bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Papillomavirus mRNA and p16 Detection as Biomarkers for the Improved Diagnosis of Cervical Neoplasia
Authors: Cuschieri Kate , Wentzensen Nicolas 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection of the genital tract is very common and normally follows a benign clinical course; however, in an unfortunate minority of infected individuals, it can cause disease that sometimes leads to cancer. It is accepted that HPV DNA testing has a role in the management of cervical disease both in a prevaccination and postvaccination era; however, to improve the specificity of this approach, there is a requirement to develop and validate tools/assays that can identify women at risk for progressive disease. There is evidence to suggest that detection of viral gene expression both directly and indirectly may constitute a more specific approach for delineating clinically significant infection compared with HPV DNA–based assays. HPV oncogene expression and evidence of its deregulation can be monitored through direct detection of viral mRNA transcripts or through detection of the cellular protein p16. For both approaches, commercial assays have been introduced and numerous studies have been conducted. The present article describes the scientific theory underpinning these approaches, their amenability to routine-diagnostic specimens/settings, and the clinical data that has been garnered through their application thus far. Currently, there is promising data indicating that HPV mRNA and p16 might play an important role in future cervical cancer screening scenarios. Still, large randomized studies are necessary to confirm the preliminary data.Methods: PubMed and OVID were interrogated with search terms “HPV RNA;” “HPV mRNA;” “HPV transcript—detection, testing, and methods;” “p16” AND “cervical cancer;” “p16” AND “CIN;” “p16” AND “histology”; “p16” AND “cytology;” “p16;” and “screening.” (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(10):2536–45)
Micronuclei Related toAnti–B[a]PDE-DNA Adduct in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Heavily Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon–Exposed Nonsmoking Coke-Oven Workers and Controls
Authors: Pavanello Sofia , Kapka Lucyna , Siwinska Ewa , Mielzyñska Danuta , Bolognesi Claudia , Clonfero Erminio 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMicronuclei (MN) frequency associated to biologically effective dose of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAH; anti-benzo[a]pyrene diolepoxide (B[a]PDE)-DNA] within the same subjects' peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) was evaluated. Study subjects were nonsmoking male Polish coke-oven workers (n = 49) and matched controls (n = 45) verified for PAH exposure by urinary 1-pyrenol. We found that coke-oven workers, heavily exposed to PAHs (80% workers exceeded the urinary 1-pyrenol biological exposure index value), presented significantly higher MN frequency in PBLs than controls (P &lt; 0.01). Substantial difference was also found for adduct levels in PBLs (P &lt; 0.01). Increase in MN levels was significantly related to anti–B[a]PDE-DNA formation, key adduct of the ultimate carcinogenic metabolite of B[a]P (n = 94; r = 0.47; P &lt; 0.001). The dose-response relationship was improved when subjects with adduct levels above the 3rd tertile (≥4.35 adducts/108 nucleotides) were excluded (n = 61; r = 0.69; P &lt; 0.001). Saturation of adduct/MN formation at high levels may disturb the underlying relationship. Linear multiple regression analysis, without subjects of 3rd tertile adduct level (n = 61), revealed that adduct formation (t = 4.61; P &lt; 0.001), but not 1-pyrenol, was the significant determinant in increasing MN. In conclusion, the increase in MN frequency is mainly related to the specific anti–B[a]PDE-DNA formation within PBLs of the same subject. Our results substantiate, with the use of an early indicator of biological effect as well, that workers are at higher cancer risk than controls.(Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(10):2795–9)
5-Lipoxygenase and 5-Lipoxygenase-Activating Protein Gene Polymorphisms, Dietary Linoleic Acid, and Risk for Breast Cancer
Authors: Wang Jun , John Esther M. , Ingles Sue Ann 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
The n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid 5-lipoxygenase pathway has been shown to play a role in the carcinogenesis of breast cancer. We conducted a population-based case-control study among Latina, African-American, and White women from the San Francisco Bay area to examine the association of the 5-lipoxygenase gene (ALOX5) and 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein gene (ALOX5AP) with breast cancer risk. Three ALOX5AP polymorphisms [poly(A) microsatellite, −4900 A&gt;G (rs4076128), and −3472 A&gt;G (rs4073259)] and three ALOX5 polymorphisms [Sp1-binding site (-GGGCGG-) variable number of tandem repeat polymorphism, −1279 G&gt;T (rs6593482), and 760 G&gt;A (rs2228065)] were genotyped in 802 cases and 888 controls. We did not find significant main effects of ALOX5 and ALOX5AP genotypes on breast cancer risk that were consistent across race or ethnicity; however, there was a significant interaction between the ALOX5AP −4900 A&gt;G polymorphism and dietary linoleic acid intake (P = 0.03). Among women consuming a diet high in linoleic acid (top quartile of intake, &gt;17.4 g/d), carrying the AA genotype was associated with higher breast cancer risk (age- and race-adjusted odds ratio, 1.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.9) compared with carrying genotypes AG or GG. Among women consuming ≤17.4 g/d of linoleic acid, ALOX5AP −4900 genotype was not associated with breast cancer risk (age- and race-adjusted odds ratio, 0.9; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.2). These results support a role for n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids in breast carcinogenesis and suggest that epidemiologic studies on dietary fat and breast cancer should take into account genetic predisposition related to n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid metabolism. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(10):2748–54)
