Targeting EGFR in bladder cancer.

Expression and overexpression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) have been described in several solid tumors including bladder, breast, colorectal, NSCLC, prostate, and ovarian cancers. In addition to gene amplification, point mutations within the kinase domain also occur. Previous reports indicate that the patient's response to gefitinib depends on either the presence of mutations within the kinase domain of EGFR or the expression of the most frequent alteration, the truncated EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII).

Loss of AP-2alpha results in deregulation of E-cadherin and MMP-9 and an increase in tumorigenicity of colon cancer cells in vivo.

Activator protein-2 (AP-2) is a transcription factor that regulates proliferation and differentiation in mammalian cells and has been implicated in the acquisition of the metastatic phenotype in several types of cancer. Herein, we examine the role of AP-2alpha in colon cancer progression. We provide evidence for the lack of AP-2alpha expression in the late stages of colon cancer cells.

Mutations within the kinase domain and truncations of the epidermal growth factor receptor are rare events in bladder cancer: implications for therapy.

Purpose: It has previously been reported that the patient response to gefitinib depends on the presence of mutations within the kinase domain of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) or the expression of its truncated form, EGFR variant III (EGFRvIII). The focus of this study was to determine if these alterations are present within the tyrosine kinase and ligand-binding domain of EGFR in urothelial carcinoma.

Experimental Design: The kinase domain found within exons 18 to 21 of the EGFR from 11 bladder cancer cell lines and 75 patient tumors were subjected to automated sequencing.

Efficacy of directed misting application of a peroxygen disinfectant for environmental decontamination of a veterinary hospital.

Objective: To evaluate effectiveness of 4% peroxymonosulfate disinfectant applied as a mist to surfaces in a large animal hospital as measured by recovery of Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.

Design: Field trial.

Sample Population: Polyester transparencies inoculated with bacteria.

A predictive model for vapor concentration in a nose-only inhalation chamber.

A unique nose-only inhalation chamber was designed and constructed to deliver uniform concentrations of gas, vapor, and aerosol contaminants to mice. This research investigated the fluid dynamics of a vaporous contaminant in the vertical flow chamber. The vapor was introduced by allowing the liquid phase of the contaminant to evaporate freely into the chamber interior.

A predictive model for determining asbestos concentrations for fibers less than five micrometers in length.

The controversy of whether small asbestos fibers are biologically significant has not been resolved. The present standard method for evaluating asbestos fiber concentrations in workroom air excludes fibers less than 5 micron long even though it has been shown that small fiber concentrations dominate in a dust cloud. This research project was conducted to develop a mathematical model whereby one could predict small (less than 5 micron length) asbestos fiber concentration based on the fiber count concentration determined by phase contrast microscope analysis.

The determination of ambient air quality within an environmental care unit.

Various chemicals found in the environment have been suspected of initiating or contributing to conditions such as asthma, dermatitis, irritability, headaches, cardiac arrhythmias, thrombophlebitis, and vasculitis. The increasing number and variety of chemicals present in the environment has led to the hypothesis that there may also be a corresponding increase in the number of people who are sensitive to these chemicals. Sensitive individuals may be continually exposed to chemical insults in their normal environment and may be experiencing a chronic reaction; however, an exposure-response relationship is difficult to establish.

Characterization of particleboard aerosol--size distribution and formaldehyde content.

Health hazards unique to particleboard include the generation of urea-formaldehyde resin bound in wood aerosol and release of formaldehyde gas that can be inhaled by the worker. A particleboard aerosol was generated by a sanding process and collected under laboratory conditions that determined the particle size distribution and formaldehyde content. Three side-by-side Marple 296 personal cascade impactors with midget impingers attached downstream collected particleboard aerosol and gaseous formaldehyde for ten sample runs.

Investigation of solid-phase ozonolysis reactions for use in a personal sampling method for ozone.

Three ozonolysis reactions were tested in the solid phase for reproducibility and quantitative yield of an aldehyde reaction product. The three starting olefins were t-stilbene, 4,4'-dimethoxystilbene and 1,2-di-(4-pyridyl) ethylene which, when reacted with ozone, gave benzaldehyde, p-anisaldehyde and pyridine-4-aldehyde, respectively. The starting olefins were coated on a variety of solid substrates, exposed to known ozone concentrations and then analyzed for the corresponding aldehyde with a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame-ionization detector.

Time-Temperature Survey at a Restaurant that Specializes in Barbecued Food.

Temperatures of cuts of beef and pork, beef ribs, chicken, and brunswick stew were recorded during routine operations at a restaurant that specializes in barbecued food. Although surface temperatures reached 74 C (165 F) during barbecuing, internal temperatures did not. Internal temperatures, however, eventually reached 66 C (150 F) and remained above 60 C (140 F) for an hour or more.