bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of sampling regime on the mean and variance of home range size estimates
Authors: BÖRGER LUCA , FRANCONI NOVELLA , DE MICHELE GIAMPIERO , GANTZ ALBERTO , MESCHI FIORA , MANICA ANDREA , LOVARI SANDRO , COULSON TIM 
Published: September 2006

SummaryAlthough the home range is a fundamental ecological concept, there is considerable debate over how it is best measured. There is a substantial literature concerning the precision and accuracy of all commonly used home range estimation methods; however, there has been considerably less work concerning how estimates vary with sampling regime, and how this affects statistical inferences.We propose a new procedure, based on a variance components analysis using generalized mixed effects models to examine how estimates vary with sampling regime.To demonstrate the method we analyse data from one study of 32 individually marked roe deer and another study of 21 individually marked kestrels. We subsampled these data to simulate increasingly less intense sampling regimes, and compared the performance of two kernel density estimation (KDE) methods, of the minimum convex polygon (MCP) and of the bivariate ellipse methods.Variation between individuals and study areas contributed most to the total variance in home range size. Contrary to recent concerns over reliability, both KDE methods were remarkably efficient, robust and unbiased: 10 fixes per month, if collected over a standardized number of days, were sufficient for accurate estimates of home range size. However, the commonly used 95% isopleth should be avoided; we recommend using isopleths between 90 and 50%.Using the same number of fixes does not guarantee unbiased home range estimates: statistical inferences differ with the number of days sampled, even if using KDE methods.The MCP method was highly inefficient and results were subject to considerable and unpredictable biases. The bivariate ellipse was not the most reliable method at low sample sizes.We conclude that effort should be directed at marking more individuals monitored over long periods at the expense of the sampling rate per individual. Statistical results are reliable only if the whole sampling regime is standardized. We derive practical guidelines for field studies and data analysis.
Major histocompatibility complex and kin discrimination in Atlantic salmon and brook trout
Authors: RAJAKARUNA R. S. , BROWN J. A. , KAUKINEN K. H. , MILLER K. M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMany species of salmonids can discriminate kin from unrelated conspecifics using olfactory cues. In this study, we determined the role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in kin discrimination by juvenile Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Genetic variation at the highly polymorphic exon coding for peptide‐binding region of an MHC class II gene was studied using polymerase chain reaction and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Experiments compared discrimination ability based on MHC haplotypes both within and among kin and non‐kin groups. Juveniles chose kin sharing both alleles over kin sharing no alleles. Juveniles also preferred non‐kin sharing both alleles to non‐kin sharing no alleles. These data suggest that the MHC class II gene influence kin discrimination in juvenile Atlantic salmon and brook trout. The influence of additional genes was also apparent in trials where juveniles were able to recognize kin sharing no alleles over non‐kin sharing no alleles. However, the inability of juveniles to discriminate between kin sharing no alleles and non‐kin sharing either one or both alleles indicates that MHC is as potent as the rest of the genome in producing distinguishable odours.
Evaluation of Th1‐like, Th2‐like and immunomodulatory cytokine mRNA expression in the skin of dogs with immunomodulatory‐responsive lymphocytic–plasmacytic pododermatitis
Authors: Breathnach Rory M. , Fanning Shay , Mulcahy Grace , Bassett Hugh F. , Jones Boyd R. , Daly Paul 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe term immunomodulatory‐responsive lymphocytic–plasmacytic pododermatitis (ImR‐LPP) has previously been proposed to denote a subpopulation of dogs with idiopathic pododermatitis. The objective of this study was to quantify the expression of mRNA encoding Th1‐like [interferon (IFN)‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐2 and IL‐12], Th2‐like [IL‐4 and IL‐6] and immunomodulatory cytokines [IL‐10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β] in lesional ImR‐LPP, nonlesional ImR‐LPP and healthy control pedal skin. Gene transcripts were quantified using TaqMan real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction assays. The skin of dogs with ImR‐LPP had significant overexpression of IL‐6 mRNA (P < 0.05) and significant underexpression of IL‐12 mRNA (P < 0.01) compared to healthy controls. In addition, lesional ImR‐LPP skin had significantly higher levels of IL‐10 transcripts compared to healthy control pedal skin (P < 0.05). Although not attaining significance (P = 0.07), a trend towards reduced TGF‐β mRNA expression in lesional ImR‐LPP skin was also evident. There were no significant differences in the levels of IFN‐γ or IL‐2 mRNA transcripts among the three skin sample sources. IL‐4 mRNA was detected in only one lesional sample. These results suggest that the pathogenesis of ImR‐LPP may be associated with a T‐cell‐mediated inflammatory response characterized by impaired Th1‐like, but enhanced Th2‐like cytokine expression.
