bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strength and cost of an induced immune response are associated with a heritable melanin‐based colour trait in female tawny owls
Authors: Gasparini Julien , Bize Pierre , Piault Romain , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Blount Jonathan D. , Ducrest Anne‐Lyse , Roulin Alexandre 
Published: January 2009

SummaryMelanin pigments provide the most widespread source of coloration in vertebrates, but the adaptive function of such traits remains poorly known.In a wild population of tawny owls (Strix aluco), we investigated the relationships between plumage coloration, which varies continuously from dark to pale reddish, and the strength and cost of an induced immune response.The degree of reddishness in tawny owl feather colour was positively correlated with the concentration of phaeomelanin and eumelanin pigments, and plumage coloration was highly heritable (h2 = 0·93). No carotenoids were detected in the feathers.In mothers, the degree of melanin‐based coloration was associated with antibody production against a vaccine, with dark reddish females maintaining a stronger level of antibody for a longer period of time compared to pale reddish females, but at a cost in terms of greater loss of body mass.A cross‐fostering experiment showed that, independent of maternal coloration, foster chicks reared by vaccinated mothers were lighter than those reared by nonvaccinated mothers. Hence, even though dark reddish mothers suffered a stronger immune cost than pale reddish mothers, this asymmetric cost was not translated to offspring growth.Our study suggests that different heritable melanin‐based colorations are associated with alternative strategies to resist parasite attacks, with dark reddish individuals investing more resources towards the humoral immune response than lightly reddish conspecifics.
Seed dispersal by a frugivorous marsupial shapes the spatial scale of a mistletoe population
Authors: García Daniel , Rodríguez‐Cabal Mariano A. , Amico Guillermo C. 
Published: January 2009

Summary

Seed dispersal is considered critical for shaping the spatial structure of plant populations, though little empirical effort has been made to interpret this effect in terms of the scale at which plant species are distributed and cope with environmental heterogeneity. We assessed the spatial role of seed dispersal in Tristerix corymbosus, a mistletoe dispersed exclusively in the temperate forests of Patagonia by the endemic marsupial Dromiciops gliroides.
We examined how fruit resource tracking and seed dispersal by the marsupial affects mistletoe recruitment, employing a spatially explicit approach aimed at breaking down the spatial structure of the mistletoe and marsupial populations at different scales.
In a single fruiting season, we evaluated the abundance of mistletoe fruits, adult plants, dispersed seeds and recruits (seedlings and saplings), as well as the abundance of marsupials, along a 1500‐m linear transect.
Both mistletoe and marsupial abundances were distributed hierarchically in space, with large patches containing smaller ones. Marsupial patchiness matched that of mistletoe fruits, at least at a broad scale within the transect. Marsupial abundance also varied at a large‐scale, being conditioned by habitat features and decreasing progressively along the transect. Mistletoe seed rain accounted for the patchiness of adult plants and fruits, and for the large‐scale pattern of marsupial activity. The spatial pattern of mistletoe recruitment closely matched seed rain.
Synthesis. Seed dispersal by marsupials shaped the scale of mistletoe recruitment in two ways. First, marsupials created a spatial match between mistletoe adults and recruits as a result of fruit resource tracking. Second, they generated patchiness in mistletoe offspring at a larger scale than in adults. Dispersal process performed as a strong demographic filter capable of changing the mistletoe spatial structure from adults to recruits, despite a low frequency of far‐from‐adult dispersal events. Similar effects of scale shaping by seed dispersers may be generalized among plants in which there is a sharp spatial match between fruits and frugivores, and whose dispersed seeds have a higher probability of recruiting than undispersed ones.
Preclinical pharmacology of robenacoxib: a novel selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase‐2
Authors: KING J. N. , DAWSON J. , ESSER R. E. , FUJIMOTO R. , KIMBLE E. F. , MANIARA W. , MARSHALL P. J. , O’BYRNE L. , QUADROS E. , TOUTAIN P. L. , LEES P. 
