bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TGFβ1 Promotes Breast Cancer Local Invasion and Liver Metastasis by Increasing the CD44high/CD24− Subpopulation
Authors: Zhang Chenjing , Gao Huiqin , Li Chao , Tu Jiangfeng , Chen Zhihao , Su Weiwei , Geng Xiaoge , Chen Xiaojun , Wang Jingya , Pan Wensheng 
Published: April 2018

Objective: Previous studies have shown that the transforming growth factor β1 pathway plays an important role in breast cancer metastasis to the liver. However, the mechanism of this metastasis has not been fully clarified. Cancer stem cells are essential for the initiation and propagation of tumor metastasis. The objective of our current study was to define the role of cancer stem cells in transforming growth factor β1-mediated breast cancer hepatic metastases. Method: Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to assess the formation of breast cancer liver metastases and local invasion. Cancer stem cells surface markers (CD44, CD24, and Epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM]), luminal/mesenchymal markers (keratin8 and alpha smooth muscle actin), and proliferation markers (Ki-67 and cyclinD1) were detected by immunohistochemistry assays. Flow cytometry was used to evaluate the effect of transforming growth factor β1 on the CD44+/CD24− cancer stem cell population. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was employed to assess the gene expression of the stem cell self-renewal markers nanog, pou5f1 (coding for Oct4), and sox2. Results: Transforming growth factor β1 increased the formation of liver metastases by the MDA-MB231 (MDA) breast cancer cell line but did not affect the liver metastasis of CD44+/CD24+ noncancer stem cells. Transforming growth factor β1 treatment did not significantly affect tumor proliferation in vitro or in vivo. Transforming growth factor β1 promoted mammary tumor local invasion. Furthermore, the CD44high/CD24− cancer stem cell population was also significantly increased by transforming growth factor β1 treatment. Besides, the gene expression of the stem cell self-renewal markers (nanog, pou5f1, and sox2) and another stem cell surface marker (EpCAM) was increased by transforming growth factor β1 treatment. Finally, clusters of CD44-positive breast cancer cells were observed in the livers of mice from the control and transforming growth factor β1 pretreatment groups. Conclusion: Our results indicate that transforming growth factor β1 increases the local invasive capacity and liver metastasis of breast cancer cells by inducing the CD44high/CD24− cancer stem cell population.
Prostate Cancer Screening Perception, Beliefs, and Practices Among Men in Bamenda, Cameroon
Authors: Kaninjing Ernest , Lopez Ivette , Nguyen Jennifer , Odedina Folakemi , Young Mary Ellen 
Published: April 2018

Prostate Cancer (CaP) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Cameroonian men. Due to inadequate infrastructure, record keeping, and resources, little is known about its true burden on the population. There are rural/urban disparities with regards to awareness, screening, treatment, and survivorship. Furthermore, use of traditional medicine and homeopathic remedies is widespread, and some men delay seeking conventional medical treatment until advanced stages of CaP. This study examined the perceptions, beliefs, and practices of men in Cameroon regarding late stage CaP diagnoses; identified factors that influence screening decision; and ascertained how men decided between traditional or conventional medicine for CaP diagnosis and treatment. Semistructured focus groups were used to collect data from men in Bamenda, Cameroon. Qualitative data analysis was used to analyze transcripts for emerging themes and constructs using a socio-ecological framework. Twenty-five men participated in the study, with an average age of 59. Most of the participants had never received a prostate screening recommendation. Socioeconomic status, local beliefs, knowledge levels, awareness of CaP and screening methods, and stigma were prominent themes. A significant number of Cameroonian men receive late stage CaP diagnosis due to lack of awareness, attitudes, cultural beliefs, self-medication, and economic limitation. To effectively address these contributing factors to late stage CaP diagnosis, a contextually based health education program is warranted and should be tailored to fill knowledge gaps about the disease, dispel misconceptions, and focus on reducing barriers to utilization of health services.
Prognostic value of PIVKA-II in hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving curative ablation: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Dongjing , Liu Zhihong , Yin Xueru , Qi Xiaolong , Lu Bingyun , Liu Yuanyuan , Hou Jinlin 
Published: April 2018

