bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Frequency and prognostic impact of the aberrant CD8 expression in 5,523 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Kern Wolfgang , Bacher Ulrike , Haferlach Claudia , Alpermann Tamara , Dicker Frank , Schnittger Susanne , Haferlach Torsten
Published: November 2011

Background:

In patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), aberrant expression of the T‐lineage antigen CD8 was reported in low frequencies. The clinical impact of this phenomenon remains in discussion.

Methods:

We analyzed 5,523 patients with CLL (21–97 years) by multiparametric flow cytometry and performed fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunoglobulin heavy chain variable (IGHV) region mutational status analysis, and clinical outcome studies.

Results:

CD8 was positive in 61/5,523 (1.1%) patients. ZAP‐70 expression amounted to a mean of 25.4% in CD8‐positive vs. 28.2% in CD8‐negative cases (n.s.), CD38 expression to a mean of 38.6% vs. 34.0% (n.s.). Cytogenetic alterations did not differ significantly [CD8‐positive vs. CD8‐negative: 13q deletion: 24/36 (66.7%) vs. 2,015/3,368 (59.8%); trisomy 12:7/35 (20.0%) vs. 487/3,357 (14.5%); 11q deletion: 6/35 (17.1%) vs. 360/3,354 (10.7%)]. A mutated IGHV status showed similar frequency in CD8‐positive and CD8‐negative cases (31/44; 70.5% vs. 1,700/2,816; 60.4%; n.s.). CD8‐positive patients had a shorter median time to treatment compared with CD8‐negative patients (12.0 vs. 77.1 months, P = 0.008). In univariable Cox analysis, CD8‐positivity adversely influenced median TTT (P = 0.011). In multivariable analysis, the strongest parameters were hemoglobin level and mutated IGHV status (P < 0.001 for both) but CD8‐positivity was still relevant (P = 0.074).

Conclusions:

This study confirms that CD8 expression is a recurrent albeit rare phenomenon in patients with CLL and suggests that CD8 expression has an adverse prognostic impact. Therefore, CD8 expression should be further investigated for its potential to contribute to risk stratification in patients with CLL. © 2011 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Medullary thyroid carcinoma in a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis diagnosed by calcitonin washout from a thyroid nodule
Authors: Mousa Umut , Gursoy Alptekin , Ozdemir Handan , Moray Gokhan
Published: November 2011

Serum calcitonin is a tumor marker used in the diagnosis and follow‐up of medullary thyroid carcinoma. Calcitonin washout evaluation is a new method used for suspicious thyroid nodules and lymph nodes. Limited clinical data are present about the efficacy of this method. A 61‐year‐old female patient with known Hashimoto's thyroditis and an 8‐mm hypoechoic nodule was presented with one previously benign fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). On referral to our department, she had a moderately high‐serum calcitonin level, and we repeated the FNAC that was reported as nondiagnostic. We performed FNAC for the third time together with calcitonin washout evaluation from the thyroid nodule. The FNAC was again nondiagnostic, but the calcitonin washout level from the thyroid nodule was 152.569 pg/mL. Total thyroidectomy was performed, and the diagnosis was confirmed as medullary thyroid carcinoma. Calcitonin washout evaluation may be a useful method in the differential diagnosis of patients with thyroid nodules having moderately high‐serum calcitonin levels. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transbronchial fine needle aspiration biopsy and rapid on‐site evaluation in the setting of superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: Brundyn K. , Koegelenberg C. F. N. , Diacon A. H. , Louw M. , Schubert P. , Bolliger C. T. , van den Heuvel M. M. , Wright C. A.
Published: November 2011

There is a paucity of prospective data on flexible bronchoscopy with rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) in the setting of superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. The aims of this prospective study were to assess the diagnostic yield and safety of these investigations and specifically to evaluate the role of ROSE in limiting the need for tissue biopsies. Over a 5‐year period 48 patients (57.4 ± 9.7 years) with SVC syndrome secondary to intrathoracic tumors underwent flexible bronchoscopy with TBNA and ROSE. Endobronchial Forceps biopsy was reserved for visible endobronchial tumors with no on‐site confirmation of diagnostic material. ROSE confirmed diagnostic material in 41 cases (85.4%), and in only one of the remaining cases did the addition of a forceps biopsy increase the diagnostic yield (overall diagnostic yield of 87.5%). No serious complications were noted. The final diagnoses made included nonsmall lung cancer (n = 27), small cell lung cancer (n = 16), and metastatic carcinoma (n = 3). Two undiagnosed cases died of suspected advanced neoplasms (unknown primary tumors). We conclude that TBNA has a high diagnostic yield and is safe in the setting of SVC syndrome. With the addition of ROSE, tissue biopsy is required in the minority of cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013;41:324–329. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The cytologic diagnosis of gangliocytic paraganglioma: A case report
Authors: Dustin Simone M. , Atkins Kristin A. , Shami Vanessa M. , Adams Reid B. , Stelow Edward B.
Published: November 2011

