bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Common Variation in Genes Related to Innate Immunity and Risk of Adult Glioma
Authors: Rajaraman Preetha , Brenner Alina V. , Butler Mary Ann , Wang Sophia S. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Ruder Avima M. , Linet Martha S. , Yeager Meredith , Wang Zhaoming , Orr Nick , Fine Howard A. , Kwon Deukwoo , Thomas Gilles , Rothman Nathaniel , Inskip Peter D. , Chanock Stephen J.
Published: May 2009

Current evidence suggests that immune system alterations contribute to the etiology of adult glioma, the most common adult brain tumor. Although previous studies have focused on variation in candidate genes in the adaptive immune system, the innate immune system has emerged as a critical avenue for research given its known link with carcinogenesis. To identify genetic markers in pathways critical to innate immunity, we conducted an association study of 551 glioma cases and 865 matched controls of European ancestry to investigate “tag” single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 148 genetic regions. Two independent U.S. case-control studies included were as follows: a hospital-based study conducted by the National Cancer Institute (263 cases, 330 controls) and a community-based study conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (288 cases, 535 controls). Tag SNPs (1,397) chosen on the basis of an r2 of >0.8 and minor allele frequency of >5% in Caucasians in HapMap1 were genotyped. Glioma risk was estimated by odds ratios. Nine SNPs distributed across eight genetic regions (ALOX5, IRAK3, ITGB2, NCF2, NFKB1, SELP, SOD1, and STAT1) were associated with risk of glioma with P value of <0.01. Although these associations were no longer statistically significant after controlling for multiple comparisons, the associations were notably consistent in both studies. Region-based tests were statistically significant (P < 0.05) for SELP, SOD, and ALOX5. Analyses restricted to glioblastoma (n = 254) yielded significant associations for the SELP, DEFB126/127, SERPINI1, and LY96 genetic regions. We have identified a promising set of innate immunity-related genetic regions for further investigation. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1651–8)
Physical Activity and Health Outcomes Three Months After Completing a Physical Activity Behavior Change Intervention: Persistent and Delayed Effects
Authors: Rogers Laura Q. , Hopkins-Price Patricia , Vicari Sandy , Markwell Stephen , Pamenter Richard , Courneya Kerry S. , Hoelzer Karen , Naritoku Catherine , Edson Billie , Jones Linda , Dunnington Gary , Verhulst Steven
Published: May 2009

Purpose: We previously reported the effectiveness of a 12-week physical activity behavior change intervention for breast cancer survivors postintervention with this report, aiming to determine delayed and/or persistent effects 3 months after intervention completion.

Methods: Forty-one sedentary women with stage I, II, or IIIA breast cancer currently receiving hormonal therapy were randomly assigned to receive the 12-week Better Exercise Adherence after Treatment for Cancer intervention or usual care. Assessments occurred at baseline, postintervention, and 3 months postintervention.

Results: Weekly minutes of greater than or equal to moderate intensity physical activity measured by accelerometer showed a significant group by time interaction (F = 3.51; P = 0.035; between group difference in the mean change from baseline to 3 months postintervention, 100.1 minute, P = 0.012). Significant group by time interactions also showed sustained improvements from baseline to 3 months postintervention in strength (F = 3.82; P = 0.027; between group difference, 11.2 kg; P = 0.026), waist-to-hip ratio (F = 3.36; P = 0.041; between group difference, −0.04; P = 0.094), and social well-being (F = 4.22; P = 0.023; between group difference, 3.9; P = 0.039). A delayed reduction in lower extremity dysfunction 3 months postintervention was noted (F = 3.24; P = 0.045; between group difference in the mean change from postintervention to 3 months follow-up; P = −7.6; P = 0.015). No group by time effect was noted for fitness, body mass index, percent fat, bone density, total quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General), fatigue, endocrine symptoms, cognitive function, or sleep.

Conclusions: The intervention resulted in sustained improvements in physical activity, strength, central adiposity, and social well-being with lower extremity function benefits appearing 3 months after intervention completion. Testing translation in a multisite study is warranted. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1410–8)
No Effect of Aspirin on Mammographic Density in a Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: McTiernan Anne , Wang C.Y. , Sorensen Bess , Xiao Liren , Buist Diana S.M. , Aiello Bowles Erin J. , White Emily , Rossing Mary Anne , Potter John , Urban Nicole
Published: May 2009

Background: Epidemiologic studies suggest a reduced risk of breast cancer among women who regularly use aspirin; a plausible mechanism is through aspirin effect on mammographic breast density, a breast cancer risk factor, possibly mediated through aspirin interference with estrogen synthesis.

Methods: In a 2-arm randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial, we evaluated the effects of 6-month administration of 325 mg/day aspirin on total mammographic breast dense area and percent of the mammographic breast image occupied by dense areas (% density) in 143 postmenopausal women. Eligible women, recruited from 2005 to 2007, were healthy, not taking hormone therapy, with elevated mammographic breast density (American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System density category 2, 3, or 4) within 6 months before enrollment.

