bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Marital status and stage at diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma
Authors: McLaughlin John M. , Fisher James L. , Paskett Electra D.
Published: November 2010

BACKGROUND:

We evaluated the effect of marital status on risk of late‐stage cutaneous melanoma diagnosis.

METHODS:

Information about melanoma patients was obtained from Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), 1973‐2006. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to estimate relative risks of late‐stage disease at diagnosis.

RESULTS:

After exclusion criteria, 192,014 adult melanoma patients remained for analyses. After adjustment for age, race, year of diagnosis, tumor histology, anatomic site, socioeconomic status, and SEER site, the relationship between estimated risk of late‐stage melanoma diagnosis and marital status was dependent on sex (P < .0001 for interaction). Although unmarried patients had a higher risk of being diagnosed at a late stage among men and women, the magnitude of the effect varied by sex. Moreover, among married, single, and divorced or separated patients, men had more than a 50% increase in risk of late‐stage diagnosis when compared with women. Widowed men and widowed women, however, were not statistically different in their stage at diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Results from this study are important and may be used by clinicians and public health practitioners interested in increasing the proportion of melanoma patients diagnosed at an early stage through screening, perhaps by specifically targeting unmarried individuals in addition to having broad‐based skin cancer prevention programs. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
A Time‐Dependent Picture of the Ultrafast Deactivation of keto‐Cytosine Including Three‐State Conical Intersections
Authors: González‐Vázquez Jesús , González Leticia
Published: November 2010

Using mixed quantum–classical dynamics, the lowest part of the UV absorption spectrum and the first deactivation steps of keto‐cytosine have been investigated. The spectrum shows several strong peaks, which mainly come from the S1 and S2 states, with minor contributions from the S3. The semiclassical trajectories, launched from these three states, clearly indicate that at least four states are involved in the relaxation of keto‐cytosine to the ground state. Non‐adiabatic transfer between the ππ* and nπ* excited states and deactivation via three‐state conical intersections is observed in the very early stage of the dynamics. In less than 100 fs, a large amount of population is deactivated to the ground state via several mechanisms; some population remains trapped in the S2 state. The latter two events can be connected to the fs and ps transients observed experimentally.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology features of a recurring plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor in the upper limb and review of the literature
Authors: Chou Shaun , Howle Julie , Chandraratnam Edward , Achan Anita
Published: November 2010

Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor is a rare soft tissue tumor that has a propensity to occur in the extremities in adolescents and young adults. Its cytologic features are not well documented, with only two case reports available in the literature. We present the case of a recurrent plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor in a 19‐year‐old male, the cytologic features of which mimic that of a high‐grade sarcoma. We discuss the likely differential diagnosis based on the cytologic findings and a review of the current literature on this highly unusual tumor is also performed. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011;39:49–53. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Smear preparation of intracranial lesions: A retrospective study of 306 cases
Authors: Ghosal Nandita , Hegde A. S. , Murthy Ganesh , Furtado Sunil V.
Published: November 2010

A cytohistological correlation with determination of accuracy rate of smear preparation result was done in a retrospective study of 306 cases of intracranial tumors. Cytomorphology of few new entities of CNS tumors are described.

The cytological features and WHO grading of the tumors were described on smear preparation. The cases with discrepancy in cytological and histological diagnosis were reviewed again and a final possible diagnosis on smear preparation which should have been given is discussed. The clinical details like the age, sex, and site of the tumors were analyzed.

The age range of the patients was from 3 years to 63 years with male:female ratio of 1.5:1. Of the total 306 cases, a cytohistological correlation was seen in 93% cases. Twenty‐two (7.3%) cases showed discrepancy between the crush preparation diagnosis and final histopathological diagnosis. Majority of the tumors were located in the cerebral hemisphere (56%) and the most frequently diagnosed tumor was astrocytoma, in particular, pilocytic astrocytoma (18.5%) followed by meningioma (11.9%), medulloblastoma (7.3%), anaplastic oligodendroglioma (5%), ependymoma (4.3%), pituitary adenoma (3.3%), schwannoma (3.3%), etc. A few rarer tumors, in central nervous system like differentiating neuroblastoma, pineocytoma, atypical choroid plexus papilloma, piloxmyxoid astrocytoma, rosette forming glioneuronal tumor, etc. are also described,

Smear/crush preparation is a very effective, simple, rapid and reliable technique for the diagnosis and WHO grading of central nervous system tumors. Diagnostic accuracy of cytology with final histopathological report is established with accuracy rate of 93%. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The value of duplicate slides on atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high‐grade intraepithelial lesion
Authors: Zhang Songlin , Kelly Brandi , Hospodar Elizabeth , Thibodeaux Joel , Thomas Jaiyeola , Abreo Fleurette
Published: November 2010

Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC‐H) category was added to the 2001 Bethesda System. ASC‐H accounts for a small percentage (0.2–0.6%) of abnormal Pap smears and includes heterogenous group of lesions. There are more high‐grade cervical lesions (30–50%) in ASC‐H than ASC‐US (10–15%). An accurate Pap diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient follow‐up and treatment.

