bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age‐related changes in visually evoked electrical brain activity
Authors: Plomp Gijs , Kunchulia Marina , Herzog Michael H.
Published: April 2011

Whereas much is known about the degenerative effects of aging on cortical tissue, less is known about how aging affects visually evoked electrical activity, and at what latencies. We compared visual processing in elderly and young controls using a visual masking paradigm, which is particularly sensitive to detect temporal processing deficits, while recording EEG. The results show that, on average, elderly have weaker visual evoked potentials than controls, and that elderly show a distinct scalp potential topography (microstate) at around 150 ms after stimulus onset. This microstate occurred irrespective of the visual stimulus presented. Electrical source imaging showed that the changes in the scalp potential resulted from decreased activity in lateral occipital cortex and increases in fronto‐parietal areas. We saw, however, no evidence that increased fronto‐parietal activity enhanced performance on the discrimination task, and no evidence that it compensated for decreased posterior activity. Our results show qualitatively different patterns of visual evoked potentials (VEPs) in the elderly, and demonstrate that increased fronto‐parietal activity arises during visual processing in the elderly already between 150 and 200 ms after stimulus onset. The microstate associated with these changes is a potential diagnostic tool to detect age‐related cortical changes. Hum Brain Mapp, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Addition of a stable dialkylsilylene to carbon–carbon unsaturated bonds
Authors: Ishida Shintaro , Iwamoto Takeaki , Kira Mitsuo
Published: April 2011

The reactions of an isolable dialkylsilylene, 2,2,5,5‐tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)silacyclopentan‐1,1‐diyl (1) with ethylene, (Z)‐2‐butene, acetylene, bis(trimethylsilyl)acetylene, and 2,3‐dimethylbutadiene at room temperature gave the corresponding silacycles as isolable compounds. Because of the large steric hindrance, the reaction of 1 with (E)‐2‐butene gave a complex mixture, indicating no formation of the corresponding silirane. The reaction of 1 with 2,3‐dimethylbutadiene afforded the corresponding [1 + 4] cycloadduct without contamination of the [1 + 2] cycloadduct. Stable C‐unsubstituted silirane and silirene produced by the reactions of 1 with ethylene and acetylene were analyzed by X‐ray crystallography. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Heteroatom Chem 22:432–437, 2011; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/hc.20705
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of primary liver cancer in the United States: A study in the SEER-medicare database
Authors: Welzel Tania M. , Graubard Barry I. , Zeuzem Stefan , El-Serag Hashem B. , Davila Jessica A. , McGlynn Katherine A.
Published: April 2011

Incidence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) have increased in the United States. Metabolic syndrome is recognized as a risk factor for HCC and a postulated one for ICC. The magnitude of risk, however, has not been investigated on a population level in the United States. We therefore examined the association between metabolic syndrome and the development of these cancers. All persons diagnosed with HCC and ICC between 1993 and 2005 were identified in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare database. For comparison, a 5% sample of individuals residing in the same regions as the SEER registries of the cases was selected. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome as defined by the U.S. National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria, and other risk factors for HCC (hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, alcoholic liver disease, liver cirrhosis, biliary cirrhosis, hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease) and ICC (biliary cirrhosis, cholangitis, cholelithiasis, choledochal cysts, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease) were compared among persons who developed cancer and those who did not. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The inclusion criteria were met by 3649 HCC cases, 743 ICC cases, and 195,953 comparison persons. Metabolic syndrome was significantly more common among persons who developed HCC (37.1%) and ICC (29.7%) than the comparison group (17.1%,

P

< 0.0001). In adjusted multiple logistic regression analyses, metabolic syndrome remained significantly associated with increased risk of HCC (odds ratio = 2.13; 95% confidence interval = 1.96-2.31,

P

< 0.0001) and ICC (odds ratio = 1.56; 95% confidence interval = 1.32-1.83,

P

< 0.0001).

Conclusion:

Metabolic syndrome is a significant risk factor for development of HCC and ICC in the general U.S. population. (Hepatology 2011;)
Contributions of new hepatocyte lineages to liver growth, maintenance, and regeneration in mice
Authors: Iverson Sonya V. , Comstock Kristin M. , Kundert Jean A. , Schmidt Edward E.
Published: April 2011

The contributions that

de novo

differentiation of new hepatocyte lineages makes to normal liver physiology are unknown. In this study, a system that uniquely marks cells during a finite period following primary activation of a

serum albumin

gene promoter/enhancer-driven Cre recombinase (

albCre

) transgene was used to investigate birthrates of new hepatocyte lineages from albumin (Alb)-naive precursors in mice. Elapsed time was measured with a two-color fluorescent marker gene that converts from expressing tandem dimer Tomato (tdT; a red fluorescent protein) to expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) following primary exposure to Cre. The accumulation of GFP and the decay of tdT each contributed to a regular fluorescence transition, which was calibrated

in vivo
. In normal adults, this system revealed that a steady-state level of 0.076% of all hepatocytes had differentiated within the previous 4 days from

albCre

-naive cell lineages. In comparison with resting adult livers, the relative abundance of these newborn hepatocytes was elevated 3.7-fold in the growing livers of juveniles and 8.6-fold during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in adults.

