bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mate choice for indirect genetic benefits: scrutiny of the current paradigm
Authors: KOTIAHO J. S. , PUURTINEN M. 
Published: May 2007

SummarySexual selection through mate choice, and in particular female choice for indirect fitness benefits for their offspring, is a major paradigm that currently seems to enjoy almost unequivocal acceptance. A large body of theoretical work has been built to explain the evolution of mate choice in the absence of direct benefits, and the empiricists have enthusiastically verified the various assumptions and predictions of the theory.However, the relative importance of mate choice for indirect benefits in comparison to choice for direct benefits or to other mechanisms of sexual selection such as male–male competition or sensory exploitation remains a controversial issue, and this seems to be forgotten in many empirical studies.Here we discuss what mate choice is, and how mating bias resulting from mate choice can be distinguished from mating biases resulting from other mechanisms such as male–male competition or sensory exploitation. We will argue that the evidence for active mate choice for indirect benefits is not as compelling as the current paradigm suggests, and that the current emphasis on active mate choice for indirect benefits has resulted in a distorted view of the nature of sexual selection. We emphasize that unlike the other mechanisms, active mate choice must come with a cost to females.We conclude by suggesting what we feel are three important areas that require further study before active mate choice for indirect fitness benefits should be concluded.
Mechanism of resistance to bensulfuron‐methyl in Alisma plantago‐aquatica biotypes from Portuguese rice paddy fields
Authors: CALHA I M , OSUNA M D , SERRA C , MOREIRA I , DE PRADO R , ROCHA F 
Published: May 2007

SummaryTwo Alisma plantago‐aquatica biotypes resistant to bensulfuron‐methyl were detected in rice paddy fields in Portugal’s Mondego (biotype T) and Tagus and Sorraia (biotype Q) River valleys. The fields had been treated with bensulfuron‐methyl‐based herbicide mixtures for 4–6 years. In order to characterize the resistant (R) biotypes, dose–response experiments, absorption and translocation assays, metabolism studies and acetolactate synthase (ALS) activity assays were performed. There were marked differences between R and susceptible (S) biotypes, with a resistance index (ED50R/S) of 500 and 6.25 for biotypes Q and T respectively. Cross‐resistance to azimsulfuron, cinosulfuron and ethoxysulfuron, but not to metsulfuron‐methyl, imazethapyr, bentazone, propanil and MCPA was demonstrated. No differences in the absorption and translocation of 14C‐bensulfuron‐methyl were found between the biotypes studied. Maximum absorption attained 1.12, 2.02 and 2.56 nmol g−1 dry weight after 96 h incubation with herbicide, for S, Q and T biotypes respectively. Most of the radioactivity taken up by the roots was translocated to shoots. Bensulfuron‐methyl metabolism in shoots was similar in all biotypes. The R biotypes displayed a higher level of ALS activity than the S biotype, both in the presence and absence of herbicide and the resistance indices (IC50R/S) were 20 197 and 10 for biotypes Q and T respectively. These data confirm for the first time that resistance to bensulfuron‐methyl in A. plantago‐aquatica is target‐site‐based. In practice, to control target site R biotypes, it would be preferable to use mixtures of ALS inhibitors with herbicides with other modes of action.
Promoter hypomethylation of protease‐activated receptor 2 associated with carcinogenesis in the stomach
Authors: Arisawa Tomiyasu , Tahara Tomomitsu , Shibata Tomoyuki , Nagasaka Mitsuo , Nakamura Masakatsu , Kamiya Yoshio , Fujita Hiroshi , Takagi Tamaki , Hasegawa Shin , Wang Fang‐Yu , Hirata Ichiro , Nakano Hiroshi 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground and Aim:  Trypsin acting at protease‐activated receptor 2 (PAR2) contributes to a progression of malignant tumors. An abnormal DNA methylation has been recognized as an important molecular mechanism for the genesis of various types of cancers. We attempted to clarify the relationship between the promoter methylation of PAR2 and gastric cancer.Method:  We estimated the methylation of the PAR2 promoter in both antral non‐cancerous mucosa and cancer lesions in 94 patients with gastric cancer. We employed a methylation‐specific PCR method.Results:  Regarding the methylation ratio (MR) of antral‐non‐cancerous mucosa, no significant difference was despite among gender, age and Helicobacter pylori infection status, whereas MR increased rising inflammation scores. The MR of cancer lesions was significantly lower than that of antral non‐cancerous mucosa. This finding was not dependent on tumor staging, but also histological classification. In venous invasion, lymph node metastasis, or peritoneal dissemination negative cases, this significant lower MR was also seen.Conclusion:  The promoter methylation of PAR2 seems to be increased with a progression of chronic inflammation and has an inhibitory effect on carcinogenesis of the stomach.
