“
“Cancer prevention is central to the mission

of the American Cancer Society (ACS). The ACS’s prevention activities take many forms, but are primarily focused on modifiable risk factors that have been demonstrated to have the largest impact on cancer risk in the general population (with particular emphasis on tobacco use because of its large impact on cancer), and well-proven policy and program interventions. The ACS addresses nutrition, physical inactivity and obesity, alcohol consumption, excessive sun exposure, prevention of certain chronic infections, and selected other environmental factors through a variety of venues, including consensus guidelines (eg, nutrition and www.selleckchem.com/products/GSK872-GSK2399872A.html physical activity, human papillomavirus vaccination) and developing educational materials for health care providers and the general public. In contrast to the broad definition of environmental factors

used by the ACS and most other public health agencies, some members of the general public associate the term “environmental” only with toxic air and water pollutants and other, predominantly manmade, hazards that people encounter, often involuntarily, in their daily life. This article will provide an overview of the ACS’s approach to the prevention of cancer associated with such toxic pollutants in the context of its mission and priorities GNS-1480 with respect to cancer prevention. CA Cancer J Clin 2009;59:343-351. (C)2009 American Cancer Society, Inc.”
“The effect of imidazo[4,5-d]phenazine (Pzn) attached to the 5(‘)-end of (dT)(15) oligonucleotide via a flexible linker on the thermal stability of poly(dA)center dot(dT)(15) duplex was studied in aqueous buffered solution containing 0.1 De NaCl at the equimolar ratio of adenine and thymine bases (100 mu M each) using spectroscopic techniques. Duplex formation was investigated by measuring UV absorption and fluorescence melting curves for the Pzn-modified system. Tethered phenazine derivative enhances the thermostability of poly(dA)center dot(dT)(15) duplex increasing the helix-to-coil transition temperature

by 4.5 A degrees D due to an intercalation of the dye chromophore between AT-base pairs. The thermodynamic parameters of the transition for Proteasomal inhibitors non-modified and modified systems were estimated using “all-or-none” model. The modification of the (dT)(15) results in a decrease in the transition enthalpy, however, the observed gain in the Gibbs free energy of complex formation, Delta G, is provided with the corresponding decrease in entropy change. The increase of Delta G value at 37 A degrees C in consequence of (dT)(15) modification was found to be equal to 1.3 kcal/mol per oligonucleotide strand.”
“Introduction. Galactocele, generally occuring in young women during or after lactation, is an extremely rare cause of breast enlargement in infants and children of exclusively male gender. Only 26 cases have been published so far, including two our cases. Case report.

“
“Background

& Aims: Several lines of evidence support a role for Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling to protect the intestine from pathogenic infection. We hypothesized that TLR signaling at the level of the intestinal epithelium is critical for mucosal immune responses. Methods: We generated transgenic mice that express a constitutively active form of TLR4 in the intestinal epithelium (V-TLR4 mice). Lamina propria cellularity was evaluated. by immunostaining and flow cytometry. Immunoglobulin (Ig) A levels in the stool and serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Chemokine and cytokine expression were analyzed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked ACY-738 clinical trial immunosorbent assay. Results: V-TLR4 transgenic mice reproduced normally and had a normal life span. Constitutive activity of TLR4 Bcl-2 phosphorylation in the intestinal epithelium promoted recruitment of B cells and an increase in fecal

IgA levels. Intestinal epithelial cells of V-TLR4 mice expressed higher levels of CCL20 and CCL28, chemokines known to be involved in B-cell recruitment, and of a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL), a cytokine that promotes T-cell-independent class switching of B cells to IgA. The changes in B-cell numbers and IgA levels were blocked by simultaneous expression in intestinal epithelial cells of M3, a herpes virus protein that binds and inhibits multiple chemokines. Conclusions: TLR signaling in the intestinal epithelial cells significantly elevated the production of IgA in the intestine. This effect was mediated by TLR-induced expression of a specific set of chemokines and cytokines BMS-754807 in vitro that promoted both recruitment of B cells into the lamina propria and IgA class switching of B cells.”
“We reviewed the clinical manifestations of mesenteric vasculitis due to giant cell arteritis (GCA) and considered features of the mesenteric anatomy in relationship to disease expression. We compiled and reviewed a case series by systematic identification of patients

