bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D is inversely associated with body mass index in cancer
Authors: Vashi Pankaj G , Lammersfeld Carolyn A , Braun Donald P , Gupta Digant 
Published: May 2011

AbstractBackgroundThe association between vitamin D deficiency and obesity in healthy populations and different disease states remains unsettled with studies reporting conflicting findings. Moreover, current dietary recommendations for vitamin D do not take into account a person's body mass index (BMI). We investigated the relationship between serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] and BMI in cancer.MethodsA consecutive case series of 738 cancer patients. Serum 25(OH)D was measured at presentation to the hospital. The cohort was divided into 4 BMI groups (underweight: <18.5, normal weight: 18.5-24.9, overweight: 25-29.9, and obese: >30.0 kg/m2). Mean 25(OH)D was compared across the 4 BMI groups using ANOVA. Linear regression was used to quantify the relationship between BMI and 25(OH)D.Results303 were males and 435 females. Mean age at diagnosis was 55.6 years. The mean BMI was 27.9 kg/m2and mean serum 25(OH)D was 21.9 ng/ml. Most common cancers were lung (134), breast (131), colorectal (97), pancreas (86) and prostate (45). Obese patients had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D levels (17.9 ng/ml) as compared to normal weight (24.6 ng/ml) and overweight (22.8 ng/ml) patients; p < 0.001. After adjusting for age, every 1 kg/m2increase in BMI was significantly associated with 0.42 ng/ml decline in serum 25(OH)D levels.ConclusionsObese cancer patients (BMI >= 30 kg/m2) had significantly lower levels of serum 25(OH)D as compared to non-obese patients (BMI <30 kg/m2). BMI should be taken into account when assessing a patient's vitamin D status and more aggressive vitamin D supplementation should be considered in obese cancer patients.
Anti-inflammatory activity of edible oyster mushroom is mediated through the inhibition of NF-κB and AP-1 signaling
Authors: Jedinak Andrej , Dudhgaonkar Shailesh , Wu Qing-li , Simon James , Sliva Daniel 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Mushrooms are well recognized for their culinary properties as well as for their potency to enhance immune response. In the present study, we evaluated anti-inflammatory properties of an edible oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) in vitro and in vivo.

Methods
RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line and murine splenocytes were incubated with the oyster mushroom concentrate (OMC, 0-100 μg/ml) in the absence or presence of lipopolysacharide (LPS) or concanavalin A (ConA), respectively. Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay. Expression of cytokines and proteins was measured by ELISA assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. DNA-binding activity was assayed by the gel-shift analysis. Inflammation in mice was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS.

Results
OMC suppressed LPS-induced secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-12p40 from RAW264.7 macrophages. OMC inhibited LPS-induced production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) through the down-regulation of expression of COX-2 and iNOS, respectively. OMC also inhibited LPS-dependent DNA-binding activity of AP-1 and NF-κB in RAW264.7 cells. Oral administration of OMC markedly suppressed secretion of TNF-α and IL-6 in mice challenged with LPS in vivo. Anti-inflammatory activity of OMC was confirmed by the inhibition of proliferation and secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), IL-2, and IL-6 from concanavalin A (ConA)-stimulated mouse splenocytes.

Conclusions
Our study suggests that oyster mushroom possesses anti-inflammatory activities and could be considered a dietary agent against inflammation. The health benefits of the oyster mushroom warrant further clinical studies.
Exposure to phthalates among premenstrual girls from rural and urban Gharbiah, Egypt: A pilot exposure assessment study
Authors: Colacino Justin A , Soliman Amr S , Calafat Antonia M , Nahar Muna S , Van Zomeren-Dohm Adrienne , Hablas Ahmed , Seifeldin Ibrahim A , Rozek Laura S , Dolinoy Dana C 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
Phthalates have been identified as endocrine active compounds associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity. The exposure to phthalates in premenstrual Egyptian females remains unknown. The objective of this study was to characterize phthalate exposure of a potentially vulnerable population of premenstrual girls from urban and rural Egypt.

