bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
p53Codon 72 andp21Codon 31 Polymorphisms in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Huang Shu-Pin , Wu Wen-Jeng , Chang Wun-Shaing Wayne , Wu Ming-Tsang , Chen Yun-Yun , Chen Yun-Ju , Yu Chia-Cheng , Wu Tony T. , Lee Ying-Huei , Huang Jong-Khing , Huang Chun-Hsiung
Published: June 2022

The tumor suppressor gene p53 and its downstream effector p21 are thought to play major roles in the development of human malignancy. Polymorphic variants of p53 at codon 72, and p21 at codon 31, have been found to be associated with cancer susceptibility, but few studies have investigated their effect on prostate cancer risk. In this case-control study, we investigated the association of p53 codon 72 and p21 codon 31 polymorphisms with prostate cancer risk in a Taiwanese population. In total, 200 patients with prostate cancer, 247 age-matched male controls, and 181 non–age-matched symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; American Urological Association symptom score ≥ 8 and prostate volume > 20 gm) recruited from two medical centers in southern Taiwan were genotyped. Overall, we found no significant association between p53 polymorphism and risk of prostate cancer. However, for p21 polymorphism, the frequencies of p21 Ser/Ser, Ser/Arg and Arg/Arg were 52 (26.0%), 85 (42.5%), 63 (31.5%) in case patients, 48 (26.5%), 82 (45.3%), 51 (28.2%) in BPH patients, and 76 (30.8%), 119 (48.2%), 52 (21.1%) in controls, respectively. Among the prostate cancer cases and controls, subjects with Arg/Arg genotype were found to have a 1.78-fold increased risk [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-3.01] of developing prostate cancer compared with those having the Ser/Ser genotype, after adjusting for other potential covariates. This significant association was slightly stronger [odds ratio (OR), 2.13; 95% CI, 1.16-3.92] in younger men (≤ 72 years; n = 99 and 126 for cases and controls, respectively) and correlated with localized disease stage (OR, 1.96; 95 % CI, 1.15-3.35) and moderately differentiated prostate cancer (OR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.17-3.53). In addition, the Arg/Arg genotype was associated with BPH risk in those with large prostate volumes (> 50 mL) compared with those having the Ser/Ser genotype [OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 1.07-4.98]. Our findings suggest that the p21 codon 31 polymorphism may be associated with the development of prostate enlargement and cancer.
Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels Up to 25 Years Prior to Death from Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kuller Lewis H. , Thomas Avis , Grandits Gregory , Neaton James D. ,   for the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial Research Group
Published: June 2022

Objective: We tested the hypothesis that prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels would be higher among prostate cancer deaths as compared with controls over time in the 25-year follow-up of the Multiple Risk Factor Intervention Trial of participants ages 35–57 at entry. Methods: The initial stored serum samples were collected in 1973–1975 and the mean length of follow-up to prostate cancer death was 17 years. Results: There were 63 prostate cancer deaths and 63 controls matched by age, clinical site, and length of follow-up. The mean PSA level for prostate cancer decedents was 2.84 ng/ml as compared with 1.10 ng/ml for controls (P = 0.002 for difference). There were nine men who died from prostate cancer and no controls with PSA levels > 4 ng/ml. Risk of prostate cancer death increased with increasing PSA levels, with increased risk observed even at moderate levels of PSA. Many of those with high PSA levels in 1973–1975 died from prostate cancer many years after the elevated PSA. Conclusion: PSA levels measured from blood obtained before the introduction of widespread PSA testing were a strong predictor of prostate cancer death over 25 years of follow-up. Studies of prostate cancer etiology and chemoprevention need to focus on middle-aged or younger men with longer follow-up.
Patterns of Alcohol Consumption and Breast Cancer Risk in the California Teachers Study Cohort
Authors: Horn-Ross Pamela L. , Canchola Alison J. , West Dee W. , Stewart Susan L. , Bernstein Leslie , Deapen Dennis , Pinder Rich , Ross Ronald K. , Anton-Culver Hoda , Peel David , Ziogas Argyrious , Reynolds Peggy , Wright William
Published: June 2022

Alcohol consumption of approximately two drinks or more per day has been associated with elevated breast cancer risk in the California Teachers Study cohort as well as in many other populations. The objective of this analysis is to examine effects of age at drinking and drinking patterns and to identify effect modifiers. Of the 103,460 at-risk cohort members, age <85, who resided in California and completed the baseline alcohol assessment, 1,742 were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer after joining the cohort and before January 2001. Incident breast cancers were identified through the California Cancer Registry and follow-up for death and confirmation of continued California residence used various sources. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate relative risks (RRs). Elevated breast cancer risk was most evident for recent drinking [RR = 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06–1.54 for ≥20 g/day versus nondrinkers], with no clear pattern for consumption during earlier periods of life. This elevation in risk was 32% among postmenopausal women (95% CI: 1.06–1.63) and 21% among pre/perimenopausal women (95% CI: 0.76–1.92). Highest risks associated with heavy alcohol consumption were observed among postmenopausal women with a history of biopsy-diagnosed benign breast disease (RR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.39–2.79 compared to nondrinkers without benign breast disease) or who had used combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) (RR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.59–3.14 compared to nondrinkers who never used HRT). Recent alcohol consumption equivalent to two or more drinks per day increases the risk of invasive breast cancer, with the greatest RRs observed among heavy drinkers who are also postmenopausal and have a history of benign breast disease or who use HRT.
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Type of Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Stagnaro Emanuele , Tumino Rosario , Parodi Stefano , Crosignani Paolo , Fontana Arabella , Masala Giovanna , Miligi Lucia , Nanni Oriana , Ramazzotti Valerio , Rodella Stefania , Senoiri Constantini Adele , Vigano Clotilde , Vindigni Carla , Vineis Paolo
Published: June 2022