A total of 43 consecutive ASC‐H cases were collected from October 2007 to March 2008, and all duplicate and the original slides were reviewed blindly at the end of the study. On review of the duplicate Pap slides, 18 cases had diagnostic SIL cells (15 HSIL, 2 LSIL with ASC‐H, and 1 LSIL). The duplicate slides could have potentially changed 18 (41.9%) ASC‐H diagnoses to a more definitive SIL diagnosis. On review of the original Pap slides, 8 of these 18 cases also had HSIL cells. Twenty‐one follow‐up cervical biopsies (21/43, 48.8%) showed 12 CIN 2/3, 4 CIN 1, 1 VAIN 1, 2 cervical polyps, 1 negative for dysplasia, and 1 insufficient for diagnosis. The CIN 2/3 rate was 57.1% (12/21) based on the original ASC‐H Pap diagnosis. The CIN 2/3 rates were 80% (8/10) with SIL cells on duplicate slides and 36.4% (4/11) without SIL cases on duplicate slides.

Our study suggested that duplicate slides were very useful for further classification of ASC‐H, but other ancillary tests might be necessary for some cases. We propose a systematic approach using combined duplicate slides and reflex HPV testing to further classify ASC‐H. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fine needle aspiration cytology of epithelioid sarcoma
Authors: Barwad Adarsh , Dey Pranab , Das Ashim
Published: November 2010

In this case report, we have described the fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of epithelioid sarcoma (ES) in a 40‐year‐old female patient who presented with multiple nodular swellings over right forearm and single right axillary lymph node. The FNAC smear showed predominantly dispersed as well as three‐dimensional clusters of malignant cells admixed with basement membrane like material. The individual cells were moderately pleomorphic with round to oval nuclei and moderate to abundant amount of cytoplasm. The neoplastic cells have well‐defined cytoplasmic borders and intercellular spaces. The excision biopsy of the swelling of the forearm showed ES. The cytology features of ES are characteristic and a preoperative diagnosis is helpful for proper management of the case. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fine‐needle aspiration cytology with histological correlation of chordoma metastatic to the lung: A diagnostic dilemma
Authors: Kanthan Rani , Senger Jenna‐Lynn
Published: November 2010

Chordoma is an uncommon tumor initially believed to be benign due to the rarity of its metastasis. Cytological, morphological, and immunohistochemical features of chordoma, relating to its origin from notochordal remnants, allows for its accurate diagnosis. A 75‐year‐old man with a known history of tuberculosis (TB) presented with shortness of breath and a dry cough. A chest X‐ray demonstrated a diffuse, infiltrative miliary pattern in both lungs. Bronchial washings submitted for culture and cytological examination did not identify any tuberculous bacilli. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed focal areas of myxoid regions with small, round, uniform mononuclear cells. There was a documented past history of chordoma arising from the L2 vertebrae. Because of the rarity of this lesion in the lung and the limited diagnostic material available with a clinical history of TB and lumbar chordoma, the pathological report rendered on the FNAC was “atypical cells suspicious for metastatic chordoma.” A wedge biopsy of the lung confirmed the presence of metastatic pulmonary chordoma. Despite palliative treatment, he died within a year. Although the metastatic potential of chordomas has been recognized and documented, to the best of our knowledge, metastasis of chordoma to the lung diagnosed by FNAC with cytohistological correlation has not been previously reported in the English literature. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2011. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus exhibits distinct clinical and autoimmunity features from classical type 1 diabetes mellitus in Chinese
Authors: Zheng Chao , Zhou Zhiguang , Yang Lin , Lin Jian , Huang Gan , Li Xia , Zhou Weidong , Wang Xiangbing , Liu Zhenqi
Published: November 2010

Background

Fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is characterized by abrupt onset of hyperglycemia and rapid progression to ketoacidosis. This study aimed at examining the clinical and autoimmunity features of fulminant T1DM in Chinese.

Methods

A total of 24 patients with fulminant T1DM and 48 classical autoimmune T1DM patients with acute onset of ketoacidosis were recruited. Anthropometric and biochemical parameters were tested. Serum antibodies against glutamic acid decarboxylase 65, tyrosine phosphatase‐2 and zinc transporter 8 were measured, and human leukocyte antigen‐DQ haplotypes were determined. Peripheral glutamic acid decarboxylase 65‐specific T‐cell responses in some subjects were determined.

Results

Compared with autoimmune T1DM patients, patients with fulminant T1DM displayed more flu‐like and gastrointestinal symptoms, and had significantly higher concentrations of plasma glucose, more severe ketoacidosis, very low levels of pancreatic β‐cell reserve, but only slightly increased haemoglobin A1c levels. In some patients, the disease onset was associated with drug‐related hypersensitivity, pregnancy, or positive serum IgM against viruses. Forty percent (8/20) had low titres of autoantibodies against at least one of the islet autoantigens tested. Three out of six patients had positive glutamic acid decarboxylase‐reactive Th1 responses. The frequency of human leukocyte antigen ‐DQA1*0102‐DQB1*0601 haplotype was significantly higher in patients with fulminant T1DM.

