bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of oral zidovudine administered during labour: a preliminary study*
Authors: Mirochnick M , Rodman JH , Robbins BL , Fridland A , Gandía J , Hitti J , Bardeguez A , Rathore MH , Gonzalez Garcia A , Cababasay M , Samson P , Mofenson L , Bryson YJ , Dorenbaum A 
Published: August 2007

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to determine whether oral zidovudine (ZDV) given during labour would provide a similar systemic exposure to the established intravenous regimen used to prevent mother‐to‐child transmission in HIV‐infected pregnant women.MethodsZDV pharmacokinetic parameters following oral administration during labour were determined in 10 HIV‐infected pregnant women in active labour. All subjects were converted to intravenous ZDV prior to delivery.ResultsIn cohort 1 (n=6), subjects received 300 mg oral ZDV every 3 h for three doses. Oral therapy was well tolerated but plasma ZDV concentrations were substantially lower than previously reported with continuous intravenous therapy. Based on the pharmacokinetic results from cohort 1, women in cohort 2 (n=4) received an initial 600 mg dose followed by two 400 mg doses every 3 h. ZDV area under the curve and concentrations in cohort 2 increased approximately in proportion to the increase in dose but varied 6–7‐fold. In both cohorts, ZDV pharmacokinetic parameters suggested erratic absorption.ConclusionsWhile ZDV exposure improved with the increased dosing regimen, our sample size was small and larger studies are needed to establish whether oral ZDV administration during labour can consistently provide equivalent exposure to intravenous administration.
No Association between SNP rs498055 on Chromosome 10 and Late‐Onset Alzheimer Disease in Multiple Datasets
Authors: Liang Xueying , Schnetz‐Boutaud Nathalie , Bartlett Jackie , Allen Melissa J. , Gwirtsman Harry , Schmechel Don E. , Carney Regina M. , Gilbert John R. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Haines Jonathan L. 
Published: August 2007

