bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple aspects of plasticity in clutch size vary among populations of a globally distributed songbird
Authors: Westneat David F. , Bókony Veronika , Burke Terry , Chastel Olivier , Jensen Henrik , Kvalnes Thomas , Lendvai Ádám Z. , Liker András , Mock Douglas , Schroeder Julia , Schwagmeyer P. L. , Sorci Gabriele , Stewart Ian R. K. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryPlasticity in life‐history characteristics can influence many ecological and evolutionary phenomena, including how invading organisms cope with novel conditions in new locations or how environmental change affects organisms in native locations. Variation in reaction norm attributes is a critical element to understanding plasticity in life history, yet we know relatively little about the ways in which reaction norms vary within and among populations.We amassed data on clutch size from marked females in eight populations of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) fromNorthAmerica andEurope. We exploited repeated measures of clutch size to assess both the extent of within‐individual phenotypic plasticity and among‐individual variation and to test alternative hypotheses about the underlying causes of reaction norm shape, particularly the decline in clutch size with date.Across all populations, females of this multibrooded species altered their clutch size with respect to date, attempt order, and the interaction of date and order, producing a reaction norm in multidimensional environmental space. The reaction norm fits that predicted by a model in which optimal clutch size is driven by a decline with date hatched in the ability of offspring to recruit. Our results do not fit those predicted for other proposed causes of a seasonal decline in clutch size.We also found significant differences between populations in response to date and the date by attempt order interaction. We tested the prediction that the relationship with date should be increasingly negative as breeding season becomes shorter but found steeper declines in clutch size with date in populations with longer seasons, contrary to the prediction. Populations also differed in the level of among‐individual variation in reaction norm intercept, but we found no evidence of among‐individual variation in reaction norm slope.We show that complex reaction norms in life‐history characters exhibit within‐ and among‐population variance. The nature of this variance is only partially consistent with current life‐history theory and stimulates expansions of such theory to accommodate complexities in adaptive life history.
EDITOR'S CHOICE: Application of genetic diversity–ecosystem function research to ecological restoration
Authors: Kettenring Karin M. , Mercer Kristin L. , Reinhardt Adams Carrie , Hines Jes 
Published: November 2013

SummaryThree common goals for restoration are (i) rapid plant establishment, (ii) long‐term plant persistence and (iii) restoration of functioning ecosystems. Restoration practitioners often use cultivars optimized for rapid plant establishment under highly disturbed conditions to achieve the first goal; locally adapted genotypes are championed for the second because they can be well suited for local environmental conditions. Restoring functioning ecosystems is considered a loftier goal that practitioners struggle to achieve because we lack proven techniques.Similar to the demonstrated benefits of species, functional and phylogenetic diversity for ecosystem functions (EFs), recent genetic diversity (GD)–ecosystem function (EF) experiments have shown that increases in plantGDcan positively influence many differentEFs. Would the introduction of diverse plant genotypes of a given species into a restoration enhance ecosystem functioning and the evolutionary potential of restored populations?In this review, we first examine three propagule‐sourcing approaches: cultivar, local adaptation andGD. Next, we raise questions that if addressed, could help practitioners implement aGDapproach in restoration: (i) How might the selection, relatedness and arrangement of genotypes be optimized to restore functioning ecosystems, (ii) How do traits that affect anEFrelate to neutral or adaptive diversity, more common measures ofGDand (iii) at which spatial and temporal scales doesGDinfluenceEFs in restorations?Synthesis and applications. Although each propagule‐sourcing approach may be best suited for a particular restoration goal, each approach may simultaneously benefit other goals. Yet cultivars and locally adapted populations that have experienced artificial and/or natural selection may not possess the levels of diversity that will confer expected benefits to different ecosystem functions. Future research should determine the relative value of each approach (or a combination of approaches) for simultaneously achieving multiple restoration goals. Restoration experiments, where plant genetic diversity (GD) is manipulated and monitored over scales relevant to restoration, could reveal the true promise of aGDapproach to restoration.
