bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Tyrer-Cuzick (International Breast Cancer Intervention Study) Model for Breast Cancer Risk Prediction in Women With Atypical Hyperplasia
Authors: Boughey Judy C. , Hartmann Lynn C. , Anderson Stephanie S. , Degnim Amy C. , Vierkant Robert A. , Reynolds Carol A. , Frost Marlene H. , Pankratz V. Shane
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Accurate breast cancer risk assessment is vital to personalize screening and risk reduction strategies. Women with atypical hyperplasia have a four-fold higher risk of breast cancer. We evaluated the performance of the Tyrer-Cuzick model, which was designed to predict 10-year risk of breast cancer development, in a well-defined cohort of women with atypia.

Patients and Methods

The Mayo Benign Breast Disease cohort includes 9,376 women who had a benign breast biopsy between 1967 and 1991. Among those, 331 women with atypia were identified by our study pathologists. Risk factor data for the Tyrer-Cuzick model were collated for each woman and used to predict individual risk of developing invasive breast cancer within 10 years.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 14.6 years, 64 (19%) of the 331 women developed invasive breast cancer. In the first 10 years after biopsy, 31 women developed invasive breast cancer whereas the Tyrer-Cuzick model predicted 58.9. The observed-to-predicted ratio was 0.53 (95% CI, 0.37 to 0.75). The concordance statistic was 0.540, revealing that the Tyrer-Cuzick model did not accurately distinguish, on an individual level, between women who developed invasive breast cancer and those who did not.

Conclusion

The Tyrer-Cuzick model significantly overestimated risk of breast cancer for women with atypia, and individual risk estimates showed poor concordance between predicted risk and invasive breast cancer development. Thus, we cannot recommend the use of the Tyrer-Cuzick model to predict 10-year breast cancer risk in women with atypical hyperplasia.
Chemotherapy-Phased Imatinib Pulses Improve Long-Term Outcome of Adult Patients With Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Northern Italy Leukemia Group Protocol 09/00
Authors: Bassan Renato , Rossi Giuseppe , Pogliani Enrico M. , Di Bona Eros , Angelucci Emanuele , Cavattoni Irene , Lambertenghi-Deliliers Giorgio , Mannelli Francesco , Levis Alessandro , Ciceri Fabio , Mattei Daniele , Borlenghi Erika , Terruzzi Elisabetta , Borghero Carlo , Romani Claudio , Spinelli Orietta , Tosi Manuela , Oldani Elena , Intermesoli Tamara , Rambaldi Alessandro
Published: July 2010

Purpose

Short imatinib pulses were added to chemotherapy to improve the long-term survival of adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) –positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), to optimize complete remission (CR) and stem-cell transplantation (SCT) rates.

Patients and Methods

Of 94 total patients (age range, 19 to 66 years), 35 represented the control cohort (ie, imatinib-negative [IM-negative] group), and 59 received imatinib 600 mg/d orally for 7 consecutive days (ie, imatinib-positive [IM-positive] group), starting from day 15 of chemotherapy course 1 and from 3 days before chemotherapy during courses 2 to 8. Patients in CR were eligible for allogeneic SCT or, alternatively, for high-dose therapy with autologous SCT followed by long-term maintenance with intermittent imatinib.

Results

CR and SCT rates were greater in the IM-positive group (CR: 92% v 80.5%; P = .08; allogeneic SCT: 63% v 39%; P = .041). At a median observation time of 5 years (range, 0.6 to 9.2 years), 22 patients in the IM-positive group versus five patients in the IM-negative group were alive in first CR (P = .037). Patients in the IM-positive group had significantly greater overall and disease-free survival probabilities (overall: 0.38 v 0.23; P = .009; disease free: 0.39 v 0.25; P = .044) and a lower incidence of relapse (P = .005). SCT-related mortality was 28% (ie, 15 of 54 patients), and postgraft survival probability was 0.46 overall.

Conclusion

This imatinib-based protocol improved long-term outcome of adult patients with Ph-positive ALL. With SCT, post-transplantation mortality and relapse remain the major hindrance to additional therapeutic improvement. Additional intensification of imatinib therapy should warrant a better molecular response and clinical outcome, both in patients selected for SCT and in those unable to undergo this procedure.
Gemcitabine Plus Bevacizumab Compared With Gemcitabine Plus Placebo in Patients With Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: Phase III Trial of the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB 80303)
Authors: Kindler Hedy Lee , Niedzwiecki Donna , Hollis Donna , Sutherland Susan , Schrag Deborah , Hurwitz Herbert , Innocenti Federico , Mulcahy Mary Frances , O'Reilly Eileen , Wozniak Timothy F. , Picus Joel , Bhargava Pankaj , Mayer Robert J. , Schilsky Richard L. , Goldberg Richard M.
Published: July 2010

Purpose

The combination of gemcitabine plus bevacizumab produced a 21% response rate and a median survival of 8.8 months in a multicenter phase II trial in patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. These encouraging data led Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) to conduct a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized phase III trial of gemcitabine/bevacizumab versus gemcitabine/placebo in advanced pancreatic cancer patients.

Patients and Methods

Eligible patients had no prior therapy for advanced disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0 to 2, no tumor invasion of adjacent organs, and no increased bleeding risk. The primary end point was overall survival. Patients were stratified by performance status, extent of disease, and prior radiotherapy. Patients received gemcitabine at 1,000 mg/m2 over 30 minutes on days 1, 8, and 15 every 28 days and bevacizumab at 10 mg/kg or placebo on days 1 and 15 every 28 days.