Low dose of rectal thiopental sodium for pediatric sedation in spiral computed tomography study
Authors: AKHLAGHPOOR SHAHRAM , SHABESTARI ABBAS ARJMAND , MOGHDAM MOHSEN SHOJAEI 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of reduced new dose in rectal sedation by thiopental sodium for computed tomography (CT) diagnostic imaging.Methods: A total of 90 children (mean age, 24.21 month ± 13.63 [standard deviation]) underwent spiral CT study after rectal administration of thiopental sodium injection solution. The new dose ranged from 15 to 25 mg/kg with a total dose of 350 mg. The percentage of success and adverse reaction were evaluated.Results: Sedation was successful in 98% of infants and children with an average time of 8.04 min ± 6.87 (standard deviation). One of the cases found desaturation, two experienced vomiting, 14 found rectal defecation, and two experienced hyperactivity. No prolonged sedation was observed.Conclusion: Rectal administration of thiopental sodium for pediatric CT imaging is safe and effective even for hyperextend position by new reduced dose of the drug. This procedure could be easily done in the CT department under supervision of the radiologist.
Clinical characteristics and survival of trisomy 13 in a medical center in Taiwan, 1985–2004
Authors: LIN HSIANG‐YU , LIN SHUAN‐PEI , CHEN YEN‐JIUN , HSU CHYONG‐HSIN , KAO HSIN‐AN , CHEN MING‐REN , HUNG HAN‐YANG , HO CHE‐SHENG , CHANG JUI‐HSING , HUANG FU‐YUAN , TSAI TSUEN‐CHIUAN , LIN DAR‐SHONG , CHAN WAI‐TAO 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground: This study investigated the survival and natural history of trisomy 13 in a series of patients, comparing the management and outcome before and after the implementation of Taiwan’s National Health Insurance program (NHI).Methods: A total of 28 cases of trisomy 13 seen at Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, from 1985 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. Survival and management before (12 cases) and after (16 cases) the implementation of National Health Insurance were compared, and structural defects, imaging findings, and cytogenetic results were analyzed. The cases that were diagnosed prenatally, and finally terminated, were excluded from this study. The diagnosis of trisomy 13 was based on the postnatal chromosome analysis.Results: All patients except one with trisomy 13 translocation died in their first year because of severe malformations of the cardiovascular or central nervous system. The median survival was 9 days. After implementation of National Health Insurance, survival with trisomy 13 was significantly longer than before (P < 0.05). The three most common structural defects were abnormal auricular helices or low‐set ears (89%), cryptorchidism and abnormal scrotum of male (73%) and cleft lip and/or palate (71%). Using echocardiography, the most commonly detected heart defects were patent ductus arteriosus (68%), ventricular septal defect (50%) and atrial septal defect (50%), and eight cases (36%) had complex congenital heart defects. The most common brain lesion was lenticulostriate vasculopathy (22%), followed by holoprosencephaly (17%), brain edema (13%) and subependymal cyst (13%).Conclusions: Early diagnosis and the survival patterns from the data collected should be used to inform parents and health‐care professionals to assist in decision making. Although most patients with trisomy 13 die within the first weeks after birth, it is important to recognize that a few may survive the first year. When counseling families, the long‐term survival prospects of trisomy 13 patients should be included.
