bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannibalism of Embryos and Larvae by Adult Woundfin in Intensive Culture: Application to Conservation Propagation
Authors: Wilcox Taylor M. , Webb Molly A.H. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Woundfin Plagopterus argentissimus are a small, endangered cyprinid native to the Colorado River basin. Woundfin occur only in the Virgin River in Utah, Arizona, and Nevada, and habitat degradation and competition with invasive species threaten their survival. Three facilities raise woundfin in captivity for use in conservation propagation projects. A suspected limiting factor to pond culture production of woundfin is cannibalistic predation on embryos and larvae. We experimentally measured rates of predation on embryos and larvae by adult woundfin at the Bozeman Fish Technology Center in Montana. Predation was a significant source of mortality on both embryos (W  =  210, P &lt; 0.001) and larvae (W  =  45, P  =  0.004). These rates of predation could translate into the loss of thousands of fish over the course of a spawning season at the conservation propagation facilities. We recommend removing embryos from spawning ponds and rearing them in separate tanks or ponds to reduce predation loss.
Terrestrial arthropod abundance and phenology in the Canadian Arctic: modelling resource availability for Arctic-nesting insectivorous birds
Authors: Bolduc Elise , Casajus Nicolas , Legagneux Pierre , McKinnon Laura , Gilchrist H. Grant , Leung Maria , Morrison R.I. Guy , Reid Don , Smith Paul A. , Buddle Christopher M. , Bêty Joël 
Published: February 2013

