bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Changing the Inversion/Eversion Foot Angle Affects the Nondriving Intersegmental Knee Moments and the Relative Activation of the Vastii Muscles in Cycling
Authors: Gregersen Colin S. , Hull M. L. , Hakansson Nils A.
Published: May 2006

Nondriving intersegmental knee moment components (i.e., varus/valgus and internal/external axial moments) are thought to be primarily responsible for the etiology of overuse knee injuries such as patellofermoral pain syndrome in cycling because of their relationship to muscular imbalances. However the relationship between these moments and muscle activity has not been studied. Thus the four primary objectives of this study were to test whether manipulating the inversion/eversion foot angle alters the varus/valgus knee moment (Objective 1) and axial knee moment (Objective 2) and to determine whether activation patterns of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO), vastus lateralis (VL), and tensor fascia latae (TFL) were affected by changes in the varus/valgus (Objective 3) and axial knee moments (Objective 4). To fulfill these objectives, pedal loads and lower limb kinematic data were collected from 15 subjects who pedaled with five randomly assigned inversion/eversion angles: 10 deg and 5 deg everted and inverted and 0deg (neutral). A previously described mathematical model was used to compute the nondriving intersegmental knee moments throughout the crank cycle. The excitations of the VMO, VL, and TFL muscles were measured with surface electromyography and the muscle activations were computed. On average, the 10-deg everted position decreased the peak varus moment by 55% and decreased the peak internal axial moment by 53% during the power stroke (crank cycle region where the knee moment is extensor). A correlation analysis revealed that the VMO/VL activation ratio increased significantly and the TFL activation decreased significantly as the varus moment decreased. For both the VMO/VL activation ratio and the TFL activation, a path analysis indicated that the varus/valgus moment was highly correlated to the axial moment but that the correlation between muscle activation and the varus moment was due primarily to the varus/valgus knee moment rather than the axial knee moment. The conclusion from these results is that everting the foot may be beneficial towards either preventing or ameliorating patellofemoral pain syndrome in cycling.
Developing Pulsatile Flow in a Deployed Coronary Stent
Authors: Rajamohan Divakar , Banerjee Rupak K. , Back Lloyd H. , Ibrahim Ashraf A. , Jog Milind A.
Published: May 2006

A major consequence of stent implantation is restenosis that occurs due to neointimal formation. This patho-physiologic process of tissue growth may not be completely eliminated. Recent evidence suggests that there are several factors such as geometry and size of vessel, and stent design that alter hemodynamic parameters, including local wall shear stress distributions, all of which influence the restenosis process. The present three-dimensional analysis of developing pulsatile flow in a deployed coronary stent quantifies hemodynamic parameters and illustrates the changes in local wall shear stress distributions and their impact on restenosis. The present model evaluates the effect of entrance flow, where the stent is placed at the entrance region of a branched coronary artery. Stent geometry showed a complex three-dimensional variation of wall shear stress distributions within the stented region. Higher order of magnitude of wall shear stress of 530dyn∕cm2 is observed on the surface of cross-link intersections at the entrance of the stent. A low positive wall shear stress of 10dyn∕cm2 and a negative wall shear stress of −10dyn∕cm2 are seen at the immediate upstream and downstream regions of strut intersections, respectively. Modified oscillatory shear index is calculated which showed persistent recirculation at the downstream region of each strut intersection. The portions of the vessel where there is low and negative wall shear stress may represent locations of thrombus formation and platelet accumulation. The present results indicate that the immediate downstream regions of strut intersections are areas highly susceptible to restenosis, whereas a high shear stress at the strut intersection may cause platelet activation and free emboli formation.
La dissolution du chlorure cuivreux formé par oxydation électrochimique du cuivre
Authors: Brossard Robert-Louis
Published: May 2006

We have studied the dissolution of copper chloride formed by the electrochemical oxidation of copper immersed in aqueous lithium chloride. The pH was maintained between 3 and 5 while the concentration of LiCl in solution was varied between 2.36 × 10−2 M to 16.5 × 10−2 M. The corrosion product accumulating on the electrode consists of crystals of nantokite (CuCl) formed by precipitation.The presence of this precipitate contributes to the local enrichment of the solution which is close to saturation near the electrode. This enrichment is revealed by an electrode voltage in a well characterized open circuit. This current is about −40 mV (/ECS) on a stationary electrode. The complete dissolution of CuCl coincides with a rapid drop in voltage which allows the transition time τ to be defined from which the speed of dissolution of CuCl has been calculated. For example, the speed of dissolution is 0.15 ± 0.01 mC s−1 cm2 in a current equivalent for a stationary electrode in the presence of 2.36 × 10−2 M of dissolved LiCl. This is also constant until the complete disappearance of the precipitate.In another study, the use of a rotating disc electrode shows that the dissolution is completely dominated by the diffusion of ionic species in the liquid phase. The experimental results are compatible with the presence of CuCl2− as the diffusing species.

