bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 3 detection in the serum of persons exposed to asbestos: A patient‐based study
Authors: Xu Jiegou , Alexander David B. , Iigo Masaaki , Hamano Hirokazu , Takahashi Satoru , Yokoyama Takako , Kato Munehiro , Usami Ikuji , Tokuyama Takeshi , Tsutsumi Masahiro , Tamura Mouka , Oguri Tetsuya , Niimi Akio , Hayashi Yoshimitsu , Yokoyama Yoshifumi , Tonegawa Ken , Fukamachi Katsumi , Futakuchi Mitsuru , Sakai Yuto , Suzui Masumi , Kamijima Michihiro , Hisanaga Naomi , Omori Toyonori , Nakae Dai , Hirose Akihiko , Kanno Jun , Tsuda Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2015

Exposure to asbestos results in serious risk of developing lung and mesothelial diseases. Currently, there are no biomarkers that can be used to diagnose asbestos exposure. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether the levels or detection rate of chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 3 (CCL3) in the serum are elevated in persons exposed to asbestos. The primary study group consisted of 76 healthy subjects not exposed to asbestos and 172 healthy subjects possibly exposed to asbestos. The secondary study group consisted of 535 subjects possibly exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with pleural plaque (412), benign hydrothorax (10), asbestosis (86), lung cancer (17), and malignant mesothelioma (10). All study subjects who were possibly exposed to asbestos had a certificate of asbestos exposure issued by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. For the primary study group, levels of serum CCL3 did not differ between the two groups. However, the detection rate of CCL3 in the serum of healthy subjects possibly exposed to asbestos (30.2%) was significantly higher (P < 0.001) than for the control group (6.6%). The pleural plaque, benign hydrothorax, asbestosis, and lung cancer groups had serum CCL3 levels and detection rates similar to that of healthy subjects possibly exposed to asbestos. The CCL3 chemokine was detected in the serum of 9 of the 10 patients diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma. Three of the patients with malignant mesothelioma had exceptionally high CCL3 levels. Malignant mesothelioma cells from four biopsy cases and an autopsy case were positive for CCL3, possibly identifying the source of the CCL3 in the three malignant mesothelioma patients with exceptionally high serum CCL3 levels. In conclusion, a significantly higher percentage of healthy persons possibly exposed to asbestos had detectable levels of serum CCL3 compared to healthy unexposed control subjects.
Regulation of UHRF1 by microRNA‐9 modulates colorectal cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Zhu Mingchen , Xu Yijun , Ge Mengyuan , Gui Zhen , Yan Feng 
Published: May 2015

The UHRF1 protein is pivotal for DNA methylation and heterochromatin formation, leading to decreased expressions of tumor suppressor genes and contributing to tumorigenesis. However, the factors that modulate UHRF1 expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain unclear. Here we showed that, compared with corresponding normal tissues, UHRF1 was upregulated and microRNA‐9 (miR‐9) was downregulated in CRC tissues. The expression of UHRF1 was inversely correlated with overall survival rates of patients with CRC. Overexpression of miR‐9 in CRC cell lines significantly attenuated CRC cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis. The expression of UHRF1 was markedly reduced in pre‐miR‐9 transfected CRC cells. Using luciferase reporter assay, we confirmed that miR‐9 was a direct upstream regulator of UHRF1. Finally, analysis of miR‐9 and UHRF1 levels in human CRC tissues revealed that expression of miR‐9 was inversely correlated with UHRF1 expression. Collectively, our results offer in vitro validation of the concept that miR‐9 could repress the expression of UHRF1, and function as a tumor‐suppressive microRNA in CRC. It may serve as a prognostic and therapeutic marker for CRC.
