bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depot‐specific steroidogenic gene transcription in human adipose tissue
Authors: MacKenzie Scott M. , Huda Shahzya S. , Sattar Naveed , Fraser Robert , Connell John M. C. , Davies Eleanor 
Published: April 2008

SummaryContext  Sex steroids (androgens and oestrogens) and corticosteroids (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids) have a major impact on fat distribution. Several genes involved in steroid synthesis and metabolism, such as 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and aromatase, are known to be expressed within adipose tissue, thus modulating local steroid levels; however, our knowledge of which genes are expressed and at what level is incomplete.Objective  To detect by real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) which of 13 key steroidogenic genes are transcribed within human adipose tissue and to assess whether mRNA levels differ significantly between the subcutaneous abdominal and omental adipose depots.Patients  Eight women undergoing caesarean section [age 29·1 ± 6·5 years, body mass index (BMI) 28·9 ± 8·4 kg/m2].Results  Genes transcribed in both depots were StAR (steroidogenic acute regulatory protein), CYP11A1 (side‐chain cleavage enzyme), HSD3B2 (3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2), CYP21B (21‐hydroxylase), CYP19 (aromatase), HSD11B1 (11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1), HSD17B3, HSD17B5, HSD17B7 (17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase types 3, 5 and 7) and SRD5A2 (5α‐reductase type 2). All but SRD5A2 varied significantly in abundance between depots. CYP17 (17α‐hydroxylase), CYP11B1 (11β‐hydroxylase) and CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) transcription were not detected.Conclusions  This study confirms and significantly extends our knowledge of steroidogenic gene expression within adipose tissue, showing that transcript levels are depot specific. We have demonstrated that de novo synthesis from cholesterol of sex steroids, cortisol and aldosterone is not possible because of the absence of key steroidogenic mRNAs. Instead, the pattern of transcription suggests that 11‐deoxycorticosterone, a mineralocorticoid, would be the ultimate product of any de novo adipose synthesis.
Correlation of circulating full‐length visfatin (PBEF/NAMPT) with metabolic parameters in subjects with and without diabetes: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Retnakaran Ravi , Youn Byung‐Soo , Liu Ying , Hanley Anthony J. G. , Lee Nam Seok , Park Ji Woo , Song Eun Sun , Vu Vivian , Kim Wi , Tungtrongchitr Rungsunn , Havel Peter J. , Swarbrick Michael M. , Shaw Collin , Sweeney Gary 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObjective  Here we use a novel ELISA that is specific for full‐length visfatin (PBEF/NAMPT), compare it with the existing C‐terminal based assay and use it to investigate associations of visfatin with metabolic parameters.Design, patients and measurements  We established the specificity and effectiveness of the new ELISA and evaluated the associations of full‐length visfatin with clinical, anthropometric and metabolic parameters in a cross‐sectional study of 129 Thai subjects, consisting of 50 outpatients with type 2 diabetes and 79 healthy volunteers.Results  The new ELISA accurately recovered full‐length recombinant visfatin and detected visfatin secreted by primary human and rat adipocytes. We found serum full‐length visfatin was significantly higher in subjects with diabetes compared to their nondiabetic peers (median 2·75 vs. 2·22 ng/ml, P = 0·0142). After adjustment for age, gender and traditional metabolic risk factors, adjusted mean visfatin remained significantly higher in the diabetes group (3·80 vs. 2·10 ng/ml, P = 0·0021). On Spearman univariate correlation analysis, visfatin was significantly associated with resistin (r = 0·30, P = 0·0011), but not with any other anthropometric or metabolic variables, including adiponectin multimers. On multiple linear regression analysis, the only covariates independently associated with visfatin were diabetes (t = 3·11, P = 0·0024) and log resistin (t = 2·68, P = 0·0086).Conclusions  Circulating visfatin is independently associated with diabetes and resistin concentration, but is not related to adiponectin multimers or other metabolic covariates. These data are suggestive of a potential role of visfatin in subclinical inflammatory states.
