bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
UVB therapy increases 25(OH) vitamin D syntheses in postmenopausal women with psoriasis
Authors: Osmancevic Amra , Landin‐Wilhelmsen Kerstin , Larkö Olle , Mellström Dan , Wennberg Ann‐Marie , Hulthén Lena , Krogstad Anne‐Lene 
Published: September 2007

Background: Vitamin D3 is produced in the epidermis by ultraviolet (UV) radiation (290–315 nm) of 7‐dehydrocholesterol. A similar range of 290–320 nm (broadband UVB) has been successfully used for years to treat psoriasis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether UVB therapy was able to influence vitamin D synthesis in psoriasis patients.Methods: Twenty‐four postmenopausal, white Caucasian women, aged 69±5.9 (mean±SD), with active plaque psoriasis, were treated with broadband UVB two to three times per week for 8–12 weeks. The serum concentrations of calcidiol (25(OH)D3), calcitriol (1,25(OH)2D3), intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), thyroid hormones, osteocalcin, calcium and creatinine were measured before the first and after the last dose of radiation. Bone density was measured using Dual‐Energy X‐ray Absorptiometry (Hologic Delphi A) at the hip and lumbar spine.Results: Serum levels of 25(OH)D3 increased from 36.8±17 ng/ml (mean±SD) to 59.6±18.7 ng/ml (P<0.001) after the UVB treatment period. Serum PTH decreased from 62.8±25.7 ng/l to 48.2±17.4 ng/l (P<0.001). Secondary hyperparathyroidism (PTH>65 ng/l) was revealed in seven patients (29%) in whom PTH values were suppressed by the UVB therapy. The serum levels of calcitriol, calcium, osteocalcin, thyroid hormones and creatinine were unaltered.Conclusion: UVB therapy in elderly psoriatic women improved psoriasis, increased serum 25(OH)D3 synthesis and reduced serum PTH concentrations.
Treatment of vitamin D deficiency with UV light in patients with malabsorption syndromes: a case series
Authors: Chandra Prakash , Wolfenden Linda L. , Ziegler Thomas R. , Tian Junqiang , Luo Menghua , Stecenko Arlene A. , Chen Tai C. , Holick Michael F. , Tangpricha Vin 
Published: September 2007

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) and short bowel syndrome (SBS) patients are unable to absorb vitamin D from the diet and thus are frequently found to be severely vitamin D deficient. We evaluated whether a commercial portable ultraviolet (UV) indoor tanning lamp that has a spectral output that mimics natural sunlight could raise circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in subjects with CF and SBS.Methods: In initial pilot studies, two SBS subjects came to the outpatient clinic twice weekly for 8 weeks for UV light sessions of 6 min each. In a follow‐up study, five CF subjects exposed their lower backs in a seated position to the sunlamp at a distance of 14 cm for 5–10 min depending on the skin type five times a week for 8 weeks. Blood samples for 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurements were performed at baseline and at the end of the study.Results: In our study, with two SBS subjects, the indoor lamp increased or maintained circulating 25(OH)D levels during the winter months. We increased the UV lamp frequency and found an improved response in the CF patients. Serum 25(OH)D levels in CF subjects at baseline were 21±3 ng/ml, which increased to 27±4 ng/ml at the end of 8 weeks (P=0.05). PTH concentration remained largely unchanged in both population groups.Conclusion: A UV lamp that emits ultraviolet radiation similar to sunlight and thus produces vitamin D3 in the skin is an excellent alternative for CF, and SBS patients who suffer from vitamin D deficiency due to fat malabsorption, especially during the winter months when natural sunlight is unable to produce vitamin D3 in the skin. This UV lamp is widely available for commercial home use and could potentially be prescribed to patients with CF or SBS.
On the relationship between fabric processing and ultraviolet radiation transmission
Authors: Sarkar Ajoy K. 
Published: September 2007

