bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological methyl group donors block skeletal metastasis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shukeir Nicholas , Stefanska Barbara , Parashar Surabhi , Chik Flora , Arakelian Ani , Szyf Moshe , Rabbani Shafaat A 
Published: January 2015

Background and PurposeDNA hypomethylation was previously implicated in metastasis. In the present study, we examined whether methyl supplementation with the universal methyl donor S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) inhibits prostate cancer associated skeletal metastasis.Experimental ApproachHighly invasive human prostate cancer cells PC‐3 and DU‐145 were treated with vehicle alone, S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) or SAM and their effects on tumour cell proliferation, invasion, migration and colony formation were monitored. For in vivo studies, control (SAH) and SAM‐treated PC‐3 cells were injected into the tibia of Fox chase SCID mice and skeletal lesions were determined by X‐ray and μCT. To understand possible mechanisms involved, we delineated the effect of SAM on the genome‐wide methylation profile of PC‐3 cells.Key ResultsTreatment with SAM resulted in a dose‐dependent inhibition of tumour cell proliferation, invasion, cell migration, colony formation and cell cycle characteristics. Animals injected with 250 μM SAM‐treated cells developed significantly smaller skeletal lesions, which were associated with increases in bone volume to tumour volume ratio and connectivity density as well as decreased trabecular spacing. Genome‐wide methylation analysis showed differential methylation in several key signalling pathways implicated in prostate cancer including the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. A selective STAT3 inhibitor decreased tumour cell invasion, effects which were less pronounced as compared with SAM.Conclusions and ImplicationsThese studies provide a possible mechanism for the role of DNA demethylation in the development of skeletal metastasis and a rationale for the use of hypermethylation pharmacological agents to impede the development and progression of skeletal metastasis.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Epigenetics and Therapy. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐11
microRNAs in breast cancer: regulatory roles governing the hallmarks of cancer
Authors: Goh Jen N. , Loo Ser Y. , Datta Arpita , Siveen Kodappully S. , Yap Wei N. , Cai Wanpei , Shin Eun M. , Wang Chao , Kim Ji E. , Chan Maurice , Dharmarajan Arun M. , Lee Ann S.‐G. , Lobie Peter E. , Yap Celestial T. , Kumar Alan P. 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTA large number of etiological factors and the complexity of breast cancers present challenges for prevention and treatment. Recently, the emergence of microRNAs (miRNAs) as cancer biomarkers has added an extra dimension to the ‘molecular signatures’ of breast cancer. Bioinformatic analyses indicate that each miRNA can regulate hundreds of target genes and could serve functionally as ‘oncogenes’ or ‘tumour suppressor’ genes, and co‐ordinate multiple cellular processes relevant to cancer progression. A number of studies have shown that miRNAs play important roles in breast tumorigenesis, metastasis, proliferation and differentiation of breast cancer cells. This review provides a comprehensive overview of miRNAs with established functional relevance in breast cancer, their established target genes and resulting cellular phenotype. The role and application of circulating miRNAs in breast cancer is also discussed. Furthermore, we summarize the role of miRNAs in the hallmarks of breast cancer, as well as the possibility of using miRNAs as potential biomarkers for detection of breast cancer.
Why and Under What Contextual Conditions Do Early‐Maturing Girls Develop Problem Behaviors?
Authors: Skoog Therése , Stattin Håkan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractResearchers have proposed several theoretical models to account for the well‐established link between pubertal timing and social adjustment. The early models are general and pay little attention to mechanisms or contextual conditions, while newer models concentrate on interpersonal and contextual conditions. A recent theoretical approach—combining peer‐socialization and contextual‐amplification models—seeks to specify the theoretical mechanisms involved in the peer‐socialization explanation of the link between girls' early maturation and problem behavior, on one hand, and the contextual conditions during which peer socialization are likely to occur, on the other. Findings from our empirical studies on micro‐ and macrocontextual levels support this integrative approach. Models of how puberty affects behavior should recognize the social embeddedness of adolescents' behaviors, and should therefore be contextual.
