bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Melanogenesis Investigation Leading to Selective Melanoma Neutron Capture Therapy and Diagnosis
Authors: Mishima Yutaka 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBasic investigation into the nature of melanin monomer and polymer synthesis in pigment cells has revealed many of the new underlying factors involved in its regulation and control by three melanogenesis‐related genes, tyrosinase, TRP‐1 and TRP‐2, and other non‐tyrosinase glycoproteins.Pigment cells can undergo clinically and biologically recognizable progressive multi‐step carcinogenesis. Generally parallel to this progressive cancerization is accentuated melanogenesis. Using this accentuated melanogenesis to develop a specific diagnosis and cure for melanoma (Mm) has long been a challenge. However, until recently, no success was achieved.As an example, attempting to utilize the fact that dopa accumulates as a melanin substrate within Mm cells, hybrid compounds of dopa and cytotoxic drugs were developed. However, these compounds were found to have severe systemic side effects and were therefore unusable. Another newer Mm treatment involves high energy radiation such as fast neutrons. But this is quite non‐selective, killing both the target cancer and the normal surrounding tissue.Since 1972, I have developed the idea of coupling the high energy releasing system of thermal neutron irradiation with the non‐toxic 10B‐dopa analogue, 10B1‐l‐p‐boronophenylalanine (10B1‐l‐BPA). Thermal neutrons are essentially harmless, but, after specific absorption by 10B, release high LET α‐particles and 7Li‐atoms with an energy of 2.33 MeV up to a distance of 14 μ, the diameter of Mm cells, thus selectively killing them without damaging surrounding normal tissue.After the synthesis of 10B1‐l‐BPA, exhaustive in vitro and in vivo radiological studies on its enhanced killing effect were done to develop optimal Mm Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT). We have successfully treated 14 Mm cases to date. Our Mm NCT can be a prototype for the treatment of many other cancers which synthesize specific proteins.Following our progress with NCT, we recently developed a powerful, novel method for accurate diagnosis and 3‐dimensional imaging of Mm using Positron Emission Tomography with new 18F‐10B‐BPA. We can also determine the 10B concentration in target melanomas and blood essential for most effective NCT.
Movimientos alternativos de protección de los trabajadores en los Estados Unidos
Authors: FINE Janice 
Published: April 2015

ResumenLos Estados Unidos están entre los países desarrollados con mayor declive de la sindicación y la negociación colectiva. Sus instituciones laborales tradicionales, basadas en la relación de empleo «estándar», llevan mucho tiempo sufriendo la erosión de una legislación restrictiva y de la oposición de los empleadores, al tiempo que el empleo precario, las malas condiciones de trabajo y la marginación se han generalizado, conduciendo a la emergencia espontánea de iniciativas alternativas, con frecuencia cívicas, para proteger a los trabajadores vulnerables mediante estrategias muy innovadoras. Un buen ejemplo son los «centros de trabajadores», que suelen colaborar con sindicatos tradicionales para lograr sus objetivos.
Ideas, paradojas y factores de cambio determinantes de las relaciones laborales futuras en la UE
Authors: KEUNE Maarten 
Published: April 2015

ResumenEl autor ve el futuro de las relaciones laborales en Europa dependiente de la resolución de tres paradojas actuales relacionadas con los mercados de trabajo, la dinámica sindical y la política de la UE: la individualización de la relación de trabajo frente a la falsa autonomía del individuo y su vulnerabilidad en aumento; el número cada vez mayor de trabajadores precarios necesitados de protección frente a su baja tasa de sindicación y la incapacidad de los sindicatos de conectar con ellos a pesar de la disminución de sus miembros, y la posición actual de la UE, orientada al mercado, que alienta condiciones de empleo conducentes a un revés político contra sí misma.
