bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Merkel cell polyomavirus sequences are frequently detected in nonmelanoma skin cancer of immunosuppressed patients
Authors: Kassem Ahmad , Technau Kristin , Kurz Anna Kordelia , Pantulu Deepa , Löning Marie , Kayser Gian , Stickeler Elmar , Weyers Wolfgang , Diaz Carlos , Werner Martin , Nashan Dorothee , zur Hausen Axel 
Published: February 2009

AbstractRecently, a new human polyoma virus has been identified in Merkel cell carcinomas (MCC). MCC is a highly aggressive neuroendocrine nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) associated with immunosuppression. Clonal integration of this virus which was termed Merkel cell polyoma virus (MCPyV) was reported in a number of MCC. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) are also NMSC and are the most frequent cancers in the setting of immunosuppression. A unique group of 56 NMSC from 11 immunosuppressed patients and 147 NMSC of 125 immunocompetent patients was tested for MCPyV by DNA PCR, targeting the Large T Antigen and the structural Viral Protein 1. NMSC included SCC, BCC and Bowen's disease (BD). In addition, normal skin and 89 colorectal cancers were tested. MCPyV specific sequences were significantly more frequently found in NMSC of immunosuppressed patients compared to immunocompetent patients (p < 0.001). In particular BD and BCC revealed a significant increased association of MCPyV of immunosuppressed patients (p = 0.002 and p = 0.006). Forty‐seven of 147 (32%) sporadic NMSC were MCPyV positive. Interestingly, 37.5% (36/96) of sporadic BCC of immunocompetent patients were MCPyV positive. No MCPyV was detected within normal skin and only 3 out of 89 of additionally tested colorectal cancers were MCPyV positive. Our data show that MCPyV is a frequently reactivated virus in immunocompromized patients. How MCPyV contributes to the pathogenesis of NMSC, i.e., BD, SCC and BCC, in immunosuppressed patients and in addition, potentially to the pathogenesis of a subset of sporadic BCC needs further investigations. © 2009 UICC
The MTHFR C677T and ΔDNMT3B C‐149T polymorphisms confer different risks for right‐ and left‐sided colorectal cancer
Authors: Iacopetta Barry , Heyworth Jane , Girschik Jennifer , Grieu Fabienne , Clayforth Cassandra , Fritschi Lin 
Published: February 2009

AbstractEtiological risk factors for proximal (right‐sided) colon cancers may be different to those of distal colon and rectal (left‐sided) cancers if these tumors develop along distinct pathways. The CpG Island Methylator Phenotype (CIMP+) occurs in approximately 15% of colorectal cancers (CRC) and predominantly in the proximal colon. CIMP+ tumors have frequent methylation of gene promoter regions and increased tissue folate levels. The aim here was to determine whether polymorphisms in 2 genes involved in cellular methyl group metabolism were associated with different risks for right‐ and left‐sided CRC. This population‐based case–control study involved 859 incident cases of CRC and 973 sex and age‐matched controls. Information on dietary folate and alcohol intake was obtained from food frequency questionnaires and information on the anatomical site of tumors from pathology reports. DNA was collected using FTA cards and genotyping performed for the MTHFR C677T and ΔDNMT3B C‐149T polymorphisms. The MTHFR 677 T allele was associated with increased risk for proximal colon cancer (adjusted odds ratio, AOR = 1.29) but decreased risk for distal cancers (AOR = 0.87). The increased risk for proximal cancers was especially pronounced in older individuals (AOR = 1.49) and those with a low folate diet (AOR = 1.67) or high alcohol consumption (AOR = 1.90). The ΔDNMT3B‐149 TT genotype was protective against proximal colon cancers (AOR = 0.65), but showed no association with the risk of distal colon and rectal cancers (AOR = 1.02). Epidemiological studies on dietary and genetic risk factors for CRC should take into account these may confer different risks for right‐ and left‐sided tumors. © 2009 UICC
Physical activity and risk of prostate cancer in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort
Authors: Johnsen Nina Føns , Tjønneland Anne , Thomsen Birthe L.R. , Christensen Jane , Loft Steffen , Friedenreich Christine , Key Timothy J. , Allen Naomi E. , Lahmann Petra H. , Mejlvig Lotte , Overvad Kim , Kaaks Rudolf , Rohrmann Sabine , Boing Heiner , Misirli Gesthimani , Trichopoulou Antonia , Zylis Dimosthenis , Tumino Rosario , Pala Valeria , Bueno‐de‐Mesquita H. Bas , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Suárez Laudina Rodríguez , Gonzalez Carlos A. , Sánchez Maria‐José , Huerta José María , Gurrea Aurelio Barricarte , Manjer Jonas , Wirfält Elisabet , Khaw Kay‐Tee , Wareham Nick , Boffetta Paolo , Egevad Lars , Rinaldi Sabina , Riboli Elio 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe evidence concerning the possible association between physical activity and the risk of prostate cancer is inconsistent and additional data are needed. We examined the association between risk of prostate cancer and physical activity at work and in leisure time in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) cohort. In our study, including 127,923 men aged 20–97 years from 8 European countries, 2,458 cases of prostate cancer were identified during 8.5 years of followup. Using the Cox proportional hazards model, we investigated the associations between prostate cancer incidence rate and occupational activity and leisure time activity in terms of participation in sports, cycling, walking and gardening; a metabolic equivalent (MET) score based on weekly time spent on the 4 activities; and a physical activity index. MET hours per week of leisure time activity, higher score in the physical activity index, participation in any of the 4 leisure time activities, and the number of leisure time activities in which the participants were active were not associated with prostate cancer incidence. However, higher level of occupational physical activity was associated with lower risk of advanced stage prostate cancer (ptrend = 0.024). In conclusion, our data support the hypothesis of an inverse association between advanced prostate cancer risk and occupational physical activity, but we found no support for an association between prostate cancer risk and leisure time physical activity. © 2009 UICC
Genetic variants in pigmentation genes, pigmentary phenotypes, and risk of skin cancer in Caucasians
Authors: Nan Hongmei , Kraft Peter , Hunter David J. , Han Jiali 
Published: February 2009

AbstractHuman pigmentation is a polygenic quantitative trait with high heritability. Although a large number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified in pigmentation genes, very few SNPs have been examined in relation to human pigmentary phenotypes and skin cancer risk. We evaluated the associations between 15 SNPs in 8 candidate pigmentation genes (TYR, TYRP1, OCA2, SLC24A5, SLC45A2, POMC, ASIP and ATRN) and both pigmentary phenotypes (hair color, skin color and tanning ability) and skin cancer risk in a nested case‐control study of Caucasians within the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) among 218 melanoma cases, 285 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases, 300 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases and 870 common controls. We found that the TYR Arg402Gln variant was significantly associated with skin color (p‐value = 7.7 × 10−4) and tanning ability (p‐value = 7.3 × 10−4); the SLC45A2 Phe374Leu variant was significantly associated with hair color (black to blonde) (p‐value = 2.4 × 10−7), skin color (p‐value = 1.1 × 10−7) and tanning ability (p‐value = 2.5 × 10−4). These associations remained significant after controlling for MC1R variants. No significant associations were found between these polymorphisms and the risk of skin cancer. We observed that the TYRP1 rs1408799 and SLC45A2 1721 C>G were associated with melanoma risk (OR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.60–0.98 and OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60–0.95, respectively). The TYR Ser192Tyr was associated with SCC risk (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.00–1.50). The TYR haplotype carrying only the Arg402Gln variant allele was significantly associated with SCC risk (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.04–1.74). The OCA2 Arg419Gln and ASIP g.8818 A>G were associated with BCC risk (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.06–2.13 and OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.53–1.00, respectively). The haplotype near ASIP (rs4911414[T] and rs1015362[G]) was significantly associated with fair skin color (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.46–3.57) as well as the risks of melanoma (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.18–2.39) and SCC (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.08–2.19). These associations remained similar after adjusting for pigmentary phenotypes and MC1R variants. The statistical power of our study was modest and additional studies are warranted to confirm the associations observed in the present study. Our study provides evidence for the contribution of pigmentation genetic variants, in addition to the MC1R variants, to variation in human pigmentary phenotypes and possibly the development of skin cancer. © 2009 UICC
The antiretroviral nucleoside analogue Abacavir reduces cell growth and promotes differentiation of human medulloblastoma cells