Hydration of the stratum corneum
Authors: BATT M. D. , FAIRHURST E. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisTopically applied water, occlusion and topically applied glycerol were used to investigate and characterize some of the changes which occur in the hydrated stratum corneum. The effects of these treatments were monitored using non‐invasive techniques under controlled conditions.The Servomed Evaporimeter was used to determine natural water flux from the skin surface before and after treatment. The performance of the Evaporimeter in this type of study had previously been improved by attaching a paper baffle to the detector. This eliminated the variance in output caused by atmospheric movement. Experiments were carried out at temperatures below the threshold of thermal sweating and emotional sweating was minimized.Skin surface topography was characterized by means of a new type of profilometer. The instrument's design allowed a diamond stylus to traverse the living skin surface without significantly altering its structure. Changes in skin surface roughness were further elucidated using scanning electron microscopy and macrophotography. In vivo penetration of glycerol was assessed by chemical analysis of stratum corneum layers of treated skin. Samples were obtained by sequential stripping of the stratum corneum using adhesive tape.Topically applied water produced only a transient benefit because of rapid evaporation. More prolonged hydration was achieved by suppressing transepidermal water loss with polyethylene film. This occlusive hyperhydration was characterized by a significant reduction in profile roughness and by a smoother macroscopic appearance.Glycerol achieved the same effects by reducing the magnitude of the natural water flux from the skin surface and by reducing the rate of evaporation of water from applied aqueous glycerol solution or cosmetic product. Both effects were seen as the result of lowered water activity in the proximity of glycerol.Smoothing effects of glycerol on the skin surface, and improved appearance, persisted for at least 24 h. This persistence was explained by evidence for diffusion of glycerol into the stratum corneum where it formed a reservoir.Hydration of the skin is known to affect its barrier function and thereby exert a profound effect on penetration of both lipophilic and hydrophilic molecules. Clinically, this effect may be achieved using liberal applications of occlusive petroleum jelly and ointments. The results presented in this paper suggest that the use of humectants could achieve useful hydration using cosmetically acceptable materials.
Influence of PEG‐12 Dimethicone addition on stability and formation of emulsions containing liquid crystal
Authors: Andrade F. F. , Santos O. D. H. , Oliveira W. P. , Rocha‐Filho P. A. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisOil/water emulsions, containing liquid crystals, were developed employing Andiroba oil, PEG‐12 Dimethicone and Crodafos CES®. It was evaluated the influence of silicone surfactants on the emulsions stability and on the formation of liquid crystalline phases and therefore, physicochemical characteristics, such as rheology and zeta potential, were evaluated. Emulsions were prepared by the emulsions phase inversion method. All the formulations presented lamellar liquid crystalline phases. The PEG‐12 Dimethicone addition did not change microscopically the liquid crystalline phases. The emulsions containing silicone demonstrated lower viscosity than those without the additive. This is an important feature, as the silicone did not change the rheological profile; however, the addition of silicone still can be used as a viscosity controller. The formulations had their viscosity increased 15 and 150 days after their preparation. This characteristic shows that the emulsions have their organization increased along the storing time. In the analysis of zeta potential, we could verify that all formulations presented negative values between −39.7 and −70.0 mV. Within this range of values, the emulsion physical stability is high (Fig. 10). It was concluded that the addition of PEG‐12 Dimethicone kept the liquid crystalline phase of the emulsion obtained with Crodafos CES®, influencing in a positive way in the system stability. Values of the zeta potential.image
Anti‐microbial and ‐inflammatory activity and efficacy of phytosphingosine: an in vitro and in vivo study addressing acne vulgaris
Authors: Pavicic T. , Wollenweber U. , Farwick M. , Korting H. C. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisLipids are important constituents of the human epidermis. Either free and organized into broad lipid bilayers in the intercorneocytes spaces, or covalently bound to the corneocyte envelope, they play a crucial role in permeability barrier function and are major contributors to cutaneous anti‐microbial defense. Free sphingoid bases are a recent addition to this family of active lipids, which emerged from studies of breakdown products from ceramides. Phytosphingosine (PS) is a lipid occurring naturally in the stratum corneum, both in its free form and as a part of the major fraction of ceramides. The biotechnological production of PS patented by Degussa yields to PS with the correct configuration present in the skin. So, application of a PS containing formulation leads to its integration into the natural lipid structures of the skin. In acne, different pathogenetic factors contribute to the inflammation process, defect in keratinization, increased sebaceous gland activity and increased colonization of Propionibacterium acnes. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies confirm the previous reports on strong anti‐microbial effectiveness of skin‐identical PS produced by Degussa in vitro and in vivo. In addition, PS shows excellent clinical results in the context of skin care in acne, based on both anti‐inflammatory and anti‐microbial activity. These results demonstrate the potential of PS to enhance or complement existing acne therapies acting as an active cosmetic ingredient.
