bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MiR‐150 is associated with poor prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma via targeting the EMT inducer ZEB1
Authors: Yokobori Takehiko , Suzuki Shigemasa , Tanaka Naritaka , Inose Takanori , Sohda Makoto , Sano Akihiko , Sakai Makoto , Nakajima Masanobu , Miyazaki Tatsuya , Kato Hiroyuki , Kuwano Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2012

The association of microRNAs (miRs) with cancer progression has been established in many cancers including esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). A public microarray database showed that the expression of miR‐150 was lower in ESCC than in normal esophageal mucosa. Here, we focused on ZEB1, epithelial‐mesenchymal‐transition (EMT)‐inducer, as a target gene of miR‐150 based on in silico predictions. The purpose of this study was to clarify the clinicopathological significance of miR‐150 in ESCC, and to investigate miR‐150′s EMT‐regulatory ability. Quantitative RT‐PCR was used to evaluate miR‐150 expression in 108 curative resected ESCC samples to determine the clinicopathological significance. Moreover, we examined the in vitro and in vivo function of miR‐150 via degradation of ZEB1. MiR‐150 expression was significantly lower in cancer tissues compared to adjacent non‐cancerous tissues (P < 0.001). Low expression of miR‐150 in ESCC contributed to malignant potential, such as tumor depth, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion, venous invasion, clinical staging, and poor prognosis (P < 0.05). In vitro assays showed that EMT‐inducer‐ZEB1 is a new direct target of miR‐150. Moreover, miR‐150 induced MET‐like changes in TE‐8 cells through ZEB1 degradation (e.g., E‐cadherin expression, vimentin repression, epithelial morphology, and suppression of migration ability), and significantly inhibited tumorigenicity and tumor growth in a mouse xenograft model. Analysis of the regulation of ZEB1 by miR‐150 could provide new insights into preventing metastasis and also suggests novel targeted therapeutic strategies in ESCC. (Cancer Sci 2013; 104: 48–54)
The impact of dis‐/reconnection of laser microgrooved and machined implant abutments on soft‐ and hard‐tissue healing
Authors: Iglhaut Gerhard , Becker Kathrin , Golubovic Vladimir , Schliephake Henning , Mihatovic Ilja 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo (i) investigate the influence of different extensions of a laser microgrooved abutment zone on connective tissue attachment and (ii) assess the impact of a repeated abutment dis‐/reconnection on soft‐ and hard‐tissue healing.Materials and MethodsTitanium implants were inserted epicrestally in the lower jaws of six dogs. Healing abutments with either partially (LP) or completely (LC) laser microgrooved margins or machined surface margins (M) were randomly allocated either to a single (1×)/repeated (2×) dis‐/reconnection at 4 and 6 weeks (test), respectively, or left undisturbed (control). At 6 and 8 weeks, histomorphometrical (e.g. most coronal level of bone in contact with the implant [CBI], subepithelial connective tissue attachment [STC]) and immunohistochemical (Collagen Type‐I [CI]) parameters were assessed.ResultsAt control sites, LP/LC groups revealed lower mean CBL (8 weeks, 0.95 ± 0.51 vs. 0.54 ± 0.63 vs. 1.66 ± 1.26 mm), higher mean STC (8 weeks, 82.58 ± 24.32% vs. 96.37 ± 5.12% vs. 54.17 ± 8.09%), but comparable CI antigen reactivity. A repeated abutment manipulation was associated with increased mean CBL (8 weeks, 1.53 ± 1.09 vs. 0.94 ± 0.17 vs. 1.06 ± 0.34 mm), decreased STC (8 weeks, 57.34 ± 43.06% vs. 13.26 ± 19.04% vs. 37.76 ± 37.08%) and CI values.ConclusionsIt was concluded that (i) LC>LP abutments enhanced subepithelial connective tissue attachment and preserved crestal bone levels, (ii) repeated abutment dis‐/reconnection during the initial healing phase (4–6 weeks) may be associated with increased soft‐ and hard‐tissue changes and (iii) LP and LC should be considered using a one abutment, one time approach.
