bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anodic Bio-Electrochemical Process of Sodic-Saline Micro flora for Microbial Fuel Cells
Authors: Sathish-Kumar Kamaraj , Solorza-Feria O. , Poggi-Varaldo H. M.
Published: October 2013

A microbial consortium was sampled from a sodic-saline soil, due to their high saline nature. Interestingly, an anode-respiring bacterium was reaping at the -150 mV vs SCE from the sodic-saline soil. The focus of this study was to identify the extra cellular electron transfer process in the anode. The cyclic voltammetry experiments, conducted that direct electron transfer was achieved through the membrane bound cytochrome and excreted soluble cytochrome by the micro-flora. There midpoint potentials were -385 mV and 18 mV vs SCE, respectively. Further, this was confirmed by protein estimation, SDS-PAGE electrophoresis, and UV-Vis spectrometer. The supernatant solution from the single chamber microbial fuel cell (SCMFC) contains 363 µg/ml of protein and ~45 kDa molecular weight, deduced from SDS-PAGE analysis. UV-Vis spectrophotometer results exhibited the oxidized form of cytochrome at 410 nm. All these experiments reveals the cytochrome (membrane bound/ soluble excreted) played a vital role in the direct electron transfer in the SCMFC, seeded with sodic-saline inocula.
Stochastical Analysis of a Saline Electrochemical System by Michelson Interferometry
Authors: Sarmiento Martinez Oscar , Mayorga Cruz Darwin , Uruchurtu Chavarin Jorge , Marban Jose Antonio , Sarmiento Estela
Published: October 2013

In this work, the state-space diagrams, Lyapunov exponents and correlation dimension are obtained to characterize the corrosion process of an aluminum sample immersed in a solution of distilled water to 0.5, 1.5 and 3% NaCl. The stochastic analysis of the system is made from data sets obtained from Michelson interferometric patterns recorded during the optical monitoring of the corrosion process, which are digitally processed and converted into time series associated with the response of the optical pattern obtained. Moreover, the technique of spectral analysis (FFT) and calculation of the Hurst exponent (H) are used to establish a relationship between frequency components and morphology of corrosion in an entirely qualitative and where only distinguishes corrosion process.
Electrochemical Extraction Technique and SEM Study of Precipitated Carbides at Grain Boundaries in Austenitic Stainless Steel
Authors: Garfias-García Elizabeth , Aguilar-Sánchez Miriam , Romero-Romo Mario A.
Published: October 2013

Losses from corrosion are a damage which is difficult to quantify at world level, and a large variety of service failure problems of materials is due mainly to corrosion-related problems. One of the localized types of corrosion is originated by exposure to stainless steel at work temperatures where the sensitization phenomenon occurs. This phenomenon occurs due to second stage precipitation at grain boundaries, whether by thermal treatment or by welding. In this study, a thermally treated steel AISI 304 was used, and it shows the results of various chemical and electrochemical attacks to reveal the presence of carbides at grain boundaries, chromium carbides are precursors of localized corrosion. Linear polarization was performed in the sensitized samples to estimate the repercussion of this phenomenon on the overall corrosion resistance of the stainless steel. Surface evaluation was carried out using a Scanning Electron Microscope and an EDS X-ray detector, through which it was possible to do an in situ chemical analysis of the particles and the extracted carbides, after having dissolved the steel matrix electrochemically.
Influence of Surface Pre-Treatment On Electrochemical Properties of CeO2 thin Films Deposited by R.F. Sputtering On AA7075 Aluminum Alloy
Authors: Brachetti S. Beatriz , Dominguez-Crespo Miguel Antonio , Rodil S. E. , Torres-Huerta A. M.
Published: October 2013

Nanocrystalline CeO2 coatings were grown on AA7075 aluminum alloy substrates using RF magnetron sputtering and analyzed as protective barriers inhibiting the pitting corrosion reactions in chloride medium. Special attention was placed in the effect of alkaline and acid pretreatments on structural, morphological and electrochemical properties of CeO2 coatings. For this purpose, a CeO2 target under Ar atmosphere was used at room temperature employing different powers. The as-prepared films were characterized by Spectroscopic Ellipsometry (SE), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical techniques such as polarization resistance (Rp) and potentiodynamic curves. The thickness of the as-deposited samples was quite different varying from 114 to 1575 nm for 40 and 120 W, respectively. The obtained coatings were composed of CeO2 particles with uniform, porous and crack-free film and the typical crystalline face centered cubic structure. The corrosion resistance of CeO2 coatings increases proportionally to the applied chemical pretreatment. Additionally, it was found that the electrochemical behavior has a direct relation with the pretreatment concentration but not with the thickness coatings.
Characterization of Hybrid Sol-Gel Coatings Doped with Hydrotalcite-likeCompounds on Steel and Stainless Steel Alloys
Authors: Hernandez Miguel , Barba Arturo , Genesca Juan , Covelo Alba , Bucio Emilio , Torres Vianey
Published: October 2013