Results

Between June 2004 and April 2006, 602 patients were enrolled onto the study and 535 were treated. Median overall survival was 5.8 months for gemcitabine/bevacizumab and 5.9 months for gemcitabine/placebo (P = .95). Median progression-free survival was 3.8 and 2.9 months, respectively (P = .07). Overall response rates were 13% and 10%, respectively. Patients with a performance status of 0, 1, and 2 survived a median of 7.9, 4.8, and 2.4 months, respectively. The only statistically significant differences in grades 3 and 4 toxicity occurred for hypertension (10% v 3%; P < .001) and proteinuria (5% v 1%; P = .002); venous thrombosis grade ≥ 3 was equivalent in both arms (14% and 15%, respectively).

Conclusion

The addition of bevacizumab to gemcitabine does not improve survival in advanced pancreatic cancer patients.
RINGO C is required to sustain the spindle-assembly checkpoint
Authors: Mourón Silvana , de Cárcer Guillermo , Seco Esther , Fernández-Miranda Gonzalo , Malumbres Marcos , Nebreda Angel R.
Published: July 2010

RINGO/Speedy proteins are direct activators of Cdk1 and Cdk2 that have no sequence homology to cyclins. We have characterized the role in cell-cycle progression of a new human member of this protein family referred to as RINGO C. We show that siRNA-mediated knockdown of RINGO C results in premature mitotic exit with misaligned chromosomes, even in the presence of microtubule poisons. Time-lapse-microscopy experiments suggest that RINGO C is involved in the spindle-assembly checkpoint (SAC). Consistent with this idea, RINGO-C-depleted cells show impaired recruitment of the SAC components Mad2, Bub1 and BubR1. As the checkpoint is overridden, cells display defective chromosome segregation, which leads to an increased number of micronuclei and binucleated structures. Intriguingly, we found that RINGO C can associate with the mitotic kinase Aurora B, and downregulation of RINGO C produces mislocalization of the active form of Aurora B in prometaphase. Taken together, our results indicate a role for RINGO C in the mitotic checkpoint, which might be mediated by defective recruitment of SAC components and deregulation of the activity of Aurora kinase B.
The Lyn kinase C-lobe mediates Golgi export of Lyn through conformation-dependent ACSL3 association
Authors: Obata Yuuki , Fukumoto Yasunori , Nakayama Yuji , Kuga Takahisa , Dohmae Naoshi , Yamaguchi Naoto
Published: July 2010

The Src-family tyrosine kinase Lyn has a role in signal transduction at the cytoplasmic face of the plasma membrane upon extracellular ligand stimulation. After synthesis in the cytoplasm, Lyn accumulates on the Golgi and is subsequently transported to the plasma membrane. However, the mechanism of Lyn trafficking remains elusive. We show here that the C-lobe of the Lyn kinase domain is associated with long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 3 (ACSL3) on the Golgi in a manner that is dependent on Lyn conformation but is independent of its kinase activity. Formation of a closed conformation by CSK prevents Lyn from associating with ACSL3, resulting in blockade of Lyn export from the Golgi. Overexpression and knockdown of ACSL3 accelerates and blocks Golgi export of Lyn, respectively. The post-Golgi route of Lyn, triggered by ACSL3, is distinct from that of vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein (VSV-G) and of caveolin. Moreover, an ACSL3 mutant lacking the LR2 domain, which is required for the catalytic activity, retains the ability to associate with Lyn and accelerate Golgi export of Lyn. These results suggest that initiation of Golgi export of Lyn involves association of ACSL3 with the Lyn C-lobe, which is exposed to the molecular surface in an open conformation.
N-cadherin and cadherin 11 modulate postnatal bone growth and osteoblast differentiation by distinct mechanisms
Authors: Di Benedetto Adriana , Watkins Marcus , Grimston Susan , Salazar Valerie , Donsante Christine , Mbalaviele Gabriel , Radice Glenn L. , Civitelli Roberto
Published: July 2010

We have previously shown that targeted expression of a dominant-negative truncated form of N-cadherin (Cdh2) delays acquisition of peak bone mass in mice and retards osteoblast differentiation; whereas deletion of cadherin 11 (Cdh11), another osteoblast cadherin, leads to only modest osteopenia. To determine the specific roles of these two cadherins in the adult skeleton, we generated mice with an osteoblast/osteocyte specific Cdh2 ablation (cKO) and double Cdh2+/−;Cdh11−/− germline mutant mice. Age-dependent osteopenia and smaller diaphyses with decreased bone strength characterize cKO bones. By contrast, Cdh2+/−;Cdh11−/− exhibit severely reduced trabecular bone mass, decreased in vivo bone formation rate, smaller diaphyses and impaired bone strength relative to single Cdh11 null mice. The number of bone marrow immature precursors and osteoprogenitor cells is reduced in both cKO and Cdh2+/−;Cdh11−/− mice, suggesting that N-cadherin is involved in maintenance of the stromal cell precursor pool via the osteoblast. Although Cdh11 is dispensable for postnatal skeletal growth, it favors osteogenesis over adipogenesis. Deletion of either cadherin reduces β-catenin abundance and β-catenin-dependent gene expression, whereas N-cadherin loss disrupts cell-cell adhesion more severely than loss of cadherin 11. Thus, Cdh2 and Cdh11 are crucial regulators of postnatal skeletal growth and bone mass maintenance, serving overlapping, yet distinct, functions in the osteogenic lineage.
JunB-CBFβ signaling is essential to maintain sarcomeric Z-disc structure and when defective leads to heart failure
Authors: Meder Benjamin , Just Steffen , Vogel Britta , Rudloff Jessica , Gärtner Linda , Dahme Tillman , Huttner Inken , Zankl Alexandra , Katus Hugo A. , Rottbauer Wolfgang
Published: July 2010