Characterising the impacts of emerging energy development on wildlife, with an eye towards mitigation
Authors: Northrup Joseph M. , Wittemyer George 
Published: September 2012

AbstractGlobal demand for energy is projected to increase by 40% in the next 20 years, and largely will be met with alternative and unconventional sources. Development of these resources causes novel disturbances that strongly impact terrestrial ecosystems and wildlife. To effectively position ecologists to address this prevalent conservation challenge, we reviewed the literature on the ecological ramifications of this dominant driver of global land‐use change, consolidated results for its mitigation and highlighted knowledge gaps. Impacts varied widely, underscoring the importance of area and species‐specific studies. The most commonly reported impacts included behavioural responses and direct mortality. Examinations of mitigation were limited, but common easements included (1) reduction of the development footprint and human activity, (2) maintenance of undeveloped, ‘refuge’ habitat and (3) alteration of activity during sensitive periods. Problematically, the literature was primarily retrospective, focused on few species, countries, and ecoregions, and fraught with generalisations from weak inference. We advocate future studies take a comprehensive approach incorporating a mechanistic understanding of the interplay between development‐caused impacts and species ecology that will enable effective mitigation. Key areas for future research vital to securing a sustainable energy future in the face of development‐related global change are outlined.
Effects of predation on real‐time host–parasite coevolutionary dynamics
Authors: Friman Ville‐Petri , Buckling Angus 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe impact of community complexity on pairwise coevolutionary dynamics is theoretically dependent on the extent to which species evolve generalised or specialised adaptations to the multiple species they interact with. Here, we show that the bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens diversifies into defence specialists, when coevolved simultaneously with a virus and a predatory protist, as a result of fitness trade‐offs between defences against the two enemies. Strong bacteria–virus pairwise coevolution persisted, despite strong protist‐imposed selection. However, the arms race dynamic (escalation of host resistance and parasite infectivity ranges) associated with bacteria–virus coevolution broke down to a greater extent in the presence of the protist, presumably through the elevated genetic and demographic costs of increased bacteria resistance ranges. These findings suggest that strong pairwise coevolution can persist even in complex communities, when conflicting selection leads to evolutionary diversification of different defence strategies.
Finding the optimal vertical distribution: behavioural responses of Daphnia pulicaria to gradients of environmental factors and the presence of fish
Authors: LARSSON PETTER , LAMPERT WINFRIED 
Published: September 2012

Summary1. The vertical distribution of zooplankton results from active habitat choice aiming to optimise fitness gain in a system of trade‐offs.2. Using large, controlled indoor mesocosms (Plön Plankton Towers), we monitored the behavioural response of Daphnia pulicaria to vertical gradients of temperature, food, oxygen and light, in the presence and absence of fish predation.3. In the absence of fish, Daphnia distributed as predicted by an ideal ‘free distribution with costs’. If the food was distributed homogeneously, they stayed in the warm epilimnion, while they balanced their time dwelling in epi‐ and hypolimnion if the food was concentrated in a deep‐water maximum.4. However, oxygen depletion in the hypolimnion, representing an additional cost, prevented Daphnia from completely exploiting the hypolimnetic food maximum. Consequently, the proportion dwelling in the hypolimnion was larger if oxygen was not limiting.5. Fish predation had an overwhelming effect, driving Daphnia into the hypolimnion under all experimental conditions. If permitted by oxygen availability, Daphnia used the whole hypolimnion, but oxygen depletion reduced their possible habitat to the upper hypolimnion with oxygen concentrations above c. 0.7 mg L−1. As fish were less tolerant of low oxygen, the layer below the thermocline formed a predation refuge for Daphnia.