Characterization of phenotype variations of luminescent and non‐luminescent variants of Vibrio harveyi wild type and quorum sensing mutants
Authors: Hong N T X , Baruah K , Vanrompay D , Bossier P 
Published: April 2015

AbstractVibrio harveyi, a luminescent Gram‐negative motile marine bacterium, is an important pathogen responsible for causing severe diseases in shrimp, finfish and molluscs leading to severe economic losses. Non‐luminescent V. harveyi obtained by culturing luminescent strains under static and dark condition were reported to alter the levels of virulence factors and metalloprotease gene and luxR expression when compared to their luminescent variants. Presently, we conducted an in vitro study aiming at the characterization of virulence‐related phenotypic traits of the wild‐type V. harveyi BB120 strain and its isogenic quorum sensing mutants before and after switching to the non‐luminescent status. We measured the production of caseinase, haemolysin and elastase and examined swimming motility and biofilm formation. Our results showed that switching from the bioluminescent to the non‐luminescent state changed the phenotypic physiology or behaviour of V. harveyi resulting in alterations in caseinase and haemolytic activities, swimming motility and biofilm formation. The switching capacity was to a large extent independent from the quorum sensing status, in that quorum sensing mutants were equally capable of making the phenotypic switch.
Co‐infection of Nucleospora cyclopteri (Microsporidia) and Kudoa islandica (Myxozoa) in farmed lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus L., in Norway: a case report
Authors: Alarcón M , Thoen E , Poppe T T , Bornø G , Mohammad S N , Hansen H 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThis study describes a co‐infection of Kudoa islandica (Myxozoa) and Nucleospora cyclopteri (Microsporida) in farmed lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus L., in Norway. Several other parasites (Cryptocotyle sp., protozoan ciliates and Gyrodactylus sp.) were also found in gills. In June 2013, the mortality in a farmed lumpfish population increased to 65%. Lumpfish showed erratic swimming behaviour and loss of weight. At necropsy, nodules in the kidney were the only visible lesions. Histologically, all fish showed severe changes with gill inflammation and necrosis in the spleen, kidney and liver. Haemorrhages and necrosis were observed in some hearts. Intracellular microsporidians associated with the lesions were detected in most organs using histological examination and Calcofluor White. Kudoa spores were diagnosed in the skeletal muscle, but no inflammatory response was associated with the presence of the plasmodia. Comparison of 18S ribosomal DNA sequences showed 100% similarity to Kudoa islandica and Nucleospora cyclopteri. Kudoa islandica and N. cyclopteri have previously been described associated with lesions in wild lumpfish in Iceland. In the present case, N. cyclopteri is believed to be the main cause of systemic pathology. This is the first description of K. islandica and N. cyclopteri causing pathology in farmed lumpfish in Norway.
Aβ1–42oligomer‐induced leakage in anin vitroblood–brain barrier model is associated with up‐regulation ofRAGEand metalloproteinases, and down‐regulation of tight junction scaffold proteins
Authors: Wan Wenbin , Cao Lan , Liu Lumei , Zhang Chunyan , Kalionis Bill , Tai Xiantao , Li Yaming , Xia Shijin 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAccumulating evidence indicates that abnormal deposition of amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide in the brain is responsible for endothelial cell damage and consequently leads to blood–brain barrier (BBB) leakage. However, the mechanisms underlyingBBBdisruption are not well described. We employed an monolayerBBBmodel comprisingbEnd.3 cell and found thatBBBleakage was induced by treatment with Aβ1–42,and the levels of tight junction (TJ) scaffold proteins (ZO‐1, Claudin‐5, and Occludin) were decreased. Through comparisons of the effects of the different components of Aβ1–42, including monomer (Aβ1–42‐Mono), oligomer (Aβ1–42‐Oligo), and fibril (Aβ1–42‐Fibril), our data confirmed that Aβ1–42‐Oligo is likely to be the most important damage factor that results inTJdamage andBBBleakage in Alzheimer's disease. We found that the incubation ofbEnd.3 cells with Aβ1–42significantly up‐regulated the level of receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE). Co‐incubation of a polyclonal antibody toRAGEand Aβ1–42‐Oligo inbEnd.3 cells blockedRAGEsuppression of Aβ1–42‐Oligo‐induced alterations inTJscaffold proteins and reversed Aβ1–42‐Oligo‐induced up‐regulation ofRAGE, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2, andMMP‐9. Furthermore, we found that these effects induced by Aβ1–42‐Oligo treatment were effectively suppressed by knockdown ofRAGEusing small interferingRNA(siRNA) transfection. We also found thatGM6001, a broad‐spectrumMMPinhibitor, partially reversed the Aβ1–42‐Oligo‐induced inhibitor effects inbEnd.3 cells. Thus, these results suggested thatRAGEplayed an important role in Aβ‐inducedBBBleakage and alterations ofTJscaffold proteins, through a mechanism that involved up‐regulation ofMMP‐2 and MMP‐9.imageTo reveal the role of RAGE in blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we employed an monolayer BBB model comprising bEnd.3 cell and found that BBB leakage was induced by treatment with amyloid‐β (Aβ), and the levels of tight junction (TJ) scaffold proteins including ZO‐1, Claudin‐5, and Occludin were decreased. Using receptor for advanced glycation end‐products (RAGE) neutralizing polyclonal antibody and siRNA, we confirmed that RAGE played an important role in Aβ‐induced BBB leakage and alterations of TJ scaffold proteins and in the up‐regulation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9). NF‐κB, nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells.