Published: January 2009

This manuscript reports the results of preclinical studies in the rat with robenacoxib, a novel selective cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 inhibitor.Robenacoxib selectively inhibited COX‐2in vitroas evidenced from COX‐1:COX‐2 IC50ratios of 27:1 in purified enzyme preparations and >967:1 in isolated cell assays. Binding to COX‐1 was rapid and readily reversible (dissociationt1/2 << 1 min), whilst COX‐2 binding was slowly reversible (t1/2 = 25 min).In vivo, robenacoxib inhibited PGE2production (an index of COX‐2 inhibition) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated air pouches (ID500.3 mg/kg) and for at least 24 h in zymosan‐induced inflammatory exudate (at 2 mg/kg). Robenacoxib was COX‐1 sparing, as it inhibited serum TxB2synthesisex vivo(an index of COX‐1 inhibition) only at very high doses (100 mg/kg but not at 2–30 mg/kg). Robenacoxib inhibited carrageenan‐induced paw oedema (ID500.40–0.48 mg/kg), LPS‐induced fever (ID501.1 mg/kg) and Randall–Selitto pain (10 mg/kg).Robenacoxib was highly bound to plasma protein (99.9% at 50 ng/mLin vitro). After intravenous dosing, clearance was 2.4 mL/min/kg and volume of distribution at steady‐state was 306 mL/kg. Robenacoxib was preferentially distributed into inflammatory exudate; theAUCfor exudate was 2.9 times higher than for blood and theMRTin exudate (15.9 h) was three times longer than in blood (5.3 h).Robenacoxib produced significantly less gastric ulceration and intestinal permeability as compared with the reference nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID), diclofenac, and did not inhibit PGE2or 6‐keto PGF1αconcentrations in the stomach and ileum at 30 mg/kg. Robenacoxib also had no relevant effects on kidney function at 30 mg/kg.In summary, results of preclinical studies in rats studies suggest that robenacoxib has an attractive pharmacological profile for potential use in the intended target species, cats and dogs.
Persistent airflow obstruction in asthma of patients with Churg–Strauss syndrome and long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Cottin V. , Khouatra C. , Dubost R. , Glérant J ‐C. , Cordier J ‐F. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Little is known about the long‐term outcome of airflow obstruction in asthma of patients with Churg–Strauss syndrome (CSS).Methods:  We conducted a retrospective study of 24 consecutive patients (aged 41.1 ± 13.5 years) with CSS in a single center. All had asthma (starting 8.1 ± 9.5 years prior to the diagnosis of CSS), blood eosinophilia (6.1 ± 4.4 × 109/l) and systemic manifestations of CSS. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies were found in 7 of 22 tested patients. Seven patients had smoked (a mean of 10 pack‐years). All patients received oral corticosteroids, 11 cyclophosphamide and 23 inhaled corticosteroids.Results:  Airflow obstruction was found in 14 patients (70%) at diagnosis, and in 11 of 22 patients (50%) at the time of the clinical remission of CSS. The mean postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC and FEV1 were 69 ± 12% and 74 ± 21% of predicted at diagnosis (n = 20); 71 ± 10% and 92 ± 19% of predicted at the clinical remission (n = 22); and 64 ± 13% and 80 ± 21% at last visit (n = 13), respectively. During follow‐up, postbronchodilator FEV1 increased by 30 ± 28% in six patients with FEV1/FVC < 70% despite inhaled therapy who received higher dose of oral corticosteroids. At last visit, 5 of 13 patients (38%) with more than 3 years of follow‐up had persistent airflow obstruction as defined by postbronchodilator FEV1/FVC < 70% and FEV1 < 80% of predicted.Conclusion:  Airflow obstruction due to uncontrolled asthma is present despite corticosteroids in many patients at diagnosis and at clinical remission of CSS, and during follow‐up. It may be still partly reversible with increased oral corticosteroid treatment.
