A synthesis of wild animal-related trade laws in some of the world's most biodiverse countries.

We examined the laws and legal provisions governing the commercial trade of terrestrial wild fauna across the trade chain in some of the world's megadiverse countries and how these relate to key animal welfare and conservation concerns. Over the past century, an increase in the quantity and complexity of laws related to commercial wildlife trade has been observed in the 11 focal countries examined. Our review identified 95 laws with 560 provisions adopted since 1910 across these countries. Surprisingly, the level of biological diversity in a country does not correlate with the extent of legislation addressing wildlife trade. Moreover, legislation is unevenly distributed across different stages of the wildlife trade chain, with more provisions on extraction and transportation compared to captive management. Notably, animal welfare considerations are relatively underrepresented in legislation related to wildlife trade, despite their broad implications for public health and economies. Urgent legislative action is needed to meet global biodiversity targets and respond to the challenges posed by the growing scale and complexity of the wildlife trade. Recommendations are made to streamline legislation, consider the legal status of wild animals, and address gaps in enforcement mechanisms. We conclude that alignment of national and international regulations is crucial for the effective protection of both wild animal populations and individual animals' welfare in the context of commercial trade. Further research is needed to assess the effectiveness of existing laws, bridge legal gaps, and address diverse concerns related to wildlife trade, including public health and the rights of local communities.

Synthesis, Photophysical Properties and Antioxidant Activity of Novel Quinoline Derivatives.

Novel quinoline derivatives were synthesized based on 6-amino-substituted quinoline, and antioxidant activity of these compounds is studied by p-nitroso-N,N-dimethylaniline assay. The rate of the reaction between OH radicals and quinoline derivatives is determined by photometric method and the obtained results are compared with that of well-known antioxidant vitamin C. Quinoline derivatives exhibit pronounced antioxidant activity, which strongly depends on the structural features of compounds. Photophysical properties such as UV-Vis absorption and fluorescence maxima, and Stokes shift are also reported. To reveal the potential application of novel quinoline derivatives as fluorescence probes the values of quantum yields are determined and the obtained results are explained in terms of structural features of compounds.

The Study of the Effect of Dimethylsulfoxide (or Diethylsulfoxide) on Quinine Sulfate-DNA Binding by UV-Vis and Steady-State Fluorescence Spectroscopies.

The effect of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and diethylsulfoxide (DESO) on binding between quinine sulfate (QS) and DNA was studied by virtue of UV-Vis absorption, steady-state fluorescence spectroscopies, and fluorescence polarization measurements. The binding constant was determined at three different temperatures and the values of standard Gibbs energy change, enthalpy and entropy of binding were determined. The mechanism of binding and the effect of sulfoxides on this process was revealed. The values of binding constant, fluorescence polarization and iodide quenching studies confirmed that the main binding mode in QS-DNA system is groove binding. Addition of sulfoxides does not change the binding mechanism. Moreover, with addition of sulfoxides binding constant increases due to the removal of water molecules from DNA grooves making them more available for QS molecules. To explain the effect of DMSO and DESO on QS-DNA binding the photophysical properties of QS in aqueous solutions of DMSO and DESO were also studied. On the basis of quantum yield of QS in water, DMSO and DESO the types of intermolecular interactions were discussed. The obtained results show that quantum yield of QS in sulfoxides is lower compared with that in water and aqueous solution of 0.1 M H2SO4. QS forms ground state complexes with both DMSO and DESO that are stronger fluorophores compared with free QS molecules.

Threats of Longline Fishing to Global Albatross Diversity.

