bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SuHeXiang Wan Essential Oil Alleviates Amyloid Beta Induced Memory Impairment Through Inhibition of Tau Protein Phosphorylation in Mice
Authors: Jeon Songhee , Hur Jinyoung , Jeong Ha Jin , Koo Byung-Soo , Pak Sok Cheon
Published: September 2011

SuHeXiang Wan (SHXW), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been used orally for the treatment of seizures, infantile convulsions and stroke. Previously, we reported the effects of a modified SHXW essential oil in terms of sedative effect, anticonvulsant activity and antioxidative activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of SHXW essential oil in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). SHXW essential oil was extracted from nine herbs. The mouse AD model was induced by a single injection of amyloid β protein (Aβ1-42) into the hippocampus. The animals were divided into four groups, the negative control group injected with Aβ42-1, the Aβ group injected with Aβ1-42, the SHXW group inhaled SHXW essential oil and received Aβ1-42injection, and the positive control group administered with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 10 mg/kg) and with subsequent Aβ1-42injection. Mice were analyzed by behavioral tests and immunological examination in the hippocampus. An additional in vitro investigation was performed to examine whether SHXW essential oil inhibits Aβ1-42induced neurotoxicity in a human neuroblastoma cell line, SH-SY5Y cells. Pre-inhalation of SHXW essential oil improved the Aβ1-42induced memory impairment and suppressed Aβ1-42induced JNK, p38 and Tau phosphorylation in the hippocampus. SHXW essential oil suppressed Aβ-induced apoptosis and ROS production via an up-regulation of HO-1 and Nrf2 expression in SH-SY5Y cells. The present study suggests that SHXW essential oil may have potential as a therapeutic inhalation drug for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Anti-inflammatory Effects ofScoparia dulcisL. and Betulinic Acid
Authors: Tsai Jen-Chieh , Peng Wen-Huang , Chiu Tai-Hui , Lai Shang-Chih , Lee Chao-Ying
Published: September 2011

The aims of this study intended to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the 70% ethanol extract from Scoparia dulcis (SDE) and betulinic acid on λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of SDE and betulinic acid was examined by detecting the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the edema paw tissue and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRd) in the liver. The betulinic acid content in SDE was detected by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). In the anti-inflammatory model, the results showed that SDE (0.5 and 1.0 g/kg) and betulinic acid (20 and 40 mg/kg) reduced the paw edema at 3, 4 and 5 h after λ-carrageenan administration. Moreover, SDE and betulinic acid affected the levels of COX-2, NO, TNF-α and IL1-β in the λ-carrageenan-induced edema paws. The activities of SOD, GPx and GRd in the liver tissue were increased and the MDA levels in the edema paws were decreased. It is suggested that SDE and betulinic acid possessed anti-inflammatory activities and the anti-inflammatory mechanisms appear to be related to the reduction of the levels of COX-2, NO, TNF-α and IL1-β in inflamed tissues, as well as the inhibition of MDA level via increasing the activities of SOD, GPx and GRd. The analytical result showed that the content of betulinic acid in SDE was 6.25 mg/g extract.
Inhibitory Effect of Pomegranate on Intestinal Sodium Dependent Glucose Uptake
Authors: Kim Hye Kyung , Baek Soon-Sun , Cho Hong-Yon
Published: September 2011

Intestinal glucose uptake is mainly performed by its specific transporters, SGLT1 and GLUTs expressed in the intestinal epithelial cells. By using Caco -2 cells and 2-NBDG, we observed that intestinal glucose uptake was markedly inhibited by pomegranate (Punica granatum L, PG) among 200 screened edible Korean plants. The effects of the PG extract on Na+-dependent glucose uptake were further evaluated using brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV) obtained from the mouse small intestine. PG inhibited Na+-dependent glucose uptake with the IC50value of 424 μg/ml. The SGLT1 protein expression was dose dependently down regulated with PG treatment in Caco -2 cells. We next assessed the antihyperglycemic effect of PG in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. Administration of PG (800 mg/kg) to STZ mice for four weeks improved postprandial glucose regulation. Furthermore, elevated Na+-dependent glucose uptake by BBMV isolated from STZ mice was normalized by PG treratment. These results suggest that PG could play a role in controlling the dietary glucose absorption at the intestinal tract by decreasing SGLT1 expression, and may contribute to blood glucose homeostasis in the diabetic condition.
Simultaneous Determination of Ten Active Components in 12 Chinese Piper Species by HPLC
Authors: Cai Cheng-Cheng , Yan Ma-Cheng , Xie Hui , Pan Sheng-Li
Published: September 2011

Piper is a genus that is recently valued for the treatment of central nervous system diseases. The major constituents, amides and lignans, are responsible for the antinociceptive and antidepressant activities. This study developed a RP-HPLC-UV method for the simultaneous determination of eight amides and two lignans in twelve different species of Piper. HPLC separation was accomplished on a C18 analytical column (5 μm, 250 mm × 4.6 mm, i.d.) with a gradient mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile and water at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min. All the calibration curves showed good linear correlation coefficients (r > 0.9997) over the test ranges. The relative standard deviation of the current method was less than 2.90% for intra- and inter-day assays and the average recoveries were between 98.25% and 103.08%. The HPLC method established is appropriate for quality control purposes and allows for the differentiation of Piper species.
POINCARÉ GAUGE THEORY WITH COUPLED EVEN AND ODD PARITY DYNAMIC SPIN-0 MODES: DYNAMICAL EQUATIONS FOR ISOTROPIC BIANCHI COSMOLOGIES
Authors: HO FEI-HUNG , NESTER JAMES M.
Published: September 2011