Conclusion:

Newborn hepatocyte lineages arising from Alb-naive cells contribute to liver maintenance under normal conditions. Hepatocyte lineage birthrates can vary in response to the liver's physiological status. (Hepatology 2011;)
In vivo adaptation of hepatitis C virus in chimpanzees for efficient virus production and evasion of apoptosis
Authors: Saeed Mohsan , Shiina Masaaki , Date Tomoko , Akazawa Daisuke , Watanabe Noriyuki , Murayama Asako , Suzuki Tetsuro , Watanabe Haruo , Hiraga Nobuhiko , Imamura Michio , Chayama Kazuaki , Choi Youkyung , Krawczynski Krzysztof , Liang Jake T. , Wakita Takaji , Kato Takanobu
Published: April 2011

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) employs various strategies to establish persistent infection that can cause chronic liver disease. Our previous study showed that both the original patient serum from which the HCV JFH-1 strain was isolated and the cell culture–generated JFH-1 virus (JFH-1cc) established infection in chimpanzees, and that infected JFH-1 strains accumulated mutations after passage through chimpanzees. The aim of this study was to compare the

in vitro

characteristics of JFH-1 strains emerged in each chimpanzee at early and late stages of infection, as it could provide an insight into the phenomenon of viral persistence. We generated full-genome JFH-1 constructs with the mutations detected in patient serum-infected (JFH-1/S1 and S2) and JFH-1cc–infected (JFH-1/C) chimpanzees, and assessed their effect on replication, infectious virus production, and regulation of apoptosis in cell culture. The extracellular HCV core antigen secreted from JFH-1/S1-, S2-, and C-transfected HuH-7 cells was 2.5, 8.9, and 2.1 times higher than that from JFH-1 wild-type (JFH-1/wt) transfected cells, respectively. Single cycle virus production assay with a CD81-negative cell line revealed that the strain JFH-1/S2, isolated from the patient serum-infected chimpanzee at a later time point of infection, showed lower replication and higher capacity to assemble infectious virus particles. This strain also showed productive infection in human hepatocyte–transplanted mice. Furthermore, the cells harboring this strain displayed lower susceptibility to the apoptosis induced by tumor necrosis factor α or Fas ligand compared with the cells replicating JFH-1/wt.

Conclusion:

The ability of lower replication, higher virus production, and less susceptibility to cytokine-induced apoptosis may be important for prolonged infection

in vivo
. Such control of viral functions by specific mutations may be a key strategy for establishing persistent infection. (Hepatology 2011;)
Hypoxia-inducible transcription factor 2α promotes steatohepatitis through augmenting lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis
Authors: Qu Aijuan , Taylor Matthew , Xue Xiang , Matsubara Tsutomu , Metzger Daniel , Chambon Pierre , Gonzalez Frank J. , Shah Yatrik M.
Published: April 2011

Oxygen dynamics in the liver is a central signaling mediator controlling hepatic homeostasis, and dysregulation of cellular oxygen is associated with liver injury. Moreover, the transcription factor relaying changes in cellular oxygen levels, hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF), is critical in liver metabolism, and sustained increase in HIF signaling can lead to spontaneous steatosis, inflammation, and liver tumorigenesis. However, the direct responses and genetic networks regulated by HIFs in the liver are unclear. To help define the HIF signal-transduction pathway, an animal model of HIF overexpression was generated and characterized. In this model, overexpression was achieved by Von Hippel-Lindau (

Vhl

) disruption in a liver-specific temporal fashion. Acute disruption of

Vhl

induced hepatic lipid accumulation in an HIF-2α–dependent manner. In addition, HIF-2α activation rapidly increased liver inflammation and fibrosis, demonstrating that steatosis and inflammation are primary responses of the liver to hypoxia. To identify downstream effectors, a global microarray expression analysis was performed using livers lacking

Vhl

for 24 hours and 2 weeks, revealing a time-dependent effect of HIF on gene expression. Increase in genes involved in fatty acid synthesis were followed by an increase in fatty acid uptake-associated genes, and an inhibition of fatty acid β-oxidation. A rapid increase in proinflammatory cytokines and fibrogenic gene expression was also observed.

In vivo

chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed novel direct targets of HIF signaling that may contribute to hypoxia-mediated steatosis and inflammation.

Conclusion:

These data suggest that HIF-2α is a critical mediator in the progression from clinically manageable steatosis to more severe steatohepatitis and liver cancer, and may be a potential therapeutic target. (Hepatology 2011;)
HPV prevalence and accuracy of HPV testing to detect high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Giorgi‐Rossi Paolo , Franceschi Silvia , Ronco Guglielmo
Published: April 2011