Developmental pathways in food allergy: a new theoretical framework
Authors: DunnGalvin A. , Gaffney A. , Hourihane J. O’B. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  To date, there is no model of psychosocial development based on empirical food allergy (FA) research. This limits the ability of clinicians, researchers and policy‐makers to predict and evaluate the real impact of FA on the child, with implications for prevention, treatment, intervention and health policy.Objectives:  To provide an integrated conceptual framework to explain the onset, development and maintenance of FA‐related cognitions, emotions and behaviour, with particular attention to transition points.Method:  Fifteen focus groups meetings were held with 62 children (6–15 years). Developmentally appropriate techniques were designed to stimulate discussion, maintain interest and minimize threat to children’s self‐esteem. Data were analysed using grounded theory.Results:  FA impacts directly on children’s normal trajectory of psychological development in both an age‐ and disease‐specific manner. Six key themes emerged from the analysis: ‘meanings of food’; ‘autonomy, control and self‐efficacy’; ‘peer relationships’; ‘risk and safety’; ‘self/identity’; and ‘coping strategies’.Conclusions:  Coping with FA is more than simply a strategy, it is a cumulative history of interactive processes (age, gender and disease specific) that are embedded in a child’s developmental organization.Clinical Implications:  The early recognition and incorporation of an FA‐specific developmental framework into a treatment plan is essential and sets the stage for an effective medical care and the eventual transition from paediatric to adult care.Capsule Summary:  This study represents a first attempt to provide an integrated developmental framework to explain the onset, development and maintenance of FA‐related cognitions, emotions and behaviour.
Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and IgE – a significant but nonlinear relationship
Authors: Hyppönen E. , Berry D. J. , Wjst M. , Power C. 
Published: January 2009

Background:  Hormonal vitamin D system affects the determination of T‐cell responses. It is unknown if there is an association between vitamin D status and allergic conditions. Our aim was to investigate differences in serum IgE concentrations by vitamin D status [measured by 25(OH)D] and by a genetic variation in a key vitamin D activation enzyme (CYP27B1) previously shown to be associated with type 1 diabetes.Methods:  9377 participants in the 1958 British birth cohort completed a biomedical assessment at 45 years of age ; 7288 eligible participants had data on 25(OH)D and IgE, with 6429 having further information on CYP27B1 genotype (−1260C>A).Results:  There was a nonlinear association between 25(OH)D and IgE (P‐value for curvature = 0.0001). Compared with the reference group with the lowest IgE concentrations [25(OH)D 100–125 nmol/l], IgE concentrations were 29% higher (95% CI 9–48%) for participants with the 25(OH)D <25 nmol/l, and 56% higher (95% CI 17–95%) for participants with 25(OH)D >135 nmol/l (adjusted for sex, month, smoking, alcohol consumption, time spent outside, geographical location, social class, PC/TV time, physical activity, body mass index and waist circumference). CYP27B1 genotype was associated with both 25(OH)D (difference for A vs. C allele: 1.88%, 95% CI 0.37–3.4%, P = 0.01) and IgE concentrations (−6.59%, −11.6% to −1.42%, P = 0.01).Conclusions:  These data suggest that there may be a threshold effect with both low and high 25(OH)D levels associated with elevated IgE concentrations. The same CYP27B1 allele that is protective of diabetes was associated with increased IgE concentrations.
Atopic dermatitis and allergic reactions to individual fragrance chemicals
Authors: White J. M. L. , White I. R. , Kimber I. , Basketter D. A. , Buckley D. A. , McFadden J. P. 