We are investigating the dynamics of a new Poincaré gauge theory of gravity model, which has cross coupling between the spin-0+ and spin-0- modes. To this end we here consider a very appropriate situation — homogeneous-isotropic cosmologies — which is relatively simple, and yet all the modes have nontrivial dynamics which reveals physically interesting and possibly observable results. More specifically we consider manifestly isotropic Bianchi class A cosmologies; for this case we find an effective Lagrangian and Hamiltonian for the dynamical system. The Lagrange equations for these models lead to a set of first-order equations that are compatible with those found for the FLRW models and provide a foundation for further investigations. Typical numerical evolution of these equations shows the expected effects of the cross parity coupling.
HALO MODELS IN MODIFIED GRAVITY THEORIES WITH SELF-ACCELERATED EXPANSION
Authors: NARIKAWA TATSUYA , KIMURA RAMPEI , YANO TATSUNOSUKE , YAMAMOTO KAZUHIRO
Published: September 2011

We investigate the structure of halos in the sDGP (self-accelerating branch of the Dvali–Gavadadze–Porrati braneworld gravity) model and the Galileon modified gravity model on the basis of the static and spherically symmetric solutions of the collisionless Boltzmann equation, which reduce to the singular isothermal sphere model and the King model in the limit of Newtonian gravity. The common feature of these halos is that the density of a halo in the outer region is larger (smaller) in the sDGP (Galileon) model, respectively, in comparison with Newtonian gravity. This comes from the suppression (enhancement) of the effective gravity at large distance in the sDGP (Galileon) model, respectively. However, the difference between these modified gravity models and Newtonian gravity only appears outside the halo due to the Vainshtein mechanism, which makes it difficult to distinguish between them. We also discuss the case in which the halo density profile is fixed independently of the gravity model for comparison between our results and previous work.
DARK ENERGY IN SOME INTEGRABLE AND NONINTEGRABLE FRW COSMOLOGICAL MODELS
Authors: ESMAKHANOVA KURALAY , MYRZAKULOV NURGISSA , NUGMANOVA GULGASYL , MYRZAKULOV YERLAN , CHECHIN LEONID , MYRZAKULOV RATBAY
Published: September 2011

One of the greatest challenges in today's cosmology to determine the nature of dark energy, the sourse of the observed present acceleration of the universe. Besides the vacuum energy, various dark energy models have been suggested. The Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) spacetime plays an important role in modern cosmology. In particular, the most popular models of dark energy work in the FRW spacetime. In this work, a new class of integrable FRW cosmological models is presented. These models induced by the well-known Painlevé equations. Some nonintegrable FRW models are also considered. These last models are constructed with the help of Pinney, Schrödinger and hypergeometric equations. Scalar field description and two-dimensional generalizations of some cosmological models are presented. Finally some integrable and nonintegrable F(R) and F(G) gravity models are constructed.
QUANTUM EFFECTS FROM PARTICLE PRODUCTION ON BACKGROUND EVOLUTION AND CARDY–VERLINDE FORMULA IN f(R) GRAVITY
Authors: HOUNDJO M. J. S. , MONWANOU A. V. , CHABI OROU JEAN B.
Published: September 2011

We investigate particle production in an expanding universe under the assumption that the Lagrangian contains the Einstein term R plus a modified gravity term of the form Rα, where α is a constant. Dark fluid is considered as the main content of the universe and the big rip singularity appears. Quantum effects due to particle creation is analyzed near the singularity and we find that for α ∈ ]½, 1[, quantum effects are dominant and the big rip may be avoided whereas for α ∈ J the dark fluid is dominant and the singularity remains. The Cardy–Verlinde formula is also introduced and its equivalence with the total entropy of the universe is checked. It is found that this can always occur in Einstein gravity while in f(R) gravity, it holds only for [Formula: see text], n being the space dimension, corresponding to the situation in which the big rip cannot be avoided.
AN INTEGRATED INTERPRETIVE STRUCTURAL MODELING–FUZZY ANALYTIC NETWORK PROCESS–BENEFITS, OPPORTUNITIES, COSTS AND RISKS MODEL FOR SELECTING TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: LEE AMY H. I. , KANG HE-YAU , CHANG CHAO-CHENG
Published: September 2011

Technology evaluation has been increasingly important because of the pressing needs of new product introduction in a competitive global market. To select the most appropriate technology, a firm needs to have a robust technology evaluation framework to evaluate several technology candidates based on multiple criteria and evaluated by multiple experts. Thus, this paper presents an integrated model for evaluating various technologies for New Product Development (NPD). A network that takes into account the benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks (BOCR) aspects of different technologies is constructed first, and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) is applied next to determine the interrelationships among the factors. Finally, fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) is used to facilitate the evaluation process of decision makers under an uncertain environment with interrelated factors. The proposed model is applied in a flat panel manufacturer in selecting the most suitable panel technology.
MANIPULATION AND EQUILIBRIUM AROUND SEASONED EQUITY OFFERINGS
Authors: HAN YAN , CUI XIN , HUANG ZHIMIN , ASHLEY ALLAN
Published: September 2011

