bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glycan-specific antibodies as potential cancer biomarkers: a focus on microarray applications
Authors: Tikhonov Aleksei , Smoldovskaya Olga , Feyzkhanova Guzel , Kushlinskii Nikolay , Rubina Alla 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
Glycosylation is one of the most common posttranslational modifications of proteins and lipids. In the case of tumors, cell transformation accompanied by aberrant glycosylation results in the expression of tumor-associated glycans that promote tumor invasion. As part of the innate immunity, anti-glycan antibodies recognize tumor-associated glycans, and these antibodies can be present in the bloodstream in the early stages of cancer. Recently, anti-glycan antibody profiles have been of interest in various cancer studies. Novel advantages in the field of analytical techniques have simplified the analysis of anti-glycan antibodies and made it easier to have more comprehensive knowledge about their functions. One of the robust approaches for studying anti-glycan antibodies engages in microarray technology. The analysis of glycan microarrays can provide more expanded information to simultaneously specify or suggest the role of antibodies to a wide variety of glycans in the progression of different diseases, therefore making it possible to identify new biomarkers for diagnosing cancer and/or the state of the disease. Thus, in this review, we discuss antibodies to various glycans, their application for diagnosing cancer and one of the most promising tools for the investigation of these molecules, microarrays.
Blood sampling for metanephrines comparing venipuncture vs. indwelling intravenous cannula in healthy subjects
Authors: Eijkelenkamp Karin , van Geel Eva H. , Kerstens Michiel N. , van Faassen Martijn , Kema Ido P. , Links Thera P. , van der Horst-Schrivers Anouk N.A. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
To diagnose pheochromocytoma or sympathetic paraganglioma, guidelines recommend blood sampling after at least 30 min of supine rest and using an indwelling intravenous cannula is preferred. Although blood sampling by venipuncture is more convenient and cost-effective, it is unknown whether venipuncture affects plasma concentrations of free metanephrines (MNs). We therefore investigated whether there is a difference in plasma concentrations of free MNs collected by venipuncture or by an intravenous cannula.

Methods
We included 22 healthy participants (12 men and 10 women, median age 26 years). We collected blood using an indwelling cannula and venipuncture to determine plasma concentrations of free MNs and catecholamines, and calculated the median of the individually calculated absolute and relative differences.

Results
Plasma concentrations of free MN, normetanephrine (NMN) and epinephrine were higher with blood sampling using venipuncture compared to that when using an indwelling cannula. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) difference was MN 0.020 (−0.004 to 0.040) nmol/L, median percentage difference 20.5% (−2.4 to 35.2%), NMN 0.019 (−0.004 to 0.077) nmol/L, median percentage difference 4.6% (−1.1 to 25.4%) and epinephrine 0.022 (0.007–0.079) nmol/L, median percentage difference 24.9% (7.8–83.3%). When the two sampling conditions were compared, plasma-free 3-methoxytyramine (3-MT), norepinephrine and dopamine concentrations did not differ.

Conclusions
Blood sampling by venipuncture resulted in statistically significant higher concentrations of MN, NMN and epinephrine compared to sampling by means of an indwelling cannula. However, differences were small. For most patients it seems justifiable to collect blood via venipuncture.
Electrophoretic α1-globulin for screening of α1-antitrypsin deficient variants
Authors: Scarlata Simone , Santangelo Simona , Ferrarotti Ilaria , Corsico Angelo Guido , Ottaviani Stefania , Finamore Panaiotis , Fontana Davide , Miravitlles Marc , Incalzi Raffaele Antonelli 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Available screening procedures for the detection of α1-antitrypsin-deficient (AATD) mutations have suboptimal cost-effectiveness ratios. The aim in this study was to evaluate and compare the viability of a composite approach, primarily based on the α1-globulin fraction, in identifying AAT genetic analysis eligible patients against standard screening procedures, based on clinically compatible profiling and circulating AAT < 1 g/L.

Methods
A total of 21,094 subjects were screened for AATD and deemed eligible when meeting one of these criteria: α1-globulin ≤2.6%; α1-globulin 2.6%–2.9% and AST: >37 U/L and ALT: > 78 U/L; α1-globulin %: 2.9–4.6% and AST: >37 U/L and ALT: >78 U/L and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) >34 mm/h and C-reactive protein (CRP) >3 mg/L. Subjects were genotyped for the AAT gene mutation. Detection rates, including those of the rarest variants, were compared with results from standard clinical screenings. Siblings of mutated subjects were included in the study, and their results compared.

