bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and ligand bias at the μ‐opioid receptor
Authors: Kelly E 
Published: May 2013

In order to describe drug action at a GPCR, a full understanding of the pharmacological terms affinity, efficacy and potency is necessary. This is true whether comparing the ability of different agonists to produce a measurable response in a cell or tissue, or determining the relative ability of an agonist to activate a single receptor subtype and produce multiple responses. There is a great deal of interest in the μ‐opioid receptor (MOP receptor) and the ligands that act at this GPCR not only because of the clinically important analgesic effects produced by MOP agonists but also because of their liability to induce adverse effects such as respiratory depression and dependence. Our understanding of the mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as the ability to develop new, more effective MOP receptor drugs, depends upon the accurate determination of the efficacy with which these ligands induce coupling of MOP receptors to downstream signalling events. In this review, which is written with the minimum of mathematical content, the basic meaning of terms including efficacy, intrinsic activity and intrinsic efficacy is discussed, along with their relevance to the field of MOP receptor pharmacology, and in particular in relation to biased agonism at this important GPCR.Linked ArticlesRecent reviews on aspects of efficacy can be found at:Kenakin, T (2013). New concepts in pharmacological efficacy at 7TM receptors: IUPHAR Review 2. British Journal of Pharmacology 168: 554–575. doi: 10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2012.02223.xRoche D, Gil D and Giraldo J (2013). Mechanistic analysis of the function of agonists and allosteric modulators: reconciling two‐state and operational models. British Journal of Pharmacology 169: 1189–1202. doi: 10.1111/bph.12231
Ca2+ signals evoked by histamine H1 receptors are attenuated by activation of prostaglandin EP2 and EP4 receptors in human aortic smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pantazaka Evangelia , Taylor Emily J A , Bernard William G , Taylor Colin W 
Published: May 2013

Background and PurposeHistamine and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), directly and via their effects on other cells, regulate the behaviour of vascular smooth muscle (VSM), but their effects on human VSM are incompletely resolved.Experimental ApproachThe effects of PGE2 on histamine‐evoked changes in intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and adenylyl cyclase activity were measured in populations of cultured human aortic smooth muscle cells (ASMCs). Selective ligands of histamine and EP receptors were used to identify the receptors that mediate the responses.Key ResultsHistamine, via H1 receptors, stimulates an increase in [Ca2+]i that is entirely mediated by activation of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptors. Selective stimulation of EP2 or EP4 receptors attenuates histamine‐evoked Ca2+ signals, but the effects of PGE2 on both Ca2+ signals and AC activity are largely mediated by EP2 receptors.Conclusions and ImplicationsTwo important inflammatory mediators, histamine via H1 receptors and PGE2 acting largely via EP2 receptors, exert opposing effects on [Ca2+]i in human ASMCs.
Postural Influences on the Development of Infant Lateralized and Symmetric Hand‐Use
Authors: Babik Iryna , Campbell Julie M. , Michel George F. 
Published: May 2013

Within‐individual variability is such an apparent characteristic of infant handedness that handedness is believed to consolidate only in childhood. Research showed that manifest handedness is influenced by emerging postural skills (sitting, crawling, and walking). In this investigation, it was proposed that symmetric hand‐use (tendency to acquire objects bimanually), rather than lateralized hand‐use (the use of one hand more than the other), may be influenced by postural changes. Trajectories of lateralized and symmetric hand‐use for object acquisition were examined in 275 infants tested monthly from 6 to 14 months. Multilevel modeling revealed that change in lateralized hand‐use is unrelated to developmental transitions in infant posture, whereas the trajectory of symmetric hand‐use changes significantly with the development of postural skills.
Trends and associated factors in prevalence of dental trauma in Latin America and Caribbean: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Aldrigui Janaina Merli , Jabbar Nadia Salem , Bonecker Marcelo , Braga Mariana Minatel , Wanderley Marcia Turolla 
Published: May 2013

