bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endemism in host–parasite interactions among island populations of an endangered species
Authors: Harris Nyeema C. , Coonan Timothy J. , King Julie L. , Dunn Robert R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimImplicit in conserving interactions is the idea that species behave differently throughout their range, resulting in functionally dissimilar populations of the same species. Host–parasite interactions are a useful system to explore the pervasiveness of these ecological phenotypes. Here, we investigated whether the role of an endangered, endemic species to provide habitat for ectoparasites varies throughout the geographic distribution of the host.LocationChannel Islands, California.MethodsWe captured island foxes (Urocyon littoralis sp.) from three populations: Santa Catalina (n = 72), Santa Rosa (n = 79) and San Miguel (n = 83). We compared the extent to which variation in parasite attributes were due to differences among individuals or populations. As a measure of the latter, we used discriminant function analysis to determine whether individuals from the same population ‘cluster’ together when comparing patterns of intensity in various ectoparasites.ResultsWe identified eight ectoparasite species that included at least six new parasite records for island foxes. We found that ectoparasite attributes including diversity and intensity varied among host populations. More importantly, we show that knowing the parasite composition of the host can identify its population of origin, due to unique host–parasite interactions. Overall, we correctly ‘assigned’ 72% of island foxes to their actual, respective populations, although there were inconsistencies among populations.Main conclusionsIf foxes generally have the same parasite assemblage regardless of their respective populations, then conservation of a single population likely maintains all necessary species interactions and discriminate function analysis is uninformative in discerning population assignments of individuals. Our findings highlight the importance of conserving populations to maintain endemic interactions and caution against extrapolating the ecology (i.e. known species associations) of a species to other locations within their range.
Assessing the robustness of networks of spatial genetic variation
Authors: Albert Eva M. , Fortuna Miguel A. , Godoy José A. , Bascompte Jordi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractHabitat transformation is one of the leading drivers of biodiversity loss. The ecological effects of this transformation have mainly been addressed at the demographic level, for example, finding extinction thresholds. However, interpopulation genetic variability and the subsequent potential for adaptation can be eroded before effects are noticed on species abundances. To what degree this is the case has been difficult to evaluate, partly because of the lack of both spatially extended genetic data and an appropriate framework to map and analyse such data. Here, we extend recent work on the analysis of networks of spatial genetic variation to address the robustness of these networks in the face of perturbations. We illustrate the potential of this framework using the case study of an amphibian metapopulation. Our results show that while the disappearance of some spatial sites barely changes the modular structure of the genetic network, other sites have a much stronger effect. Interestingly, these consequences can not be anticipated using topological, static measures. Mapping these networks of spatial genetic variation will allow identifying significant evolutionary units and how they vanish, merge and reorganise following perturbations.
One goal, different strategies – molecular and cellular approaches for the treatment of inherited skin fragility disorders
Authors: Hünefeld Christian , Mezger Markus , Kern Johannes S. , Nyström Alexander , Bruckner‐Tuderman Leena , Müller Ingo , Handgretinger Rupert , Röcken Martin 
Published: January 2013

AbstractEpidermolysis bullosa (EB) is a heterogeneous group of inherited diseases characterized by the formation of blisters in the skin and mucosa. There is no cure or effective treatment for these potentially severe and fatal diseases. Over the past few years, several reports have proposed different molecular strategies as new therapeutic options for the management of EB. From classical vector‐based gene therapy to cell‐based strategies such as systemic application of bone marrow stem cells or local application of fibroblasts, a broad range of molecular approaches have been explored. This array also includes novel methods, such as protein replacement therapy, gene silencing and the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPCs). In this review, we summarize current concepts of how inherited blistering diseases might be treated in the future and discuss the opportunities, promises, concerns and risks of these innovative approaches.
Climate influences the global distribution of sea turtle nesting
Authors: Pike David A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimTo understand whether climate limits current sea turtle nesting distributions and shapes the ecological niche of the terrestrial life‐history stage of these wide‐ranging marine vertebrates.LocationCoastlines world‐wide.MethodsI predicted the spatial distributions of nesting habitat under current climatic conditions for seven sea turtle species using information criteria and maximum entropy modelling. I also compared niche similarity among species using three niche metrics: I, Schoener's D and relative rank.ResultsSea turtles currently nest across their entire bioclimatic envelopes, with up to six species predicted to nest on a single beach. The Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Australasia support high nesting diversity, with most regional areas supporting three to five species. Despite large overlap in nesting distributions among species, loggerhead and green turtles have the broadest environmental niches, while Kemp's ridley and flatback turtles have very narrow niches.Main conclusionsThe terrestrial nesting habitat of sea turtles is characterized by distinct climatic conditions, which are linked to the physical conditions necessary for eggs to hatch successfully and allow hatchlings to disperse from natal areas. Despite broad geographic patterns of overlap and similar embryonic tolerances to temperature and moisture among species, sea turtles partition habitat by nesting in different niche spaces. The tight link between current geographic patterns of nesting and climate, along with the dependence of developing embryos on nest microclimate, imply that regional or global changes in environmental conditions could differentially influence the distribution of sea turtle species under climate change. This could influence the adaptive potential of different populations, and predicting these responses before they occur will be important in mitigating the effects of climate change.
Keratins and lipids in ethnic hair
Authors: Cruz C. F. , Fernandes M. M. , Gomes A. C. , Coderch L. , Martí M. , Méndez S. , Gales L. , Azoia N. G. , Shimanovich U. , Cavaco‐Paulo A. 
Published: January 2013