Background: In recent decades, the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) has increased in all industrialized countries. Tobacco smoke contains several recognized or putative carcinogenic compounds that differ in concentration depending on which of the two main types, blond or black, is consumed. This investigation sought to evaluate the association between NHL and type of tobacco smoked (blond, black, or mixed), focusing on the Working Formulation (WF) subgroups. Methods: Reanalysis of Italian data from a recent multicenter population-based case-control study. The 1450 cases of NHL and 1779 healthy controls from 11 Italian areas with different demographic and productive characteristics were included in the study, corresponding to ∼7 million residents. Odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for age, gender, residence area, educational level, and type of interview were estimated by unconditional logistic regression model. Results: A statistically significant association [OR = 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1–1.7] was found for blond tobacco exposure and NHL risk. A dose-response relationship was limited to men younger than 52 years (χ2 for trend = 9.95, P < 0.001). Subjects starting smoking at an early age showed a higher risk in men younger than 65 years, whereas no clear trend was evident for the other age and gender subgroups. The analysis by WF categories showed the highest risks for follicular lymphoma in blond (OR = 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.2) and mixed (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–3.0) tobacco smokers and for large cell within the other WF group (OR = 1.6, 95% CI 1.1–2.4) only for blond tobacco. Conclusion: Smoking blond tobacco could be a risk factor for NHL, especially follicular lymphoma.
Signatures of Environmental Exposures Using Peripheral Leukocyte Gene Expression: Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Lampe Johanna W. , Stepaniants Sergey B. , Mao Mao , Radich Jerald P. , Dai Hongyue , Linsley Peter S. , Friend Stephen H. , Potter John D.
Published: June 2022

Functional biological markers of environmental exposures are important in epidemiological studies of disease risk. Such markers not only provide a measure of the exposure, they also reflect the degree of physiological and biochemical response to the exposure. In an observational study, using DNA microarrays, we show that it is possible to distinguish between 85 individuals exposed and unexposed to tobacco smoke on the basis of mRNA expression in peripheral leukocytes. Furthermore, we show that active exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with a biologically relevant mRNA expression signature. These findings suggest that expression patterns can be used to identify a complex environmental exposure in humans.
Evaluation of Osteopontin as Biomarker for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Koopmann Jens , Fedarko Neal S. , Jain Alka , Maitra Anirban , Iacobuzio-Donahue Christine , Rahman Ayman , Hruban Ralph H. , Yeo Charles J. , Goggins Michael
Published: June 2022

Objective: Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is a deadly disease with an overall 5-year patient survival of less than 5%. This dismal prognosis of pancreatic cancer is largely due to the advanced stage of the disease at presentation. If pancreatic cancer could be diagnosed more readily and accurately using serum markers, patient survival could theoretically be improved by enabling more patients to avail of surgical resection. One candidate tumor marker recently identified by global gene expression analysis of pancreatic cancer is the secreted glycophosphoprotein osteopontin (OPN). In this study, we evaluate OPN as a serum marker of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods: In situ hybridization for OPN was performed on a pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissue microarray. Serum OPN levels were determined in preoperative sera from 50 patients with pancreatic cancer and 22 healthy control individuals by competitive ELISA. Results: In situ hybridization for OPN performed on a tissue microarray revealed strong OPN mRNA signal in tumor-infiltrating macrophages in 8 of 14 pancreatic adenocarcinomas. In contrast, OPN expression was not seen in the pancreatic cancer cells themselves, nor was it seen in normal pancreatic tissue or in the macrophages distant from the infiltrating cancer. Serum OPN levels, as measured by ELISA, were elevated in the sera of 50 patients with resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma compared to 22 healthy control individuals (mean ± SD for OPN was 482 ± 170 ng/ml and 204 ± 65 ng/ml, respectively; P < 0.001). Using a cutoff level of 2 SD above the mean for healthy individuals, elevated OPN had sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 97% for pancreatic cancer. In contrast, only 62% of these patients with resectable pancreatic cancer had elevated CA19-9. Conclusion: Serum OPN may have utility as a diagnostic marker in patients with pancreatic cancer.
Circulating Vitamin D Metabolites, Polymorphism in Vitamin D Receptor, and Colorectal Adenoma Risk
Authors: Peters Ulrike , Hayes Richard B. , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Shao Wen , Schoen Robert E. , Pinsky Paul , Hollis Bruce W. , McGlynn Katherine A. ,   the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Project Team
Published: June 2022