How to rapidly construct a spatial–numerical representation in preliterate children (at least temporarily)
Authors: Patro Katarzyna , Fischer Ursula , Nuerk Hans‐Christoph , Cress Ulrike 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSpatial processing of numbers has emerged as one of the basic properties of humans’ mathematical thinking. However, how and when number–space relations develop is a highly contested issue. One dominant view has been that a link between numbers and left/right spatial directions is constructed based on directional experience associated with reading and writing. However, some early forms of a number–space link have been observed in preschool children who cannot yet read and write. As literacy experience is evidently not necessary for number–space effects, we are searching for other potential sources of this association. Here we propose and test a hypothesis that the number–space link can be quickly constructed in preschool children's cognition on the basis of spatially oriented visuo‐motor activities. We trained 3‐ and 4‐year‐old children with a non‐numerical spatial movement task (left‐to‐right or right‐to‐left), where via touch screen children had to move a frog across a pond. After the training, children had to perform a numerosity comparison task. After left‐to‐right training, we observed a SNARC‐like effect (reactions to smaller numbers were faster on the left side, and reactions to larger numbers on the right side), and after right‐to‐left training a reverse effect. These results are the first to show a causal link between visuo‐motor activities and number–space associations in children before they learn to read and write. We argue that simple activities, such as manual games, dominant in a given society, might shape number–space associations in children in a way similar to lifelong reading training.
Investigating cognitive transfer within the framework of music practice: genetic pleiotropy rather than causality
Authors: Mosing Miriam A. , Madison Guy , Pedersen Nancy L. , Ullén Fredrik 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe idea of far transfer effects in the cognitive sciences has received much attention in recent years. One domain where far transfer effects have frequently been reported is music education, with the prevailing idea that music practice entails an increase in cognitive ability (IQ). While cross‐sectional studies consistently find significant associations between music practice and IQ, randomized controlled trials, however, report mixed results. An alternative to the hypothesis of cognitive transfer effects is that some underlying factors, such as shared genes, influence practice behaviour and IQ causing associations on the phenotypic level. Here we explored the hypothesis of far transfer within the framework of music practice. A co‐twin control design combined with classical twin‐modelling based on a sample of more than 10,500 twins was used to explore causal associations between music practice and IQ as well as underlying genetic and environmental influences. As expected, phenotypic associations were moderate (r = 0.11 and r = 0.10 for males and females, respectively). However, the relationship disappeared when controlling for genetic and shared environmental influences using the co‐twin control method, indicating that a highly practiced twin did not have higher IQ than the untrained co‐twin. In line with that finding, the relationship between practice and IQ was mostly due to shared genetic influences. Findings strongly suggest that associations between music practice and IQ in the general population are non‐causal in nature. The implications of the present findings for research on plasticity, modularity, and transfer are discussed.
Prevalence of normal TSH value among patients with autonomously functioning thyroid nodule
Authors: Treglia Giorgio , Trimboli Pierpaolo , Verburg Frederik A. , Luster Markus , Giovanella Luca 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBackgroundInternational guidelines significantly diverge on the effectiveness of thyroid scintigraphy (TS) in the initial work‐up of thyroid nodules. In particular, the role of TS to detect or exclude the presence of autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTN) in patients with normal serum thyrotropin (TSH) is still a matter to debate. Here, we aimed to review the literature on the prevalence of normal TSH value among patients with AFTN and meta‐analyse data of the retrieved eligible papers.Materials and MethodsA comprehensive literature search of studies published from January 2000 to December 2014 on AFTN detected by TS was performed. Records reporting serum TSH values in AFTN were selected. Pooled prevalence of AFTN with normal TSH values was calculated on a per‐patient analysis including 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsEight records including 2761 AFTN were selected for the meta‐analysis. Pooled prevalence of AFTN with normal TSH detected by TS was 50% (95% CI: 32–68%). Selection bias in the included studies and heterogeneity among studies were potential limitations of the meta‐analysis.ConclusionsPresent meta‐analysis shows that about one in two patients with AFTN demonstrated by TS has a TSH value within normal references. As a consequence, TSH measurement may not be considered as effective as a single tool to detect or exclude AFTN, and TS remains mandatory.
