bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High EGFR copy number predicts benefits from tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment for non-small cell lung cancer patients with wild-type EGFR
Authors: Wang Fang , Fu Sha , Shao Qiong , Zhou Yan-Bin , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Xu , Xue Cong , Lin Jian-Guang , Huang Li-Xia , Zhang Li , Zhang Wei-Min , Shao Jian-Yong 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
This study was designed to determine whether advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients with high copy number of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) can benefit from treatment with EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Methods
EGFR gene copy number was assessed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and EGFR mutations was tested using Luminex xTAG technology in 502 TKI-treated NSCLC patients. The association between both biomarkers and clinical benefit from EGFR-TKI were analyzed.

Results
EGFR FISH + and EGFR mutations were significantly associated with higher response rates (37.2% and 43.7%, respectively), superior progression-free survival (PFS) (FISH+, 11.2 months; hazard ratio [HR], 0.51; 95% CI, 0.42 to 0.62; p < 0.001; mutation+, 11.7 months; HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.45; p < 0.001) and overall survival (OS) (FISH+, 30.2 months; HR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.40 to 0.65; p < 0.001; mutation+, 30.2 months; HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.58; p < 0.001). In patients with wild-type EGFR, EGFR FISH + correlated with longer PFS than EGFR FISH- status (4.4 months vs. 2.0 months; HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.75; p < 0.001), so did amplification (5.0 months vs. 2.0 months; HR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.24 to 0.76; p = 0.003). However, FISH + had no association with improved PFS in EGFR-mutated patients (HR, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.57 to 1.03; p = 0.076).

Conclusions

A combined analysis of EGFR FISH and mutation is an effective predictor of EGFR-TKI therapy. Specifically, a high EGFR copy number may predict benefit from TKIs treatment for NSCLC patients with wild-type EGFR.
A concurrent access MAC protocol for cognitive radio ad hoc networks without common control channel
Authors: Timalsina Sunil K , Moh Sangman , Chung Ilyong , Kang Moonsoo 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Cognitive radio ad hoc networks (CRAHNs) consist of autonomous nodes that operate in ad hoc mode and aim at efficient utilization of spectrum resources. Usually, the cognitive nodes in a CRAHN exploit a number of available channels, but these channels are not necessarily common to all nodes. Such a network environment poses the problem of establishing a common control channel (CCC) as there might be no channel common to all the network members at all. In designing protocols, therefore, it is highly desirable to consider the network environment with no CCC. In this article, we propose a MAC protocol called concurrent access MAC (CA-MAC) that operates in the network environment with no CCC. The two devices in a communication pair can communicate with each other even if they have only one common channel available. Therefore, the problems with CCC (such as channel saturation and denial of service attacks) can also be resolved. In CA-MAC, channel accesses are distributed over communication pairs, resulting in increased network connectivity. In addition, CA-MAC allows different communication pairs to access multiple channels concurrently. According to our performance study, CA-MAC provides higher network connectivity with shorter channel access delay compared to SYN-MAC, which is the conventional key MAC protocol for the network environment with no CCC, resulting in better network throughput.
Anti-ribosomal P protein IgG autoantibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: diagnostic performance and clinical profile
Authors: Carmona-Fernandes Diana , Santos Maria José , Canhão Helena , Fonseca João Eurico 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
This study was devised to assess the performance of anti-ribosomal P (anti-Rib-P) antibodies in the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and the association of these antibodies with the clinical features of SLE.

Methods
We used a fluorescence enzyme immunoassay to determine anti-Rib-P levels in an SLE group, a rheumatic disease control (RDC) group (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis), and a healthy control (HC) group. We also determined anti-Smith antigen (anti-Sm) and anti-double-stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed and the best cut-off points for positivity were determined. Using regression analysis, the relationship between clinical variables and autoantibody levels was analyzed.