Conclusions

Fulminant T1DM is a distinct entity with unique clinical characteristics and may be mediated by multiple factors, including viral infection, pregnancy, and drug sensitivity syndrome, among others, in the presence of humoral and/or cellular autoimmunity and susceptible genetic background. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Core fucosylation is required for midline patterning during zebrafish development
Authors: Seth Anandita , Machingo Quentin J. , Fritz Andreas , Shur Barry D.
Published: November 2010

Complex carbohydrates represent one of the most polymorphic classes of macromolecules, but their functions during embryonic development remain poorly defined. Herein, we show that knockdown of FucT8, the fucosyltransferase responsible for adding an α1,6 fucosyl residue to the core region of N‐linked oligosaccharides, results in defective midline patterning during zebrafish development. Reduced FucT8 expression leads to mild cyclopia, small forebrains, U‐shaped somites, among other midline patterning defects. One of the principal FucT8 substrates was identified as Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), the major scaffold protein that is responsible for assembly and secretion of lipoprotein particles in vertebrates. In Drosophila, lipoprotein particles are thought to facilitate cell signaling by serving as a transport vehicle for lipid‐modified cell signaling proteins, such as hedgehog. In this regard, knockdown of ApoB expression in zebrafish embryos leads to similar midline patterning defects as those seen in FucT8 morphant embryos. Furthermore, preliminary studies suggest that ApoB facilitates Sonic hedgehog signaling during zebrafish development, analogous to the function of lipoprotein particles during hedgehog signaling in Drosophila. Developmental Dynamics 239:3380–3390, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nucleotide exchange factor RIC‐8 is indispensable in mammalian early development
Authors: Tõnissoo Tambet , Lulla Sirje , Meier Riho , Saare Merly , Ruisu Katrin , Pooga Margus , Karis Alar
Published: November 2010

The guanine nucleotide exchange factor RIC‐8 is a conserved protein essential for the asymmetric division in the early embryogenesis in different organisms. The function of RIC‐8 in mammalian development is not characterized so far. In this study we map the expression of RIC‐8 during the early development of mouse. To elucidate the RIC‐8 function we used Ric‐8−/− mutant embryos. The Ric‐8−/− embryos reach the gastrulation stage but do not develop further and die at E6.5‐E8.5. We characterized the Ric‐8−/− embryonic phenotype by morphological and marker gene analyses. The gastrulation is initiated in Ric‐8−/− embryos but their growth is retarded, epiblast and mesoderm disorganized. Additionally, the basement membrane is defective, amnion folding and the formation of allantois are interfered, also the cavitation. Furthermore, the orientation of the Ric‐8−/− embryo in the uterus was abnormal. Our study reveals that the activity of RIC‐8 protein is irreplaceable for the correct gastrulation of mouse embryo. Developmental Dynamics 239:3404–3415, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The rates and spatial patterns of annual riverbank erosion revealed through terrestrial laser‐scanner surveys of the South River, Virginia
Authors: O'Neal Michael A. , Pizzuto James E.
Published: November 2010

Between a.d. 2006 and 2008, we completed annual surveys of two mercury‐contaminated eroding banks, one forested and the other grass covered, along the gravel‐bed, bedrock South River in Virginia. Gridded digital terrain models with a resolution of 0·05 m were created from bank topography data collected using a terrestrial laser scanner. Model comparisons indicate that the forested bank retreated nearly 1 m around two leaning trees, while elsewhere the extent of bank retreat was negligible. On the grassy bank, retreat was controlled by the creation of small overhanging clumps of turf at the top of the bank, their occasional failure, and the ultimate removal of failed debris from the bank toe. Partial autocorrelation analysis of vertically integrated bank retreat demonstrates that bank profile erosion is virtually uncorrelated at horizontal distances greater than about 1 m on both banks, a length scale of approximately half the bank height. This extensive streamwise variability suggests that widely spaced profile data cannot adequately represent bank erosion at these sites. Additional analysis of our comprehensive spatial data also indicates that traditional bank profile surveys with any spacing greater than 1 m would result in measurement errors exceeding 10%, an important conclusion for assessing annual rates of mercury loading into the South River from bank erosion. Our results suggest that three‐dimensional gridded bare‐earth models of bank topography may be required to accurately measure annual bank retreat in similar river systems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Geometric characteristics and evolution of a tidal channel network in experimental setting
Authors: Vlaswinkel Brigitte M. , Cantelli Alessandro
Published: November 2010

This paper reports on a laboratory study that aims to reproduce a tidal channel network, in order to enhance the understanding of the morphodynamic evolution of the channel characteristics as the network expands and finally reaches equilibrium. A high‐resolution laser system scanned the bed topography at different time steps creating multiple digital elevation models of the channel network. Two hundred and seventy individual channel segments are analyzed and cross‐correlated in terms of their width, depth and length.

