bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Greater migratory propensity in hosts lowers pathogen transmission and impacts
Authors: Hall Richard J. , Altizer Sonia , Bartel Rebecca A. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryAnimal migrations are spectacular and migratory species have been shown to transmit pathogens that pose risks to human health. Although migration is commonly assumed to enhance pathogen dispersal, empirical work indicates that migration can often have the opposite effect of lowering disease risk.Key to assessing disease threats to migratory species is the ability to predict how migratory behaviour influences pathogen invasion success and impacts on migratory hosts, thus motivating a mechanistic understanding of migratory host–pathogen interactions.Here, we develop a quantitative framework to examine pathogen transmission in animals that undergo two‐way directed migrations between wintering and breeding grounds annually.Using the case of a pathogen transmitted during the host's breeding season, we show that a more extreme migratory strategy (defined by the time spent away from the breeding site and the total distance migrated) lowers the probability of pathogen invasion. Moreover, if migration substantially lowers the survival probability of infected animals, then populations that spend comparatively less time at the breeding site or that migrate longer distances are less vulnerable to pathogen‐induced population declines.These findings provide theoretical support for two non‐exclusive mechanisms proposed to explain how seasonal migration can lower infection risk: (i) escape from habitats where parasite transmission stages have accumulated and (ii) selective removal of infected hosts during strenuous journeys. Our work further suggests that barriers to long‐distance movement could increase pathogen prevalence for vulnerable species, an effect already seen in some animal species undergoing anthropogenically induced migratory shifts.
Using dynamic Brownian bridge movement modelling to measure temporal patterns of habitat selection
Authors: Byrne Michael E. , Clint McCoy J. , Hinton Joseph W. , Chamberlain Michael J. , Collier Bret A. 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Accurately describing animal space use is vital to understanding how wildlife use habitat. Improvements in GPS technology continue to facilitate collection of telemetry data at high spatial and temporal resolutions. Application of the recently introduced dynamic Brownian bridge movement model (dBBMM) to such data is promising as the method explicitly incorporates the behavioural heterogeneity of a movement path into the estimated utilization distribution (UD).

Utilization distributions defining space use are normally estimated for time‐scales ranging from weeks to months, obscuring much of the fine‐scale information available from high‐volume GPS data sets. By accounting for movement heterogeneity, the dBBMM provides a rigorous, behaviourally based estimate of space use between each set of relocations. Focusing on UDs generated between individual sets of locations allows us to quantify fine‐scale circadian variation in habitat use.

We used the dBBMM to estimate UDs bounding individual time steps for three terrestrial species with different life histories to illustrate how the method can be used to identify fine‐scale variations in habitat use. We also demonstrate how dBBMMs can be used to characterize circadian patterns of habitat selection and link fine‐scale patterns of habitat use to behaviour.

We observed circadian patterns of habitat use that varied seasonally for a white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and coyote (Canis latrans). We found seasonal patterns in selection by the white‐tailed deer and were able to link use of conifer forests and agricultural fields to behavioural state of the coyote. Additionally, we were able to quantify the date in which a Rio Grande wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) initiated laying as well as when during the day, she was most likely to visit the nest site to deposit eggs.