A short history of sweat gland biology
Authors: Wilke K. , Martin A. , Terstegen L. , Biel S. S. 
Published: May 2007

SynopsisThe axilla, especially its microflora and axillary sweat glands as well as their secretions, is the main target of cosmetic compositions such as deodorants or antiperspirants. There are three types of sweat glands present in the axillary skin, namely apocrine, eccrine and apoeccrine sweat glands. Here, we provide an overview of the morphological, structural and functional characteristics of the different gland types and present techniques that allow their clear distinction. Moreover, we describe different forms of perspiration as physical reactions to external and internal stimuli.
Backward masking and visual mismatch negativity: Electrophysiological evidence for memory‐based detection of deviant stimuli
Authors: Czigler István , Weisz Júlia , Winkler István 
Published: May 2007

AbstractSequences composed of two different colored checkerboard patterns (standard and deviant) were presented to adults. Each pattern was followed by a mask with stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) varying between 14 and 174 ms. ERPs were recorded to the deviant and standard stimuli while the participants detected changes of a cross, which was continuously present at the center of the screen. In further experiments, the participants performed a Go‐NoGo task detecting the deviant checkerboards. Deviant stimuli elicited an occipital negative component with 124–132 ms mean latency (the visual mismatch negativity, vMMN) at test (standard or deviant)‐to‐mask SOAs longer than 27 ms. No vMMN amplitude increase was observed beyond 40 ms test‐to‐mask intervals, whereas detection of deviant checkerboard patterns improved up to 174‐ms SOA. Therefore the processes underlying vMMN elicitation cannot fully explain the overt detection of visual deviance.
Clinical and instrumental study of the efficacy of a new sebum control cream
Authors: Dobrev Hristo 
Published: May 2007

SummaryBackground  Some botanical compounds are considered useful to reduce sebum production.Aim  To evaluate the efficacy of a sebum control cream containing polyphenol‐rich extract from saw palmetto, sesame seeds, and argan oil in subjects with oily facial skin.Methods  The study was carried out during the winter months (January and February). A total of 20 healthy volunteers (9 male and 11 female, aged 17–50 years, 16 with oily skin and 4 with combined skin) were studied. The test product was applied twice daily to the face for a period of 4 weeks. A clinical assessment and instrumental measurements were done before and after the treatment period. Casual sebum level on the forehead and both cheeks was determined with a photometric device (Sebumeter®). The quantity of sebum on the midforehead was determined using sebum collector foils (Sebufix®), which were then evaluated with skin camera Visioscope® and software SELS (Surface Evaluation of the Living Skin). A subjective evaluation questionnaire regarding the cosmetic characteristics, tolerance, and efficacy of the product was filled out by the volunteers at the end of study.Results  The product was very well accepted by all the volunteers. A visible sebum‐regulating efficacy was reported in 95% of them. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical assessment scores decreased by 33%. There was a significant reduction in the casual sebum level by 20% and area covered with oily spots by 42%. The number of active sebaceous glands remained unaltered.Conclusion  These results objectively and quantitatively show the efficacy of the sebum control cream tested to reduce the greasiness and improve the appearance of oily facial skin.