Results
Eighty-two subjects were identified. Among these, 51.2% were found to carry some Pi*M variant versus 15.9% who were clinically screened. The detection rates of the screening, including relatives, were: 50.5% for the proposed algorithm and 18.9% for the clinically-based screening. Pi*M variant prevalence in the screened population was in line with previous studies. Interestingly, 46% of subjects with Pi*M variants had an AAT plasma level above the 1 g/L threshold.

Conclusions
A composite algorithm primarily based on the α1-globulin fraction could effectively identify carriers of Pi*M gene mutation. This approach, not requiring clinical evaluation or AAT serum determination, seems suitable for clinical and epidemiological purposes.
Biotin interference: evaluation of a new generation of electrochemiluminescent immunoassays for high-sensitive troponin T and thyroid-stimulating hormone testing
Authors: Mzougui Samy , Favresse Julien , Soleimani Reza , Fillée Catherine , Gruson Damien 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Biotin is currently a matter of concern for laboratories using biotin-streptavidin-based immunoassays. Biotin interferences have been reported for high-sensitive troponin T (hsTnT) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) assays. We aimed to evaluate the new generation of hsTnT and TSH electrochemiluminescent immunoassays announced to be less sensitive to biotin.

Methods
Firstly, we assessed the analytical performances of new generation assays (imprecision, bias, total error, limit of quantification) and compared previous and new generation assays in the absence of biotin. Secondly, we challenged both generations of assays with samples spiked with seven different biotin levels. The efficiency of new generation assays was also compared to the streptavidin beads treatment.

Results
New generation assays presented suitable analytical performances. Previous and new generations of hsTnT and TSH assays were commutable in the absence of biotin. In the presence of biotin, we confirmed that previous generation assays were affected by biotin concentration as low as 40.5 ng/mL and that new generation assays were not affected up to the announced tolerance threshold of 1200 ng/mL. After the streptavidin beads treatment, we observed a higher imprecision for both parameters and a constant 10% negative bias for TSH compared to new generation assays.

Conclusions
New generation of electrochemiluminescent immunoassays appears as a reliable systematic solution to prevent biotin interference for hsTnT and TSH testing.
The hemocyte counts as a potential biomarker for predicting disease progression in COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Yufen , Zhang Ying , Chi Hongbo , Chen Shiyong , Peng Minfei , Luo Lifei , Chen Linping , Li Jun , Shen Bo , Wang Donglian 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Objectives
In December 2019, there was an outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Wuhan, China, and since then, the disease has been increasingly spread throughout the world. Unfortunately, the information about early prediction factors for disease progression is relatively limited. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate the risk factors of developing severe disease. The objective of the study was to reveal the risk factors of developing severe disease by comparing the differences in the hemocyte count and dynamic profiles in patients with severe and non-severe COVID-19.

Methods
In this retrospectively analyzed cohort, 141 confirmed COVID-19 patients were enrolled in Taizhou Public Health Medical Center, Taizhou Hospital, Zhejiang Province, China, from January 17, 2020 to February 26, 2020. Clinical characteristics and hemocyte counts of severe and non-severe COVID patients were collected. The differences in the hemocyte counts and dynamic profiles in patients with severe and non-severe COVID-19 were compared. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was performed to identify potential biomarkers for predicting disease progression. A concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, decision curve and the clinical impact curve were calculated to assess the predictive accuracy.