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare tumors primarily found in the duodenum. We report a case of a woman who presented with a retroperitoneal lymph node involved by metastatic gangliocytic paraganglioma. Subsequently, fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cytology was used to identify the primary duodenal gangliocytic paraganglioma. The smears of the aspirate material were highly cellular and contained a dominant population of epithelioid cells, a second population of ganglion cells and a third population of small, bland spindled cells. To our knowledge, the cytologic features of gangliocytic paraganglioma have not previously been documented. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Measuring insulin in human vitreous humour using LC‐MS/MS
Authors: Thevis Mario , Thomas Andreas , Schänzer Wilhelm , Östman Pekka , Ojanperä Ilkka
Published: November 2011

Besides its particular importance as a widely used therapeutic agent, insulin (and its synthetic derivatives) has been suspected, purported, and proven to be a lethal weapon in numerous cases of attempted or successful homicide and suicide. In addition to blood and urine as common matrices for clinical diagnosis and post‐mortem analysis, vitreous humour has gained considerable attention in autopsy and follow‐up investigations due to its ability to provide valuable information on cause and time of death. However, post‐mortem insulin analyses using such specimens have been rare due to the limited penetration of peptide hormones into the vitreous body, and immunoassays were exclusively employed in those studies. In the present communication, the determination of insulin(s) from vitreous humour by means of immunopurification combined with ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography – high resolution/high accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry is reported. Exploiting the constantly increasing sensitivity and robustness of modern mass‐spectrometry‐based instruments, the option to identify insulin in post‐mortem vitreous samples is demonstrated with a specimen collected from a non‐diabetic victim who died from an insulin overdose. This communication represents the first successful mass‐spectrometry‐based analysis of post‐mortem material related to an insulin poisoning case. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Carbon isotope ratio determination and investigation of seized testosterone preparations
Authors: Forsdahl Guro , Östreicher Christian , Koller Martina , Gmeiner Günter
Published: November 2011

In the present study, the content of a number of black market testosterone products collected in Austria has been analyzed. Additionally,13 C/12 C ratios were measured for testosterone in the products after cleavage of the testosterone ester. The aim was to determine whether some of these products had similar13 C/12 C ratios to those normally found for endogenous testosterone, which could prevent a positive isotopic ratio mass spectrometric (IRMS) finding in doping control. Moreover, it was investigated to what extent the preparations contained the masking agent epitestosterone, in order to lower the testosterone/epitestosterone (T/E) ratio in urinary steroid profiles. Out of 30 analyzed products, the declared ingredients differed from the actual content in 10 cases. Epitestosterone, however, could not be found in any of the products. The products displayed δ13CVPDBvalues between −23.6 and −29.4‰. For more than half of these products, the values were within a range reported for endogenous urinary steroids. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Signatures of natural selection among lineages and habitats inOncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Limborg Morten T. , Blankenship Scott M. , Young Sewall F. , Utter Fred M. , Seeb Lisa W. , Hansen Mette H. H. , Seeb James E.
Published: November 2011

Recent advances in molecular interrogation techniques now allow unprecedented genomic inference about the role of adaptive genetic divergence in wild populations. We used high‐throughput genotyping to screen a genome‐wide panel of 276 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the economically and culturally important salmonidOncorhynchus mykiss. Samples included 805 individuals from 11 anadromous and resident populations from the northwestern United States and British Columbia, and represented two major lineages including paired populations of each life history within single drainages of each lineage. Overall patterns of variation affirmed clear distinctions between lineages and in most instances, isolation by distance within them. Evidence for divergent selection at eight candidate loci included significant landscape correlations, particularly with temperature. High diversity of two nonsynonymous mutations within the peptide‐binding region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (DAB) gene provided signatures of balancing selection. Weak signals for potential selection between sympatric resident and anadromous populations were revealed from genome scans and allele frequency comparisons. Our results suggest an important adaptive role for immune‐related functions and present a large genomic resource for future studies
The past as a determinant of the present: Historical continuity, collective angst, and opposition to immigration
Authors: Jetten Jolanda , Wohl Michael J. A.
Published: November 2011

We propose that the perceived continuity between a group's past and present can be a psychological resource that provides confidence in the group's future vitality, thereby reducing the need to preserve identity. In two studies, English participants were told that there was continuity or discontinuity between England's past and present. Both studies showed that higher identifiers (but not lower identifiers) experienced more collective angst (i.e., concern for the group's future) and were more opposed to immigration when English history was presented as discontinuous compared with continuous. Importantly, collective angst mediated the effect of the historical continuity manipulation on opposition to immigration. We conclude that, particularly among those higher in group identification, perceived discontinuity of the group's past can undermine the perceived vitality of the future, thereby increasing the need to preserve current collective identity. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electropolymerization of Thin Film Conducting Polymer and Its Application for Simultaneous Determination of Ascorbic Acid, Dopamine and Uric Acid
Authors: Mazloum‐Ardakani M. , Sheikh‐Mohseni M. A. , Benvidi A.
Published: November 2011