Results
In total, 127 patients with SLE, 256 controls with other rheumatic diseases, and 100 HCs were studied. Anti-Rib-P autoantibodies were positive in 18 (14.2%) of the patients with SLE (mean concentration of 30.6 ± 46.9 U/ml) and in 2 patients with RA (0.8% of the RDC group). In addition, 12 patients with SLE (9.4%) were positive for anti-Sm (31.1 ± 40.8 U/ml) and 63 (49.6%) were positive for anti-dsDNA autoantibodies (88.4 ± 88.5 U/ml). When we assessed the 18 patients with SLE who had tested positive for anti-Rib-P, we found that 4 of these were positive for anti-Rib-P only, whereas 12 were positive for anti-Rib-P plus anti-dsDNA, and 2 were positive for all three antibodies. There were no samples positive for anti-Rib-P plus anti-Sm. The specificity, sensitivity, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio of anti-Rib-P for SLE diagnosis were 99.4%, 14.2%, 23.7%, and 0.86%, respectively.
Caucasian ethnicity was associated with lower anti-Rib-P antibody levels. No relation was found between anti-Rib-P levels and neuropsychiatric or other clinical features.

Conclusions
Anti-Rib-P autoantibodies have high specificity for SLE, and measurement of these might improve the accuracy of SLE diagnosis. In this study, we found that Caucasian ethnicity was associated with lower anti-Rib-P antibody levels.
Exposure of silver-nanoparticles and silver-ions to lung cells in vitro at the air-liquid interface
Authors: Herzog Fabian , Clift Martin JD , Piccapietra Flavio , Behra Renata , Schmid Otmar , Petri-Fink Alke , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Background
Due to its antibacterial properties, silver (Ag) has been used in more consumer products than any other nanomaterial so far. Despite the promising advantages posed by using Ag-nanoparticles (NPs), their interaction with mammalian systems is currently not fully understood. An exposure route via inhalation is of primary concern for humans in an occupational setting. Aim of this study was therefore to investigate the potential adverse effects of aerosolised Ag-NPs using a human epithelial airway barrier model composed of A549, monocyte derived macrophage and dendritic cells cultured in vitro at the air-liquid interface. Cell cultures were exposed to 20 nm citrate-coated Ag-NPs with a deposition of 30 and 278 ng/cm2 respectively and incubated for 4 h and 24 h. To elucidate whether any effects of Ag-NPs are due to ionic effects, Ag-Nitrate (AgNO3) solutions were aerosolised at the same molecular mass concentrations.

Results
Agglomerates of Ag-NPs were detected at 24 h post exposure in vesicular structures inside cells but the cellular integrity was not impaired upon Ag-NP exposures. Minimal cytotoxicity, by measuring the release of lactate dehydrogenase, could only be detected following a higher concentrated AgNO3-solution. A release of pro-inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-8 was neither observed upon Ag-NP and AgNO3 exposures as well as was not affected when cells were pre-stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Also, an induction of mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-8, could only be observed for the highest AgNO3 concentration alone or even significantly increased when pre-stimulated with LPS after 4 h. However, this effect disappeared after 24 h. Furthermore, oxidative stress markers (HMOX-1, SOD-1) were expressed after 4 h in a concentration dependent manner following AgNO3 exposures only.

Conclusions
With an experimental setup reflecting physiological exposure conditions in the human lung more realistic, the present study indicates that Ag-NPs do not cause adverse effects and cells were only sensitive to high Ag-ion concentrations. Chronic exposure scenarios however, are needed to reveal further insight into the fate of Ag-NPs after deposition and cell interactions.
Skewed X-chromosome inactivation in patients with esophageal carcinoma
Authors: Li Gang , Jin Tianbo , Liang Hongjuan , Tu Yanyang , Zhang Wei , Gong Li , Su Qin , Gao Guodong 
Published: April 2013