SLIT3 is Increased in Supracervical Human Foetal Membranes and in Labouring Myometrium and Regulates Pro‐Inflammatory Mediators
Authors: Lim Ratana , Barker Gillian , Lappas Martha 
Published: November 2013

ProblemInflammation is associated with preterm birth, a worldwide healthcare issue. SLIT3 has a role in inflammation, and thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the effect of SLIT3 on labour mediators in human gestational tissues.Method of studySLIT3 protein expression was performed using immunohistochemistry in foetal membranes and myometrium with no labour and after labour. Foetal membranes were also obtained from a distal site (DS) and supracervical site (overlying the cervix; SCS). SLIT3 gene silencing was achieved using siRNA in primary amnion and myometrial cells. Pro‐inflammatory and pro‐labour mediators were evaluated by qRT‐PCR, ELISA and gelatin zymography.ResultsSLIT3 expression was greater in foetal membranes from the SCS compared with DS and in myometrium after term spontaneous labour onset. SLIT3 siRNA in primary amnion and myometrial cells decreased IL‐1β‐induced pro‐inflammatory cytokine gene expression and release (IL‐6 and IL‐8) and MMP‐9 gene expression and release. In amnion cells, SLIT3 siRNA knockdown decreased IL‐1β‐induced COX‐2 expression and prostaglandin PGE2 release. There was no effect of SLIT3 siRNA on IL‐1β‐induced NF‐κB transcriptional activity.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that SLIT3 is increased with labour, and both our amnion and our myometrial studies describe a pro‐inflammatory effect of SLIT3 in these tissues.
Randomized controlled trial of laparoscopic anterior 180° partial versus posterior 270° partial fundoplication
Authors: Daud Wan Najmi Wan , Thompson Sarah K. , Jamieson Glyn G. , Devitt Peter G. , Martin Ian J. G. , Watson David I. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundPrevious trials show good outcomes following anterior and posterior partial versus Nissen fundoplication for gastro‐oesophageal reflux. However, it is unclear which partial fundoplication performs best. This study compared anterior 180° versus posterior 270° fundoplication.MethodsAt three hospitals, patients were randomized to anterior 180° versus posterior 270° partial fundoplication, and clinical outcomes were determined using a structured questionnaire at 3, 6 and 12 months. Heartburn, dysphagia and satisfaction were assessed using 0–10 analoue scales, and adverse outcomes and side effects were determined. Endoscopy, manometry and pH monitoring were performed 6 months after surgery.ResultsForty‐seven patients were randomized to anterior (n = 23) versus posterior (n = 24) fundoplication. Clinical outcomes for 93–98% of patients were available at each follow‐up point. At 12 months, the mean heartburn score was higher following anterior fundoplication (2.7 versus 0.8, P = 0.045), although differences were not significant at earlier follow‐up. Conversely, following posterior fundoplication, patients were less able to belch at 3 (56% versus 16%, P = 0.013) and 6 months (43% versus 9%, P = 0.017). No significant differences were demonstrated for dysphagia. Both groups had high rates of satisfaction with the outcome – 85% versus 86% satisfied at 12 months follow‐up.ConclusionBoth partial fundoplications are effective treatments for gastro‐oesophageal reflux. Posterior partial fundoplication is associated with less reflux symptoms offset by more side effects.
Akt pathway protein expression in gastrointestinal Kaposi sarcomas: relevance for tumor biology
Authors: Badescu Alina , Couvelard Anne , Handra‐Luca Adriana 
Published: November 2013

Gastrointestinal Kaposi sarcoma (KS) is classical, but rare. The AKT signaling pathway plays a central role in G protein‐coupled receptor, key protein of KS histogenesis, encoded by KSHV/HHV8. There is increasing evidence that rapamycin, acting on AKT pathway, may be useful in the treatment of KS, including in HIV patients. We aimed to study the expression pattern of AKT pathway proteins in gastrointestinal KS. Expression of AKT, 4EBP1, PTEN, mTOR was assessed in 19 gastrointestinal KS biopsies by immunohistochemistry (17 patients). Protein expression in tumor spindle cells and in intratumor stromal vascular endothelial cells was analyzed with regard to clinicomorphological features. Tumor AKT related to lack of marked extravasated erythrocytes, tumor PTEN to presence of intratumor hemosiderin (p = 0.04 for both comparisons). Presence of both extravasated erythrocytes and hemosiderin related directly to endothelial stromal vascular nuclear PTEN and to low endothelial mTOR (p = 0.4 and 0.03, respectively). High tumor 4EBP1 related to a high slit‐type abnormal vascular component (p = 0.04). The results of our study suggest pro‐permeability or pro‐angiogenic roles for 4EBP1 and PTEN and, opposite roles for AKT and mTOR in KS. Our hypotheses warrant further studies to obtain more generally applicable results.
