Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Quantitative Measures Of Estrogen Receptor Expression In Relation To Breast Cancer-Specific Mortality Risk Among White Women And Black Women, Huiyan Ma, Yani Lu, Polly A. Marchbanks, Suzanne G. Folger, Brian L. Strom, Jill A. Mcdonald, Michael S. Simon, Linda K. Weiss, Kathleen E. Malone, Ronald T. Burkman, Jane Sullivan-Halley, Dennis M. Deapen, Michael F. Press, Leslie Bernstein

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Introduction

The association of breast cancer patients’ mortality with estrogen receptor (ER) status (ER + versus ER-) has been well studied. However, little attention has been paid to the relationship between the quantitative measures of ER expression and mortality.

Methods

We evaluated the association between semi-quantitative, immunohistochemical staining of ER in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded breast carcinomas and breast cancer-specific mortality risk in an observational cohort of invasive breast cancer in 681 white women and 523 black women ages 35-64 years at first diagnosis of invasive breast cancer, who were followed for a median of 10 years. The quantitative measures of …

Characterizing Inflammatory Breast Cancer Among Arab Americans In The California, Detroit And New Jersey Surveillance, Epidemiology And End Results (Seer) Registries (1988–2008), Kelly A. Hirko, Amr S. Soliman, Mousumi Banerjee, Julie Ruterbusch, Joe B. Harford, Robert M. Chamberlain, John J. Graff, Sofia D. Merajver, Kendra Schwartz

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Introduction

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is characterized by an apparent geographical distribution in incidence, being more common in North Africa than other parts of the world. Despite the rapid growth of immigrants to the United States from Arab nations, little is known about disease patterns among Arab Americans because a racial category is rarely considered for this group. The aim of this study was to advance our understanding of the burden of IBC in Arab ethnic populations by describing the proportion of IBC among different racial groups, including Arab Americans from the Detroit, New Jersey and California Surveillance, Epidemiology …

Maternal Circulating Leukocytes Display Early Chemotactic Responsiveness During Late Gestation, Nardhy Gomez-Lopez, Satomi Tanaka, Zoya Zaeem, Gerlinde A. Metz, David M. Olson

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Parturition has been widely described as an immunological response; however, it is unknown how this is triggered. We hypothesized that an early event in parturition is an increased responsiveness of peripheral leukocytes to chemotactic stimuli expressed by reproductive tissues, and this precedes expression of tissue chemotactic activity, uterine activation and the systemic progesterone/estradiol shift.

Methods

Tissues and blood were collected from pregnant Long-Evans rats on gestational days (GD) 17, 20 and 22 (term gestation). We employed a validated Boyden chamber assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

We found that GD20 maternal …

The Incidence And Aetiology Of Hospitalised Community-Acquired Pneumonia Among Vietnamese Adults: A Prospective Surveillance In Central Vietnam, Kensuke Takahashi, Motoi Suzuki, Le Minh, Nguyen Anh, Luu Thi Huong, Tran Vo Son, Phan Long, Nguyen Thi Ai, Le Tho, Konosuke Morimoto, Paul E. Kilgore, Dang Anh, Koya Ariyoshi, Lay Yoshida

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) including Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a common infectious disease that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The patterns of aetiological pathogens differ by region and country. Special attention must be paid to CAP in Southeast Asia (SEA), a region facing rapid demographic transition. Estimates burden and aetiological patterns of CAP are essential for the clinical and public health management. The purposes of the study are to determine the incidence, aetiological pathogens, clinical pictures and risk factors of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in the Vietnamese adult population.

Methods

A prospective surveillance for hospitalised adult …

Developing Community Based Rehabilitation For Cancer Survivors: Organizing For Coordination And Coherence In Practice, Karen La Cour, Malcolm P. Cutchin

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Increasing incidences of cancer combined with prolonged survival have raised the need for developing community based rehabilitation. The objectives of the analysis were to describe and interpret the key issues related to coordination and coherence of community-based cancer rehabilitation in Denmark and to provide insights relevant for other contexts.

Methods

Twenty-seven rehabilitation managers across 15 municipalities in Denmark comprised the sample. The study was designed with a combination of data collection methods including questionnaires, individual interviews, and focus groups. A Grounded Theory approach was used to analyze the data.

