bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel antivascular efficacy of metronomic docetaxel therapy in prostate cancer: hnRNP K as a player
Authors: Benelli Roberto , Monteghirfo Stefano , Balbi Cecilia , Barboro Paola , Ferrari Nicoletta
Published: February 2009

Tumor growth requires a competent vascular supply and angiogenesis is now considered a potential target for cancer treatment. Chemotherapeutic drugs, and docetaxel in particular, chronically administered using a frequent schedule at low dose (metronomic dosing), can cause potent antiangiogenic effects by targeting the endothelial cells of newly growing blood vessels. Because the exposure to cytotoxic drugs could target both endothelial and tumor cells, we investigated the effects of “metronomic docetaxel” on hormone refractory prostate carcinoma cells. In vitro, metronomic therapy lowered tumor cell viability, inducing apoptosis and reducing the invasive potential at 10‐ to100‐fold lower concentrations as compared with the maximum tolerated dose. Metronomic regimens resulted in a significant reduction of vascular endothelial cell growth factor expression and up‐regulation of endogenous angiogenesis inhibitors. Our studies suggest that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K is a mediator of the effects we observed. Targeting heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K may serve as a specific antimetastasis and antiangiogenic therapy and could be a potential predictive marker to determine the optimal dose and schedule for metronomic chemotherapy regimens. These findings highlight the multiple effects that may characterize antiangiogenic metronomic chemotherapy and suggest that docetaxel might act as antitumor compound by affecting both cancer and endothelial cells at the same drug concentration. Careful optimization of drug scheduling and dosages will be required to maximize antitumor responses with metronomic approaches. © 2009 UICC
CD133+ and nestin+ tumor‐initiating cells dominate in N29 and N32 experimental gliomas
Authors: Bexell Daniel , Gunnarsson Salina , Siesjö Peter , Bengzon Johan , Darabi Anna
Published: February 2009

The current study was designed to critically evaluate the notion that cancer stem cell (CSC)‐like cells constitute a subpopulation of cells within experimental gliomas. Virtually all cells within the N29 and N32 rat glioma models homogenously expressed CD133, the stem/progenitor marker nestin as well as the neural lineage markers glial fibrillary acidic protein, βIII‐tubulin, and CNPase in vitro. The phenotype was largely retained on exposure to conditions promoting differentiation in vitro and after intracranial implantation of tumor cells into syngeneic hosts. Unsorted adherently grown cells displayed very high clonogenicity in vitro and robust tumorigenicity in vivo. Single N29 and N32 tumor cells invariably formed clones in vitro, and intracerebral inoculation of as few as 10 adherently growing N29 and N32 tumor cells, respectively, gave rise to a tumor. These results provide an alternative view on CSC‐like cells in glioma models: sphere‐formation is not a prerequisite for accumulation of tumorigenic cells, and CSC‐like cells do not reside within a rare subpopulation of cells in these glioma models. N29 and N32 gliomas may accordingly be used for the development of treatment strategies directed specifically against a practically pure population of brain tumor‐initiating CSC‐like cells. © 2009 UICC
Effects of interferon alpha treatment on recurrence and survival after complete resection or ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang Chuan‐Hai , Xu Ge‐Liang , Jia Wei‐Dong , Ge Yong‐Sheng
Published: February 2009

Available literature on the benefit of interferon alpha (IFN‐α) as adjuvant postsurgical or ablative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma reports discordant results. By meta‐analysis of the available data, we evaluated the effects of IFN‐α on recurrence and survival after complete resection or ablation of hepatocellular carcinoma. All randomized controlled trials comparing IFN‐α with placebo or no treatment after tumor resection or ablation were selected. Finally, 6 studies published in 2001 or later with a total of 600 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. Data on postsurgical or ablative early recurrence and 1 year survival of hepatocellular carcinoma in IFN‐α treated and untreated patients were extracted from each study. Proportions were combined, and the odds ratio (OR) with its 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as the effect size estimate. Analysis results show that IFN‐α significantly decreased postsurgical or ablative overall early recurrence (OR = 0.62; 95% CI = 0.42–0.93; p = 0.02) and improved overall 1 year survival (OR = 3.14; 95% CI = 1.79–5.52; p < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses show that IFN‐α decreased postsurgical early recurrence (OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.37–0.91; p = 0.02) and improved 1 year survival (OR = 3.19; 95% CI = 1.80–5.67; p < 0.0001) evidently. Subgroup analyses also show that IFN‐α reduced early recurrence after resection without pre‐resection ablation therapy (OR = 0.58; 95% CI = 0.37–0.91; p = 0.02) and improved 1 year survival (OR = 3.83; 95% CI = 2.01–7.27; p < 0.0001). These results suggest that IFN‐α treatment could significantly decrease early recurrence and improve 1 year survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after complete resection or ablation. The use of IFN‐α as adjuvant postsurgical or ablative treatment seems promising but requires further study. © 2009 UICC
BAMBI gene is epigenetically silenced in subset of high‐grade bladder cancer
Authors: Khin Sann Sanda , Kitazawa Riko , Win Ne , Aye Than Than , Mori Kiyoshi , Kondo Takeshi , Kitazawa Sohei
Published: February 2009

The bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and activin membrane‐bound inhibitor (BAMBI) is a transmembrane TGFRI/BMPRI‐related pseudoreceptor, antagonizes transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β/BMP signaling by inhibiting the formation of functional authentic receptor complexes (TGFRI/BMPRI and TGFRII/BMPRII). On the assumption that BAMBI gene expression is epigenetically altered during human bladder cancer progression, we screened the expression of BAMBI protein by immunohistochemistry and the methylation status of the BAMBI promoter. In the normal or reactive urothelium, BAMBI expression was mostly overlapped with that of BMPRI, and a similar colocalization pattern was noted in low‐grade papillary cancers. In high‐grade and invasive cancers, however, mainly two reciprocal immunohistochemical expression patterns were observed: BAMBI‐low/BMPRI‐high, and BAMBI‐high/BMPRI‐low, indicating that BAMBI expression is controlled such that it does not interfere with the responsiveness of high‐grade cancer cells to TGF‐β/BMP signaling. Moreover, methylation of the BAMBI gene correlated significantly with negative BAMBI expression in bladder tumors. Although BAMBI overexpression significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells in T24 line, knock‐down small interfering RNA showed no remarkable change. Cell motility assay revealed that on treatment with either TGF‐β1 or BMP2, T24 and HTB9 lines showed a marked increase in the number of migrated cells which, however, decreased significantly through the forced expression of BAMBI. Since certain subsets of aggressive tumors often promote cell motility, invasion and survival by inducing epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition through TGF‐β/BMP in an autocrine and paracrine manner, hypermethylation of the BAMBI gene promoter that leads to BAMBI gene suppression may be one of the epigenetic events affecting the invasiveness or aggressiveness of bladder cancers. © 2009 UICC
Molecular variants of HPV‐16 associated with cervical cancer in Indian population
Authors: Pillai M.R. , Hariharan R. , Babu Janki Mohan , Lakshmi S. , Chiplunkar S.V. , Patkar M. , Tongaonkar H. , Dinshaw K. , Jayshree R.S. , Reddy B.K.M. , Siddiqui M. , Roychoudury Soma , Saha Baisakhi , Abraham P. , Gnanamony M. , Peedicayil A. , Subhashini J. , Ram T.S. , Dey Bindu , Sharma C. , Jain S.K. , Singh N.
Published: February 2009

Human papilloma virus is a causative factor in the etiology of cervical cancer with HPV16 being the most prevalent genotype associated with it. Intratype variations in oncogenic E6/E7 and capsid L1 proteins of HPV 16 besides being of phylogenetic importance, are associated with risk of viral persistence and progression. The objective of this multicentric study was to identify HPV‐16 E6, E7 and L1 variants prevalent in India and their possible biological effects. Squamous cell cervical cancer biopsies were collected from 6 centres in India and examined for the presence of HPV 16. Variants of HPV‐16 were characterized by full length sequence analysis of L1, E6 and E7 genes in 412 samples. Similar distribution of the variants was seen from the different centres/regions, with the European variant E350G being the most prevalent (58%), followed by American Asian variant (11.4%). Fifty six changes were seen in E6 region, 31 being nonsynonymous. The most frequent being L83V (72.3%), Q14H (13.1%) and H78Y (12.1%). Twenty‐nine alterations were seen in E7 region, with 12 being nonsynonymous. The most frequent being F57V (9%). L1 region showed 204 changes, of which 67 were nonsynonymous. The most frequent being 448insS (100%), and 465delD (100%), H228D (94%), T292A (85%). The identified variants some new and some already reported can disrupt pentamer formation, transcriptional regulation of the virus, L1 protein interface interaction, B and T cell epitopes, p53 degradation, and thus their distribution is important for development of HPV diagnostics, vaccine, and for therapeutic purpose. © 2009 UICC
Merkel cell polyomavirus sequences are frequently detected in nonmelanoma skin cancer of immunosuppressed patients
Authors: Kassem Ahmad , Technau Kristin , Kurz Anna Kordelia , Pantulu Deepa , Löning Marie , Kayser Gian , Stickeler Elmar , Weyers Wolfgang , Diaz Carlos , Werner Martin , Nashan Dorothee , zur Hausen Axel
Published: February 2009

Recently, a new human polyoma virus has been identified in Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). MCC is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) associated with immunosuppression. Clonal integration of this virus which was termed Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) was reported in a number of MCC. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are also NMSC and are the most frequent cancers in the setting of immunosuppression. A unique group of 56 NMSC from 11 immunosuppressed patients and 147 NMSC of 125 immunocompetent patients was tested for MCPyV by DNA PCR, targeting the Large T Antigen and the structural Viral Protein 1. NMSC included SCC, BCC and Bowen's disease (BD). In addition, normal skin and 89 colorectal cancers were tested. MCPyV specific sequences were significantly more frequently found in NMSC of immunosuppressed patients compared to immunocompetent patients (p < 0.001). In particular BD and BCC revealed a significant increased association of MCPyV of immunosuppressed patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006). Forty‐seven of 147 (32%) sporadic NMSC were MCPyV positive. Interestingly, 37.5% (36/96) of sporadic BCC of immunocompetent patients were MCPyV positive. No MCPyV was detected within normal skin and only 3 out of 89 of additionally tested colorectal cancers were MCPyV positive. Our data show that MCPyV is a frequently reactivated virus in immunocompromized patients. How MCPyV contributes to the pathogenesis of NMSC, i.e., BD, SCC and BCC, in immunosuppressed patients and in addition, potentially to the pathogenesis of a subset of sporadic BCC needs further investigations. © 2009 UICC
The MTHFR C677T and ΔDNMT3B C‐149T polymorphisms confer different risks for right‐ and left‐sided colorectal cancer
Authors: Iacopetta Barry , Heyworth Jane , Girschik Jennifer , Grieu Fabienne , Clayforth Cassandra , Fritschi Lin
Published: February 2009