Hybrid sol-gel organic-inorganic coatings have been extensively studied to their active properties to protect different metal surfaces. Incorporation of non-hydrolysable groups in conjunction with different molar ratio of sol-gel precursors dissolved in distinct solvents lead to an increment of better protective barrier properties. Different hybrid silica sol-gel coatings were prepared changing the type and content of solvent (2-propanol, ethylacetate, ethanol). Coatings were deposited by dip-coating method on AISI 304 stainless steel and low carbon steel. Incorporation of ethyl acetate in the sol-gel formulation provided the best results on low carbon steel whereas 2-propanol resulted adequate for stainless steel by means of electrochemical impedance (EIS) characterization. In addition, EIS showed a marked improvement of the corrosion resistance when hydrotalcite particles were incorporated into the coating. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed homogeneous coating deposition for low carbon steel samples. However, stainless steel samples developed cracks along the sol-gel coating.
Evaluation of Atmospheric Corrosiveness in the Marine and Industrial Area of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz
Authors: Ramírez-Reyes José Luis , Valencia-Argüelles Leticia , González-Torres Marcos , González-Mancera Guillermina
Published: October 2013

The aggressiveness of the atmosphere can produce high probability of corrosion damaging the metallic integrity of materials, affecting its strength in mechanical operations with a high cost in lives, process equipment in industry and domestic infrastructure. The lack of information on the atmospheric conditions affecting the city of Coatzacoalcos and Mundo Nuevo congregation at the south of the State Veracruz in Mexico, encourages the study to determine corrosiveness indices of marine and industrial respectively and the synergistic effect by combining chlorine and SO2 mainly in addition of the matter particulates in these coastal industrial atmospheres and very near the Isthmus of Tehuantepec and its high incidence of winds. Furthermore, the application complemented the study of electrochemical methods to track the atmospheric corrosion process in the four seasons of the year.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on Polypyrrole for the Detection of Heavy Metals in Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Quintana Harlem , Ramírez José Luis , Rubio Ernesto Francisco , Marquez Elizabeth , González Guillermina , González Gonzalo , Uruchurtu Jorge
Published: October 2013

The application of conductive polymers as electrochemical sensors, provides a viable alternative for detection of metal ions, preliminary tests describe the construction of the electrochemical sensor, the electrochemical polymerization was carried out starting from pyrrole monomer, considering as composites electrode component and commercial graphite electrode modified on its surface, from 3M KCl solution as supporting electrolyte, both used as working electrodes. The behavior of the electrode by Cyclic Voltammetry, identified the presence of the polymer through Infrared Spectroscopy FT-IR; it also evaluateed the sensitivity to metal ions in solution of Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+ and Zn2+ with the potentiodynamic polarization technique, also ac impedance measurements were used to evaluate the electrical resistance of the film formed polymer over the electrodes. The characterization of the sensors was carried out by scanning electron microscopy. So far, the best electrochemical performance was observed for Pb2+ ion through a better conductivity behavior.
Removal of Chemical Oxygen Demand in Coffee Mucilage by Electrocoagulation
Authors: Castro-Ríos Katherin , Orozco-García Luis Felipe , Taborda-Ocampo Gonzalo
Published: October 2013

The mucilage and the coffee pulp, are semi-liquid by-products involved in the generation of wastewater with high values of solids and chemical oxygen demand (COD), negatively impacting the efficiency and costs of the traditional treatments. A factorial design was applied to evaluate the removal of COD in coffee mucilage by electrocoagulation, analyzing the effects and interactions of three parameters (current intensity, pH and time) in the response variable (percentage of COD removal). The electrocoagulation process using Fe-Al electrode pair, showed a maximum removal of the COD of 46%, in a treatment time of 50 min, 3.0 A and initial pH of 6.3. The statistical analysis showed a significant effect from initial pH and treatment time in the removal of COD. The electrocoagulation is a suitable alternative for pre-treatment of liquid waste of the coffee.
Mechanisms of STAT3 activation in the liver of FXR knockout mice
Authors: Li Guodong , Zhu Yan , Tawfik Ossama , Kong Bo , Williams Jessica A. , Zhan Le , Kassel Karen M. , Luyendyk James P. , Wang Li , Guo Grace L.
Published: October 2013

Farnesoid X receptor (FXR, Nr1h4) is a ligand-activated transcription factor belonging to the nuclear receptor superfamily. FXR is essential in maintaining bile acid (BA) homeostasis, and FXR−/− mice develop cholestasis, inflammation, and spontaneous liver tumors. The signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is well known to regulate liver growth, and STAT3 is feedback inhibited by its target gene, the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3). Strong activation of STAT3 was detected in FXR−/− mouse livers. However, the mechanism of STAT3 activation with FXR deficiency remains elusive. Wild-type (WT) and FXR−/− mice were used to detect STAT3 pathway activation in the liver. In vivo BA feeding or deprivation was used to determine the role of BAs in STAT3 activation, and in vitro molecular approaches were used to determine the direct transcriptional regulation of SOCS3 by FXR. STAT3 was activated in FXR−/− but not WT mice. BA feeding increased, but deprivation by cholestyramine reduced, serum inflammatory markers and STAT3 activation. Furthermore, the Socs3 gene was determined as a direct FXR target gene. The elevated BAs and inflammation, along with reduced SOCS3, collectively contribute to the activation of the STAT3 signaling pathway in the liver of FXR−/− mice. This study suggests that the constitutive activation of STAT3 may be a mechanism of liver carcinogenesis in FXR−/− mice.
Biaxial deformation of collagen and elastin fibers in coronary adventitia
Authors: Chen Huan , Slipchenko Mikhail N. , Liu Yi , Zhao Xuefeng , Cheng Ji-Xin , Lanir Yoram , Kassab Ghassan S.
Published: October 2013

