bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 and epidermal growth factor receptors, in association with Raf‐1, in urothelial dysplasia and carcinoma in situ after the Chernobyl accident
Authors: Romanenko Alina M. , Morimura Keiichirou , Kinoshita Anna , Wanibuchi Hideki , Takahashi Satoru , Zaparin Wadim K. , Vinnichenko Wladimir I. , Vozianov Alexander F. , Fukushima Shoji 
Published: September 2006

The present study was carried out in order to examine the molecular status of selected growth factor receptors (GFR) in urinary bladder lesions, recently described by our group as representing ‘Chernobyl cystitis’. Fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3), epidermal growth factor receptor 1 (EGFR1), EGFR2neu (a member of the same family), p53 and Raf‐1 serine/threonine kinase expression were evaluated immunohistochemically in urinary bladder biopsies from 22 men with benign prostate hyperplasia (group 1). For comparison, 16 men with benign prostate hyperplasia and five women with chronic cystitis living in non‐radio‐contaminated areas of the country were also investigated as controls (group 2). Additionally, 14 patients with dysplasia, carcinoma in situ (CIS) and primary urothelial carcinoma (UC) operated before the Chernobyl accident as well as 23 patients with UC living in the radio‐contaminated areas were included as pre‐ and post‐Chernobyl UC groups 1 and 2, respectively. Chronic proliferative atypical cystitis (‘Chernobyl cystitis’) was observed in group 1 patients. Foci of dysplasia and CIS were found in 22 (100%) and 19 (86%) of the 22 cases, respectively; moreover, two small UC were also detected. Elevated levels of FGFR3, EGFR2/neu, p53 and to a lesser extent EGFR1 and Raf‐1 expression in the urothelial dysplasia and CIS were evident for patients of group 1. Statistically significant differences in immunohistochemical scores for FGFR3, EGFR1, p53 and Raf‐1 were observed between groups 1 and 2 and between group 1 and the post‐Chernobyl UC group 2, where a change in expression of EGFR2/neu was also noted. A significant decrease in FGFR3 expression in additional pre‐Chernobyl UC group 1 with dysplasia, CIS and UC compared with group 1 Chernobyl cystitis cases was detected. Our findings suggest that FGFR and EGFR signaling pathways, associated with p53 and Raf‐1 activation, may contribute to multistage urothelial carcinogenesis caused by irradiation, through autocrine or paracrine growth stimulation. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1168–1174)
Meat, milk, saturated fatty acids, the Pro12Ala and C161T polymorphisms of the PPARγ gene and colorectal cancer risk in Japanese
Authors: Kuriki Kiyonori , Hirose Kaoru , Matsuo Keitaro , Wakai Kenji , Ito Hidemi , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Hirai Takashi , Kato Tomoyuki , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Takezaki Toshiro , Suzuki Takeshi , Saito Toshiko , Tanaka Rie , Tajima Kazuo 
Published: September 2006

The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) gene plays important roles in energy homeostasis. To examine interactions between consumption of foods and fatty acids and the Pro12Ala and C161T (His447His) polymorphisms for colorectal cancer, we performed two case‐control studies in Japanese. In study 1, there were 128 colorectal cancer cases and 238 non‐cancer controls, and in study 2 there were 257 cases and 771 (age‐ and sex‐matched) non‐cancer controls. Assessment of food and nutrients consumption in study 1 was via a nine‐item questionnaire, while in study 2 assessment of consumption was according to a more detailed semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire. Consumption of foods and fatty acids was divided into low, moderate and high groups. The overall frequency of the Ala allele was <4%, and the frequencies of the Pro/Pro + C/C and Pro/Pro + (C/T + T/T) genotypes were 70–73% and 20–26%, respectively. Compared with subjects with low meat intake and the Pro/Pro + C/C genotype, those with high meat consumption and the same genotype had a stronger increased risk in study 1 [OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.14–7.30; P for trend = 0.02], but a positive association with processed meat consumption was greatest in those with the Pro/Pro + (C/T + T/T) genotype (P for trend = 0.05) in study 2. Likewise, high consumption of saturated fatty acids and milk appeared to confer marginal increased risk and stronger decreased risk, respectively, in those with the Pro/Pro and Pro/Pro + C/C genotypes (OR, 1.35 and 0.65; 95% CI, 0.93–1.96 and 0.43–1.00; P for trend = 0.10 and 0.06). Further large‐scale studies are needed to determine colorectal cancer risk according to relationships between the PPARγ gene polymorphisms and dietary intakes of meat, processed meat, milk and saturated fatty acids in Japanese with very low frequency of the Ala allele. (Cancer Sci 2006; 97: 1226–1235)