Results: Women were a mean (SD) 59.5 (5.5) years. Geometric mean baseline percent density was 17.6% (95% confidence interval, 14.8-20.9) in women randomized to aspirin and 19.2% (95% confidence interval, 16.3-22.7) in women randomized to placebo. Percent density decreased in women randomized to aspirin by an absolute 0.8% versus an absolute decrease of 1.2% in controls (P = 0.84). Total breast area and dense area decreased to a similar degree in women assigned to aspirin and in those assigned to placebo, with no statistically significant differences between trial arms.

Conclusions: A single daily administration of adult-dose aspirin for 6 months had no effect on mammographic density in postmenopausal women. If aspirin affects breast cancer risk in postmenopausal women, it may do so through alternative pathways than mammographic breast density. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1524–30)
Body Mass Index Before and After Breast Cancer Diagnosis: Associations with All-Cause, Breast Cancer, and Cardiovascular Disease Mortality
Authors: Nichols Hazel B. , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Egan Kathleen M. , Titus-Ernstoff Linda , Holmes Michelle D. , Bersch Andrew J. , Holick Crystal N. , Hampton John M. , Stampfer Meir J. , Willett Walter C. , Newcomb Polly A.
Published: May 2009

Background: Factors related to improving outcomes in breast cancer survivors are of increasing public health significance. We examined postdiagnosis weight change in relation to mortality risk in a cohort of breast cancer survivors.

Methods: We analyzed data from a cohort of 3,993 women with ages 20 to 79 years living in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, or Wisconsin with invasive nonmetastatic breast cancers diagnosed in 1988 to 1999 identified through state registries. Participants completed a structured telephone interview 1 to 2 years after diagnosis and returned a mailed follow-up questionnaire in 1998 to 2001 that addressed postdiagnosis weight and other factors. Vital status information was obtained from the National Death Index through December 2005. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated from Cox proportional hazards models and adjusted for prediagnosis weight, age, stage, smoking, physical activity, and other important covariates.

Results: During an average 6.3 years of follow-up from the postdiagnosis questionnaire, we identified 421 total deaths, including 121 deaths from breast cancer and 95 deaths from cardiovascular disease. Increasing postdiagnosis weight gain and weight loss were each associated with greater all-cause mortality. Among women who gained weight after breast cancer diagnosis, each 5-kg gain was associated with a 12% increase in all-cause mortality (P = 0.004), a 13% increase in breast cancer–specific mortality (P = 0.01), and a 19% increase in cardiovascular disease mortality (P = 0.04). Associations with breast cancer mortality were not modified by prediagnosis menopausal status, cigarette smoking, or body mass index.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that efforts to minimize weight gain after a breast cancer diagnosis may improve survival. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1403–9)
HER-2/neu Overexpression as a Predictor for the Transition from In situ to Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Roses Robert E. , Paulson E. Carter , Sharma Anupama , Schueller Jeanne E. , Nisenbaum Harvey , Weinstein Susan , Fox Kevin R. , Zhang Paul J. , Czerniecki Brian J.
Published: May 2009

The clinical implications of HER-2/neu (HER2) expression in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) lesions have yet to be clearly elucidated; this despite the more frequent expression of HER2 in high-grade DCIS lesions compared with invasive cancers. We hypothesized that HER2 overexpression in DCIS is associated with more rapid progression to invasive disease. Immunohistochemical staining for estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and HER2 was done on DCIS specimens. Univariate analysis and a multivariate logistic regression were done to determine whether estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, or HER2 status, comedo necrosis, nuclear grade, lesion size, or patient age predicted the presence of associated invasive disease in patients with DCIS. Invasive foci were found in association with HER2 overexpressing DCIS at a higher frequency than with DCIS that did not overexpress HER2. Although high nuclear grade, large lesion size, and HER2 overexpression were all associated with the presence of invasive disease on univariate analysis, HER2 was the only significant predictor for the presence of invasive disease after multivariate adjustment (odds ratio, 6.4; P = 0.01). These data indicate that HER2 overexpression in DCIS lesions predicts the presence of invasive foci in patients with DCIS and suggest that targeting of HER2 in an early disease setting may forestall or prevent disease progression. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1386–9)
TP53 R249S Mutations, Exposure to Aflatoxin, and Occurrence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Cohort of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Carriers from Qidong, China
Authors: Szymañska Katarzyna , Chen Jian-Guo , Cui Yan , Gong Yun Yun , Turner Paul Craig , Villar Stéphanie , Wild Christopher Paul , Parkin Donald Maxwell , Hainaut Pierre
Published: May 2009