The microstructural deformation-mechanical loading relation of the blood vessel wall is essential for understanding the overall mechanical behavior of vascular tissue in health and disease. We employed simultaneous mechanical loading-imaging to quantify in situ deformation of individual collagen and elastin fibers on unstained fresh porcine coronary adventitia under a combination of vessel inflation and axial extension loading. Specifically, the specimens were imaged under biaxial loads to study microscopic deformation-loading behavior of fibers in conjunction with morphometric measurements at the zero-stress state. Collagen fibers largely orientate in the longitudinal direction, while elastin fibers have major orientation parallel to collagen, but with additional orientation angles in each sublayer of the adventitia. With an increase of biaxial load, collagen fibers were uniformly stretched to the loading direction, while elastin fibers gradually formed a network in sublayers, which strongly depended on the initial arrangement. The waviness of collagen decreased more rapidly at a circumferential stretch ratio of λθ= 1.0 than at λθ= 1.5, while most collagen became straightened at λθ= 1.8. These microscopic deformations imply that the longitudinally stiffer adventitia is a direct result of initial fiber alignment, and the overall mechanical behavior of the tissue is highly dependent on the corresponding microscopic deformation of fibers. The microstructural deformation-loading relation will serve as a foundation for micromechanical models of the vessel wall.
Tidal breathing flow measurement in awake young children by using impedance pneumography
Authors: Seppä Ville-Pekka , Pelkonen Anna S. , Kotaniemi-Syrjänen Anne , Mäkelä Mika J. , Viik Jari , Malmberg L. Pekka
Published: October 2013

Characteristics of tidal breathing (TB) relate to lung function and may be assessed even in young children. Thus far, the accuracy of impedance pneumography (IP) in recording TB flows in young children with or without bronchial obstruction has not been evaluated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the agreement between IP and direct flow measurement with pneumotachograph (PNT) in assessing TB flow and flow-derived indices relating to airway obstruction in young children. Tidal flow was recorded for 1 min simultaneously with IP and PNT during different phases of a bronchial challenge test with methacholine in 21 wheezy children aged 3 to 7 years. The agreement of IP with PNT was found to be excellent in direct flow signal comparison, the mean deviation from linearity ranging from 2.4 to 3.1% of tidal peak inspiratory flow. Methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction or consecutive bronchodilation induced only minor changes in the agreement. Between IP and PNT, the obstruction-related tidal flow indices were equally repeatable, and agreement was found to be high, with intraclass correlation coefficients for TPTEF/ TE, VPTEF/ VE, and parameter S being 0.94, 0.91, and 0.68, respectively. Methacholine-induced changes in tidal flow indices showed significant associations with changes in mechanical impedance of the respiratory system assessed by the oscillometric technique, with the highest correlation found in VPTEF/ VE ( r = −0.54; P < 0.005 and r = −0.55; P < 0.005 by using IP or PNT, respectively). The results indicate that IP can be considered as a valid method for recording tidal airflow profiles in young children with wheezing disorders.
The differential effect of metabolic alkalosis on maximum force and rate of force development during repeated, high-intensity cycling
Authors: Siegler Jason C. , Marshall Paul W. M. , Raftry Sean , Brooks Cristy , Dowswell Ben , Romero Rick , Green Simon
Published: October 2013

The purpose of this investigation was to assess the influence of sodium bicarbonate supplementation on maximal force production, rate of force development (RFD), and muscle recruitment during repeated bouts of high-intensity cycling. Ten male and female ( n = 10) subjects completed two fixed-cadence, high-intensity cycling trials. Each trial consisted of a series of 30-s efforts at 120% peak power output (maximum graded test) that were interspersed with 30-s recovery periods until task failure. Prior to each trial, subjects consumed 0.3 g/kg sodium bicarbonate (ALK) or placebo (PLA). Maximal voluntary contractions were performed immediately after each 30-s effort. Maximal force (Fmax) was calculated as the greatest force recorded over a 25-ms period throughout the entire contraction duration while maximal RFD (RFDmax) was calculated as the greatest 10-ms average slope throughout that same contraction. Fmax declined similarly in both the ALK and PLA conditions, with baseline values (ALK: 1,226 ± 393 N; PLA: 1,222 ± 369 N) declining nearly 295 ± 54 N [95% confidence interval (CI) = 84–508 N; P < 0.006]. RFDmax also declined in both trials; however, a differential effect persisted between the ALK and PLA conditions. A main effect of condition was observed across the performance time period, with RFDmax on average higher during ALK (ALK: 8,729 ± 1,169 N/s; PLA: 7,691 ± 1,526 N/s; mean difference between conditions 1,038 ± 451 N/s, 95% CI = 17–2,059 N/s; P < 0.048). These results demonstrate a differential effect of alkalosis on maximum force vs. maximum rate of force development during a whole body fatiguing task.
Automated fiber-type-specific cross-sectional area assessment and myonuclei counting in skeletal muscle
Authors: Liu Fujun , Fry Christopher S. , Mula Jyothi , Jackson Janna R. , Lee Jonah D. , Peterson Charlotte A. , Yang Lin
Published: October 2013

