| 1. |
- Ng, M Y M, et al.
(author)
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Meta-analysis of 32 genome-wide linkage studies of schizophrenia
- 2009
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In: Molecular Psychiatry. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1359-4184 .- 1476-5578. ; 14:8, s. 774-785
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- A genome scan meta-analysis (GSMA) was carried out on 32 independent genome-wide linkage scan analyses that included 3255 pedigrees with 7413 genotyped cases affected with schizophrenia (SCZ) or related disorders. The primary GSMA divided the autosomes into 120 bins, rank-ordered the bins within each study according to the most positive linkage result in each bin, summed these ranks (weighted for study size) for each bin across studies and determined the empirical probability of a given summed rank (P(SR)) by simulation. Suggestive evidence for linkage was observed in two single bins, on chromosomes 5q (142-168 Mb) and 2q (103-134 Mb). Genome-wide evidence for linkage was detected on chromosome 2q (119-152 Mb) when bin boundaries were shifted to the middle of the previous bins. The primary analysis met empirical criteria for 'aggregate' genome-wide significance, indicating that some or all of 10 bins are likely to contain loci linked to SCZ, including regions of chromosomes 1, 2q, 3q, 4q, 5q, 8p and 10q. In a secondary analysis of 22 studies of European-ancestry samples, suggestive evidence for linkage was observed on chromosome 8p (16-33 Mb). Although the newer genome-wide association methodology has greater power to detect weak associations to single common DNA sequence variants, linkage analysis can detect diverse genetic effects that segregate in families, including multiple rare variants within one locus or several weakly associated loci in the same region. Therefore, the regions supported by this meta-analysis deserve close attention in future studies.
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| 4. |
- Genuneit, J., et al.
(author)
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A multi-centre study of candidate genes for wheeze and allergy : the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood Phase 2
- 2009
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In: Clinical and Experimental Allergy. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0954-7894 .- 1365-2222. ; 39:12, s. 1875-1888
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Common polymorphisms have been identified in genes suspected to play a role in asthma. We investigated their associations with wheeze and allergy in a case-control sample from Phase 2 of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood.METHODS: We compared 1105 wheezing and 3137 non-wheezing children aged 8-12 years from 17 study centres in 13 countries. Genotyping of 55 candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 14 genes was performed using the Sequenom System. Logistic regression models were fitted separately for each centre and each SNP. A combined per allele odds ratio and measures of heterogeneity between centres were derived by random effects meta-analysis.RESULTS: Significant associations with wheeze in the past year were detected in only four genes (IL4R, TLR4, MS4A2, TLR9, P<0.05), with per allele odds ratios generally <1.3. Variants in IL4R and TLR4 were also related to allergen-specific IgE, while polymorphisms in FCER1B (MS4A2) and TLR9 were not. There were also highly significant associations (P<0.001) between SPINK5 variants and visible eczema (but not IgE levels) and between IL13 variants and total IgE. Heterogeneity of effects across centres was rare, despite differences in allele frequencies.CONCLUSIONS: Despite the biological plausibility of IgE-related mechanisms in asthma, very few of the tested candidates showed evidence of association with both wheeze and increased IgE levels. We were unable to confirm associations of the positional candidates DPP10 and PHF11 with wheeze, although our study had ample power to detect the expected associations of IL13 variants with IgE and SPINK5 variants with eczema.
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| 8. |
- Bozhkov, PV, et al.
(author)
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Cysteine protease mcII-Pa executes programmed cell death during plant embryogenesis
- 2005
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In: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424. ; 102:40, s. 14463-14468
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Programmed cell death (PCD) is indispensable for eukaryotic development. In animals, PCD is executed by the caspase family of cysteine proteases. Plants do not have close homologues of caspases but possess a phylogenetically distant family of cysteine proteases named metacaspases. The cellular function of metacaspases in PCD is unknown. Here we show that during plant embryogenesis, metacaspase mcII-Pa translocates from the cytoplasm to nuclei in terminally differentiated cells that are destined for elimination, where it colocalizes with the nuclear pore complex and chromatin, causing nuclear envelope disassembly and DNA fragmentation. The cell-death function of mcII-Pa relies on its cysteine-dependent arginine-specific proteolytic activity. Accordingly, mutation of catalytic cysteine abrogates the proteolytic activity of mcII-Pa and blocks nuclear degradation. These results establish metacaspase as an executioner of PCD during embryo patterning and provide a functional link between PCD and embryogenesis in plants. Although mcII-Pa and metazoan caspases have different substrate specificity, they serve a common function during development, demonstrating the evolutionary parallelism of PCD pathways in plants and animals.