Dispersal distances of juvenile radiotagged Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus on moors in northern England
Authors: WARREN PHILIP , BAINES DAVID 
Published: May 2007

Radio‐transmitters were fitted on 146 juvenile Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus (116 hens, 30 cocks) to study the timing, frequency and distances of dispersal on managed grouse moors in northern England between 1999 and 2002. A third of the radiotagged birds were shot. Disturbance on shoot days meant that radiotagged birds were shot at points more than twice as far from the catch location as the points when they were last recorded alive. For birds that were shot, the distance from the catch location to the place they were shot was more than twice the natal dispersal distances of the survivors. Therefore, shot birds were excluded from the dispersal analysis. Juvenile hens dispersed significantly further (mean 861 m, range 50–4660 m) than juvenile cocks (mean 343 m, range 90–660 m). Dispersal distances were not related to predispersal Grouse densities at the catch area in summer or to Grouse densities in the following spring. The mean date of dispersal for juvenile hens was 6 October ± 4 days (se), with only one record of spring dispersal (14 March) of 1490 m.
Prolonged Exposure to Levetiracetam Reveals a Presynaptic Effect on Neurotransmission
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Feng , Weisenfeld Aryan , Rothman Steven M. 
Published: May 2007

Summary:  Purpose: The antiepileptic drug levetiracetam (LEV) is an enigma. Despite the fact that it specifically binds to the presynaptic vesicle protein, SV2A, no satisfactory mechanism of action has yet been identified. Using a combination of electrophysiological and cellular imaging techniques, we carefully tested the hypothesis that LEV directly interferes with neurotransmitter release. Methods: We measured extracellular evoked responses in the CA1 region of rat hippocampal slices after paired pulse stimulation and after application of up to 10 pulses applied at 5–80 Hz. In parallel experiments, we used quantitative 2‐photon microscopy and the fluorescent vesicular marker FM1–43 to measure the effect of repetitive stimulation on presynaptic vesicle release. Results: Acute exposure to LEV (100 μM) had no effect on paired pulse synaptic responses. However, when slices were exposed to LEV for 3 h, there was a significant alteration in paired pulse responses and a more striking reduction in late synaptic potentials delivered in an 80 Hz train. LEV significantly reduced the rate of vesicle release assessed by FM1–43 destaining during 1 Hz stimulation. Conclusion: LEV is unique among currently available antiepileptics, because it directly inhibits presynaptic neurotransmitter release in a use‐dependent fashion. While there are alternate explanations for this observation, it is plausible that LEV exerts its effect by binding to a protein selectively expressed in presynaptic nerve terminals.
The Antiepileptic Drug Levetiracetam Stabilizes the Human Epileptic GABAA Receptors upon Repetitive Activation
Authors: Palma Eleonora , Ragozzino Davide , Angelantonio Silvia Di , Mascia Addolorata , Maiolino Francesca , Manfredi Mario , Cantore Giampaolo , Esposito Vincenzo , Di Gennaro Giancarlo , Quarato Pierpaolo , Miledi Ricardo , Eusebi Fabrizio 
Published: May 2007

Summary:  Purpose: GABAA receptors from the brain of patients afflicted with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) become less efficient (run‐down) when repetitively activated by GABA. Experiments were designed to investigate whether the antiepileptic drug, levetiracetam (LEV), which is used as an adjunctive treatment for medically intractable MTLE, counteracts the GABAA receptor run‐down. Methods: GABAA receptors were microtransplanted from the brains of patients afflicted with MTLE into Xenopus oocytes. The GABA‐current run‐down, caused by repetitive applications of GABA, was investigated using the standard two‐microelectrode voltage‐clamp technique. Additionally, the GABA‐current run‐down was investigated directly on pyramidal neurons in human MTLE cortical slices. Results: It was found that, in oocytes injected with membranes isolated from the MTLE neocortex, the GABA‐current run‐down was inhibited by a 3‐h pretreatment with 0.5–100 μM LEV. Moreover, the GABAA receptors of pyramidal neurons in human neocortical slices exhibited a current run‐down that was significantly reduced by 1 μM LEV. Interestingly, the run‐down in oocytes injected with membranes isolated from the MTLE hippocampal subiculum was not affected by LEV. Conclusions: We report that the antiepileptic LEV strengthens GABA inhibition of neuronal circuits by blocking the receptor run‐down in the cortex whilst leaving the run‐down of GABAA receptors in the hippocampal subiculum unaltered. These findings point to the GABAA receptor run‐down as an important event in epileptogenesis and as a possible target for testing and screening antiepileptic drugs.