In muscle cells, a complex network of Z-disc proteins allows proper reception, transduction and transmission of mechanical and biochemical signals. Mutations in genes encoding different Z-disc proteins such as integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and nexilin have recently been shown to cause heart failure by distinct mechanisms such as disturbed mechanosensing, altered mechanotransduction or mechanical Z-disc destabilization. We identified core-binding factor β (CBFβ) as an essential component for maintaining sarcomeric Z-disc and myofilament organization in heart and skeletal muscle. In CBFβ-deficient cardiomyocytes and skeletal-muscle cells, myofilaments are thinned and Z-discs are misaligned, leading to progressive impairment of heart and skeletal-muscle function. Transcription of the gene encoding CBFβ mainly depends on JunB activity. In JunB-morphant zebrafish, which show a heart-failure phenotype similar to that of CBFβ-deficient zebrafish, transcript and protein levels of CBFβ are severely reduced. Accordingly, ectopic expression of CBFβ can reconstitute cardiomyocyte function and rescue heart failure in JunB morphants, demonstrating for the first time an essential role of JunB-CBFβ signaling for maintaining sarcomere architecture and function.
Innovative Future Air Transport System: Simulation of a Fully Automated Air Transport System
Authors: Toebben H H , Le Tallec C , Joulia A , Speidel J , Edinger C
Published: July 2010

Within the project Innovative Future Air Transport System (IFATS) funded by the European Commission within the sixth framework, a new concept for the air traffic organization has been developed. The most significant difference in today's organization is the lack of pilots and controllers. The IFATS concept foresees that each aircraft receives a four-dimensional (4D) contract before departure, which is calculated and negotiated on a worldwide scale so that it is conflict free. If, during flight, unforeseen deviations from the contract occur (delayed take-off, unforeseen weather change, reduced engine performance, or emergencies), a new contract is negotiated online taking into account the new boundary conditions. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) provided this project with a tool that simulates a large number of aircraft (approximately 1000) flying such a 4D contract. With this tool, 1-day traffic over Frankfurt airport with all the aircraft arriving and departing in Frankfurt was simulated. Normal situations were demonstrated together with disturbances such as delayed aircraft, thunderstorm, degraded performance aircraft, and aircraft facing an emergency. At the DLR Air Traffic Management and Operations Simulator, simulations were conducted with ‘real’ air traffic control (ATC) and pseudo-pilots in comparison to this fully automatic IFATS mode.
Laser tracking system for sports ball trajectory measurement
Authors: Ronkainen J , Harland A
Published: July 2010

The sports ball market is a multi-million dollar industry; original equipment manufacturers are continually trying to develop sports balls and in order to achieve improvement in performance they often utilize launch and/or flight monitors to allow consistent measurement and benchmarking of their balls under test. This paper introduces a laser tracking system (LTS), which has been specifically designed for soccer ball tracking. This LTS combines two different concepts together in an innovative optical solution to allow the system to track an arbitrarily moving soccer ball in a completely non-contact and non-marking methodology, tracking a ball in real time up to approximately 10m/s. The system was programmed to act as a launch monitor capable of reporting the ball launch velocity and launch angle. In order to achieve the fully functional LTS, the hardware and software choices are clearly outlined, as well as describing the tracking methodology used to achieve the real-time tracking capability.
Oral Syringes: A Crucial and Economical Risk-Reduction Strategy that has Not Been Fully Utilized
Authors: Smetzer Judy L. , Cohen Michael R.
Published: July 2010

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers' names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters' wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Low Molecular Weight Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia; Hepatotoxicity in a Child Caused by Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole; Pseudopheochromocytoma Caused by Glaucoma Eye Drops; Efalizumab-Induced Inflammatory Polyarthritis; Cardiotoxicity and Other Adverse Drug Events Associated with Mitoxantrone; Long-Acting Beta-Agonists and Catastrophic Asthma Events; Interruptions and Increased Risk and Severity of Medication Errors
Authors: Sinister Joel
Published: July 2010

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Understanding the Food and Drug Administration Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS)
Authors: Eberts Matthew W. , Skledar Susan J. , Mark Scott M.
Published: July 2010

The Director's Forum series is written and edited by Robert Weber and Scott Mark and is designed to guide pharmacy leaders in establishing patient-centered services in hospitals and health systems. As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process becomes more stringent with regard to postmarketing surveillance for medications, directors of pharmacy will need to understand expectations of inpatient pharmacy services to ensure patient safety and meet requirements. This article provides background information regarding the FDA Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategies (REMS) programs and potential implications for hospital pharmacy.
Risk for Fractures with Centrally Acting Muscle Relaxants: An Analysis of a National Medicare Advantage Claims Database
Authors: Golden Adam G , Ma Qianli , Nair Vinit , Florez Hermes J , Roos Bernard A
Published: July 2010

Background:

In older adults, both muscle relaxants and benzodiazepines are associated with sedation and cognitive impairment. Although benzodiazepines have been linked to falls and fracture injuries, no studies have examined the risk of fracture associated with muscle relaxants.