Authors: Rossi Alessandra , Russo Giuseppe , Puca Andrew , La Montagna Raffaele , Caputo Mariella , Mattioli Eliseo , Lopez Massimo , Giordano Antonio , Pentimalli Francesca 
Published: February 2009

AbstractAbacavir is one of the most efficacious nucleoside analogues, with a well‐characterized inhibitory activity on reverse transcriptase enzymes of retroviral origin, and has been clinically approved for the treatment of AIDS. Recently, Abacavir has been shown to inhibit also the human telomerase activity. Telomerase activity seems to be required in essentially all tumours for the immortalization of a subset of cells, including cancer stem cells. In fact, many cancer cells are dependent on telomerase for their continued replication and therefore telomerase is an attractive target for cancer therapy. Telomerase expression is upregulated in primary primitive neuroectodermal tumours and in the majority of medulloblastomas suggesting that its activation is associated with the development of these diseases. Therefore, we decided to test Abacavir activity on human medulloblastoma cell lines with high telomerase activity. We report that exposure to Abacavir induces a dose‐dependent decrease in the proliferation rate of medulloblastoma cells. This is associated with a cell accumulation in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle in the Daoy cell line, and with increased cell death in the D283‐MED cell line, and is likely to be dependent on the inhibition of telomerase activity. Interestingly, both cell lines showed features of senescence after Abacavir treatment. Moreover, after Abacavir exposure we detected, by immunofluorescence staining, increased protein expression of the glial marker glial fibrillary acidic protein and the neuronal marker synaptophysin in both medulloblastoma cell lines. In conclusion, our results suggest that Abacavir reduces proliferation and induces differentiation of human medulloblastoma cells through the downregulation of telomerase activity. Thus, using Abacavir, alone or in combination with current therapies, might be an effective therapeutic strategy for the treatment of medulloblastoma. © 2009 UICC
Dietary carotenoids and the risk of invasive breast cancer
Authors: Mignone Laura I. , Giovannucci Edward , Newcomb Polly A. , Titus‐Ernstoff Linda , Trentham‐Dietz Amy , Hampton John M. , Willett Walter C. , Egan Kathleen M. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractCertain classes of vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables have been of particular interest in relation to cancer prevention, owing to their potential anticarcinogenic properties. We examined the association between certain fruits, vegetables, carotenoids, and vitamin A and breast cancer risk in a large population‐based case‐control study of women residing in the states of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Wisconsin. The study was comprised of 5,707 women with incident invasive breast cancer (2,363 premenopausal women and 3,516 postmenopausal women) and 6,389 population controls (2,594 premenopausal women and 3,516 postmenopausal women). In an interview, women were asked about their intake of carotenoid rich fruits and vegetables 5 years prior to a referent date. An inverse association observed among premenopausal women was for high levels of vitamin A (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98, p for trend = 0.01), β‐carotene (OR: 0.81, 95% CI 0.68–0.98, p for trend = 0.009), α‐carotene (OR: 0.82, 95% CI: 0.68–0.98, p for trend = 0.07) and lutein/zeaxanthin (OR: 0.83, 95% CI 0.68–0.99, p for trend = 0.02). An inverse association was not observed among postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women who reported ever smoking, these results were stronger than among never smokers, although tests for interaction were not statistically significant. Results from this study are comparable to previous prospective studies, and suggest that a high consumption of carotenoids may reduce the risk of premenopausal but not postmenopausal breast cancer, particularly among smokers. © 2009 UICC
The influence of heat treatment and plastic deformation on the bio‐degradation of a Mg‐Y‐RE alloy