previously reported in the English-language literature to have mesenteric involvement from known GCA. Included in the analysis was a detailed case review of a patient with GCA and small bowel infarction seen at our institution. Twelve patients were identified with mesenteric ischemia attributed to GCA. Concomitant cranial and abdominal symptoms were present in 7 of the 12 patients, and cranial symptoms were absent in 5 patients who presented with abdominal complaints. The abdominal symptoms fell within a spectrum ranging from chronic postprandial symptoms to acute abdominal pain. Survival was observed in only 6 of the 12 cases, 3 of whom required bowel resection and were treated with high-dose corticosteroids. Review of the anatomic features of the specialized splanchnic circulation reveals an extensive collateral network that may protect against early disease expression from ischemia, despite mesenteric arteritic involvement.

This is quantitated through the use of a detailed simulation model of microvessel flow in two principal configurations: a diameter D = 6: 5 mu m tube-a model for small capillaries through which red blood cells flow in single-file-and Selleck Proteasome inhibitor a D = 12 mu m tube-a model for a nascent vein or artery through which the cells flow in a confined yet chaotic fashion. Results in both cases show strong sensitivity to the mean flow speed U. Peak stresses exceed their means by greater than a factor of 10 when U/D less than or similar to 10 s(-1), which corresponds to the inverse relaxation

time of a healthy red blood cell. This effect is more significant for smaller D cases. At faster flow rates, including those more commonly observed under normal, nominally static physiological conditions, the peak fluctuations are more comparable with the mean shear stress. Implications for mechanotransduction check details of hemodynamic forces are discussed.”
“We previously showed that the transcription factor Mafb is essential for podocyte differentiation and foot

process formation. Podocytes are susceptible to injury in diabetes, and this injury leads to progression of diabetic nephropathy. In this study, we generated transgenic mice that overexpress Mafb in podocytes using the nephrin promoter/enhancer. To examine a potential pathogenetic role for Mafb in diabetic nephropathy, Mafb transgenic mice were treated with either streptozotocin or saline solution. Diabetic nephropathy was assessed by renal histology and biochemical analyses of urine and serum. Podocyte-specific overexpression of Mafb had no effect on body weight or blood

glucose levels in either diabetic or control mice. Notably, albuminuria and changes in BUN levels and renal histology observed in diabetic wild-type animals were ameliorated in diabetic Mafb transgenic mice. Moreover, hyperglycemia-induced downregulation of Nephrin was mitigated in diabetic Mafb transgenic mice, and reporter assay results suggested that Mafb regulates Nephrin directly. Mafb transgenic glomeruli also overexpressed glutathione peroxidase, an antioxidative stress enzyme, and levels of the oxidative stress marker 8-hydroxydeoxy-guanosine decreased in the urine of diabetic Mafb transgenic mice. Finally, Notch2 expression increased in diabetic glomeruli, and Dinaciclib clinical trial this effect was enhanced in diabetic Mafb transgenic glomeruli. These data indicate Mafb has a protective role in diabetic nephropathy through regulation of slit diaphragm proteins, antioxidative enzymes, and Notch pathways in podocytes and suggest that Mafb could be a therapeutic target.”
“Cell signaling involves dynamic changes in protein oligomerization leading to the formation of different signaling complexes and modulation of activity. Spatial intensity distribution analysis (SpIDA) is an image analysis method that can directly measure oligomerization and trafficking of endogenous proteins in single cells.

In this review, we summarize relevant evidence regarding social context modulation

of empathy for pain. Several contextual factors, such as stimulus reality and personal experience, affectively link with other factors, emotional cues, threat information, group membership, and attitudes toward others to influence the affective, sensorimotor, and cognitive processing Cell Cycle inhibitor of empathy. Thus, we propose that the frontoinsular-temporal network, the so-called social context network model (SCNM), is recruited during the contextual processing of empathy. This network would (1) update the contextual cues and use them to construct fast predictions (frontal regions), (2) coordinate the internal (body) and external milieus (insula), and (3) consolidate the context-target associative learning of empathic processes (temporal sites). Furthermore, we propose these context-dependent effects of empathy in the framework of the frontoinsular-temporal network and examine the behavioral and neural evidence of three