Skeletal muscle is an exceptionally adaptive tissue that compromises 40% of mammalian body mass. Skeletal muscle functions in locomotion, but also plays important roles in thermogenesis and metabolic homeostasis. Thus characterizing the structural and functional properties of skeletal muscle is important in many facets of biomedical research, ranging from myopathies to rehabilitation sciences to exercise interventions aimed at improving quality of life in the face of chronic disease and aging. In this paper, we focus on automated quantification of three important morphological features of muscle: 1) muscle fiber-type composition; 2) muscle fiber-type-specific cross-sectional area, and 3) myonuclear content and location. We experimentally prove that the proposed automated image analysis approaches for fiber-type-specific assessments and automated myonuclei counting are fast, accurate, and reliable.
MyoD Is a Tumor Suppressor Gene in Medulloblastoma
Authors: Dey Joyoti , Dubuc Adrian M. , Pedro Kyle D. , Thirstrup Derek , Mecham Brig , Northcott Paul A. , Wu Xiaochong , Shih David , Tapscott Stephen J. , LeBlanc Michael , Taylor Michael D. , Olson James M.
Published: October 2013

While medulloblastoma, a pediatric tumor of the cerebellum, is characterized by aberrations in developmental pathways, the majority of genetic determinants remain unknown. An unbiased Sleeping Beauty transposon screen revealed MyoD as a putative medulloblastoma tumor suppressor. This was unexpected, as MyoD is a muscle differentiation factor and not previously known to be expressed in cerebellum or medulloblastoma. In response to deletion of one allele of MyoD, two other Sonic hedgehog-driven mouse medulloblastoma models showed accelerated tumor formation and death, confirming MyoD as a tumor suppressor in these models. In normal cerebellum, MyoD was expressed in the proliferating granule neuron progenitors that are thought to be precursors to medulloblastoma. Similar to some other tumor suppressors that are induced in cancer, MyoD was expressed in proliferating medulloblastoma cells in three mouse models and in human medulloblastoma cases. This suggests that although expression of MyoD in a proliferating tumor is insufficient to prevent tumor progression, its expression in the cerebellum hinders medulloblastoma genesis. Cancer Res; 73(22); 6828–37. ©2013 AACR.
N-acetyltransferase 2 Phenotype, Occupation, and Bladder Cancer Risk: Results from the EPIC Cohort
Authors: Pesch Beate , Gawrych Katarzyna , Rabstein Sylvia , Weiss Tobias , Casjens Swaantje , Rihs Hans-Peter , Ding Hui , Angerer Jürgen , Illig Thomas , Klopp Norman , Bueno-de-Mesquita Bas , Ros Martine M. , Kaaks Rudolf , Chang-Claude Jenny , Roswall Nina , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Clavel-Chapelon Françoise , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Dossus Laure , Boeing Heiner , Weikert Steffen , Trichopoulos Dimitrios , Palli Domenico , Sieri Sabina , Tumino Rosario , Panico Salvatore , Quirós José Ramón , González Carlos , Sánchez Mariá José , Dorronsoro Miren , Navarro Carmen , Barricarte Aurelio , Ljungberg Börje , Johansson Mattias , Ulmert David , Ehrnström Roy , Khaw Kay-Tee , Wareham Nick , Key Timothy J. , Ferrari Pietro , Romieu Isabelle , Riboli Elio , Brüning Thomas , Vineis Paolo
Published: October 2013

Background: An association between N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) slow acetylation and bladder cancer has been consistently observed in epidemiologic studies. However, evidence has been mainly derived from case–control studies and was sparse from cohort studies. We evaluated the association between NAT2 slow acetylation and bladder cancer in a case–control study nested in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition.

Methods: Exposure to aromatic amines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) could be assessed for 754 cases and 833 controls for whom occupational information was documented. A semiquantitative job-exposure matrix was applied to at-risk occupations to estimate the exposure as low, medium, or high based on tertiles of the distribution of the exposure score in controls. Using a comprehensive genotyping, NAT2 acetylation status could be categorized from 6-single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes as slow or fast in 607 cases and 695 controls with DNA from archived blood samples.

Results: Occupational exposure to aromatic amines and PAH was associated with an increased bladder cancer risk [upper tertile of the distribution of the exposure score: OR = 1.37; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02–1.84, and OR = 1.50; 95% CI, 1.09–2.05, respectively]. NAT2 slow acetylation did not modify these risk estimates and was not itself associated with bladder cancer risk (OR = 1.02; 95% CI, 0.81–1.29).

Conclusions: These findings confirm established or suspected occupational risk factors but not the anticipated role of NAT2 slow acetylation in bladder cancer. No interaction was detected between NAT2 and any exposure of interest, including smoking.

Impact: Genetic testing for NAT2 would be inappropriate in occupational settings. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(11); 2055–65. ©2013 AACR.
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Sun Protection Intervention for Children of Melanoma Survivors
Authors: Gritz Ellen R. , Tripp Mary K. , Peterson Susan K. , Prokhorov Alexander V. , Shete Sanjay S. , Urbauer Diana L. , Fellman Bryan M. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Gershenwald Jeffrey E.
Published: October 2013

Background: We studied whether a melanoma survivor–centered intervention was more effective than materials available to the general public in increasing children's sun protection.

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, melanoma survivors (n = 340) who had a child ≤12 years received a targeted sun protection intervention (DVD and booklets) or standard education. Primary outcomes were children's sunburns, children's sun protection, and survivors' psychosocial factors at baseline and postintervention (1 and 4 months).

