bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lessons learned from next‐generation sequencing in head and neck cancer
Authors: Loyo Myriam , Li Ryan J. , Bettegowda Chetan , Pickering Curtis R. , Frederick Mitchell J. , Myers Jeffrey N. , Agrawal Nishant
Published: August 2012

Scientific innovation has enabled whole exome capture and massively parallel sequencing of cancer genomes. In head and neck cancer, next‐generation sequencing has granted us further understanding of the mutational spectrum of squamous cell carcinoma. As a result of these new technologies, frequently occurring mutations were identified in NOTCH1, a gene that had not previously been implicated in head and neck cancer. The current review describes the most common mutations in head and neck cancer: TP53, NOTCH1, HRAS, PIK3CA, and CDKN2A. Emphasis is placed on the involved cellular pathways, clinical correlations, and potential therapeutic interventions. Additionally, the implications of human papillomavirus on mutation patterns are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Clinical outcomes of transoral robotic supraglottic laryngectomy
Authors: Ozer Enver , Alvarez Bianca , Kakarala Kiran , Durmus Kasim , Teknos Theodoros N. , Carrau Ricardo L.
Published: August 2012

Background

Transoral, minimally invasive organ preservation surgeries are being increasingly used for laryngopharyngeal carcinomas to avoid the toxicities of combined chemotherapy and radiation therapy regimens. This study investigates the efficiency, safety, and functional outcomes of transoral robotic surgery (TORS) supraglottic laryngectomy.

Methods

Patients with laryngeal cancer who underwent TORS supraglottic laryngectomy and participated in a prospective TORS study between 2008 and 2011 at an academic medical center are presented.

Results

Thirteen of 126 patients underwent TORS supraglottic laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer. Average robotic operative time and estimated blood loss were 25.3 minutes and 15.4 mL, respectively. Negative surgical margins were achieved in all patients. Eleven patients were started on an oral diet within 24 hours of surgery with no evidence of immediate airway compromise. Two patients (15.4%) received adjuvant radiation therapy based on pathology.

Conclusion

In this preliminary study, TORS supraglottic laryngectomy was a safe procedure with good functional outcomes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Concurrent primary and metastatic cutaneous head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Analysis of prognostic factors
Authors: McLean Timothy , Brunner Markus , Ebrahimi Ardalan , Gao Kan , Ch'ng Sydney , Veness Michael J. , Clark Jonathan R.
Published: August 2012

Background

There is a small subgroup of patients with head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) in which nodal metastases present concurrently with the primary lesion. There is evidence that these tumors may represent a more aggressive subset of cSCC. The aim of this study was to determine whether alternative clinicopathologic prognostic factors should be applied to this patient cohort.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of data from prospective databases of 2 large head and neck cancer units in Sydney, Australia, was performed. Ninety‐five patients with concurrent primary and nodal metastatic head and neck cSCC were suitable for inclusion in the study.

Results

Univariable analysis was performed for overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS). OS was adversely affected by immunosuppression (p = .011) and nodal extracapsular spread (ECS) (p = .006). Similarly, immunosuppression (p = .005) and ECS (p = .005) indicated a worse outcome for DSS. ECS and immunosuppression remained significant in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

This study found that adverse prognostic factors were similar to the current evidence for nonconcurrent metastatic cSCC. In particular, the primary lesion had no significant influence on survival. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Health‐related quality of life differences between African Americans and non‐Hispanic whites with head and neck cancer
Authors: Reeve Bryce B. , Cai Jianwen , Zhang Hongtao , Choi Jaeun , Weissler Mark C. , Cella David , Olshan Andrew F.
Published: August 2012

Background

Cancers of the head and neck are associated with detriments in health‐related quality of life (HRQOL); however, little is known about different experiences between African Americans and non‐Hispanic whites.

Methods

HRQOL was measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy – Head and Neck (FACT‐H&N) approximately 5 months postdiagnosis among 222 patients with cancer from North Carolina. Higher scores represent better HRQOL. Regression models included sociodemographic characteristics and clinical factors.

Results

African Americans reported higher physical well‐being than whites (adjusted means, 23.1 vs 20.9). African Americans with incomes <$20,000 reported higher emotional well‐being (21.4) and fewer head and neck symptoms (22.0). Non‐Hispanic whites making <$20,000 reported the poorest emotional well‐being (17.3), whereas African Americans making >$20,000 reported the most head and neck symptoms (18.7).

Conclusions

Further investigation is needed to explore variation in HRQOL experiences among different race and socioeconomic groups that may inform resource allocation to improve cancer care. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2013
Activated but not resting regulatory T cells accumulated in tumor microenvironment and correlated with tumor progression in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Lin Yung‐Chang , Mahalingam Jayashri , Chiang Jy‐Ming , Su Po‐Jung , Chu Yu‐Yi , Lai Hsin‐Yi , Fang Jian‐He , Huang Ching‐Tai , Chiu Cheng‐Tang , Lin Chun‐Yen
Published: August 2012

