bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prostate carcinoma cells LNCaP and glucan cooperate in induction of cytokine synthesis by dendritic cells: Effect on natural killer cells and CD4+ lymphocytes activation
Authors: Donini Marta , Marongiu Laura , Fontana Emanuela , Dusi Stefano 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDGlucan is an immunomodulating agent used for cancer therapy. We investigated the effects of glucan on immune cell response to prostate carcinoma.METHODSDendritic cells (DC) were co‐cultured with prostate carcinoma cells LNCaP and/or glucan, and maturation markers expression, cytokine release, and superoxide anion production were evaluated. Conditioned media from glucan‐treated or untreated DC and/or LNCaP cultures were used to stimulate T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.RESULTSLNCaP promoted partial DC maturation and scarce IL‐12 secretion. Glucan induced DC maturation but no IL‐12 production by DC. However, glucan increased IL‐12 release by DC co‐cultured with LNCaP. Moreover, LNCaP enhanced IL‐1β, IL‐23, IL‐6, and TNF‐α secretion, but decreased superoxide anion production in glucan‐stimulated DC. The NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenyliodonium chloride (DPI) and the superoxide anion scavenger superoxide dismutase (SOD) reproduced this effect, but did not affect IL‐12 secretion. Conditioned media of glucan‐treated DC/LNCaP co‐cultures activated IFN‐γ production by NK cells and Th1/Th17 generation by CD4+ lymphocytes, whereas media from DC/LNCaP co‐cultured without glucan produced scarce NK and CD4+ cells responses. Experiments performed with an IL‐12‐blocking antibody demonstrated that these effects arise from glucan‐dependent regulation of IL‐12 production by DC.CONCLUSIONSGlucan and LNCaP cooperate in induction of cytokine synthesis by DC. LNCaP enhance IL‐1β, IL‐23, IL‐6, and TNF‐α secretion by decreasing glucan‐dependent NADPH oxidase activity, whereas glucan increases IL‐12 production through NADPH oxidase‐unrelated mechanisms. This cooperation is essential to elicit a substantial NK cells and CD4+ lymphocytes activity, pointing out a potential relevance of glucan in prostate cancer therapy. Prostate 72:566–576, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The curcumin analog ca27 down‐regulates androgen receptor through an oxidative stress mediated mechanism in human prostate cancer cells
Authors: Fajardo Alexandra M. , MacKenzie Debra A. , Ji Ming , Deck Lorraine M. , Jagt David L. Vander , Thompson Todd A. , Bisoffi Marco 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe androgen receptor (AR) plays a critical role in prostate cancer development and progression. Therefore, the inhibition of AR function is an established therapeutic intervention. Since the expression of the AR is retained and often increased in progressive disease, AR protein down‐regulation is a promising therapeutic approach against prostate cancer. We show here that the curcumin analog 27 (ca27) down‐regulates AR expression in several prostate cancer cell lines.METHODSca27 at low micromolar concentrations was tested for its effect on AR expression, AR activation, and induction of oxidative stress in human LNCaP, C4‐2, and LAPC‐4 prostate cancer cells.RESULTSca27 induced the down‐regulation of AR protein expression in LNCaP, C4‐2, and LAPC‐4 cells within 12 hr. Further, ca27 led to the rapid induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To further support this finding, ca27 treatment led to the activation of the cellular redox sensor NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the induction of the Nrf2‐regulated genes NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 and aldoketoreductase 1C1. We show that ROS production preceded AR protein loss and that ca27‐mediated down‐regulation of the AR was attenuated by the antioxidant, N‐acetyl cysteine.CONCLUSIONSca27 induces ROS and mediates AR protein down‐regulation through an oxidative stress mechanism of action. Our results suggest that ca27 represents a novel agent for the elucidation of mechanisms of AR down‐regulation, which could lead to effective new anti‐androgenic strategies for the treatment of advanced prostate cancer. Prostate 72:612–625, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Does Labour Migration Offer Opportunities for Meeting Prospective Spouses? The Case of Migrant Workers in Cambodia
