exposure.ConclusionsIt is essential to investigate the reasons underlying the higher frequency of overweight/obesity in children living in rural environments compared with those in urban areas; and preventative actions should be designed to be easily understood by those with lower education levels.
A consortium of non‐rhizobial endophytic microbes from Typha angustifolia functions as probiotic in rice and improves nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Saha C. , Mukherjee G. , Agarwal‐Banka P. , Seal A. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Endophytic microbes isolated from plants growing in nutrient‐deficient environments often possess properties that improve nutrition of agriculturally important plants. A consortium of non‐rhizobial endophytic microbes isolated from a macrophyte Typha angustifolia growing in the marginal wetlands associated with a Uranium mine was characterized for their beneficial effect on rice and the mechanisms of growth promotion were investigated.

The microbes were identified and characterized for their potential plant growth promoting (PGP) properties. Effect of these microbes on nitrogen (N)‐metabolism of rice was tested as Typha endophytes were predominantly (N)‐fixing. Relative N‐use efficiency and expression of genes involved in N‐uptake and assimilation were investigated in treated plants.

Evidence of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of dinitrogen reductase gene was observed within the consortium from a Pseudomonas stutzeri strain. The consortium behaved as plant probiotic and showed substantial growth benefits to Typha, their natural host as well as to rice. Typha endophytes colonized rice endosphere significantly increasing biomass, shoot length and chlorophyll content in rice plants both under N‐sufficient and N‐deficient conditions. N‐uptake and assimilation genes were upregulated in plants treated with the endophytes even after three weeks post infection.

Our results suggested, HGT of nitrogen‐fixation trait to be highly prevalent among endophytes isolated from nutrient‐poor habitats of the uranium mine. A long‐term nitrogen deficiency response in the treated plants was elicited by the consortium improving N‐uptake, assimilation and relative N‐use efficiency of rice plants. This appeared to be at least one of the main strategies of plant growth promotion.
Large‐scale functional brain connectivity during emotional engagement as revealed by beta‐series correlation analysis
Authors: Kang Daesung , Liu Yuelu , Miskovic Vladimir , Keil Andreas , Ding Mingzhou 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIt has been hypothesized that the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is a hub in the network that mediates appetitive responses whereas the amygdala is thought to mediate both aversive and appetitive processing. Both structures may facilitate adaptive responses to emotional challenge by linking perception, attention, memory, and motor circuits. We provide an initial exploration of these hypotheses by recording simultaneous EEG‐fMRI in eleven participants viewing affective pictures. MPFC‐ and amygdala‐seeded functional connectivity maps were generated by applying the beta‐series correlation method. The mPFC‐seeded correlation map encompassed visual regions, sensorimotor areas, prefrontal cortex, and medial temporal lobe structures, exclusively for pleasant content. For the amygdala‐seeded correlation map, a similar set of distributed brain areas appeared in the unpleasant‐neutral contrast, with the addition of structures such as the insula and thalamus. A substantially sparser network was recruited for the pleasant‐neutral contrast. Using the late positive potential (LPP) to index the intensity of emotional engagement, functional connectivity was found to be stronger in trials with larger LPP. These results demonstrate that mPFC‐mediated functional interactions are engaged specifically during appetitive processing, whereas the amygdala is coupled to distinct sets of brain regions during both aversive and appetitive processing. The strength of these interactions varies as a function of the intensity of emotional engagement.
Behavioral Public Administration: Combining Insights from Public Administration and Psychology
Authors: Grimmelikhuijsen Stephan , Jilke Sebastian , Olsen Asmus Leth , Tummers Lars 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBehavioral public administration is the analysis of public administration from the micro‐level perspective of individual behavior and attitudes by drawing on insights from psychology on the behavior of individuals and groups. The authors discuss how scholars in public administration currently draw on theories and methods from psychology and related fields and point to research in public administration that could benefit from further integration. An analysis of public administration topics through a psychological lens can be useful to confirm, add nuance to, or extend classical public administration theories. As such, behavioral public administration complements traditional public administration. Furthermore, it could be a two‐way street for psychologists who want to test the external validity of their theories in a political‐administrative setting. Finally, four principles are proposed to narrow the gap between public administration and psychology.