Dendrochronological reconstruction reveals a mixed‐intensity fire regime in Pinus sylvestris‐dominated stands of Białowieża Forest, Belarus and Poland
Authors: Zin Ewa , Drobyshev Igor , Bernacki Dmitrij , Niklasson Mats 
Published: April 2015

AbstractQuestionsWhat were the features of the historical forest fire regime, fire intensity in particular, in Pinus sylvestris‐dominated stands of Białowieża Forest? Did tree recruitment patterns relate to the fire history?LocationBiałowieża Forest, western Belarus and northeast Poland.MethodsWe used dendrochronological methods to reconstruct the fire regime in a 8.5‐ha mixed coniferous (Pinus sylvestris–Picea abies) forest stand located in the Belarusian part of Białowieża Forest. We analysed fire frequency at stand and point scale, seasonal distribution of fires and fire intensity. We compared the results to a previous study done in a 13.0‐ha site of similar habitat and stand structure, located in the Polish part of Białowieża Forest.ResultsWe reconstructed fires back to 1655, the most recent fire dating to 1918. Mean fire interval at stand scale during 1645–2010 was 9 ± 7.8 yrs (±SD). Fire frequency gradually declined after 1811, with mean fire interval at stand scale increasing from 5 ± 2.5 yrs prior to 1811 to 18 ± 9.3 yrs thereafter. Most fires were likely of low intensity, as suggested by (1) small average tree diameter (5.1 ± 2.9 cm) at the first scar, (2) absence of strong negative growth reactions after fire, and (3) high fire frequency likely limiting fuel build‐up. However, a fire in 1718 was intense and resulted in a wave of P. sylvestris regeneration. The reconstructed fire history in the Belarusian part of Białowieża Forest showed many similarities with that done in the Polish section of this forest. Similarities included dominance of low‐intensity dormant and early‐season fires, sporadic occurrence of high‐intensity fires, high fire frequencies between the 1650s and the early 1800s, and cessation of fires since the early 20th century. Six out of 50 fire dates reconstructed in both sites were common and represented a level of synchrony that was significantly higher than expected under a random pattern of fire occurrence.ConclusionsLow‐intensity surface fires dominated the historical fire regime of Białowieża Forest. However, occasional high‐intensity stand‐replacing fires led to successional changes at the stand scale.
Molecular tools and bumble bees: revealing hidden details of ecology and evolution in a model system
Authors: Woodard S. Hollis , Lozier Jeffrey D. , Goulson David , Williams Paul H. , Strange James P. , Jha Shalene 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBumble bees are a longstanding model system for studies on behaviour, ecology and evolution, due to their well‐studied social lifestyle, invaluable role as wild and managed pollinators, and ubiquity and diversity across temperate ecosystems. Yet despite their importance, many aspects of bumble bee biology have remained enigmatic until the rise of the genetic and, more recently, genomic eras. Here, we review and synthesize new insights into the ecology, evolution and behaviour of bumble bees that have been gained using modern genetic and genomic techniques. Special emphasis is placed on four areas of bumble bee biology: the evolution of eusociality in this group, population‐level processes, large‐scale evolutionary relationships and patterns, and immunity and resistance to pesticides. We close with a prospective on the future of bumble bee genomics research, as this rapidly advancing field has the potential to further revolutionize our understanding of bumble bees, particularly in regard to adaptation and resilience. Worldwide, many bumble bee populations are in decline. As such, throughout the review, connections are drawn between new molecular insights into bumble bees and our understanding of the causal factors involved in their decline. Ongoing and potential applications to bumble bee management and conservation are also included to demonstrate how genetics‐ and genomics‐enabled research aids in the preservation of this threatened group.