Concern was raised on using testing for high‐risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cancer screening in populations where HPV prevalence is high. The impact of HR HPV prevalence on the efficiency of HPV test‐based screening has never been directly evaluated. A meta‐regression of the relationship between HR HPV prevalence and the specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) of HPV DNA testing for the presence of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or worse (CIN2+) was performed. Only studies that used Hybrid Capture 2 (HC2) were included. Country income (low–medium vs. high) was used as a proxy of previous screening. Twenty‐six populations from 20 studies were included. For a 10% increase in HR HPV prevalence, HC2 specificity decreased by 8.41% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.02–8.81], whereas PPV increased by 4.74% (95% CI: 2.45–7.03). HR HPV prevalence explained 98% of the variability in HC2 specificity and 38% of the variability in PPV. Country income did not affect specificity, but low–medium income was associated with higher PPV (3.81%; 95% CI: 1.53–6.10) after adjustment for HR HPV prevalence. When HR HPV prevalence is high, the specificity of HPV testing for CIN2+ decreases, but PPV does not decrease and it is high in inadequately screened populations. The number of HPV‐positive women needing further assessment or treatment per CIN2+ case detected will therefore decrease and screening efficiency will improve. This is explained by the fact that HR HPV causes CIN2+: an increase in HR HPV prevalence is inevitably accompanied by an increase in CIN2+.
ETV5 transcription factor is overexpressed in ovarian cancer and regulates cell adhesion in ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Llauradó Marta , Abal Miguel , Castellví Josep , Cabrera Sílvia , Gil‐Moreno Antonio , Pérez‐Benavente Asumpció , Colás Eva , Doll Andreas , Dolcet Xavier , Matias‐Guiu Xavier , Vazquez‐Levin Mónica , Reventós Jaume , Ruiz Anna
Published: April 2011

Epithelial ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy and the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the Western world. ETS transcription factors are known to act as positive or negative regulators of the expression of genes that are involved in various biological processes, including those that control cellular proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, tissue remodeling, angiogenesis and transformation. ETV5 belongs to the PEA3 subfamily. PEA3 subfamily members are able to activate the transcription of proteases, matrix metalloproteinases and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteases, which is central to both tumor invasion and angiogenesis. Here, we examined the role of the ETV5 transcription factor in epithelial ovarian cancer and we found ETV5 was upregulated in ovarian tumor samples compared to ovarian tissue controls. The in vitro inhibition of ETV5 decreased cell proliferation in serum‐deprived conditions, induced EMT and cell migration and decreased cell adhesion to extracellular matrix components. ETV5 inhibition also decreased cell–cell adhesion and induced apoptosis in anchorage‐independent conditions. Accordingly, upregulation of ETV5 induced the expression of cell adhesion molecules and enhanced cell survival in a spheroid model. Our findings suggest that the overexpression of ETV5 detected in ovarian cancer cells may contribute to ovarian tumor progression through the ability of ETV5 to enhance proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. In addition, upregulation of ETV5 would play a role in ovarian cancer cell dissemination and metastasis into the peritoneal cavity by protecting ovarian cancer cells from apoptosis and by increasing the adhesion of ovarian cancer cells to the peritoneal wall through the regulation of cell adhesion molecules.
EFFICACY OF PARTIAL ROOT DRYING TECHNIQUE FOR OPTIMIZING SOYBEAN CROP PRODUCTION IN SEMI‐ARID REGIONS
Authors: Sarai Tabrizi Mahdi , Parsinejad Masoud , Babazadeh Hossein
Published: April 2011

Partial root drying (PRD) has been shown to be an efficient technique that allows water savings in areas where water availability is a major concern for agricultural production. A study was designed to compare the performance of different degrees of conventional deficit irrigation and PRD techniques on soybean production. This study was conducted at the research field of the University of Tehran in Karaj, Iran, in 2008. The study consisted of four furrow irrigation treatments of full irrigation (FI) (100% soil moisture deficit compensation), conventional deficit irrigation at 50% (DI50%), 75% (DI75%) and partial root drying at 50% (PRD50%) soil moisture deficit compensation, with three replications. The results showed that water productivity (WP) in the PRD50% treatment was 70.1, 61.9 and 48.3% higher than the FI, DI75% and DI50% treatments, respectively. Based on the economic analysis, the results showed that under limited land conditions (when arable land availability and not water is the limiting factor), the DI75% treatment is recommended as a preferred management scheme, whereas, under unlimited land conditions, PRD50% was more efficient. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A safety study of a B‐class CpG ODN in Sprague–Dawley rats
Authors: Liu Li , Shen Lianzhong , Liu Xiaomeng , Yu Yongli , Li Yinzeng , Wang Liying , He Chunyan , Sun Jianning , Li Bo
Published: April 2011

Oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG ODNs) are potent immune activators and are being tested as anti‐tumor, antimicrobial agents and as adjuvants in vaccines. Little has been reported, however, about the systematic and comprehensive safety evaluation on repeated CpG ODN administration. To investigate the safety profile of a newly developed CpG ODN, CpG 684, we conducted a 28‐day repeated dose toxicity study in rats, at dose levels of 5, 20 and 150 µg CpG 684 per rat. No abnormalities in clinical observations, growth, urinalysis and bone marrow cell counts were found in CpG 684 treated rats. CpG 684 was proved biologically active, capable of up‐regulating the expressions of CD40 and CD86 molecules. The monocyte numbers were increased at the dose levels of 20 and 150 µg per rat. The spleen weights were increased in female rats at the dose level of 150 µg per rat. Microscopically, 5, 20 and 150 µg per rat CpG 684 caused local inflammatory cell infiltration and hyperplasia of fibrous tissue at injection sites; the treatment of 5 and 150 µg per rat CpG 684 induced enhanced inflammatory reaction in inguinal lymphoid tissue, and the dose of 150 µg per rat induced cell hyperplasia in white pulp of spleen and white pulp expansion. CpG 684 at 150 µg per rat led to decreases in peripheral lymphocyte, serum globulin, glucose, alkaline phosphatase and K+ levels in female rats, and induced the decrease in serum albumin and total protein in rats of both sexes. The data from this study will provide an important reference for developing CpG 684 as an adjuvant for vaccines of human use. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Juvenile rats do not exhibit elevated sensitivity to acrylamide toxicity after oral administration for 12 weeks
Authors: Takami Shigeaki , Imai Toshio , Cho Young‐Man , Ogawa Kumiko , Hirose Masao , Nishikawa Akiyoshi
Published: April 2011