Healing of Bio‐Oss® grafted marginal gaps at implants placed into fresh extraction sockets of incisor teeth in dogs: a study on the effect of submerged vs. non‐submerged healing
Authors: Mellati Ehsan , Chen Stephen , Davies Helen , Fitzgerald Wayne , Darby Ivan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of submerged vs. non‐submerged (NS) protocols in healing outcomes of grafted marginal defects of immediate implants.Materials and methodsThe second maxillary incisors were extracted bilaterally in six greyhound dogs. Bone level reduced diameter implants were installed into the extraction sockets leaving orofacial gaps of 2 mm wide. Defects were filled with Bio‐Oss® and covered with Bio‐Gide®. On the one side, the flap was advanced to fully submerge the implant, and on the other, the flap was sutured to allow NS healing. After 3 months of healing, the dogs were sacrificed and block biopsies were obtained to perform histological and morphometric analysis.ResultsAll implants were clinically healthy and well integrated into bone. In the majority of the specimens, the original bone in the coronal 2–3 mm of the buccal crest had completely resorbed and was replaced by a regenerated bone wall consisting of Bio‐Oss® particles surrounded by newly formed bone. Horizontal and vertical resorption of the buccal bone resulted in ≥1 mm exposure of the implant surface in one‐third of implants. Minor differences existed in some aspects of hard tissue healing between submerged and NS.ConclusionThere was very little difference in healing outcomes as well as modelling of the facial bone wall between the submerged and NS protocols in relation to immediate implant placement in this dog model.
Transplantation of Bone Marrow Mononuclear Cells Modulates Hippocampal Expression of Growth Factors in Chronically Epileptic Animals
Authors: Zanirati Gabriele , Azevedo Pamella Nunes , Marinowic Daniel Rodrigo , Rodrigues Felipe , de Oliveira Dias Ana Christina , Venturin Gianina Teribele , Greggio Samuel , Simão Fabrício , DaCosta Jaderson Costa 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAimsIn previous studies, transplantation of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BMMCs) in epileptic animals has been found to be neuroprotective. However, the mechanism by which the BMMCs act remains unclear. We hypothesize that BMMCs may provide neuroprotection to the epileptic brain through trophic support. To test our hypothesis, we studied the temporal expression of neurotrophins after BMMC transplantation in the epileptic rat hippocampus.MethodsChronically epileptic rats were intravenously transplanted with 1 × 107 BMMCs isolated from GFP transgenic mice. Expression levels of BDNF, GDNF, NGF, VEGF, and TGF‐β1, and their receptors, were evaluated by ELISA and/or qRT‐PCR analysis.ResultsOur data revealed increased protein expression of BDNF, GDNF, NGF, and VEGF and reduced levels of TGF‐β1 in the hippocampus of transplanted epileptic animals. Additionally, an increase in the mRNA expression of BDNF, GDNF, and VEGF, a reduction in TGF‐β1, and a decrease in mRNA levels of the TrkA and TGFR‐β1 receptors were also observed.ConclusionThe gain provided by transplanted BMMCs in the epileptic brain may be related to the ability of these cells in modulating the network of neurotrophins and angiogenic signals.
Chromium released from leather – II: the importance of environmental parameters
Authors: Mathiason Frederik , Lidén Carola , Hedberg Yolanda S. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryBackgroundApproximately 1–3% of the adult population in Europe are allergic to chromium (Cr). A new restriction in Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) based on the ISO 17075 standard has recently been adopted in the EU to limit Cr(VI) in consumer and occupational leather products to < 3 mg/kg.ObjectivesTo investigate the influence of storage conditions [relative humidity, temperature, ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and duration] on Cr release, and to assess several parameters relevant for occupational exposure (repeated exposure, wear, alkaline solutions, and sequential wet and dry exposures).Material and methodsA leather of relevance for work gloves was investigated for its release of Cr(III) and Cr(VI) under these different experimental conditions.ResultsRelative humidity (water content in leather) during storage prior to Cr extraction was the single most important parameter. Cr(VI) levels could vary from non‐detectable to levels significantly exceeding the restriction limit, depending on the relative humidity. Leather contact with alkaline solution and UV irradiation during storage could increase the Cr(VI) levels in subsequent extractions.ConclusionsThe amount of Cr(VI) in leather is not an intrinsic property, but is influenced by environmental conditions of relevance for occupations and skin exposure.
