bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Picomolar Detection of Hydrogen Peroxide at Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with NAD+ and Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Salimi Abdollah , Miranzadeh Leyla , Hallaj Rahman , Mamkhezri Hussein
Published: July 2008

Potential cycling was used for oxidation of NAD+ and producing an electroactive redox couple which strongly adsorbed on the electrode surface modified with single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). Modified electrode shows a pair of well defined and nearly reversible redox peaks at pH range 1–13 and the response showed a surface‐controlled electrode process. The surface coverage and heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant (ks) of adsorbed redox couple onto CNTs films were about 6.32×10−10 mol cm−2 and 2.0 (±0.20) s−1, respectively, indicating the high loading ability of CNTs toward the oxidation product of NAD+ (2,8‐dihydroxy adenine dinucleotide) and great facilitation of the electron transfer between redox couple and CNTs immobilized onto electrode surface. The modified electrode exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity for H2O2 reduction at reduced overpotential. The catalytic rate constant for H2O2 reduction was found to be 2.22(±0.20)×104 M−1 s−1. The catalytic reduction current allows the amperometric detection of H2O2 at an applied potential of −0.25 V vs. Ag/AgCl with a detection limit of 10 pM and linear response up to 100 nM and resulting analytical sensitivity 747.6 nA/pM. The remarkably low detection limit (10 pM) is the lowest value ever reported for direct H2O2 determination on the electrodes at pH 7. The modified electrode can be used for monitoring H2O2 without the need for an enzyme or enzyme mimic. The proposed method for rapid amperometric detection of H2O2 is low cost and high throughput. Furthermore, the sensor can be used to any detection scheme that uses enzymatically generated H2O2 as a reactive product in biological systems.
Simultaneous Flow Injection Analysis of Paracetamol and Ascorbic Acid with Multiple Pulse Amperometric Detection
Authors: Torres Pio dos Santos Wallans , Nascimento de Almeida Edimar Gledison , Alves Ferreira Humberto Eustáquio , Gimenes Denise Tofanello , Richter Eduardo Mathias
Published: July 2008

The present work reports a simple and quick strategy for simultaneous determination of paracetamol (PC) and ascorbic acid (AA) in pharmaceutical formulations using flow injection method with multiple pulse amperometric detection. The method allows the resolution of the mixture without chemical pretreatment of the sample or electrode modification or the use of chemometric techniques for data analysis. The compounds are detected by applying four sequential pulses (waveform) in function of time to a three‐electrode amperometric system that uses a wall‐jet cell with gold as working electrode. AA is direct detected at +0.40 V and PC is indirectly detected at 0.0 V by the reduction (desorption) of the oxidation product (N‐acetyl‐p‐benzoquinoneimine) electrochemically generated at +0.65 V. The fourth potential pulse (−0.05 V) is applied for the complete regeneration (cleaning) of the gold electrode surface. The linear response range was optimized between 5 and 24 mg L−1 for AA and 50 and 240 mg L−1 for PC. The difference between the two responses ranges (10‐fold) present correlation with the concentration of these compounds in two different pharmaceutical formulations available in the Brazilian market. The analytical frequency was calculated in 60 injections per hour. The use of the proposed methodology for PC quantification in the presence of higher AA concentrations was also carried out. Using the standard addition method, it was possible to detect PC in trace levels (LD=0.2 mg L−1) in the presence of 880‐fold more of AA (176 mg L−1).
Self‐Assembled Mercapto‐Compound‐Gold‐Nanoparticle‐Modified Carbon Paste Electrode for Potentiometric Determination of Cadmium(II)
Authors: Mashhadizadeh Mohammad Hossein , Eskandari Khadijeh , Foroumadi Alireza , Shafiee Abbas
Published: July 2008

A new modified carbon paste electrode (CPE) based on a recently synthesized ligand [2‐mercapto‐5‐(3‐nitrophenyl)‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole] (MNT), self‐assembled to gold nanoparticles (GNP) as suitable carrier for Cd(II) ion with potentiometric method are described. The proposed electrode exhibits a Nernstian slope of 29.4±1.0 mV per decade for Cd(II) ion over a wide concentration range from 3.1×10−8 to 3.1×10−4 mol L−1. The detection limit of electrode was 2.0×10−8 mol L−1 of cadmium ion. The potentiometric responses of electrode based on MNT is independent of the pH of test solution in the pH range 2.0–4.0. It has quick response with response time of about 6 s. The proposed electrode show fairly good selectivity over some alkali, alkaline earth, transition and heavy metal ions. Finally, the proposed electrode was successfully employed to detect Cd(II) ion in hair and water samples.
A Cryptate Reference Electrode for Ionic Liquids
Authors: Lewandowski Andrzej , Osińska Monika , Swiderska‐Mocek Agnieszka , Galinski Maciej
Published: July 2008