There exists a widely held belief that informed investors manipulate stock prices prior to seasoned equity offerings (SEO). Contrary to this assertion, a model is developed, which demonstrates there is significant evidence that informed investors not to manipulate trading prior to a SEO. Furthermore, there is an arguement that informed investors to trade the stock in the same direction indicated by their private information. In addition, the model is consistent with previous empirical evidence. Previous literature heavily relies on the Gerard and Nanda (1993) model. The model allows for more than one informed investors, whereas Gerard and Nanda de facto allows for only one. This model setting is not only more realistic to the real world, but also dramatically reverses its conclusion that there exists manipulative trading. It also indicated that following Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Rule 10b-21 and Rule 105, whose intention is to curb this manipulation, the SEO discount will change in either direction. Thus previous literature delineating methodology of utilizing the SEO discount change to test for the existence of manipulative trading is not well grounded. The model also predicts that undervalued firms tend to disclose more information in order to improve the stock price informativeness, whereas overvalued firms tend to do the contrary.
WEBCONTENT VISUALIZER: A VISUALIZATION SYSTEM FOR SEARCH ENGINES IN SEMATIC WEB
Authors: FANG XIANYONG , JACQUEMIN CHRISTIAN , VERNIER FRÉDÉRIC
Published: September 2011

Since the results from Semantic Web search engines are highly structured XML documents, they cannot be efficiently visualized with traditional explorers. Therefore, the Semantic Web calls for a new generation of search query visualizers that can rely on document metadata. This paper introduces such a visualization system called WebContent Visualizer that is used to display and browse search engine results. The visualization is organized into three levels: (1) Carousels contain documents with the same ranking, (2) carousels are piled into stacks, one for each date, and (3) these stacks are organized along a meta-carousel to display the results for several dates. Carousel stacks are piles of local carousels with increasing radii to visualize the ranks of classes. For document comparison, colored links connect documents between neighboring classes on the basis of shared entities. Based on these techniques, the interface is made of three collaborative components: an inspector window, a visualization panel, and a detailed dialog component. With this architecture, the system is intended to offer an efficient way to explore the results returned by Semantic Web search engines.
Hypothermic renal perfusion during aortic surgery reduces the presence of lipocalin-2 and preserves renal extraction of dimethylarginines in rats
Authors: Yeung Kak K. , De Gouyon Matignon Claire , Renwarin Lennaert , Tjon-A-Fat Miguel R. , Teerlink Tom , van Leeuwen Paul A. M. , Musters René J. P. , Wisselink Willem , Tangelder Geert J.
Published: September 2011

Cold perfusion through the renal arteries during renal ischemia has been suggested to diminish postoperative renal damage after juxtarenal aortic aneurysm repair. As the kidneys play a key role in dimethylarginine metabolism, which in turn is associated with renal hemodynamics, we hypothesized that the protective effect of cold perfusion is associated with a preserved renal extraction of dimethylarginines. Renal ischemia was induced in three groups of anesthetized Wistar rats ( n = 7/group), which underwent suprarenal aortic clamping (45 min) with no perfusion ( group 1), renal perfusion with 37°C saline ( group 2), or renal perfusion with 4°C saline ( group 3), respectively, followed by 90 min of renal reperfusion in all groups. The sham group had no clamping. In group 3 (renal ischemia with cold perfusion), postoperative serum creatinine levels as well as the presence of luminal lipocalin-2 and its associated brush-border damage were lower compared with groups 1 and 2 ( P < 0.05). Also, renal extraction of asymmetrical (ADMA) and symmetrical (SDMA) dimethylarginine as well as the arginine/ADMA ratio, which defines the bioavailability of nitric oxide, remained intact in group 3 only ( P < 0.04). The arginine/ADMA ratio correlated with cortical flow, lipocalin-2, and creatinine rises. Warm and cold renal perfusion ( groups 2 and 3) during ischemia were similarly effective in lowering protein nitrosylation levels, renal leukocyte accumulation, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) expression in distal tubules, and urine NGAL ( P < 0.05). These data support the use of cold renal perfusion during renal ischemia in situations where renal ischemia is inevitable, as it reduces tubular damage and preserves renal extraction of dimethylarginines. Renal perfusion with saline per se during renal ischemia is effective in diminishing renal leukocyte accumulation and oxidative stress.
On Solvable Groups of Arbitrary Derived Length and Small Commutator Length
Authors: Akhavan-Malayeri Mehri
Published: September 2011

Wreath product constructions has been used to obtain for any positive integer n, solvable groups of derived length n, and commutator length at most equal to 2.
Progress on High-Speed 980 nm VCSELs for Short-Reach Optical Interconnects
Authors: Mutig Alex , Bimberg Dieter
Published: September 2011

Progress of high-speed vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) operating around 980 nm is reviewed. A special focus is on their applications for future short-reach optical interconnects, for example, in high-performance computers (HPC). The wavelength of 980 nm has fundamental advantages for these applications and plays a significant role in VCSEL research today. The present data rates of 980 nm VCSELs exceed 40 Gbit/s, and excellent temperature stability has been reported. The major concepts leading to these impressive developments are presented.
Development of ARDS after Excessive Kath Consumption: A Case Report
Authors: Wewalka Marlene , Drolz Andreas , Staufer Katharina , Scherzer Thomas M. , Fuhrmann Valentin , Zauner Christian
Published: September 2011

