bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relevance of estrogen receptor-β expression to the antiproliferative effects observed with histone deacetylase inhibitors and phytoestrogens in prostate cancer treatment
Authors: Stettner Mark , Kaulfuß Silke , Burfeind Peter , Schweyer Stefan , Strauss Arne , Ringert Rolf-Hermann , Thelen Paul 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
In the prostate, estrogen receptor β (ERβ), the preferred receptor for phytoestrogens, has features of a tumor suppressor. To investigate the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects on prostate cancer of histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA) and phytoestrogen tectorigenin, we analyzed the expression of ERβ after tectorigenin or VPA treatment. For further functional analysis, we knocked down ERβ expression by RNA interference. LNCaP prostate cancer cells were treated with 5 mmol/L VPA or 100 μmol/L tectorigenin and transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against ERβ. Control transfections were done with luciferase (LUC) siRNA. Expression of ERβ was assessed by Western blot. mRNA expression was quantitated by real-time reverse transcription-PCR. Expression of ERβ mRNA and protein markedly increased after VPA or tectorigenin treatment. When ERβ was knocked down by siRNA, the expression of prostate-derived Ets factor, prostate-specific antigen, prostate cancer–specific indicator gene DD3PCA3, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, the catalytic subunit of the telomerase, and ERα was up-regulated and the tectorigenin effects were abrogated. ERβ levels were diminished in prostate cancer and loss of ERβ was associated with proliferation. Here, we show that siRNA-mediated knockdown of ERβ increases the expression of genes highly relevant to tumor cell proliferation. In addition, we show that one prominent result of treatment with VPA or tectorigenin is the up-regulation of ERβ resulting in antiproliferative effects. Thus, these drugs, by restoring the regulatory function of ERβ in tumor cells, could become useful in the intervention of prostate cancer. [Mol Cancer Ther 2007;6(10):2626–33]
Pheromone trailing in male European whip snake, Hierophis viridiflavus
Authors: Fornasiero Sara , Bresciani Elisa , Dendi Federica , Zuffi Marco 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
The ability of snakes to follow conspecific pheromone trails during the
breeding season is of primary importance to locate potential mates, and also
to elicit and maintain courtship or other reproductive behaviours, such as
agonistic behaviour. Despite the recent increased knowledge on snake
chemical ecology, yet little information is available on European species
and nothing is known about chemical communication in European colubrid
species. The aim of this study was to characterise the pheromone-mediated
trailing behaviour in male European whip snake, Hierophis viridiflavus. When
tested in trailing experiments using a Y-maze, male European whip snakes
displayed the ability to trail both male and female pheromones when
presented versus a blank arm of the maze. Moreover, adult males followed the
female pheromone trail when presented simultaneously with the male trail.
Our study demonstrated that male Hierophis viridiflavus rely on chemical
cues for the location and the sexual discrimination of conspecifics during
the breeding season. Convergence between different mating systems and
chemical communication ability in distantly related species is
discussed.
Null model analysis of lizard communities in five urban parks of Rome
Authors: Rugiero Lorenzo , Luiselli Luca 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Null models are an essential tool for investigating structure in natural
communities of animals, including reptiles. In this paper, we studied the
assembly structure of a lizard community constituted by four species
(Lacerta bilineata, Podarcis muralis, P. sicula, Chalcides chalcides) along
25 different transects, each 300 m long and representing a specific habitat
type, in five independent urban green areas in Rome, central Italy. Lacerta
bilineata was observed in 92% of the total transects (n = 25), P. muralis in
100%, P. sicula in 72%, and C. chalcides in 52%. Based on the number of
lizards observed along the various transects, it seemed that each species
was linked especially to particular habitat types within each study area,
but that the habitat types frequented by each species were not necessarily
exactly the same across the study areas. Null model analyses revealed that
the lizard community was not randomly organized in four of five study areas
by RA2 (thus denoting that the generalist-specialist nature of the species
reduced ecological similarity) but not by RA3 algorithms (thus denoting that
the types of resources used did not reduce ecological similarity). Thus, the
community structure was due mainly to the different specialist-generalist
nature of the various co-occurring species.