Results
The data showed that the white blood cell count, neutrophil count and platelet count were normal on the day of hospital admission in most COVID-19 patients (87.9%, 85.1% and 88.7%, respectively). A total of 82.8% of severe patients had lymphopenia after the onset of symptoms, and as the disease progressed, there was marked lymphopenia. Multivariate Cox analysis showed that the neutrophil count (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.441, 95% CI = 1.954–10.090, p = 0.000), lymphocyte count (HR = 0.255, 95% CI = 0.097–0.669, p = 0.006) and platelet count (HR = 0.244, 95% CI = 0.111–0.537, p = 0.000) were independent risk factors for disease progression. The C-index (0.821 [95% CI, 0.746–0.896]), calibration curve, decision curve and the clinical impact curve showed that the nomogram can be used to predict the disease progression in COVID-19 patients accurately. In addition, the data involving the neutrophil count, lymphocyte count and platelet count (NLP score) have something to do with improving risk stratification and management of COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions
We designed a clinically predictive tool which is easy to use for assessing the progression risk of COVID-19, and the NLP score could be used to facilitate patient stratification management.
Establishing a stable platform for the measurement of blood endotoxin levels in the dialysis population
Authors: Dheda Shyam , Min Hongjin , Vesey David , Hawley Carmel , Johnson David W. , Fahim Magid 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Gram-negative lipopolysaccharides are potent inducers of inflammation and have been shown to be present in patients with end-stage kidney disease. There are a variety of different manufacturers and assay types to quantify endotoxin levels; however, there is no standard methodology to demonstrate its presence in plasma.

Methods
A control group consisting of haemodialysis and non-kidney disease was selected. Five sets of experiments were conducted to try and ascertain the best platform for plasma endotoxin testing. This included: testing of blank tubes; the effects of freezing, thawing and storage on recovery; the effect of different buffers; use of an endpoint assay and comparison of turbidimetric vs. chromogenic kinetic assays.

Results
No endotoxin was detected in the blood collection tubes. Freezing and thawing per se did not affect spike recovery rates. However, the sequencing of sample dilution relative to freezing had a significant effect on endotoxin recovery. Buffers increased spike recovery at all levels of dilution. No endotoxin was demonstrated with either the turbidimetric or chromogenic kinetic assay at two different dilutions in the haemodialysis controls. The endpoint assay at a 1:5 dilution did not achieve a valid standard curve.

Conclusions
The findings of our study suggest that, when testing plasma samples, either a turbidimetric or chromogenic assay may be used and should be diluted with appropriate buffers to achieve optimal recovery. Studies looking to quantify the presence of plasma endotoxin need to internally validate their assays and specify their validation findings in their results.
Direct observation of depression screening: identifying diagnostic error and improving accuracy through unannounced standardized patients
Authors: Schwartz Alan , Peskin Steven , Spiro Alan , Weiner Saul J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract

Background
Depression is substantially underdiagnosed in primary care, despite recommendations for screening at every visit. We report a secondary analysis focused on depression of a recently completed study using unannounced standardized patients (USPs) to measure and improve provider behaviors, documentation, and subsequent claims for real patients.

Methods
Unannounced standardized patients presented incognito in 217 visits to 59 primary care providers in 22 New Jersey practices. We collected USP checklists, visit audio recordings, and provider notes after visits; provided feedback to practices and providers based on the first two visits per provider; and compared care and documentation behaviors in the visits before and after feedback. We obtained real patient claims from the study practices and a matched comparison group and compared the likelihood of visits including International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD-10) codes for depression before and after feedback between the study and comparison groups.

Results
Providers significantly improved in their rate of depression screening following feedback [adjusted odds ratio (AOR), 3.41; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.52–7.65; p = 0.003]. Sometimes expected behaviors were documented when not performed. The proportion of claims by actual patients with depression-related ICD-10 codes increased significantly more from prefeedback to postfeedback in the study group than in matched control group (interaction AOR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.32–1.50; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
Using USPs, we found significant performance issues in diagnosis of depression, as well as discrepancies in documentation that may reduce future diagnostic accuracy. Providing feedback based on a small number of USP encounters led to some improvements in clinical performance observed both directly and indirectly via claims.
Diagnosis of mast cell activation syndrome: a global “consensus-2”
Authors: Afrin Lawrence B. , Ackerley Mary B. , Bluestein Linda S. , Brewer Joseph H. , Brook Jill B. , Buchanan Ariana D. , Cuni Jill R. , Davey William P. , Dempsey Tania T. , Dorff Shanda R. , Dubravec Martin S. , Guggenheim Alena G. , Hindman Kimberly J. , Hoffman Bruce , Kaufman David L. , Kratzer Stephanie J. , Lee Theodore M. , Marantz Mindy S. , Maxwell Andrew J. , McCann Kelly K. , McKee Dwight L. , Menk Otto Laurie , Pace Laura A. , Perkins Dahra D. , Radovsky Laurie , Raleigh Mary S. , Rapaport Sonia A. , Reinhold Emma J. , Renneker Mark L. , Robinson William A. , Roland Aaron M. , Rosenbloom E. Scott , Rowe Peter C. , Ruhoy Ilene S. , Saperstein David S. , Schlosser David A. , Schofield Jill R. , Settle Janet E. , Weinstock Leonard B. , Wengenroth Martina , Westaway Mark , Xi Shijun Cindy , Molderings Gerhard J. 
Published: May 2020