Authors: Gunde Petra , Furrer Angela , Hänzi Anja C. , Schmutz Patrik , Uggowitzer Peter J. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractIn this study the bio‐degradation behavior of a Mg‐Y‐RE alloy in different heat treatment states with respect to the alloy's potential application as biodegradable implant material was investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in two body‐similar fluids. The heat treatments increase the degradation resistance of the alloy and lead to the formation of a thermal oxide layer on the sample surface and to a change in microstructure such as the distribution of yttrium. The varying Y distribution in the alloy does not significantly influence the degradation behavior, and all samples show a similar low polarization resistance. However, samples with a thermal oxide layer, which consists mainly of Y2O3, degrade much more slowly and feature remarkably high polarization resistance. Nevertheless, in some cases localized corrosion attack occurs and drastically impairs performance. Cracks in the oxide layer, intentionally induced by straining of the samples and which in practice could originate from the implantation process, reduce the corrosion resistance. However, these samples perform still better than polished specimens and show a macroscopically homogeneous degradation behavior without localized corrosion. Microscopically, corrosion attacks start at the cracks and undermining of the oxide layer occurs with time. For all the material conditions a remarkable dependence of the degradation rate on the electrolyte is noted. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
The effects of monoacrylated poly(ethylene glycol) on the properties of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate hydrogels used for tissue engineering
Authors: Beamish Jeffrey A. , Zhu Junmin , Kottke‐Marchant Kandice , Marchant Roger E. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of poly(ethylene glycol) monoacrylate (PEGMA) on the properties of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA)‐co‐PEGMA hydrogel networks. The PEGMA materials utilized were similar to ligand‐linked materials typically copolymerized with PEGDA for use as tissue engineering scaffolds. PEGDA (5–20% wt/wt, 6 kDa) and PEGMA (0–20% wt/wt, 0–43 mM, 5 kDa) were copolymerized by photo‐initiated free radical polymerization and the mass swelling ratio and shear modulus of the resulting hydrogels were determined. Increasing the prepolymerization concentration of PEGMA decreased the swelling ratio by up to 42 ± 1.6% and increased the shear modulus by up to 167 ± 29.3%, suggesting that PEGMA enhanced gel cross‐linking. Analysis of the effective number of cross‐linked chains per PEGDA, calculated independently from swelling and mechanical data, indicated each PEGDA participated in more cross‐links as PEGMA was added. The results suggest that PEGMA‐co‐PEGDA gels can be formed with higher concentrations of PEGMA‐tethered ligands than previously reported allowing the formation of scaffolds with a rich diversity of biological functionalities without sacrificing the integrity of the gel network. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
In vivo bone biocompatibility and degradation of porous fumarate‐based polymer/alumoxane nanocomposites for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Mistry Amit S. , Pham Quynh P. , Schouten Corinne , Yeh Tiffany , Christenson Elizabeth M. , Mikos Antonios G. , Jansen John A. 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe objective of this study was to determine how the incorporation of surface‐modified alumoxane nanoparticles into a biodegradable fumarate‐based polymer affects in vivo bone biocompatibility (characterized by direct bone contact and bone ingrowth) and in vivo degradability. Porous scaffolds were fabricated from four materials: poly(propylene fumarate)/propylene fumarate‐diacrylate (PPF/PF‐DA) polymer alone; a macrocomposite consisting of PPF/PF‐DA polymer with boehmite microparticles; a nanocomposite composed of PPF/PF‐DA polymer and mechanically reinforcing surface‐modified alumoxane nanoparticles; and a low‐molecular weight PPF polymer alone (tested as a degradation control). Scaffolds were implanted in the lateral femoral condyle of adult goats for 12 weeks and evaluated by micro‐computed tomography and histological analysis. For all material groups, small amounts of bone, some soft tissue, and a few inflammatory elements were observed within the pores of scaffolds, though many pores remained empty or filled with fluid only. Direct contact between scaffolds and surrounding bone tissue was also observed in all scaffold types, though less commonly. Minimal in vivo degradation occurred during the 12 weeks of implantation in all materials except the degradation control. These results demonstrate that the incorporation of alumoxane nanoparticles into porous PPF/PF‐DA scaffolds does not significantly alter in vivo bone biocompatibility or degradation. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Farsenol‐modified biodegradable polyurethanes for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Eglin David , Grad Sibylle , Gogolewski Sylwester , Alini Mauro 
Published: February 2009

