bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of eight vehicles on transdermal lidocaine penetration in sheep skinin vitro
Authors: Bayldon W. , Narishetty S. , De Rose G. , Rothwell J. , Mills P. C. 
Published: August 2013

This study investigated the effects of vehicles on penetration and retention of lidocaine applied to sheep skinin vitro. Thoracic skin from two sheep was clipped of wool and stored at −20 °C, until used. Skin samples were defrosted and mounted in Franz‐type diffusion cells, and then one of the following formulations, each saturated with lidocaine, was added: sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) 0.5% in water,SLS1% in water, dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) 50% in water (wt/wt),DMSO100%, isopropyl myristate 100% (IPM), water alone, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME) 50% in water (wt/wt) andDGME100%. The penetration of lidocaine in each skin sample was measured over 8 h. Significantly greater lidocaine skin concentrations and flux (JSS) were achieved with the nonaqueous vehicles,DMSO100% (P < 0.00001 andP < 0.01, respectively), followed byDGME100% andIPM(P < 0.00001 andP < 0.01, respectively). The lag time (tlag) for lidocaine penetration in theDMSO100% vehicle was significantly shorter (P < 0.01) compared with all other vehicles except water. Improved transdermal penetration of lidocaine in theDMSO100% vehicle was likely due to skin barrier disruption, as determined by differences in pre‐ and post‐treatment transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This study has shown that nonaqueous vehicles enhanced penetration of lidocaine in sheep skin to a greater extent than aqueous vehicles, which has implications for topically applied local anaesthesia in sheep.
Common and snow leopards share prey, but not habitats: competition avoidance by large predators?
Authors: Lovari S. , Minder I. , Ferretti F. , Mucci N. , Randi E. , Pellizzi B. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractResource exploitation and behavioural interference underlie competition among carnivores. Competition is reduced by specializing on different prey and/or spatio‐temporal separation, usually leading to different food habits. We predicted that two closely related species of large cats, the endangered snow leopard and the near‐threatened common leopard, living in sympatry, would coexist through habitat separation and exploitation of different prey species. In central Himalaya, we assessed (2006–2010) habitat and diet overlap between these carnivores. The snow leopard used grassland and shrubland, whereas the common leopard selected forest. Contrary to our prediction, snow leopard and common leopard preyed upon similar wild (Himalayan tahr, musk deer) and domestic species (Bos spp., dogs). Dietary overlap between snow leopard and common leopard was 69% (yearly), 76% (colder months) and 60% (warmer months). Thus, habitat separation should be the result of other factors, most likely avoidance of interspecific aggression. Habitat separation may not always lead to the use of different prey. Avoidance of interspecific aggression, rather than exploitation of different resources, could allow the coexistence of potentially competing large predators.
Responding to repetitive, non‐suicidal self‐harm in an English male prison: Staff experiences, reactions, and concerns
Authors: Marzano Lisa , Adler Joanna R. , Ciclitira Karen 
Published: August 2013

ObjectivesThis study considers how those who work in prisons are affected by and respond to repetitive self‐harm of male prisoners. The perspectives of correctional staff are often overlooked in research that considers self‐harming prisoners. As prison staff have regular, potentially daily contact with prisoners who self‐harm, it is important to consider the ways in which they respond to this aspect of their job, both in terms of their own and prisoners' well‐being.DesignSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with prison staff and explored using techniques of thematic analysis.MethodsSemi‐structured face‐to‐face interviews were conducted with 30 correctional staff – 15 custodial officers and 15 health care staff – to explore their experiences, responses to, and ways of coping with non‐suicidal, repetitive self‐harm.ResultFindings indicate high levels of frustration, tensions between health care and custodial staff, feelings of powerlessness, and low sense of job control.ConclusionWe set the tasks of prison staff within the wider contexts of work‐stress literature and forensic practice. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of prisoner and officer well‐being, secure custody, and the potential limitations both of institutional resourcing and the methodology employed within this study.
Sphingosine kinase A is a pleiotropic and essential enzyme for Leishmania survival and virulence
Authors: Zhang Ou , Hsu Fong‐Fu , Xu Wei , Pawlowic Mattie , Zhang Kai 
Published: August 2013