In this paper electropolymerization of a thin film of para‐phenylenediamine (PPD) is studied at glassy carbon electrode (GCE) in sulfuric acid media by cyclic voltammetry. The results showed that this polymer was conducting and had a reproducible redox couple in the potential region from 0.0 to 0.4 V in phosphate buffer solution. This modified GCE (p‐PPD‐GCE) was applied for simultaneous determination of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA) and uric acid (UA) using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The p‐PPD‐GCE in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 5.0) separated the DPV signals of AA, DA and UA with sufficient potential differences between AA–DA and DA–UA and also enhanced their oxidation peak currents. The oxidation currents were increased from 2.0 to 2000.0 µM for AA, 10.0 to 1250.0 µM for DA and 50.0 to 1600.0 µM for UA. The detection limits were evaluated as 0.4, 1.0 and 2.5 µM for AA, DA and UA, respectively (S/N=3).
Square Wave Voltammetry for Selective Detection of Dopamine Using Polyglycine Modified Carbon Ionic Liquid Electrode
Authors: Li Yonghong , Liu Xinsheng , Wei Wanzhi
Published: November 2011

The electrochemical polymerization of glycine on carbon ionic liquid electrode (CILE) was described. The presence of ionic liquid on the surface of CILE facilitated the electropolymerization of glycine. The polyglycine modified CILE provided a valid and simple approach to selectively detect dopamine in the presence of AA in physiological environment. The proposed sensor not only decreased the voltammetric responses of AA but also dramatically enhanced the oxidation peak current of DA compared to bare CILE. Using square wave voltammetry, the modified CILE showed good electrochemical behavior to DA, a linear range of 1.0×10−7–3.0×10−4 M in the presence of 1 mM ascorbic acid (AA) and a detection limit of 5.0×10−9 M was estimated (S/N=3).
Numerical analysis of a rapid magnetic microfluidic mixer
Authors: Wen Chih‐Yung , Liang Kuok‐Pong , Chen Hua , Fu Lung‐Ming
Published: November 2011

This paper presents a detailed numerical investigation of the novel active microfluidic mixer proposed by Wen et al. (Electrophoresis 2009, 30, 4179–4186). This mixer uses an electromagnet driven by DC or AC power to induce transient interactive flows between a water‐based ferrofluid and DI water. Experimental results clearly demonstrate the mixing mechanism. In the presence of the electromagnet's magnetic field, the magnetic nanoparticles create a body force vector that acts on the mixed fluid. Numerical simulations show that this magnetic body force causes the ferrofluid to expand significantly and uniformly toward miscible water. The magnetic force also produces many extremely fine finger structures along the direction of local magnetic field lines at the interface in both upstream and downstream regions of the microchannel when the external steady magnetic strength (DC power actuation) exceeds 30 Oe (critical magnetic Peclet number Pem,cr = 2870). This study is the first to analyze these pronounced finger patterns numerically, and the results are in good agreement with the experimental visualization of Wen et al. (Electrophoresis 2009, 30, 4179–4186).The large interfacial area that accompanies these fine finger structures and the dominant diffusion effects occurring around the circumferential regions of fingers significantly enhance the mixing performance. The mixing ratio can be as high as 95% within 2.0 s. at a distance of 3.0 mm from the mixing channel inlet when the applied peak magnetic field supplied by the DC power source exceeds 60 Oe. This study also presents a sample implementation of AC power actuation in a numerical simulation, an experimental benchmark, and a simulation of DC power actuation with the same peak magnetic strength. The simulated flow structures of the AC power actuation agree well with the experimental visualization, and are similar to those produced by DC power. The AC and DC power actuated flow fields exhibited no significant differences. This numerical study suggests approaches to maximize the performance of the proposed rapid magnetic microfluidic mixer, and confirms its exciting potential for use in lab‐on‐a‐chip systems.
Contactless dielectrophoretic spectroscopy: Examination of the dielectric properties of cells found in blood
Authors: Sano Michael B. , Henslee Erin A. , Schmelz Eva , Davalos Rafael V.
Published: November 2011

The use of non‐invasive methods to detect and enrich circulating tumor cells (CTCs) independent of their genotype is critical for early diagnostic and treatment purposes. The key to using CTCs as predictive clinical biomarkers is their separation and enrichment. This work presents the use of a contactless dielectrophoresis (cDEP) device to investigate the frequency response of cells and calculate their area‐specific membrane capacitance. This is the first demonstration of a cDEP device which is capable of operating between 10 and 100 kHz. Positive and negative dielectrophoretic responses were observed in red blood cells, macrophages, breast cancer, and leukemia cells. The area‐specific membrane capacitances of MDA‐MB231, THP‐1 and PC1 cells were determined to be 0.01518 ± 0.0013, 0.01719 ± 0.0020, 0.01275 ± 0.0018 (F/m2), respectively. By first establishing the dielectrophoretic responses of cancerous cells within this cDEP device, conditions to detect and enrich tumor cells from mixtures with non‐transformed cells can be determined providing further information to develop methods to isolate these rare cells.
Estimation and Prediction Tests of Cash Flow Forecast Accuracy
Authors: Yoo Choong‐Yuel , Pae Jinhan
Published: November 2011