Background:The relationship between a fabric's physical characteristics and ultraviolet radiation transmission has been widely discussed in the literature. However, very few studies have taken into account the ‘fiber‐fabric construction‐processing’ history of fabrics into consideration to fully elucidate the ultraviolet (UV) protection abilities of fabrics. This study reports the effect of fabric processing treatments, both chemical and bio‐chemical, on the transmission of UV radiation (UVR) through selected white and undyed fabrics.Methods:Eight woven fabrics were selected to illustrate the effect of chemical processing on UVR transmission. Fabrics were characterized with respect to fiber chemistry, fabric construction, weight, thickness, and chemical processing history. Influence of fabric characteristics and processing on Ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) were studied. Furthermore, a knit bleached cotton T‐shirt fabric was treated bio‐chemically and the effect of bio‐chemical processing on UPF was investigated.Results:Physical characteristics of fabrics such as thickness, weight and cloth cover were shown to be only partly useful in explaining the UV protective abilities of fabrics in that the data show anomalies when only physical features of fabrics are considered without considering processing history. However, by taking into account the processing history of fabrics, the UPF values obtained can be fully explained.Conclusion:Chemical processing methods such as desizing and bleaching have a deleterious effect on UV transmission through fabrics. Bio‐chemical processing such as the use of enzymes is comparatively benign and does not adversely impact the UV protective ability of cotton fabric.
Evaluation of promotional gadgets integrating UV patches for public awareness on ultraviolet radiation
Authors: Pettazzi A. 
Published: September 2007

Background: Ultraviolet (UV) patches are included in promotional gadgets advertising the most diverse products. These items are freely distributed to the public as a suggestive instrument of information. This study intends to evaluate the accuracy of these gadgets in providing information about UV exposure as defined by the INTERSUN programme.Methods: The design of five gadgets, the instructions and advices included, were analysed. The response of the patches has been compared with UV index measurements and related to the guidelines provided by the INTERSUN programme. The objectivity of the response and its interpretation have also been evaluated, comparing the readings by different operators.Results: The gadgets provide non‐standard and ambiguous information, they lack rigorous recommendations on solar protection and have a poor design. Although the patches underestimated UV radiation only a few times, overestimation occurred frequently. Observations pointed out the difficulty in establishing objective readings.Conclusions: The analysis highlighted the inadequacy of these items. This fact is serious because the gadgets are freely distributed to the public and some of the advertisers are well‐known companies. Instead of using these gadgets, the public should pay attention to the information and advice provided by health and weather services.
How to Fit into your Clothes
Authors: Treleaven Philip 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Thinner and ever more bizarrely shaped models strut the catwalks; outside the fashion shows real women get bigger as dress sizes get smaller, and in high-street shops size 18 customers squeeze themselves into dresses that claim to be size 12. What shape are we in as a nation—and what size are we really? Philip Treleaven explains how the UK National Sizing Survey can restore a sense of proportion—and may even be able to answer the question every woman asks in a dress shop: “Does my bum look big in this?”
Investigation of a landslip in the Fuller's Earth Clay, Lansdown, Bath
Authors: Cook D. A. 
Published: September 2007

Summary
Rubbish dumping into an abandoned quarry in the Great Oolite on a south facing slope of Lansdown, Bath, has provoked a series of slides which now sterilises 12 acres of grazing land. The first major slide in October 1969 was followed by two further movements by January 1971. They account for a total downhill movement of 210 m. Where access to the site made investigation possible, a distinctive shear zone was exposed, sandwiched between the base of the fill and top of the weathered Fuller's Earth clays. Adjacent to the slip, the natural ground succession showed a mixed stony soft brown reworked clay (solifluction) layer, overlying interbedded clay mudstone bands of the Fuller's Earth series. Drained triaxial tests on the brown clay gave shear parameters of φ′ = 17·4°, c′ = 0; and an estimate of residual strength of φ = 12°. The former value would accord with a high (perched) water table on the adjacent slopes at 12·7°–8·7°. Whilst accurate back analysis is not presently possible, due to absence of specific measurements of the surface ground water levels, it is concluded that a limiting stability exists on the slope generally, irrespective of the fill dumping.
Methods for the rapid assessment of the stability of three-dimensional rock slopes
Authors: Hoek Evert 
Published: September 2007

1. Introduction

T
he rock slope engineer
is faced with two types of design problem:

