bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is it Possible to Provide a Prognosis after Radical Prostatectomy for Prostate Cancer by Means of a Psa Regression Model?
Authors: May M. , Gunia S. , Helke C. , Braun K.P. , Pickenhain S. , Hoschke B. 
Published: January 2018

Background For over 15 years, studies have been done to evaluate the elimination kinetics of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) after radical prostatectomy. Even though evaluation of PSA regression in the two-compartment model has become established, no clear data are currently available as to whether a statement can be made with regard to tumor prognosis from a computation of the PSA half-life (PSA-HL). This study focuses on the determination of the PSA-HL in the two-compartment model and on its correlation with the biochemical recurrence-free survival. In addition, a computer program is being developed to simplify the determination of PSA-HL. Material and methods Seventy-seven prospective patients were examined who subsequently had a radical prostatectomy at our facility without neoadjuvant or adjuvant hormone deprivation. In addition to preoperative measurement of the PSA value (d0), PSA determinations were carried out postoperatively on days 5, 10 and 60, and at four-monthly intervals thereafter (mean follow-up: 16 months). By means of the computer program developed for this purpose, CTK. TumW, the PSA half-lives for the first (d0–d5, PSA-HL1) and second (d5–d10, PSA-HL2) compartments were subsequently determined and their effect on biochemical recurrence-free survival was assessed. Results PSA-HL1 and PSA-HL2 were 1.89 (± 0.03) and 3.39 (± 0.14) days, respectively. Whilst PSA-HL1 did not permit any prognostic statement, the median PSA-HL in the second compartment between patients with and without disease progression differed significantly (4.44 versus 3.12 days; p<0.001). Discrimination analysis produced a cutoff of 3.8 days for the second compartment; patients with a PSA-HL2 ≥3.8 days had a significantly worse biochemical recurrence-free survival after 18 months than the other patients (27% versus 93%; p<0.001). Conclusion The PSA regression kinetics after radical prostatectomy follows a two-compartment model in which the prognostic value of the PSA-HL1 is limited. When a cutoff of 3.8 days is used, evaluation of the PSA-HL in compartment 2 (d5–10) appears to permit a prognostic statement. Due to the limited postsurgical follow-up, the disease process was only assessed as biochemical recurrence-free survival, and a longer follow-up will be necessary to generate data on progression-free survival.
Human Papillomavirus (Hpv) Typing in Relation to ras Oncogene mRNA Expression in HPV-Associated Human Squamous Cervical Neoplasia
Authors: Mammas I.N. , Zafiropoulos A. , Sifakis S. , Sourvinos G. , Spandidos D.A. 
Published: January 2018

Objective Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as the principal etiologic agent for cervical cancer and its precursors. Different HPV types have been associated with different oncogenic potential. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between specific HPV type infection and expression pattern of the ras family oncogenes in different grades of HPV-associated human cervical neoplasia. Methods HPV typing was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 31 HPV-positive human cervical specimens from patients with squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) or squamous cervical carcinoma (SCC). The mRNA expression levels of H-, K- and N-ras oncogenes were examined using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software. Results Among patients with SCC, H-, K- and N-ras expression levels were higher in HPV 16/18-associated cases compared to HPV 16/18-unassociated samples (p=0.003, p=0.004 and p=0.0001, respectively). The expression levels for H-, K-and N-ras were significantly higher in SCC patients with multiple HPV infection compared with SCC patients with single HPV infection (p=0.009, p=0.01 and p=0.021, respectively). Among patients with SIL, no statistically significant relationship was found between ras expression and HPV status. Conclusion Our findings indicate the possible role of ras signaling interaction with “high-risk” HPV 16/18 and multiple HPV infection in cervical cancer development.
An Italian Program of External Quality Control for Chromogranin A (CgA) Assay: State of the Art of Cga Measurement
Authors:   Italian Network for Quality Assessment of Tumor Biomarkers (INQAT) Group, Paradiso A. , Verderio P. , Pizzamiglio S. , Cortese M.E. , Marubini E. , Dittadi R. , Gion M. , De Appollonia L. 
Published: January 2018