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has a high mortality in East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, two regions where the main etiologic factors are chronic infections with hepatitis B virus and dietary exposure to aflatoxin. A single base substitution at the third nucleotide of codon 249 of TP53 (R249S) is common in HCC in these regions and has been associated with aflatoxin-DNA adducts. To determine whether R249S may be detected in plasma DNA before HCC diagnosis, we conducted a case-control study nested in a cohort of adult chronic hepatitis B virus carriers from Qidong County, People's Republic of China. Of the 234 plasma specimens that yielded adequate DNA, only 2 (0.9%) were positive for R249S by restriction fragment length polymorphisms, and both of them were controls. Of the 249 subjects tested for aflatoxin-albumin adducts, 168 (67%) were positive, with equal distribution between cases and controls. Aflatoxin-albumin adduct levels were low in the study, suggesting an overall low ongoing exposure to aflatoxin in this cohort. The R249S mutation was detected in 11 of 18 (61%) available tumor tissues. To assess whether low levels of mutant DNA were detectable in pre-diagnosis plasma, 14 plasma specimens from these patients were analyzed by short oligonucleotide mass analysis. Nine of them (64%) were found to be positive. Overall, these results suggest that HCC containing R249S can occur in the absence of significant recent exposure to aflatoxins. The use of short oligonucleotide mass analysis in the context of low ongoing aflatoxin exposure may allow the detection of R249S in plasma several months ahead of clinical diagnosis. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1638–43)
Dietary Patterns, Food Groups, and Rectal Cancer Risk in Whites and African-Americans
Authors: Williams Christina Dawn , Satia Jessie A. , Adair Linda S. , Stevens June , Galanko Joseph , Keku Temitope O. , Sandler Robert S.
Published: May 2009

Background: Associations between individual foods and nutrients and colorectal cancer have been inconsistent, and few studies have examined associations between food, nutrients, dietary patterns, and rectal cancer. We examined the relationship between food groups and dietary patterns and risk for rectal cancer in non-Hispanic Whites and African-Americans.

Methods: Data were from the North Carolina Colon Cancer Study—Phase II and included 1,520 Whites (720 cases, 800 controls) and 384 African-Americans (225 cases, 159 controls). Diet was assessed using the Diet History Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results: Among Whites, nonwhole grains and white potatoes were associated with elevated risk for rectal cancer whereas fruit, vegetables, dairy, fish, and poultry were associated with reduced risk. In African-Americans, high consumption of other fruit and added sugar suggested elevated risk. We identified three major dietary patterns in Whites and African-Americans. The high fat/meat/potatoes pattern was observed in both race groups but was only positively associated with risk in Whites (odds ratio, 1.84; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-3.15). The vegetable/fish/poultry and fruit/whole grain/dairy patterns in Whites had significant inverse associations with risk. In African-Americans, there was a positive dose-response for the fruit/vegetables pattern (Ptrend < 0.0001) and an inverse linear trend for the legumes/dairy pattern (Ptrend < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that associations of certain food groups and overall dietary patterns with rectal cancer risk differ between Whites and African-Americans, highlighting the importance of examining diet and cancer relationships in racially diverse populations. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1552–61)
Suitability of Self-Collected Vaginal Samples for Cervical Cancer Screening in Periurban Villages in Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Sowjanya A. Pavani , Paul Proma , Vedantham Haripriya , Ramakrishna Gayatri , Vidyadhari D. , Vijayaraghavan K. , Laksmi Shantha , Sudula Mrudula , Ronnett Brigitte M. , Das Manik , Shah Keerti V. , Gravitt Patti E. ,   on behalf of the Community Access to Cervical Health Study Group
Published: May 2009

Objectives: Our aim was to determine if (1) Hybrid Capture 2 and a PCR-based method were comparable for detection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) clinician-collected and self-collected samples were equally efficient to detect HPV and cervical cancer precursor lesions, and (3) if participation rates improved with home-based versus clinic-based self collection.

Methods: Samples were selected from women participating in a cervical cancer screening study according to HPV, visual inspection with acetic acid, or Pap smear screening results. From 432 of 892 selected women, split sample aliquots were tested for HPV DNA using both the Hybrid Capture 2 assay and the Roche prototype line blot assay. Women from a subset of villages were recruited at two separate time points for clinic-based self-collection and home-based self-collection, and participation rates were compared.

Results: Pairwise agreement between self- and clinician-collected samples was high by both Hybrid Capture 2 (90.8% agreement, κ = 0.7) and PCR (92.6% agreement, κ = 0.8), with significantly increased high-risk HPV detection in clinician-collected specimens (McNemar's P < 0.01). Ability to detect precursor lesions was highest by PCR testing of clinician-collected samples and lowest by Hybrid Capture 2 testing of self-collected samples (11 of 11 and 9 of 11 cases of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2/3 and cancer detected, respectively). Participation in home-based screening was significantly higher than clinic-based screening (71.5% and 53.8%, respectively; P < 0.001) among women ages 30 to 45 years.

Conclusion: The combination of improved screening coverage and a high single test sensitivity afforded by HPV DNA testing of home-based self-collected swabs may have a greater programmatic effect on cervical cancer mortality reduction compared with programs requiring a pelvic exam. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1373–8)
Reproducibility of Random Periareolar Fine Needle Aspiration in a Multi-Institutional Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ibarra-Drendall Catherine , Wilke Lee G. , Zalles Carola , Scott Victoria , Archer Laura E. , Lem Siya , Yee Lisa D. , Lester Joanne , Kulkarni Swati , Murekeyisoni Christine , Wood Marie , Wilson Karen , Garber Judy , Gentry Carleen , Stouder April , Broadwater Gloria , Baker Joseph C. , Vasilatos Shauna N. , Owens Elizabeth , Rabiner Sarah , Barron Abbey C. , Seewaldt Victoria L.
Published: May 2009

Background: Random periareolar fine needle aspiration (RPFNA) is a research technique developed to assess short-term breast cancer risk in women at increased risk of breast cancer. Although there is increasing acceptance of RPFNA, neither the reproducibility nor the inter–institutional compatibility of RPFNA has been established. To address these key limitations, the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) Prevention Group tested the reproducibility of RPFNA in a multi-institutional cross-sectional study.