Objective: Vitamin D is a potential agent for the prevention of colorectal cancer possibly through mechanisms mediated by the vitamin D receptor (VDR). We investigated the association of circulating vitamin D metabolites and a genetic variant of the VDR gene with advanced colorectal adenoma, a precursor lesion of colorectal cancer. Methods: Cases with advanced adenoma of the distal large bowel and gender- and ethnicity-matched controls with a negative sigmoidoscopy were randomly selected from participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening trial. Genotype analysis of the VDR TaqI polymorphism was completed on 763 cases and 774 controls. Serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] were measured in a subset of 394 cases and 397 controls. Results: Serum levels of 25(OH)D were inversely associated with advanced adenoma risk in women but not in men. Comparing those in the highest quintile with those in the lowest quintile, the risk for advanced adenoma decreased by 73% in women [odds ratio (OR) = 0.27, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 0.11–0.69; P for trend = 0.0002], while the risk did not decrease in men (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.60–2.05; P for trend = 0.85). In women, 25(OH)D levels were significantly higher in current users of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) than in former or never HRT users. Neither serum 1,25(OH)2D nor VDR TaqI genotype was associated with advanced adenoma risk. Conclusion: Higher serum 25(OH)D levels were associated with decreased adenoma risk. Serum 1,25(OH)2D and VDR TaqI genotype were not associated with adenoma risk.
A Polymorphic Locus in the Promoter Region of the IGFBP3 Gene Is Related to Mammographic Breast Density
Authors: Lai Joe H. , Vesprini Danny , Zhang William , Yaffe Martin J. , Pollak Michael , Narod Steven A.
Published: June 2022

Background: Mammographic breast density is a significant risk factor for breast cancer. Women with dense tissue accounting for more than 60–75% of the area of the breast have a 4- to 6-fold increase in their risk of breast cancer, compared to women with little or no breast density. A high circulating level of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and low IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3) level have been associated with increased breast density in premenopausal women. Genetic polymorphisms in the IGF1 and IGFBP3 genes may influence breast and serum levels of these growth factors. The aims of this study were to determine whether polymorphic variations in the IGF1 and IGFBP3 genes are associated with breast density, and serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels, and whether serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels are associated with mammographic density. Methods: A total of 441 white women, recruited from Women's College Hospital (Toronto, Ontario), enrolled in this study. Each woman completed a questionnaire, detailing information on age, menstrual history, hormone use, diet, and medical and mammography history. Blood samples were taken for DNA extraction to genotype the subjects for polymorphic variants in the two candidate genes, and for measurement of circulating levels of IGF-I and IGFBP-3. Mammographic films were retrieved from Women's College Hospital and digitized using a laser film scanner. The digitized images were assessed for breast density using a computer-assisted method. Results: There was a positive association between serum IGFBP-3 levels and the number of A alleles at a previously described polymorphic locus in the promoter region of the IGFBP3 gene among premenopausal women (P = 0.01). There was also a positive trend in the mean percentage of breast density by the number of A alleles of the IGFBP3 gene among premenopausal women (P = 0.0005). Women with two A alleles had a 5-fold increase in the odds of having a percentage of breast density greater or equal to 28%, compared with women with no A allele (P = 0.002). However, there was no association between serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels and breast density among premenopausal women (P > 0.05). Conclusions: This is the first study to report a strong relationship between a polymorphic gene locus (IGFBP3) and mammographic breast density. However, we could not confirm an association between serum IGF-I levels and breast density among premenopausal women, as demonstrated in previous studies.
Polymorphisms XRCC1-R399Q and XRCC3-T241M and the Risk of Breast Cancer at the Ontario Site of the Breast Cancer Family Registry
Authors: Figueiredo Jane C. , Knight Julia A. , Briollais Laurent , Andrulis Irene L. , Ozcelik Hilmi
Published: June 2022

This study investigates the role of two nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA repair genes, X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1)-R399Q and X-ray repair cross-complementing group 3 (XRCC3)-T241M, in breast cancer. Incident cases of invasive breast cancer in Caucasian women [n = 402, mean age = 45.7 (SD = 6.2) years] and female Caucasian controls [n = 402, mean age = 45.2 (6.5) years] frequency matched on 5-year age intervals were identified from the Ontario Familial Breast Cancer Registry. No evidence for a main effect of the XRCC1-R399Q genotype on breast cancer risk was observed. Estimates of risk for a family history (FH) of breast cancer compared with no FH differed by XRCC1-R399Q genotype (P value for interaction = 0.001). Homozygote XRCC1-399 R/R individuals and FH+ were at a 2.92-fold [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.47–5.79] increased risk of disease compared with FH− individuals; the estimate of risk increased for R/Q heterozygotes with FH+ [odds ratio (OR) = 3.85, 95% CI = 1.94–7.65] but not for Q/Q homozygotes with FH+ (OR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.20–1.47) compared with homozygous R/R and FH− individuals. A marginal positive association for XRCC3-241 M/M compared with T/T genotype was found (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 0.94–2.19), but the heterozygous T/M was not associated with an increase in risk (OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.71–1.32). There was also some evidence for a combined effect of body mass index and XRCC3-T241M on estimates of risk. Our results suggest that these polymorphisms may influence breast cancer risk by modifying the effect of risk factors such as FH. There is a need for further study into the role of these polymorphisms as effect modifiers.
Common Gene Polymorphisms in the Metabolic Folate and Methylation Pathway and the Risk of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in Adults
Authors: Gemmati Donato , Ongaro Alessia , Scapoli Gian L. , Della Porta Matteo , Tognazzo Silvia , Serino Maria L. , Di Bona Eros , Rodeghiero Francesco , Gilli Giuseppe , Reverberi Roberto , Caruso Angelo , Pasello Michela , Pellati Agnese , De Mattei Monica
Published: June 2022