The ability to quantify circadian patterns of habitat use may have important implications for research and management of wildlife. Additionally, the ability to link such patterns to behaviour may aid in the development of mechanistic models of habitat selection.
Immigrants are attracted by local pre‐breeders and recruits in a seabird colony
Authors: Szostek K. Lesley , Schaub Michael , Becker Peter H. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryImmigration is a major demographic factor shaping population dynamics. However, due to methodological difficulties, the extent of immigration and factors affecting immigration are insufficiently studied. This is also true for seabird colonies.We estimated annual immigration based on a long‐term study of a colony of common ternsSterna hirundomarked with transponders, using a Bayesian integrated population model that links colony size and productivity with individual life histories.Strong annual fluctuations in the number of immigrants were found. To identify whether colony‐specific covariates influenced immigration, we related the number of immigrants to various proxy variables for breeding site quality, specifically colony size, productivity, number of local subadults and local recruits. Numbers of local recruits and local subadults showed strong positive correlations with number of immigrants.We found that variation in immigration rate had strongly contributed to variation in colony growth rate, more so than variation in local recruitment or adult survival.Collectively, results suggest that immigration strongly affects colony growth rate, that the driving force behind immigration is natal dispersal and that immigrants were attracted by local recruits.
Pyridostigmine prevents peripheral vascular endothelial dysfunction in rats with myocardial infarction
Authors: Qin Fangfang , Lu Yi , He Xi , Zhao Ming , Bi Xueyuan , Yu Xiaojiang , Liu Jinjun , Zang Weijin 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Myocardial infarction (MI) is characterized by the withdrawal of vagal activity and increased sympathetic activity. We have shown previously that pyridostigmine (PYR), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, was able to improve vagal activity and ameliorate cardiac dysfunction following MI. However, the effect of PYR on endothelial dysfunction in peripheral arteries after MI remains unclear.

In the present study, MI was induced by coronary artery ligation in adult Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were treated intragastrically with saline or PYR (approximately 31 mg/kg per day) for 2 weeks, at which time haemodynamic and parasympathetic parameters and the vascular reactivity of isolated mesenteric arteries were measured and the ultrastructure of the endothelium evaluated.

Compared with the MI group, PYR not only improved cardiac function, vagal nerve activity and endothelial impairment, but also reduced intravascular superoxide anion and malondialdehyde. In addition, in the PYR‐treated MI group, nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability was increased and attenuated endothelium‐dependent relaxations were improved, whereas restored vasodilator responses were inhibited by NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester.

Based on our results, PYR is able to attenuate the impairment of peripheral endothelial function and maintain endothelial ultrastructural integrity in MI rats by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production, enhancing NO bioavailability and improving vagal activity.
Calorie restriction upregulated sirtuin 1 by attenuating its ubiquitin degradation in cancer cells
Authors: Han Limin , Zhao Ganye , Wang Hui , Tong Tanjun , Chen Jun 
Published: January 2014

SummarySirtuin (SIRT) 1 is a key protein in mediating the benefits of calorie restriction (CR) in mammals. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying CR‐induced SIRT1 upregulation in mammals remain unclear. Herein we show that the elevated SIRT1 levels are not due to increased SIRT1 mRNA expression. but rather to enhanced SIRT1 protein stability as a result of reduced ubiquitin‐proteasome degradation of SIRT1 under limited nutrient conditions. Our observations have important implications for improving healthy aging in humans.
Additional role of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 levels in atherosclerosis in Chinese middle‐aged and elderly men
Authors: Hao Yaping , Ma Xiaojing , Luo Yuqi , Ni Jie , Dou Jianxin , Zhu Jiaan , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Perturbed serum vitamin D levels have been shown to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) levels and B ultrasonography‐detected carotid plaque and carotid intima–media thickness (C‐IMT) in Chinese middle‐aged and elderly men.

In all, 1001 men, aged 45–78 years, were enrolled in the study. Increased C‐IMT was defined as any C‐IMT value in the highest quartile of the study subjects (≥ 0.75 mm).

The study population had a median serum 25(OH)D3 level of 14.51 ng/mL (interquartile range (IQR) 10.84–18.67 ng/mL). Subjects with carotid plaques had lower serum 25(OH)D3 levels than those without (13.80 (IQR 10.82–17.68) vs 14.74 (IQR 10.87–19.08) ng/mL, respectively; P = 0.029), and decreasing serum 25(OH)D3 levels were accompanied by increased C‐IMT in both groups (13.24 (IQR 9.91–16.81) vs 14.45 (IQR 11.40–18.51) ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.05) in those with plaque; 13.80 (IQR 9.99–17.09) vs 14.99 (IQR 11.17–19.43) ng/mL, respectively (P < 0.01) in those without plaque). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serum 25(OH)D3 levels were independently associated with carotid plaque (odds ratio (OR) 0.972; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.946–0.998; P = 0.032). In addition, serum 25(OH)D3 levels were identified as an independent protective factor for increased C‐IMT among subjects with plaque (OR 0.900; 95% CI 0.849–0.955; P = 0.001) and those without plaque (OR 0.944; 95% CI 0.908–0.981; P = 0.004).