Abstract

Abstract
Skewed X-chromosome inactivation (SXCI) was found in some apparently healthy females mainly from Western countries. It has been linked to development of ovarian, breast and pulmonary carcinomas. The present study aimed to observe the SXCI frequencies in apparently healthy Chinese females and patients with esophageal carcinoma. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood cells from 401 Chinese females without a detectable tumor and 143 female patients with esophageal carcinoma. Exon 1 of androgen receptor (AR) gene was amplified, and the products of different CAG alleles were resolved on denaturing polyacrylamide gels and visualized after silver staining. The corrected ratios (CR) of the products before and after Hpa II digestion were calculated. As to the healthy females, when CR ≥ 3 was used as a criterion, SXCI was found in two (4.3%) of the 46 neonates, 13 (7.8%) of the 166 younger adults (16–50 years) and 37 (25.7%) of the 144 elderly females (51–96 years), with the frequency higher in the elderly subjects than in the two former groups (P < 0.05). When a more stringent criterion (CR ≥ 10) was used, SXCI was found in one (2.2%), two (1.2%) and 16 (11.1%) of the subjects in the three age groups, respectively, itsfrequency being higher in the elderly than in the younger age groups (P < 0.05). Occurrence of SXCI was detected in both the patients and controls at similar frequencies. However, the phenomenon, as defined as CR ≥ 3, was more frequent in the patients aging <40 years (35.7%) compared to the corresponding reference group (7.6%, P = 0.006). When CR ≥ 10 was adopted, the frequencies were 7.1% and 1.2%, respectively. Their difference did not attain statistical significance (P = 0. 217). SXCI also occurs in apparently healthy Chinese females, and is associated with age. It may be considered as a predisposing factor for the early development of esophageal carcinoma.

Virtual slides
The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/1542364337927656
Efficacy of iloprost and montelukast combination on spinal cord ischemia/reperfusion injury in a rat model
Authors: Lafci Gokhan , Gedik Hikmet Selcuk , Korkmaz Kemal , Erdem Havva , Cicek Omer Faruk , Nacar Osman Arikan , Yildirim Levent , Kaya Ertugrul , Ankarali Handan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery may cause spinal cord ischemia because of aortic cross-clamping and may result in severe postoperative complications caused by spinal cord injury. Ischemia/reperfusion injury may directly or indirectly be responsible for these complications. In this study we sought to determine whether combination of iloprost and montelukast can reduce the ischemia/reperfusion injury of spinal cord in a rat model.MethodsMedulla spinalis tissue concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP-70) were determined in 3 groups of Spraque Dawley rats: control group (operation with cross clamping and intraperitoneal administration of 0.9% saline, n = 7), sham group (operation without cross clamping, n = 7), and study group (operation with cross-clamping and intraperitoneal administration of iloprost (25 ng/kg) and montelukast (1 mg/kg), n = 7). The abdominal aorta was clamped for 45 minutes, with a proximal (just below the left renal artery) and a distal (just above the aortic bifurcation) clip in control and study groups. Hindlimb motor functions were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours using the Motor Deficit Index score. All rats were sacrificed 48 hours after the procedure and spinal cord tissue levels of myeloperoxidase, interleukin-6, and heat shock protein (HSP-70) were evaluated as markers of oxidative stress and inflammation. Histopathological analyses of spinal cord were also performed.ResultsThe tissue level of HSP-70 was found to be similar among the 3 groups, however, MPO was highest and IL-6 receptor level was lowest in the control group (p = 0.007 and p = 0.005; respectively). In histopathological examination, there was no significant difference among the groups with respect to the neuronal cell degeneration, edema, or inflammation, but vascular congestion was found to be significantly more prominent in the control group than in the sham or in the study group (p = 0.05). Motor deficit index scores at 24 and 48 hours after ischemia were significantly lower in the study group than in the control group.ConclusionThis study suggests that combined use of iloprost and montelukast may reduce ischemic damage in transient spinal cord ischemia and may provide better neurological outcome.
Fixed point theorems for mappings with common limit range property satisfying generalized (ψ,φ)-weak contractive conditions
Authors: Imdad Mohammad , Chauhan Sunny , Kadelburg Zoran 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
In this paper, we prove some common fixed point theorems for weakly compatible mappings in metric spaces satisfying generalized (ψ,φ)-contractive conditions under the common limit range property. We present a fixed point theorem for four finite families of self-mappings which can be utilized to derive common fixed point theorems involving any number of finite mappings. Our results improve and extend the corresponding results of Radenović et al. (Bull. Iranian Math. Soc. 38(3):625–645, 2012). We also furnish some illustrative examples to support our main results.
Clinical outcomes of patients requiring ventilatory support in Brazilian intensive care units: a multicenter, prospective, cohort study
Authors: Azevedo Luciano CP , Park Marcelo , Salluh Jorge IF , Rea-Neto Alvaro , Souza-Dantas Vicente C , Varaschin Pedro , Oliveira Mirella C , Tierno Paulo Fernando GMM , dal-Pizzol Felipe , Silva Ulysses VA , Knibel Marcos , Nassar Antonio P , Alves Rossine A , Ferreira Juliana C , Teixeira Cassiano , Rezende Valeria , Martinez Amadeu , Luciano Paula M , Schettino Guilherme , Soares Marcio ,   The ERICC (Epidemiology of Respiratory Insufficiency in Critical Care) investigators
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Introduction
Contemporary information on mechanical ventilation (MV) use in emerging countries is limited. Moreover, most epidemiological studies on ventilatory support were carried out before significant developments, such as lung protective ventilation or broader application of non-invasive ventilation (NIV). We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics, outcomes and risk factors for hospital mortality and failure of NIV in patients requiring ventilatory support in Brazilian intensive care units (ICU).

