Search

Clear cell ovarian carcinoma (CCOC) is an aggressive malignancy affecting younger women. Despite ovarian cancer subtypes having diverse molecular and clinical characteristics, the mainstay of treatment for advanced stage disease remains cytotoxic chemotherapy. Late stage CCOC is resistant to conventional chemotherapy, which means a suboptimal outcome for patients affected. Despite detailed genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic characterisation, subtype‐specific treatment for CCOC has shown little progress. The unique glycogen accumulation defining CCOC suggests altered metabolic pathway activity and dependency. This study presents the first metabolomic landscape of ovarian cancer subtypes, including 42 CCOC, 20 high‐grade serous and 21 endometrioid ovarian carcinomas, together comprising the three most common ovarian carcinoma subtypes. We describe a distinct metabolomic landscape of CCOC compared with other ovarian cancer subtypes, including alterations in energy utilisation and cysteine metabolism. In addition, we identify CCOC‐specific alterations in metabolic pathways including serine biosynthesis and ROS‐associated pathways that could serve as potential therapeutic targets. Our study provides the first in‐depth study into the metabolome of ovarian cancers and a rich resource to support ongoing research efforts to identify subtype‐specific therapeutic targets that could improve the dismal outcome for patients with this devastating malignancy. © 2024 The Author(s). The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 57-year-old woman who had a history of osteoarthritis presented with a nonpruritic rash associated with paresthesia, myalgia, and worsening joint pain. The rash began on the soles of her feet and ascended toward her trunk. Her symptoms began 48 hours after starting atorvastatin and empagliflozin (Jardiance) for metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endolichenic fungi are considered a promising source of new materials. For further evaluation of some biological activities of the Trichoderma strains isolated from lichens Dirinaria spp. and Cryptothecia spp., their antifungal and antibacterial activities were screened by the methods of dual culture and environmental toxicity. Substrate degradation was evaluated using the qualitative enzyme assays. Fourteen strains of Trichoderma spp. were isolated from 60 lichen samples. All the isolates were able to inhibit the radial growth of tested fungal strains (Bipolaris spp., Colletotrichum spp., Corynespora cassiicola, and Fusarium spp.). Otherwise, only 12/14 isolates were found capable of competing for substrates with Ralstonia solanacearum. The cell-free supernatant obtained from the cultures possessed both antifungal and antibacterial activities. The antagonistic activity of the isolates was selective. Most of the isolates were able to degrade at least one of the investigated substrates, namely cellulose, pectin, and starch. All strains could produce peroxidase; none of the isolates possessed laccase and tyrosinase. A potential antagonistic fungal strain VDT6 has been identified as Trichoderma harzianum. The assessment results indicated that the Trichoderma isolates could be used in agriculture as biological control agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characteristics of suppressed relaxation oscillation of a distributed feedback dye laser (DFDL) based on the energy transfer process in a mixture of spherical gold nanoparticles-doped solid-state polymethylmetacrylate dissolved 4-(Dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran dye was theoretically and experimentally studied. Single pulse generation regime of the DFDL can be obtained with a suitable gold nanoparticle concentration and ratio of pump power over lasing threshold. Numerical analysis and experimental approach showed that in this regime, the first-pulse laser pulsewidth is rather unchanged while varying the gold nanoparticles concentration in the range of 2.0 x 109–2.0 x 1010 par cm-3. The enhancement of first pulse and the suppression of the secondary pulses by bi-direction energy transfer of spherical gold nanoparticles were experimentally observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The most commonly mutated gene in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (VSCC) is TP53 and its prognostic value, particularly in HPV‐independent VSCC, is uncertain. In other tumours, p53 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an excellent surrogate marker for TP53 mutations. In order to study this in VSCC, we assigned six p53 IHC patterns into two final classes: 'wild‐type' or 'mutant'. We determined the performance and interobserver variability of this pattern‐based p53 IHC approach. Methods and results: Two experienced gynaecological pathologists scored the predefined p53 IHC patterns of 59 VSCC, independently and blinded for molecular data. Agreement was calculated by Cohen's kappa. All disagreements regarding p53 IHC patterns were resolved by a consensus meeting. After DNA isolation, the presence of pathogenic TP53 variants was determined by next‐generation sequencing (NGS). Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of p53 IHC as a surrogate marker for TP53 mutation status were calculated. Initial p53 IHC pattern interpretation showed substantial agreement between both observers (k = 0.71, P < 0.001). After consensus, 18 cases (30.5%) were assigned a final p53 IHC class as TP53 wild‐type and 41 cases (69.5%) as mutant. The accuracy between the p53 IHC class and TP53 mutation status, after the consensus meeting, was 96.6%. Moreover, the sensitivity and specificity were high 95.