bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Narrowband UVB phototherapy for small plaque parapsoriasis
Authors: Aydogan K , Karadogan SK , Tunali S , Adim SB , Ozcelik T 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground  Narrowband UVB (NB‐UVB) phototherapy has been shown to be effective for the treatment of various dermatoses.Objective  To analyze the effects of NB‐UVB phototherapy for small plaque parapsoriasis (SPP).Methods  The response of 45 patients (24 females, 21 males, age range 20–58 years) with histologically confirmed SPP were assessed. NB‐UVB therapy was given 3–4 times weekly. The initial treatment dose was 70% of the minimal erythema dose. The doses were increased gradually with a standard increment of 20/10/0. Clinical response was determined as follows: complete response (CR), at least 90% clearing of skin lesions; partial response (PR), at least 50% but less than 90% clearing and no response (NR), less than 50% clearing. The follow‐up period was 6–24 months after the treatment.Results  NB‐UVB treatment led to CR in 33 of 45 patients (73.3%) with a mean cumulative dose of 14.3 J/cm2 (range 3.2–24.1 J/cm2) after a mean number of 29 exposures (range 16–51 sessions); PR in 12 of 45 (26.6%) with a cumulative dose of 15.6 J/cm2 (range 10.4–23.3 J/cm2) after a mean number of 29.4 exposures (range 25–50 sessions). Nineteen patients with CR had skin phototype II, 13 had type III and 1 had type I. Among the patients with PR, 7 had skin phototype II and 5 had type III. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation was observed in 51% of the patients. Relapses occurred in six patients within a mean time of 7.5 months (2–12 months).Conclusion  NB‐UVB phototherapy has several advantages over treatment with broadband UVB and PUVA. NB‐UVB therapy for patients with SPP is an effective, safe and practical alternative treatment modality. Further larger studies with longer follow‐up periods are necessary to determine the proper clinical response and long‐term complications of NB‐UVB therapy in this disease.
Relative vulnerability of female turtles to road mortality
Authors: Steen D. A. , Aresco M. J. , Beilke S. G. , Compton B. W. , Condon E. P. , Kenneth Dodd C. , Forrester H. , Gibbons J. W. , Greene J. L. , Johnson G. , Langen T. A. , Oldham M. J. , Oxier D. N. , Saumure R. A. , Schueler F. W. , Sleeman J. M. , Smith L. L. , Tucker J. K. , Gibbs J. P. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractRecent studies suggest that freshwater turtle populations are becoming increasingly male‐biased. A hypothesized cause is a greater vulnerability of female turtles to road mortality. We evaluated this hypothesis by comparing sex ratios from published and unpublished population surveys of turtles conducted on‐ versus off‐roads. Among 38 166 turtles from 157 studies reporting sex ratios, we found a consistently larger female fraction in samples from on‐roads (61%) than off‐roads (41%). We conclude that female turtles are indeed more likely to cross roadways than are males, which may explain recently reported skewed sex ratios near roadways and signify eventual population declines as females are differentially eliminated.
Predator discrimination and ‘personality’ in captive Vancouver Island marmots (Marmota vancouverensis)
Authors: Blumstein D. T. , Holland B.‐D. , Daniel J. C. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA major impediment to recovering declining populations successfully is the mortality of reintroduced or translocated animals. We generally assume that captive‐born animals may lose their antipredator behaviour abilities in captivity, but studies rarely compare predator recognition abilities of captive‐born and wild‐captured animals to test this. To identify whether predator discrimination abilities of the critically endangered Vancouver Island marmots Marmota vancouverensis were lost in captivity, we presented wild‐captured and captive‐born marmots with taxidermic mounts of predators (a cougar Felis concolor and wolf Canis lupus) together with control stimuli (marmot, domestic goat Capra aegagrus, the cart on which all stimuli were presented and a ‘blank’ no‐stimulus control). Regardless of specific predator discrimination abilities, for some species overall ‘personality’ may be associated with response to predators and subsequent survival. Thus, to quantify overall reactivity in the presence of a predator, we also conducted a mirror‐image stimulus (MIS) presentation experiment where marmots were video‐recorded with or without the presence of a wolf. Marmots discriminated among these stimuli, responding the most to the wolf and cougar. The MIS results suggest that marmots varied along a continuum of reactivity. The amount of reactivity was unaffected by the presence of a wolf, and was correlated with our highest level of responsiveness (vigilance at the burrow and time within the burrow) to the wolf. Taken together, we conclude that marmots differentiate predators from non‐predators and that this ability has not been lost under the conditions in which they have been reared.