Etiological risk factors for proximal (right‐sided) colon cancers may be different to those of distal colon and rectal (left‐sided) cancers if these tumors develop along distinct pathways. The CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP+) occurs in approximately 15% of colorectal cancers (CRC) and predominantly in the proximal colon. CIMP+ tumors have frequent methylation of gene promoter regions and increased tissue folate levels. The aim here was to determine whether polymorphisms in 2 genes involved in cellular methyl group metabolism were associated with different risks for right‐ and left‐sided CRC. This population‐based case–control study involved 859 incident cases of CRC and 973 sex and age‐matched controls. Information on dietary folate and alcohol intake was obtained from food frequency questionnaires and information on the anatomical site of tumors from pathology reports. DNA was collected using FTA cards and genotyping performed for the MTHFR C677T and ΔDNMT3B C‐149T polymorphisms. The MTHFR 677 T allele was associated with increased risk for proximal colon cancer (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.29) but decreased risk for distal cancers (AOR = 0.87). The increased risk for proximal cancers was especially pronounced in older individuals (AOR = 1.49) and those with a low folate diet (AOR = 1.67) or high alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.90). The ΔDNMT3B‐149 TT genotype was protective against proximal colon cancers (AOR = 0.65), but showed no association with the risk of distal colon and rectal cancers (AOR = 1.02). Epidemiological studies on dietary and genetic risk factors for CRC should take into account these may confer different risks for right‐ and left‐sided tumors. © 2009 UICC
Physical activity and risk of prostate cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort
Authors: Johnsen Nina Føns , Tjønneland Anne , Thomsen Birthe L.R. , Christensen Jane , Loft Steffen , Friedenreich Christine , Key Timothy J. , Allen Naomi E. , Lahmann Petra H. , Mejlvig Lotte , Overvad Kim , Kaaks Rudolf , Rohrmann Sabine , Boing Heiner , Misirli Gesthimani , Trichopoulou Antonia , Zylis Dimosthenis , Tumino Rosario , Pala Valeria , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. Bas , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Suárez Laudina Rodríguez , Gonzalez Carlos A. , Sánchez Maria‐José , Huerta José María , Gurrea Aurelio Barricarte , Manjer Jonas , Wirfält Elisabet , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nick , Boffetta Paolo , Egevad Lars , Rinaldi Sabina , Riboli Elio
Published: February 2009

The evidence concerning the possible association between physical activity and the risk of prostate cancer is inconsistent and additional data are needed. We examined the association between risk of prostate cancer and physical activity at work and in leisure time in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. In our study, including 127,923 men aged 20–97 years from 8 European countries, 2,458 cases of prostate cancer were identified during 8.5 years of followup. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, we investigated the associations between prostate cancer incidence rate and occupational activity and leisure time activity in terms of participation in sports, cycling, walking and gardening; a metabolic equivalent (MET) score based on weekly time spent on the 4 activities; and a physical activity index. MET hours per week of leisure time activity, higher score in the physical activity index, participation in any of the 4 leisure time activities, and the number of leisure time activities in which the participants were active were not associated with prostate cancer incidence. However, higher level of occupational physical activity was associated with lower risk of advanced stage prostate cancer (ptrend = 0.024). In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis of an inverse association between advanced prostate cancer risk and occupational physical activity, but we found no support for an association between prostate cancer risk and leisure time physical activity. © 2009 UICC
Genetic variants in pigmentation genes, pigmentary phenotypes, and risk of skin cancer in Caucasians
Authors: Nan Hongmei , Kraft Peter , Hunter David J. , Han Jiali
Published: February 2009