[Journal Translation]
Determination of rate constants when analytical integration of the rate law is not possible: approaches based on numerical differentiation and numerical integration
Authors: Guthrie J. Peter
Published: May 2006

Two methods for deriving rate constants from absorbance–time data when the rate laws cannot be integrated in closed form are presented, and their use illustrated. One method uses least-squares fitting to the curve obtained by numerical integration of the rate law. The other involves analysis of the numerically evaluated derivative with respect to time of the absorbance–time curve. This allows calculation of rate constants in a direct fashion, either from the initial and minimum values of a function of the derivative or by fitting the decrease in the value of this function to a first-order rate equation when this is suitable. The advantages and disadvantages of the methods are discussed. The illustrations are from recent studies of the reactions of steroidal imidazoles with aryl esters. The derivative method appears to be superior, and of potentially wide utility.
The ultraviolet and visible absorption spectra of berberrubine
Authors: Gašpareć Zvonimir , Komorsky-Lovrić Šebojka , Lovrić Milivoj
Published: May 2006

The absorption spectra of berberrubine in the visible and uv spectral range were recorded. The measurements were made in four different solvents (water, absolute methanol, absolute ethanol, and absolute propanol) changing the acidity and the alkalinity of the solutions in the wide range from pH 2 to pH 13 by the addition of HCl and KOH. The experimental and theoretical results, derived by simple Hückel MO calculations, were compared and discussed.
Some observations on the Pd(II)-catalysed ferrocenylation of acrylonitrile
Authors: Henry Patrick M. , Lewis Nita A. , Taube Henry
Published: May 2006

The Pd(II)-catalysed alkylation of ferrocene with acrylonitrile has been reinvestigated. We were not able to prepare the 1,1′-bis-(2-cyanovinyl)ferrocene using1,1′-bis(chloromercuri)ferrocene and Pd(II) under stoichiometric conditions. Using ethanol as solvent, a side-product, 3,3-diethoxypropanenitrile, was obtained. Using methanol, the corresponding 3,3-dimethoxypropanenitrile was produced. Acetonitrile as solvent gave a small amount of the desired product. The reaction of chloromercuriferrocene with acrylonitrile under conditions catalytic in Pd(II) produced the 2-cyanovinylferrocene species. Mixtures of cis and trans isomers were obtained. The cis/trans ratio was 20/80, 30/70, and 50/50 in methanol, ethanol, and acetonitrile, respectively. The pure trans product was obtained by refluxing the cis/trans mixture with I2/CHCl3. The isomers were also separated by chromatography on alumina.
VIBRATIONAL ENERGIES OF MEMBERS IN STRUCTURAL NETWORKS FITTED WITH TUNED VIBRATION ABSORBERS
Authors: GEORGE SUNNY K. , SHANKAR K.
Published: May 2006

The distribution of vibrational energy in members of a complex structure with tuned absorbers attached at the joints and subjected to dynamic loading is studied. The concept of power flows through the structure is used to determine the time-averaged energy levels of each member in the structure. The power flows are calculated using the time-averaged product of force and velocity at the input and coupling points (joints) of a general structure made of axially vibrating rods. The receptance approach is used to calculate the coupling forces and velocities in the structure. By balancing the input power against the dissipated powers, the time-averaged energy levels in members are determined. The main criteria studied here is the reduction in the frequency-averaged vibrational energy level of a member when an absorber is attached, expressed as a percentage compared to the case where there are no absorbers. The concept is first illustrated with a simple model of 2 axially vibrating rods with an absorber attached to the joint. Next, a more complex structure comprising 8 rods with arbitrary orientations and several absorbers attached to junctions is studied. The effect of activating absorbers at various locations on reducing the energy levels of certain members is examined. It is possible to estimate the usefulness of the absorber with respect to any member by determining the percentage reduction of energy level for that member.
STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES OF CdSe NANOCRYSTALS
Authors: SARANGI S. N. , SAHU S. N. , GOSWAMI K.
Published: May 2006

Nanocrystalline thin films of CdSe have been synthesized from an acidic solution containing CdSO 4 and SeO 2 by a cathodic electrodeposition technique under galvanostatic condition. The crystal structure and morphology have been investigated by Grazing angle X-Ray Diffraction (GXRD), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and optical microscopic measurement. The X-Ray and TEM diffraction patterns of the deposit reveal a bimodal size distribution with the presence of cubic (zinc blende) phase in the deposit. The particle sizes have been estimated from GXRD measurement found to be 4 nm to 6 nm, comparable to that obtained from TEM analysis. A Branched Fractal Pattern (BFP) in CdSe nanocrystals has been observed by optical microscopy, suggesting a diffusion-limited aggregation growth mechanism with fractal dimension 1.69 ± 0.04.
DESIGN, DYNAMIC MODIFICATION, AND ADAPTIVE CONTROL OF A NEW BIPED WALKING ROBOT
Authors: BAGHERI AHMAD , NAJAFI FARID , FARROKHI REZA , MOGHADDAM RAHMAN YOUSEFI , FELEZI MOHAMMAD EBRAHIM
Published: May 2006

