Gene signature for prediction of radiosensitivity in human papillomavirus-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Purpose@#The probability of recurrence of cancer after adjuvant or definitive radiotherapy in patients with human papillomavirus-negative (HPV(–)) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) varies for each patient. This study aimed to identify and validate radiation sensitivity signature (RSS) of patients with HPV(–) HNSCC to predict the recurrence of cancer after radiotherapy. @*Materials and Methods@#Clonogenic survival assays were performed to assess radiosensitivity in 14 HNSCC cell lines. We identified genes closely correlated with radiosensitivity and validated them in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. The validated RSS were analyzed by ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) to identify canonical pathways, upstream regulators, diseases and functions, and gene networks related to radiosensitive genes in HPV(–) HNSCC. @*Results@#The survival fraction of 14 HNSCC cell lines after exposure to 2 Gy of radiation ranged from 48% to 72%. Six genes were positively correlated and 35 genes were negatively correlated with radioresistance, respectively. RSS was validated in the HPV(–) TCGA HNSCC cohort (n = 203), and recurrence-free survival (RFS) rate was found to be significantly lower in the radioresistant group than in the radiosensitive group (p = 0.035). Cell death and survival, cell-to-cell signaling, and cellular movement were significantly enriched in RSS, and RSSs were highly correlated with each other. @*Conclusion@#We derived a HPV(–) HNSCC-specific RSS and validated it in an independent cohort. The outcome of adjuvant or definitive radiotherapy in HPV(–) patients with HNSCC can be predicted by analyzing their RSS, which might help in establishing a personalized therapeutic plan.

Intercomparison of the Radio-Chronometric Ages of Plutonium-Certified Reference Materials with Distinct Isotopic Compositions.

An intercomparison of the radio-chronometric ages of four distinct plutonium-certified reference materials varying in chemical form, isotopic composition, and period of production are presented. The cross-comparison of the different 234U/238Pu, 235U/239Pu, 236U/240Pu, and 241Am/241Pu model purification ages obtained at four independent analytical facilities covering a range of laboratory environments from bulk sample processing to clean facilities dedicated to nuclear forensic investigation of environmental samples enables a true assessment of the state-of-practice in "age dating capabilities" for nuclear materials. The analytical techniques evaluated used modern mass spectrometer instrumentation including thermal ionization mass spectrometers and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers for isotopic abundance measurements. Both multicollector and single collector instruments were utilized to generate the data presented here. Consensus values established in this study make it possible to use these isotopic standards as quality control standards for radio-chronometry applications. Results highlight the need for plutonium isotopic standards that are certified for 234U/238Pu, 235U/239Pu, 236U/240Pu, and 241Am/241Pu model purification ages as well as other multigenerational radio-chronometers such as 237Np/241Pu. Due to the capabilities of modern analytical instrumentation, analytical laboratories that focus on trace level analyses can obtain model ages with marginally larger uncertainties than laboratories that handle bulk samples. When isotope ratio measurement techniques like thermal ionization mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with comparable precision are utilized, model purification ages with similar uncertainties are obtained.

Urinary transglutaminase 2 as a potent biomarker to predict interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy of kidney allograft during early posttransplant period in deceased donor kidney transplantation

PURPOSE: Transglutaminase type 2 (TG2) is an extracellular matrix crosslinking enzyme with a pivotal role in kidney fibrosis. We tested whether quantification of urinary TG2 may represent a noninvasive method to estimate the severity of kidney allograft fibrosis. METHODS: We prospectively collected urine specimens from 18 deceased donor kidney transplant recipients at 1-day, 7-day, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month posttransplant. In addition, kidney allograft tissue specimens at 0-day and 6-month posttransplant were sampled to analyze the correlation of urinary TG2 and kidney allograft fibrosis. RESULTS: Thirteen recipients had increased interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) scores at the 6-month protocol biopsy (IFTA group). The mean level of urinary TG2 in the IFTA group was higher compared to that of 5 other recipients without IFTA (no IFTA group). Conversely, the mean level of urinary syndecan-4 in the IFTA group was lower than levels in patients without IFTA. In the IFTA group, double immunofluorescent staining revealed that TG2 intensity was significantly upregulated and colocalizations of TG2/heparin sulfate proteoglycan and nuclear syndecan-4 were prominent, usually around tubular structures. CONCLUSION: Urinary TG2 in early posttransplant periods is a potent biomarker for kidney allograft inflammation or fibrosis.

