bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic signals of diversification along ecological gradients in a tropical lizard
Authors: FREEDMAN ADAM H. , THOMASSEN HENRI A. , BUERMANN WOLFGANG , SMITH THOMAS B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractStudies of rainforest diversification that simultaneously consider the effects of genetic drift and natural selection are rare. We use Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism genome scans of the African rainforest lizardTrachylepis affinisfrom Cameroon to examine the spatial patterns and environmental associations of both neutrally evolving loci and those thought to be under selection. Bayesian selection scans revealed that approximately 7% of the genome may be under divergent selection. Using non‐linear environmental modelling techniques, we fit patterns of genetic differentiation recovered from the pooled neutral data and from individual loci showing a signature of natural selection. Neutral differentiation occurred along a cline from coastal lowland rainforest inland toward the gallery forests‐savanna mosaic (ecotone), and was associated with both geographic distance and changing precipitation patterns. Loci under selection were differentiated predominantly along the forest–ecotone gradient—in concordance with morphological divergence in traits related to fitness. A second set of these loci was differentiated between lowland and montane habitats. A third set of loci was indicative of divergent selection between rainforest refugia. Niche models and demographic signals in mitochondrial sequence data support a population expansion out of a core rainforest area into savanna since the last glacial maximum. Our findings indicate adaptive diversification inT. affinismay be taking place along the forest–ecotone gradient during range expansions or contractions, and that refugial isolation augmented by divergent adaptation to different rainforest environments appears to play a less significant role.
Effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on inflammatory infiltrate in gallbladder muscle of cholesterol gallstone patients
Authors: Carotti S. , Guarino M. P. L. , Cicala M. , Perrone G. , Alloni R. , Segreto F. , Rabitti C. , Morini S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  Reduced gallbladder (GB) contractility and chronic inflammatory changes in the mucosa have been reported in patients with cholesterol gallstones (GS). Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) restores GB contractility and antagonises liver macrophage activation. In the colon, hydrophobic bile acid, not hydrophilic UDCA, induces mast cell degranulation. We studied the presence of monocyte/macrophage infiltrate, cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, the number of total and degranulated mast cells in the GB muscle layer of cholesterol GS patients, and the effect of UDCA administration.Methods  Gallbladder tissue was obtained from cholesterol GS patients, either treated or untreated with UDCA (10 mg kg−1 day−1) for 30 days prior to surgery. Gallbladders removed for neoplastic diseases, not involving GB, were evaluated for control purposes. The presence of monocytes/macrophages (CD68 positive), granulocytes, and mast cells, and the COX‐2 and iNOS expression, was determined immunohistochemically.Key Results  The number of CD68, granulocytes, mast cells, COX‐2 and iNOS positive cells was significantly higher in the muscle layer of GS patients than in controls. Compared to untreated patients, those treated with UDCA showed significantly lower levels of CD68, COX‐2 positive cells and degranulated mast cells and a lesser number of iNOS positive cells and granulocytes.Conclusions & Inferences  An inflammatory monocyte/macrophage, mast cell and granulocyte infiltrate is present in the GB muscle layer of GS patients. Ursodeoxycholic acid decreases macrophages, degranulated mast cells and COX‐2 expression. These results suggest that monocytes/macrophages and degranulating mast cells contribute to muscle cell dysfunction in cholesterol GS patients and support the anti‐inflammatory effect of UDCA.
Improved Immunogenicity of Recombinant Mycobacterium bovis Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin Strains Expressing Fusion Protein Ag85A‐ESAT‐6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Deng Y. H. , Sun Z. , Yang X. L. , Bao L. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractEarly secretory antigen target 6 (ESAT‐6) is a dominant target for cell‐mediated immunity in the early phase of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with TB, causing T‐cell proliferation and gamma interferon (IFN‐γ) production, which has been considered to be a protective antigen that can be used for future vaccine development. Ag85A is the most essential component for bacterial survival within macrophages and has been used in numerous vaccine preparations, which can induce strong cellular immune responses. In this study, we constructed a new recombinant bacilli Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) strain (rBCG‐AE) that could express fusion protein Ag85A‐ESAT‐6 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and evaluated its immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. There was no evidence for increased virulence of this rBCG. Our experiments illustrated that the rBCG‐AE was able to induce higher titer of antibody and elicit more long‐lasting and stronger Th1 type cellular immune responses than the parental BCG strain, or rBCG‐A (expressing Ag85A) strain, or rBCG‐E (expressing ESAT‐6) strain, which are characterized by the strong antibody response, the proliferation rate of splenocytes, the ratio of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells stimulated by tuberculin‐purified protein derivative and elevated levels of IFN‐γ in antigen‐stimulated splenocyte cultures. The results show that rBCG‐AE is an improved TB vaccine for further study.