Lower ability to oxidize lipids in adult patients with growth hormone (GH) deficiency: reversal under GH treatment
Authors: Brandou F. , Aloulou I. , Razimbaud A. , Fédou C. , Mercier J. , Brun J. F. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBackground  The aim of the study was to characterize lipid oxidation at exercise in adults with growth hormone deficiency (GHD) and to evaluate the effect of 6 and 12 months of GH replacement therapy on substrate carbohydrate (CHO) and lipid utilization at exercise.Patients and measurements  Twenty‐five patients with GHD and 40 matched controls participated in the study. Ten of the 25 GH‐deficient patients were treated with recombinant GH for 12 months. Anthropometric measurements and exercise calorimetry were performed before and after treatment. Maximal fat oxidation and the crossover point [that is the percentage of the theoretical maximal power (Wmax th) where CHO become the predominant fuel used for oxidation] were determined.Results and conclusion  The GH‐deficient patients exhibited a highly significant shift in the balance of substrate oxidation during exercise, towards a decrease in fat oxidation, and a shift towards lower intensities of the crossover (52 ± 5·5%vs. 72·6 ± 6·6% of Wmax th, P < 0·03) and maximal fat oxidation (131·04 ± 14 vs. 234·4 ± 30·1 mg/min, P < 0·03) in the GHD and control groups, respectively. However, GH treatment at 6 and 12 months partially reversed this defect, resulting in an increase (+83%, P < 0·001) in the maximal ability to oxidize fat during exercise. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that a lack of GH reduces the ability to oxidize lipids during exercise and that GH treatment restores this muscular metabolic property.
Effect of recombinant hGH (rhGH) replacement on gonadal function in male patients with organic adult‐onset GH deficiency
Authors: Giavoli Claudia , Ferrante Emanuele , Ermetici Federica , Bergamaschi Silvia , Ronchi Cristina L. , Lania Andrea G. , Ambrosi Bruno , Spada Anna , Beck‐Peccoz Paolo 
Published: September 2006

SummaryObjective  Previous evidence indicated that, in adults with organic hypopituitarism, GH deficiency (GHD) may mask the presence of other pituitary deficits, in particular central hypothyroidism and hypoadrenalism. Little and conflicting information is available about the relationship between GHD, rhGH therapy and gonadal function in males. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis (HPG) in male adults with organic GHD and normal HPG axis.Patients  Twelve male adults (mean age 48 ± 7 years) with organic GHD and normal HPG axis.Measurements  Serum levels of testosterone, LH and FSH (basal and after GnRH stimulation test), SHBG and IGF‐I and percentage body fat (BF%) were evaluated before and during rhGH (mean dose 0·24 ± 0·02 mg/day for 13 ± 1 months) treatment.Results  Serum IGF‐I levels normalized during rhGH treatment and BF% significantly decreased. Serum testosterone levels significantly decreased (from 18·1 ± 1·7 to 14·2 ± 1·6 nmol/l, P = 0·01), with a parallel and significant decrease of serum SHBG (from 31·1 ± 3·6 to 24·3 ± 2·3 nmol/l, P < 0·05). Thus, calculated free testosterone (cFT) did not change (from 0·39 ± 0·17 to 0·33 ± 0·14 nmol/l, P = ns). Finally, no difference was found in basal and GnRH stimulated gonadotrophins levels.Conclusions  In conclusion, the condition of GHD does not seem to mask central hypogonadism, in contrast to what is observed for central hypothyroidism and hypoadrenalism. However, the significant decrease in serum testosterone levels, strictly related to SHBG decrease, suggests that evaluation of the HPG axis during rhGH treatment cannot be based on the measurement of total testosterone levels, but should mainly rely on calculation of cFT and a careful clinical evaluation, in order to avoid unnecessary replacement therapy.