Chromogranin A (CgA) is a secretory protein produced by many neuroendocrine cells. Circulating levels of CgA have been found to be elevated in a variety of neuroendocrine tumors and may facilitate the diagnosis and management of patients with functioning as well as non-functioning forms. However, up to now the analytical methods used for assaying intact CgA and CgA-derived peptides in the circulation of patients have not been monitored in Italy by an external quality control program. Within the framework of a Ministry of Health project an external quality control program was developed to investigate the state of the art of CgA determination in Italy and to monitor the performance of laboratories carrying out this assay. This paper deals primarily with the former of these aspects. Every laboratory received the study protocol together with a questionnaire to be returned before receipt of the samples to be assayed. Serum and plasma samples obtained from a pool of routine specimens were prepared at three different concentrations of CgA, aliquoted, frozen at –80°C and mailed in dry ice to the participating laboratories. Of the 43 laboratories, 21 used IRMA, 21 used ELISA and one used RIA. There was a wide range in the time of kit utilization and the number of samples assayed per year, which indicated that the participating group was heterogeneous with regard to their experience in the determination of CgA. Most laboratories routinely used serum and plasma for IRMA and ELISA, respectively, and different data fitting approaches were employed. Further analyses will investigate the possible influence of these pre-analytical factors on laboratory performance.
Differential Expression Patterns of Irf3 and Irf7 in Pediatric Lymphoid Disorders
Authors: Park H.S. , Kim Y.J. , Bae Y.K. , Lee N.H. , Lee Y.J. , Hah J.O. , Park T.I. , Lee K.S. , Park J.B. , Kim H.S. 
Published: January 2018

Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are multifunctional transcriptional factors. To define the role of IRFs in lymphoid disorders, we determined the expression patterns of IRF3 and IRF7 by immunohistochemistry in 5 normal lymph nodes, 12 reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes, and 27 pediatric lymphomas. IRF3 was prominently expressed in the nuclei of the histiocytes, and was expressed very weakly in the cytoplasm of most of the lymphocytes of the normal lymph nodes. However, IRF7 was expressed strongly in the nuclei of over 50% of the lymphocytes throughout the normal lymph nodes, but the histiocytes and fibroblasts were spared. In the reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes, the number of IRF3- and IRF7-positive cells in the nuclei was elevated. In the lymphomas, the number of IRF3-positive cells in the nucleus appeared to have decreased, and the cells were scattered throughout the lymphoma tissue in no specific pattern. However, in most cases the number of IRF7-positive cells was elevated. These results suggested that IRF3 was activated principally in the histiocytes and T cells under inflammatory conditions, but IRF3 activation was attenuated in cases of lymphoma. However, the number of IRF7-positive cells was found to be elevated in the reactive hyperplastic lymph nodes and pediatric lymphoma.
Assessment of the Biological Variation of Plasma Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1
Authors: Frederiksen C.B. , Lomholt A.F. , Lottenburger T. , Davis G.J. , Dowell B.L. , Blankenstein M.A. , Christensen I.J. , Brünner N. , Nielsen H.J. 
Published: January 2018

Background Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) measurements in plasma may be useful for the early detection and prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Data on analytical performance and normal intra- and interindividual biological variation are required in order to interpret the utility of TIMP-1 in CRC. The aim of this study was to establish the biological and analytical variation of plasma TIMP-1 in volunteers. Material and methods Three separate studies were undertaken. 1: Plasma was collected from 23 volunteers 6 times within a 3-week period, first in September 2004 (round [R] 1), then repeated in May 2005 (R2) and May 2006 (R3) in the same group of individuals. TIMP-1 levels were determined by the MAC15 ELISA assay and with the Abbott ARCHITECT i2000 Immunoanalyzer. 2: Circadian variation was evaluated in plasma collected 7 times within a 24-hour period (n=16). 3: Effects of physical exercise were evaluated in plasma collected before and after bicycling (n=14). In studies 2 and 3 TIMP-1 levels were determined with the MAC15 ELISA assay only. Results A significant correlation between TIMP-1 MAC15 and ARCHITECT i2000 was shown (rs=0.78, p<0.002), with consistently higher levels being detected by the ARCHITECT i2000. Median levels of TIMP-1 (ARCHITECT) at 8 a.m. in each round were 74.9 ng/mL (range 65.7–89.9) (R1), 87.3 ng/mL (range 72.7–127.9) (R2), and 81.9 ng/mL (range 66.8–113.6) (R3). The within-subject variation was 10.7%, the variation between rounds was 7.4%, and the intraclass correlation was 46.2%. Comparison between the 3 rounds and time of collection showed that TIMP-1 values decreased by 11% after storage for more than 16 months (p=0.0002). A systematic circadian variation in plasma TIMP-1 levels was not observed (p=0.17). No significant variation of plasma TIMP-1 was found in relation to physical exercise (p=0.92 [global test]). Conclusion Levels of plasma TIMP-1 in volunteers show limited circadian, day-to-day, week-to-week and season-to-season variation. In addition, physical exercise has no impact on plasma TIMP-1 levels. Possible storage-dependent decreases in plasma TIMP-1 levels warrant further investigation.
Parallel Assessment of Circulatory Cell-Free DNA by PCR and Nucleosomes by ELISA in Breast Tumors
Authors: Seefeld M. , El Tarhouny S. , Fan A.X.C. , Hahn S. , Holzgreve W. , Zhong X.Y. 
Published: January 2018