The cryptate electrode (Ag/Ag+222), prepared by immersing silver wire in a solution of silver(I) salt and the cryptand 222 (4,7,13,16,21,24‐hexaoxa‐1,10‐diazabicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosane) in ionic liquids have been studied. The potential of the electrode is stabilized by the equilibrium of the Ag+ ion complexation by the cryptand, similarly to the potential stabilization by the ionic product of slightly soluble salts, used in aqueous electrodes of the second kind. The Ag/Ag+222 cryptate electrode (concentration of the cryptate was much higher than the silver(I) cation concentration, [222]>[Ag+]) may be used as a reference electrode in room temperature ionic liquids. The potential of the Ag/Ag+222 electrode is less sensitive to the presence of impurities, such as halides or water, in comparison to the Ag/Ag+ electrode. After anodic or cathodic polarization, the potential of the Ag/Ag+222 electrode comes back to the initial open circuit potential quickly. Preparation of the Ag/Ag+222 reference electrode is very easy: a silver wire is immersed in a solution of Ag+ salt and cryptand 222 (both available commercially) in the ionic liquid under study.
Electrospun Silk Fibroin Mats for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Alessandrino A. , Marelli B. , Arosio C. , Fare S. , Tanzi M. C. , Freddi G.
Published: July 2008

Processing Silk Fibroin (SF) with electrospinning (ES) offers a very attractive opportunity for producing a variety of 2D and 3D matrices with great potential for tissue regeneration and repair due to the superior biocompatibility and mechanical properties of SF. Different combinations of ES parameters were explored to investigate the best experimental set‐up related to the dimension and uniformity of the fibers in the electrospun silk fibroin (ES‐SF) mats. Using SEM it was found that the ES‐SF mats contain uniform fibers with a diameter in the nanometric range obtained by electrospinning a 7.5 % w/v SF solution in formic acid, with an electric field of 2.4 kV/cm and a spinneret‐collector distance of 10 cm. FT‐IR and DSC analyses were performed to investigate the structure of the ES‐SF mats before and after immersion in methanol for different times (5, 10, and 15 min). The methanol treatment was able to promote the crystallization of SF by conformational transition of random coil and other poorly ordered conformations (turns and bends) to the β‐sheet structure. The degree of crystallinity was enhanced as shown by the trend of both the FT‐IR crystallinity index and the melting/decomposition peak temperature (from DSC). To study the cytocompatibility of ES‐SF mats, tests with L929 murine fibroblasts were carried out. Samples were seeded with the cells and incubated for 1, 3, and 7 days at 37 °C. At each time point, SEM investigations and Alamar blue tests were performed. The SEM images showed cell adhesion and proliferation just after 1 day and cell confluence at 7 days. Alamar blue test demonstrated that there were very low differences between cell viability on ES‐SF mats and the tissue culture plastic control.
Towards Higher Laccase Activities Produced by Aquatic Ascomycetous Fungi Through Combination of Elicitors and an Alternative Substrate
Authors: Junghanns C. , Parra R. , Keshavarz T. , Schlosser D.
Published: July 2008

Laccases are versatile biocatalysts with various potential biotechnological applications, e.g. the treatment of industrial waste waters, the detoxification of environmental pollutants, or the functionalization of renewable polymeric materials. Central composition experimental design and response surface methodology was applied to optimize the production of laccase by the aquatic ascomycetous fungi, Phoma sp. UHH 5‐1‐03 and Coniothyrium sp. Kl‐S5, in shake flasks. A complex plant‐based medium (tomato juice) and two elicitors (Remazol Brilliant Blue R [RBBR] and CuSO4) were tested in combination at three concentrations. The highest laccase activity of 6322 ± 403 U/L was achieved on day 9 for Phoma sp. Coniothyrium sp. exerted a maximum laccase activity of 3035 ± 111 U/L on day 4. Optimal conditions were 30 % tomato juice and 450 mg/L RBBR for both strains. A concentration of 250 μM CuSO4 led to highest laccase activities in cultures of Coniothyrium sp., and 50 μM CuSO4 was most effective for Phoma sp. A remarkable synergistic effect of tomato juice and RBBR on laccase production was observed for both strains. The upscaling potential of the optimal induction conditions was demonstrated in a lab‐scale fermenter which resulted in maximum activities of 11030 ± 177 U/L on day 6 for Phoma sp. and 11530 ± 161 U/L on day 9 for Coniothyrium sp. This study therefore presents a promising alternative for laccase production in ascomycetes based on a cheap complex substrate in combination with two elicitors.
A spatio‐temporal model for Antarctic sea ice formation
Authors: Koulis T. , Thompson M. E. , LeDrew E.
Published: July 2008

The temporal variability of polar sea ice is complex and closely linked to global climate. The amount of sea ice over an area can have a significant effect on the energies transferred between the atmosphere and the ocean. Statistics derived from sea ice observations are therefore of great interest to scientists. We showcase a new method of analysis which may be used to examine the annual variability in sea ice formation. We demonstrate our method using sea ice concentration images derived from Earth‐orbiting satellites that span several decades. The growth and melt of Antarctic sea ice is modelled using a simple two parameter spatial nearest neighbour process that treats ice and water as two species competing for territory. Simulations of the model are used to estimate two time series representing rates of competition. With techniques of functional data analysis, these series may be used to detect both amplitude and phase variation, and to isolate major modes of annual variation in sea ice formation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The nature of informal caregiving for medically ill older people with and without depression
Authors: McCusker Jane , Latimer Eric , Cole Martin , Ciampi Antonio , Sewitch Maida
Published: July 2008

Objectives

To describe patient and caregiver perceptions of the nature of informal caregiving in a sample of older medical inpatients with and without depression.