Background: Several studies have been conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence-II (PIVKA-II) overexpression in hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with curative ablation. However, the results remain controversial. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to explore the correlation between PIVKA-II expression and survival outcomes in these patients. Methods: We performed a systematic literature search in PubMed, EMBASE, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science to identify the relevant articles investigating the prognostic value of PIVKA-II in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Combined hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for overall survival and recurrence-free survival were calculated as the analysis endpoints. Results: A total of 15 cohorts encompassing 5647 patients were included. The results indicated that elevated PIVKA-II was significantly associated with poorer overall survival (HR 1.59; 95% CI 1.40, 1.82; P < 0.001) and recurrence-free survival (HR 1.76; 95% CI 1.42, 2.17; P < 0.001). Similar results were observed in the subgroup analysis based on sample size, analytical method, treatment modality, and cut-off value. Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that elevated PIVKA-II is a predictor of unfavorable overall survival and recurrence-free survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients receiving curative ablation. More rigorous studies are warranted to confirm the clinical utility of PIVKA-II in determining hepatocellular carcinoma prognosis.
The Clinical Value of the Tumor Markers Ca 19/9 and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (Cea) in Colorectal Carcinomas: A Critical Comparison
Authors: von Kleist Sabine 
Published: April 2018

The monoclonal antibody serum test CA 19.9 after having been described as being colon tumor specific, was advertised as being more sensitive than CEA in the detection of both early and advanced colorectal carcinomas. Furthermore, the combined estimation of the two markers, CEA and CA 19.9 was said to improve the detection rate significantly. However, our own comparative studies as well as those of several other groups recently published have shown CA 19.9 measurements to be less valuable, because being less sensitive than those of CEA. This is especially true for the early stages of intestinal carcinomas. The parallel determinations of CA 19.9 and CEA improved the positivity rate insignificantly, because in only 3.5% of all cases C 19.9 was elevated in CEA negative cancer sera. However, CA 19.9 was found to have a much lower rate of (false) positive results than CEA in benign intestinal diseases.
Serum Levels of C-Myc and C-Ras Oncogene Products in Normal Subjects and in Patients with Neoplastic and Non Neoplastic Conditions
Authors: Dhokia Babu , Pectasides Dimitris , Epenetos Agamemnon A. , Sikora Karol , Habib Nagib A. , Hershman Michael , Wood Chris B. 
Published: April 2018

A new, simple and sensitive low pH ELISA system has been developed and used to measure serum levels of c-myc and c-ras oncogene products in healthy blood donors and patients with neoplastic and non neoplastic conditions. Blood donors had significantly lower serum levels of oncogene products than patients with cancer or other pathologies (p-value < 0.01). There was, however, no difference between patients with neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions. Although c-myc and c-ras oncogene products in the serum appear to discriminate between healthy state and pathological conditions they do not discriminate between neoplastic and non-neoplastic conditions.
Radioimmunodetection of Melanoma: Preliminary Results of a Prospective Study
Authors: Buraggi Gianluigi , Turrin Alberto , Cascinelli Natale , Attili Angelo , Gasparini Massimo , Callegaro Lanfranco , Ferrone Soldano , Seregni Ettore , Bombardieri Emilio , Belli Filiberto 
Published: April 2018

A prospective study to evaluate the clinical usefulness of radioimmunodetection of melanoma in clinical practice is ongoing at the National Cancer Institute of Milan, Italy. Technical conditions for the application of the method were previously reported. In this trial, 99mTc-labelled F(ab’) 2 fragments of the 225.28S monoclonal antibody were used against a high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen (HMW-MAA). Retrospective studies on radioimmunodetection of melanoma have already been made by our group and by other Centers in about 300 patients. This study concerns the evaluation of the regional extension of primary melanoma. 23 patients with 32 suspected lymphatic involvements of melanoma on the trunk and arms underwent immunoscintigraphy. No false positive results were observed; 3 false negatives, one corresponding to a micrometastasis, were noticed. Specificity corresponds to 100% and sensitivity to 78.6%.
Differences in Polyamine Metabolism between Carcinomatous and Uninvolved Human Breast Tissues
Authors: Romano Marta , Santacroce Maria Assunta , Bonelli Patrizia , Cecco Luigi , Cerra Maria 
Published: April 2018