Results: The intervention increased children's sunscreen reapplication at 1 month (P = 0.002) and use of wide-brimmed hats at 4 months (P = 0.045). There were no effects on other behaviors or sunburns. The intervention improved survivors' hats/clothing self-efficacy at both follow-up assessments (P = 0.026, 0.009). At 4 months, the intervention improved survivors' clothing intentions (P = 0.029), knowledge (P = 0.010), and outcome expectations for hats (P = 0.002) and clothing (P = 0.037). Children's sun protection increased with survivors' intervention use. The intervention was less effective in survivors who were female or who had a family history, older children, or children with higher baseline sun protection scores.

Conclusions: A melanoma survivor–centered sun protection intervention can improve some child and survivor outcomes. The intervention may be more effective in survivors who have younger children or less experience with sun protection. Intervention delivery must be enhanced to maximize use.

Impact: This is the first study to examine a sun protection intervention for children of melanoma survivors. Findings will guide interventions for this important population at increased melanoma risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1813–24. ©2013 AACR.
Plasma C-Peptide, Mammographic Breast Density, and Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Ahern Thomas P. , Hankinson Susan E. , Willett Walter C. , Pollak Michael N. , Eliassen A. Heather , Tamimi Rulla M.
Published: October 2013

Background: Insulin may promote breast cancer directly by stimulating the insulin receptor or indirectly by increasing the plasma concentration of active sex hormones. The association between insulin and breast density, a strong breast cancer risk factor, has not been thoroughly studied. We measured associations between c-peptide (a molar marker of insulin secretion), breast cancer risk, and breast density measurements in case–control studies nested within the Nurses' Health Study and Nurses' Health Study II cohorts.

Methods: Breast cancer associations were estimated with multivariate logistic regression models and then pooled across cohorts (total n = 1,084 cases and 1,785 controls). Mammographic density associations (percent dense area, dense area, and nondense area) were estimated as the difference in least-square means of the density parameters between quartiles of c-peptide concentration in all breast cancer controls with available screening mammography films (n = 1,469).

Results: After adjustment for adiposity, c-peptide was not associated with any measure of breast density. However, c-peptide was associated with an approximately 50% increased risk of invasive breast cancer [top vs. bottom quartile, adjusted OR = 1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1–2.0] that was robust to adjustment for plasma-free estradiol and sex hormone–binding globulin. The association was stronger for ER-negative disease (adjusted OR = 2.0; 95% CI, 1.2–3.6).

Conclusions: Our data suggest a positive association between hyperinsulinemia and breast cancer risk that occurs through nonestrogenic mechanisms, and that is not mediated by breast density.

Impact: Primary prevention of breast cancer in women with hyperinsulinemia may be possible by targeting insulin signaling pathways. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1786–96. ©2013 AACR.
Impact of Rural Residence on Forgoing Healthcare after Cancer Because of Cost
Authors: Palmer Nynikka R.A. , Geiger Ann M. , Lu Lingyi , Case L. Douglas , Weaver Kathryn E.
Published: October 2013

Background: Routine follow-up care is recommended to promote the well-being of cancer survivors, but financial difficulties may interfere. Rural–urban disparities in forgoing healthcare due to cost have been observed in the general population; however, it is unknown whether this disparity persists among survivors. The purpose of this study was to examine rural–urban disparities in forgoing healthcare after cancer due to cost.

Methods: We analyzed data from 7,804 cancer survivors in the 2006 to 2010 National Health Interview Survey. Logistic regression models, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, were used to assess rural–urban disparities in forgoing medical care, prescription medications, and dental care due to cost, stratified by age (younger: 18–64, older: 65+).

Results: Compared with urban survivors, younger rural survivors were more likely to forgo medical care (P < 0.001) and prescription medications (P < 0.001) due to cost; older rural survivors were more likely to forgo medical (P < 0.001) and dental care (P = 0.05). Rural–urban disparities did not persist among younger survivors in adjusted analyses; however, older rural survivors remained more likely to forgo medical [OR = 1.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–2.48] and dental care (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.08–2.20).

Conclusions: Adjustment for health insurance and other sociodemographic characteristics attenuates rural–urban disparities in forgoing healthcare among younger survivors, but not older survivors. Financial factors relating to healthcare use among rural survivors should be a topic of continued investigation.

Impact: Addressing out-of-pocket costs may be an important step in reducing rural–urban disparities in healthcare, especially for older survivors. It will be important to monitor how healthcare reform efforts impact disparities observed in this vulnerable population. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1668–76. ©2013 AACR.
Seroepidemiology of High-Risk HPV in HIV-Negative and HIV-Infected MSM: The H2M Study
Authors: Mooij Sofie H. , van der Klis Fiona R.M. , van der Sande Marianne A.B. , Schepp Rutger M. , Speksnijder Arjen G.C.L. , Bogaards Johannes A. , de Melker Hester E. , de Vries Henry J.C. , Snijders Peter J.F. , van der Loeff Maarten F. Schim
Published: October 2013

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM), in particular HIV-infected MSM, are at increased risk for diseases related to human papilloma virus (HPV). Our goal was to assess the effect of HIV status on the presence of type-specific antibodies against seven high-risk HPV types in HPV-unvaccinated MSM. Moreover, we compared determinants of HPV seropositivity between HIV-negative and HIV-infected MSM.