Application of consensus theory to formalize expert evaluations of plant species distribution models
Authors: van Zonneveld Maarten , Castañeda Nora , Scheldeman Xavier , van Etten Jacob , Van Damme Patrick 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimApplication of environmental envelope modelling (EEM) for conservation planning requires careful validation. Opinions of experts who have worked with species of interest in the field can be a valuable and independent information source to validate EEM because of their first‐hand experience with species occurrence and absence. However, their use in model validation is limited because of the subjectivity of their feedback. In this study, we present a method on the basis of cultural consensus theory to formalize expert model evaluations.MethodsWe developed, for five tree species, distribution models with nine different variable combinations and Maxent EEM software. Species specialists validated the generated distribution maps through an online Google Earth interface with the scores from Invalid to Excellent. Experts were also asked about the commission and omission errors of the distribution models they evaluated. We weighted expert scores according to consensus theory. These values were used to obtain a final average expert score for each of the produced distribution models. The consensus‐weighted expert scores were compared with un‐weighted scores and correlated to four conventional model performance parameters after cross‐validation with test data: Area Under Curve (AUC), maximum Kappa, commission error and omission error.ResultsThe median consensus‐weighted expert score of all species–variable combinations was close to Fair. In general, experts that reached more consensus with peers were more positive about the EEM outcomes, compared to those that had more opposite judgements. Both consensus‐weighted and un‐weighted scores were significantly correlated to corresponding AUC, maximum Kappa and commission error values, but not to omission errors. More than half of the experts indicated that the distribution model they considered best included areas where the species is known to be absent. One third also indicated areas of species presence that were omitted by the model.ConclusionsOur results indicate that experts are fairly positive about EEM outcomes. This is encouraging, but EEM application for conservation actions remains limited according to them. Methods to formalize expert knowledge allow a wider use of this information in model validation and improvement, and they complement conventional validation methods of presence‐only modelling. Online GIS and survey applications facilitate the consultation of experts.
Two Faces of Inflammation: An Immunopharmacological View
Authors: Moilanen Eeva 
Published: November 2013

AbstractInflammation is a protective response intended to eliminate pathogens and other offending agents which have potential to cause cell injury, as well as malignant and necrotic cells. However, if the inflammatory response is dysregulated or inappropriately focused, it has considerable potential to cause harm and can lead to development of inflammatory diseases such as allergic and autoimmune diseases. Despite the recent success in cytokine‐targeted therapies, for example by the use of specific biological drugs, there are still considerable unmet needs in the treatment of inflammatory diseases. Further, recent discoveries in many diseases in addition to the classical inflammatory diseases have revealed inflammation to be a major factor participating in the underlying pathophysiological processes, either through activation of inflammatory cells or through triggering of inflammatory signalling mechanisms in the tissue cells. Examples of such diseases and conditions are many cardiovascular, metabolic and degenerative diseases, as well as cancer, obesity and pain. This brings the immunopharmacological approach into a new perspective in the drug development in very wide therapeutic areas. Immunopharmacology investigates mechanisms of inflammation and potential molecules and targets to treat inflammatory diseases. The current issue of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology focuses on some of the novel inflammatory mechanisms with potential in anti‐inflammatory drug development, including kinase pathways, TRP ion channels, eicosanoid system, obesity‐related adipokines, autoantibodies against citrullinated proteins, eosinophils, platelets and pathways connecting nervous and immune systems. The MiniReviews are based on lectures given at the symposium “Novel Drugs and Drug Targets to Treat Inflammation” in Ylläs, Finland, in March 2013.