The polyamine biosynthetic enzymes ODC and SAMDC show higher activity in carcinomatous human breast tissue than in uninvolved tissue of the same breast; the interconversion enzyme PAO shows significantly lower activity in carcinomatous than uninvolved tissue. The polyamine metabolism in carcinomatous human breast tissue thus appears to differ from that in uninvolved tissue. Intracellular polyamine concentrations, particularly spermine, are high in carcinomatous tissue. This increase and that of the biosynthetic enzymes suggest that a higher polyamine concentration is needed for carcinomatous cell growth. If this is the case, the lower PAO activity in carcinomatous tissue may be explained as a mechanism that conserves the high intracellular polyamine concentration.
The Joint Task Group on Clinical Utility of Labelled Antibodies of the Society of Nuclear Medicine Europa (Snme) and the European Nuclear Medicine Society (Enms)
Authors: Buraggi Gianluigi , Britton K.E. , Büll U. , Emrich D. , Fueger G. , Winkler C.G. , Bishop-Delaloye A. , Chatal J.F. , Dienstbier Z. , Ell P.J. , Granowska M. , Pauwels E. 
Published: April 2018

In September 1985 a task group on the clinical utility of labelled antibodies was founded by the Society of Nuclear Medicine - Europe. This document was elaborated to report the aims and the programs of the group. In September 1986 the European Nuclear Medicine Society decided to partecipate in this initiative and a joint task group was created. Initial Document A. The aims ot the Task Group are to monitor, co-ordinate and promote research and clinical application of techniques using radiolabeled antibodies in nuclear medicine. A.1. The Group should develop into a major point of reference, giving scientific and technical support to each member of the Society involved in this field. B. To pursue these purposes it will be necessary to develop the following: B.1. Criteria to evaluate the suitability of antigen-antibody systems for tumour detection and/or therapy. B. 2. Criteria for quality control of radioimmunoreagents. B. 3. Criteria for the prevention of adverse reactions or damage due to the reagent. B. 4. Selection of suitable dosimetric methods for diagnostic or therapeutic applications. B. 5. Elaboration of protocols for clinical experiments, including appropriate techniques to be applied in single cases. B. 6. Organization of cooperative studies. C. The Task Group should promote: C.1. Informal meetings between the members of the Group. C.2. Workshops open to the members of the Society and other researchers. C.3. Publication of reports in appropriate journals.
Immunobeads Test (Antibody Coated Polyacrylamide Beads) in the Immunological Characterization of Lymphoproliferative Disorders
Authors: Chisesi Teodoro , Vespignani Michele , Capnist Giovanni 
Published: April 2018

Three groups of patients with immunoproliferative disorders (15 multiple myeloma, 11 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, 21 chronic lymphocytic leukemia) were studied by immunological characterization and compared to a group of 20 normal subjects (controls) using anti-immunoglobulin coated polyacrylamide beads (T-B Quantigen test, QT), erythrocyte rosettes (ER), surface immunoglobulin (SIg), and monoclonal antibodies for T and B cells (OKT3; OKT11; OKT8; OKT4; IaDR); null cells (NC) and double marker (DM) cells were also considered. The values for normal subjects for T-B, NC and DM cells were comparable. Results for the patient groups strikingly differed. There were progressively larger differences between the T and B percentages obtained with different techniques. The largest differences were seen in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the smallest in multiple myeloma patients; values were intermediate in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The different findings were related to the number of DM cells (ER +, SIg+ QT+) and the different tests used. The importance of these findings in the diagnostic appproach to lymphoproliferative disorders is discussed.
Ca 19-9 Assay in Patients with Extrahepatic Cholestatic Jaundice
Authors: Barone D. , Onetto M. , Conio M. , Paganuzzi M. , Saccomanno S. , Aste H. , Pugliese V. 
Published: April 2018