Khat is a drug widely used in the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Khat leaves contain, among other substances, the psychoactive alkaloid cathinone, which induce central nervous system stimulation leading to euphoria, hyperactivity, restlessness, and insomnia. However, it also could cause psychological adverse effects such as lethargy, sleepiness, psychoses, and depression necessitating pharmacologic treatment. Here we report the case of a 35-year-old man from Somalia who became unconscious and developed aspiration pneumonia and subsequent ARDS after excessive consumption of khat leaves. His unconsciousness was possibly caused by the sleepiness developed after khat consumption and a benzodiazepine intake by the patient himself. Thus, khat-induced adverse effects should not primarily be treated pharmacologically, but patients should be urged to quit khat consumption in order to eliminate or, at least, reduce the severity of present psychological adverse effects.
Theoretical Assessment of an All-Optical Temporal Low-Pass Filter for Dynamic Fiber Bragg Grating Signals
Authors: Buck T. C. , Müller M. S. , Koch A. W.
Published: September 2011

Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors are used in numerous applications. Currently, the assessment of dynamic loads with FBGs is of increasing interest. Those applications include vibration analysis, acceleration, or dynamic strain estimation. The acquisition of dynamic signals usually incorporates the application of signal low-pass filtering before signal quantization. FBG interrogators based on spectrometers or scanning lasers inherently have a limited antialiasing capability for dynamic FBG signals. We present a theoretical analysis of an all optical low-pass filter for spectrometer-based interrogators. The low-pass filter is based on the application of a luminescent material onto the detector. Light absorption and continuous light reemission lead to an advanced attenuation of high FBG signal frequencies. An analytic derivation of the system transfer function and numerical signal simulations are presented.
Kineto-Elastodynamic Characteristics of the Six-Degree-of-Freedom Parallel Structure Seismic Simulator
Authors: Zhao Yongjie
Published: September 2011

Based on the kineto-elastodynamic assumptions, the dynamic model of the six-degree-of-freedom parallel structure seismic simulator is developed by virtue of the finite element method and the substructure synthesis technique. The kineto-elastodynamic characteristics represented by the natural frequency, the sensitivity analysis, the energy ratios, and the displacement response of the moving platform are investigated. It is shown that the second-order natural frequency is much higher than the first-order natural frequency, and the first-order natural frequency is sensitive to the radius of the strut and the radius of the lead screw. In order to improve the dynamic characteristic of the manipulator, the mass of the moving platform should be reduced or the stiffness of the strut should be increased especially for the sixth strut. For the investigated trajectory, the displacement response of the moving platform along thexdirection is smaller than these displacement responses along theydirection and along thezdirection. The angular displacement response of the moving platform rotating aboutz-axis is slightly larger than those angular displacement responses rotating about thex-axis and about they-axis.
Long-Term Clinical Performance of Aesthetic Restorations in Primary Molars: A Case Report
Authors: Pomarico Luciana , Neves Beatriz Gonçalves , Maia Lucianne Cople , Primo Laura Guimarães
Published: September 2011

There is a great diversity of restorative materials and techniques for deciduous molars with significant coronal destruction, including resin composite restorations and biologic restorations (portions of natural teeth). By using 4 evaluation methods, this study aimed at longitudinally evaluating the effectiveness of restorations in the deciduous molars of a patient having high caries activity, using adhesive techniques. The evaluation methods consisted of the fibre-optic transillumination method, clinical evaluation based on the United States Public Health Service criteria, radiographs, and an indirect method, scanning electron microscopy. Despite the patient's poor biofilm control, the restorative techniques were shown to be efficacious, particularly the biologic restorative technique.
Electrical Properties of Zn-Phthalocyanine and Poly (3-hexylthiophene) Doped Nematic Liquid Crystal
Authors: Karakuş Y. , Okutan M. , Kösemen A. , San S. E. , Alpaslan Z. , Demir A.
Published: September 2011

An E7 coded nematic liquid crystal was doped with zinc phthalocyanine and poly (3-hexylthiophene). A variety of properties including relaxation time, absorption coefficient, and critical frequency of this doped system were investigated using impedance spectroscopy. The doped systems displayed increased absorption coefficients in the range 0.22–0.55 and relaxation times from5.05×10−7 s to3.59×10−6 s with a decrease in the critical frequency from 3.54 MHz to 2.048 MHz.
Stress Responses ofShewanella
Authors: Yin Jianhua , Gao Haichun
Published: September 2011

The shewanellae are ubiquitous in aquatic and sedimentary systems that are chemically stratified on a permanent or seasonal basis. In addition to their ability to utilize a diverse array of terminal electron acceptors, the microorganisms have evolved both common and unique responding mechanisms to cope with various stresses. This paper focuses on the response and adaptive mechanism of the shewanellae, largely based on transcriptional data.
Fabrication of VO2(B) Nanobelts and Their Application in Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Ni Shibing , Zeng Haibo , Yang Xuelin
Published: September 2011

VO2(B) nanobelts have been successfully synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Raman spectrum. These nanobelts are of rectangular cross-section with mean length about 1 μm, mean width about 80 nm, and mean thickness about 50 nm. The as-synthesized VO2nanobelts were assembled as the cathode electrodes of lithium ion batteries. Their electrochemical properties were studied by conventional charge/discharge tests, which show an initial discharge capacity of 321 mAh g−1with voltage plateau near 2.5 V. These results indicated that such hydrothermally synthesized VO2(B) nanobelts could be an ideal candidate of cathode material for lithium ion battery.
A Novel Algorithm of Stochastic Chance‐Constrained Linear Programming and Its Application
Authors: Ding Xiaodong , Wang Chengliang
Published: September 2011