Relationship between clinical features and inflammation‐related monocyte gene expression in bipolar disorder – towards a better understanding of psychoimmunological interactions
Authors: Haarman Bartholomeus (Benno) CM , Riemersma‐Van der Lek Rixt F , Burger Huibert , Netkova Mina , Drexhage Roosmarijn C , Bootsman Florian , Mesman Esther , Hillegers Manon HJ , Spijker Anne T , Hoencamp Erik , Drexhage Hemmo A , Nolen Willem A 
Published: November 2013

ObjectivesExisting and previously published datasets were examined for associations between illness and treatment characteristics and monocyte pro‐inflammatory gene expression in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). We hypothesized a priori that increased monocyte pro‐inflammatory gene expression would be found more frequently in patients with a lifetime history of psychotic symptoms.MethodsMonocyte quantitative polymerase chain reaction and symptom data from 64 patients with BD were collected from three Dutch studies. Regression analyses were performed to analyze the various associations between pro‐inflammatory gene expression and clinical features, from which feature‐expression heat maps were drawn.ResultsNo associations were found between pro‐inflammatory gene expression and lifetime psychotic symptoms, whereas a positive association was identified between subcluster 2 genes and manic symptoms. For several subcluster 1a genes, a negative association was found with age at onset. For most subcluster 2 genes, a positive association was found with the duration of illness. Current use of antidepressants and of anti‐epileptic agents was associated with subcluster 2 gene expression, and current use of lithium and antipsychotic agents with subcluster 1a gene expression.ConclusionsOur hypothesis that lifetime psychotic features would be associated with pro‐inflammatory monocyte gene expression was not confirmed. In an explorative analysis we found: (i) a possible relationship between pro‐inflammatory gene expression and manic symptomatology; (ii) a differential immune activation related to age at onset and duration of illness; and (iii) support for the concept of an immune suppressive action of some of the mood‐regulating medications.
Therapeutic potential of midkine in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Kadomatsu Kenji , Bencsik Péter , Görbe Anikó , Csonka Csaba , Sakamoto Kazuma , Kishida Satoshi , Ferdinandy Péter 
Published: November 2013

Ischaemic heart disease, stroke and their pathological consequences are life‐threatening conditions that account for about half of deaths in developed countries. Pathology of these diseases includes cell death due to ischaemia/reperfusion injury, vascular stenosis and cardiac remodelling. The growth factor midkine plays a pivotal role in these events. Midkine shows an acute cytoprotective effect in ischaemia/reperfusion injury at least in part via its anti‐apoptotic effect. Moreover, while midkine promotes endothelial cell proliferation, it also recruits inflammatory cells to lesions. These activities eventually enhance angiogenesis, thereby preventing cardiac tissue remodelling. However, midkine's activity in recruiting inflammatory cells into the vascular wall also triggers neointima formation, and consequently, vascular stenosis. Moreover, midkine is induced in cancer tissues where it enhances angiogenesis. Therefore, midkine may promote tumour formation through its angiogenic and anti‐apoptotic activity. This review focuses on the roles of midkine in ischaemic cardiovascular disease and their pathological consequences, that is angiogenesis, vascular stenosis, and cardiac remodelling, and discusses the possible therapeutic potential of modulation of midkine in these diseases.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Midkine. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐4
Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in the airway: role in airway disease
Authors: Grace M S , Baxter M , Dubuis E , Birrell M A , Belvisi M G 
Published: November 2013

Over the last few decades, there has been an explosion of scientific publications reporting the many and varied roles of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in physiological and pathological systems throughout the body. The aim of this review is to summarize the existing literature on the role of TRP channels in the lungs and discuss what is known about their function under normal and diseased conditions. The review will focus mainly on the pathogenesis and symptoms of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the role of four members of the TRP family: TRPA1, TRPV1, TRPV4 and TRPM8. We hope that the article will help the reader understand the role of TRP channels in the normal airway and how their function may be changed in the context of respiratory disease.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on the pharmacology of TRP channels. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue‐10