Recently, a lot of research has been conducted in the area of biped walking robots that could be compared to human beings. The aim of this article is to control a new planar biped robot by means of an adaptive procedure. The newly designed robot is able to move on its heel like a human. After derivation of dynamic equations of motion for two states of the robot, namely, "supporting leg and trunk" and "swing leg" separately, the stability of robot is achieved by locating the zero moment point (ZMP). A dynamic modification is developed for ZMP positioning. For motion control of the robot, the physical parameters (such as mass, link length and geometry) are estimated (identified) by adaptive methods. A Matlab based software simulation is also conducted.
AN ANALYTICAL METHOD FOR REAL-TIME GAIT PLANNING FOR HUMANOID ROBOTS
Authors: HARADA KENSUKE , KAJITA SHUUJI , KANEKO KENJI , HIRUKAWA HIROHISA
Published: May 2006

This paper studies real-time gait planning for a humanoid robot. By simultaneously planning the trajectories of the COG (Center of Gravity) and the ZMP (Zero Moment Point), a fast and smooth change of gait can be realized. The change of gait is also realized by connecting the newly calculated trajectories to the current ones. While we propose two methods for connecting two trajectories, i.e. the real-time method and the quasi-real-time one, we show that a stable change of gait can be realized by using the quasi-real-time method even if the change of the step position is significant. The effectiveness of the proposed methods are confirmed by simulation and experiment.
MOTION GENERATION AND CONTROL FOR THE PNEUMATIC BIPED "LUCY"
Authors: VERRELST BJÖRN , VERMEULEN JIMMY , VANDERBORGHT BRAM , VAN HAM RONALD , NAUDET JORIS , LEFEBER DIRK , DAERDEN FRANK , VAN DAMME MICHAEL
Published: May 2006

This paper reports on the control structure of the pneumatic biped "Lucy." The robot is actuated with pleated pneumatic artificial muscles which have interesting characteristics that can be exploited for legged machines. They have a high power-to-weight ratio, an adaptable compliance and they can reduce impact effects.

The current control architecture focuses on the trajectory generator and the tracking controller, which is divided into a computed torque controller, a delta-p unit, a PI position controller and a pressure bang-bang controller. The trajectory generator provides polynomial joint trajectories while the computed torque, combined with the delta-p unit, calculates the required muscle pressure levels. The PI and bang-bang controller work at a pressure level to cope with modeling errors and to set the pressures in each muscle. The control design is divided into single support and double support, where specifically the computed torque differs for these two phases.

The proposed control architecture is evaluated with a full hybrid dynamic simulation model of the biped. This simulator combines the dynamical behavior of the robot with the thermodynamical effects that take place in the muscle-valves system. The observed hardware limitations of the real robot and expected model errors are taken into account in order to give a realistic qualitative evaluation of the control performance and to test the robustness.

A preliminary implementation of the presented controller on the real biped, representing a walking motion of the robot while both feet are in the air, is discussed. This first implementation shows already promising results concerning tracking performance of the proposed control architecture. It confirms that the pneumatic tracking system can be used for a dynamic application such as a biped walking robot.
A PNEUMATIC HUMAN INSPIRED ROBOTIC LEG: CONTROL ARCHITECTURE AND KINEMATICAL OVERVIEW
Authors: MUSCATO GIOVANNI , SPAMPINATO GIACOMO
Published: May 2006

This paper describes in detail the control architecture of an anthropometric robotic leg. It contains a brief description of the mechanical structure of the prototype and a kinematical structure overview. The aim of this project is the development of new technologies for the implementation and realization of bio-mechanical limbs for motoric gait rehabilitation, as well as for human gate study and analysis. In particular, a detailed description of the pneumatic control architecture is provided, together with some design considerations. Moreover, a platform for walking trajectory generation is presented, and some experimental results are reported. In order to assure a proper stability control during the gait, a center of pressure sensor has been specifically designed and placed onboard the robot. A detailed description on the sensor mechanism is also provided.
GENERAL MODEL OF DYNAMICS OF HUMAN AND HUMANOID MOTION: FEASIBILITY, POTENTIALS AND VERIFICATION
Authors: POTKONJAK VELJKO , VUKOBRATOVIĆ MIOMIR , BABKOVIĆ KALMAN , BOROVAC BRANISLAV
Published: May 2006

This paper elaborates a generalized approach to the modeling of human and humanoid motion. Instead of the usual inductive approach that starts from the analysis of different situations of real motion (like bipedal gait and running; playing tennis, soccer, or volleyball; gymnastics on the floor or using some gymnastic apparatus) and tries to make a generalization, the deductive approach considered begins by formulating a completely general problem and deriving different real situations as special cases. The paper first explains the general methodology. The concept and the software realization are verified by comparing the results with the ones obtained by using "classical" software for one particular well-known problem: biped walk. The applicability and potentials of the proposed method are demonstrated by simulation using a selected example. The simulated motion includes a landing on one foot (after a jump), the impact, a dynamically balanced single-support phase, and overturning (falling down) when the balance is lost. It is shown that the same methodology and the same software can cover all these phases.
Uptake Rates for Breast Cancer Genetic Testing: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ropka Mary E. , Wenzel Jennifer , Phillips Elayne K. , Siadaty Mir , Philbrick John T.
Published: May 2006

Purpose: Individuals and families dealing with the possibility of hereditary cancer risk face numerous decisions, including whether to obtain genetic testing. The purpose of this article is to determine what is known about the rate at which people obtain cancer genetic testing.