Processing of Numerical and Proportional Quantifiers
Authors: Shikhare Sailee , Heim Stefan , Klein Elise , Huber Stefan , Willmes Klaus 
Published: January 2015

AbstractQuantifier expressions like “many” and “at least” are part of a rich repository of words in language representing magnitude information. The role of numerical processing in comprehending quantifiers was studied in a semantic truth value judgment task, asking adults to quickly verify sentences about visual displays using numerical (at least seven, at least thirteen, at most seven, at most thirteen) or proportional (many, few) quantifiers. The visual displays were composed of systematically varied proportions of yellow and blue circles. The results demonstrated that numerical estimation and numerical reference information are fundamental in encoding the meaning of quantifiers in terms of response times and acceptability judgments. However, a difference emerges in the comparison strategies when a fixed external reference numerosity (seven or thirteen) is used for numerical quantifiers, whereas an internal numerical criterion is invoked for proportional quantifiers. Moreover, for both quantifier types, quantifier semantics and its polarity (positive vs. negative) biased the response direction (accept/reject). Overall, our results indicate that quantifier comprehension involves core numerical and lexical semantic properties, demonstrating integrated processing of language and numbers.
Inducing pluripotency in vitro: recent advances and highlights in induced pluripotent stem cells generation and pluripotency reprogramming
Authors: Rony I. K. , Baten A. , Bloomfield J. A , Islam M. E. , Billah M. M. , Islam K. D. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractInduced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are considered patient‐specific counterparts of embryonic stem cells as they originate from somatic cells after forced expression of pluripotency reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 and c‐Myc. iPSCs offer unprecedented opportunity for personalized cell therapies in regenerative medicine. In recent years, iPSC technology has undergone substantial improvement to overcome slow and inefficient reprogramming protocols, and to ensure clinical‐grade iPSCs and their functional derivatives. Recent developments in iPSC technology include better reprogramming methods employing novel delivery systems such as non‐integrating viral and non‐viral vectors, and characterization of alternative reprogramming factors. Concurrently, small chemical molecules (inhibitors of specific signalling or epigenetic regulators) have become crucial to iPSC reprogramming; they have the ability to replace putative reprogramming factors and boost reprogramming processes. Moreover, common dietary supplements, such as vitamin C and antioxidants, when introduced into reprogramming media, have been found to improve genomic and epigenomic profiles of iPSCs. In this article, we review the most recent advances in the iPSC field and potent application of iPSCs, in terms of cell therapy and tissue engineering.
Clinical management of pruritus
Authors: Ständer Sonja , Zeidler Claudia , Magnolo Nina , Raap Ulrike , Mettang Thomas , Kremer Andreas E. , Weisshaar Elke , Augustin Matthias 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe care of patients with chronic pruritus as a symptom of a wide variety of underlying diseases continues to confront dermatologists with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. However, a structured history and a physical examination may already substantially help in narrowing down the number of potential differential diagnoses. Apart form reducing the intensity of pruritus, identification and appropriate treatment of the underlying disease are important needs of patients. If these goals doesn't lead to improvement of itch, current guidelines provide a number of topical and systemic therapies for symptomatic treatment. Various skin lesions (for example, xerosis caused by irritant substances, secondary scratch lesions) prompt patients to consult a dermatologist, but most cases require an interdisciplinary therapeutic approach to identify potential internal medicine, neurologic, or psychosomatic aspects. Although great strides have been made in basic research, specific therapies are still rare, and a precise knowledge of the legal framework for the implementation of guidelines (for example, off‐label use) is essential.This CME article gives an overview of the causes of and treatment options for chronic pruritus and discusses both advances in basic research as well as progress in clinical knowledge.