Human pigmentation is a polygenic quantitative trait with high heritability. Although a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in pigmentation genes, very few SNPs have been examined in relation to human pigmentary phenotypes and skin cancer risk. We evaluated the associations between 15 SNPs in 8 candidate pigmentation genes (TYR, TYRP1, OCA2, SLC24A5, SLC45A2, POMC, ASIP and ATRN) and both pigmentary phenotypes (hair color, skin color and tanning ability) and skin cancer risk in a nested case‐control study of Caucasians within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) among 218 melanoma cases, 285 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases, 300 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases and 870 common controls. We found that the TYR Arg402Gln variant was significantly associated with skin color (p‐value = 7.7 × 10−4) and tanning ability (p‐value = 7.3 × 10−4); the SLC45A2 Phe374Leu variant was significantly associated with hair color (black to blonde) (p‐value = 2.4 × 10−7), skin color (p‐value = 1.1 × 10−7) and tanning ability (p‐value = 2.5 × 10−4). These associations remained significant after controlling for MC1R variants. No significant associations were found between these polymorphisms and the risk of skin cancer. We observed that the TYRP1 rs1408799 and SLC45A2 1721 C>G were associated with melanoma risk (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60–0.98 and OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60–0.95, respectively). The TYR Ser192Tyr was associated with SCC risk (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00–1.50). The TYR haplotype carrying only the Arg402Gln variant allele was significantly associated with SCC risk (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04–1.74). The OCA2 Arg419Gln and ASIP g.8818 A>G were associated with BCC risk (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.06–2.13 and OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53–1.00, respectively). The haplotype near ASIP (rs4911414[T] and rs1015362[G]) was significantly associated with fair skin color (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.46–3.57) as well as the risks of melanoma (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.18–2.39) and SCC (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08–2.19). These associations remained similar after adjusting for pigmentary phenotypes and MC1R variants. The statistical power of our study was modest and additional studies are warranted to confirm the associations observed in the present study. Our study provides evidence for the contribution of pigmentation genetic variants, in addition to the MC1R variants, to variation in human pigmentary phenotypes and possibly the development of skin cancer. © 2009 UICC
The antiretroviral nucleoside analogue Abacavir reduces cell growth and promotes differentiation of human medulloblastoma cells
Authors: Rossi Alessandra , Russo Giuseppe , Puca Andrew , La Montagna Raffaele , Caputo Mariella , Mattioli Eliseo , Lopez Massimo , Giordano Antonio , Pentimalli Francesca
Published: February 2009

Abacavir is one of the most efficacious nucleoside analogues, with a well‐characterized inhibitory activity on reverse transcriptase enzymes of retroviral origin, and has been clinically approved for the treatment of AIDS. Recently, Abacavir has been shown to inhibit also the human telomerase activity. Telomerase activity seems to be required in essentially all tumours for the immortalization of a subset of cells, including cancer stem cells. In fact, many cancer cells are dependent on telomerase for their continued replication and therefore telomerase is an attractive target for cancer therapy. Telomerase expression is upregulated in primary primitive neuroectodermal tumours and in the majority of medulloblastomas suggesting that its activation is associated with the development of these diseases. Therefore, we decided to test Abacavir activity on human medulloblastoma cell lines with high telomerase activity. We report that exposure to Abacavir induces a dose‐dependent decrease in the proliferation rate of medulloblastoma cells. This is associated with a cell accumulation in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle in the Daoy cell line, and with increased cell death in the D283‐MED cell line, and is likely to be dependent on the inhibition of telomerase activity. Interestingly, both cell lines showed features of senescence after Abacavir treatment. Moreover, after Abacavir exposure we detected, by immunofluorescence staining, increased protein expression of the glial marker glial fibrillary acidic protein and the neuronal marker synaptophysin in both medulloblastoma cell lines. In conclusion, our results suggest that Abacavir reduces proliferation and induces differentiation of human medulloblastoma cells through the downregulation of telomerase activity. Thus, using Abacavir, alone or in combination with current therapies, might be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of medulloblastoma. © 2009 UICC
Dietary carotenoids and the risk of invasive breast cancer
Authors: Mignone Laura I. , Giovannucci Edward , Newcomb Polly A. , Titus‐Ernstoff Linda , Trentham‐Dietz Amy , Hampton John M. , Willett Walter C. , Egan Kathleen M.
Published: February 2009

Certain classes of vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables have been of particular interest in relation to cancer prevention, owing to their potential anticarcinogenic properties. We examined the association between certain fruits, vegetables, carotenoids, and vitamin A and breast cancer risk in a large population‐based case‐control study of women residing in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. The study was comprised of 5,707 women with incident invasive breast cancer (2,363 premenopausal women and 3,516 postmenopausal women) and 6,389 population controls (2,594 premenopausal women and 3,516 postmenopausal women). In an interview, women were asked about their intake of carotenoid rich fruits and vegetables 5 years prior to a referent date. An inverse association observed among premenopausal women was for high levels of vitamin A (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98, p for trend = 0.01), β‐carotene (OR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.98, p for trend = 0.009), α‐carotene (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98, p for trend = 0.07) and lutein/zeaxanthin (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.68–0.99, p for trend = 0.02). An inverse association was not observed among postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women who reported ever smoking, these results were stronger than among never smokers, although tests for interaction were not statistically significant. Results from this study are comparable to previous prospective studies, and suggest that a high consumption of carotenoids may reduce the risk of premenopausal but not postmenopausal breast cancer, particularly among smokers. © 2009 UICC
The influence of heat treatment and plastic deformation on the bio‐degradation of a Mg‐Y‐RE alloy
Authors: Gunde Petra , Furrer Angela , Hänzi Anja C. , Schmutz Patrik , Uggowitzer Peter J.
Published: February 2009