Long‐term Celecoxib can Prevent the Progression of Persistent Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia After H. pylori Eradication
Authors: Sheu Bor‐Shyang , Tsai Yu‐Ching , Wu Chung‐Tai , Chang Wei‐Lun , Cheng Hsiu‐Chi , Yang Hsiao‐Bai 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground and AimIntestinal metaplasia (IM) has overexpressions of COX‐2. Short‐term 8‐week celecoxib, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor, exerts a preliminary hint to improve regression in part for persistent IM after Helicobacter pylori eradication. This study further validated whether or not a prolonged duration of celecoxib of up to 1 year can be safe and effective.MethodsOne hundred and forty patients, with persistent IM after H. pylori eradication for 1 year, were included with half of them receiving celecoxib 200 mg/day for 12 months and the other half serving as controls. Each patient received serial checkups of blood creatinine levels every 4 months. After the 1‐year follow‐up, panendoscopy was repeated to assess the IM regression. The serial gastric specimens, taken before and after celecoxib therapy, were immunochemically stained for COX‐2.ResultsThe intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses to the rates of IM regression were higher in the celecoxib group than in the controls (ITT: 44.3% [31/70] vs 14.3% [10/70], p < .001; and PP: 51.7% [31/60] vs 16.1% [10/62], p < .001). All enrolled patients had no renal impairment during follow‐up. Even in the patients without IM regression, the mean IM scores and COX‐2 expressions were significantly more decreased in the celecoxib group than in the controls (p < .005).ConclusionOne year 200‐mg celecoxib daily be safely administered to improve the regression or prevent the progression of persistent IM after H. pylori eradication.
Mapping rainbow trout immune genes involved in inflammation reveals conserved blocks of immune genes in teleosts
Authors: Phillips R. B. , Ventura A. B. , DeKoning J. J. , Nichols K. M. 
Published: September 2012

SummaryWe report the genetic map location of 14 genes involved in the inflammatory response to salmonid bacterial and viral pathogens, which brings the total number of immune genes mapped in rainbow trout (RT, Oncorhynchus mykiss) to 61. These genes were mapped as candidate genes that may be involved in resistance to bacterial kidney disease, as well as candidates for known QTL for resistance to infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus, infectious pancreatic necrosis virus and Ceratomyxa shasta. These QTL map to one or more of the linkage groups containing immune genes. The combined analysis of these linkage results and those of previously mapped immune genes in RT shows that many immune genes are found in syntenic blocks of genes that have been retained in teleosts despite species divergence and genome duplication events.
Assessing model fit in phylogeographical investigations: an example from the North American sandbar willow Salix melanopsis
Authors: Tsai Yi‐Hsin Erica , Carstens Bryan C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAimCoalescent models enable the direct estimation of parameters with clear biological relevance (i.e. divergence time, migration rate and rate of expansion), but they have typically been applied to phylogeographical research without a priori assessment of their fit to the empirical system. Here we explore the extent to which phylogeographical inference can be misled by evaluating the fit of several population genetic models to empirical data collected from the sandbar willow, Salix melanopsis.LocationThe Pacific Northwest mesic forest of North America.MethodsWe collected sequence data from five loci in 145 individuals. We assessed model fit in: (1) models delimiting previously proposed races within S. melanopsis; (2) historical biogeographical models, each describing the timing and pattern of diversification; and (3) coalescent models that correspond to those implemented in popular software packages such as IMa, lamarc, and Migrate‐n.ResultsWe found little evidence for previous hypotheses of cryptic races delimited by habitat type (mesic, lowland or subalpine); rather, our results suggested that these variants originated from the same source population. Historical biogeographical models demonstrate that S. melanopsis has recently expanded from a single refugial population, probably located in the northern Rocky Mountains. An analysis using approximate Bayesian computation indicated that the single population expansion model implemented in lamarc is a better fit to the data than multi‐population models incorporating migration and/or divergence as implemented in Migrate‐n and IMa, suggesting that the parameters estimated from the latter are potentially misleading for this system.Main conclusionsOur research highlights the importance of assessing model fit in addition to estimating parameters to understand evolutionary processes. Taken together, they allow us to infer the historical demography of S. melanopsis in a manner that is not biased by previous work in the system.