Management of sleep apnea: a critical look at intra‐oral appliances
Authors: Conley R. S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWith so many disciplines of both medicine and dentistry involved in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), several forms of therapy are available. The orthodontist is rarely considered when the diagnosis of chronic obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is delivered. However, the scope of orthodontic care today is much broader than the mere alignment of teeth. While the current gold standard for OSA care remains continuous positive air pressure (CPAP), the patient may be given a prescription for an intra‐oral sleep appliance. When orthodontists work in concert with their medical colleagues to provide a sleep appliance, several considerations must be made including the evidence regarding oral appliance efficacy. For some patients, oral appliances are highly successful; however, even for responsive patients, there are risks associated with oral appliance therapy. The aim of the paper was to present a critical review of the current level of evidence for the use of oral appliances in the treatment of OSA. A substantial number of publications ranging from case reports, uncontrolled and controlled case series, prospective randomized studies, and even a small number of systematic reviews were available. The existing systematic reviews were based on either a limited number of prospective studies with limited numbers of patients or in some cases were based on subjective data only. As a result, a narrative review of the literature was performed that discusses objective clinically testable criteria and recent developments that may aid future research investigations.
Mechanical environment change in root, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone in response to two canine retraction treatment strategies
Authors: Jiang F. , Xia Z. , Li S. , Eckert G. , Chen J. 
Published: April 2015

Structured AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the initial mechanical environment (ME) changes in root surface, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone due to two treatment strategies, low or high moment‐to‐force ratio (M/F).Setting and Sample PopulationIndiana University‐Purdue University Indianapolis. Eighteen patients who underwent maxillary bilateral canine retraction.Material and methodFinite element models of the maxillary canines from the patients were built based on their cone beam computed tomography scans. For each patient, the canine on one side had a specially designed T‐loop spring with the M/F higher than the other side. Four stress invariants (1st principal/dilatational/3rd principal/von Mises stress) in the tissues were calculated. The stresses were compared with the bone mineral density (BMD) changes reported previously for linking the ME change to bone modeling/remodeling activities. The correlation was tested by the mixed‐model anova.ResultsThe alveolar bone in the direction of tooth movement is primarily in tension, while the PDL is in compression; the stresses in the opposite direction have a reversed pattern. The M/F primarily affects the stress in root. Three stress invariants (1st principal/3rd principal/dilatational stress) in the tooth movement direction have moderate correlations with BMD loss.ConclusionsThe stress invariants may be used to characterize what the osteocytes sense when ME changes. Their distributions in the tissues are significantly different, meaning the cells experience different stimuli. The higher bone activities along the direction of tooth movement may be related to the initial volumetric increase and decrease in the alveolar bone.
Genetic and treatment‐related risk factors associated with external apical root resorption (EARR) concurrent with orthodontia
Authors: Sharab L. Y. , Morford L. A. , Dempsey J. , Falcão‐Alencar G. , Mason A. , Jacobson E. , Kluemper G. T. , Macri J. V. , Hartsfield J. K. 