AbstractObjectivesThis study aimed to perform a systematic review on the prevalence of, and trends in, dental trauma in permanent teeth in ‘Latin America and Caribbean’ region and possible factors associated with this injury.MethodsLiterature search was carried out, in PubMed database up to 07 July 2011, for articles written in Portuguese, Spanish, or English reporting on dental trauma prevalence in the Latin American and Caribbean countries. Meta‐analyses were undertaken by using random effects modeling to satisfy the purposes of this review. Pooled estimates were calculated with a confidence interval of 95% (95% CI) both for prevalence and odds ratios (OR).ResultsThis online searching strategy collected and listed 2436 articles on this topic. After evaluating their titles and abstracts, only 24 were finally selected for complete review and data collection. All studies had been performed during adolescence, mostly in 12‐year‐old adolescents. The pooled prevalence of dental trauma in permanent teeth was 18.6%. Positive summary association of dental trauma with boys (pooled OR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.57–1.89), inadequate lip coverage (pooled OR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.45–3.52), and increased overjet (>5 mm) (pooled OR = 1.98; 95% CI: 1.61–2.44) were observed across all meta‐analysis models. Differences in estimation could be observed when different criteria were used for evaluating dental trauma. On the other hand, prevalence of dental trauma did not tend to show sudden changes over time, despite criteria used. Prevalence of dental trauma after 2000s tended to decrease over time.ConclusionsApproximately 15–20% of the adolescents in Latin American and Caribbean countries have shown some type of dental trauma in permanent teeth, and it seems there is a trend of decreasing prevalence of dental trauma in the studied areas of this region. Boys, adolescents presenting inadequate lip coverage, or an increased overjet greater than 5 mm are more likely to have traumatic dental injuries.
Leptin induces secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by human keratinocytes in vitro – a possible reason for increased severity of psoriasis in patients with a high body mass index
Authors: Xue Ke , Liu Haiyan , Jian Qiang , Liu Boqiang , Zhu Dongning , Zhang Min , Gao Lin , Li Chengxin 
Published: May 2013

AbstractInvestigations about prevalence of obesity in psoriasis patients are increased nowadays. Higher serum levels of leptin in patients with psoriasis who are overweight or obese suggest that leptin may serve as a molecular link between psoriasis and metabolic comorbidities. However, the pathological functions of leptin in psoriasis are not clearly understood. We investigated the influence of being overweight or obese on the risk of psoriasis, and the relationship between serum leptin levels and the severity of psoriasis in Chinese Han patients. We also investigated biological effects of leptin on the proliferation and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by human keratinocytes in vitro. Obesity was a significant risk factor for psoriasis in the Chinese Han population; however, we did not observe a significant correlation between Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and body mass index (BMI). We observed a positive correlation between the serum leptin level and PASI in overweight and obese male patients with psoriasis. Strong leptin immunoreactivity was detected in the epidermis of psoriatic lesions, particularly in keratinocytes. Leptin significantly increased the proliferation and secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines by keratinocytes in vitro. In conclusion, this study suggests leptin as a novel molecular link between psoriasis and obesity, which may help to explain the more server conditions of psoriasis in patients with obesity.
Fatigue behaviour of aluminium foam sandwiches
Authors: Palano F. , Nobile R. , Dattoma V. , Panella F.W. 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTAluminium foam sandwiches are subjected to four‐point bending fatigue test considering the effect of geometric parameters of panels, such as core and plate thickness, and loading mode, such as arm distance.Fatigue strength curves are expressed in terms of different stress amplitude parameters calculated using an analytical model based on laminated plate classical theory and a solid finite element method model. Despite, the notable fatigue data scatter, originated by foam intrinsic inhomogeneity, experimental fatigue curves are coherent and allow obtaining unified fatigue curves.
Connectivity and complexity of floodplain habitats govern zooplankton dynamics in a large temperate river system
Authors: Górski Konrad , Collier Kevin J. , Duggan Ian C. , Taylor Claire M. , Hamilton David P. 
Published: May 2013

Summary

Large river–floodplain systems are characterised by seasonal flow variability. High flows lead to hydrological connection between the main channel and inundated off‐channel lakes, wetlands and floodplains, which provide essential habitats for riverine biota. We tested the following hypotheses: (i) that crustacean zooplankton are more abundant in connected lentic habitats such as riverine lakes and wetlands and have a different community composition compared with the main channel and (ii) that vegetation structure will moderate abundances of crustacean zooplankton in the lower reaches of the Waikato River, New Zealand.