Results

A lack of shared cultures among health care …

Partner Support In A Cohort Of African American Families And Its Influence On Pregnancy Outcomes And Prenatal Health Behaviors, Jennifer K. Straughen, Cleopatra H. Caldwell, Alford A. Young Jr, Dawn P. Misra

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

We examined how two indicators of partner involvement, relationship type and paternal support, influenced the risk of pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight) and health behaviors (prenatal care, drug use, and smoking) among African American women.

Methods

Interview and medical record data were obtained from a study of 713 adult African American women delivering singletons between March 2001 and July 2004. Women were enrolled prenatally if they received care at one of three Johns Hopkins Medical Institution (JHMI) prenatal clinics or post-partum if they delivered at JHMI with late, no or intermittent prenatal care. Relationship type was …

Subjective Health Status And Health-Related Quality Of Life Among Women With Recurrent Vulvovaginal Candidosis (Rvvc) In Europe And The Usa, Samuel Aballéa, Florent Guelfucci, Julian Wagner, Amine Khemiri, Jean-Paul Dietz, Jack Sobel, Mondher Toumi

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Recurrent vulvovaginal candidosis (RVVC) is a chronic condition causing discomfort and pain. Health status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in RVVC were never previously described using validated questionnaires. The objective of this study is to describe subjective health status and HRQoL and estimate health state utilities among women with RVVC.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among women who reported having suffered four or more yeast infections over the past 12 months, in five European countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK) and the USA. Index scores were derived from the EQ-5D, a questionnaire providing …

An Edge-Directed Interpolation Method For Fetal Spine Mr Images, Shaode Yu, Rui Zhang, Shibin Wu, Jiani Hu, Yaoqin Xie

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Fetal spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a prenatal routine for proper assessment of fetus development, especially when suspected spinal malformations occur while ultrasound fails to provide details. Limited by hardware, fetal spine MR images suffer from its low resolution.

High-resolution MR images can directly enhance readability and improve diagnosis accuracy. Image interpolation for higher resolution is required in clinical situations, while many methods fail to preserve edge structures. Edge carries heavy structural messages of objects in visual scenes for doctors to detect suspicions, classify malformations and make correct diagnosis. Effective interpolation with well-preserved edge structures is still …

Residential Proximity To Industrial Combustion Facilities And Risk Of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: A Case–Control Study, Anjoeka Pronk, John R. Nuckols, Anneclaire J. De Roos, Matthew Airola, Joanne S. Colt, James R. Cerhan, Lindsay Morton, Wendy Cozen, Richard Severson, Aaron Blair, David Cleverly, Mary H. Ward

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Residence near municipal solid waste incinerators, a major historical source of dioxin emissions, has been associated with increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in European studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate residence near industrial combustion facilities and estimates of dioxin emissions in relation to NHL risk in the United States.

Methods

We conducted a population-based case–control study of NHL (1998–2000) in four National Cancer Institute-Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results centers (Detroit, Iowa, Los Angeles, Seattle). Residential histories 15 years before diagnosis (similar date for controls) were linked to an Environmental Protection Agency database of dioxin-emitting …

Vitamin D Mitigates Age-Related Cognitive Decline Through The Modulation Of Pro-Inflammatory State And Decrease In Amyloid Burden, Teresita L. Briones, Hala Darwish

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Increasing evidence shows an association between the use of vitamin D and improvement in age-related cognitive decline. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effects of vitamin D on age-related brain changes and cognitive function.

Methods

Male F344 rats aged 20 months (old) and 6 months (young) were used and randomly assigned to either vitamin D supplementation or no supplementation (control). A total of n = 39 rats were used in the study. Rats were individually housed and the supplementation group received a subcutaneous injection of vitamin D (1, α25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) 42 I.U./Kg …

Fibroblast-Secreted Hepatocyte Growth Factor Mediates Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance In Triple-Negative Breast Cancers Through Paracrine Activation Of Met, Kelly L. Mueller, Julie M. Madden, Gina L. Zoratti, Charlotte Kuperwasser, Karin List, Julie L. Boerner