Angiogenesis in malignant melanoma
Authors: Felcht Moritz , Thomas Markus 
Published: January 2015

SummaryDespite the development of novel therapies, the therapy of malignant melanoma remains challenging. Various studies have shown the vascular system to be pivotal for metastasis in melanoma. Consequently, the effect of various antiangiogenic therapies has been and is being investigated in preclinical and clinical trials. While most studies focus on inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, others are aimed at determining the effect of multikinase inhibitors or the inhibition of angiogenic integrin activity. However, overall survival rates have not significantly improved in clinical trials with antiangiogenic agents. Resistance to anti‐VEGF monotherapy has been observed in several studies, especially in malignant melanoma. Angiopoietin‐2 (Ang‐2) represents a promising candidate molecule for antiangiogenic therapy and the effect of Ang‐2 inhibitors is currently being explored in first trials. In melanoma, Ang‐2 has been shown to be a marker for metastasis formation and represents an interesting therapeutic target molecule. Future studies are required to analyze the effect of a combined approach, using anti‐VEGF and anti‐Ang‐2, as therapy for malignant melanoma.
Melanoma stem cells
Authors: Roesch Alexander 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe cancer stem cell concept significantly broadens our understanding of melanoma biology. However, this concept should be regarded as an integral part of a holistic cancer model that also includes the genetic evolution of tumor cells and the variability of cell phenotypes within a dynamic tumor microenvironment. The biologic complexity and methodological difficulties in identifying cancer stem cells and their biomarkers are currently impeding the direct translation of experimental findings into clinical practice. Nevertheless, it is these methodological shortcomings that provide a new perspective on the phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity of melanoma with important consequences for future therapies. The development of new combination treatment strategies, particularly with regard to overcoming treatment resistance, could significantly benefit from targeted elimination of cell subpopulations with cancer stem cell properties.
Factors affecting pancreatic hyperamylasemia in patients undergoing peroral single‐balloon enteroscopy
Authors: Tsujikawa Tomoyuki , Bamba Shigeki , Inatomi Osamu , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Ban Hiromitsu , Nishida Atsushi , Imaeda Hirotsugu , Itoh Akihiko , Saotome Takao , Sasaki Masaya , Andoh Akira 
Published: January 2015

Background and AimAcute pancreatitis following balloon‐assisted enteroscopy is a rare but serious complication. The causative mechanism is uncertain and prevention strategies are not established. We conducted a retrospective study to clarify the risk factors for pancreatic hyperamylasemia.MethodsEighty‐four patients undergoing peroral single‐balloon enteroscopy (SBE) were enrolled in this study. Serum pancreatic and salivary amylase levels were measured 2 h after endoscopic examination.ResultsWe experienced three patients with post‐SBE pancreatitis. Factors predicting pancreatic hyperamylasemia were: (i) elderly patients; (ii) deeper insertion; and (iii) clockwise insertion. In contrast, younger age at examination was a significant factor observed in salivary hyperamylasemia.ConclusionsIt is important to measure pancreatic amylase and not total amylase after SBE. When carrying out peroral SBE, the distance of insertion should be reduced especially if the scope traces a clockwise loop or the subject is elderly.
