bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of evidence that bone marrow cells contribute to cholangiocyte repopulation during experimental cholestatic ductal hyperplasia
Authors: Moritoki Yuki , Ueno Yoshiyuki , Kanno Noriatsu , Yamagiwa Yoko , Fukushima Koji , Gershwin M. Eric , Shimosegawa Tooru 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: Ductopenia is observed in end‐stage human cholestatic diseases. The limited capability of cholangiocytes for proliferation is suggested to be the principal reason. Recently, bone marrow cells (BMCs) have been reported to behave as hepatic stem cells; however, their capability to differentiate into cholangiocytes in cholestasis remains unclear.Methods: Normal mice were lethally irradiated to suppress the proliferation of self‐BMCs; thereafter, the BMCs from enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP)‐transgenic mice were transferred to recipients. Chronic cholestasis was induced by 0.1%α‐naphtylisothiocyanate (ANIT) feeding. The proliferation of cholangiocytes and oval cells was assessed morphologically and immunohistchemically (cytokeratin‐7 (CK‐7), A6). Proliferative activity (proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression), hepatic growth factor (HGF) receptor (c‐Met), stem cell factor receptor (c‐kit), Notch2 and Hes1 expression were also evaluated.Results: Marked cholangiocyte proliferation was observed in ANIT‐fed mice. However, no EGFP/CK‐7 double positive cells were identified in any of the liver specimens after BMCs transfer (Tx). In hepatic parenchyma, there were scattered EGFP‐positive cells, although none of them were positive for CK‐7.Conclusions: In spite of the significant ductular proliferations after ANIT feeding, no EGFP‐positive cholangiocytes were confirmed by any other means in this chronic cholestasis model. Thus, different from hepatocytes, BMCs Tx seems not to contribute to the differentiation of cholangiocytes. Future studies are feasible to clarify the origin of proliferative cholangiocytes observed in this chronic cholestatic ductular hyperplasia model.
Pathogenic Potential of Novel Chlamydiae and Diagnostic Approaches to Infections Due to These Obligate Intracellular Bacteria
Authors: Corsaro Daniele , Greub Gilbert 
Published: April 2006

SUMMARY
Novel chlamydiae are newly recognized members of the phylum Chlamydiales that are only distantly related to the classic Chlamydiaceae, i.e., Chlamydia and Chlamydophila species. They also exibit an obligate biphasic intracellular life cycle within eukaryote host cells. Some of these new chlamydiae are currently considered potential emerging human and/or animal pathogens. Parachlamydia acanthamoebae and Simkania negevensis are both emerging respiratory human pathogens, Waddlia chondrophila could be a novel abortigenic bovine agent, and Piscichlamydia salmonis has recently been identified as an agent of the gill epitheliocystis in the Atlantic salmon. Fritschea spp. and Rhabdochlamydia spp. seem to be confined to arthropods, but some evidence for human exposure exists. In this review, we first summarize the data supporting a pathogenic potential of the novel chlamydiae for humans and other vertebrates and the interactions that most of these chlamydiae have with free-living amoebae. We then review the diagnostic approaches to infections potentially due to the novel chlamydiae, especially focusing on the currently available PCR-based protocols, mammalian cell culture, the amoebal coculture system, and serology.
Laboratory Diagnostics of Botulism
Authors: Lindström Miia , Korkeala Hannu 
Published: April 2006

SUMMARY
Botulism is a potentially lethal paralytic disease caused by botulinum neurotoxin. Human pathogenic neurotoxins of types A, B, E, and F are produced by a diverse group of anaerobic spore-forming bacteria, including Clostridium botulinum groups I and II, Clostridium butyricum, and Clostridium baratii. The routine laboratory diagnostics of botulism is based on the detection of botulinum neurotoxin in the patient. Detection of toxin-producing clostridia in the patient and/or the vehicle confirms the diagnosis. The neurotoxin detection is based on the mouse lethality assay. Sensitive and rapid in vitro assays have been developed, but they have not yet been appropriately validated on clinical and food matrices. Culture methods for C. botulinum are poorly developed, and efficient isolation and identification tools are lacking. Molecular techniques targeted to the neurotoxin genes are ideal for the detection and identification of C. botulinum, but they do not detect biologically active neurotoxin and should not be used alone. Apart from rapid diagnosis, the laboratory diagnostics of botulism should aim at increasing our understanding of the epidemiology and prevention of the disease. Therefore, the toxin-producing organisms should be routinely isolated from the patient and the vehicle. The physiological group and genetic traits of the isolates should be determined.
