bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cancer and non-cancer health effects from food contaminant exposures for children and adults in California: a risk assessment
Authors: Vogt Rainbow , Bennett Deborah , Cassady Diana , Frost Joshua , Ritz Beate , Hertz-Picciotto Irva 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
In the absence of current cumulative dietary exposure assessments, this analysis was conducted to estimate exposure to multiple dietary contaminants for children, who are more vulnerable to toxic exposure than adults.

Methods
We estimated exposure to multiple food contaminants based on dietary data from preschool-age children (2–4 years, n=207), school-age children (5–7 years, n=157), parents of young children (n=446), and older adults (n=149). We compared exposure estimates for eleven toxic compounds (acrylamide, arsenic, lead, mercury, chlorpyrifos, permethrin, endosulfan, dieldrin, chlordane, DDE, and dioxin) based on self-reported food frequency data by age group. To determine if cancer and non-cancer benchmark levels were exceeded, chemical levels in food were derived from publicly available databases including the Total Diet Study.

Results
Cancer benchmark levels were exceeded by all children (100%) for arsenic, dieldrin, DDE, and dioxins. Non-cancer benchmarks were exceeded by >95% of preschool-age children for acrylamide and by 10% of preschool-age children for mercury. Preschool-age children had significantly higher estimated intakes of 6 of 11 compounds compared to school-age children (p<0.0001 to p=0.02). Based on self-reported dietary data, the greatest exposure to pesticides from foods included in this analysis were tomatoes, peaches, apples, peppers, grapes, lettuce, broccoli, strawberries, spinach, dairy, pears, green beans, and celery.

Conclusions
Dietary strategies to reduce exposure to toxic compounds for which cancer and non-cancer benchmarks are exceeded by children vary by compound. These strategies include consuming organically produced dairy and selected fruits and vegetables to reduce pesticide intake, consuming less animal foods (meat, dairy, and fish) to reduce intake of persistent organic pollutants and metals, and consuming lower quantities of chips, cereal, crackers, and other processed carbohydrate foods to reduce acrylamide intake.
Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: a malignancy associated with recurrent epididymitis?
Authors: Yen Ching-Heng , Lee Chun-Te , Su Chung-Jen , Lo Hua-Cheng 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A 53-year-old Taiwanese male had several episodes of left epididymitis with hydrocele refractory to antibiotic treatment. Partial epididymectomy plus preventive vasectomy were planned, and, incidentally, an ill-defined nodule was found lying on the tunica vaginalis near the epididymal head. The pathological diagnosis was malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis. Radical orchiectomy with wide excision of the hemi-scrotal wall was performed. So far, there is no evidence of recurrence after more than 3 years of follow-up. Malignant tumor should be considered in the case of recurrent epididymitis refractory to empirically effective antibiotic treatment. Although the nature of this tumor is highly fatal, the malignancy can possibly be cured by early and aggressive surgical treatment.
Contamination of nanoparticles by endotoxin: evaluation of different test methods
Authors: Smulders Stijn , Kaiser Jean-Pierre , Zuin Stefano , Van Landuyt Kirsten L , Golanski Luana , Vanoirbeek Jeroen , Wick Peter , Hoet Peter HM 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Nanomaterials can be contaminated with endotoxin (lipopolysaccharides, LPS) during production or handling. In this study, we searched for a convenient in vitro method to evaluate endotoxin contamination in nanoparticle samples. We assessed the reliability of the commonly used limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay and an alternative method based on toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 reporter cells when applied with particles (TiO2, Ag, CaCO3 and SiO2), or after extraction of the endotoxin as described in the ISO norm 29701.

Results
Our results indicate that the gel clot LAL assay is easily disturbed in the presence of nanoparticles; and that the endotoxin extraction protocol is not suitable at high particle concentrations. The chromogenic-based LAL endotoxin detection systems (chromogenic LAL assay and Endosafe-PTS), and the TLR4 reporter cells were not significantly perturbed.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that nanoparticles can interfere with endotoxin detection systems indicating that a convenient test method must be chosen before assessing endotoxin contamination in nanoparticle samples.