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 82.9–99.1% and 100% (95% CI = 75.9–100%)]. Conclusions: Pattern‐based p53 IHC classification is highly reproducible among experienced gynaecological pathologists and accurately reflects TP53 mutations in VSCC. This approach to p53 IHC interpretation offers guidance and provides necessary clarity for resolving the proposed prognostic relevance of final p53 IHC class within HPV‐independent VSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic Au- and Ag-decorated ZnO films on a glass substrate were obtained by a plasma electrolyte oxidation method with high-voltage discharge, followed by the decoration of Au nanoparticles (NPs) on their surface. With the increasing concentration of the Ag precursor, the thickness of the Ag-ZnO films decreased and the width of the bandgap increased, causing an enhancement in the near band-edge ultraviolet (UV) emission. With the decoration of the Au NPs, the photoluminescence of the Ag-ZnO films exhibited quenching of the band-edge UV emission, accompanied by the suppression of the visible emission in the photoluminescence spectra, and a significant enhancement in the photocatalytic efficiency for the photodegradation of Rhodamine B under solar simulator irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the radiogenomics evaluation of intratumor heterogeneity in a 69-year-old woman with high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Case highlights include whole-exome sequencing of the micro-dissected tumor and matched normal deoxyribonucleic acid samples, evaluation of three right ovarian mass HGSOC imaging-based habitats and the omental implant, and method used to identify phenotypically distinct areas of an HGSOC.

In this work, SrAl2O4:Mn4+ phosphor is prepared by co-precipitation. The phase structure, morphology, composition and luminescent performance of the phosphor are investigated in detail with x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, steady-state photoluminescence (PL) spectra, and temperature-dependent PL measurements. The phosphor shows a strong red emission peak at ∼ 690 nm, which is due to the transition between electronic levels and the electric dipole transition 2Eg to 4A2g of Mn4+ ions located at the sites with D3d local symmetry. The sample doped with 0.04 mol.% Mn4+ exhibits intense red emission with high thermal stability and appropriate International Commission on Illumination (CIE) coordinates (x = 0.6959, y = 0.2737). It is also found that the phosphor absorption in an extended band from 250 nm to 500 nm has three peaks at 320 nm, 405 nm, and 470 nm, which match well with the emission band of ultraviolet (UV) lighting emission diode (LED) or blue LED chips. These results demonstrate that SrAl2O4:Mn4+ phosphor can play the role of activator in narrow red-emitting phosphor, which is potentially useful in UV (∼ 320 nm) or blue (∼ 460 nm) LED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Energy transfer between spherical gold nanoparticles with size of more than 15 nm and molecules of organic dye 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)- 4H-pyran (DCM) has been studied. Such radiative energy transfer led to high local temperature, giving rise to a bleaching effect that resulted in rapid degradation of the laser medium. Gold nanoparticles were dispersed at concentrations from 5 × 109 particles/mL to 5 × 1010 particles/mL in DCM polymethylmethacrylate polymer using a radical polymerization process with 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) as initiator. Using the fast thermoelectric cooling method, the laser medium stability was significantly improved. The output stability of a distributed feedback dye laser pumped by second-harmonic generation from a neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser was investigated. Moreover, bidirectional energy transfer between gold nanoparticles and dye molecules was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Uterine carcinosarcoma, also known as Malignant Mixed Müllerian Tumour, is a high‐grade biphasic neoplasm composed of sarcomatous elements thought to originate via transdifferentiation from high‐grade endometrial carcinoma. To identify molecular factors contributing to the histogenesis of this tumour, we analyzed DNA extracted from matched carcinoma and sarcoma components from 12 cases of carcinosarcoma by a molecular inversion probe microarray to assess genomic copy number alterations (CNAs) and allelic imbalances. Widespread CNAs were identified in tumours with serous histology in the carcinoma component (9/12), while the remaining three cases with endometrioid carcinoma were near‐diploid. Quantification of the extent of genomic aberrations revealed a significant increase in sarcoma relative to carcinoma in tumours with well‐delineated histologic components. Focal amplification of 13q31.3 was identified in 6/12 profiled tumours, of which four harboured the aberration exclusively in the sarcoma component. This result was verified by fluorescence in situ hybridization against GPC5, the only gene situated within the minimal region of amplification. In a validation cohort composed of 97 