The computation problem is discussed for the stochastic chance‐constrained linear programming, and a novel direct algorithm, that is, simplex algorithm based on stochastic simulation, is proposed. The considered programming problem in this paper is linear programming with chance constraints and random coefficients, and
therefore the stochastic simulation is an important implement of the proposed algorithm. By theoretical analysis, the theory basis of the proposed algorithm is obtained and, by numerical examples, the feasibility and validness of this algorithm are illustrated. The detailed algorithm procedure is given, which is easily converted into the executable codes of software tools. Then, we compare it with some algorithms to verify its superiority. Finally, a practical example is presented to show its practicability.
Trace Code Validation for BWR Spray Cooling Injection and CCFL Condition Based on GÖTA Facility Experiments
Authors: Racca Stefano , Kozlowski Tomasz
Published: September 2011

Best estimate codes have been used in the past thirty years for the design, licensing, and safety of NPP. Nevertheless, large efforts are necessary for the qualification and the assessment of such codes. The aim of this work is to study the main phenomena involved in the emergency spray cooling injection in a Swedish-designed BWR. For this purpose, data from the Swedish separate effect test facility GÖTA have been simulated using TRACE version 5.0 Patch 2. Furthermore, uncertainty calculations have been performed with the propagation of input errors method, and the identification of the input parameters that mostly influence the peak cladding temperature has been performed.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of LichenUmbilicaria cylindrica(L.) Delise (Umbilicariaceae)
Authors: Manojlovic Nedeljko T. , Vasiljevic Perica J. , Maskovic Pavle Z. , Juskovic Marina , Bogdanovic-Dusanovic Gordana
Published: September 2011

The phytochemical analysis of methanol and chloroform extracts ofUmbilicaria cylindricawas determined by HPLC-UV method. The predominant phenolic compound in both extracts was depsidone, salazinic acid (1). Besides salazinic acid, the tested extracts ofU. cylindricacontain norstictic acid (2), methyl-β-orcinol carboxylate (3), ethyl haematommate (4), atranorin (5), and usnic acid (6), in different amounts and relations. The lichen extracts showed comparable and strong antioxidant activity, exhibited higher DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavengings, chelating activity, and inhibitory activity towards lipid peroxidation. The lichen extracts demonstrated important antimicrobial activity against eight strains with MIC values from 15.62 to 62.50 μg/mL. This is the first report of the detail chemical composition and antioxidant activity of the lichenUmbilicaria cylindrica, and the results suggest that this lichen can be used as a new source of the natural antioxidants and the substances with antimicrobial features.
A Rare Location of Metastasis from Prostate Cancer: Hydronephrosis Associated with Ureteral Metastasis
Authors: Schneider Sebastian , Popp Dieter , Denzinger Stefan , Otto Wolfgang
Published: September 2011

Prostate carcinoma is a very rare origin of metastatic disease in the ureter. We report a case of a 74-year-old man who presented in November 2008 initially with flank pain and lower urinary tract symptoms. Diagnostic investigation revealed a skeletal metastasizing prostate carcinoma, and the cause for the flank pain was a hydronephrosis due to ureteral metastasis diagnosed by biopsy. Antihormonal treatment led to disappearance of the hydronephrosis; however, further progress finally ended in acute liver failure with patient's death in July 2010.
Autoantibodies to Mesothelin in Infertility
Authors: Luborsky Judith L. , Yu Yi , Edassery Seby L. , Jaffar Jade , Yip Yuan Yee , Liu Pu , Hellstrom Karl Eric , Hellstrom Ingegerd
Published: September 2011

Background: According to extensive epidemiologic data, infertility is associated with increased ovarian cancer risk. Previous studies showed that both women with infertility and those with ovarian cancer have autoantibodies to ovarian antigens. The objective was to determine if women with infertility have antibodies to mesothelin, a well-characterized ovarian cancer antigen.

Methods: Sera were obtained from women with infertility (n = 109), ovarian cancer (n = 28), benign ovarian tumors or cysts (n = 24), and from healthy women (n = 152). Infertility included those with a risk for ovarian cancer; endometriosis (n = 23), ovulatory dysfunction (n = 17), premature ovarian failure (POF; n = 25) and unexplained infertility (n = 44). Sera were assayed for mesothelin antibodies and for circulating mesothelin antigen by immunoassay and compared with assay control sera (n = 16) to determine a positive result.

Results: Mesothelin antibodies were significantly more frequent in women with prematurely reduced ovarian function including ovulatory dysfunction (59%), ovarian failure (44%) and unexplained infertility (25%) compared with controls. In contrast, women with endometriosis, who also have a high risk for ovarian cancer, did not have mesothelin antibodies. Serum levels of mesothelin were rarely elevated in women with infertility but were high in most patients with ovarian cancer.

Conclusions and Impact: We show for the first time that antibodies to mesothelin, a well-characterized ovarian cancer antigen, occur in some women with epidemiologic risk for ovarian cancer. The results suggest it may be possible to identify which women with infertility have ovarian cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(9); 1970–8. ©2011 AACR.
Evaluation of Multiplexed Cytokine and Inflammation Marker Measurements: a Methodologic Study
Authors: Chaturvedi Anil K. , Kemp Troy J. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Biancotto Angelique , Williams Marcus , Munuo Stella , Purdue Mark P. , Hsing Ann W. , Pinto Ligia , McCoy J. Philip , Hildesheim Allan
Published: September 2011

Background: Chronic inflammation is etiologically related to several cancers. We evaluated the performance [ability to detect concentrations above the assay's lower limit of detection, coefficients of variation (CV), and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC)] of 116 inflammation, immune, and metabolic markers across two Luminex bead–based commercial kits and three specimen types.