AbstractArctic arthropods are essential prey for many vertebrates, including birds, but arthropod populations and phenology are susceptible to climate change. The objective of this research was to model the relationship between seasonal changes in arthropod abundance and weather variables using data from a collaborative pan-Canadian (Southampton, Herschel, Bylot, and Ellesmere Islands) study on terrestrial arthropods. Arthropods were captured with passive traps that provided a combined measure of abundance and activity (a proxy for arthropod availability to foraging birds). We found that 70% of the deviance in daily arthropod availability was explained by three temperature covariates: mean daily temperature, thaw degree-day, and thaw degree-day2. Models had an adjustedR2of 0.29–0.95 with an average among sites and arthropod families of 0.67. This indicates a moderate to strong fit to the raw data. The models for arthropod families with synchronous emergence, such as Tipulidae (Diptera), had a better fit (average adjustedR2of 0.80) than less synchronous taxa, such as Araneae (R2= 0.60). Arthropod abundance was typically higher in wet than in mesic habitats. Our models will serve as tools for researchers who want to correlate insectivorous bird breeding data to arthropod availability in the Canadian Arctic.
Proteolysis of Complement Factors iC3b and C5 by the Serine Protease Prostate-Specific Antigen in Prostatic Fluid and Seminal Plasma
Authors: Manning Michael L. , Williams Simon A. , Jelinek Christine A. , Kostova Maya B. , Denmeade Samuel R. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Prostate-specific Ag (PSA) is a serine protease that is expressed exclusively by normal and malignant prostate epithelial cells. The continued high-level expression of PSA by the majority of men with both high- and low-grade prostate cancer throughout the course of disease progression, even in the androgen-ablated state, suggests that PSA has a role in the pathogenesis of disease. Current experimental and clinical evidence suggests that chronic inflammation, regardless of the cause, may predispose men to prostate cancer. The responsibility of the immune system in immune surveillance and eventually tumor progression is well appreciated but not completely understood. In this study, we used a mass spectrometry–based evaluation of prostatic fluid obtained from diseased prostates after removal by radical prostatectomy to identify potential immunoregulatory proteins. This analysis revealed the presence of Igs and the complement system proteins C3, factor B, and clusterin. Verification of these findings by Western blot confirmed the high-level expression of C3 in the prostatic fluid and the presence of a previously uncharacterized C-terminal C3 cleavage product. Biochemical analysis of this C3 cleavage fragment revealed a putative PSA cleavage site after tyrosine-1348. Purified PSA was able to cleave iC3b and the related complement protein C5. These results suggest a previously uncharacterized function of PSA as an immunoregulatory protease that could help to create an environment hospitable to malignancy through proteolysis of the complement system.
Paracaspase MALT1 Deficiency Protects Mice from Autoimmune-Mediated Demyelination
Authors: Mc Guire Conor , Wieghofer Peter , Elton Lynn , Muylaert David , Prinz Marco , Beyaert Rudi , van Loo Geert 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The paracaspase MALT 1 is a major player in lymphocyte activation and proliferation. MALT1 mediates Ag-induced signaling to the transcription factor NF-κB by functioning both as a scaffold protein and cysteine protease. We studied the role of MALT1 in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis. MALT1-knockout mice did not develop any clinical symptoms of EAE. In addition, lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration into the spinal cord was absent in MALT1-knockout mice, as were demyelination and proinflammatory gene expression. Adoptive transfer experiments showed that MALT1 deficiency in splenocytes is sufficient for EAE resistance. Moreover, autoreactive T cell activation was severely impaired in MALT1-deficient T cells, suggesting the inability of MALT1-deficient effector T cells to induce demyelinating inflammation in the CNS. Finally, the MALT1 substrates A20 and CYLD were completely processed in wild-type T cells during EAE, which was partially impaired in MALT1-deficient T cells, suggesting a contribution of MALT1 proteolytic activity in T cell activation and EAE development. Together, our data indicate that MALT1 may be an interesting therapeutic target in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.
Eradication of Liver-Implanted Tumors by Semliki Forest Virus Expressing IL-12 Requires Efficient Long-Term Immune Responses
Authors: Quetglas Jose I. , Rodriguez-Madoz Juan R. , Bezunartea Jaione , Ruiz-Guillen Marta , Casales Erkuden , Medina-Echeverz Jose , Prieto Jesus , Berraondo Pedro , Hervas-Stubbs Sandra , Smerdou Cristian 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Semliki Forest virus vectors expressing IL-12 (SFV–IL-12) were shown to induce potent antitumor responses against s.c. MC38 colon adenocarcinomas in immunocompetent mice. However, when MC38 tumors were implanted in liver, where colon tumors usually metastasize, SFV–IL-12 efficacy was significantly reduced. We reasoned that characterization of immune responses against intrahepatic tumors in responder and nonresponder animals could provide useful information for designing more potent antitumor strategies. Remarkably, SFV–IL-12 induced a high percentage of circulating tumor-specific CD8 T cells in all treated animals. Depletion studies showed that these cells were essential for SFV–IL-12 antitumor activity. However, in comparison with nonresponders, tumor-specific cells from responder mice acquired an effector-like phenotype significantly earlier, were recruited more efficiently to the liver, and, importantly, persisted for a longer period of time. All treated mice had high levels of functional specific CD8 T cells at 8 d posttreatment reflected by both in vivo killing and IFN-γ–production assays, but responder animals showed a more avid and persistent IFN-γ response. Interestingly, differences in immune responses between responders and nonresponders seemed to correlate with the immune status of the animals before treatment and were not due to the treatment itself. Mice that rejected tumors were protected against tumor rechallenge, indicating that sustained memory responses are required for an efficacious therapy. Interestingly, tumor-specific CD8 T cells of responder animals showed upregulation of IL-15Rα expression compared with nonresponders. These results suggest that SFV–IL-12 therapy could benefit from the use of strategies that could either upregulate IL-15Rα expression or activate this receptor.
The Drosophila Toll Pathway Controls but Does Not Clear Candida glabrata Infections
Authors: Quintin Jessica , Asmar Joelle , Matskevich Alexey A. , Lafarge Marie-Céline , Ferrandon Dominique 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The pathogenicity of Candida glabrata to patients remains poorly understood for lack of convenient animal models to screen large numbers of mutants for altered virulence. In this study, we explore the minihost model Drosophila melanogaster from the dual perspective of host and pathogen. As in vertebrates, wild-type flies contain C. glabrata systemic infections yet are unable to kill the injected yeasts. As for other fungal infections in Drosophila, the Toll pathway restrains C. glabrata proliferation. Persistent C. glabrata yeasts in wild-type flies do not appear to be able to take shelter in hemocytes from the action of the Toll pathway, the effectors of which remain to be identified. Toll pathway mutant flies succumb to injected C. glabrata. In this immunosuppressed background, cellular defenses provide a residual level of protection. Although both the Gram-negative binding protein 3 pattern recognition receptor and the Persephone protease-dependent detection pathway are required for Toll pathway activation by C. glabrata, only GNBP3, and not psh mutants, are susceptible to the infection. Both Candida albicans and C. glabrata are restrained by the Toll pathway, yet the comparative study of phenoloxidase activation reveals a differential activity of the Toll pathway against these two fungal pathogens. Finally, we establish that the high-osmolarity glycerol pathway and yapsins are required for virulence of C. glabrata in this model. Unexpectedly, yapsins do not appear to be required to counteract the cellular immune response but are needed for the colonization of the wild-type host.
Rate of AIDS Progression Is Associated with Gastrointestinal Dysfunction in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Pigtail Macaques
Authors: Canary Lauren A. , Vinton Carol L. , Morcock David R. , Pierce Jordan B. , Estes Jacob D. , Brenchley Jason M. , Klatt Nichole R. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
During HIV/SIV infection, mucosal immune system dysfunction and systemic immune activation are associated with progression to AIDS; however, it is unclear to what extent pre-existing gastrointestinal damage relates to disease progression postinfection. Pigtail macaques (PTM) are an excellent model in which to assess mucosal dysfunction in relation to HIV/SIV pathogenesis, as the majority of these animals have high levels of gastrointestinal damage, immune activation, and microbial translocation prior to infection, and rapidly progress to AIDS upon SIV infection. In this study, we characterized the mucosal immune environment prior to and throughout SIV infection in 13 uninfected PTM and 9 SIV-infected PTM, of which 3 were slow progressors. This small subset of slow progressors had limited innate immune activation in mucosal tissues in the periphery, which was associated with a more intact colonic epithelial barrier. Furthermore, we found that preinfection levels of microbial translocation, as measured by LPS-binding protein, in PTM correlated with the rate of progression to AIDS. These data suggest that pre-existing levels of microbial translocation and gastrointestinal tract dysfunction may influence the rate of HIV disease progression.
Ig-like Transcript 7, but Not Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 2 (Also Known as HM1.24, Tetherin, or CD317), Modulates Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Function in Primary Human Blood Leukocytes
Authors: Tavano Barbara , Galao Rui Pedro , Graham David R. , Neil Stuart J. D. , Aquino Veronica N. , Fuchs Dietmar , Boasso Adriano 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The Ig-like transcript (ILT) 7 is a surface molecule selectively expressed by human plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). ILT7 cross-linking suppresses pDC activation and type I IFN (IFN-I) secretion following TLR7/9 engagement. The bone marrow stromal cell Ag 2 (BST2, aka HM1.24, tetherin, or CD317) is expressed by different cell types upon exposure to IFN-I and is a natural ligand for ILT7. In this study, we show that ILT7 expression decreased spontaneously in pDCs upon in vitro culture, which correlates with pDC differentiation measured as increased side scatter properties and CCR7 expression. TLR7/9 ligands, as well as HIV, induced BST2 upregulation on all tested cell types except T cells, which required TCR stimulation to respond to TLR9L-induced IFN-I. IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and TNF-α had only marginal effects on BST2 expression in blood leukocytes compared with TLR9L. Preincubation with ILT7 cross-linking Ab inhibited IFN-I production in PBMCs treated with TLR7/9L or HIV, whereas BST2 blockade did not affect IFN-I responses even when BST2 upregulation was further boosted with TCR agonists or immunoregulatory cytokines. Our data indicate that BST2-mediated ILT7 cross-linking may act as a homeostatic regulatory mechanism on immature circulating pDC, rather than a negative feedback for activated mature pDCs that have downregulated ILT7.
Cutting Edge: Novel Vaccination Modality Provides Significant Protection against Mucosal Infection by Highly Pathogenic Simian Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Strbo Natasa , Vaccari Monica , Pahwa Savita , Kolber Michael A. , Doster Melvin N. , Fisher Eva , Gonzalez Louis , Stablein Donald , Franchini Genoveffa , Podack Eckhard R. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Vaccine-induced protection against infection by HIV or highly pathogenic and virulent SIV strains has been limited. In a proof-of-concept study, we show that a novel vaccine approach significantly protects rhesus macaques from mucosal infection by the highly pathogenic strain SIVmac251. We vaccinated three cohorts of 12 macaques each with live, irradiated vaccine cells secreting the modified endoplasmic reticulum chaperone gp96-Ig. Cohort 1 was vaccinated with cells secreting gp96SIVIg carrying SIV peptides. In addition, Cohort 2 received recombinant envelope protein SIV-gp120. Cohort 3 was injected with cells secreting gp96-Ig (no SIV Ags) vaccines. Cohort 2 was protected from infection. After seven rectal challenges with highly pathogenic SIVmac251, the hazard ratio was 0.27, corresponding to a highly significant, 73% reduced risk for viral acquisition. The apparent success of the novel vaccine modality recommends further study.
Increasing Stair Use in an Office Worksite through an Interactive Environmental Intervention
Authors: Swenson Theadora , Siegel Michael 
Published: February 2013