Cyclosporine‐A in severe chronic urticaria: the option for long‐term therapy
Authors: Kessel A. , Toubi E. 
Published: July 2010

To cite this article: Kessel A, Toubi E. Cyclosporine‐A in severe chronic urticaria: the option for long‐term therapy. Allergy 2010; 65: 1478–1482.AbstractBackground:  The treatment of severe chronic urticaria (CU) remains a difficult goal to achieve. Many patients do not respond to anti‐histamine therapy, even when off‐label doses are given. Thus, cyclosporine‐A (CsA) becomes a good therapeutic option for severe patients and for some, long‐term therapy is required. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of low‐dose CsA, when treatment cannot be discontinued and long‐term CsA therapy is needed to maintain severe CU in remission.Methods:  Among 2000 patients with CU who were referred to our outpatient clinic, 120 patients who suffered from a very severe CU began treatment with CsA 3 mg/kg. A clinical and laboratory followup was performed during this period of treatment.Results:  In 20 patients, CsA was discontinued within 2–15 days after initiation because of side‐effects. Among 62 of the remaining 100 patients (62%), CsA was administered for a period of 3 months with a highly beneficial outcome. In another 20 patients (20%), CsA was considered beneficial; however, it was required for a longer period of time, 5–10 years for some of the cases. In all cases, CsA was well tolerated and most important, it was safe. For 18 patients (18%), CsA therapy was reported as failed.Conclusion:  A low dose of CsA is a good option for patients who suffer from especially severe CU. In most cases, this therapy regimen is considered effective and safe. For a small group of patients, long‐term therapy is needed, and until now it is considered safe.
Evaluation of phone‐based genetic counselling in African American women using culturally tailored visual aids
Authors: Pal T , Stowe C , Cole A , Lee J‐H , Zhao X , Vadaparampil S 
Published: July 2010

Pal T, Stowe C, Cole A, Lee J‐H, Zhao X, Vadaparampil S. Evaluation of phone‐based genetic counselling in African American women using culturally tailored visual aids.Genetic counselling (GC) services for inherited breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) are underutilized by African American (AA) women. We sought to evaluate factors associated with knowledge gain in a sample of AA women diagnosed with early‐onset breast cancer, in whom GC for HBOC was provided, using a culturally targeted genetic counselling aid (GCA). Through a cancer registry‐based study, phone‐based GC for HBOC was offered to AA women with breast cancer ≤50. A questionnaire to assess knowledge about HBOC was completed prior to GC. All women were provided a GCA about HBOC developed by the investigative team for use during the GC session. Following GC, a personalized summary letter was mailed to all study participants and the same knowledge questionnaire was completed. A total of 37 study participants completed the pre‐ and post‐GC knowledge questionnaires with significant gains in knowledge following the GC process (p < 0.0001). Statistically significant factors associated with knowledge gain included earlier stage of diagnosis of breast cancer and education level. Our results indicate that phone‐based GC supplemented by a culturally targeted visual aid is an effective means of improving knowledge about HBOC in young AA women with invasive breast cancer.