Diagnosis and management of amiodarone‐induced thyrotoxicosis: similarities and differences between North American and European thyroidologists*
Authors: Tanda Maria Laura , Piantanida Eliana , Lai Adriana , Liparulo Luigi , Sassi Lorenza , Bogazzi Fausto , Wiersinga Wilmar M. , Braverman Lewis E. , Martino Enio , Bartalena Luigi 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObjective  To investigate how North American thyroidologists assess and treat amiodarone‐induced thyrotoxicosis (AIT) and to compare the results with those of the same questionnaire‐based survey previously carried out among European thyroidologists.Design  Members of the American Thyroid Association (ATA) with clinical interests were sent by e‐mail a questionnaire on the diagnosis and management of AIT, 115 responses were received from the United States and Canada, representing about one‐third of ATA members with clinical interests.Results  The majority of respondents (91%vs. 68% in Europe, P < 0·05) see < 10 new cases of AIT per year, and AIT seems less frequent than amiodarone‐induced hypothyroidism (AIH) in North America (34% and 66% of amiodarone‐induced thyroid dysfunction, respectively, vs. 75% and 25%, respectively, in Europe, P < 0·001). When AIT is suspected, in North America hormonal assessment is mostly based on serum free T4 (FT4) and TSH measurements, while serum free T3 (FT3) determination is requested less frequently than in Europe; thyroid autoimmunity is included in the initial assessment less than in Europe. Most commonly used additional diagnostic procedures include, as in Europe, thyroid colour‐flow Doppler sonography, and to a lesser extent, thyroid radioactive iodine uptake and scan, but Europeans tend to request multiple tests more than North Americans. Withdrawal of amiodarone is more often considered unnecessary by North American thyroidologists (21%vs. 10% in Europe in type 1 AIT, P < 0·05, 34%vs. 20% in type 2 AIT, P < 0·05). In type 1 AIT thionamides represent the treatment of choice for North Americans as well as for Europeans, but the former use them as monotherapy in 65%vs. 51% of Europeans (P < 0·05) who more often consider potassium perchlorate as an useful addition (31%vs. 15% of North Americans, P < 0·01). Glucocorticoids are the selected treatment for type 2 AIT, alone (62%vs. 46% in Europe, P < 0·05) or in association with thionamides (16%vs. 25% in Europe, P = NS). After restoration of euthyroidism, thyroid ablation in the absence of recurrent thyrotoxicosis is recommended in type 1 AIT less frequently by North Americans. If amiodarone therapy needs to be reinstituted, prophylactic thyroid ablation is advised by 76% in type 1 AIT, while a ‘wait‐and‐see’ strategy is adopted by 61% in type 2 AIT, similar to behaviour of European thyroidologists.Conclusion  Similarities and differences exist between expert North American and European thyroidologists concerning the diagnosis and management of AIT. While differences reflect the frequent uncertainty of the underlying mechanism leading to AIT, similarities may represent the basis to refine the diagnostic criteria and to improve the therapeutic outcomes of this challenging clinical situation.
Can host‐range allow niche differentiation of invasive polyphagous fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in La Réunion?
Authors: DUYCK PIERRE‐FRANCOIS , DAVID PATRICE , PAVOINE SANDRINE , QUILICI SERGE 
Published: April 2008

Abstract 1. Biological invasions bring together formerly isolated insect taxa and allow the study of ecological interactions between species with no coevolutionary history. Among polyphagous insects, such species may competitively exclude each other unless some form of niche partitioning allows them to coexist.2. In the present study, we investigate whether the ability to exploit different fruits can increase the likelihood of coexistence of four species of polyphagous Tephritidae, one endemic and three successive invaders, in the island of La Réunion. In the laboratory, we studied the performances of all four species on the four most abundant fruit resources in the island, as well as the relative abundances of fly species on these four fruit species in the field. We observe no indication of niche partitioning for any of the four abundant fruits.3. Analyses of an extensive field data series suggest that: (i) the four fly species largely overlap in fruit exploitation, once climatic effects are accounted for; (ii) however, one species (Ceratitis capitata) can exploit rare fruit species that are not exploited by others present in the same climatic niche; and (iii) the endemic species C. catoirii, now nearly extinct in La Réunion, has no private niche with respect to either climatic range or fruit use.4. On the whole, with the possible exception of C. capitata, the results point to a limited role of fruit diversity in encouraging coexistence among polyphagous tephritids recently brought into contact by accidental introductions.