Folate and methionine metabolism is involved in DNA synthesis and methylation processes. Polymorphisms in the genes of folate metabolism enzymes have been associated with some forms of cancer. In a case-control study, we evaluated whether four common polymorphisms in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T and A1298C), methionine synthase (MS A2756G), and methionine synthase reductase (MTRR A66G) genes may have a role in altering susceptibility to adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We analyzed DNA of 120 adult ALL, 200 NHL, and 257 healthy control subjects. Individual carrying the MTHFR 677TT genotype showed a 3.6-fold decreased ALL risk [odds ratio (OR) 0.28, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.12–0.72] than wild-types. Similarly, MS 2756GG individuals showed a 5.0-fold decreased ALL risk (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.02–1.45) than wild-types. In combined results, subjects with the MTHFR 677CT/TT and MS 2756AG/GG genotypes revealed a 3.6-fold ALL risk reduction (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.14–0.58) and those with the MTHFR 677TT and MTRR 66AG genotypes revealed a 4.2-fold ALL risk reduction (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06–0.81). Finally, those with the MS 2756AG/GG and MTRR 66AG/GG genotypes revealed a 2.2-fold ALL risk reduction (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.10–0.85). Single analysis for NHL did not show any significant difference for all the polymorphisms investigated, but in the low-grade NHL subgroup, we found a 2.0-fold risk reduction for the MTRR 66GG homozygous genotype (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.25–0.99), which was higher (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.14–0.85) when analyzed in combination with MS 2756AA genotype. These data are in accordance with the hypothesis that polymorphisms in the genes for folate and methionine metabolism might play a greater role in the occurrence of ALL than NHL by influencing DNA synthesis and/or DNA methylation.
Myeloperoxidase (MPO) −463G→A Reduces MPO Activity and DNA Adduct Levels in Bronchoalveolar Lavages of Smokers
Authors: Van Schooten Frederik J. , Boots Agnes W. , Knaapen Ad M. , Godschalk Roger W. L. , Maas Lou M. , Borm Paul J. A. , Drent Marjolein , Jacobs Jan A.
Published: June 2022

The myeloperoxidase (MPO) −463G→A genetic polymorphism is associated with a reduced risk for lung cancer, but the underlying mechanism is not yet elucidated. Therefore, the impact of this polymorphism on MPO activity and lipophilic DNA adducts was studied in respectively bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and cells, from 106 smoking Caucasian lung patients. MPO activity was determined spectrophotometrically, aromatic DNA adducts by 32P-postlabeling and MPO genotypes by RFLP analysis. Frequencies of MPO −463AA (13%), MPO −463AG (36%), and MPO −463GG (51%) were in line with earlier observations. MPO activity/neutrophil was lower in MPO −463AA (median 0.04 pU/cell) than in MPO −463AG (median 0.07 pU/cell) and MPO −463GG (median 0.14 pU/cell; P = 0.059) individuals. DNA adducts in BAL cells were measured in 11 MPO −463AA subjects and equal numbers of MPO −463AG and MPO −463GG subjects matched for smoking, age, gender, and clinical diagnosis. DNA adduct levels in MPO −463AA individuals (median 0.62 adducts/108 nucleotides) were lower than in MPO −463AG (median 1.51 adducts/108 nucleotides) and MPO −463GG (median 3.26 adducts/108 nucleotides; P = 0.003) subjects. Overall, no significant correlation was observed between amount of inhaled tar/day and DNA adduct levels. However, correlations improved considerably on grouping according to the MPO genotype; MPO −463AA subjects were the least responsive (R2 = 0.73, slope = 0.4, P = 0.01) followed by MPO −463AG subjects (R2 = 0.70, slope = 1.3, P = 0.01) and MPO −463GG patients (R2 = 0.67, slope = 2.8, P = 0.02). These data demonstrate that MPO −463AA/AG genotypes are associated with (a) reduced MPO activity in BAL fluid and (b) reduced smoking-related DNA adduct levels in BAL cells in a gene-dose manner. These data provide a plausible biological explanation for the reduced risk for lung cancer as observed in MPO −463AA/AG compared with MPO −463GG subjects.
The Epidemiology of Pregnancy-Related Breast Cancers: Are We Ready to Deliver?
Authors: McDonald Jasmine A. , Vilfranc Chrystelle L. , Terry Mary Beth
Published: June 2022

