bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
EGFR gene copy number as a predictive biomarker for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Zu-Yao , Shen Wei-Xi , Hu Xue-Feng , Zheng Da-Yong , Wu Xin-Yin , Huang Ya-Fang , Chen Jin-Zhang , Mao Chen , Tang Jin-Ling 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Background
Epidermal growth factor receptor gene copy number (EGFR GCN) has been heavily investigated as a potential predictive biomarker for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). The objective of this study was to systematically review current evidences on this issue.

Methods
PubMed, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Wanfang Data, and the conference abstracts of American Society of Clinical Oncology and European Society of Medical Oncology were comprehensively searched. Studies that reported the objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival, and/or overall survival of mCRC patients treated with anti-EGFR MAbs, stratified by EGFR GCN status, were included. The effect measures for binary outcome (response) and time-to-event outcomes (progression-free survival and overall survival) were risk difference and hazard ratio, respectively. Statistical heterogeneity among the studies was assessed by the Cochran’s Q-test and the I
2 statistic. If appropriate, a quantitative synthesis of data from different studies would be conducted with a random-effects model.

Results
Nineteen eligible studies were identified. The criteria for increased EGFR GCN (GCN+) were highly inconsistent across different studies. The prevalence of GCN + ranged from 6.9% to 88.9%, and the difference in ORR between patients with GCN + and those with non-increased EGFR GCN (GCN-) varied from −28% to 84%. Because of the significant heterogeneity, no quantitative synthesis of data was performed. There was a general trend towards higher ORR in patients with GCN+. The difference in ORRs between patients with GCN + and those with GCN- was even greater in KRAS wild-type patients, while in KRAS mutated patients the difference often did not exist. Almost all patients with EGFR amplification responded to the treatment. However, the prevalence of EGFR amplification was generally low. Incomplete data on progression-free survival and overall survival seemingly supported the findings on ORR.

Conclusions
Although increased EGFR GCN is generally associated with a better outcome of anti-EGFR MAbs treatment, especially among patients with wild-type KRAS, the clinical utility of this biomarker for selecting recipients of anti-EGFR MAbs would be severely limited by the heterogeneous scoring system and the poor reproducibility of EGFR GCN enumeration due to technical reasons.
Continuous beta-lactam infusion in critically ill patients: the clinical evidence
Authors: Abdul-Aziz Mohd H , Dulhunty Joel M , Bellomo Rinaldo , Lipman Jeffrey , Roberts Jason A 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
There is controversy over whether traditional intermittent bolus dosing or continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics is preferable in critically ill patients. No significant difference between these two dosing strategies in terms of patient outcomes has been shown yet. This is despite compelling in vitro and in vivo pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data. A lack of significance in clinical outcome studies may be due to several methodological flaws potentially masking the benefits of continuous infusion observed in preclinical studies. In this review, we explore the methodological shortcomings of the published clinical studies and describe the criteria that should be considered for performing a definitive clinical trial. We found that most trials utilized inconsistent antibiotic doses and recruited only small numbers of heterogeneous patient groups. The results of these trials suggest that continuous infusion of beta-lactam antibiotics may have variable efficacy in different patient groups. Patients who may benefit from continuous infusion are critically ill patients with a high level of illness severity. Thus, future trials should test the potential clinical advantages of continuous infusion in this patient population. To further ascertain whether benefits of continuous infusion in critically ill patients do exist, a large-scale, prospective, multinational trial with a robust design is required.
Purification and characterization of a novel plant lectin from Pinellia ternata with antineoplastic activity
Authors: Zuo Zhenyu , Fan Handong , Wang Xue , Zhou Wei , Li Lingling 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
A novel Pinellia ternata lectin was purified from the bulbs of a Chinese herb Pinellia ternata using a combination of hydrophobic chromatography and DEAE-ion exchange chromatography. The lectin was found to be a homodimer of 12093.3 Da subunits as determined by gel filtration and MS. Biochemical characterization of the lectin revealed the existence of a glycoprotein, which contains 3.22% neutral sugars. The N-terminal 10-amino acid sequence of the lectin, QGVNISGQVK, has not been reported for other lectins. The lectin had a special agglutinating activity with mouse erythrocytes at a minimum concentration of 8.0 ug/ml. The lectin was stable in the pH range of pH 5–12 and temperatures up to 80°C for 30 min. The results of MTT experiment showed that the lectin had significant effect towards tumor cells, the maximum inhibition of cell proliferation with Sarcoma 180, HeLa and K562 cell line were 85.2%, 74.6% and 59.4% respectively. Experimental therapy in vivo also showed that PTL apparently inhibited transplanted tumor in mice. Flow cytometric analysis demonstrated that PTL inhibited the proliferation of Sarcoma 180 in a time- and dose-dependent manner through inhibiting the transition of G1/S and subsequently inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest. Thus, Pinellia ternata lectin displays a high potential for antitumor activity.
The association of carotid intima media thickness with retinol binding protein-4 and total and high molecular weight adiponectin in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Mansouri Masoumeh , Heshmat Ramin , Tabatabaei-Malazy Ozra , Sharifi Farshad , Badamchizadeh Zohreh , Alatab Sudabeh , Omidfar Kobra , Fakhrzadeh Hossein , Larijani Bagher 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background
The aim of this study was to investigate whether carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) is associated with serum level of retinol- binding protein-4 (RBP4) and total and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin in type 2 diabetes (T2DM) without clinical symptom of atherosclerotic disease.

