bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between Toll-Like Receptor Gene Cluster (TLR6, TLR1, and TLR10) and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Chen Yen-Ching , Giovannucci Edward , Kraft Peter , Lazarus Ross , Hunter David J. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Background: Chronic inflammation may be a risk factor for prostate cancer. Previously, we found significant associations between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotypes in Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 and the risk of prostate cancer. TLR6, TLR1, and TLR10 are also involved in the pathogen-mediated inflammation pathway. A Swedish study observed associations between sequence variants in the TLR6-TLR1-TLR10 gene cluster and the risk of prostate cancer. We assessed if genetic polymorphisms of this gene cluster were associated with the risk of prostate cancer in a U.S. population.
Methods: In a nested case-control design within the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study, we identified 700 participants with prostate cancer who were diagnosed after they had provided a blood specimen in 1993 and by January 31, 2000. Controls were 700 age-matched men without prostate cancer who had had a prostate-specific antigen test. We genotyped 19 common (&gt;5%) haplotype-tagging SNPs chosen from the SNPs discovered in a resequencing study spanning TLR6, TLR1, and TLR10 to test for the association between sequence variants cluster and prostate cancer.
Results: Neither individual SNPs nor common haplotypes in the three gene regions were associated with altered risk of prostate cancer or subgroups of aggressive prostate cancer. No effect modification was observed for age, body mass index, or family history of prostate cancer, except that TLR6_3649 showed nominally significant interaction with family history at the P &lt; 0.05 level.
Conclusion: Inherited sequence variants of the innate immune gene cluster TLR6-TLR1-TLR10 were not appreciably associated with the risk of prostate cancer in this cohort. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):1982–9)
Plasma and Dietary Carotenoids Are Associated with Reduced Oxidative Stress in Women Previously Treated for Breast Cancer
Authors: Thomson Cynthia A. , Stendell-Hollis Nicole R. , Rock Cheryl L. , Cussler Ellen C. , Flatt Shirley W. , Pierce John P. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Dietary carotenoids show numerous biological activities, including antioxidant activity, induction of apoptosis, and inhibition of mammary cell proliferation. Studies examining the role of carotenoid consumption in relation to breast cancer recurrence are limited and report mixed results. We tested the hypothesis that breast cancer survivors with high dietary and plasma carotenoids would show significantly lower levels of oxidative stress than breast cancer survivors with low dietary and plasma carotenoid levels. Two hundred seven postmenopausal breast cancer survivors from the Women's Healthy Eating and Living Study volunteered for this ancillary study. Dietary data were analyzed by the Arizona Food Frequency Questionnaire and plasma carotenoids α-carotene, β-carotene, lutein plus zeaxanthin, lycopene, and β-cryptoxanthin and quantified with high-performance liquid chromatography, and immunoaffinity chromatography-monoclonal antibody–based ELISAs were used to analyze the urine samples for 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OhdG) and 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2α (8-iso-PGF2α). The correlations between dietary and plasma carotenoids were 0.34 for β-carotene, 0.46 for α-carotene, 0.39 for β-cryptoxanthin, 0.27 for lycopene, 0.30 for lutein plus zeaxanthin, and 0.30 for total carotenoids. The 8-OHdG oxidative stress biomarker was significantly reduced at the highest quartile of total plasma carotenoid concentrations (P = 0.001) and 8-iso-PGF2α was moderately reduced (P = 0.088). Dietary carotenoid levels were not significantly associated with oxidative, stress indicators, although dietary lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin were modestly associated with 8-OHdG levels (P = 0.054 and 0.088, respectively). Key findings include a significant inverse association between total plasma carotenoid concentrations and oxidative stress as measured by urinary 8-OHdG and a moderately significant inverse association with 8-iso-PGF2α, a protective association that was not shown for dietary carotenoid intake. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):2008–15)
The Use of FoxP3 as a Biomarker and Prognostic Factor for Malignant Human Tumors
Authors: Schreiber Taylor H. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractOnly since the early 21st century has it been proven that the immune system can actively defend the body against the development of malignant tumors. Escape from this process, termed immunosurveillance, has been shown to be required for the development of many tumors in both mice and humans, and may be a necessary prerequisite for the establishment of many malignancies. Serendipitously, an evolution in the understanding and characterization of immunosuppressor cells, regulatory T cells, has coincided with the establishment of tumor immunosurveillance. These two fields merged when it was found that the recruitment of regulatory T cells within tumors was a dominant mechanism tumors used to escape immunosurveillance. Regulatory T cells are specifically identified with antibodies which recognize the transcription factor, FoxP3. The presence of FoxP3+ cells within tumors has been shown to predict the prognosis, invasiveness, and metastatic ability of some tumors by modulating the ability of the immune system to target tumor cells. Furthermore, depletion of regulatory T cells from tumors could lead to the rejection of both early- and late-stage tumors by the host immune system. These findings suggest that the widespread use of FoxP3 as a biomarker should be explored for human tumors to enable physicians to make better decisions in oncologic care and to prepare the field for novel therapeutic agents directed at the elimination of regulatory T cells within tumors. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):1931–4)