Activated T regulatory (Treg) cells are potent suppressors that mediate immune tolerance. We investigated the relationship between activated Treg cells and the progression of human colon cancer. We designed a cross‐sectional study of CD4+Foxp3+ T cells from peripheral blood, primary tumor and nontumor colon tissue of 42 patients with colon cancer and correlated the percentages of different subgroups of Treg cells with colon cancer stage. The phenotypes, cytokine‐release patterns and suppression ability of these Treg cells were analyzed. We found that Treg cells increased significantly in both peripheral blood and cancer tissue. In addition, the Treg cells expressed significantly lower levels of CCR7, CD62L and CD45RA in comparison to normal volunteers. Further dividing Treg cells into subgroups based on Foxp3 and CD45RA expression revealed that both activated Treg cells (Foxp3hiCD45RA−) and nonsuppressive Treg cells (Foxp3loCD45RA−), but not resting Treg cells (Foxp3lowCD45RA+), increased in the peripheral blood and cancer tissue of patients with colon cancer. Only the activated Treg cells expressed significantly higher levels of tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 and cytotoxic T‐cell antigen‐4. Activated Treg cells, however, secreted significantly lower levels of effector cytokines (interleukin‐2, tumor necrosis factor‐α and interferon‐γ) than did resting Treg cells and nonsuppressive cells upon ex vivo stimulation. Activated, but not resting, Treg cells in cancer tissue correlated with tumor metastases. In summary, we confirmed that activated Treg cells are a distinct subgroup with effector memory phenotype and fully functional regulatory activity against human colorectal cancer immunity.
Genetic polymorphisms in RNA binding proteins contribute to breast cancer survival
Authors: Upadhyay Rohit , Sanduja Sandhya , Kaza Vimala , Dixon Dan A.
Published: August 2012

The RNA‐binding proteins TTP and HuR control expression of numerous genes associated with breast cancer pathogenesis by regulating mRNA stability. However, the role of genetic variation in TTP (ZFP36) and HuR (ELAVL1) genes is unknown in breast cancer prognosis. A total of 251 breast cancer patients (170 Caucasians and 81 African–Americans) were enrolled and followed up from 2001 to 2011 (or until death). Genotyping was performed for 10 SNPs in ZFP36 and 7 in ELAVL1 genes. On comparing both races with one another, significant differences were found for clinical and genetic variables. The influence of genetic polymorphisms on survival was analyzed by using Cox‐regression, Kaplan‐Meier analysis and the log‐rank test. Univariate (Kaplan‐Meier/Cox‐regression) and multivariate (Cox‐regression) analysis showed that the TTP gene polymorphism ZFP36*2 A > G was significantly associated with poor prognosis of Caucasian patients (HR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.09–3.76; p = 0.025; log‐rank p = 0.022). None of the haplotypes, but presence of more than six risk genotypes in Caucasian patients, was significantly associated with poor prognosis (HR=2.42; 95% CI = 1.17–4.99; p = 0.017; log‐rank p = 0.007). The effect of ZFP36*2 A > G on gene expression was evaluated from patients' tissue samples. Both TTP mRNA and protein expression was significantly decreased in ZFP36*2 G allele carriers compared to A allele homozygotes. Conversely, upregulation of the TTP‐target gene COX‐2 was observed ZFP36*2 G allele carriers. Through its ability to attenuate TTP gene expression, the ZFP36*2 A > G gene polymorphism has appeared as a novel prognostic breast cancer marker in Caucasian patients.
Persicarin is anti‐inflammatory mediator against HMGB1‐induced inflammatory responses in HUVECs and in CLP‐induced sepsis mice
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Ku Sae‐Kwang , Bae Jong‐Sup
Published: August 2012

High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein is a crucial nuclear cytokine that mediates inflammatory responses, whereas persicarin is an active compound from Oenanthe javanica that has been widely researched for its neuroprotective and antioxidant activities. However, little is known of the effects of persicarin on HMGB1‐mediated inflammatory response. Here, we investigated this issue by monitoring the effects of persicarin on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and on the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)‐mediated releases of HMGB1 and the effects of persicarin on the HMGB1‐mediated modulation of inflammatory response. Persicarin potently inhibited the release of HMGB1 and down‐regulated HMGB1‐dependent inflammatory responses in human endothelial cells, and inhibited HMGB1‐mediated hyperpermeability and leukocyte migration in mice. Furthermore, persicarin reduced CLP‐induced HMGB1 release and sepsis‐related mortality. Given these results, persicarin should be viewed as a candidate therapeutic for the treatment of severe vascular inflammatory diseases, such as, sepsis or septic shock. J. Cell. Physiol. 228: 696–703, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Inheritance and Developmental Pattern of Cerebral Hernia in the Crested Polish Chicken
Authors: Yoshimura Keiji , Kinoshita Keiji , Mizutani Makoto , Matsuda Yoichi , Saito Noboru
Published: August 2012

