bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TAF Test in Primary Esophageal Carcinoma: Comparison with other Tumor Markers
Authors: Taccone W. , Gion M. , Pecchio F. , Rapellino M. , Tremolada C. , Mione R. , Gatti C. , Ruol A. , Segalin A. , Dei Poli M. , Pedicini G. 
Published: March 2018

An ELISA method for the determination of circulating specific HSV-TAA antibodies has recently become available (TAF test). The presence of TAF was tested in serum of 154 patients with primary esophageal carcinoma, collected in three institutions. The overall TAF-test positivity rate was 57.1%, being significantly lower in stage IV than in stage III patients. The concordance rate between TAF and CEA, ferritin, TPA, SCC and TATI was low, suggesting that TAF is probably independent of the other tumor markers evaluated. The clinical role of TAF-test determination in patients with esophageal carcinoma is currently under evaluation.
CEA Serum Levels in Non-Neoplastic Disease
Authors: Morell A. Ruibal 
Published: March 2018

Several non-neoplastic conditions, i.e., acute and chronic inflammations, benign tumors, renal or hepatic insufficiency, are associated with elevated plasma levels of Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA). Usually, CEA elevation in these pathologies is less than 10 ng/ml. CEA values in non-malignant disease can be affected by many factors, which can be classified into five main categories: a) tissular, b) physiological, c) metabolic, d) circulating and e) methodological factors. Synthesis, expression and realease are the most important tissular factors. Among the metabolic ones liver, biliary and renal functions play a primary role in the determination of CEA concentrations. In addition, other factors such as the presence of circulating CEA-like substances, autoantibodies and immunocomplexes or the characteristics of the assay method can influence the diagnostic value of the CEA test. All these factors must be carefully considered when the marker is used in clinical practice.
Neuron-Specific Enolase and Embryology of the Trabecular Meshwork of the Rat Eye: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Nucci P. , Tredici G. , Manitto M.P. , Pizzini G. , Rancato R. 
Published: March 2018

Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) is a unique form of the glycolytic enzyme enolase found exclusively in neurons and neuroendocrine tissues. Immunohistochemical techniques in which antineuron-specific enolase antibodies are used have made it possible to map out derivatives of the neural crest in humans. By using affinity-purified antibodies against NSE, we investigated whether the contribution of the neural crest cells to the development of the anterior ocular structures in the rat is similar to that in man. We found that filtration structures in rats show morphologically striking similarities with the analogous region of the human eye. Hence, the rat eye, with certain reservations, is a suitable model for experimental studies on ocular diseases that are characterized by chamber angle anomalies or congenital glaucoma.
DNA content in human colon cancer and non-neoplastic adjacent mucosa
Authors: Jotti G. Saccani , Fontanesi M. , Orsi N. , Sarli L. , Pietra N. , Peracchia A. , Sansebastiano G. , Becchi G. 
Published: March 2018

DNA content was determined by flow cytometry in a series of 51 paired fresh tissue samples of primary colorectal carcinomas and the respective non-neoplastic adjacent mucosa in order to assess the relationship between DNA ploidy and the most commonly used prognostic factors. Aneuploidy was observed in 70.6% of the tumors and more than one aneuploid peak was present in 3.9%. Aneuploid tumor frequency was higher in left (93.3%) and right colon (64.7%) cancers than in rectal carcinomas (60.0%), and multiple aneuploid clones were detected more frequently in men than in women and in patients with advanced disease (Dukes stage D). Non-neoplastic mucosa adjacent to aneuploid tumors showed aneuploidy in 4 out of 51 samples (7.8%). The mucosa adjacent to diploid cancers had only diploid characteristics. Polidy did not correlate with histological abnormalities. These findings suggest that DNA content as determined by flow cytometry needs further study with adequate follow-up to evaluate possible correlations with relapse-free and overall survival. Furthermore the aneuploidy of non-neoplastic mucosa provides evidence for a field defect in mucosa adjacent to colorectal cancer and supports the concept that this alteration may be of influence on carcinogenesis.
Study of serum tumor markers CEA, CA 15.3 and CA 27.29 as diagnostic parameters in patients with breast carcinoma
Authors: De Paterna L. Rodríguez , Arnaiz F. , Estenoz J. , Ortuño B. , Lanzós E. 
Published: March 2018