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| 10. |
- Gossec, Laure, et al.
(author)
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OMERACT/OARSI initiative to define states of severity and indication for joint replacement in hip and knee osteoarthritis
- 2007
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In: Journal of Rheumatology. - 0315-162X. ; 34:6, s. 1432-1435
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective. Time to theoretical indication of joint replacement surgery has been proposed as a primary outcome for potential structure-modifying interventions for osteoarthritis (OA). The objectives of this OMERACT/OARSI Working Group were to identify pain, physical function, and structure states that represent the progression from early to late disease for individuals with OA of the hip and knee, and to create a composite measure of these 3 domains to define states of OA severity and a surrogate measure of "need for joint replacement surgery." Methods. For pain, focus groups and one-on-one interviews were used. For function, Rasch analysis was performed on existing indices - the Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS) and the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), each of which subsumes the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) questions. For structure, a comparison of existing indices (Kellgren-Lawrence, OARSI stages, and joint space width) was performed for the hip and the knee. Results. For pain, key features of pain that are most distressing to people with OA from early to late disease were identified. For function, the reduction of the number of items based on the existing indices continues. For structure, the analysis is also ongoing. Conclusion. Preliminary results were presented at OMERACT 8; the final objective will be to combine the 3 domains (pain, function, and structure) and to create a composite index that could define states of severity and "need for total joint replacement," which could be used to evaluate treatment response to disease-modifying drugs in OA clinical trials.
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| 11. |
- Gutierrez-Suarez, R., et al.
(author)
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Health-related quality of life of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis coming from 3 different geographic areas. The PRINTO multinational quality of life cohort study
- 2007
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In: Rheumatology (Oxford). - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1462-0324 .- 1462-0332. ; 46:2, s. 314-320
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVES: To compare health-related quality of life (HRQL) and to identify clinical determinants for poor HRQL of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) coming from three geographic areas.METHODS: The HRQL was assessed through the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). A total of 30 countries were included grouped in three geographic areas: 16 countries in Western Europe; 10 in Eastern Europe; and four in Latin America. Potential determinants of poor HRQL included demographic data, physician's and parent's global assessments, measures of joint inflammation, disability as measured by Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire (CHAQ) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Poor HRQL was defined as a CHQ physical summary score (PhS) or psychosocial summary score (PsS) <2 S.D. from that of healthy children.RESULTS: A total of 3167 patients with JIA, younger than 18 yrs, were included in this study. The most affected health concepts (<2 S.D. from healthy children) that differentiate the three geographic areas include physical functioning, bodily pain/discomfort, global health, general health perception, change in health with respect to the previous year, self-esteem and family cohesion. Determinants for poor HRQL were similar across geographic areas with physical well-being mostly affected by the level of disability while the psychosocial well-being by the intensity of pain.CONCLUSION: We found that patients with JIA have a significant impairment of their HRQL compared with healthy peers, particularly in the physical domain. Disability and pain are the most important determinants of physical and psychosocial well-being irrespective of the geographic area of origin.
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| 12. |
- Klug, Stefanie J, et al.
(author)
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TP53 codon 72 polymorphism and cervical cancer : a pooled analysis of individual data from 49 studies
- 2009
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In: The Lancet Oncology. - 1470-2045 .- 1474-5488. ; 10:8, s. 772-784
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is caused primarily by human papillomaviruses (HPV). The polymorphism rs1042522 at codon 72 of the TP53 tumour-suppressor gene has been investigated as a genetic cofactor. More than 80 studies were done between 1998 and 2006, after it was initially reported that women who are homozygous for the arginine allele had a risk for cervical cancer seven times higher than women who were heterozygous for the allele. However, results have been inconsistent. Here we analyse pooled data from 49 studies to determine whether there is an association between TP53 codon 72 polymorphism and cervical cancer. METHODS: Individual data on 7946 cases and 7888 controls from 49 different studies worldwide were reanalysed. Odds ratios (OR) were estimated using logistic regression, stratifying by study and ethnic origin. Subgroup analyses were done for infection with HPV, ethnic origin, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, study quality, and the material used to determine TP53 genotype. FINDINGS: The pooled estimates (OR) for invasive cervical cancer were 1.22 (95% CI 1.08-1.39) for arginine homozygotes compared with heterozygotes, and 1.13 (0.94-1.35) for arginine homozygotes versus proline homozygotes. Subgroup analyses showed significant excess risks only in studies where controls were not in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (1.71 [1.21-2.42] for arginine homozygotes compared with heterozygotes), in non-epidemiological studies (1.35 [1.15-1.58] for arginine homozygotes compared with heterozygotes), and in studies where TP53 genotype was determined from tumour tissue (1.39 [1.13-1.73] for arginine homozygotes compared with heterozygotes). Null results were noted in studies with sound epidemiological design and conduct (1.06 [0.87-1.29] for arginine homozygotes compared with heterozygotes), and studies in which TP53 genotype was determined from white blood cells (1.06 [0.87-1.29] for arginine homozygotes compared with heterozygotes). INTERPRETATION: Subgroup analyses indicated that excess risks were most likely not due to clinical or biological factors, but to errors in study methods. No association was found between cervical cancer and TP53 codon 72 polymorphism when the analysis was restricted to methodologically sound studies.