Effect of local prey availability on gyrfalcon diet: DNA analysis on ptarmigan remains at nest sites
Authors: Nyström J. , Dalén L. , Hellström P. , Ekenstedt J. , Angleby H. , Angerbjörn A. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate how the diet of gyrfalcon Falco rusticolus in northern Sweden was affected by the relative availability of its two main prey species: rock ptarmigan Lagopus mutus and willow ptarmigan Lagopus lagopus. In order to do so, we needed a method to estimate the gyrfalcon's diet proportions of rock and willow ptarmigan from prey remains that we collected from nest sites in separate breeding territories. We also needed a method to calculate the availability of the two prey species in the same breeding territories that the prey remains originated from. We could then compare the diet proportions with prey availability and investigate if the gyrfalcons utilized the two species strictly in relation to their densities, or if they showed a preference for any of the prey species. Morphometric identification to species level from ptarmigan remains was not possible. Therefore, we developed a PCR‐based process of DNA analysis, which could be applied on any ptarmigan bone or bone remains. This method allowed us to establish the ratio of rock and willow ptarmigan in gyrfalcon diets that originated from single gyrfalcon breeding occasions. The relative availability of the two ptarmigan species in gyrfalcon breeding territories was calculated with a GIS model that incorporated observations on ptarmigan habitat preferences. The DNA identification was performed on 176 ptarmigan bones from 13 different breeding occasions occurring in five different territories. The results indicated that the two ptarmigan species comprised at least 93% of the average gyrfalcon diet, and that rock ptarmigan was the most common prey during all 13 breeding occasions. There was a positive relationship between the relative amount of rock ptarmigan in the diet and the proportion of rock ptarmigan habitat in the territories; hence, the gyrfalcons ptarmigan utilization seemed to be density dependent. However, rock ptarmigan was found to be overrepresented in the diet, which may reflect a preference for rock ptarmigan over willow ptarmigan. The conservation implications of these findings in relation to ptarmigan hunting are discussed.
Evaluating a predator–prey interaction in the field: the interaction between beetle larvae (predator) and tadpoles (prey)
Authors: Rubbo M. J. , Mirza R. S. , Belden L. K. , Falkenbach J. J. , Storrs S. I. , Kiesecker J. M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe larval amphibian community of temporary pond ecosystems has served as a model for studies in community ecology, with a majority of this work being conducted in mesocosms. Recent research has suggested that mesocosms may overestimate ecological effects; therefore, experimental studies conducted under field conditions are required to gauge the results of mesocosm studies. To assess a species interaction under more natural conditions, we conducted a series of field experiments examining the predator–prey interaction between beetle larvae (Dytiscus sp.; predator) and larval wood frogs Rana sylvatica (prey) in central Pennsylvania, USA. Quantitative sampling of woodland ponds indicated that beetle larvae of the genus Dytiscus were the most common predator of tadpoles. In a field enclosure experiment, dytiscids were effective predators of tadpoles in the pond environment. Moreover, tadpoles avoided areas in a pond containing caged dytiscids, demonstrating that tadpoles recognize the chemical stimuli of predators in complex environments. The results of this study are consistent with data from prior laboratory and mesocosm studies and suggest that these venues can produce reliable interpretations of predator–prey dynamics in this community.
Habitat use, home range and foraging preferences of the coati Nasua nasua in a pluvial tropical Atlantic forest area
Authors: Beisiegel B. M. , Mantovani W. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractCoatis (genus Nasua) occupy a large range of forested habitats. The aim of this study was to describe the use of habitat by Nasua nasua in a continuous pluvial tropical Atlantic forest area, the Carlos Botelho State Park (CBSP) in south‐eastern Brazil. Use of space by N. nasua in the CBSP was characterized by an average home range area for one group of 445 ha by the minimum convex polygon method and 544 ha by the fixed kernel method, which was used across 2 months; the use of trees for foraging and travelling was superior to that reported for N. nasua and Nasua narica until now, being higher in the drier season. The home range of three coati groups shifted during the 3 years of this study; the home range of one habituated group changed by 91%. The proportion of ground foraging increased with the higher availability of soil invertebrates during the rainy season, but cannot be explained solely on the basis of resource availability.