A PIT tag based analysis of annual movement patterns of adult fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) in a Middle European habitat
Authors: Schulte Ulrich , Küsters Daniel , Steinfartz Sebastian 
Published: October 2007

AbstractWe studied patterns of annual movement of individual adult fire salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) during the years 2001 and 2002 in Western Germany in a typical middle European habitat for this species. We tested whether salamanders inhabit small home ranges and move little during the activity period as predicted for a species that shows strong site fidelity to a limited area. Initially, 98 individuals were collected in their natural habitat and marked with passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. Of those individuals 88 were released at the collection site for recapture during the activity periods of the years 2001 and 2002. Ten marked individuals were kept in captivity to test for the tolerance of PIT tags. We did not find any negative impact of PIT tags on marked individuals of S. salamandra, neither under captive nor natural conditions. Forty-seven of the marked individuals (corresponding to 53% of the 88 released ones) were recaptured at least once and 28 individuals (corresponding to 32%) were recaptured multiple times. The return rate of males (78%) was higher than for females (43%). Mean home range size (and standard deviation) was estimated to 494 ± 282 m2 for 4 individuals as the minimum convex polygon based on 5 to 6 recapture events for each individual per year and to 1295 ± 853 m2 for 3 individuals with 8 records over two years. Minimum distances moved inferred from individual recaptures increased during the activity period of both years with time, indicating that individuals have more of a tendency to disperse than to stay within a limited area. Our data suggest therefore that S. salamandra adults display site fidelity, but use a much larger area than hitherto documented for this and other terrestrial salamander species.
Beaver ponds as habitat of amphibian communities in a central European highland
Authors: Dalbeck Lutz , Lüscher Beatrice , Ohlhoff Dagmar 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
The Eurasian beaver Castor fiber, formerly occurred across the Palaearctic,
but was nearly eradicated in the 19th century. Due to reintroductions in the
20th century, beaver populations are increasing and now extend into highland
areas. Natural still waters are scarce in highlands of Central Europe.
Therefore the question arises, “Are beaver ponds essential habitats for
amphibians?”, especially since fishes, predators of amphibian larval stages,
also inhabit beaver ponds. We investigated the amphibian fauna of one
typical valley in the Eifel, that was colonized by beavers in 1981, and
compared areas with and without beaver ponds. All anuran species of the
region occupied beaver ponds, including species that were absent (Alytes
obstetricans, Bufo bufo and Rana kl. esculenta) or rare (Rana temporaria) in
natural waters. Alytes obstetricans obviously benefited from pond
construction and the removal of trees by beavers which leads to sunny plots
along the slopes of the valley, crucial habitat for this species. The
urodelans Salamandra salamandra, Triturus alpestris and Triturus helveticus
were widely distributed in beaver ponds. Our results show clearly, that
beaver altered landscapes offer high quality habitats for amphibians in our
study area. Due to a considerable increase of habitat heterogeneity in
impounded streams, the predator Salmo trutta was not able to extirpate the
amphibian fauna. We conclude that the historic effects of beavers need to be
considered for a proper understanding of patterns of amphibian distribution
and habitat requirements in Central European Highlands. Furthermore,
beaver-created landscapes will be of future relevance for conservation of
endangered species, like Alytes obstetricans.
Phalangeal formulae of geoemydid terrapins (Batagur, Callagur, Hardella, Heosemys, Kachuga, Orlitia, Pangshura, Rhinoclemmys) reflect distinct modes of life
Authors: Ludwig Maxim , Auer Markus , Fritz Uwe 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Using radiographies of manus and pes of 133 geoemydid terrapins of nine
highly aquatic species (genera Batagur, Callagur, Hardella, Kachuga,
Orlitia, Pangshura), four aquatic Rhinoclemmys species, three
semiterrestrial Heosemys species, and three terrestrial Rhinoclemmys
species, we confirm a correlation between mode of life and phalangeal
formulae. Terrestrial geoemydid species tend to have lost phalanges or
entire digits, while highly aquatic species with extensive toe webbing
generally have retained the full phalangeal number in manus and pes.