Serum levels of CEA, CA 15.3 and CA 27.29 were measured during the follow-up of 499 breast cancer patients. Studies included three different groups of women: 82 blood donors free of disease, 42 patients with non-malignant breast diseases and 499 breast cancer patients. After the determinaion of cut-off values, serum levels of tumor markers did not show significant elevations in benign breast diseases. On the basis of our results CA 15.3 (sensitivity = 57%; accuracy = 87%) was the most effective marker, CA 27.29 (sensitivity = 62%; accuracy = 83%) was the most sensitive and CEA (sensitivity = 45%; accuracy = 81%) was the least sensitive and effective marker. The combined use of markers was evaluated by step-wise logistic regression analysis. The regression coefficients showed that CA 15.3 (coeff. = 2.97) and CA 27.29 (coeff. = 1.46) were suitable for the detection of possible metastases during follow-up. Finally, we studied the relationship between pT, pN, pM and circulating levels of CA 15.3 and CA 27.29.
Longitudinal follow-up of breast cancer patients with the tumor markers CA 549 and CA 15.3
Authors: Vankrieken L. , Heureux F. , Longueville J. , De Hertogh R. 
Published: March 2018

In order to verify the efficiency of the tumor markers CA 15.3 and CA 549 in the follow-up of breast cancer patients, it was necessary first to check the cutoff levels of each tumor marker in women with an increased age-related risk, but with no evidence of disease. From 132 serum samples in this age group, we confirmed the CA 549 cutoff level of 12.1 U/ml. However, the cutoff of CA 15.3 was 34 U/ml, which is higher than previously reported in the literature. Fifty-two breast cancer patients with or without metastases at the time of entry into the study were followed for 2 to 3 years with both tumor markers. The sensitivity, specificity and the test efficiency for the presence of metastases were analyzed with each tumor marker. Taking into account the different cutoff levels, we concluded that both tumor markers can be used independently to follow the clinical situation of patients. In several cases an increase in both tumor markers was observed before a clinical diagnosis of metastases could be made. Combination of these two tumor markers gave no more significant information about the patient's clinical situation than each tumor marker alone.
Progesterone agonists and antagonists induce down– and up–regulation of estrogen receptors and estrogen inducible genes in human breast cancer cell lines
Authors: Savoldi G. , Ferrari F. , Ruggeri G. , Sobek L. , Albertini A. , Di Lorenzo D. 
Published: March 2018

The effects of the synthetic progestin R5020 and the antiprogestin RU486 on the cellular content of estrogen receptors (ER) and on cell responsiveness to estrogens, have been investigated in the sex hormone-sensitive human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and T47D. When T47D cells were treated with R5020 (Promegestone) (10–8 M), ER was down-regulated to about 50% of the control level in a time-dependent manner. Maximum down-regulation was observed after 24 hours and remained at this level for the next 24 hours. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) or dexamethasone (DEX) had no effect on ER sites. R5020 also down-regulated, although to a lesser extent, ER in the MCF-7 cells which contain fewer progesterone receptor (PR) sites. When MCF-7 cells were transfected with a progesterone receptor expression vector (tMCF-7) to increase the number of PR sites, R5020 down-regulated the ER to a level similar to that reached in T47D cells. In both cell lines ER down-regulation was completely inhibited by a 10-fold molar excess of the antiprogestin RU486 (Mifepristone) (10–7 M). Surprisingly, when incubated with RU486 alone, T47D cells responded by up-regulating ER 2-4 fold. The functional relevance of inhibition and up-regulation of ER for the estrogen responsiveness of hormone-sensitive human breast cancer cells was tested by assaying the synthesis of an estrogen-regulated product, the PS2 protein. Estrogen induction of this protein was inhibited by at least 70% in T47D cells exposed to R5020 for 24 hours before estrogen administration and by about 25% in MCF-7 cells under the same conditions. A 55% inhibition was observed in tMCF-7 cells. Up-regulation of ER by RU486 in T47D cells led to an increase in the estrogen induction of PS2 by about 18-20% compared to RU486 untreated cells. These results indicate that the progestin and antiprogestin regulation of ER is functionally important for the estrogen responsiveness of breast cancer cells.
Intraoperative Fall in Plasma Levels of Intact Parathyroid Hormone in Patients Undergoing Parathyroid Adenomectomy
Authors: Tommasi M. , Brocchi A. , Benucci A. , Manca G. , Borrelli D. , Cicchi P. , Cappelli G. 
Published: March 2018