The dual effect of pregnancy on breast cancer risk has long been recognized. The short-term increase in breast cancer after pregnancy, particularly cancers that are more aggressive, contrasts starkly with the longer-term decrease. It remains unclear how these opposing effects of pregnancy relate to molecular subtypes of breast cancer, which impacts translation. Several methodologic challenges remain related to the study and operationalization of key constructs, which remain complicated by the correlation between age at pregnancies, overall parity, and intervals between pregnancies and cancer diagnoses. In this issue of CEBP, Vohra and colleagues address some of these major gaps as well as present novel data on the breast tissue microenvironment. The increasing incidence of invasive breast cancer in women under age 50 years requires improved clinical translation and identification of higher risk women after pregnancy. Thus, it is crucial to address the gaps in our biological understanding of pregnancy-related breast cancers.

See related article by Vohra et al., p. 561
Patrocínio por empresas de alimentos e bebidas no futebol: análise da Copa América 2019
Authors: Araujo Larissa Cardoso de Miranda , Matos Juliana de Paula , Horta Paula Martins
Published: June 2022

OBJETIVO Identificar o patrocínio por empresas do setor de alimentos e bebidas das seleções participantes da Copa América de Futebol 2019 e associar esse patrocínio a características das seleções e de seus respectivos países. MÉTODOS Foram identificados os patrocinadores das 10 seleções participantes da 46ª edição da Copa América de Futebol. Essas entidades foram classificadas em empresas i) de alimentos, ii) de bebidas alcoólicas e iii) de outros segmentos. As empresas de alimentos foram classificadas de acordo com seus produtos, segundo a classificação NOVA. Além disso, dados sobre o número de títulos anteriormente conquistados pelas seleções na Copa América e na Copa do Mundo foram obtidos, assim como dados do índice de desenvolvimento humano, de venda anual per capita de alimentos ultraprocessados e de consumo anual per capita de bebidas alcoólicas dos países. RESULTADOS Um total de 89 patrocínios foram identificados para as 10 seleções estudadas, alguns desses apoiando duas ou mais equipes. Dezoito por cento dos patrocinadores eram empresas de alimentos, sendo 12,4% de alimentos ultraprocessados. A categoria de bebidas alcoólicas representou 7,9% dos patrocinadores. As empresas de bebidas ultraprocessadas e as de bebidas alcoólicas patrocinaram sete das 10 seleções estudadas. Notou-se maior participação de patrocinadores de empresas de alimentos ultraprocessados em seleções de países com maior índice de desenvolvimento humano, venda de alimentos ultraprocessados e número de títulos de Copa América e Copa do Mundo. Já o patrocínio por empresas de bebidas alcoólicas foi maior em seleções de países com menor índice de desenvolvimento humano, consumo de álcool e número de títulos em Copa América e Copa do Mundo. CONCLUSÃO Evidenciou-se uma presença significativa de empresas de alimentos ultraprocessados e de bebidas alcoólicas como patrocinadores das seleções sul-americanas de futebol e que as características de desempenho esportivo das seleções e questões socioeconômicas e de mercado dos países se associam à ocorrência do patrocínio.
Husserl, Beauvoir, and the Problem of the Sexes
Authors: Zimmer Amie Leigh
Published: June 2022

The article links Simone de Beauvoir’s phenomenology and Catherine A. MacKinnon’s feminist, Marxist, standpoint epistemology in virtue of their shared recognition that objectivity is sexed and gendered. This connection is supported by Beauvoir’s close alignment with Edmund Husserl, for whom the question of embodied difference was vital for generating an account of intersubjectivity and locating sex in the historical subject. The article concludes that a consideration of both the transcendental and immanence are central to Beauvoir’s feminist phenomenology and feminist politics alike.
Etymological compendium of cycad names
Authors: HAYNES JODY L.
Published: June 2022

The meanings of some cycad names are self-explanatory, but many others are not. This compendium provides the etymological derivations of the names of all currently accepted cycad genera, species, and infraspecific taxa, with their authorities and dates and pages of publication. It is meant to complement the World List of Cycads, and as such, it will be periodically updated following changes in taxonomy and nomenclature.
Kalanchoe ×trageri, at last a name for K. blossfeldiana × K. pumila (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), a horticulturally successful nothospecies
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: June 2022

Material derived from the hybrid between Kalanchoe blossfeldiana and K. pumila (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) has proven to present a useful genetic resource in the global, especially indoor, horticultural trade. Various named and unnamed selections that likely have the formula K. blossfeldiana × K. pumila, or that at least have one or both of these two species in their genetic makeup, are available. However, to date this hybrid has not been provided with a name to facilitate communication about it, including about aspects of its biology, such as character inheritance. Material derived from K. blossfeldiana × K. pumila is here described as K. ×trageri. Reference is made to cultivars that likely have been based on K. ×trageri, or even on K. pumila, the species.
Fallacia fawensis sp. nov., a new brackish water diatom (Bacillariophyceae) from Southern Iraq
Authors: AL-HANDAL ADIL Y. , AL-SHAHEEN MAITHAM A. , AL-SAEDY REHAB N. , WULFF ANGELA
Published: June 2022