Recently, analysts' cash flow forecasts have become widely available through financial information services. Cash flow information enables practitioners to better understand the real operating performance and financial stability of a company, particularly when earnings information is noisy and of low quality. However, research suggests that analysts' cash flow forecasts are less accurate and more dispersed than earnings forecasts. We thus investigate factors influencing cash flow forecast accuracy and build a practical model to distinguish more accurate from less accurate cash flow forecasters, using past cash flow forecast accuracy and analyst characteristics. We find significant power in our cash flow forecast accuracy prediction models. We also find that analysts develop cash flow‐specific forecasting expertise and knowhow, which are distinct from those that analysts acquire from forecasting earnings. In particular, cash flow‐specific information is more useful in identifying accurate cash flow forecasters than earnings‐specific information.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of auditory input on activations in infant diverse cortical regions during audiovisual processing
Authors: Watanabe Hama , Homae Fumitaka , Nakano Tamami , Tsuzuki Daisuke , Enkhtur Lkhamsuren , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Dan Ippeita , Taga Gentaro
Published: November 2011

A fundamental question with regard to perceptual development is how multisensory information is processed in the brain during the early stages of development. Although a growing body of evidence has shown the early emergence of modality‐specific functional differentiation of the cortical regions, the interplay between sensory inputs from different modalities in the developing brain is not well understood. To study the effects of auditory input during audio‐visual processing in 3‐month‐old infants, we evaluated the spatiotemporal cortical hemodynamic responses of 50 infants while they perceived visual objects with or without accompanying sounds. The responses were measured using 94‐channel near‐infrared spectroscopy over the occipital, temporal, and frontal cortices. The effects of sound manipulation were pervasive throughout the diverse cortical regions and were specific to each cortical region. Visual stimuli co‐occurring with sound induced the early‐onset activation of the early auditory region, followed by activation of the other regions. Removal of the sound stimulus resulted in focal deactivation in the auditory regions and reduced activation in the early visual region, the association region of the temporal and parietal cortices, and the anterior prefrontal regions, suggesting multisensory interplay. In contrast, equivalent activations were observed in the lateral occipital and lateral prefrontal regions, regardless of sound manipulation. Our findings indicate that auditory input did not generally enhance overall activation in relation to visual perception, but rather induced specific changes in each cortical region. The present study implies that 3‐month‐old infants may perceive audio‐visual multisensory inputs by using the global network of functionally differentiated cortical regions. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Abnormal motor cortex excitability is associated with reduced cortical thickness in X monosomy
Authors: Lepage Jean‐François , Clouchoux Cédric , Lassonde Maryse , Evans Alan C. , Deal Cheri L. , Théoret Hugo
Published: November 2011

Turner syndrome (TS) is a noninherited genetic disorder caused by the absence of one or part of one X chromosome. It is characterized by physical and cognitive phenotypes that include motor deficits that may be related to neuroanatomical abnormalities of sensorimotor pathways. Here, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and cortical thickness analysis to assess motor cortex excitability and cortical morphology in 17 individuals with TS (45, X) and 17 healthy controls. Exploratory analysis was performed to detect the effect of parental origin of the X chromosome (Xmat, Xpat) on both measures. Results showed that long‐interval intracortical inhibition was reduced and motor threshold (MT) was increased in TS relative to controls. Areas of reduced thickness were observed in the precentral gyrus of individuals with TS that correlated with MT. A significant difference between Xmat (n = 11) and Xpat (n = 6) individuals was found on the measure of long‐interval intracortical inhibition. These findings demonstrate the presence of converging anatomical and neurophysiological abnormalities of the motor system in X monosomy. Hum Brain Mapp, 2013. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of rainstorm movement on urban drainage network runoff hydrographs
Authors: Seo Yongwon , Schmidt Arthur R.
Published: November 2011

This article explores the relations between network properties and the effect from moving rainstorms in terms of the peak response and time to centroid of hydrographs. A simple conceptual rectangular catchment is introduced with different configurations of drainage network simulated by the Gibbs stochastic model. The efficiency of the urban pipe networks varies widely compared with natural river networks; hence, the Gibbs model can be an appropriate approach to represent the network properties in urban drainage system. Simple cases of rainstorms moving with upstream and downstream directions and different speeds are considered to investigate the effect of rainstorm movement on urban drainage network runoff hydrographs. The results indicate that the effect of the direction and speed of the rainstorm movement varies significantly depending on the network properties. The relationship between storm speed and direction and the change in the peak runoff is dependent on the network configuration and network efficiency. In contrast to previous studies, this study indicates that the speed and direction of the rainfall movement that produces the maximum peak discharge changes depending on the network configuration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitization of ovarian carcinoma cells with zoledronate restores the cytotoxic capacity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells impaired by the prostaglandin E2 immunosuppressive factor: Implications for immunotherapy
Authors: Lavoué Vincent , Cabillic Florian , Toutirais Olivier , Thedrez Aurélie , Dessarthe Benoît , de La Pintière Cécile Thomas , Daniel Pascale , Foucher Fabrice , Bauville Estelle , Henno Sébastien , Burtin Florence , Bansard Jean‐Yves , Levêque Jean , Catros Véronique , Bouet‐Toussaint Françoise
Published: November 2011