Methods

One hundred and fifty‐four patient‐caregiver pairs were recruited from a larger prospective observational study of three groups of medical inpatients aged 65 and over, with major, minor, and no depression, respectively, and with at most mild cognitive impairment. Interviews were conducted at the time of hospital admission to assess characteristics of patients (disability, comorbidity, perceptions of support) and caregivers (relationship, residence, types of assistance and time spent caregiving). Time spent on the physical tasks of caregiving (assistance with activities of daily living, physical care, transport) was estimated by all caregivers. Time spent on emotional or other support was estimated only for non‐coresident caregivers

Results

In multivariable analyses, neither major nor minor depression was associated with time spent on physical support; major depression was associated with significantly increased time spent by non‐coresident caregivers on emotional or other support; minor depression was associated with perceived inadequacy of support.

Conclusions

Major depression is independently associated with greater time spent by non‐coresident caregivers on emotional or other support; minor depression is associated with perceived inadequacy of support. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Does increased urination frequency protect against bladder cancer?
Authors: Silverman Debra T. , Alguacil Juan , Rothman Nathaniel , Real Francisco X. , Garcia‐Closas Montserrat , Cantor Kenneth P. , Malats Nuria , Tardon Adonina , Serra Consol , Garcia‐Closas Reina , Carrato Alfredo , Lloreta Josep , Samanic Claudine , Dosemeci Mustafa , Kogevinas Manolis
Published: July 2008

Experimental studies suggest that increased urination frequency may reduce bladder cancer risk if carcinogens are present in the urine. Only 2 small studies of the effect of increased urination frequency on bladder cancer risk in humans have been conducted with conflicting results. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of urination frequency on risk of bladder cancer in a large, multicenter case–control study. We analyzed data based on interviews conducted with 884 patients with newly diagnosed, bladder cancer and 996 controls from 1998 to 2001 in Spain. We observed a consistent, inverse trend in risk with increasing nighttime voiding frequency in both men (p = 0.0003) and women (p = 0.07); voiding at least 2 times per night was associated with a significant, 40–50% risk reduction. The protective effect of nocturia was apparent among study participants with low, moderate and high water consumption. The risk associated with cigarette smoking was reduced by nocturia. Compared with nonsmokers who did not urinate at night, current smokers who did not urinate at night had an OR of 7.0 (95% CI = 4.7–10.2), whereas those who voided at least twice per night had an OR of 3.3 (95% CI = 1.9–5.8) (p value for trend = 0.0005). Our findings suggest a strong protective effect of nocturia on bladder cancer risk, providing evidence in humans that bladder cancer risk is related to the contact time of the urothelium with carcinogens in urine. Increased urination frequency, coupled with possible dilution of the urine from increased water intake, may diminish the effect of urinary carcinogens on bladder cancer risk. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A compendium of familial relative risks of cancer among first degree relatives: A population‐based study
Authors: Zeegers Maurice P. , Schouten Leo J. , Goldbohm R. Alexandra , van den Brandt Piet A.
Published: July 2008

Familial clustering of cancer is expected to occur at practically all anatomical sites. However, few studies have had sufficient size to investigate different sites simultaneously and with adjustment for confounders. We evaluated familial clustering in the Netherlands Cohort Study in which 120,852 men and women, aged 55–69 years in 1986 were followed up for 13.3 years. 14,025 Probands, 6,629 parents and 4,271 siblings were diagnosed with cancer. Relative Risks (RR) of cancer in first degree family members were calculated by using multivariable Cox regression analyses. We also calculated false‐positive reporting probabilities. Significant concordant familial clustering was observed for stomach (RRfather = 1.89, RRparent = 1.66, RRsister = 3.33, RRsibling = 2.38, RR1st degree = 1.69), colon/rectum (RRfather = 1.82, RRmother = 1.83, RRparent = 1.88, RR1st degree = 1.56), lung (RRbrother = 1.50) and breast cancer (RRmother = 1.65, RRsister = 1.72, RR1st degree = 1.72) with low false‐positive reporting probabilities. Significant discordant familial clustering has been observed for combinations of pancreas‐colon/rectum (RRmother = 2.42, RRparent = 1.89, RR1st degree = 1.73), larynx‐lung (RRfather = 3.35, RRparent = 2.84, RR1st degree = 2.30), lung‐oesophagus (RRsibling = 3.49), breast‐bladder (RRfather = 2.79, RRparent = 2.61), endometrium‐stomach (RRmother = 2.32), ovarium‐oesophagus (RR1stdegree = 4.19), prostate‐colon/rectum (RRparent = 1.46) and bladder‐larynx/pharynx (RRfather = 2.49) cancer, although false‐positive reporting probabilities were higher for these associations. Familial clustering of cancer occurs at most sites but is generally modest. Some observed discordant familial clustering is surprising but should be interpreted with caution as their prior probability is low. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bidi smoking and lung cancer incidence among males in Karunagappally cohort in Kerala, India
Authors: Jayalekshmy Padmavathy Amma , Akiba Suminori , Nair Madhavan Krishnan , Gangadharan Paleth , Rajan Balakrishnan , Nair Reghuram K. , Sugahara Tsutomu
Published: July 2008