Authors: Yagura Kenjiro 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTIn the rural areas of developing countries, the children of poor families are at a disadvantaged position in the local marriage market. Labour migration may offer opportunities to find a suitable spouse because an acquaintance in the migration destination may emerge as a prospective spouse. This paper examines whether or not this happens in reality. Econometric analysis of the data of unmarried migrant workers in Phnom Penh indicated that those who do not expect their parents to give them land prefer marrying someone they meet in Phnom Penh rather than someone from their own place of origin. This suggests that those who encounter difficulties in finding a partner in their place of origins actively seek a spouse at the migration destination. The findings indicate that labour migration introduces changes in the formation of families, which consequently influences familial relationships. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hafnia nanoparticles – a model system for graphene growth on a dielectric
Authors: Kidambi Piran R. , Bayer Bernhard C. , Weatherup Robert S. , Ochs Rolf , Ducati Caterina , Szabó D. Vinga , Hofmann Stephan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe study graphene growth on hafnia (HfO2) nanoparticles by chemical vapour deposition using optical microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. We find that monoclinic HfO2 nanoparticles neither reduce to a metal nor form a carbide while nucleating nanometer domain‐sized few layer graphene. Hence we regard this as an interesting non‐metallic catalyst model system with the potential to explore graphene growth directly on a (high‐k) dielectric.magnified imageHfO2 nanoparticles coated with few layer graphene by atmospheric pressure CVD with methane and hydrogen at 950 °C.(© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Investigation of morphological change of green tea polysaccharides by SEM and AFM
Authors: Yi Wei Song , Qin Li Hong , Cao Jian Bo 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe objective of this study is to investigate the morphological structure and its change of green tea polysaccharides (GTPS) before and after enzyme reaction by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Before enzyme reaction, with the novel sample preparation method SEM images of GTPS have obtained many branches and network structures. After enzyme reaction, the morphological structure of GTPS changed, and surface roughness increased. The microstructure of GTPS from SEM with the novel sample preparation method was in accordance with the results from AFM with the tapping mode. The results indicate that the novel sample preparation of GTPS for SEM is a simple, feasible, and reliable method for observing the surface morphology. SCANNING 33:450–454, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of a birth on the behavior of a family group of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Dublin Zoo
Authors: Whilde Jenny , Marples Nicola 
Published: July 2011

AbstractElephants in the wild live in herds of related females from several generations. Zoos, therefore, tend to house elephants in female groups, consisting where possible of related individuals. This type of group structure is very beneficial as it allows group members to experience events such as births in the group, and means that natural social interactions can take place between the group members. The behavior of four related female Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) at Dublin Zoo was recorded before and after the birth of a calf, to examine what effects it would have on the behavior and associations in the elephant group. The mother of the calf significantly decreased the amount of time she spent walking after the birth and the aunt of the calf showed significant decreases in both walking and standing. The mother spent the majority of her time closest to her calf after the birth, but the proportion of time she spent with each of the other individuals in the group did not change. The associations of the aunt also did not change after the birth. The older sister of the newborn calf increased the proportion of time she spent nearest to her mother after the calf was born, and reduced the time she spent close to another young elephant in the group. The new calf seems to have been successfully assimilated into the elephant group. Zoo Biol 31:442–452, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioral responses of maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus, Canidae) to different categories of environmental enrichment stimuli and their implications for successful reintroduction