A number of crested chicken strains, such as the Polish chicken, exhibit a bony protuberance in the anterodorsal region of their skulls. The shape of their brain shows the anatomical peculiarity that is characterized by the upthrusting of cerebral hemispheres, called “cerebral hernia.” Some early works suggested that this phenotype may be caused by a genetic factor and any modifiers influencing the development of brain and/or skull. However, the causative gene and its formation mechanism are still unclear. The present study is aimed to analyze the inheritance and ontogenic process of cerebral hernia in the crested Polish chicken. Firstly, we constructed the resource family with the Polish chicken and PNP inbred strain. Genetic analysis of this family revealed that cerebral hernia is controlled by a single autosomal recessive gene and is closely associated with crest formation. Furthermore, our morphological analysis of brain structures in the progenies suggested that the significant enlargement of brain cavity at later stages of embryos, particularly after 15 days of incubation, may be the main cause of cerebral hernia. J. Exp. Zool. (Mol. Dev. Evol.) 9999B:613–620, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least‐squares estimation (IDEAL) of the wrist and finger at 3T: Comparison with chemical shift selective fat suppression images
Authors: Aoki Takatoshi , Yamashita Yoshiko , Oki Hodaka , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Hayashida Yoshiko , Saito Kazuyoshi , Tanaka Yoshiya , Korogi Yukunori
Published: August 2012

Purpose:

To compare fat‐suppressed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) quality using iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least‐squares estimation (IDEAL) with that using chemical shift selective fat‐suppressed T1‐weighted spin‐echo (CHESS) images for evaluating rheumatoid arthritis (RA) lesions of the hand and finger at 3T.

Materials and Methods:

MRI was performed in eight healthy volunteers and eight RA patients with a 3.0T MR system (Signa HDxt GE healthcare) using an eight‐channel knee coil. FS‐CHESS‐T1‐SE and IDEAL imaging were acquired in the coronal planes covering the entire structure of the bilateral hands with a slice thickness of 2 mm. In the RA patients both images were obtained after intravenous gadolinium administration. Image quality was evaluated on a five‐point scale (1 = excellent to 5 = very poor). Synovitis and bone marrow contrast uptake on MR images were reviewed by two musculoskeletal radiologists using the Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Scoring System (RAMRIS) of the Outcome Measures in Rheumatoid Arthritis Clinical Trials (OMERACT) group.

Results:

IDEAL showed uniform FS unaffected by magnetic field inhomogeneity and challenging geometry of hand and fingers, while CHESS‐T1‐SE often showed FS failure within the first metacarpal joint, tip of the finger, and ulnar aspect of the wrist joint. Overall image quality was significantly better with IDEAL than CHESS‐T1‐SE images (4.43 vs. 3.43, P < 0.01). Interobserver agreement (κ value) for synovitis and bone marrow contrast uptake was good to excellent with IDEAL (0.74–0.91, 0.62–0.89, respectively).

Conclusion:

IDEAL could compensate for the effects of field inhomogeneities, providing uniform FS of the hand and finger than did the CHESS‐T1‐SE sequence. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;37:733–738. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effects of different UV‐B radiation intensities on morphological and biochemical characteristics in Ocimum basilicum L.
Authors: Sakalauskaitė Jurga , Viskelis Pranas , Dambrauskienė Edita , Sakalauskienė Sandra , Samuolienė Giedrė , Brazaitytė Aušra , Duchovskis Pavelas , Urbonavičienė Dalia
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: The effects of short‐term ultraviolet B (UV‐B) irradiation on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L. cv. Cinnamon) plants at the 3–4 leaf pair and flowering stages were examined in controlled environment growth chambers. Plants were exposed to 0 (reference), 2 and 4 kJ UV‐B m−2 day−1 over 7 days.

RESULTS: Exposure of basil plants to supplementary UV‐B light resulted in increased assimilating leaf area, fresh biomass and dry biomass. Stimulation of physiological functions in young basil plants under either applied UV‐B dose resulted in increased total chlorophyll content but no marked variation in carotenoid content. At the flowering stage the chlorophyll and carotenoid contents of basil were affected by supplementary UV‐B radiation, decreasing with enhanced UV‐B exposure. Both total antioxidant activity (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl free radical assay) and total phenolic compound content were increased by UV‐B light supplementation. Young and mature basil plants differed in their ascorbic acid content, which was dependent on UV‐B dose and plant age. UV‐B radiation resulted in decreased nitrate content in young basil plants (3–4 leaf pair stage).

CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the application of short‐exposure UV‐B radiation beneficially influenced both growth parameters and biochemical constituents in young and mature basil plants. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
The effect of probiotic‐fermented soy milk on enhancing the NO‐mediated vascular relaxation factors
Authors: Cheng Chein‐Pang , Tsai Shuo‐Wen , Chiu Chihwei P , Pan Tzu‐Ming , Tsai Tsung‐Yu
Published: August 2012

BACKGROUND: Soy milk is one of the common soy‐based foods in Asia. In this study the effects of soy milk fermented with selected probiotics on nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated vascular relaxation factors in cell model systems were investigated.

RESULTS: Soy milk fermented with Lactobacillus plantarum TWK10 or Streptococcus thermophilus BCRC 14085 for 48 h showed a greater transformation of glucoside isoflavones to aglycone isoflavones (P < 0.05). An increase in aglycone isoflavones in ethanol extracts from fermented soy milk stimulated NO production and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. It also had a stimulating effect on superoxide anion scavenging and prostaglandin E2 production. In addition, it enhanced mRNA expression of the E‐prostanoid 4 receptor in rat thoracic aorta smooth muscle cells. Moreover, a small amount of O$_{2}^{-}$ induced by water extracts from fermented soy milk at low concentration (1 mg mL−1) increased the content of calcium ions and activated eNOS, thereby promoting NO production and the coupling state of eNOS.