Albatrosses are among the most threatened seabird species. Often entangled in gillnets or hooked while longline fishing gear is being set, albatrosses are affected by fishing. This is assumed to be especially true in cases where illegal longline fishing vessels are involved, as they are less likely to implement the bycatch mitigation measures implemented to reduce the risk of albatrosses being caught on their hooks. This is the assumption that was tested in the current study, which uses environmental criminology as its guiding theoretical framework. Using the spatial units of one-half-degree by one-half-degree longitude/latitude cells, this research examined the patterns of concentration of potentially illegal longlining efforts and their relationships to commercially sought-out and illegally caught (i.e., CRAAVED-concealable, removable, abundant, accessible, valuable, enjoyable, disposable) fish species concentrations, as well as their effects on the average risk of albatrosses. The results indicated that (a) potentially illegal longlining activity is spatially concentrated; (b) this concentration is exhibited in areas with the highest concentrations of the presence of CRAAVED fish; and (c) the average risk score of albatrosses, as measured by their International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List status, is significantly higher in the areas where illegal longlining vessels are found controlling for the activities of legal longlining vessels. These findings provide strong grounding that illegal longline fishing poses a particularly serious threat to the survival of albatrosses. These activities, however, are not randomly spread across the vast oceans, but rather are highly spatially concentrated. Therefore, the bird conservation lobby should work closely with regional fisheries management organizations to devise and implement targeted interventions aimed at reducing potential illegal longline fishing, which, in turn, will likely have positive effects on albatrosses.

When Human-Wildlife Conflict Turns Deadly: Comparing the Situational Factors That Drive Retaliatory Leopard Killings in South Africa.

Retaliatory killings caused by human-wildlife conflict have a significant impact on the survival of leopards. This study explores the reasons for retaliatory killings of leopards by interviewing community members in a small village in South Africa that experienced high incidences of human-leopard conflict. The semi-structured interviews focused on the reasons why retaliatory leopard killings occurred and how to best mitigate the situational factors that triggered these killings. Respondents cited four main problems that fueled these killings: the government's response to human-leopard conflict was slow and unwilling; this response involved inefficient methods; there were inadequate resources to respond to these killings; and there was a clear lack of laws or their application. Local stakeholders provided a range of innovative strategies to reduce human-leopard conflict and retaliatory killings. While all parties expressed different reasons why these solutions were or were not effective, their conclusions were often similar. The distrust that existed between the parties prevented them from recognizing or accepting their common ground. Based on existing human-wildlife conflict mitigation techniques and solutions identified by local stakeholders, this article explores how criminological techniques, including situational crime prevention, can help identify and frame effective interventions to reduce the number of illegal leopard killings driven by human-wildlife conflict.

Fluorescence anisotropy studies on the Hoechst 33258-DNA interaction: the solvent effect.

Fluorescence anisotropy method was applied to characterize the interactions of DNA minor groove binder Hoechst 33258 with different solvents without and in the presence of DNA. It is important to study the interaction of small molecules with DNA for the purpose of better understanding the mechanism of their action, as well as to design novel and more effective compounds. Spectroscopic study of the ligand in different binary mixed solvents containing DMSO, alcohols and buffer was carried out. Studies were performed without and in the presence of DNA. Fluorescence anisotropy studies reveal the characteristics of Hoechst 33258 in different mixed solvents. The results show the strong dependence of the anisotropy of Hoechst 33258 on solvent content, viscosity and intermolecular interactions. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Study of the Interaction of Novel Nonprotein Amino Acids with Trypsin by Steady-State Fluorescence Spectroscopy.

The interaction of (2R, 3S)-hydroxyleucine (trypsin inhibitor) and ß-hydroxyvaline with trypsin has been studied by the steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. The analysis of fluorescence spectra has revealed the mechanism of binding of these nonprotein amino acids to trypsin. According to the docking (2R, 3S)-hydroxyleucine form hydrogen bonds with trypsin having little effect on tryptophan and tyrosine residues in enzyme molecule. The results obtained in this study indicate that fluorescence of trypsin is quenched at high concentrations of amino acids. Thus fluorescence spectra analysis confirms data obtained by molecular docking.

Luxury Fashion Wildlife Contraband in the USA.