The association of lung cancer incidence with bidi smoking was examined using a cohort study data in Karunagappally, Kerala, India. We sought interview of all the residents in Karunagappally with the population of 385,103 in 1991 census, and established a cohort of 359,619 (93% of the population in 1991) in the 1990s. There were 65,829 men aged 30–84 at interview after excluding those diagnosed as cancer or died of any cause before 1997. Among them, 212 newly diagnosed lung cancer cases were ascertained during the 8‐year period between 1997 and 2004 through Karunagappally Cancer Registry. The relative risk (RR) of lung cancer was obtained from Poisson regression analysis of grouped data. Lung cancer incidence was relatively high among Moslem people and those with lower educational history. When taking into account attained age, religion and education, the RR between current bidi smokers and those who had never smoked bidis was 3.9 (95%CI = 2.6–6.0, p < 0.001). The lung cancer risk did not return to the level of non‐smokers within 10 years after cessation. In further analyses using only those never smoked cigarettes to examine the effect of bidi smoking alone on lung cancer risk, current smokers of bidis had the RR of 4.6 (95%CI = 2.5–8.5, p < 0.001). Lung cancer incidence increased with larger amounts of bidi smoked a day (p < 0.001), with longer durations of smoking bidis (p < 0.001), and with younger ages starting smoking bidis (p < 0.001). Immediate measures should be taken to stop bidi smoking, which is common in south Asia. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of soybean on breast cancer according to receptor status: A case–control study in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Takeshi , Matsuo Keitaro , Tsunoda Nobuyuki , Hirose Kaoru , Hiraki Akio , Kawase Takakazu , Yamashita Toshinari , Iwata Hiroji , Tanaka Hideo , Tajima Kazuo
Published: July 2008

The possible association of high soy food consumption with low incidence of breast cancer in Asian countries has been widely investigated, but findings from epidemiologic studies have been inconsistent. Breast cancers defined by receptor status, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) may have distinct etiologic factors. Here, we conducted a case–control study to clarify associations between intake of soybean products and breast cancer risk according to receptor status. A total of 678 breast cancer cases and 3,390 age‐ and menopausal status‐matched noncancer controls were included. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic models adjusted for potential confounders. On analysis according to receptor status, we observed a significantly reduced risk of ER‐positive (ER+) (top tertile OR = 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58–0.94; trend p = 0.01) and HER2‐negative (HER2−) tumors (top tertile OR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.61–0.99; trend p = 0.04). Further, when the 3 receptors were jointly examined, a reduced risk was observed only in patients with ER+/PR+/HER2− tumor (top tertile OR = 0.73; 95% CI, 0.54–0.97; trend p = 0.03). These findings indicate that the protective effect of soy against breast cancer risk differs by receptor status. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paracrine inhibition of osteoblast differentiation induced by neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Granchi Donatella , Baglìo Serena Rubina , Amato Ilaria , Giunti Armando , Baldini Nicola
Published: July 2008

The aim of our study was to investigate whether the defective function of osteogenic cells induced by neuroblastoma might play a role in the development of skeletal metastases. This mechanism has been extensively demonstrated for multiple myeloma, in which the blockage of osteoblast differentiation has been ascribed to the inhibitors of canonical Wingless pathway (Wnt), namely Dickkopf 1 (Dkk1). Our purpose was to verify if neuroblastoma cells derived from bone marrow metastases (SH‐SY5Y, LAN1) or primaries (NB100, CHP212) hamper the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) into osteoblasts in a paracrine manner, and to test whether this ability depends on Dkk1 activity. We found that all neuroblastoma cells increased the proliferation of hMSCs collected from pediatric‐aged donors, with a corresponding decrease in osteoblast differentiation markers, including alkaline phosphatase (ALP), analyzed as gene expression, enzymatic activity and number of ALP‐positive colony forming units, osteoprotegerin (OPG) release, OPG and osteocalcin gene‐expression. Dkk1 mRNA and protein were detectable in all cell lines, and the use of neutralizing anti‐Dkk1 antibody reversed the effects induced by SH‐SY5Y cells. Taken together, our results confirm that neuroblastoma hinders osteoblastogenesis, and that Dkk1 release seems to play a crucial role in blocking the differentiation of osteoprogenitor cells, though the ability to promote osteoclast activation remains an essential requirement for the development of skeletal metastases. Finally, our findings suggest that strategies regulating Wnt signaling and Dkk1 activity could be considered for adjuvant therapies in neuroblastoma metastasizing to the skeleton. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CHFR expression is preferentially impaired in smoking‐related squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, and the diminished expression significantly harms outcomes
Authors: Takeshita Masafumi , Koga Takaomi , Takayama Koichi , Kouso Hidenori , Nishimura‐Ikeda Yuko , Yoshino Ichiro , Maehara Yoshihiko , Nakanishi Yoichi , Sueishi Katsuo
Published: July 2008