Determinants of quality in a long‐lived colonial species
Authors: LEWIS SUE , WANLESS SARAH , ELSTON DAVID A. , SCHULTZ MEG DUHR , MACKLEY ELIZABETH , DU TOIT MICHELLE , UNDERHILL JENNY G. , HARRIS MIKE P. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryIn many animal populations a small proportion of individuals produce the majority of surviving offspring, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Behaviour may be an important determinant of variation in fitness: ‘high‐quality’ individuals may have enhanced abilities in foraging or predator and parasite avoidance.The role of behaviour in determining variation in quality was examined using the common guillemotUria aalge, a monogamous seabird with biparental care. Using a novel mixed model approach, we analysed binary data on breeding success of each pair attempting to breed in each year with variables critical to breeding success (timing of breeding; inferred age; breeding experience and success; number of nest sites and partners) as fixed effects. Random effects for year, male, female and each distinct pairing of a male and a female were included in the model, allowing a quality estimate to be derived for each individual and pair. A range of behaviours associated with breeding were examined in relation to these quality estimates.Breeding success declined with timing of breeding, and increased initially with age before declining in old age. It increased with previous successful experience, not breeding experienceper se, until senescence effects became apparent. For males, breeding success declined with increasing numbers of mates.The most important behavioural determinants of quality operated at the level of the pair, with the time mates spent together at the site and chick feeding rates both positively related to quality. At the individual level, trip durations and feeding rates were associated with female but not male quality, suggesting that pair quality was operating principally through the female. However, removal of laying date, the most important component in the binomial model, confirmed that the pair effect was much larger than the female effect.This study demonstrates the potential of mixed modelling to determine quality estimates based on long‐term breeding histories. The probability of a successful reproductive attempt was explained by the timing of breeding, age, successful breeding experience and number of mates. Behaviour was an important proximate mechanism underlying quality, in particular the foraging abilities of the pair, and the female's contribution to offspring provisioning. In species with biparental care, behavioural correlates of quality operate most strongly at the scale of the breeding pair, because contributions from both individuals are required for a successful outcome.
Are ectoparasite communities structured? Species co‐occurrence, temporal variation and null models
Authors: KRASNOV BORIS R. , STANKO MICHAL , MORAND SERGE 
Published: September 2006

Summary

We studied temporal variation in the structure of flea communities on small mammalian hosts from eastern Slovakia using null models. We asked (a) whether flea co‐occurrences in infracommunities (in the individual hosts) in different hosts as well as in the component communities (in the host species) demonstrate a non‐random pattern; (b) whether this pattern is indicative of either positive or negative flea species interactions; (c) whether this pattern varies temporally; and (d) whether the expression of this pattern is related to population size of either fleas or hosts or both.
We constructed a presence/absence matrix of flea species for each temporal sample of a host species and calculated four metrics of co‐occurrence, namely the C‐score, the number of checkerboard species pairs, the number of species combinations and the variance ratio (V‐ratio). Then we compared these metrics with the respective indices calculated for 5000 null matrices that were assembled randomly using two algorithms, namely fixed‐fixed (FF) and fixed‐equiprobable (FE).
Most co‐occurrence metrics calculated for real data did not differ significantly from the metrics calculated for simulated matrices using the FF algorithm. However, the indices observed for 42 of 75 presence/absence matrices differed significantly from the null expectations for the FE models. Non‐randomness was detected mainly by the C‐score and V‐ratio metrics. In all cases, the direction of non‐randomness was the same, namely the aggregation, not competition, of flea species in host individuals and host species.
The inclusion or exclusion of the uninfested hosts in the FE models did not affect the results for individual host species. However, exclusion of the uninfested host species led to the acceptance of the null hypothesis for only six of 13 temporal samples of the component flea communities for which non‐randomness was detected when the uninfested hosts were included in the analysis.
