bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of comorbidity on short‐term mortality and overall survival of head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Datema Frank R. , Ferrier Marciano B. , van der Schroeff Marc P. , Baatenburg de Jong Robert J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundIn 2001, we presented a Cox regression model that is able to predict survival of the newly diagnosed patient with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This model is based on the TNM classification and other important clinical variables such as age at diagnosis, sex, primary tumor site, and prior malignancies. We aim to improve this model by including comorbidity as an extra prognostic variable. Accurate prediction of the prognosis of the newly diagnosed patient with head and neck cancer can assist the physician in patient counseling, clinical decision‐making, and quality maintenance.MethodsAll patients with HNSCC of the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx diagnosed in the Leiden University Medical Centre between 1981 and 1998 were included. From these 1371 patients, data on primary tumor site, age at diagnosis, sex, TNM classification, and prior malignancies were already available. Comorbidity data were collected retrospectively according to the ACE27 manual. The prognostic value of each variable on overall survival was studied univariately by Kaplan–Meier curves and the log‐rank test. The Cox regression model was used to investigate the impact of these variables on overall survival simultaneously. Furthermore, univariate analyses were performed to investigate the impact of comorbidity severity on short‐term mortality and to investigate the impact of organ‐specific‐comorbidity on short‐term mortality.ResultsComorbidity was present in 36.4% of our patients. Mild decompensation was seen in 17.4%, moderate decompensation in 13.5%, and severe decompensation in 5.5%. Most frequently observed ailments were cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal. In univariate analyses, all prognostic variables, including comorbidity, contributed significantly to overall survival. Their contribution (except sex) remained significant in the multivariate Cox model. Internal validation of this model showed a concordance index of 0.73, indicating a good predictive value. Short‐term mortality was seen in 5.7% of our patients. Cardiovascular comorbidity, respiratory comorbidity, gastrointestinal comorbidity, and diabetes showed a significant relationship with short‐term mortality.ConclusionsComorbidity impacts overall survival of the newly diagnosed patient with HNSCC. There is a clear distinction between the impact of the 4 ACE27 severity grades. The impact of an ACE27 grade 3 is comparable to the impact of a T4 tumor or an N2 neck. Comorbidity impacts short‐term mortality as well. Especially cardiovascular comorbidity, respiratory comorbidity, gastrointestinal comorbidity, and diabetes show a strong relationship. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Clinical grading of oral mucosa by curve‐fitting of corrected autofluorescence using diffuse reflectance spectra
Authors: Mallia Rupananda Jayachandra , Subhash Narayanan , Mathews Anitha , Kumar Rejnish , Thomas Shiny Sara , Sebastian Paul , Madhavan Jayaprakash 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundLaser‐induced autofluorescence (LIAF) and diffuse reflectance (DR) were collectively used in this clinical study to improve early oral cancer diagnosis and tissue grading.MethodsLIAF and DR emission from oral mucosa were recorded on a fiber‐optic spectrometer by illumination with a 404‐nm diode laser and tungsten halogen lamp in 36 healthy volunteers and 40 lesions of 20 patients.ResultsAbsorption dips in LIAF spectra at 545 and 575 nm resulting from changes in oxygenated hemoglobin were corrected using DR spectra of the same site. These corrected spectra were curve‐fitted using Gaussian spectral functions to determine constituent emission peaks and their relative contribution. The Gaussian peak intensity and area ratios F500/F635 and F500/F685 were found to be useful indicators of tissue transformation. The diagnostic capability of various ratios in differentiating healthy, hyperplastic, dysplastic, and squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) were examined using discrimination scatterplots.ConclusionsThe LIAF/DR technique, in conjunction with curve‐fitting, differentiates different grades of dysplasia and SCC in this clinical trial and proves its potential for early detection of oral cavity cancer and tissue grading. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010
Upregulation of interleukin‐1 by Epstein–Barr virus latent membrane protein 1 and its possible role in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell growth
Authors: Huang Yu‐Tzu , Liu Mei‐Ying , Tsai Ching‐Hwa , Yeh Te‐Huei 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackgroundNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. We previously found that interleukin (IL)‐1α and IL‐1β significantly increased in NPC tissues. This study investigated what EBV‐encoded proteins were involved in such IL‐1 production.Methods and ResultsIL‐1α and IL‐1β messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) were detected in the EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) transfectant (LMP135) only by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). LMP1‐mediated IL‐1α and IL‐1β production could be enhanced by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Moreover, IL‐1α and IL‐1β mRNAs and proteins were increased in a dose‐dependent manner in epithelial cells transiently transfected by an LMP1 plasmid. Besides, immortalized human epidermal keratinocyte (RHEK‐1) epithelial cells could be enhanced to proliferate by IL‐1α and IL‐1β determined by water‐soluble tetrazolium salt (WST‐1) assay.ConclusionsEBV LMP1 is capable of upregulating IL‐1α and IL‐1β secretions from epithelial cells and positively modulated by TNF‐α. This may consequently contribute to tumor growth in patients with NPC. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009