Loss of tumor suppressors and activation of oncogenes lead to carcinogenesis. Abnormal expression of CHFR, a novel checkpoint gene, or of Aurora kinases, key regulators of mitosis, has been detected in a variety of solid tumors. Recently, CHFR has been revealed to ensure chromosomal stability by controlling the expression level of Aurora‐A in vitro. However, the frequency of aberrant expression of these proteins and the association with clinicopathologic parameters remain poorly defined in nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study, we investigated the immunohistochemical protein expression of CHFR and Aurora‐A in 157 NSCLC cases and evaluated the association between clinicopathologic parameters statistically. The relationship between CHFR protein and mRNA levels and the association between this relationship and promoter methylation of the CHFR gene were also examined in 20 frozen sections of NSCLC. Overexpression of Aurora‐A and reduced expression of CHFR were found in 94 cases (59.8%) and 62 cases (39%) of NSCLC, respectively, and those were significantly correlated with tumor differentiation and size. Moreover, diminished CHFR expression was significantly associated with smoking‐related squamous cell carcinoma cases and poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis revealed that CHFR expression was an independent prognostic factor. A statistical correlation was evident between CHFR protein and mRNA expression. In conclusion, our results suggest the aberrant expression of Aurora‐A and/or of CHFR contributed to the increase in the malignant potential of NSCLC. We also revealed that CHFR expression was predominantly impaired in smoking‐related squamous cell carcinoma and might be a useful prognostic marker in NSCLC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway by delphinidin, an anthocyanidin in pigmented fruits and vegetables
Authors: Afaq Farrukh , Zaman Najia , Khan Naghma , Syed Deeba N. , Sarfaraz Sami , Zaid Mohammad Abu , Mukhtar Hasan
Published: July 2008

Inhibitors of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have generated considerable hope for cancer treatment, specifically for lung and breast cancers. Therefore, identification of a natural, nontoxic agent(s) as an inhibitor of EGFR is of considerable importance. Delphinidin, an anthocyanidin present in pigmented fruits and vegetables, possesses potent antioxidant and antiproliferative properties. In our study, employing EGFR positive breast cancer AU‐565 cells and immortalized MCF‐10A cells, we evaluated the effect of delphinidin on EGFR and its downstream signaling pathways. Delphinidin (5–40 μM; 3 hr) treatment of both AU‐565 cells and MCF‐10A cells inhibited the (i) phosphorylation of EGFR, (ii) activation of PI3K, (iii) phosphorylation of AKT and MAPK. Further, delphinidin treatment of AU‐565 cells inhibited EGF‐induced autophosphorylation of EGFR, AKT and MAPK, activation of PI3K and cell invasion. We then compared the growth inhibitory effects of delphinidin (5–40 μM; 48 hr), and found that it resulted in a decrease in cell growth of AU‐565 and MCF‐10A cells but had only minimal effects on normal mammary epithelial 184A1 cells. Treatment of AU‐565 cells with delphinidin resulted in (i) induction of apoptosis, (ii) cleavage of PARP protein, (iii) activation of caspase‐3 and (iv) downregulation of Bcl‐2 with an increase in the expression of Bax. In summary, our study identifies a naturally occurring dietary agent delphinidin as an effective inhibitor of EGFR signaling in breast cancer cells. We suggest that delphinidin could be developed as an agent for the management of EGFR positive human cancers. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Trends in incidence and mortality of thyroid carcinoma in The Netherlands between 1989 and 2003: Correlation with thyroid fine‐needle aspiration cytology and thyroid surgery
Authors: Netea‐Maier Romana T. , Aben Katja K.H. , Casparie Mariel K. , den Heijer Martin , Grefte Johanna M.M. , Slootweg Piet , Hermus Ad
Published: July 2008

A persistent increase in incidence of thyroid carcinoma (TC) has been reported worldwide. The aim of our study was to assess trends in incidence and mortality of TC in The Netherlands between 1989 and 2003 and to examine whether these trends correlate with changes in diagnostic practices such as changes in the number of fine needle aspiration biopsies (FNAB) and/or thyroid surgeries. Population‐based incidence and mortality data were retrieved from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Data concerning FNAB and thyroid surgeries were obtained through the nationwide network and registry of histo‐ and cytopathology in The Netherlands (PALGA). Overall, the incidence of TC remained unchanged. However, there was a slight increase in incidence of papillary TC of 2.1% per year (p < 0.001) particularly in stage I tumors, possibly, in part, because of a marked increase in use of FNAB. Appropriate iodine intake, reduced radiation exposure and a more conservative diagnostic approach toward asymptomatic thyroid nodules may explain why this increase is less pronounced compared to other countries. Incidence of other subtypes of TC decreased (follicular TC, 1.3% per year, p = 0.02 and anaplastic TC, 7.1% per year, p = 0.006) or remained unchanged (medullary TC). The number of FNABs per year progressively increased from 1,093 in 1989 to 4,123 in 2003, whereas the number of thyroid surgeries decreased from 3,419 in 1989 to 2,825 in 2003. The mortality rates decreased by 2.3% per year (p = 0.01). The decrease in incidence of both follicular and anaplastic TC is assumed to be largely responsible for the decrease in TC mortality rates. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Host and viral factors in relation to clearance of human papillomavirus infection: A cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Chyong‐Huey , Chao Angel , Chang Chee‐Jen , Chao Fang‐Yu , Huang Huei‐Jean , Hsueh Swei , Lin Cheng‐Tao , Cheng Hui‐Hsin , Huang Chu‐Chun , Yang Jung‐Erh , Wu Tzu‐I , Chou Hung‐Hsueh , Chang Ting‐Chang
Published: July 2008