The laboratory results show positive linear correlations between depth and width as well as between length and width of channel segments of the network configuration at final equilibrium. In a downstream direction, channels appear to widen more than they deepen, indirectly a sign that discharge has a stronger control on channel width than on depth. In contrast to fluvial drainage networks that commonly display fractal and scale‐invariant behavior, the geometric properties of the experimental tidal creek network shows scale dependence. Channel attributes exhibit consistent patterns of exponentially decreasing abundance, with increasing creek length, depth and width. The nature of the observed exponential distributions within creek attributes (width, depth, length) allows for statistical predictability of relative creek attribute dimensions downstream and through time. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of pituitary tumor transforming gene expression with early oral tumorigenesis and malignant progression of precancerous lesions
Authors: Liao Li‐Jen , Hsu Yi‐Hsin , Yu Chuan‐Hang , Chiang Chun‐Pin , Jhan Jing‐Ru , Chang Lien‐Cheng , Lin Jing‐Jer , Lou Pei‐Jen
Published: November 2010

Background.

Pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG1) is overexpressed in many types of human cancers and is involved in late‐stage tumor progression. The role of PTTG1 in initiating tumorigenesis is unclear.

Methods.

PTTG1 expression was assessed in precancerous lesions and squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity (OSCC). The association between the protein expression and clinicopathologic parameters was analyzed. The expression level of PTTG1 upon carcinogen treatment was also investigated.

Results.

PTTG1 was overexpressed in both precancerous lesions and OSCC. The expression of PTTG1 was associated with carcinogen exposure in vivo and in vitro. PTTG1 overexpression was an independent factor for oral cancer development in precancerous lesions.

Conclusions.

This study provides the first evidence that PTTG1 is involved in the early stages of oral tumorigenesis. Carcinogen exposure may cause the initial induction of PTTG1 expression in oral precancerous lesions. PTTG1 overexpression is a potential prognosticator for malignant progression of oral precancerous lesions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Impact of continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring on autonomic nervous system during thyroid surgery
Authors: Ulmer Christoph , Friedrich Colin , Kohler Andrea , Rieber Fabian , Basar Tarkan , Deuschle Michael , Thon Klaus‐Peter , Lamadé Wolfram
Published: November 2010

Background.

Continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (CIONM) via vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is a new option for recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) protection during thyroid surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of VNS for CIONM and to assess its effects on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) through analyzing heart rate variability (HRV).

Methods.

In a prospective, nonrandomized controlled study 5 patients received VNS for CIONM and 5 were operated on with conventional intermittent intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). HRV was analyzed in accord with patient‐specific reference values.

Results.

VNS resulted in significantly altered ANS balance. Relative parasympathetic activity increased during VNS. Yet, no relevant cardiac arrhythmias or hemodynamic alterations were observed during VNS.

Conclusion.

HRV analysis revealed a distinct impact of VNS for CIONM on ANS balance. VNS caused parasympathetic predominance that was not countered by increased sympathetic activity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Efficacy of selective neck dissection for nodal metastasis with involvement of nonlymphatic structures
Authors: Dhiwakar Muthuswamy , Robbins K. Thomas , Rao Krishna , Vieira Francisco , Malone James
Published: November 2010

Background.

Our aim in carrying out this study was to determine the efficacy of selective neck dissection (SND) for cervical metastases with clinical involvement of adjacent nonlymphatic structures.

Methods.

In all, 39 patients were retrospectively analyzed with respect to 43 extended selective neck dissection (ESND) procedures.

Results.

Eighteen procedures were performed as part of the primary treatment and 25 for salvage following (chemo)radiation. Although most patients (84%) had nodal disease ≥N2, 91% had disease clinically confined to ≤2 neck levels. SND (levels II–IV) was most commonly performed and the internal jugular vein was the nonlymphatic structure most often sacrificed. Recurrence rate in the ipsilateral targeted neck was 0% and 13% in the primary surgery and postradiation groups, respectively.

Conclusions.

SND that is extended to include adjacent nonlymphatic structures appears to be effective for advanced nodal metastasis confined to ≤2 nodal levels. We support the use of the term “extended selective neck dissection (ESND)” to describe this modification of neck dissection. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Cost‐effectiveness analysis of cisplatin‐based chemoradiation to treat patients with unresectable, nonmetastatic head and neck cancer in Brazil
Authors: Brentani Alexandra , de Castro Gilberto , Federico Miriam H.
Published: November 2010

Background.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the cost‐effectiveness of cisplatin‐based chemoradiation compared to radiation therapy (RT) alone to treat patients with advanced head and neck cancer in Brazil.

Methods.

Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of 33 patients treated with RT alone (strategy 1) and from 29 patients treated with cisplatin‐based chemoradiation (strategy 2). The Brazilian National Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde [SUS]) reimbursement parameters perspective was considered, and the effectiveness was measured in years of disease‐free life gained. One‐way sensitivity analysis was performed to determine robustness of this study.

Results.

In strategy 1, there were 31% of the patients who lived without disease progression for more than 13 months after treatment, compared to 58% of patients in strategy 2. According to SUS parameters, the total cost per patient in strategy 1 was $1167.00 U.S. dollars and in strategy 2, it was $2058.00 U.S. dollars. Incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) was $3303.00 U.S. dollars per life‐year gained.

Conclusion.

Cisplatin‐based chemoradiation proved to be more cost‐effective than RT alone. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2011
Current trends in initial management of hypopharyngeal cancer: The declining use of open surgery
Authors: Takes Robert P. , Strojan Primož , Silver Carl E. , Bradley Patrick J. , Haigentz Missak , Wolf Gregory T. , Shaha Ashok R. , Hartl Dana M. , Olofsson Jan , Langendijk Johannes A. , Rinaldo Alessandra , Ferlito Alfio
Published: November 2010

Squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx represents a distinct clinical entity. Most patients present with significant comorbidities and advanced‐stage disease. The overall survival is relatively poor because of high rates of regional and distant metastasis at presentation or early in the course of the disease. A multidisciplinary approach is crucial in the overall management of these patients to achieve the best results and maintain or improve functional results. Traditionally, operable hypopharyngeal cancer has been treated by total (occasionally partial) laryngectomy and partial or circumferential pharyngectomy, followed by reconstruction and postoperative radiotherapy in most cases.

Efforts to preserve speech and swallowing function in the surgical treatment of hypopharyngeal (and laryngeal) cancer have resulted in a declining use of total laryngopharyngectomy and improved reconstructive efforts, including microvascular free tissue transfer. There are many surgical, as well as nonsurgical, options available for organ and function preservation, which report equally effective tumor control and survival. The selection of appropriate treatment is of crucial importance in the achievement of optimal results for these patients. In this article, several aspects of surgical and nonsurgical approaches in the treatment of hypopharyngeal cancer are discussed. Future studies must be carefully designed within clearly defined populations and use uniform terminology and standardized functional assessment and declare appropriate patient or disease endpoints. These studies should focus on improvement of resultsx, without increasing patient morbidity. In this respect, technical improvements in radiotherapy such as intensity‐modulated radiotherapy, advances in supportive care, and incorporation of newer systemic agents such as targeted therapy, are relevant developments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2012
Substernal goiters: Incidence, surgical approach, and complications in a tertiary care referral center
Authors: Raffaelli Marco , De Crea Carmela , Ronti Simona , Bellantone Rocco , Lombardi Celestino P.
Published: November 2010

Background.

Surgery is the treatment of choice for substernal goiters, but there are still some controversies on their definition, the surgical approach, and the complications rate. We analyzed our experience in a tertiary care referral center.

Methods.

Among a series of 2263 patients who underwent thyroidectomy between 2004 and 2008, 355 patients with substernal goiter were identified. A control group of 355 patients with cervical goiters operated on during the same period was selected. The operative and pathological characteristics and the complications rate of the 2 groups were compared.

Results.

Only 2 patients (0.6%) required an extracervical approach (1 primary intrathoracic goiter and 1 recurrent carcinoma). No significant difference was found in terms of complications between the 2 groups.

Conclusion.

The cervical approach can be safely performed in almost all the patients with substernal goiters. An extracervical procedure has very limited indications. Substernal goiter is not associated with increased complications rate. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Tissue microarray evidence of association between p16 and phosphorylated eIF4E in tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Fury Matthew G. , Drobnjak Marija , Sima Camelia S. , Asher Marina , Shah Jatin , Lee Nancy , Carlson Diane , Wendel H. Guido , Pfister David G.
Published: November 2010

Background.

Expression of p16 is a marker for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐related carcinogenesis in head and neck cancer. The purpose of this study is to determine if p16 immunoreactivity is associated with aberrant expression of components of the PI3 kinase pathway.

Methods.

A tissue microarray (TMA) was constructed for 46 archived tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma specimens. Clinical demographics of these patients were analyzed, and the TMA was interrogated with antibodies directed against p16, phosphorylated AktSer473, phosphorylated S6Ser240/244, phosphorylated S6Ser235/236, phosphorylated 4E‐BP1Thr37/46, phosphorylated eIF4ESer209, PTEN, p21, and p53.

Results.

There was a significant correlation between history of tobacco abuse (>10 pack/years) and absence of p16 expression (p = .01). Expression of p16 was significantly associated with immunoreactivity of p21 (p = .02), PTEN (p = .02), and phosphorylated eIF4E (p = .03). There was no evidence of association between p16 status and expression of phosphorylated S6, phosphorylated 4E‐BP1, or p53.

