tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Effect of smoke-free workplaces on smoking behaviour: systematic review
Authors: C. M Fichtenberg
Journal: BMJ (2002)

To quantify the effects of smoke-free workplaces on smoking in employees and compare these effects to those achieved through tax increases.Systematic review with a random effects meta-analysis.26 studies on the effects of smoke-free workplaces.Workplaces in the United States, Australia, Canada, and Germany.Employees in unrestricted and totally smoke-free workplaces.Daily cigarette consumption (per smoker and per employee) and smoking prevalence.Totally smoke-free workplaces are associated with reductions in prevalence of smoking of 3.8% (95% confidence interval 2.8% to 4.7%) and 3.1 (2.4 to 3.8) fewer cigarettes smoked per day per continuing smoker. Combination of the effects of reduced prevalence and lower consumption per continuing smoker yields a mean reduction of 1.3 cigarettes per day per employee, which corresponds to a relative reduction of 29%. To achieve similar reductions the tax on a pack of cigarettes would have to increase from $0.76 to $3.05 (0.78 euro to 3.14 euro) in the United States and from 3.44 pounds sterling to 6.59 pounds sterling (5.32 euro to 10.20 euro) in the United Kingdom. If all workplaces became smoke-free, consumption per capita in the entire population would drop by 4.5% in the United States and 7.6% in the United Kingdom, costing the tobacco industry $1.7 billion and 310 million pounds sterling annually in lost sales. To achieve similar reductions tax per pack would have to increase to $1.11 and 4.26 pounds sterling.Smoke-free workplaces not only protect non-smokers from the dangers of passive smoking, they also encourage smokers to quit or to reduce consumption.
Affinity of Phytoestrogens for Estradiol-Binding Proteins and Effect of Coumestrol on Growth of 7,12-Dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-Induced Rat Mammary Tumors23
Authors: Kathey Verdeal, Raymond R. Brown, Thomas Richardson, Dale S. Ryan
Journal: JNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute (1980)

A number of nonsteroidal estrogens, which are common naturally occurring substances in human foods, were examined for competitive binding to estrogen receptor proteins. These compounds bound competitively to estrogen receptor proteins in rat uterine cytosol, in tissue from 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced rat mammary tumors, and in human mammary tumor tissue. The relative affinity of these estrogens for rat uterine cytosol receptors paralleled closely the affinities reported for other receptors. Oral administration of coumestrol did not appear to support the growth of DMBA-induced rat mammary tumors, nor did coumestrol act as an antiestrogen when administered orally in combination with 17β-estradiol. Coumestrol administered sc might, however, be able to support the growth of these tumors.
Cholesterol metabolism and serum and biliary noncholesterol sterols in gallstone patients during simvastatin and ursodeoxycholic acid treatments
Authors: Tatu E. Miettinen, Tuula Kiviluoto, Matti Taavitsainen, Matti Vuoristo, Tatu A. Miettinen
Journal: Hepatology (1998)

Effects of long-term high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and simvastatin treatments on cholesterol metabolism and biliary lipid compositions were compared in patients with cholesterol gallstones. Absorption and synthesis of cholesterol, serum and biliary noncholesterol sterols and lipids were determined in 14 patients randomized to UDCA (23-25 mg/kg/d) or simvastatin (40 mg/d) for 1 year. Simvastatin reduced serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol by 55%, and UDCA, by 9%. Cholesterol absorption was decreased (35%) by UDCA, but nonsignificantly increased by simvastatin ( P &lt; .05 for difference of changes caused by the two drugs). Whole-body synthesis and biliary output of cholesterol were both significantly decreased only by UDCA. In addition, UDCA inconsistently increased the proportions of serum and biliary precursor sterols of cholesterol, known to reflect cholesterol synthesis, but did not affect their biliary secretions. Simvastatin, however, dramatically reduced serum and also biliary cholesterol precursor sterol proportions and their biliary secretions and increased proportions of serum and biliary plant sterols and cholestanol, known to reflect cholesterol absorption, but had no effect on their biliary secretion. Only UDCA significantly decreased the molar percentage of cholesterol, the lithogenic index, and the cholesterol/phospholipid (CH/PL) ratio in bile, whereas both treatments inconsistently decreased the vesicular CH/PL ratio ( P &lt; .07 in both groups). It is concluded that both drugs decreased serum cholesterol and inhibited cholesterol synthesis, but had a differing influence on precursor sterols and the absorption of cholesterol. UDCA had more beneficial effects than simvastatin on the antilithogenic properties of bile.
Anal human papillomavirus and HIV: A cross-sectional study among men who have sex with men in Moscow, Russia, 2012–2013
Authors: A L Wirtz, C E Zelaya, A Peryshkina, I McGowan, R D Cranston, C Latkin, N Galai, V Mogilniy, P Dzhigun, I Kostetskaya, C Beyrer
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2015)