Methods: Sixty-three high-risk women from five CALGB institutions (Duke, Ohio State, Roswell Park, Dana Farber, and Vermont) underwent RPFNA from July 1, 2007 to June 30, 2008. Duplicate bilateral RPFNA was performed on each woman by a single investigator on a single day. Masood Cytology Index score was assessed by a single blinded cytopathologist.

Results: There was a high degree of statistical agreement in the Masood Cytology Index scores of duplicate RPFNA samples from the same breast, with a Spearman correlation coefficient of 0.8312 (P < 0.0001). Importantly, although there was agreement in duplicate samples from the same breast, there was lack of agreement between duplicate samples from the opposite breast.

Conclusions: This multi-institutional study shows that RPFNA is a highly reproducible measure of breast cytology in a cooperative group cross-sectional trial. RPFNA did not show a high degree of agreement between breasts, suggesting that breast cancer risk and progression may occur at different rates in individual breasts from a single woman. These studies provide proof-of-principle for future RPFNA-based cooperative group prevention studies. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1379–85)
Relationship between Epidemiologic Risk Factors and Hormone Receptor Expression in Ovarian Cancer: Results from the Nurses' Health Study
Authors: Hecht Jonathan L. , Kotsopoulos Joanne , Hankinson Susan E. , Tworoger Shelley S.
Published: May 2009

Hormone receptor expression in tumors may offer etiologic information for ovarian cancer, particularly in light of known associations with hormonal and reproductive risk factors. Tissue microarrays constructed from 157 paraffin-embedded blocks of epithelial ovarian tumors collected from participants in the Nurses' Health Study were stained for estrogen receptor-α (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PR). We examined receptor expression by invasion, grade, and histologic subtype. Multivariate unconditional logistic regression was used to evaluate whether hormonal, reproductive, and anthropometric risk factors were differentially associated with the risk of developing receptor-positive or receptor-negative ovarian tumors compared with controls. PR-expressing tumors were less likely to be invasive (P = 0.05) and more likely to be of a lower grade (P < 0.001) and stage (P = 0.007) compared with PR− tumors. ERα status was not associated with any pathologic features of the tumor (P > 0.34). Increasing age, being postmenopausal, and postmenopausal hormone use were associated with an increased risk of developing ERα+, but not ERα- (Pheterogeneity = 0.001, 0.06, and 0.06, respectively) and PR−, but not PR+, tumors (Pheterogeneity = 0.08, 0.003, and 0.40, respectively), whereas height was only associated with the risk of developing PR− disease (Pheterogeneity = 0.08). There were no clear risk differentials with OC use, parity, body mass index, or physical activity. Reproductive and hormonal risk factors are associated with subgroups of ovarian cancer defined by histologic subtype or ERα and PR status. These finding support specific models of hormone mediated triggers of ovarian cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1624–30)
Wnt-1 Protein as a Prognostic Biomarker for Hepatitis B–Related and Hepatitis C–Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma after Surgery
Authors: Lee Hao-Hsien , Uen Yih-Huei , Tian Yu-Feng , Sun Chi-Shu , Sheu Ming-Jen , Kuo Hsing-Tao , Koay Lok-Beng , Lin Ching-Yih , Tzeng Ching-Cherng , Cheng Chia-Ju , Tang Ling-Yu , Tsai Sun-Lung , Wang Andrew H-J.
Published: May 2009

Background: Up-regulation of Wnt-1 protein has been reported in hepatitis B virus (HBV)–related and hepatitis C virus (HCV)–related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cell lines. It is known to play a fundamental role in signaling cancer progression, whereas its prognostic role in HCC remains unexplored.

Methods: As a prognostic biomarker, this study analyzed Wnt-1 protein expression in 63 histology-verified HCC patients receiving curative resection. In each paired tumor and nontumor specimen, Wnt-1 levels were semiquantitatively measured by Western blotting and expressed by tumor/nontumor ratio. The data were further correlated with quantitative real-time PCR as well as with β-catenin and E-cadherin expression by immunohistochemistry. Cumulative tumor recurrence-free survival curves were constructed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank test.

Results: The results showed that 26 (group I) and 37 (group II) HCC patients had an expression ratio of Wnt-1 ≥1.5 and <1.5, respectively. The amount of Wnt-1 estimated by tumor/nontumor ratio correlated with the results by quantitative real-time PCR. High tumor Wnt-1 expression correlated with enhanced nuclear β-catenin accumulation, diminished membranous E-cadherin expression, and increased tumor recurrence after curative tumor resection.