neuropsychiatric conditions (Asperger syndrome, schizophrenia, and the behavioral variant of frontotemporal dementia), which simultaneously present with BMS-777607 empathy and contextual integration impairments. We suggest potential advantages of a situated approach to empathy in the assessment of these neuropsychiatric disorders, as well β-Nicotinamide mouse as their relationship with the SCNM.”
“High-precision bulk aluminum-magnesium isotope measurements of calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions (CAIs) from CV carbonaceous

chondrites in several laboratories define a bulk 26Al-26Mg isochron with an inferred initial 26Al/27Al ratio of approximately 5.25×10-5, named the canonical ratio. Nonigneous CV CAIs yield well-defined internal 26Al-26Mg isochrons consistent with the canonical value. These observations indicate that the canonical 26Al/27Al ratio records initial Al/Mg fractionation by evaporation and condensation in the CV CAI-forming region. The internal isochrons of igneous CV CAIs show a range of inferred initial 26Al/27Al ratios, (4.2-5.2)x10-5, indicating that CAI melting continued for at least 0.2Ma after formation of their precursors. A similar range of initial 26Al/27Al ratios is also obtained from the internal isochrons of many CAIs (igneous and nonigneous) in other groups of carbonaceous chondrites. Some CAIs and refractory grains (corundum and hibonite) from unmetamorphosed or weakly metamorphosed chondrites, including CVs, are significantly depleted in 26Al. At least some of these refractory objects may have formed prior to injection of 26Al into the protosolar molecular cloud and its subsequent homogenization in the protoplanetary disk.

Complementation assays of Delta hsp104

mutant yeast cells showed that OsClpB-cyt, OsClpB-m, OsClpC1 and OsClpD1 have significantly positive effects. Remarkably, OsClpD1 gene imparted appreciably high level tolerance to the mutant yeast cells.\n\nConclusions: Rice class I Clp ATPase gene family is constituted of 9 members. Of these 9, only 3 belonging to ClpB group are heat stress regulated. Distribution of ClpB proteins to different cell organelles indicates that their functioning might be critical in different cell locations. From the complementation assays, OsClpD1 appears to be more effective than OsClpB-cyt protein in rescuing the thermosensitive defect of the yeast Sc Delta hsp104 mutant cells.”
“Our objective was to assess the effects of lactate enhancement in combination with different packaging systems on beef longissimus lumborum and psoas major steak color. Strip loins and Ruboxistaurin mw tenderloins (n = 16) were assigned to one of four injection treatments (non-injected control, water-injected control, 1.25%. and 2.5% lactate in the finished product). Steaks were individually packaged in either vacuum, high-oxygen (80% O-2/20% CO2), or 0.4% CO (30% CO2/69.6% N-2) and stored for find more either 0, 5, or 9 days at 1 degrees C. The L-center dot and a(center dot) values of both the longissimus and psous responded similarly to lactate, which at 2.5% darkened steaks (P < 0.05) packaged in all atmospheres

and improved (P < 0.05) the redness of steaks packaged in high-oxygen. Packaging steaks in CO did not Counteract the darkening effects of lactate. Nevertheless, CO improved (P < 0.05) color stability compared with high-oxygen packaging. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.”
“Objective: We compared the efficacy and safety of treatments with photothermolysis systems (FPS) and carbon dioxide fractional laser system (CO2 FS) for various types of scars in Asians. Background data: Concerns regarding the cosmetic outcomes of scar treatment selleck are increasing,

and non-ablative 1550nm erbium-glass FPS and 10,600nm CO2 FS have been effectively used to improve the appearance of various types of scars. Methods: One hundred patients with various types of scars were enrolled. The laser devices were chosen individually, based on the characteristics of the scars. We used a quintile grading scale for evaluations. Results: At 3 months after treatment, the mean grade of improvement based on clinical assessment was 2.64 +/- 0.76 for FPS, 2.60 +/- 0.68 for CO2 FS, and 2.94 +/- 0.83 for combination therapy (p=0.249). The mean grade of improvement was higher in patients who received treatment within 3 years of scar development (2.84 +/- 0.69) than in patients who received treatment >3 years after scar development (2.51 +/- 0.82; p=0.042). Conclusions: FPS and CO2 FS were both effective and safe for the treatment of scars, and can also be used together safely as a combination treatment.