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) usually spreads into the peritoneal cavity, thereby providing an opportunity for intraperitoneal adoptive immunotherapy with Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes, a T cell subpopulation endowed with high lytic properties against tumor cells. However, previous studies have reported that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells fail to expand from peripheral blood mononuclear cells in one‐third of patients with cancer. Here, from a cohort of 37 patients with EOC, a multiple correspondence analysis identified three populations, one of which was not suitable for Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell adoptive therapy. Interestingly, the ineligible patients were identified based on the frequency of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in their peripheral blood and the patients' age. The average time to tumor recurrence was also found to be significantly different between the three populations, suggesting that the innate immune response is involved in EOC prognosis. A dramatic decrease in the lytic properties of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells occurred following incubation with ascitic supernatant and was found to be associated with reduced perforin/granzyme degranulation. Prostaglandin E2, but not IL‐6, IL‐10, VEGF or TGF‐β, showed immunosuppressive effects in Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Interestingly, our results emphasize that pretreating ovarian tumor cells with zoledronate partially reverses the immunosuppressive effects of ovarian cancer‐associated ascites and restores a high level of lytic activity. These data sustain that optimal Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell adoptive immunotherapy previously requires counteracting the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment. Altogether, our findings provide a rationale for clinically evaluating Vγ9Vδ2 T‐cell adoptive immunotherapy with intraperitoneal carcinomatosis presensitization by zoledronate in patients with EOC.
Dietary supplementation with methylseleninic acid, but not selenomethionine, reduces spontaneous metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma in mice
Authors: Yan Lin , DeMars Lana C.
Published: November 2011

The present study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with methylseleninic acid (MSeA), in comparison with selenomethionine (SeMet), on spontaneous metastasis of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) in male C57BL/6 mice using intramuscular and subcutaneous injection models. Mice were fed AIN93G control diet or that diet supplemented with MSeA or SeMet at 2.5 mg selenium/kg for 4 weeks at which time they were injected intramuscularly or subcutaneously with 2.5 × 105 viable LLC cells. Experiments were terminated 2 weeks later for mice injected intramuscularly or 2 weeks after surgical removal of primary tumors from mice subcutaneously injected with cancer cells. Dietary supplementation with MSeA significantly reduced pulmonary metastatic yield when compared with the controls (p < 0.05) in both models; however, SeMet did not have such an effect. Supplementation with MSeA significantly decreased plasma concentrations of urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (p < 0.05) and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, MSeA significantly reduced plasma concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (p < 0.05), fibroblast growth factor basic (p < 0.05) and platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (p < 0.05) when compared with the controls. Selenomethionine did not affect any of the aforementioned measurements. These results demonstrate that MSeA reduces spontaneous metastasis of LLC in mice, perhaps through inhibition of the urokinase plasminogen activator system and reducing angiogenesis.
Human leukocyte antigen G polymorphism is associated with an increased risk of invasive cancer of the uterine cervix
Authors: Ferguson Rhea , Ramanakumar Agnihotram V. , Koushik Anita , Coutlée François , Franco Eduardo , Roger Michel ,   the Biomarkers of Cervical Cancer Risk Study Team
Published: November 2011

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐G acts as negative regulator of the immune responses and its expression in tumor cells may enable them to escape immunosurveillance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of HLA‐G polymorphism on risk of high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (HG‐CIN) and cervical cancer in a Canadian population. The authors have analyzed 1,372 women from participants recruited between 2001 and 2009 in the ongoing Biomarkers of Cervical Cancer Risk case–control study. A total of 539 women with histologically confirmed HG‐CIN and invasive cancer formed the case series, and 833 women with normal cytology served as controls. Cervical specimens were tested for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA using the MY09/11 PCR protocol and HLA‐G alleles where determined using a direct DNA sequencing procedures. HLA‐G polymorphisms were not associated with HG‐CIN or HPV infection. However, the risk for invasive cancer was significantly increased with the homozygous genotypes HLA‐G*01:01:02 [odds ratio (OR) = 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.43–8.61, p = 0.006], −G*01:06 (OR = 19.1, 95% CI: 2.29–159, p = 0.005) and −G* 3′UTR 14‐bp insertion (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.10–4.27, p = 0.020), whereas, the heterozygotic form of the G*01:01:01 wild‐type allele was significantly associated with a reduced risk of invasive cancer (OR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.16–0.59, p < 0.0001) after adjusting for age, HPV infection and ethnicity. These associations were also observed with progression of disease from HG‐CIN to invasive cancer among HPV‐positive women. These results suggest that HLA‐G polymorphism is an independent risk factor for the development of invasive cervical cancer.
MC1R genotypes and risk of melanoma before age 40 years: A population‐based case‐control‐family study
Authors: Cust Anne E. , Goumas Chris , Holland Elizabeth A. , Agha‐Hamilton Chantelle , Aitken Joanne F. , Armstrong Bruce K. , Giles Graham G. , Kefford Richard F. , Schmid Helen , Hopper John L. , Mann Graham J. , Jenkins Mark A.
Published: November 2011