(a) General stability analyses which apply to the overall design of highway or opencast mine slopes and where the quality of the geological data available does not justify a detailed stability calculation.
(b) Particular stability analyses which are required for critical slopes identified by the general analysis or for slopes which act as foundations for arch dams, large buildings and similar projects in which a high financial investment is concentrated on a relatively small volume of rock.
These two types of design problem are linked in the flow chart presented in Fig. 1 which shows that any slope design study should proceed from a general to a particular form of analysis.
Details of the methods which may be used for the stability analysis of critical slopes (step 8 in Fig. 1) have been published by Hoek, Bray & Boyd (1973). The present paper will deal with the general methods of slope analysis which may be used for step 2 in Fig. 1.
2. Recognition of failure mechanism
Good rock slope engineering starts with good geological data collection and any attempt to carry out a stability analysis without first having defined the geology of the slope is a total waste of time. Rock slope failure is generally controlled by structural discontinuities such as faults, bedding planes and joints in the rock mass and hence the definition of these features is the most important part of the preliminary
The monitoring of rock slopes
Authors: Franklin J. A. , Denton P. E. 
Published: September 2007

Summary
This paper reviews some principles of rock slope monitoring and describes equipment that can be used for this purpose. In attempting a broad review of techniques it is impossible to give full details relevant to each item of equipment, or to supplement the text with case histories. This information can be found in the bibliography, in the tables that supplement the text, or by consulting instrumentation companies such as those listed in Appendix I.
Four long-term failures of embankments founded on areas of landslip
Authors: Chandler R. J. , Pachakis M. , Mercer J. , Wrightman J. 
Published: September 2007