Conclusions: These results suggest that Wnt-1 may be used as a predisposing risk factor for HCC recurrence. The use of tumor Wnt-1 as prognostic biomarker may identify patients with HBV- and/or HCV-related HCC patients with a high risk of tumor recurrence who may then benefit from further intensive therapy after surgery. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(5):1562–9)
Induced Endothelial Cells Enhance Osteogenesis and Vascularization of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Tao Jie , Sun Yuan , Wang Qiu-gen , Liu Cheng-wen
Published: May 2009

Adequate vascularization remains one of the major challenges in bone tissue engineering. Since the microvascular endothelium is of benefit to osteogenesis and vascularization when in direct contact with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), we investigated whether endothelial cells induced from BM-MSCs have the same effect on BM-MSCs in vitro and in vivo. BM-MSCs were isolated, characterized and induced into endothelial-like cells (induced endothelial cells, IECs) in endothelial cell growth medium 2. BM-MSCs and IECs were co-cultured with direct contact. In vitro, IECs were evaluated in terms of their characteristics of endothelial cells and their effects on the osteogenic potential of BM-MSCs by cell morphology, immunofluorescent staining, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin synthesis. In vivo, scaffolds consisting of β-tricalcium phosphate co-seeded with IECs and BM-MSCs were transplanted into mouse dorsal pockets, and a histological analysis was performed to determine the extent of new bone and blood vessel formation. Isolated BM-MSCs were positive for the markers CD105 and CD29 and negative for hematopoietic markers CD34, CD45 and CD14. They were able to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes in respective media. Immunofluorescent analysis with von Willebrand factor and CD31 staining showed that BM-MSCs could differentiate into endothelial cells. The alkaline phosphatase activity and the osteocalcin content of the co-culture group were obviously higher than those of any other group (p < 0.05). Histologically, newly formed bone and vessels were more evident in the culture group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that IECs could efficiently stimulate the in vitro differentiation of osteoblast-like cells and promote osteogenesis in vivo by direct contact with BM-MSCs.
The Role of Recombinant Human Elafin in the Resistance of A549 Cells against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm
Authors: Li Qi , Zhou Xiangdong , Nie Xiaohong , Yang Jie
Published: May 2009

Background:Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic respiratory pathogen, often causes pulmonary infection in patients with chronic inflammatory airway diseases and forms drug-resistant biofilm. Elafin, a natural antibiotic, has antimicrobial properties against Gram-negative bacteria. Objectives: This study investigated the effects of elafin on the resistance of epithelial cells against P.aeruginosa biofilm. Methods: A549 epithelial cells transfected with pEGFP-N1-elafin or pEGFP-N1 were stimulated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF), P.aeruginosa supernatant and Escherichia coli supernatant followed by co-incubation for 24 h to form P.aeruginosa biofilms. Results: We found structural changes in the biofilms of all groups, especially the P.aeruginosa group. Bacterial counts in the TNF (3.238 ± 0.356 × 106 CFU/cm2) and P.aeruginosa (3.317 ± 0.247 × 106 CFU/cm2) groups were lower than in the control group (5.946 ± 0.453 × 106 CFU/cm2; p < 0.01). In the P.aeruginosa group, the bacterial count was lower than that of the E. coli group (5.138 ± 0.391× 106 CFU/cm2; p < 0.05). Bacterial clearance rates were higher in P.aeruginosa (44.2%) and TNF groups (45.6%) than in the E. coli group (13.6%). Cell intactness rates in pEGFP-N1-elafin-transfected groups were consistently higher than those of the control group (p < 0.01); the P.aeruginosa group rate at 24 h was the highest. Compared to the control group, the TNF, P.aeruginosa and E. coli groups showed increased elafin mRNA and protein in cells (p < 0.05), and contents in the TNF and P.aeruginosa group were higher than in the E. coli group (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Overexpression of elafin in epithelial cells attenuated the damage of P.aeruginosa biofilm on epithelia. P.aeruginosa has the potential to induce elafin expression.
Evaluation of Quality of Care and Guideline-Compliant Treatment in Psoriasis
Authors: Radtke M.A. , Reich K. , Blome C. , Kopp I. , Rustenbach S.J. , Schäfer I. , Augustin M.
Published: May 2009

Background: To date, no standardised indicators for quality of care in psoriasis have been published. Aims: Development and testing of evidence-based indicators of quality of care and guideline compliance in the treatment of psoriasis. Methods: Indicators of process and outcome quality were extracted and evaluated in a Delphi process according to international standards. The primary reference was the S3 German guideline for psoriasis treatment. The indicators were validated with data from two nationwide studies on psoriasis care involving 1,511 and 2,009 patients. Results: Eight quality indicators were defined: mean PASI, mean quality of life (Dermatology Life Quality Index; DLQI), proportion of patients with PASI >20, with DLQI >10, with previous systemic treatment, with PASI >20 and systemic treatment, with inpatient treatment, and number of work days lost. All indicators proved suitable for application, and were sensitive to change. Conclusions: Guideline-based indicators of quality of care are useful in the analysis of health care and the implementation of treatment guidelines in psoriasis.
Mortality after Nasogastric Tube Feeding Initiation in Long-Term Care Elderly with Oropharyngeal Dysphagia – The Contribution of Refeeding Syndrome
Authors: Lubart Emilia , Leibovitz Arthur , Dror Yosef , Katz Elena , Segal Refael
Published: May 2009