Method
101 type 2 diabetic patients (mean age, 53.63 ± 8.42 years) and 42 body mass index (BMI) matched control (mean age 50.1 ± 8.4) were recruited. The CIMT was assessed by using B-mode ultrasonography, while serum levels of RBP4 and total and HMW adiponectin were measured by using enzyme linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA). Linear regression analysis was performed with CIMT as dependent variable and adipokines and cardio metabolic risk factors as independent variables.

Result
The CIMT was higher in diabetic group compared to control group (p <0.05). The mean concentration of RBP4 and total and HMW adiponectin did not differ between two groups.
Age (B = 0.44 P <0.05), blood pressure (B = 0.37 P = <0.05), waist circumference (B = −0.21 P <0.05) and TG (B = 0.1 P <0.05) were identified as independent predictors for CIMT in diabetic group, while RBP4 and adiponectin were not associated with CIMT neither in diabetic group nor in control group.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the present study showed that serum levels of RBP4 or total and HMW adiponectin were not potential predictors of CIMT in type 2 diabetic patients who exposed to this risk factor at least for nine years.
Existence of solution for impulsive hybrid differential equation
Authors: Adams Brandi M , Davis Naleceia , Epps Paige , Miller Frederick , Mullen DeAndrai , Vatsala Aghalaya S 
Published: August 2012

Abstract

Purpose
Many problems in science and engineering can be modeled by nonlinear differential equations with initial conditions. The logistic equation is used widely in the study of population growth and decay. The logistic equation also has applications in ecology, statistics, medicine, chemistry, and physics, to name a few. Over time, the population growth or decay tends toward the stable equilibrium. However, in reality, some populations approach extinction or grow away from the equilibrium, and a new equilibrium will be formed. In addition, due to natural causes or unpredictable circumstances like explosions in an oil rig, hurricanes, or flooding at some time, t, the population will jump down or up in a small interval of time. These combined situations can be modeled as impulsive hybrid differential equations. In general, solutions to the nonlinear differential equations cannot be computed analytically.

Methods
It is known that a fruitful method,which is both theoretical and computational, is the generalized monotone method with coupled lower and upper solutions. Furthermore, under uniqueness assumption, we proved the existence of a unique solution.

Results
In this work, we extend the generalized monotone method with coupled upper and lower solutions to impulsive hybrid nonlinear differential equation.