In most host species, the absolute values of the standardized size effect of both the C‐score and V‐ratio increased with an increase in host density and a concomitant decrease in flea abundance and prevalence.
Results of this study demonstrated that (a) flea assemblages on small mammalian hosts were structured at some times, whereas they appeared to be randomly assembled at other times; (b) whenever non‐randomness of flea co‐occurrences was detected, it suggested aggregation but never segregation of flea species in host individuals or populations; and (c) the expression of structure in flea assemblages depended on the level of density of both fleas and hosts.
Parenting stress of mothers and fathers of young children with cognitive delays in Vietnam
Authors: Shin J. , Nhan N. V. , Crittenden K. S. , Hong H. T. D. , Flory M. , Ladinsky J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground  This research examined the effects of child and family variables on stress experienced by mothers and fathers of young children with cognitive delays in Vietnam.Methods  The mothers (n = 106) and fathers (n = 93) whose children (age range = 3–6 years) were identified as having cognitive delays participated in the interview survey. The survey consisted of a set of the standardized questionnaires that were translated into Vietnamese and assessed for the content validity in the Vietnamese context.Results  Mothers experienced more stress than fathers. Path analyses were conducted for mothers and fathers separately. Mothers with female children, those with children of lower intellectual functioning, and those whose husbands had health conditions experienced more stress than the other mothers. Fathers with lower economic status and a smaller social support network were more stressed than the other fathers. Both mothers and fathers were more stressed when they experienced stronger stigma, although the effects were not significant when other variables were considered together in path analyses.Conclusions  The findings revealed traditional gender roles. Mothers were more affected by the child’s characteristics and the spouse’s functioning; they anticipated future problems related to the child’s functioning more than fathers did. Fathers were more affected by concerns about the family’s connection to the wider world such as economic issues and the social support network. Longitudinal studies of how social support and stigma affect families would be valuable.
Using knowledge, attitudes and practice (KAP) surveys on lymphatic filariasis to prepare a health promotion campaign for mass drug administration in Alor District, Indonesia
Authors: Krentel Alison , Fischer Peter , Manoempil Paul , Supali Taniawati , Servais Gérard , Rückert Paul 
Published: October 2006

SummaryWe report the results of two surveys of people's knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding lymphatic filariasis (LF) in Alor District, eastern Indonesia. The results of the surveys were used to prepare and evaluate the social mobilization component of a pilot mass drug administration (MDA) in five villages. In the study area, the filarial parasites Brugia timori and Wuchereria bancrofti are highly endemic. Frequent and severe adverse reactions after MDA may occur especially in areas endemic for B. timori and therefore, a special communication strategy was designed to inform and to educate communities about LF and its control. The first KAP survey was conducted as a baseline pre‐MDA with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole and the second as a post‐intervention evaluation in order to obtain information on the impact of the communication campaign. Before the information campaign and the subsequent MDA, 54% of the study population had heard of one of the three main terms for LF, whereas after health education and MDA, 89% had heard of at least one of the three terms. Similarly, pre‐MDA, 21% reported having had previously taken the treatment for filariasis, while post‐MDA, 88% reported having taken the treatment during the pilot treatment period. The historical fears and traumatic experiences associated with past LF treatment campaigns in Indonesia were averted since both the communication campaign and the MDA were designed appropriately for and together with the community. As a result, compliance was sufficient in the first round to successfully begin the elimination process.
Carotenoid and protein supplementation have differential effects on pheasant ornamentation and immunity
Authors: SMITH H. G. , RÅBERG L. , OHLSSON T. , GRANBOM M. , HASSELQUIST D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA currently popular hypothesis states that the expression of carotenoid‐dependent sexual ornaments and immune function may be correlated because both traits are positively affected by carotenoids. However, such a correlation may arise for another reason: it is well known that immune function is dependent on nutritional condition. A recent study has suggested that the expression of ornaments may too depend on nutritional condition, as males in good nutritional condition are better at assimilating and/or modulating carotenoids. Thus, carotenoid‐dependent ornaments and immune function may be correlated because both are dependent on nutritional condition. To elucidate if, and how, ornamentation and immune function are linked, pheasant diets were supplemented with carotenoid and/or protein in a fully factorial experiment. Carotenoid treatment affected wattle coloration and tail growth, but not cellular or humoral immunity. Immunity was unrelated to males’ initial ornamentation including wattle colour. Males in better body condition, measured as residual mass, increased their wattle coloration more when carotenoid supplemented. Protein positively affected humoral but not cellular immunity, but had no effect on ornaments. Cellular, but not humoral, immunity increased with male body condition. Thus, there was no evidence that an immune‐stimulatory effect of carotenoids resulted in wattle coloration honestly signalling immune function, but wattle coloration may still signal male body condition.