Human papillomavirus (HPV) persistence is essential for cervical cancer development. We accrued nested‐cohort subjects from a population‐based study to investigate the host and viral factors related to outcome of HPV infection. Women (age ≥ 30 years old) with HPV‐positive but normal cytology and negative colposcopy were invited to participate. After signing informed consent, every participant completed a structured questionnaire and had 6‐monthly follow‐ups of Pap smear, HPV testing and colposcopy. Total and type‐specific HPV clearance rates as well as host and viral factors associated with clearance in 3‐year longitudinal follow‐up were analyzed. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of progression to ≥ cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 2 according to baseline HPV of the women with normal cytology were calculated from national registry database. Among the 626 eligible women, 526 (median age 47, 29–75) were enrolled and 412 returned for follow‐up at least once. The median follow‐up of enrolled subjects was 23 months (range 6.8–39). The 3‐year cumulative total HPV clearance rate was 49.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 43.3–54.7%). The median 3‐year cumulative type‐specific HPV clearance rate was 50.0% (range 0–100.0%) with a median time to clearance of 12.4 months (6.4–24.5). Older age was associated with significantly decreased total HPV clearance and decreased type‐specific clearance in HPV‐18 and ‐53, while high viral load was associated with decreased total and type‐specific clearance. After adjusting confounding variables, the HR of developing ≥CIN2 in baseline HPV‐positive women was 34.0‐fold (95% CI: 15.5–74.7) as compared to HPV‐negative women. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 gene contributes to cell proliferation and apoptosis resistance in renal cell carcinoma cells
Authors: Wagener Nina , Holland Daniela , Bulkescher Julia , Crnković‐Mertens Irena , Hoppe‐Seyler Karin , Zentgraf Hanswalter , Pritsch Maria , Buse Stephan , Pfitzenmaier Jesco , Haferkamp Axel , Hohenfellner Markus , Hoppe‐Seyler Felix
Published: July 2008

The enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) gene has been recently linked to human malignancies where it may serve as a new target for cancer therapy. Here, we analyzed EZH2 expression in primary renal cell carcinoma (RCC) specimens and in nontumorous tissue samples from adult kidney. EZH2 transcripts were detectable in all RCC specimens examined. Expression levels were significantly higher in tumor tissue (p ≤ 0.0001) than in samples from normal adult kidney. Moreover, inhibition of endogenous EZH2 expression in RCC cell lines by RNA interference (RNAi) led to reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis in RCC cells. These data show that EZH2 is overexpressed in RCC. Furthermore, they indicate that the EZH2 gene plays a role for both the proliferation and the apoptosis resistance of RCC cells. Targeted inhibition of EZH2 could therefore represent a novel strategy to improve the therapeutic response of RCC. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epigenetic alteration of SOCS family members is a possible pathogenetic mechanism in JAK2 wild type myeloproliferative diseases
Authors: Teofili Luciana , Martini Maurizio , Cenci Tonia , Guidi Francesco , Torti Lorenza , Giona Fiorina , Foà Robin , Leone Giuseppe , Larocca Luigi Maria
Published: July 2008

In polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) specific JAK2 mutations constitutively activate the JAK‐STAT pathway, explaining biologic findings such as endogenous erythroid colony (EECs) growth or PRV‐1 RNA overexpression. Since these markers are detected also in JAK2 wild type patients, we hypothesized that, in these cases, the activation of the JAK‐STAT pathway could be produced by a deregulation of the suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS) protein system. Eighty‐one patients with PV and ET (53 adults and 28 children) were investigated for the methylation status of the SOCS‐1, SOCS‐2 and SOCS‐3 CpG islands and for several myeloproliferative markers (including JAK2 and MPL mutations and clonality of hematopoiesis). SOCS‐1 or SOCS‐3 hypermethylation was identified in 23 patients and was associated with a significant decrease of SOCS‐1 or SOCS‐3 RNA and protein levels. The gene expression was restored by exposing cells to the demethylating agent 2‐deoxyazacytidin. Interestingly, SOCS‐1 or SOCS‐3 hypermethylation was detected in 6 female patients, proved negative for JAK2 or MPL mutations and exhibiting monoclonal hematopoiesis. In conclusion, SOCS‐1 or SOCS‐3 hypermethylation can activate the JAK‐STAT signaling pathway in alternative or together with JAK2 mutations. These alterations might represent a potential therapeutic target. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New cancer susceptibility loci: Population and familial risks
Authors: Hemminki Kari , Försti Asta , Lorenzo Bermejo Justo
Published: July 2008

The recent large genotyping studies have identified a new repertoire of cancer susceptibility genes and loci which are characterized by common risk alleles and low relative risks. Because of these properties, these loci explain a much larger proportion of the etiology of the particular cancers, described by the population attributable fraction (PAF), than of their familial risks (FRRs). For breast cancer, the 9 established loci gave a joint PAF of >60%, but explaining only some 8% of the empirical FRR. For prostate cancer, 6 independent loci at chromosome 8q conferred a joint PAF of 35% but the loci explained no more than 1.9% of the empirical excess familial risks. For colorectal cancer, the contributions of the 2 identified loci to PAF and FRR were somewhat lower. The genome‐wide array platforms have been built for common variants, constraining the results to variants with high PAFs and low FRRs. However, the common variants are likely to tag rarer causative variants with much higher FRRs. The detected loci are noncoding and the underlying genetic mechanisms have not been worked out. The data suggest, in spite of the reservations for combining data on PAFs across populations, that the published first‐generation genome‐wide scans on breast, prostate and colorectal cancers have made successful inroads into genomics of common cancers, yet leaving the mechanisms to be explained. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Identification of truncated chemokine receptor 7 in human colorectal cancer unable to localize to the cell surface and unreactive to external ligands
Authors: Na Il‐Kang , Busse Antonia , Scheibenbogen Carmen , Ghadjar Pirus , Coupland Sarah Ellen , Letsch Anne , Loddenkemper Christoph , Stroux Andrea , Bauer Sandra , Thiel Eckhard , Keilholz Ulrich
Published: July 2008