The contribution of melanocortin‐1 receptor (MC1R) gene variants to the development of early‐onset melanoma is unknown. Using an Australian population‐based, case‐control‐family study, we sequenced MC1R for 565 cases with invasive cutaneous melanoma diagnosed between ages 18 and 39 years, 409 unrelated controls and 518 sibling controls. Variants were classified a priori into “R” variants (D84E, R142H, R151C, I155T, R160W, D294H) and “r” variants (all other nonsynonymous variants). We estimated odds ratios (OR) for melanoma using unconditional (unrelated controls) and conditional (sibling controls) logistic regression. The prevalence of having at least one R or r variant was 86% for cases, 73% for unrelated controls and 81% for sibling controls. R151C conferred the highest risk (per allele OR 2.57, 95% confidence interval 1.86–3.56 for the case‐unrelated‐control analysis and 1.70 (1.12–2.60) for the case‐sibling‐control analysis). When mutually adjusted, the ORs per R allele were 2.23 (1.77–2.80) and 2.06 (1.47–2.88), respectively, from the two types of analysis, and the ORs per r allele were 1.69 (1.33–2.13) and 1.25 (0.88–1.79), respectively. The associations were stronger for men and those with none or few nevi or with high childhood sun exposure. Adjustment for phenotype, nevi and sun exposure attenuated the overall log OR for R variants by approximately 18% but had lesser influence on r variant risk estimates. MC1R variants explained about 21% of the familial aggregation of melanoma. Some MC1R variants are important determinants of early‐onset melanoma. The strength of association with melanoma differs according to the type and number of variants.
Resveratrol acts as a topoisomerase II poison in human glioma cells
Authors: Leone Stefano , Basso Emiliano , Polticelli Fabio , Cozzi Renata
Published: November 2011

Recently, we demonstrated that Resveratrol (RSV), a well known natural stilbene, is able to induce a delay in S progression with a concomitant increase in γH2AX expression in U87 glioma cells. Furthermore, we showed that it inhibits the ability of recombinant human topoisomerase IIα to decatenate kDNA in vitro. Because proliferating tumor cells express topoisomerases at high levels and these enzymes are important targets of some of the most successful anticancer drugs, we tested whether RSV is able to poison topoisomerase IIα in glioma cells. Then, we monitored the increase of micronuclei in RSV treated U87 cells as a consequence of the conversion of TOPOII/DNA cleavable complexes to permanent DNA damage. Finally, we assayed the ability of RSV in modulating the expression of target proteins involved in DNA damage signalling, namely ATR, ATM, Chk1, Chk2 and γH2AX. Through a molecular modelling here we show that RSV binds at the TOPOII/DNA interface thus establishing several hydrogen bonds. Moreover, we show that RSV poisons TOPOIIα so inducing DNA damage; ATM, Chk2 and γH2AX are involved in the DNA damage signalling after RSV treatment.
Reducing lipid peroxidation for improving colour stability of beef and lamb: on‐farm considerations
Authors: Li Yanfei , Liu Shimin
Published: November 2011

Meat colour and lipid stability are important sensory properties. Myoglobin oxidation is correlated with lipid oxidation, and one can exacerbate the occurrence of the other. Approaches to reduce both oxidative processes could focus on minimising oxidising agents in meat. In on‐farm practices, dietary supplementation of antioxidants is a useful approach for improving lipid stability and then meat colour stability, and further improvement could be a combination of using hydrophobic and hydrophilic antioxidants. Genetic variations in the endogenous antioxidant systems could be identified for the development of a breeding strategy to bring a long‐term benefit to the meat industry. To have a better understanding of oxidative stress and oxidation of long chain unsaturated fatty acids in live animals, the isoprostanes could be measured as an effective marker in vivo. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry
Connectivity in piping plovers: Do breeding populations have distinct winter distributions?
Authors: Gratto‐Trevor Cheri , Amirault‐Langlais Diane , Catlin Daniel , Cuthbert Francesca , Fraser James , Maddock Sidney , Roche Erin , Shaffer François
Published: November 2011

Resightings of uniquely marked birds from 2001 to 2008 were used to determine winter distributions of 4 breeding populations of a species at risk, the piping plover (Charadrius melodus). Although considerable overlap exists, a distinct pattern in winter distributions was evident. Birds originating from eastern Canada wintered farthest north compared to other populations. Most individuals from the United States Great Lakes were found in South Carolina and Georgia in winter, whereas birds from eastern Canada were found primarily in North Carolina. Although the great majority of birds marked in Prairie Canada were observed wintering in Texas, particularly southern Texas, breeding plovers from the United States Great Plains were more widely distributed on the gulf coast from Florida to Texas. Very few large‐scale movements of individuals in winter were reported either within or between years. This study highlights the significance of geographic regions for eastern Canada, the United States Great Lakes, the United States Great Plains, and Prairie Canada populations, and demonstrates relatively high winter site fidelity. This information will help focus conservation efforts for specific breeding populations during the winter. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Habitat and landscape effects on abundance of Missouri's grassland birds
Authors: Jacobs Robert B. , Thompson Frank R. , Koford Rolf R. , La Sorte Frank A. , Woodward Hope D. , Fitzgerald Jane A.
Published: November 2011