Background: The refeeding syndrome (RS) is an underappreciated but clinically important entity characterized by acute electrolyte abnormalities, mainly hypophosphatemia, fluid retention and dysfunction of various organs and systems, which can result in significant morbidity and occasionally death. Objective: To examine the incidence of death cases and death causes following nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding initiation in frail elderly with particular reference to RS. Methods: Forty patients with feeding problems for at least 72 h before restarting of alimentation by NGT were included. Excluded were those in any critical clinical situation. Clinical parameters and nutritional assessment were recorded before and after refeeding. Blood samples were taken before, daily for the first 3 days and 1 week after refeeding initiation. Results: During the 1st week of refeeding, 9 patients (22.5%) died and within 1 month 10 more, summing to 47.5%. Most deaths were due to infectious causes [15 out of 19, (79%)]; some were due to no obvious reason [4 out of 19, (21%)]. Significant electrolyte changes were observed in the 2–3 days following refeeding. Significant were the decreases in phosphorus and elevations in potassium and lymphocytes (day 7). We found no correlations between the severity of decreases in levels of phosphorus and mortality. Conclusions: Mortality after NGT feeding initiation was high, mainly due to infectious complications. However, in a considerable number of patients hypophosphatemia was noted, suggesting that RS could be a contributory factor of mortality. Since this is a treatable condition, more attention should be paid to detecting and coping with this problem.
Optimizing Medical Therapy of Acromegaly: Beneficial Effects of Cabergoline in Patients Uncontrolled with Long-Acting Release Octreotide
Authors: Jallad Raquel S. , Bronstein Marcello D.
Published: May 2009

Background: Previous data indicate a beneficial effect of cabergoline (CAB) association to somatostatin analogs (SA) in acromegalics resistant to SA monotherapy. Objective: To assess the efficacy of CAB association on acromegalics with high IGF-I on stable long-acting release octreotide (OCT-LAR) (30 mg/28 days). Design, Subjects and Methods: 34 patients (17 male, 25–85 years, 33 macroadenomas) were enrolled in this prospective study. OCT-LAR was administered as primary (n = 4) and as secondary (n = 30) treatment: after surgery (n = 16), after surgery + radiotherapy (RT) (n = 11), and after RT only (n = 3). Duration of OCT-LAR therapy prior to CAB was 24 ± 12 months. The immunohistochemical features of the tumors disclosed GH/PRL co-secretion in 11/21 patients. 13 patients had high PRL levels prior to CAB. The initial CAB dose was 1.5 mg/week. No IGF-I normalization led to a dose increase to 3.5 mg/week. The OCT-LAR dose was kept stable during treatment. IGF-I, GH and PRL levels were compared before and after CAB association. OCT-LAR was withdrawn in patients who achieved IGF-I normalization, in order to assess the influence of CAB. Results: Comparing OCT-LAR to OCT-LAR/CAB treatment, there was a significant decrease in mean GH, IGF-I, %ULNR-IGF-I and PRL levels. During OCT-LAR/CAB treatment, IGF-I normalized in 19 patients (56%). IGF-I normalization was correlated to lowest IGF-I levels on OCT-LAR monotherapy, but not to baseline PRL levels or GH/PRL co-expression. OCT-LAR withdrawn in all who had achieved IGF-I normalization on combined therapy resulted in IGF-I elevation to abnormal levels in all patients. Gastrointestinal symptoms were reported by 12 patients. Conclusion: OCT-LAR and CAB association has been shown to be an effective alternative therapy for those acromegalics who still have active acromegaly despite monotherapy with SA, mainly for those with lower pretreatment IGF-I concentrations. According to previous studies, the beneficial effects of CAB occur even when pretreatment PRL is normal and/or there is no tumor GH/PRL co-expression.
Characteristics and Biological Variations of M-Ficolin, a Pattern Recognition Molecule, in Plasma
Authors: Wittenborn Thomas , Thiel Steffen , Jensen Lisbeth , Nielsen Hans J. , Jensenius Jens C.
Published: May 2009

The three human ficolins, H-ficolin, L-ficolin and M-ficolin, are pattern recognition molecules of the innate immune system. All three ficolins can activate the lectin pathway of the complement system after binding to pathogens. H- and L-ficolin are serum proteins with an average concentration of 18 and 3 µg/ml, respectively. M-ficolin has been described as a membrane-associated pattern recognition receptor of monocytes, being also present in granulocytes; recently, minuscule amounts of M-ficolin have been found in serum, too. No assay specific for M-ficolin has yet been described and biological variations are unknown. We have raised specific monoclonal anti-human M-ficolin antibodies and have developed a quantitative assay for M-ficolin. M-ficolin elutes as a large, 900-kDa protein upon gel permeation chromatography of serum. Analysis of M-ficolin levels in serum samples of 350 blood donors reveals a mean concentration of 1.07 µg/ml, ranging from 0.28 to 4.05 µg/ml. Analyses of consecutive acute phase serum samples from major surgery patients indicated a complex response. Ontogeny was investigated through cord blood samples from healthy full-term babies, which showed adult levels, with sequential samples showing no increase from birth to 1 year of age. We suggest that M-ficolin should also be considered as a humoral pattern recognition molecule.
Emergence of Jets from Turbulence in the Shallow-Water Equations on an Equatorial Beta Plane
Authors: Farrell Brian F. , Ioannou Petros J.
Published: May 2009