Physical Activity and Pancreatic Cancer Risk: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bao Ying , Michaud Dominique S. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Background: Physical activity has been associated with a lower risk for pancreatic cancer in several studies, but the overall epidemiologic evidence is not consistent. We therefore did a systematic review to evaluate the association between physical activity and pancreatic cancer risk.
Methods: We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE through April 2008 and examined the reference lists of the retrieved articles. We excluded studies that relied on job titles as surrogate measures for physical activity. We used a random-effects model to pool study-specific risk estimates comparing the highest versus the lowest category of physical activity.
Results: Total physical activity (occupational and leisure time) was not significantly associated with risk for pancreatic cancer [4 prospective studies; summary relative risk, 0.76, 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.53-1.09]. A decreased risk for pancreatic cancer was observed for occupational physical activity (3 prospective studies; relative risk, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.96) but not for leisure-time physical activity (14 prospective studies; relative risk, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.83-1.05). No association was found with light physical activity (2 prospective studies; relative risk, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.77-1.34), moderate physical activity (6 prospective studies; relative risk, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.58-1.18), or vigorous physical activity (7 prospective studies; relative risk, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.80-1.12).
Conclusions: This systematic review does not provide strong evidence for an association between physical activity and risk for pancreatic cancer. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(10):2671–82)
PTPRJ Haplotypes and Colorectal Cancer Risk
Authors: Toland Amanda E. , Rozek Laura S. , Presswala Shafaq , Rennert Gad , Gruber Stephen B. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Recent studies from mouse mapping studies for cancer susceptibility have successfully led to the identification of a handful of susceptibility genes. Ptprj was identified as a strong candidate gene for mouse locus susceptibility to colorectal cancer 1, and one variant, rs1566734, showed evidence of preferential allelic imbalance in human colorectal tumors. Haplotypes in human PTPRJ have also been associated with protective effects for breast cancer risk. To determine if variants or haplotype in PTPRJ confer protective or risk effects for colorectal cancer (CRC), we genotyped rs1566734 and six additional PTPRJ haplotype tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in CRC cases and controls from the Molecular Epidemiology of Colorectal Cancer study. There was no evidence for cancer risk with rs1566734 in 1,897 cases and 1,954 controls with a homozygote odds ratio of 1.09 and 95% confidence interval of 0.85 to 1.39. The 6 tagging SNPs resulted in 6 main haplotypes (frequencies, &gt;1%). None of the six tagSNPs individually showed significant evidence for risk; however, rs1503185 showed a nonsignificant protective effect. One haplotype was overrepresented in cases compared with controls, corresponding to a 34% increase in risk CRC, but there was no significant difference overall in haplotype frequencies between cases and controls (global test P statistic = 0.19). From this study, we observe no significant increase in risk for human CRC with variants or haplotypes in PTPRJ. Additional studies are warranted to study possible PTPRJ-interacting loci, which are observed with Scc1 in the mouse models for CRC susceptibility. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(10):2782–5)
Evaluations of BDA Scheme Using the Advanced Research WRF (ARW) Model
Authors: Xiao Qingnong , Chen Liqiang , Zhang Xiaoyan 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
A tropical cyclone bogus data assimilation (BDA) scheme is built in the Weather Research and Forecasting three-dimensional variational data assimilation system (WRF 3D-VAR). Experiments were conducted (21 experiments with BDA in parallel with another 21 without BDA) to assess its impacts on the predictions of seven Atlantic Ocean basin hurricanes observed in 2004 (Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne) and in 2005 (Katrina, Rita, and Wilma). In addition, its performance was compared with the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) hurricane initialization scheme in a case study of Hurricane Humberto (2007). It is indicated that hurricane initialization with the BDA technique can improve the forecast skills of track and intensity in the Advanced Research WRF (ARW). Among the three hurricane verification parameters [track, central sea level pressure (CSLP), and maximum surface wind (MSW)], BDA improves CSLP the most. The improvement of MSW is also considerable. The track has the smallest, but still noticeable, improvement. With WRF 3D-VAR, the initial vortex produced by BDA is balanced with the dynamical and statistical balance in the 3D-VAR system. It has great potential for improving the hurricane intensity forecast. The case study on Hurricane Humberto (2007) shows that BDA performs better than the GFDL bogus scheme in the ARW forecast for the case. Better definition of the initial vortex is the main reason for the advanced skill in hurricane track and intensity forecasting in this case.
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein is Not Independently Associated with Peripheral Subclinical Atherosclerosis
Authors: Bo Mario , Corsinovi Laura , Brescianini Alessia , Sona Alessandro , Astengo Marco , Dumitrache Raluca , Maria Federica Ferrio , Pricop Larisa , Fonte Gianfranco 
Published: October 2008