Comparison of clinical history and dermatologic findings in 29 dogs with severe eosinophilic dermatitis: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Mauldin Elizabeth A. , Palmeiro Brian S. , Goldschmidt Michael H. , Morris Daniel O. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe medical records and histopathological sections of 29 dogs diagnosed with a unique eosinophilic dermatitis resembling Wells’ syndrome were reviewed in an attempt to elucidate the pathogenesis of this syndrome. The medical records were reviewed for information on dermatological lesion appearance, systemic signs in other organ systems, clinical analyte abnormalities, and drug therapy. Histological sections of dogs with moderate to severe eosinophilic dermatitis without folliculitis and furunculosis were reviewed and evaluated for the presence of collagen flame figures. Three categories of patients were found. Category 1 consisted of 17 dogs treated for vomiting and/or diarrhoea (often haematochezia or haematemesis) prior (mean: 4.6 days) to the onset of skin lesions. Fourteen category 1 dogs had erythematous lesions (macules, papules or plaques) that were most pronounced on the abdomen. Sixteen of the 17 dogs received multiple classes of drugs, and 59% were hypoalbuminemic. Category 2 consisted of five dogs that had skin lesions and gastrointestinal signs at presentation and four of these dogs were hypoalbuminemic. Category 3 included seven dogs without enteric illness. A positive drug score was found in six category 1 dogs and one each from categories 2 and 3. Eighteen cases had eosinophilic dermatitis without flame figures, seven cases had early flame figures and four had well‐developed flame figures. These changes did not correlate with the categories of clinical presentation. More than 50% of the dogs developed eosinophilic dermatitis following treatment for severe gastrointestinal disease. The authors propose that this represents a unique syndrome that may have causal drug association.
A review of autoimmune skin diseases in domestic animals: I – Superficial pemphigus
Authors: Olivry Thierry 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIn humans, the pemphigus denomination encompasses a group of autoimmune blistering skin diseases with intraepidermal separation resulting from cell–cell detachment by acantholysis. Entities are classified based on the level of blistering in the epidermis, and both superficial (pemphigus foliaceus, IgA pemphigus) and deep (pemphigus vulgaris, pemphigus vegetans and paraneoplastic pemphigus) variants are recognized. In domestic animals, subsets of pemphigus have been recognized since the mid‐1970s, and the disease classification resembles that used for human patients. This article reviews up‐to‐date knowledge on the epidemiology, clinical signs, histopathology, immunopathology and treatment outcome of superficial pemphigus in domestic animals. Detailed information on canine, feline, equine and caprine pemphigus foliaceus, canine and feline pemphigus erythematosus and canine panepidermal pustular pemphigus is provided.