Objective:

To determine whether muscle relaxants identified in the Beers criteria are associated with an increased risk of fracture injuries and to compare this risk to that with benzodiazepine use.

Methods:

We conducted a case-control study using both medical and pharmacy claims data from 1.5 million enrollees in the Medicare Advantage plans of a large health maintenance organization. We matched 8164 cases of fractures with 8164 controls based on age, sex, health plan, and comorbidities. We measured the use of muscle retaxants, short-acting benzodiazepines, and long-acting benzodiazepines. Adjusted odds ratios were estimated using conditional logistic regression,

Results:

After adjusting demographic and clinical covariates, muscle relaxants, long-acting benzodiazepines, and short-acting benzodiazepines were associated with a high risk of fracture injuries, with odds ratios of 1.40 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.72; p < 0.001), 1.9 (95% CI 1.49 to 2.43: p < 0.001), and 1.33 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.55: p < 0.001), respectively.

Conclusions:

An elevated risk of fracture injuries was noted among older adults using muscle relaxants. Our findings provide evidence of an association between the risk of fractures and the use of centrally acting muscle relaxants in older adults. This association supports current recommendations advising extreme caution in prescribing muscle relaxants to older adults.
Carcinoembryonic antigen concentrations in patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Vassalle Cristina , Pratali Lorenza , Ndreu Rudina , Battaglia Debora , Andreassi Maria Grazia
Published: July 2010

Background:Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), one of the most widely used tumor markers, has been recently associated with carotid atherosclerosis. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether CEA concentrations have a role in coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods:Serum CEA concentrations were evaluated in 89 patients, including 50 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) (Group I, 44 with acute myocardial infarction, six with unstable angina, 38 males, 65±2 years) and 39 patients with stable CAD (Group II, 33 males, 66±3 years). In addition, 33 subjects (16 males, 62±2 years) were also included as a control group (Group III).

Results:ACS was significantly associated with increased mean CEA concentrations (3.1±0.3 vs. 1.75±0.1 and 1.7± 0.2 ng/mL in Groups I, II and III, respectively, p<0.001). Increased CEA concentrations remained an independent determinant for ACS (OR=3.1, 95% CI=1.2–7.9, p<0.05) after correcting for other significant risk factors.

Conclusions:CEA might represent a potential new candidate biomarker for the prediction of risk associated with ACS.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1339–43.
Variations in systemic biomarkers of oxidative/nitrosative stress and DNA damage before and during the consequent two cycles of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients
Authors: Atukeren Pinar , Yavuz Berna , Soydinc Hilal Oguz , Purisa Sevim , Camlica Hakan , Gumustas M. Koray , Balcioglu Ibrahim
Published: July 2010

Background: Previous studies have suggested the importance of redox regulation in carcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic role of altered redox homeostasis and oxidative DNA damage in patients with breast carcinoma before and during two cycles of chemotherapy.

Methods: This study included 30 patients whose serum samples were obtained on admission before treatment, and after the first and second cycles of chemotherapy, and 20 controls. We investigated serum total antioxidant status (TAS), thiobarbituric acid reacting substances (TBARS), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), nitrotyrosine (NT), and 8-hydroxydeoxy-guanosine (8-OHdG), as well as antioxidant enzyme activities, such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GRx).

Results: TBARS, NOx, NT and 8-OHdG concentrations were significantly increased, while antioxidant enzyme activities and TAS were significantly decreased in patients when compared to controls. A concurrent increase in TBARS, NOx, NT, and 8-OHdG and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities and TAS were also seen after chemotherapy. No difference was observed in the second cycle of chemotherapy when compared with the first course.

Conclusions: In conclusion, decreased activities of these antioxidant enzymes and low TAS concentrations observed in our study might be due to the depletion of the antioxidant defense system to combat the free radical storm produced by chemotherapy. We suggest that the increased 8-OHdG and other oxidative/nitrosative stress products that we have measured in breast cancer patients may be prognostic risk factors for the magnitude of oxidation in serum.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1487–95.
Prevalence of atrophic gastritis in dyspeptic patients in Piedmont. A survey using the GastroPanel test
Authors: Lombardo Lucio , Leto Rosalia , Molinaro Giancarlo , Migliardi Marco , Ravarino Nicoletta , Rocca Rodolfo , Torchio Bruno
Published: July 2010

Background: Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a precursor of the intestinal type of gastric cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. GastroPanel is a recently marketed serological kit for the non-invasive diagnosis of CAG, defined by some authors “even more reliable than biopsy histology”. The goal of this study was 1) to evaluate the agreement between the serum gastric profile provided by GastroPanel (PGI, PGII, G-17, AbHp) and histology over CAG diagnosis, and 2) to evaluate the prevalence of CAG by means of GastroPanel in a Northern Italian dyspeptic population.

Methods: Basal blood samples for GastroPanel parameters evaluation (Biohit Plc, Finland) were collected after an overnight fast from 1387 dyspeptic patients (age range: 18–80 years; F 704). Gastroscopy with two biopsies each of the antrum and corpus was offered to a group of the first 400 consecutive patients (age 18–80 years, F 214) to compare the results of histology and GastroPanel in CAG.