Serum concentrations of the CA 19-9 tumour marker were determined in 35 patients with histologically proven bilio-pancreatic malignancies associated with obstructive jaundice and in 35 patients with benign extrahepatic jaundice due to choledocholithiasis. At a cut-off level of 37 U/ml the sensitivity of this assay was 82.8%, but the specificity was very low (45.7%). Thus CA 19-9 can not be employed to differentiate between malignant and benign extrahepatic jaundice. Serial samples of CA 19-9 were achieved in 7 patients with benign and in 6 patients with malignant biliary obstruction, before and after the disappearance of jaundice. Serum concentrations of this tumour-antigen returned to normal concurrently with the bilirubin values only in patients with benign obstruction, remaining unchanged in all cases of malignancies. The data suggest that patients with extrahepatic jaundice should be evaluated by other examinations or by collecting serial samples for this assay.
Tumour Markers and POMB/ACE Chemotherapy in the Management of Ovarian Germ Cell Tumours (GCTs)
Authors: Newlands E.S. , Holden L. , Bagshawe K.D. 
Published: April 2018

The management of ovarian germ cell tumours (GCTs) has changed dramatically over the last 15 years. The combination of the introduction of tumour markers which accurately monitor the behaviour of the majority of germ cell tumours together with the introduction of newer chemotherapeutic agents has meant that few patients even with metastases should succumb from their disease. The tumour markers, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and alpha-foetoprotein (AFP) and, to a lesser extent, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) are routinely used in assisting diagnosis, monitoring response to treatment and increasing the sensitivity of follow-up ofpatients after completing treatment. Analysis of our last 51 patients with all cell types of ovarian germ cell tumour has confirmed the importance of both hCG and AFP in that 45 (88%) of 51 patients had either or both of these tumour markers raised at the start of treatment for metastatic disease. Our data on LDH is incomplete since this has not been a routine assay until 1984 and, of the patients with active disease 10 (48%) had raised LDH at the start of treatment. PLAP has also been measured in a number of patients both on active treatment and in remission. 11 (50%) had raised levels of PLAP at the start of treatment but there was also a false positive rate of8 (24%) of the 33 patients who were in remission and had not subsequently relapsed.
Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase Isoenzyme Pattern in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas
Authors: Ricerca B.M. , Storti S. , Campisi S. , Pagano L. , Torre F. Dalla , Marra R. , Amato A. , Mango G. , Bizzi B. 
Published: April 2018

Serum lactate dehydrogenase (S-LDH) and its isoenzyme pattern were assayed in 63 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) patients, 37 at diagnosis, 15 at relapse and 11 in complete remission (CR). S-LDH in NHL patients with active disease was higher than in normal subjects and CR patients (p<0.001). Among the isoenzymes, LDH-2 and LDH-5 showed no remarked differences; LDH-1 was reduced and LDH-3 and LDH-4 raised in comparison to the normal group (p<0.001). S-LDH levels and isoenzymes 1 and 4 were influenced by the stage, the histological subgroup and by the presence of general symptoms. In fact, cases in stage IV, with “high-grade malignancy” and with general symptoms, had higher S-LDH levels and more evident LDH-1 and LDH-4 changes than the other stages, the other histopathological subgroups and the cases classified as “A”. S-LDH was the same as in normal subjects in the “low-grade” and “intermediate-grade” malignancies as was LDH-1 in stage II and LDH-4 in stages II and III, in “low-grade” malignancy and in the A cases. In contrast, LDH-3 was always high, with no significant difference in relation to the variables considered. Thus, in NHL, LDH-3 seems to be a reliable marker of the presence of the disease in any case, whereas S-LDH is more related to the spread of the lymphoma.
Monoclonal anti-CEA Antibody: Factors Affecting Localization in a Preclinical Study
Authors: Ripamonti M. , Canevari S. , Buraggi G. , Gadina M. , Turrin A. , Gasparini M. , Scassellati G. , Colnaghi M.I. 
Published: April 2018

131I-labelled anti-CEA monoclonal antibody was tested in an animal model to evaluate: influence of antibody type (whole versus F(ab’)2 fragments), administration route (i.v. versus i.p.), dose of tracer (100 μCi versus 1000 μCi), growth site (s.c. versus i.p.) and size of tumor. Athymic mice bearing CEA-producing human colon carcinoma (HT-29) or human melanoma as an irrelevant tumor (MeWo) received tracer and immunoscintigraphy and the localization ratios (LR) were compared. In HT-29 bearing animals F(ab’)2 fragments localized better than the whole antibody. The LR were higher after i.p. administration of the tracer, independently of the tumor characteristics or the injected dose. The highest values were achieved when the radioactivity remaining in the whole body was below 2% of the injected dose. The images were negative when the i.p. injected dose was low or tumor growth was i.p. but positive in the other conditions (i.v. administration, high tracer dose, s.c. tumor growth). In the animals bearing melanoma, images scored positive or negative when the tumor weight was respectively above or below 400 mg, but the LR were always low.
Detection of Five Circulating Antigens in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Screm M.C. , Grandis S. , Cartei G. , Cattaruzzi E. 
Published: April 2018