The fashion industry is one of the largest markets for illegal wildlife products. This study examined US luxury fashion-related wildlife seizures made between 2003 and 2013 to better guide detection, enforcement, and policy. The findings of this study indicate that the number of incidents has increased over the 11-year period, while the number of associated items seized has decreased over this time. Of these seizures, nearly 88% were produced goods. A small proportion of genera made up the majority of seizures, with reptiles in particular accounting for 84% of incidents. Over half of all wildlife was wild-caught and was exported from eight countries. Based on these findings, it is suggested that policy be enacted relating specifically to the use of exotic leathers and furs, and that situational crime prevention alongside commitments to sustainability from fashion brands be used to reduce illegal imports and improve industry sustainability.

Photophysical properties of methylene blue in water and in aqueous solutions of dimethylsulfoxide.

A detailed study of the effect of aprotic polar solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide on methylene blue (MB) was carried out through a combination of UV-vis absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy techniques at 293.15 K. In aqueous solutions MB tends to exhibit strong tendency to aggregate. The dimerization behavior of MB in water was analyzed in terms of monomer-dimer equilibrium. The addition of dimethylsulfoxide prevents dimerization of dye molecules. From absorption spectra the dimerization constants and changes of standard Gibbs energy were calculated. From the steady-state fluorescence spectra the quantum yields and Stokes shifts were determined. To explain the effect of dimethylsulfoxide properly the other polar aprotic solvents such as N, N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile and acetone were used. It is suggested that water structural effect is the major factor in aggregation phenomenon. Moreover the quantum yield increases drastically in dimethylsulfoxide compared with water assuming that MB may be characterized as viscosity probe.

Glabridin triggers over-expression of MCA1 and NUC1 genes in Candida glabrata: Is it an apoptosis inducer?

The growing trends of emergence of antifungal-resistant Candida strains has recently been inspired the researchers to design new antifungal agents with novel mechanisms of action. Glabridin is an originally natural substrate with multiple biological activities which propose it as a novel anticancer, antimicrobial and antifungal agent. In the present study, the antifungal effect of glabridin against Candida glabrata isolates and its possible mechanism of action were investigated. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for glabridin against fluconazole-resistant and fluconazole-SDD strains of C. glabrata were investigated using the Clinical and laboratory standards institute document M27-A3 and M27-S4 as a guideline. Possible alternations in the expression of two critical genes involved in yeast apoptosis, MCA1 and NUC1, were assayed by real-time PCR. DNA damage and chromatin condensation was investigated using DAPI staining. Although glabridin led to a significant decrease in MICs against fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata (MIC50: 8µg/mL), no significant decreased was shown for fluconazole-SDD strains. Therefore, a distinct azole-independent mechanism could be responsible for the inhibitory activity of glabridin. Overexpression of MCA1 and NUC1 genes in addition to DNA damage and chromatin condensation suggesting the involvement of apoptosis signaling in C. glabrata stains exposed to glabridin. This study suggests that glabridin might be considered as a novel naturally originated agent to fight against fluconazole-resistance C. glabrata strains.

The effect of dimethylsulfoxide on absorption and fluorescence spectra of aqueous solutions of acridine orange base.

The photophysical properties of aqueous solutions of acridine orange base (AOB) in wide concentration range of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) were studied by using absorption and steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy techniques at room temperature. The absorption spectrum of acridine orange in water shows two bands at 468 and 490 nm which were attributed to the dimer ((AOBH)2(2+)) and monomer (AOBH(+)) species respectively. In DMSO solution for the same AOB concentration only the basic form was detected with the band at 428 nm. The addition of DMSO to AOB aqueous solution leads to the decrease of absorption band at 490 nm and the new absorption band increases at 428 nm due to deprotonated (basic) form of AO and the first isosbestic point occurs at 450 nm. The evolution of isosbestic point reveals that an other equilibrium, due to the self-association of DMSO molecules takes place. From the steady-state fluorescence spectra Stokes shifts were calculated for AOB in aqueous and DMSO solutions. The addition of DMSO into the aqueous solution induced the enhancement in the fluorescence intensity of the dye compared to those in water.

One new pyrroline compound from Callistemon viminalis (Sol. Ex Gaertner) G.Don Ex Loudon.