Methods: MSM ≥18 years of age were recruited from the Amsterdam Cohort Studies, a sexually transmitted infection clinic, and an HIV-treatment center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Participants completed a risk-factor questionnaire; serum samples were analyzed using a fluorescent bead-based multiplex assay.

Results: MSM (n = 795) were recruited in 2010 to 2011; 758 MSM were included in this analysis. Median age was 40.1 years (interquartile range 34.8–47.5) and 308 MSM (40.6%) were HIV-infected. Seroprevalence of HPV-16 was 37.1% in HIV-negative and 62.7% in HIV-infected MSM (P < 0.001); seroprevalence of HPV-18 was 29.1% in HIV-negative MSM and 42.5% in HIV-infected MSM (P < 0.001). Similar patterns of seroprevalence were observed for HPV types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. In multivariable analyses, HPV seropositivity was associated with HIV infection [adjusted OR = 2.1; 95% confidence interval, 1.6–2.6]. In multivariable analyses stratified by HIV status, increasing age and number of lifetime male sex partners were significantly associated with HPV seropositivity in HIV-negative, but not HIV-infected MSM.

Conclusions: Seroprevalence of high-risk HPV types is high among unvaccinated MSM.

Impact: HIV infection is a strong and independent determinant for HPV seropositivity, which we hypothesize is because of increased persistence of HPV infection in HIV-infected MSM. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(10); 1698–708. ©2013 AACR.
The Impact of a Community-Based Clinical Trial Educational Intervention among Underrepresented Chinese Americans
Authors: Ma Grace X. , Tan Yin , Blakeney Natasha C. , Seals Brenda F. , Ma Xiang S. , Zhai Shumenghui , Liu Amy , Tai Yanfei , Michaels Margo
Published: October 2013

Background: Clinical trials are a critical resource for the discovery of new prevention, diagnostic, and treatment methods for cancer. The most effective prevention and treatment modalities are based on previous clinical trial results. However, participation in clinical trials is underrepresented by racial/ethnic minority populations, Asian Americans in particular. Asian Americans are the least represented of any ethnic groups in clinical trials. The purpose of this study is to develop and evaluate a culturally and linguistically appropriate community-based educational intervention to increase knowledge of and intent to participate in cancer clinical trials among underrepresented Chinese Americans.

Methods: Community-Based Participatory Research approach was used to guide the development, cultural tailoring, implementation, and evaluation of clinical trial intervention. First, 22 Asian community representatives were recruited as community health educators (CHE) who received 12-hour training on clinical trial education. Second, 262 members were recruited from 11 Chinese community organizations. Of those recruited, a total of 247 eligible Chinese enrolled and participated in the clinical trial education delivered by trained CHEs. Participants completed pretest before and posttest after the intervention.

Results: Fifteen of 21 measures of clinical trial knowledge showed significant changes post the intervention (P < 0.05). Education remained the sole demographic factor increasing clinical trial knowledge in multivariate analysis.

Conclusion: Clinical trial education should emphasize both benefits to science and the larger Asian community. This community-based clinical trial intervention demonstrated promising results and has potential to enhance recruitment and participation in clinical trial research among the underrepresented Asian Americans.

Impact: Improving clinical trial participation in the fast-growing Asian American population is key to dissemination of health innovations targeted to diminish health disparities.

See all articles in this CEBP Focus section, “Community Network Program Centers.”

Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 424–32. ©2013 AACR.
Target-Based Therapeutic Matching in Early-Phase Clinical Trials in Patients with Advanced Colorectal Cancer and PIK3CA Mutations
Authors: Ganesan Prasanth , Janku Filip , Naing Aung , Hong David S. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Falchook Gerald S. , Wheler Jennifer J. , Piha-Paul Sarina A. , Fu Siqing , Stepanek Vanda M. , Lee J. Jack , Luthra Rajyalakshmi , Overman Michael J. , Kopetz E. Scott , Wolff Robert A. , Kurzrock Razelle
Published: October 2013

Target-matched treatment with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors in patients with diverse advanced cancers with PIK3CA mutations have shown promise. Tumors from patients with colorectal cancer were analyzed for PIK3CA, KRAS, and BRAF mutations. PIK3CA-mutated tumors were treated, whenever feasible, with agents targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Of 194 patients analyzed, 31 (16%) had PIK3CA mutations and 189 (97%) were assessed for KRAS mutations. Patients with PIK3CA mutations had a higher prevalence of simultaneous KRAS mutations than patients with wild-type PIK3CA (71%, 22/31 vs. 43%, 68/158; P = 0.006). Of 31 patients with PIK3CA mutations, 17 (55%) were treated with protocols containing PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors [median age, 57 years; median number of prior therapies, 4; mTORC1 inhibitors (11), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors (5), or an AKT inhibitor (1)]. None (0/17) had a partial or complete response (PR/CR) and only 1 [6%, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.01–0.27] had stable disease 6 months or more, which was not significantly different from a stable disease ≥6 month/PR/CR rate of 16% (11/67; 95% CI, 0.09–0.27) in patients with colorectal cancer without PIK3CA mutations treated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors (P = 0.44). Median progression-free survival was 1.9 months (95% CI, 1.5–2.3). In conclusion, our data provide preliminary evidence that in heavily pretreated patients with PIK3CA-mutant advanced colorectal cancer, protocols incorporating PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors have minimal activity. PIK3CA mutations are associated with simultaneous KRAS mutations, possibly accounting for therapeutic resistance. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(12); 2857–63. ©2013 AACR.
HDAC Inhibitor Entinostat Restores Responsiveness of Letrozole-Resistant MCF-7Ca Xenografts to Aromatase Inhibitors through Modulation of Her-2
Authors: Sabnis Gauri J. , Goloubeva Olga G. , Kazi Armina A. , Shah Preeti , Brodie Angela H.
Published: October 2013