Methods
In a multicenter, prospective, cohort study, a total of 773 adult patients admitted to 45 ICUs over a two-month period requiring invasive ventilation or NIV for more than 24 hours were evaluated. Causes of ventilatory support, prior chronic health status and physiological data were assessed. Multivariate analysis was used to identifiy variables associated with hospital mortality and NIV failure.

Results
Invasive MV and NIV were used as initial ventilatory support in 622 (80%) and 151 (20%) patients. Failure with subsequent intubation occurred in 54% of NIV patients. The main reasons for ventilatory support were pneumonia (27%), neurologic disorders (19%) and non-pulmonary sepsis (12%). ICU and hospital mortality rates were 34% and 42%. Using the Berlin definition, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was diagnosed in 31% of the patients with a hospital mortality of 52%. In the multivariate analysis, age (odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.01 to 1.03), comorbidities (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.28 to 3.17), associated organ failures (OR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.20), moderate (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.10 to 3.35) to severe ARDS (OR, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.01 to 4.41), cumulative fluid balance over the first 72 h of ICU (OR, 2.44; 95% CI, 1.39 to 4.28), higher lactate (OR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.27 to 2.50), invasive MV (OR, 2.67; 95% CI, 1.32 to 5.39) and NIV failure (OR, 3.95; 95% CI, 1.74 to 8.99) were independently associated with hospital mortality. The predictors of NIV failure were the severity of associated organ dysfunctions (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.34), ARDS (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.10 to 4.82) and positive fluid balance (OR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.02 to 4.30).

Conclusions
Current mortality of ventilated patients in Brazil is elevated. Implementation of judicious fluid therapy and a watchful use and monitoring of NIV patients are potential targets to improve outcomes in this setting.

Trial registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01268410.
Core–Shell Catalyst CuO–ZnO–Al2O3@Al2O3 for Dimethyl Ether Synthesis from Syngas
Authors: Wang Yan , Wang Wenli , Chen Yuexian , Ma Jinghong , Zheng Jiajun , Li Ruifeng 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Core–shell structure catalyst CuO–ZnO–Al2O3@Al2O3 was prepared using glucose as template. This novel preparation procedure and the specific core–shell structure contributed to excellent performance for dimethyl ether (DME) direct synthesis from syngas. This catalyst showed higher CO conversion and DME selectivity compared with the physically mixed catalyst.
Microscope Measurements of Lateral Diffusion of Fluorescent Rhodamine B at Toluene/Water Interface by Total Internal Reflection–Fluorescence Recovery after Photobleaching
Authors: Shinomori Naoki , Tsukahara Satoshi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Measurements of total internal reflection–fluorescence recovery after photobleaching were carried out for rhodamine B at the toluene/water interface. The experimental apparatus was optimized for measuring the fast diffusion of small molecules such as rhodamine B. The obtained diffusion coefficient was (4.5 ± 0.9) × 10−10 m2 s−1, which almost agreed with the value calculated with the Stokes–Einstein equation.
Facile Syntheses of Conjugated Polyaminoanthracenes by Chemical Oxidation Polymerization for Sensitive Fluorometric Detection of Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Wang Kun , Tagaya Motohiro , Zheng Shijun , Kobayashi Takaomi 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Conjugated polymers containing anthracene backbone structures were synthesized through facile chemical oxidative polymerization and showed detection capacity toward several heavy metal ions for sensitive fluorometric detection.
Comparison of Hospitalwide and Custom Antibiograms for Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bosso John A. , Sieg Adam , Mauldin Patrick D. 
Published: April 2013