SummarySNP rs498055 in the predicted gene LOC439999 on chromosome 10 was recently identified as being strongly associated with late‐onset Alzheimer disease (LOAD). This SNP falls within a chromosomal region that has engendered continued interest generated from both preliminary genetic linkage and candidate gene studies. To independently evaluate this interesting candidate SNP we examined four independent datasets, three family‐based and one case‐control. All the cases were late‐onset AD Caucasian patients with minimum age at onset ≥ 60 years. None of the three family samples or the combined family‐based dataset showed association in either allelic or genotypic family‐based association tests at p < 0.05. Both original and OSA two‐point LOD scores were calculated. However, there was no evidence indicating linkage no matter what covariates were applied (the highest LOD score was 0.82). The case‐control dataset did not demonstrate any association between this SNP and AD (all p‐values > 0.52). Our results do not confirm the previous association, but are consistent with a more recent negative association result that used family‐based association tests to examine the effect of this SNP in two family datasets. Thus we conclude that rs498055 is not associated with an increased risk of LOAD.
Feeding ecology of the armored shrew, from the north‐eastern Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Churchfield S. , Dieterlen F. , Hutterer R. , Dudu A. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe diet of Scutisorex somereni (Soricomorpha: Soricidae) from forests in the Democratic Republic of Congo was investigated to elucidate its feeding ecology in the context of its unique spinal modifications. It ate a wide range of small and large invertebrates, including representatives of Coleoptera, Formicidae, Lepidoptera and Diptera larvae, Chilopoda, Diplopoda and Araneae, but the principal prey was Oligochaeta. All diet samples contained Oligochaeta and these contributed 38–45% of prey volume. While 64% of prey occurrences were <10 mm in length, 56% of prey volume comprised invertebrates >26 mm, mostly large Oligochaeta (some of >50 mm). Soil‐dwelling prey comprised 46% by composition (59% by volume) of the diet. Besides its peculiar skeletal modifications, it has an exceptionally long intestine relative to its body size. It was concluded that S. somereni is primarily an earthworm‐eating shrew and partially subterranean rather than truly fossorial in foraging mode. Its diet and foraging mode cannot explain the unique vertebral modifications of this zoological curiosity.
Relevance of elephant herbivory as a threat to Important Plants in the Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
Authors: Landman M. , Kerley G. I. H. , Schoeman D. S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractAlthough elephants are recognized as keystone species, the mechanisms of their impacts on biodiversity and community structure are rarely identified. In the Addo Elephant National Park (AENP), South Africa, elephant Loxodonta africana herbivory is apparently responsible for a significant reduction in plant richness, especially among the regionally rare and endemic small succulent shrubs and geophytes (Important Plants). We used faecal analysis to investigate the utilization of Important Plants in elephant diet in the AENP. Ninety plant species were identified in the diet. Only 14 of the 77 (c. 18%) Important Plants previously thought particularly vulnerable to elephant browsing occurred in the diet, while at least 6% of species for which there are data were avoided. This refutes the generally held belief that elephant herbivory is the major driver of decline among Important Plants, and emphasizes the likely contribution of other mechanisms (e.g. knock‐on effects, trampling, zoochory, etc.) to this phenomenon. The accurate prediction of impacts caused by elephants in the AENP and elsewhere, therefore requires an understanding of these previously marginalized mechanisms. By demonstrating appropriate cause‐and‐effect relationships between elephants and ecosystem change, we will be able to move beyond assuming that all the observed changes are due to elephant herbivory.
The reproductive ecology of Mohave rattlesnakes
Authors: Cardwell M. D. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe reproductive ecology of Mohave rattlesnakes Crotalus scutulatus was investigated in the western Mohave Desert using radiotelemetry from August 2001 to November 2004. This paper documents reproductive behavior across successive seasons in the context of seasonal timing, mean daily movement, home range, body temperature and relationship with abiotic factors such as time of day, temperature, precipitation, photoperiod and microhabitat. This population of C. scutulatus used a bimodal mating system, with reproductive behavior occurring in late summer/fall (21 August to 7 October), interrupted by 4 months of cold weather, and concluding in the spring (16 March to 16 May). Drought apparently curtailed courtship and copulation during the 2002 activity season, but the pregnancy rates in 2002 and 2003 were not significantly affected. Communal denning was not detected and there was no indication of seasonal migration. Autumnal and vernal movements appeared to be driven by reproductive effort, predominantly males engaged in prolonged mate searching. Sexual maturity was achieved at 2.0 years/600 mm snout–vent length (SVL) for females, and 1.5 years/400 mm SVL for males.
Natural history and burrow system architecture of the silvery mole‐rat fromBrachystegiawoodland
Authors: Šumbera R. , Šklíba J. , Elichová M. , Chitaukali W. N. , Burda H. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThe silvery mole‐ratHeliophobius argenteocinereus(Bathyergidae) is a solitary subterranean rodent, widely distributed throughout eastern and south‐eastern Africa in a variety of habitats. Here, we provide the first data on its biology in a typical natural habitat, theBrachystegiawoodland. The population density of mole‐rats was low (4.6 ha−1) and its distribution across the study site was random. Contrary to subadults and pups, the sex ratio of adult mole‐rats was highly female biased (1:5.75), probably due to the higher mortality of males as a consequence of their mating strategy. Reproduction ofHeliophobiusis seasonal and pups are born at the beginning of the hot dry season. Burrow systems of the silvery mole‐rat were long, highly branched, reticulated and comparable in fractal dimension to systems of social bathyergids. Variability in burrow architecture was related to the body mass of the burrow occupants, soil hardness and food supply when tested together. Burrow systems with a higher fractal dimension had inhabitants that had a greater body mass. Longer systems were less branched. Nests were typically deeper than foraging tunnels and experienced negligible temperature fluctuations. The microenvironmental characteristics of the subterranean niche including temperature, humidity and soil characteristics are provided for purpose of comparison with other mole‐rat species.
cid: a rapid and efficient bioinformatic tool for the detection of SSRs from genomic libraries
Authors: FREITAS PATRÍCIA D. , MARTINS DIOGO S. , GALETTI PEDRO M. 
Published: August 2007