Illegal gene flow from transgenic creeping bentgrass: the saga continues
Authors: SNOW ALLISON A 
Published: September 2012

Ecologists have paid close attention to environmental effects that fitness‐enhancing transgenes might have following crop‐to‐wild gene flow (e.g. Snow et al. 2003). For some crops, gene flow also can lead to legal problems, especially when government agencies have not approved transgenic events for unrestricted environmental release. Creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), a common turfgrass used in golf courses, is the focus of both areas of concern. In 2002, prior to expected deregulation (still pending), The Scotts Company planted creeping bentgrass with transgenic resistance to the herbicide glyphosate, also known as RoundUp®, on 162 ha in a designated control area in central Oregon (Fig. 1). Despite efforts to restrict gene flow, wind‐dispersed pollen carried transgenes to florets of local A. stolonifera and A. gigantea as far as 14 km away, and to sentinel plants placed as far as 21 km away (Watrud et al. 2004). Then, in August 2003, a strong wind event moved transgenic seeds from windrows of cut bentgrass into nearby areas. The company’s efforts to kill all transgenic survivors in the area failed: feral glyphosate‐resistant populations of A. stolonifera were found by Reichman et al. (2006), and 62% of 585 bentgrass plants had the telltale CP4 EPSPS transgene in 2006 (Zapiola et al. 2008; Fig. 2). Now, in this issue, the story gets even more interesting as Zapiola & Mallory‐Smith (2012) describe a transgenic, intergeneric hybrid produced on a feral, transgenic creeping bentgrass plant that received pollen from Polypogon monspeliensis (rabbitfoot grass). Their finding raises a host of new questions about the prevalence and fitness of intergeneric hybrids, as well as how to evaluate the full extent of gene flow from transgenic crops. Creeping bentgrass and rabbitfoot grass occur along canals and irrigation ditches within the designated control area near Madras, Oregon. Photo courtesy of M. L. Zapiola.image A feral, glyphosate‐resistant creeping bentgrass plant established along a ditch within the control area. Photo courtesy of M. L. Zapiola.image
Copper bromide laser for facial telangiectasia: A dose response evaluation
Authors: Owen William R. , Hoppe Elaine 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFacial telangiectases are small dilated vessels that are visible on the skin surface. They are a cosmetic disfigurement for millions of people, making their treatment one of the most frequently requested procedures in dermatology. Several treatment choices are available, including a variety of lasers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results, using a copper bromide laser, of variable energy levels related to vessel size and location, including side effects, and to survey patient assessment of benefit and tolerance. Two groups of 19 patients were treated at 23 J/cm2 and 28 J/cm2, and 32 J/cm2 and 38 J/cm2, respectively. Only facial telangiectasias were treated. Benefit was seen at all energy settings. Little additional benefit was noted with energy increase alone, but it was noted with a second treatment. This study showed that the copper bromide laser is a very effective, safe, and well tolerated treatment for facial telangiectasia at all four tested energy levels.
Aldosterone induces p21‐regulated apoptosis via increased synthesis and secretion of tumour necrosis factor‐α in human proximal tubular cells
Authors: Kitada Kento , Nakano Daisuke , Hitomi Hirofumi , Kobori Hiroyuki , Deguchi Kazushi , Mori Hirohito , Masaki Tsutomu , Nishiyama Akira 
Published: September 2012

Summary
Aldosterone has been shown to mediate p21‐dependent cellular senescence in rat kidney proximal tubules in vivo and in cultured human proximal tubular cells. The p21‐induced senescent cells express higher levels of apoptotic cytokines, such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α compared with non‐senescent cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate the hypothesis that aldosterone increases proximal tubular apoptosis by increasing the secretion of apoptosis–inducing factors through a p21‐dependent mechanism.
Human proximal tubular cells were incubated with aldosterone (10 nmol/L) and cell senescence was detected by senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase staining and expression of p21. Apoptosis was analysed by terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP–digoxigenin nick end‐labelling and annexin/propidium iodide staining, whereas p21 localization was determined by immunofluorescence.