Chemokine receptors are thought to be involved in the process of cancer metastases. When investigating cell lines and tissues from colorectal cancer (CRC), the CCR7 protein unexpectedly was confined to the cytoplasm and not present on the cell surface. This study investigated at the DNA, mRNA and protein level, the mechanism and the consequences of the failure of CCR7 to localize to the cell membrane. In all 15 CRC cell lines tested, no surface CCR7 was detected and no chemotactic response was elicited upon in‐vitro exposure to CCR7 chemokine ligands (CCL) 19 and CCL21. Integrity of CCR7 DNA and mRNA was examined with respect to signal peptide expression in cell lines and CRC tissues by real‐time RT‐PCR and sequencing. Nine of 15 CRC cell lines and 8 of 14 CRC tissues revealed a truncated CCR7 mRNA species containing various incomplete signal peptide encoding sequences, while the corresponding DNA was intact. These results indicate in CRC frequent alternative splicing or post‐transcriptional mRNA modification resulting in a CCR7 molecule lacking an intact signal peptide prohibiting membrane translocation. Further studies would be necessary to identify a potential intracellular role of the truncated CCR7, abundantly present in the cytoplasm. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Water intake and bladder cancer risk in Los Angeles County
Authors: Jiang Xuejuan , Castelao Jose E. , Groshen Susan , Cortessis Victoria K. , Shibata Darryl K. , Conti David V. , Gago‐Dominguez Manuela
Published: July 2008

The overall evidence of an association between fluid intake and bladder cancer is not entirely consistent. We examined the fluid intake‐bladder cancer relationship in the Los Angeles bladder cancer case‐control study. A total of 1,586 cases and their age‐, sex‐, and race‐matched neighborhood controls were interviewed in‐person from 1987 to 1999. Information on total fluid intake was derived from the consumption of specific fluids including water, coffee, tea, alcohol, milk, juice, hot chocolate and soda. Total fluid intake was not associated with bladder cancer. Daily water intake was associated with a slight decrease in bladder cancer risk, with the protection more pronounced among women (p for trend = 0.039) than among men (p for trend = 0.62). Compared to drinking <1 glass of water per day, drinking ≥6 glasses/day was associated with 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.67–1.22) times the risk of bladder cancer among all subjects, 0.94 (0.67–1.32) times the risk among men, and 0.69 (0.36–1.33) times the risk among women. The water intake‐bladder cancer association also seemed to be modified by daytime urination frequency with significant inverse association among subjects who urinated ≥6 times/day (p for trend = 0.015), but not among those who urinated less frequently. Similarly, the protection from water intake was confined to women who did not experience nocturia and to men who did. Results from our study suggest that water intake may be associated with a slight reduction in bladder cancer risk. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of hysteresis and rainfall intensity on finger dynamics
Authors: Ma Kuo‐Chen , Tan Yih‐Chi , Chen Chu‐Hui
Published: July 2008

The purpose of this paper is to present sand‐box experiments and a hysteresis model to explain the formation and hydraulic properties of fingered flow. Previous researches have found that a fingered path persists over long periods of constant infiltration; hysteresis could be an important factor. In this paper, a major point is to utilize the boundary and series internal scanning curves of the hysteresis model derived by Huang et al. (2005) to clearly obtain the variations between soil water content (θ) and matric suction head (ψ). The hydraulic properties of fingered flow are also acquired. For the application of the model in the field, the hysteresis curves derived by Hogarth et al. (1988) are compared. Experimental results verified that both hysteresis models and the present soil water content concept model of fingered flow can be adequately applied in field tests. We attempted to use digital image analysis to visualize and determine soil water content of fingered flow easily and quickly. The initial velocity and width of fingered flow were not constant under consistent rainfall intensity. The present concept model showed the matric suction head is uniform between different soil water content sharply in the horizontal direction. Nonuniform soil water content existed even when the potential was horizontally equalized. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of wheat and maize water productivities and production function for cropping system decisions in arid and semiarid regions
Authors: Dehghanisanij Hossein , Nakhjavani Mohammad M. , Tahiri Adel Zeggaf , Anyoji Hisao
Published: July 2008

The great challenge of the agricultural sector in countries located in arid and semiarid regions faced with severe water scarcity is to produce more food from less water. This may be achieved by increasing the crop water productivity (WP). Based on experiments conducted in different regions of Iran, it was found that the range of wheat WP was greater than that reported earlier by the FAO. The maize WP was high in the northwestern regions of Iran and less in the southwest. The wide ranges of WP (0.5–1.8 kg m−3 for wheat and 0.3–2.3 kg m−3 for maize) indicate tremendous opportunities for increasing agricultural production with less water. The variability of crop WP can be ascribed to climate, cropping calendar, soil characteristics, and irrigation water management. Wheat and maize WP of 1.5 and 1.7 kg m−3 were recommended as an optimum level to be considered in the cropping system of potential regions. Irrigation water applied for an optimum level of wheat and maize WP was about 2650 and 5900 m3 ha−1, respectively. The maximum wheat WP occurred under deficit irrigation, while for maize it was measured under full irrigation. Regions with higher annual rainfall and high silt content in soil were more productive under deficit irrigation management. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study of spatial variation of discharge coefficient in broad‐crested inclined side weirs
Authors: Aghayari Fiaz , Honar Tooraj , Keshavarzi Alireza
Published: July 2008

