| 1. |
- Jallow, Muminatou, et al.
(author)
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Genome-wide and fine-resolution association analysis of malaria in West Africa.
- 2009
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In: Nature Genetics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1061-4036 .- 1546-1718. ; , s. 657-665
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report a genome-wide association (GWA) study of severe malaria in The Gambia. The initial GWA scan included 2,500 children genotyped on the Affymetrix 500K GeneChip, and a replication study included 3,400 children. We used this to examine the performance of GWA methods in Africa. We found considerable population stratification, and also that signals of association at known malaria resistance loci were greatly attenuated owing to weak linkage disequilibrium (LD). To investigate possible solutions to the problem of low LD, we focused on the HbS locus, sequencing this region of the genome in 62 Gambian individuals and then using these data to conduct multipoint imputation in the GWA samples. This increased the signal of association, from P = 4 x 10(-7) to P = 4 x 10(-14), with the peak of the signal located precisely at the HbS causal variant. Our findings provide proof of principle that fine-resolution multipoint imputation, based on population-specific sequencing data, can substantially boost authentic GWA signals and enable fine mapping of causal variants in African populations.
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| 2. |
- Mangano, Valentina D, et al.
(author)
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Lack of association of Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 with severe malaria in affected child‐parental trio studies across three African populations
- 2009
-
In: PLoS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 4:1, s. e4206-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Interferon Regulatory Factor 1 (IRF-1) is a member of the IRF family of transcription factors, which have key and diverse roles in the gene-regulatory networks of the immune system. IRF-1 has been described as a critical mediator of IFN-gamma signalling and as the major player in driving TH1 type responses. It is therefore likely to be crucial in both innate and adaptive responses against intracellular pathogens such as Plasmodium falciparum. Polymorphisms at the human IRF1 locus have been previously found to be associated with the ability to control P. falciparum infection in populations naturally exposed to malaria. In order to test whether genetic variation at the IRF1 locus also affects the risk of developing severe malaria, we performed a family-based test of association for 18 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) across the gene in three African populations, using genotype data from 961 trios consisting of one affected child and his/her two parents (555 from The Gambia, 204 from Kenya and 202 from Malawi). No significant association with severe malaria or severe malaria subphenotypes (cerebral malaria and severe malaria anaemia) was observed for any of the SNPs/haplotypes tested in any of the study populations. Our results offer no evidence that the molecular pathways regulated by the transcription factor IRF-1 are involved in the immune-based pathogenesis of severe malaria.
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| 3. |
- de Walle, J. V., et al.
(author)
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Coulomb excitation of the N=50 nucleus Zn-80
- 2008
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In: AIP Conference Proceedings. - 1551-7616 .- 0094-243X. ; 1012, s. 291-295 453
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Conference paper (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neutron rich Zinc isotopes, including the N=50 nucleus Zn-80, were produced and post-accelerated at the Radioactive Ion Beam (RIB) facility REX-ISOLDE (CERN). Low-energy Coulomb excitation was induced on these isotopes after post-acceleration, yielding B(E2) strengths to the first excited 2(+) states. For the first time, an excited state in Zn-80 was observed and the 2(1)(+) state in Zn-78 was established. The measured B(E2,2(1)(+) -> 0(1)(+)) values are compared to two sets of large scale shell model calculations. Both calculations reproduce the observed B(E2) systematics for the full Zinc isotopic chain. The results for N=50 isotones indicate a good N=50 shell closure and a strong Z=28 proton core polarization. The new results serve as benchmarks to establish theoretical models, predicting the nuclear properties of the doubly magic nucleus Ni-78.
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| 4. |
- Pasquini, Ricardo, et al.
(author)
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HLA-matched sibling hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for fanconi anemia: comparison of irradiation and nonirradiation containing conditioning regimens.
- 2008
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In: Biology of blood and marrow transplantation : journal of the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. - : Elsevier BV. - 1523-6536. ; 14:10, s. 1141-7
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Related to the underlying DNA repair defect that is the hallmark of Fanconi anemia (FA), preparatory regimen-related toxicities have been obstacles to hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). In an attempt to decrease the risk and severity of regimen-related toxicities, nonirradiation regimens have been explored. The aim of this study is to compare outcomes after irradiation and nonirradiation regimens in 148 FA patients and identify risk factors impacting upon HCT outcomes. Hematopoietic recovery, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD, GVHD), and mortality were similar after irradiation and nonirradiation regimens. In both groups of recipients aged >10 years, prior use of androgens and cytomegalovirus seropositivity in either the donor or recipient were associated with higher mortality. With median follow-ups >5 years, the 5-year probability of overall survival, adjusted for factors impacting overall mortality was 78% and 81% after irradiation and nonirradiation regimens, P = .61. In view of the high risk of cancer and other radiation-related effects on growth and development, these results support the use of nonirradiation preparatory regimens. As the peak time for developing solid tumors after HCT is 8 to 9 years, longer follow-up is required before definitive statements can be made regarding the impact of nonirradiation regimens on cancer risk.