Navicular stress fractures: outcomes of surgical and conservative management
Authors: Potter N J , Brukner P D , Makdissi M , Crossley K , Kiss Z S 
Published: April 2006

Objective:To compare the long term outcomes of the two treatment options for navicular stress fractures: non-weightbearing cast immobilisation and surgical fixation.Design:Retrospective case study.Participants:Subjects aged 18 years and older who had been treated for a navicular stress fracture more than two years previously.Main outcome measures:Questionnaire based analogue pain score and function score; tenderness on palpation; abnormality detected on computed tomography (CT).Results:In all, 32 fractures in 26 subjects were investigated. No significant differences were found between surgical and conservative management for current pain (p = 0.984), current function (p = 0.170), or abnormality on CT (p = 0.173). However, surgically treated patients more often remained tender over the “N spot” (p = 0.005), even after returning to competition for two years or more.Conclusions:Surgical fixation of navicular stress fractures appears to be as effective as conservative management over the longer term. However, there remains a small but measurable degree of pain and loss of function over this period. The value of using “N spot” tenderness as the sole clinical predictor of treatment success requires further investigation, as some patients remained tender despite successful completion of treatment and return to competition.
Cryotherapy for acute ankle sprains: a randomised controlled study of two different icing protocols
Authors: Bleakley C M , McDonough S M , MacAuley D C 
Published: April 2006

Background:The use of cryotherapy in the management of acute soft tissue injury is largely based on anecdotal evidence. Preliminary evidence suggests that intermittent cryotherapy applications are most effective at reducing tissue temperature to optimal therapeutic levels. However, its efficacy in treating injured human subjects is not yet known.Objective:: To compare the efficacy of an intermittent cryotherapy treatment protocol with a standard cryotherapy treatment protocol in the management of acute ankle sprains.Subjects:Sportsmen (n  =  44) and members of the general public (n  =  45) with mild/moderate acute ankle sprains.Methods:Subjects were randomly allocated, under strictly controlled double blind conditions, to one of two treatment groups: standard ice application (n  =  46) or intermittent ice application (n  =  43). The mode of cryotherapy was standardised across groups and consisted of melting iced water (0°C) in a standardised pack. Function, pain, and swelling were recorded at baseline and one, two, three, four, and six weeks after injury.Results:Subjects treated with the intermittent protocol had significantly (p<0.05) less ankle pain on activity than those using a standard 20 minute protocol; however, one week after ankle injury, there were no significant differences between groups in terms of function, swelling, or pain at rest.Conclusion:Intermittent applications may enhance the therapeutic effect of ice in pain relief after acute soft tissue injury.
COMPLETING FUZZY IF-THEN RULE BASES BY MEANS OF SMOOTHING SPLINES
Authors: VETTERLEIN THOMAS , ŠTEPNICKA MARTIN 
Published: April 2006

A fuzzy if-then rule base may be viewed as a partial function between universes of fuzzy sets. For the construction of a fuzzy inference module, this partial function needs to be extended to a total one. Here, we propose a new method how to do so, making use of the method of smoothing splines. To this end, we identify the fuzzy sets with elements of a finite-dimensional real parameter space in an approximate way, using Perfilieva's fuzzy transforms. We then determine a function between two such parameter spaces by requiring that it reproduces the rule base as precise as possible and that it minimizes a parameter depending on its smoothness.
The Heritability of Mammographically Dense and Nondense Breast Tissue
Authors: Stone Jennifer , Dite Gillian S. , Gunasekara Anoma , English Dallas R. , McCredie Margaret R.E , Giles Graham G. , Cawson Jennifer N. , Hegele Robert A. , Chiarelli Anna M. , Yaffe Martin J. , Boyd Norman F. , Hopper John L. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Background: Percent mammographic density (PMD) is a risk factor for breast cancer. Our previous twin study showed that the heritability of PMD was 63%. This study determined the heritabilities of the components of PMD, the areas of dense and nondense tissue in the mammogram.