Purpose. Examine the effects of an interactive environmental intervention on stair usage. Design. A nonrandomized, quasi-experimental intervention. Setting. Two three-story office buildings. Subjects. Approximately 200 employees at the intervention site and 140 at the comparison site. Intervention. The stairwell was decorated with interactive paintings such as maps, storyboards, and wish lists to encourage employees to take the stairs rather than the elevator. Measures. Daily stair and elevator usage were measured using electronic sensors or door-access card counters for 2 weeks prior to the intervention and 6 weeks after. Analysis. The daily counts of stair use were modeled using a Poisson regression to estimate the effect of the intervention on staircase use. Results. At baseline, the mean proportion of stair use relative to stair plus elevator use at the intervention site was 31.5% (95% confidence interval [CI], 30.3%–32.7%). During the 6-week intervention period, this proportion increased significantly to 66.2% (95% CI, 64.4%–67.9%). There was no significant change in stair use at the comparison site. In a Poisson regression of the daily number of stair users, the incidence rate ratio associated with the intervention was 2.57 (95% CI, 2.35–2.82). Conclusion. This interactive environmental intervention increased stair usage in an office setting relative to the comparison site, and this increase was sustained over a 6-week period. Adding interactive components to motivational or environmental change interventions shows promise in increasing stair usage.
Can the Standardized Uptake Values derived from Diagnostic 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Imaging Predict the Radiation Dose delivered to the Metastatic Liver NET Lesions on 177Lu-DOTATATE Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy?
Authors: Singh Baljinder , Prasad Vikas , Schuchardt Christiane , Kulkarni Harshad , Baum Richard P 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Neuroendocrine neoplasms express somatostatin receptors, enabling the use of somatostatin analogs for molecular imaging, when labeled with the positron-emitter 68Ga for receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT), and targeted radionuclide therapy, when labeled with beta-emitters, e.g. 90Y and 177Lu.