In this study the bio‐degradation behavior of a Mg‐Y‐RE alloy in different heat treatment states with respect to the alloy's potential application as biodegradable implant material was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in two body‐similar fluids. The heat treatments increase the degradation resistance of the alloy and lead to the formation of a thermal oxide layer on the sample surface and to a change in microstructure such as the distribution of yttrium. The varying Y distribution in the alloy does not significantly influence the degradation behavior, and all samples show a similar low polarization resistance. However, samples with a thermal oxide layer, which consists mainly of Y2O3, degrade much more slowly and feature remarkably high polarization resistance. Nevertheless, in some cases localized corrosion attack occurs and drastically impairs performance. Cracks in the oxide layer, intentionally induced by straining of the samples and which in practice could originate from the implantation process, reduce the corrosion resistance. However, these samples perform still better than polished specimens and show a macroscopically homogeneous degradation behavior without localized corrosion. Microscopically, corrosion attacks start at the cracks and undermining of the oxide layer occurs with time. For all the material conditions a remarkable dependence of the degradation rate on the electrolyte is noted. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
The effects of monoacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) on the properties of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels used for tissue engineering
Authors: Beamish Jeffrey A. , Zhu Junmin , Kottke‐Marchant Kandice , Marchant Roger E.
Published: February 2009

This study investigated the effects of poly(ethylene glycol) monoacrylate (PEGMA) on the properties of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)‐co‐PEGMA hydrogel networks. The PEGMA materials utilized were similar to ligand‐linked materials typically copolymerized with PEGDA for use as tissue engineering scaffolds. PEGDA (5–20% wt/wt, 6 kDa) and PEGMA (0–20% wt/wt, 0–43 mM, 5 kDa) were copolymerized by photo‐initiated free radical polymerization and the mass swelling ratio and shear modulus of the resulting hydrogels were determined. Increasing the prepolymerization concentration of PEGMA decreased the swelling ratio by up to 42 ± 1.6% and increased the shear modulus by up to 167 ± 29.3%, suggesting that PEGMA enhanced gel cross‐linking. Analysis of the effective number of cross‐linked chains per PEGDA, calculated independently from swelling and mechanical data, indicated each PEGDA participated in more cross‐links as PEGMA was added. The results suggest that PEGMA‐co‐PEGDA gels can be formed with higher concentrations of PEGMA‐tethered ligands than previously reported allowing the formation of scaffolds with a rich diversity of biological functionalities without sacrificing the integrity of the gel network. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
In vivo bone biocompatibility and degradation of porous fumarate‐based polymer/alumoxane nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Mistry Amit S. , Pham Quynh P. , Schouten Corinne , Yeh Tiffany , Christenson Elizabeth M. , Mikos Antonios G. , Jansen John A.
Published: February 2009

The objective of this study was to determine how the incorporation of surface‐modified alumoxane nanoparticles into a biodegradable fumarate‐based polymer affects in vivo bone biocompatibility (characterized by direct bone contact and bone ingrowth) and in vivo degradability. Porous scaffolds were fabricated from four materials: poly(propylene fumarate)/propylene fumarate‐diacrylate (PPF/PF‐DA) polymer alone; a macrocomposite consisting of PPF/PF‐DA polymer with boehmite microparticles; a nanocomposite composed of PPF/PF‐DA polymer and mechanically reinforcing surface‐modified alumoxane nanoparticles; and a low‐molecular weight PPF polymer alone (tested as a degradation control). Scaffolds were implanted in the lateral femoral condyle of adult goats for 12 weeks and evaluated by micro‐computed tomography and histological analysis. For all material groups, small amounts of bone, some soft tissue, and a few inflammatory elements were observed within the pores of scaffolds, though many pores remained empty or filled with fluid only. Direct contact between scaffolds and surrounding bone tissue was also observed in all scaffold types, though less commonly. Minimal in vivo degradation occurred during the 12 weeks of implantation in all materials except the degradation control. These results demonstrate that the incorporation of alumoxane nanoparticles into porous PPF/PF‐DA scaffolds does not significantly alter in vivo bone biocompatibility or degradation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Farsenol‐modified biodegradable polyurethanes for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Eglin David , Grad Sibylle , Gogolewski Sylwester , Alini Mauro
Published: February 2009

A bifunctionalized 3,7,11‐trimethyl‐2,6,10‐dodecatrien‐1‐diaminobutane amide (isoprenoid) was obtained from 3,7,11‐trimethyl‐2,6,10‐dodecatrien‐1‐ol (farnesol) in a three‐step synthesis. The bifunctionalized isoprenoid was characterized using infrared spectroscopy and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and was covalently incorporated (0.12 mmol.g−1) into the biodegradable aliphatic polyurethane formed on the polycondensation reaction of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) diol, 1,4,3,6‐dianhydro‐D‐sorbitol and 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate. Although the covalent incorporation of the isoprenoid molecule into the polyurethane chain modified the surface chemistry of the polymer, it did not affect the viability of attached chondrocytes. Porous 3D scaffolds were produced from the modified and unmodified biodegradable segmented polyurethanes by a salt leaching‐phase‐inverse technique. The scaffolds were seeded with bovine chondrocytes encapsulated in fibrin gel and cultured in vitro for 14 days. The incorporation of bifunctional isoprenoid into the polyurethane affected the morphology of the scaffolds produced, when compared with the morphology of the scaffolds produced using the same technique from the unmodified polyurethane. As a consequence, there was more uniform cell seeding and more homogeneous distribution of the synthesized extracellular matrix throughout the scaffold resulting in a reduced cell/tissue layer at the edges of the constructs. However, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), DNA content, and chondrocytes phenotype in the scaffolds produced from these two polyurethane formulations did not vary significantly. The findings suggest that the change of surface characteristics and the more open pore structure of the scaffolds produced from the isoprenoid‐modified polyurethane are beneficial for the seeding efficiency and the homogeneity of the tissue engineered constructs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Defluoridation performance and mechanism of nano‐scale aluminum oxide hydroxide in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Shu‐Guang , Ma Yue , Shi Yi‐Jing , Gong Wen‐Xin
Published: February 2009