Objective This study investigated whether high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels are independently associated with subclinical peripheral atherosclerosis. Methods. Clinical variables, cardiovascular (CV) risk factors, 10-year CV risk, the antebrachial Index (ABI), and the carotid intima—media thickness (cIMT) were determined in a sample of consecutive subjects free from previous CV disease, admitted for a first visit at a lipid clinic. Results. In the overall sample (320 subjects, mean age 63 years, 35.8% men), hs-CRP levels were associated with major CV risk factors, 10-year CV risk, lower ABI, and higher cIMT values. In a logistic model, after adjustment for significant covariates, the associations of hs-CRP levels with ABI and cIMT were no longer statistically significant. Conclusions. Among asymptomatic, moderate- to-high CV risk subjects, hs-CRP levels were associated with severity of peripheral atherosclerosis, but these associations were not independent of traditional CV risk factors, suggesting a limited predictive role of hs-CRP for subclinical atherosclerosis.
The views of patients with advanced cancer regarding participation in serial questionnaire studies
Authors: Shipman C , Hotopf M , Richardson A , Murray S , Koffman J , Harding R , Speck P , Higginson IJ 
Published: October 2008

Longitudinal research helps to clarify changing needs and the timing of treatments and referral but is hampered by poor recruitment and retention of participants. We explored, using semi-structured interviews in a cross-sectional design, the views and preferences of patients with advanced cancer on taking part in planned longitudinal questionnaire-based research studies. Patients with advanced lung and colorectal cancer were recruited from outpatient clinics in a London hospital. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken to explore their views about taking part in a specific future questionnaire study and their preferences regarding format. In all, 20 of 47 patients initially identified were recruited. Their preferences for the planned questionnaire study were for face-to-face interviews undertaken at home from late morning onwards with recontact at a mean of 6 weeks. Fluctuating symptom control needs could result in unexpected admission to or discharge from hospital. Developing flexible and responsive recruitment procedures is vital to retain patient participation as more than one contact might be required to successfully conclude an interview.
Possible sources of urinary benzene among nonoccupationally exposed Japanese subjects
Authors: Suna Shigeru , Hirao Tomohiro , Asakawa Fumiyuki , Suzue Takeshi , Mannami Toshifumi , Jitsunari Famihiko 
Published: October 2008

Unmetabolized benzene in urine (U-benzene) is known to be the best marker among the indices for the biological monitoring of occupational and environmental exposure to benzene. In this study, we determined the levels of U-benzene among Japanese university students exposed to benzene nonoccupationally and analyzed the relation between U-benzene levels and the possible factors responsible for environmental benzene exposure. In urinalysis, U-benzene concentration among 124 students was detected in the range from 18 (minimum detection limit) to 249 ng/l. The frequency distribution of U-benzene concentration peaked at 0–19 ng/l. Mean and median values of 40 and 20 ng/l for U-benzene concentration in nonoccupationally exposed subjects were lower than those in a previous study. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis was performed to assess the potential sources of exposure to environmental benzene by analyzing the relation between U-benzene and personal, behavioral, and environmental factors. The results showed that only smoking habit ( P < 0.01) and residential house age ( P < 0.05) were independent determinants of U-benzene levels. In addition, U-benzene levels in relation to smoking and house age suggested that these factors could be associated with the synergistic elevation of U-benzene. The present study showed U-benzene levels among non-occupationally exposed Japanese subjects and revealed that the major exposure sources to benzene in the general environment were tobacco smoking and indoor air contamination.
ADRA2A polymorphism and smoking in a Turkish population
Authors: Karahalil B , Coskun E , Emerce E 
Published: October 2008