Policies for the prevention of cigarette consumption: the case of Spain
Authors: Nicolás Ángel López , Domínguez Jaime Pinilla 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis paper describes the causes that generate the relatively high – among comparable OECD countries – prevalence of tobacco consumption in Spain. It evaluates the current policy interventions geared towards reducing incidence and prevalence. It argues that, despite a recent major breakthrough in legislation on advertising and consumption in public places, one of the major shortcomings of current policies is the lack of an effective fiscal policy. This lack of effectiveness is explained by some idiosyncrasies of the Spanish cigarette market that call for specific measures.
Working with risky consumers: multi‐professional care for substance‐using pregnant women
Authors: Forbes Jane , Lyon Phil 
Published: April 2006

AbstractSubstance use is increasingly common in many countries. Consumption and lifestyles associated with consumption often involve a number of specific health and legal risks for users. For pregnant women, the risks extend to the health and care of their unborn children. A multi‐professional approach to the management of substance use in pregnancy is recommended as best practice but, as with all strategies, effectiveness depends on the way that professional workers implement policy. This study evaluated evidence of multi‐professional working within local maternity services in and around a Scottish city by (a) collating and analysing data from the maternity records of 163 substance‐using women, who delivered between January 2001 and December 2003; and (b) conducting a questionnaire survey in 2004 with 120 midwives and neonatal nurses for their views on maternity care for substance‐using women and their babies. Despite the importance placed on multi‐professional working by midwives and neonatal nurses, maternity records indicated operational inconsistencies with implementation in some cases and not in others. Policy was not yet to be seen embedded in everyday practice.
Enacting risk reduction: an examination of the volitional stages of smoking cessation within Scotland
Authors: Thomson Jennifer A. , Hassan Louise M. , Shiu Edward M.K. , Shaw Deirdre 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis study examines an extended version of the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) in the context of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as an aid to smoking cessation. An attempt is made to address the intention–behaviour gap identified in the literature by specifically focusing on the role and interrelationships of volitional stages, namely intention, planning and anticipated effort. A convenience sample of 207 female smokers, aged 16–36, provided information about their views, attitudes and volitional behaviour regarding the use of NRT as an aid to smoking cessation. Results of this study show the TPB to be pertinent, accounting for 41% of the variance in intention to use NRT as an aid to smoking cessation. Furthermore, behavioural intention is found to mediate the relationship between the TPB antecedents (attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control) and each of the two volitional elements, planning and anticipated effort. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Reconceptualizing risk perception: perceiving Majority World citizens at risk from ‘Northern’ consumption
Authors: McGregor Sue L.T. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe premise of this paper is that the consumption behaviour of ‘Northern’ citizens places Majority World citizens at great risk. A theoretical evolution suggested in this paper is the extension of the notion of risky consumption to include the impact of consumption on the human security of others. Until people can envision that their consumption behaviour places others at risk of exposure to harm, they will not see the need to perceive, assess and manage the risk. The paper tenders a preliminary reconceptualization of risk perception, using the conventional consumer behaviour model constructs of personal, distribution channel and situational factors. From this new perspective, instead of judging whether the good or service is risky for a ‘Northern’ citizen to consume, risk perception scholars would examine people's perceptions of whether their consumption places fellow citizens at risk, the people labouring and producing the goods and services.