Coherent jets, such as the Jovian banded winds, are a prominent feature of rotating turbulence. Shallow-water turbulence models capture the essential mechanism of jet formation, which is systematic eddy momentum flux directed up the mean velocity gradient. Understanding how this systematic eddy flux convergence is maintained and how the mean zonal flow and the eddy field mutually adjust to produce the observed jet structure constitutes a fundamental theoretical problem. In this work a shallow-water equatorial beta-plane model implementation of stochastic structural stability theory (SSST) is used to study the mechanism of zonal jet formation. In SSST a stochastic model for the ensemble-mean turbulent eddy fluxes is coupled with an equation for the mean jet dynamics to produce a nonlinear model of the mutual adjustment between the field of turbulent eddies and the zonal jets. In weak turbulence, and for parameters appropriate to Jupiter, both prograde and retrograde equatorial jets are found to be stable solutions of the SSST system, but only the prograde equatorial jet remains stable in strong turbulence. In addition to the equatorial jet, multiple midlatitude zonal jets are also maintained in these stable SSST equilibria. These midlatitude jets have structure and spacing in agreement with observed zonal jets and exhibit the observed robust reversals in sign of both absolute and potential vorticity gradient.
Piecewise Potential Vorticity Inversion and Vortex Interaction
Authors: Egger Joseph
Published: May 2009

Piecewise potential vorticity inversion (PPVI) aims at an interpretation of the interaction of potential vorticity (PV) anomalies q. The total flow domain D is divided into subdomains D1 and D2 with q1 and q2 as PV anomalies. PPVI estimates the height tendency in D that results if q is transported by the winds obtained by an inversion of a PV field with q = q1 in D1 and q = 0 in D2. Tests compare the actual height tendency to that obtained via PPVI. This method is applied to the interaction of vortices in quasigeostrophic shallow water, a problem generally accepted as a paradigm for PPVI. Indeed, results are excellent for vortex pairs. Combinations of more vortices, including vortex clusters akin to Rossby waves, are also exposed to tests. The utility of PPVI tendencies depends strongly on the arrangement of the vortices in that case. Very good agreement is found as well as cases with quite low skill. The reasons for this scatter are discussed and a dynamic interpretation of PPVI is proposed.
Probabilistic Forecast for Twenty-First-Century Climate Based on Uncertainties in Emissions (Without Policy) and Climate Parameters
Authors: Sokolov A. P. , Stone P. H. , Forest C. E. , Prinn R. , Sarofim M. C. , Webster M. , Paltsev S. , Schlosser C. A. , Kicklighter D. , Dutkiewicz S. , Reilly J. , Wang C. , Felzer B. , Melillo J. M. , Jacoby H. D.
Published: May 2009

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Integrated Global System Model is used to make probabilistic projections of climate change from 1861 to 2100. Since the model’s first projections were published in 2003, substantial improvements have been made to the model, and improved estimates of the probability distributions of uncertain input parameters have become available. The new projections are considerably warmer than the 2003 projections; for example, the median surface warming in 2091–2100 is 5.1°C compared to 2.4°C in the earlier study. Many changes contribute to the stronger warming; among the more important ones are taking into account the cooling in the second half of the twentieth century due to volcanic eruptions for input parameter estimation and a more sophisticated method for projecting gross domestic product (GDP) growth, which eliminated many low-emission scenarios.

However, if recently published data, suggesting stronger twentieth-century ocean warming, are used to determine the input climate parameters, the median projected warming at the end of the twenty-first century is only 4.1°C. Nevertheless, all ensembles of the simulations discussed here produce a much smaller probability of warming less than 2.4°C than implied by the lower bound of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment Report (AR4) projected likely range for the A1FI scenario, which has forcing very similar to the median projection in this study. The probability distribution for the surface warming produced by this analysis is more symmetric than the distribution assumed by the IPCC because of a different feedback between the climate and the carbon cycle, resulting from the inclusion in this model of the carbon–nitrogen interaction in the terrestrial ecosystem.
Evolution and Trend of the Outgoing Longwave Radiation Spectrum
Authors: Huang Yi , Ramaswamy V.
Published: May 2009

The variability and change occurring in the outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) spectrum are investigated by using simulations performed with a Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory coupled atmosphere–ocean–land general circulation model. First, the variability in unforced climate (natural variability) is simulated. Then, the change of OLR spectrum due to forced changes in climate is analyzed for a continuous 25-yr time series and for the difference between two time periods (1860s and 2000s). Spectrally resolved radiances have more pronounced and complex changes than broadband fluxes. In some spectral regions, the radiance change is dominated by just one controlling factor (e.g., the window region and CO2 band center radiances are controlled by surface and stratospheric temperatures, respectively) and well exceeds the natural variability. In some other spectral bands, the radiance change is influenced by multiple and often competing factors (e.g., the water vapor band radiance is influenced by both water vapor concentration and temperature) and, although still detectable against natural variability at certain frequencies, demands stringent requirements (drift less than 0.1 K decade−1 at spectral resolution no less than 1 cm−1) of observational platforms. The difference between clear-sky and all-sky radiances in the forced climate problem offers a measure of the change in the cloud radiative effect, but with a substantive dependence on the temperature lapse rate change. These results demonstrate that accurate and continuous observations of the OLR spectrum provide an advantageous means for monitoring the changes in the climate system and a stringent means for validating climate models.
Televisions in the Bedrooms of Racial/Ethnic Minority Children: How Did They Get There and How Do We Get Them Out?
Authors: Taveras Elsie M. , Hohman Katherine H. , Price Sarah , Gortmaker Steven L. , Sonneville Kendrin
Published: May 2009