Overexpression of chemokine ligand 7 is associated with the progression of canine transmissible venereal tumor
Authors: Chiang Hsin-Chien , Wang Yu-Shan , Chou Chung-Hsi , Liao Albert Taiching , Chu Rea-Min , Lin Chen-Si 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundChemokines play multiple roles in the development and progression in a variety of tumors. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 7 (CXCL7) has been found associated with pro-inflammatory responses, but its role in cancer growth remains unclear. Our previous study showed that R phase tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) produced large amounts of interleukin (IL)-6 which antagonized transforming growth factor (TGF)-β derived from CTVT to diminish the immune-suppressive microenvironment. Now we intend to determine the expression pattern of CXCL7 and the role of IL-6/TGF-β in CXCL7 induction during spontaneous progressive (P) and regressive (R) phases in canine transmissible venereal tumor (CTVT).ResultsWe have demonstrated that CXCL7 expressed at high level in P phase and down-regulated in R phase by western blot and real-time PCR. This suggested that CXCL7 expression was negatively correlated with the tumor growth. Co-culturing TILs with CTVT cells was found to reduce CXCL7 expression, while adding IL-6 blocking antibody reversed it. Moreover, in P phase CTVT, while IL-1β and TGF-β had no obvious effect on CXCL7 expression, IL-6 was found significantly to reduce CXCL7 expression in a dose-dependent manner. The mRNA expression results of CXCL7 receptor, CXCR2, further confirmed the effects of IL-6 concentration on the CXCL7 expression.ConclusionCXCL7 overexpression might be associated with the progressive growth of CTVT. The results shown here also suggest the role of CXCL7 in cancer development and the potential as the anti-cancer therapeutic target.
Breast Self-Examination and breast cancer awareness in women in developing countries: a survey of women in Buea, Cameroon
Authors: Suh Mary Atanga Bi , Atashili Julius , Fuh Eunice Asoh , Eta Vivian Ayamba 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundBreast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Cameroon, breast cancer causes as many as 10.7 deaths per 100,000 women making it the second cause of cancer mortality. Better documenting women’s knowledge and practices on breast cancer and breast self-exam (BSE) would be useful in the design of interventions aimed at preventing breast cancer. This study sought to 1. describe Cameroonian women’s knowledge of breast self-examination (BSE); 2. assess their impression on the practice of BSE and 3. describe their perceptions on the causes, risk factors and prevention of breast cancer.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted in a volunteer sample of 120 consenting women in Buea, Cameroon. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire self-administered by study participants.ResultsThe sample was fairly educated with close to three quarters (70.83%) having completed high school. Nearly three quarters (74.17%) of participants had previously heard about BSE, however as many as 40% had never done a BSE. Although 95% of participants believed that breast cancer could be prevented, only 36.67% recognized breast examination as a prevention method. A substantial 13.33% thought that breast cancer could be prevented with a vaccine while 45% thought that dieting or exercising would prevent breast cancer. Similarly, 70% of participants thought that breast cancer could be treated, with 35.83% thinking that it could be treated medically while 34.17% thought it could be treated traditionally or spiritually.ConclusionsThe practice of BSE while perceived as being important is not frequent in these women in Buea, Cameroon. Health education campaigns are imperative to elucidate the public on the causes, risk factors and prevention of breast cancer. Further studies need to explore what interventions could be best used to improve the uptake and practice of BSE.
Introduction into PPPM as a new paradigm of public health service: an integrative view
Authors: Bodrova Tatiana A , Kostyushev Dmitry S , Antonova Elena N , Slavin Shimon , Gnatenko Dmitry A , Bocharova Maria O , Legg Michael , Pozzilli Paolo , Paltsev Mikhail A , Suchkov Sergey V 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
In the present state of healthcare, usual medical care is generally given to the already diseased person, while the key link—personal health monitoring underlain by predictive, preventive, and personalised medicine (PPPM) techniques that are being intensively elaborated worldwide—is simply missing. It is this link, based on the recognition of subclinical conditions, prediction, and further preventive measures, that is capable of regulating morbidity and diminishing the rates of disability among able-bodied population, thus significantly cutting the traditionally high costs of treating the already diseased people. To achieve the above-mentioned goal—the elaboration of the PPPM concept and its practical implementation—it is necessary to create a fundamentally new strategy based upon the subclinical recognition of the signs—bioindicators of cryptic abnormalities long before the disease clinically manifests itself. The implementation of PPPM programme requires an adjusted technology for the proper interpretation of diagnostic data, which would allow for the current ‘physician-patient’ model to be gradually replaced by a novel model, ‘medical advisor-healthy men-at-risk’. This is the reason for an additional need in organising combinatorial scientific, clinical, training and educational projects in the area of PPPM to elicit the content of this new branch of medicine.