When bigger is not better: selection against large size, high condition and fast growth in juvenile lemon sharks
Authors: DIBATTISTA J. D. , FELDHEIM K. A. , GRUBER S. H. , HENDRY A. P. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSelection acting on large marine vertebrates may be qualitatively different from that acting on terrestrial or freshwater organisms, but logistical constraints have thus far precluded selection estimates for the former. We overcame these constraints by exhaustively sampling and repeatedly recapturing individuals in six cohorts of juvenile lemon sharks (450 age‐0 and 255 age‐1 fish) at an enclosed nursery site (Bimini, Bahamas). Data on individual size, condition factor, growth rate and inter‐annual survival were used to test the ‘bigger is better’, ‘fatter is better’ and ‘faster is better’ hypotheses of life‐history theory. For age‐0 sharks, selection on all measured traits was weak, and generally acted against large size and high condition. For age‐1 sharks, selection was much stronger, and consistently acted against large size and fast growth. These results suggest that selective pressures at Bimini may be constraining the evolution of large size and fast growth, an observation that fits well with the observed small size and low growth rate of juveniles at this site. Our results support those of some other recent studies in suggesting that bigger/fatter/faster is not always better, and may often be worse.
Pupal period and adult size in Drosophila melanogaster: a cautionary tale of contrasting correlations between two sexually dimorphic traits
Authors: NUNNEY L. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSexual dimorphism (SD) is widespread, reflecting a resolution of genetic conflicts arising from sex‐specific differences in selection. However, genetic correlations among traits may constrain the evolution of SD. Drosophila melanogaster exhibits SD for pupal period (males longer) and adult weight (females heavier). This negative inter‐sex covariance between the traits contrasts with a significant intra‐sex positive genetic correlation (rg = 0.95) estimated using lines selected for fast larval development. Path analysis indicated that within sexes the selection regime indirectly reduced adult weight which in turn reduced pupal period. A hypothesis is proposed for the evolution of SD whereby the trait ‘pupal period’ is divided into ‘intrinsic’ (correlated with body size) and ‘ecological’ (uncorrelated with body size) components, and (the larger) females eclose earlier than males size via a shortening of the ecological component, thus achieving the advantage of provisioning eggs prior to sexual maturity. This hypothesis avoids invoking successful ‘incompatible antagonistic selection’.
Environment and pollinator‐mediated selection on parapatric floral races of Mimulus aurantiacus
Authors: STREISFELD M. A. , KOHN J. R. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWe tested whether selection by pollinators could explain the parapatric distribution of coastal red‐ and inland yellow‐flowered races of Mimulus aurantiacus (Phrymaceae) by examining visitation to natural and experimental populations. As a first step in evaluating whether indirect selection might explain floral divergence, we also tested for local adaptation in early life stages using a reciprocal transplant experiment. Hummingbirds visited flowers of each race at similar rates in natural populations but showed strong (>95%) preference for red flowers in all habitats in experimental arrays. Hawkmoths demonstrated nearly exclusive (>99% of visits) preference for yellow flowers and only visited in inland regions. Strong preferences for alternative floral forms support a direct role for pollinators in floral divergence. Despite these preferences, measures of plant performance across environments showed that red‐flowered plants consistently survived better, grew larger and received more overall pollinator visits than yellow‐flowered plants. Unmeasured components of fitness may favour the yellow race in inland habitats. Alternatively, we document a marked recent increase in inland hummingbird density that may have caused a change in the selective environment, favouring the eastward advance of red‐flowered plants.