Novel fusion between the breakpoint cluster region and platelet‐derived growth factor receptor‐alpha genes in a patient with chronic myeloid leukemia‐like neoplasm: undetectable residual disease after imatinib therapy
Authors: Cluzeau Thomas , Lippert Eric , Cayuela Jean‐Michel , Maarek Odile , Migeon Marina , Noguera Maria‐Elena , Dombret Hervé , Rea Delphine 
Published: May 2015

AbstractRare patients suffering from myeloid neoplasms share clinical and cytological features indistinguishable from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) but lack the BCR‐ABL1 fusion gene. Several studies provide evidence that alterations in genes encoding tyrosine kinase receptors such as the platelet‐derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) may be involved in the pathogenesis of these disorders. Here we describe a patient with a rare CML‐like disease in whom we identified a novel in‐frame BCR‐PDGFRA rearrangement joining BCR exon 17 to PDGFRA exon 13, resulting in overexpression of PDGFRA. The design of a specific quantitative PCR assay to monitor the molecular response during treatment with imatinib, a multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) with activity against ABL, c‐Kit, and PDGFRA revealed an outstanding disease control with durably undetectable BCR‐PDGFRA transcripts. Multiple TKIs are currently available yet with distinct target profiles; thus, accurate molecular diagnosis and monitoring tools are essential to establish tailored treatments and assess response to therapy in this type of rare hematological malignancy.
Securities Transaction Tax and Market Quality – the Case of France
Authors: Gomber Peter , Haferkorn Martin , Zimmermann Kai 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe study the French Securities Transaction Tax implementation of 1 August 2012. Although a similar tax is planned to be introduced across 11 European countries, consequences for market quality are yet to be thoroughly assessed. We show that liquidity demand and supply significantly drop. Even though the French proposal exempts professional liquidity provision, we find increased spreads and a declined order book depth resulting in additional transaction costs for market participants besides the tax. As all venues trading French stocks are affected, we further find that STT threatens inter‐market information transmission by impairing price coordination among fragmented markets in Europe.
A modified surgical technique for penile amputation and preputial ablation in the horse
Authors: Wylie C. E. , Payne R. J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryThe aim of this study was to describe a modified surgical technique for treatment of severe penile pathology, and the long‐term outcome. The surgery consisted of subischial urethrostomy and penile amputation with preputial ablation, with the horse in dorsal recumbency. A redundant section of the penis root and body was left in situ, rather than being retroflexed as described elsewhere. Follow‐up was obtained using a structured owner telephone questionnaire. The 15 cases included: 11 squamous cell carcinomas (73.3%); 2 melanomas; one chronic preputial discharge with no associated neoplasia; and one paraphimosis following routine sedation. Length of survival ranged from 0.9 to 74.6 months (median 25.1 months). From the 14 horses with follow‐up, 9 survived >18 months (64.3%) [Correction added on 17 August 2015, after first online publication: The percentage in the preceding sentence was wrong and has been corrected to '64.3%' from '69.2%']. Four euthanasias were due to presenting or post operative complications, while 2 were unrelated to the procedure. This procedure presents a simplified, viable option for treatment of extensive mixed penile lesions; reducing surgical complexity and time in comparison to previously described techniques requiring retroversion.
Inhibition of hedgehog signalling attenuates UVB‐induced skin photoageing
Authors: Kim Wanyeon , Kim EunGi , Yang Hee Jung , Kwon TaeWoo , Han SeoYoung , Lee Sungmin , Youn HyeSook , Jung Youngmi , Kang ChulHee , Youn BuHyun 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway regulates normal development and cell proliferation in metazoan organisms, but its aberrant activation can promote tumorigenesis and progression of a variety of aggressive human cancers including skin cancer. Despite its importance, little is known about its role in photoageing, a type of UV‐induced skin lesions. In this study, we investigated the involvement of Hh signalling in the photoageing process as well as the use of an Hh‐regulating alkaloid compound as a novel therapeutic drug to regulate photoageing in keratinocytes. We found that UVB induced Hh signalling by the expression of Hh ligands and Hh‐mediated transcription factors, respectively. Moreover, UVB‐induced Hh activation relied on mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38, ERK and JNK) activity and inflammatory responses (upregulation of COX‐2, IL‐1β, IL‐6 and TNF‐α), resulting in premature senescence and photoageing in vitro and in vivo. Notably, a selected Hh inhibitor, evodiamine, mediated photoageing blockade in a mouse skin model. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that Hh signalling is associated with UVB‐induced photoageing, while pharmacological inhibition of Hh signalling significantly reduced experimental photoageing, indicating its potential for use as a therapeutic target for this disease.
