bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tumor Antigen Nb/70K and Ca 125 Levels in the Blood of Preoperative Ovarian Cancer Patients and Controls: A Preliminary Report of the use of the Nb12123 and Ca 125 Radioimmunoassays Alone and in Combination
Authors: Knauf S. , Bast R.C. 
Published: April 2018

The NB12123 and CA125 radioimmunoassays, murine monoclonal antibody assays for measuring circulating levels of human ovarian tumor associated antigens NB/70K and CA 125, respectively, have been previously described. In the present study, preoperative serum samples were obtained from patients undergoing laparotomy for benign neoplastic ovarian tumors (N = 16), cancer of the cervix (N = 22), cancer of the uterus (N = 20), and cancer of the ovary (N = 47). Controls (N = 50) were obtained from healthy blood bank donors. No correlation was observed between the levels of NB/70K and CA 125 in these samples (r2 = .079, linear regression analysis). In general, increasing levels of both antigens were present with increasing tumor burden and higher histological grade. In addition, both markers were most elevated in the serum of ovarian cancer patients with serous and unclassified adenocarcinomas. Using 40 AU and 35 unit cut-offs for the NB/70K and CA 125 assay, respectively, overall specificity for healthy controls and patients with benign diseases approaches 100%. The combined sensitivity of the assays for ovarian cancer patient sera in this study indicates that the assays may be helpful in establishing a pre operative diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Complementarity of the NB/70K and CA 125 assays has been demonstrated, indicating that one or both assays may be used to monitor as many as 85% of ovarian cancer patients.
Tumor Markers and Lung Cancer: Guidelines in a Cost-limited Medical Organization
Authors: Falcone F. , Marinelli M. , Minguzzi L. , Paganelli G.M. , Turba E. , Cavalli A. , Rapellino M. 
Published: April 2018

The aim of our study was to evaluate the cost of the tumor marker assays most widely used in pneumological practive and the effectiveness of the percentage of DRG-based reimbursements absorbed by these assays. For this purpose we assessed the cost of lung tumor marker assays in Emilia Romagna compared to the DRG-based reimbursement of inpatients affected by lung diseases in whom the use of tumor markers is indicated. As an example, we evaluated the cost/effectiveness of the CEA assay in the differential diagnosis of 68 pleural effusions from 46 patients (20 benign diseases, 26 malignant). Because the CEA assay was not a substitute for cytology when this was not diagnostic, 41.3% of the resources were not efficiently spent. If the marker assay had been performed only in cases with negative cytology, we could have spared 14 of 46 tests. Moreover, since the expense lies predominantly in the cost of reagents (81.23%), we suggest as a routine procedure to collect and store samples for tumor marker assay in all cases; the test should be performed in a selected population of patients with negative cytology and “suspect” clinical outcome.
SoundEar noise warning devices cause a sustained reduction in ambient noise in adult critical care
Authors: Plummer Nicholas Russell , Herbert Anna , Blundell James Edward , Howarth Rachel , Baldwin Jacqueline , Laha Shondipon 
Published: April 2018

Introduction Elevated sound levels in critical care are associated with sleep deprivation and an increased incidence of delirium. We aimed to determine whether a sound-activated visual noise display meter could cause a sustained reduction in sound levels overnight in an adult critical care unit. Method Sound levels were recorded overnight for eight days before and after the introduction of a visual noise display meter, with a further eight days recorded four months later after continued use of the visual noise display meter. Results Median ambient sound levels were significantly reduced from 57.4 dB by 3.9 dB, with a sustained reduction of 3.6 dB from baseline after four months of the device operating. Peak ambient sound levels had a small but significant reduction from 66.0 dB by 0.7 dB, with a sustained reduction of 0.8 dB after four months. Discussion Sound-activated visual noise display meters can be effective in providing a sustained reduction in ambient sound overnight in adult critical care units, which would appear to be driven by behavioural change.
The effect of early relearning on sensory recovery 4 to 9 years after nerve repair: a report of a randomized controlled study
Authors: Vikström Pernilla , Rosén Birgitta , Carlsson Ingela K , Björkman Anders 
Published: April 2018