Anal human papillomavirus (HPV) is prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM), but has not been studied in the Russian Federation. A cross-sectional survey and HPV genotyping were conducted among HIV seropositive (n=58) and seronegative MSM (n=65)in Moscow. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify correlates of infection with oncogenic HPV genotypes 16 and/or 18 (HPV 16/18). Forty per cent (49/124) of all MSM were infected with at least one anal HPV genotype, 31.5% (39/124) had HPV16/18,and 11.5% (14/121) had high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL). HPV 16/18 was more prevalent in HIV seropositive than seronegative men (24/58,41.4% vs 15/65, 23.1%; p=0.03). HIV infection was independently associated with HPV 16/18 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.08; 95% confidence intervals (CI):1.49-17.34, p=0.01), as was having 2-4 steady male sex partners in the last year (vs ≤ 1 partner; AOR: 6.99;95%CI: 1.94–25.24, p<0.01). History of prison/detention,migration to/within Russia and use of incompatible lubricants were marginally associated with HPV16/18 (p<0.10). Comprehensive prevention options are needed to address HIV and HPV infection among MSM in Russia and may benefit from inclusion of young men in piloted HPV vaccination programmes.
Triple combination of bevacizumab, gemcitabine and platinum salt in metastatic collecting duct carcinoma
Authors: N. Pécuchet, F. Bigot, J. Gachet, C. Massard, L. Albiges, C. Teghom, Y. Allory, A. Méjean, B. Escudier, S. Oudard
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2013)
Phase II and Pharmacologic Study of Weekly Oral Paclitaxel Plus Cyclosporine in Patients With Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: C.M.F. Kruijtzer, J.H.M. Schellens, J. Mezger, M.E. Scheulen, U. Keilholz, J.H. Beijnen, H. Rosing, R.A.A. Mathôt, S. Marcus, H. van Tinteren, P. Baas
Journal: Journal of Clinical Oncology (2002)

PURPOSE: A phase II study was performed to assess the efficacy and toxicity of oral cyclosporine (CsA) plus paclitaxel in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Chemotherapy-naive or previously treated patients (one regimen) with measurable disease and World Health Organization performance status ≤ 2 were eligible. Oral paclitaxel was given weekly in a dose of 90 mg/m 2 bid. CsA (10 mg/kg) was given 30 minutes before each dose of oral paclitaxel. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients with a median age of 54 years (range, 32 to 77 years) were entered onto this study. Eighteen patients (69%) had received one prior chemotherapy regimen. The most frequently recorded toxicities were as follows: National Cancer Institute common toxicity criteria grade 3 neutropenia, eight patients (31%); grade 4, six patients (23%); grade 4 febrile neutropenia, three patients (12%); grade 2/3 neurotoxicity, three patients (12%); and grade 2 nail changes, four patients (15%). The overall response rate (ORR) of the 23 assessable patients was 26% (95% confidence interval [CI], 10% to 48%). In the intention-to-treat population, the ORR was 23% (95% CI, 9% to 44%). The median time to progression was 3.5 months (95% CI, 1.2 to 3.9 months), and median overall survival was 6.0 months (95% CI, 2.3 months to not available). Pharmacokinetics revealed that the mean area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of oral paclitaxel was 5.0 ± 2.3 μmol/L/h in week 1 and 4.6 ± 2.0 μmol/L/h in week 2, with interpatient variabilities (coefficient of variation [%CV]) of 45% and 42%, respectively. The intrapatient variability (%CV) of the AUC was 14.5%. CONCLUSION: Oral paclitaxel plus CsA is active and safe in advanced NSCLC, including in patients previously treated with chemotherapy.
Determinants of Notch-3 Receptor Expression and Signaling in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells
Authors: Alexandre H. Campos, Wenli Wang, Matthew J. Pollman, Gary H. Gibbons
Journal: Circulation Research (2002)

