bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Terrestrial small mammal diversity and abundance in central Benin: comparison between habitats, with conservation implications
Authors: Nicolas Violaine , Natta Armand , Barrieré Patrick , Delapre Arnaud , Colyn Marc 
Published: June 2010

AbstractWe performed a terrestrial small mammal species inventory in the Agoua and Wari‐Maro forest reserves (Benin). Four localities were sampled, and in each locality, three habitats were surveyed: dense forest, open forest or woodland savannah and shrub savannah. This is the first comprehensive inventory for small mammals in central Benin. We captured 794 small mammals representing twenty species (six shrew species, fourteen rodent species). Three new species that need to be described were recorded. We observed a mixture of both true forest species and of species adapted to a wider range of habitats ranging from savannah to forest clearings. Species with either Sudanian or Guinea–Congolian affinities were recorded, as well as a new species endemic to Togo and Benin. This rich biodiversity underlines the urgent need for an effective protection of these forests. The Sudanian species Crocidura cf. foxi was more abundant in Wari‐Maro than in Agoua forest, while the Guineo–Congolian species Praomys misonnei and Hylomyscus sp were only captured in Agoua forest. These results are in agreement with the fact that these two forests belong to two distinct chorological zones.
The pathophysiology of peri‐operative myocardial infarction
Authors: Biccard B. M. , Rodseth R. N. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryIt is generally believed that plaque rupture and myocardial oxygen supply‐demand imbalance contribute approximately equally to the burden of peri‐operative myocardial infarction. This review critically analyses data of post‐mortem, pre‐operative coronary angiography, troponin surveillance, other pre‐operative non‐invasive investigations, and peri‐operative haemodynamic predictors of myocardial ischaemia and/or myocardial infarction. The current evidence suggests that myocardial oxygen supply‐demand imbalance predominates in the early postoperative period. It is likely that flow stagnation and thrombus formation is an important pathway in the development of a peri‐operative myocardial infarction, in addition to the more commonly recognised role of peri‐operative tachycardia. Research and therapeutic interventions should be focused on the prediction and therapy of flow stagnation and thrombus formation. Plaque rupture appears to be a more random event, distributed over the entire peri‐operative admission.
Impact of a novel nutritional formula on asthma control and biomarkers of allergic airway inflammation in children
Authors: Covar R. , Gleason M. , Macomber B. , Stewart L. , Szefler P. , Engelhardt K. , Murphy J. , Liu A. , Wood S. , DeMichele S. , Gelfand E. W. , Szefler S. J. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
A novel nutritional formula (NNF) enriched in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and γ‐linolenic fatty acids and antioxidants reduces airway inflammation and improves clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, but NNF has not been evaluated in chronic inflammatory diseases such as persistent asthma.Objective
To evaluate the efficacy, compliance, and safety of NNF in asthmatic children.Methods
Children, 6–14 years of age, with mild to moderate persistent asthma, on as needed albuterol alone, were randomized to receive daily NNF (n=23) or control formula (n=20) for 12 weeks, with multiple assessments of asthma control, spirometry, measures of airway inflammation, formula tolerance, and adverse events.Results
Daily consumption of either NNF or a control formula showed improvement in asthma‐free days over time (P=0.04) but there was no difference between groups. However, the NNF group had lower exhaled nitric oxide levels compared with the control group at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P<0.05). An overall group difference in log FEV1 PC20 (P=0.05) was found in favour of the NNF group as well. Significantly higher levels of EPA in plasma (P<0.01) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) (P<0.01) phospholipids in the NNF group compared with control group within 2 weeks indicated good adherence with daily NNF intake. There were no differences in adverse events for NNF vs. control after 12 weeks.Conclusions
Both NNF and control groups demonstrated improvement in asthma‐free days. NNF‐treated group had reduced biomarkers of disease activity. Rapid PBMC fatty acid composition changes reflected an anti‐inflammatory profile. Dietary supplementation with NNF was safe and well tolerated (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01087710). Cite this as: R. Covar, M. Gleason, B. Macomber, L. Stewart, P. Szefler, K. Engelhardt, J. Murphy, A. Liu, S. Wood, S. DeMichele, E. W. Gelfand and S. J. Szefler, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1163–1174.
Cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants strongly affect the results of the basophil activation test in hymenoptera‐venom allergy
Authors: Mertens M. , Amler S. , Moerschbacher B. M. , Brehler R. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
In hymenoptera‐venom allergy, sera of up to 60% of patients show in vitro reactivity to honeybee venom (HBV) and yellow jacket venom (YJV). This phenomenon is mainly caused by specific IgE (sIgE) against cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD). Whether or not these antibodies can induce clinical symptoms is a longstanding debate.Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate the biological activity of CCD‐sIgE and the suitability of the basophil activation test (BAT) in hymenoptera venom‐allergic patients having CCD‐sIgE.Methods
The biological activity of CCD‐sIgE was analysed by application of native and CCD‐depleted YJV and HBV in BAT with the blood of 62 hymenoptera venom‐allergic patients and 16 non‐allergic controls. According to results of intracutaneous skin tests (IC) with YJV and HBV and the existence of CCD‐sIgE, patients were classified into six subgroups.Results
In patients with mono‐positive IC and CCD‐sIgE, and thus double‐positive sIgE, BAT with native venoms was also double positive in up to 67% of the patients. In contrast, BAT with CCD‐depleted venoms was positive only with the IC‐positive venom. However, activation of basophils with the IC‐negative venom was significantly lower compared with the IC‐positive one. In IC mono‐positive patients without CCD‐sIgE, BAT was mono‐positive with the IC‐positive venom in the native and in the CCD‐depleted form. CCD‐positive patients with double‐positive IC were a heterogeneous group, with the majority of CCD‐positive patients also being double positive with the native forms of both venoms but mono‐positive with the CCD‐depleted ones.Conclusions
In vitro BAT clearly demonstrates biological activity of CCD‐sIgE. However, because most of the patients showed a mono‐positive IC and activation of basophils with the IC‐negative venom was significantly lower compared with the IC‐positive one, the present data suggest that CCD‐sIgE is clinically irrelevant in these patients. Cite this as: M. Mertens, S. Amler, B. M. Moerschbacher and R. Brehler, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1333–1345.
Pre‐ and post‐natal exposure to antibiotics and the development of eczema, recurrent wheezing and atopic sensitization in children up to the age of 4 years
Authors: Dom S. , Droste J. H. J. , Sariachvili M. A. , Hagendorens M. M. , Oostveen E. , Bridts C. H. , Stevens W. J. , Wieringa M. H. , Weyler J. J. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
Little data are available on the relationship between indirect antibiotic exposure of the child in utero or during lactation and allergic diseases. On the other hand, several studies have been conducted on the association with direct post‐natal antibiotic exposure, but the results are conflicting.Objective
The aim of this study was to investigate pre‐ and post‐natal antibiotic exposure and the subsequent development of eczema, recurrent wheeze and atopic sensitization in children up to the age of 4 years.Methods
We conducted an aetiologic study in 773 children based on a prospective birth cohort project in which environmental and health information were collected using questionnaires. Antibiotic exposure was assessed as maternal antibiotic intake during pregnancy and during lactation and as medication intake of the child. The chronology of exposures and outcomes was taken into account during the data processing. At the age of 1 and 4 years, a blood sample was taken for the quantification of specific IgE.Results
Prenatal antibiotic exposure was significantly positively associated with eczema, whereas no association was found with recurrent wheeze and atopic sensitization. We found a positive, although statistically not significant, association between antibiotic exposure through breastfeeding and recurrent wheeze. Neither eczema nor atopic sensitization was significantly associated with antibiotic exposure through breastfeeding. Finally, we observed a negative association between the use of antibiotics in the first year of life and eczema and atopic sensitization, and also between antibiotic use after the first year of life and recurrent wheeze, eczema and atopic sensitization.Conclusion
Indirect exposure to antibiotics (in utero and during lactation) increases the risk for allergic symptoms in children, while direct exposure to antibiotics appears to be protective. The biological mechanisms underlying these findings still need to be elucidated. Cite this as: S. Dom, J. H. J. Droste, M. A. Sariachvili, M. M. Hagendorens, E. Oostveen, C. H. Bridts, W. J. Stevens, M. H. Wieringa and J. J. Weyler, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1378–1387.