Methods: From 100 cancer-free participants in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Trial, serum, heparin plasma, and EDTA plasma samples were utilized. We measured levels of 67 and 97 markers using Bio-Rad and Millipore kits, respectively. Reproducibility was assessed using 40 blinded duplicates (20 within-batches and 20 across-batches) for each specimen type.

Results: A majority of markers were detectable in more than 25% of individuals on all specimen types/kits. Of the 67 Bio-Rad markers, 51, 52, and 47 markers in serum, heparin plasma, and EDTA plasma, respectively, had across-batch CVs of less than 20%. Likewise, of 97 Millipore markers, 75, 69, and 78 markers in serum, heparin plasma, and EDTA plasma, respectively, had across-batch CVs of less than 20%. When results were combined across specimen types, 45 Bio-Rad and 71 Millipore markers had acceptable performance (>25% detectability on all three specimen types and across-batch CVs <20% on at least two of three specimen types). Median concentrations and ICCs differed to a small extent across specimen types and to a large extent between Bio-Rad and Millipore.

Conclusions: Inflammation and immune markers can be measured reliably in serum and plasma samples using multiplexed Luminex-based methods.

Impact: Multiplexed assays can be utilized for epidemiologic investigations into the role of inflammation in cancer etiology. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(9); 1902–11. ©2011 AACR.
Self-sample HPV Tests As an Intervention for Nonattendees of Cervical Cancer Screening in Finland: a Randomized Trial
Authors: Virtanen Anni , Nieminen Pekka , Luostarinen Tapio , Anttila Ahti
Published: September 2011

Background: Attendance in screening is an important determinant of cervical cancer. Previous experience on high-risk human papillomavirus (hrHPV) DNA testing on patient-obtained samples suggests a good effect among nonattendees of screening. We assessed the effects of self-sampling on attendance in the Finnish screening program.

Methods: Nonattendees after the primary invitation in one municipality (Espoo) were randomized to receive either a self-sampling kit (2,397 women) or an extra invitation (6,302 women). One fourth (1,315 women) of reminder letter arm nonattendees also received a self-sampling kit as a third intervention. Main outcomes were increases in screening attendance and coverage.

Results: The adjusted relative risk for participation by self-sampling as a second intervention in comparison to a reminder letter arm was 1.21 (95% CI: 1.13–1.30). Total attendance increased from 65% to 76% by self-sampling and from 65% to 74% with a reminder letter. Combining the interventions (reminder letter and then self-sampling) increased total attendance from 63% to 78%. One fifth of the participants in all three groups increased screening coverage (previous Pap smear ≥5 years ago or never). Self-obtained samples were more often HPV positive than provider-obtained ones (participants after primary invitation and reminder letter), 12% to 13% versus 7%.

Conclusions: Self-sampling is a feasible option in enhancing the attendance at organized screening, particularly as an addition to a reminder letter.

Impact: If self-sampling is used as a third intervention after two written invitations, the overall attendance in Finland could most likely reach the desired 80% to 85%. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(9); 1960–9. ©2011 AACR.
Estrogen Levels in Nipple Aspirate Fluid and Serum during a Randomized Soy Trial
Authors: Maskarinec Gertraud , Ollberding Nicholas J. , Conroy Shannon M. , Morimoto Yukiko , Pagano Ian S. , Franke Adrian A. , Gentzschein Elisabet , Stanczyk Frank Z.
Published: September 2011

Background: On the basis of hypothesized protective effect, we examined the effect of soy foods on estrogens in nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) and serum, possible indicators of breast cancer risk.

Methods: In a crossover design, we randomized 96 women who produced 10 μL or more NAF to a high- or low-soy diet for 6 months. During the high-soy diet, participants consumed 2 soy servings of soy milk, tofu, or soy nuts (∼50 mg of isoflavones per day); during the low-soy diet, they maintained their usual diet. Six NAF samples were obtained using a FirstCyte aspirator. Estradiol (E2) and estrone sulfate (E1S) were assessed in NAF and estrone (E1) in serum only, using highly sensitive radioimmunoassays. Mixed-effects regression models accounting for repeated measures and left-censoring limits were applied.

Results: Mean E2 and E1S were lower during the high-soy than the low-soy diet (113 vs. 313 pg/mL and 46 vs. 68 ng/mL, respectively) without reaching significance (P = 0.07); the interaction between group and diet was not significant. There was no effect of the soy treatment on serum levels of E2 (P = 0.76), E1 (P = 0.86), or E1S (P = 0.56). Within individuals, NAF and serum levels of E2 (rs = 0.37; P < 0.001) but not of E1S (rs = 0.004; P = 0.97) were correlated. E2 and E1S in NAF and serum were strongly associated (rs = 0.78 and rs = 0.48; P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Soy foods in amounts consumed by Asians did not significantly modify estrogen levels in NAF and serum.