BACKGROUND: The present study has concentrated on investigating the fluoride removal potential of nano‐scale aluminum oxide hydroxide (nano‐AlOOH). A series of batch adsorption experiments were carried out to assess parameters that influence the adsorption process. The different parameters investigated include the effect of contact time, initial fluoride concentration, adsorbent dose, pH of the solution and co‐existing anions.

RESULTS: Most of the adsorption took place during the first 30 min and kinetic and equilibrium adsorption data show that the process obeys a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation and the Langmuir adsorption model. The fluoride removal efficiency is greater than 90% between pH 6 and 8 and decreases as pH values increase to 11. The presence of SO42− or PO43− in aqueous solution was found to reduce the fluoride uptake. Desorption studies showed that the fluoride can easily be desorbed at pH 13.

CONCLUSION: Nano‐AlOOH possesses a maximum fluoride capacity of 3259 mg F− kg−1, which is comparable with that of activated alumina. Maximum adsorption occurred at around pH 7, which makes nano‐AlOOH a potential adsorbent for drinking water treatment. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Coping with the costs of illness: the role of shops and shopkeepers as social networks in a low‐income community in coastal Kenya
Authors: Chuma Jane , Molyneux Catherine
Published: February 2009

The role of shops as an important first source of treatment for many illnesses is well documented. Far less attention has been directed towards the broader role that shops and shopkeepers may play in household coping behaviour, for example by offering credit to help meet the direct and indirect costs of illness, and to cope with other socio‐economic needs. This exploratory paper draws on the data collected as part of a wider study on affordability of health care to consider the ‘multiple’ roles that shops and shopkeepers play in households' financing of illness related costs. The findings support the potential of working with shopkeepers to design and implement interventions that identify and reach the poor, but also highlight important challenges, including inequities in access to shop services, and the complex relationships that shopkeepers have with their clients. We suggest further specifically designed studies to explore the issues in more detail, to test the transferability of the findings to other settings, and to consider the implications for policy and practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Residence time distributions of the Northern Annular Mode
Authors: Ruzmaikin Alexander
Published: February 2009

The Northern Annular Mode (NAM) is a large‐scale climatic anomaly pattern characterizing the atmospheric circulation in the polar and the mid‐latitude regions. To help in understanding the basic physics underlying the NAM we determine and examine the probability distributions of residence times in the positive and negative phases of the NAM. These distributions are found to have only slightly different mean residence times but differ strongly in their tails. The difference in the tails of the distributions expresses a dominance of one phase of the NAM over the other during rarely occurring events such as the dominant positive NAM in the mid 1960s to the late 1990s.

We investigate a possible influence of solar variability on the residence time distributions and find that at high solar activity the NAM spends slightly more time in its negative phase in the stratosphere and slightly less time (compared to the positive phase) in the troposphere. Much stronger influence on the NAM may occur during rare but prolonged changes in solar activity. This extends the conjecture that external forcing only affects the mean residence times (‘occupation frequencies’) of the dynamical states. An example is the dominance of the negative NAM during the 70‐year long Maunder Minimum.

The distributions are consistent with generation by a non‐linear process of random transitions between two equilibrium states of a system with the addition of a small forced component. A simple two‐well potential model provides an approximate description of this process elucidating its dynamics as well as the effect of external influences on the annular modes. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Raman and IR spectroscopy study of corrosion products on the surface of the hot‐dip galvanized steel with alkaline mud adhesion
Authors: Zhang Hong , Li Xiaogang , Du Cuiwei , Qi Huibin , Huang Yizhong
Published: February 2009

The corrosion products formed on hot‐dip galvanized steel sheets for the automobile application with adhesion of alkaline mud containing different Cl− ion contents are investigated by means of Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopy. Results show that the Cl− ion content in alkaline mud has great influence on the corrosion behavior of the galvanized steel. The Cl− ions are responsible for the formation of the Zn5Cl2(OH)8· H2O layer on the surface of the steel at the early stage of corrosion. The rest of the Cl− ions then penetrate and interrupt corrosion product layer resulting in pitting corrosion. Subsequently, the red corrosion product of α‐FeOOH (shaped as needle‐like structure) is formed, which then transforms into black rust of Fe3O4 (having a shape of slim needle). It is interesting to find out that pitting depth is inversely proportional to the Cl− ion content. However, corrosion rate decreases with the increase of the Cl− ions in mud. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of urinary calculi—a spectroscopic study
Authors: Manciu F. S. , Govani J. R. , Durrer W. G. , Reza L. , Pinales L. A.
Published: February 2009