SummarySphingosine kinase is a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism, catalysing the conversion of sphingosine or dihydrosphingosine into sphingosine‐1‐phosphate or dihydrosphingosine‐1‐phosphate respectively. In mammals, sphingosine‐1‐phosphate is a powerful signalling molecule regulating cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and immunity. Functions of sphingosine kinase or sphingosine‐1‐phosphate in pathogenic protozoans are virtually unknown. While most organisms possess two closely related sphingosine kinases, only one sphingosine kinase homologue (SKa) can be identified in Leishmania, which are vector‐borne protozoan parasites responsible for leishmaniasis. Leishmania SKa is a large, cytoplasmic enzyme capable of phosphorylating both sphingosine and dihydrosphingosine. Remarkably, deletion of SKa leads to catastrophic defects in both the insect stage and mammalian stage of Leishmania parasites. Genetic and biochemical analyses demonstrate that proper expression of SKa is essential for Leishmania parasites to remove toxic metabolites, to survive stressful conditions, and to cause disease in mice. Therefore, SKa is a pleiotropic enzyme with vital roles throughout the life cycle of Leishmania. The essentiality of SKa and its apparent divergence from mammalian counterparts suggests that this enzyme can be selectively targeted to reduce Leishmania infection.
A molecular switch in the efficiency of translation reinitiation controls expression of var2csa, a gene implicated in pregnancy‐associated malaria
Authors: Bancells Cristina , Deitsch Kirk W. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryPlasmodium falciparum malaria parasites export the protein PfEMP1 to the surface of infected erythrocytes, enabling them to adhere to receptors in the microvasculature and thereby avoid clearance by the spleen. The gene var2csa encodes the form of PfEMP1 that binds specifically within the placenta, causing pregnancy‐associated malaria, and appears to not be expressed in the absence of a placenta. We previously described an upstream open reading frame (uORF) that is responsible for repression of translation of the downstream ORF (dORF) that encodes VAR2CSA, thus keeping the gene silent when parasites infect non‐pregnant individuals. To elucidate the molecular mechanism by which this repression is overcome during pregnancy, we stably transformed parasites with reporter gene constructs designed to detect switches in the efficiency of dORF translation. We found that proper regulation of switching relies on two separate components, (i) active translation of the uORF and (ii) sequence‐specific characteristics of the surrounding transcript, which together control the ability of the ribosome complex to reinitiate a second round of translation and thus express VAR2CSA. These results provide the first details of a molecular switch that allows parasites take advantage of the unique niche provided by the placenta.
Genome‐wide profiling of chromosome interactions in Plasmodium falciparum characterizes nuclear architecture and reconfigurations associated with antigenic variation
Authors: Lemieux Jacob E. , Kyes Sue A. , Otto Thomas D. , Feller Avi I. , Eastman Richard T. , Pinches Robert A. , Berriman Matthew , Su Xin‐zhuan , Newbold Chris I. 
Published: August 2013

SummarySpatial relationships within the eukaryotic nucleus are essential for proper nuclear function. In Plasmodium falciparum, the repositioning of chromosomes has been implicated in the regulation of the expression of genes responsible for antigenic variation, and the formation of a single, peri‐nuclear nucleolus results in the clustering of rDNA. Nevertheless, the precise spatial relationships between chromosomes remain poorly understood, because, until recently, techniques with sufficient resolution have been lacking. Here we have used chromosome conformation capture and second‐generation sequencing to study changes in chromosome folding and spatial positioning that occur during switches in var gene expression. We have generated maps of chromosomal spatial affinities within the P. falciparum nucleus at 25 Kb resolution, revealing a structured nucleolus, an absence of chromosome territories, and confirming previously identified clustering of heterochromatin foci. We show that switches in var gene expression do not appear to involve interaction with a distant enhancer, but do result in local changes at the active locus. These maps reveal the folding properties of malaria chromosomes, validate known physical associations, and characterize the global landscape of spatial interactions. Collectively, our data provide critical information for a better understanding of gene expression regulation and antigenic variation in malaria parasites.
Body slap: An innovative aggressive display by breeding male gray seals (Halichoerus grypus)
Authors: Bishop Amanda M. , Lidstone‐Scott Rob , Pomeroy Paddy , Twiss Sean D. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAggression in male gray seals has been extensively studied; however it is often simplistically assumed that threat signals are mainly cephalic in nature for this species. We report on an undescribed and apparently new kind of threat signal used by male gray seals we term a Body Slap. The behavior has been observed at breeding sites in eastern England since 1993 but has not been studied ethologically or reported elsewhere. The aims of this study were to describe the behavior, test the influence of topographic variation on its frequency of occurrence, examine if it is used to signal dominance or submission, and to place it in intra‐ and interspecific contexts. Our results show Body Slaps were performed in 66.3% of interactions and by 57.2% of males; it was not performed by females. The Body Slap was positively associated with the Approach and Open‐Mouth Threat behaviors but was not related to dominance; nevertheless, display rates were greater for subsequent winners. These findings suggest that the Body Slap carries information about male resource holding potential and does not signal submission. This study furthers our understanding of geographic variants of male threat behaviors and of pinniped nonvocal communication.
The role of nesfatin‐1 in the regulation of food intake and body weight: recent developments and future endeavors
Authors: Stengel A. , Mori M. , Taché Y. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryNesfatin‐1 was discovered in 2006 and introduced as a potential novel anorexigenic modulator of food intake and body weight. The past years have witnessed increasing evidence establishing nesfatin‐1 as a potent physiological inhibitor of food intake and body weight and unravelled nesfatin‐1's interaction with other brain transmitters to exert its food consumption inhibitory effect. As observed for other anorexigenic brain neuropeptides, nesfatin‐1 is also likely to exert additional, if not pleiotropic, actions in the brain and periphery. Recent studies established the prominent expression of the nesfatin‐1 precursor, nucleobindin2 (NUCB2), in the stomach and pancreas, where nesfatin‐1 influences endocrine secretion. This review will highlight the current experimental state‐of‐knowledge on the effects of NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 on food intake, body weight and glucose homeostasis. Potential implications in human obesity will be discussed in relation to the evidence of changes in circulating levels of NUCB2/nesfatin‐1 in disease states, the occurrence of genetic NUCB2 polymorphisms and – in contrast to several other hormones – the independence of leptin signalling known to be blunted under conditions of chronically increased body weight.
Variation in the heritability of body mass index based on diverse twin studies: a systematic review
Authors: Min J. , Chiu D. T. , Wang Y. 
Published: August 2013