Impact: The trend toward lower estrogen levels in NAF during the high-soy diet counters concerns about adverse effects of soy foods on breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(9); 1815–21. ©2011 AACR.
Serum Selenium, Genetic Variation in Selenoenzymes, and Risk of Colorectal Cancer: Primary Analysis from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study and Meta-analysis
Authors: Takata Yumie , Kristal Alan R. , King Irena B. , Song Xiaoling , Diamond Alan M. , Foster Charles B. , Hutter Carolyn M. , Hsu Li , Duggan David J. , Langer Robert D. , Petrovitch Helen , Shikany James M. , Vaughan Thomas L. , Lampe Johanna W. , Prentice Ross L. , Peters Ulrike
Published: September 2011

Background: Selenium may prevent colorectal cancer. However, several previous studies are small and few investigated the association between selenium and colorectal cancer among women whose selenium metabolism may differ from men. Furthermore, genetic variants in selenoenzymes may be associated with colorectal cancer risk.

Methods: This nested case–control study investigated whether serum selenium concentration and genetic variants in five selenoenzymes (glutathione peroxidase 1–4 and selenoprotein P) were associated with colorectal cancer risk in 804 colorectal cancer cases and 805 matched controls from the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) Observational Study. A meta-analysis was conducted to compare the WHI result with previous studies including 12 observational studies and two clinical trials on selenium.

Results: Within the WHI, selenium concentrations were relatively high (mean = 135.6 μg/L) and were not associated with colorectal cancer risk (Ptrend = 0.10); the adjusted OR comparing the fifth with first quintile was 1.26 (95% CI, 0.91–1.73). Moreover, genetic variants in selenoenzymes were not significantly associated with colorectal cancer risk. Consistent with the finding in WHI, our meta-analysis showed no association between selenium and colorectal tumor risk in women (OR = 0.97; 95% CI, 0.79–1.18) comparing the highest quantile with the lowest); however, in men, there was a significant inverse association (OR = 0.68; 95% CI, 0.57–0.82) (P = 0.01).

Conclusion: Consistent with previous studies, we observed no protective effect of selenium on colorectal cancer among women.

Impact: Our analyses suggest that a population with relatively high selenium concentrations, especially women, would not benefit from increasing selenium intake. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(9); 1822–30. ©2011 AACR.
Circulating Soluble CD30 and Future Risk of Lymphoma; Evidence from Two Prospective Studies in the General Population
Authors: Vermeulen Roel , Hosnijeh Fatemeh Saberi , Portengen Lützen , Krogh Vittorio , Palli Domenico , Panico Salvatore , Tumino Rosario , Sacredote Carlotta , Purdue Mark , Lan Qing , Rothman Nathaniel , Vineis Paolo
Published: September 2011

Background: Elevated circulating soluble CD30 (sCD30) has been previously associated with AIDS-related non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) risk. This finding was recently extended to the general population where elevated levels of sCD30 were reported in prediagnostic serum among subjects that developed NHL later in life.

Methods: We carried out a replication study within the Italian European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition cohort. Plasma sCD30 concentration was measured by ELISA in prospectively collected blood of 35 B-cell lymphoma cases and 36 matched controls.

Results: We observed significantly increased relative risks for lymphoma with increasing sCD30 levels [OR (95% CI) for second and third tertiles vs. first tertile: 5.5 (1.5–20.2), 4.0 (1.1–13.9), respectively]. In addition, spline analyses showed that the dose–response curve of sCD30 and lymphoma risk was monotonic and quite similar to the risks reported in the previous study.

Conclusion: This replication study adds to the evidence that sCD30 is related to future lymphoma risk in a concentration-dependent manner in the general population.

Impact: The results of this study strengthen the observation that chronic sustained B-cell activation plays an important role in lymphomagenesis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 20(9); 1925–7. ©2011 AACR.
Ablation of Sphingosine Kinase-2 Inhibits Tumor Cell Proliferation and Migration
Authors: Gao Peng , Smith Charles D.
Published: September 2011

Sphingosine kinases (SK) regulate the balance between proapoptotic ceramides and mitogenic sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P); however, the functions of the two isoenzymes (SK1 and SK2) in tumor cells are not well defined. Therefore, RNA interference was used to assess the individual roles of SK1 and SK2 in tumor cell sphingolipid metabolism, proliferation, and migration/invasion. Treatment of A498, Caki-1, or MDA-MB-231 cells with siRNAs specific for SK1 or SK2 effectively suppressed the expression of the target mRNA and protein. Ablation of SK1 did not affect mRNA or protein levels of SK2 and reduced intracellular levels of S1P while elevating ceramide levels. In contrast, ablation of SK2 elevated mRNA, protein, and activity levels of SK1 and increased cellular S1P levels. Interestingly, cell proliferation and migration/invasion were suppressed more by SK2-selective ablation than by SK1-selective ablation, showing that the increased S1P does not rescue these phenotypes. Similarly, exogenous S1P did not rescue the cells from the antiproliferative or antimigratory effects of the siRNAs. Consistent with these results, differential effects of SK1- and SK2-selective siRNAs on signaling proteins, including p53, p21, ERK1, ERK2, FAK, and VCAM1, indicate that SK1 and SK2 have only partially overlapping functions in tumor cells. Overall, these data indicate that loss of SK2 has stronger anticancer effects than does suppression of SK1. Consequently, selective inhibitors of SK2 may provide optimal targeting of this pathway in cancer chemotherapy. Mol Cancer Res; 9(11); 1509–19. ©2011 AACR.
Phase III Trial of Selenium to Prevent Prostate Cancer in Men with High-grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia: SWOG S9917
Authors: Marshall James R. , Tangen Catherine M. , Sakr Wael A. , Wood David P. , Berry Donna L. , Klein Eric A. , Lippman Scott M. , Parnes Howard L. , Alberts David S. , Jarrard David F. , Lee W. Robert , Gaziano J. Michael , Crawford E. David , Ely Benjamin , Ray Michael , Davis Warren , Minasian Lori M. , Thompson Ian M.
Published: September 2011