Although herbal medicine is widely employed in inhibition of urinary calculi as an alternative and complementary curative method, the lack of detailed scientific studies that could provide insights into this complex process weakens its validity. The present work targets multitechnique spectroscopic investigations by Raman, infrared absorption, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and photoluminescence on the effects of the herb Rotula Aquatica Lour (RAL) on the growth of synthetically prepared magnesium‐based calculi. In addition to the standard magnesium phosphate‐based sample, two other samples were prepared with incorporation of 1 and 2wt% RAL herbal extract. Both, Raman and infrared data show a newberyite structure for the crystals without and with inhibitor. The XPS measurements reveal an unexpected presence of Zn in the sample with bfRAL inhibitor, which, as suggested in the literature, may initiate rapid stone formation, and consequently, contribute to the inhibition process. Furthermore, the existence of metallic Zn can explain the reflectance of the incident light observed in the infrared transmission studies of the unground crystals. A significant increase in magnesium with addition of herbal extract is observed in the XPS data. Also, evidence for MgO binding between the inhibitor and the phosphate units of urinary calculus is found in XPS and Raman results. Similarity between our photoluminescence measurements and those of in vivo chlorophyll a corroborates to provide additional evidence of Mg‐related inhibition. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FT‐Raman investigation of human dental enamel surfaces
Authors: Mihály Judith , Gombás Veronika , Afishah Alias , Mink János
Published: February 2009

FT‐Raman spectra of human enamel surfaces from sound, affected (with 1 cavity) and highly affected (with at least 3 cavities) tooth samples were analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). Major differences between the unaffected and affected tooth samples seem to arise from the structural changes along the c‐axis of hydroxyapatite, the chief crystalline component of human dental enamel. Based on Fisher index calculations, the most discriminative value was obtained for the intensity of the only Raman active ν2PO43− (E1) symmetric deformation mode at 428 cm−1. Moreover, these changes can be observed through the whole tooth enamel surface, establishing a predisposition to caries correlated to chemical and structural composition of tooth enamel. No spectral changes regarding the CO32− substitution were detected by both nondestructive FT‐Raman and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectroscopy of the powdered teeth samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyphosphazene Microcapsules Fabricated through Covalent Assembly
Authors: Feng Zhiqiang , Fan Guoqiang , Wang Hongxia , Gao Changyou , Shen Jiacong
Published: February 2009

Hollow polyphosphazene microcapsules have been fabricated by the covalent layer‐by‐layer assembly of polydichlorophosphazene (PDCP) and hexamethylenediamine (HDA) on aminosilanized silica particles, followed by core removal in a HF/NH4F solution. The hollow and intact microcapsules in both wet and dry states have been characterized by transmission electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. The chemical structure of the microcapsules has been verified by FT‐IR spectroscopy. The microcapsules could be hydrolytically degraded in a phosphate buffer at biological pH.

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Adherence to antiparkinson medication in a multicenter European study
Authors: Grosset Donald , Antonini Angelo , Canesi Margherita , Pezzoli Gianni , Lees Andrew , Shaw Karen , Cubo Esther , Martinez‐Martin Pablo , Rascol Olivier , Negre‐Pages Laurence , Senard Ana , Schwarz Johannes , Strecker Karl , Reichmann Heinz , Storch Alexander , Löhle Matthias , Stocchi Fabrizio , Grosset Katherine
Published: February 2009

Two small studies reported suboptimal therapy adherence in Parkinson's disease. We conducted a larger multicenter European study to assess medicine‐taking behavior. Parkinson's disease patients taking dopaminergic therapy were enrolled in 8 centers in 5 countries, and disease severity and demographics recorded. Antiparkinson drug adherence was measured for 4 weeks using electronic monitoring bottles which record the date and time of cap opening (Aardex®, Switzerland). One hundred twelve patients, mean age 65 years (standard deviation (SD) 10), with Parkinson's disease for 7.7 (SD 8.2) years completed the study. Total median adherence (doses taken/doses prescribed) was 97.7% (interquartile range [IQ] 90.6–100), days adherence (correct dose days) was 86.2% (IQ 61.1–96.2) and timing adherence (doses taken at correct time intervals) was 24.4% (IQ 5.3–56.5). Fourteen patients (12.5%) took less than 80% of prescribed doses, which was defined as suboptimal adherence. Patients with satisfactory adherence took a median of 8 mg/day (IQ 0–33) less than their prescribed dose of levodopa (P = NS), while suboptimal adherence patients took a median of 481 mg/day (IQ 205–670) less than their prescribed dose (P = 0.0006). The Parkinson motor score was significantly higher in patients with suboptimal adherence at 29 (IQ 20–40), versus those with satisfactory adherence at 19 (IQ 13–26), P = 0.005. Once daily drugs had significantly better adherence when compared with drugs prescribed more frequently (P < 0.0001). Suboptimal therapy adherence is associated with significant deviation from prescribed levodopa doses, despite greater Parkinson's motor severity. Optimizing oral medication intake has a potential role in maximizing the therapy response in Parkinson's disease. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Cognitive decline in early Parkinson's disease
Authors: Kandiah Nagaendran , Narasimhalu Kaavya , Lau Puay‐Ngoh , Seah Soo‐Hoon , Au Wing Lok , Tan Louis C.S.
Published: February 2009