SummaryObjectivesOver the past three decades, twin studies have shown variation in the heritability of obesity. This study examined the difference of body mass index (BMI) heritability (BMI‐H) by population characteristics, such as sex, age, time period of observation and average BMI, as well as by broad social‐environmental factors as indicated by country‐level gross domestic product (GDP) per capita and GDP growth rate.MethodsTwin studies that reported BMI‐H and were published in English from January 1990 to February 2011 after excluding those with disease, special occupations or combined heritability estimates for country/ethnic groups were searched in PubMed. 32 studies were identified from Finland (7), the United Kingdom (6), the United States (3), Denmark (3), China (3), Netherlands (2), South Korea (2), Sweden (2) and four from other countries. Meta‐regression models with random effects were used to assess variation in BMI‐H.ResultsHeterogeneity of BMI‐H is significantly attributable to variations in age (<20, 20–55 and ≥56 years), time period of observation (i.e. year of data collection), average BMI and GDP (≤$20,000, $20,001–26,000 and >$26,000). BMI‐H was higher in adolescents (<20 years), in studies done in past years, and in populations with higher average BMIs or higher GDP per capita (≥$26,000) than their counterparts. Consistent lowering effects of high GDP growth rate (>median) on BMI‐H were shown through stratified analyses by GDP. BMI‐H was lower in countries of mid‐level GDP, particularly those experiencing rapid economic growth.ConclusionsBMI‐H is sensitive to age, time period of observation, average BMI, GDP and rapid economic growth.
Functional textiles for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lopes Cristina , Silva Diana , Delgado Luís , Correia Osvaldo , Moreira André 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAtopic dermatitis (AD) is a relapsing inflammatory skin disease with a considerable social and economic burden. Functional textiles may have antimicrobial and antipruritic properties and have been used as complementary treatment in AD. We aimed to assess their effectiveness and safety in this setting. We carried out a systematic review of three large biomedical databases. GRADE approach was used to rate the levels of evidence and grade of recommendation. Meta‐analyses of comparable studies were carried out. Thirteen studies (eight randomized controlled trials and five observational studies) met the eligibility criteria. Interventions were limited to silk (six studies), silver‐coated cotton (five studies), borage oil, and ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) fiber (one study each). Silver textiles were associated with improvement in SCORAD (2 of 4), fewer symptoms, a lower need for rescue medication (1 of 2), no difference in quality of life, decreased Staphyloccosus aureus colonization (2 of 3), and improvement of trans‐epidermal water loss (1 of 2), with no safety concerns. Silk textile use was associated with improvement in SCORAD and symptoms (2 of 4), with no differences in quality of life or need for rescue medication. With borage oil use only skin erythema showed improvement, and with EVOH fiber, an improvement in eczema severity was reported. Recommendation for the use of functional textiles in AD treatment is weak, supported by low quality of evidence regarding effectiveness in AD symptoms and severity, with no evidence of hazardous consequences with their use. More studies with better methodology and longer follow‐up are needed.
Solid‐Surface Vitrification and In‐Straw Dilution After Warming of In Vitro‐Produced Bovine Embryos
Authors: Rodriguez‐Villamil P , Ongaratto FL , Fernandez Taranco M , Bó GA 
Published: August 2013