SynopsisHuman hair has an important and undeniable relevance in society due to its important role in visual appearance and social communication. Hair is mainly composed of structural proteins, mainly keratin and keratin associated proteins and lipids. Herein, we report a comprehensive study of the content and distribution of the lipids among ethnic hair, African, Asian and Caucasian hair. More interestingly, we also report the study of the interaction between those two main components of hair, specifically, the influence of the hair internal lipids in the structure of the hair keratin. This was achieved by the use of a complete set of analytical tools, such as thin layer chromatography‐flame ionization detector, X‐ray analysis, molecular dynamics simulation and confocal microscopy. The experimental results indicated different amounts of lipids on ethnic hair compositions and higher percentage of hair internal lipids in African hair. In this type of hair, the axial diffraction of keratin was not observed in X‐ray analysis, but after hair lipids removal, the keratin returned to its typical packing arrangement. In molecular dynamic simulation, lipids were shown to intercalate dimers of keratin, changing its structure. From those results, we assume that keratin structure may be influenced by higher concentration of lipids in African hair.
Identifying the perceived training needs for Australian pharmacist prescribers
Authors: Hoti Kreshnik , Hughes Jeffery , Sunderland Bruce 
Published: January 2013

Abstract

Objective
To explore pharmacists’ perceived needs on training required to undertake an expanded prescribing role taking account of their years of registration, current professional practice area and preferred prescribing model.

Methods
A piloted self-administered questionnaire was distributed nationally to a random sample of pharmacists. Data were analysed using SPSS version18 software where data cross-tabulations, chi-squared and one-way analyses of variance were performed.

Key findings
A response rate of 40.4% (1049/2592) was achieved. Pathophysiology of conditions, principles of diagnosis, and patient assessment and monitoring were the most preferred training topics. There was no difference (P = 0.620) in pharmacists’ perceived needs for additional training with respect to the model of prescribing (i.e. supplementary or independent or both) and years of registration as pharmacists (P = 0.284). However, consultant pharmacists were less supportive of the need for additional training (P = 0.013). Pharmacists’ years of registration and professional practice influenced their training topic preferences. Supporters of an independent prescribing model only demonstrated a weaker preference for training in key therapeutic topics (P = 0.001).

Conclusions
This study provides information on key areas for consideration when training pharmacists for an expanded prescribing role. Although most pharmacists preferred a supplementary model of prescribing where doctors retain their diagnostic role, their strongest training preferences were for topics that provided pharmacists with further skills in patient diagnosis, assessment and monitoring.
Experimental evaluation of an electromechanical artificial urinary sphincter in an animal model
Authors: Valerio Massimo , Jichlinski Patrice , Dahlem Roland , Tozzi Piergiorgio , Mundy Anthony R. 
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
The AMS 800 urinary control system is the gold standard for the treatment of urinary incontinence due to sphincter insufficiency. Despite excellent functional outcome and latest technological improvements, the revision rate remains significant.
To overcome the shortcomings of the current device, we developed a modern electromechanical artificial urinary sphincter. The results demonstrated that this new sphincter is effective and well tolerated up to 3 months. This preliminary study represents a first step in the clinical application of novel technologies and an alternative compression mechanism to the urethra.
Objectives
To evaluate the effectiveness in continence achievement of a new electromechanical artificial urinary sphincter (emAUS) in an animal model.
To assess urethral response and animal general response to short‐term and mid‐term activation of the emAUS.
Materials and Methods
The principle of the emAUS is electromechanical induction of alternating compression of successive segments of the urethra by a series of cuffs activated by artificial muscles. Between February 2009 and May 2010 the emAUS was implanted in 17 sheep divided into three groups.
The first phase aimed to measure bladder leak point pressure during the activation of the device.
The second and third phases aimed to assess tissue response to the presence of the device after 2–9 weeks and after 3 months respectively. Histopathological and immunohistochemistry evaluation of the urethra was performed.
Results
Bladder leak point pressure was measured at levels between 1091 ± 30.6 cmH2O and 1244.1 ± 99 cmH2O (mean ± standard deviation) depending on the number of cuffs used. At gross examination, the explanted urethra showed no sign of infection, atrophy or stricture.
On microscopic examination no significant difference in structure was found between urethral structure surrounded by a cuff and control urethra. In the peripheral tissues, the implanted material elicited a chronic foreign body reaction. Apart from one case, specimens did not show significant presence of lymphocytes, polymorphonuclear leucocytes, necrosis or cell degeneration.
Immunohistochemistry confirmed the absence of macrophages in the samples.
Conclusions
This animal study shows that the emAUS can provide continence.
This new electronic controlled sequential alternating compression mechanism can avoid damage to urethral vascularity, at least up to 3 months after implantation.
After this positive proof of concept, long‐term studies are needed before clinical application could be considered.
Risk factors for different phenotypes of hypospadias: results from a Dutch case–control study
Authors: van Rooij Iris A.L.M. , van der Zanden Loes F.M. , Brouwers Marijn M. , Knoers Nine V.A.M. , Feitz Wout F.J. , Roeleveld Nel 
Published: January 2013