carcinosarcomas and other uterine sarcomas, amplification of GPC5 (GPC5/CEP13 ratio ≥ 2.2) was identified in 11/97 (11.3%) cases (9/64 carcinosarcoma, 1/3 rhabdomyosarcoma, 1/21 leiomyosarcoma, 0/8 adenosarcoma, 0/1 undifferentiated endometrial sarcoma) and an additional 4 (2.8%) cases had low level gains (GPC5/CEP13 ratio ≥1.5 but <2.2). The functional relevance of Glypican‐5, the gene product of GPC5, in regulating differentiation and lineage commitment was demonstrated in an endometrial carcinoma cell line in vitro. In conclusion, we identified GPC5 amplification as a molecular event mediating epithelial‐mesenchymal transdifferentiation in a subset of uterine carcinosarcomas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endometrial epithelium is the presumed tissue of origin for both eutopic and endometriosis-derived clear cell and endometrioid carcinomas. We had previously hypothesized that the morphological, biological and clinical differences between these carcinomas are due to histotype-specific mutations. Although some mutations and genomic landscape features are more likely to be found in one of these histotypes, we were not able to identify a single class of mutations that was exclusively present in one histotype and not the other. This lack of genomic differences led us to an alternative hypothesis that these cancers could arise from distinct cells of origin within endometrial tissue, and that it is the cellular context that accounts for their differences. In a proteomic screen, we identified cystathionine γ-lyase (CTH) as a marker for clear cell carcinoma, as it is expressed at high levels in clear cell carcinomas of the ovary and endometrium. In the current study, we analysed normal Müllerian tissues, and found that CTH is expressed in ciliated cells of endometrium (both eutopic endometrium and endometriosis) and fallopian tubes. We then demonstrated that other ciliated cell markers are expressed in clear cell carcinomas, whereas endometrial secretory cell markers are expressed in endometrioid carcinomas. The same differential staining of secretory and ciliated cells was demonstrable in a three-dimensional organoid culture system, in which stem cells were stimulated to differentiate into an admixture of secretory and ciliated cells. These data suggest that endometrioid carcinomas are derived from cells of the secretory cell lineage, whereas clear cell carcinomas are derived from, or have similarities to, cells of the ciliated cell lineage. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Youth with a low socioeconomic position in developed countries are at a disproportionately higher risk of being overweight or obese than their counterparts. Tackling these inequalities requires that the mechanisms behind them are well understood. Objectives The aim of this review was to summarize existing evidence regarding the factors that mediate or contribute to the explanation of the relationship between socioeconomic position and adiposity among youth. Methods and results A systematic literature search, conducted using the databases Medline, Embase, Web of Science and PsycINFO, yielded 28 eligible studies. These studies were of low to moderate methodological quality. The most consistent mediators of the association between socioeconomic position and adiposity identified in this review were as follows: consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages, television viewing, computer use, parental body mass index, breastfeeding duration, breakfast consumption, maternal smoking during pregnancy and infant feeding practices. The mediating role of physical activity as well as fruit and vegetable consumption was found to be indeterminate. Other potential mediators were explored in too few studies to make conclusions about their mediating role. Conclusion The review found several modifiable factors that could be targeted as feasible in interventions aimed at reducing socioeconomic differences in overweight and obesity among youth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red-emitting Eu-doped (Y,Gd)BO phosphors have been synthesized by a sol-gel process using metal oxides and boric acid as starting materials and citric acid as chelating agent. The main factors affecting the structure and luminescence properties of the product, such as sintering temperature, chemical composition, and Eu doping concentration, were investigated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that the phosphors begin to crystallize at sintering temperature of 700°C and become phase pure at 900°C. The average size of the phosphor particles after sintering at 1000°C was determined to be about 30 nm to 50 nm. The (Y,Gd)BO:Eu phosphors were found to exhibit strong red emission at 611 nm and 625 nm corresponding to the D-F transitions of Eu in the host lattice. The photoluminescence intensity was enhanced by posttreatment at 900°C and remained unchanged at 1000°C. It was also found that the optimal concentration of Gd ions for Eu emission was 35%, and no concentration quenching of the photoluminescence was observed even at Eu doping concentration up to 30%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Background: Both parents' and children's perception of children's weight status may be important predictors of slimming and energy‐balance related behaviours, independent of children's actual weight status. Objectives: We examined the cross‐sectional association of