Phalangeal formulae of species that are not so strictly adapted to aquatic
environments, and having less extensive toe webbing, are intermediate, like
in the studied semiterrestrial species.
Assignment tests applied to relocate individuals of unknown origin in a threatened species, the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis)
Authors: Velo-Antón Guillermo , Godinho Raquel , Ayres César , Ferrand Nuno , Rivera Adolfo Cordero 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
The pet trade is an important business around the world and one of the
factors that might menace some wild populations. If wild animals are
collected to maintain them as pets, this activity can produce several
problems: i) an increase of population vulnerability, especially in the case
of rare species; ii) the release of exotic pets in natural habitats, with
the risk of competition with native species and the spreading of parasites
and diseases, and iii) the maintenance of animals of unknown origin in
Recovery Centres or zoos, which if too numerous are sacrificed or re-located
to their supposed original regions. In this paper, we used seven
microsatellite loci to analyze genetic diversity and genetic structure of
the European pond turtle (Emys obicularis) covering the species range in the
Iberian Peninsula. A Bayesian test revealed a genotypic differentiation
between the regions sampled where most individuals (90%) were assigned to
their sampling location with a probability higher than 95%. The likelihood
values for individuals from Recovery Centres to came from one of our
populations was higher than 90% in 22 out of 36 individuals. This work is a
first step to relocate animals of unknown origin taking into account genetic
similarities and contribute to reinforcement programs of endangered
species.
Activity patterns of the sand viper (Vipera ammodytes) from the central Balkans
Authors: Crnobrnja-Isailovic Jelka , Ajtic Rastko , Tomovic Ljiljana 
Published: October 2007

AbstractActivity patterns of the sand viper, Vipera ammodytes from the central Balkans (Serbia, Montenegro and Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia) were analysed. The total sample (n = 118) was divided into adult males and females, and depending on the part of the day, habitat type, exposition, and behaviour in two separate seasons (spring and summer). Simple correspondence analysis showed that in spring, males and females were associated with different expositions, while in summer, they displayed different behaviours. Multivariate correspondence analysis showed that in spring males were found more often while basking during the midday in the open forests at south-western exposition. In summer, females were found more often while basking or hiding in the morning in rocky terrains at eastern and southern expositions. The results point out that seasonal variation and intergender differences in behaviour and microhabitat use may occur in sand vipers, as was previously observed in other viper species.
Blood cell morphology of the Moorish gecko, Tarentola mauritanica
Authors: Sacchi Roberto , Pupin Fabio , Zuffi Marco , Scali Stefano , Boncompagni Eleonora , Binda Alessandra , Galeotti Paolo , Fasola Mauro 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
The morphology of erythrocytes, trombocytes, monocytes, basophils and
lymphocytes on Moorish geckos (Tarentola mauritanica) is quite similar to
that of other reptiles, even though some peculiarities were detected for
heterophils and eosinophils. Moreover, we found a fourth type of granulocyte
whose morphology highly differs from both heterophils and eosinophils.
Sexually-based differences in the relative abundance of different types of
leukocytes was detected: lymphocytes were the most frequent in females,
while heterophils and eosinophils prevailed in males. Interestingly, in most
individuals we found intra-erythrocytic vacuoles whose structure is similar
to that previously described as Chelonoplasma in tortoises and
Serpentoplasma in snakes.