011) and the mean (+/- SD) number of events was higher (29.1 (+/- 15.3) vs 21.1 (+/- 11.4), p=0.001). More time

was spent with SpO(2) below 80% (57.2 (+/- 24.8) min vs 34.0 (+/- 29.6) min, p=0.006). Total time of hyperoxaemia (defined as SpO(2) 97% and 99%, respectively) and total time with cerebral StO(2) <60% and <55% were similar.\n\nConclusions\n\nA lower SpO(2) target range was associated with a greater cumulative cerebral StO(2) desaturation score, caused by more frequent SpO(2) desaturations. However, time at very low cerebral StO(2) was not affected. Episodes of hyperoxaemia were Apoptosis inhibitor not reduced.”
“Mercury is responsible for serious episodes of environmental pollution throughout the world, especially in the Amazon. This toxicity has led regulatory agencies

to focus on fish as the target organism for protecting the health of humans and other sensitive organisms. Unfortunately, in the Amazon area, different sampling strategies and the wide variety of sampling areas and fish species make it extremely difficult to determine relationships across geographic regions or over time to ascertain historical trends. Thus, the aim of this work was to achieve three main objectives: a comparative study of mercury contamination in fish of Itaituba (Tapajs, located downstream Wnt inhibitor of the largest gold-mining region in Amazon) and Bel,m (an area non-exposed to mercury pollution

of anthropogenic origin), perform an analysis of inorganic mercury (IHg) versus monomethylmercury (MeHg) contents, and, finally, compare mercury contamination Ruboxistaurin clinical trial in Tapajs over time. Five piscivorous species were obtained in Itaituba and Bel,m. Also, four non-piscivorous species were collected in Itaituba. For the first time, mercury speciation showed that (1) current MeHg levels in piscivorous species in Tapajs are higher than those of the non-exposed area, (2) piscivorous species from Itaituba (dourada, filhote, and sarda) contained mercury levels above the World Health Organization safety limit (similar to 17 %) and/or above the US Environmental Protection Agency tissue residue criterion (40 %), (3) increased MeHg is usually accompanied by increased IHg, and (4) the mean total mercury concentrations for piscivorous species in Itaituba were within the same range and, associated uncertainties as those previously reported, although a remarkable decreasing trend over time was observed for mean total Hg concentrations in non-piscivorous species from Itaituba. The present study supports the importance of continuous monitoring of both populations in the Amazon Rivers. Our results will better assist the development of preventive strategies and governmental actions to confront the problem of mercury contamination in the Amazon.

This stimulates a cascade of events, including activation of insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-mediated phosphorylation of AKT, inhibition of GSK-3 beta, increased activation of beta-catenin, and associated lymphoid-enhancing factor/T cell factor-mediated transcription. Initiation of this pathway does not involve the Wnt/LRP5/Frizzled receptor and does not culminate in increased IGF transcription. The effect of strain on IGF-IR is mimicked by exogenous des-(1-3)IGF-I and

is blocked by the IGF-IR inhibitor H1356. Inhibition of strain-related prostanoid and nitric Ferroptosis inhibitor oxide production inhibits strain-related (and basal) AKT activity, but their separate ectopic administration does not mimic it. Strain-related IGF-IR activation check details of AKT requires estrogen receptor

alpha (ER alpha) with which IGF-1R physically associates. The ER blocker ICI 182,780 increases the concentration of des-(1-3) IGF-I necessary to activate this cascade, whereas estrogen inhibits both basal AKT activity and its activation by des-(1-3) IGF-I. These data suggest an initial cascade of strain-related events in osteoblasts in which strain activates IGF-IR, in association with ER alpha, so initiating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT-dependent activation of beta-catenin and altered lymphoid-enhancing factor/T cell factor transcription. This cascade requires prostanoid/nitric oxide production and is independent of