Methods: Using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PSYCHINFO plus reviewing reference lists of relevant articles, we identified 40 studies in May 2002 that addressed breast cancer–related decisions, enrolled adult participants, were published in 1990 or more recently, were peer-reviewed primary clinical studies, addressed genetic testing either alone or in combination with genetic counseling, and reported rates at which participants showed interest in and/or underwent cancer genetic testing. Information regarding study design, participants, and genetic testing uptake rates was recorded. Each article was reviewed for methodologic quality using a flexible quality review system applicable to all study types.

Results: Of the 40 studies, 25 provided information about hypothetical genetic testing decisions, 14 about real decisions, and 1 about both. Mean hypothetical uptake was 66% (range, 20-96%) and real uptake was 59% (range, 25-96%). Multivariate logistic regression analyses found that decision type (real/hypothetical), personal and family history of breast cancer, and variability in sampling strategy, recruitment setting, and criteria for real and hypothetical uptake were independently associated with uptake. Our systematic review identified additional explanations for uptake variability (investigator influences, small sample sizes, variability in target populations, lack of clearly described sampling strategies, sampling methods open to bias, and variability in reporting associated risk factors).

Conclusion: In addition to clinical characteristics, research methodologic issues are likely to be major determinants of variability in published breast cancer genetic testing uptake rates. An understanding of these issues will clarify to clinicians why their clinical experience may not be congruent with published rates and help guide future research. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):840–55)
Value for the Future and Breast Cancer–Preventive Health Behavior
Authors: Gurmankin Levy Andrea , Micco Ellyn , Putt Mary , Armstrong Katrina
Published: May 2006

Background: Time preference, or the extent to which people discount future benefits in favor of immediate benefits, might represent an important determinant of preventive health behavior, but the little research thus far on this association has yielded mixed results. This study examined the association between future time preference and use of genetic counseling for BRCA1/2 testing and how this association may differ from the relationship between future time preference and mammography screening and self-breast examination.

Experimental Design: A health system–based case-control study with a nested cross-sectional survey. Eight hundred women who saw a primary care physician in the University of Pennsylvania Health System in the 3 years before the study, of whom 234 had undergone BRCA1/2 counseling (cases) and of whom 566 had not (controls).

Results: Placing a relatively greater value on future benefits than present benefits was strongly associated with use of BRCA1/2 counseling [odds ratio (OR), 3.0 for one-point increase in future time preference; 95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.9-4.9]. Future time preference was weakly associated with adherence to annual mammography (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.81-2.2), and was not associated with monthly self-breast examination (OR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.75-1.4). A stronger future orientation was seen in women who had higher levels of education (P = 0.0021) or income (P = 0.0011).

Conclusion: Time preference is strongly associated with use of BRCA1/2 counseling. Time preference is more weakly associated with mammography adherence and is not associated with breast self-examination. This variation may reflect the degree to which the behavior is seen as related to future risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):955–60)
Mesothelin Variant 1 Is Released from Tumor Cells as a Diagnostic Marker
Authors: Hellstrom Ingegerd , Raycraft John , Kanan Sandra , Sardesai Niranjan Y. , Verch Thorsten , Yang Yi , Hellstrom Karl Erik
Published: May 2006

The mesothelin family comprises (at least) three variants and includes the precursor for megakaryocyte potentiating factor (MPF). Assaying soluble mesothelin-related protein (SMRP) molecules in serum and other body fluids from patients with certain cancers can provide diagnostically useful information. We have constructed fusion proteins of mesothelin variants 1, 2, and 3, made monoclonal antibodies, and investigated the binding specificity of these and three previously generated monoclonal antibodies to each of the three mesothelin variants. According to flow cytometry, the molecule that is most frequently expressed at the surface of cells from ovarian carcinomas and certain other tumors is mesothelin variant 1. Similarly, SMRP released into ascites from a patient with ovarian carcinoma was shown to have a molecular weight of ∼40 kDa and, according to sequencing, to be variant 1. A published sandwich ELISA was shown to detect variants 1 and 3 and to be much more sensitive than a newly constructed ELISA, which detects only variant 3, the former being positive in 28 of 41 (68%) sera from patients with ovarian cancer as compared with 6 of 41 sera (15%). A standard curve was constructed to measure SMRP with a limit of detection of 200 pg/mL to facilitate future quantitative studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):1014–20) (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):1014-1019)
The Effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Polymorphisms on Micronucleus Frequencies in Human Lymphocytes In vivo
Authors: Kirsch-Volders Micheline , Mateuca Raluca Antonina , Roelants Mathieu , Tremp Annie , Zeiger Errol , Bonassi Stefano , Holland Nina , Chang Wushou Peter , Aka Peter Vande , DeBoeck Marlies , Godderis Lode , Haufroid Vincent , Ishikawa Hitoshi , Laffon Blanca , Marcos Ricardo , Migliore Lucia , Norppa Hannu , Teixeira Joao Paulo , Zijno Andrea , Fenech Michael
Published: May 2006