Materials and methods
We collected one spot urine sample from 60 10-13 year old females, 30 from rural Egypt, and 30 from urban Egypt from July to October 2009. Samples were analyzed for 11 phthalate metabolites. Additionally, we collected anthropometrics as well as questionnaire data concerning food storage behaviors, cooking practices, and cosmetic use. Phthalate metabolite concentrations were compared between urban and rural Egyptians as well as to age and gender matched Americans.

Results
Monoethyl phthalate (MEP), was detected at the highest concentration in urine of Egyptian girls (median: 43.2 ng/mL in rural, 98.8 ng/mL in urban). Concentrations of urinary metabolites of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and dibutyl phthalate were comparable between Egyptians and age matched US girls. Storage of food in plastic containers was a statistically significant predictor of urinary mono-isobutyl phthalate (MiBP) concentrations when comparing covariate adjusted means.

Conclusions
Urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites were similar in Egyptian and US populations, suggesting that phthalate exposure also occurs in developing nations. Dietary intake is likely an important route of exposure to phthalates in both urban and rural populations.
Natriuretic Peptide Receptor A as a Novel Target for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Xiaoqin , Raulji Payal , Mohapatra Shyam S , Patel Ronil , Hellermann Gary , Kong Xiaoyuan , Vera Pedro L , Meyer-Siegler Katherine L , Coppola Domenico , Mohapatra Subhra 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
The receptor for the cardiac hormone atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA), is expressed in cancer cells, and natriuretic peptides have been implicated in cancers. However, the direct role of NPRA signaling in prostate cancer remains unclear.

Results
NPRA expression was examined by western blotting, RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. NPRA was downregulated by transfection of siRNA, shRNA and NPRA inhibitor (iNPRA). Antitumor efficacy of iNPRA was tested in mice using a TRAMP-C1 xenograft. Here, we demonstrated that NPRA is abundantly expressed on tumorigenic mouse and human prostate cells, but not in nontumorigenic prostate epithelial cells. NPRA expression showed positive correlation with clinical staging in a human PCa tissue microarray. Down-regulation of NPRA by siNPRA or iNPRA induced apoptosis in PCa cells. The mechanism of iNPRA-induced anti-PCa effects was linked to NPRA-induced expression of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), a proinflammatory cytokine over-expressed in PCa and significantly reduced by siNPRA. Prostate tumor cells implanted in mice deficient in atrial natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPRA-KO) failed to grow, and treatment of TRAMP-C1 xenografts with iNPRA reduced tumor burden and MIF expression. Using the TRAMP spontaneous PCa model, we found that NPRA expression correlated with MIF expression during PCa progression.

Conclusions
Collectively, these results suggest that NPRA promotes PCa development in part by regulating MIF. Our findings also suggest that NPRA is a potential prognostic marker and a target for PCa therapy.
α-Linolenic acid prevents endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of stearic acid lipotoxicity on primary rat hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Yong , Dong Lei , Yang Xia , Shi Hongyang , Zhang Li 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Aims
Lipid accumulation in non-adipose tissues leads to cell dysfunction and apoptosis, a phenomenon known as lipotoxicity. Unsaturated fatty acids may offset the lipotoxicity associated with saturated fatty acids. Stearic acid induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and caused apoptotic and necrotic cell death in the primary rat hepatocytes.

Methods
Cell viability was investigated using MTT assay, and apoptosis was evaluated with Hoechst 33342 staining. Western blot analysis was used to examine the changes in the expression levels of glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), glucose regulated protein 94 (GRP94), and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP). Caspase-3 activity was evaluated using a Caspase-3 substrate kit.

Results
We have studied the ability of α-linolenic acid to prevent endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis of rat hepatocytes elicited by stearic acid and thapsigargin. Incubation of primary rat hepatocytes for 16 h with stearic acid produced a significant increase in cell death. Stearic acid also increased levels of three indicators of ER stress -- GRP78, CHOP, and GRP94. α-Linolenic acid distinctly reduced cell death and levels of all three indicators of ER stress brought about by stearic acid. Thapsigargin, which induces ER stress produced similar effects to those obtained using stearic acid; its effects were partly reversed by α-linolenic acid.