The diatom genus Fallacia includes species having a conopeum which is a perforated thin sheath of silica lying along the apical axis on the external valve face and a hyaline lateral area in the internal valve face. In surveying the benthic diatoms of Basra, a new small brackish water species, Fallacia fawensis was found associated with fine-grained substrata on the western bank of Shatt Al–Arab River, Southern Iraq. This epipelic species is described based on light and scanning electron microscopy and characterized by having a porous conopeum covering the area between raphe sterna and mantle, narrow elongated marginal striae, and a structure similar to lateral hyaline areas in the valve internal side. The terminal raphe endings on the external valve face, below valve apex, the raphe sternum inner margins come close to each other, blocking raphe canal but leaving a lacuna-like thin groove for connection with the deflected upper part of the open raphe canal. These features separated this species from allied taxa of the genus and also from closely related genera, Pseudofallacia and Germaniella. Notes on the ecology and distribution of the new species as well as the associated diatom taxa are provided.
Irradiation Induced Biochemical Changes in Human Mandibular Bone: A Raman Spectroscopic Study
Authors: Reddy Padala Sridhar , Saikia Dimple , Mikkonen Jopi J. W. , Uurasjärvi Emilia , Dekker Hannah , Schulten Engelbert A. J. M. , Bravenboer Nathalie , Koistinen Arto , Chauhan Amrita , Singh Surya P. , Kullaa Arja M.
Published: June 2022

Understanding the biochemical changes in irradiated human mandible after radiotherapy of cancer patients is critical for oral rehabilitation. The underlying mechanism for radiation-associated changes in the bone at the molecular level could lead to implant failure and osteoradionecrosis. The study aimed to assess the chemical composition and bone quality in irradiated human mandibular bone using Raman spectroscopy. A total of 33 bone biopsies from 16 control and 17 irradiated patients were included to quantify different biochemical parameters from the Raman spectra. The differences in bone mineral and matrix band intensities between control and irradiated groups were analyzed using unpaired Student’s t-test with statistical significance at p < 0.05. Findings suggest that the intensity of the phosphate band is significantly decreased and the carbonate band is significantly increased in the irradiated group. Further, the mineral crystallinity and carbonate to phosphate ratio are increased. The mineral to matrix ratio is decreased in the irradiated group. Principal component analysis (PCA) based on the local radiation dose and biopsy time interval of irradiated samples did not show any specific classification between irradiation sub-groups. Irradiation disrupted the interaction and bonding between the organic matrix and hydroxyapatite minerals affecting the bone biochemical properties. However, the normal clinical appearance of irradiated bone would have been accompanied by underlying biochemical and microscopical changes which might result in radiation-induced delayed complications.
Kraftwerk and the international ‘re-birth of Germany’: Multiplicity, identity and difference in music and International Relations
Authors: Tallis Benjamin
Published: June 2022

Kraftwerk are widely recognised as one of the most important groups in the history of popular music – and for (West) German national identity in the 20th century. They have been labelled as both typically German and thoroughly cosmopolitan, but, rather than being paradoxical (as some have claimed), this tension reveals an under-explored international politics at work. Using the emerging approach of Multiplicity, I illuminate Kraftwerk’s international dimensions to develop the insight that all societies are inter-societal and all nations international. The article thus intervenes into an ongoing debate in International Political Sociology (IPS) that has seen calls to abandon ‘the international’ in favour of ‘the global’. In practice, this would also ignore ‘the national’ which, as Cultural Studies scholarship on Kraftwerk and recent sociological work shows, remains an important mode of meaning-making. Yet these same literatures dismiss cosmopolitanism or afford no constitutive role to the international, meaning they slide back into methodological nationalism. Using Multiplicity, I address both the national and the cosmopolitan elements of societal identity and suggest a newly co-ontological conception of identity and difference for International Relations (IR). Sketching Kraftwerk’s genesis, innovations, inspirations, influence and importance, I thus illuminate the inter-national politics of the musical ‘re-birth of Germany’.
Defence cooperation and change: How defence industry integration fostered development of the European security community
Authors: Ditrych Ondrej , Kucera Tomas
Published: June 2022

This article situates recent initiatives to deepen security and defence cooperation in the European Union in the historical perspective. It proposes a model of constitutive relationship between the process of change in a security community and the formation of a transnational defence industry community of practice which yields positive feedback (‘productive returns’) to the security community as a broader assemblage within which it was constituted. This model is applied to the paradigmatic case of European security community that formed after the World War II (WWII). The analysis shows that the key driver for defence integration traced by means of social network analysis (SNA) in this case was economic rather than political, and for an extended period of time it developed without formal institutions. The productive return of the ‘defence industry machine’ as a distinct community of practice that was constituted through the integration process consisted in the sense of deeper belonging and a shared sense of working well together in a traditionally highly nationalised defence milieu.
Comparing the aesthetic experience of classic–romantic and contemporary classical music: An interview study
Authors: Mencke Iris , Seibert Christoph , Brattico Elvira , Wald-Fuhrmann Melanie
Published: June 2022