The influence of genetic polymorphisms in GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes on micronucleus frequencies in human peripheral blood lymphocytes was assessed through a pooled analysis of data from seven laboratories that did biomonitoring studies using the in vivo cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. A total of 301 nonoccupationally exposed individuals (207 males and 94 females) and 343 workers (237 males and 106 females) occupationally exposed to known or suspected genotoxic substances were analyzed by Poisson regression. The results of the pooled analysis indicate that the GSTT1 null subjects had lower micronucleus frequencies than their positive counterparts in the total population (frequency ratio, 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.33-0.89). The protective effect of this genotype is reversed with increasing age, with a frequency ratio of 1.33 (95% confidence interval, 1.06-1.68) in subjects aged 60 years. A significant overall increase in micronucleus frequency with age and gender (P < 0.001 and P = 0.024, respectively) was observed, females having higher micronucleus frequencies than males, when occupationally exposed (P = 0.002). Nonoccupationally exposed smokers had lower micronucleus frequencies than nonsmokers (P = 0.001), whereas no significant difference in micronucleus level was observed between smokers and nonsmokers in the occupationally exposed group (P = 0.79). This study confirms that pooled analyses, by increasing the statistical power, are adequate for assessing the involvement of genetic variants on genome stability and for resolving discrepancies among individual studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):1038–42)
A Phase II Study with Antioxidants, Both in the Diet and Supplemented, Pharmaconutritional Support, Progestagen, and Anti-Cyclooxygenase-2 Showing Efficacy and Safety in Patients with Cancer-Related Anorexia/Cachexia and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Mantovani Giovanni , Macciò Antonio , Madeddu Clelia , Gramignano Giulia , Lusso Maria Rita , Serpe Roberto , Massa Elena , Astara Giorgio , Deiana Laura
Published: May 2006

Purpose: To test the efficacy and safety of an integrated treatment based on a pharmaconutritional support, antioxidants, and drugs, all given orally, in a population of advanced cancer patients with cancer-related anorexia/cachexia and oxidative stress.

Patients and Methods: An open early-phase II study was designed according to the Simon two-stage design. The integrated treatment consisted of diet with high polyphenols content (400 mg), antioxidant treatment (300 mg/d α-lipoic acid + 2.7 g/d carbocysteine lysine salt + 400 mg/d vitamin E + 30,000 IU/d vitamin A + 500 mg/d vitamin C), and pharmaconutritional support enriched with 2 cans per day (n-3)-PUFA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), 500 mg/d medroxyprogesterone acetate, and 200 mg/d selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor celecoxib. The treatment duration was 4 months. The following variables were evaluated: (a) clinical (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status); (b) nutritional [lean body mass (LBM), appetite, and resting energy expenditure]; (c) laboratory [proinflammatory cytokines and leptin, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant enzymes]; (d) quality of life (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30, Euro QL-5D, and MFSI-SF).

Results: From July 2002 to January 2005, 44 patients were enrolled. Of these, 39 completed the treatment and were assessable. Body weight increased significantly from baseline as did LBM and appetite. There was an important decrease of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α, and a negative relationship worthy of note was only found between LBM and IL-6 changes. As for quality of life evaluation, there was a marked improvement in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30, Euro QL-5DVAS, and multidimensional fatigue symptom inventory-short form scores. At the end of the study, 22 of the 39 patients were “responders” or “high responders.” The minimum required was 21; therefore, the treatment was effective and more importantly was shown to be safe.

Conclusion: The efficacy and safety of the treatment have been shown by the study; therefore, a randomized phase III study is warranted. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):1030–4)
Perinatal Risk Factors for Cancer of the Esophagus and Gastric Cardia: A Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Akre Olof , Forssell Lina , Kaijser Magnus , Norén-Nilsson Ingrid , Lagergren Jesper , Nyrén Olof , Ekbom Anders
Published: May 2006

Background: We have previously hypothesized that preterm birth or impaired fetal growth may cause esophageal adenocarcinomas through gastroesophageal reflux early in life. In this study, we aimed to test if there is an association between gestational duration and birth weight on the one hand, and risk of esophageal and cardia adenocarcinoma on the other.

Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study of 67 cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma and 93 cases of cardia adenocarcinoma, whereas 50 cases of squamous cell carcinoma were studied for comparison. Birth records of cases were traced. Three matched controls per case were randomly selected. Perinatal data were extracted from birth records.

Results: Long gestational duration was associated with a decreased risk of cardia adenocarcinoma (Ptrend = 0.001) and a nonsignificant decreased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma (P = 0.07), whereas no such association was found for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (P = 0.96). Birth weight was not associated with risk of any of the studied cancers. Compared with lower maternal age (≤24 years) at giving birth, maternal age of 25 to 29 years were associated with a decreased risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma (odds ratio, 0.4; 95% confidence interval, 0.2-0.9 and odds ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.8, respectively).