Studies on the role of routes of allergen exposure in high IgE‐producing beagle dogs sensitized to house dust mites
Authors: Marsella R. , Nicklin C. , Lopez J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe current study aimed to investigate the role played by oral, epicutaneous, and inhalation routes of exposure to house dust mites (HDM). The colony of high IgE‐producing beagle dogs has been shown to develop pruritic dermatitis compatible with atopic dermatitis following environmental exposure (EE) to HDM. In crossover experiments, the response to EE was compared to two modified challenges, oral exposure (OE) and snood and muzzle exposure (SME). For OE, HDM were fed daily for 3 days. For SME, ingestion of allergen was prevented but there was inhalation and epicutaneous exposure to all body regions except to one ear. In all experiments, dogs were challenged for three consecutive days, and evaluated before, 6 h after exposure and daily thereafter, for 5 days. After a wash‐out period, groups were crossed‐over so that each dog was randomly challenged to all three protocols. Clinical scores were analysed using least squares analysis of variance. All dogs developed pruritic dermatitis regardless of the protocol. With OE, lesions developed in the same body regions as with EE although scores were lower. This difference became more evident after the first 3 days when OE scores decreased and EE scores continued to increase. The scores of covered and uncovered ears did not differ with SME. Scores for the remainder of the body were significantly lower than for EE. The development of lesions on covered ears supports the importance of inhalation or a systemic reaction to epicutaneous exposure in other areas. It is concluded that all routes are important and have additive effects, that route of exposure does not determine the distribution of lesions and that continuous epicutaneous exposure probably plays the most important role.
Atopic eczema in children: another harmful sequel of divorce
Authors: Bockelbrink A. , Heinrich J. , Schäfer I. , Zutavern A. , Borte M. , Herbarth O. , Schaaf B. , Von Berg A. , Schäfer T. ,   for the LISA Study Group
Published: September 2006

Background:  Different lifestyle factors seem to be associated with the risk for atopic diseases and some studies suggest that stress increases the risk of allergic sensitization, asthma and atopic eczema. Only few studies have investigated the association of early stressful life events and atopic eczema (AE) in children.Subjects and Methods:  Parents of participants of the ongoing LISA birth cohort study were asked to give information on life events, such as severe disease or death of a family member, unemployment, or divorce of the parents. Lifetime prevalence of AE and incidence after the assessment period for life events were compared.Results:  Prevalence of AE until the age of 4 years was 21.4%. Reported life events within the first 2 years were: severe disease (17.5%) or death (8.4%) of a family member, divorce/separation (3.4%), and unemployment (2.7%). Divorce/separation was associated with a significantly [odds ratio (OR) 3.59, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.69–7.66] increased and disease with a significantly (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.13–0.68) decreased incidence of AE for the subsequent 2 years of life. No effect was seen for unemployment.Conclusions:  Divorce/separation of the parents and severe disease of a family member influence the risk of developing AE.
Reduced structural proteins in the conjunctival epithelium in allergic eye disease
Authors: Hughes J. L. , Lackie P. M. , Wilson S. J. , Church M. K. , McGill J. I. 
Published: September 2006

Aims:  Allergic eye disease affects up to 20% of the population with varying severity. The conjunctival epithelium plays a key role in allergic eye disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the conjunctival epithelium is abnormal in allergic eye disease.Methods:  Conjunctival biopsy samples were taken from patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) ‘in’ and ‘out of season’ and nonatopic control subjects. Specimens were fixed in glycol methacrylate, 2 μm serial sections cut and Image‐J used to assess the sites and areas of immuno‐staining.Results:  E‐cadherin, CD44, keratins K5/6, K8, K13, K14, K18 and pan‐keratin immuno‐staining were all significantly lower in patients ‘out of season’ compared with normal controls. No structural differences in the epithelium were observed between the two groups. The epithelium of patients ‘in season’ was thicker and immuno‐staining of the above markers similar to controls.Conclusions:  The expression of a wide spectrum of epithelial cell adhesion proteins and cytoskeletal elements is downregulated in the conjunctiva of SAC patients ‘out of season’ compared with normal controls. We suggest that this could have an important impact on the ability of the epithelium to protect itself against allergen penetration, potentially influencing the development and course of allergic eye disease and offering a novel area for therapeutic control.
Effect of climatic change in children with atopic eczema
Authors: Byremo G. , Rød G. , Carlsen K. H. 