Allergen challenge of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis increases IL‐17RB, which regulates basophil apoptosis and degranulation
Authors: Wang H. , Mobini R. , Fang Y. , Barrenäs F. , Zhang H. , Xiang Z. , Benson M. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
Previously, expression profiling has been used to analyse allergen‐challenged T‐helper type 2 cells, nasal biopsies and nasal fluid cells from patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Allergen‐challenged peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) provide a human in vitro model of how antigen‐presenting cells, CD4+ T cells and effector cells such as basophils interact in allergic inflammation.Objective
To identify novel genes and pathways in allergen‐challenged PBMCs from patients with SAR using gene expression profiling and functional studies.Methods
PBMCs from 11 patients with SAR and 23 healthy controls were analysed with gene expression profiling. mRNA expression of IL17RB in basophils was evaluated using quantitative real‐time PCR. Membrane protein expression and apoptosis of basophils were examined by flow cytometry. Degranulation of basophils was assessed by measuring β‐hexosaminidase release. Cytokine release was measured using ELISA.Results
Gene expression microarray analysis of allergen‐challenged PBMCs showed that 209 out of 44 000 genes were differentially expressed in patients compared with controls. IL17RB was the gene whose expression increased most in patients (P<0.0001). FACS analysis of PBMCs showed, for the first time, that basophils express IL‐17RB. Following allergen challenge, IL‐17RB protein increased significantly on basophils from patients compared with controls (P<0.05). IL‐3 significantly increased both mRNA and protein expressions of IL17RB. Activation of IL‐17RB by its ligand, IL‐25, inhibited apoptosis of basophils. Moreover, IgE‐mediated degranulation was enhanced by IL‐25.Conclusion
Increased expression of IL‐17RB on allergen‐challenged basophil is regulated by IL‐3, inhibits apoptosis and promotes IgE‐mediated degranulation of basophils. Cite this as: H. Wang, R. Mobini, Y. Fang, F. Barrenäs, H. Zhang, Z. Xiang and M. Benson, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1194–1202.
Human monocytic cells direct the robust release of CXCL10 by bronchial epithelial cells during rhinovirus infection
Authors: Korpi‐Steiner N. L. , Valkenaar S. M. , Bates M. E. , Evans M. D. , Gern J. E. , Bertics P. J. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryBackground
Human rhinovirus (HRV) infections are a major cause of exacerbations in chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, but HRV‐induced immune responses of the lower airway are poorly understood. Earlier work examining cytokine release following HRV infection has focused on epithelial cells because they serve as the principal site of viral replication, and internalization and replication of viral RNA appear necessary for epithelial cell mediator release. However, during HRV infection, only a small proportion of epithelial cells become infected. As HRV‐induced cytokine levels in vivo are markedly elevated, this observation suggests that other mechanisms independent of direct viral infection may induce epithelial cell cytokine release.Objective
Our aim was to test for the importance of interactions between human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) and monocytic cells in the control of mediator release during HRV exposure.Methods
In vitro models of HRV serotype‐16 (HRV16) infection of primary HBECs and human monocytic cells, in mono or co‐culture, were used. We assessed HRV16‐induced CXCL10 and CCL2 protein release via ELISA.Results
Co‐culture of human monocytic and bronchial epithelial cells promoted a synergistic augmentation of CXCL10 and CCL2 protein release following HRV16 challenge. Transfer of conditioned media from HRV16‐treated monocytic cells to epithelial cultures induced a robust release of CXCL10 by the epithelial cells. This effect was greatly attenuated by type I IFN receptor blocking antibodies, and could be recapitulated by IFN‐α addition.Conclusions
Our data indicate that epithelial CXCL10 release during HRV infection is augmented by a monocytic cell‐dependent mechanism involving type I IFN(s). Our findings support a key role for monocytic cells in the amplification of epithelial cell chemokine production during HRV infection, and help to explain how an inflammatory milieu is created in the lower airways even in the absence of extensive viral replication and epithelial infection. Cite this as: N. L. Korpi‐Steiner, S. M. Valkenaar, M. E. Bates, M. D. Evans, J. E. Gern and P. J. Bertics, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2010 (40) 1203–1213.