Authors: Coelho Carlyle Mendes , Schetini de Azevedo Cristiano , Young Robert John 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus, Illiger, 1815, Canidae) is a threatened species that inhabits the cerrados of Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Captive maned wolves could be potentially used in reintroduction programs for species conservation; however, it is necessary that their behavior and cognitive abilities are conserved. Environmental enrichment is a tool used to stimulate captive animals and maintain a natural behavioral repertoire. To compare the variation of captive maned wolves' behavioral responses to environmental enrichment, we studied three maned wolves held by Belo Horizonte Zoo, Brazil. Foraging, interspecific, and intraspecific stimuli were offered to the animals and their responses were compared with a baseline and postenrichment treatments. The test was used to help in choosing which one of the three individuals would participate in a reintroduction project. The results showed that stimuli type did influence the animal's responses, and that individually wolves responded differently to foraging, interspecific, and intraspecific enrichment items (P80.05 for some behaviors in each enrichment category). The individual's personality seemed to influence their behavioral responses, with animals showing bold and shy responses, and this trait should be considered during decision makings for reintroduction. Zoo Biol 31:453–469, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Laparoscope‐Assisted Creation of a Neovagina Using Pedicled Ileum Segment Transfer
Authors: Zhao Yao‐Zhong , Jiang Hua , Liu An‐Tang , Jiang Dao‐Zhen , Zhu Xiao‐Hai , Qiu Ming , Zheng Xiang‐Min , Lin Zi‐Hao , Yuan Xiang‐Bin , Zhang Jian‐Lin 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackgroundTo present our experience of vaginal reconstruction with the use of a pedicled ileum segment and laparoscope assistance, and to analyze its complications and long‐term anatomic and functional results.MethodsThe abdominal and perineal approaches were performed simultaneously with the patient in a special position. Under the guidance of laparoscopy, the target ileal segment was harvested and transposed down to the perineum through an artificial tunnel between the bladder and the rectum. A silicon vaginal tutor was introduced into the vaginal cavity and maintained all day long for 2–3 months. The complications and the anatomical and functional results were summarized and analyzed.ResultsFrom February 2002 to June 2010, 82 patients underwent laparoscope‐assisted total vaginal reconstruction with a pedicled ileum segment at our department. Complications developed in 16 of 82 patients, including rectum and/or bladder injury during operation, acute renal failure, delayed healing of the ileocutaneous anastomosis, introital stenosis, and partial or complete intestinal obstruction. The abdominal cutaneous scar was acceptable after the surgery. The vulva was not altered, which was especially significant for patients with congenital vaginal atresia. The neovagina was patent, soft, moist, and flexible. The mean width and depth of the neovagina at the latest postoperative visit measured 3.2 and 15 cm, respectively.ConclusionsThe favorable long‐term anatomical and functional results demonstrate that our technique is ideal for patients with congenital vaginal atresia or patients who need secondary vaginal reconstruction. For the primary male‐to‐female transsexuals or hermaphrodites, it can be an alternative method for vaginal construction.
Association between HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1 and oral cancer
Authors: Tsai Sheng‐Chien , Sheen Maw‐Chang , Chen Bai‐Hsiun 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCancer is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality. Genes whose products play a critical role in regulation of the immune response include the HLA antigen and cytokine families of genes. Oral cancer is common in men in developing countries, and its frequency is increased by using betel‐quid, tobacco, and alcohol. The association between certain HLA Class I and Class II haplotypes and cancer has been documented in a variety of tumors. There was no previous data concerning the association of specific HLA Class II DQA1, DQB1 alleles, or haplotypes with oral cancer patients. In this study, we enrolled 134 Taiwanese patients with histologically confirmed oral cancer and 268 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy Taiwanese adults as control group to investigate the association between HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DQB1 allele frequencies and oral cancer patients by using polymerase chain reaction with sequence‐specific primers. We found that both HLA‐DQA1* and HLA‐DQB1* allele frequencies in oral cancer patients revealed no significant difference from those of control groups. Haplotype frequencies of HLA*DQA1‐0103‐DQB1*0601 in oral cancer patients were significantly lower than those of the control group (odds ratio: 0.18, 95% confidence interval: 0.054–0.583, pc = 0.02). Our data suggest that HLA DQA1*0103‐DQB1*0601 haplotype may be protective with regard to the development of oral cancer.