We previously showed that in innately resistant tumors, silencing of the estrogen receptor (ER) could be reversed by treatment with a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, entinostat. Tumors were then responsive to aromatase inhibitor (AI) letrozole. Here, we investigated whether ER in the acquired letrozole-resistant tumors could be restored with entinostat. Ovariectomized athymic mice were inoculated with MCF-7Ca cells, supplemented with androstenedione (Δ4A), the aromatizable substrate. When the tumors reached about 300 mm3, the mice were treated with letrozole. After initial response to letrozole, the tumors eventually became resistant (doubled their initial volume). The mice then were grouped to receive letrozole, exemestane (250 μg/d), entinostat (50 μg/d), or the combination of entinostat with letrozole or exemestane for 26 weeks. The growth rates of tumors of mice treated with the combination of entinostat with letrozole or exemestane were significantly slower than with the single agent (P < 0.05). Analysis of the letrozole-resistant tumors showed entinostat increased ERα expression and aromatase activity but downregulated Her-2, p-Her-2, p-MAPK, and p-Akt. However, the mechanism of action of entinostat in reversing acquired resistance did not involve epigenetic silencing but rather included posttranslational as well as transcriptional modulation of Her-2. Entinostat treatment reduced the association of the Her-2 protein with HSP-90, possibly by reducing the stability of Her-2 protein. In addition, entinostat also reduced Her-2 mRNA levels and its stability. Our results suggest that the HDAC inhibitor may reverse letrozole resistance in cells and tumors by modulating Her-2 expression and activity. Mol Cancer Ther; 12(12); 2804–16. ©2013 AACR.
Preoperative Protective Stenting of the Internal Carotid Artery in the Management of Complex Head and Neck Paragangliomas: Long-Term Results
Authors: Piazza Paolo , Di Lella Filippo , Bacciu Andrea , Di Trapani Giuseppe , Ait Mimoune Hassen , Sanna Mario
Published: October 2013

Objectives: To investigate the long-term results of preoperative stenting of the internal carotid artery (ICA) in complex head and neck paragangliomas (HNP) as well as to report on indications and technical details of the procedure. Method: A comprehensive retrospective review of patients affected by HNP, consecutively operated on and preoperatively treated with stenting of the ICA in a quaternary referral skull base center, was performed. Results: Nineteen patients affected by complex HNP were identified, on whom 21 preoperative stenting procedures were performed. The mean follow-up period after stent insertion was 53.8 months; the patients' age ranged from 33 to 56 years. Fourteen patients were affected by tympanojugular paragangliomas, 4 by vagal paragangliomas and 1 by bilateral carotid body tumors. Five patients presented with recurrent tumors, while 7 presented with multiple or bilateral HNP. There were no complications associated with endovascular procedures. Total tumor removal was accomplished in 52.4% of the cases with 1 recurrence. An advanced stage was the main factor conditioning total removal. Clinical control was obtained in 80% of the patients with residual disease. Total tumor removal from and around the ICA was obtained in 95.2% of the cases. Long-term stent patency was evident in 20 of 21 cases. Conclusions: Preoperative stenting of the ICA represents a safe and effective procedure in selected cases, obviating the need for balloon occlusion or bypass procedures and reducing the risk of intraoperative vascular injury.
Efficacy of Fractional Microneedle Radiofrequency Device in the Treatment of Primary Axillary Hyperhidrosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kim Miri , Shin Jae Yong , Lee Jungsoo , Kim Ji Young , Oh Sang Ho
Published: October 2013

Background: Fractional microneedle radiofrequency (FMR) devices deliver energy to the deep dermis through insulated microneedles without destroying the epidermis. These FMR devices have been shown to be effective for the treatment of wrinkles, acne scars and large pores. In this study it was postulated that FMR energy could specifically affect the sweat glands, preserving the skin surface even if sweat glands were seated in the deep dermis. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of FMR for primary axillary hyperhidrosis (PAH) treatment and to conduct a histological analysis before and after treatment. Methods: Twenty patients with PAH had 2 sessions of bipolar FMR treatment at 4-week intervals. Clinical improvement was evaluated using a Hyperhidrosis Disease Severity Scale (HDSS) and photographs were taken using the starch-iodine test at every visit and 2 months after the last treatment. The amount of sweat reduction was indirectly assessed using a Tewameter™. Skin biopsies were obtained from 3 of the enrolled patients before and after treatment. The satisfaction and adverse reactions of the research participants were recorded at every follow-up visit. Results: HDSS scores decreased significantly from a baseline of 3.3 to 1.5 and 1.8 after the first and second months of posttreatment follow-up sessions, respectively (p < 0.001). In response to a subjective assessment at 1 month after the second treatment, 75% of patients (n = 15) had an HDSS score of 1 or 2, and 70% of patients (n = 14) expressed more than 50% improvement in their sweating. The starch-iodine reaction was also remarkably reduced in 95% of patients (n = 19) after FMR treatment. Histological findings showed a decrease in the number and size of both apocrine and eccrine glands 1 month after the final treatment. Side effects were minimal and included mild discomfort, transient swelling and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation. Conclusion: FMR treatment was effective for the treatment of PAH without significant adverse reactions due to direct volumetric heating of the lower dermis.
Pulmonary Mycoses Diagnosed Using Exfoliative Cytology: Infection or Colonization?
Authors: Singh Lavleen , Jain Deepali , Madan Karan , Mathur Sandeep R. , Chatterjee Priti , Guleria Randeep , Iyer Venkateswaran K.
Published: October 2013