Oxidation‐specific epitopes are important targets of innate immunity
Authors: Chou M.‐Y. , Hartvigsen K. , Hansen L. F. , Fogelstrand L. , Shaw P. X. , Boullier A. , Binder C. J. , Witztum J. L. 
Published: April 2008

Abstract.During the oxidation of LDL, a central pathophysiological component of atherogenesis, a wide variety of chemical and physical changes occur leading to the generation of oxidation‐specific neoepitopes. These epitopes are not only immunogenic, leading to adaptive humoral responses, but are also a prominent target of multiple arcs of innate immunity. The pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) of innate immunity are germ line encoded, conserved by natural selection, and bind to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) common on multiple structures. However, it is not intuitive as to why they should recognize oxidation‐specific neoepitopes. Yet it is clear that multiple macrophage scavenger receptors, which are classic PRRs, recognize oxidation‐specific epitopes, such as those found on oxidized LDL (OxLDL). Other innate proteins, such as C‐reactive protein, also bind to OxLDL. Natural antibodies (NAbs), the humoral arc of innate immunity, provide a nonredundant role in the first line of defence against pathogens, but are also believed to provide important homeostatic house‐keeping functions against self‐antigens. Our work demonstrates that oxidation‐specific epitopes, as found on OxLDL, are a major target of NAbs. In this review, we will discuss the specific example of the prototypic NAb T15/E06, which is increased in atherosclerotic mice and mediates atheroprotection, and discuss the potential role of NAbs in atherogenesis, and in inflammation in general. We also review data that oxidation‐specific epitopes are generated whenever cells undergo programmed cell death, forming a common set of PAMPs recognized by oxidation‐specific PRRs on macrophages, NAbs and innate proteins. We present the hypothesis that oxidation‐specific epitopes on apoptotic cells exerted evolutionary pressure for the conservation of these PRRs and also serve to maintain the expansion of a substantial proportion of NAbs directed to these stress‐induced self‐antigens.
Patterns of daily activity in mammals
Authors: ASHBY K. R. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe adaptation of the various mammals to all gradations between a totally diurnal to a totally nocturnal pattern of activity is noted and the nature of the determinants of the high proportion of species which are crepuscular or nocturnal is discussed. It is seen that detailed study of the activity patterns has been confined to a small proportion of species, principally some of the smaller rodents. Ruminants are unusual in remaining vigilant during normal sleep, loss of awareness of external events being confined to periods of paradoxical sleep which occupy a very small proportion of the 24 hours.The 24 hour rhythm of activity has an endogenous basis. Under normal conditions it is entrained by the changes in light intensity at dusk and dawn, but circadian activity rhythms can be entrained to periodicities longer or shorter than 24 hours. Relatively small variations in the intensity of the lighting between day and night are effective in maintaining entrainment, but under arctic conditions in summer the 24 hour rhythm becomes much less pronounced and activity may even develop a free–running pattern.A short–term rhythm with a regular periodicity of a small number of hours has been reported to occur by many authors in species of small eutherian mammals feeding on a bulky diet, that is insectivores and the more herbivorous of the small rodents. A summary account is given of information, much of it derived from unpublished research, indicating that in fact the patterns of diel activity of such rodents vary greatly with the environmental conditions. The duration of daylight is apparently only one of many factors affecting the distribution of their activity over the 24 hours. It is noted that versatility of this nature also occurs in some large mammals.It is concluded that an advance in knowledge of the mechanisms determining the activity patterns of mammals will require a greater emphasis on field observations of mammal behaviour and on laboratory experiments in which the variety of conditions found in nature is closely simulated.