Transient hyperammonemia associated with postictal state in generalized convulsion
Authors: Liu Kuan‐Ting , Yang Shih‐Chia , Yeh I.‐Jeng , Lin Tzeng‐Jih , Lee Chi‐Wei 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPrevious studies revealed that transient hyperammonemia was noted after generalized convulsion. This study was undertaken to analyze the association between postictal state and serum ammonia levels. Adult patients presenting to the emergency department with seizures were included. Serum ammonia and other blood tests were compared between patients with full recovery of consciousness after generalized convulsion and those who had not completely regained consciousness. Patients who had not completely regained consciousness (7 of 7, 100%) had higher rate (p = 0.035) of hyperammonemia compared with patients who had fully regained consciousness (4 of 10, 40%) and higher level of serum ammonia (246 ± 96 μg/dL vs. 102 ± 99 μg/dL, p = 0.006). All patients who showed postictal consciousness level impairment on arrival at the emergency department had elevated serum ammonia at that time. Transient hyperammonemia is associated with postictal confusion.
Pneumothorax in a female with renal angiomyolipoma
Authors: Wu Ping‐Hsun , Hwang Daw‐Yang , Kuo Mei‐Chuan , Hwang Shang‐Jyh , Chen Hung‐Chun 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSpontaneous pneumothorax occurs less in females than in males, in contrast to the relatively more commonly and incidentally found renal angiomyolipoma (AML). We report a renal AML in a 23‐year‐old female patient, which presented as right palpable abdominal mass. This renal tumor was removed owing to enlargement and internal hemorrhage and AML was proved by pathological examination. Three years later, she experienced a life‐threatening spontaneous tension pneumothorax and pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), which was diagnosed by chest computed tomography. Clinically, she did not have tuberous sclerosis. Pulmonary LAM and renal AML are related lesions and both of these proliferative lesions occur in sporadic patients without family history and at much higher frequency in patients with tuberous sclerosis. Because of the nonspecific symptoms and high rate of complications, we should consider the possibility of LAM in patients diagnosed with AML. The association between renal AML and pulmonary LAM is reviewed.
DNA methylation and cognitive functioning in healthy older adults
Authors: Schiepers Olga J. G. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , de Groot Renate H. M. , Jolles Jelle , Kok Frans J. , Verhoef Petra , Durga Jane 
Published: July 2011

Long-term supplementation with folic acid may improve cognitive performance in older individuals. The relationship between folate status and cognitive performance might be mediated by changes in methylation capacity, as methylation reactions are important for normal functioning of the brain. Although aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders, the relationship between DNA methylation status and non-pathological cognitive functioning in human subjects has not yet been investigated. The present study investigated the associations between global DNA methylation and key domains of cognitive functioning in healthy older adults. Global DNA methylation, defined as the percentage of methylated cytosine to total cytosine, was measured in leucocytes by liquid chromatography–MS/MS, in 215 men and women, aged 50–70 years, who participated in the Folic Acid and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (FACIT) study (clinical trial registration number NCT00110604). Cognitive performance was assessed by means of the Visual Verbal Word Learning Task, the Stroop Colour-Word Interference Test, the Concept Shifting Test, the Letter–Digit Substitution Test and the Verbal Fluency Test. Using hierarchical linear regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, level of education, alcohol consumption, smoking status, physical activity, erythrocyte folate concentration and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase 677 C → T genotype, we found that global DNA methylation was not related to cognitive performance on any of the domains measured. The present study results do not support the hypothesis that global DNA methylation, as measured in leucocytes, might be associated with cognitive functioning in healthy older individuals.