Inhibition of meningitis-associated neutrophil apoptosis by TNF-α depends on functional PI3-kinase in monocytes
Authors: Recher Mike , Malipiero Ursula , Schaer Dominik J , Koedel Uwe , Pfister Hans-Walter , Birchler Thomas , Petrausch Ulf , Claus Heike , Gast Heidemarie , Fontana Adriano 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Neutrophil apoptosis in meningococcal meningitis is controlled by TNF-α and depends on functional PI3-kinase signaling in monocytes.
In bacterial meningitis, neutrophils cope with bacterial infection but also lead to tissue damage. The balance of beneficial and harmful effects may depend on the lifespan of the neutrophils in the CNS. Here, we show that CSF of patients with meningococcal meningitis contains a neutrophil apoptosis-inhibiting capacity that correlates with TNF-α content. In vitro experiments show that Neisseria meningitidis as well as LPS derived from these bacteria regulated neutrophil apoptosis mainly by stimulating TNF-α production in monocytes. Whereas LPS-induced PI3K-dependent survival signals in monocytes are critical for neutrophil survival, PI3K signaling in granulocytes did not contribute to the increased lifespan of neutrophils. We conclude that LPS-driven PI3K signaling in monocytes regulates neutrophil apoptosis and thereby, may be crucial in the initiation of secondary brain damage in bacterial meningitis.
Disease burden and mental health system capacity: WHO Atlas study of 117 low- and middle-income countries
Authors: McBain Ryan , Salhi Carmel , Morris Jodi E. , Salomon Joshua A. , Betancourt Theresa S. 
Published: November 2012

BackgroundTreatment coverage for mental disorders ranges from less than 10% to more than 90% across low- and middle-income (LAMI) countries. Studies have yet to examine whether the capacity of mental health systems might be adversely affected by the burdens of unrelated conditions such as HIV/AIDS.AimsTo examine whether the magnitude of disease burden from communicable, perinatal, maternal and nutritional conditions - commonly referred to as Group 1 diseases - is inversely associated with mental health system capacity in LAMI countries.MethodMultiple regression analyses were undertaken using data from 117 LAMI countries included in the 2011 World Health Organization (WHO) Mental Health Atlas. Capacity was defined in terms of human resources and infrastructure. Regressions controlled for effects of political stability, government health expenditures, income inequality and neuropsychiatric disease burden.ResultsHigher Group 1 disease burden was associated with fewer psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses in the mental health sector, as well as reduced numbers of out-patient facilities and psychiatric beds in mental hospitals and general hospitals (t= −2.06 to −7.68, P < 0.05).ConclusionsEvidence suggests that mental health system capacity in LAMI countries may be adversely affected by the magnitude of their Group 1 disease burden.
Inverse Correlation of miRNA and Cell Cycle-Associated Genes Suggests Influence of miRNA on Benign Thyroid Nodule Tumorigenesis
Authors: Ferraz Carolina , Lorenz Stephan , Wojtas Bartosz , Bornstein Stefan R. , Paschke Ralf , Eszlinger Markus 
Published: November 2012

AbstractContext:The molecular etiology of cold and benign thyroid nodules (CBTNs) is largely unknown. Increased thyroid epithelial cell proliferation is a hallmark of CBTNs. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are prominent regulators of cell proliferation.Objective:Our objective was to assess the influence of miRNAs on the increased proliferation and thus the molecular etiology of CBTNs.Design:By using microarrays, we defined the molecular pattern of increased proliferation of CBTNs as a differential expression of cell-cycle-associated genes and miRNAs. In silico integration of differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs showed an inverse correlation between the expression of 59 miRNAs and 133 mRNAs. Inverse correlations between cell-cycle-associated genes such as CDKN1C and miR-221, CCND1 and miR-31, GADD45A and miR-130b, or CDKN1A and let-7f suggest a modulation of proliferation in CBTNs by miRNAs. Their expression was validated using quantitative RT-PCR and functionally characterized in cell line models.Results:Comparative quantitative RT-PCR of 20 samples of CBTNs and their surrounding tissue revealed an 11-fold down-regulation of miR-31 with a 2.6-fold up-regulation of CCND1, and a 2.6-fold up-regulation of miR-130b with a 2.3-fold down-regulation of its target GADD45A. Using HTori and FTC-133 cell lines, we analyzed proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis after transfection of miRNA-31 and miRNA-130b mimic and inhibitors. Overexpression of miR-31 and the resultant down-regulation of CCND1 led to an arrest in the cell cycle phase G1. Overexpression of miR-130b led to an increase of apoptosis and necrosis within 72 h.Conclusion:miR-31 and miR-130b may have an effect on tumorigenesis of CBTNs by regulating proliferation and apoptosis and the cell cycle through cyclin D1.