CONCLUSION: Soy milk fermented with selected probiotics promotes the relaxation factors of vascular endothelial cells and can be applied in the development of functional foods. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Application of a micromembrane chromatography module to the examination of protein adsorption equilibrium
Authors: Káňavová Natália , Kosior Anna , Antošová Monika , Faber René , Polakovič Milan
Published: August 2012

A micromembrane chromatography module based on a 96‐well plate design and enabling fast and simple separation of small amounts of proteins was used for the determination of binding capacities of lysozyme, bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin, bovine γ‐globulin, and human immunoglobulin G on a hydrophobic membrane Sartobind® Phenyl. Dependence of the binding capacity of the proteins on the ammonium sulfate concentration was examined in the salt concentration range of 0.5–2.0 mol L−1. An exponential increase of the binding capacity was observed for all proteins. Simple Langmuir one‐component isotherm was found suitable for the characterization of the effect of protein concentration in all cases. A combined effect of protein and salt concentrations was expressed via the Langmuir exponential isotherm and fitted the adsorption data for three of the investigated proteins well.
TGFBR1 tagging SNPs and gastric cancer susceptibility: A two‐stage case–control study in chinese population
Authors: Chen Jianjian , Miao Lin , Jin Guangfu , Ren Chuanli , Ke Qiao , Qian Yun , Dong Meihua , Li Huizhang , Zhang Qin , Ding Yanbing , Yan Zhigang , Wang Jianming , Liu Zheng , Hu Zhibin , Xu Yaochu , Ji Guozhong , Shen Hongbing
Published: August 2012

The transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β is a potent growth inhibitor primarily responsible for cell growth, differentiation, and apoptosis, and frequently perturbed during development of tumors, including gastric cancer. TGF‐β receptor type I (TGFβR1) may be a modifier of cancer risk by constitutively decreasing the TGF‐β inhibitory signals during early tumorigenesis and increasing the TGF‐β signals in tumor progression. In this study, we hypothesized that genetic variants of TGFBR1 may influence the risk of gastric cancer. We conducted a two‐stage case–control study of gastric cancer, including 650 cases and 683 controls in the first stage and 484 cases and 348 controls in the second stage, and genotyped five tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to represent common variants in the whole TGFBR1 gene. In the first stage, two SNPs rs6478974 and rs10512263 were found to be potentially associated with risk of gastric cancer (P = 3.35 × 10−3 for rs6478974 AT vs. TT and P = 0.033 for rs10512263 CT vs. TT), which were further confirmed in the second stage with similar effects (P = 0.144 and 0.049, respectively). After combining the two stages, we found that these two SNPs were associated with a significantly increased risk of gastric cancer in dominant models [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.14–1.63 for rs6478974 AT/AA vs. TT; adjusted OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.05–1.50 for rs10512263 CT/CC vs. TT] or additive model (adjusted OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08–1.40 for rs6478974). These findings indicate that TGFBR1 polymorphisms may be implicated with the development of gastric cancer in Han‐Chinese population. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethanol lock therapy in pediatric hematology and oncology
Authors: Wolf Joshua , Shenep Jerry L. , Clifford Vanessa , Curtis Nigel , Flynn Patricia M.
Published: August 2012

Central venous catheters are essential for treatment of cancer and hematologic disorders in children. Central line‐associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is the most common important complication and can lead to serious sequelae. Conventional antibiotic treatment is often unsuccessful. Ethanol lock therapy (ELT) has been shown to prevent CLABSI in various patient groups and might also be beneficial as adjunctive treatment for active infection. Efficacy and safety have not been adequately studied in the pediatric hematology/oncology population. Catheter occlusion and intraluminal clots have been reported. Routine use of ELT should not be recommended in this population until more data are available. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013; 60: 18–25. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Local piezoelectric response of single poly(vinylidene fluoride) electrospun fibers
Authors: Sencadas V. , Ribeiro C. , Bdikin I. K. , Kholkin A. L. , Lanceros‐Mendez S.
Published: August 2012

It is shown that electrospun poly(vynilidene fluoride) nanofibers are fully poled right after preparation and show β‐phase contents of ∼70%, therefore being able to be implemented into electroactive devices without further processing steps. Further, the local piezoelectric properties of individual electrospun fibers have been studied by piezoresponse force microscopy. Piezoelectric response, polarization switching, and nanoscale patterning of the fibers have been demonstrated.

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Photoluminescence enhancement of porous silicon particles by microwave‐assisted activation
Authors: Xia Bing , Zhang Wenyi , Bao Weiyi , Dong Chen , Zhang Junfeng , Shi Jisen
Published: August 2012

Photoluminescence (PL) of porous silicon (PSi) particles can be significantly enhanced in some organic solvents (i.e., ethanol or dimethyl sulfoxide) under microwave irradiation. Fourier transform infrared spectra, dynamic‐light‐scattering measurements, and scanning electron microscopy had been adopted to explore the mechanism of PL enhancement of PSi particles under microwave irradiation, which is attributed to the formation of higher porosity and the growth of silicon oxide by microwave‐assisted wet etching. Compared with that fabricated by ultrasonication, smaller luminescent PSi nanoparticles (average size ∼60 nm) with stronger orange‐red fluorescence (PL quantum yield ∼14.8%) and higher dispersibility can be large‐scale prepared for cellular imaging and drug delivery in biomedical applications.
Convective Delivery of Electroactive Species to Annular Nanoband Electrodes Embedded in Nanocapillary‐Array Membranes
Authors: Gibson Larry R. , Branagan Sean P. , Bohn Paul W.
Published: August 2012