children's self‐reported slimming and energy‐balance related behaviours with children's (i) actual, (ii) self‐perceived and (iii) parent‐perceived weight status. Methods: Data of 10‐ to 12‐year‐old European children and their parents were used. Multilevel logistic and linear regression analyses were performed, adjusting for age, gender, parental weight controlling behaviours, education, marital status and ethnicity. Results: Independent of their actual weight status, a higher proportion of children reported slimming when they or their parents perceived them as too fat. Children's self‐perceived weight status was more strongly associated with slimming than their parents' perception or their actual weight status. Moreover, children who perceive themselves as overweight reported less physical activity and more screen time. Children whose parents perceive them as overweight reported less physical activity. Conclusions: Children's own perception of their weight status appears to be more important for their self‐reported slimming than their actual or their parent's perceptions of their weight status. Additionally, children's self‐perceived weight status seems important in engaging more physical activity and reduces screen time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To examine ethnic differences in body mass index (BMI), food habits and physical activity, and determine the factors contributing to differences in BMI.Design and Method: In 2000-2001, 7343 (response rate 88%) 15- and 16-year-old students, enrolled in lower secondary schools in Oslo, participated in the cross-sectional Oslo Health Study. Of these participants, 1719 were defined as ethnic minorities.Results: Significant gender and ethnic differences in mean BMI were observed. Of the ethnic minority adolescents, 5.8% were underweight (<5th percentile of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)/National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) reference distribution) and 9.1% were overweight (>85th percentile of the US CDC/NCHS reference distribution). BMI was not significantly associated with either socio-economic factors or physical activity. Food habits and physical activity differed with ethnicity but not with socio-economic factors. An ordinal regression showed that girls from East Asia (odds ratio (OR) 0.4) and boys from sub-Saharan Africa (OR 0.4) had lower BMI than the Western group. Among girls, higher BMI was associated with less frequent consumption of chocolates and sweets, full-fat milk and breakfast (OR 2.4, 1.7 and 1.7, respectively). Higher BMI, for both boys and girls, was associated with current and past dieting (OR 3.7 and 4.2, respectively).Conclusions: Adolescent food habits and physical activity varied by gender and ethnicity but not with socio-economic factors. BMI was associated with ethnicity, gender and food habits, but no significant relationship was observed with socio-economic factors or physical activity. Ethnicity, in addition to gender, should be taken into consideration when studying BMI and associated factors among adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Dedifferentiated endometrial carcinoma ( DDEC) is defined by the presence of an undifferentiated carcinoma together with an endometrioid carcinoma. Inactivation of SMARCA4 ( BRG1) and inactivation of SMARCB1 ( INI1) were recently described as potential mechanisms underlying the histological dedifferentiation. The aim of this study was to characterize the immunophenotypic features of DDECs, particularly in cases with prototypical histological and molecular features ( BRG1/ INI1 deficiency). Methods and results We evaluated PAX8, oestrogen receptor ( ER) and p53 immunostaining in the endometrioid and the undifferentiated components of 20 BRG1/ INI1-deficient DDECs and 15 BRG1/ INI1-intact DDECs, and compared the results with those of 23 grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas. The differentiated endometrioid component was positive for PAX8 and/or ER in 19 of 20 BRG1/ INI1-deficient DDECs, whereas the corresponding undifferentiated component of all 20 tumours showed a complete absence of PAX8 and ER staining. All except one of the BRG1/ INI1-deficient tumours showed a wild-type p53 staining pattern. PAX8 and ER expression in the undifferentiated component was absent in 67% and 80% of BRG1/ INI1-intact DDECs, respectively, whereas 47% of the BRG1/ INI1-intact DDECs showed a mutated p53 staining pattern. In comparison, absent PAX8 expression and absent ER expression were each observed in the more solid area of 48% and 48% of grade 3 endometrioid carcinomas. Conclusions The consistent absence of PAX8 and ER expression in molecularly defined ( BRG1/ INI1-deficient) DDECs suggests that the loss of PAX8 and ER expression is a fundamental feature of dedifferentiation. The frequent findings of a mutated p53 staining pattern in BRG1/ INI1-intact DDECs indicate that BRG1/ INI1-intact DDECs may be biologically different from BRG1/ INI1-deficient tumours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of a new laser medium based on gold nanoparticle/dye-doped polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been investigated. In particular, gold nanoparticles with small (16 nm diameter) spherical shape strongly influenced the absorption and fluorescence emission spectra of [2-[2-[4-(dimethylamino)phenyl]ethenyl]-6-methyl-4 H-pyran-4-ylidene]-propanedinitrile (DCM) laser