Role of the A2B receptor–adenosine deaminase complex in colonic dysmotility associated with bowel inflammation in rats
Authors: Antonioli L , Fornai M , Awwad O , Giustarini G , Pellegrini C , Tuccori M , Caputi V , Qesari M , Castagliuolo I , Brun P , Giron M C , Scarpignato C , Blandizzi C , Colucci R 
Published: November 2013

Background and PurposeAdenosine A2B receptors regulate several physiological enteric functions. However, their role in the pathophysiology of intestinal dysmotility associated with inflammation has not been elucidated. Hence, we investigated the expression of A2B receptors in rat colon and their role in the control of cholinergic motility in the presence of bowel inflammation.Experimental ApproachColitis was induced by 2,4‐dinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (DNBS). Colonic A2B receptor expression and localization were examined by RT‐PCR and immunofluorescence. The interaction between A2B receptors and adenosine deaminase was assayed by immunoprecipitation. The role of A2B receptors in the control of colonic motility was examined in functional experiments on longitudinal muscle preparations (LMPs).Key ResultsA2B receptor mRNA was present in colon from both normal and DNBS‐treated rats but levels were increased in the latter. A2B receptors were predominantly located in the neuromuscular layer, but, in the presence of colitis, were increased mainly in longitudinal muscle. Functionally, the A2B receptor antagonist MRS 1754 enhanced both electrically‐evoked and carbachol‐induced cholinergic contractions in normal LMPs, but was less effective in inflamed tissues. The A2B receptor agonist NECA decreased colonic cholinergic motility, with increased efficacy in inflamed LMP. Immunoprecipitation and functional tests revealed a link between A2B receptors and adenosine deaminase, which colocalize in the neuromuscular compartment.Conclusions and ImplicationsUnder normal conditions, endogenous adenosine modulates colonic motility via A2B receptors located in the neuromuscular compartment. In the presence of colitis, this inhibitory control is impaired due to a link between A2B receptors and adenosine deaminase, which catabolizes adenosine, thus preventing A2B receptor activation.
The effect of smoking cessation on airway inflammation in young asthma patients
Authors: Westergaard C. G. , Porsbjerg C. , Backer V. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryBackgroundSmoking has been shown to have several detrimental effects on asthma, including poor symptom control, attenuated treatment response and accelerated decline in lung function. In spite of this, smoking is at least as common among asthma patients as in the rest of the population. The aggravations of smoking on asthma may be caused by effects on airway inflammation, which has been found to be changed in asthmatic smokers. It is not known whether these smoking‐induced airway inflammation changes are reversible after smoking cessation.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess airway changes in asthmatic smokers before and during smoking cessation.MethodsForty‐six smokers with asthma, all steroid‐free (age range: 19–40), were recruited. All participants attempted smoking cessation over a period of 3 months. Visits were performed at weeks 0, 6 and 12 and included induced sputum, FeNO, methacholine challenge, lung function, Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ6) and exhaled CO.ResultsTwenty‐six of 46 patients succeeded in quitting smoking. In the quitters, improvements in methacholine AHR (77% before and 52% after smoking cessation, respectively, P = 0.016) and ACQ6 score (1.7–0.7, P = 0.034) and FeNO (8.7–14.8 p.p.b., P = 0.002) were observed, whereas no significant changes were found regarding eosinophils or lung function. A small but significant decrease in neutrophils (54.1–52%, P = 0.003) was present in quitters compared with the non‐quitters. Non‐quitters experienced no changes in any parameters.ConclusionSmoking cessation improved asthma control, but the changes were not related to change in eosinophilic inflammation, and the reduction in neutrophils was small. Thus, airway inflammation with eosinophils and neutrophils may be less important drivers of asthma control in smokers than other factors.Clinical RelevanceSmoking cessation may improve clinically important disease parameters such as AHR and symptom score, but likely unrelated to changes in airway inflammation.