The side weir is a hydraulic structure that is widely used in irrigation and drainage networks and water treatment plants. To estimate the outflow over a rectangular broad‐crested side weir, the discharge coefficient in the side weir equation needs to be determined. In this study, a comprehensive laboratory study including 240 tests was conducted in a physical model under subcritical flow conditions. The variation of discharge coefficient along the side weir was investigated in relation to height, width and slope of side weir. Furthermore the data of experimental tests were statistically analysed. As a result, a mathematical model for computation of the spatial discharge coefficient is presented in this study. The presented mathematical model enables accurate estimation of discharge coefficient along the side weir when compared with the measured data under subcritical flow conditions. Additionally, in comparison with overall discharge coefficient models, the developed model estimates a relatively accurate spatial discharge coefficient for the side weir. Additionally, to equalize the flow depth along the side weir, some relationships were proposed in this paper. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ab‐initiosimulations of materials using VASP: Density‐functional theory and beyond
Authors: Hafner Jürgen
Published: July 2008

During the past decade, computer simulations based on a quantum‐mechanical description of the interactions between electrons and between electrons and atomic nuclei have developed an increasingly important impact on solid‐state physics and chemistry and on materials science—promoting not only a deeper understanding, but also the possibility to contribute significantly to materials design for future technologies. This development is based on two important columns: (i) The improved description of electronic many‐body effects within density‐functional theory (DFT) and the upcoming post‐DFT methods. (ii) The implementation of the new functionals and many‐body techniques within highly efficient, stable, and versatile computer codes, which allow to exploit the potential of modern computer architectures. In this review, I discuss the implementation of various DFT functionals [local‐density approximation (LDA), generalized gradient approximation (GGA), meta‐GGA, hybrid functional mixing DFT, and exact (Hartree‐Fock) exchange] and post‐DFT approaches [DFT + U for strong electronic correlations in narrow bands, many‐body perturbation theory (GW) for quasiparticle spectra, dynamical correlation effects via the adiabatic‐connection fluctuation‐dissipation theorem (AC‐FDT)] in the Viennaab initiosimulation package VASP. VASP is a plane‐wave all‐electron code using the projector‐augmented wave method to describe the electron‐core interaction. The code uses fast iterative techniques for the diagonalization of the DFT Hamiltonian and allows to perform total‐energy calculations and structural optimizations for systems with thousands of atoms andab initiomolecular dynamics simulations for ensembles with a few hundred atoms extending over several tens of ps. Applications in many different areas (structure and phase stability, mechanical and dynamical properties, liquids, glasses and quasicrystals, magnetism and magnetic nanostructures, semiconductors and insulators, surfaces, interfaces and thin films, chemical reactions, and catalysis) are reviewed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2008
The Hamilton—Waterloo problem: The case of triangle‐factors and one Hamilton cycle
Authors: Dinitz J.H. , Ling Alan C.H.
Published: July 2008

The Hamilton—Waterloo problem is to determine the existence of a 2‐factorization of K2n+1 in which r of the 2‐factors are isomorphic to a given 2‐factor R and s of the 2‐factors are isomorphic to a given 2‐factor S, with r + s=n. In this article we consider the case when R is a triangle‐factor, S is a Hamilton cycle and s = 1. We solve the problem completely except for 14 possible exceptions. This solves a major open case from the 2004 article of Horak et al. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Combin Designs 17: 160–176, 2009
Anti‐histones antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus: prevalence and frequency in neuropsychiatric lupus
Authors: Sun Xiao‐Yun , Shi Jinxia , Han Lei , Su Yin , Li Zhan‐Guo
Published: July 2008

To investigate the specificity, sensitivity, and concomitant presence of antibodies against histones (H), histone H1 (H1), and histone H3 (H3) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and analyze their association with SLE. Serum IgG anti‐histones antibodies were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in 144 SLE patients consisting of 24 neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), 65 lupus nephritis (LN), and 55 SLE, 100 other rheumatic diseases patients, as well as 40 healthy controls. Clinical and biological parameters of the patients were also evaluated. Anti‐H, anti‐H1, and anti‐H3 antibodies yielded a sensitivity of approximately 33% and a specificity of more than 93% for SLE, which was comparable to that found for anti‐double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNa) antibodies. More significantly, anti‐histone antibody is found in approximately 50% of patients with NPSLE compared with LN. Moreover, the titers of anti‐histones antibodies of NPSLE patients were significantly higher than that of patients with SLE and LN. The sequential analysis revealed a close correlation of anti‐H and anti‐H1 antibodies with SLE disease activity. There was an approximate 30% positive rate of anti‐histones antibodies in 144 SLE patients lacking anti‐nucleosome, anti‐mDNA, anti‐Sm, and anti‐dsDNA antibodies. Antibodies to histones H1 and H3 are markers with high specificity of 93.6–96.4% for SLE. The anti‐histone antibody markers are prevalent in approximately 50% of NPSLE. Furthermore, there was a strong correlation with SLE disease activity index and levels of antibodies to histones and H1. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 22:271–277, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.