Abstract
The concept that disease rooted principally in chronic aberrant constitutive and reactive activation of mast cells (MCs), without the gross MC neoplasia in mastocytosis, first emerged in the 1980s, but only in the last decade has recognition of “mast cell activation syndrome” (MCAS) grown significantly. Two principal proposals for diagnostic criteria have emerged. One, originally published in 2012, is labeled by its authors as a “consensus” (re-termed here as “consensus-1”). Another sizable contingent of investigators and practitioners favor a different approach (originally published in 2011, newly termed here as “consensus-2”), resembling “consensus-1” in some respects but differing in others, leading to substantial differences between these proposals in the numbers of patients qualifying for diagnosis (and thus treatment). Overdiagnosis by “consensus-2” criteria has potential to be problematic, but underdiagnosis by “consensus-1” criteria seems the far larger problem given (1) increasing appreciation that MCAS is prevalent (up to 17% of the general population), and (2) most MCAS patients, regardless of illness duration prior to diagnosis, can eventually identify treatment yielding sustained improvement. We analyze these proposals (and others) and suggest that, until careful research provides more definitive answers, diagnosis by either proposal is valid, reasonable, and helpful.
Chronic α-Synuclein Accumulation in Rat Hippocampus Induces Lewy Bodies Formation and Specific Cognitive Impairments
Authors: Kasongo Danielle Walu , de Leo Gioacchino , Vicario Nunzio , Leanza Giampiero , Legname Giuseppe 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOccurrence of Lewy bodies (LBs)/Lewy neurites (LNs) containing misfolded fibrillar α-synuclein (α-syn) is one of the pathologic hallmarks of memory impairment-linked synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with LBs (DLB). While it has been shown that brainstem LBs may contribute to motor symptoms, the neuropathological substrates for cognitive symptoms are still elusive. Here, recombinant mouse α-syn fibrils were bilaterally injected in the hippocampus of female Sprague Dawley rats, which underwent behavioral testing for sensorimotor and spatial learning and memory abilities. No sensorimotor deficits affecting Morris water maze task performance were observed, nor was any reference memory disturbances detectable in injected animals. By contrast, significant impairments in working memory performance became evident at 12 months postinjection. These deficits were associated to a time-dependent increase in the levels of phosphorylated α-syn at Ser129 and in the stereologically estimated numbers of proteinase K (PK)-resistant α-syn aggregates within the hippocampus. Interestingly, pathologic α-syn aggregates were found in the entorhinal cortex and, by 12 months postinjection, also in the vertical limb of the diagonal band and the piriform cortices. No pathologic α-syn deposits were found within the substantia nigra (SN), the ventral tegmental area (VTA), or the striatum, nor was any loss of dopaminergic, noradrenergic, or cholinergic neurons detected in α-syn-injected animals, compared with controls. This would suggest that the behavioral impairments seen in the α-syn-injected animals might be determined by the long-term α-syn neuropathology, rather than by neurodegeneration per se, thus leading to the onset of working memory deficits.
Cuidado pastoral da Igreja em tempos de pandemia: Covid-19
Authors: De Oliveira Márcio Divino 
Published: May 2020

O presente artigo, da área de Teologia Pastoral, analisa o tema da Pastoral da Igreja em tempos de Pandemia: Covid-19. Um tema atual e relevante, dado os impactos que essa pandemia tem trazido para o mundo e o Brasil, assim como a pastoral da igreja nestes tempos. Como a teologia pastoral, faz correlação entre a fé a realidade social, e propõe intervenções pastorais da igreja junto a sociedade é importante examinar esse fenômeno. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que a pandemia-Covid-19 trouxe alterações não apenas no comportamento da sociedade e instituições, mas também a práxis pastoral da igreja, com a inserção da pastoral online. Os resultados indicam o acerto dessa medida nesse tempo de pandemia e alguns caminhos para o exercício de uma pastoral online relevante nesse cenário. A pesquisa é teórica de natureza qualitativa e metodologia apoiada na análise bibliográfica.
Insulin resistance contribution to pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling in patients with hypertension in combination with obesity and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Statsenko M. E. , Derevyanchenko M. V. 
Published: May 2020