Twenty patients randomized to early sensory relearning (nine patients) or traditional relearning (11 patients) were assessed regarding sensory recovery 4 to 9 years after median or ulnar nerve repair. Outcomes were assessed with the Rosen score, questionnaires, and self-reported single-item questions regarding function and activity. The patients with early sensory relearning had significantly better sensory recovery in the sensory domain of the Rosen score, specifically, discriminative touch or tactile gnosis and dexterity. They had significantly less self-reported problems in gripping, clumsiness, and fine motor skills. No differences were found in questionnaires between the two groups. We conclude that early sensory relearning improves long-term sensory recovery following nerve repair. Level of evidence: I
Devic syndrome and pregnancy: A case series
Authors: Wuebbolt Danielle , Nguyen Vanessa , D’Souza Rohan , Wyne Ahraaz 
Published: April 2018

Background Devic syndrome or neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune neurological condition characterized by relapsing symptoms of optic neuritis and transverse myelitis. Women with neuromyelitis optica suffer from adverse pregnancy outcomes and high relapse rates during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Methods This case series describes 13 pregnancies in four women with neuromyelitis optica managed at a tertiary hospital in Toronto, Canada. Results In most cases, neurologic symptoms either worsened or developed for the first time during pregnancy or the postpartum period, and often responded to a combination of steroids, immunosuppressant medications, plasma exchange and intravenous immunoglobulin. The 13 pregnancies resulted in two miscarriages, three preterm and eight term births. One fetus whose mother was on gabapentin, prednisone and spironolactone, had congenital malformations (aplastic lung and fused fingers). Conclusions Despite high frequency of relapses in pregnancy and the postpartum period, with multidisciplinary team management, outcomes for women with neuromyelitis optica are encouraging.
Collateral pial circulation relates to the degree of brain edema on CT 24 hours after ischemic stroke
Authors: Galego Orlando , Jesus-Ribeiro Joana , Baptista Mariana , Sargento-Freitas João , Martins Ana Inês , Silva Fernando , Santos Gustavo Cordeiro , Cunha Luís , Nunes César , Machado Egídio 
Published: April 2018

Background Cerebral edema is frequent in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who undergo reperfusion therapy and is associated with high mortality. The impact of collateral pial circulation (CPC) status on the development of edema has not yet been determined. Methods We studied consecutive patients with AIS and documented M1–middle cerebral artery (MCA) and/or distal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion who underwent reperfusion treatment. Edema was graded on the 24-hour non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT) scan. CPC was evaluated at the acute phase (≤6 hours) by transcranial color-coded Doppler, angiography and/or CT angiography. We performed an ordinal regression model for the effect of CPC on cerebral edema, adjusting for age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (ASPECTS) on admission, NCCT, parenchymal hemorrhagic transformation at 24 hours and complete recanalization at six hours. Results Among the 108 patients included, 49.1% were male and mean age was 74.2 ± 11.6 years. Multivariable analysis showed a significant association between cerebral edema and CPC status (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.08–0.59, p = 0.003), initial ASPECTS (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.57–0.92, p = 0.007) and parenchymal hemorrhagic transformation (OR 23.67, 95% CI 4.56–122.8, p < 0.001). Conclusions Poor CPC is independently associated with greater cerebral edema 24 hours after AIS in patients who undergo reperfusion treatment.
Osteoporotic effect on bone repair in lumbar vertebral body defects in a rat model
Authors: Sakata Munehiro , Tonomura Hitoshi , Itsuji Tomonori , Ishibashi Hidenobu , Takatori Ryota , Mikami Yasuo , Nagae Masateru , Matsuda Ken Ichi , Tanaka Masaki , Kubo Toshikazu 
Published: April 2018