Published: January 2009

Background: Allergic contact dermatitis prevalence is reported as equal in atopic and nonatopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is under‐represented in those with allergic contact dermatitis to agents having cutaneous and dietary exposure. We compared rates of atopic dermatitis between patients with allergic contact dermatitis arising out of individual fragrance chemicals with known oral/cutaneous exposure against exclusively cutaneous exposure.Methods: Between 1982 and 2007, 37 065 dermatitis patients were tested with Fragrance mix I. Those who were positive were tested for individual fragrance allergy. Chemicals were categorized according to whether their exposure pattern was solely cutaneous, oral or mixed. Current and past atopic dermatitis rates were compared between the whole population and groups allergic to individual fragrances. Age and gender were controlled.Results: Cinnamic alcohol and cinnamal allergy groups had reduced rates of both ‘current’ [24/266 (9.0%) P = 0.0008, 38/364 (10.4%) P = 0.0005] and ‘past’ atopic dermatitis [44/266 (16.5%) P = 0.009, 70/346 (19.2%) P = 0.037]. Atopic dermatitis rates in groups allergic to Evernia prunastri and hydroxycitronellal (cutaneous exposure only) were not reduced [120/597 (20.1%) and 41/153 (26.8%)]. Groups allergic to cinnamic alcohol (P < 0.0001, P < 0.0001) and cinnamal (P < 0.0001, P < 0.004) had reductions in ‘current’ and ‘past’ atopic dermatitis, compared with Evernia prunastri.Conclusions: Patients allergic to individual fragrances with dietary exposure have reduced rates of atopic dermatitis. This suggests that patients with atopic dermatitis have heightened oral tolerance to dietary haptens, in contrast to the known close association of atopic dermatitis with food‐protein allergy. Haptens may interfere with food protein tolerance by binding to soluble protein to alter its configuration and immunogenic profile.
cDNA microarray analysis of pigment epithelium‐derived factor‐regulated gene expression profile in prostate carcinoma cells
Authors: Liu Weiwei , Wu Zhong , Guan Ming , Lu Yuan 
Published: January 2009

Objectives:  To clarify molecular mechanisms involved in the action of pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) in hormone insensitive prostate cancer cells.Methods:  Total ribonucleic acid from untreated and PEDF‐treated cells was subjected to microarray analysis using BioStar 8464 microarray. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis was conducted to confirm the microarray data.Results:  Twenty‐seven out of 8464 genes were found altered in both cell lines. Common gene responses altered by PEDF were identified and included genes known to alter cell signaling as well as genes involved in catalytic activity, cell proliferation, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, in accordance with the microarray analysis, indicated that PEDF treatment caused an upregulation in the mRNA expression level of stanniocalcin 2, brain‐specific angiogenesis inhibitor 2 and growth arrest, DNA‐damage‐inducible, alpha, and downregulation in the messenger ribonucleic acid level of fibroblast growth factor 3, teratocarcinoma‐derived growth factor, neuropilin1, and endothelial Per/ARNT/Sim domain protein1, respectively.Conclusions:  These findings demonstrate that PEDF administration causes significant changes in the gene expression of the prostate, providing insights into the potential role of PEDF in the treatment of prostate cancer.
Causes of spatial patterns of fruit set in waratah: Temporal vs. spatial interactions between flowers on an inflorescence
Authors: WHELAN ROBERT J. , DENHAM ANDREW J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractSpatial patterns of fruit set within inflorescences may be controlled by pollination, nutrient allocation, or inflorescence architecture. Generally, flowers that have spatial and/or temporal precedence are more likely to set fruits. We sought to separate these factors by comparing patterns of fruit set on inflorescences of two species ofTelopea(Proteaceae); one that flowers from the tip to the base of the rachis, the other from base to tip. In both species, most fruits were set at the top of the inflorescence (the last flowers to open forT. speciosissima) and this was extreme forT. mongaensis, where the top flowers open first. Fruit set was not generally limited by inadequate pollination for eitherT. mongaensisorT. speciosissima, as hand pollinations did not increase fruit set and many abscised flowers contained pollen tubes. InT. speciosissima, we tested whether removal of developing topmost fruits would ‘release’ those that had initiated but not yet aborted lower down. There was no significant effect. Plant hormones can increase the degree to which a developing fruit is a sink for nutrients, so we applied cytokinin to the developing lower fruits on some inflorescences. There was no significant effect of the hormone treatment. We conclude that temporal precedence may contribute to the skewed pattern of fruit set inT. mongaensis, because there was an extreme concentration of fruit set on the distal part of the inflorescences, but it cannot explain this pattern of fruit set inT. speciosissima, where the distal flowers are the last to open. Some other process must therefore constrain fruit set to the topmost flowers in an inflorescence. While cytokinin application had no significant effect, the power of this experiment was low and we consider that the hypothesis of hormonal control is worth further exploration.