Collectively, these findings suggest that serum 25(OH)D3 levels are inversely associated with atherosclerosis in Chinese middle‐aged and elderly men.
Increased polymerase I and transcript release factor (Cavin‐1) expression attenuates platelet‐derived growth factor receptor signalling in senescent human fibroblasts
Authors: Li Qian , Bai Lin , Liu Ning , Wang Miao , Liu Jun‐Ping , Liu Pingsheng , Cong Yu‐Sheng 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Previously, we showed that the essential caveolar component polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) was upregulated and promoted caveolae formation in senescent cells. In addition, we found that overexpression of PTRF increased the number of caveolae and induced cellular senescence.

Unresponsiveness to growth factor is one of the fundamental characteristics of senescent cells, although normal levels of receptors and downstream signalling molecules are present in senescent cells.

Herein, we investigated the role of PTRF in the regulation of platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signalling in young and senescent cells.

We first confirmed that PTRF was upregulated in senescent human fibroblasts and aged mouse tissues. We then examined the activation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERK) in young and senescent cells after PDGF stimulation.

Our results show that expression of PDGF receptors (PDGFRs) was not altered during cellular senescence. Interestingly, phosphorylation of ERK1/2 was induced upon PDGF stimulation of young, replicating cells but not senescent cells. Induction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation was impaired in senescent cells and PTRF‐overexpressing presenescent cells. Furthermore, our results show that PTRF interacts with PDGFRs and this interaction is increased in senescent cells.

These results suggest that the unresponsiveness of senescent fibroblasts to PDGF stimulation may be due to increased levels of PTRF and the formation of caveolae, which, in turn sequester growth receptors, such as PDGFR and its signalling molecules.
Aerobic interval training protects against myocardial infarction‐induced oxidative injury by enhancing antioxidase system and mitochondrial biosynthesis
Authors: Jiang Hong‐Ke , Miao Yi , Wang You‐Hua , Zhao Mei , Feng Zhi‐Hui , Yu Xiao‐Jiang , Liu Jian‐Kang , Zang Wei‐Jin 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Aerobic interval training (AIT) exerts beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease. However, its cardioprotective mechanisms are not fully understood. The aim of the present study was to evaluate AIT‐mediated anti‐oxidation by focusing on anti‐oxidase and mitochondrial biogenesis in rats after myocardial infarction (MI).

Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into three groups: (i) a sham‐operated control (CON); (ii) an MI group; and (iii) an MI + AIT group. Myocardial microstructure and function, markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial anti‐oxidase, Phase II enzymes and mitochondrial biogenesis were assessed. In addition, levels of nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor (Nrf2) and phosphorylated (p‐) AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) were determined. The anti‐oxidative gene sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) and the prosurvival phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3‐K)‐protein kinase B (Akt) signalling cascade were also evaluated.

Compared with CON, there was noticeable microstructure injury, cardiac dysfunction and oxidative damage in rats after MI. In addition, decreased mitochondrial anti‐oxidase content, Phase II enzyme (except heme oxygenase‐1) expression and mitochondrial biogenesis were observed in the post‐MI rats as well as reduced protein levels of the regulators Nrf2 and p‐AMPK and suppression of SIRT3 levels and PI3‐K/Akt signalling. These detrimental modifications were considerably ameliorated by AIT, as evidenced by increases in anti‐oxidase, mitochondrial biogenesis, Nrf2 and AMPK phosphorylation, as well as SIRT3 upregulation and PI3‐K/Akt signalling activation. Moreover, PI3‐K inhibitor‐LY294002 (20 mg/kg) treatment partly attenuated AIT‐elicited increases in Nrf2 levels and AMPK phosphorylation.