Conclusion.

p16 positive tonsillar squamous cell carcinoma is characterized by expression of phosphorylated eIF4E that may occur via a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)‐independent mechanism. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Silent aspiration and swallowing physiology after radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Ng Louisa K. Y. , Lee Kathy Y. S. , Chiu Sung Nok , Ku Peter K. M. , van Hasselt C. Andrew , Tong Michael C. F.
Published: November 2010

Background.

There is a paucity of knowledge on dysphagia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma postradiotherapy (NPC post‐RT). The purpose of this study was to establish silent aspiration occurrence, safe bolus consistency, and their relationship with swallowing physiology in patients with dysphagic NPC post‐RT.

Methods.

Eighty‐five patients with dysphagic NPC post‐RT were assessed across 4 bolus consistencies. We compared penetration‐aspiration scores against 4 swallowing physiology impairments.

Results.

Silent aspiration occurred in 65.9% of patients with dysphagia, with 64.7% on thin fluids, 35.3% on thick fluids, 11.8% on pureed diet, and 5.9% on soft diet. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated pharyngeal contraction and swallowing response had significant effect on thick fluids (p = .002), thin fluids (p = .017), and soft diet (p = .031).

Conclusion.

Silent aspiration of thin fluids is a common occurrence in dysphagic NPC post‐RT, with least aspiration noted on soft diet. Considering the high incidence of silent aspiration, instrumental assessment in this cohort is crucial. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Postnatal alterations in induction threshold and expression magnitude of long‐term potentiation and long‐term depression at hippocampal synapses
Authors: Dumas Theodore C.
Published: November 2010

Activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity refines neural networks during development and subserves information processing in adulthood. Previous research has revealed postnatal alterations in synaptic plasticity at nearly all forebrain synapses, suggesting different forms of synaptic plasticity may contribute to network development and information processing. To assess possible relationships between modifications in synaptic plasticity and maturation of cognitive ability, we examined excitatory synaptic function in area CA1 of the mouse hippocampus ∼3 weeks of age, when hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory abilities first emerge. Long‐term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD) of synaptic efficacy were observed in slices from juvenile animals younger than 3 weeks of age. Both pre‐ and postsynaptic mechanisms supported LTP and LTD in juveniles. After the third postnatal week, the magnitude of LTP was reduced and the threshold for postsynaptic induction was reduced, but the threshold for presynaptic induction was increased. The reduced threshold for postsynaptic LTP appeared to be due, partly, to an increase in baseline excitatory synaptic strength, which likely permitted greater postsynaptic depolarization during induction. Low frequency stimulation did not induce LTD at this more mature stage, but it blocked subsequent induction of LTP, suggesting metaplastic differences across age groups. Late postnatal modifications in activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity might reflect attenuation of mechanisms more closely tied to network formation (presynaptic potentiation and pre‐ and postsynaptic depression) and unmasking of mechanisms underlying information processing and storage (associative postsynaptic potentiation), which likely impact the integrative capacity of the network and regulate the emergence of adult‐like cognitive abilities. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phenylbutyrate rescues dendritic spine loss associated with memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease
Authors: Ricobaraza Ana , Cuadrado‐Tejedor Mar , Marco Sonia , Pérez‐Otaño Isabel , García‐Osta Ana
Published: November 2010

Alzheimer's disease (AD) and ageing are associated with impaired learning and memory, and recent findings point toward modulating chromatin remodeling through histone acetylation as a promising therapeutic strategy. Here we report that systemic administration of the HDAC inhibitor 4‐phenylbutyrate (PBA) reinstated fear learning in the Tg2576 mouse model of AD. Tg2576 mice develop age‐dependent amyloid pathology and cognitive decline that closely mimics disease progression in humans. Memory reinstatement by PBA was observed independently of the disease stage: both in 6‐month‐old Tg2576 mice, at the onset of the first symptoms, but also in aged, 12‐ to 16‐month‐old mice, when amyloid plaque deposition and major synaptic loss has occurred. Reversal of learning deficits was associated to a PBA‐induced clearance of intraneuronal Aβ accumulation, which was accompanied by mitigation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and to restoration of dendritic spine densities of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons to control levels. Furthermore, the expression of plasticity‐related proteins such as the NMDA receptor subunit NR2B and the synaptic scaffold SAP102 was significantly increased by PBA. Our data suggest that the beneficial effects of PBA in memory are mediated both via its chemical chaperone‐like activity and via the transcriptional activation of a cluster of proteins required for the induction of synaptic plasticity and structural remodeling. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The droughts of 1996–1997 and 2004–2005 in Amazonia: hydrological response in the river main‐stem
Authors: Tomasella Javier , Borma Laura S. , Marengo José A. , Rodriguez Daniel A. , Cuartas Luz A. , A. Nobre Carlos , Prado Maria C. R.
Published: November 2010