Intraoperative measurement of intact parathyroid hormone (PTH) can be used to evaluate the success of parathyroid surgery in primary hyperparathyroidism associated with parathyroid adenoma. To evaluate this approach we used a modified immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) to study the kinetic patterns of circulating PTH disappearance in 13 patients undergoing adenomectomy for single adenoma. The rapid and the standard assay for PTH measurement in plasma were used and compared. The two methods showed a highly significant correlation (r=0.995; p<0.0001). We reported a decrease in PTH to 18.2±2.30 (mean±SEM) from baseline values at 15 minutes after successful parathyroid adenomectomy in the 13 patients. The biphasic pattern of serum PTH clearance was calculated in 8 of the studied patients with a fast phase showing a half-life (T1/2) of 3.99 (SEM 0.464) minutes and a slow phase with a T1/2 of 91.0 (SEM 33.6) minutes. Half the amount of the basal values was reached between 4 and 9 minutes. Our study concludes that the modified IRMA for intraoperative measurement is feasible, reliable and sufficiently precise for low hormone values. Since it may yield information on the half-life of PTH in the circulation, it may play a role in the surgical guidance for total exeresis of hyperfunctioning tissue
Prostate Cancer Probability after Total PSA and Percent Free PSA Determination
Authors: Mione R. , Barioli P. , Barichello M. , Zattoni F. , Prayer-Galetti T. , Plebani M. , Aimo G , Terrone C. , Manferrari F. , Madeddu G , Caberlotto L. , Fandella A. , Pianon C. , Vianello L. , Gion M. 
Published: March 2018

The percent free PSA value is a promising diagnostic tool for prostate cancer. However, its actual role has not yet been established because of the widely diverging sensitivity and specificity values. This could depend at least in part on analytical difficulties, since the free PSA concentration is much lower than that of total PSA. The present investigation was designed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the percent free PSA in the most favorable analytical conditions. Materials and methods 81 patients affected by newly diagnosed, untreated primary prostate cancer (CaP) and 239 patients with untreated benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were prospectively enrolled. Hybritech total and free PSA were measured by the same technician using the same reagent batch. Results The percent free PSA was not significantly associated with age, tumor stage, gland volume, Gleason score, and total PSA, nor was it significantly affected by concomitant prostatic complications either in CaP or BPH. Percent free PSA was more effective than total PSA in the differential diagnosis between CaP and BPH in every evaluated dose range of total PSA. Percent free PSA determination could have reduced the rate of unnecessary biopsies in cases with total PSA ≥ 4 ng/mL and ≥ 10 ng/mL (avoided biopsies 61% and 63%, respectively). The post-test probability of the disease, which represents the proportion of patients with a positive percent free PSA value who have the disease, was, however, relatively low in younger patients with total PSA within the normal range. Conclusions The diagnostic performance of the percent free PSA value is enhanced when the methodological variability is reduced, particularly in men with low total PSA. Percent free PSA is superior to total PSA in distinguishing primary CaP from BPH in patients with total PSA between 2 and 30 ng/mL. The percent free PSA value is effective in reducing the rate of unnecessary biopsies in men with total PSA higher than 4 or 10 ng/mL. However, due to its relatively low post-test probability, the percent free PSA value should be interpreted with caution in the decision-making related to individual patients and should be used in association with clinical and instrumental evaluation of the patient.
CA 125 - Epitopes and Molecular Size
Authors: Nustad K. , Onsrud M. , Jansson B. , Warren D. 
Published: March 2018