Published: September 2006

Background:  Climate and sunlight (ultraviolet radiation) influence activity of atopic eczema.Objective:  To evaluate the effect of moving from a subarctic/temperate climate to a sunny subtropical climate on children's atopic eczema.Methods:  Children, 4–13 years, with severe atopic eczema were randomized to stay 4 weeks in Gran Canary (index patients = 30) and home in Norway (controls = 26), with a follow up of 3 months. SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) was primary variable, and secondary were Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI), Staphylococcus aureus skin colonization and pharmacological skin treatment.Results:  SCORing of Atopic Dermatitis decreased from 37.2 (29.4–44.9) to 12.2 (9.0–15.4) [mean (95% confidence intervals)] after 4 weeks and 21.2 (17.2–25.1) 3 months thereafter in index patients (P < 0.0005), much less in controls.Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index in the index group improved from 8.7 to 2.2 and 4.5 after 4 weeks and 3 months (P < 0.0005), not in controls. Bacterial skin colonization with S. aureus decreased in the index group from 23/30 (77%) to 12/30 (40%; P = 0.001) and 12/30 (40%; P = 0.005) after 1 month and 3 months, and the use of local steroids decreased in index patients but not in controls.Conclusions:  The change from a subartic/temperate to a subtropical climate for 4 weeks improved significantly skin symptoms (SCORAD) and quality of life, even for 3 months after return.
CC chemokine receptor expression in childhood asthma is influenced by natural allergen exposure
Authors: Diego Peroni G. , Paola Panina Bordignon , Giorgio Piacentini L. , Alessandro Bodini , Michela Ress , Margherita Mariani , Francesco Sinigaglia , Attilio Boner L. 
Published: September 2006

Chemokines and their receptors may play an important role for leukocyte trafficking in allergic inflammation. Aim was to evaluate whether expression of chemokine receptors CCR4 and CCR8 on cells obtained by sputum induction from asthmatic allergic children may be influenced by house dust mite (HDM) allergen natural exposure. Twenty‐one children (7–13 yr) with moderate asthma and sensitized to HDM were evaluated during a prolonged period of allergen avoidance (T0) and after a period of natural allergen exposure (T1). At each time point of sputum induction, lung function evaluation, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) measurements were performed. At T1, CCR4 and CCR8 expression on sputum‐induced cells increased from 28.4% ± 2.9% and 25.8% ± 1.9%, to 41.1% ± 4.2% and 37.5% ± 2.0%, respectively (p < 0.05 and p = 0.01). After allergen exposure, both sputum eosinophils (from 5.2% ± 2.0% to 12.1% ± 4.1%, p < 0.01) and eNO (from 15.1 ± 2.2 ppb to 24.2 ± 5.8 ppb, p < 0.05) showed significant increase. Lung function tests presented significant deterioration of Forced Expiratory Flow at 25‐75% of Vital Capacity (FEF25−−75) (p < 0.05) and increase of residual volume (p = 0.002).Significant changes in CC chemokine receptor expression in sputum‐induced cells in asthmatic children in response to HDM exposure have been observed leading to consider the relevance of CCR4 and CCR8 in allergic asthmatic inflammation.
Colour variation and alternative reproductive strategies in females of the common lizard Lacerta vivipara
Authors: VERCKEN E. , MASSOT M. , SINERVO B. , CLOBERT J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractWithin‐sex colour variation is a widespread phenomenon in animals that often plays a role in social selection. In males, colour variation is typically associated with the existence of alternative reproductive strategies. Despite ecological conditions theoretically favourable to the emergence of such alternative strategies in females, the social significance of colour variation in females has less commonly been addressed, relative to the attention given to male strategies. In a population of the common lizard, females display three classes of ventral colouration: pale yellow, orange and mixed. These ventral colours are stable through individual's life and maternally heritable. Females of different ventral colourations displayed different responses of clutch size, clutch hatching success and clutch sex‐ratio to several individual and environmental parameters. Such reaction patterns might reflect alternative reproductive strategies in females. Spatial heterogeneity and presence of density‐ and frequency‐dependent feedbacks in the environment could allow for the emergence of such alternative strategies in this population and the maintenance of colour variation in females.