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Introduction

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown clinical efficacy in lung, colon, and pancreatic cancers. In lung cancer, resistance to EGFR TKIs correlates with amplification of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor tyrosine kinase Met. Breast cancers do not respond to EGFR TKIs, even though EGFR is overexpressed. This intrinsic resistance to EGFR TKIs in breast cancer does not correlate with Met amplification. In several tissue monoculture models of human breast cancer, Met, although expressed, is not phosphorylated, suggesting a requirement for a paracrine-produced ligand. In fact, HGF, the ligand for Met, is not …

Healthcare Access And Mammography Screening In Michigan: A Multilevel Cross-Sectional Study, Tomi F. Akinyemiju, Amr S. Soliman, May Yassine, Mousumi Banerjee, Kendra Schwartz, Sofia Merajver

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Breast cancer screening rates have increased over time in the United States. However actual screening rates appear to be lower among black women compared with white women.

Purpose

To assess determinants of breast cancer screening among women in Michigan USA, focusing on individual and neighborhood socio-economic status and healthcare access.

Methods

Data from 1163 women ages 50-74 years who participated in the 2008 Michigan Special Cancer Behavioral Risk Factor Survey were analyzed. County-level SES and healthcare access were obtained from the Area Resource File. Multilevel logistic regression models were fit using SAS Proc Glimmix to account for clustering …

Increased Prevalence Of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Nasal Colonization In Household Contacts Of Children With Community Acquired Disease, Yaseen Rafee, Nahed Abdel-Haq, Basim Asmar, Tanaz Salimnia, Celine Pharm, Michael J. Rybak Pharm, Muhammad Amjad

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

To measure Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) nasal colonization prevalence in household contacts of children with current community associated (CA)-MRSA infections (study group) in comparison with a group of household contacts of children without suspected Staphylococcus aureus infection (a control group).

Methods

This is a cross sectional study. Cultures of the anterior nares were taken. Relatedness of isolated strains was tested using pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results

The prevalence of MRSA colonization in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group (18/77 (23%) vs 3/77 (3.9%); p ≤ 0.001). The prevalence of SA colonization was …

The Cyclin-Like Protein Spy1/Ringo Promotes Mammary Transformation And Is Elevated In Human Breast Cancer, Mohammad Al Sorkhy, Rosa-Maria Ferraiuolo, Espanta Jalili, Agnes Malysa, Andreea R. Fratiloiu, Bonnie F. Sloane, Lisa A. Porter

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Spy1 is a novel 'cyclin-like' activator of the G1/S transition capable of enhancing cell proliferation as well as inhibiting apoptosis. Spy1 protein levels are tightly regulated during normal mammary development and forced overexpression in mammary mouse models accelerates mammary tumorigenesis.

Methods

Using human tissue samples, cell culture models and in vivo analysis we study the implications of Spy1 as a mediator of mammary transformation and breast cancer proliferation.

Results

We demonstrate that this protein can facilitate transformation in a manner dependent upon the activation of the G2/M Cdk, Cdk1, and the subsequent inhibition of the anti-apoptotic regulator FOXO1. …

Does Cerclage Improve Neonatal Outcomes In A Molar Pregnancy And A Coexistent Fetus? A Case Report, Eduardo Aguin, Victor Aguin, Ligia Cisneros, Tina Aguin, Cosmas Van De Ven, Ray Bahado-Singh

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Complete hydatiform mole and coexistent viable fetus is very rare. The use of a cervical cerclage for cervical indications in the presence of this condition has never been reported. Although the diagnosis was made postnatal, the objective is to present a case with good neonatal outcome.

Case presentation

A patient presented with vaginal spotting around 23 weeks. She has a history of four preterm deliveries. Her cervix was dilated and a cerclage was placed. She presented again with PPROM around 25 weeks. She went into spontaneous preterm labor and delivered a viable fetus that is a healthy girl …

A Case–Control Study Of Occupation/Industry And Renal Cell Carcinoma Risk, Sara Karami, Joanne S. Colt, Kendra Schwartz, Faith G. Davis, Julie J. Ruterbusch, Stella S. Munuo, Sholom Wacholder, Patricia A. Stewart, Barry I. Graubard, Nathanial Rothman, Wong-Ho Chow, Mark P. Purdue

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

The role of occupation in the etiology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is unclear. Here, we investigated associations between employment in specific occupations and industries and RCC, and its most common histologic subtype, clear cell RCC (ccRCC).