The Notch family of receptors and ligands plays an important role in cell fate determination, vasculogenesis, and organogenesis. Mutations of the Notch-3 receptor result in an arteriopathy that predisposes to early-onset stroke. However, the functional role of the Notch signaling pathway in adult vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is poorly characterized. This study documents that the Notch-3 receptor, the ligand Jagged-1, and the downstream transcription factor, HESR-1, are expressed in the normal adult rat carotid artery, and that this expression is modulated after vascular injury. In cultured VSMCs, both angiotensin II and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) markedly downregulated Notch-3 and Jagged-1 through ERK-dependent signaling mechanisms and prevented the glycosylation of Jagged-1. The downregulation of Jagged-1 and Notch-3 was associated with a decrease in CBF-1-mediated gene transcription activation and a fall in the mRNA levels of the downstream target transcription factor HESR-1. To test the hypothesis that the Notch pathway was coupled to growth regulation, we generated VSMC lines overexpressing the constitutively active form of Notch-3 (A7r5-N3IC). These cells exhibited a biphasic growth behavior in which the growth rate was retarded during the subconfluent phase and failed to decelerate at postconfluence. The lack of cell-cycle arrest in postconfluent A7r5-N3IC was associated with an attenuated upregulation of the cell-cycle inhibitor p27(kip) relative to control cells. This study documents the regulation of the Jagged-1 and Notch-3 genes in VSMCs by growth factor stimulation as well as a role for Notch-3 as a determinant of VSMC growth.
Magnetic Resonance–Based Anatomical Analysis of Scar-Related Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: Hiroshi Ashikaga, Tetsuo Sasano, Jun Dong, M. Muz Zviman, Robert Evers, Bruce Hopenfeld, Valeria Castro, Robert H. Helm, Timm Dickfeld, Saman Nazarian, J. Kevin Donahue, Ronald D. Berger, Hugh Calkins, M. Roselle Abraham, Eduardo Marbán, Albert C. Lardo, Elliot R. McVeigh, Henry R. Halperin
Journal: Circulation Research (2007)

In catheter ablation of scar-related monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT), substrate voltage mapping is used to electrically define the scar during sinus rhythm. However, the electrically defined scar may not accurately reflect the anatomical scar. Magnetic resonance-based visualization of the scar may elucidate the 3D anatomical correlation between the fine structural details of the scar and scar-related VT circuits. We registered VT activation sequence with the 3D scar anatomy derived from high-resolution contrast-enhanced MRI in a swine model of chronic myocardial infarction using epicardial sock electrodes (n=6, epicardial group), which have direct contact with the myocardium where the electrical signal is recorded. In a separate group of animals (n=5, endocardial group), we also assessed the incidence of endocardial reentry in this model using endocardial basket catheters. Ten to 12 weeks after myocardial infarction, sustained monomorphic VT was reproducibly induced in all animals (n=11). In the epicardial group, 21 VT morphologies were induced, of which 4 (19.0%) showed epicardial reentry. The reentry isthmus was characterized by a relatively small volume of viable myocardium bound by the scar tissue at the infarct border zone or over the infarct. In the endocardial group (n=5), 6 VT morphologies were induced, of which 4 (66.7%) showed endocardial reentry. In conclusion, MRI revealed a scar with spatially complex structures, particularly at the isthmus, with substrate for multiple VT morphologies after a single ischemic episode. Magnetic resonance-based visualization of scar morphology would potentially contribute to preprocedural planning for catheter ablation of scar-related, unmappable VT.
Effects of CD2 locus control region sequences on gene expression by retroviral and lentiviral vectors
Authors: Stefano Indraccolo, Sonia Minuzzo, Francesca Roccaforte, Rita Zamarchi, Walter Habeler, Laura Stievano, Valeria Tosello, Dieter Klein, Walter H. Günzburg, Giuseppe Basso, Luigi Chieco-Bianchi, Alberto Amadori
Journal: Blood (2001)
Evolutionary Analysis of the MIXTA Gene Family Highlights Potential Targets for the Study of Cellular Differentiation
Authors: Samuel F. Brockington, Ruben Alvarez-Fernandez, Jacob B. Landis, Katrina Alcorn, Rachel H. Walker, Murphy M. Thomas, Lena C. Hileman, Beverley J. Glover
Journal: Molecular Biology and Evolution (2012)