Based on these results, we conclude that AIT effectively alleviates MI‐induced oxidative injury, which may be closely correlated with activation of the anti‐oxidase system and mitochondrial biosynthesis. Increased SIRT3 expression and activation of PI3‐K/Akt signalling may play key roles in AIT‐mediated anti‐oxidation. These results open up new avenues for exercise intervention therapies for MI patients.
Involvement of purinergic receptors and NOD‐like receptor‐family protein 3‐inflammasome pathway in the adenosine triphosphate‐induced cytokine release from macrophages
Authors: Gicquel Thomas , Victoni Tatiana , Fautrel Alain , Robert Sacha , Gleonnec Florence , Guezingar Marie , Couillin Isabelle , Catros Véronique , Boichot Elisabeth , Lagente Vincent 
Published: January 2014

Summary

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) has been described as a danger signal activating the NOD‐like receptor‐family protein 3 (NLRP3)‐inflammasome leading to the pro‐inflammatory cytokine, interleukin (IL)‐1β, release in the lung. The NLRP3‐inflammasome pathway has been previously described to be involved in experimental collagen deposition and the development of pulmonary fibrosis.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway and P2X7 purinergic receptor in the activation of human macrophages in vitro by ATP.

We showed that adenosine 5′‐[γ‐thio]triphosphate tetralithium salt (ATPγS) and 2′,3′‐O‐(4‐benzoylbenzoyl) adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (BzATP), two stable analogs of ATP, are able to potentiate the release of IL‐1β from human monocyte‐derived macrophages induced by low concentration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). However, in the same conditions no increase in IL‐1α and IL‐6 was observed. Immunochemistry has shown that human macrophages natively express NLRP3 and purinergic P2X7 receptors (P2X7R). NLRP3 and IL‐1β mRNA expression were induced from LPS‐primed macrophages, but also after 5‐h treatment of BzATP as analysed by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. However, other inflammasome pathways (NLRP1, NLRP2, NLRC4, NLRP6 and AIM2) and P2X7R were not induced by BzATP. We observed that P2X7R antagonists, A‐438079 and A‐740003, were able to reduce the release of IL‐1β, but not of IL‐1α and IL‐6 from macrophages stimulated by ATPγS or BzATP.