Conclusions
Finally, we provide some numerical examples.
Dystrophic neurites express C9orf72 in Alzheimer's disease brains
Authors: Satoh Jun-ichi , Tabunoki Hiroko , Ishida Tsuyoshi , Saito Yuko , Arima Kunimasa 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 (C9orf72) is an evolutionarily conserved protein with unknown function, expressed at high levels in the brain. An expanded hexanucleotide GGGGCC repeat located in the first intron of the C9orf72 gene represents the most common genetic cause of familial frontotemporal dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Previous studies by immunohistochemistry with two different anti-C9orf72 antibodies named sc-138763 and HPA023873 showed that C9orf72 is expressed chiefly in the cytoplasm of neurons, and is concentrated in the synaptic terminals in the brains of FTD/ALS with or without C9orf72 repeat expansion as well as those of controls. At present, a pathological role of C9orf72 in the process of neurodegeneration remains unknown.

Methods
Using immunohistochemistry we studied C9orf72 expression in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus of six Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 13 control cases, including ALS, Parkinson's disease, multiple system atrophy, and non-neurological cases.

Results
The HPA023873 antibody showed a cross-reactivity to glial fibrillary acidic protein, and therefore stained intensely reactive astrocytes in AD and non-AD brains. Both sc-138763 and HPA023873 antibodies labeled the neuronal cytoplasm and the neuropil with variable intensities, and intensely stained a cluster of p62-negative, UBQLN1-positive swollen neurites, which were distributed in the CA1 region and the molecular layer in the hippocampus of both AD and non-AD brains. Most notably, both of these antibodies reacted strongly with dystrophic neurites accumulated on senile plaques in AD brains.

Conclusion
These results suggest a general role of C9orf72 in the process of neurodegeneration in a range of human neurodegenerative diseases.
A perioperative infusion of sodium bicarbonate does not improve renal function in cardiac surgery patients: a prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Heringlake Matthias , Heinze Hermann , Schubert Maria , Nowak Yvonne , Guder Janina , Kleinebrahm Maria , Paarmann Hauke , Hanke Thorsten , Schön Julika 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Cardiac-surgery-associated-acute-kidney-injury (CSA-AKI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Recent data from patients undergoing on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting suggest that a perioperative infusion of sodium-bicarbonate may decrease the incidence of CSA-AKI. The present study aims to analyze the renoprotective effects of a 24h infusion of sodium-bicarbonate in a large, heterogeneous group of cardiac surgical patients

Methods
Starting in 4/2009, all patients undergoing cardiac surgery at our institution were enrolled in a prospective trial analyzing the relationship between preoperative cerebral oxygen saturation and postoperative organ dysfunction. We used this prospectively sampled data set to perform a cohort analysis of the renoprotective efficiency of a 24h continuous perioperative infusion of sodium-bicarbonate on the incidence of CSA-AKI that was routinely introduced in 7/2009. After exclusion of patients with endstage chronic kidney disease, off-pump procedures, and emergency cases, perioperative changes in renal function were assessed in 280 patients treated with a perioperative infusion of 4 mmol sodium-bicarbonate / kg body weight in comparison with a control cohort of 304 patients enrolled from April to June in this prospective cohort study.
Postoperative changes in urine flow, plasma creatinine, estimated creatinine clearance, and the need for renal replacement therapy were determined according to AKI injury network criteria. Concomitantly, hemodynamics, treatments, complications, and clinical outcomes were recorded. Univariate statistical analyses were performed para- and nonparametrically, as appropriate.

Results
With the exception of a lower prevalence of a history of myocardial infarction and a lower preoperative use of intravenous heparin in the bicarbonate-group, no significant between group differences in patient demographics, surgical risk, type, and duration of surgery were observed. Patients in the bicarbonate group had a lower mean arterial blood pressure after induction of anesthesia, needed more fluids, more vasopressors, and a longer treatment time in the high dependency unit. Despite a higher postoperative diuresis, no differences in the incidence of AKI grade 1 to 3 and the need for renal replacement were observed.