Acrylamide (AA), a neurotoxic, testicular toxic, genotoxic and carcinogenic chemical, has been reported to be formed in processed food, and sensitivity to AA intoxication in childhood is a concern. In the present study, to clarify the general toxicological profile of AA in juvenile rats, subchronic toxicity was evaluated in F344 rats administered AA in the drinking water at 0 (control), 10, 20 and 40 ppm, presented to the dams (three per group) immediately after the birth of their litters, through lactation (3 weeks), and directly to the offspring in their drinking water after weaning for a further 9 weeks (12 weeks total). Treatment with AA caused a decrease in body weights in 20 and 40 ppm F1 females, compared with the controls. Average AA intake throughout the treatment period for the 10, 20 and 40 ppm groups after weaning was equivalent to 1.0, 2.1 and 4.4 mg kg−1 body weight per day, respectively, in males and 1.2, 2.5 and 4.9 mg kg−1 body weight per day, respectively, in females. No toxicologically significant organ weight changes were observed. AA‐induced histopathological changes were limited to focal degeneration and necrosis of the seminiferous epithelium in the testes and desquamated epithelium in the ducts of epididymides, noted only in 40 ppm males. Taken together with previous reports, juvenile rats are not necessarily more susceptible to AA‐induced toxicity as compared with young adults. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electron localization and delocalization indices for solids
Authors: Baranov Alexey I. , Kohout Miroslav
Published: April 2011

The electron localization and delocalization indices obtained by the integration of exchange‐correlation part of pair density over chemically meaningful regions of space, e.g., QTAIM atoms are valuable tools for the bonding analysis in molecular systems. However, among periodic systems only few simplest models were analyzed with this approach until now. This contribution reports implementation and evaluation of the localization and delocalization indices on the basis of solid state DFT calculations. A comparison with the results of simple analytical model of Ponec was made. In addition, a small set of compounds with ionic (NaCl), covalent (diamond, graphite), and metallic (Na, Cu) bonding interactions was characterized using this method. Typical features of different types of bonding were discussed using the delocalization indices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Characterizing the magnitude of the relation between self‐reported childhood parentification and adult psychopathology: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Hooper Lisa M. , DeCoster Jamie , White Nyshetia , Voltz Mukesha L.
Published: April 2011

Several decades of research have shown that people who experience parentification in childhood are at an increased risk of experiencing psychopathology in adulthood. A meta‐analysis was conducted to examine the magnitude of the relation between self‐reported parentification experienced in childhood and psychopathology evidenced in adulthood. Results from 12 nonoverlapping studies (N = 2,472), which were conducted between 1984 and 2010, revealed a small significant but reliable effect (r = .14; 95% confidence interval = .10 to .18). Moderator analyses were performed to explore possible explanations for the variance evidenced between parentification and psychopathology. Moderators that were examined include population factors, methodological factors, and type of psychopathology. The present findings indicate that four factors—types of psychopathology, type of sample, race, and parentification measure used—moderated the relation between parentification and psychopathology. The meta‐analytic findings that emerged highlight the need for additional empirical research. Possible explanations and clinical implications of the findings and directions for future research are considered. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol 67:1–16, 2011.
Surface treatment of glass fiber and carbon fiber posts: SEM characterization
Authors: Naves Lucas Zago , Santana Fernanda Ribeiro , Castro Carolina Guimarães , Valdivia Andréa Dolores Correia Miranda , Da Mota Adérito Soares , Estrela Carlos , Correr‐Sobrinho Lourenço , Soares Carlos José
Published: April 2011

Morphology, etching patterns, surface modification, and characterization of 2 different fiber posts: Gfp, Glass fiber post; and Cfp, carbon fiber were investigated by SEM analysis, after different surface treatments. Thirty fiber posts, being 15 Gfp and 15 Cfp were divided into a 5 surface treatments (n = 3): C‐alcohol 70% (control); HF 4%‐immersion in 4% hydrofluoric acid for 1min; H3PO4 37%‐immersion in 37% phosphoric acid for 30s; H2O2 10%‐immersion in 10% hydrogen peroxide for 20 min; H2O2 24%‐immersion in 24% hydrogen peroxide for 10 min. Morphology, etching patterns, surface modification and surface characterization were acessed by SEM analysis. SEM evaluation revealed that the post surface morphology was modified following all treatment when compared with a control group, for both type of reinforced posts. HF seems to penetrate around the fibers of Gfp and promoted surface alterations. The Cfp surface seems to be inert to treatment with HF 4%. Dissolution of epoxy resin and exposure of the superficial fiber was observed in both post groups, regardless the type of reinforcing fiber, H2O2 in both concentrations. Relative smooth surface area was produced by H3PO4 37% treatment, but with similar features to untreated group. Surface treatment of fiber post is a determinant factor on micromechanical entanglement to resin composite core. Post treatment with hydrogen peroxide resulted strength of carbon and glass/epoxy resin fiber posts to resin composite core. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between hospital volume and outcome of gastrointestinal cancer surgery in Korea
Authors: Kim Chul‐Gyu , Kwak Eun Kyung , Lee Sang‐il
Published: April 2011

Objectives

To assess the relationship between hospital volume and in‐hospital mortality of patients undergoing four surgical procedures for gastrointestinal cancers in Korea.