Within-plant distribution of cotton aphids,Aphis gossypiiGlover (Hemiptera: Aphididae), in Bt and non-Bt cotton fields
Authors: Fernandes F.S. , Ramalho F.S. , Nascimento J.L. , Malaquias J.B. , Nascimento A.R.B. , Silva C.A.D. , Zanuncio J.C. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractKnowledge of the vertical and horizontal distribution ofAphis gossypiiGlover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on genetically modified cotton plants over time could help optimize decision-making in integrated cotton aphid management programs. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the vertical and horizontal distribution ofA. gossypiiin non-transgenic Bt cotton and transgenic Bt-cotton over time during two cotton seasons by examining plants throughout the seasons. There was no significant interaction between years and cotton cultivar treatments for apterous or alate aphids. Considering year-to-year data, analyses on season-long averages of apterous or alate aphids showed that aphid densities per plant did not differ among years. The number of apterous aphids found per plant for the Bt transgenic cultivar (2427 apterous aphids per plant) was lower than for its isoline (3335 apterous aphids per plant). The number of alate aphids found per plant on the Bt transgenic cultivar (12.28 alate aphids per plant) was lower than for the isoline (140.56 alate aphids per plant). With regard to the vertical distribution of apterous aphids or alate aphids, there were interactions between cotton cultivar, plant age and plant region. We conclude that in comparison to non-Bt cotton (DP 4049), Bt cotton (DP 404 BG (Bollgard)) has significant effects on the vertical, horizontal, spatial and temporal distribution patterns ofA. gossypii, showing changes in its distribution behaviour inside the plant as the cotton crop develops. The results of our study are relevant for understanding the vertical and horizontal distribution ofA. gossypiion Bt cotton cultivar (DP 404 BG (Bollgard)) and on its isoline (DP 4049), and could be useful in decision-making, implementing controls and determining the timing of population peaks of this insect.
Clarification of the systematic position ofCercariaeum crassumWesenberg-Lund, 1934 (Digenea), based on karyological analysis and DNA sequences
Authors: Petkevičiūtė R. , Stunžėnas V. , Stanevičiūtė G. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractChromosome set and rDNA sequences of the larval digeneanCercariaeum crassumwere analysed in order to clarify its systematic position and possible adult form. Parasites were obtained from the sphaeriid bivalvePisidium amnicum, collected in Lithuanian and Finnish rivers. The karyotype is shown to consist of five pairs (2n = 10) of large, up to 14 μm, chromosomes. Complement, composed of a low diploid number of exclusively bi-armed elements, presumably arose through Robertsonian fusions of acrocentric chromosomes. Consistent with a Robertsonian-derived karyotype, one or two small, metacentric, mitotically stable B chromosomes were detected in the cells of parthenitae isolated from some host individuals. A phylogenetic analysis using rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) and 28S sequences corroborates the allocation ofC. crassumto the family Allocreadiidae. In neighbour-joining and maximum parsimony phylogenetic treesC. crassumclusters into one clade withAllocreadiumspp., and is the closest sister group in relation toA. isoporum; the level of rDNA sequence divergence between them (2.67% for ITS2 and 1.16% for 28S) is consistent with the level expected for intrageneric variation. The present study adds significant information to a database for establishing species-specific characters for confident characterization of different developmental stages of allocreadiid species, clarification of their life cycles and evaluation of intra- and interspecific variability.
Infection dynamics ofCichlidogyrus tilapiaeandC. sclerosus(Monogenea, Ancyrocephalinae) in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticusL.) from Uganda
Authors: Akoll P. , Fioravanti M.L. , Konecny R. , Schiemer F. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe infection dynamics of the gill monogeneansCichlidogyrus tilapiaeandC. sclerosusonOreochromis niloticuswith respect to habitat type (reservoir, stream, ponds and cages), host sex, size and seasons was determined between January and November 2008. During the study period, 45.2% of the 650 fish examined were infected withCichlidogyrusspp. The infected hosts harboured an average of 8.6 ± 3.4 parasites/fish. Across habitat types, the proportion of infected fish was not statistically different. In contrast, the number of parasites recorded on infected fish from different habitat types differed significantly. The highest parasite number was recorded in reservoir-dwelling fish and lowest in stream-dwelling hosts. Concerning sex, more femaleO. niloticuswere infected and harboured a high number of parasites than male and sexually undifferentiated fish. A weak negative relationship was found between rainfall and monthly parasite infections. However, a higher number of parasites and proportion of infected hosts were found during dry than in wet seasons, except in ponds. Results of this study show that differential exposure due to changes in fish behaviour associated with habitat modification and sex may account for the infection difference across the sampled sites. Meanwhile, rainfall and the associated hydrological events are important factors regulating monogenean infections in tropical aquatic environments. The continuous presence ofCichlidogyrusspp. in fish provides evidence of possible parasite outbreaks, indicating the application of biosecurity measures as crucial for the success of intensive fish farming.