Abstract cid is a computational tool developed in the Web environment to process cloned DNA fragments with the objective of masking the vector and adaptor regions, detecting the presence of microsatellites and designing the most appropriate primer pairs for the amplification of the identified repetitive sequences. This entire process is executed by the user in a simple and automated manner with the data input as a Zip file of chromatograms or a multiFASTA file. Thus, it is possible to analyse dozens of sequences at the same time, optimizing data processing and the search for the information of interest. cid is freely available on http://www.shrimp.ufscar.br/cid/index.php.
PERMANENT GENETIC RESOURCES: Isolation, characterization and cross‐species amplifications of microsatellite loci from Conradina (Lamiaceae)
Authors: EDWARDS C. E. , SOLTIS D. E. , SOLTIS P. S. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractWe report the isolation of microsatellite loci from three species in the genus Conradina (Lamiaceae). To ensure their utility for multiple species, loci were screened for amplification and variability in all six Conradina species; 11 loci demonstrated high levels of amplification and polymorphism in most species. These 11 loci were characterized in 20 individuals from one population of Conradina brevifolia; alleles per locus ranged from five to 15, and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.30 to 0.90. These microsatellites will be used to clarify species limits, detect interspecific hybridization, and understand the partitioning of genetic variation in each species of Conradina.
Hyperpigmentation and melasma
Authors: Rigopoulos D , Gregoriou S , Katsambas A 
Published: August 2007

SummaryFacial and neck pigmentations are significant cosmetic problems. They are common in middle‐aged women, related to endogenous (hormones) and exogenous factors (cosmetics, perfumes, sun exposure), and often represent paramount causes of emotional distress. Although melasma is the most common cause of facial pigmentation, there are many other forms including drug‐induced and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. We review pathogenesis, clinical and histopathological data, effect on quality of life, and treatment options in facial hyperpigmentation disorders.
Adverse reactions after nonablative radiofrequency: follow‐up of 290 patients
Authors: De Felipe Iñigo , Del Cueto Sofia Ruiz , Pérez Ernesto , Redondo Pedro 
Published: August 2007

SummaryBackground  Monopolar radiofrequency has been Food and Drug Administration approved for the noninvasive treatment of periorbital rhytides and wrinkles in 2002 and for full‐face treatment in 2004. In order to establish the degree of side effects in our practice, a retrospective review was done.Observations  Seven hundred fifty‐seven treatments of nonablative monopolar radiofrequency were done on 290 patients. Two hundred sixty‐four patients were women (91%), and 26 were men (9%). Two hundred fifty‐nine of these patients were treated for facial lifts. Patients were treated with an average energy setting of 81 J/cm2. Treatments were all done with a 1‐cm2 tip that gives a 2.3‐s pulse, and 11.49% of treatments were particularly painful for the patient. The appearance of second‐degree burns occurred in 2.7% of the treatment sessions. Other less frequent adverse reactions were persistent erythema (1.22%), headache, scarring, edema, fat atrophy, burn in the return pad site, neuralgia, and facial palsy. The occurrence of facial palsy might be a coincidence.Conclusions  In comparison with other studies, we have found a very low incidence of posttreatment erythema and edema. On the other hand, the incidence of second‐degree burns is somewhat higher. This might be due to the fact that in other studies higher energy settings have been used but without overlapping pulses. Monopolar radiofrequency is a safe method of treating the skin of the face and neck, and it should be done at moderated energy settings with no immediate overlapping in order to avoid overheating and undesirable side effects.
Moisturizing and antisebum effect of cosmetic application on facial skin
Authors: Cheng Yan , Dong Yiyang , Dong Meixian , Wang Chao , Sun Yuantao , Su Ning , Liu Juan , Zheng Hongyan , Yang Xiaoran , Li Jing , Andreas Schrader , Rohr Mathias , Liu Wei 
Published: August 2007