Aim
To investigate if 68Ga-DOTATATE PET-derived standardized uptake values (SUV) correlate with the dose delivered to the liver lesions following 177Lu-DOTATATE radionuclide therapy in patients with neuroendocrine neoplasms.

Materials and methods
Twelve adult (8M: 4F; mean age: 55.9 ± 14.5 years; range: 23-78 years) patients with documented neuroendocrine tumor (NET) disease and liver metastases were enrolled in the study. Ten patients were subjected to 68Ga-DOTATATE and one patient each underwent 68Ga-DOTATOC and 68Ga-DOTANOC diagnostic PET/CT imaging. Subsequently, on the basis of positive PET/CT scan findings for the metastatic NET disease, all these patients were subjected to peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRNT) with 177Lu-DOTATATE. The reconstructed PET/CT data was used to calculate the SUVs on the identifiable liver lesions. The scintigraphic data acquired (anterior and posterior whole body images) following therapeutic doses of 177Lu-DOTATATE were subjected to the quantitative analysis (HERMES workstation and OLINDA/EXM software) to calculate the dose delivered to the hepatic lesions.

Results
The initial results of this preliminary study indicate poor correlation between SUV and the tumor dose and the linear regression analysis provided R2 values which explained only a small fraction of the total variance.

Conclusion
The SUVs derived from 68Ga-DOTA-peptide PET/CT images should be used with caution for the prediction of tumor dose on 177Lu-DOTA-peptide therapy as there are large intra- and interpatient variability. Further studies with large numbers of patients are warranted to establish such a correlation between SUV, tumor dose and the response assessment.