Methods: We combined two twin studies comprising 571 monozygous and 380 dizygous twin pairs recruited from Australia and North America. Dense and nondense areas were measured using a computer-assisted method, and information about potential determinants was obtained by questionnaire. Under the assumptions of the classic twin model, we estimated the heritability of the log dense area and log nondense area and the genetic and environmental contributions to the covariance between the two traits, using maximum likelihood theory and the statistical package FISHER.
Results: After adjusting for measured determinants, for each of the log dense area and the log nondense area, the monozygous correlations were greater than the dizygous correlations. Heritability was estimated to be 65% (95% confidence interval, 60-70%) for dense area and 66% (95% confidence interval, 61-71%) for nondense area. The correlations (SE) between the two adjusted traits were −0.35 (0.023) in the same individual, −0.26 (0.026) across monozygous pairs, and −0.14 (0.034) across dizygous pairs.
Conclusion: Genetic factors may play a large role in explaining variation in the mammographic areas of both dense and nondense tissue. About two thirds of the negative correlation between dense and nondense area is explained by the same genetic factors influencing both traits, but in opposite directions. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):612–7)
The Impact of Acculturation on Awareness of Genetic Testing for Increased Cancer Risk among Hispanics in the Year 2000 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Vadaparampil Susan T. , Wideroff Louise , Breen Nancy , Trapido Edward 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Previous studies suggest disparities in use of preventive cancer services among U.S. Hispanics are partly explained by knowledge and access factors. One area of emerging interest is uptake of genetic counseling and testing services by underserved populations. This study aims to estimate the percentage of Hispanics in five ethnic subgroups who are aware of genetic testing for inherited cancer risk, and to assess the influence of acculturation factors primarily related to language on test awareness. Weighted data from 4,313 Hispanic respondents (age &gt;25 years) in the year 2000 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed. Overall, 20.6% of Hispanics had heard of genetic testing for cancer risk, with percentages highest among Puerto Ricans (27.3%) and lowest among Mexicans (14.3%). Completing the interview in Spanish and English [odds ratio (OR), 0.52; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.35-0.78], or only Spanish (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.42-0.86), was inversely associated with test awareness (reference group, only English). Having an intermediate (OR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.48-0.90) or low (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.39-1.01) level of English language preference was also inversely associated (reference, high level) whereas being born outside the United States was weakly associated (OR, 0.80; 95% CI, 0.57-1.11). Estimates were adjusted for age, education, ethnicity, parents' cancer history, health care access, and selected health behaviors and beliefs. Results of this national survey indicate that acculturation factors related to language may affect cancer genetic test awareness in Hispanics. These factors must be taken into account when informing individuals about the role of genetics in cancer risk and providing cancer genetic health services. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):618–23)
Interindividual Variations in DNA Adduct Levels Assessed by Analysis of Multiple Genetic Polymorphisms in Smokers
Authors: Ketelslegers Hans B. , Gottschalk Ralph W.H. , Godschalk Roger W.L. , Knaapen Ad M. , van Schooten Frederik J. , Vlietinck Robert F.M.H. , Kleinjans Jos C.S. , van Delft Joost H.M. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Genetic polymorphisms in genes involved in processes that affect DNA damage may explain part of the large interindividual variation in DNA adduct levels in smokers. We investigated the effect of 19 polymorphisms in 12 genes involved in carcinogen metabolism, DNA repair, and oxidant metabolism on DNA adduct levels (determined by 32P post-labeling) in lymphocytes of 63 healthy Caucasian smokers. The total number of alleles that were categorized as putatively high-risk alleles seemed associated with bulky DNA adduct levels (P = 0.001). Subsequently, to investigate which polymorphisms may have the highest contribution to DNA adduct levels in these smokers, discriminant analysis was done. In the investigated set of polymorphisms, GSTM1*0 (P &lt; 0.001), mEH*2 (P = 0.001), and GPX1*1 (P &lt; 0.001) in combination with the level of exposure (P &lt; 0.001) were found to be key effectors. DNA adduct levels in subjects with a relatively high number of risk alleles of these three genes were &gt;2-fold higher than in individuals not having these risk alleles. Noteworthy, all three genes are involved in deactivation of reactive carcinogenic metabolites. This study shows that analysis of multiple genetic polymorphisms may predict the interindividual variation in DNA adduct levels upon exposure to cigarette smoke. It is concluded that discriminant analysis presents an important statistical tool for analyzing the effect of multiple genotypes on molecular biomarkers. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):624–9)