Vitamin D Status and Coronary Flow Reserve Measured by Positron Emission Tomography: A Co-Twin Control Study
Authors: Karohl Cristina , Vaccarino Viola , Veledar Emir , Goldberg Jack , Tangpricha Vin , Bellasi Antonio , Raggi Paolo 
Published: November 2012

AbstractContext:Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with increased cardiovascular events in the general population. Additionally, low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] is associated with endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffness. However, little is known about the association between serum 25(OH)D level and myocardial blood flow.Objective:Our objective was to examine the association between serum 25(OH)D levels and coronary flow reserve (CFR) measured by 13N-positron emission tomography in asymptomatic middle-aged male twins.Design:The Emory Twin Study is a cross-sectional study of soldiers from the Vietnam Era Registry.Setting:The study was conducted at the General Clinical Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA.Participants:A total of 368 middle-aged male twins were enrolled for the study. Serum 25(OH)D levels were measured in all subjects and classified as vitamin D insufficiency [25(OH)D &lt;30 ng/ml] or sufficiency [25(OH)D ≥30 ng/ml]. Positron emission tomography with [13N]ammonia was used to evaluate myocardial blood flow at rest and after adenosine stress. CFR was measured as the ratio of maximum to rest myocardial blood flow.Main Outcome Measure:Primary outcome was CFR measurement.Results:Mean overall serum 25(OH)D concentration was 37.0 ± 21.4 ng/ml; 167 twins (45%) were vitamin D insufficient. CFR was significantly lower in subjects with vitamin D insufficiency compared with subjects with vitamin D sufficiency (2.41 vs. 2.64; P = 0.007), even after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, serum PTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels, and season. An abnormal CFR (CFR &lt;2) was more prevalent in subjects with vitamin D insufficiency than with vitamin D sufficiency (31 vs. 20%; P = 0.03). In addition, in vitamin D status-discordant twin pairs, CFR was significantly lower in the vitamin D-insufficient twin than in the vitamin D-sufficient co-twin (2.35 vs. 2.58; P = 0.037).Conclusion:Vitamin D insufficiency is associated with lower CFR in men. This association may help explain some of the increased cardiovascular risk reported in individuals with vitamin D insufficiency.
CuO Nanoparticles Supported on Silica: A Simple, Efficient, and Recyclable Catalyst for Hydroacylation Reactions of Aldehydes with Azodicarboxylate
Authors: Inamdar Suleman M , More Vinod K , Mandal Sisir K 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We describe a green and efficient procedure for the hydroacylation of aldehydes with diisopropyl azodicarboxylate, using CuO nanoparticles supported on silica (CuO-np/SiO2) as a catalyst, in good to excellent yields. A wide range of aldehydes, including aromatic and aliphatic compounds, were considered. The catalyst is found to be truly heterogeneous in the reaction mixture and can be reused without loss of catalytic activity.
Photocatalytic Energy Storage over Surface-modified WO3 Using V5+/V4+ Redox Mediator
Authors: Miseki Yugo , Kusama Hitoshi , Sayama Kazuhiro 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Photocatalytic V5+ reduction accompanied by O2 evolution over WO3 is reported for the first time. Water oxidation reaction utilizing VO2+ ion as an electron acceptor proceeded photocatalytically over WO3. The activity of WO3 was remarkably enhanced by the presence of Fe3+/2+ ion at the ion-exchange site on WO3 surface, and its apparent quantum yield (AQY) was 22% at 420 nm. Moreover, the AQY was raised to about 78% when a small amount of formic acid was added to reactant solution.