Methods

Using the database of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, we identified 66,201 patients who underwent the four types of gastrointestinal resection during the period 2005–2006. Participating hospitals were divided into five groups according to their surgical volume. The primary outcome was in‐hospital mortality, defined as death from any cause before discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the effect of hospital volume on risk‐adjusted in‐hospital mortality.

Results

We observed a significant relationship between hospital volume and in‐hospital mortality rate for patients undergoing the four types of cancer‐related gastrointestinal surgeries. The in‐hospital mortality rate was lower for high‐volume than for low‐volume hospitals after adjusting for patient characteristics. The differences between very‐high‐volume and very‐low‐volume hospitals ranged from 0.94% to 2.77% for the four procedures, with the largest difference observed for pancreatic resection (3.75% vs. 0.98%).

Conclusion

High‐volume hospitals had better short‐term surgical outcome than low‐volume hospitals. We confirmed the volume–outcome relationship for four cancer‐related gastrointestinal resections in Korea. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;104:116–123. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic impact of CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gebauer Florian , Tachezy Michael , Effenberger Katharina , von Loga Katharina , Zander Hilke , Marx Alexander , Kaifi Jussuf T. , Sauter Guido , Izbicki Jakob R , Bockhorn Maximilian
Published: April 2011

Background

Chemokines and their receptors are known to play important roles in the tumorigenesis of many malignancies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of the expression of the chemokine receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC).

Methods

Expression of CXCR4 and CXCR7 in specimens from 249 patients with PAC was evaluated by immunohistochemistry on a tissue microarray and matched with clinicopathological parameters and overall survival.

Results

Expression of CXCR4 was detected in 215 patients (86.4%) and CXCR7 in 47 patients (18.9%). No association between CXCR4 and CXCR7 expression was evident, although all the CXCR7 positive tumors were also CXCR4 positive. pT1/2 tumors showed a higher frequency of CXCR7 expression than pT3/4 tumors (P = 0.018), while more dedifferentiated tumors had elevated CXCR7 expression (P = 0.036). Overall and disease‐free survival revealed no association with either CXCR4 or CXCR7 expression.

Conclusion

CXCR7 is associated with tumor grade and inversely associated with tumor size and may play a potential role in tumor progression and differentiation. In contrast to previously reported data our results revealed no significant association between CXCR4 expression and clinical or pathological data. J. Surg. Oncol. 2011;104:140–145. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Do biofilms contribute to the initiation and recalcitrance of chronic rhinosinusitis?
Authors: Foreman Andrew , Jervis‐Bardy Joshua , Wormald Peter‐John
Published: April 2011

Chronic rhinosinusitis is a common disease whose underlying aetiopathogenesis has not been completely understood. Amongst a range of other potential environmental triggers in this disease, a role has recently been proposed for bacterial biofilms. Adopting the biofilm paradigm to explain the initiation and maintenance of this disease may help to clarify previous inconsistencies in this disease that have resulted in the role of bacteria being questioned. Of particular interest is the association of bacterial biofilms with recalcitrant disease states. Over the last five years, research has progressed rapidly since biofilms were first identified on the surface of diseased sinonasal mucosa. Their presence there has now been associated with more severe disease that is often recalcitrant to current management paradigms. Technological advances are allowing accurate characterization of the bacterial and fungal species within these biofilms, which would appear to be an important step in improving our understanding of how these bacterial communities might interact with the host to cause disease. This is an unanswered, yet highly important, question in this field of research that will undoubtedly be an area of investigation in the near future. As the body of evidence suggesting biofilms may be involved in this disease grows, research interest has switched to the development of antibiofilm therapies. Given the unique properties of bacteria existing in this form, biofilm eradication strategies will need to incorporate novel medical therapies into established surgical practices as we attempt to improve the outcomes of our most difficult patients.
Clinical significance of preoperative squamous cell carcinoma antigen in oral‐cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Wei‐Hung , Chen I‐How , Wei Fu‐Chan , Huang Jung‐Ju , Kang Chung‐Jan , Hsieh Ling‐Ling , Wang Hung‐Ming , Huang Shiang‐Fu
Published: April 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between elevated serum squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) antigen (SCC‐Ag) levels and shorter survival in cancer patients. Few studies, however, have investigated the role of serum SCC‐Ag levels in oral SCC (OSCC). This study was conducted to analyze the relationship between preoperative SCC‐Ag levels, clinicopathologic factors, and prognosis in OSCC patients.

Study Design:

Retrospective case‐control study.

Methods:

Seventy‐nine OSCC patients from Chang Gung Memorial Hospital were retrospectively recruited between April 2008 and March 2010. Serum SCC‐Ag levels were measured preoperatively.