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| 5. |
- Van de Walle, J., et al.
(author)
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Coulomb excitation of neutron-rich Zn isotopes: First observation of the 2(1)(+) state in Zn-80
- 2007
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In: Physical Review Letters. - 1079-7114. ; 99:14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neutron-rich, radioactive Zn isotopes were investigated at the Radioactive Ion Beam facility REX-ISOLDE (CERN) using low-energy Coulomb excitation. The energy of the 2(1)(+) state in Zn-78 could be firmly established and for the first time the 2(+)-> 0(1)(+) transition in Zn-80 was observed at 1492(1) keV. B(E2,2(1)(+)-> 0(1)(+)) values were extracted for Zn-74,Zn-76,Zn-78,Zn-80 and compared to large scale shell model calculations. With only two protons outside the Z=28 proton core, Zn-80 is the lightest N=50 isotone for which spectroscopic information has been obtained to date. Two sets of advanced shell model calculations reproduce the observed B(E2) systematics. The results for N=50 isotones indicate a good N=50 shell closure and a strong Z=28 proton core polarization. The new results serve as benchmarks to establish theoretical models, predicting the nuclear properties of the doubly magic nucleus Ni-78.
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| 6. |
- Van de Walle, J., et al.
(author)
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Low-energy Coulomb excitation of neutron-rich zinc isotopes
- 2009
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In: Physical Review C (Nuclear Physics). - 0556-2813. ; 79:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- At the radioactive ion beam facility REX-ISOLDE, neutron-rich zinc isotopes were investigated using low-energy Coulomb excitation. These experiments have resulted in B(E2, 2(1)(+)-> 0(1)(+)) values in Zn74-80, B(E2, 4(1)(+)-> 2(1)(+)) values in Zn-74,Zn-76 and the determination of the energy of the first excited 2(1)(+) states in Zn-78,Zn-80. The zinc isotopes were produced by high-energy proton- (A = 74, 76, 80) and neutron-(A = 78) induced fission of U-238, combined with selective laser ionization and mass separation. The isobaric beam was postaccelerated by the REX linear accelerator and Coulomb excitation was induced on a thin secondary target, which was surrounded by the MINIBALL germanium detector array. In this work, it is shown how the selective laser ionization can be used to deal with the considerable isobaric beam contamination and how a reliable normalization of the experiment can be achieved. The results for zinc isotopes and the N = 50 isotones are compared to collective model predictions and state-of-the-art large-scale shell-model calculations, including a recent empirical residual interaction constructed to describe the present experimental data up to 2004 in this region of the nuclear chart.
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| 7. |
- Walle, J. Van de, et al.
(author)
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Coulomb Excitation of Neutron-Rich Zn Isotopes: First Observation of the 2[sub 1][sup +] State in [sup 80]Zn
- 2007
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In: Physical Review Letters. ; 99:14, s. 142501-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Neutron-rich, radioactive Zn isotopes were investigated at the Radioactive Ion Beam facility REX-ISOLDE (CERN) using low-energy Coulomb excitation. The energy of the 21+ state in 78Zn could be firmly established and for the first time the 2+-->01+ transition in 80Zn was observed at 1492(1) keV. B(E2,21+-->01+) values were extracted for 74,76,78,80Zn and compared to large scale shell model calculations. With only two protons outside the Z=28 proton core, 80Zn is the lightest N=50 isotone for which spectroscopic information has been obtained to date. Two sets of advanced shell model calculations reproduce the observed B(E2) systematics. The results for N=50 isotones indicate a good N=50 shell closure and a strong Z=28 proton core polarization. The new results serve as benchmarks to establish theoretical models, predicting the nuclear properties of the doubly magic nucleus 78Ni.
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| 8. |
- Benn, Diana E, et al.
(author)
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Clinical presentation and penetrance of pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma syndromes.
- 2006
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In: Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. - : The Endocrine Society. - 0021-972X .- 1945-7197. ; 91:3, s. 827-36
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- CONTEXT: The identification of mutations in genes encoding peptides of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma syndromes has necessitated clear elucidation of genotype-phenotype associations.OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine genotype-phenotype associations in a cohort of patients with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma syndromes and succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB) or subunit D (SDHD) mutations.DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The International SDH Consortium studied 116 individuals (83 affected and 33 clinically unaffected) from 62 families with pheochromocytoma/paraganglioma syndromes and SDHB or SDHD mutations. Clinical data were collected between August 2003 and September 2004 from tertiary referral centers in Australia, France, New Zealand, Germany, United States, Canada, and Scotland.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Data were collected on patients with pheochromocytomas and/or paragangliomas with respect to onset of disease, diagnosis, genetic testing, surgery, pathology, and disease progression. Clinical features were evaluated for evidence of genotype-phenotype associations, and penetrance was determined.RESULTS: SDHB mutation carriers were more likely than SDHD mutation carriers to develop extraadrenal pheochromocytomas and malignant disease, whereas SDHD mutation carriers had a greater propensity to develop head and neck paragangliomas and multiple tumors. For the index cases, there was no difference between 43 SDHB and 19 SDHD mutation carriers in the time to first diagnosis (34 vs. 28 yr, respectively; P = 0.3). However, when all mutation carriers were included (n = 112), the estimated age-related penetrance was different for SDHB vs. SDHD mutation carriers (P = 0.008).CONCLUSIONS: For clinical follow-up, features of SDHB mutation-associated disease include a later age of onset, extraadrenal (abdominal or thoracic) tumors, and a higher rate of malignancy. In contrast, SDHD mutation carriers, in addition to head and neck paragangliomas, should be observed for multifocal tumors, infrequent malignancy, and the possibility of extraadrenal pheochromocytoma.