Objectives: Flexible bronchoscopy with exfoliative cytology is an important tool for the diagnosis of pulmonary fungal infections. The question of colonization versus true fungal infection is of critical importance. Study Design: A 5-year retrospective analysis of all cases of pulmonary fungal infection diagnosed using exfoliative cytology was performed. Clinical, radiological, bronchoscopy and histopathology findings were recorded. Results: A total of 69 cases of mycoses were retrieved. The most common fungal organism identified was Aspergillus followed by Candida and Pneumocystis. Most cases of Aspergillus and Candida in cytological specimens presented as a pulmonary mass or endobronchial growth and were diagnosed as carcinomas in biopsy specimens, thus representing colonization. All cases of Pneumocystis with bilateral ground glass infiltrates and cryptococcosis with parenchymal mass lesion in radiology represented true infection. Histoplasma was identified in pleural fluid from a known case of lung carcinoma. Conclusion: Aspergillus and Candida species are the most common fungal organisms. Most of these represent colonization of malignant growths. However, true fungal infections may also present as mass lesions and may masquerade malignancy clinically. Fluid cytological examination is an important diagnostic modality for pulmonary mycoses; however, it is important to correlate results with clinical, bronchoscopy and biopsy findings for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
Human Papillomavirus Genotype Distribution in Cytologically Screened Women from Northwest Germany
Authors: de Jonge M. , Busecke G. , Heinecke A. , Bettendorf O.
Published: October 2013

Introduction: In this study, we evaluate the distribution of 24 human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in a cohort of 3,381 cytologically screened women from a rural area of northwest Germany, in correlation to cytological diagnoses and histological outcomes. Materials and Methods: We present a retrospective study in which the HPV-genotyping results of women who attended the German cervical screening program were correlated to cytological diagnosis and histological outcome. Results: HPV genotyping showed marked differences among cervical lesions. Although HPV-51 was common in all cervical lesions, it was rarely detected as single-type HPV infection in high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN)3 (2/118 cases). HPV-16 and 18 were more common in CIN3 (57.6%) than in CIN2 (21.8%), but they were absent in 42.4% of all CIN3 lesions in our cohort. Discussion: Our data show that HPV-16, HPV-31, HPV-51, HPV-53 and HPV-42 are the most prevalent HPV types in the different cervical lesions in this region of northwest Germany. HPV genotyping has been shown to be a powerful tool to triage atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance lesions. Considering the observed heterogeneity of HPV types in CIN2, it could also be useful to triage CIN2+ lesions. Our results underline the usefulness of a morphologically controlled screening program with HPV genotyping as a powerful additional tool.
Health-Related Quality of Life, Depression and Anxiety Correlate with the Degree of Hirsutism
Authors: Ekbäck M. Palmetun , Lindberg M. , Benzein E. , Årestedt K.
Published: October 2013

Background: Hirsutism has a negative impact on women's quality of life. The relation between quality of life, anxiety, depression and the level of hairiness has not been described. Aims: To investigate the correlations between the levels of hairiness, quality of life, anxiety and depression. Methods: 200 patients from Malmö, Örebro and Uppsala, who had been in contact with the clinics for problems with excessive hair growth, were invited to answer a self-administered questionnaire including sociodemographic questions, EQ-5D index score, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Ferriman-Gallwey scale (F-G); of these, 127 women participated in the study. Results: The mean values were: EQ-5D index 0.73 (SD = 0.27), EQ visual analogue scale 61.0 (SD = 22.6), HADS-anxiety 9.5 ± 5.3 and HADS-depression 6.5 ± 4.6. The mean DLQI was 11.8 ± 8.4, indicating a very large effect on patients' lives. All were significantly correlated with the amount of hairiness. Conclusions: Higher levels of hair growth were significantly correlated with a lower level of quality of life and symptoms of both anxiety and depression.
Novel Frameshift CHD7 Mutation Related to CHARGE Syndrome
Authors: Martínez-Quintana E. , Rodríguez-González F. , Garay-Sánchez P. , Tugores A.
Published: October 2013

CHARGE syndrome is a rare congenital condition characterized by 6 cardinal features: coloboma, heart defect, atresia choanae, retarded growth and development, genital anomalies, and ear anomalies/deafness. Mutations of the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein gene CHD7 are reported to be a major cause of CHARGE syndrome. Herein, we report the case of a 27-year-old patient presenting with typical symptoms who bears a novel heterozygous insertion in exon 2 of the CHD7 gene (c.327dupC) resulting in an amino acid substitution and a frameshift (p.Val110Argfs*22) that leads to a 131-amino-acid truncated polypeptide, likely representing a null allele. Parental genetic screening confirmed the sporadic origin of the mutation.