dye. Fluorescence quenching and enhancement of DCM emission were observed for various concentrations of gold nanoparticles (GNPs). Fluorescence intensity enhancement was recorded for the sample containing 1.5 × 10 par/mL GNPs and doped with 3 × 10 mol/L DCM. Thermal photodegradation was significantly decreased by using low pump energy for laser emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To characterize the histomorphological features of endometrial carcinomas ( ECs) harbouring polymerase ε ( POLE) mutations. Methods and results Forty-three ECs with POLE mutations were compared with a cohort of 202 ECs. Most POLE-mutated ECs were endometrioid [34/43 (79%)]; the remaining tumours were mixed [6/43 (14%)], serous [2/43 (5%)], and clear cell [1/43 (2%)]. The endometrioid carcinomas were predominantly International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grade 3 (27/43, 63%). The histotype distribution did not differ from that of control ECs ( P = 0.69), but the grade of the EC was higher ( P < 0.0005). Both nuclear grade and mitotic index were significantly higher in POLE-mutated ECs than in the comparison cohort. POLE-mutated ECs were associated with peritumoral lymphocytes and numerous tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes. Lymphovascular invasion was present in 20 of 43 tumours. Adjuvant radiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy would be offered in up to 80% and 40% of patients, respectively, on the basis of stage, grade, lymphovascular invasion, and histotype. Conclusions POLE-mutated ECs are typically of high grade, with prominent lymphocytic infiltration, but they are not sufficiently distinctive to allow accurate diagnosis based on routine haematoxylin and eosin staining. Even though POLE-mutated tumours are associated with an excellent prognosis, current guidelines for giving adjuvant treatment for EC result in most patients receiving adjuvant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Existing research evidence indicates that children and adolescents of parents with a low socioeconomic position spend more time on sedentary behaviour than their counterparts. However, the mechanisms driving these differences remain poorly understood. The main aim of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence regarding the association between socioeconomic position and correlates of sedentary behaviour among youth (0-18 years) from developed countries. The literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO. A total of 37 studies were included. All but three studies examined screen-based sedentary behaviours only. Methodological quality ranged from low to moderate. Education was the most commonly used indicator of socioeconomic position, followed by income. Socioeconomic position was inversely related to the presence of a TV in the child's bedroom, parental modelling for TV viewing, parental co-viewing and eating meals in front of the TV. We found no/indeterminate evidence for an association between socioeconomic position and rules and regulations about screen time. The findings suggest possible factors that could be targeted in future intervention studies to decrease screen-based sedentary behaviour in lower socioeconomic groups in particular. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid socio-economic development in suburban areas of developing countries has induced changes in agricultural waste and nutrient management, resulting in water pollution. The study aimed at estimating agricultural nutrient cycles and their contribution to the water environment. A material flow model of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) was developed focusing on agricultural activities from 1980 to 2010 in Trai hamlet, an agricultural watershed in Nhue-Day River basin, Vietnam. The model focused on the change in household management of human excreta and livestock excreta, and chemical fertilizer consumption. The results showed that the proportion of nutrients from compost/ manure applied to paddy fields decreased from 85 to 41% for both N and P between 1980 and 2010. The nutrient inputs derived from chemical fertilizer decreased 6% between 1980 and 2000 for both N and P. Then, these nutrients increased 1.4 times for N and 1.2 times for P from 2000 to 2010. As of 2010, the total inputs to paddy fields have amounted to 435 kg-N/ha/year and 90 kg-P/ha/year. Of these nutrient inputs, 40% of N and 65% of P were derived from chemical fertilizer. Thirty per cent (30%) of total N input was discharged to the water bodies through agricultural runoff and 47% of total P input accumulated in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Uterine carcinosarcoma is a clinically aggressive malignancy composed of a mix of carcinomatous and sarcomatous elements. We performed targeted next‐generation sequencing of 27 uterine cancer and sarcoma genes together with immunohistochemical analyses of selected proteins in 30 uterine carcinosarcomas. This included 13 cases in which the distinct carcinoma and sarcoma components were sequenced separately and 10 cases where the metastatic tumours were analysed in addition to the primary tumours. We identified non‐synonymous somatic mutations in 90% of the cases, with 27 of 30 cases (90%) harbouring TP53 alterations. The PI3K pathway was the most commonly mutated signalling pathway with mutations identified in PIK3CA, PTEN, PIK3R1, and/or PIK3R2 in two‐thirds