Circadian physiological rhythms
Authors: MILLS J. N. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryMammals show numerous circadian rhythms, some exogenous but nonetheless useful, some endogenous. Even in the absence of exogenous synchronizers, different physiological functions usually preserve their normal temporal relations, suggesting that a single clock controls most or all of the rhythmic manifestations. The role of adrenal corticosteroids and of temperature as means whereby the clock influences other functions is considered.
Survival in wild‐living mice*
Authors: BERRY R. J. , JAKOBSON M. E. , TRIGGS G. S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe survival of a mouse in the wild depends on its reaction to the environment (food, climate, social conditions, cover, disease and predation), and this depends on the condition or ‘vigour’ of the animal itself. In general an animal increases in vigour until adulthood, and then begins to decrease, in House mice, at an age of approximately 100 days. These changes can be described as ageing; they lead to the characteristic U‐shaped mortality curves deduced from life‐tables in a wide variety of mammalian species. Another factor that has to be taken into consideration is genotype, since animals of different genotype may respond differently to environmental stresses. A large number of deaths in wild‐living House mouse populations in Britain are temperature‐dependent. Animals may respond to cold either physiologically or behaviourally, but it is possible to distinguish between winter survivors and non‐survivors with a fair degree of accuracy on the basis of physiological measurements made in the autumn (i.e. before the time of environmental stress). Nevertheless, any general survival model must incorporate environmental, ontogenetic, and genetic factors and their interactions. A simple model is proposed.Animals are not always struggling for existence. They spend most of their time doing nothing in particular. But when they do begin, they spend the greater part of their lives eating (Charles Elton).
The origin and distribution of feral mink in Scotland
Authors: CUTHBERT J. H. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA result of the post‐war boom in mink farming was the escape of mink which are now well established in the wild. Feral mink are known to be present in all Scottish mainland counties, except Sutherland and Caithness, and are also found on the islands of Arran and Lewis. Populations are thriving on most of the main river systems. The existence of suitable habitat and adequate food supplies suggests that mink will continue to increase and spread in Scotland.
Ecology and behaviour of domestic sheep (Ovis aries): a review
Authors: SQUIRES VICTOR R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractBehaviour of sheep is complex and poorly understood. It is only within the past 20 years that a concerted effort has been made to elucidate those aspects of behaviour which have most relevance to sheep raising under open‐range conditions.The present report attempts to summarize and review published work on the behaviour and ecology of sheep.The whole question of the significance of behaviour and the extent to which it is possible to shape it is a field which is open for study. This paper is an attempt to summarize the work on sheep behaviour and on those aspects of physiology which impinge.Consideration is given to the evolution of Bovids, scope of domestication and world distribution of sheep since these aspects have a major influence on the sheep with which we deal today. Animal requirements for food, water, shelter, protection from predators, and control of disease and parasites have been largely met by man and the forces for selection which operated among the progenitors of domestic sheep have been largely negated. Despite this, genetic selection still goes on.Behavioural adaptation to a wide variety of environmental and nutritional regimes is a common feature among free‐ranging sheep. Reproductive success, a matter of considerable commercial concern is often poor. Lamb survival is of critical importance. Factors involved in neonatal mortality are reviewed in detail.Finally, the now extensive literature on sheep behaviour, physiology and management is collated in a bibliography with over 150 literature citations.
Conservation versus commercial exploitation of seals with special reference to the Harp seal
Authors: PLATT COLIN 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFor the past 15 years at least, government officials, scientists, observers and representatives of the news media have massed each year in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Canada, to witness the killing of Harp seals, Pagophilus groenlandicus, by the commercial sealing industry. This species has become possibly the most studied, the most reported and the most photographed species of wildlife in living memory.Much of this attention has been directed towards arousing public opinion against the annual seal hunts in the Gulf and in the ‘Front’ areas of the Northwest Atlantic off the coasts of Labrador and Newfoundland. However, considerable scientific research has been done into the behavioural habits and population dynamics of the Harp seal.Our present knowledge of this species and the co‐operation afforded by the governments of Canada and Norway, enable the Labrador herd of the Harp seal to be used as testing ground for rational herd management based on sound conservation principles. But have we achieved our objective?