Wnt/LRP5.”
“In this conference paper, we show that estrogen receptor-beta status influences clinical outcome of triple-negative breast cancer referring two of our recent research articles.”
“As in all parts of the globe, rapid climate change in Australia www.selleckchem.com/products/lazertinib-yh25448-gns-1480.html will have significant negative impacts on biodiversity. It also will interact with pre-existing stressors such as native vegetation clearing, altered natural disturbance regimes and invasive species – all of which already have major negative effects on biota in Australia. Strategies to reduce climate change impacts on Australian biodiversity include a mixture of mitigation and adaptation actions (sensu Millar et al., 2007) such as: (1) significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, (2) ensuring bio-diverse carbon capture, (3) better tackling pre-existing stressors on biodiversity, (4) better preparing for the effects of major natural disturbances, (5) significantly improving off-reserve conservation efforts including fostering appropriate connectivity, and (6) enhancing the existing reserve system by making it more comprehensive, adequate and representative. The first strategy above demands a global response otherwise major mitigation attempts in Australia that are not paralleled elsewhere around the world will have little effect on climate change and, in turn, contribute little to enhanced biodiversity conservation.

To derive a more precise estimation of the relationship, a meta-analysis of 9,828 TC cases and 109,995 controls from 14 case-control studies was performed. Overall, significant results were observed for rs965513 (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.59-1.85, P<10(-5)), rs1867277 (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.51-1.78, P<10(-5)) and rs71369530 (OR = 2.01, 95% CI: 1.66-2.44, P<10(-5)) polymorphism. In the subgroup analysis by ethnicity, we found that rs965513 polymorphism confer high risk for Caucasians with per-allele OR of 1.80 (95% CI: 1.69-1.92, P<10(-5)) compared to East Asians of 1.35 (95% CI:

1.09-1.67, P = 0.006). There was strong evidence of heterogeneity, which largely disappeared after stratification by ethnicity. In the subgroup analysis by sample size, and study design, significantly increased risks were found for the polymorphism. In conclusion, this meta-analysis demonstrated

that common Selleckchem U0126 variations of FOXE1 are a risk Selleckchem SRT2104 factor associated with increased TC susceptibility.”
“The energy sources of yoghurt bacteria (Streptococcus thermophilus and Lactobacillus bulgaricus) were examined with a focus on probable impact of sucrose on their galactose uptake. Yoghurt bacteria were isolated from samples of yoghurt which were purchased from different outlets and kept under refrigeration conditions throughout the period of isolation using nutrient agar (NA) and potato dextrose agar (PDA). After obtaining pure cultures of the isolates which were placed on NA and PDA slants, cultural characteristics and biochemical

tests were done on them for identification purposes. Their abilities to ferment glucose, lactose fructose, maltose, sucrose and galactose as carbon source were examined. The effect of sucrose on uptake of galactose by the isolates was also examined. The four strains of L. bulgaricus (LBI, LB2, LB3 and LB4) and one strain of S. thermophilus (ST5) obtained had similar characteristics typical of lactic acid bacteria. Sugar fermentation by the isolates differed PXD101 molecular weight from one strain to the other. The extent of sugar fermentation by the isolates also varied depending on the types of sugar employed as carbon source. Glucose and lactose were better when used for growth by all the isolates when compared to other sugars. All the isolates had weak fermentation of galactose when compared to other sugars. All isolates however, had better fermentation of galactose in the presence of sucrose, with LB2 having the best and LB4 the least fermentation of galactose in the presence of sucrose. Appropriate amount of sucrose could thus be employed as possible enhancer for galactose uptake by galactose non-fermentive strains of yoghurt bacteria.”
“Background Previously we had successfully tracked adult human neural stem cells (NSCs) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs) in host human brain after transplantation in vivo non-invasively by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

But there is an open question, whether under these new conditions he is satisfactorily provided with vitamin D. This paper discusses the following problems: how can we ensure a sufficient intake of vitamin D, how much does an individual require for his existence and optimal life, what will be consequences of vitamin D deficiency, and what are the prospects for better provision with vitamin D?.”
“Introduction: Increasing evidences have shown that pathogens may promote atherosclerosis and trigger acute myocardial infarction (AMI). There is no report on the association

between respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection and AMI. The case-control study was used to assess the association of previous RSV infection and acute myocardial infarction. Methods: AMI cases and non-AMI controls were recruited selleck chemicals llc from patients at a large teaching hospital in Harbin, China, during October 1, 2005, to March 31, 2006, and October 1, 2006, to March 31, 2007. Questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information on demographic characteristics and heart disease risk factors. Fasting blood sample was obtained to measure immunoglobulin G antibodies to RSV, Cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus type-1 and type-2, adenovirus, Rubella virus, Chlamydia pneumoniae and Helicobacter pylori and to measure the level of cholesterol, fasting serum glucose, triglycerides and high-sensitivity

C-reactive PI3K inhibitor protein.