Severe hydrological droughts in the Amazon have generally been associated with strong El Niño events. More than 100 years of stage record at Manaus harbour confirms that minimum water levels generally coincide with intense warming in the tropical Pacific sea waters. During 2005, however, the Amazon experienced a severe drought which was not associated with an El Niño event. Unless what usually occurs during strong El Niño events, when negative rainfall anomalies usually affect central and eastern Amazon drainage basin; rainfall deficiencies in the drought of 2005 were spatially constrained to the west and southwest of the basin. In spite of this, discharge stations at the main‐stem recorded minimum water levels as low as those observed during the basin‐wide 1996–1997 El Niño‐related drought. The analysis of river discharges along the main‐stem and major tributaries during the drought of 2004–2005 revealed that the recession on major tributaries began almost simultaneously. This was not the case in the 1996–1997 drought, when above‐normal contribution of some tributaries for a short period during high water was crucial to partially counterbalance high discharge deficits of the other tributaries. Since time‐lagged contributions of major tributaries are fundamental to damp the extremes in the main‐stem, an almost coincident recession in almost all tributaries caused a rapid decrease in water discharges during the 2005 event. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of forest cover on peak flow and sediment discharge—an integrated field and modelling study in central–southern Chile
Authors: Birkinshaw Stephen J. , Bathurst James C. , Iroumé Andrés , Palacios Hardin
Published: November 2010

An integrated field and modelling study was carried out on the 35‐ha La Reina catchment, Chile, to test the hypothesis that the effect of forest cover on flood peaks becomes less important as the size of the hydrological event increases. Meteorological and discharge data were measured at the catchment before and after the pine plantation that covered 80% of the catchment area was logged. Analysis of the measured response of the catchment provides support for the hypothesis but is not conclusive. Therefore, modelling of the catchment using 1000 years of generated rainfall data representative of the current conditions was carried out for the forested and logged states. The simulations show that the absolute difference in discharge between the two cases remains approximately constant as the discharge increases: thus as a percentage of discharge it decreases. This relative convergence appears to become significant at return periods of greater than approximately 10 years. Tests with different hypothetical soil depths for the forested and logged catchments show an absolute convergence in discharge between the two cases for shallow soils and no convergence for deep soils. Sediment transport simulations show that forest cover provides a clear benefit in protecting the soil from erosion. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of the impacts of vegetation distribution and evaporative cooling on synthetic urban daytime climate using a coupled LES—LSM model
Authors: Huang Hsin‐Yuan , Margulis Steven A. , Chu Chia Ren , Tsai Hsiao‐Chung
Published: November 2010

Local flow properties and regional weather or climate are strongly affected by land‐atmosphere interactions of momentum and scalars within the daytime convective boundary layer (CBL). In this study, we investigate the impact of green space scale on the daytime atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) over a synthetic urban domain using a recently developed large‐eddy simulation‐land surface model (LES–LSM) framework. With the use of realistic soundings as initial conditions, a series of numerical experiments over synthetic urban surfaces with varied scale of vegetated area is performed. Simulated micrometeorological properties, surface fluxes, basic CBL characteristics, and cloud distribution are analysed. The results show reference‐level air potential temperature and specific humidity as well as surface fluxes over green space are significantly affected by the scale of green space in the urban domain. The surface organization due to vegetated area scale also has impacts on horizontally averaged scalar and momentum profiles; however, the magnitude in this study is smaller than the results of a previous study using a set of offline surface fluxes as the lower boundary condition for LES. In addition, even though this study only performs a daytime diurnal cycle, the impact of green space scale on cloud distribution in simulations is significant. The cases with more organized green space yield lower‐elevated cumulus cloud and larger‐cloud cover fraction, which impacts the energy budget at the top of boundary layer and, in turn, could lead to additional surface cooling with respect to longer‐term weather and climate. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Macrophage and dendritic cell phenotypic diversity in the context of biomaterials
Authors: Kou Peng Meng , Babensee Julia E.
Published: November 2010

Macrophages (Mϕ) and dendritic cells (DCs) are critical antigen presenting cells that play pivotal roles in host responses to biomaterial implants. Although Mϕs have been widely studied for their roles in the inflammatory responses against biomaterials, the roles that DCs play in the host responses toward implanted materials have only recently been explored. DCs are of significant research interest because of the emergence of a large number of combination products that cross‐traditional medical device boundaries. These products combine biomaterials with biologics, including cells, nucleic acids, and/or proteins. The biomaterial component may evoke an inflammatory response, primarily mediated by neutrophils and Mϕs, whereas the biologic component may elicit an immunogenic immune response, initiated by DCs involving lymphocyte activation. Control of Mϕ phenotypic balance from proinflammatory M1 to reparative M2 is a goal of investigators to optimize the host response to biomaterials. Similarly, control of DC phenotype from proinflammatory to toleragenic is of interest in vaccine delivery and tissue engineering/transplantation situations, respectively. This review discusses the interconnection between innate and adaptive immunity, the comparative and contrasting phenotypes and roles of Mϕs and DCs in immunity, their responses to biomaterials and the strategies to modulate their phenotype for applications in tissue engineering and vaccine delivery. Furthermore, the collaboration between and unique roles of DCs and Mϕs needs to be addressed in future studies to gain a more complete picture of host responses toward combination products. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2010.
Biomimeticity in tissue engineering scaffolds through synthetic peptide modifications—Altering chemistry for enhanced biological response
Authors: Sreejalekshmi Kumaran G. , Nair Prabha D.
Published: November 2010