Introduction: The number of patients who suffered from osteoporotic vertebral fractures is increasing. Osteoporosis has been reported to affect the healing process using long bone models. However, few studies have reported using vertebrae. In this study, we created a bone defect in the anterior part of vertebral body in ovariectomized rat and evaluated the healing process. Methods: Fifty-six 12-week old Sprague Dawley rats were divided into ovariectomy (OVX) and sham operation groups. A bone defect was created in the vertebral body 8 weeks after the first surgery. In both groups, the vertebral bodies were harvested immediately or at 4, 8, or 12 weeks after the second surgery ( n = 7 at each time point). Bone volume (BV, mm3), bone volume fraction (BV/TV, %), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th, mm), trabecular number (Tb.N, 1/mm), and trabecular separation (Tb.Sp, µm) were evaluated by micro-computed tomography to assess the new bone formation. Histological analysis was also performed. Results: The BV and the BV/TV were significantly lower at 4 and 12 weeks in the OVX group compared with those in the sham group. The Tb.Th was significantly lower at 8 and 12 weeks in the OVX group. Histologically, at 12 weeks, in the OVX group, the bone had a thinner, layered structure on the surface of the defect, and the trabecular structure was less dense. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that bone mass formation was suppressed and the quality of repaired bone was poor in the healing process of vertebral body defect under osteoporotic conditions. These findings could be the key to understand the pathology of osteoporotic vertebral fracture and to develop its therapies.
Characterization of a Cancer Stem Cell-Like Side Population Derived from Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Zhang Shi-Neng , Huang Feng-Ting , Huang Yi-Jun , Zhong Wa , Yu Zhong 
Published: April 2018