AbstractA bifunctionalized 3,7,11‐trimethyl‐2,6,10‐dodecatrien‐1‐diaminobutane amide (isoprenoid) was obtained from 3,7,11‐trimethyl‐2,6,10‐dodecatrien‐1‐ol (farnesol) in a three‐step synthesis. The bifunctionalized isoprenoid was characterized using infrared spectroscopy and 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and was covalently incorporated (0.12 mmol.g−1) into the biodegradable aliphatic polyurethane formed on the polycondensation reaction of poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) diol, 1,4,3,6‐dianhydro‐D‐sorbitol and 1,6‐hexamethylene diisocyanate. Although the covalent incorporation of the isoprenoid molecule into the polyurethane chain modified the surface chemistry of the polymer, it did not affect the viability of attached chondrocytes. Porous 3D scaffolds were produced from the modified and unmodified biodegradable segmented polyurethanes by a salt leaching‐phase‐inverse technique. The scaffolds were seeded with bovine chondrocytes encapsulated in fibrin gel and cultured in vitro for 14 days. The incorporation of bifunctional isoprenoid into the polyurethane affected the morphology of the scaffolds produced, when compared with the morphology of the scaffolds produced using the same technique from the unmodified polyurethane. As a consequence, there was more uniform cell seeding and more homogeneous distribution of the synthesized extracellular matrix throughout the scaffold resulting in a reduced cell/tissue layer at the edges of the constructs. However, glycosaminoglycan (GAG), DNA content, and chondrocytes phenotype in the scaffolds produced from these two polyurethane formulations did not vary significantly. The findings suggest that the change of surface characteristics and the more open pore structure of the scaffolds produced from the isoprenoid‐modified polyurethane are beneficial for the seeding efficiency and the homogeneity of the tissue engineered constructs. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res, 2010
Defluoridation performance and mechanism of nano‐scale aluminum oxide hydroxide in aqueous solution
Authors: Wang Shu‐Guang , Ma Yue , Shi Yi‐Jing , Gong Wen‐Xin 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBACKGROUND: The present study has concentrated on investigating the fluoride removal potential of nano‐scale aluminum oxide hydroxide (nano‐AlOOH). A series of batch adsorption experiments were carried out to assess parameters that influence the adsorption process. The different parameters investigated include the effect of contact time, initial fluoride concentration, adsorbent dose, pH of the solution and co‐existing anions.RESULTS: Most of the adsorption took place during the first 30 min and kinetic and equilibrium adsorption data show that the process obeys a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation and the Langmuir adsorption model. The fluoride removal efficiency is greater than 90% between pH 6 and 8 and decreases as pH values increase to 11. The presence of SO42− or PO43− in aqueous solution was found to reduce the fluoride uptake. Desorption studies showed that the fluoride can easily be desorbed at pH 13.CONCLUSION: Nano‐AlOOH possesses a maximum fluoride capacity of 3259 mg F− kg−1, which is comparable with that of activated alumina. Maximum adsorption occurred at around pH 7, which makes nano‐AlOOH a potential adsorbent for drinking water treatment. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Coping with the costs of illness: the role of shops and shopkeepers as social networks in a low‐income community in coastal Kenya
Authors: Chuma Jane , Molyneux Catherine 
Published: February 2009

AbstractThe role of shops as an important first source of treatment for many illnesses is well documented. Far less attention has been directed towards the broader role that shops and shopkeepers may play in household coping behaviour, for example by offering credit to help meet the direct and indirect costs of illness, and to cope with other socio‐economic needs. This exploratory paper draws on the data collected as part of a wider study on affordability of health care to consider the ‘multiple’ roles that shops and shopkeepers play in households' financing of illness related costs. The findings support the potential of working with shopkeepers to design and implement interventions that identify and reach the poor, but also highlight important challenges, including inequities in access to shop services, and the complex relationships that shopkeepers have with their clients. We suggest further specifically designed studies to explore the issues in more detail, to test the transferability of the findings to other settings, and to consider the implications for policy and practice. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.