Summary
Four case records are presented of road or railway embankment failures where the bank has been constructed over previously landslipped areas. These records draw attention to the possibility of long-term failure resulting from the existence of the landslip shear surfaces beneath the embankment, even when the bank has been successfully constructed without the development of short-term failures. Evidence is presented which shows that the delayed failure at least in part results from the swelling and consequent reduction of strength of the embankment fill following the development of a perched water table in the crest of the bank. However the final ‘trigger’ causing failure may be the result of exceptional groundwater conditions following heavy rain.
Overexpression of FLIPL Is an Independent Marker of Poor Prognosis in Colorectal Cancer Patients
Authors: Ullenhag Gustave J. , Mukherjee Abhik , Watson Nicholas F.S. , Al-Attar Ahmad H. , Scholefield John H. , Durrant Lindy G. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurpose: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers. The tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis inducing ligand (TRAIL) pathway transmits apoptotic signals and anticancer agents that activate this system, which are in clinical development. We sought to determine the prognostic value of the clinically most relevant members of this pathway in colorectal cancer patients.Experimental Design: We used an arrayed panel of colorectal cancer tissue to assess the protein expression of the functional TRAIL receptors (TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2) and both the long and short forms of FLICE inhibitory protein (FLIPL and FLIPS). Disease-free survival was examined by Kaplan-Meier estimates and the log-rank test. Prognostic factors were determined by Cox multivariate analysis.Results: The TRAIL receptors and FLIPS were not associated with survival. On univariate analysis, strong FLIPL expression was associated with a significantly higher survival (P = 0.0082). On multivariate analysis using the Cox proportional hazards model, FLIPL phenotype was significantly associated with a poor prognosis in this series (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-3.56; P = 0.011).Conclusions: Overexpression of FLIPL, but not TRAIL-R1 or TRAIL-R2, provides stage-independent prognostic information in colorectal cancer patients. This may indicate a clinically more aggressive phenotype and a subset of patients for whom more extensive adjuvant treatment would be appropriate.
Association Between Hypermethylated Tumor and Paired Surgical Margins in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas
Authors: Martone Tiziana , Gillio-Tos Anna , De Marco Laura , Fiano Valentina , Maule Milena , Cavalot Andrea , Garzaro Massimiliano , Merletti Franco , Cortesina Giorgio 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Purpose: Surgical margin status is reported to be a relevant prognostic factor in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), associated with a high risk of local recurrence. This study examines whether gene-promoter hypermethylation could be detected in HNSCC surgical margins with no histologic evidence of malignancy, and if so, whether it reflects epigenetic events of primary tumors.
Experimental Design: Promoter methylation status of MGMT, p16, and DAP-K genes was evaluated by methylation-specific PCR in 20 primary HNSCC tumors. Histopathologically negative surgical margins of hypermethylated tumors were collected, and their methylation status compared with the primary tumor status.
Results: Promoter hypermethylation in at least one of the three tested genes was detected in 65% (13 of 20) of tumors. MGMT was hypermethylated in 50% (10 of 20), DAP-K in 45% (9 of 20), and p16 in 20% (4 of 20) of tumors. Methylation status was analyzed in 35 margins from 11 of 13 patients showing promoter hypermethylation in the tumor tissue. Identical methylation events were seen for at least one gene in primary tumor and surgical margins in 9 of 11 cases (82%). Association was found for gene-specific hypermethylation status in tumors and paired surgical margins, and gene-specific concordance was 63% for MGMT (κ = 0.24), 90% for DAP-K (κ = 0.74), and 90% for p16 (κ = 0.79).
Conclusions: Our results support the hypothesis that detection of gene promoter hypermethylation in HNSCC tumor cells–free surgical margins may be a helpful biomarker to identify molecularly altered fields in areas adjacent to the tumor.
Methylation of Tumor-Related Genes in Neoadjuvant-Treated Gastric Cancer: Relation to Therapy Response and Clinicopathologic and Molecular Features
Authors: Napieralski Rudolf , Ott Katja , Kremer Markus , Becker Karen , Boulesteix Anne-Laure , Lordick Florian , Siewert Jörg Rüdiger , Höfler Heinz , Keller Gisela 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPurpose: The objective of this study was to analyze the hypermethylation of tumor-related gene promoters for an association with therapy response and clinicopathologic features of neoadjuvant-treated gastric cancer patients. Furthermore, we analyzed the relationship of promoter hypermethylation with microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of the tumors.Experimental Design: Pretherapeutic biopsies of 61 patients, subsequently treated with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil, were studied. Methylation analysis of six gene promoters was done using MethyLight technology. Microsatellite analysis was mainly done in previous studies.Results: The methylation frequencies for the analyzed genes were MGMT, 44%; LOX, 53%; p16, 46%, E-cadherin, 30%; 14-3-3σ, 69%; and HPP1, 82%. Concordant methylation of more than three genes was found in 46% of the tumors and was inversely correlated with the LOH rate (P = 9 × 10−5) and associated with female gender (P = 0.049), nonintestinal type tumors (P = 0.04), and a nonproximal tumor location (P = 0.003). No statistically significant association between the methylation of a single gene or the concordant methylation of multiple genes was found with response or survival. However, patients with none or only one methylated gene showed a trend for an increase in survival (5-year survival rate, 83% versus 35%; P = 0.067).Conclusion: The highly significant inverse correlation of promoter methylation and LOH rate reflects major alternative molecular pathways in gastric carcinogenesis. Methylation was not statistically significantly associated with the response to cisplatin/5-fluorouracil–based therapy. However, a concordant methylation of more than three genes defines subgroups of gastric cancer with distinct biological and genetic characteristics.