Conclusions
Routine perioperative administration of sodium bicarbonate failed to improve postoperative renal function in a large population of cardiac surgical patients.
Proteogenomic characterization and mapping of nucleosomes decoded by Brd and HP1 proteins
Authors: LeRoy Gary , Chepelev Iouri , DiMaggio Peter A , Blanco Mario A , Zee Barry M , Zhao Keji , Garcia Benjamin A 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Background
Histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) constitute a branch of epigenetic mechanisms that can control the expression of eukaryotic genes in a heritable manner. Recent studies have identified several PTM-binding proteins containing diverse specialized domains whose recognition of specific PTM sites leads to gene activation or repression. Here, we present a high-throughput proteogenomic platform designed to characterize the nucleosomal make-up of chromatin enriched with a set of histone PTM binding proteins known as histone PTM readers. We support our findings with gene expression data correlating to PTM distribution.

Results
We isolated human mononucleosomes bound by the bromodomain-containing proteins Brd2, Brd3 and Brd4, and by the chromodomain-containing heterochromatin proteins HP1β and HP1α. Histone PTMs were quantified by mass spectrometry (ChIP-qMS), and their associated DNAs were mapped using deep sequencing. Our results reveal that Brd- and HP1-bound nucleosomes are enriched in histone PTMs consistent with actively transcribed euchromatin and silent heterochromatin, respectively. Data collected using RNA-Seq show that Brd-bound sites correlate with highly expressed genes. In particular, Brd3 and Brd4 are most enriched on nucleosomes located within HOX gene clusters, whose expression is reduced upon Brd4 depletion by short hairpin RNA.

Conclusions
Proteogenomic mapping of histone PTM readers, alongside the characterization of their local chromatin environments and transcriptional information, should prove useful for determining how histone PTMs are bound by these readers and how they contribute to distinct transcriptional states.
Detection of creatine kinase macroenzymes
Authors: Davidson D Fraser , Scott Julie G 
Published: August 2012