Results:

An SCC‐Ag level of ≥2.0 ng/mL was significantly associated with the pathologic tumor status (P < .001), pathologic nodal status (P = .037), lymph node extracapsular spread (P = .016), and tumor depth (>10 mm vs. ≤10 mm, P < .001). It was not significantly associated with histologic differentiation (P = 1.000). A univariate analysis revealed that positivity for SCC‐Ag was associated with disease‐free survival (DFS) (P = .034) and overall survival (OS) (P < .001). In SCC‐Ag‐positive patients, the distant metastatic rate was higher than in the SCC‐Ag‐negative patients (P = .053).

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated that preoperative SCC‐Ag is a good marker of pathologic lymph node metastasis, an advanced tumor stage, and a higher rate of distant metastasis. The preoperative SCC‐Ag level is a potential prognostic indicator in DFS and OS, but studies with a longer follow‐up period are needed to confirm these results.
The straight truth: Measuring observer attention to the crooked nose
Authors: Godoy Andres , Ishii Masaru , Byrne Patrick J. , Boahene Kofi D. O. , Encarnacion Carlos O. , Ishii Lisa E.
Published: April 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

Quantify attentional distraction to crooked noses pre‐ and postoperatively as compared with normal noses by using an established metric of attention in a pilot study.

Study Design:

Prospective, randomized, controlled experiment with crossover.

Methods:

An eye‐tracker system was used to record the eye‐movement patterns, called scanpaths, of 40 naive observers gazing at pictures of faces with crooked noses preoperatively or postoperatively and pictures of faces without a crooked nose included as “normals.” The fixation durations within the nasal area for each group of faces presented were compared.

Results:

A mixed‐design univariate analysis of variance was performed to test the hypothesis that mean fixation times in the nasal region varied by face group. The results were highly statistically significant, F(2,116) = 20.28, P = .000, η2 = 0.029. Marginal means were calculated for each nasal area of interest group with confidence intervals (normal, 2.32 [2.26‐2.38]; preoperative, 2.66 [2.58‐2.75]; postoperative, 2.43 [2.35‐2.51]). Post hoc testing with Bonferroni correction for three comparisons showed differences between the normal and preoperative groups (χ2 41.38, P = .000) and between the preoperative and postoperative groups (χ2 14.41, P = .000) but not between the normal and postoperative groups (χ24.19, P = .12).

Conclusions:

There were highly statistically significant differences in attention paid to the nasal area of crooked noses preoperatively and postoperatively, and there were no differences in attention to the nasal area between the postoperative noses and the normal noses. This represents a novel method for objectively evaluating attention and success of surgical procedures to minimize the appearance of deformities.
Green tea and prevention of esophageal and lung cancers
Authors: Yuan Jian‐Min
Published: April 2011

Green tea contains high concentrations of tea polyphenols that have shown inhibitory effects against the development, progress, and growth of carcinogen‐induced tumors in animal models at different organ sites, including the esophagus and lung. Green tea polyphenols also have shown to suppress cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. Besides antioxidative property, green tea polyphenols have pro‐oxidative activities under certain conditions and modulate phase II metabolic enzymes that can enhance the detoxification pathway of environmental toxicants and carcinogens. Although epidemiological studies have provided inconclusive results on the effect of green tea consumption against the development of esophageal and lung cancers in humans overall, the inverse association between green tea intake and risk of esophageal cancer risk is more consistently observed in studies with adequate control for potential confounders. Epidemiological studies also have demonstrated an inverse, albeit moderate, association between green tea consumption and lung cancer, especially in non‐smokers. This article reviews data on the cancer‐preventive activities of green tea extract and green tea polyphenols and possible mechanisms against the esophageal and lung carcinogenesis in experimental animals, and summarizes the current knowledge from epidemiological studies on the relationship between green tea consumption and esophageal and lung cancer risk in humans.
Modeling of Phase Inversion and Particle Stability in the Dispersion Polymerization of Methyl Methacrylate in a Non‐polar Hydrocarbon Solvent
Authors: Luciani Carla Vanesa , Emdadi Laleh , Lee Sang Yool , Baick In Hak , Choi Kyu Yong
Published: April 2011

A detailed model is presented to analyze the phase inversion in the dispersion polymerizations of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in non‐polar solvents. The reaction conditions under which the polymer particles lose stability and the reaction system phase inverts are investigated. At high solvent/monomer ratios, well‐defined micron‐sized polymer particles are produced even in the absence of stabilizer. However, low solvent/monomer ratios or stabilizer concentrations yield porous structures after a massive agglomeration of the precipitating particles. To quantify the phase inversion, a population balance equation (PBE) is derived and combined with a kinetic/thermodynamic model to develop a procedure capable of predicting the system phase inversion curve. The model predictions agree well with the experimental results.