Knowledge and Attitudes about Microsatellite Instability Testing among High-Risk Individuals Diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Manne Sharon L. , Chung Daniel C. , Weinberg David S. , Vig Hetal S. , Catts Zohra , Cabral Melissa Klein , Shannon Kristen , Meropol Neal J. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
For individuals meeting Bethesda criteria for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, the microsatellite instability (MSI) test is recommended as a screening evaluation before proceeding to genetic testing. The MSI test is new to the medical setting, but will be increasingly used to screen patients at high risk for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. The main goals of this study were to examine knowledge about and exposure to the MSI test among individuals considering the test, to evaluate perceived benefits and barriers to undergoing the MSI test, and to identify the demographic, medical, and psychosocial correlates of the perceived benefits and barriers to undergoing the test. One hundred and twenty-five patients completed a survey after being offered the test, but prior to making the decision whether to pursue MSI testing. Results indicated low levels of knowledge about and previous exposure to the MSI test. Participants held positive attitudes about the potential benefits of the test and perceived few barriers to undergoing the test. Motivations were similar to those cited by individuals considering other genetic tests. Participants with nonmetastatic disease, with lower perceived risk for cancer recurrence, and who reported more self-efficacy endorsed more benefits from the test. Higher levels of cancer-specific psychological distress were associated with more perceived barriers to having the test. These findings suggest that individuals considering the MSI test know very little about it but hold positive attitudes about the test's utility. More distressed patients, patients who perceive themselves at higher risk for cancer recurrence, and patients with metastatic disease might be less motivated to have the MSI test. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):2110–7)
Melanocytic Nevi and Sun Exposure in a Cohort of Colorado Children: Anatomic Distribution and Site-Specific Sunburn
Authors: Dodd Athena T. , Morelli Joseph , Mokrohisky Stefan T. , Asdigian Nancy , Byers Tim E. , Crane Lori A. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Sun exposure and high prevalence of melanocytic nevi are major risk factors for melanoma, but the relationship between them is not well understood. This study examines the relationship between sun exposure (detailed by anatomic location and history of site-specific sunburns) and the presence of melanocytic nevi on 743 White children in Denver, Colorado. Parental reports of site-specific sunburns were collected annually for 2 years starting at ages 5 to 6 years. In the third year, nevi were counted and mapped by anatomic location. Nevus density was higher for boys (36.0 nevi/m2) than for girls (31.0 nevi/m2; P = 0.04). Nevus density was highest on the face, neck, and lateral forearms and was significantly higher in chronically versus intermittently sun-exposed areas (P &lt; 0.0001). Compared with girls, boys had higher nevus density on the face, neck, and trunk, and lower nevus density on the upper arms and thighs (P &lt; 0.01). In 2 years of reports, most subjects (69%) received at least one sunburn. The face, shoulders, and back were the most frequently sunburned areas of the body. When adjusted for host factors, total number of sunburns was significantly associated with higher total nevus prevalence (P = 0.01 for one burn). Site-specific sunburns were significantly associated with nevus prevalence on the back (P = 0.03 for three or more sunburns), but not on the face, arms, or legs. In this high-risk population, there is evidence for two pathways to nevus accumulation: by chronic sun exposure and by intermittent exposure related to sunburns. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):2136–43)
Molecular Epidemiology and Biomarkers in Etiologic Cancer Research: The New in Light of the Old
Authors: Vineis Paolo , Perera Frederica 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe purpose of this review is to evaluate progress in molecular epidemiology over the past 24 years in cancer etiology and prevention to draw lessons for future research incorporating the new generation of biomarkers. Molecular epidemiology was introduced in the study of cancer in the early 1980s, with the expectation that it would help overcome some major limitations of epidemiology and facilitate cancer prevention. The expectation was that biomarkers would improve exposure assessment, document early changes preceding disease, and identify subgroups in the population with greater susceptibility to cancer, thereby increasing the ability of epidemiologic studies to identify causes and elucidate mechanisms in carcinogenesis. The first generation of biomarkers has indeed contributed to our understanding of risk