Published: April 2015

Structured AbstractObjectiveAs genetic variation accounts for two‐thirds of the variation in external apical root resorption (EARR) concurrent with orthodontic treatment, we analyzed the association of selected genetic and treatment‐related factors with EARR concurrent with orthodontic treatment.Setting and sample populationThis case–control study of 134 unrelated, orthodontically treated Caucasian individuals was conducted in part at an Indiana Private Practice, Indiana University and the University of Kentucky.MethodsUtilizing a research data bank containing information from ~1450 orthodontically treated patients, pre‐ and post‐treatment radiographs from 460 individuals were evaluated for EARR of the four permanent maxillary incisors. Sixty‐seven unrelated Caucasians with moderate to severe EARR were identified and were age‐/sex‐matched with orthodontically treated Caucasian controls yielding 38 females and 29 males per group. Factors tested for an association with EARR included the following: 1) treatment duration, 2) extraction of maxillary premolars, 3) numerous cephalometric measurements, and 4) DNA polymorphisms within/near candidate genes in a pathway previously implicated in EARR such as the purinergic‐receptor‐P2X, ligand‐gated ion channel 7 (P2RX7; rs208294, rs1718119, and rs2230912), caspase‐1 (CASP1; rs530537, rs580253, and rs554344), interleukin‐1 beta (IL1B; rs1143634), interleukin‐1 alpha (IL1A; rs1800587), and interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL1RA; rs419598) genes. Stepwise logistic regression was utilized to identify the factors significantly associated (significance taken at or less than the layered Bonferroni correction alpha) with the occurrence of EARR.ResultsA long length of treatment and the presence of specific genotypes for P2RX7 SNP rs208294 were significantly associated with EARR.ConclusionEARR occurrence was associated with both genetic and treatment‐related variables, which together explained 25% of the total variation associated with EARR in the sample tested.
Ideal orthodontic alignment load relationships based on periodontal ligament stress
Authors: Viecilli R. F. , Burstone C. J. 
Published: April 2015

Structured AbstractObjectivesTo test the hypothesis that periodontal ligament (PDL) stress relationships that yield resistance numbers representing load proportions between different teeth depend on alignment load type.Materials and MethodsFinite element models of all teeth, except the third molars, were produced. Four different types of loads were applied, and the third principal stresses of different teeth in standardized areas of most compression were calculated. Based on these results, resistance numbers, representing the load proportions for each tooth derived from PDL stress, were determined.ResultsThe third principal stress values for typical alignment loads in the areas of most stress were very different for different load types for each tooth. Differences in resistance numbers between teeth also varied with different loads.ConclusionResistance numbers, that is, load proportion numbers between teeth to achieve similar stress at the compressive PDL zone, depend on the type of applied load.
The effects of tissue‐non‐specific alkaline phosphatase gene therapy on craniosynostosis and craniofacial morphology in the FGFR2C342Y/+ mouse model of Crouzon craniosynostosis
Authors: Wang E. , Nam H. K. , Liu J. , Hatch N. E. 
Published: April 2015

Structured AbstractObjectivesCraniosynostosis, the premature fusion of cranial bones, has traditionally been described as a disease of increased bone mineralization. However, multiple mouse models of craniosynostosis display craniosynostosis simultaneously with diminished cranial bone volume and/or density. We propose an alternative hypothesis that craniosynostosis results from abnormal tissue mineralization through the downregulation of tissue‐non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) enzyme downstream of activating mutations in FGFRs.Material and MethodsNeonatal Crouzon (FGFRC342Y/+) and wild‐type (FGFR+/+) mice were injected with lentivirus to deliver a recombinant form of TNAP. Mice were sacrificed at 4 weeks postnatal. Serum was collected to test for alkaline phosphatase (AP), phosphorus, and calcium levels. Craniofacial bone fusion and morphology were assessed by micro‐computed tomography.ResultsInjection with the TNAP lentivirus significantly increased serum AP levels (increased serum AP levels are indicative of efficient transduction and production of the recombinant protein), but results were variable and dependent upon viral lot and the litter of mice injected. Morphological analysis revealed craniofacial form differences for inferior surface (p = 0.023) and cranial height (p = 0.014) regions between TNAP lentivirus‐injected and vehicle‐injected Crouzon mice. With each unit increase in AP level, the odds of lambdoid suture fusion decreased by 84.2% and these results came close to statistical significance (p = 0.068).ConclusionThese results suggest that TNAP deficiency may mediate FGFR2‐associated craniosynostosis. Future studies should incorporate injection of recombinant TNAP protein, to avoid potential side effects and variable efficacy of lentiviral gene delivery.