Adrenocortical Response in Cows after Intramuscular Injection of Long‐Acting Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (Tetracosactide Acetate Zinc Suspension)
Authors: Thinh NC , Yoshida C , Long ST , Yusuf M , Nakao T 
Published: July 2010

ContentsThe objectives of this study were first to show adrenocortical response to a long‐acting adrenocorticotropic hormone preparation (tetracosactide acetate zinc suspension) (ACTH‐Z) and its effect on adrenocortical function in beef cows (Experiment 1) and second to apply the ACTH‐Z challenge in dairy cows based on cortisol concentrations in milk collected at routine milking (Experiment 2). InExperiment 1, four beef cows in luteal phase were challenged with ACTH‐Z, and plasma cortisol concentrations were determined for 48 h after the injection at 30‐min to 2‐h intervals. A rapid ACTH test was conducted 3 days before and 2 h after the completion of ACTH‐Z injection for 48 h to investigate the effect on adrenocortical function. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased significantly 30 min after ACTH‐Z injection (p < 0.001), and the high cortisol levels were maintained for approximately 10 h after the injection. InExperiment 2, eight dairy cows were subjected to ACTH‐Z challenge 1–2 weeks and 4–5 weeks post‐partum. Blood and milk samples were taken at morning and afternoon milking. All the cows showed a significant increase in cortisol concentrations in plasma as well as in skim milk 8 h after ACTH‐Z injection 1–2 weeks and 4–5 weeks post‐partum (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between plasma and skim milk cortisol concentrations 8 h after ACTH‐Z challenge (r = 0.74, p < 0.001). The results obtained in this study suggest that elevated levels of plasma cortisol are maintained for approximately 10 h after ACTH‐Z treatment without adverse effect on adrenocortical function and a long‐acting ACTH‐Z challenge based on cortisol concentrations in milk, which were collected at the morning and the afternoon milking, can be a useful tool to monitor adrenocortical function in cows.
Telegony, the Sire Effect and non‐Mendelian Inheritance Mediated by Spermatozoa: A Historical Overview and Modern Mechanistic Speculations
Authors: Liu YS 
Published: July 2010

ContentsTelegony is the belief that the sire first mated to a female will have an influence upon some of that female’s later offspring by another male. Although the reality of telegony was acknowledged by such authorities as Darwin, Spencer, Romanes and many experienced breeders, it has been met with scepticism because of Weismann’s unfavourable comments and negative results obtained in several test experiments. In this article, alleged cases of telegony are provided. A search of the literature of cell biology and biochemistry reveals several plausible mechanisms that may form the basis for telegony. These involve the penetration of spermatozoa into the somatic tissues of the female genital tract, the incorporation of the DNA released by spermatozoa into maternal somatic cells, the presence of foetal DNA in maternal blood, as well as sperm RNA‐mediated non‐Mendelian inheritance of epigenetic changes.
Interleukin‐1B and interleukin‐1 RN polymorphisms and gastric carcinoma risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xue Huiping , Lin Bin , Ni Peihua , Xu Hong , Huang Gang 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground and Aim:  We aimed to explore the role of interleukin (IL)‐1B cluster gene polymorphisms at positions −511, −31, and +3954 and the receptor IL‐1RN variable number tandem repeat polymorphisms in the susceptibility to gastric carcinoma through a systematic review and meta‐analysis.Methods:  Each initially included article was scored for quality appraisal. The desirable data were extracted and registered into databases. Studies that deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium were excluded. Eighteen studies were ultimately eligible for the meta‐analysis of IL1B–511, 21 studies for IL1B‐31, 10 studies for IL1B+3954, and 20 studies for IL1RN variable number tandem repeat genetic polymorphisms, respectively. Original groups were collapsed and re‐grouping was adopted in line with the most probably appropriate genetic models. Potential sources of heterogeneity were sought out via stratification and sensitivity analyses, and biases across studies were estimated.Results:  The pooled odds ratios (95% confidence intervals, P‐value) associated with IL‐1B −511 T carriers versus CC genotypes and with RN *2 carriers versus L/L were 1.23 (1.04–1.45, P = 0.015) and 1.26 (1.06–1.51, P = 0.010), respectively, for overall gastric carcinoma; 1.31 (1.04–1.64, P = 0.020) and 1.47 (1.21–1.79, P = 0.000), respectively, for non‐cardia gastric cancer; 1.55 (1.05–2.28, P = 0.026) and 1.66 (1.23–2.25, P = 0.001), respectively, for intestinal type gastric carcinoma; and 1.33 (1.04–1.71, P = 0.023) and 1.31 (1.07–1.61, P = 0.010), respectively, in Caucasians for overall gastric carcinoma. The pooled odds ratio (95% confidence interval, P‐value) regarding IL‐1B−31 CC plus TT versus CT was 0.73 (0.60–0.89, P = 0.002) for intestinal type gastric carcinoma. Genotyping methods and publication time could constitute the sources of heterogeneity across studies. Publication biases were not found.Conclusion:  IL‐1B −511 T allele and IL‐1 RN *2 VNTR are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing gastric carcinoma and even more significantly with non‐cardia gastric carcinoma or with intestinal‐type gastric carcinoma. Both are significantly associated with an increased risk of developing gastric carcinoma among Caucasians, but not among Asians or Hispanics.