The present results showed the involvement of the P2X7R‐NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in the secretion of IL‐1β from ATP‐stimulated human macrophages, and suggest that P2X7R were not involved in IL‐1α and IL‐6 release. This study also points out that repression of the P2X7R represents a novel potential therapeutic approach to control fibrosis in lung injury.
Effects of Spirogyra arcta on biomass and structure of submerged macrophyte communities
Authors: Dong Bi‐Cheng , Liu Rui‐Hua , Yu Fei‐Hai 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe presence of algae can greatly reduce the amount of light that reaches submerged macrophytes, but few experimental studies have been conducted to examine the effects of algae on biomass and structure of submerged macrophyte communities. We constructed communities with four submerged macrophytes (Hydrilla verticillata, Egeria densa, Ceratophyllum demersum, and Chara vulgaris) in three environments in which 0 (control), 50 and 100% of the water surface was covered by Spirogyra arcta. Compared to the control treatment, the 100% spirogyra treatment decreased biomass of the submerged macrophyte communities and of all the four macrophytes except C. demersum. Compared to the control and 50% treatments, the 100% treatment significantly increased relative abundance of C. demersum and decreased that of E. densa. Therefore, the presence of S. arcta can greatly affect the productivity and alter the structure of submerged macrophyte communities. To restore submerged macrophyte communities in conditions with abundant algae, assembling communities consisting of C. demersum or similar species may be a good practice.
Dog Waste, Wasted Dogs: The Contribution of Human–Dog Relations to the Political Ecology of Australian Urban Space
Authors: INSTONE LESLEY , SWEENEY JILL 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe city is increasingly recognised as a complex more‐than‐human space where the lives of humans and non‐humans entwine in consequential ways. Human–animal encounters constitute sometimes convivial and sometimes challenging relations that reflect wider pleasures and tensions in urban society. This paper grapples with concerns about the place of dogs in Australian urban public space and urban life more broadly. Adopting a relational political ecology approach, we ask what pet dogs tell us about the political, emotional, and material struggles that surround multispecies urban cohabitation. Following two human–dog urban waste streams – one concerned with dog waste, the other with dogs as waste – we consider how human–animal relations of both attachment and disposability shape the material flows that constitute urban political ecologies. In particular, by focusing on the ‘shadow ecologies’ of dog waste and disposal, we uncover the dynamic practices of care, disgust, violence, and love through which dogs, their waste, and their bodies are sanitised, controlled, and ultimately concealed from our everyday urban spaces.
An allopurinol‐controlled, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, parallel between‐group, comparative study of febuxostat in Chinese patients with gout and hyperuricemia
Authors: Huang Xinfang , Du Hui , Gu Jieruo , Zhao Dongbao , Jiang Lindi , Li Xinfu , Zuo Xiaoxia , Liu Yi , Li Zhanguo , Li Xiangpei , Zhu Ping , Li Juan , Zhang Zhiyi , Huang Anbin , Zhang Yuanchao , Bao Chunde 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimFebuxostat, a novel non‐purine selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, has been identified as a potential alternative to allopurinol in patients with hyperuricemia. The purpose of this study was to compare the urate‐lowering (UL) efficacy and safety of daily febuxostat and allopurinol in Chinese gout patients with hyperuricemia.MethodsGout patients (n = 512) with serum uric acid (sUA) concentrations of at least 8.0 mg/dL were randomized to receive daily febuxostat 40 mg or 80 mg or allopurinol 300 mg for 28 weeks. Prophylaxis against gout flares with meloxicam or colchicine was provided during weeks 1 through 8. The primary endpoint was the percentage of subjects achieving a sUA concentration of <6.0 mg/dL at the last three monthly measurements.ResultsThe primary endpoint was reached in 44.77% of patients receiving 80 mg of febuxostat, 27.33% of those receiving 40 mg of febuxostat, and 23.84% of those receiving allopurinol. The UL efficacy in the febuxostat 80 mg group was higher than in the allopurinol (P < 0.0001) and febuxostat 40 mg (P = 0.0008) groups. The UL efficacy of the febuxostat 40 mg group was statistically non‐inferior to that of the allopurinol group. No significant change in the number of tophi was observed during the final visit relative to baseline in each treatment group. The rate of gout flares requiring treatment from weeks 9 through 28 and the incidence of adverse events was similar among treatment groups.ConclusionsThe UL efficacy of daily febuxostat 80 mg was greater than that of febuxostat 40 mg and allopurinol 300 mg, which exhibited comparable UL efficacy. Safety of febuxostat and allopurinol was comparable at the doses tested.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and self‐reported allergic rhinitis in Norwegian adults – The HUNT Study
Authors: Mai X.‐M. , Chen Y. , Camargo C. A. , Langhammer A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe role of low vitamin D status in the development of allergic rhinitis is unclear. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and incidence of allergic rhinitis in adults.MethodsThe study included a random sample from an adult population who participated in the second and third surveys of the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT) in Norway (HUNT2, 1995–1997 and HUNT3, 2006–2008). Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in blood samples collected at baseline. Among 1351 adults who did not report allergic rhinitis at baseline, incident allergic rhinitis was identified by participant report of having or having had allergic rhinitis or hay fever at follow‐up. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated after adjustment for age, smoking, physical activity, socioeconomic status, family history of allergy, body mass index, and season. The analyses were stratified by sex due to its significant interaction with 25(OH)D levels (P < 0.02).ResultsOver an average of 11 years, 9% of men and 15% of women developed allergic rhinitis. Among men, serum 25(OH)D level <50 nM was associated with an increased risk of incident allergic rhinitis (AOR 2.55; 95% CI 1.01–6.49); each 25 nM reduction in 25(OH)D level was associated with an AOR of 1.84 (95% CI 1.18–2.87). In women, however, the association was opposite, with AOR being 0.83 (95% CI 0.66–1.05) for each 25 nM reduction in serum 25(OH)D level.ConclusionsVitamin D appears to play different roles in the development of allergic rhinitis among men and women.