Cyclooxygenase-2 and Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptors as Potential Targets in Treating Aggressive Fibromatosis
Authors: Signoroni Stefano , Frattini Milo , Negri Tiziana , Pastore Elisa , Tamborini Elena , Casieri Paola , Orsenigo Marta , Da Riva Luca , Radice Paolo , Sala Paola , Gronchi Alessandro , Bertario Lucio , Pierotti Marco A. , Pilotti Silvana 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Purpose: To explore the molecular bases of potential new pharmacologic targets in aggressive fibromatosis (desmoid tumor).
Experimental Design: Tumor specimens from 14 patients surgically treated for aggressive fibromatosis (6 familial adenomatous polyposis and 8 sporadic cases), analyzed for adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutations, were further investigated for β-catenin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor α (PDGFRA)/PDGF receptor β (PDGFRB), their cognate ligands (PDGFA and PDGFB), and KIT using a comprehensive immunohistochemical, biochemical, molecular, and cytogenetic approach.
Results: No CTNNB1 (β-catenin) mutations were found in the familial adenomatous polyposis patients, but previously reported activating mutations were found in six of the eight sporadic patients. All of the cases carrying an altered WNT pathway showed nuclear and cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for β-catenin, whereas β-catenin expression was restricted to the cytoplasm in the sporadic patients lacking CTNNB1 mutations. COX-2 protein and mRNA overexpression was detected in all 14 cases, together with the expression and phosphorylation of PDGFRA and PDGFRB, which in turn paralleled the presence of their cognate ligands. No PDGFRB mutations were found. The results are consistent with PDGFRA and PDGFRB activation sustained by an autocrine/paracrine loop.
Conclusions: Aggressive fibromatosis is characterized by WNT/oncogene pathway alterations triggering COX-2–mediated constitutive coactivation of PDGFRA and PDGFRB, and may therefore benefit from combined nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug + tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment.
Resveratrol Inhibits Tumor Growth of Human Neuroblastoma and Mediates Apoptosis by Directly Targeting Mitochondria
Authors: van Ginkel Paul R. , Sareen Dhruv , Subramanian Lalita , Walker Quintisha , Darjatmoko Soesiawati R. , Lindstrom Mary J. , Kulkarni Amol , Albert Daniel M. , Polans Arthur S. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Purpose: Neuroblastoma is an aggressive childhood disease of the sympathetic nervous system. Treatments are often ineffective and have serious side effects. Because resveratrol, a natural plant product, has been reported to have limited toxicity at chemotherapeutic levels, we investigated its efficacy in the treatment of neuroblastoma as well as its underlying mechanism of action.
Experimental Design: Resveratrol was tested in mouse xenograft models of human neuroblastoma and in vitro using human cell lines.
Results: Resveratrol inhibited the outgrowth of tumors by as much as 80%. The bioavailability of the drug in serum was in the low micromolar range (2-10 μmol/L) and no accumulation was observed in tumor tissue. When resveratrol levels were increased by peritumor injection, rapid tumor regression occurred. Resveratrol decreased tumor cell viability in vitro by 75% to 90%, resulting from an inhibition of cell proliferation and an induction of apoptosis. Loss of mitochondrial membrane potential was an early response to resveratrol. In addition, resveratrol treatment of isolated mitochondria also led to depolarization, suggesting that the drug may target mitochondria directly. Following depolarization, resveratrol caused the release of cytochrome c and Smac/Diablo from the mitochondria and subsequently the activation of caspase-9 (4- to 8-fold) and caspase-3 (4- to 6-fold).
Conclusions: These studies indicate that, despite low bioavailability, resveratrol is effective at inhibiting tumor growth. Elevated levels of resveratrol enhance its antitumor potency leading to tumor regression, associated with widespread tumor cell death, the underlying mechanism of which involves the direct activation of the mitochondrial intrinsic apoptotic pathway.
Targeting the Limitless Replicative Potential of Cancer: The Telomerase/Telomere Pathway
Authors: Kelland Lloyd 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The maintenance of telomeric DNA underlies the ability of tumors to possess unlimited replicative potential, one of the hallmarks of cancer. Telomere length and structure are maintained by the reverse transcriptase telomerase and a multiprotein telomere complex termed shelterin. Telomerase activity is elevated in the vast majority of tumors, and telomeres are critically shortened in tumors versus normal tissues, thus providing a compelling rationale to target the telomerase/telomere pathway for broad-spectrum cancer therapy. This strategy is supported by a variety of genetic-based target validation studies. Both telomerase inhibitors and telomere interactive molecules have shown stand-alone antitumor activity at nontoxic doses against a variety of human tumor xenografts in mice. These translational advances have resulted in the first antitelomerase agent, the oligonucleotide-based GRN163L targeting the telomerase RNA template, entering clinical evaluation. Additional translational approaches, such as targeting telomeres using G-quadruplex ligands, should result in antitelomere agents, such as RHPS4, entering the clinic in the near future. These prototype trials will be extremely informative in determining the role of the telomerase/telomere pathway in clinical oncology and, moreover, whether drugs targeting the unlimited replicative potential of cancer will find a place in cancer chemotherapy.