How to cite this article
Singh B, Prasad V, Schuchardt C, Kulkarni H, Baum RP. Can the Standardized Uptake Values derived from Diagnostic 68Ga-DOTATATE PET/CT Imaging Predict the Radiation Dose delivered to the Metastatic Liver NET Lesions on 177Lu-DOTATATE Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy? J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(1):7-13.
68Ge/68Ga Generators and 68Ga Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry on Their Way into a New Century
Authors: Rösch Frank 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
68Ga faces a renaissance initiated by the development of new 68Ge/68Ga radionuclide generators, sophisticated 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals, preclinical research and state-of-the-art clincial diagnoses via positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). A new type of 68Ge/68Ga generator became commercially available in the first years of the 21st century, with eluates based on hydrochloric acid. These generators provided ‘cationic’ 68Ga instead of ‘inert’ 68Gacomplexes, and opened new pathways of MeIII radiopharmaceutical chemistry. The last decade has seen a 68Ga rush. Increasing interest in generator-based 68Ga radiopharmaceuticals in diagnostic applications has been accompanied by its potential use in the context of diease treatment planning, made possible by the inherent option expressed by theranostics. However, widespread acceptance and clinical application requires optimization of 68Ge/68Ga generators both from chemical and regulatory perspectives.

How to cite this article
Rösch F. 68Ge/68Ga Generators and 68Ga Radiopharmaceutical Chemistry on Their Way into a New Century. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(1):18-25.
Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors and Update on Their Treatment
Authors: Rana Surinder , Bhasin Deepak Kumar , Sharma Vishal 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
The gastroenteropancreatic (GEP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are rare tumors and include all tumors arising from the gastrointestinal (GI) or pancreatic neuroendocrine cells. They can occur anywhere in the GI tract with the small intestine, pancreas and rectum being the common GI sites. Because of nonspecific symptoms they are difficult to diagnose and diagnosis is often delayed by years. Advancement in cross-sectional imaging techniques and advent of radionuclide-labeled somatostatin analogs have improved our accuracy of diagnosis and staging GEP NETs. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with its unique combination of endoscopy and ultrasound provides high resolution images of GI tract wall as well as the surrounding solid parenchymal organs and therefore is an important investigation for the diagnosis and staging of GEP NETs. Surgery is the treatment of choice with good long-term results in patients with localized GEP-NETs. Control of symptoms in functional NETs is warranted to improve the quality of life of the patient. Somatostatin and its analogs like octreotide and lanreotide have been used to control symptoms because of functional NETs. The management of metastatic GEP NETs includes control of symptoms and therapy to decrease/stop tumor growth that includes somatostatin and its analogs and chemotherapy. Newer therapeutic modalities like peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) and molecular therapy hold considerable promise.

How to cite this article
Rana SS, Sharma V, Bhasin DK. Role of Endoscopic Ultrasound in Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors and Update on Their Treatment. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(1):54-60.
90Yttrium Microsphere Radioembolization for Liver Malignancies: A Technical Overview
Authors: Laroia Sandeep T 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACT
The incidence of the liver tumors is increasing worldwide; concurrently liver directed therapies are also evolving rapidly. Management of these complex disease processes involves a multidisciplinary approach, hence it is imperative to understand the underlying management principles thoroughly. This overview is intended to provide an easy, step by step approach to transcatheter brachytherapy, also known as radioembolization (RE). A brief overview of the anatomical issues, transcatheter technique and intraarterial RE will be provided.

How to cite this article
Laroia ST. 90Yttrium Microsphere Radioembolization for Liver Malignancies: A Technical Overview. J Postgrad Med Edu Res 2013;47(1):61-64.
Music Education in the State of Oklahoma: Perceptions from the K-12 Educational Community
Authors: Ciorba Charles R. , Seibert Amy 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The primary purpose of this study was to determine how the K-12 educational community in the state of Oklahoma perceived the importance of music education. An analysis of responses derived from the Music Education Perception Measure indicated that music educators’ overall perceptions toward music education were significantly higher than those reported by administrators, teachers of other subject areas, and support staff. The secondary purpose of this study was to ask members of the K-12 educational community how they would improve music in the schools. While administrators, music teachers, and support staff reported increased funding for music education to be the number 1 response to this question, teachers of other subject areas were more inclined to suggest improvements in the areas of curriculum and scheduling.