Conclusion
These results suggest that α-linolenic acid prevents ER stress-mediated apoptosis of stearic acid lipotoxicity on primary rat hepatocytes might become a target to develop new antiapoptotic compounds in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Electrochemical sensors, MTT and immunofluorescence assays for monitoring the proliferation effects of cissus populnea extracts on Sertoli cells
Authors: Osibote Elizabeth , Noah Naumih , Sadik Omowunmi , McGee Dennis , Ogunlesi Modupe 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
We describe the development of an electrochemical sensor array for monitoring the proliferation effects of cissus populnea plant extracts on TM4 Sertoli cells.

Methods
The proliferation activities of the extracts on Sertoli cells were studied using a high-throughput electrochemical sensor array (DOX-96) and the analytical sensor characteristics were compared with conventional colorimetric MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Results
This work shows that there is a definite positive trend in the proliferation effect of the extract of Cissus populnea on the TM4 Sertoli cells. All of the three techniques confirmed that the most effective concentration for the proliferation is 10 ppm. At this concentration, the proliferation effect was established around 120% for both DOX-96 and MTT techniques, whereas fluorescence assays showed a higher level (120-150%). DOX-96 showed a lower limit of detection (1.25 × 10(4) cells/ml); whereas the LOD recorded for both MTT and fluorescence techniques was 2.5 × 10(4) cells/ml. Visual examination of the cells by means of confocal fluorescence microscopy confirmed the proliferation of Sertoli cells as was determined using the MTT assay. This investigation provides a confident interpretation of the results and proved that the most effective concentration for the proliferation using Cissus populnea plant extract is 10 ppm.

Conclusions
Overall, the DOX results compared well with the conventional methods of checking proliferation of cells. The fascinating feature of the sensor array is the ability to provide continuous proliferation experiments with no additional reagents including 96 simultaneous electrochemical experiments. The use of the DOX-96 could reduce a typical bioassay time by 20-fold. Thus the DOX-96 can be used as both a research tool and for practical cell culture monitoring.
Inhibition of phosphorylated c-Met in rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines by a small molecule inhibitor SU11274
Authors: Hou Jinxuan , Dong Jixin , Sun Lijun , Geng Liying , Wang Jing , Zheng Jialin , Li Yan , Bridge Julia , Hinrichs Steven H , Ding Shi-Jian 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
c-Met is a receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) that is over-expressed in a variety of cancers and involved in cell growth, invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the role of c-Met in rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) using its small molecule inhibitor SU11274, which has been hypothesized to be a potential therapeutic target for RMS.

Methods
The expression level of phosphorylated c-Met in RMS cell lines (RD, CW9019 and RH30) and tumor tissues was assessed by phospho-RTK array and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The inhibition effects of SU11274 on RMS cells were studied with regard to intracellular signaling, cell proliferation, cell cycle and cell migration.

Results
A high level of phosphorylated c-Met was detected in 2 alveolar RMS cell lines (CW9019 and RH30) and 14 out of 24 RMS tissue samples, whereas relatively low levels of phospho-c-Met were observed in the embryonic RMS cell line (RD). The small molecule SU11274 could significantly reduce the phosphorylation of c-Met, resulting in inhibition of cell proliferation, G1 phase arrest of cell cycle and blocking of cell migration in CW9019 and RH30 cell lines.