Current models of aesthetic experience of music (AEM) have emerged in the recent years capitalizing on evidence from psychology and neuroscience research, thus modeling mainly cognitive and information processes in the brain. However, a large part of the empirical research on which these models are based is related to Western tonal music, while another style of Western music, namely, contemporary classical music (CCM), has been almost neglected. CCM is often dissonant and lacks a tonal hierarchical structure, as, for example, in serial musical pieces. The current study qualitatively explored aesthetic dimensions of a CCM experience by contrasting it to classic–romantic music (CM). To this end, 16 semi-structured interviews with experts of both CCM ( n = 8) and CM ( n = 8) were conducted. The interview guide consisted of questions relating to physiological, affective, and cognitive dimensions of music listening. We applied qualitative content analysis on the textual material and compared the emerging main and sub-themes between the groups. Our findings show that especially the categories of expectations, physiological and emotional responses, pleasurable aspects, and, lastly, existential relevance revealed striking differences which allow us to conclude that CM and CCM afford distinguishable types of AEM in listeners.
What’s a good prediction? Challenges in evaluating an agent’s knowledge
Authors: Kearney Alex , Koop Anna J , Pilarski Patrick M
Published: June 2022

Constructing general knowledge by learning task-independent models of the world can help agents solve challenging problems. However, both constructing and evaluating such models remain an open challenge. The most common approaches to evaluating models is to assess their accuracy with respect to observable values. However, the prevailing reliance on estimator accuracy as a proxy for the usefulness of the knowledge has the potential to lead us astray. We demonstrate the conflict between accuracy and usefulness through a series of illustrative examples including both a thought experiment and an empirical example in Minecraft, using the General Value Function framework (GVF). Having identified challenges in assessing an agent’s knowledge, we propose an alternate evaluation approach that arises naturally in the online continual learning setting: we recommend evaluation by examining internal learning processes, specifically the relevance of a GVF’s features to the prediction task at hand. This paper contributes a first look into evaluation of predictions through their use, an integral component of predictive knowledge which is as of yet unexplored.
Non-Binary Embodiment, Queer Knowledge Production, and Disrupting the Cisnormative Field: Notes From a Trans Ethnographer
Authors: Robinson Brandon Andrew
Published: June 2022

In this article, I show how my non-binary embodiment, along with regularly being misgendered, shapes the questions I ask, the research I conduct, the data I can gather, how I understand my research and data, and the knowledge I produce. Through this interrogation of my body in relation to research methods and epistemologies, I illuminate how trans and non-binary scholars disrupt the cisnormative assumptions of ethnographic fieldwork, of sociology, and of academia. These disruptions generate queer forms of knowledge production that center trans and non-binary experiences and perspectives and that move us toward thinking anew about researchers, embodiment, and methods, and their epistemological effects.
The Impact of Suprarenal Diameter on Outcomes Following Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Clifford Kari , Majumder Arunesh , Hill Brigid , Young-Gough Anastasia , Jones Gregory T , Krysa Jolanta
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To determine the association between suprarenal aortic diameters and complications that may be attributed to a dilating phenotype following endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Design

This study is a retrospective review.

Methods

We measured the abdominal aortas of 147 consecutive patients with a mean age of 78.5 (range 60-93) years, who had a mean Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) follow-up of 3 years (6 months to 8 years) at a public Hospital. Aortic calibres measured 5 mm above the highest renal artery were recorded, patients were categorised according to suprarenal diameter; Group A: greater than 25 mm, Group B: less than or equal to 25 mm. Stent migration, aneurysmal sac growth, presence of an endoleak and its type, occlusion events, rupture, interventions and mortality, as well as clinical history and demographic data were compared between groups.

Results

There was a significantly higher occurrence of stent migration (11% v 0%; P = .01) in patients with larger suprarenal aortas (Group A). The occurrence of any endoleak did not differ between the groups, however, significantly more complications resulting in secondary intervention, excluding occlusions, were noted in Group A (34% vs 17%, P = .04).

Conclusions

The results from this study suggest that patients with above-average suprarenal diameters (categorised as dilators) may have a higher occurrence of specific complications following EVAR. A more detailed study to establish the association of suprarenal calibre with types of complications following EVAR is warranted.
Prediction of abdominal aortic aneurysm growth by artificial intelligence taking into account clinical, biologic, morphologic, and biomechanical variables
Authors: Kontopodis Nikolaos , Klontzas Michail , Tzirakis Konstantinos , Charalambous Stavros , Marias Kostas , Tsetis Dimitrios , Karantanas Apostolos , Ioannou Christos V
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To develop a prediction model that could risk stratify abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) into high and low growth rate groups, using machine learning algorithms based on variables from different pathophysiological fields.

Methods

A cohort of 40 patients with small AAAs (maximum diameter 32–53 mm) who had at least an initial and a follow-up CT scan (median follow-up 12 months, range 3–36 months) were included. 29 input variables from clinical, biological, morphometric, and biomechanical pathophysiological aspects extracted for predictive modeling. Collected data were used to build two supervised machine learning models. A gradient boosting (XGboost) and a support vector machines (SVM) algorithm were trained with 60% and tested with 40% of the data to predict which AAA would achieve a growth rate higher than the median of our study cohort. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves and areas under the curve (AUC) were used for the evaluation of the developed algorithms.