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| 13. |
- Lope, V, et al.
(author)
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Occupation and thyroid cancer risk in Sweden
- 2005
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In: Journal of occupational and environmental medicine. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1076-2752. ; 47:9, s. 948-957
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)
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| 14. |
- Morales-Suarez-Varela, M.M., et al.
(author)
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Occupational exposures and Mycosis Fungoides. A European multicentre case-control study (Europe)
- 2005
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In: Cancer Causes and Control. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0957-5243 .- 1573-7225. ; 16:10, s. 1253-1259
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objectives: Mycosis Fungoides (MF) is a rare disease with an occurrence indicating that occupational exposures may play a role. To estimate the association between MF and occupational exposures as measured by means of an job-exposure matrix (JEM). Methods: A European multicenter case-control study was conducted from 1995 to 1997 and included seven rare cancers, one of which was MF. Patients between 35 and 69 years of age, diagnosed with MF (n = 140), were recruited and the diagnoses were checked by a reference pathologist who classified 83 cases as definite, 35 cases as possible and 22 cases as not accepted. Among the 118 accepted cases, 104 cases were interviewed, of which 76 were definite cases. We selected population controls and colon cancer controls to serve all seven case groups. Altogether 833 colon cancer controls and 2071 population controls were interviewed. Based on the reported occupational experiences, a team of industrial hygiene specialists identified five potential exposures and developed an JEM. This JEM was used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for MF as a function of these exposures. The JEM included aromatic and/or halogenated hydrocarbons (AAHs), chrome (VI) and its salts, electromagnetic radiations, silica and pesticides. Results: Exposures to AHHs (OR 6.3, C.I 2.4-16.7 for male) were associated with a high MF risk. Conclusions: The study supports the hypothesis that some MFs have an occupational etiology but only a small fraction of exposed workers are apparently susceptible since the disease is so rare. © Springer 2005.
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| 15. |
- Morales-Suarez-Varela, M.M., et al.
(author)
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Occupational sun exposure and mycosis fungoides : A european multicenter caseg-control study
- 2006
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In: Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. - : Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). - 1076-2752 .- 1536-5948. ; 48:4, s. 390-393
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: We sought to study the association between occupational sun exposure and mycosis fungoides (MF), a peripheral T-cell lymphoma. SUBJECTS and METHODS: A European multicenter case-control study including seven rare cases (one being MF) was conducted between 1995 and 1997. From the 118 accepted cases, 104 were interviewed, of which 76 were definite cases. Population controls were selected randomly from the regions of case ascertainment. Information based on occupational experiences was coded according to industry types. A job exposure matrix was created according to the expected exposure to sunlight. RESULTS: Once exposures to aromatic halogenated hydrocarbons were eliminated (odds ratio = 2.3, 95% confidence interval = 0.9-6.2), a high MF risk was associated with exposures to solar radiation. CONCLUSION: It would appear that workers exposed to sunlight have a higher risk of MF. However, this factor is not the only one involved. Copyright © 2006 by American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
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| 17. |
- Rueda, B., et al.