Carbon Nanotube–Polypyrrole Hybrid Films as Potentiometric Peroxide Biosensors
Authors: Yu Aimin 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Nanostructured composite films of multiwalled carbon nanotube/polypyrrole (MWCNT/PPy) were prepared, and their potential as potentiometric biosensors was studied. MWCNT and PPy were alternately assembled on indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes via a solution-based layer-by-layer self-assembly technique, which provided a good matrix for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). The resulting MWCNT/PPy/HRP composite films exhibited excellent potentiometric response to hydrogen peroxide while the thickness and composition of the multilayer were found to affect the performance of the biosensor.
Fabrication of Polycarbonate and Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) Blend Monolith via Non-solvent-induced Phase Separation Method
Authors: Xin Yuanrong , Uyama Hiroshi 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A blend monolith of polycarbonate and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) with a three-dimensional continuous interconnected porous structure is fabricated through a non-solvent-induced phase separation (NIPS) method. By tuning the solvent composition for NIPS, the monolith of the two immiscible polymers is obtained successfully. The blend monolith, with its large surface area and high thermal stability, may find use in various potential applications of porous materials.
Highly Densified Mesoporous Bulk Silica Prepared with Colloidal Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles toward a New Low-k Material
Authors: Suzuki Norihiro , Huang Yu-Tzu , Nemoto Yoshihiro , Nakahira Atsushi , Yamauchi Yusuke 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We report the fabrication of highly densified mesoporous bulk silica consisting of colloidal mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) by using a hydrothermal hot-pressing method. No cracks or voids are found in the synthesized bulk. The mesoporous structure of the bulk is maintained as well as that of the original MSNs. The MSN-based bulk with large pore volume shows potential as a low-k material.
One-pot Chemical Synthesis of Zinc Antimonide Nanoparticles as Building Blocks for Nanostructured Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Mai Nguyen T , Mott Derrick M , Higashimine Koichi , Maenosono Shinya 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
We report a novel one-pot chemical synthesis of zinc antimonide (Zn–Sb) nanoparticles (NPs) via the sequential reduction of metal precursors and subsequent compositional redistribution. Chemically synthesized Zn–Sb NPs are expected to be promising building blocks for nanostructured thermoelectric materials.
Formation of Unique Platinum–Silyl Complexes by the Reactions of a Zero-valent Platinum Complex with Various Trisilanes
Authors: Arii Hidekazu , Takahashi Makiko , Takahashi Hideyuki , Mochida Kunio , Kawashima Takayuki 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Trisilanes bearing hydrogen atoms at two more silicon atoms reacted with a zero-valent platinum complex [Pt(dppe)(η2-C2H4)] to give various types of mononuclear and dinuclear platinum–silyl complexes. Interestingly, in the case of 1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyltrisilane, the Si–Si bond was uniquely activated, resulting in the formation of the diplatinum complex [Pt2(dppe)2(µ-1,4-SiMe(SiMe2)2SiMe)].
Fast Photorefractive Response in Triphenylamine-based Molecular Glass
Authors: Cao Zhenbo , Tsuchiya Kousuke , Ogino Kenji 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
A new bifunctional photorefractive active succinate (TPD-2DCVA) consisting of a tetraphenyldiaminobiphenyl (TPD) unit and 4-dicyanovinylaniline (DCVA) moieties was prepared, which forms stable molecular glass. The glass-transition temperatures (Tg’s) of TPD-2DCVA-based composites were efficiently controlled by the doping of small amount of plasticizers. The compound possesses a high photoconductivity of 2.1 × 10−9 cm Ω−1 W−1 at 50 V µm−1. A gain coefficient of 56.7 cm−1 at electric field of 56 V µm−1 was achieved. Fast response times of 29–37 ms were also obtained at low electric fields for these composites.
Adhesion Properties of Fluidized Bed Particles on the Surface of Char Derived from Woody Biomass Samples in Rapid Pyrolysis
Authors: Iwasaki Toshiyuki , Suganuma Hideki , Kato Shigeru , Yamasaki Akihiro , Satokawa Shigeo , Kojima Toshinori 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Woody biomass samples were pyrolized at different temperatures and heating rates in a fluidized bed reactor (FBR). Only under the conditions of rapid pyrolysis between 600 and 1000 °C, porous alumina particles as the bed material adhered on the surface of the obtained char. The amount of particles adhering on the char derived from softwood was larger than that derived from hardwood.