CA 125 has two main immunogenic areas reactive with mouse and rat monoclonal antibodies. These areas are defined by the antibodies OC 125 and M11, respectively. Antibodies related to the main groups are named OC 125-like and M 11-like antibodies. The OC 125-like antibodies can be subgrouped into four sets, whereas the M 11-like antibodies segregate into many closely related binding specificities. One M 11-like antibody, ZR38, is not fully inhibited by any other M 11-like antibody and therefore represents a distinct subgroup. A single antibody, OV 197, is related to some OC 125-like antibodies, but not to OC 125. However, OC 125 enhances binding of OV 197 to its epitope. A new antibody, 7C 12, induces conformation changes, affecting binding of some M 11-like and some OC 125-like antibodies. CA 125 exists as very large molecules that can be partly disrupted by SDS and heat. The form found in serum might be a degradation product from a larger molecule found in the abdominal and other serous cavities.
Clinical results of a new concept of neurothrombectomy coverage at a remote hospital—“drive the doctor”
Authors: Seker Fatih , Möhlenbruch Markus A , Nagel Simon , Ulfert Christian , Schönenberger Silvia , Pfaff Johannes , Ringleb Peter A , Steiner Thorsten , Bendszus Martin , Herweh Christian 
Published: March 2018

Background Many tertiary care hospitals cannot provide a continuous thrombectomy service due to the lack of a neurointerventionalist. Aims In this study, we present procedural and clinical results of a new concept in which neuroradiologists of a university hospital provide neurointerventional stroke service to a remote hospital (“drive the doctor”). Methods All consecutive patients with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel occlusion of the anterior circulation treated with mechanical thrombectomy after hours at a remote hospital (distance of about 100 km) between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were compared to a group of patients referred to the above mentioned university hospital for MT over a comparable distance (“drip and ship”). Results A total of 60 patients were treated by “drive the doctor” and 66 patients were treated by “drip and ship.” Time from onset to imaging was similar in both groups (77 vs. 70 min, P = 0.6847). However, time from imaging to groin puncture was significantly lower in the “drive the doctor” model (112 vs. 232 min, P < 0.0001). Nonetheless, recanalization rate and clinical outcome were similar in both cohorts. Conclusions “Drive the doctor” is a feasible concept of neurothrombectomy coverage at remote hospitals. The presented data suggest that “drive the doctor” is not inferior compared to established stroke concepts such as “drip and ship” regarding recanalization rate and outcome. However, larger and prospective studies are necessary to confirm this finding.
Implementation of HbA1c Point of Care Testing in 3 German Medical Practices: Impact on Workflow and Physician, Staff, and Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Patzer Karl-Heinz , Ardjomand Payam , Göhring Katharina , Klempt Guido , Patzelt Andreas , Redzich Markus , Zebrowski Mathias , Emmerich Susanne , Schnell Oliver 
Published: March 2018

Background: Medical practices face challenges of time and cost pressures with scarce resources. Point-of-care testing (POCT) has the potential to accelerate processes compared to central laboratory testing and can increase satisfaction of physicians, staff members, and patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of introducing HbA1c POCT in practices specialized in diabetes. Method: Three German practices that manage 400, 550, and 950 diabetes patients per year participated in this evaluation. The workflow and required time before and after POCT implementation (device: Alere Afinion AS100 Analyzer) was evaluated in each practice. Physician (n = 5), staff (n = 9), and patient (n = 298) satisfaction was assessed with questionnaires and interviews. Results: After POCT implementation the number of required visits scheduled was reduced by 80% (88% vs 17.6%, P < .0001), the number of venous blood collections by 75% (91% vs 23%, P < .0001). Of patients, 82% (vs 13% prior to POCT implementation) were able to discuss their HbA1c values with treating physicians immediately during their first visit ( P < .0001). In two of the practices the POCT process resulted in significant time savings of approximately 20 and 22 working days per 1000 patients per year (95% CI 2-46; 95% CI 10-44). All physicians indicated that POCT HbA1c implementation improved the practice workflow and all experienced a relief of burden for the office and the patients. All staff members indicated that they found the POCT measurement easy to perform and experienced a relief of burden. The majority (61.3%) of patients found the capillary blood collection more pleasant and 83% saw an advantage in the immediate availability of HbA1c results. Conclusions: The implementation of HbA1c POCT leads to an improved practice workflow and increases satisfaction of physicians, staff members and patients.
EAU and NICE guidelines for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. How wide is the channel?
Authors: Jones Richard , Cornford Philip 
Published: March 2018