Results: AMI group had more smokers than controls (56.9% versus 18.0%) and were more likely to have positive immunoglobulin G antibodies to RSV (OR, 6.2; 95% CI, 3.5-10.7; P < 0.001). After adjustment for potential confounding variables, the association Selleck Epacadostat between RSV and AMI remained (adjusted odds ratio, 11.1; 95% confidence interval, 3.3-29.5). Conclusions: Our study supported the hypothesis that the previous RSV infection was associated with AMI. This indicates that prevention and proper treatment of RSV infection are of great clinical importance for the reduction of AMI risk.”
“Developmental processes in the ascidian Ciona intestinalis depend on a complex interplay of events including, during metamorphosis, a caspase-dependent apoptosis which is regulated by the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP signaling pathway. Herein we disclose an alternate NO-mediated signaling pathway during Ciona development which appears to be critically dependent on local redox control. Evidence in support of this conclusion includes: (a) inhibitors of NO synthase (NOS) and scavengers of NO-derived nitrating agents markedly decrease the rate of Ciona metamorphosis; (b) an NO donor or peroxynitrite caused an opposite effect; (c) increased protein nitration is observed at larva stage. Integrated proteomic and immunochemical methodologies identified nitrated tyrosine residues in ERK and snail.

Volumes and masses of the lung and its differently aerated compartments were obtained from all CT sections. Then only the most cranial and caudal sections and a further eight evenly spaced sections between them were selected. The results from these ten sections were extrapolated to the entire lung. The agreement between

both methods was assessed with Bland-Altman plots.\n\nMedian (range) total lung volume and mass were 3,738 (1,311-6,768) ml and 957 (545-3,019) g, the corresponding bias (limits of agreement) were 26 (-42 to 95) ml and LY2835219 Cell Cycle inhibitor 8 (-21 to 38) g, respectively. The median volumes (range) of differently aerated compartments (percentage of total lung volume) were 1 (0-54)% for the nonaerated, 5 (1-44)% for the poorly aerated, 85 (28-98)% for the normally aerated, and 4 (0-48)% for the hyperaerated subvolume. The agreement between the extrapolated results and those from all CT sections was excellent. All bias values were below 1% of the total lung volume or mass, the limits of agreement never exceeded +/- 2%.\n\nThe extrapolation method can reduce radiation exposure and shorten the time required

for qCT analysis of lung aeration.”
“Aim Do species range shapes follow general patterns? If so, what mechanisms underlie those patterns? We show for 11,582 species from a variety of taxa across the world that most species have similar latitudinal and longitudinal ranges. We then seek to disentangle the roles of climate, extrinsic dispersal limitation Liproxstatin-1 molecular weight (e.g. barriers) and intrinsic dispersal limitation (reflecting a species ability to disperse)

as constraints of species range shape. We also assess the relationship between range size and shape.\n\nLocation Global.\n\nMethods Range shape patterns were measured as the slope of the regression of latitudinal species ranges against longitudinal ranges for each taxon and continent, and as the coefficient of determination measuring Selleck Bafilomycin A1 the degree of scattering of species ranges from the 1: 1 line (i.e. latitudinal range = longitudinal range). Two major competing hypotheses explaining species distributions (i. e. dispersal or climatic determinism) were explored. To this end, we compared the observed slopes and coefficients of determination with those predicted by a climatic null model that estimates the potential range shapes in the absence of dispersal limitation. The predictions compared were that species distribution shapes are determined purely by (1) intrinsic dispersal limitation, (2) extrinsic dispersal limitations such as topographic barriers, and (3) climate.\n\nResults Using this methodology, we show for a wide variety of taxa across the globe that species generally have very similar latitudinal and longitudinal ranges. However, neither neutral models assuming random but spatially constrained dispersal, nor models assuming climatic control of species distributions describe range shapes adequately.