Zooplankton densities in main channel inflows and inundated floodplains showed clear seasonal changes, with cladoceran and copepod abundance peaks occurring in the majority of sites 2–3 weeks following the peak spring discharges (coinciding with the retreat of water from floodplains into the main channel).

Mean densities of zooplankton were highest in the inflows originating from riverine lakes (10–20 ind. L−1) where rotifers were dominant. We recorded significantly higher abundances of copepods in peat bog and swamp wetland inflows (c. 5 ind. L−1) relative to the main river channel and riverine lake inflows (0.1–1 ind. L−1). Some lake inflows also had high numbers of cladocerans (5–10 ind. L−1).

Inundated floodplains displayed heterogeneity in zooplankton community composition in relation to their structural complexity. Flooded forest accommodated higher numbers of copepods (c. 8 ind. L−1) and cladocerans (c. 17 ind. L−1) than flooded grassland, where zooplankton assemblages resembled those in the main river channel and were characterised by dominance of rotifers and low overall zooplankton densities (1–2 ind. L−1).

Our results suggest that seasonal flow and flood pulses, which determine the degree of connectivity of the main channel with the floodplain and off‐channel habitats, govern zooplankton densities and community structure in this large temperate river. Furthermore, the structural complexity of floodplain habitats may play an important role in enhancing riverine zooplankton diversity. We postulate that the post‐flood peak of large‐bodied cladocerans and copepods might have historically played an important role in the provision of food for juvenile fish such as migrating Galaxiidae.
Susceptibility to a metal under global warming is shaped by thermal adaptation along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Dinh Van Khuong , Janssens Lizanne , Debecker Sara , De Jonge Maarten , Lambret Philippe , Nilsson‐Örtman Viktor , Bervoets Lieven , Stoks Robby 
Published: May 2013

AbstractGlobal warming and contamination represent two major threats to biodiversity that have the potential to interact synergistically. There is the potential for gradual local thermal adaptation and dispersal to higher latitudes to mitigate the susceptibility of organisms to contaminants and global warming at high latitudes. Here, we applied a space‐for‐time substitution approach to study the thermal dependence of the susceptibility of Ischnura elegans damselfly larvae to zinc in a common garden warming experiment (20 and 24 °C) with replicated populations from three latitudes spanning >1500 km in Europe. We observed a striking latitude‐specific effect of temperature on the zinc‐induced mortality pattern; local thermal adaptation along the latitudinal gradient made Swedish, but not French, damselfly larvae more susceptible to zinc at 24 °C. Latitude‐ and temperature‐specific differences in zinc susceptibility may be related to the amount of energy available to defend against and repair damage since Swedish larvae showed a much stronger zinc‐induced reduction of food intake at 24 °C. The pattern of local thermal adaptation indicates that the predicted temperature increase of 4 °C by 2100 will strongly magnify the impact of a contaminant such as zinc at higher latitudes unless there is thermal evolution and/or migration of lower latitude genotypes. Our results underscore the critical importance of studying the susceptibility to contaminants under realistic warming scenarios taking into account local thermal adaptation across natural temperature gradients.
Characteristics of traditionally processed shea kernels and butter
Authors: Honfo Fernande G. , Linnemann Anita R. , Akissoe Noel , Soumanou Mohamed M. , van Boekel Martinus A. J. S. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe traditional production of shea butter requires a heat treatment of the nuts. This study compared the end products derived by two commonly used heat treatments, namely smoking and boiling followed by sun‐drying. Neither treatment influenced the moisture content of the kernels (8–10%), but the boiling treatment resulted in more free fatty acids (FFA) (6%) and a higher fat content (41%) of kernels. A sensory panel preferred shea butter from boiled kernels because of its soft texture and intense smell. This butter also had the highest values for moisture content (2%), unsaponifiable matter (7%), tocopherol compounds (125 mg g−1), peroxide value (8 meq O2 kg−1), iodine value (53 mg I2 100 g−1) and FFA (2%). Minor variations were noticed in the fatty acid profile. Aside from the use of butter from both boiled and smoked kernels in cosmetics, the butter from smoked kernels will be more suitable for food purposes.
Effects of postharvestUV‐Ctreatment on carotenoids and phenolic compounds of vine‐ripe tomatoes
Authors: Bravo Sergio , García‐Alonso Javier , Martín‐Pozuelo Gala , Gómez Victoria , García‐Valverde Verónica , Navarro‐González Inmaculada , Periago María Jesús 
Published: May 2013