Significant technological drivers motivate interest in the use of reaction sites embedded within nanometer‐scale channels, and an important class of these structures is realized by an embedded annular nanoband electrode (EANE) in a cylindrical nanochannel. In this structure, the convective delivery of electroactive species to the nanoelectrode is tightly coupled to the electrochemical overpotential via electroosmotic flow. Simulation results indicate that EANE arrays significantly outperform comparable microband electrode/microchannel structures, producing higher conversion efficiencies at low Peclet number. The results of this in‐depth analysis are useful in assessing possible implementation of the EANE geometry for a wide range of electrochemical targets within microscale total analysis systems.
The Development of a Processing Window for the Continuous Galvanizing of a Mn–Cr–Si Martensitic Steel
Authors: Chakraborty Anirban , McDermid Joseph R. , Kavitha Ranganathan , Voyzelle Benoit , Essadiqi Elhachmi , Goodwin Frank E.
Published: August 2012

Martensitic or complex phase steels are leading candidates for automotive impact management applications. However, achieving high strengths while obtaining high quality coatings via continuous galvanizing is a challenge due to cooling rate limitations of the processing equipment and selective oxidation of alloying elements such as Cr, Mn, and Si adversely affecting reactive wetting. The galvanizability of a CrMnSi steel with a target tensile strength above 1250 MPa was investigated within the context of the continuous galvanizing line. The continuous cooling transformation behavior of the candidate alloy was determined, from which intercritical and austenitic annealing thermal cycles were developed. The evolution of substrate surface chemistry and oxide morphology during these treatments and their subsequent effect on reactive wetting during galvanizing were characterized. The target strength of 1250 MPa was achieved and high quality coatings produced using both intercritical (75% γ) and austenitic (100% γ) annealing using a conventional 95%N2–5%H2, −30°C dew point process atmosphere and 0.20 wt% dissolved (effective) Al bath, despite the presence of significant Mn and Cr oxides on the substrate surfaces. It is proposed that complete reactive wetting by the Zn(Al, Fe) bath was promoted by in situ aluminothermic reduction of the Mn and Cr‐oxides by the dissolved bath Al.
Genotoxic, cytotoxic, and apoptotic effects of Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. on breast cancer cells
Authors: Ari Ferda , Celikler Serap , Oran Seyhan , Balikci Necmiye , Ozturk Sule , Ozel Mustafa Zafer , Ozyurt Dilek , Ulukaya Engin
Published: August 2012

The aim of this study is to determine the chemical composition, and evaluate the genotoxic, and anti‐growth potency of the methanol extracts of lichen species Hypogymnia physodes (L.) Nyl. (HPE). Anti‐growth effect was tested in two different human breast cancer cell lines (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231) by the MTT and ATP viability assays and apoptosis was assayed by the caspase‐cleaved cytokeratin 18 (M30‐antigen). Genotoxic activity of HPE was studied using chromosome aberration and micronuclei tests in human lymphocytes culture in vitro. The chemical composition of H. physodes was analyzed by using direct thermal desorption method coupled with comprehensive gas chromatography–time of flight mass spectrometry (GCXGC‐TOF/MS). Our results indicate that HPE has an anti‐growth effect at relatively lower concentrations, while relatively higher concentrations are required for genotoxic activity. HPE, therefore, seems to represent a therapeutic potential and poses new challenges for medicinal chemistry. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 29: 804–813, 2014.
The effect of high pressure homogenization on the activity of a commercial β-galactosidase
Authors: Tribst Alline A L , Augusto Pedro E D , Cristianini Marcelo
Published: August 2012

High pressure homogenization (HPH) has been proposed as a promising method for changing the activity and stability of enzymes. Therefore, this research studied the activity of β-galactosidase before and after HPH. The enzyme solution at pH values of 6.4, 7.0, and 8.0 was processed at pressures of up to 150 MPa, and the effects of HPH were determined from the residual enzyme activity measured at 5, 30, and 45 °C immediately after homogenization and after 1 day of refrigerated storage. The results indicated that at neutral pH the enzyme remained active at 30 °C (optimum temperature) even after homogenization at pressures of up to 150 MPa. On the contrary, when the β-galactosidase was homogenized at pH 6.4 and 8.0, a gradual loss of activity was observed, reaching a minimum activity (around 30 %) after HPH at 150 MPa and pH 8.0. After storage, only β-galactosidase that underwent HPH at pH 7.0 retained similar activity to the native sample. Thus, HPH did not affect the activity and stability of β-galactosidase only when the process was carried out at neutral pH; for the other conditions, HPH resulted in partial inactivation of the enzyme. Considering the use of β-galactosidase to produce low lactose milk, it was concluded that HPH can be applied with no deleterious effects on enzyme activity.
“Is it Really Worth it to Get Tested?”: Primary Care Patients’ Impressions of Predictive SNP Testing for Colon Cancer
Authors: Leventhal Kara‐Grace , Tuong William , Peshkin Beth N. , Salehizadeh Yasmin , Fishman Mary B. , Eggly Susan , FitzGerald Kevin , Schwartz Marc D. , Graves Kristi D.
Published: August 2012