Platelet-associated PF-4 as a biomarker of early tumor growth
Authors: Cervi David , Yip Tai-Tung , Bhattacharya Nandita , Podust Vladimir N. , Peterson Jon , Abou-Slaybi Abdo , Naumov George N. , Bender Elise , Almog Nava , Italiano Joseph E. , Folkman Judah , Klement Giannoula L. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractEarly tumor detection and intervention are important determinants of survival in patients with cancer. We have recently reported that the “platelet angiogenesis proteome” may be used to detect microscopic tumors in mice. We now present evidence that changes in platelet-associated platelet factor-4 (PF-4) detect malignant growth across a spectrum of human cancers in mice. A deregulated expression of an 8206-Da protein was observed by surfaceenhanced laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-ToF MS) proteomic comparison of platelets from normal and tumor-bearing mice. The differentially expressed protein was identified as PF-4 by tandem mass spectrometry and ProteinChip immunoassay using anti–PF-4 antibody. The platelet-associated PF-4 appeared to be up-regulated in early growth of human liposarcoma, mammary adenocarcinoma, and osteosarcoma. A 120-day follow-up study of liposarcoma revealed a sustained 2-fold or higher increase of platelet-associated PF-4 at 19, 30, and 120 days. In contrast, only an insignificant change of PF-4 was observed in the plasma of mice bearing the different human tumor xenografts, and throughout the 120 days of the liposarcoma study. We conclude that platelet-associated PF-4, but not its plasma counterpart, may represent a potential biomarker of early tumor presence.
Bovine monocyte TLR2 receptors differentially regulate the intracellular fate ofMycobacterium aviumsubsp. paratuberculosis andMycobacterium aviumsubsp.avium
Authors: Weiss Douglas J , Souza Cleverson D , Evanson Oral A , Sanders Mark , Rutherford Mark 
Published: October 2007

AbstractPathogenic mycobacterial organisms have the capacity to inhibit macrophage activation and phagosome maturation. Although the mechanism is complex, several studies have incriminated signaling through TLR2 receptors with subsequent activation of the MAPK pathway p38 (MAPKp38) and overproduction of IL-10 in the survival of pathogenic mycobacterial organisms. In the present study, we compared the response of bovine monocytes with infection by Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP), the cause of paratuberculosis in ruminants, with the closely related organism M. avium subspecies avium (Maa), which usually does not cause disease in ruminants. Both MAP and Maa induced phosphorylation of MAPKp38 by bovine monocytes; however, addition of a blocking anti-TLR2 antibody partially prevented MAPKp38 phosphorylation of MAP-infected monocytes but not Maa-infected monocytes. Addition of anti-TLR2 antibody enhanced phagosome acidification and phagosome-lysosome fusion in MAP-containing phagosomes and enabled monocytes to kill MAP organisms. These changes were not observed in Maa-infected monocytes. The effect on phagosome maturation appears to occur independently from the previously described inhibitory effects of IL-10 on phagosome acidification and organism killing, as IL-10 production was not affected by addition of anti-TLR2 antibody to monocyte cultures. Therefore, signaling through the TLR2 receptor appears to play a role in phagosome trafficking and antimicrobial responses in MAP-infected bovine mononuclear phagocytes.
Kinetics of the Migration and Clustering of Extrinsic Gas in bcc Metals
Authors: Deo C. S. , Srinivasan S. G. , Baskes M. I. , Maloy S. A. , James M. R. , Okuniewski M. , Stubbins J. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
We study the mechanisms by which gas atoms such as helium and hydrogen diffuse and interact with other defects in bcc metals and investigate the effect of these mechanisms on the nucleation of embryonic gas bubbles. Large quantities of helium and hydrogen are produced due to spallation and transmutation in structural materials in fusion and accelerator-driven reactors. The long time evolution of the extrinsic gas atoms and their accumulation at vacancies is studied using a kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm that is parameterized by the migration energies of the point defect entities. First-order reaction kinetics are observed when gas clusters with vacancies. If gas-gas clustering is allowed, mixed-order diffusion limited kinetics are observed. When dissociation of gas from clusters is allowed, gas-vacancy clusters survive to steady state while gas-gas clusters dissolve. We obtain cluster size distributions and reaction rate constants that can be used to quantify microstructural evolution of the irradiated metal.