Aims and background To identify and partially characterize the side population cells derived from three human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines. Methods Side population cells were sorted from the human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines SW1990, Capan-2, and BxPC-3 using flow cytometry and then analyzed for cell proliferation, clone formation, differentiation, chemoresistance, invasive potential, and tumorigenicity in a mouse model. Results Human pancreatic carcinoma cell lines SW1990, Capan-2, and BxPC-3 contain 2.7% ±0.35%, 3.6%± 1.2%, and 2.8%± 0.8% side population cells, respectively. We further investigated cancer stem cell characteristics with the moderately differentiated human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line SW1990. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that side population cells could differentiate into side population and non-side population cells and could exhibit differentiation potential. Using a clone formation assay, side population cells were shown to have a higher proliferation than non-side population cells. Compared to non-side population cells, side population cells were also more resistant to gemcitabine, a commonly used anti-cancer agent against pancreatic carcinoma, and were more invasive. Importantly, the CD133 level in side population cells was significantly higher than that in non-side population cells. The enhanced tumorigenecity was further confirmed in a male diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mouse model. As few as 3 × 103 side population cells were sufficient to induce tumor formation in the mouse model, compared to 107 non-side population or unsorted cells. Conclusions Side population cells isolated from human pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines harbor cancer stem cell-like properties that may be related to the invasive potential and therapeutic-resistance of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Free full text available at www.tumorionline.it
Inclusions in an isoferroplatinum nugget from the Freetown Layered Complex, Sierra Leone
Authors: Bowles John F. W. , Suárez Saioa , Prichard Hazel M. , Fisher Peter C. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTInclusions of platinum-group minerals (PGM) within alluvial isoferroplatinum nuggets from the Freetown Peninsula, Sierra Leone, are aligned with their shape determined by the structure of their host. The edges of the majority of the inclusions lie at 0°, 45° or 90° to external crystal edges of the nugget which shows that the inclusions are not randomly oriented earlier minerals incorporated within their host. The inclusions are later infills, probably formed at the surface of the nugget during growth and subsequently enclosed by the growing nugget. PGM on the present surface of the nugget represent the last stage of this partnership. A single nugget containing abundant inclusions is described here but similar features are observed in other nuggets from the same area. The inclusions contain laurite (RuS2), irarsite–hollingworthite (IrAsS–RhAsS), Pd–Te–Bi–Sb phases, Ir-alloy, Os-alloy, Pd-bearing Au, an Rh–Te phase, Pd–Au alloy and Pd–Pt–Cu alloy. PGM found on the nugget surface include laurite, irarsite and cuprorhodsite (CuRh2S4). The Pd–Te–Bi–Sb phases may include Sb-rich keithconnite (Pd20S7) and compositions close to the kotulskite–sobolevskite solid-solution series (PdTe–BiTe). Textural evidence suggests that formation of the nuggets began with the isoferroplatinum host and the voids were filled starting intergrowths of laurite and irarsite–hollingworthite with both laurite and irarsite–hollingworthite often showing compositional zonation and each of them replacing the other. Filling of the voids probably continued with Pd-Cu-bearing gold, Sb-rich keithconnite (Pd,Pt)20.06(Te,Sb,Bi)6.94, keithconnite, telluropalladinite Pd9(Te,Bi)4, RhTe and finally Ir-alloy and then Os-alloy. The nuggets are thought to be neoform growths in the organic- and bacterial-rich soils of the tropical rain forest cover of the Freetown intrusion. The mineralogical assemblage in the layered gabbros of the intrusion has been previously shown to differ from the alluvial assemblage in the rivers and these inclusions, not seen in Pt3Fe in the unaltered rocks, add a further item to the catalogue of differences.
Critical influences on the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma
Authors: Küppers Ralf , Stevenson Freda K. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The development of follicular lymphoma (FL) from a founder B cell with an upregulation of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), via the t(14;18) translocation, to a proliferating clone, poised to undergo further transformation to an aggressive lymphoma, illustrates the opportunistic Darwinian process of tumorigenesis. Protection against apoptosis allows an innocent cell to persist and divide, with dangerous accumulation of further mutational changes, commonly involving inactivation of chromatin-modifying genes. But this is not all. FL cells reflect normal B cells in relying on expression of surface immunoglobulin. In doing so, they add another supportive mechanism by exploiting the natural process of somatic hypermutation of the IGV genes. Positive selection of motifs for addition of glycan into the antigen-binding sites of virtually all cases, and the placement of unusual mannoses in those sites, reveals a posttranslational strategy to engage the microenvironment. A bridge between mannosylated surface immunoglobulin of FL cells and macrophage-expressed dendritic cell–specific ICAM-3–grabbing nonintegrin produces a persistent low-level signal that appears essential for life in the hostile germinal center. Early-stage FL therefore requires a triad of changes: protection from apoptosis, mutations in chromatin modifiers, and an ability to interact with lectin-expressing macrophages. These changes are common and persistent. Genetic/epigenetic analysis is providing important data but investigation of the posttranslational landscape is the next challenge. We have one glimpse of its operation via the influence of added glycan on the B-cell receptor of FL. The consequential interaction with environmental lectins illustrates how posttranslational modifications can be exploited by tumor cells, and could lead to new approaches to therapy.
A simplified scoring system in de novo follicular lymphoma treated initially with immunochemotherapy
Authors: Bachy Emmanuel , Maurer Matthew J. , Habermann Thomas M. , Gelas-Dore Bénédicte , Maucort-Boulch Delphine , Estell Jane A. , Van den Neste Eric , Bouabdallah Réda , Gyan Emmanuel , Feldman Andrew L. , Bargay Joan , Delmer Alain , Slager Susan L. , Gomes da Silva Maria , Fitoussi Olivier , Belada David , Maisonneuve Hervé , Intragumtornchai Tanin , Ansell Stephen M. , Lamy Thierry , Dartigues Peggy , Link Brian K. , Seymour John F. , Cerhan James R. , Salles Gilles 
Published: April 2018

Key PointsIn FL, no prognostic index has been built based solely on a large cohort of patients treated with initial immunochemotherapy. The PRIMA-PI is a simplified index based on β2m and bone marrow involvement for patients treated with immunochemotherapy.
A CD123-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, IMGN632, designed to eradicate AML while sparing normal bone marrow cells
Authors: Kovtun Yelena , Jones Gregory E. , Adams Sharlene , Harvey Lauren , Audette Charlene A. , Wilhelm Alan , Bai Chen , Rui Lingyun , Laleau Rassol , Liu Fenghua , Ab Olga , Setiady Yulius , Yoder Nicholas C. , Goldmacher Victor S. , Chari Ravi V. J. , Pinkas Jan , Chittenden Thomas 
Published: April 2018