and susceptibility related largely to genotoxic carcinogens. Consequently, interventions and policy changes have been mounted to reduce risk from several important environmental carcinogens. Several new and promising biomarkers are now becoming available for epidemiologic studies, thanks to the development of high-throughput technologies and theoretical advances in biology. These include toxicogenomics, alterations in gene methylation and gene expression, proteomics, and metabonomics, which allow large-scale studies, including discovery-oriented as well as hypothesis-testing investigations. However, most of these newer biomarkers have not been adequately validated, and their role in the causal paradigm is not clear. There is a need for their systematic validation using principles and criteria established over the past several decades in molecular cancer epidemiology. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):1954–65)
Comprehensive Association Analysis of the Vitamin D Pathway Genes, VDR, CYP27B1, and CYP24A1, in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Holick Crystal N. , Stanford Janet L. , Kwon Erika M. , Ostrander Elaine A. , Nejentsev Sergey , Peters Ulrike 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Genetic variation in vitamin D–related genes has not been investigated comprehensively and findings are equivocal. We studied the association between polymorphisms across the entire vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene and genes encoding for vitamin D activating enzyme 1-α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1) and deactivating enzyme 24-hyroxylase (CYP24A1) and prostate cancer risk among middle-aged men using a population-based case-control study design. DNA samples and survey data were obtained from incident cases (n = 630), 40 to 64 years old, identified through the Seattle-Puget Sound Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results cancer registry from 1993 to 1996 and from random controls (n = 565) of similar age without a history of prostate cancer. We selected and genotyped tag single-nucleotide polymorphisms to predict common variants across VDR (n = 22), CYP27B1 (n = 2), and CYP24A1 (n = 14). Haplotypes of VDR and CYP24A1 were not associated with prostate cancer risk. In the genotype analysis, homozygotes at two VDR loci (rs2107301 and rs2238135) were associated with a 2- to 2.5-fold higher risk of prostate cancer compared with the homozygote common allele [odds ratio, 2.47 (95% confidence interval, 1.52-4.00; P = 0.002) and 1.95 (95% confidence interval, 1.17-3.26; P = 0.007), respectively; P value corrected for multiple comparisons for VDR = 0.002]. We found no evidence that the two associated VDR single-nucleotide polymorphisms were modified by age at diagnosis, prostate cancer aggressiveness, first-degree family history of prostate cancer, or vitamin D intake. Genotypes of CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 were not associated with prostate cancer risk. Our findings suggest that polymorphisms in the VDR gene may be associated with prostate cancer risk and, therefore, that the vitamin D pathway might have an etiologic role in the development of prostate cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):1990–9)
Cryopreservation of Whole Blood Samples Collected in the Field for a Large Epidemiologic Study
Authors: Stevens Victoria L. , Patel Alpa V. , Feigelson Heather Spencer , Rodriguez Carmen , Thun Michael J. , Calle Eugenia E. 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
Cryopreserved lymphocytes can be used to measure various cellular functions and are an excellent source of DNA. However, functional studies of lymphocytes have been largely limited to specimens collected in laboratory settings because of the perception that specialized equipment and handling are needed to successfully cryopreserve biospecimens. In this study, we have developed a protocol to successfully cryopreserve blood samples collected in the field as part of a pilot study of Cancer Prevention Study-3. Blood was collected in sodium heparin–containing vacutainers at six outdoor events, transported via courier to one of four different processing labs for cryopreservation, and stored in the vapor phase of liquid nitrogen. After 2 to 6 weeks of storage, the effectiveness of the protocol was evaluated by testing 30 samples for their viability, lymphocyte yield, and ability to be transformed by EBV. Although lymphocyte recovery varied considerably, all samples yielded at least 2 × 106 cells with at least 86% of the cells being viable. All samples were successfully transformed by EBV and yielded immortalized cell lines within 15 days of treatment with the virus. These findings indicate that whole blood samples collected in the field can be successfully cryopreserved and that the normal variation in sample handling expected in a large epidemiologic study does not compromise the quality of the cryopreserved specimens. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2007;16(10):2160–3)
A Note on the Text of Deuteronomy xxxii 8
Authors: Joosten Jan 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThe famous textual problem in Deut. xxxii 8 can be solved more satisfactorily than has been done so far by postulating a text: “to the number of the sons of Bull El ( la rç ynb ).” is reading would have been abbreviated into a text-form of the type attested in the Septuagint and 4QDeutj, by omission of the problematic word “bull”. The conjecture would also account for the Masoretic reading, “to the number of the sons of Israel”. Supportive evidence for the reading is found in Ugaritic texts and in Hos. viii 6.