Vertical Guided Bone Regeneration With Bioabsorbable Barriers
Authors: Llambés Fernando , Silvestre Francisco‐Javier , Caffesse Raúl 
Published: October 2007

Background: Guided bone regeneration (GBR) is a very useful surgical technique to increase limited alveolar bone for implant placement. The use of non‐resorbable barriers is well established; however, bioabsorbable collagen membranes may simplify the surgical technique and make it more predictable.Methods: Vertical ridge augmentation was performed on 11 patients at the time of implant placement. The part of the implant out of bone was covered with autogenous bone/graft, and a slow‐resorption collagen membrane was placed on top. Gingival tissues were closed with horizontal mattress and interrupted sutures. Second‐stage surgery was performed 4 to 6 months later, and healing abutments were placed. The length of the implant out of bone was determined at stage 1 and stage 2 surgeries on a periapical x‐ray 1 year after implant load. Histology was obtained from one of the cases at second‐stage surgery.Results: Measurements revealed that the mean implant out of bone was 3.5 mm at stage 1 and 0.5 mm at stage 2. Mean bone gain was 3 mm, which represented 83% of the exposed implant at stage 1. One year after loading, implants showed a mean marginal bone loss of 1.4 mm. Minimal complications were detected, and only one case failed. Histology from one successful case showed new trabecular bone with large cellular marrow spaces in the regenerated area.Conclusion: Slow‐resorption collagen membranes have the potential to promote vertical ridge augmentation when used with autogenous bone at the time of implant placement.
Esthetic Treatment of Gingival Melanin Hyperpigmentation With Er:YAG Laser: Short‐Term Clinical Observations and Patient Follow‐Up
Authors: Rosa Daniel Simões A. , Aranha Ana Cecília Corrêa , de Paula Eduardo Carlos , Aoki Akira 
Published: October 2007

Background: Recently, the erbium‐doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser has been applied effectively for periodontal soft tissue management. The purpose of this study was to report removal of gingival melanin pigmentation using an Er:YAG laser in a short‐term clinical observation.Methods: Five patients with gingival melanin pigmentation participated in this study. Irradiation was performed at 64.0 mJ/pulse (8.5 J/cm2 per pulse) and 10 Hz under water spray in contact mode. Clinical parameters, such as bleeding, swelling, redness, and healing, were evaluated immediately after the surgery and 24 hours, 1 and 4 weeks, and 3 months later. A visual analog scale was used to evaluate the pain level experienced.Results: The Er:YAG laser effectively ablated the epithelial tissue containing melanin pigmentation. At 1 week, gingiva showed fast epithelization with a healthy appearance in all cases. At 2 weeks, gingiva showed satisfactory healing with significant improvement in color and recovery of the tissue thickness. At 1 month, complete healing was observed; after the 3‐month evaluation, no gingival deformity or recession was observed. However, there was a slight recurrence in one case.Conclusion: Removal of gingival melanin pigmentation can be performed safely by Er:YAG laser resulting in an esthetically significant improvement of gingival discoloration.
Clinical Evaluation of Periodontal Surgical Treatment With an Er:YAG Laser: 5‐Year Results
Authors: Gaspirc Boris , Skaleric Uros 
Published: October 2007

Background: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the long‐term clinical outcomes of erbium‐doped:yttrium, aluminum, and garnet (Er:YAG) laser–assisted periodontal flap surgery versus conventional treatment with the modified Widman flap procedure.Methods: A total of 146 single‐rooted periodontally involved teeth from 25 patients were included in this study. In each patient, left or right maxillary single‐rooted teeth were assigned randomly to one of two groups: group A (Er:YAG laser) and group B (modified Widman flap surgery). Er:YAG laser was used to debride the bone pockets, scale the root surface, and trim the periodontal flap. Recession, probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) scores were recorded at baseline and at 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months.Results: Both treatments resulted in decreases in PD, PI, GI, and BOP, increases in gingival recession, and gains in CAL. PD reduction in group A versus group B was statistically significant at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months (P <0.05). Gains in CAL were significantly greater in group A versus group B at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. BOP scores were significantly lower in group A versus group B at 3 and 6 months (P <0.05). All other differences between treatment groups were not statistically significant.Conclusions: Surgical treatment of single‐rooted teeth with chronic periodontitis using the Er:YAG laser yields greater PD reduction and gains in CAL for up to 3 years compared to conventional Widman flap surgery. The short‐term results obtained with both treatments can be maintained over 5 years.