Conclusions: Numerical constraints hamper inference, but our results are somewhat consistent with the idea that future risk of esophageal and cardia cancer may in part be determined already perinatally or in infancy and give some limited support to the hypothesis that timing of birth influences risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):867–71)
4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-Pyridyl)-1-Butanol and its Glucuronides in the Urine of Infants Exposed to Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Authors: Hecht Stephen S. , Carmella Steven G. , Le Ky-Anh , Murphy Sharon E. , Boettcher Angela J. , Le Chap , Koopmeiners Joseph , An Larry , Hennrikus Deborah J.
Published: May 2006

Biomarkers of carcinogen uptake could provide important information pertinent to the question of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in childhood and cancer development later in life. Previous studies have focused on exposures before birth and during childhood, but carcinogen uptake from ETS in infants has not been reported. Exposures in infants could be higher than in children or adults because of their proximity to parents who smoke. Therefore, we quantified 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronides (total NNAL) in the urine of 144 infants, ages 3 to 12 months, who lived in homes with parents who smoked. Total NNAL is an accepted biomarker of uptake of the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone. Cotinine and its glucuronide (total cotinine) and nicotine and its glucuronide (total nicotine) were also quantified. Total NNAL was detectable in 67 of 144 infants (46.5%). Mean levels of total NNAL in the 144 infants were 0.083 ± 0.200 pmol/mL, whereas those of total cotinine and total nicotine were 0.133 ± 0.190 and 0.069 ± 0.102 nmol/mL, respectively. The number of cigarettes smoked per week in the home or car by any family member when the infant was present was significantly higher (P < 0.0001) when NNAL was detected than when it was not (76.0 ± 88.1 versus 27.1 ± 38.2). The mean level of NNAL detected in the urine of these infants was higher than in most other field studies of ETS exposure. The results of this study show substantial uptake of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone in infants exposed to ETS and support the concept that persistent ETS exposure in childhood could be related to cancer later in life. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):988–92)
DNMT3b Polymorphism and Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colorectal Cancer Age of Onset
Authors: Jones J. Shawn , Amos Christopher I. , Pande Mala , Gu Xiangjun , Chen Jinyun , Campos Imelda M. , Wei Qingyi , Rodriguez-Bigas Miguel , Lynch Patrick M. , Frazier Marsha L.
Published: May 2006

Hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is an autosomal dominant syndrome of familial malignancies resulting from germ-line mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes. Colorectal and endometrial cancers are most frequently observed. A polymorphic C-to-T change in the promoter region of the DNMT3b gene, −149 bp from the transcription start site, is reported to greatly increase promoter activity and is associated with increased risk for lung cancer and decreased postsurgical survival in patients with small cell carcinoma of the head and neck. We studied the influence of this DNMT3b polymorphism on HNPCC age of onset. We determined the DNMT3b genotype of 146 mismatch repair mutation carriers from 72 families. Of these, 74 participants had colorectal cancer. The participants were genotyped by single-strand conformational polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing. We tested the association between age of onset and DNMT3b genotypes by comparing Kaplan-Meier survival curves, evaluating the homogeneity of the curves using the log-rank test, Wilcoxon's test, and Fleming-Harrington test and estimating the strength and direction of the association using the Cox proportional hazards regression model adjusting for potential demographic and genetic confounding factors. HNPCC patients carrying one or two copies of the DNMT3b variant T allele developed their colorectal cancer significantly earlier than HNPCC patients who were homozygous for the wild-type DNMT3b allele. Combining knowledge of an individual's DNMT3b genotype with information on other genetic and environmental risk factors may improve risk estimates and help to identify individuals who are genetically susceptible to developing HNPCC at an earlier age. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):886–91)
A Comparison of Carotenoids, Retinoids, and Tocopherols in the Serum and Buccal Mucosa of Chronic Cigarette Smokers versus Nonsmokers
Authors: Gabriel Helen E. , Liu Zhenhua , Crott Jimmy W. , Choi Sang-Woon , Song Byeng Chun , Mason Joel B. , Johnson Elizabeth J.
Published: May 2006

Background: Cigarette smoking, a major risk factor for oropharyngeal cancer, is reported to alter oral levels of carotenoids and tocopherols. Such effects may be important because these nutrients, as well as retinoids, are putative chemoprotective agents.

Objectives: To determine whether chronic smoking is associated with altered concentrations of these nutrients in serum and buccal mucosa; to distinguish whether such effects are ascribable to diet; and to determine whether oral concentrations of these nutrients correlate with a putative biomarker of oral cancer risk.

Methods: Serum and buccal mucosal cells (BMC) were analyzed for these nutrients and for BMC micronuclei in smokers (n = 35) and nonsmokers (n = 21).

Results: General linear regression with adjustments for dietary intake showed that smokers possess lower serum concentrations of β- and α-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin (P ≤ 0.01) and a significantly higher serum γ-tocopherol (P = 0.03). In BMCs, smokers had significantly lower concentrations of β- and α-carotene, lycopene, and α-tocopherol (P < 0.05) but significantly higher γ-tocopherol (P < 0.01). Among nonsmokers, many serum carotenoid concentrations correlated with concentrations of the corresponding nutrient in BMCs whereas no such correlations existed among smokers. BMC micronuclei did not correlate with the oral concentration of any micronutrient.

Conclusions: Chronic cigarette smokers have lower concentrations of many dietary antioxidants in serum and BMCs compared with nonsmokers, an effect which is not entirely ascribable to diet. Nevertheless, the lack of concordance between oral concentrations of these nutrients and genetic damage in the BMCs of smokers does not support a protective role for these nutrients in oral carcinogenesis. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006:15(5):993–9)
Incidence of Colorectal Cancer in Relation to Glycemic Index and Load in a Cohort of Women
Authors: McCarl Mary , Harnack Lisa , Limburg Paul J. , Anderson Kristin E. , Folsom Aaron R.
Published: May 2006

Background: Dietary glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) affect circulating insulin concentrations. Elevated circulating insulin concentrations can increase insulin-like growth factor-1, and both of these hormones may have growth-promoting effects within the colorectum.