Cutaneous sporotrichoid leishmaniasis resistant to pentavalent antimonial therapy: complete resolution with itraconazole
Authors: Cozzani E. , Satta R. , Fausti V. , Cottoni F. , Parodi A. 
Published: June 2010

Summary
Sporotrichoid leishmaniasis is a sporadic form of cutaneous leishmaniasis, a protozoal infection, reported particularly in the Middle East. Clinically it occurs as nontender, subcutaneous, slightly erythematous nodules, often associated with lymphangitis, usually on exposed areas of the skin. Sometimes it occurs after treatment with a single dose of antimonials, and in older lesions, the biopsy can be negative for amastigotes. We report a case of cutaneous sporotrichoid leishmaniasis unresponsive to intralesional pentavalent antimonial therapy, which completely resolved after treatment with oral itraconazole. To our knowledge, this is only the third such case reported. We discuss the causes of dissemination of the nodular lesions and the negative results for amastigotes on re-biopsed lesions.
Homocysteine status and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis: a case–control study
Authors: Tobin A.-M. , Hughes R. , Hand E. B. , Leong T. , Graham I. M. , Kirby B. 
Published: June 2010

Summary
Background. Psoriasis is a hyperproliferative, cutaneous disorder with the potential to lower levels of folate. This may result in raised levels of homocysteine, an independent risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease.
Objective. A study was conducted to compare levels of red-cell folate (RCF) and homocysteine in patients with psoriasis and in healthy controls. Levels of homocysteine were also examined in the context of other major cardiovascular risk factors.
Methods. In total, 20 patients with psoriasis and 20 controls had their RCF, homo-cysteine and other conventional cardiovascular risk factors assessed.
Results. Patients with psoriasis had a trend towards lower levels of RCF. Significantly raised levels of homocysteine were found in patients with psoriasis compared with controls (P = 0.007). There was no correlation between homocysteine levels, RCF levels or disease activity as measured by the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Patients with psoriasis had higher body mass index (P &lt; 0.004) and higher systolic blood pressure (P &lt; 0.001) than controls. This may contribute to the excess cardiovascular mortality observed in patients with psoriasis.
Estimation of nitrate removal by riparian wetlands and streams in agricultural catchments: effect of discharge and stream order
Authors: MONTREUIL OLIVIER , MEROT PHILIPPE , MARMONIER PIERRE 
Published: June 2010

Summary1. Assessment of the role of landscape structures such as buffers is a necessary prerequisite for the sustainable management of water resources in an agricultural setting.2. We monitored nitrate concentrations during interstorm periods at the outlet of 16 subcatchments of different orders within a catchment of 378 km2. We characterised stream network, wetlands, agricultural practices and land cover and identified their relationships with nitrate fluxes and concentrations.3. Two main factors controlled annual nitrate fluxes: the agricultural nitrogen surplus and the nature of the system comprising the wetland zone and adjoining watercourses. In the latter case, nitrate fluxes were reduced in proportion to the surface area of the riparian wetland and the flowpath distance of fluxes in the stream network. At the scale of the order‐6 stream, 53% of annual nitrate flux during interstorm periods was removed during transfer via the wetland and the river, corresponding to 21.1 kg N ha−1 per year.4. The influence of the riparian wetland zone/watercourse system increased during periods of low water level, explaining up to 64% of nitrate concentration variation among locations within the river network, but only 9% during periods of high water level.5. The buffering role was stronger at higher stream orders, and the dependence on stream order was more apparent at low water level, when we observed mean nitrate concentrations in the order‐6 stream that were 47% lower than observed in order‐2 or order‐3 streams.