Conclusion
These results might support the role of c-Met in the development and progression of RMS. Furthermore, the inhibitor of c-Met, SU11274, could be an effective targeting therapy reagent for RMS, especially alveolar RMS.
Nanostructured hybrid ZnO thin films for energy conversion
Authors: Moya Mónica , Samantilleke Anura Priyajith , Mollar Miquel , Marí Bernabé 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
We report on hybrid films based on ZnO/organic dye prepared by electrodeposition using tetrasulfonated copper phthalocyanines (TS-CuPc) and Eosin-Y (EoY). Both the morphology and porosity of hybrid ZnO films are highly dependent on the type of dyes used in the synthesis. High photosensitivity was observed for ZnO/EoY films, while a very weak photoresponse was obtained for ZnO/TS-CuPc films. Despite a higher absorption coefficient of TS-CuPc than EoY, in ZnO/EoY hybrid films, the excited photoelectrons between the EoY levels can be extracted through ZnO, and the porosity of ZnO/EoY can also be controlled.
Carbon composite micro- and nano-tubes-based electrodes for detection of nucleic acids
Authors: Prasek Jan , Huska Dalibor , Jasek Ondrej , Zajickova Lenka , Trnkova Libuse , Adam Vojtech , Kizek Rene , Hubalek Jaromir 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe first aim of this study was to fabricate vertically aligned multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). MWCNTs were successfully prepared by using plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. Further, three carbon composite electrodes with different content of carbon particles with various shapes and sizes were prepared and tested on measuring of nucleic acids. The dependences of adenine peak height on the concentration of nucleic acid sample were measured. Carbon composite electrode prepared from a mixture of glassy and spherical carbon powder and MWCNTs had the highest sensitivity to nucleic acids. Other interesting result is the fact that we were able to distinguish signals for all bases using this electrode.
Plasmonic propagations distances for interferometric surface plasmon resonance biosensing
Authors: Lepage Dominic , Carrier Dominic , Jiménez Alvaro , Beauvais Jacques , Dubowski Jan J 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
A surface plasmon resonance (SPR) scheme is proposed in which the local phase modulations of the coupled plasmons can interfere and yield phase-sensitive intensity modulations in the measured signal. The result is an increased traceability of the SPR shifts for biosensing applications. The main system limitation is the propagation distance of the coupled plasmon modes. This aspect is therefore studied for thin film microstructures operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral regions. The surface roughness of the substrate layer is examined for different dielectrics and deposition methods. The Au layer, on which the plasmonic modes are propagating and the biosensing occurs, is also examined. The surface roughness and dielectric values for various deposition rates of very thin Au films are measured. We also investigate an interferometric SPR setup where, due to the power flux transfer between plasmon modes, the specific choice of grating coupler can either decrease or increase the plasmon propagation length.
Water exercises and quality of life during pregnancy
Authors: Vallim Ana L , Osis Maria J , Cecatti José G , Baciuk Érica P , Silveira Carla , Cavalcante Sérgio R 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
In Brazil, concern with the quality of life of pregnant women is one of the points emphasized in the Program for the Humanization of Prenatal Care and Childbirth launched in 2000. However, there are few references in the literature on the role of either land or water-based physical exercise on women's quality of life during pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a physical exercise program of water aerobics on the quality of life (QOL) of sedentary pregnant women.

Methods
A comparative observational study involving sedentary low-risk pregnant women bearing a single fetus with gestational age less than 20 weeks at the time of admission to the study, who were receiving antenatal care at a public health service. One group of 35 women was given routine antenatal care, while another group of 31 women, in addition to receiving the same routine care as the first group, also participated in three classes of water aerobics per week. QOL was evaluated by applying the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire in both groups at the 20th, 28th and 36th weeks of pregnancy. In the same occasions, women also answered another questionnaire about their experience with pregnancy and antenatal care.

Results
The great majority of the participants considered that the practice of water aerobics had benefitted them in some way. QOL scores were found to be high in both groups during follow-up. There was no association between the practice of water aerobics and QOL.