Scaring seals by sound
Authors: ANDERSON SHEILA S. , HAWKINS A. D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn 1974 and 1975 a series of trials were made to investigate the effectiveness of sound as a deterrent to marauding seals at salmon netting stations. A feasibility trial was followed by experimental work on a captive juvenile Common seal. A wide variety of sounds including pure tones, Killer whale calls and recorded loud noises were transmitted and responses were recorded on videotape. While one sound appeared to elicit an alarm reaction, habituation was rapid. Field trials were carried out at netting stations at the mouth of the River Tweed which frequently suffer damage from Grey seals. Although the frequencies used spanned the entire hearing range of seals, no sound was consistently effective in scaring seals from the nets. It is concluded that the prospect of an acoustic deterrent is remote.
A review of studies on populations of wild Harvest mice (Micromys minutus (Pallas)
Authors: TROUT R. C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe information on population structure, fluctuations, natality, mortality, and spatial distribution of wild Harvest mouse populations is reviewed from the published literature. In addition, information gathered during a recent live trapping study is brought forward to provide both corroborative and new evidence to increase the knowledge of the demography of this species. Populations are characterized by high reproductive rate and low survival rate. Harvest mice populations undergo great changes in density, both seasonally and from year to year. Adult females produce normally one or two litters during their lifetime. Reproduction is achieved by the young of the year and four generations may breed within one breeding season. Climatic factors control the length of the breeding season in addition to affecting greatly (coupled with predation) the length of life. Survival is low, the longest lived individuals survive only one winter. Harvest mice have been shown, on the basis of live trapping, to live within small home ranges and several of these may overlap.
A study of the home ranges of free‐ranging Exmoor ponies
Authors: GATES SUSAN 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe ecology of the free‐ranging Exmoor ponies has not previously been studied. In this investigation, the locations of the few pure‐bred herds are given, together with information on their populations, and the reasons for selecting the Withypool Common herds are outlined. The features of this main study area, the types of ponies and their special groupings are described in some detail. The home ranges of the Exmoor herds are examined on an annual and monthly basis, and their relationships to each other and to that of the mongrel herd are studied. This is followed by information on the changing patterns of the two Exmoor pony ranges and a discussion of the significance of inter‐stallion relationships. Finally, the home range systems are assessed for features of territoriality.
The mammalian tail: a review of functions
Authors: HICKMAN GRAHAM C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe mammalian tail, present in all mammalian species, has evolved as a surprisingly multi‐purpose and important appendage. The major conservative feature appears to be retention of the tail as a single, unbranched appendage; otherwise, colour, shape, size and mobility vary greatly.Not all of the adaptations discussed are common to all mammalian orders, and no single mammalian order has all the different adaptations occurring in it. These diverse functions may be useful in interpreting behavioural observations, and function as potential guideposts for further investigation.
Reliability of placental scar counts in the Red fox {Vulpes vulpes L.) with special reference to fading of the scars
Authors: LINDSTRÖM ERIK 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe use of placental scar counts in determining litter size and pregnancy rate among Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes L.) is reviewed. There is no experimental material to test the validity of the method, although many authors have discussed it. Recent workers have (1) included uteri from vixens killed later in the season and, (2) become more concerned about effects of resorptions and/or abortions on scar counts, as well as the possibility of scars persisting from earlier pregnancies. In the present study, scar counts overestimated numbers of persisting corpora lutea to a higher degree in old vixens than in yearlings; and scars were shown to fade over winter. Estimates of frequency of breeding among females, based on various combinations of placental scars of different shades, and on date of death, are discussed. The relation between number of scars of different shades, date of death and known minimum litter size in three wild and one captive vixen is compared with the foregoing. Counts of all scars evidently overestimate litter size at birth and breeding frequency, probably because some scars originate at resorption sites and others persist from earlier pregnancies. Only dark scars should be counted early in the season, but those of increasingly lighter shade should be included as winter progresses. A guide to counting placental scars over winter is presented.