SummaryBackground  Water content of the stratum corneum and skin surface lipids are important factors in the appearance and function of skin. High water content and low sebum secretion are considered main features of fair skin.Aim  This paper aims to study the change of skin physiological parameters after cosmetic application.Methods  The skin water content, transepidermal water loss, and skin sebum secretion on different regions of the facial skin before and after the cosmetic application were measured using Corneometer, Tewameter, and Sebumeter, respectively.Results  The cosmetics kept higher water content and lower transepidermal water loss, at the same time lower sebum secretion 4 and 8 h after the cosmetic application, compared with those before it. The situation was maintained in the following 3‐week continuous use of the cosmetics.Conclusion  The cosmetic application on human facial skin could provide some moisturizing effect and at the same time some antisebum effect according to different regions on facial skin, which favored the maintenance of good skin physiological function after applying skin care products.
Clostridium botulinum type A toxin for the treatment of upper face animation lines: an Iranian experience
Authors: Farahvash M Reza , Arad Simin 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment of vertical glabellar frown lines, frontal lines and crow's feet by means of direct injection of Dysport (Clostridium botulinum type A toxin – hemagglutinin complex) in Iranian patients. Dysport is one of the commercially available type A subtypes (Ipsen Ltd, Maidenhead Berkshire, UK). It is the one used most often in Iran. Botox, the other form of commercially available botulinum type A toxin, is used most often in the United States and Canada. Dysport is two to four times less effective, in similar unit doses, than Botox, which is why it is manufactured in larger vials (500‐U vials for Dysport vs. 100‐U vials for Botox). The authors have been using botulinum toxin type A in their practice for cosmetic purposes since 1995. An experience of over 1295 injections to the upper face animation (dynamic) lines in 108 patients is presented. This study included 108 patients and 208 injection sessions. We used Dysport containing 500 U toxin. Toxin was diluted with 2.5 mL of sterile normal saline and yielded 20 U for each 0.1 mL. A dose of 76 to 90 U was injected into each muscle. There were 95 women and 13 men in this study, ranging in age from 20 to 79 years. Doses ranged from 10 to 20 mL per injection, varying according to the severity of wrinkles, intensity of muscle contraction, and the mass of the muscle. The more bulky or greater intensity of muscle contraction, the higher the dose required to obtain good results. Therefore, the more bulky corrugator or frontalis muscle requires more than the thinner orbicularis. Dysport seemed to be a safe and effective alternative to Botox, giving good to excellent cosmetic results lasting at least 4 months in the majority of the patients.
African hair length in a school population: a clue to disease pathogenesis?
Authors: Khumalo N P , Gumedze F 
Published: August 2007

SummaryBackground  Anecdotal data suggest that combed natural African hair reaches a length steady state. Easier grooming and anticipated long hair have made relaxers popular.Objectives  These hypotheses were tested in a cross‐sectional survey of 1042 school children using a piloted questionnaire and hair length measurements done on four scalp regions.Results  Participants included 45% boys and 55% girls. Girls consider length important for hairstyle choice (P < 0.0001). There was no difference in mean length at 2 to 5 vs. > 5 years (P = 0.3) and at 1 to < 2 vs. 2 to 5 years (P = 0.99), suggesting that a steady state is reached within 1 year after a hair cut for combed natural hair [mean, 5.1 cm (4.3)]. Relaxed hair reached length steady state > 2 years after a haircut [mean, 10.9 cm (3.6)], was longer than natural hair (P < 0.0001), shorter than expected, and significantly shorter on the occiput than the rest of the scalp (P < 0.0001).Conclusions  Persistently short combed natural hair years after a hair cut suggests that breakage eventually equals new growth (i.e., steady state), which is likely to be variable. Relaxed hair, irrespective of last haircut, is also short; chemical damage as a limit to potential lengths needs confirmation. Relatively short occipital relaxed hair could be a clue to disease pathogenesis.
Persistent delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction to injectable non‐animal‐stabilized hyaluronic acid
Authors: Arron Sarah Tuttleton , Neuhaus Isaac M 
Published: August 2007