Inheritance of progeny sex ratio inUrtica dioica
Authors: GLAWE G. A. , DE JONG T. J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractSeed samples collected from femaleUrtica dioicaplants in the field showed considerable inter‐family variation in the sex ratio (faction of males). To investigate the inheritance pattern of the sex ratio trait, crosses were performed between individual male and female plants from different sex ratio families. Our results suggest, at least for the families studied here, that maternal parents strongly contribute to the variation in the primary sex ratio. Furthermore, progeny sex ratios from reciprocal crosses were significantly different and resembled the sex ratios produced by their maternal parents. We discuss the possible mechanisms underlying maternal control.
Correlated responses to artificial body size selection in growth, development, phenotypic plasticity and juvenile viability in yellow dung flies
Authors: TEUSCHL Y. , REIM C. , BLANCKENHORN W. U. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractMost life history traits are positively influenced by body size, whereas disadvantages of large body size are poorly documented. To investigate presumed intrinsic costs of large size in the yellow dung fly (Scathophaga stercoraria; Diptera: Scathophagidae), we established two replicates each of three body size laboratory selection lines (small, control and large; selection on males only), and subjected flies of the resulting extended body size range to various abiotic stresses. Response to selection was symmetrical in the small and large lines (realized h2 = 0.16–0.18). After 24 generations of selection body size had changed by roughly 10%. Female size showed a correlated response to selection on male size, whereas sexual size dimorphism did not change. Development time also showed a correlated response as, similar to food limited flies, small line flies emerged earlier at smaller body size. At the lowest larval food limit possible, flies of all lines emerged at the same small body size after roughly the same development time; so overall phenotypic plasticity in body size and development time strongly increased following selection. Juvenile mortality increased markedly when food was extremely limited, large line flies showing highest mortality. Winter frost disproportionately killed large (line) flies because of their longer development times. Mortality at high temperatures was high but size‐selective effects were inconsistent. In all environments the larger males suffered more. Initial growth rate was higher for males and at unlimited food. Small line individuals of both sexes grew slowest at unlimited larval food but fastest at limited larval food, suggesting a physiological cost of fast growth. Overall, extension of the natural body size range by artificial selection revealed some otherwise cryptic intrinsic juvenile viability costs of large size, mediated by longer development or faster growth, but only in stressful environments.
The influence of dietary linoleic and α‐linolenic acid on body composition and the activities of key enzymes of hepatic lipogenesis and fatty acid oxidation in mice*
Authors: Javadi M. , Geelen M. J. H. , Lemmens A. G. , Lankhorst Æ. , Schonewille J. T. , Terpstra A. H. M. , Beynen A. C. 
Published: September 2006

SummaryWe have recently suggested that feeding the C18 polyunsaturated fatty acid, α‐linolenic acid (ALA), instead of linoleic acid (LA) reduced body fat in mice. However, the difference in body fat did not reach statistical significance, which prompted us to carry out this study using more animals and diets with higher contents of ALA and LA so that the contrast would be greater. The diets contained either 12% (w/w) LA and 3% ALA or 12% ALA and 4% LA. A low‐fat diet was used as control. The diets were fed for 35 days. The proportion of body fat was not influenced by the type of dietary fatty acid. Plasma total cholesterol and phospholipids were significantly lower in ALA‐fed mice than in mice fed LA. Activities of enzymes in the fatty acid oxidation pathway were significantly raised by these two diets when compared with the control diet. α‐Linolenic acid vs. LA did not affect fatty acid oxidation enzymes. In mice fed the diet with LA activities of enzymes of de novo fatty acid synthesis were significantly decreased when compared with mice fed the control diet. α‐Linolenic acid vs. LA feeding did not influence lipogenic enzymes. It is concluded that feeding mice for 35 days with diets either rich in LA or ALA did not significantly influence body composition.