Key Points
IMGN632 is a conjugate of a novel CD123-targeting antibody with a highly potent DNA alkylating payload. IMGN632 is active in preclinical models of AML with poor prognosis at concentrations far below levels that impact normal bone marrow cells.
Late Infection-Related Mortality in Asplenic Survivors of Childhood Cancer: A Report From the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Weil Brent R. , Madenci Arin L. , Liu Qi , Howell Rebecca M. , Gibson Todd M. , Yasui Yutaka , Neglia Joseph P. , Leisenring Wendy M. , Smith Susan A. , Tonorezos Emily S. , Friedman Danielle N. , Constine Louis S. , Tinkle Christopher L. , Diller Lisa R. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Weldon Christopher B. 
Published: April 2018

Purpose Infection-related outcomes associated with asplenia or impaired splenic function in survivors of childhood cancer remains understudied. Methods Late infection-related mortality was evaluated in 20,026 5-year survivors of childhood cancer (diagnosed < 21 years of age from 1970 to 1999; median age at diagnosis, 7.0 years [range, 0 to 20 years]; median follow-up, 26 years [range, 5 to 44 years]) using cumulative incidence and piecewise-exponential regression models to estimate adjusted relative rates (RRs). Splenic radiation was approximated using average dose (direct and/or indirect) to the left upper quadrant of the abdomen (hereafter, referred to as splenic radiation). Results Within 5 years of diagnosis, 1,354 survivors (6.8%) had a splenectomy and 9,442 (46%) had splenic radiation without splenectomy. With 62 deaths, the cumulative incidence of infection-related late mortality was 1.5% (95% CI, 0.7% to 2.2%) at 35 years after splenectomy and 0.6% (95% CI, 0.4% to 0.8%) after splenic radiation. Splenectomy (RR, 7.7; 95% CI, 3.1 to 19.1) was independently associated with late infection-related mortality. Splenic radiation was associated with increasing risk for late infection-related mortality in a dose-response relationship (0.1 to 9.9 Gy: RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.9 to 4.5; 10 to 19.9 Gy: RR, 5.5; 95% CI, 1.9 to 15.4; ≥ 20 Gy: RR, 6.0; 95% CI, 1.8 to 20.2). High-dose alkylator chemotherapy exposure was also independently associated with an increased risk of infection-related mortality (RR, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.4). Conclusion Splenectomy and splenic radiation significantly increase risk for late infection-related mortality. Even low- to intermediate-dose radiation exposure confers increased risk, suggesting that the spleen is highly radiosensitive. These findings should inform long-term follow-up guidelines for survivors of childhood cancer and should lead clinicians to avoid or reduce radiation exposure involving the spleen whenever possible.
A de-identified database of 11,979 verbal autopsy open-ended responses
Authors: Flaxman Abraham D. , Harman Lisa , Joseph Jonathan , Brown Jonathan , Murray Christopher J.L. 
Published: April 2018

As part of the Gates Grand Challenge 13, the Population Health Metrics Research Consortium (PHMRC) collected data to enable the development and validation of methods that measure cause-specific mortality in populations with incomplete or inadequate cause of death coding. This work yielded 11,979 verbal autopsy interviews (VAIs). In each, a field interviewer spoke with an individual familiar with the deceased and their final illness, and used a semi-structured questionnaire to collect information about the symptoms of the deceased in their final illness. The VAI collected demographic characteristics, possible risk factors (such as tobacco use), and other potentially contributing characteristics. It also included the open-ended question, “Could you please summarize, or tell us in your own words, any additional information about the illness and/or death of your loved one?” (open narrative). The VAI data were released in a de-identified format in September 2013 through the Global Health Data Exchange, in files that contain verbal autopsies that were collected at six sites in four countries (India, Mexico, Tanzania, and the Philippines). Due to research interest, we have now created redacted versions of the open narratives from the open-ended question of the questionnaire. We hope that this database will be the source of innovations that increase our knowledge about the causes of ill health and, through this knowledge, produce improvements in health for individuals and populations.
Zaimki – uniwersalny system referencji
Authors: Topolińska Zuzanna 
Published: April 2018

Pronouns – a universal system of reference
The author elaborates the thesis that pronouns, as a “pars orationis”, function as a universal system of reference in their respective linguistic code. She gives a short review of three pronominal subsystems in Polish from the point of view of their referential function: (a) definite pronouns, i.e. the basic means of referential identification; including personal, possessive and demonstrative pronouns, (b) indefinite pronouns, and (c) relative-interrogative pronouns.