Results: Agreement between GastroPanel and histology for corpus-prevalent CAG was 94%, with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 96%, respectively. In our series of 1387 dyspeptic patients, the prevalence of corpus-prevalent CAG, of antral-prevalent CAG and of multifocal CAG (antrum+ corpus) was 10.7%, 3.6% and 2.4%, respectively. Out of the 34 patients with multifocal atrophic gastritis, 12% were under 30 years of age.

Conclusions: GastroPanel is a reliable non-invasive test for diagnosis of CAG and deserves consideration for current use in clinical practice as a valuable diagnostic tool.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1327–32.
Clinical significance of serum macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) in esophageal cancer patients and its comparison with classical tumor markers
Authors: Łukaszewicz-Zając Marta , Mroczko Barbara , Kozłowski Mirosław , Nikliński Jacek , Laudański Jerzy , Szmitkowski Maciej
Published: July 2010

Background: Hematopoietic growth factors (HGFs), such as macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF) are produced aberrantly in many malignancies. Esophageal cancer (EC) is characterized by late diagnosis, rapid progression and poor survival. The purpose of the present study was to determine the clinical usefulness of M-CSF in the diagnosis of EC and its histological type – squamous cell cancer of the esophagus (ESCC).

Methods: The study included 80 patients with EC (54 with ESCC and 26 with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus) and 30 healthy subjects. The serum concentrations of M-CSF, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and squamous cell cancer antigen (SCC-Ag) were determined using immunoenzyme assays. We defined the percentage of increased concentrations of proteins tested and the areas under the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curves.

Results: In EC and ESCC patients, serum concentrations of M-CSF, CEA and SCC-Ag were significantly higher compared with healthy subjects. Concentrations of M-CSF in both groups analyzed (EC and ESCC) showed a tendency for increases with depth of tumor invasion, the presence of lymph node and distant metastases. The combined use of M-CSF with SCC-Ag increased their percentage of increased concentrations, and this value was higher than for classical tumor markers in both groups analyzed. The area under ROC curve for M-CSF was larger than for CEA in EC patients.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest the potential usefulness of serum M-CSF concentrations as a tumor marker for EC, especially in combination with SCC-Ag. However, the diagnostic value of this cytokine may be limited because of its non-specific nature.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1467–73.
A simple liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for urinary free cortisol analysis: suitable for routine purpose
Authors: Persichilli Silvia , Gervasoni Jacopo , Iavarone Federica , Zuppi Cecilia
Published: July 2010

Background: The best index of adrenal dysfunction is urinary free cortisol (UFC) measurements performed using a 24-h urine collection. This measurement is also useful in the investigation of Cushing's syndrome. In this paper, we report a simple and selective method for the analysis of UFC by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) suitable for use in a high-volume clinical laboratory routine. The results were compared to those obtained using a commercial immunoassay method used in our laboratory.

Methods: Urine samples containing 50 ng of internal standard (Cortisol-9,11,12,12-d4) were deproteinized using centrifugal filters with a molecular weight 10,000 Da cut-off and injected on a reversed phase column. Cortisol was analyzed in highly selective reaction monitoring in positive atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mode, at a resolution of 0.4 amu full width half maximum, and following the transitions related to the precursor 363.2 for cortisol and 367.2 for deuterated cortisol. The method validation included analysis of precision, linearity, sensitivity, recovery and interference from structurally similar steroids. UFC from 230 subjects was measured using LC-MS/MS and electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) methods.

Results: The calibration curves exhibited linearity and reproducibility in the range 7–10,000 nmol/L. Total imprecision was lower than 10%. The limit of detection and limit of quantification were 2 and 7 nmol/L, respectively. Mean recovery was higher than 90%. Structurally similar steroids do not interfere in the proposed method, but cause a significant change in the ECLIA results. Cortisol values obtained using the ECLIA method were always higher than those obtained using the LC-MS/MS method, with the bias directly proportional to cortisol concentrations. The reference values calculated using 180 normal subjects were 11–70 μg/day.

Conclusions: The proposed method is sensitive, simple, free from interferences and reliable for routine use.

Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1433–7.
Phosphatase activity on calcareous sandy and pseudomyceliar chernozem soils well supplied with phosphorus
Authors: Máthéné Gáspár Gabriella , Máthé Péter
Published: July 2010

N-trágyázási tartamkísérlet kontrollparcellájának foszfatázaktivitását vizsgáltuk két talajtípuson: karbonátos homoktalajon (Őrbottyán) és mészlepedékes csernozjom talajon (Nagyhörcsök). A talajmintákat egy, 1985-ben indított N-trágyázási tartamkísérlet kontrollparcelláinak (0 kg N·ha
-1
és évente 100 kg P
2
O
5
·ha
-1
) 0–20 cm-es rétegéből vettük. Jelen közleményünkben a novemberi és májusi minták eredményeit tárgyaljuk. A kísérletben választ kerestünk a savas és lúgos foszfomonoeszteráz aktivitás alakulására, a talajtípus, a mintavételi időpont, illetve a repce rizoszféra hatására. A tartamkísérlet P-műtrágyázásának következményeként mindkét talaj jó foszforellátottságú volt. A homoktalaj AL-oldható foszfortartalma – a talaj kisebb PO
4
-ion megkötő képessége miatt – minden