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add?
The various phenotypes of hypospadias may result from disturbances of dissimilar embryonic processes in different time windows, suggesting aetiological heterogeneity; however, only a few studies have investigated the risk factors for the different hypospadias phenotypes.
The study confirmed that genetic predisposition possibly plays a role in anterior and middle hypospadias, as shown by the large effect estimates for familial occurrence of these forms of hypospadias. By contrast, the posterior phenotype was more often associated with pregnancy‐related factors, such as primiparity, preterm delivery, and being small for gestational age. New findings were that hormone‐containing contraceptive use after conception increased the risk of middle and posterior hypospadias, while multiple pregnancies were associated with the posterior form in particular.
Objective
To identify specific risk factors for different phenotypes of hypospadias that may arise as a result of dissimilar embryonic processes in different time windows.
Patients and Methods
A total of 405 hypospadias cases and 627 male controls were included in a Dutch case–control study.
Medical records of cases were reviewed to determine the anatomical location of the urethral opening, while demographic, lifestyle and pregnancy‐related risk factor data were obtained from self‐administered questionnaires.
Multivariable and multinomial logistic regression analyses were used to calculate effect estimates for the group containing all cases of hypospadias and for the different hypospadias phenotypes.
Results
Cases were subdivided into anterior (glandular and coronal; 59%), middle (penile; 29%) and posterior (penoscrotal, scrotal and perineal; 12%) hypospadias.
Being a twin/triplet, primiparity, preterm delivery, and being small for gestational age were associated with hypospadias, particularly in posterior cases.
Family history of hypospadias increased the risk of hypospadias, an effect that seemed to be more predominant in anterior and middle forms.
Maternal obesity seemed to increase the risk of hypospadias in general, and hormone‐containing contraceptive use during pregnancy especially increased the risk of middle and posterior hypospadias.
Conclusions
Our study provides some indications for aetiological heterogeneity of hypospadias, separating anterior and middle phenotypes from posterior hypospadias.
Future research should continue to try to establish which specific risk factors and mechanisms may differ according to hypospadias phenotype.
Reading as a hermeneutical endeavour: whole‐class approaches to teaching narrative with low‐attaining adolescent readers
Authors: Westbrook Jo 
Published: January 2013