Conclusions
Further studies involving larger sample sizes should be conducted in different sociocultural contexts and/or using other instruments to adequately evaluate the QOL of women during pregnancy.
Oncogene addiction in gliomas: Implications for molecular targeted therapy
Authors: Yan Wei , Zhang Wei , Jiang Tao 
Published: May 2011

Abstract
Oncogene addiction is a phenomenon that the survival of cancer cells depends on an activated oncogene or inactivation of tumor suppressor gene, and is regarded as the 'Achilles heel' of the successful molecular targeted therapies in cancer. However, the role of oncogene addiction in gliomas has not been elucidated systematically. In this review, we summarize the current experimental and clinical evidence for the concept of oncogene addiction and describe the mechanisms explaining oncogene addiction in gliomas. And the clinical implications for oncogene addiction in molecular targeted therapy are further emphasized. In addition, we discuss future direction for defining complex "oncogene addiction network" through the integrated analysis of multiple platforms in the flow of genetic information in gliomagenesis.
ShRNA-mediated gene silencing of MTA1 influenced on protein expression of ER alpha, MMP-9, CyclinD1 and invasiveness, proliferation in breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 in vitro
Authors: Jiang Qingming , Zhang Hui , Zhang Ping 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
MTA1(metastasis associated-1) is a tumor metastasis associated candidate gene and overexpression in many human tumors, including breast cancer. In this study, we investigated depressive effect on MTA1 by MTA1-specific short hairpin RNA(shRNA) expression plasmids in human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7, and effect on protein levels of ER alpha, MMP-9, cyclinD1, and tumor cell invasion, proliferation.

Methods
ShRNA expression vectors targeting MTA1 was constructed and transfected into human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7. The transfection efficiency was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy, mRNA levels of MTA1 were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), protein levels of ER alpha, MMP-9 and cyclinD1 were detected by Western blotting, respectively. Tumor cells invasive ability were evaluated by Boyden chamber assay, the cells proliferation were evaluated using cell growth curve and MTT analysis, the cell cycle analysis was performed using flow cytometry.

Results
Down-regulation of MTA1 by RNAi approach led to re-expression of ER alpha in ER-negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231, and reduced protein levels of MMP-9 and CyclinD1, as well as decreased tumor cell invasion and proliferation, more cells were blocked in G0/G1 stage(P < 0.05). However, after inhibiting mRNA levels of MTA1, protein expression of ER alpha, MMP-9, cyclinD1 and the changes of cancer cells invasiveness, proliferation, cells cycle were no statistical difference in ER-positive human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (P > 0.05).

Conclusions
ShRNA targeted against MTA1 could specifically mediate the MTA1 gene silencing and consequentially recover the protein expression of ER alpha, resulting in increase sensitivity of antiestrogens, as well as suppress the protein levels of MMP-9 and cyclinD1 in ER-negative human breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-231. Silencing effect of MTA1 could efficiently inhibit the invasion and proliferation in MDA-MB-231 cells. The shRNA interference targeted against MTA1 may have potential therapeutic utility in human breast cancer.
HIV and incarceration: prisons and detention
Authors: Jürgens Ralf , Nowak Manfred , Day Marcus 
Published: May 2011

The high prevalence of HIV infection among prisoners and pre‐trial detainees, combined with overcrowding and sub‐standard living conditions sometimes amounting to inhuman or degrading treatment in violation of international law, make prisons and other detention centres a high risk environment for the transmission of HIV. Ultimately, this contributes to HIV epidemics in the communities to which prisoners return upon their release.We reviewed the evidence regarding HIV prevalence, risk behaviours and transmission in prisons. We also reviewed evidence of the effectiveness of interventions and approaches to reduce the risk behaviours and, consequently, HIV transmission in prisons.A large number of studies report high levels of risk behaviour in prisons, and HIV transmission has been documented. There is a large body of evidence from countries around the world of what prison systems can do to prevent HIV transmission. In particular, condom distribution programmes, accompanied by measures to prevent the occurrence of rape and other forms of non‐consensual sex, needle and syringe programmes and opioid substitution therapies, have proven effective at reducing HIV risk behaviours in a wide range of prison environments without resulting in negative consequences for the health of prison staff or prisoners.The introduction of these programmes in prisons is therefore warranted as part of comprehensive programmes to address HIV in prisons, including HIV education, voluntary HIV testing and counselling, and provision of antiretroviral treatment for HIV‐positive prisoners. In addition, however, action to reduce overcrowding and improve conditions in detention is urgently needed.