SummaryObjective  Injectable hyaluronic acid is a glycosaminoglycan used for soft‐tissue augmentation. A number of products that are not Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for use in the United States are used commonly in Europe. We report a case of persistent delayed‐type hypersensitivity to injected non‐animal‐stabilized hyaluronic acid. The patient was initially injected in Europe with a non‐FDA‐approved filler but traveled to the United States for evaluation of this adverse reaction.Methods  A case of adverse reaction to non‐animal‐stabilized hyaluronic acid is described. An overview of selected hyaluronic acid filler products is provided.Results  The patient developed persistent facial edema after injection of hyaluronic acid filler to the melolabial folds, glabella, lips, and perioral rhytids.Conclusion  Injectable hyaluronic acid can be associated with a variety of complications including immediate and delayed‐type hypersensitivity reactions. Physicians should be familiar with products used in other countries, as patients may present for evaluation following adverse reaction to fillers obtained abroad or from American physicians using non‐FDA‐approved products.
Hyaluronidase offers an efficacious treatment for inaesthetic hyaluronic acid overcorrection
Authors: Pierre Andre , Levy Phillip M 
Published: August 2007

SummaryBackground  Hyaluronic acid is generally accepted today as the “gold standard” filler agent, and its use has subsequently grown enormously. In addition, newer facial volume augmentation indications are constantly evolving. Rare adverse events, such as granulomas, have been described. However, complications are more commonly due to product misplacement or overcorrection leading to unsightly lumps and masses. Hyaluronidase treatment of these latter adverse effects can be both effective and rapid.Objective  This paper aims to confirm the efficacy of hyaluronidase injections in dissolving unsightly hyaluronic acid overcorrection.Methods  A case of hyaluronic acid overcorrection is described with evaluation of the effects of hyaluronidase.Results  The use of hyaluronidase, injected intracutaneously permits the elimination of patient discomfort and inaesthetic lumps within a few hours.Conclusions  Hyaluronidase is highly effective in eliminating HA volume overcorrection.
Shared environmental factors associated with telomere length maintenance in elderly male twins
Authors: Huda Nazmul , Tanaka Hiromi , Herbert Brittney‐Shea , Reed Terry , Gilley David 
Published: August 2007

SummaryDuring aging, chromosome ends, or telomeres, gradually erode or shorten with each somatic cell division. Loss of telomere length homeostasis has been linked to age‐related disease. Remarkably, specific environmental assaults, both physical and psychological, have been shown to correlate with shortened telomeres. However, the extent that genetic and/or environmental factors may influence telomere length during later stages of lifespan is not known. Telomere length was measured in 686 male US World War II and Korean War veteran monozygotic (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twins (including 181 MZ and 125 DZ complete pairs) with a mean age of 77.5 years (range 73–85 years). During the entire process of telomere length measurement, participant age and twin status were completely blinded. White blood cell mean telomere length shortened in this elderly population by 71 base pairs per year (P < 0.0001). We observed no evidence of heritable effects in this elderly population on telomere length maintenance, but rather find that telomere length was largely associated with shared environmental factors (P < 0.0001). Additionally, we found that individuals with hypertension and cardiovascular disease had significantly shorter telomeres (P = 0.0025 and 0.002, respectively). Our results emphasize that shared environmental factors can have a primary impact on telomere length maintenance in elderly humans.
Sexual selection affects lifespan and aging in the seed beetle
Authors: Maklakov Alexei A. , Fricke Claudia , Arnqvist Göran 
Published: August 2007

SummarySexual selection in general, and sexual conflict in particular, should affect the evolution of lifespan and aging. Using experimental evolution, we tested whether removal of sexual selection leads to the evolution of accelerated or decelerated senescence. We subjected replicated populations of the seed beetle Callosobruchus maculatus to either of two selection regimes for 35 generations. These regimes either allowed (polygamy) or removed the potential (monogamy) for sexual selection to operate. To test for the evolution of intrinsic differences between the two selection regimes, we assayed longevity in replicate cohorts of virgin females and males. Virgin females from populations evolving under sexual selection had reduced lifespan as predicted by the sexual conflict theory of aging. However, this reduction was due to increased baseline mortality rather than an increase in age‐specific mortality rates with age. We discuss these findings in light of other data from this model system and suggest that system‐specific idiosyncrasies may often modulate the general effects of male–female coevolution on the evolution of aging.