Background: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Europe. Both the European Association of Urologists (EAU) and the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) provide evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and management of prostate cancer. NICE is a national body involved in the production of efficacious guidelines for a wide spectrum of diseases across many specialities, whereas EAU is a specialist body of urologists and members of the urology multidisciplinary team across Europe. This paper describes the areas of agreement and explains the variations between these two often-quoted documents. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to review the guidelines of prostate cancer and to offer a comparison of prostate cancer guidance management for urologists and associated healthcare professionals. Conclusion: Both guidelines agree on areas of established consensus, especially in the diagnosis and staging of prostate cancer. There are however differences in the treatment algorithms, especially in advanced and metastatic disease. The differences in general seem to be due to the different functions and make-ups of the two bodies rather than disagreement on current evidence.
The management of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer: A comparison of European and UK guidelines
Authors: Leiblich A , Bryant RJ , McCormick R , Crew J 
Published: March 2018

Bladder cancer represents a significant health burden worldwide, with non-muscle-invasive tumours representing the majority of new bladder cancer diagnoses. Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) has a high prevalence and forms a large proportion of the caseload in urological practice, accounting for a significant cost in terms of urological healthcare. The last two decades have seen the development and refinement of guidelines from national and international organisations aiming to optimise management of NMIBC and bladder cancer in general. This review outlines the most recent European and United Kingdom guidelines on NMIBC, and in particular focuses on comparing and contrasting key recommendations from guidelines published by the European Association of Urology and the UK-based National Institute for Clinical Excellence. Level of evidence: Not applicable for this multicentre audit.
Sternoclavicular joint replacement case report
Authors: Robertson Fabienne Marie-Louise , Mohammed Ali Abdullah , Frostick Simon Peter 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: This report describes the first known sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) replacement with a custom-made prosthesis. History: A 42-year-old male who presented post left medial clavicular excision with significant pain and limited range of motion impeding his daily activities and ability to work. The patient subsequently underwent a left SCJ arthroplasty with a custom-made prosthesis. Postoperatively, the patient suffered an anterior dislocation of the prosthetic joint which was successfully rectified and stabilized with soft tissue reconstruction, creating a pseudo-capsule from adjacent tissues of the joint. Thereafter, the patient required a final procedure to remove prominent sutures. Results: Currently, the patient has regained full range of motion and is pain free during most activities and has now returned to work, with a plan to review his progress in 1 year. These initial promising results post SCJ replacement with the custom-made prosthesis could potentially lead SCJ reconstruction in an exciting new direction. Discussion: More research should be encouraged regarding this nascent operative option, in order to identify the indications, parameters, and effectiveness of SCJ arthroplasty.
The peritrapezial view: New radiograph for evaluating joints around trapezium
Authors: Shin Young Ho , Kim Jihyeung , Baek Goo Hyun 
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to present a new radiograph of peritrapezial view and examine whether this view could supply clear and reliable radiographs of the joints around trapezium. Methods: The radiographs of peritrapezial and Robert views were taken on both hands of the 30 healthy volunteers (15 men and 15 women). The four peritrapezial joints were evaluated by two trained hand surgeons to find out whether these views could clearly show the joint spaces around the trapezium. Intra- and interobserver agreement for evaluation of each joint space and the ratio of joints which both of the two observers rated as clear joint space were compared between peritrapezial and Robert views. Results: The κ values of inter- and intra-observer reliability were, respectively, 0.559 and 0.715 in peritrapezial view and 0.462 and 0.355 in Robert view. The ratios of joints, which both of the two observers rated as clear joint space in each of the two time evaluations, were slightly higher in peritrapezial view than Robert view for the thumb carpometacarpal (100% vs. 96.7%) and scaphoid-trapezium joints (100% vs. 93.3%). In addition, these ratios were significantly higher in peritrapezial view than Robert view for the trapezium-index metacarpal (90.0% vs. 46.7%, p < 0.001) and trapezium-trapezoid joints (93.3% vs. 50.0%, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The peritrapezial view clearly shows the joint spaces around the trapezium. This view showed better inter- and intra-observer reliability for peritrapezial joints than Robert view especially in trapezium-index metacarpal and trapezium-trapezoid joint. This radiograph could provide a preliminary step for evaluating and managing pathologies of the peritrapezial joints.