Word of Tree and Whisper of Stone: El's Oracle to King Keret (Kirta), and the Problem of the Mechanics of Its Utterance
Authors: Wyatt N. 
Published: October 2007

AbstractThis paper argues that the complex sequence in KTU 1.15 ii 13-16, in the Keret story from Ugarit, contains a royal birth oracle which is modelled on real-life practice; furthermore, the circumstances and mechanism of its utterance are suggested by KTU 1.3 iii 19-31 and parallels in the Baal cycle, formulaic passages describing how communication between heaven and earth was believed to be effected. These passages in turn are elucidated by reference to biblical traditions concerning sacred trees and stones as media for prophetic utterance, particularly when an oracle was actively sought in royal and quasi-royal situations. The Ugaritic material is thus shown to provide the first evidence of a form of prophecy from Ugarit, bound to the cult, and comparable to evidence found from Mari, Assyria and the West Semitic world.
Characterization and localization of side population (SP) cells in zebrafish kidney hematopoietic tissue
Authors: Kobayashi Isao , Saito Kazuyuki , Moritomo Tadaaki , Araki Kyosuke , Takizawa Fumio , Nakanishi Teruyuki 
Published: October 2007

Abstract
We previously showed that side population (SP) cells, characterized by specific Hoechst dye efflux pattern in flow cytometric analysis, were present in teleost kidney hematopoietic tissue, and that kidney SP cells were enriched in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). ABCG2/Abcg2 is an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter that is known to be associated with Hoechst dye efflux activity of mammalian HSCs. In the present study, we examined the expression and function of Abcg2 in kidney SP cells from zebrafish (Danio rerio). Although the zebrafish genome has 4 paralogous copies of ABCG2 (zAbcg2a, b, c, and d), zAbcg2a and zAbcg2c mRNA was expressed in kidney SP cells. Transfection of COS-7 cells with zAbcg2a and zAbcg2c showed that zAbcg2a was directly associated with the SP phenotype. These results indicate that zAbcg2a mRNA is a useful marker for zebrafish HSCs. In situ hybridization in kidney tissue showed that zAbcg2a-positive cells were sporadically localized on the surface of renal tubules, and tightly adhered to renal tubule epithelial cells. This result suggests that teleost HSCs adhere to the surface of renal tubules, and that renal tubule epithelial cells are a key component of HSC niche in teleosts.
Keratinocyte growth factor prevents intra-alveolar oedema in experimental lung isografts
Authors: Sadovski J. , Kuchenbuch T. , Ruppert C. , Fehrenbach A. , Hirschburger M. , Padberg W. , Günther A. , Hohlfeld J. M. , Fehrenbach H. , Grau V. 