One new compound: 3,4-dihydro-2-(hydroxymethyl)-4-methyl-2H-pyrrol-2-ol (5) was isolated from the fruits and bark of Callistemon viminalis along with the known compounds lupeol (1), octacosanol (2), ß-sitosterol (3), betulin (4), betulinic acid (6), ursolic acid (7), corosolic acid (8), ß-sitosterol-3-O-ß-D-glucoside (9), methyl gallate (10), gallic acid (11), catechin (12), ellagic acid (13) and 3-O-acetylursolic acid (14) (compound 14 was isolated from the bark and not detected in the fruits). Structures of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of their spectroscopic data (NMR, MS, IR spectra and COSY and HR-MS for 5a). The antioxidant activity of the total extracts, petroleum ether, CH2Cl2 and EtOAc fractions together with the compounds 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 was comparable with that of the standard antioxidant, ascorbic acid.

Fixation of ankle syndesmotic injuries: comparison of tightrope fixation and syndesmotic screw fixation for accuracy of syndesmotic reduction.

BACKGROUND: Ankle syndesmotic injuries are complex and require anatomic reduction and fixation to restore the normal biomechanics of the ankle joint and prevent long-term complications. PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy and maintenance of syndesmotic reduction using TightRope versus syndesmotic screw fixation. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: This cohort study included consecutive patients treated for ankle syndesmotic diastases between July 2007 and June 2009. Single slice axial computed tomography (CT) scans of both the ankles together were performed at the level of syndesmosis, 1 cm above the tibial plafond. A greater than 2-mm widening of syndesmosis compared with the untreated contralateral ankle was considered significant malreduction. Clinical outcomes were measured using the American Orthopaedics Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI) scores. RESULTS: Forty-six of 55 eligible patients participated in the study; 23 patients were in the TightRope group and 23 in the syndesmotic screw group. The average age was 42 years in the TightRope and 40 years in the syndesmotic screw group, and the mean follow-up time was 2.5 years (range, 1.5-3.5 years). The average width of normal syndesmosis was 4.03 ± 0.89 mm. In the TightRope group, the mean width of syndesmosis was 4.37 mm (SD, ±1.12 mm) (P = .30, t test) compared with 5.16 mm (SD, ±1.92 mm) in the syndesmotic screw group (P = .01, t test). Five of 23 ankles (21.7%) in the syndesmotic screw group had syndesmotic malreduction, whereas none of the TightRope group showed malreduction on CT scans (P = .04, Fisher exact test). Average time to full weightbearing was 8 weeks in the TightRope group and 9.1 weeks in the syndesmotic screw group. There was no significant difference between the TightRope and syndesmotic screw groups in mean postoperative AOFAS score (89.56 and 86.52, respectively) or FADI score (82.42 and 81.22, respectively). Regression analysis confirmed malreduction of syndesmosis as the only independent variable that affected the clinical outcome (regression coefficient, -12.39; t = -2.43; P = .02). CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that fixation with TightRope provides a more accurate method of syndesmotic stabilization compared with screw fixation. Syndesmotic malreduction is the most important independent predictor of clinical outcomes; therefore, care should be taken to reduce the syndesmosis accurately.

Interobserver and intraobserver reliability and validity of the Vancouver classification system of periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty.

The Vancouver classification system of periprosthetic fractures has been revalidated in this study, using the radiographs of 45 patients. Three consultants and 3 trainees reviewed the radiographs independently, on 2 separate occasions, at least 2 weeks apart. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement and validity were analyzed, using weighted κ statistics. The mean κ value for interobserver agreement was found to be 0.69 (0.63-0.72) for consultants and 0.61 (0.56-0.65) for the trainees, both representing substantial agreement. Intraobserver κ values ranged from 0.74 to 0.90, showing substantial agreement. Validity analysis of 37 type B cases revealed 81% agreement within B1, B2, and B3 subgroups with a κ value of 0.68 (substantial agreement). This study has reconfirmed the reliability and validity of the Vancouver classification while it also emphasizes the intraoperative assessment of implant stability.