Adrenoceptors (ARs) consist of nine subtypes, which are involved in a wide spectrum of physiological functions and are the site of action for a considerable percentage of currently prescribed therapeutics. All AR subtypes (except α1D) can be polymorphic because of the genetic variations in the coding and non-coding regions. Sixteen sequence variations were identified in α-adrenergic 2A (ADRA2A) gene. Among them, ADRA2A C1291G polymorphism is one of the most important polymorphisms, which plays a major role in regulating neurotransmitter release, blood pressure, lipolysis, insulin secretion, and platelet aggregation. A C–G transversion results in an MspI restriction fragment length polymorphism located at 1291 bp upstream of the origin of transcription. Because Medline search showed no study showing the allelic frequencies, and no information is available on inter-individual variability of ADRA2A C1291G polymorphism in Turkish population, we genotyped 203 healthy Turkish subjects. Because of large genetic variation of the polymorphism, we aimed to find out the distribution of C1291G polymorphism in Turkish population. Furthermore, we evaluated the possible association between the C1291G polymorphism in the ADRA2A receptor gene and smoking. The frequencies for the 1291C and 1291G alleles were 64% and 36%, respectively. The genotype frequencies for C1291C, C1291G, and G1291G were 35.5%, 57.6%, and 6.9%, respectively, in Turkish population. The allelic frequencies (1291C and 1291G) and G1291G homozygous variant genotype were similar to those reported in different Caucasian populations; however, C1291C and C1291G genotypes were different. We also observed that the frequency of the G allele was slightly higher in smoker subjects and lower among controls. The ADRA2A G allele may play a role in the predisposition to smoking. There is a need for expanding genotype and haplotype studies because of its importance in various physiological disorders and to confirm the association of this polymorphism with smoking.
Moldy environments and toxic pneumonitis
Authors: Rylander R , Fogelmark B , Ewaldsson B 
Published: October 2008

Exposure to organic dusts might cause an acute reaction with influenza like symptoms (toxic pneumonitis). Although it is well known that endotoxin, which is often present in organic dusts, may cause this reaction, there is no information about fungal cell wall agents as causative agents. The capacity of different fungal cell wall agents to induce an acute inflammation was evaluated in animal inhalation experiments. Guinea pigs were exposed to an aerosol of endotoxin, molds, and different fungal cell wall agents (FCWA) in a continuous flow exposure chamber, and the number of free lung cells was determined 24 h thereafter. Endotoxin caused a dose-dependent increase in the number of neutrophils and macrophages. None of the other agents tested caused a neutrophil response. The results suggest that toxic pneumonitis in environments with organic dusts is caused by the presence of inhaled endotoxin. Although no effect from FCWA was found, it is well known that this inhalation under chronic conditions will cause lung disease, particularly granulomatous pneumonitis.
Hepatitis C virus association with peripheral blood B lymphocytes potentiates viral infection of liver-derived hepatoma cells
Authors: Stamataki Zania , Shannon-Lowe Claire , Shaw Jean , Mutimer David , Rickinson Alan B. , Gordon John , Adams David H. , Balfe Peter , McKeating Jane A. 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) primarily replicates within the liver, leading to hepatitis, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Infection is also associated with B-cell abnormalities, suggesting an association of the virus with B cells. The infectious JFH-1 strain of HCV can bind primary and immortalized B cells but fails to establish productive infection. However, B cell–associated virus readily infects hepatoma cells, showing an enhanced infectivity compared with extracellular virus. B cells express the viral receptors CD81, SR-BI, and the C-type lectins DC-SIGN and L-SIGN. Antibodies specific for SR-BI and DC-SIGN/L-SIGN reduced B-cell transinfection, supporting a role for these molecules in B-cell association with HCV. Stimulation of B cells with CD40 ligand and interleukin-4 promoted their ability to transinfect hepatoma cells. B cell–associated virus is resistant to trypsin proteolysis and HCV-specific neutralizing antibodies, consistent with particle internalization. HCV promoted the adhesion of primary B cells to Huh-7 hepatomas, providing a mechanism for B-cell retention in the infected liver. In summary, B cells may provide a vehicle for HCV to persist and transmit to the liver.
The evolution of TEP1, an exceptionally polymorphic immunity gene in Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Obbard Darren J , Callister Deborah M , Jiggins Francis M , Soares Dinesh C , Yan Guiyun , Little Tom J 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background
Host-parasite coevolution can result in balancing selection, which maintains genetic variation in the susceptibility of hosts to parasites. It has been suggested that variation in a thioester-containing protein called TEP1 (AGAP010815) may alter the ability of Anopheles mosquitoes to transmit Plasmodium parasites, and high divergence between alleles of this gene suggests the possible action of long-term balancing selection. We studied whether TEP1 is a case of an ancient balanced polymorphism in an animal immune system.

Results
We found evidence that the high divergence between TEP1 alleles is the product of genetic exchange between TEP1 and other TEP loci, i.e. gene conversion. Additionally, some TEP1 alleles showed unexpectedly low variability.

Conclusion
The TEP1 gene appears to be a chimera produced from at least two other TEP loci, and the divergence between TEP1 alleles is probably not caused by long-term balancing selection, but is instead due to two independent gene conversion events from one of these other genes. Nevertheless, TEP1 still shows evidence of natural selection, in particular there appears to have been recent changes in the frequency of alleles that has diminished polymorphism within each allelic class. Although the selective force driving this dynamic was not identified, given that susceptibility to Plasmodium parasites is known to be associated with allelic variation in TEP1, these changes in allele frequencies could alter the vectoring capacity of populations.