Published: October 2007

Primary graft dysfunction, characterised by intra-alveolar oedema, is a major obstacle in pulmonary transplantation. The present study evaluates the potential of keratinocyte growth factor (palmiferin; ΔN23-KGF) for the prevention of oedema in lung transplants.Intratracheal instillation of 5 mg·kg−1ΔN23-KGF was performed in Lewis rats on days 3 and 2 before explantation. Control animals obtained an equivalent volume of vehicle. Left lungs were isogeneically transplanted and the graft recipients were sacrificed 1 day later for stereological analysis of intra-alveolar oedema and bronchoalveolar lavage. The total protein and phospholipid content, as well as surfactant proteins, were measured. Surfactant activity was analysed with a pulsating bubble surfactometer.In grafts from control treated donors, the fraction of intra-alveolar oedema amounted to 3.4±1.1% of the total parenchymal volume. Treatment of donor lungs with ΔN23-KGF reduced oedema to a fraction of 1.6±0.8%. In the lavage fluid of pulmonary grafts from ΔN23-KGF-treated donors, the total protein content was decreased compared with vehicle-treated lung transplants, whereas phospholipids did not differ. The protein fraction contained increased amounts of surfactant protein-C after ΔN23-KGF treatment and surfactant function was improved.Treatment of donor lungs with palifermin protects against intra-alveolar oedema formation upon transplantation. This effect appears to be mediated by an improved surfactant homeostasis.
Forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in six seconds as predictors of reduced total lung capacity
Authors: Vandevoorde J. , Verbanck S. , Schuermans D. , Broekaert L. , Devroey D. , Kartounian J. , Vincken W. 
Published: October 2007

The present study aims to derive guidelines that identify patients for whom spirometry can reliably predict a reduced total lung capacity (TLC). A total of 12,693 lung function tests were analysed on Caucasian subjects, aged 18–70 yrs.Restriction was defined as a reduced TLC. Lower limits of normal (LLN) for TLC were obtained from the European Respiratory Society recommended reference equations. Reference equations from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III were used for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in six seconds (FEV6). The performance of FVC and FEV6to predict the presence of restriction was studied as follows: 1) using two-by-two (2×2) tables; and 2) by logistic regression analysis. Both analyses were performed in obstructive (defined as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FVC or FEV1/FEV6<LLN) and nonobstructive subgroups, and separately for males and females.The 2×2 tables showed generally low positive and high negative predictive values for FVC or FEV6below their LLN in predicting a reduced TLC. Logistic regression analysis showed that in nonobstructive subjects, restriction can be positively predicted if FVC or FEV6is <55% predicted (males) or <40% pred (females). Restriction can be ruled out if FVC or FEV in six seconds is >100% pred (males) or >85% pred (females).In obstructive patients, spirometry cannot reliably diagnose a concomitant restrictive defect, but it can rule out restriction for patients with forced vital capacity or forced expiratory volume in six seconds >85% pred (males) or >70% pred (females).
Airway abnormalities at flexible bronchoscopy in patients with chronic cough
Authors: Decalmer S. , Woodcock A. , Greaves M. , Howe M. , Smith J. 
Published: October 2007

The algorithms utilised in the diagnosis of chronic cough advocate sequential investigations and treatment trials for asthma-like syndromes, post-nasal drip and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease; however, the role of bronchoscopy is unclear. In the present authors’ specialist clinic (North West Lung Centre Cough Clinic, Manchester, UK), flexible bronchoscopy is included in the diagnostic work-up of patients with chronic unexplained cough. In a retrospective review, the authors report on their experiences.Over an 18-month period, patients followed a diagnostic algorithm that included: chest radiography; pulmonary function; methacholine challenge; ear, nose and throat examination; and empirical reflux treatment. Where diagnosis remained elusive, bronchoscopy was performed.A total of 82 bronchoscopies were carried out for the sole indication of chronic cough. Patient age (mean±sd) was 54.9±11.22 yrs, with a median (range) cough duration of 5 (0.5–30) yrs. In nine (11%) subjects, a diagnosis was made on inspection or biopsy. These included seven cases of tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica (TPO), one case of elongated uvula and one case of endobronchial amyloidosis. All TPO patients had early changes, with a typical nodular appearance to the tracheal cartilage, without significant airway obstruction. These subtle changes could not have been predicted from less invasive procedures and would have been missed without bronchoscopy.Flexible bronchoscopy is indicated in persistent unexplained cough and may reveal contributing pathology.