Exposure of cells to aldosterone for 3 or 5 days increased senescence–associated β‐galactosidase staining, p21 and TNF‐α mRNA expression and secretion of TNF‐α into the culture medium. These changes were abolished by gene silencing of p21. Aldosterone failed to increase the number of apoptotic cells on day 3, but did increase them on day 5. A neutralizing antibody against TNF‐α prevented the aldosterone‐induced apoptotic changes. Aldosterone did not affect localization of p21.
These findings indicate that aldosterone increases TNF‐α synthesis and secretion in proximal tubular cells via p21/senescence–dependent cell phenotypic changes and that the TNF‐α secreted plays an important role as a paracrine factor in mediating cell apoptosis, indicating a possible involvement in aldosterone‐induced renal damage.
Extra‐pancreatic manifestations of IgG4‐related systemic disease: a single‐centre experience of treatment with combined immunosuppression
Authors: Bosco J. J. , Suan D. , Varikatt W. , Lin M. W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackground/AimIgG4‐related systemic disease (IgG4‐RSD) is a systemic inflammatory disease distinguished by tissue infiltrates of IgG4+ plasma cells and elevated serum IgG4 levels. While IgG4‐RSD often involves the pancreas, extra‐pancreatic organs are also frequently affected. Here, we review the presentation and management of patients with extra‐pancreatic IgG4‐RSD.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed on patients diagnosed with extra‐pancreatic IgG4‐RSD identified from a single centre.ResultsSix patients with extra‐pancreatic IgG4‐RSD were identified. The median age of the patients was 64 years. The range of involved organs included lymph nodes (three patients), ocular adnexa, lung, kidneys, meninges and exocrine glands. The median delay in diagnosis was 13.5 months (4–60 months). Four patients had elevated serum IgG4 levels at diagnosis. Five symptomatic patients were commenced on combination immunosuppression, which included corticosteroids. Maintenance therapy with azathioprine was used in one patient, methotrexate and mycophenolate were each used in two patients, and cyclophosphamide in one patient. Four treated patients went into remission, while two patients had persistent radiological disease. One patient experienced two relapses.ConclusionIgG4‐RSD can manifest in a variety of organs. Lack of awareness regarding this entity may delay diagnosis. Combination treatment of corticosteroids and conventional immunosuppression is effective.
Astrocyte activation and wound healing in intact‐skull mouse after focal brain injury
Authors: Suzuki Takayuki , Sakata Honami , Kato Chiaki , Connor John A. , Morita Mitsuhiro 
Published: September 2012

AbstractLocalised brain tissue damage activates surrounding astrocytes, which significantly influences subsequent long‐term pathological processes. Most existing focal brain injury models in rodents employ craniotomy to localise mechanical insults. However, the craniotomy procedure itself induces gliosis. To investigate perilesional astrocyte activation under conditions in which the skull is intact, we created focal brain injuries using light exposure through a cranial window made by thinning the skull without inducing gliosis. The lesion size was maximal at ~ 12 h and showed substantial recovery over the subsequent 30 days. Two distinct types of perilesional reactive astrocyte, identified by GFAP upregulation and hypertrophy, were found. In proximal regions the reactive astrocytes proliferated and expressed nestin, whereas in regions distal to the injury core the astrocytes showed increased GFAP expression but did not proliferate, lacked nestin expression, and displayed different morphology. Simply making the window did not induce any of these changes. There were also significant numbers of neurons in the recovering cortical tissue. In the recovery region, reactive astrocytes radially extended processes which appeared to influence the shapes of neuronal nuclei. The proximal reactive astrocytes also formed a cell layer which appeared to serve as a protective barrier, blocking the spread of IgG deposition and migration of microglia from the lesion core to surrounding tissue. The recovery was preceded by perilesional accumulation of leukocytes expressing vascular endothelial growth factor. These results suggest that, under intact skull conditions, focal brain injury is followed by perilesional reactive astrocyte activities that foster cortical tissue protection and recovery.