Climate effects on inter‐annual variation in growth of the freshwater mussel (Anodonta beringiana) in an Alaskan lake
Authors: KENDALL NEALA W. , RICH HARRY B. , JENSEN LESLIE R. , QUINN THOMAS P. 
Published: June 2010

Summary1. Warming trends are evident in many parts of the globe but are especially marked at higher latitudes, with complex effects on the biota that include direct effects on growth potential and indirect effects through food webs.2. Air temperatures have been increasing over the past 50 years in southwestern Alaska, affecting the growth and population dynamics of many organisms, including a variety of aquatic species such as the freshwater mussel Anodonta beringiana.3. We collected freshwater mussels from Iliamna Lake, in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska, and measured their shells to examine climatic effects on growth patterns.4. Linear mixed effects models and ordinary least square linear regressions revealed strong positive correlations between local air temperatures (especially in May, October and the summer months) and inter‐annual variation in mussel growth. Slower mussel growth was also significantly correlated with later date of ice break‐up, which was linked to air temperatures in late spring.
Strand‐specific mutational bias influences codon usage of weakly expressed genes in Escherichia coli
Authors: Powdel Bhesh Raj , Borah Munindra , Ray Suvendra K. 
Published: June 2010

According to the selection‐mutation‐drift theory of molecular evolution, mutation predominates in determining codon usage bias (CUB) in weakly expressed genes (WEG) whereas selection predominates in determining CUB in highly expressed genes (HEG). Strand‐specific mutational bias causes compositional asymmetry of the nucleotides between leading and lagging strands (LaS) in bacterial chromosomes. Keeping in view the aforementioned points, CUB between the strands were compared in Escherichia coli chromosome. In comparison with HEG, codon usage of WEG was observed to be more biased toward strands: G ending codons were significantly more in leading strands than in LaS and the reverse was true for the C ending codons. In case of WEG, the GC3 skews were found to be significantly different between the strands. This suggests that strand‐specific mutational bias influences codon usage of WEG to a greater extent than that of HEG. The differential effect of strand‐specific mutational bias in E. coli might be attributed to stronger purifying selection in the HEG than the WEG. The observation here in E. coli supports the SMD theory of molecular evolution.
Phenological changes in intertidal con‐specific gastropods in response to climate warming
Authors: MOORE PIPPA J. , THOMPSON RICHARD C. , HAWKINS STEPHEN J. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThere is substantial evidence from terrestrial and freshwater systems of species responding to climate change through changes in their phenology. In the marine environment, however, there is less evidence. Using historic (1946–1949) and contemporary (2003–2007) data, collected from rocky shores of south‐west Britain, we investigated the affect of recent climate warming on the reproductive phenology of two con‐specific intertidal limpet grazers, with cool/boreal and warm/lusitanian centres of distribution. Reproductive development in the southern limpet, Patella depressa, has advanced, on average, 10.2 days per decade since the 1940s, with a longer reproductive season and more of the population reproductively active. The peak in the proportion of the population in advanced stages of gonad development was positively correlated with sea surface temperature (SST) in late spring/early summer, which has increased between the 1940s and 2000s. The advance in peak reproductive development of this species is double the average observed for terrestrial and freshwater systems and indicates, along with other studies, that marine species may be responding faster to climate warming. In contrast, the northern limpet, Patella vulgata, has experienced a delay in the timing of its reproductive development (on average 3.3 days per decade), as well as an increase in reproductive failure years and a reduction in the proportion of the population reaching advanced gonad stages. These results are the first to demonstrate a delay in the reproductive development of a cool‐temperate, winter spawner, towards cooler more favourable environmental conditions in response to climate warming. Such a delay in spawning will potentially lead to trophic miss‐matches, resulting in a rapid nonlinear decline of this species.