Determination of origin and intended use of plutonium metal using nuclear forensic techniques.

Nuclear forensics techniques, including micro-XRF, gamma spectrometry, trace elemental analysis and isotopic/chronometric characterization were used to interrogate two, potentially related plutonium metal foils. These samples were submitted for analysis with only limited production information, and a comprehensive suite of forensic analyses were performed. Resulting analytical data was paired with available reactor model and historical information to provide insight into the materials' properties, origins, and likely intended uses. Both were super-grade plutonium, containing less than 3% 240Pu, and age-dating suggested that most recent chemical purification occurred in 1948 and 1955 for the respective metals. Additional consideration of reactor modeling feedback and trace elemental observables indicate plausible U.S. reactor origin associated with the Hanford site production efforts. Based on this investigation, the most likely intended use for these plutonium foils was 239Pu fission foil targets for physics experiments, such as cross-section measurements, etc.

Effect of internal stress on cyclic fatigue failure in .06 taper ProFile

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation between intentionally induced internal stress and cyclic fatigue failure of .06 taper ProFile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Length 25 mm, .06 taper ProFile (Dentsply Maillefer), and size 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 were used in this study. To give the internal stress, the rotary NiTi files were put into the .02 taper, Endo-Training-Bloc (Dentsply Maillefer) until auto-stop by torque controlled motor. Rotary NiTi files were grouped by the number of induced internal stress and randomly distributed among one control group and three experimental groups (n = 10, Stress 0 [control], Stress 1, Stress 2 and Stress 3). For cyclic fatigue measurement, time for separation of the rotary NiTi files was recorded. The fractured surfaces were observed by field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM, SU-70, Hitachi). The time for separation was statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA and post-hoc Scheffe test at 95% level. RESULTS: In .06 taper ProFile size 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40, there were statistically significant difference on time for separation between control group and the other groups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the limitation of this study, cyclic fatigue failure of .06 taper ProFile is influenced by internal stress accumulated in the files.

Effects of Aircraft Noise on Children's Mental Health: Data from the Health Survey of Inhabitants in the Vicinity of Gunsan Airport / 대한산업의학회지

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of aircraft noise exposure on children's mental health problems such as depression and personality. METHODS: We obtained data from the health examinations of school children in the vicinity of Gunsan airport. This survey was conducted in the rural area, Gunsan during 2009. The study population included 195 children attending 4th to 6th grade from 6 elementary schools near the airport. Based on 60 Weighted Equivalent Continuous Perceived Noise Level (WECPNL) measures of aircraft noise, participants were divided into 2 groups; the exposure group consisted of 106 children from 4 schools, and the reference group included 89 children from the 2 schools in Gunsan. All children completed questions on general characteristics, the Korean Children's Depression Inventory (KCDI) for depression, and the Korea Human Nature Inspection (KHNI) for personality. RESULTS: Children in the exposure group were at higher risk of depression (5.62, 95% CI 1.12~28.25), and personality changes (2.08, 95% CI 1.07~4.05) than those of the reference group. In particular, children's diligence, cooperation, and concentration, subgroups of personality measure, were affected significantly and negatively, by aircraft noise level. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that exposure to aircraft noise at school is associated with mental health problems in children. Requirements should be implemented to manage aircraft noise of its affect on children's health.