Objectives In order to assess the potential biomolecules for breast cancer, we analyzed in parallel the levels of cell-free glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) and cell-free nucleosomes in serum samples from patients with benign and malignant breast tumors. The levels of cell-free DNA obtained by quantitative PCR were compared with those obtained by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Methods Twenty-three patients with benign breast tumors, 27 patients with breast cancer, and 32 age-matched healthy women were recruited. The amounts of serum nucleosomes were analyzed by ELISA and the levels of cell-free GAPDH were measured by real-time quantitative PCR. The correlation between nucleosome and cell-free GAPDH levels was examined using the Spearman rank test. Results The levels of cell-free GAPDH were significantly higher in the serum samples of patients with benign and malignant breast tumors than in those of the control group (median 37,966 GE/mL, range 3,802–130,104 versus 11,770 GE/mL, range 2,198–73,522, p=0.035 and median 40,698 GE/mL, range 3,644–192,482 versus 11,770 GE/mL range 2,198–73,522, p=0.001). The concentration of cell-free GAPDH correlated significantly with the quantities of nucleosomes in serum samples (r=0.451, p=0.000). There was, however, no significant difference between healthy individuals and women with benign breast tumors or breast cancer in terms of nucleosomes determined by ELISA. Conclusion Our data suggest that the cell-free serum GAPDH DNA assayed by quantitative PCR is a better biomarker than nucleosomes assayed by ELISA in patients with breast tumors.
Association of Interleukin-6 –174G>C Promoter Polymorphism with Risk of Cervical Cancer
Authors: Gangwar Ruchika , Mittal Balraj , Mittal Rama Devi 
Published: January 2018

Background The etiology of cervical cancer is associated with excessive–inflammation-mediated tumorigenesis. Interleukin-6 ( IL-6), a multifunctional cytokine, regulates inflammation and various physiological processes. We therefore aimed to evaluate the association of the IL-6 –174G>C polymorphism with predisposition to cervical cancer. Materials and methods The present case-control study comprised 160 histopathologically confirmed cases of cervical cancer and 200 healthy controls. Polymorphism for the IL-6 gene was genotyped by amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results We observed a significant association of the IL-6 –174CC genotype with risk of cervical cancer (OR=3.16; p=0.014). An increased risk of developing stage I tumors was found in individuals with a heterozygous (GC) genotype (OR=3.63, p=0.003). In a case-only analysis, the risk was further increased in patients consuming tobacco products (OR=3.14; p=0.033). Conclusion The CC genotype in the IL-6 promoter region may confer a high risk of cervical cancer, which is further modulated in patients who are tobacco users.
Haptoglobin Genotypes in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Lee Ching-Chih , Lin Hon-Yi , Hung Shih-Kai , Li Dian-Kun , Ho Hsu-Chueh , Lee Moon-Sing , Tung Ya-Ting , Chou Pesus , Su Yu-Chieh 
Published: January 2018