Data on the prevalence and severity of cognitive impairment among patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD) is limited. Using a prospectively collected clinical database, we studied the longitudinal trend of mini‐mental state examination (MMSE) change and baseline factors predictive for MMSE decline. One hundred six patients with mean age of 61.2 years and mean baseline MMSE of 27.8 ± 2.3 were studied. MMSE increased by 0.4 points/year among patients without cognitive decline (n = 73) and decreased by 2.39 points/year among patients with cognitive decline (n = 33). Univariate analysis demonstrated education, age of diagnosis, depression, and diabetes mellitus to be associated with cognitive decline. Motor scores and hallucination were not associated with cognitive decline. Multivariate analysis demonstrated higher level of education to be protective (HR = 0.91, 95% CI 0.82–0.99, P = 0.047) and depression having borderline significance in predicting cognitive decline (HR = 2.00, 95% CI 0.97–4.15, P = 0.061). We found that 31% of newly diagnosed idiopathic PD patients have measurable cognitive decline at an early stage of disease. Higher education is protective while depression may be predictive of cognitive decline. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Levodopa use and sleep in patients with dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Molloy Sophie , Minett Thais , O'Brien John T. , McKeith Ian G. , Burn David J.
Published: February 2009

Sleep disturbance and excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) are features of Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) that may be influenced by dopamine replacement therapy. The effect of levodopa on sleep and EDS in DLB is unknown and unclear in PD. The aim of this study is to determine if levodopa treatment alters sleep symptoms and EDS in DLB. Dopamine naïve patients with DLB (n = 15; mean mini mental state examination (MMSE) score 17.7(4.6)) and PD (n = 9; mean MMSE 25.5(2.2)) were assessed using the Epworth sleep scale, Parkinson's disease sleep scale, and the neuropsychiatric inventory prior to initiating treatment with levodopa. All measures were repeated after 3 and 6 months of levodopa therapy. The median final daily levodopa dose was 300 mg in both groups. Baseline sleep measures were comparable between groups. Levodopa treatment did not affect sleep or lead to increased EDS in DLB patients. The use of levodopa does not appear to adversely affect subjective sleep measures or increase EDS in DLB patients. © 2009 Movement Disorder Society
Hyperlink extraction improves state of Illinois website identification
Authors: Jackson Larry S. , Zhang Yan , Wu3 Jian
Published: February 2009

This material is based upon work supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the National Leadership Grant Capturing Electronic Publications of Public Documents', number LG‐02030120, and by the Library of Congress under the grant Exploring Collaborations to Harness Objects in a Digital Environment for Preservation', award number A6075, and by the Illinois State Library under the grant Illinois State Library Electronic Documents', number E&A 06‐0304. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the awarding agencies, or the University of Illinois.

In state government web archiving, new websites of required by statute to be archived are continually discovered. Largely manual techniques used to date to locate new state websites are here supplemented with automated hyperlink extraction. The rate of discovering new state websites quadrupled, at the cost of having to analyze thousands of hyperlinks. Newly discovered websites tended to be smaller, and often concerned adjunct efforts of agencies for which some other website(s) were already known. Beginning the website discovery process using a combination of what is known, or easily discovered manually, followed by the more thorough analysis of hyperlinks seems likely to discover the largest percentage of state government websites most economically.
Simulation of mesoscale features associated with intense western disturbances over western Himalayas
Authors: Dimri A. P. , Mohanty U. C.
Published: February 2009

North India is comprised, in parts, of complex Himalayan mountain ranges having different altitudes and orientations all along this region. Due to the highly variable altitude and orientation of orographic barriers the prevailing weather conditions over the region are complex. The winter season over this region is frequented by eastward‐moving low pressure synoptic weather systems called Western Disturbances (WDs). Advance information of these WDs are important for organizations where men and machines are employed to operate in the open, for example, for defence purpose, agriculture, tourism and transport. Future projection of meteorological variables is important during the winter in assessment of cold wave conditions, avalanche release and a critical human comfort index. Therefore, a non‐hydrostatic version of the Penn State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research, US, (PSU/NCAR) mesoscale model is used to simulate the characteristic features of the Western Disturbances (WDs) occurring over the Indian region during a winter season. For this study, four cases of active WDs are selected. The model is integrated with 60 km horizontal resolution to simulate the WD features. The model simulations with 60 km horizontal resolution are compared with the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research, US, (NCEP/NCAR) reanalyses. It is seen that in all the cases the rate of movement of the system is, in general, a little slower in the simulations. Examining the differences between the predicted and analysed zonal component of the wind reveal that the model simulated zonal winds are generally weaker/under‐estimated in the location of the upper trough at 500 hPa or aloft and even in the position of the WDs at lower levels. These results suggest that the model has a systematic easterly bias, though the magnitude is small. In other words the advection simulated in the model is not strong enough to advect the system with the observed speed. Copyright © 2009 Royal Meteorological Society