Despite significant progress in genomics research over the past decade, we remain years away from the integration of genomics into routine clinical care. As an initial step toward the implementation of genomic‐based medicine, we explored primary care patients’ ideas about genomic testing for common complex diseases to help develop future patient education materials and interventions to communicate genomic risk information. We conducted a mixed‐methods study with participants from a large primary care clinic. Within four focus groups, we used a semi‐structured discussion guide and administered brief pre‐ and post‐ discussion quantitative surveys to assess participants’ interest, attitudes, and preferences related to testing and receipt of test results. Prior to the discussion, moderators presented a plain‐language explanation of DNA and genetics, defined “SNP”, and highlighted what is known and unknown about the risks associated with testing for SNPs related to colorectal cancer risk. We used the NVIVO 8 software package to analyze the transcripts from the focus group discussions. The majority of participants (75 %) were “very” or “somewhat interested” in receiving information from a colon cancer SNP test, even after learning about and discussing the small and still clinically uncertain change in risk conferred by SNPs. Reported interest in testing was related to degree of risk conferred, personal risk factors, family history, possible implications for managing health /disease prevention and curiosity about genetic results. Most people (85 %) preferred that genetic information be delivered in person by a healthcare or genetics professional rather than through print materials or a computer. These findings suggest that patients may look to genetic counselors, physicians or other healthcare professionals as gatekeepers of predictive genomic risk information.
Robust Structural Equation Modeling with Missing Data and Auxiliary Variables
Authors: Yuan Ke-Hai , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: August 2012

The paper develops a two-stage robust procedure for structural equation modeling (SEM) and an R package rsem to facilitate the use of the procedure by applied researchers. In the first stage, M-estimates of the saturated mean vector and covariance matrix of all variables are obtained. Those corresponding to the substantive variables are then fitted to the structural model in the second stage. A sandwich-type covariance matrix is used to obtain consistent standard errors (SE) of the structural parameter estimates. Rescaled, adjusted as well as corrected and F-statistics are proposed for overall model evaluation. Using R and EQS, the R package rsem combines the two stages and generates all the test statistics and consistent SEs. Following the robust analysis, multiple model fit indices and standardized solutions are provided in the corresponding output of EQS. An example with open/closed book examination data illustrates the proper use of the package. The method is further applied to the analysis of a data set from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 cohort, and results show that the developed procedure not only gives a better endorsement of the substantive models but also yields estimates with uniformly smaller standard errors than the normal-distribution-based maximum likelihood.
Proteasome inhibition in cancer is associated with enhanced tumor targeting by the adeno‐associated virus/phage
Authors: Przystal Justyna M. , Umukoro Eloho , Stoneham Charlotte A. , Yata Teerapong , O'Neill Kevin , Syed Nelofer , Hajitou Amin
Published: August 2012

Bacteriophage (phage), which are viruses that infect bacteria only, have shown promise as vehicles for targeted cancer gene therapy, albeit with poor efficiency. Recently, we generated an improved version of phage vectors by incorporating cis genetic elements of adeno‐associated virus (AAV). This novel AAV/phage hybrid (AAVP) efficiently delivered systemically administered therapeutic genes to various tumor targets by displaying an integrin tumor‐targeting ligand on the phage capsid. However, inherent limitations in bacteriophage mean that these AAVP vectors still need to be improved. One of the limitations of AAVP in mammalian cells may be its susceptibility to proteasomal degradation. The proteasome is upregulated in cancer and it is known that it constitutes a barrier to gene delivery by certain eukaryotic viruses. We report here that inhibition of proteasome improved targeted reporter gene delivery by AAVP in cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo after intravenous vector administration to tumor‐bearing mice. We also show enhanced targeted tumor cell killing by AAVP upon proteasome inhibition. The AAVP particles persisted significantly in cancer cells in vitro and in tumors in vivo after systemic administration, and accumulated polyubiquitinated coat proteins. Our results suggest that the proteasome is indeed a barrier to tumor targeting by AAVP and indicate that a combination of proteasome‐inhibiting drugs and AAVP should be considered for clinical anticancer therapy.
Use of an Antigravity Treadmill for Rehabilitation of a Pelvic Stress Injury
Authors: Tenforde Adam S. , Watanabe Laine M. , Moreno Tamara J. , Fredericson Michael
Published: August 2012

Pelvic stress injuries are a relatively uncommon form of injury that require high index of clinician suspicion and usually MRI for definitive diagnosis. We present a case report of a 21‐year‐old female elite runner who was diagnosed with pelvic stress injury and used an antigravity treadmill during rehabilitation. She was able to return to pain‐free ground running at 8 weeks after running at 95% body weight on the antigravity treadmill. Ten weeks from time of diagnosis, she competed at her conference championships and advanced to the NCAA Championships in the 10,000‐meters. She competed in both races without residual pain. To our knowledge, this is the first published case report on use of an antigravity treadmill in rehabilitation of bone‐related injuries. Our findings suggest that use of an antigravity treadmill for rehabilitation of a pelvic stress injury may result in appropriate bone loading and healing during progression to ground running and faster return to competition. Future research may identify appropriate protocols for recovery from overuse lower extremity injuries and other uses for this technology, including neuromuscular recovery and injury prevention.
Agglomeration and de-agglomeration of rotating wet doublets
Authors: Donahue Carly M. , Brewer William M. , Davis Robert H. , Hrenya Christine M.
Published: August 2012