Differentiated epidermal cells such as trichomes and conical cells perform numerous essential functions in plant biology and are important for our understanding of developmental patterning and cell shape regulation. Many are also commercially significant, such as cotton fibers and trichomes that secrete pharmaceutically useful or herbivore-deterring compounds. Here, we focus on the phylogeny and evolution of the subgroup 9 R2R3 MYB gene transcription factors, which include the MIXTA gene, and that are important for the specification and regulation of plant cellular differentiation. We have sequenced 49 subgroup 9 R2R3 MYB genes from key experimental taxa and combined these sequences with those identified by an exhaustive bioinformatic search, to compile a data set of 223 subgroup 9 R2R3 MYB genes. Our phylogenetic analyses demonstrate, for the first time, the complex evolutionary history of the subgroup 9 R2R3 MYB genes. A duplication event is inferred before the origin of seed plants giving rise to two major gene lineages, here termed SBG9-A and SBG9-B. The evolutionary conservation of the SBG9-B gene lineage has not been previously recognized and its role in cellular differentiation is unknown, thus an entire clade of potential candidate genes for epidermal cell regulation remains to be explored. Using a heterologous transformation bioassay, we provide functional data that implicate members of the SBG9-B lineage in the specification of epidermal projections. Furthermore, we reveal numerous putative duplication events in both SBG9-A and SBG9-B lineages, resolving uncertainty about orthology and paralogy among the subgroup 9 R2R3 MYB genes. Finally, we provide a robust framework over which to interpret existing functional data and to direct ongoing comparative genetic research into the evolution of plant cellular diversity.
Antigenic Cancer Cells Grow Progressively in Immune Hosts without Evidence for T Cell Exhaustion or Systemic Anergy
Authors: Maresa Wick, Purnima Dubey, Hartmut Koeppen, Christopher T. Siegel, Patrick E. Fields, Lieping Chen, Jeffrey A. Bluestone, Hans Schreiber
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1997)

One enigma in tumor immunology is why animals bearing malignant grafts can reject normal grafts that express the same nonself-antigen. An explanation for this phenomenon could be that different T cell clones react to the normal graft and the malignant cells, respectively, and only the tumor-reactive clonotypes may be affected by the growing tumor. To test this hypothesis, we used a T cell receptor transgenic mouse in which essentially all CD8+ T cells are specific for a closely related set of self-peptides presented on the MHC class I molecule Ld. We find that the tumor expressed Ld in the T cell receptor transgenic mice but grew, while the Ld-positive skin was rejected. Thus, despite an abundance of antigen-specific T cells, the malignant tissue grew while normal tissue expressing the same epitopes was rejected. Therefore, systemic T cell exhaustion or anergy was not responsible for the growth of the antigenic cancer cells. Expression of costimulatory molecules on the tumor cells after transfection and preimmunization by full-thickness skin grafts was required for rejection of a subsequent tumor challenge, but there was no detectable effect of active immunization once the tumor was established. Thus, the failure of established tumors to attract and activate tumor-specific T cells at the tumor site may be a major obstacle for preventive or therapeutic vaccination against antigenic cancer.
Oral Human Papillomavirus Infection Before and After Treatment for Human Papillomavirus 16–Positive and Human Papillomavirus 16–Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Yuri Agrawal, Wayne M. Koch, Weihong Xiao, William H. Westra, Anna L. Trivett, David E. Symer, Maura L. Gillison
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2008)