of the cases. Mutations in FBXW7, PPP2R1A, ARID1A and KRAS were demonstrated in a minority of cases. In cases where the carcinomatous and sarcomatous components were separately analysed, most of the mutations identified were present in both components, indicating a common origin for the two components. Furthermore, the same TP53 alterations and/or PI3K pathway mutations seen in the primary tumours were also identified in the metastatic sites. Overall, carcinosarcomas exhibited heterogeneous molecular features that resemble the heterogeneity seen in endometrial carcinomas, with some showing endometrioid carcinoma‐like and others showing serous carcinoma‐like mutation profiles. While patients with serous‐like tumours presented more frequently with advanced‐stage disease compared to patients with endometrioid‐like tumours, there was no statistical difference in outcome between the two groups. Our results provide insights into the oncogenesis of uterine carcinosarcoma and identify targetable mutations that represent early oncogenic events. The findings of the different molecular types of uterine carcinosarcoma that parallel the different molecular types in endometrial carcinoma may have future treatment implications with targeted therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Endometrial clear cell carcinomas ( CCC) constitute fewer than 5% of all carcinomas of the endometrium. Currently, little is known regarding the genetic basis of endometrial CCC. Methods and results We performed genomic and immunohistochemical analyses on 14 rigorously reviewed pure endometrial CCC. The genomic analysis consisted of sequencing the coding regions of 26 genes implicated previously in endometrial carcinoma. Twelve of 14 tumours displayed a prototypical CCC immunophenotype [napsin A+, hepatocyte nuclear factor-1β ( HNF1β+) and oestrogen receptor−] and all showed intact mismatch repair protein expression. We detected mutations in 11 of 14 tumours, and there was a predominance of mutations involving genes that are mutated more frequently in endometrial serous carcinomas than in endometrioid carcinomas. Two tumours displayed a prototypical serous carcinoma mutation profile (concurrent TP53 and PPP2 R1 A mutations, without PTEN, CTNNB1 or ARID1 A mutation). No mutations in PTEN, CTNNB1 or POLE were identified. Conclusions The overall mutation profile of this cohort of endometrial CCC appears to be more serous-like than endometrioid-like, with a minor subset in the TP53-mutated CCC showing serous carcinoma profile. These findings provide new insights into the molecular features of morphologically prototypical endometrial CCC, and underscore the need for further investigations into the oncogenesis of endometrial CCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims The great majority of ovarian clear cell carcinomas have a hepatocyte nuclear factor 1 homeobox B ( HNF-1β)-positive and oestrogen receptor ( ER)-negative immunoprofile. However, the pattern of HNF-1β and ER immunostaining in clear cell carcinomas of the endometrium and the usefulness of this panel in distinguishing clear cell carcinoma from other histological types of endometrial carcinoma have yet to be well defined. Methods and results We examined the immunostaining patterns of HNF-1β, ER and p53 in 15 morphologically classic pure endometrial clear cell carcinomas, and compared these patterns with 15 endometrioid and 15 serous carcinomas of the endometrium. We observed the presence of diffuse (>70%) moderate to strong nuclear HNF-1β staining and negative ER staining in 14 of 15 clear cell carcinomas, with the remaining case showing both diffuse strong nuclear HNF-1β staining and focal ER staining. In comparison, only one of 15 serous carcinomas and none of 15 endometrioid carcinomas showed a combination of diffuse moderate to strong HNF-1β nuclear staining and negative ER staining. Aberrant p53 immunostaining was observed in five of 15 (33%) clear cell carcinomas. Conclusions Overall, our findings demonstrate that, similarly to the situation for the ovary, a diagnostic panel of HNF-1β and ER may be considered for separating clear cell carcinoma from endometrioid and serous carcinoma of the endometrium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper combines the persuasion knowledge model (PKM) and priming theory to investigate the effects of different appeal types in negative political ads on voters' cognitive responses and candidate responses, and explore the moderating effect of an important candidate-related variable: poll ranking. The results indicate that negative advertising based on rational appeals is more beneficial to candidates who lag in the polls. However, negative ads based on emotional appeals generate better responses from voters when used by poll leaders. These effects are observed regardless of whether the race is between an incumbent and a challenger or two challengers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The aim of this study was to explore differences in weight status and energy balance behaviours according to ethnic background among adolescents across Europe. Methods A school-based survey among 10-12-year-old adolescents was conducted in seven European countries. Weight, height and waist circumference were measured; engagement in physical activity, sedentary and dietary behaviour, and sleep duration was assessed by child and parent-report. A distinction between