The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of TVs in the bedrooms of an urban, largely racial/ethnic minority population of children and parents’ reasons for putting the TV in their child’s room. The authors surveyed 200 parents of children age 2 to 13 years in a primary care clinic; 57% of the children were non-Hispanic black, 33% were Hispanic. Sixty-seven percent of all children had a TV in the room where they slept; high rates of TVs were present in bedrooms of black (70%) and Hispanic (74%) children compared with white children (22%). The top 3 reasons parents cited for putting a TV in the room where their child sleeps were ( a) to keep the child occupied so that the parent could do other things around the house, ( b) to help the child sleep, and ( c) to free up the other TVs so that other family members could watch their shows.
Naming and Defining
Authors: Mazama Ama
Published: May 2009

Although it came into existence 40 years ago, Black Studies is still referred to by many names today. This proliferation of labels attests that, indeed, the question of naming remains a sensitive one for Black Studies. However, and this is one of the main contentions of the present article, this unfinished naming process reflects a deeper and equally unsettled issue: that of self-definition. Most specifically, it is argued here that as long as Black Studies is primarily defined by subject matter, as it is the dominant practice, rather than by perspective, the naming of the discipline will remain a contentious and tricky affair.
The Prediction of Violence in Adult Offenders
Authors: Campbell Mary Ann , French Sheila , Gendreau Paul
Published: May 2009

Using 88 studies from 1980 to 2006, a meta-analysis compares risk instruments and other psychological measures on their ability to predict general (primarily nonsexual) violence in adults. Little variation was found amongst the mean effect sizes of common actuarial or structured risk instruments (i.e., Historical, Clinical, and Risk Management Violence Risk Assessment Scheme; Level of Supervision Inventory—Revised; Violence Risk Assessment Guide; Statistical Information on Recidivism scale; and Psychopathy Checklist—Revised). Third-generation instruments, dynamic risk factors, and file review plus interview methods had the advantage in predicting violent recidivism. Second-generation instruments, static risk factors, and use of file review were the strongest predictors of institutional violence. Measures derived from criminological-related theories or research produced larger effect sizes than did those of less content relevance. Additional research on existing risk instruments is required to provide more precise point estimates, especially regarding the outcome of institutional violence.
Psychometric Properties of the Mental Health Screening Form Iii Within a Metropolitan Jail
Authors: Ruiz Mark A. , Peters Roger H. , Sanchez Gretchen M. , Bates Jan P.
Published: May 2009

This study evaluated the psychometric performance and convergent validity of a screening instrument for mental health disorders, the Mental Health Screening Form III (MHSF-III), among inmates in a large metropolitan jail. The study examined item functioning, internal consistency, and convergent validity of the MHSF-III among 332 inmates enrolled in a jail addiction treatment program. Results indicated that the items were internally consistent and that the majority had acceptable item-total correlations and endorsement frequencies. The MHSF-III total score was significantly correlated with self-reported trauma history and self-reported mental health symptoms. Most items demonstrated strong convergence with similar constructs measured by the Personality Assessment Inventory (Morey, 2007). The instrument appears to be a promising mental health screen for jail settings. Clinical applications of the MHSF-III and possibilities for redesigning the instrument are discussed.
Gendered Pathways
Authors: Salisbury Emily J. , Van Voorhis Patricia
Published: May 2009

Although qualitative research in the area of gender-responsive offending pathways has grown extensively, little quantitative work has been conducted. This study utilizes interview and survey data to assess various gender-responsive needs with an intake cohort of 313 women probationers. Using a path analytic approach, the study statistically supported three gendered pathways to women offenders' incarceration: (a) a pathway beginning with childhood victimization that contributed to historical and current forms of mental illness and substance abuse; (b) a relational pathway in which women's dysfunctional intimate relationships facilitated adult victimization, reductions in self-efficacy, and current mental illness and substance abuse; and (c) a social and human capital pathway in which women's challenges in the areas of education, family support, and self-efficacy, as well as relationship dysfunction, contributed to employment/financial difficulties and subsequent imprisonment. Support for such gendered pathways has implications for both criminological explanations of female offending and correctional interventions for women.
Hurricane Katrina
Authors: Trotter Joe W. , Fernandez Johanna
Published: May 2009

In late August 2005, Hurricane Katrina touched down in the Gulf Coast region of the United States. This massive storm left in its wake death, destruction, and human suffering on a scale and scope that will no doubt make it one of the largest social catastrophes of twenty-first-century American urban history. This disaster soon ignited widespread popular and academic debates over domestic policies dealing with questions of race and class, individual and government responsibility and accountability, and the relationship among society, technology, and the environment. Yet what is too often absent from such discussions are systematic historical perspectives on the role of human decisions in shaping the outcome of so-called “natural disasters.” Accordingly, this essay explores overlapping developments in U.S. and African American urban, social, and environmental history and underscores the significance of history for advancing contemporary debates about the meaning of Katrina and the future of New Orleans and the Gulf States.