esetben meghaladta a csernozjom talajét. A gyökérzet pH-értéket csökkentő, és AL-oldható foszfortartalmat növelő hatása csupán a csernozjom talajon volt kimutatható. Ezen a talajon a rizoszféra foszfát-tartalma mintegy másfélszeresére emelkedett a növénymentes talajhoz viszonyítva. A foszfatázaktivitás a talajok jelentős különbségét mutatta, a csernozjom talaj enzimaktivitása mintegy háromszorosa volt a homoktalajénak. A foszfatázaktivitás átlagos értéke az őrbottyáni homoktalajon a savas foszfatáznál 23,6; a lúgosnál 90,7 μg pNP·g
-1
·óra
-1
volt, míg Nagyhörcsökön a csernozjom talajban az értékek 64,2 és 278,7 μg pNP·g
-1
·óra
-1
voltak. Mindkét talajra jellemző volt a lúgos foszfatáz aktivitás dominanciája a savassal szemben. A csernozjom talaj enzimaktivitása mind a savas, mind a lúgos foszfatázok esetében ősszel nagyobb (savasnál 2,9-szeres, lúgosnál 3,2-szeres), tavasszal némileg kisebb fölényt mutatott a homoktalajhoz viszonyítva (savasnál 2,6-szeres, lúgosnál 3-szoros). A szezonális változás mindkét talajon megmutatkozott. A rizoszféra pozitív hatása a foszfatázaktivitásban csupán a májusi mintavételkor jelentkezett, mégpedig mindkét talajon a megemelkedett savas foszfatáz aktivitásban. Az őszi és tavaszi foszfatázaktivitás alakításában a talaj AL-oldható foszfáttartalma és nedvességtartalma egyaránt fontos szerepet játszhat, azonban a rizoszféra változásaiban előbbieken túl a növény szerepe tűnik meghatározónak.
Use of silicon tubes to take soil air samples from undisturbed soil columns for the study of CO 2 and N 2 O contents
Authors: Szili-Kovács Tibor , Bálint Ágnes , Kampfl Györgyi , Kristóf Krisztina , Heltai György , Hoffmann Sándor , Lukács András , Anton Attila
Published: July 2010

Az utóbbi időben az atmoszférába irányuló folyamatosan növekvő üvegházhatású gázok kibocsátása fokozott figyelmet érdemel. Míg a talaj felszínéről történő gázemissziót széleskörűen tanulmányozzák, viszonylag kevesen vizsgálják a talajprofilon belül az üvegházhatású gázok transzportját és koncentrációváltozását. Vizsgálatunk célja ezeknek a folyamatoknak a tanulmányozása volt bolygatatlan talajoszlopokban. Mivel a talajlevegő mintavétele gyakran körülményes, különösen vízzel átitatott és nedves talajokban, egy szilikoncsöves talajlevegő mintavevőt fejlesztettünk ki bolygatatlan talajoszlopok számára. Hat bolygatatlan talajoszlopot preparáltunk a Pannon Egyetem Georgikum Mezőgazdaságtudományi Karának keszthelyi tartamkísérleti területének művelés alól kivont részéről. A talajlevegő mintavételezéséhez szilikoncsöveket helyeztünk el a talajoszlop három eltérő mélységében (20, 40 és 60 cm). Mivel a szilikoncső falán keresztül a gázok diffúzióval könnyen átjutnak, a szén-dioxid és dinitrogén-oxid koncentrációját mérni tudtuk. A talajoszlopokba kukoricát vetettünk és a növények növekedése során közel egyenlő időközökben vizsgáltuk a talajgáz összetételét. Míg a CO2koncentrációja a talajmélységgel szignifikánsan változott, addig a N2O eloszlása alig változott. A talajlevegő CO2- és N2O-tartalma időben jelentősen változott. A tenyészidőszak alatt a CO2-koncent-ráció két csúcsot mutatott, ezek közül az első csúcs a 20 cm-es mélységben korábban jelent meg, mint a 40 és 60 cm-es mélységben. A 20 cm-es mélységben a CO2-koncentráció időbeli ingadozása sokkal kisebb volt. A második csúcs után a CO2koncentrációja mind a három mélységben fokozatosan lecsökkent. A N2O-koncentráció egy maximumot mutatott a kísérlet kezdeti szakaszában, ami egybeesett a kezdeti intenzív gyökérnövekedéssel, és feltehetően a talajlégzés általi jelentős O2-fogyasztás miatt növekedett az anaerob talajtérfogat, ami a denitrifikáció fokozódásához vezetett. Ezt követően a N2O-képződés fokozatosan lecsökkent. A talaj gázösszetétel dinamikájában nyomon követhető változások a gyökérlégzés intenzitásával, a talajnedvesség és a hőmérséklet változásával állhattak kapcsolatban, amire közvetett módon a csapadék- és léghőmérséklet adatok alapján következtettünk.
Land evaluation with the D- e -Meter system
Authors: Tóth Gergely
Published: July 2010