RBM28, a protein deficient in ANE syndrome, regulates hair follicle growth via miR‐203 and p63
Authors: Warshauer Emily , Samuelov Liat , Sarig Ofer , Vodo Dan , Bindereif Albrecht , Kanaan Moien , Gat Uri , Fuchs‐Telem Dana , Shomron Noam , Farberov Luba , Pasmanik‐Chor Metsada , Nardini Gil , Winkler Eyal , Meilik Benjamin , Petit Isabelle , Aberdam Daniel , Paus Ralf , Sprecher Eli , Nousbeck Janna 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAlopecia–neurological defects–endocrinopathy (ANE) syndrome is a rare inherited hair disorder, which was shown to result from decreased expression of the RNA‐binding motif protein 28 (RBM28). In this study, we attempted to delineate the role of RBM28 in hair biology. First, we sought to obtain evidence for the direct involvement of RBM28 in hair growth. When RBM28 was downregulated in human hair follicle (HF) organ cultures, we observed catagen induction and HF growth arrest, indicating that RBM28 is necessary for normal hair growth. We also aimed at identifying molecular targets of RBM28. Given that an RBM28 homologue was recently found to regulate miRNA biogenesis in C. elegans and given the known pivotal importance of miRNAs for proper hair follicle development, we studied global miRNA expression profile in cells knocked down for RBM28. This analysis revealed that RBM28 controls the expression of miR‐203. miR‐203 was found to regulate in turn TP63, encoding the transcription factor p63, which is critical for hair morphogenesis. In conclusion, RBM28 contributes to HF growth regulation through modulation of miR‐203 and p63 activity.
Modulation of stratum corneum lipid composition and organization of human skin equivalents by specific medium supplements
Authors: Thakoersing Varsha S. , van Smeden Jeroen , Boiten Walter A. , Gooris Gert S. , Mulder Aat A. , Vreeken Rob J. , El Ghalbzouri Abdoelwaheb , Bouwstra Joke A. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractOur in‐house human skin equivalents contain all stratum corneum (SC) barrier lipid classes, but have a reduced level of free fatty acids (FAs), of which a part is mono‐unsaturated. These differences lead to an altered SC lipid organization and thereby a reduced barrier function compared to human skin. In this study, we aimed to improve the SC FA composition and, consequently, the SC lipid organization of the Leiden epidermal model (LEM) by specific medium supplements. The standard FA mixture (consisting of palmitic, linoleic and arachidonic acids) supplemented to the medium was modified, by replacing protonated palmitic acid with deuterated palmitic acid or by the addition of deuterated arachidic acid to the mixture, to determine whether FAs are taken up from the medium and are incorporated into SC of LEM. Furthermore, supplementation of the total FA mixture or that of palmitic acid alone was increased four times to examine whether this improves the SC FA composition and lipid organization of LEM. The results demonstrate that the deuterated FAs are taken up into LEMs and are subsequently elongated and incorporated in their SC. However, a fourfold increase in palmitic acid supplementation does not change the SC FA composition or lipid organization of LEM. Increasing the concentration of the total FA mixture in the medium resulted in a decreased level of very long chain FAs and an increased level of mono‐unsaturated FAs, which lead to deteriorated SC lipid properties. These results indicate that SC lipid properties can be modulated by specific medium supplements.