Methods: We examined associations of GI and GL with colorectal cancer (CRC) among participants in the Iowa Women's Health Study (n = 35,197; ages 55-69 years at baseline in 1986). Over 15 years of follow-up, we identified 757 cases of colon cancer and 209 cases of rectal cancer (954 CRC cases).

Results: Overall, neither GI nor GL were significantly associated with incident CRC. However, among obese women (baseline body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) CRC incidence was increased in the highest versus lowest quintiles of GI (relative risk, 1.66; 95% confidence intervals, 1.13-2.43; P for trend = 0.02) and GL (relative risk, 1.79; 95% confidence intervals, 1.19-2.70; P for trend < 0.01). This pattern of increased risk for obese women with high GI or GL tended to hold for both colon cancer and rectal cancer, and for nondiabetic women as well. No statistically significant associations were observed between GI or GL and CRC among subjects whose baseline body mass index was <30 kg/m2.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that high GI or GL are not major CRC risk factors among older women in general, but may increase CRC risk among women who are obese. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):392–6)
Mammographic Density as a Surrogate Marker for the Effects of Hormone Therapy on Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Boyd Norman F. , Martin Lisa J. , Li Qing , Sun Limei , Chiarelli Anna M. , Hislop Greg , Yaffe Martin J. , Minkin Salomon
Published: May 2006

Background: Some types of hormone therapy increase both risk of breast cancer and mammographic density, a risk factor for the disease, suggesting that mammographic density may be a surrogate marker for the effects of hormones on risk of breast cancer. This research was undertaken to determine whether the effect of hormone therapy on breast cancer risk is mediated by its effect on mammographic density.

Methods: Individually matched cases and controls from three nested case-control studies in breast screening populations were studied. Cases had developed invasive breast cancer at least 12 months after the initial screen. Information was collected on hormone use and other risk factors at the time of the baseline mammogram, and percent density was measured by a computer-assisted method.

Results: There were 1,748 postmenopausal women, of whom 426 (24.4%) were using hormones at the time of their initial screening mammogram. Current use of hormone therapy was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer (odds ratio, 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-1.6) that was little changed by adjustment for percent density in the baseline mammogram (odds ratio, 1.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-1.5). Percent density in the baseline mammogram was among cases greater in current users of hormones that in never-users (difference = 5.0%, P < 0.001), but the difference was smaller and nonsignificant in controls (difference = 1.6%, P = 0.3).

Conclusion: Although the effects of hormone therapy on mammographic density were greater in cases than controls, we did not find evidence that these effects were causally related to risk of breast cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):961–6)
Plasma Antibodies against Trichomonas vaginalis and Subsequent Risk of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sutcliffe Siobhan , Giovannucci Edward , Alderete John F. , Chang Te-Hung , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Zenilman Jonathan M. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Willett Walter C. , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2006

Background: Although several previous case-control studies have investigated associations between sexually transmitted infections (STI) and prostate cancer, most have focused on gonorrhea and syphilis, two well-recognized, symptomatic STIs. Another STI of interest for prostate carcinogenesis is trichomonosis, a less well recognized and frequently asymptomatic STI with known prostate involvement. We investigated this infection in relation to incident prostate cancer in a nested case-control study within the Health Professionals Follow-up Study.

Methods: Prostate cancer cases were men diagnosed with prostate cancer between the date of blood draw (1993-1995) and 2000 (n = 691). Controls were men who had had at least one prostate-specific antigen test and who were free of prostate cancer and alive at the time of case diagnosis. One control was individually matched to each case by age (n = 691). Serologic evidence of a history of trichomonosis was assessed by a recombinant Trichomonas vaginalis α-actinin IgG ELISA.

Results: Thirteen percent of cases and 9% of controls were seropositive for trichomonosis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.43; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-2.03). This association persisted after additional adjustment for such factors as a history of other STIs, and was strongest among men who used aspirin infrequently over the course of their lives (odds ratio, 2.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-4.02, Pinteraction = 0.11).

Conclusions: Serologic evidence of a history of trichomonosis was positively associated with incident prostate cancer in this large, nested case-control study of male health professionals. As this study is the first, to our knowledge, to investigate associations between T. vaginalis serology and prostate cancer, additional studies are necessary before conclusions can be made. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):939–45)
Associations of Classic Kaposi Sarcoma with Common Variants in Genes that Modulate Host Immunity
Authors: Brown Elizabeth E. , Fallin Daniele , Ruczinski Ingo , Hutchinson Amy , Staats Brian , Vitale Francesco , Lauria Carmela , Serraino Diego , Rezza Giovanni , Mbisa Georgina , Whitby Denise , Messina Angelo , Goedert James J. , Chanock Stephen J. ,   Kaposi Sarcoma Working Group
Published: May 2006