Consumer sensitivity to changes in tax policy on consumption of alcohol
Authors: Smith David E. , Mitry Darryl J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractMarketers and economists have followed the consumption patterns of alcoholic beverages for many years. Public officials have studied the negative effects of consuming alcohol and have advocated a variety of measures to curtail consumption. Previous studies have also measured the price elasticity. This comparative study is based on a 40‐year analysis, and compares the consumption patterns for beer, spirits and wine in three Nordic countries. Although the cultural context of Denmark, Norway and Sweden are similar, nevertheless significant differences in the patterns of consumption and prices for alcoholic beverages have been evidenced overtime. A comparison of the per capita drinking patterns and the taxation effectiveness are presented. Even though the elasticities varied, the data indicate relative sensitivity to price changes and a decline in spirits consumption as well as switching effects to lower alcohol‐content beverages.
Use of tobacco retailer inspections to reduce tobacco sales to youth: do inspections increase retailer compliance?
Authors: Tangirala Murali K. , McKyer E. Lisako J. , Goetze Desiree D. , McCarthy‐Jean JoBeth 
Published: April 2006

AbstractPublic health efforts to prevent tobacco use among young people have typically attempted to change individual behaviour. More recently, it has become evident that macro‐level behaviour change strategies which impact on the wider social environment are more effective in changing behaviour. In most states, retailer compliance laws restrict the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minor consumers. Indiana's Tobacco Retailer Inspection Program (TRIP), a state government programme, was established to put environmental controls in place by restricting youth access to tobacco products. TRIP involved conducting random, unannounced tobacco retailer outlet inspections, with violators being fined, and compliant retailers rewarded. This study examines the associations among retailer inspections, retailer compliance and access to tobacco by youthful consumers. Inspection data from 2001 to 2003 were analysed using chi‐square statistics and analysis of variance. Findings indicate that randomly selected retail outlet inspections are associated with increased sales restrictions to youth. The researchers conclude that strong tobacco sales regulations and enforcement will reduce illegal sales of tobacco products to minors.
The metabolism of 14C‐glucose by neurons and astrocytes in brain subregions following focal cerebral ischemia in rats
Authors: Thoren Anna E. , Helps Stephen C. , Nilsson Michael , Sims Neil R. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTo provide insights into the effects of temporary focal ischemia on the function of neurons and astrocytes in vivo, we measured the incorporation of radiolabel from [U‐14C]glucose into both glutamate and glutamine in brain subregions at 1 h of reperfusion following occlusion of the middle cerebral artery for 2 or 3 h. Under the experimental conditions used, 14C‐glutamate is mainly produced in neurons whereas 14C‐glutamine is generated in astrocytes from 14C‐glutamate of both neuronal and astrocytic origin. Radiolabel incorporation into both amino acids was greatly decreased. The change in 14C‐glutamate accumulation provides strong evidence for substantial reductions in neuronal glucose metabolism. The resulting decrease in delivery of 14C‐glutamate from the neurons to astrocytes was probably also the major contributor to the change in 14C‐glutamine content. These alterations probably result in part from a marked depression of glycolytic activity in the neurons, as suggested by previous studies assessing deoxyglucose utilization. Alterations in 14C‐glucose metabolism were not restricted to tissue that would subsequently become infarcted. Thus, these changes did not inevitably lead to death of the affected cells. The ATP : ADP ratio and phosphocreatine content were essentially preserved during recirculation following 2 h of ischemia and showed at most only moderate losses in some subregions following 3 h of ischemia. This retention of energy reserves despite the decreases in 14C‐glucose metabolism in neurons suggests that energy needs were substantially reduced in the post‐ischemic brain. Marked increases in tissue lactate accumulation during recirculation, particularly following 3 h of ischemia, provided evidence that impaired pyruvate oxidation probably also contributed to the altered 14C‐glucose metabolism. These findings indicate the presence of complex changes in energy metabolism that are likely to greatly influence the responses of neurons and astrocytes to temporary focal ischemia.