Az 1990-es években újraindult, több egyetem és kutatóintézet részvételével folyó hazai földminősítési kutatások két évtizeden átívelő munkálatai révén kidolgozásra került az ún. D-
e
-Meter földminősítési rendszer. A földminőségre ható talajtani és klimatikus tényezők parametrizálását nagy mintaszámú, idősoros növénytermesztési és talajvizsgálati adatok alapján, valamint a klimatikus agrárpotenciált tükröző nagytájak és Magyarország agroökológiai fajspecifikus paramétereire (Szász
, 1999, 2002) támaszkodva végeztük. A vizsgálati adatbázist az 1980-as években az Agrokémiai Információs és Irányítási Rendszer keretei között begyűjtött adatok (mintegy 80.000 parcella öt évre szóló adatai), valamint részletes talajtérképeket is tartalmazó mintaterületi adatbázisok jelentették. A D-
e
-Meter projekt földminősítési kutatási eredményeit összegezve elmondható, hogy kialakításra került egy új, környezeti elemeket alapul vevő földminősítési rendszer, ami: – statisztikai vizsgálatokon nyugszik és kvantitatív módon határozza meg a termőhelyek produkciós potenciálját; – a művelésben álló, vagy művelésbe vonható hazai talajféleségekre, ill. valamennyi szántó termőhelyre érvényes; – a főbb gazdasági növények, illetve növénycsoportok szerinti értékelést is ad; – tartalmazza a klimatikus hatásokból eredő, talajtani és földtani tényezőkön keresztül érvényesülő termékenységcsökkenés és termelési kockázat (aszály, belvíz) kifejezésének lehetőségét; – a produkciós viszonyokat különböző művelési intenzitási szinteken is jellemzi; – a földminőségről mezőgazdasági parcella szinten is megbízható információt nyújt. A D-
e
-Meter földminősítési módszer kidolgozásával és annak informatikai rendszerbe integrálásával megteremtődtek az alapok a sokat bírált aranykoronás földértékelési rendszer kiváltásának, valamint a környezetgazdálkodás magasabb szintű tervezésének is.
Effects of Background Color and Predation Risk on Color Change in Fire Salamander Larvae
Authors: Segev Ori
Published: July 2010

The threat-sensitivity hypothesis assumes individuals should demonstrate flexibility in response to perceived predation risk and vary the intensity of anti-predator responses in concert with perceived risk of predation. Substrate color matching is adaptive as it enables organisms to become less conspicuous to both their prey and predators. I hypothesized that newborn fire salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata) larvae will respond fast through physiological color change to contrasting backgrounds, becoming lighter against a white background and darker against a black background. Additionally, in accordance with the threat-sensitivity hypothesis, I expected a background color x predator interaction—i.e., that predator presence will further enhance the focal larvae color-matching response.

To explicitly test these hypotheses I conducted a replicated outdoor mesocosm experiment. I used a two-by-two factorial design: pools of black or white background color crossed with the presence or absence of a larger cannibalistic conspecific. Digital photos of the focal larvae's dorsal view revealed that larval brightness and chroma changed accordingly against the contrasting black and white backgrounds to increase background matching. Although not statistically significant, larvae tended to show a stronger color-change response towards enhanced background matching in the presence of the free predator. Larval survival was strongly reduced in the presence of the larger conspecific, with no apparent effect of background color. This study demonstrates thatSalamandralarvae are capable of environmentally induced physiological color change and highlights the need for further investigation into the interplay between threat intensity, mechanisms of risk assessment, and physiological antipredator responses.
Environmental Review Approaches by Fish and Wildlife Agencies in the United States and Canada
Authors: Pender Danielle R. , Harris Fred A.
Published: July 2010

We surveyed U.S. state and Canadian provincial fish and wildlife agencies regarding their participation and approach to environmental review (i.e., review of project permit applications or proposals for environmental impacts). Most agencies dedicated a personnel unit to environmental review ranging from 1 individual to a staff of 38, and staffs are administered within various divisions or programs. Agencies annually reviewed from 10 to 7,500 projects for environmental impact, and state and provincial agencies spent an average of 3,681 hours (state) and 700 hours (provincial) on projects monthly. An average of 1,760 hours (state) and 390 hours (provincial) was spent annually on proactive measures such as environmental education and land use planning. Most agencies viewed environmental review as very important; however, agencies generally reported limited success in influencing the outcome of reviewed projects, and many identified this as a dissatisfying aspect of the review process. State and provincial agencies have adopted a variety of approaches to accomplish environmental review. Examining the alternative strategies and approaches employed among agencies may add perspective and provide successful models to enhance other agencies' programs.

Se realizó un sondeo en las agencias estatales y provinciales de Pesca y Vida Silvestre de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica y Canadá en cuanto a su participación y enfoque de evaluaciones ambientales (i.e. revisión de los proyectos para solicitar permisos o propuestas de impacto ambiental). La mayoría de las agencias designan unidades de recursos humanos para revisión ambiental que van de 1 individuo hasta 38, y el personal es administrado dentro de varias divisiones o programas. Las agencias, cada año, revisaron entre 10 y 7,500 proyectos de impacto ambiental, y las agencias estatales y provinciales invirtieron mensualmente en los proyectos, en promedio, 3,681 horas (estatales) y 700 horas (provinciales). La media anual en cuanto al tiempo invertido en definir medidas proactivas, como educación ambiental y ordenamiento de uso de suelo, fue de 1,760 horas (en agencias estatales) y 390 horas (en agencias provinciales). La mayoría de las agencias consideran la evaluación ambiental como muy importante; sin embargo, las agencias generalmente reportan un éxito limitado en cuanto a su influencia sobre los resultados de los proyectos revisados y muchos identificaron esto como un aspecto poco satisfactorio del proceso de evaluación ambiental. Las agencias estatales y provinciales han adoptado una variedad de enfoques para llevar a cabo las evaluaciones ambientales. El examen de estrategias y enfoques alternativos que se emplean entre agencias pudiera brindar una mejor perspectiva y proveer modelos exitosos para desarrollar programas en otras agencias.
The Effects of Myxobolus cerebralis on Apache and Gila Trout in Laboratory Exposures
Authors: Thompson Jim B. , Snekvik Kevin R. , Vincent E. Richard
Published: July 2010