Aim Haptoglobin polymorphisms are associated with different cancers; however, the occurrence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in relation to haptoglobin polymorphisms has not been reported. In this study, the distribution of haptoglobin genotypes among patients with NPC was investigated and the prognostic significance of haptoglobin genotypes was further analyzed. Material and methods Haptoglobin genotypes were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction and electrophoresis. The genotypes were determined in the sera of 49 NPC patients and in 134 controls. Results The haptoglobin genotypes of patients with NPC were as follows: Hp 1–1, 2%; Hp 2–1, 39%; Hp 2–2, 59%. The frequency of the Hp 2–2 genotype was much higher in NPC patients than in control individuals (p=0.044). Furthermore, NPC patients with the Hp 2–2 genotype had advanced T stages (p=0.001) and larger primary tumor volumes (p=0.035) than those with Hp 2–1 or 1–1. Conclusion An increased frequency of the Hp 2–2 genotype was associated with NPC. The Hp 2 allele was also overexpressed in NPC patients. NPC patients with the Hp 2–2 genotype had advanced T stage and a larger primary tumor volume. Hp 2–2 may be a negative prognostic factor in NPC.
20–25% Lower Concentrations of Total and Free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) after Calibration of PSA Assays to the WHO Reference Materials – Analysis of 1098 Patients in Four Centers
Authors: Stephan Carsten , Bangma Chris , Vignati Giulio , Bartsch Georg , Lein Michael , Jung Klaus , Philippe Marianne , Semjonow Axel , Catalona William J. 
Published: January 2018

Aim To examine the potential clinical implications of the recalibration of total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free PSA (fPSA) assays to the World Health Organization (WHO) standard materials. Material and methods Data from 1098 patients with or without clinically detected prostate cancer (PCa) from four independent cohort studies were compared using commercial assays calibrated to the traditional Hybritech® PSA (PSA-Hyb) and fPSA (fPSA-Hyb) standards and to the WHO 96/670 (PSA-WHO) and 96/668 (fPSA-WHO) standards. The Access® Immunoassay System (Beckman Coulter, Inc.) was used in all studies. Results All studies showed 20% to 25% lower PSA and fPSA test results with the WHO-standardized assays. No significant change in %fPSA (fPSA/PSA × 100) was observed. Continuing to use the traditional clinical PSA cutoffs obtained with the Hybritech standard after changing to the PSA-WHO standard could result in up to one-third of prostate cancer cases being missed. Conclusions: Manufacturers should fully inform laboratories about a calibration change and its clinical impact. Laboratory reports for PSA measurements should indicate the assay's manufacturer and which calibration standard was used to avoid misleading information concerning PCa risk
Evaluation of PD-L1/PD-1 on circulating tumor cells in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Kallergi Galatea , Vetsika Eleni-Kyriaki , Aggouraki Despoina , Lagoudaki Eleni , Koutsopoulos Anastasios , Koinis Filippos , Katsarlinos Panagiotis , Trypaki Maria , Messaritakis Ippokratis , Stournaras Christos , Georgoulias Vassilis , Kotsakis Athanasios 
Published: January 2018

Background: Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could escape from the immune system through the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)/programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) axis leading to the development of metastasis. The current study investigated the expression of PD-1/PD-L1 on CTCs isolated from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with chemotherapy. Patients and methods: CTCs were isolated from 30 chemo-naïve stage IV NSCLC patients before and after front-line chemotherapy using the ISET filtration platform. CTCs were detected by Giemsa and immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Samples were analyzed with the ARIOL system. Results: Giemsa staining revealed that 28 (93.3%) out of 30 and 9 (81.8%) out of 11 patients had detectable CTCs at baseline and after the third chemotherapy cycle, respectively. Cytokeratin (CK)+/CD45- CTCs by IF could be detected in 17 of 30 (56.7%) patients at baseline and in 8 of 11 (72.7%) after the third chemotherapy cycle. Spearman analysis revealed a significant correlation ( p = 0.001) between Giemsa-positive and IF-positive (CK+/CD45-) CTCs. At baseline, PD-1 and PD-L1 expression was observed in 53% and in 47% CK-positive patients, respectively. After the third treatment cycle the corresponding numbers were 13% and 63% respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly shorter in patients with >3 PD-1(+) CTCs at baseline compared with those with <3 PD-1(+) CTCs ( p = 0.022) as well as in patients with >1 Giemsa-positive tumor cells ( p = 0.025). Conclusion: PD-1(+) and PD-L1(+) CTCs could be detected before and after front-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic NSCLC. The presence of high PD-1(+) CTC numbers before treatment is associated with a poor patient clinical outcome.
Neurocognitive Deficits Associated With ADHD in Athletes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Poysophon Poyrung , Rao Ashwin L. 
Published: January 2018