Biomimetic and bioactive biomaterials are desirable as tissue engineering scaffolds by virtue of their capability to mimic natural environments of the extracellular matrix. Biomimeticity has been achieved by the incorporation of synthetic short peptide sequences into suitable materials either by surface modification or by bulk incorporation. Research in this area has identified several novel synthetic peptide segments, some of them with cell‐specific interactions, which may serve as potential candidates for use in explicit tissue applications. This review focuses on the developments and prospective directions of incorporating short synthetic peptide sequences onto scaffolds for tissue engineering, with emphasis on the chemistry of peptide immobilization and subsequent cell responses toward modified scaffolds. The article provides a decision‐tree‐type flow chart indicating the most probable cellular events on a given peptide‐modified scaffold along with the consolidated list of synthetic peptide sequences, supports as well as cell types used in various tissue engineering studies, and aims to serve as a quick reference guide to peptide chemists and material scientists interested in the field. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A:, 2011.
PDGF‐induced proliferation in human arterial and venous smooth muscle cells: Molecular basis for differential effects of PDGF isoforms
Authors: Li Li , Blumenthal Donald K. , Terry Christi M. , He Yuxia , Carlson Mary L. , Cheung Alfred K.
Published: November 2010

Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of arterial atherosclerosis and venous neointimal hyperplasia. We examined the effects of PDGF isoforms on smooth muscle cells (SMCs) from arterial and venous origins in order to further understand the differential responsiveness of these vasculatures to proliferative stimuli. Serum‐starved human arterial and venous SMCs exhibited very different proliferative responses to PDGF isoforms. Whereas, proliferation of arterial SMCs was strongly stimulated by PDGF‐AA, venous SMCs showed no proliferative response to PDGF‐AA, but instead demonstrated a significantly greater proliferative response to PDGF‐BB than arterial SMCs. Part of this difference could be attributed to differences in PDGF receptors expression. There was a 2.5‐fold higher (P < 0.05) density of PDGF receptor‐α (PDGF‐Rα) and a 6.6‐fold lower (P < 0.05) density of PDGF‐Rβ expressed on arterial compared to venous SMCs. Concomitant with an increased proliferative response to PDGF‐AA in arterial SMCs was a marked PDGF‐Rα activation, enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt, a transient activation of c‐Jun NH2‐terminal kinase (JNK), and a significant reduction in expression of the cell‐cycle inhibitor p27kip1. This pattern of signaling pathway changes was not observed in venous SMCs. No phosphorylation of PDGF‐Rα was detected after venous SMC exposure to PDGF‐AA, but there was enhanced phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and Akt in venous SMCs, similar to that seen in the arterial SMCs. PDGF‐BB stimulation of venous SMC resulted in PDGF‐Rβ activation as well as transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF‐R); transactivation of EGF‐R was not observed in arterial SMCs. These results may provide an explanation for the differential susceptibility to proliferative vascular diseases of arteries and veins. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 289–298, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hepatitis C virus E2 protein induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐related fibrogenesis in the HSC‐T6 hepatic stellate cell line
Authors: Ming‐Ju Hsieh , Yih‐Shou Hsieh , Tzy‐Yen Chen , Hui‐Ling Chiou
Published: November 2010

Chronic infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) leads to hepatic fibrosis and subsequently cirrhosis, although the underlying mechanisms have not been established. Previous studies have indicated that the binding of HCV E2 protein and CD81 on the surface of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) lead to the increased protein level and activity of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 2, indicating that E2 may involve in the HCV‐induced fibrosis. This study was designed to investigate the involvement of HCV E2 protein in the hepatic fibrogenesis. Results showed that E2 protein may promote the expression levels of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and collagen α(I). Furthermore, several pro‐fibrosis or pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐1β, were significantly increased in E2 transfected‐HSC cell lines, while the expression of MMP‐2 are also considerably increased. Moreover, the significant increases of CTGF and TGF‐β1 in a stable E2‐expressing Huh7 cell line were also observed the same results. Further molecular studies indicated that the impact of E2 protein on collagen production related to higher production of ROS and activated Janus kinase (JAK)1, JAK2 and also enhance the activation of ERK1/2 and p38, while catalase and inhibitors specific for JAK, ERK1/2, and p38 abolish E2‐enhanced expression of collagen α(I). Taken together, this study indicated that E2 protein involve in the pathogenesis of HCV‐mediated fibrosis via an up‐regulation of collagen α(I) and oxidative stress, which is JAK pathway related. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 233–243, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.