native and non-native ethnic background was based on language spoken at home, and the parents' country of birth. Analyses were conducted with and without adjustment for parental education. Results With valid data on both indicators of ethnic background for 5149 adolescents, 7307 adolescents (52% girls; 11.6 ± 0.7 years) participated. Significantly higher prevalence of overweight, obesity, body mass index and waist circumference were observed among non-native compared with native adolescents. Non-native adolescents had less favourable behavioural patterns (sugary drinks, breakfast skipping, sport, TV and computer time, hours of sleep) with the exception of active transport to school. Similar patterns were observed for both indicators of ethnicity, and in most of the separate countries; however, in Greece, weight status indicators were better among non-native adolescents. After adjustment for parental education, most differences remained significant according to country of origin of the parents, but not according to language spoken at home. Conclusion Adolescents of native ethnicity of the country of residence have, in general, more favourable weight status indicators and energy balance-related behaviours than adolescents of non-native ethnicity across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preventing smoking initiation among adolescents of lower socio-economic groups is crucial for the reduction of socio-economic inequalities in health. The aim of the present study was to examine whether effective smoking prevention interventions in Europe are equally effective among adolescents of low- and high-socio-economic status (SES). As part of the European Union-funded TEENAGE project, three school-based smoking prevention intervention studies in Europe were selected for secondary analyses: (i) a Dutch class competition intervention, (ii) the European Smoking Prevention Framework (ESFA) study and (iii) the A Stop Smoking in Schools Trial (ASSIST) intervention. All three studies differed in effectiveness by SES. The Dutch class competition study only had a significant effect among higher SES adolescents. The results for the ESFA study and ASSIST study were mixed and depended on which SES indicator was used. The conclusion of the study is that stratified analyses provide important insights in differential intervention effects for higher and lower socio-economic groups. Although findings from the different studies were mixed, interventions that use a social network approach in which youngsters are allowed to deliver the intervention themselves may be a successful strategy in targeting adolescents from lower socio-economic groups. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim of this study was to examine modifiable biological, psychological, behavioral and social-environmental correlates of physical activity among 1129 Norwegian 11-year-old children within a cross-sectional sample from the HEalth In Adolescents study. Physical activity was assessed by accelerometer, and weight and height were measured objectively. Age- and gender-specific cut-off points proposed by the International Obesity Task Force were used to define body mass index. Social-environmental variables were self-reported by questionnaire. Hierarchical regression (linear mixed models) revealed that normal weight children scored higher on percentage daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [% daily moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA)] than overweight/obese children ( P<0.001). Self-efficacy ( P<0.01) and perceived social support from friends ( P<0.01) were positively associated with children's % daily MVPA, and a negative association was found for computer/game-use on weekends ( P<0.01). A moderator effect of weight category (normal vs overweight/obese) in the relationship between computer/game-use on weekends and % daily MVPA was detected ( P<0.05), reflecting that higher computer/game-use on weekends was associated with lower % MVPA among the overweight/obese, but not among the normal weight. Modifiable correlates from multiple domains accounted for 14% of the variance in % daily MVPA. Prospective and intervention studies are needed to examine whether these factors act as mediators for physical activity change in pre-adolescent children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim was to study whether physical activity (PA) interventions in European teenagers are equally effective in adolescents of low versus high socio-economic status (SES). Based on a systematic review (Project TEENAGE), three school-based studies for secondary analyses were selected. SES stratified analyses were run in: (i) a Belgian multi-component intervention, (ii) a French multi-component intervention and (iii) a Belgian computer-tailored education trial. Results of the secondary analyses showed that no overall significant differences between low and high SES groups were found, but some interesting specific effects were revealed. Results from the first study showed an increase in objective PA in the low SES group (P = 0.015) compared with no significant effects in the high SES group. In the second study, larger effects were found in adolescents of high SES (increase of 11 min day−1 P < 0.001), compared with adolescents of lower SES (increase of 7 min day−1, P = 0.02) at the longer term. The third study showed a positive effect on school-related PA in adolescents of high SES (P < 0.05) and on leisure time transportation in adolescents of low SES (P < 0.05). To conclude, we were not able to show a significant widening or narrowing of inequalities in European adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The aim was to study whether physical activity (PA) interventions in European teenagers are equally effective in adolescents of low versus high socio-economic status (SES). Based on a systematic review (Project TEENAGE), three school-based studies for secondary analyses were selected. SES stratified analyses were run in: (i) a Belgian multi-component intervention, (ii) a French multi-component intervention and (iii) a Belgian computer-tailored education trial. Results of the secondary analyses showed that no overall significant differences between low and high SES groups were found, but some interesting specific effects were revealed. Results from the first study showed an increase in objective PA in the low SES group (P = 0.015) compared with no significant effects in the high SES group. In the second study, larger effects were found in adolescents of high SES (increase of 11 min day(-1) P < 0.001), compared with adolescents of lower SES (increase of 7 min day(-1), P = 0.02) at the longer term. The third study showed a positive effect on school-related PA in adolescents of high SES (P < 0.05) and on leisure time transportation in adolescents of low SES (P < 0.05). To conclude, we were not able to show a significant widening or narrowing of inequalities in European adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: The lack of effective school-based interventions for preventing obesity in children has caused a call for longer duration of interventions and better reporting on design and evaluation methodology. The purpose of this paper is to present the development of the intervention, the design of the effectiveness study, and the test-retest reliability of the main outcome measures in the HEalth In Adolescents (HEIA) study. Methods/design: The HEIA intervention programme was developed based on literature reviews, a social ecological framework, and focus groups. The intervention aimed to increase total physical activity (PA) and consumption of fruit and vegetables and to decrease screen time and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The intervention programme consisted of a classroom component, including dietary behaviour lessons, computer tailoring, fruit/vegetable and PA breaks, and posters, and an environmental component including active transport campaigns, equipment, suggestions for easy improvements of schoolyards, inspirational courses for teachers (all with regards to PA), and fact sheets to parents. The effect of the intervention programme is evaluated in a cluster randomised controlled trial design (intervention = 12 schools, control = 25 schools) including process evaluation. Main outcomes include anthropometry, PA, screen time, and consumption of fruit, vegetables, and sugar-sweetened beverages. A 2-week testDL retest study was conducted among 114 pupils. Determinants of the behaviours were assessed. Similar data were collected from parents. Children's PA was measured objectively by accelerometers. Conclusions: The HEIA study represents a theoretically informed randomised trial comprising a comprehensive set of multilevel intervention components with a thorough evaluation using reliable outcome measures. The study will contribute to a better understanding of determinants of healthy weight development among young people and how such determinants can be modified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The aim of this paper is to investigate anthropometric characteristics in 11-year-old Norwegian by gender and parental education, and to study associations between adolescents' overweight and waist circumference (WC) and maternal and paternal overweight and WC. Methods: A total of 1483 adolescents, 1156 mothers, and 1016 fathers participated in the baseline survey of the HEalth In Adolescents (HEIA) study (September 2007). Anthropometric measures of the adolescents were assessed by project staff according to standard procedures. Self-reported data about pubertal status were collected through questionnaires. Parental education and anthropometric measures of parents were collected by self-report. Results: The prevalence of overweight (including obesity) determined by the cut-offs for body mass index (BMI) suggested by the International Obesity Task Force was 14.6% among girls and 13.6% among boys. The highest prevalence of overweight was observed among adolescents with parents who had less than 12 years of education (18.8%). Overweight and WC in girls was strongly associated with maternal overweight and WC. For boys, overweight and WC was strongly associated with both maternal and paternal overweight and WC. Conclusions: There was a social gradient in anthropometric characteristics and overweight rates among Norwegian 11-year-old adolescents. Maternal overweight and WC was associated with overweight and WC in girls and boys, while paternal overweight and WC were associated with overweight and WC in boys. The results indicate that mothers are key persons in prevention of overweight among adolescents, despite gender. Fathers are important as role models for their sons. Targeting parental overweight/ obesity could be a strategy in future interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]