Area CA3 interneurons receive two spatially segregated mossy fiber inputs
Authors: Cosgrove Kathleen E. , Galván Emilio J. , Meriney Stephen D. , Barrionuevo Germán 
Published: October 2009

AbstractArea CA3 receives two extrinsic excitatory inputs, the mossy fibers (MF), and the perforant path (PP). Interneurons with somata in str. lacunosum moleculare (L‐M) of CA3 modulate the influence of the MF and PP on pyramidal cell activity by providing strong feed‐forward inhibitory influence to pyramidal cells. Here we report that L‐M interneurons receive two separate MF inputs, one to the dorsal dendrites from the suprapyramidal blade of the dentate gyrus (MFSDG), and a second to ventral dendrites from the str. lucidum (MFSL). Responses elicited from MFSDG and MFSL stimulation sites have strong paired‐pulse facilitation, similar DCG‐IV sensitivity, amplitude, and decay kinetics but target spatially segregated domains on the interneuron dendrites. These data demonstrate that certain interneuron subtypes are entrained by two convergent MF inputs to spatially separated regions of the dendritic tree. This anatomical arrangement could make these interneurons considerably more responsive to the excitatory drive from dentate granule cells. Furthermore, temporal summation is linear or slightly sublinear between PP and MFSL but supralinear between PP and MFSDG. This specific boosting of the excitatory drive to interneurons from the SDG location may indicate that L‐M interneurons could be specifically involved in the processing of the associational component of the recognition memory. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The association between birth order, sibship size and glioma development in adulthood
Authors: Amirian E. , Scheurer Michael E. , Bondy Melissa L. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe etiology of brain tumors is still largely unknown. Previous research indicates that infectious agents and immunological characteristics may influence adult glioma risk. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the effects of birth order and sibship size (total number of siblings), as indicators of the timing and frequency of early life infections, on adult glioma risk using a population of 489 cases and 540 cancer‐free controls from the Harris County Brain Tumor Study. Odds ratios for birth order and sibship size were calculated separately from multivariable logistic regression models, adjusting for sex, family history of cancer, education, and age. Each one‐unit increase in birth order confers a 13% decreased risk of glioma development in adulthood (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.79–0.97). However, sibship size was not significantly associated with adult glioma status (OR = 0.97, 95% CI = 0.91–1.04). Our study indicates that individuals who were more likely to develop common childhood infections at an earlier age (those with a higher birth order) may be more protected against developing glioma in adulthood. More biological and epidemiological research is warranted to clarify the exact mechanisms through which the timing of common childhood infections and the course of early life immune development affect gliomagenesis.
The state of the art of cancer control in 30 European countries in 2008
Authors: Bastos Joana , Peleteiro Bárbara , Gouveia Joaquim , Coleman Michel P. , Lunet Nuno 
Published: October 2009

AbstractInequalities in cancer incidence, mortality and survival represent a major challenge for public health. Addressing this challenge requires complex and multidisciplinary approaches. Sharing successful experiences from across Europe may therefore be of benefit. We describe the state of the art of cancer control structures in the 27 European Union countries, plus Iceland, Norway and Switzerland, at the beginning of 2008. Information on cancer plans, cancer registries, cancer screening, Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination and smoking restrictions in each country was identified through PubMed, the official websites of national and international organizations and Google™ searches. Experts and/or health authorities from each country completed and validated the information. Sixteen countries had implemented national cancer plans in 2008. Twenty four countries had population‐based cancer registries with 100% coverage. The exceptions were Greece and Luxembourg (no population‐based registry yet), France, Italy and Spain (<50%), and Switzerland (62%). In 9 countries, population coverage of breast cancer screening was 100% with participation ranging from 26 to 87%; 8 countries did not have organized programmes. Seven countries had cervical cancer screening programmes with 100% coverage with participation ranging from 10 to 80%; 8 countries had no organized programme. Nine countries had announced national HPV vaccination policies by early 2008. Six countries had organized colorectal cancer screening programmes. Five countries had complete bans on smoking in public places. There is wide international heterogeneity in cancer control structures in Europe. This provides considerable scope and motivation for cooperation and sharing of experience.