Body mass and extinction risk in Australian marsupials: The ‘Critical Weight Range’ revisited
Authors: JOHNSON CHRISTOPHER N. , ISAAC JOANNE L. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAustralian mammals have suffered an exceptionally high rate of decline and extinction over the last two hundred years. Body mass is linked to extinction risk in Australian mammals, but the nature of this association is controversial. A widely held view is that species of intermediate body mass (between 35 and 5500 g, the ‘critical weight range’, CWR) have declined most severely. However, the existence of the CWR has been disputed. In this paper we clarify the relationship of decline status and body mass in Australian marsupials. We show that the form of this relationship differs for ground‐living versus arboreal species, and for species from low versus high rainfall areas. Among ground‐living species and those from low‐rainfall areas, declines were strongly size‐selective and concentrated on species within the CWR. For the remaining species, decline was only weakly related to body mass with no evidence of heightened risk for species of intermediate size. We conclude that for terrestrial species in low rainfall areas, species within the CWR are most at risk of decline and extinction.
Differential impacts of habitat heterogeneity on male and female connectivity in a spatially structured pest system
Authors: HAMILTON G. S. , MATHER P. B. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractIn a previous study, a model of landscape heterogeneity was developed and applied to a spatially structured wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) population. That study showed clearly the influence of resource heterogeneity on connectivity levels. The simulation study was based on female movements and used population genetic validation data appropriate for a female study. Most models assume that males and females will exhibit similar patterns, although this has rarely been tested. In the current study we extend the analysis to consider differences between female and male connectivity in the same spatially structured pest system. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were screened on the same samples used previously for mtDNA analysis. The mtDNA data were used to validate female results, and AFLP data were used to validate combined male and female results. Connectivity patterns from the two simulations (female, and combined male and female) connectivity patterns showed no association. However, each was concordant with appropriate validation data, showing highly significant associations between pairwise population connectivity and the genetic data. A relative connectivity metric for the combined simulation was regressed against the mean of pairwiseΦSTvalues, with almost 70% of the variation explained by a linear model. Demonstrating differential effects of habitat heterogeneity on male and female connectivity provides further evidence that spatial resource heterogeneity impacts on connectivity. Understanding differences in population connectivity will allow improved predictions of disease spread, local extinctions and recolonizations. Furthermore, modelling such differences in pest systems will allow management plans to be better targeted, for example by strategically introducing diseases for control purposes into populations which exhibit high male connectivity to aid spread, but low female connectivity to inhibit recolonization potential after control.
Chemical discrimination among predators by lizards: Responses of three skink species to the odours of high‐ and low‐threat varanid predators
Authors: LLOYD RAY , ALFORD ROSS A. , SCHWARZKOPF LIN 
Published: January 2009

AbstractAnimals must balance the benefits of predator avoidance with costs. Costs of predator avoidance, such as being forced to spend long periods inactive, should select for careful discrimination among predator species. Although prey responses to multiple predators have been well researched across many taxa, no studies have tested whether lizards discriminate among larger lizard predators. We examined the responses of three species of skink to two species of predatory goanna, one that occasionally consumes skinks, and the other a skink specialist. Three litter‐dwelling, tropical skink species, Carlia rostralis, C. rubrigularis and C. storri, were given a choice between a retreat site treated with the odour of one of the goanna species, and an odourless control. The two goanna species used for stimulus scents were: Varanus tristis, a species that consumes skinks as a major proportion of its diet, and Varanus varius, a species that consumes skinks occasionally. Both goannas are broadly sympatric with all three skink species. Carlia rostralis and C. storri both avoided the scent of V. tristis, whereas C. rubrigularis did not. However, no skink species avoided the odour of V. varius. Prey are clearly able to avoid predators based on chemical cues, and can discriminate among similar predators that pose different levels of threat.