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MERRF and Kearns–Sayre overlap syndrome due to the mitochondrial DNA m.3291T>C mutation
Authors: Emmanuele Valentina , Silvers David S. , Sotiriou Evangelia , Tanji Kurenai , DiMAURO Salvatore , Hirano Michio
Published: April 2011

A 48‐year‐old man presented with a complex phenotype of myoclonus epilepsy with ragged‐red fibers (MERRF) syndrome and Kearns–Sayre syndrome (KSS), which included progressive myoclonus epilepsy, cerebellar ataxia, hearing loss, myopathic weakness, ophthalmoparesis, pigmentary retinopathy, bifascicular heart block, and ragged‐red fibers. The m.3291T>C mutation in the tRNALeu(UUR) gene was found with 92% heteroplasmy in muscle. This mutation has been reported with MELAS, myopathy, and deafness with cognitive impairment. This is the first description with a MERRF/KSS syndrome. Muscle Nerve 44: 448–451, 2011
Nephroblastoma: does the decrease in tumor volume under preoperative chemotherapy predict the lymph nodes status at surgery?
Authors: Godzinski Jan , van Tinteren Harm , de Kraker Jan , Graf Norbert , Bergeron Christophe , Heij Hugo , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Fuchs Joerg , Cecchetto Giovanni , Audry George , Gauthier Frederic , Sandstedt Bengt ,   on behalf of the SIOP Nephroblastoma Trial & Study Committee
Published: April 2011

Background

Partial nephrectomy (NSS) for unilateral nephroblastoma may be beneficial, although in case of regional lymph node (LN) involvement, radiotherapy counteracts the functional benefit of NSS. The aim is to verify whether decrease of tumor volume under preoperative chemotherapy implies clearance of regional LN.

Procedure

SIOP 9301 (1993–2001) collected 1,450 localized nephroblastoma patients of whom 1,360 (93%) had sufficiently available data and were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Histologic subtypes were classically distributed. Patients were divided in those with tumor positive LN (76, 5.5%) and those with tumor negative LN (1,284, 94.5%) at surgery. In the LN(+) group, the tumor volume changed from a median of 554 (318–772) to 192 (63–458) ml = 67% (27–88%) during preoperative ChT. In the LN(−) group—377 (200–612) to 130 (44–294) ml = 62% (28–83%) (NS). Increase of tumor volume was observed in 16% of patients with LN(+), and 11% of those with LN(−) (NS); ranges are interquartile. Initial tumor volume was significantly larger in the LN(+) patients (P = 0.00091) but not different (NS) at surgery; patients with initial tumor volume under 318 ml had the regional LN involved significantly less frequently (P = 0.00751).

Conclusions

Change in tumor volume under preoperative chemotherapy is not a predictor for LN status at surgery, although larger initial volume is associated with a higher risk of LN invasion. The decrease of tumor volume is not a good criterion for the safety of NSS. The low rate of LN(+) (5.5%) indicates that this risk is low. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 1266–1269. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential expression of intermediate filaments in the process of developing hepatic steatosis
Authors: Park Jung‐Eun , Kim Hyun Tae , Lee Sujin , Lee Ye‐Suk , Choi Ung‐Kyu , Kang Jeong Han , Choi Soo Young , Kang Tae‐Cheon , Choi Myung‐Sook , Kwon Oh‐Shin
Published: April 2011

Obesity causes changes in fatty acid metabolism that consequently leads to fatty liver. To identify the possible proteins involved in the processes of obesity, we performed a proteomic analysis of obesity‐induced mouse liver. Male C57BL/6J mice that were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 24 wk, developed hepatic steatosis characterized by considerable increase in free fatty acid (FFA) and triglyceride levels. Body weights were measured weekly and other measurements at weeks 2, 6, 12, 16, and 24. 2‐D‐based proteomic analysis revealed that, compared with the normal diet (ND) (n=50), high‐fat diet (n=50) changed the expression of 12 protein (8 up and 4 downregulated, by a 1.5× fold change and more, p<0.05). The most pronounced difference was observed in intermediate microfilament (IF) cytoskeleton proteins. In particular, vimentin (vim) as well as cytokeratins (CK‐8 and CK‐18) were significantly upregulated in obese animals. Moreover, the level of caspase‐generated IF fragment was also positively correlated with the degree of steatosis. The results suggest a significant alteration in IF organization during the development of hepatic steatosis leading to inflammation. The expression profile of selected proteins including vim was validated by Western blot, microarray analysis, and hepatocyte morphology by immunohistochemistry. Our results suggest that vim, like CK‐18, may be a useful marker for predicting obesity and liver disease.
Natural underwater adhesives
Authors: Stewart Russell J. , Ransom Todd C. , Hlady Vladimir
Published: April 2011

The general topic of this review is protein‐based underwater adhesives produced by aquatic organisms. The focus is on mechanisms of interfacial adhesion to native surfaces and controlled underwater solidification of natural water‐borne adhesives. Four genera that exemplify the broad range of function, general mechanistic features, and unique adaptations are discussed in detail: blue mussels, acorn barnacles, sandcastle worms, and freshwater caddisfly larva. Aquatic surfaces in nature are charged and in equilibrium with their environment, populated by an electrical double layer of ions as well as adsorbed natural polyelectrolytes and microbial biofilms. Surface adsorption of underwater bioadhesives likely occurs by exchange of surface bound ligands by amino acid sidechains, driven primarily by relative affinities and effective concentrations of polymeric functional groups. Most aquatic organisms exploit modified amino acid sidechains, in particular phosphorylated serines and hydroxylated tyrosines (dopa), with high‐surface affinity that form coordinative surface complexes. After delivery to the surfaces as a fluid, permanent natural adhesives solidify to bear sustained loads. Mussel plaques are assembled in a manner superficially reminiscent of in vitro layer‐by‐layer strategies, with sequentially delivered layers associated through Fe(dopa)3 coordination bonds. The adhesives of sandcastle worms, caddisfly larva, and barnacles may be delivered in a form somewhat similar to in vitro complex coacervation. Marine adhesives are secreted, or excreted, into seawater that has a significantly higher pH and ionic strength than the internal environment. Empirical evidence suggests these environment triggers could provide minimalistic, fail‐safe timing mechanisms to prevent premature solidification (insolubilization) of the glue within the secretory system, yet allow rapid solidification after secretion. Underwater bioadhesives are further strengthened by secondary covalent curing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
Initial evaluation of an Internet intervention to improve the sleep of cancer survivors with insomnia
Authors: Ritterband Lee M. , Bailey Elaine T. , Thorndike Frances P. , Lord Holly R. , Farrell‐Carnahan Leah , Baum Lora D.
Published: April 2011