Relationship between Urinary 15-F2t-Isoprostane and 8-Oxodeoxyguanosine Levels and Breast Cancer Risk
Authors: Rossner Pavel , Gammon Marilie D. , Terry Mary Beth , Agrawal Meenakshi , Zhang Fang Fang , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Eng Sybil M. , Gaudet Mia M. , Neugut Alfred I. , Santella Regina M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractTo evaluate the role of oxidative stress in breast cancer, we measured urinary levels of 15-F2t-isoprostane (15-F2t-IsoP) and 8-oxodeoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) in 400 cases and 401 controls, participants of the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project. We also analyzed the effect of different factors that are associated with oxidative stress and might influence 15-F2t-IsoP and 8-oxodG levels. We observed a statistically significant trend in breast cancer risk with increasing quartiles of 15-F2t-IsoP levels [odds ratio (OR), 1.25; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.81-1.94; OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 0.99-2.35; OR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.23-2.88, for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartile relative to the lowest quartile, respectively; Ptrend = 0.002]. Although it is possible that increased levels may reflect the stress associated with recent treatment, the positive association was also observed when the analyses were restricted to case women for whom chemotherapy and radiation therapy had not yet been initiated at the time of the urine collection. The association with the highest quartile compared with lowest quartile of 15-F2t-IsoP was similar across strata of age, physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, body mass index, and menopausal status. We did not observe any association of breast cancer risk with 8-oxodG levels, but when cases with radiation treatment were removed from the analysis, a significant inverse trend (P = 0.04) was observed. Among controls, levels of 15-F2t-IsoP were higher among current cigarette smokers but did not differ by the amount of physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, alcohol intake, body mass index, and menopausal status. Among controls, levels of 8-oxodG were higher among postmenopausal women and current and former cigarette smokers but did not differ by the other factors. In summary, our results suggest that urinary markers of lipid peroxidation and oxidative DNA damage may be associated with breast cancer risk. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):639-44)
Association of theProgesterone ReceptorGene with Breast Cancer Risk: A Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Tagging Approach
Authors: Pooley Karen A. , Healey Catherine S. , Smith Paula L. , Pharoah Paul D.P. , Thompson Deborah , Tee Louise , West Judith , Jordan Clare , Easton Douglas F. , Ponder Bruce A.J. , Dunning Alison M. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractAssociation studies on susceptibility to breast cancer using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the progesterone receptor (PGR) gene have been previously published, but the results have been inconclusive. We used a comprehensive SNP-tagging approach to search for low-penetrance susceptibility alleles in a study of up to 4,647 cases and 4,564 controls, in a two-stage study design. We identified seven tagging SNPs using genotype data from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) Environmental Genome Project and typed these, and an additional three SNPs, in 2,345 breast cancer cases and 2,284 controls (set 1). Three SNPs showed no evidence for association and were not studied further, whereas seven SNPs (rs11571171, rs7116336, rs660149, rs10895068, rs500760, rs566351, and rs1042838) exhibited significant associations at P &lt; 0.1 using either a heterogeneity or trend test and progressed to be genotyped in set 2. After both stages, only one SNP was significantly associated with an increased risk of breast cancer — the PGR-12 (rs1042638) V660L valine to leucine polymorphism [VL heterozygotes (odds ratio, 1.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-1.24) and the LL homozygotes (odds ratio, 1.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.98-1.73), Phet = 0.008, Ptrend = 0.002]. Similar estimates were obtained in a combined analysis of our data with those from three other published studies. We conclude that the 660L allele may be associated with a moderately increased risk of breast cancer, but that other common SNPs in the PGR gene are unlikely to be associated with a substantial risk of breast cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):675–82)
Evidence for an Important Role of Alcohol- and Aldehyde-Metabolizing Genes in Cancers of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract
Authors: Hashibe Mia , Boffetta Paolo , Zaridze David , Shangina Oxana , Szeszenia-Dabrowska Neonila , Mates Dana , Janout Vladimir , Fabiánová Eleonóra , Bencko Vladimir , Moullan Norman , Chabrier Amelie , Hung Rayjean , Hall Janet , Canzian Federico , Brennan Paul 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Background: Incidence and mortality rates of upper aerodigestive tract cancers in Central Europe are among the highest in the world and have increased substantially in recent years. This increase is likely to be due to patterns of alcohol and tobacco consumption. Genetic susceptibility to upper aerodigestive tract cancer in relation to such exposures is an important aspect that should be investigated among populations in this region.