Methods

Between 2002 and 2007, a population-based case–control study of Caucasians and African Americans (1,217 cases; 1,235 controls) was conducted within the Detroit and Chicago metropolitan areas to investigate risk factors for RCC. As part of this study, occupational histories were ascertained through in-person interviews. We computed odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) relating occupation and industry to RCC …

Erlin2 Promotes Breast Cancer Cell Survival By Modulating Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathways, Guohui Wang, Gang Liu, Xiaogang Wang, Seema Sethi, Rouba Ali-Fehmi, Judith Abrams, Ze Zheng, Kezhong Zhang, Stephen Ethier, Zeng-Quan Yang

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Amplification of the 8p11-12 region has been found in approximately 15% of human breast cancer and is associated with poor prognosis. Previous genomic analysis has led us to identify the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lipid raft-associated 2 (ERLIN2) gene as one of the candidate oncogenes within the 8p11-12 amplicon in human breast cancer, particularly in the luminal subtype. ERLIN2, an ER membrane protein, has recently been identified as a novel mediator of ER-associated degradation. Yet, the biological roles of ERLIN2 and molecular mechanisms by which ERLIN2 coordinates ER pathways in breast carcinogenesis remain unclear.

Methods

We established the MCF10A-ERLIN2 …

Cloudaligner: A Fast And Full-Featured Mapreduce Based Tool For Sequence Mapping, Tung Nguyen, Weisong Shi, Douglas Ruden

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Research in genetics has developed rapidly recently due to the aid of next generation sequencing (NGS). However, massively-parallel NGS produces enormous amounts of data, which leads to storage, compatibility, scalability, and performance issues. The Cloud Computing and MapReduce framework, which utilizes hundreds or thousands of shared computers to map sequencing reads quickly and efficiently to reference genome sequences, appears to be a very promising solution for these issues. Consequently, it has been adopted by many organizations recently, and the initial results are very promising. However, since these are only initial steps toward this trend, the developed software does …

Chemotherapy-Induced Cognitive Impairment Is Associated With Decreases In Cell Proliferation And Histone Modifications, Teresita L. Briones, Julie Woods

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

In this study, we examined the effects of cyclophosphamide, methothrexate, and 5-Fluorouracil (CMF) drug combination on various aspects of learning and memory. We also examined the effects of CMF on cell proliferation and chromatin remodeling as possible underlying mechanisms to explain chemotherapy-associated cognitive dysfunction. Twenty-four adult female Wistar rats were included in the study and had minimitter implantation for continuous activity monitoring two weeks before the chemotherapy regimen was started. Once baseline activity data were collected, rats were randomly assigned to receive either CMF or saline injections given intraperitoneally. Treatments were given once a week for a total …

Fetal Erap2 Variation Is Associated With Preeclampsia In African Americans In A Case-Control Study, Lori D. Hill, Dashaunda D. Hilliard, Timothy P. York, Sindhu Srinivas, Juan P. Kusanovic, Ricardo Gomez, Michal A. Elovitz, Roberto Romero, Jerome F. Strauss Iii

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Preeclampsia affects 3-8% of pregnancies and is a major cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. This complex disorder is characterized by alterations in the immune and vascular systems and involves multiple organs. There is strong evidence for a genetic contribution to preeclampsia. Two different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2 (ERAP2) gene were recently reported to be associated with increased risk for preeclampsia in two different populations. ERAP2 is expressed in placental tissue and it is involved in immune responses, inflammation, and blood pressure regulation; making it is an attractive preeclampsia …

The Prevalence Of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoking Among The General And Specific Populations: A Systematic Review, Elie A. Akl, Sameer K. Gunukula, Sohaib Aleem, Rawad Obeid, Philippe Jaoude, Roland Honeine, Jihad Irani

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

The objective of this study was to systematically review the medical literature for the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco use among the general and specific populations.