Results

XGboost achieved the highest AUC in predicting high compared to low AAA growth rate with an AUC of 81.2% (95% CI from 61.1 to 100%). SVM achieved the second highest performance with an AUC of 68.8% (95% CI from 46.5 to 91%). Based on the best performing algorithm, variable importance was estimated. Diameter–diameter ratio (maximum diameter/neck diameter), Tortuosity from Renal arteries to aortic bifurcation, and maximum thickness of the intraluminal thrombus were found to be the most important factors for model predictions. Other factors were also found to play a significant but less important role.

Conclusions

A prediction model that can risk stratify AAAs into high and low growth rate groups could be developed by analyzing several factors implicated in the multifactorial pathophysiology of this disease, with the use of machine learning algorithms. Future studies including larger patient cohorts and implementing additional risk markers may aid in the establishment of such methodology during AAA rupture risk estimation.
COVID-19 in Long-Term Care: The Built Environment Impact on Infection Control
Authors: Benbow William (Bill)
Published: June 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this article is to review available literature for evidence-based impact of the built environment upon the prevention and management of COVID-19 with a view to emphasizing lessons learned for future infection control of pandemics.

Background:

This is urgently needed given the devastation brought upon long-term care residents worldwide. Long-term care (LTC) facilities face a battle to protect their residents. Previous studies of infection control design issues have focused generally on Fomites: that is, contaminated objects and surfaces. As COVID-19 has been shown to be largely spread through the air, this article will broaden the focus to include engineering controls that effect this type of transmission.

Method:

A literature search was conducted using key words such as long-term care facilities, built environment, COVID-19, infection control, and nursing homes.

Results:

Results were sorted using an engineering controls pyramid developed by the author to stratify approaches to LTC infrastructure. Basically, six elements were supported: ventilation, spatial separation, physical barriers, hand hygiene stations, resident room zones, and private rooms.

Implications:

Conclusions were that the built environment has a major impact on infection control that can be deleterious or beneficial. Substantial changes need to be made to protect the very vulnerable LTC population from future pandemics and infectious diseases.
Digital communication in primary care: A qualitative descriptive study of patient interviews considering person-centred care
Authors: Svenzén Elin , Eldh Ann Catrine
Published: June 2022

With the growing demand for primary care, provision needs to be efficient, yet retain person-centred and integrated care. Digital communication is suggested as a way to settle these aspects, although there is insufficient knowledge regarding the end-user's perspective. The aim of this study was to describe patients’ experiences of digital communication in their primary care contact, while considering aspects of person-centred care. A purposeful sample of 16 patients (aged 28–85 years) was interviewed via telephone in a qualitative design, and verbatim transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis and a subsequent deductive approach in relation to a person-centred care framework. The study was reported following the COREQ guidelines. The findings indicate that, from a patient perspective, digital communication enables independent contact where one crafts one's medical history at a time and place convenient for oneself, providing opportunities for the primary care triage to consider one's individual input. These aspects of digital communication serve person-centredness, although they were less suitable for certain health issues, but a human interaction was most appropriate when health concerns were ambiguous or complex. Thus, digital communication may serve patients in primary care, but the development and implementation of such services must move beyond technical and professional perspectives. In order to facilitate integrated care, further emphasis is needed on both patients’ experiences, and the principles of person-centred care.
Conventional Versus 3D Plates for Mandibular Anterior Region Fractures: A Comparative Study
Authors: Aurora Jitender K. , Tiwari Shamita , Dubey Krishna Nand , Tandon Parul , Chauhan Himanshu , Srivastava Amartya Prakash , Saxena Mohit
Published: June 2022

Introduction

The management of facial trauma is one of the most challenging aspects for maxillofacial surgeons. The prominent position and configuration of the mandible make it one of the most frequent facial bones to be fractured. Open reduction and internal fixation are the preferred treatment methods for mandibular fractures.

Objective

To compare the effect of three-dimensional (3D) plates and conventional miniplates for internal fixation of anterior mandibular fractures.

Material and Method

This was a controlled and randomized clinical trial. A total of 14 patients aged between 21 and 50 years, who had symphyseal or parasymphyseal mandibular fractures, were randomly selected for this study from the outpatient clinic of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department. In this study, open reduction and internal fixation were performed for mandibular symphyseal and parasymphyseal region fractures using 3D plates in 7 patients as the study group and miniplates in 7 patients as the control group. Patients were followed for a period of 3 months at the interval of 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3 months for wound dehiscence, infection segmental mobility, postoperative occlusion, significant postoperative complications, and radiological evaluation of reduction, and fixation was done with a postoperative orthopantamogram (OPG) and 6 months postop computed tomography scan.

Result

There was no statistical difference between the 2 groups regarding pain, sensory response, operating time, occlusion, postoperative infection, wound dehiscence, mobility of fracture segment, and bone healing.