Does long‐run purchasing power parity hold in Eastern and Southern African countries? Evidence from panel data stationary tests with multiple structural breaks
Authors: Hoarau Jean‐François 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThis study tests for the long‐run purchasing power parity hypothesis for a panel of 17 African economies, all belonging to the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, over the period 1970–2007. This assumption is considered both in its traditional view, that is, the reversion of the real exchange rate (RER) to a constant mean, and in the Balassa‐Samuelson view, that is, the reversion of the RER to a constant trend. For this purpose, we use the new panel data stationary test advocated by Carrion‐i‐Silvestre et al. that accounts for multiple structural breaks and cross‐sectional dependence. Finally, our results give strong evidence for purchasing power parity when the Balassa‐Samuelson version is considered. This finding supports the view that purchasing power parity is most likely to be found among high inflation less developed countries and non‐CFA countries. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Making trading decisions for financial‐engineered derivatives: a novel ensemble of neural networks using information content
Authors: Leung Mark T. , Chen An‐Sing , Mancha Ruben 
Published: October 2009

AbstractOver the last decades, there has been a growing interest in applying artificial intelligence techniques to solve a spectrum of financial problems. A number of studies have shown promising results in using artificial neural networks (ANNs) to guide investment trading. Given the expanding role of ANNs in financial trading, this paper proposes the use of a hybrid neural network, which consists of two independent ANN architectures, and comparatively evaluates its performance against independent ANNs and econometric models in the trading of a financial‐engineered (synthetic) derivative composed of options on foreign exchange futures. We examine the financial profitability and the market timing ability of the competing neural network models and statistically compare their attributes with those based on linear and nonlinear statistical projections. A random walk model and the option pricing method are also included as benchmarks for comparison. Our empirical investigation finds that, for each of the currencies analysed, trading strategies guided by the proposed dual network are financially profitable and yield a more stable stream of investment returns than the other models. Statistical results strengthen the notion that diffusion of information contents and cross‐validation between the independent components within the dual network are able to reduce bias and extreme decision making over the long run. Moreover, the results are robust with respect to different levels of transaction costs. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic effects of polychlorinated biphenyl hydroquinone metabolites in rat hepatocytes
Authors: Chan Katie , Lehmler Hans‐Joachim , Sivagnanam Milani , Feng Cynthia Yan , Robertson Larry , O'Brien Peter J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that exhibit various toxic effects in animals and exposed human populations. The molecular mechanisms of PCB toxicity have been attributed to the toxicological properties of its metabolites, such as hydroquinones, formed by cytochrome‐P‐450 oxidation. The effects of PCB hydroquinone metabolites towards freshly isolated rat hepatocytes were investigated. Hydroquinones can be oxidized to semiquinones and/or quinone metabolites. These metabolites can conjugate glutathione or can oxidize glutathione as a result of redox cycling. This depletes hepatocyte glutathione, which can inhibit cellular defence mechanisms, causing cell death and an increased susceptibility to oxidative stress. However in the following, glutathione‐depleted hepatocytes became more resistant to the hydroquinone metabolites of PCBs. This suggested that their glutathione conjugates were toxic and that there was a third type of quinone toxicity mechanism which involved a hydrogen peroxide‐accelerated autoxidation of the hydroquinones to form toxic electrophilic quinone and semiquinone–glutathione conjugates. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impediment of NEMO oligomerization inhibits osteoclastogenesis and osteolysis
Authors: Darwech Isra , Otero Jesse , Alhawagri Muhammad , Dai Simon , Abu‐Amer Yousef 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe transcription factor NF‐κB is essential for osteoclastogenesis and is considered an immune‐modulator of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory osteolysis. Activation of NF‐κB subunits is regulated by the upstream IκB kinase (IKK) complex which contains IKKα, IKKβ, and IKKγ; the latter also known as NF‐κB essential modulator (NEMO). The role of IKKα and IKKβ in the skeletal development and inflammatory osteolysis has been described, whereas little is known regarding the role of NEMO in this setting. Typically, signals induced by RANK ligand (RANKL) or TNF prompt oligomerization of NEMO monomers through the coiled‐coil‐2 (CC2) and leucine zipper (LZ) motifs. This step facilitates binding to IKKs and further relaying signal transduction. Given the central role of NF‐κB in osteoclastogenesis, we asked whether NEMO is essential for osteoclastogenesis and whether interruption of NEMO oligomerization impedes osteoclast differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Using cell‐permeable short peptides overlapping the CC2 and LZ motifs we show that these peptides specifically bind to NEMO monomers, prevent trimer formation, and render NEMO monomers susceptible for ubiquitin‐mediated degradation. Further, CC2 and LZ peptides attenuate RANKL‐ and TNF‐induced NF‐κB signaling in bone marrow‐derived osteoclast precursors (OCPs). More importantly, these peptides potently inhibit osteoclastogenesis, in vitro, and arrest RANKL‐induced osteolysis, in mice. To further ascertain its role in osteoclastogenesis, we were able to block osteoclastogenesis using NEMO siRNA knockdown approach. Collectively, our data establish that obstruction of NEMO oligomerization destabilizes NEMO monomers, inhibits NF‐κB activation, impedes osteoclastogenesis and arrests inflammatory osteolysis. Thus, NEMO presents itself as a promising target for anti‐osteolytic intervention. J. Cell. Biochem. 108: 1337–1345, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantum mechanical studies on model α‐pleated sheets