ContentsThree experiments were designed to test a solid‐surface vitrification system for bovine in vitro‐produced embryos and to develop a simple method of in‐straw dilution after warming, which can be potentially used for direct transfer in the field. Experiment 1 evaluated embryo survival rates (i.e. re‐expansion and hatching) after vitrification and warming in three different solutions: VS1 (20% ethylene glycol (EG) + 20% propanediol (PROH) + 0.25 m trehalose (Tr)), VS2 (20% EG + 1M Tr) or VS3 (30% EG + 0.75 m Tr). Re‐expansion and hatching rates were higher (p < 0.05) for embryos vitrified in VS3 (72.2 ± 1.9 and 58.2 ± 0.8) than VS1 (64.4 ± 0.9 and 37.2 ± 2.5) or VS2 (68.5 ± 1.5 and 49.6 ± 1.0; p < 0.05). Experiment 2 was designed to compare two methods of vitrification: glass micropipettes or solid surface, using the VS1 or VS3 solutions. No significant differences were detected between the two methods; but re‐expansion and hatching rates were higher (p < 0.05) with VS3 (73.5 ± 3.1 and 47.1 ± 2.1) than VS1 (63.3 ± 3.3 and 39.7 ± 2.8). In experiment 3, embryos were vitrified by solid surface in VS1 or VS3 solutions and cryoprotectants were diluted in‐straw after warming in a TCM 199, 0.25 m sucrose solution or holding media. Survival rates of embryos vitrified in VS3 did not differ between those exposed to 0.25 m sucrose (74.7 ± 1.3 and 57.2 ± 2.2) or holding (77.3 ± 1.4 and 58.0 ± 2.5) medium after warming; however, survival rates of embryos vitrified in VS1 were higher (p < 0.05) in those exposed to 0.25 m sucrose (67.7 ± 2.3 and 47.0 ± 1.7) than holding medium (54.5 ± 1.0 and 27.7 ± 3.1). In conclusion, solid‐surface vitrification using simplified EG‐based solutions and in‐straw dilution with holding media may be a practical alternative for cryopreservation and direct transfer of in vitro‐produced bovine embryos.
Co‐regulation in Practices: The Hygiene Package in French Slaughterhouses
Authors: Bonnaud Laure , Coppalle Jérôme 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIn Europe, the food safety policy combines the regulatory interventions of member states with private standards. The Hygiene Package, which came into force on the 1 January 2006, is characteristic of this model. The aim of our article is to show that whilst we can learn about co‐regulation by examining the standards and principles on which it is based, we will gain an even better understanding by examining its actual implementation. From a sociological standpoint, we look at how the Hygiene Package was received and implemented in French slaughterhouses. (1) After setting out the structure of slaughterhouses in France and the ways in which veterinary services are organised, (2) the article looks at how inspection services have been affected by the introduction of the Hygiene Package, particularly with regard to the changes in relationships within the inspection service, between veterinarians and official auxiliaries and (3) it then examines the evolution in roles and responsibilities between veterinary services and food business operators.
Real‐time, non‐invasive microscopic confirmation of clinical diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid using in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy
Authors: Ardigò M. , Agozzino M. , Amorosi B. , Moscarella E. , Cota C. , de Abreu L. , Berardesca E. 
Published: August 2013

BackgroundBullous pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease affecting prevalently the elder. In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy is a non‐invasive technique for real‐time imaging of the skin with cellular‐level resolution. No previous data has been reported about confocal microscopy of bullous pemphigoid. Aim of this preliminary study is the evaluation of the potential of in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy for real‐time, microscopical confirmation of clinical bullous pemphigoid diagnosis.MethodsA total of nine lesions from patients affected by pemphigoid underwent in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy before histological examination.ResultsIn our preliminary study, confocal microscopy showed high grade of correspondence to histopathology. In particular, presence of sub‐epidermal cleft and variable amount of oedema of the upper dermis associated with inflammatory cells infiltration were seen as prevalent confocal features in the bullous lesions considered. Differently, in urticarial lesions, no specific features could be appreciated at confocal analysis beside the presence of signs of spongiosis and perivascular inflammation.ConclusionConfocal microscopy seems to be useful for in vivo, microscopical confirmation of the clinical suspect of bullous pemphigoid and for biopsy site selection in urticarial lesions to obtain a more significant specimen for histopathological examination.
Linear independence of cluster monomials for skew-symmetric cluster algebras
Authors: Cerulli Irelli Giovanni , Keller Bernhard , Labardini-Fragoso Daniel , Plamondon Pierre-Guy 
Published: August 2013

AbstractFomin–Zelevinsky conjectured that in any cluster algebra, the cluster monomials are linearly independent and that the exchange graph and cluster complex are independent of the choice of coefficients. We confirm these conjectures for all skew-symmetric cluster algebras.