Objective: Insomnia is a common complaint among cancer survivors. Fortunately, cognitive‐behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‐I) has been shown to be an effective treatment in this population. However, it is rarely implemented given its limited availability. To address this barrier, we examined the ability of an easily accessible online CBT‐I program to improve insomnia symptoms in cancer survivors.

Methods: Twenty‐eight cancer survivors with insomnia were randomly assigned to either an Internet insomnia intervention (n = 14) or to a waitlist control group (n = 14). The online program, Sleep Healthy Using The Internet, delivers the primary components of CBT‐I (sleep restriction, stimulus control, cognitive restructuring, sleep hygiene, and relapse prevention). Pre‐ and post‐assessment data were collected via online questionnaires and daily sleep diaries.

Results: Participants in the Internet group showed significant improvements at post‐assessment compared with those in the control group in overall insomnia severity (F1,26 = 22.8; p<0.001), sleep efficiency (F1,24 = 11.45; P = 0.002), sleep onset latency (F1,24 = 5.18; P = 0.03), soundness of sleep (F1,24 = 9.34; P = 0.005), restored feeling upon awakening (F1,24 = 11.95; P = 0.002), and general fatigue (F1,26 = 13.88; P = 0.001). Although other group × time interactions were not significant, overall adjusted effect sizes for all sleep variables as well as for fatigue, depression, anxiety, and quality of life ranged from small to large.

Conclusions: CBT‐I delivered through an interactive, individually tailored Internet intervention may be a viable treatment option for cancer survivors experiencing insomnia. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Infant formula alters surfactant protein A (SP‐A) and SP‐B expression in pulmonary epithelial cells
Authors: Chen Maurice G. , Atkins Constance L. , Bruce Shirley R. , Khan Amir M. , Liu Yuying , Alcorn Joseph L.
Published: April 2011

Surfactant proteins A (SP‐A) and SP‐B are critical in the ability of pulmonary surfactant to reduce alveolar surface tension and provide innate immunity. Aspiration of infant milk formula can lead to lung dysfunction, but direct effects of aspirated formula on surfactant protein expression in pulmonary cells have not been described. The hypothesis that infant formula alters surfactant protein homeostasis was tested in vitro by assessing surfactant protein gene expression in cultured pulmonary epithelial cell lines expressing SP‐A and SP‐B that were transiently exposed (6 hr) to infant formula. Steady‐state levels of SP‐A protein and mRNA and SP‐B mRNA in human bronchiolar (NCI‐H441) and mouse alveolar (MLE15) epithelial cells were reduced in a dose‐dependent manner 18 hr after exposure to infant formula. SP‐A mRNA levels remained reduced 42 hr after exposure, but SP‐B mRNA levels increased 10‐fold. Neither soy formula nor non‐fat dry milk affected steady‐state SP‐A and SP‐B mRNA levels; suggesting a role of a component of infant formula derived from cow milk. These results indicate that infant formula has a direct, dose‐dependent effect to reduce surfactant protein gene expression. Ultimately, milk aspiration may potentially result in a reduced capacity of the lung to defend against environmental insults. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:903–912. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relation of early childhood growth and wheezing phenotypes to adult lung function
Authors: Sherrill Duane L. , Guerra Stefano , Wright Anne L. , Morgan Wayne J. , Martinez Fernando D.
Published: April 2011

Rationale

Several studies have reported associations between indicators of birth size and postnatal growth rates with levels of pulmonary function achieved as adults. The objective of this study was to determine if levels and/or rates of weight gain, measured in early life (birth‐6 years), are associated with FVC or FEV1 levels achieved in young adulthood and if these associations differ by early childhood wheezing phenotypes.

Methods

We used data from participants in the Tucson Children's Respiratory Study (CRS), a prospective birth cohort study. Weight was measured quarterly up to age 3 years and again at age 6 years. Pulmonary function was assessed at ages 16 and 22. Mean weight and slope of weight growth between 3 and 6 years were estimated using standardized residuals. Longitudinal models were used to determine predictors of FVC and FEV1 at ages 16 and 22 years.

Results

There were 127 non‐Hispanic white subjects that had at least four weight measures and one or more pulmonary function measures as young adults. After adjusting for sex, height, and age, the standardized slope of weight growth (between 3 and 6 years) was positively associated with higher levels of FVC at age 16 and 22 years (P = 0.0001) among subjects who did not have preschool wheezing. However, this association was completely absent among subjects who had wheezing lower respiratory tract illnesses in the first 3 years of life. Similar trends were found for FEV1.

Conclusion

The rate of weight gain between 3 and 6 years is significantly positively related to adult FVC and FEV1 and this association is modified by early wheezy phenotypes. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2011; 46:956–963. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.