Whirling disease has been implicated in salmonid population declines in several western states. To determine the risk of a species or strain of salmonid to whirling disease it is critical to establish its relative susceptibility to Myxobolus cerebralis infection. Gila trout Oncorhynchus gilae and Apache trout Oncorhynchus gilae apache were exposed to various doses of M. cerebralis triactinomyxons (TAMs) in laboratory experiments. In trials conducted in consecutive years, fish were exposed to TAMs in doses ranging from 25 to 2,000/fish at ages ranging from 66 to 201 d posthatch (dph). All fish were held for 900 degree-days, and then the infection intensity of each fish was determined by histological examination. In 2002, 98% of the Gila trout died during exposure or within 48 h postexposure. Seventy-four percent of the Apache trout died before the end of the 90-d study period. Those that survived the entire study period had an average histological score of more than 4.0. In subsequent trials, the TAM dosage was decreased to 25–1,000/fish. Also, the age of the fish was increased from 66–72 dph to 89–201 dph. The survival rate increased from 16.0% to 49.1%. Average histological grades ranged from 1.6 to 4.8. Based on this data, it can be concluded that both Apache and Gila trout are highly susceptible to M. cerebralis in laboratory trials.
A New Ranavirus Isolated from Pseudacris clarkii Tadpoles in Playa Wetlands in the Southern High Plains, Texas
Authors: Torrence Shannon M. , Green D. Earl , Benson Catherine J. , Ip Hon S. , Smith Loren M. , McMurry Scott T.
Published: July 2010

Mass die-offs of amphibian populations pose a challenging problem for conservation biologists. Ranaviruses often cause systemic infections in amphibians and, in North America, are especially virulent and lethal to larvae and metamorphs. In this paper we describe a novel ranavirus isolate as well as the first recorded occurrence of ranavirus in the southern High Plains of Texas and in associated populations of the spotted chorus frog Pseudacris clarkii. The breeding sites were playas, that is, wetlands that fill via isolated thunderstorms that can occur infrequently; thus, not every playa has water or breeding amphibians annually. We did not detect ranavirus in sympatric anurans, but other reports document ranaviruses in Pseudacris spp. elsewhere. The occurrence of multiple isolates of ranavirus in a number of Pseudacris species suggests that this genus of frogs is highly susceptible to ranaviruses and may experience exceptionally high mortality rates from infection. Thus, the virus may contribute to substantial seasonal population declines and low seasonal recruitment, with negative impacts on populations of breeding adults in successive years.
Potential for Largemouth Bass Virus to Associate with and Gain Protection from Bacterial Biofilms
Authors: Nath Shubhankar , Aron Gary M. , Southard Gregory M. , McLean Robert J. C.
Published: July 2010

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) was used to investigate whether largemouth bass virus (LMBV) can exist within biofilms. Suspended LMBV was partitioned into either laboratory-grown Pseudomonas fluorescens biofilms or pond-grown, mixed-population biofilms. Biofilm-entrapped LMBV retained infectivity when tested on epithelioma papillosum cyprini tissue culture cells. The LMBV associated with P. fluorescens biofilms were resistant to disinfection by sodium hypochlorite and an iodine-based compound (betadine) but were susceptible to ethanol. Largemouth bass virus was not detected in biofilms or water from ponds that had previously contained LMBV-positive fish, suggesting either that the viral concentrations were below the detection limit of qPCR or that the fish represented the main LMBV reservoir. This study illustrates the potential for LMBV to associate with bacterial biofilms and thereby gain protection from some chemical disinfectants.
Hematological and Plasma Biochemical Parameters of Aquarium-Maintained Cownose Rays
Authors: Ferreira Claudia M. , Field Cara L. , Tuttle Allison D.
Published: July 2010

There is generally a dearth of information involving reference ranges of health variables for numerous elasmobranch species commonly housed in zoos and aquaria; thus, extrapolation from a few existing elasmobranch studies is commonly used to assess health parameters in these species. The primary objective of this study was to establish baseline complete blood cell count and plasma chemistry reference ranges for captive individuals of the cownose ray Rhinoptera bonasus, an elasmobranch that is widely displayed in zoos and aquaria worldwide. This study was conducted using 18 adult cownose rays currently housed at the Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration in Connecticut. Median blood and plasma values were 550 cells/μL for total white blood cell count; 511,250 cells/μL for total red blood cell count; 31% for packed cell volume; 5.8 g/L for total solids; 2.85 g/dL for total protein; 33 units (U)/L for aspartate aminotransferase; 34 U/L for alkaline phosphatase; 0.2 mg/dL for total bilirubin; 1,155 mg/dL for urea nitrogen; 0.1 mg/dL for creatinine; 0.6 g/dL for albumin; 2.15 g/dL for globulins; 144 mg/dL for cholesterol; 157 mg/dL for triglycerides; 45 mg/dL for glucose; 16.9 mg/dL for calcium; 5.8 mg/dL for phosphorus; 294 mmol/L for sodium; 1.55 mmol/L for potassium; and 270 mmol/L for chloride. Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, amylase, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase were below the detectable limits for several samples. In nine samples, alanine aminotransferase levels were below the instrument range (<4 U/L). No significant differences between sexes were detected. The reference ranges reported in this study should provide a useful guide for routine health monitoring of captive cownose rays.