NKp46 regulates the production of serine proteases and IL‐22 in human mast cells in urticaria pigmentosa
Authors: Ueshima Chiyuki , Kataoka Tatsuki R. , Hirata Masahiro , Koyanagi Itsuko , Honda Tetsuya , Tsuruyama Tatsuaki , Okayama Yoshimichi , Seiyama Akitoshi , Haga Hironori 
Published: May 2015

AbstractNKp46 (natural cytotoxic receptor 1/CD335) is expressed on natural killer cells and Th2‐type innate lymphocytes. However, NKp46 expression in human mast cells has not yet been reported. Here, we explored the expression of, and possible role played by, NKp46 in such cells. NKp46 protein was expressed in human mast cells in urticaria pigmentosa principally of the tryptase‐positive/chymase‐negative type (MCT), but not in human non‐neoplastic skin mast cells of the tryptase‐positive/chymase‐positive (MCTC) type. NKp46 expression was also evident in the human neoplastic mast cell line HMC1.2. NKp46 knockdown changed the phenotype of this cell line from MCT to MCTC and downregulated GrB production, but did not influence IL‐22 production. An agonistic anti‐NKp46 antibody upregulated production of GrB and IL‐22, but did not change the MCT‐like phenotype of HMC1.2 cells. NKp46 was thus involved in the production of serine proteases and IL‐22 in human mast cells.
Recombinant erythroid differentiation regulator 1 inhibits both inflammation and angiogenesis in a mouse model of rosacea
Authors: Kim Miri , Kim Kyung‐Eun , Jung Haw Young , Jo Hyunmu , Jeong Seo‐won , Lee Jahyung , Kim Chang Han , Kim Heejong , Cho Daeho , Park Hyun Jeong 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe erythroid differentiation regulator 1 (Erdr1), which is a novel and highly conserved factor, was recently reported to be negatively regulated by IL‐18 and to play a crucial role as an antimetastatic factor. IL‐18 is a proinflammatory cytokine that functions as an angiogenic mediator in inflammation. Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is characterized by abnormal inflammation and vascular hyperactivity of the facial skin. To determine whether Erdr1 contributes to the regulation of the chronic inflammatory process in the development of rosacea, an immunohistochemical analysis was performed in healthy donors and patients with rosacea. In this study, we showed that Erdr1 was downregulated, whereas IL‐18 was upregulated, in patients with rosacea, which led us to question the role of Erdr1 in this disorder. Moreover, a rosacea‐like BALB/c mouse model was used to determine the role of Erdr1 in rosacea in vivo. LL‐37 injection induced typical rosacea features, including erythema, telangiectasia and inflammation. Treatment with recombinant Erdr1 (rErdr1) resulted in a significant reduction of erythema, inflammatory cell infiltration (including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells), and microvessel density with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Taken together, our findings suggest that rErdr1 may be involved in attenuating the inflammation and angiogenesis associated with the pathogenesis of rosacea. Thus, these results provide new insight into the mechanism involved in this condition and indicate that rErdr1 could be a potential target for therapeutic intervention of rosacea.
Tracing differences between male and female breast cancer: both diseases own a different biology
Authors: Kornegoor Robert , van Diest Paul J , Buerger Horst , Korsching Eberhard 
Published: May 2015

AimsMale breast cancer (MBC) is a rare and poorly characterized disease. In the present study we used a novel biomathematical model to further characterize MBC and to identify differences between male and female breast cancer (FBC).Methods and resultsA total of 134 cases of MBC were stained immunohistochemically for 13 key oncoproteins, and staining percentages were used in a mathematical model to identify dependency patterns between these proteins. The results were compared with a large group of FBC (n = 728). MBC and FBC clearly differed on the molecular level. In detail, the results suggest a different role for progesterone receptor (PR) compared to oestrogen receptor (ER) in MBC, while in FBC ER and PR show a similar pattern. In addition, Androgen receptor (AR) seems to be a more powerful effector in MBC. Grades 1 and 2 tumours were clearly separated from grade 3 tumours, and luminal types A and B tumours also showed a different pattern.ConclusionsDefined morphological and molecular phenotypes can be identified in MBC, but these seem to be the result of different molecular mechanisms and perhaps multiple genetic pathways, as characterized previously in FBC, emphasizing the rising concept that MBC and FBC should be regarded as different and unique diseases.