(author)
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The STAT4 gene influences the genetic predisposition to systemic sclerosis phenotype
- 2009
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In: Human Molecular Genetics. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0964-6906 .- 1460-2083. ; 18:11, s. 2071-2077
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to investigate the possible role of STAT4 gene in the genetic predisposition to systemic sclerosis (SSc) susceptibility or clinical phenotype. A total of 1317 SSc patients [896 with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) and 421 with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc)] and 3113 healthy controls, from an initial case-control set of Spanish Caucasian ancestry and five independent cohorts of European ancestry (The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Italy and USA), were included in the study. The rs7574865 polymorphism was selected as STAT4 genetic marker. We observed that the rs7574865 T allele was significantly associated with susceptibility to lcSSc in the Spanish population [P = 1.9 x 10(-5) odds ratio (OR) 1.61 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.29-1.99], but not with dcSSc (P = 0.41 OR 0.84 95% CI 0.59-1.21). Additionally, a dosage effect was observed showing individuals with rs7574865 TT genotype higher risk for lcSSc (OR 3.34, P = 1.02 x 10(-7) 95% CI 2.11-5.31). The association of the rs7574865 T allele with lcSSc was confirmed in all the replication cohorts with different effect sizes (OR ranging between 1.15 and 1.86), as well as the lack of association of STAT4 with dcSSc. A meta-analysis to test the overall effect of the rs7574865 polymorphism showed a strong risk effect of the T allele for lcSSc susceptibility (pooled OR 1.54 95% CI 1.36-1.74; P < 0.0001). Our data show a strong and reproducible association of the STAT4 gene with the genetic predisposition to lcSSc suggesting that this gene seems to be one of the genetic markers influencing SSc phenotype.
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| 18. |
- Sakr, Y, et al.
(author)
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Effects of hydroxyethyl starch administration on renal function in critically ill patients
- 2007
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In: British Journal of Anaesthesia. - : Elsevier BV. - 0007-0912 .- 1471-6771. ; 98:2, s. 216-224
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: The influence of hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions on renal function is controversial. We investigated the effect of HES administration on renal function in critically ill patients enrolled in a large multicentre observational European study. METHODS: All adult patients admitted to the 198 participating intensive care units (ICUs) during a 15-day period were enrolled. Prospectively collected data included daily fluid administration, urine output, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, serum creatinine levels, and the need for renal replacement therapy (RRT) during the ICU stay. RESULTS: Of 3147 patients, 1075 (34%) received HES. Patients who received HES were older [mean (SD): 62 (SD 17) vs 60 (18) years, P = 0.022], more likely to be surgical admissions, had a higher incidence of haematological malignancy and heart failure, higher SAPS II [40.0 (17.0) vs 34.7 (16.9), P < 0.001] and SOFA [6.2 (3.7) vs 5.0 (3.9), P < 0.001] scores, and less likely to be receiving RRT (2 vs 4%, P < 0.001) than those who did not receive HES. The renal SOFA score increased significantly over the ICU stay independent of the type of fluid administered. Although more patients who received HES needed RRT than non-HES patients (11 vs 9%, P = 0.006), HES administration was not associated with an increased risk for subsequent RRT in a multivariable analysis [odds ratio (OR): 0.417, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.05-3.27, P = 0.406]. Sepsis (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.37-3.02, P < 0.001), cardiovascular failure (OR: 6.88, 95% CI: 4.49-10.56, P < 0.001), haematological cancer (OR: 2.83, 95% CI: 1.28-6.25, P = 0.01), and baseline renal SOFA scores > 1 (P < 0.01 for renal SOFA 2, 3, and 4 with renal SOFA = 0 as a reference) were all associated with a higher need for RRT. CONCLUSIONS: In this observational study, haematological cancer, the presence of sepsis, cardiovascular failure, and baseline renal function as assessed by the SOFA score were independent risk factors for the subsequent need for RRT in the ICU. The administration of HES had no influence on renal function or the need for RRT in the ICU.
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| 19. |
- Travis, R C, et al.
(author)
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Plasma phyto-oestrogens and prostate cancer in the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition
- 2009
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In: British journal of cancer. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1532-1827 .- 0007-0920. ; 100:11, s. 1817-1823
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We examined plasma concentrations of phyto-oestrogens in relation to risk for subsequent prostate cancer in a case-control study nested in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition. Concentrations of isoflavones genistein, daidzein and equol, and that of lignans enterolactone and enterodiol, were measured in plasma samples for 950 prostate cancer cases and 1042 matched control participants. Relative risks (RRs) for prostate cancer in relation to plasma concentrations of these phyto-oestrogens were estimated by conditional logistic regression. Higher plasma concentrations of genistein were associated with lower risk of prostate cancer: RR among men in the highest vs the lowest fifth, 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53-0.96, P trend=0.03). After adjustment for potential confounders this RR was 0.74 (95% CI 0.54-1.00, P trend=0.05). No statistically significant associations were observed for circulating concentrations of daidzein, equol, enterolactone or enterodiol in relation to overall risk for prostate cancer. There was no evidence of heterogeneity in these results by age at blood collection or country of recruitment, nor by cancer stage or grade. These results suggest that higher concentrations of circulating genistein may reduce the risk of prostate cancer but do not support an association with plasma lignans.
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