Increased myocardial methionine‐enkephalin with reduced arterial oxygenation in congenital heart disease
Authors: van den Brink Olivier WV , Cochrane Andrew D , Rosenfeldt Franklin L , Penny Daniel J , Pepe Salvatore 
Published: July 2010

Background:  Cardiac opioid peptides have been identified to exert important adaptive metabolic signalling for cardioprotection against ischaemia or hypoxia‐related injury.Aims:  To determine myocardial methionine‐enkephalin content in children with hypoxemic congenital heart defects and to correlate myocardial content of methionine‐enkephalin with the extent of arterial oxygen desaturation.Methods:  Children (n= 20, median age of 16 months), undergoing cardiac surgical repair (tetralogy of Fallot, 17/20), were included in this study. Arterial oxygen saturation was measured on admission. Myocardial samples obtained during surgery were assayed via radioimmunochemistry for methionine‐enkephalin content.Results:  Greater methionine‐enkephalin content was measured in the right ventricles of the patients suffering from recent cyanotic spells compared with those with no recent spells (cyanotic spells: 2418 ± 844 pg/g wet weight tissue, n= 6; no spells: 1175 ± 189 pg/g wet weight tissue, n= 14, P= 0.04). An inverse correlation was evident between the arterial oxygen saturation and myocardial methionine‐enkephalin content.Conclusion:  Myocardial methionine‐enkephalin levels increase with the severity of hypoxic stress in congenital cardiac disease and may play an important adaptive role in countering adrenergic over‐activity and related excess demand on myocardial metabolic capacity.
Quantitative ultrasonometry of the calcaneus in children with osteogenesis imperfecta
Authors: Kutilek Stepan , Bayer Milan 
Published: July 2010

Aims:  Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is characterised by low bone density and increased bone fragility. The aim was to evaluate calcaneal quantitative ultrasonometry (QUS) parameters in children with OI and to look for relationship with the number of prevalent fractures.Methods:  Eighteen children (12 boys and six girls; mean age 9.8 ± 3.5 years) with OI (type I, n= 15; type IV, n= 3; mean fracture prevalence 3.7 per patient) had the velocity of sound (VOS) and broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) measured on both heels with a Cuba Clinical (McCue Ultrasonics, Winchester, UK) dry ultrasound portable device. Both BUA and VOS were expressed as either age‐dependent or height‐related values. The obtained values of VOS and BUA were correlated to number of prevalent fractures.Results:  The patients were of short stature (Z‐score –1.73 ± 1.20 SD; P < 0.001). Both age‐related BUA and VOS were low in comparison to reference values (P < 0.0001), same as height‐adjusted BUA and VOS (P < 0.0001). We found no correlations between number of prevalent fractures and BUA or VOS (age‐related or height‐adjusted) (r= 0.02, r= 0.017, r=–0.13, r= 0.015, respectively).Conclusions:  Children with OI have low QUS parameters with no relationship to number of prevalent fractures.