Context: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder and is frequently diagnosed in young adults. Emerging studies suggest a relationship between ADHD and concussion. Objective: To determine whether athletes with ADHD are at increased risk for neurocognitive deficits related to concussion risk, symptom reporting, and recovery. Data Sources: A comprehensive search of PubMed, CINAHL, PsychInfo, and Cochrane Library databases was performed. Studies conducted between 2006 and 2017 were reviewed, although only those between 2013 and 2017 met inclusion criteria. Study Selection: Studies that examined neurocognitive deficits in adolescent and young adult athletes aged 15 to 19 years who had ADHD and reported using notable neuropsychological evaluation tools were included. Study Design: Systematic review. Level of Evidence: Level 2. Results: A total of 17 studies met the inclusion criteria. The prevalence of ADHD in athletes varied between 4.2% and 8.1%. Overall, athletes with ADHD demonstrated lower scores on neurocognitive testing such as the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Test), increased risk for concussion, and increased symptom reporting. There was no evidence that treatment with stimulant medication changed these risks. Conclusion: ADHD is associated with increased neurocognitive deficits in athletes, although pathophysiology remains unclear. Evidence for stimulant treatment in athletes with ADHD continues to be sparse.
Topographic Analysis of the Distal Femoral Condyle Articular Cartilage Surface: Adequacy of the Graft from Opposite Condyles of the Same or Different Size for the Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation
Authors: Yanke Adam B. , Urita Atsushi , Shin Jason J. , Cvetanovich Greg L. , Moran Erin K. , Bach Bernard R. , Cole Brian J. , Inoue Nozomu , Verma Nikhil N. 
Published: January 2018

Objective To analyze the topography of the opposite condyle to treat focal femoral condyle articular defects with an osteochondral allograft (OCA). Design Three groups were created: Group 1, same condyle with same width; Group 2, opposite condyle with same width; Group 3, opposite condyle with different width. Computed tomography (CT) of 22 cadaveric femoral hemi-condyles was used to create 3-dimensional CT models that were exported into point-cloud models. Three zones of the donor condyle (anterior, middle, and posterior) were quantified. Four defect sizes were created (15, 18, 23, 25 mm) at the weight-bearing region. The defect was moved throughout each donor condyle zone and the least distance was calculated, defined as the shortest distance between the defect and the donor condyle. Results The mean least distance increased with larger defect size in all groups, yet there was a less than 0.2 mm difference in the least distance among defect sizes. The 15, 18, and 23 mm defect models in Group 1 exhibited greater least distances at the anterior than middle and posterior zones. The 15 mm defect model exhibited greater least distance at the anterior zone than posterior zone in Group 3. However, there was a less than 0.05 mm difference in the mean least distance between zones. There was no significant difference in the least distance between groups. Conclusion OCAs from opposite condyles yield similar topographic matching to OCAs from the same condyles, suggesting that opposite condyles can be utilized. Clinical correlation and outcomes are necessary.
Clinical characteristic and intraoperative findings of uterine perforation patients in using of intrauterine devices (IUDs)
Authors: Sun Xin , Xue Min , Deng Xinliang , Lin Yun , Tan Ying , Wei Xueli 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Background
Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are the most popular form of contraception used worldwide; however, IUD is not risk-free. IUD migrations, especially uterine perforations, were frequently occurred in patients. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics and intraoperative findings in patients with migrated IUDs.

Results
29 cases of uterine perforation associated with migrated IUDs and 69 control patients were followed between January 2008 to March 2015. Patients who used IUDs within first 6 months from the last delivery experienced a characteristically high rate of the perforation of the uterine wall. A significantly larger number of IUD insertion associated with uterine perforation were performed in rural hospitals or operated at a lower level health care system. There was no clear difference in the age and presented symptoms in patients between two groups. Majority of contraceptive intrauterine devices was the copper-releasing IUDs. Furthermore, patients who used V-shaped IUD showed significantly higher incidence of pelvic adhesions when compared with the users of O-shaped IUDs.

Conclusions
Unique clinical characteristics of IUD migration were identified in patients with uterine perforation. Hysteroscopy and/or laparoscopy were the effective approaches to remove the migrated IUDs. Improving operating skills is required at the lower level of health care system.