Of 6 million ha of prairie that once covered northern and western Missouri, <36,500 ha remain, with planted, managed, and restored grasslands comprising most contemporary grasslands. Most grasslands are used as pasture or hayfields. Native grasses largely have been replaced by fescue (Festucaspp.) on most private lands (almost 7 million ha). Previously cropped fields set aside under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) varied from a mix of cool‐season grasses and forbs, or mix of native warm‐season grasses and forbs, to simple tall‐grass monocultures. We used generalized linear mixed models and distance sampling to assess abundance of 8 species of breeding grassland birds on 6 grassland types commonly associated with farm practices in Missouri and located in landscapes managed for grassland‐bird conservation. We selected Bird Conservation Areas (BCAs) for their high percentage of grasslands and grassland‐bird species, and for <5% forest cover. We used an information‐theoretic approach to assess the relationship between bird abundance and 6 grassland types, 3 measures of vegetative structure, and 2 landscape variables (% grassland and edge density within a 1‐km radius). We found support for all 3 levels of model parameters, although there was less support for landscape than vegetation structure effects likely because we studied high‐percentage‐grassland landscapes (BCAs). Henslow's sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii) counts increased with greater percentage of grassland, vegetation height‐density, litter depth, and shrub cover and lower edge density. Henslow's sparrow counts were greatest in hayed native prairie. Dickcissel (Spiza americana) counts increased with greater vegetation height‐density and were greatest in planted CRP grasslands. Grasshopper sparrow (A. savannarum) counts increased with lower vegetation height, litter depth, and shrub cover. Based on distance modeling, breeding densities of Henslow's sparrow, dickcissel, and grasshopper sparrow in the 6 grassland types ranged 0.9–2.6, 1.4–3.2, and 0.1–1.5 birds/ha, respectively. We suggest different grassland types and structures (vegetation height, litter depth, shrub cover) are needed to support priority grassland‐bird species in Missouri. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Experimental test of nest‐site limitation in mature mixed forests of central British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Aitken Kathryn E. H. , Martin Kathy
Published: November 2011

Nest‐site availability limits cavity‐using populations in many harvested forests; however, little is known about the extent of nest‐site limitation in mature forests with a full complement of excavator species and intact processes of cavity creation and loss. To examine the role of nest‐site availability in limiting cavity‐using populations in mature mixed conifer forests in central British Columbia, Canada, we conducted an 11‐year before‐after control‐impact experiment in which we increased nest‐site availability via nest box addition. Our 7 sites (3 treatments, 4 controls) had low cavity densities (<2/ha) prior to treatment and cavity occupation rates were also low (<10%/yr), which is a relationship often cited in the literature as evidence of non‐limitation in cavity‐nesting populations. Following nest box addition at our treatment sites, which tripled the availability of cavities, total density of bird and mammal nests more than tripled. Density of mountain chickadee (Poecile gambeli) nests increased 9‐fold on treatment sites and returned to pre‐treatment levels following box removal, suggesting that chickadee populations were limited by cavity availability at our study sites. Density of red squirrel (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus) and northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) nests and roosts also increased significantly at treatment sites following box addition and declined following box removal. We noted little change in chickadee or squirrel nest density at control sites monitored concurrently. Squirrels preferred large‐sized over small‐sized boxes, and significantly enlarged the entrance areas of small boxes by chewing, suggesting that there may have been a shortage of suitable nest and roost sites for them in our study area. We contend that low cavity occupancy rates may not accurately reflect nest‐site availability for cavity nesters in mature forests, and that cavity size may influence the true availability of cavities on the landscape. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Population genetic structure of white‐tailed deer: Understanding risk of chronic wasting disease spread
Authors: Lang Krista R. , Blanchong Julie A.
Published: November 2011

Understanding factors that influence the spread of wildlife diseases can assist in designing effective surveillance programs and appropriate management strategies. Chronic wasting disease (CWD), a fatal prion disease of cervids, was detected in south‐central Wisconsin in 2002 and over time has been identified increasingly farther west in the state leading to concerns about CWD spreading to Iowa. Our objective was to characterize genetic connectivity between white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations in eastern Iowa and western Wisconsin to assess the risk of CWD‐infected deer dispersing to Iowa. We hypothesized that the Mississippi River, which separates the states, may restrict the movement of deer and thus disease. We genotyped hunter‐harvested female deer collected from both states at 12 nuclear microsatellite loci (n = 249) and sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (n = 173). Microsatellite data indicated there was low genetic differentiation (ΦPT = 0.005) between states and weak spatial genetic structure across the study area as a whole. Verifying expectations that dispersal in deer is male‐biased, maternally inherited mtDNA data showed stronger spatial structuring across the study area and greater genetic differentiation between the states (ΦPT = 0.052) such that clustering analysis grouped the majority of deer from Iowa and Wisconsin into separate clusters. The low level of genetic differentiation between deer in northeast Iowa and southwest Wisconsin, primarily the result of dispersing males who have greater CWD prevalence than females, indicates that the Mississippi River is unlikely to prohibit the westward spread of CWD, and underscores the importance of continued CWD surveillance in Iowa. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.
Potentiometric Behavior of Polyampholytes Based on N,N′‐diallyl‐N,N′‐dimethylammonium Chloride and Maleamic Acid Derivatives
Authors: Fechner Mabya , Koetz Joachim
Published: November 2011

Strongly alternating copolymers (PalH, PalPh, PalPhBisCarb) composed of N,N′‐diallyl‐N,N′‐dimethyl‐ammonium chloride (DADMAC) and maleamic acid derivatives (MAD) are synthesized by a water‐based free radical copolymerization using 4,4‐azobis(4‐cyanovaleric acid) (V501) as the initiator. The structure of the copolymers is verified by 1H‐NMR, elemental analysis, and thermogravimetric measurements, and the physicochemical properties are investigated by viscometric and potentiometric techniques. Potentiometric titration curves show that the acidity of the carboxylic groups strongly depends on the degree of dissociation and the ionic strength. Since all copolymers behave as polycations at low degree of dissociation, a transition from an extended chain to a coil conformation can be identified by reaching the isoelectric point (IEP).
An Economic Analysis of Add‐on Discounts
Authors: Adachi Takanori , Ebina Takeshi
Published: November 2011

This paper provides an economic explanation for what determines whether a seller should offer add‐on discounts (e.g., cable TV subscription packages). We construct a monopolistic model with two types of consumer heterogeneity: (i) those who always buy an add‐on when they purchase a base good (‘premium’ consumers); and (ii) those who do not necessarily buy the add‐on (‘economy’ consumers). It is shown that the greater the number of ‘premium’ consumers, the less desirable add‐on discounts are for a seller. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic and pathological links between Parkinson's disease and the lysosomal disorder Sanfilippo syndrome
Authors: Winder‐Rhodes Sophie E. , Garcia‐Reitböck Pablo , Ban Maria , Evans Jonathan R. , Jacques Thomas S. , Kemppinen Anu , Foltynie Thomas , Williams‐Gray Caroline H. , Chinnery Patrick F. , Hudson Gavin , Burn David J. , Allcock Liesl M. , Sawcer Stephen J. , Barker Roger A. , Spillantini Maria Grazia
Published: November 2011

Background:

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder of unknown etiology. The characteristic α‐synuclein aggregation of PD is also a feature of Sanfilippo syndrome, a storage disorder caused by α‐N‐acetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU) gene mutations. We explored genetic links between these disorders and studied the pathology of Sanfilippo syndrome to investigate a common pathway toward α‐synuclein aggregation.

Methods:

We typed the 2 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms that tag the common haplotypes of NAGLU in 926 PD patients and 2308 controls and also stained cortical tissue from 2 cases of Sanfilippo A syndrome using the anti‐α‐synuclein antibody, Per7.

Results:

Allelic analysis showed an association between rs2071046 and risk for PD (P 1.3 × 10−3). Intracellular α‐synuclein accumulation was observed in the cortical tissue of both Sanfilippo A syndrome cases.

Conclusions:

This study suggests a possible role of NAGLU in susceptibility to PD while extending evidence for α‐synuclein aggregation in the brain in lysosomal storage disorders. Our findings support a mechanism involving lysosomal dysfunction more generally in the pathogenesis of PD. © 2011 Movement Disorder Society
Comparison between eight‐ and sixteen‐channel TEM transceive arrays for body imaging at 7 T
Authors: Snyder C. J. , DelaBarre L. , Moeller S. , Tian J. , Akgun C. , Van de Moortele P.‐F. , Bolan P. J. , Ugurbil K. , Vaughan J. T. , Metzger G. J.
Published: November 2011

Eight‐ and sixteen‐channel transceive stripline/TEM body arrays were compared at 7 T (297 MHz) both in simulation and experiment. Despite previous demonstrations of similar arrays for use in body applications, a quantitative comparison of the two configurations has not been undertaken to date. Results were obtained on a male pelvis for assessing transmit, signal to noise ratio, and parallel imaging performance and to evaluate local power deposition versus transmit B1 (B1+). All measurements and simulations were conducted after performing local B1+ phase shimming in the region of the prostate. Despite the additional challenges of decoupling immediately adjacent coils, the sixteen‐channel array demonstrated improved or nearly equivalent performance to the eight‐channel array based on the evaluation criteria. Experimentally, transmit performance and signal to noise ratio were 22% higher for the sixteen‐channel array while significantly increased reduction factors were achievable in the left–right direction for parallel imaging. Finite difference time domain simulations demonstrated similar results with respect to transmit and parallel imaging performance, however, a higher transmit efficiency advantage of 33% was predicted. Simulations at both 3 and 7 T verified the expected parallel imaging improvements with increasing field strength and showed that, for a specific B1+ shimming strategy used, the sixteen‐channel array exhibited lower local and global specific absorption rate for a given B1+. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.