Methods

We electronically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the ISI the Web of Science. We selected studies using a two-stage duplicate and independent screening process. We included cohort studies and cross sectional studies assessing the prevalence of use of waterpipe in either the general population or a specific population of interest. Two reviewers used a standardized and pilot tested form to collect data from each eligible study using a duplicate and independent screening process. …

Cytogenetic Analysis Of An Exposed-Referent Study: Perchloroethylene-Exposed Dry Cleaners Compared To Unexposed Laundry Workers, James D. Tucker, Karen J. Sorensen, Avima M. Ruder, Lauralynn Mckernan, Christy L. Forrester, Mary Butler

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Significant numbers of people are exposed to tetrachloroethylene (perchloroethylene, PCE) every year, including workers in the dry cleaning industry. Adverse health effects have been associated with PCE exposure. However, investigations of possible cumulative cytogenetic damage resulting from PCE exposure are lacking.

Methods

Eighteen dry cleaning workers and 18 laundry workers (unexposed controls) provided a peripheral blood sample for cytogenetic analysis by whole chromosome painting. Pre-shift exhaled air on these same participants was collected and analyzed for PCE levels. The laundry workers were matched to the dry cleaners on race, age, and smoking status. The relationships between levels of …

Cathepsin B: A Potential Prognostic Marker For Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Mohamed A. Nouh, Mona M. Mohamed, Mohamed El-Shinawi, Mohamed A. Shaalan, Dora Cavallo-Medved, Hussein M. Khaled, Bonnie F. Sloane

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most aggressive form of breast cancer. In non-IBC, the cysteine protease cathepsin B (CTSB) is known to be involved in cancer progression and invasion; however, very little is known about its role in IBC.

Methods

In this study, we enrolled 23 IBC and 27 non-IBC patients. All patient tissues used for analysis were from untreated patients. Using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting, we assessed the levels of expression of CTSB in IBC versus non-IBC patient tissues. Previously, we found that CTSB is localized to caveolar membrane microdomains in cancer cell lines including IBC, and …

Inhibition Of Cathepsin B Activity Attenuates Extracellular Matrix Degradation And Inflammatory Breast Cancer Invasion, Bernadette C. Victor, Arulselvi Anbalagan, Mona M. Mohamed, Bonnie F. Sloane, Dora Cavallo-Medved

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Introduction

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is an aggressive, metastatic and highly angiogenic form of locally advanced breast cancer with a relatively poor three-year survival rate. Breast cancer invasion has been linked to proteolytic activity at the tumor cell surface. Here we explored a role for active cathepsin B on the cell surface in the invasiveness of IBC.

Methods

We examined expression of the cysteine protease cathepsin B and the serine protease urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), its receptor uPAR and caveolin-1 in two IBC cell lines: SUM149 and SUM190. We utilized a live cell proteolysis assay to localize in real …

Hepatic Failure, Neonatal Hemochromatosis And Porto-Pulmonary Hypertension In A Newborn With Trisomy 21 - A Case Report, Erin Neil, Josef Cortez, Aparna Joshi, Erawati V. Bawle, Janet Poulik, Mark Zilberman, Mohammad F. El-Baba, Beena G. Sood

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Liver failure in neonates is a rare but often fatal disease. Trisomy 21 is not usually associated with significant infantile liver disease. If present, hepatic dysfunction in an infant with Trisomy 21 is likely to be attributed to transient myeloproliferative disorder with hepatic infiltration by hematopoietic elements and may be associated with secondary hemosiderosis. A less commonly recognized cause of liver failure in neonates with Trisomy 21 is neonatal hemochromatosis (NH); this association has been reported in nine cases of Trisomy 21 in literature. NH is a rare, severe liver disease of intra-uterine onset that is characterized by neonatal …

Spermine Oxidase (Smo) Activity In Breast Tumor Tissues And Biochemical Analysis Of The Anticancer Spermine Analogues Benspm And Cpenspm, Manuela Cervelli, Gabriella Bellavia, Emiliano Fratini, Roberto Amendola, Fabio Polticelli, Marco Barba, Rodolfo Federico, Fabrizio Signore, Giacomo Gucciardo, Rosalba Grillo, Patrick M. Woster, Robert A. Casero Jr, Paolo Mariottini

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Polyamine metabolism has a critical role in cell death and proliferation representing a potential target for intervention in breast cancer (BC). This study investigates the expression of spermine oxidase (SMO) and its prognostic significance in BC. Biochemical analysis of Spm analogues BENSpm and CPENSpm, utilized in anticancer therapy, was also carried out to test their property in silico and in vitro on the recombinant SMO enzyme.