AbstractTeachers of reading in secondary schools know how important it is for low‐attaining readers to read whole narratives but time to do this in a crowded curriculum is limited and progress is more easily measured through reading smaller parts of texts. This paper reports on a longitudinal critical action research project in which three English teachers in two different urban secondary schools in the south of England read whole complex narratives with their classes of average and low‐attaining Year 8 students (12‐ to 13‐year‐olds) with their practice newly theorised by hermeneutics and intertextuality. These theoretical approaches encouraged the teachers to situate the texts in relation to other related texts that supported students in making inferential links. Moreover, teacher pedagogic discourse became newly focused on text structure and coherence as the whole class read the text together and rapidly to the end with pleasure and understanding. The long‐term impact of the action research suggests that such a theorised approach can influence teachers’ practice at a deep and sustainable level and in one school led to the introduction of a daily reading lesson where students read whole narratives they selected themselves, raising their reading ages and creating a reading culture.
Salivary buffer capacity, pH, and stimulated flow rate of crack cocaine users
Authors: Woyceichoski Iverson Ernani Cogo , Costa Carlos Henrique , de Araújo Cristiano Miranda , Brancher João Armando , Resende Luciane Grochocki , Vieira Iran , de Lima Antonio Adilson Soares 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAim:  Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. The use of this drug has been considered a public health problem in many countries. The aim of this study was to assess the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), pH, and the buffer capacity of saliva in crack cocaine users.Methods:  Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 54 selected crack cocaine users and 40 non‐users. All samples were analyzed for SSFR, pH, and buffer capacity. SSFR was analyzed by gravimetric method. The buffer capacity and pH were determined using a digital pH meter.Results:  The crack cocaine users demonstrated higher buffer capacity than the control group (P > 0.05). Salivary pH was lower in crack cocaine users (P < 0.05). Mean values of the SSFR for the experimental and control groups were 1.1 and 1.3 mL/min, respectively (P > 0.05).Conclusion:  Crack cocaine users might exhibit a significant decrease in salivary pH, but not in salivary flow rate or buffer capacity.
Legume Production and Irrigation Strategies in the Aral Sea Basin: Yield, Yield Components, Water Relations and Crop Development of Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and Mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)
Authors: Bourgault M. , Madramootoo C. A. , Webber H. A. , Dutilleul P. , Stulina G. , Horst M. G. , Smith D. L. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractWith world population expected to reach 9.2 billion people by 2050, improved irrigation methods will be needed to increase the productivity of agricultural land and improve food supply worldwide. The objective of this work was to examine the effect of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) and alternate furrow irrigation (AFI) on the yield and yield components of two legume species (common bean and mungbean) produced as a second crop following winter wheat in Uzbekistan, Central Asia. Water relations and crop development were also examined. The research was conducted during two successive growing seasons in the Fergana valley. Production of mungbean using the severe stress RDI treatment in combination with AFI resulted in the highest yields with the lowest quantity of applied water in 2004. In addition, yields of common bean in the moderate stress treatment were not different from the recommended schedule, although irrigation events were decreased from 4 to 2. AFI did not reduce yields, and it did not interact with RDI to reduce yields further. In general, mungbean yields were higher than those of common bean. The combination of AFI and RDI can allow legume production with reduced water inputs.
Factors Affecting the Color of Roasted Cocoa Bean
Authors: Krysiak Wiesława , Adamski Robert , Żyżelewicz Dorota 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe cacao bean of the Ivory Coast variety was convectionally roasted. The influence of parameters of air (temperature from the scope T = 110–150C, the speed of its flow v = 0.5 and 1.0 m/s, and the relative humidity = 0.3–0.8% or 2 and 5.0%) and time on the degree of browning of the cacao bean was analyzed. For the evaluation of the quality of the grain, two indicators were applied: OD460/OD525 and the F1/F3 ratio. Based on the data obtained, using the response surface methodology has optimized the process of cocoa roasting for its acceptable color.Practical ApplicationsThe process of roasting the cacao bean should contribute to achieving the acceptable physicochemical properties, such as the appropriate degree of browning of the bean. From a point of view of the technology of chocolate production, it is essential to know which factors of the roasting process will have a significant influence on the color change of the roasted cacao bean. It will allow one to predict changes in roasted bean and to select process conditions depending on quality requirements of the grain.
Cross talk between toll‐like receptor‐4 signaling and angiotensin‐II in liver fibrosis development in the rat model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Shirai Yusaku , Yoshiji Hitoshi , Noguchi Ryuichi , Kaji Kosuke , Aihara Yosuke , Douhara Akitoshi , Moriya Kei , Namisaki Tadashi , Kawaratani Hideto , Fukui Hiroshi 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackground and AimThe innate immune system, including toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) signaling cascade and angiotensin‐II (AT‐II) play important roles in the progression of liver fibrosis development; the cross talk between TLR4 and AT‐II has not been elucidated yet. The aim of the current study was to elucidate the effect of AT‐II type 1 receptor blocker (ARB), on the liver fibrosis development, especially in conjunction with the interaction of TLR4 and AT‐II in the rat model of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.MethodsFischer 344 rats were fed a choline‐deficient, l‐amino‐acid‐defined diet for 8 weeks and the effects of losartan were elucidated in conjunction with activated hepatic stellate cells (Ac‐HSC) activation, TLR4, nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), and transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) expressions. In vitro study was carried out to elucidate the effect of AT‐II on several indices including TLR4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, NF‐κB, and TGF‐β expressions in the rat HSC.ResultsARB markedly inhibited liver fibrosis development along with suppression of the number of Ac‐HSC and TGF‐β. These inhibitory effects of ARB were almost in parallel with suppression of the hepatic TLR4 and NF‐κB expressions. This in vitro study showed that AT‐II significantly augmented the TLR4 expression in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner via AT‐II type 1 receptor in the Ac‐HSC. AT‐II also augmented the lipopolysaccharide‐induced myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), NF‐κB, and TGF‐β and these increments were attenuated by treatment with ARB.ConclusionsThese studies indicated that the cross talk between TLR4 signaling cascade and AT‐II plays a pivotal role in liver fibrosis development in non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis.