bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasma Antibodies against Chlamydia trachomatis, Human Papillomavirus, and Human Herpesvirus Type 8 in Relation to Prostate Cancer: A Prospective Study
Authors: Sutcliffe Siobhan , Giovannucci Edward , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Viscidi Raphael P. , Jenkins Frank J. , Zenilman Jonathan M. , Jacobson Lisa P. , De Marzo Angelo M. , Willett Walter C. , Platz Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2007

Traditionally, case-control studies of sexually transmitted infections and prostate cancer have focused on gonorrhea and syphilis, with overall positive associations. More recently, researchers have begun to expand their focus to include additional sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia trachomatis, human papillomavirus (HPV), and human herpesvirus type 8 (HHV-8) infections. Continuing this investigation, we examined each of these infections in relation to incident prostate cancer in a nested case-control study within the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. Prostate cancer cases were men diagnosed with prostate cancer between the date of blood draw (1993-1995) and 2000 (n = 691). Controls were men free of cancer and alive at the time of case diagnosis who had had at least one prostate-specific antigen test between the date of blood draw and case diagnosis. One control was individually matched to each case by age; year, time of day, and season of blood draw; and prostate-specific antigen screening history before blood draw (n = 691). C. trachomatis and HPV-16, HPV-18, and HPV-33 antibody serostatus were assessed by enzyme-based immunoassays and HHV-8 antibody serostatus was assessed by an immunofluorescence assay. No associations were observed between C. trachomatis [odds ratio (OR), 1.13; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.65-1.96], HPV-16 (OR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.57-1.23), HPV-18 (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.66-1.64), and HPV-33 (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 0.76-1.72) antibody seropositivity and prostate cancer. A significant inverse association was observed between HHV-8 antibody seropositivity and prostate cancer (OR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.52-0.95). As this study is the first, to our knowledge, to observe such an inverse association, similar additional studies are warranted. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1573–80)
Functional Variant of Manganese Superoxide Dismutase (SOD2 V16A) Polymorphism Is Associated with Prostate Cancer Risk in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Study
Authors: Kang Daehee , Lee Kyoung-Mu , Park Sue Kyung , Berndt Sonja I. , Peters Ulrike , Reding Douglas , Chatterjee Nilanjan , Welch Robert , Chanock Stephen , Huang Wen-Yi , Hayes Richard B.
Published: August 2007

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) plays a key role in the detoxification of superoxide free radicals. We evaluated the association of prostate cancer with genetic polymorphisms in SOD1 (CuZn-SOD; IVS3-251A>G), SOD2 [MnSOD; Ex2+24T>C (V16A)], and SOD3 (EC-SOD; IVS1+186C>T, Ex3-631C>G, Ex3-516C>T, and Ex3-489C>T), the three main isoforms of SOD. Prostate cancer cases (n = 1,320) from the screening arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial were frequency matched to nondiseased controls (n = 1,842) by age, race, time since initial screening, and year of blood draw. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI); stratified analysis by the level of antioxidative vitamins was also conducted. The higher activity Ala variant at SOD2 Ex2+24T>C (V16A), which has been hypothesized to suppress prostate carcinogenesis, was associated with elevation of prostate cancer risk in Caucasians (Val/Ala versus Val/Val: OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.97-1.42; Ala/Ala versus Val/Val: OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.03-1.60; Ptrend = 0.03). Stratification by quartiles of dietary and supplemental vitamin E intake (IU/d) showed risks of prostate cancer tended to be increased among SOD2 Ala allele carriers, except at the highest quartile of vitamin E intake (>222; Pinteraction = 0.06, Q1-Q3 versus Q4). The association between Ala allele and prostate cancer risk among those with lower intake of vitamin E (≤222) was stronger for smokers (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.10-1.90). No significant association with prostate cancer was observed for polymorphic variants in SOD3 or SOD1. These results suggest that the Ala variant of SOD2 is associated with moderately increased risk of prostate cancer, particularly among men with lower intakes of dietary and supplemental vitamin E. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1581–6)
Flavonoids and the Risk of Oral and Pharyngeal Cancer: A Case-Control Study from Italy
Authors: Rossi Marta , Garavello Werner , Talamini Renato , Negri Eva , Bosetti Cristina , Dal Maso Luigino , Lagiou Pagona , Tavani Alessandra , Polesel Jerry , Barzan Luigi , Ramazzotti Valerio , Franceschi Silvia , La Vecchia Carlo
Published: August 2007

The intake of flavonoids has been inversely related to the risk of various common neoplasms, but scanty data exist on oral and pharyngeal cancer. We used data from a case-control study conducted in Italy between 1992 and 2005 to examine the relationship between flavonoid intake and oral and pharyngeal cancer risk. The study included 805 cases with incident, histologically confirmed oral and pharyngeal cancer, and 2,081 hospital controls admitted for acute, nonneoplastic conditions. We have applied data on food and beverage content of six major classes of flavonoids, on dietary information collected through a validated food-frequency questionnaire. The odds ratios (OR) were calculated using multiple logistic regression models, conditioned on study center, sex, and age. After adjustment for education, tobacco, alcohol, body mass index, and non–alcohol energy intake, ORs for the highest versus the lowest quintile of intake were 0.51 [95% confidence intervals (95% CI), 0.37-0.71] for flavanones, 0.62 (CI, 0.43-0.89) for flavonols, and 0.56 (95% CI, 0.40-0.78) for total flavonoids. No significant association emerged for isoflavones (OR, 0.90), anthocyanidins (OR, 0.86), flavan-3-ols (OR, 0.84), and flavones (OR, 0.75). The ORs were consistent across strata of age, sex, education, body mass index, tobacco, and alcohol. After allowance for vegetable and fruit consumption, the inverse relations with total flavonoids and flavanones remained significant, whereas that with flavonols became nonsignificant. None of the associations were significant after further allowance for vitamin C, probably on account of the high collinearity between these compounds. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1621–5)
Is Metabolic Syndrome A Risk Factor for Colorectal Adenoma?
Authors: Kim Jeong Hwan , Lim Yun Jeong , Kim Young-Ho , Sung In-Kyung , Shim Sang Goon , Oh Sung-Ook , Park Sin-Sil , Yang Sun , Son Hee Jung , Rhee Poong-Lyul , Kim Jae J. , Rhee Jong Chul , Choi Yoon-Ho
Published: August 2007

Background and Aims: Epidemiologic studies provide evidence for a link between obesity or diabetes and the risk for colorectal cancer. However, there is a lack of information about the relationship between metabolic syndrome and colorectal adenoma. Therefore, we investigated whether metabolic syndrome is a risk factor for colorectal adenoma.

Methods: We did a study for consecutive subjects who underwent colonoscopy as a screening exam at the Center for Health Promotion, Samsung Medical Center, from March 2004 to December 2005. According to the modified ATP III criteria, metabolic syndrome was diagnosed. We classified a total of 2,531 subjects into the adenoma group (n = 731) and the control group (n = 1,800), including normal colonoscopic finding, nonpolyp benign lesions, or histologically confirmed hyperplastic polyp.

Results: The prevalence for metabolic syndrome was 17% in the adenoma group and 11% in the control group. On the multiple logistic regression analyses, metabolic syndrome was found to be associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenoma (odds ratio, 1.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-1.93). Also, waist circumference among the individual components of metabolic syndrome was an independent risk factor for colorectal adenoma. An increased risk for metabolic syndrome was more evident for proximal than distal colon, for multiple (≥3), and for advanced adenoma in the adenoma group.

Conclusion: Metabolic syndrome was associated with colorectal adenoma. Abdominal obesity of the individual components of metabolic syndrome was an important risk factor for colorectal adenoma. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1543–6)
Similar Exposure to a Tobacco-Specific Carcinogen in Smokeless Tobacco Users and Cigarette Smokers
Authors: Hecht Stephen S. , Carmella Steven G. , Murphy Sharon E. , Riley William T. , Le Chap , Luo Xianghua , Mooney Marc , Hatsukami Dorothy K.
Published: August 2007

Smokeless tobacco has been proposed as a reduced risk substitute for smoking, but no large studies have investigated exposure to the powerful carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) in smokeless tobacco users versus smokers. The purpose of this study was to carry out such a comparison. Levels of 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronides (total NNAL), a biomarker of NNK exposure, and cotinine, a biomarker of nicotine exposure, were quantified in the urine of 420 smokers and 182 smokeless tobacco users who were participants in studies designed to reduce their use of these products. The measurements were taken at baseline, before intervention. Levels of total NNAL per milliliter of urine were significantly higher in smokeless tobacco users than in smokers (P < 0.0001). When adjusted for age and gender, levels of total NNAL per milligram of creatinine were also significantly higher in smokeless tobacco users than in smokers (P < 0.001). Levels of cotinine per milliliter of urine and per milligram of creatinine were significantly higher in smokeless tobacco users than in smokers (P < 0.001). These results show similar exposures to the potent tobacco-specific carcinogen NNK in smokeless tobacco users and smokers. These findings do not support the use of smokeless tobacco as a safe substitute for smoking. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1567–72)
Insulin-like Growth Factors and Ovarian Cancer Risk: A Nested Case-Control Study in Three Cohorts
Authors: Tworoger Shelley S. , Lee I-Min , Buring Julie E. , Pollak Michael N. , Hankinson Susan E.
Published: August 2007

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)–related hormones and binding proteins (IGFBP) have been implicated in cancer risk. Specifically, two recent, small prospective studies reported a significant positive association between IGF-I and ovarian cancer risk among women diagnosed before age 55 years. Therefore, we examined whether plasma concentrations of IGF-I, IGFBP-3, and IGFBP-2 were associated with risk of epithelial ovarian cancer in a nested case-control study using data from three prospective cohorts: the Nurses' Health Study (NHS), NHSII, and the Women's Health Study (WHS). The present study had 222 cases (159 from NHS/NHSII and 63 from WHS) and 599 controls (matching ratio, 1:3 for NHS/NHSII and 1:2 for WHS). Women ranged in age from 34 to 73 years (mean, 56 years). The relative risk (RR) comparing the top versus bottom quartile of IGF-I was 0.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.32-0.97; Ptrend = 0.14). The risk did not differ by age at diagnosis (comparable RR for age <55 years at diagnosis, 0.70; RR for age ≥55 years at diagnosis, 0.52). We did not observe any association between IGFBP-3, IGFBP-2, and the ratio of IGF-I to either binding protein and ovarian cancer risk. Overall, our results do not support a positive association between IGF-related proteins and ovarian cancer risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(8):1691–5)
Prevalence and Prognostic Significance of Short QT Interval in a Middle-Aged Finnish Population
Authors: Anttonen O. , Junttila M.J. , Rissanen H. , Reunanen A. , Viitasalo M. , Huikuri H.V.
Published: August 2007

Background—

Short-QT syndrome is an inherited disorder characterized by a short QT interval and an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. The clinical significance of a short QT interval observed in a randomly recorded ECG is not known. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence and prognostic significance of a short QT interval in a general population.

Methods and Results—

QT intervals were measured from the 12-lead ECGs of 10 822 randomly selected middle-aged subjects (5658 males, mean age 44±8.4 years) enrolled in a population study and followed up for 29±10 years. The end points were all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. In addition to Bazett’s method (corrected QT interval, or QTc), the Fridericia (QTfc) and nomogram (QTnc) methods were used to correct the QT interval for heart rate. The cutoff values for short QT intervals were defined as 320 ms (very short) and 340 ms (short). The prevalence of QT interval <320 ms based on QTc, QTfc, and QTnc was 0.10%, 0.08%, and 0.06%, and the prevalence of QT interval <340 ms was 0.4%, 0.3%, and 0.3%, respectively. The majority of subjects with short QT intervals were males. All-cause or cardiovascular mortality did not differ between subjects with a very short or short QT interval and those with normal QT intervals (360 to 450 ms). There were no sudden cardiac deaths, aborted sudden cardiac deaths, or documented ventricular tachyarrhythmias among subjects with a QTfc <340 ms.

Conclusion—

A short QT interval does not appear to indicate an increased risk for all-cause or cardiovascular mortality in middle-aged nonreferral, community-based individuals.
Long-Term Effects of Increased Glucose Entry on Mouse Hearts During Normal Aging and Ischemic Stress
Authors: Luptak Ivan , Yan Jie , Cui Lei , Jain Mohit , Liao Ronglih , Tian Rong
Published: August 2007

Background—

A shift of substrate preference toward glucose in the heart is considered a reversion to fetal metabolic profile, but its role in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases is incompletely understood.

Methods and Results—

We performed a 2-year follow-up study in transgenic mice with sustained high glucose uptake and utilization in the heart by cardiac-specific overexpression of the insulin-independent glucose transporter GLUT1 (GLUT1-TG). Compared with wild-type litter mates, the GLUT1-TG mice showed a normal survival rate and unaltered contractile function of the heart monitored by serial echocardiography and by pressure–volume studies in isolated perfused hearts in the 2-year period. Furthermore, when hearts were subjected to ischemia-reperfusion, cardiac function of young and old GLUT1-TG recovered to the same level (86% and 83%, respectively) and exceeded that of both young and old wild-type hearts (52% and 35%, respectively;
P
<0.05). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic measurements with
31
P showed delayed ATP depletion, reduced acidosis during ischemia, and improved recovery of high-energy phosphate content in old GLUT1-TG hearts (
P
<0.05 versus old wild-type). During reperfusion, glucose oxidation was 3-fold higher and fatty acid oxidation was 45% lower in old GLUT1-TG hearts compared with old wild-type (
P
<0.05), which suggests that the deleterious effects of excessive fatty acid oxidation during reperfusion was prevented in old GLUT1-TG hearts.

Conclusions—

We have demonstrated that a normal heart is able to adapt to long-term increases in basal glucose entry into cardiomyocytes without development of glucotoxicity. Furthermore, life-long increases in glucose uptake result in a favorable metabolic phenotype that affords protections against aging-associated increase of susceptibility to ischemic injury.
The 2006 Barbados/Trinidad and Tobago Award: A Landmark in Compulsory Jurisdiction and Equitable Maritime Boundary Delimitation
Authors: Kwiatkowska Barbara
Published: August 2007

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the unanimous 2006 Award of the Five-Member Tribunal established under Annex VII of the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention (LOSC) by Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago regarding the delimitation of their fish and oil-rich Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and Continental Shelves (CS). It surveys the procedural significance of several unprecedented pronouncements made by the Arbitral Tribunal with respect to Articles 281–283 LOSC and their relationship to LOSC Articles 74 and 83, which allowed the Tribunal to uphold its compulsory jurisdiction over the delimitation of the EEZ/CS up to 200 nautical miles and of the outer CS beyond this limit. The article commences with the Tribunal's appraisal of the modern law and process of equitable maritime boundary delimitation, followed by its application of that law consistently with the vast jurisprudence of the International Court of Justice and previous arbitral tribunals. In a two-stage process, the Tribunal drew a provisional, single equidistant boundary line and then considered whether that line needed to be adjusted in view of special circumstances and the proportionality test for an equitable result. This process is traced against the background of the factual and legal contentions disputed by the parties in the Western and Eastern sectors. The Tribunal also provided an important incentive for resolution of the associated fisheries dispute by calling upon the parties to conclude, pursuant to LOSC Article 63, a new agreement on Barbados's access to flying fish stocks in Trinidad's EEZ.
The Regime of the Area: Delineating the Scope of Application of the Common Heritage Principle and Freedom of the High Seas
Authors: Oude Elferink Alex
Published: August 2007

Part XI of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea establishes a regime for the Area. The regime of the high seas set out in Part VII of the Convention is also applicable to the Area. Neither Part VII nor Part XI of the Convention exhaustively de fines which ocean uses fall within their scope of application. This article analyzes the relevant provisions of the Convention and comments on recent developments that shed further light on the regime of Part XI in relation to the regime of Part VII. It concludes that Part XI's common heritage principle is relevant for all uses of the Area that concern the exploration and exploitation of the Area, including its living resources. Recent developments reveal continued differences of views on the scope of application and implications of the regime set out in Part XI. The provisions of the Convention on marine scientific research and environmental protection would seem to offer sufficient flexibility to frame more detailed rules that do not require the prior resolution of those differences.
Roughness Lengths for Momentum and Heat Derived from Outdoor Urban Scale Models
Authors: Kanda M. , Kanega M. , Kawai T. , Moriwaki R. , Sugawara H.
Published: August 2007

Urban climate experimental results from the Comprehensive Outdoor Scale Model (COSMO) were used to estimate roughness lengths for momentum and heat. Two different physical scale models were used to investigate the scale dependence of the roughness lengths; the large scale model included an aligned array of 1.5-m concrete cubes, and the small scale model had a geometrically similar array of 0.15-m concrete cubes. Only turbulent data from the unstable boundary layers were considered. The roughness length for momentum relative to the obstacle height was dependent on wind direction, but the scale dependence was not evident. Estimated values agreed well with a conventional morphometric relationship. The logarithm of the roughness length for heat relative to the obstacle height depended on the scale but was insensitive to wind direction. COSMO data were used successfully to regress a theoretical relationship between κB−1, the logarithmic ratio of roughness length for momentum to heat, and Re*, the roughness Reynolds number. Values of κB−1 associated with Re* for three different urban sites from previous field experiments were intercompared. A surprising finding was that, even though surface geometry differed from site to site, the regressed function agreed with data from the three urban sites as well as with the COSMO data. Field data showed that κB−1 values decreased as the areal fraction of vegetation increased. The observed dependency of the bulk transfer coefficient on atmospheric stability in the COSMO data could be reproduced using the regressed function of Re* and κB−1, together with a Monin–Obukhov similarity framework.
Statistical Model for Forecasting Monthly Large Wildfire Events in Western United States
Authors: Preisler Haiganoush K. , Westerling Anthony L.
Published: August 2007

The ability to forecast the number and location of large wildfire events (with specified confidence bounds) is important to fire managers attempting to allocate and distribute suppression efforts during severe fire seasons. This paper describes the development of a statistical model for assessing the forecasting skills of fire-danger predictors and producing 1-month-ahead wildfire-danger probabilities in the western United States. The method is based on logistic regression techniques with spline functions to accommodate nonlinear relationships between fire-danger predictors and probability of large fire events. Estimates were based on 25 yr of historic fire occurrence data (1980–2004). The model using the predictors monthly average temperature, and lagged Palmer drought severity index demonstrated significant improvement in forecasting skill over historic frequencies (persistence forecasts) of large fire events. The statistical models were particularly amenable to model evaluation and production of probability-based fire-danger maps with prespecified precisions. For example, during the 25 yr of the study for the month of July, an area greater than 400 ha burned in 3% of locations where the model forecast was low; 11% of locations where the forecast was moderate; and 76% of locations where the forecast was extreme. The statistical techniques may be used to assess the skill of forecast fire-danger indices developed at other temporal or spatial scales.
Climate Variability and Residential Water Use in the City of Phoenix, Arizona
Authors: Balling Robert C. , Gober Patricia
Published: August 2007

In this investigation, how annual water use in the city of Phoenix, Arizona, was influenced by climatic variables between 1980 and 2004 is examined. Simple correlation coefficients between water use and annual mean temperature, total annual precipitation, and annual mean Palmer hydrological drought index values are +0.55, −0.69, −0.52, respectively, over the study period (annual water use increases with higher temperature, lower precipitation, and drought). Multivariate analyses using monthly climatic data indicate that annual water use is controlled most by the overall state of drought, autumn temperatures, and summer-monsoon precipitation. Model coefficients indicate that temperature, precipitation, and/or drought conditions certainly impact water use, although the magnitude of the annual water-use response to changes in climate was relatively low for an urban environment in which a sizable majority of residential water use is for outdoor purposes. People’s perception of the landscape’s water needs and their willingness and ability to respond to their perceptions by changing landscaping practices are probably more important than the landscape’s need for water in assessing residential water demand and the variation therein.
Where People Die: A Multilevel Approach to Understanding Influences on Site of Death in America
Authors: Gruneir Andrea , Mor Vincent , Weitzen Sherry , Truchil Rachael , Teno Joan , Roy Jason
Published: August 2007

Despite documented preferences for home death, the majority of deaths from terminal illness occur in hospital. To better understand variation in place of death, we conducted a systematic literature review and a multilevel analysis in which we linked death certificates with county and state data. The results of both components revealed that opportunities for home death are disproportionately found in certain groups of Americans; more specifically, those who are White, have greater access to resources and social support, and die of cancer. From the multilevel analysis, the higher the proportion minority and the lower the level of educational attainment, the higher the probability of hospital death while investment in institutional long-term care, measured by regional density of nursing home beds and state Medicaid payment rate, was associated with higher probability of nursing home death. These results reinforce the importance of both social and structural characteristics in shaping the end-of-life experience.
Utilization and Cost of Mental Health, Substance Abuse, and Medical Services among At-Risk Drinkers
Authors: Nietert Paul J. , French Michael T. , Kirchner JoAnn E. , Booth Brenda M.
Published: August 2007

The objective of this research was to examine whether users of mental health or substance abuse (MH/SA) services incurred greater costs for non-MH/SA services than nonusers of MH/SA services. Two years of health care utilization data were collected on 443 at-risk drinkers from six southern U.S. states. We then examined predictors of using MH/SA services and costs associated with non-MH/SA services. The results showed that use of MH/SA services was associated with female gender, military service, health insurance, and not being employed full-time. Unadjusted analyses indicated that non-MH/SA service costs were significantly higher among MH/SA service users than nonusers. However, this association did not endure in multivariable models. In fact, emergency department costs were significantly lower among MH/SA users. It is commonly assumed that users of MH/SA services are also heavy users of other medical services. Through multivariable models, this study found that overall costs of non-MH/SA services were similar between users and nonusers of MH/SA services.
A Blueprint for Democratic Policing Anywhere in the World?
Authors: Ellison Graham
Published: August 2007

This article provides an overview of the police reform process undertaken in Northern Ireland since 1999 as part of a broader program of conflict resolution. It considers the recommendations of the Independent Commission on Policing (ICP), which proposed a number of changes to policing structures and arrangements in Northern Ireland, and it assesses the degree to which these have been operationalized in the 8 years since the ICP published its report. It suggests that although the police reform process in Northern Ireland has been moderately successful and provides a number of international best practice lessons, the overall pace of change has been hindered by difficulties of implementation and, more fundamentally, by developments in the political sphere and civil society.
The Diagnostic Role of Ultrasound in the Chest
Authors: Stephens Nicola J. , Pilcher James M.
Published: August 2007

Although the plain radiograph and computed tomography remain undoubtedly the primary imaging modalities in the investigation of chest pathology, ultrasound can play an important complementary role, both in the diagnostic workup of a patient and in their subsequent management. Its lack of ionizing radiation, bedside availability and dynamic imaging capacity afford ultrasound certain advantages over other techniques; particularly in the critical care setting where conventional radiography is often suboptimal. This article reviews the technique and diagnostic application of ultrasound in the assessment of pathologies of the diaphragm, pleura, lung, mediastinum and chest wall.
Paediatric Neck Lumps I – Inflammatory and Neoplastic Lesions Including Salivary Gland Abnormalities
Authors: Williams Helen
Published: August 2007

This article will concentrate on solid neck masses in children, giving an overview of 3 main areas: cervical lymphadenopathy, neoplasms presenting as neck masses and salivary gland abnormalities in children. Most neck lumps in children are benign, even solid masses and the child's age is an important factor in narrowing the differential diagnosis. Inflammatory lesions are very common, especially in young children and usually involve lymph nodes, but infected congenital cystic lesions can mimic inflammatory processes. The most common inflammatory masses are reactive or suppurative lymphadenitis, which classically present following an upper respiratory tract or pharyngeal infection. Malignant lesions are seen occasionally and it is important to know when to be concerned about a child's neck mass. Malignant lesions tend to be painless, solid and associated with systemic manifestations. Ultrasound is the primary imaging modality of choice for children, but does have limitations. It is vital that all imaging is interpreted in conjunction with clinical information, especially as imaging findings can be non-specific. Any lesion that does not have typical benign appearances or behaviour requires biopsy. Salivary gland disorders are uncommon in children compared with adults; salivary calculi, autoimmune disorders and tumours are rare. The most frequent cause of parotid swelling in a child is infection, usually viral, although intra-parotid lymph nodes can suppurate resulting in abscess formation. As with neck masses in other locations, certain factors in the clinical history should raise the possibility of malignancy and prompt further investigation, including biopsy. These include rapid growth, facial nerve palsy and associated lymphadenopathy.
Developing the Role of the Consultant Sonographer
Authors: Cantin Peter , Richards Julie
Published: August 2007

Ultrasound remains a popular imaging modality for a wide range of clinical specialities. The need for ultrasound services seems to rise inexorably. Government imposed targets, in particular the 18 week patient pathway and two week wait for patients with suspected cancer, have placed diagnostic departments under the spotlight as never before. Imaging departments have to evaluate services and workforce carefully to meet these challenges. This paper explores how skill-mix and in particular, the introduction of a Consultant sonographer, is being used to address some of these issues within the ultrasound department in Plymouth.
A role for heme oxygenase-1 in the immunosuppressive effect of adult rat and human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Chabannes Dominique , Hill Marcelo , Merieau Emmanuel , Rossignol Julien , Brion Régis , Soulillou Jean Paul , Anegon Ignacio , Cuturi Maria Cristina
Published: August 2007

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) display immunomodulatory properties mediated by various factors, including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Since heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a potent immunosuppressive enzyme, we tested the hypothesis that HO-1 could mediate the immunosuppressive effects of MSCs. We generated adult rat MSCs that inhibited T-cell proliferation in vitro. These MSCs expressed both HO-1 and iNOS. In vitro, whereas neither HO-1 nor iNOS inhibition alone could interfere with the immunosuppressive properties of rat MSCs, simultaneous inhibition of both enzymes restored T-cell proliferation. In vivo, injection of MSCs significantly delayed heart allograft rejection, and inhibition of either HO-1 or iNOS totally reversed the protective activity of MSCs, inducing rejection. Adult human MSCs also expressed HO-1; in these cells, HO-1 inhibition was sufficient to completely block their immunosuppressive capacity. In conclusion, we show, for the first time, that HO-1 mediates the immunosuppressive properties of rat and human MSCs.
Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A is a B-cell receptor mimic and essential for B-cell survival
Authors: Mancao Christoph , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang
Published: August 2007

Many cells latently infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), including certain virus-associated tumors, express latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A), suggesting an important role for this protein in viral latency and oncogenesis. LMP2A mimics B-cell receptor signaling but can also act as a decoy receptor blocking B-cell receptor (BCR) activation. Studies of peripheral B cells have not resolved this apparent contradiction because LMP2A seems to be dispensable for EBV-induced transformation of these B cells in vitro. We show here that LMP2A is essential for growth transformation of germinal center B cells, which do not express the genuine BCR because of deleterious somatic hypermutations in their immunoglobulin genes. BCR-positive (BCR+) and BCR-negative (BCR−) B cells are readily transformed with a recombinant EBV encoding a conditional, floxed LMP2A allele, but the survival and continued proliferation of both BCR+ and BCR− B cells is strictly dependent on LMP2A. These findings indicate that LMP2A has potent, distinct antiapoptotic and/or transforming characteristics and point to its role as an indispensable BCR mimic in certain B cells from which human B-cell tumors such as Hodgkin lymphoma originate.
An exploration of alternative visualisations of the basic helix-loop-helix protein interaction network
Authors: Holden Brian J , Pinney John W , Lovell Simon C , Amoutzias Grigoris D , Robertson David L
Published: August 2007

Background

Alternative representations of biochemical networks emphasise different aspects of the data and contribute to the understanding of complex biological systems. In this study we present a variety of automated methods for visualisation of a protein-protein interaction network, using the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors as an example.

Results

Network representations that arrange nodes (proteins) according to either continuous or discrete information are investigated, revealing the existence of protein sub-families and the retention of interactions following gene duplication events. Methods of network visualisation in conjunction with a phylogenetic tree are presented, highlighting the evolutionary relationships between proteins, and clarifying the context of network hubs and interaction clusters. Finally, an optimisation technique is used to create a three-dimensional layout of the phylogenetic tree upon which the protein-protein interactions may be projected.

Conclusion

We show that by incorporating secondary genomic, functional or phylogenetic information into network visualisation, it is possible to move beyond simple layout algorithms based on network topology towards more biologically meaningful representations. These new visualisations can give structure to complex networks and will greatly help in interpreting their evolutionary origins and functional implications. Three open source software packages (InterView, TVi and OptiMage) implementing our methods are available.
Gene expression of transporters and phase I/II metabolic enzymes in murine small intestine during fasting
Authors: van den Bosch Heleen M , Bünger Meike , de Groot Philip J , van der Meijde Jolanda , Hooiveld Guido JEJ , Müller Michael
Published: August 2007

Background

Fasting has dramatic effects on small intestinal transport function. However, little is known on expression of intestinal transport and phase I/II metabolism genes during fasting and the role the fatty acid-activated transcription factor PPARα may play herein. We therefore investigated the effects of fasting on expression of these genes using Affymetrix GeneChip MOE430A arrays and quantitative RT-PCR.

Results

After 24 hours of fasting, expression levels of 33 of the 253 analyzed transporter and phase I/II metabolism genes were changed. Upregulated genes were involved in transport of energy-yielding molecules in processes such as glycogenolysis (G6pt1) and mitochondrial and peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids (Cact, Mrs3/4, Fatp2, Cyp4a10, Cyp4b1). Other induced genes were responsible for the inactivation of the neurotransmitter serotonin (Sert, Sult1d1, Dtd, Papst2), formation of eicosanoids (Cyp2j6, Cyp4a10, Cyp4b1), or for secretion of cholesterol (Abca1 and Abcg8). Cyp3a11, typically known because of its drug metabolizing capacity, was also increased. Fasting had no pronounced effect on expression of phase II metabolic enzymes, except for glutathione S-transferases which were down-regulated. Time course studies revealed that some genes were acutely regulated, whereas expression of other genes was only affected after prolonged fasting. Finally, we identified 8 genes that were PPARα-dependently upregulated upon fasting.

Conclusion

We have characterized the response to fasting on expression of transporters and phase I/II metabolic enzymes in murine small intestine. Differentially expressed genes are involved in a variety of processes, which functionally can be summarized as a) increased oxidation of fat and xenobiotics, b) increased cholesterol secretion, c) increased susceptibility to electrophilic stressors, and d) reduced intestinal motility. This knowledge increases our understanding of gut physiology, and may be of relevance for e.g. pre-surgery regimen of patients.
Sodium valproate stimulates potassium and chloride urinary excretion in rats: gender differences
Authors: Jakutiene Eitautė , Grikiniene Jurgita , Vaitkevicius Arunas , Tschaika Marina , Didziapetriene Janina , Stakisaitis Donatas
Published: August 2007

Background

The diuretic effect of valproates and its relation to urinary potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-) excretion have not yet been investigated, so the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a single dose of sodium valproate (NaVPA) on 24-h urinary K+and Cl-excretion in young adult Wistar rats of both genders. For measurement of K+in urine, the same animals and samples as in our earlier publication were used (Pharmacology 2005 Nov, 75:111–115). The authors propose a new approach to the pathophysiological mechanisms of NaVPA effect on K+and Cl-metabolism.

Twenty six Wistar rats were examined after a single intragastric administration of 300 mg/kg NaVPA (13 NaVPA-male and 13 NaVPA-female), 28 control intact Wistar rats (14 males and 14 females) were studied as a control group. The 24-h urinary K+, Cl-, creatinine and pH levels were measured.

Results

Total 24-h diuresis and 24-h diuresis per 100 g of body weight were found to be significantly higher in NaVPA-rats of both genders than in rats of the control group (p < 0.05). The data showed NaVPA to enhance 24-h K+excretion in NaVPA-males and NaVPA-females with significant gender-related differences: 24-h K+excretion in NaVPA-male rats was significantly higher than in control males (p = 0.003) and NaVPA-female rats (p < 0.001). Regarding the 24-h K+excretion, NaVPA-female rats did not show a statistically significant difference versus females of the control group (p > 0.05). 24-h urinary K+excretion per 100 g of body weight in NaVPA-male rats was significantly higher than in control males (p = 0.025). NaVPA enhanced Cl-urinary excretion: 24-h Cl-urinary excretion, 24-h urinary Cl-excretion per 100 g of body weight and the Cl-/creatinine ratio were significantly higher in NaVPA-male and NaVPA-female rats than in gender-matched controls (p < 0.05). 24-h chloriduretic response to NaVPA in male rats was significantly higher than in female rats (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

NaVPA causes kaliuretic and chloriduretic effects with gender-related differences in rats. Further investigations are necessary to elucidate the mechanism of such pharmacological effects of NaVPA.
Epidemiology of childhood Guillan-Barre syndrome in the north west of Iran
Authors: Barzegar Mohammad , Dastgiri Saeed , Karegarmaher Mohammad H , Varshochiani Ali
Published: August 2007

Background and aims

This study was carried out to investigate the incidence, annual time trend and some epidemiological and clinical features of Guillain-Barre syndrome in children in the north west of Iran.

Materials and methods

In this population-based cross sectional research, epidemiological and clinical features of 143 cases with Guillain-Barre syndrome between 2001 and 2006 were studied. The setting of the study was Tabriz Children Medical Centre, the major University-Hospital located in Tabriz city of the East Azarbaijan province covering whole region. Data collected included age, gender, chronological information, preceding events, functional grade of motor deficit.

Results

The mean age (standard deviation) of subjects was 5.4 (3.6) years. The male/female ratio was 1.3. The average annual incidence rate was 2.27 per 100 000 population of 15 years children (CI95%: 1.9–2.6). The majority of cases occurred in March, July and November and the highest proportion of the syndrome was observed in winter (29 percent, P > 0.10).

Conclusion

The results indicated that an unexpected high incidence of Guillain-Barre syndrome has occurred in 2003 in the region. We concluded that a monitoring and surveillance system for Guillain-Barre syndrome is essential to set up in this region.
Development of the conceptual framework for the Eye-Drop Satisfaction Questionnaire (EDSQ©) in glaucoma using a qualitative study
Authors: Nordmann Jean-Philippe , Denis Philippe , Vigneux Marc , Trudeau Elyse , Guillemin Isabelle , Berdeaux Gilles
Published: August 2007

Background

Compliance is a major issue in glaucoma care. It is usually poor in glaucomatous patients, and may ultimately result in an acceleration of the disease progression and a risk of blindness. Reasons for this poor compliance are complex and multifactorial, amongst which patient satisfaction can be counted. The objective of this study was to develop a questionnaire to assess patient satisfaction and compliance with eye-drop treatment.

Methods

A qualitative study was carried out to develop the questionnaire. An interview guide was developed based on a literature review. Structured interviews of fifteen French and English patients with primary open-angle glaucoma or intraocular hypertension were conducted by trained interviewers of the native language of the interviewees. General concepts and subconcepts were identified from the transcripts. The questionnaire was developed using the patient verbatim, and submitted to six patients (French and English) for cognitive debriefing. Following patients' comments, items were modified and restructured, and a pilot questionnaire was designed.

Results

Analysis of data from the interviews with patients and clinicians resulted in the elicitation of concepts related to patient satisfaction and compliance with glaucomatous treatment. These were further refined and used to generate a test questionnaire, which consisted of 46 items grouped into 6 domains: patient characteristics, treatment characteristics, patient-clinician relationship, patient experience with the disease and the treatment, interaction between the patient and the treatment, and patient knowledge of the disease and the treatment.

Conclusion

The Eye-Drop Satisfaction Questionnaire (EDSQ) conceptual framework and items were developed simultaneously in French and in English. This questionnaire could be used to evaluate patient satisfaction and compliance with eye-drop treatment and would facilitate the identification of patients at risk of being non-compliant prior to clinical trials or innovative device tests. A psychometric study is under way to validate the questionnaire.
In silico gene expression analysis – an overview
Authors: Murray David , Doran Peter , MacMathuna Padraic , Moss Alan C
Published: August 2007

Efforts aimed at deciphering the molecular basis of complex disease are underpinned by the availability of high throughput strategies for the identification of biomolecules that drive the disease process. The completion of the human genome-sequencing project, coupled to major technological developments, has afforded investigators myriad opportunities for multidimensional analysis of biological systems. Nowhere has this research explosion been more evident than in the field of transcriptomics. Affordable access and availability to the technology that supports such investigations has led to a significant increase in the amount of data generated. As most biological distinctions are now observed at a genomic level, a large amount of expression information is now openly available via public databases. Furthermore, numerous computational based methods have been developed to harness the power of these data. In this review we provide a brief overview of in silico methodologies for the analysis of differential gene expression such as Serial Analysis of Gene Expression and Digital Differential Display. The performance of these strategies, at both an operational and result/output level is assessed and compared. The key considerations that must be made when completing an in silico expression analysis are also presented as a roadmap to facilitate biologists. Furthermore, to highlight the importance of these in silico methodologies in contemporary biomedical research, examples of current studies using these approaches are discussed. The overriding goal of this review is to present the scientific community with a critical overview of these strategies, so that they can be effectively added to the tool box of biomedical researchers focused on identifying the molecular mechanisms of disease.
Different strategies do not moderate primary motor cortex involvement in mental rotation: a TMS study
Authors: Bode Stefan , Koeneke Susan , Jäncke Lutz
Published: August 2007

Background

Regions of the dorsal visual stream are known to play an essential role during the process of mental rotation. The functional role of the primary motor cortex (M1) in mental rotation is however less clear. It has been suggested that the strategy used to mentally rotate objects determines M1 involvement. Based on the strategy hypothesis that distinguishes between an internal and an external strategy, our study was designed to specifically test the relation between strategy and M1 activity.

Methods

Twenty-two subjects were asked to participate in a standard mental rotation task. We used specific picture stimuli that were supposed to trigger either the internal (e.g. pictures of hands or tools) or the external strategy (e.g. pictures of houses or abstract figures). The strategy hypothesis predicts an involvement of M1 only in case of stimuli triggering the internal strategy (imagine grasping and rotating the object by oneself). Single-pulse Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) was employed to quantify M1 activity during task performance by measuring Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) at the right hand muscle.

Results

Contrary to the strategy hypothesis, we found no interaction between stimulus category and corticospinal excitability. Instead, corticospinal excitability was generally increased compared with a resting baseline although subjects indicated more frequent use of the external strategy for all object categories.

Conclusion

This finding suggests that M1 involvement is not exclusively linked with the use of the internal strategy but rather directly with the process of mental rotation. Alternatively, our results might support the hypothesis that M1 is active due to a 'spill-over' effect from adjacent brain regions.