Interactions between Beauveria bassiana and Trichogramma pretiosum under laboratory conditions
Authors: Potrich Michele , Alves Luis F.A. , Lozano Everton , Roman Jéssica C. , Pietrowski Vanda , Neves Pedro M.O.J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractKnowledge about interactions among biological control agents, used in sequence or simultaneously, may help to increase their efficiency, or in the case of conservation biological control, to avoid the impairment of efficiency. The aim of this study was to evaluate the interaction between two isolates of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Hypocreales) (Unioeste 47 and Unioeste 57) and Trichogramma pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae), varying the timing of sprays of the fungus. Isolates were sprayed at 109 conidia ml−1 upon cards (1 × 5 cm; i.e., 2 × 105 conidia mm−2) with eggs of Anagasta kuehniella Zeller (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and the control group was sprayed with sterile distilled water with Tween® 80 (0.01%). First, the percentage of parasitized eggs was assessed in a choice test: females of T. pretiosum were confined with two cards, one of them treated with either of the fungus isolates, the other a water‐treated control. Second, parasitism was compared on cards sprayed at various time intervals pre‐ vs. post‐parasitism: the number of parasitized eggs was assessed, as well as the parasitoid's emergence percentage, egg‐adult period, offspring sex ratio, and the longevity of parasitizing females. Trichogramma pretiosum preferred to parasitize control eggs (65 and 72%) and parasitization of the treated eggs did not differ between fungus isolates: 35% (Unioeste 47) vs. 28% (Unioeste 57). Spraying before or after parasitizing did not affect the number of parasitized eggs, nor offspring sex ratio; however, both treatments affected the percentage of emerged adults, egg‐adult period, and longevity. These findings suggested that isolates did not interfere in the longevity of parasitizing females. When the fungus was sprayed on the various development stages of the parasitoid within the host egg, or when it was offered to the parasitoid at different times after spraying, differences in adults' longevity, parasitism, emergency period from egg to adult, and sex ratio were observed. Beauveria bassiana may be used in conjunction with this parasitoid in a program of pest control.
The costs of colour: plasticity of melanin pigmentation in an outbreaking polymorphic forest moth
Authors: Ethier J. , Gasse M. , Lake K. , Jones B.C. , Evenden M.L. , Despland E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractOutside the context of industrial melanism, little is known about the physiological and ecological importance of genetic melanic polymorphisms in moths. Melanin pigments are synthesized from amino acid precursors and should therefore be costly to produce in nitrogen‐limited insects. A genetic melanic polymorphism is present in adultMalacosoma disstriaHübner (Lepidoptera:Lasiocampidae), a widespread forest moth with outbreaking population dynamics. We test the hypotheses that melanin‐based colouration is physiologically costly inM. disstria, that expression of melanin‐based colouration is a plastic trait which varies with population density and nutrition, and that the genetically based melanic phenotype is disadvantaged under nutritionally poor conditions. Two experiments were used to test these hypotheses. A field study compared pigmentation and phenotypic frequencies in moths collected from high‐ and low‐density populations. A laboratory experiment investigated the effects of larval nitrogen availability on adult pigmentation and phenotypic frequencies. High population density and nitrogen limitation reduced pigmentation and size of all moths, but phenotypic frequencies were not affected in either experiment. The effects of diet on both pigmentation and size were stronger for melanic moths than for typical moths. Our results show that adult melanism inM. disstriais physiologically costly, that colour expression is plastic despite its genetic component, and that the melanic phenotype may be disadvantaged under poor conditions but favoured under good conditions. We suggest that temporal variation in selection and trait plasticity help maintain polymorphism stability.
Effect of harvester ants of the genus Pogonomyrmex on the soil seed bank around their nests in the central Monte desert, Argentina
Authors: PIRK GABRIELA I. , LOPEZ DE CASENAVE JAVIER 
Published: January 2015

1. The abundance and composition of soil seed banks is a key determinant of plant community structure. Harvester ants can remove huge quantities of preferred seeds close to the nest affecting composition and spatial distribution of plants.2. In the central Monte desert (Argentina) ants of the genus Pogonomyrmex have high seed removal rates, especially of the five main grasses. The aim of this study was to establish if their foraging activity affects spatial patterns of the soil seed bank around their nests. Our hypotheses were: (1) removal by ants decreases seed abundance of preferred species in the soil; and (2) the effect varies in time.3. Soil seed abundance was assessed at different distances from Pogonomyrmex nests in the litter and in bare soil at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the season (late spring‐early autumn).4. A lower seed abundance of preferred species was observed close to the nest in the litter at the end of the season. Non‐preferred species showed no distance gradient.5. The lower foraging activity and seed consumption at the beginning of the season could explain the temporal variation of the spatial effect. This was only observed in the litter, probably because of the higher removal frequency in this substrate.6. Colonies of Pogonomyrmex spp. could enhance the heterogeneity of soil seed banks in the central Monte desert from the summer to the beginning of the autumn. Implications for vegetation dynamics depend on the degree to which seed density limits perennial grasses recruitment after ant activity season.