Five tumor markers (CEA, Ferritin, CA-50, TPA and SCC) were assayed in 54 patients with ear, nose and throat (ENT) cancers in early and advanced stages. The specificity of these markers always exceeded 95%. Their sensitivity ranged from 13 to 43%, and reached 72% as a combination of all five markers. No distinction was found between early and advanced stage of illness. These markers seem to have no distinct function in ENT oncological diagnosis and follow-up because objective data is easily available even in early tumors.
Serum Thymidine Kinase (TK) Evaluation in HIV Infection
Authors: Sabbatani S. , Fini A. , Raise E. , Gritti F.M. 
Published: April 2018

Serum thymidine kinase (TK), measured using Prolifigen TK-REA, from AB Sangtec Medical, was investigated in 24 HIV seropositive patients without immunological alterations, 26 seropositives with immunological alterations, 125 LAS, 25 ARC, and 20 AIDS. Subjects with serological markers of prior EBV, HBV, and CMV infection were included but none with acute infectious mononucleosis or acute viral hepatitis. Serum TK was elevated from the beginning of the HIV infection, the seropositive stage, and more markedly afterwards during the course of the infection, with a close correlation with the stage. TK also increased during AZT treatment, due to bone-marrow toxicity. On lowering the dosage or discontinuing the drug TK returned to basal levels. Although the rise in serum may well not be correlated only with the HIV infection, it does add to the picture given by other clinical and/or laboratory methods. Serum TK can be a helpful laboratory test in the follow-up ofpatients with HIV infection, especially when serum levels are disproportionate to the stage, opportunistic infections, lymphoproliferative malignancies. In such cases bone-marrow toxicity due to treatment can be suspected.
Prognostic Significance of CA 15.3 in Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors: Scaramuzzi M. , Amorotti C. , De Palma M. , Falchi A.M. , De Maria D. , Casolo P. 
Published: April 2018

We have investigated the possible relation between serum levels of CA 15.3 and disease status in 110 patients after radical mastectomy for breast cancer, with metastatic diffusion. Its persistant elevation was usually related to a very poor prognosis. In patients who died within 18 months the marker was always elevated. In case of progression of the disease, the marker level appeared to be consistently correlated with the general clinical condition. In healthy patients with stable disease the marker remained near the normal range.
AFP, CEA, CA 19-9 and TPA in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Maussier M.L. , Valenza V. , Schinco G. , Gallv G. 
Published: April 2018

The present study is based on the assay of four markers (AFP, CEA, TPA, Ca 19-9) using IRMA methods in 36 normal subjects, 44 cirrhosis and 66 HCC patients. Parametric and non parametric tests were used to test differences and correlations. ROC curves and discriminant functions were also elaborated. Normal 95% “cut-off” was determined by the “boostrap” method yielding: CEA 3.4 ng/ml; Ca 19-9 55 U/ml; TPA 58U/l and AFP 5.2 ng/ml. In HCC patients the values of the four markers were, on average, significantly different from those of normal subjects. However, only AFP and TPA exhibited high diagnostic accuracy (90%) for detection of the tumor. Higher than normal mean values for all markers were, also observed in cirrhotic patients. Only AFP yielded effective discrimination between HCC and cirrhosis. The positive prediction for the presence of the tumor on cirrhotic ground was 95% for AFP values higher than 18.5 ng/ml, with a 78% negative predictive value with a 6 ng/ml threshold. Association of AFP with TPA showed only a marginal diagnostic improvement. Results were not improved at all by combining CEA and Ca 19-9 with AFP and/or TPA. In conclusion, AFP is and remains the best marker for HCC and the only one effective in discriminating of HCC from cirrhosis. TPA may be considered a valid alternative if cirrhosis is not present. CEA and Cal9-9 are of no use.