The threat of prostate cancer and the significant and often negative impact of its treatment underscore the importance of prevention. High-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) has been identified as a potential premalignant lesion marking an increased risk of prostate cancer and substantial evidence suggests that men with HGPIN are in need of prostate cancer prevention. In vitro, in vivo, epidemiologic, and clinical trial evidence that selenium supplementation protects against prostate cancer motivated the study we report here: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of selenium 200 (μg/d) as selenomethionine in men with HGPIN. The primary endpoint was progression of HGPIN to prostate cancer over a 3-year period. This National Cancer Institute Intergroup trial was coordinated by the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG). Of 619 enrolled patients, 423 randomized men with HGPIN (212 selenium and 211 placebo) were eligible (by central pathology review) and included in the primary analysis. Three-year cancer rates were 36.6% (placebo) versus 35.6% (selenium; P = 0.73, adjusted). The majority of patients who developed cancer on trial (70.8%, selenium and 75.5%, placebo) had a Gleason score of 6 or less than 6; there were no differences in Gleason scores between the two arms. Subset analyses included the finding of a nonsignificantly reduced prostate cancer risk (relative risk = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.40–1.69) in selenium versus placebo patients in the lowest quartile of baseline plasma selenium level (<106 ng/mL). Overall, and in all other subsets defined by baseline blood selenium levels, selenium supplementation had no effect on prostate cancer risk. The 36% prostate cancer rate in men with HGPIN indicates the association of this lesion with an elevated prostate cancer risk. Future study in this setting should focus on selenium-deficient populations and selenium pharmacogenetics. Cancer Prev Res; 4(11); 1761–9. ©2011 AACR.
Boxing Bladder Cancer with COX-2–specific Inhibition
Authors: Kelly John D. , Hall Emma
Published: September 2011

Preventing recurrence of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is important for improving patient well-being and reducing the health economic burden of this disease. To date, no oral agent has shown sufficient benefit to be adopted in clinical practice, where current strategies rely on topical (intravesical) administration of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. In this issue of the journal (beginning on page 1580), Sabichi and colleagues report the first phase II randomized controlled trial of the COX-2 inhibitor celecoxib in bladder cancer. The trial set out to measure an overly ambitious effect size but nevertheless showed encouraging signs of celecoxib activity. It lends support to COX-2 inhibition in NMIBC, which is being tested in several subsequent trials, and to the need for conclusive evidence. Cancer Prev Res; 4(10); 1534–5. ©2011 AACR.
Tear Film Function in Patients with Seasonal Allergic Conjunctivitis Outside the Pollen Season
Authors: Kosina-Hagyó Krisztina , Veres Amarilla , Fodor Eszter , Mezei Györgyi , Csákány Béla , Németh János
Published: September 2011

Background: Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis can manifest itself through tear film instability and symptoms of eye discomfort during the pollen season. This study investigated whether seasonal allergic inflammation defines tear film instability outside the season. Methods: Twenty-three control subjects and 13 ragweed-allergic patients were involved (21 female, 15 male; mean age 26.6 ± 5.4 years). Outside the pollen season, subjective ocular symptoms, non-invasive tear film break-up time, lower tear meniscus height and the tear lipid layer’s interference pattern grade were recorded. C3a complement activation level was also measured in collected tear samples. Results: Non-invasive tear film break-up time, lower tear meniscus height, C3a complement activation level and the incidence of the different grades of tear lipid pattern did not differ significantly in the two examined groups (p ≧ 0.223). The mean eye symptom score outside the season was greater in the allergic group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.062). The C3a complement activation level showed a significant and inverse correlation with the lipid layer grade (r = –0.343, p = 0.017). Among the participants with thinner tear lipid layers, the complement activation in the tear samples was higher than among those patients with normal tear lipid layers. Conclusion: Seasonal allergic inflammation did not cause permanent tear film instability and eye symptoms were not observed outside the pollen season.
An Odorant-Binding Protein as a New Allergen from Siberian Hamster (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Torres J.A. , Pastor-Vargas C. , de las Heras M. , Vivanco F. , Cuesta Javier , Sastre J.
Published: September 2011

A case of anaphylaxis following a bite from a Siberian hamster (SH; Phodopus sungorus) is described. Skin prick tests with hair, urine and salivary gland extracts from SH were positive, while the tests were negative for hair extracts from other rodents. IgE immunoblotting with the patient serum revealed 3 IgE-binding bands of about 18, 21 and 23 kDa. When the patient’s serum was preincubated with rabbit, mouse and gerbil hair extracts, no inhibition of the 3 SH IgE-binding bands was demonstrated. Proteins extracted from the 3 bands were analyzed by N-terminal sequencing and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry, and peptides were sequenced. IgE-binding bands were identified as being an odorant-binding protein belonging to the lipocalin family. Analysis of the 3 IgE-binding bands found in the hair, urine and salivary glands of SH showed a new allergenic protein lacking cross-reactivity with allergens from other rodents. The 3 bands likely correspond to isoforms of a single allergen.