Background Hospital antibiograms, which are commonly used to determine empiric antibiotic therapy and as a tool in stewardship in a given institution, are open to bias when combining susceptibility results from various sources, hospital locations, and patient groups. Methods We assessed such differences, using Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a test case, with susceptibility data from 2008 through 2010 in our institution. Each year's data were analyzed separately. A variety of specific or subcategorical antibiograms were compared with each other as well as with versions including all tested isolates and those with results from inpatients and outpatients only. Statistical significance was determined at the .01 level using either chi-square or Fisher exact test, and clinical significance was defined as ≥10 percentage points. Results A variety of clinically significant differences were found that illustrated important differences within the intensive care unit environment and based on population, specifically adult versus pediatric. Concordance between statistically significant and clinically significant differences was poor. Conclusion These results corroborate and extend previous similar observations and point to the potential importance of subanalyses in preparing the annual hospital antibiogram.
Incidence of Cleft Lip and Palate in the Palestinian Territories: A Retrospective Study from the Makassed Hospital Neonatal Unit
Authors: Borno Hala T. , Hussein Emad A.K. , Dudin Anwar , Van Aalst John A. 
Published: April 2013

Background Cleft lip, with or without cleft palate (CL±P), is the most common craniofacial anomaly in newborns. The incidence of CL±P varies among different ethnic populations and is presumed to be higher in developing countries. In the Middle East, the incidence has variably been reported as 0.3 to 2.19 per 1000 live births and is generally regarded as similar to Caucasians. There is currently no literature reporting the incidence of clefting in Palestinians living in the territories. Reports from Palestinian populations in Israel and Jordan infer an incidence of 1.39 per 1000 live births. However, the reported incidence in stable populations may not reflect the actual incidence of clefting in the territories. Methods This is a retrospective study examining all newborn records at Makassed Maternity Hospital in Jerusalem between January 1,1986, and December 12, 1995. Data were collected by the senior author (A.D.) and interpreted by coauthors. Frequencies were established based on the number of isolated and nonisolated CL±P born during this time period. Results During the 10-year period from January 1, 1986, to December 12, 1995, there were 33,239 live births. Among these births, there were 35 isolated and nonisolated combined CL±P born (1.05/1000 live births). Conclusions Based on this limited data set from a single, tertiary referral hospital, we conclude that the prevalence rate of CL±P among a Palestinian population may be less than that reported in surrounding areas. However, more broadly based studies using nationalized birth registries are required to determine an accurate prevalence rate of CL±P among Palestinians.
Prevalence of Orofacial Clefts in Nigeria
Authors: Butali A. , Adeyemo W.L. , Mossey P.A. , Olasoji H.O. , Onah I.I. , Adebola A. , Akintububo A. , James O. , Adeosun O.O. , Ogunlewe M.O. , Ladeinde A.L. , Mofikoya B.O. , Adeyemi M.O. , Ekhaguere O.A. , Emeka C. , Awoyale T.A. 
Published: April 2013

Orofacial clefts are the most common malformations of the head and neck. In Africa, orofacial clefts are underascertained, with little or no surveillance system in most parts for clefts and other birth defects. A Nigerian craniofacial anomalies study, NigeriaCRAN, was established in 2006 to support cleft research specifically for epidemiological studies, treatment outcomes, and studies into etiology and prevention. We pooled data from seven of the largest Smile Train treatment centers in the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Data from September 2006 to June 2011 were analyzed and clefts compared between sides and genders using the Fisher exact test. A total of 2197 cases were identified during the study period, with an estimated prevalence rate of 0.5 per 1000. Of the total number of orofacial clefts, 54.4% occur in males and 45.6% in females. There was a significant difference ( P=.0001) between unilateral left clefts and unilateral right clefts, and there was a significant difference ( P=.0001) between bilateral clefts and clefts on either the left or right side. A significant gender difference ( P=.03) was also observed for cleft palate, with more females than males. A total of 103 (4.7%) associated anomalies were identified. There were nine syndromic cleft cases, and 10.4% of the total number of individuals with clefts have an affected relative. The significant difference between unilateral clefts and the gender differences in the proportion of cleft palate only are consistent with the literature. The present study emphasizes the need for birth defects registries in developing countries in order to estimate the exact prevalence of birth defects including orofacial clefts.