Methods: A multicenter case-control study comprising 811 upper aerodigestive tract cancer cases and 1,083 controls was conducted in: Bucharest (Romania), Lodz (Poland), Moscow (Russia), Banska Bystrika (Slovakia), and Olomouc and Prague (Czech Republic). We analyzed six SNPs in three genes related to ethanol metabolism: alcohol dehydrogenase 1B and 1C (ADH1B, ADH1C) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2).
Results: The ADH1B histidine allele at codon 48 was associated with a decreased risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancer; odds ratios (OR) were 0.36 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.17-0.77] for medium/heavy drinkers and 0.57 (95% CI, 0.36-0.91) for never/light drinkers. Moderately increased risks were observed for the ADH1C 350Val allele (OR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.98-1.55) and ADH1C 272Gln allele (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.98-1.55). Medium/heavy drinkers who were heterozygous or homozygous at ALDH2 nucleotide position 248 were at a significantly increased risk of upper aerodigestive tract cancer (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.13-2.75; OR, 5.79; 95% CI, 1.49-22.5, respectively), with a significant dose response for carrying variant alleles (P = 0.0007). Similar results were observed for the ALDH2 +82A&gt;G and ALDH2 −261C&gt;T polymorphisms. When results were analyzed by subsite, strong main effects were observed for squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus for all six variants. Among the 30% of the population who were carriers of at least one ALDH2 variant, the attributable fraction among carriers (AFc) was 24.2% (5.7-38.3%) for all upper aerodigestive tract cancers, increasing to 58.7% (41.2-71.0%) for esophageal cancer. Among carriers who drank alcohol at least thrice to four times a week, the AFc for having at least one ALDH2 variant was 49% (21.3-66.8%) for all upper aerodigestive tract cancers, increasing to 68.9% (42.9-83.1%) for esophageal cancer.
Conclusions: Polymorphisms in the ADH1B and ALDH2 genes are associated with upper aerodigestive tract cancer in Central European populations and interact substantially with alcohol consumption. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):696–703)
Heme and Chlorophyll Intake and Risk of Colorectal Cancer in the Netherlands Cohort Study
Authors: Balder Helena F. , Vogel Johande , Jansen Margje C.J.F. , Weijenberg Matty P. , van den Brandt Piet A. , Westenbrink Susanne , van der Meer Roelof , Goldbohm R. Alexandra 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
Background: The evidence for red meat as a determinant of colorectal cancer remains equivocal, which might be explained by differences in heme content. Heme is the pro-oxidant, iron-containing porphyrin pigment of meat and its content depends on the type of meat. Chlorophyll from green vegetables might modify this association.
Methods: The Netherlands Cohort Study was initiated in 1986 when a self-administered questionnaire on risk factors for cancer was completed by 120,852 subjects ages 55 to 69 years. After 9.3 years of follow-up through the Cancer Registry, 1,535 incident colorectal cancer cases (869 men and 666 women) were available. Nineteen of the 150 items in the validated dietary questionnaire related to consumption of specific types of fresh and processed meat. Heme iron content was calculated as a type-specific percentage of the total iron content and chlorophyll content of vegetables was derived from the literature.
Results: Multivariate rate ratios for quintiles of heme iron intake and colon cancer were 1.00, 0.98, 1.04, 1.13, and 1.29 (Ptrend = 0.10) among men and 1.00, 1.31, 1.44, 1.18, and 1.20 (Ptrend = 0.56) among women, respectively. No consistent associations were observed for rectal cancer. Rate ratios for colon cancer increased across successive quintiles of the ratio of heme/chlorophyll among men only (1.00, 1.08, 1.01, 1.32, and 1.43; Ptrend = 0.01). No associations were observed between fresh meat and colorectal cancer.
Conclusion: Our data suggest an elevated risk of colon cancer in men with increasing intake of heme iron and decreasing intake of chlorophyll. Further research is needed to confirm these results. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(4):717–25)