SummaryLight red tomatoes were exposed to different doses of ultraviolet C (UV‐C) irradiation (1.0, 3.0 and 12.2 kJ m−2). After treatment, the tomatoes were stored for 2 days at room temperature, and then analysed to determine the effect of irradiation on the main antioxidants, carotenoids and phenolic compounds and the results compared with the control samples. The lycopene content was found to have increased by 14% with respect to the control samples, while β‐carotene decreased.Cis‐isomers from lycopene also increased when the tomatoes were exposed to irradiation for more than 3 h.UV‐Cirradiation also had a positive effect on total phenolic compounds; however, the same effect was not observed in the individually analysed phenolic compounds. While chlorogenic and ferulic acids increased in content, naringenin and rutin contents decreased. These results suggest thatUV‐Cirradiation of tomatoes could improve the beneficial effect of red tomatoes for human health by increasing the levels of certain bioactive compounds; it could also be used to obtain higher content of bioavailability components, such ascis‐isomers from lycopene.
Botulinum toxin treatment for bladder dysfunction
Authors: Santos‐Silva André , da Silva Carlos Martins , Cruz Francisco 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBotulinum toxin A is available under three different protein complexes that are not interchangeable until appropriate comparative studies are undertaken. The best studied for the treatment of urinary incontinence as a result of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder/idiopathic detrusor overactivity is onabotulinum toxin A. This brand is only approved for the treatment of urinary incontinence as a result of neurogenic detrusor overactivity at a dose of 200 U and idiopathic detrusor overactivity at a dose of 100 U. In patients with detrusor overactivity as a result of spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis, 200 U of onabotulinum toxin A should be injected in 30 different sites above the trigone. It was shown to be highly effective in curing or decreasing urinary symptoms of incontinence, increasing quality of life, increasing bladder capacity and decreasing maximal detrusor pressure. This effect was independent of the concomitant use of oral anticholinergic drugs. Adverse events were mild, mainly urinary tract infections and high postvoid residual requiring clean intermittent catheterization. In patients with overactive bladder/idiopathic detrusor overactivity, 100 U of onabotulinum toxin A should be injected in 20 sites above the trigone. It markedly decreases urinary incontinence and improves quality of life. Frequency and urgency episodes are also decreased. Adverse events are mild, mainly urinary tract infections and urinary retention. The latter occurred in just 5% of the patients. Candidates for onabotulinum toxin A treatment should be warned that the effect of the toxin is transient and that repeated injections will be required to maintain the effect in the long term. There is no evidence that repeated injections will have a decreased efficacy.
Depending on the Sky: Environmental Distress, Migration, and Coping in Rural Cambodia
Authors: Bylander Maryann 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIncreasingly, research seeks to understand how environmental distress motivates migration, often focusing on the importance of singular events such as flood, drought or crop loss. This article explores the case of a Cambodian community where environmental shocks have been frequent over the past decade and international migration has increased. It shows that as a result of recurring and varied environmental shocks, households increasingly perceive agriculture‐based livelihood strategies as unwise and risky. This perception is widespread even among households not directly experiencing income loss. As a result, households use migration as a replacement for local livelihood strategies. These findings support two arguments relevant for future research and policy. First, that environmental shocks have importance beyond their immediate, direct impact. Second, that recurring shocks can influence preferences for and risk perceptions of local investments. Thus for policies to effectively address environmental vulnerability and/or rural development in precarious environments, they must incorporate local understandings of risk and possibility.
Joining of Porous Alumina with a CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 Glass‐Ceramic
Authors: Zhu Weiwei , Chen Jichun , Jiang Chunhai , Hao Chuanyong , Zhang Jinsong 
Published: May 2013

A CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 (CAS)‐based glass interlayer was developed for joining of porous alumina membrane tubes with dense alumina in this work. The results indicated that the interfacial microstructure of the joint was highly sensitive to the quench rate from the joining temperature, which rendered crystallization of CaTiSiO5 at a fast quench rate but CaAl2Si2O8 at a slow quench rate due to the interfacial reaction between the CAS glass interlayer and the substrate. An extra crystallization treatment during quench, i.e., dwelling at 800°C–900°C for 2 h, produced a multiphase interlayer consisting of LiAlSi2O6, CaTiSiO5, and CaAl2Si2O8. All joints were evaluated by the thermal shock test. The results showed that the LiAlSi2O6‐containing joint interlayer had much lower thermal shock resistance than those without LiAlSi2O6.
Microstructures and Microwave Dielectric Properties of Bi2O3‐Deficient Bi12SiO20 Ceramics
Authors: Jeong Byoung‐Jik , Joung Mi‐Ri , Kweon Sang‐Hyo , Kim Jin‐Seong , Nahm Sahn , Choi Ji‐Won , Hwang Seong‐Ju 
Published: May 2013

The Microstructure and microwave dielectric properties of Bi2O3‐deficient Bi12SiO20 ceramics were investigated. A small amount of unreacted Bi2O3 phase melted during sintering at 825°C and assisted with densification and grain growth in all samples. The melted Bi2O3 reacted with remnant SiO2 during cooling to form a Bi4Si3O12 secondary phase. The nominal composition of Bi11.8SiO19.7 ceramics sintered at 825°C for 4 h had a high relative density of 97% of the theoretical density, and good microwave dielectric properties: εr = 39, Q × f = 74 000 GHz, and τf = −14.1 ppm/°C. Moreover, this ceramic did not react with Ag at 825°C.
Evolution of pleiotropic costs in experimental populations
Authors: Jasmin J.‐N. , Zeyl C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe fitness of populations adapting to new environments is expected to decline in different environments, but empirical studies often do not lend support for such adaptation costs. We test the idea that the initial fitness of the selected populations in the environment where the cost is estimated is key for interpreting tests of ecological trade‐offs. We isolated single clones of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae every ~250 generations from replicate experimental lineages that had been selected during 5000 generations in a glucose‐limited environment. We then selected these clones in a galactose‐limited environment for ~120 generations. Finally, we estimated single‐clone fitness in both environments, before and after selection on galactose. The pleiotropic effects on glucose of selection on galactose evolved from positive to negative as fitness in glucose increased, providing strong support for the importance of initial fitness for determining the sign and magnitude of pleiotropic effects. This demonstrates that the sign of pleiotropic effects for fitness following adaptation to a new environment can change during long‐term adaptation to an original environment. We also found no relationship between the size of the fitness changes in galactose and glucose, such that pleiotropic effects in glucose became relatively smaller as the sizes of direct effects on galactose increased.
Interaction of acid exudates in chickpea with biological activity of Bacillus thuringiensis towards Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Devi V. Surekha , Rao P. A. , Sharma S. P. , Sharma H. C. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe gram pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera, is one of the most important constraints to chickpea production. High acidity of chickpea exudates is associated with resistance to pod borer, H. armigera; however, acidic exudates in chickpea might influence the biological activity of the bacterium, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), applied as a foliar spray or deployed in transgenic plants for controlling H. armigera. Therefore, studies were undertaken to evaluate the biological activity of Bt towards H. armigera on chickpea genotypes with different amounts of organic acids. Significantly lower leaf feeding, larval survival and larval weights were observed on ICC 506EB, followed by C 235, and ICCV 10 across Bt concentrations. Leaf feeding by the larvae and larval survival and weights decreased with an increase in Bt concentration. However, rate of decrease in leaf feeding and larval survival and weights with an increase in Bt concentration was greater on L 550 and ICCV 10 than on the resistant check, ICC 506EB, suggesting that factors in the resistant genotypes, particularly the acid exudates, resulted in lower levels of biological activity of Bt possibly because of antifeedant effects of the acid exudates. Antifeedant effects of acid exudates reduced food consumption and hence might reduce the efficacy of Bt sprays on insect‐resistant chickpea genotypes or Bt‐transgenic chickpeas, although the combined effect of plant resistance based on organic acids, and Bt had a greater effect on survival and development of H. armigera than Bt alone.