A Case of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura with Hemorrhagic Bullae in a Child

Henoch-Schonlein purpura(HSP) is a systemic small vessel vasculitis characterized by cutaneous purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain and nephritis. The characteristic rash of HSP consists of palpable purpura on the buttocks and lower extremities. Bullous lesions often appear in adults with HSP, whereas they are very rare in children with HSP. In this case report, the patient presented with arthralgia and abdominal pain and had hemorrhagic bullae as a prominent manifestation of the disease. The skin biopsy of the patient revealed typical leukocytoclastic vasculitis of dermal vessels and prominent IgA and fibrinogen deposits on capillary walls by direct immunofluorescence. We confirmed the diagnosis of HSP and observed improvement of clinical symptoms and signs within a few days after corticosteroid treatment. We therefore report a case with a review of the literature.

Changes of Interleukin-10 and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children with Aseptic Meningitis

PURPOSE: Interleukin(IL)-10 is an antiinflammatory cytokine produced by monocytes/macrophages. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF) plays an important role, not only as a hemopoietic factor but also as a regulating factor for a biologic defense system by neutrophils, in the foci of infection. We studied G-CSF and IL-10 levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) of patients with aseptic meningitis and investigated the relationship of G-CSF and IL-10 with other inflammatory cells. METHODS: We measured IL-10 and G-CSF levels in the serum and CSF of children with or without aseptic meningitis using ELISA and compared them with other inflammatory cells in the CSF. RESULTS: CSF levels of IL-10 & G-CSF on admission were significantly higher in the aseptic meningitis group than in the control group. IL-10 and G-CSF levels in the CSF were higher than those in the serum(P<0.001). Mean CSF IL-10 & G-CSF levels during the recovery stage decreased significantly compared to those of the symptomatic stage(P<0.001). Significant correlations were found between CSF IL-10 levels and mononuclear cell counts(r=0.26, P<0.05), and between G-CSF levels and neutrophil counts in the CSF(r=0.44, P<0.005). CSF levels of G-CSF were highest on the 1st day of the illness, although CSF IL-10 levels reached its peak on the 3rd day of the illness. CONCLUSION: IL-10 and G-CSF are produced in the CSF of patients with aseptic meningitis and may play an immunoregulatory role by recruiting inflammatory cells from the peripheral blood at the initial stage of aseptic meningitis.

Changes of Interleukin-10 and Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Children with Aseptic Meningitis

PURPOSE: Interleukin(IL)-10 is an antiinflammatory cytokine produced by monocytes/macrophages. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF) plays an important role, not only as a hemopoietic factor but also as a regulating factor for a biologic defense system by neutrophils, in the foci of infection. We studied G-CSF and IL-10 levels in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) of patients with aseptic meningitis and investigated the relationship of G-CSF and IL-10 with other inflammatory cells. METHODS: We measured IL-10 and G-CSF levels in the serum and CSF of children with or without aseptic meningitis using ELISA and compared them with other inflammatory cells in the CSF. RESULTS: CSF levels of IL-10 & G-CSF on admission were significantly higher in the aseptic meningitis group than in the control group. IL-10 and G-CSF levels in the CSF were higher than those in the serum(P<0.001). Mean CSF IL-10 & G-CSF levels during the recovery stage decreased significantly compared to those of the symptomatic stage(P<0.001). Significant correlations were found between CSF IL-10 levels and mononuclear cell counts(r=0.26, P<0.05), and between G-CSF levels and neutrophil counts in the CSF(r=0.44, P<0.005). CSF levels of G-CSF were highest on the 1st day of the illness, although CSF IL-10 levels reached its peak on the 3rd day of the illness. CONCLUSION: IL-10 and G-CSF are produced in the CSF of patients with aseptic meningitis and may play an immunoregulatory role by recruiting inflammatory cells from the peripheral blood at the initial stage of aseptic meningitis.

A Case of Methylmalonic Acidemia

No abstract available.