In this work, experiments using a pendulum apparatus were conducted for two particles engaged in oblique, wetted collisions over a range of impact angles, impact velocities, coating thicknesses, liquid viscosities, particle materials, and particle radii. From previous studies on normal or head-on collisions, the two particles bounce apart if the Stokes number (a ratio of particle inertia to viscous forces) exceeds a critical value, whereas they stick together if the Stokes number is below this critical value. However, for oblique collisions, an additional outcome is observed at moderate Stokes numbers and impact angles, in which the spheres initially stick together, rotate as a doublet, and then separate due to centrifugal forces. We refer to this outcome as ‘stick–rotate–separate’. For subcritical Stokes numbers exhibiting this new outcome, the experimental results for the apparent coefficient of normal restitution and angle of rotation from impact to separation show only weak dependence on the fluid viscosity and thickness and the dry restitution coefficient, whereas they both decrease with increasing particle radius. These results are in contrast with those for supercritical Stokes numbers in which the spheres bounce upon impact. An accompanying theory based on lubrication forces, the glass transition of the liquid layer, and solid deformation and rebound agrees well with experimental results and gives insight into the observed trends.
Segregation-induced fingering instabilities in granular free-surface flows
Authors: Woodhouse M. J. , Thornton A. R. , Johnson C. G. , Kokelaar B. P. , Gray J. M. N. T.
Published: August 2012

Particle-size segregation can have a significant feedback on the bulk motion of granular avalanches when the larger grains experience greater resistance to motion than the fine grains. When such segregation-mobility feedback effects occur the flow may form digitate lobate fingers or spontaneously self-channelize to form lateral levees that enhance run-out distance. This is particularly important in geophysical mass flows, such as pyroclastic currents, snow avalanches and debris flows, where run-out distance is of crucial importance in hazards assessment. A model for finger formation in a bidisperse granular avalanche is developed by coupling a depth-averaged description of the preferential transport of large particles towards the front with an established avalanche model. The coupling is achieved through a concentration-dependent friction coefficient, which results in a system of non-strictly hyperbolic equations. We compute numerical solutions to the flow of a bidisperse mixture of small mobile particles and larger more resistive grains down an inclined chute. The numerical results demonstrate that our model is able to describe the formation of a front rich in large particles, the instability of this front and the subsequent evolution of elongated fingers bounded by large-rich lateral levees, as observed in small-scale laboratory experiments. However, our numerical results are grid dependent, with the number of fingers increasing as the numerical resolution is increased. We investigate this pathology by examining the linear stability of a steady uniform flow, which shows that arbitrarily small wavelength perturbations grow exponentially quickly. Furthermore, we find that on a curve in parameter space the growth rate is unbounded above as the wavelength of perturbations is decreased and so the system of equations on this curve is ill-posed. This indicates that the model captures the physical mechanisms that drive the instability, but additional dissipation mechanisms, such as those considered in the realm of flow rheology, are required to set the length scale of the fingers that develop.
The International Institute of African Languages and Cultures
Authors: Lugard F. D.
Published: August 2012

There are at the present time so many societies and institutes—national and international—for the study of African questions that there would be no justification for the inauguration of yet another unless it had an object in view, different from, or at least not effectively met by, any existing organization. There are, as it seems to me, two directions in which the organizations at present in existence need to be supplemented, and the International Institute of African Languages and Cultures has been founded in the hope of meeting these two requirements.
Ethnologie Pratique
Authors: Malinowski Bronislaw
Published: August 2012

L'institut peut-il jouer un rôle particulier sans que son activité ne jfasse double emploi avec les organismes scientifiques, politiques ou éducatifs déjà existants? Oui, car l'Institut est remarquablement placé pour contribuer à l'application des données scientifiques dans le domaine pratique, en ce qui touche diverses questions coloniales. Sa tâche sera done, avant tout, un travail de coordination en vue de faire disparaître l'abîme qui existe trop souvent entre l'ethnologue et l'administrateur ou le missionnaire; de signaler au premier les besoins des autres et d'attirer son attention sur les problèmes occupant ceux-ci, en particulier l'étude des institutions africaines et aussi les changements sociaux dus au contact des Blancs et des Noirs.
Principles of Practical Orthography for African Languages.—II.
Authors: Jones Daniel
Published: August 2012

At the suggestion of Professor Meinhof, to whose scholarly work on African languages we owe so much, I write a few comments on the foregoing article, which is the memorandum which he laid before the Institute when the Memorandum on A Practical Orthography of African Languages, recently published, was in course of preparation. That memorandum, Mr. Lloyd James's article in the last number of Africa, p. 125, and Professor Meinhof's article have well-nigh exhausted what there is to be said on general principles.
International African Institute 1926-51
Authors: Forde Daryll
Published: August 2012