Aim. To evaluate the insulin resistance contribution to pathogenesis of left ventricular (LV) remodeling in patients with hypertension (HTN) in combination with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D).Material and methods. The study included 320 patients with stage II-III HTN and stages 1-3B chronic kidney disease (CKD) aged 45-70 years: group 1 (n=102) — HTN patients only, group 2 (n=90) — patients with HTN and obesity, group 3 (n=96) — patients with HTN, obesity and T2D, group 4 (n=32) — patients with HTN and T2D. The groups were comparable in main clinical and demographic parameters. We performed a clinical examination, assessed cardiac structure, insulin levels and insulin resistance indices. We used nonparametric statistics, multiple regression, stepwise linear discriminant and canonical analyzes. Data are presented as Me [Q25; Q75], where Me is the median, Q25 and Q75-25 and 75 percentiles, respectively.Results. LV mass index was significantly higher in the group of HTN, obesity and T2D compared with HTN patients only (107,5 [9,5; 125,6] vs 96,0 [85,1; 106,1] g/m2 , respectively). The percentage of patients with LV hypertrophy was significantly higher in groups 2, 3 and 4 compared with group 1, and also in group 3 compared with groups 2 and 4. A stepwise discriminant analysis revealed that BMI increase in HTN±T2D patients was accompanied by an increase in values of metabolic index, triglyceride-to-highdensity-lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio. Canonical analysis showed that an increase in the median values of Insulin Resistance function in all groups was associated with a deterioration in the median values of Cardio function.Conclusion. The data obtained specifies the LV geometry characteristics, as well as the insulin resistance contribution to pathogenesis of LV remodeling in HTN patients with/without obesity and/or T2D.
The non-compacted myocardium in patients with hemochromatosis: a phenomenon or cardiopathy? The role of magnetic resonance imaging and molecular genetics in diagnosis
Authors: Mershina E. A. , Kulikova O. V. , Myasnikov R. P. , Lukina E. A. , Meshkov A. N. , Kiseleva A. V. , Pilyus P. S. , Koretsky S. N. , Kharlap M. S. , Ponomarev R. V. , Tsvetaeva N. V. , Nikulina O. F. , Boytsov S. A. , Sinitsyn V. E. , Drapkina O. M. 
Published: May 2020

This article presents the results of studies on high prevalence of left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) in patients with secondary hemochromatosis (SH). We also included case reports of patients with SH and LVNC and compared imaging data using modified modern criteria for LVNC and molecular genetic testing (MGT). In patients with cardiac hemochromatosis, left ventricular noncompaction is noted, the nature of which is most likely secondary. In order to confirm this hypothesis, a prospective observational study, including family screening and MGT, is required.
Primary cardiac angiosarcoma: modern methods of diagnosis and treatment
Authors: Sarachan Д. A. , Skrebtsov A. V. , Zakharyan E. A. , Sobinov Д. S. 
Published: May 2020

The review is dedicated to such a rare disease as primary cardiac angiosarcoma (PCA). The following imaging methods are used for its diagnosing: transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography, computed tomography, positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. To verify the diagnosis, a biopsy with cytological and immunohistochemical analysis is performed. The symptoms of PCA is non-specific and often manifests itself only in the late stages, which leads to a significant deterioration of prognosis. Treatment of PCA requires a multifaceted approach. It mainly involves the achievement of a curative resection (R0 resection). Regarding chemotherapy, neoadjuvant therapy with doxorubicin and ifosfamide is effective. In addition to these agents, cyclophosphamide, anthracycline, vincristine and others are used. Today, the use of targeted therapy with imatinib, sorafenib, pazopanib, and bevacizumab is promising. However, it requires further analysis. The article also describes other therapy methods using a beta-blockers and radiation exposure.