Classic Kaposi sarcoma (CKS) is an inflammatory-mediated neoplasm primarily caused by Kaposi sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Kaposi sarcoma lesions are characterized, in part, by the presence of proinflammatory cytokines and growth factors thought to regulate KSHV replication and CKS pathogenesis. Using genomic DNA extracted from 133 CKS cases and 172 KSHV-latent nuclear antigen-positive, population-based controls in Italy without HIV infection, we examined the risk of CKS associated with 28 common genetic variants in 14 immune-modulating genes. Haplotypes were estimated for IL1A, IL1B, IL4, IL8, IL8RB, IL10, IL12A, IL13, and TNF. Compared with controls, CKS risk was decreased with 1235T/−1010G–containing diplotypes of IL8RB (odds ratio, 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 0.30-0.78; P = 0.003), whereas risk was increased with diplotypes of IL13 containing the promoter region variant 98A (rs20541, alias +130; odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.08; P = 0.01) when considered in multivariate analysis. Risk estimates did not substantially vary by age, sex, incident disease, or disease burden. Our data provide preliminary evidence for variants in immune-modulating genes that could influence the risk of CKS. Among KSHV-seropositive Italians, CKS risk was associated with diplotypes of IL8RB and IL13, supporting laboratory evidence of immune-mediated pathogenesis. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):926–34)
A Reproducibility Study for a Fluoride Assay in Bone
Authors: Medina Nancy , Douglass Chester W. , Whitford Gary M. , Hoover Robert N. , Fears Thomas R.
Published: May 2006

Osteosarcoma is a rare malignancy of largely unknown etiology. Although there is no consistent evidence for an association between fluoridation and cancer, some concerns remain about osteosarcoma. As part of the design of a collaborative study, bone samples were collected to allow for an evaluation of the association between osteosarcoma risk and individual fluoride exposure measured by levels of fluoride in bone. In this report, we provide the results of pilot experiments to consider issues that arose during the study design and to assess the reliability of the bone assays. Correlations of fluoride levels between normal bone near the affected area and iliac crest bone were strong and positive. The day-to-day laboratory analysis of fluoride in human and deer jaw bone yielded acceptable average coefficients of variation below 10% and an overall estimate of 5%. The intraclass correlation (ICC) is of particular importance to epidemiologists because it indicates the effect of measurement error on study results. Here, the estimated ICC is 0.86, and the estimated downward bias is only 14%. Hence, the ICC is strong enough so that the estimates of the relative risk will suffer little attenuation from lab measurements. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):1035–7)
Anthropometry, Physical Activity, and the Risk of Pancreatic Cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
Authors: Berrington de González Amy , Spencer Elizabeth A. , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , Roddam Andrew , Stolzenberg-Solomon Rachel , Halkjær Jytte , Tjønneland Anne , Overvad Kim , Clavel-Chapelon Francoise , Boutron-Ruault Marie-Christine , Boeing Heiner , Pischon Tobias , Linseisen Jakob , Rohrmann Sabine , Trichopoulou Antonia , Benetou Vassiliki , Papadimitriou Aristoteles , Pala Valeria , Palli Domenico , Panico Salvatore , Tumino Rosario , Vineis Paolo , Boshuizen Hendriek C. , Ocke Marga C. , Peeters Petra H. , Lund Eiliv , Gonzalez Carlos A. , Larrañaga Nerea , Martinez-Garcia Carmen , Mendez Michelle , Navarro Carmen , Quirós J. Ramón , Tormo María-José , Hallmans Göran , Ye Weimin , Bingham Sheila A. , Khaw Kay-Tee , Allen Naomi , Key Tim J. , Jenab Mazda , Norat Teresa , Ferrari Pietro , Riboli Elio
Published: May 2006

Tobacco smoking is the only established risk factor for pancreatic cancer. Results from several epidemiologic studies have suggested that increased body mass index and/or lack of physical activity may be associated with an increased risk of this disease. We examined the relationship between anthropometry and physical activity recorded at baseline and the risk of pancreatic cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (n = 438,405 males and females age 19-84 years and followed for a total of 2,826,070 person-years). Relative risks (RR) were calculated using Cox proportional hazards models stratified by age, sex, and country and adjusted for smoking and self-reported diabetes and, where appropriate, height. In total, there were 324 incident cases of pancreatic cancer diagnosed in the cohort over an average of 6 years of follow-up. There was evidence that the RR of pancreatic cancer was associated with increased height [RR, 1.74; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.20-2.52] for highest quartile compared with lowest quartile (Ptrend = 0.001). However, this trend was primarily due to a low risk in the lowest quartile, as when this group was excluded, the trend was no longer statistically significant (P = 0.27). A larger waist-to-hip ratio and waist circumference were both associated with an increased risk of developing the disease (RR per 0.1, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.48; Ptrend = 0.02 and RR per 10 cm, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.01-1.26; Ptrend = 0.03, respectively). There was a nonsignificant increased risk of pancreatic cancer with increasing body mass index (RR, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.95-1.24 per 5 kg/m2), and a nonsignificant decreased risk with total physical activity (RR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.50-1.35 for most active versus inactive). Future studies should consider including measurements of waist and hip circumference, to further investigate the relationship between central adiposity and the risk of pancreatic cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(5):879–85)