Authors: Wu Hao , Canfield Alana , Adhikari Jhashanath , Huo Shuanghong 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPauling and Corey proposed a pleated‐sheet configuration, now called α‐sheet, as one of the protein secondary structures in addition to α‐helix and β‐sheet. Recently, it has been suggested that α‐sheet is a common feature of amyloidogenic intermediates. We have investigated the stability of antiparallel β‐sheet and two conformations of α‐sheet in solution phase using the density functional theoretical method. The peptides are modeled as two‐strand acetyl‐(Ala)2‐N‐methylamine. Using stages of geometry optimization and single point energy calculation at B3LYP/cc‐pVTZ//B3LYP/6‐31G* level and including zero‐point energies, thermal, and entropic contribution, we have found that β‐sheet is the most stable conformation, while the α‐sheet proposed by Pauling and Corey has 13.6 kcal/mol higher free energy than the β‐sheet. The α‐sheet that resembles the structure observed in molecular dynamics simulations of amyloidogenic proteins at low pH becomes distorted after stages of geometry optimization in solution. Whether the α‐sheets with longer chains would be increasingly favorable in water relative to the increase in internal energy of the chain needs further investigation. Different from the quantum mechanics results, AMBER parm94 force field gives small difference in solution phase energy between α‐sheet and β‐sheet. The predicted amide I IR spectra of α‐sheet shows the main band at higher frequency than β‐sheet. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010
Fetal thickened nuchal soft tissues may first appear in the second trimester in Down syndrome
Authors: Zimmer Etan Z. , Blazer Shraga , Linn Shai , Bronshtein Moshe 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPurpose.To describe a series of cases of late‐onset fetal nuchal translucency in Down syndrome.Method.In our practice area, most pregnant women usually undergo 3 different sonographic examinations: a fetal nuchal translucency examination in the 1st trimester and 2 detailed surveys of all fetal organs in the early 2nd trimester and in midpregnancy.Result.During the study period (2003–2008), we detected 11 fetuses with new appearance of severe thickened nuchal soft tissues (≥6 mm) at 14–16 weeks' gestation after a normal nuchal screening in the 1st trimester. All of these fetuses had trisomy 21. Associated structural anomalies were observed in 10/11 of the cases. In addition, there were 12 fetuses with new appearance of thickened nuchal soft tissues (<4 mm); all these fetuses had a normal karyotype and were normal at delivery.Conclusion.Obstetricians should be aware that a nuchal abnormality may first appear only at 14–16 weeks' gestation. Fetal karyotyping is advocated in these cases because of the high probability of Down syndrome. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 2010
Patient and physician predictors of inappropriate acid‐suppressive therapy (AST) use in hospitalized patients
Authors: Nachnani Jagdish S. , Bulchandani Deepti , Moormeier Jill , Foxworth John 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND:The use of acid suppressive therapy (AST) in prevention of stress ulcers has been well defined in critical care patients, though its use has become increasingly common in general medicine patients, with little to no supportive evidence. None of the previous studies has examined the patient and physician characteristics of inappropriate AST initiation and use in hospitalized patients. The aim of our study was to identify: (1) the appropriateness of AST in hospitalized patients and the cost associated with inappropriate use; and (2) patient and physician characteristics predicting inappropriate initiation and use of AST.METHODS:All discharges over a period of 8 consecutive days were selected.RESULTS:There were 207 patients discharged over a period of 8 days. AST was inappropriately initiated in 92 of 133 (69.2%) patients included in our study. On univariate analysis, higher hemoglobin value, postgraduate year 1 (PGY‐1) residents, physicians with an MD degree, international medical graduates (IMGs), and internal medicine physicians were more likely to prescribe AST inappropriately. On multivariate analysis, a higher hemoglobin value, PGY‐1 residents, and MD physicians were factors associated with inappropriate AST use. The total direct patient cost for this inappropriate use was $8026, with an estimated annual cost of approximately $366,000.CONCLUSIONS:AST was inappropriately initiated in 69.2% of patients with increased direct costs of $8026. Residents in their first year of training as well physicians with a MD degree are more likely to initiate AST inappropriately. Curtailing the inappropriate use of AST therapy may reduce overall costs for the patient and institution. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2009;4:E10–E14. © 2009 Society of Hospital Medicine.