Methods

BC tissue samples were analyzed for SMO transcript level and SMO activity. Student's t test was applied to evaluate the significance of the differences in value observed in T and NT …

Egfr/Met Association Regulates Egfr Tki Resistance In Breast Cancer, Kelly L. Mueller, Zeng-Quan Yang, Ramsi Haddad, Stephen P. Ethier, Julie L. Boerner

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Breast cancers show a lack of response to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), despite 30% of tumors expressing EGFR. The mechanism of this resistance is unknown; however, we have recently shown that Met kinase activity compensates for loss of EGFR kinase activity in cell culture models. Met has been implicated in the pathogenesis of breast tumors and therefore may cooperate with EGFR for tumor growth. Here we have found that EGFR phosphorylation and cell proliferation is in part regulated by Met expression. In addition, we found that Met constitutive phosphorylation occurred independent of the Met …

Vaccination With A Plasmid Dna Encoding Her-2/Neu Together With Low Doses Of Gm-Csf And Il-2 In Patients With Metastatic Breast Carcinoma: A Pilot Clinical Trial, Hã¥Kan Norell, Isabel Poschke, Jehad Charo, Wei Z. Wei, Courtney Erskine, Marie P. Piechocki, Keith L. Knutson, Jonas Bergh, Elisabet Lidbrink, Rolf Kiessling

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Adjuvant trastuzumab (Herceptin) treatment of breast cancer patients significantly improves their clinical outcome. Vaccination is an attractive alternative approach to provide HER-2/neu (Her2)-specific antibodies and may in addition concomitantly stimulate Her2-reactive T-cells. Here we report the first administration of a Her2-plasmid DNA (pDNA) vaccine in humans.

Patients and Methods

The vaccine, encoding a full-length signaling-deficient version of the oncogene Her2, was administered together with low doses of GM-CSF and IL-2 to patients with metastatic Her2-expressing breast carcinoma who were also treated with trastuzumab. Six of eight enrolled patients completed all three vaccine cycles. In the remaining two patients …

Sulforaphane Induces Cell Cycle Arrest By Protecting Rb-E2f-1 Complex In Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Cells, Christopher S. Bryant, Sanjeev Kumar, Sreedhar Chamala, Jay Shah, Jagannath Pal, Mahdi Haider, Shelly Seward, Aamer M. Qazi, Robert Morris, Assaad Semaan, Masood A. Shammas, Christopher Steffes, Ravindra B. Potti, Madhu Prasad, Donald W. Weaver, Ramesh B. Batchu

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate phytochemical present predominantly in cruciferous vegetables such as brussels sprout and broccoli, is considered a promising chemo-preventive agent against cancer. In-vitro exposure to SFN appears to result in the induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest in a variety of tumor types. However, the molecular mechanisms leading to the inhibition of cell cycle progression by SFN are poorly understood in epithelial ovarian cancer cells (EOC). The aim of this study is to understand the signaling mechanisms through which SFN influences the cell growth and proliferation in EOC.

Results

SFN at concentrations of 5 - 20 …

Nuclear Factor-Kappa B Localization And Function Within Intrauterine Tissues From Term And Preterm Labor And Cultured Fetal Membranes, Sonali Vora, Asad Abbas, Chong J. Kim, Taryn Ls Summerfield, Juan P. Kusanovic, Jay D. Iams, Roberto Romero, Douglas A. Kniss, William E. Ackerman Iv

Wayne State University Associated BioMed Central Scholarship

Abstract

Background

The objective of this study was to quantify the nuclear localization and DNA binding activity of p65, the major transactivating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) subunit, in full-thickness fetal membranes (FM) and myometrium in the absence or presence of term or preterm labor.

Methods

Paired full-thickness FM and myometrial samples were collected from women in the following cohorts: preterm no labor (PNL, N = 22), spontaneous preterm labor (PTL, N = 21), term no labor (TNL, N = 23), and spontaneous term labor (STL, N = 21). NF-kappaB p65 localization was assessed by immunohistochemistry, and DNA binding activity was …