Background It is vital to detect macroenzymes in patients’ plasma or serum since their presence may lead to spurious elevation of enzyme activity, thereby causing diagnostic confusion. Our service for macroenzyme detection has been made available to laboratories throughout the UK. This report describes our laboratory's experience with macro-creatine kinase (CK) detection over a 10-year period. Methods In each sample received, the presence of macro-CK was looked for by both polyethylene glycol percent precipitable activity (%PPA) and isoenzyme electrophoresis (IsoEP). The accumulated findings over 10 years were reviewed. Results Out of a total number of 255 requests received from throughout the UK, 30 patients (11.8%) were found to be positive for macro-CK (28 type 1 and 2 type 2). Among those found to be positive, the total CK elevation was relatively modest and the %PPA positively correlated with macro-CK by IsoEP and densitometry (Spearman rs = 0.631). The upper reference limit for %PPA of CK could be increased from 37% to 45% after assessment by both an International Federation of Clinical Chemistry-approved calculation and by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Conclusions Adoption of this change would allow for a more cost-effective investigation protocol. More than 80% of those positive for macro-CK type 1 (immunoglobulin bound) were female, which conforms to findings in many autoimmune processes.
Characterization of a Natural Dye by Spectroscopic and Chromatographic Techniques
Authors: Espinosa-Morales Y. , Reyes J. , Hermosín B. , Azamar-Barrios J. A. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTNatural dyes have been extracted from both plants and animal to give color to textiles and handicrafts. This is the case of purple dye extracted fromJusticia spicigera Schldt, an acanthaceae used as a color source since pre-Hispanic period in the Mayan area of Mexico and Central America. Spectroscopic (UV-Vis and FT-IR) and chromatographic (PY-GC/MS) techniques were employed in order to characterize some of their chemical properties. UV-VIS absorption spectra indicates a λmaxpeak at 581 nm, value associated to anthocyanins group under bathochromic effect. On the other hand, a structural characterization realized by FT-IR and Py-GC/MS indicated the presence of polar hydroxibenzoic acids and phenolic compounds which are characteristics of the molecular structure of anthocyanins.
Foreing Produced Shell Objects in the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan
Authors: Castro Adrián Velázquez , Arellano Belem Zúñiga , García Guerrero José María 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe analyses of work traces in the shell objects found in the offerings of the Great Temple of Tenochtitlan, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), has allowed to find an important group of objects made locally in Tenochtitlan. These shell pieces have been found in the constructive stages IVb to VII (1469-1520). Recently, another groups of objects have been found that present different work traces and that seems to be foreign productions. In this paper this new data will be presented and it will be discuss the possible origin of the objects.
Comparative Study of Two Blue Pigments from the Maya Region of Yucatan
Authors: Fernández-Sabido Silvia , Palomo-Carrillo Yoly , Burgos-Villanueva Rafael , de Coss Romeo 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTA comparative study of two blue pigment found in separate megalithic structures in Yucatán México is presented. The first sample (M1) is a piece of turquoise stucco discovered at the top of a building known as Structure-2 in the town of Dzilam González. The second sample (M2) is a residual blue powder that was contained in a Oxcum Café type ceramic vessel recovered in the rubble of the Kabul building in Izamal city. The interest in characterizing these samples increases with the possibility of finding in them evidence of Maya Blue, a dye created in the eighth century by the Maya people, whose extraordinary physical and chemical properties have been studied in laboratories around the world. Maya Blue was a tailored technology used for several centuries, even during the Spanish occupation, throughout Mesoamerica. Despite 80 years of study, the mysteries of its composition, traditional preparation and obsolescence have not yet been fully resolved. Using different spectroscopic techniques (SEM, EDX, XRD, FTIR, UV-Vis DR) we have studied and compared the blue colorants in M1 and M2. Results indicate that M1 is Maya Blue. Despite some similarities in the infrarred vibrational spectra of the two samples, we have determinated that M2 is not Maya Blue but a non-Mesoamerican mineral pigment known as Ultramarine which was probably introduced to America by Europeans.
Technical Study of a set of Metallic Artifacts from the Maya Site of Lagartero, Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Guerrero Gabriela Peñuelas , Cosme Ingrid Jiménez , López Pilar Tapia , Ruvalcaba Sil José Luis , Arenas Jesús , Lemoine Aurore , Vargas Jannen Contreras , Portilla Patricia Ruiz , Torres Sonia Rivero 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTDuring the excavations made at a burial of the post-Classic Mayan period (1220-1521 A.D.) in the pyramid number 2 of the pre-Hispanic site of Lagartero, Chiapas, Mexico, a set of four small metallic artifacts depicting reptile’s heads, were recovered. The objects were in poor conservation conditions and were taken to the Metal Conservation Laboratory of the National School of Conservation (ENCRyM- INAH) for suitable cleaning and conservation treatments.Analyses allowed identifying important technological features such as gilding remains. The analytical techniques included optical microscopy followed by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XRF), and Scanning Electron Microscope-coupled with Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (MEB-EDS). For the elemental depth profile a combined Particle X-Ray Emission Spectroscopy and Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry (PIXE–RBS) analysis was carried out.The results indicate that the objects are made of a copper alloy, and then gilded probably using electrochemical replacement gilding (thickness has less than 1 μm). This technology has been observed in other metallic objects recovered from the Chichen-Itza Cenote in Yucatan, but it was not available in Mesoamerican areas so far. So, it could imply that these artifacts might have been imported from South American areas.
Identifying the Criteria for Determining Status Burials by Results of Integrated Analysis
Authors: Saprykina Irina A. , Zelentsova Olga V. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTChemical-technology investigation was carried out for 95 belt sets from the burials of 8th−11thcenturies. In its course three groups of burials were separated on the basis of archaeology-statistical features; the Group 3 was identified as status one. All the groups contain belt sets made from the cooper-based alloys which include silver (6.98−92.87%) and amalgam. The major scheme of the belt sets (Groups 1, 2, 3) production is casting in moulds with print of used plaques; there are belt sets in Groups 1 and 2 which were made in different way (lost wax casting, casting in moulds with print of special matrix, forging). Chemical and technology parameters of the belt sets from the elite burials of the Group 3 are similar to the parameters of the belt sets discovered in the common burials of the Groups 1 and 2. There are a number of burials in the Group 1 the belt sets of which according to their chemical-technology characteristics could be attributing to the “award”.