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| 9. |
- Cantón, Rocío F, et al.
(author)
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Inhibition of human placental aromatase activity by hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs).
- 2008
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In: Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. - 0041-008X. ; 227:1, s. 68-75
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely used as flame retardants in many different polymers, resins and substrates. Due to their widespread production and use, their high binding affinity to particles, and their lipophilic properties, several PBDE congeners can bioaccumulate in the environment. As a result, PBDEs and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PBDEs) have been detected in humans and various wildlife samples, such as birds, seals, and whales. Furthermore, certain OH-PBDEs and their methoxylated derivatives (MeO-PBDEs) are natural products in the marine environment. Recently, our laboratory focused on the possible effects on steroidogenesis of PBDEs and OH-PBDEs, e.g. in the human adrenocortical carcinoma (H295R) cell line indicating that some OH-PBDEs can significantly influence steroidogenic enzymes like CYP19 (aromatase) and CYP17. In the present study, human placental microsomes have been used to study the possible interaction of twenty two OH-PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs with aromatase, the enzyme that mediates the conversion of androgens into estrogens. All OH-PBDE derivates showed significant inhibition of placental aromatase activity with IC(50) values in the low micromolar range, while the MeO-PBDEs did not have any effect on this enzyme activity. Enzyme kinetics studies indicated that two OH-PBDEs, 5-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (5-OH-BDE47) and 6-hydroxy-2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (6-OH-BDE47), had a mixed-type inhibition of aromatase activity with apparent K(i)/K(i)' of 7.68/0,02 microM and 5.01/0.04 microM respectively. For comparison, some structurally related compounds, a dihydroxylated polybrominated biphenyl, which is a natural product (2,2'-dihyroxy-3,3',5,5'-tetrabromobiphenyl (2,2'-diOH-BB80)) and its non-bromo derivative were also included in the study. Again inhibition of aromatase activity could be measured, but their potency was significantly less than those observed for the OH-PBDEs. These results show that a wide range of OH-PBDEs have the potential to disturb steroidogenesis and indicate a potential mechanism of action of these brominated flame retardant derivatives as endocrine disruptors in humans and wildlife.
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| 10. |
- de Jong, F. A., et al.
(author)
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Irinotecan-induced diarrhea : functional significance of the polymorphic ABCC2 transporter protein
- 2007
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In: Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0009-9236 .- 1532-6535. ; 81:1, s. 42-49
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Interindividual pharmacokinetic variability of the anticancer agent irinotecan is high. Life-threatening diarrhea is observed in up to 25% of patients receiving irinotecan and has been related with irinotecan pharmacokinetics and UGT1A1 genotype status. Here, we explore the association of ABCC2 (MRP2) polymorphisms and haplotypes with irinotecan disposition and diarrhea. A cohort of 167 Caucasian cancer patients who were previously assessed for irinotecan pharmacokinetics (90-min infusion given every 21 days), toxicity, and UGT1A1*28 genotype were genotyped for polymorphisms in ABCC2 using Pyrosequencing. Fifteen ABCC2 haplotypes were identified in the studied patients. The haplotype ABCC2*2 was associated with lower irinotecan clearance (28.3 versus 31.6 l/h; P=0.020). In patients who did not carry a UGT1A1*28 allele, a significant reduction of severe diarrhea was noted in patients with the ABCC2*2 haplotype (10 versus 44%; odds ratio, 0.15; 95% confidence interval, 0.04–0.61; P=0.005). This effect was not observed in patients with at least one UGT1A1*28 allele (32 versus 20%; odds ratio, 1.87; 95% confidence interval, 0.49–7.05; P=0.354). This study suggests that the presence of the ABCC2*2 haplotype is associated with less irinotecan-related diarrhea, maybe as a consequence of reduced hepatobiliary secretion of irinotecan. As the association was seen in patients not genetically predisposed at risk for diarrhea due to UGT1A1*28, confirmatory studies of the relationships of ABCC2 genotypes and irinotecan disposition and toxicity are warranted.
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