This year we celebrate the twenty-fifth anniversary of our foundation, and it may be appropriate to offer a brief survey of the development of the Institute, and of the manner in which, during these years, the aims of its founders have been pursued. Those aims were set out by Lord Lugard, our first Chairman, in an article printed in the first number of Africa (January 1928).
Contribution of gut bacteria to the metabolism of cyanidin 3-glucoside in human microbiota-associated rats
Authors: Hanske Laura , Engst Wolfram , Loh Gunnar , Sczesny Silke , Blaut Michael , Braune Annett
Published: August 2012

Cyanidin 3-glucoside (C3G) is one of the major dietary anthocyanins implicated in the prevention of chronic diseases. To evaluate the impact of human intestinal bacteria on the fate of C3G in the host, we studied the metabolism of C3G in human microbiota-associated (HMA) rats in comparison with germ-free (GF) rats. Urine and faeces of the rats were analysed for C3G and its metabolites within 48 h after the application of 92 μmol C3G/kg body weight. In addition, we tested the microbial C3G conversion in vitro by incubating C3G with human faecal slurries and selected human gut bacteria. The HMA rats excreted with faeces a three times higher percentage of unconjugated C3G products and a two times higher percentage of conjugated C3G products than the GF rats. These differences were mainly due to the increased excretion of 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid, 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde and 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzoic acid. Only the urine of HMA rats contained peonidin and 3-hydroxycinnamic acid and the percentage of conjugated C3G products in the urine was decreased compared with the GF rats. Overall, the presence of intestinal microbiota resulted in a 3·7 % recovery of the C3G dose in HMA rats compared with 1·7 % in GF rats. Human intestinal bacteria rapidly degraded C3G in vitro. Most of the C3G products were also found in the absence of bacteria, but at considerably lower levels. The higher concentrations of phenolic acids observed in the presence of intestinal bacteria may contribute to the proposed beneficial health effects of C3G.
The Desire to Acquire and IPO Long-Run Underperformance
Authors: Brau James C. , Couch Robert B. , Sutton Ninon K.
Published: August 2012

We analyze 3,547 initial public offerings (IPOs) from 1985 through 2003 to determine the impact of acquisition activity on long-run stock performance. The results show that IPOs that acquire within a year of going public significantly underperform for 1- through 5-year holding periods following the 1st year, whereas nonacquiring IPOs do not significantly underperform over these time frames. For example, the mean 3-year style-adjusted abnormal return is – 15.6% for acquirers and 5.9% for nonacquirers. Our cross-sectional and calendar-time results suggest that the acquisition activity of newly public firms plays an important and previously unrecognized role in the long-run underperformance of IPOs.
Oncological safety of the Hayes-Martin manoeuvre in neck dissections for node-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Riffat F , Buchanan M A , Mahrous A K , Fish B M , Jani P
Published: August 2012

Introduction:

The Hayes-Martin manoeuvre involves ligation of the posterior facial vein and superior reflection of the investing fascia below the mandible to preserve the marginal mandibular nerve. The peri-facial nodes thus remain undissected. We perform this manoeuvre routinely during modified radical neck dissection for metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer. Here, we review the oncological safety and marginal mandibular nerve preservation rates of this manoeuvre from 2004 to 2009.

Method:

Retrospective review of the head and neck oncology database (2004–2009) at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK, a tertiary referral centre for head and neck oncology.

Results:

Thirty-four patients underwent modified radical neck dissection for metastatic oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. The primary tumour included the tonsil in 19 cases, base of tongue in 10 and posterior pharyngeal wall in 5. The neck nodal status was N1 in 4 cases, N2a in 11, N2b in 10, N2c in 4 and N3 in 5. All patients had adjuvant radiotherapy. Median follow up was four years (range, two to five). No peri-facial nodal region recurrences were seen. Four patients had temporary marginal mandibular nerve weakness; beyond two months, no weakness was seen.

Conclusion:

In neck dissections for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, the marginal mandibular nerve and accompanying facial nodes can be safely preserved without oncological risk using the Hayes-Martin manoeuvre.
The contribution of hearing to normal balance
Authors: Kanegaonkar R G , Amin K , Clarke M
Published: August 2012

Introduction:

Normal balance relies on three sensory inputs: vision, proprioception and the peripheral vestibular system. This study assessed hearing change and postural control in normal subjects.

Materials and methods:

Postural control in 20 normal volunteers was assessed using a Nintendo Wii gaming console and balance board. Each subject was tested standing upright for 30 seconds in a clinic room and a soundproof room with their eyes open, eyes closed, whilst standing on and off foam, and with and without ear defenders.

Results:

There was significantly more postural sway in the following subjects: those standing with their eyes closedvsthose with eyes open (normal room,p = 0.0002; soundproof room,p = 0.0164); those standing on foam with eyes openvsthose standing normally with eyes open (in both rooms;p < 0.05); those standing with eyes open in a soundproof roomvsa normal room (p = 0.0164); and those standing on foam in a soundproof room with eyes open and wearing ear defendersvsthose in the same circumstances but without ear defenders.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that this method provides a simple, inexpensive tool for assessing static postural control. Whilst it is recognised that visual input and proprioception play a central role in maintaining posture, our findings suggest that ambient sound and hearing may also have a significant influence.