NAAG peptidase inhibitor increases dialysate NAAG and reduces glutamate, aspartate and GABA levels in the dorsal hippocampus following fluid percussion injury in the rat
Authors: Zhong Chunlong , Zhao Xueren , Van Ken C. , Bzdega Tomasz , Smyth Aoife , Zhou Jia , Kozikowski Alan P. , Jiang Jiyao , O'Connor William T. , Berman Robert F. , Neale Joseph H. , Lyeth Bruce G. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) produces a rapid and excessive elevation in extracellular glutamate that induces excitotoxic brain cell death. The peptide neurotransmitter N‐acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) is reported to suppress neurotransmitter release through selective activation of presynaptic group II metabotropic glutamate receptors. Therefore, strategies to elevate levels of NAAG following brain injury could reduce excessive glutamate release associated with TBI. We hypothesized that the NAAG peptidase inhibitor, ZJ‐43 would elevate extracellular NAAG levels and reduce extracellular levels of amino acid neurotransmitters following TBI by a group II metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)‐mediated mechanism. Dialysate levels of NAAG, glutamate, aspartate and GABA from the dorsal hippocampus were elevated after TBI as measured by in vivo microdialysis. Dialysate levels of NAAG were higher and remained elevated in the ZJ‐43 treated group (50 mg/kg, i.p.) compared with control. ZJ‐43 treatment also reduced the rise of dialysate glutamate, aspartate, and GABA levels. Co‐administration of the group II mGluR antagonist, LY341495 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) partially blocked the effects of ZJ‐43 on dialysate glutamate and GABA, suggesting that NAAG effects are mediated through mGluR activation. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that inhibition of NAAG peptidase may reduce excitotoxic events associated with TBI.
Hyperdopaminergia and altered locomotor activity in GABAB1‐deficient mice
Authors: Vacher Claire‐Marie , Gassmann Martin , Desrayaud Sandrine , Challet Etienne , Bradaia Amyaouch , Hoyer Daniel , Waldmeier Peter , Kaupmann Klemens , Pévet Paul , Bettler Bernhard 
Published: April 2006

Abstract mice, which are devoid of functional GABAB receptors, consistently exhibit marked hyperlocomotion when exposed to a novel environment. Telemetry recordings now revealed that, in a familiar environment, mice display an altered pattern of circadian activity but no hyperlocomotion. This indicates that hyperlocomotion is only triggered when mice are aroused by novelty. In microdialysis experiments, mice exhibited a 2‐fold increased extracellular level of dopamine in the striatum. Following d‐amphetamine administration, mice released less dopamine than wild‐type mice, indicative of a reduced cytoplasmic dopamine pool. The hyperdopaminergic state of mice is accompanied by molecular changes, including reduced levels of tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA, D1 receptor binding‐sites and Ser40 phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity, tissue dopamine content and dopamine metabolism do not appear to be measurably altered. Pharmacological and electrophysiological experiments support that the hyperdopaminergic state of mice is not severe enough to inactivate dopamine D2 receptors and to disrupt D2‐mediated feedback inhibition of tyrosine hydroxylase activity. The data support that loss of GABAB activity results in a sustained moderate hyperdopaminergic state, which is phenotypically revealed by contextual hyperlocomotor activity. Importantly, the presence of an inhibitory GABA tone on the dopaminergic system mediated by GABAB receptors provides an opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
Neprilysin activity and expression are controlled by nicastrin
Authors: Pardossi‐Piquard R. , Dunys J. , Yu G. , St. George‐Hyslop P. , Alves da Costa C. , Checler F. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWe recently demonstrated that the presenilin‐dependent γ‐secretase complex regulates the expression and activity of neprilysin, one of the main enzymes that degrade the amyloid β‐peptide (Aβ) which accumulates in Alzheimer's disease. Here, we examined the influence of endogenous nicastrin (NCT), a member of the γ‐secretase complex, on neprilysin physiology. We show that nicastrin deficiency drastically lowers neprilysin expression, membrane‐bound activity and mRNA levels, but it did not modulate the expression of two other putative Aβ‐cleaving enzymes, endothelin‐converting enzyme and insulin‐degrading enzyme. Furthermore, we show that nicastrin restores neprilysin activity and expression in nicastrin‐deficient, but not presenilin‐deficient fibroblasts, indicating that the control of neprilysin necessitates the complete γ‐secretase complex harbouring its four reported components. Finally, we show that NCT expression peaked 24 h after NCT cDNA transfection of wild‐type and NCT–/– fibroblasts, while neprilysin expression drastically increased only after 36 h and was maximal at 48 h. This delayed effect on neprilysin expression correlates well with our demonstration of an indirect γ‐secretase‐dependent modulation of neprilysin at its transcriptional level.