The safety of long‐acting beta‐agonists: More evidence is needed
Authors: KAZANI Shamsah , WARE James H. , DRAZEN Jeffrey M. , TAYLOR D. Robin , SEARS Malcolm R. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTThere is controversy regarding the possibility that long‐acting beta‐agonists (LABA) may paradoxically contribute adversely to asthma mortality. While studies and meta‐analyses indicate increased risk, epidemiological data indicate a slow fall in asthma mortality since the introduction of LABA. Advocates for LABA propose that mandatory simultaneous use of inhaled corticosteroids satisfactorily reduce any potential risk. In the face of lingering doubts, others propose that LABA should be withdrawn from use. In this pro–con article, Kazaniet al. provide the rationale for a modified randomized controlled trial that would define the level of risk more clearly, and provide the basis for a clear judgment to be made. Sears argues that current knowledge about the risks associated with LABA, especially when prescribed as monotherapy, provides sufficient evidence for clinicians and licensing authorities alike, and that the logistics and likely outcomes for a large prospective study are unjustified.
Perinatal development of inhibitory synapses in the nucleus tractus solitarii of the rat
Authors: Dufour Amandine , Tell Fabien , Baude Agnès 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS) plays a key role in the central control of the autonomic nervous system. In adult rats, both GABA and glycine are used as inhibitory neurotransmitter in the NTS. Using a quantitative morphological approach, we have investigated the perinatal development of inhibitory synapses in the NTS. The density of both inhibitory axon terminals and synapses increased from embryonic day 20 until the end of the second postnatal week (postnatal day 14). Before birth, only GABAergic axon terminals developed and their number increased during the first postnatal week. Mixed GABA/glycine axon terminals appeared at birth and their number increased during the first postnatal week. This suggests the development of a mixed GABA/glycine inhibition in parallel to pure GABA inhibition. However, whereas GABAergic axon terminals were distributed throughout the NTS, mixed GABA/glycine axon terminals were strictly located in the lateral part of the NTS. Established at birth, this specific topography remained in the adult rat. From birth, GABAA receptors, glycine receptors and gephyrin were clustered in inhibitory synapses throughout the NTS, revealing a neurotransmitter–receptor mismatch within the medial part of the NTS. Together these results suggest that NTS inhibitory networks develop and mature until postnatal day 14. Developmental changes in NTS synaptic inhibition may play an important role in shaping neural network activity during a time of maturation of autonomic functions. The first two postnatal weeks could represent a critical period where the impact of the environment influences the physiological phenotypes of adult rats.
Ecology of arthritis
Authors: Peterson Rolf O. , Vucetich John A. , Fenton Gus , Drummer Thomas D. , Larsen Clark Spencer 
Published: July 2010

Ecology Letters (2010) 13: 1124–1128AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread degenerative disease of skeletal joints and is often associated with senescence in vertebrates. OA commonly results from excessive or abnormal mechanical loading of weight‐bearing joints (‘wear‐and‐tear’), arising from heavy long‐term use or specific injuries; yet, in the absence of injury, the aetiology of OA remains obscure. We show that poor nutritional conditions experienced by moose (Alces alces) early in life are linked to greater prevalence of OA during senescence as well as reduced life expectancy. Moreover, we also found a negative relationship between kill rate by wolves (Canis lupus) and prevalence of OA, suggesting a potential connection between senescence of prey and the population ecology of predator–prey systems. This association between OA and early malnutrition also provides a basis for explaining the observation in anthropology that OA became more prevalent in native Americans as their diet become poorer – the result of relying more on corn and agriculture and less on hunting and gathering.
Host physiological phenotype explains pathogen reservoir potential
Authors: Cronin James Patrick , Welsh Miranda E. , Dekkers Martin G. , Abercrombie Samuel T. , Mitchell Charles E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractControl of emerging infectious diseases often hinges on identifying a pathogen reservoir, the source of disease transmission. The potential to function as a pathogen reservoir can be influenced by host lifespan, geographic provenance and phylogeny. Yet, no study has identified factors that causally determine the reservoir potential of diverse host species. We propose the host physiological phenotype hypothesis, which predicts that hosts with short‐lived, poorly defended, nutrient rich and high metabolism tissue have greater values for three epidemiological parameters that determine reservoir potential: host susceptibility to infection, competence to infect vectors and ability to support vector populations. We experimentally tested these predictions using a generalist vectored virus and six wild grass species. Host physiological phenotype explained why hosts differed in all three epidemiological parameters while host lifespan, provenance and phylogeny could not explain host competence. Thus, a single, general axis describing variation in host physiological phenotype may explain reservoir potential.