Abstract Purpose: Oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a risk factor for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), and is a concern for patients with HPV-positive HNSCC and their partners. The prevalence of oral HPV infection before and after cancer therapy was investigated among patients with HPV16-positive and HPV16-negative HNSCC. Experimental Design: Serial oral rinse samples (ORS) were collected from a cohort of 135 HNSCC cases as frequently as every 3 months for up to 3 years. Tumor HPV status was determined by HPV16 in situ hybridization. HPV was detected in ORS by consensus PCR and line blot hybridization. The HPV16 variants in positive oral rinse–tumor pairs were determined by sequencing. The odds of oral HPV infection among HPV16-positive and HPV16-negative cases were compared by use of generalized estimating equations. Results: Patients were followed for a median of 21 months and provided a median of 4 samples. Forty-four of 135 patients had HPV16-positive tumors. HPV16-positive cases were more likely than HPV16-negative cases to have an oral HPV infection detected before (odds ratio, 8.6; 95% confidence interval, 3.5-21) and after therapy (OR, 2.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-7.4). Oral infections by HPV16 and other high-risk, but not low-risk, types were more common among HPV16-positive cases both before and after therapy. Most HPV16 variants in ORS were European, unique, and identical to that in the tumor. Persistence of a type-specific oral infection was demonstrable for as long as 5 years. Conclusion: Oral high-risk HPV infections are more frequent among patients with HPV16-positive than HPV16-negative HNSCC, consistent with a behavioral and/or biological disposition to infection.
Survival following early-stage colon cancer: an ACCENT-based comparison of patients versus a matched international general population
Authors: L.A. Renfro, A. Grothey, D. Kerr, D.G. Haller, T. André, E. Van Cutsem, L. Saltz, R. Labianca, C.L. Loprinzi, S.R. Alberts, H. Schmoll, C. Twelves, G. Yothers, D.J. Sargent, D.J. Sargent, E. Green, A. Grothey, S.R. Alberts, Q. Shi, L.A. Renfro, G. Yothers, M.J. O'Connell, N. Wolmark, A. de Gramont, R. Gray, D. Kerr, D.G. Haller, K. Guthrie, M. Buyse, R. Labianca, J.F. Seitz, C.J. O'Callaghan, G. Francini, P.J. Catalano, C.D. Blanke, T. Andre, R.M. Goldberg, A. Benson, C. Twelves, F. Sirzen, L. Cisar, E. Van Cutsem, L. Saltz
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2015)
BTLA is a lymphocyte inhibitory receptor with similarities to CTLA-4 and PD-1
Authors: Norihiko Watanabe, Maya Gavrieli, John R Sedy, Jianfei Yang, Francesca Fallarino, Susan K Loftin, Michelle A Hurchla, Natalie Zimmerman, Julia Sim, Xingxing Zang, Theresa L Murphy, John H Russell, James P Allison, Kenneth M Murphy
Journal: Nature Immunology (2003)
Brominated Flame Retardants and Other Persistent Organohalogenated Compounds in Relation to Timing of Puberty in a Longitudinal Study of Girls
Authors: Gayle C. Windham, Susan M. Pinney, Robert W. Voss, Andreas Sjödin, Frank M. Biro, Louise C. Greenspan, Susan Stewart, Robert A. Hiatt, Lawrence H. Kushi
Journal: Environmental Health Perspectives (2015)

BackgroundExposure to hormonally active chemicals could plausibly affect pubertal timing, so we are investigating this in the Breast Cancer and the Environment Research Program.ObjectivesOur goal was to examine persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in relation to pubertal onset.MethodsEthnically diverse cohorts of 6- to 8-year-old girls (n = 645) provided serum for measure of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and lipids. Tanner stages [breast (B) and pubic hair (PH)], and body mass index (BMI) were measured at up to seven annual clinic visits. Using accelerated failure time models, we calculated time ratios (TRs) for age at Tanner stages 2 or higher (2+) and POPs quartiles (Q1–4), adjusting for confounders (race/ethnicity, site, caregiver education, and income). We also calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) of Tanner stages 2+ at time of blood sampling.ResultsCross-sectionally, the prevalence of B2+ and PH2+ was inversely related to chemical serum concentrations; but after adjustment for confounders, only the associations with B2+, not PH2+, were statistically significant. Longitudinally, the age at pubertal transition was consistently older with greater chemical concentrations; for example: adjusted TR for B2+ and Q4 for ΣPBDE = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.02, 1.08, for ΣPCB = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.08, and for ΣOCP = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.14, indicating median ages of about 6 and 11 months older than least exposed, and with similar effect estimates for PH2+. Adjusting for BMI attenuated associations for PCBs and OCPs but not for PBDEs.ConclusionsThis first longitudinal study of puberty in girls with serum POPs measurements (to our knowledge) reveals a delay in onset with higher concentrations.CitationWindham GC, Pinney SM, Voss RW, SjÖdin A, Biro FM, Greenspan LC, Stewart S, Hiatt RA, Kushi LH. 2015. Brominated flame retardants and other persistent organohalogenated compounds in relation to timing of puberty in a longitudinal study of girls. Environ Health Perspect 123:1046–1052; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1408778