bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma Total Homocysteine, Folate, and Vitamin B12 Status and Hospitalizations for Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Houcher Bakhouche , Candito Mirande , Gibelin Pierre 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Also known is that plasma folate and vitamin B12 influence homocysteine metabolism as cosubstrate and cofactor, respectively. This population-based study was conducted to evaluate the plasma concentrations of tHcy, folate, and vitamin B12 in 54 older patients aged ≥51 years (40 males; 14 females) of Nice hospital cardiology service. After excluding cases with a serum creatinine >120 mmol/L, we established the test properties of a plasma tHcy concentration <15 μmol/L (Group 1) or ≥15 μmol/L (Group 2). In the population aged ≥51 years, plasma tHcy was higher in women (18.0 μmol/L) than in men (15.5 μmol/L; not significant), conversely, serum vitamin B12 was higher in men (376.9 pg/ml) than in women (340.7 pg/ml; not significant). Average plasma tHcy was 11.5 μmol/L in Group 1 and 21.6 μmol/L in Group 2. Vice versa, serum vitamin B12 was higher in Group 1 (419.5 pg/ml) than in Group 2 (307.2 pg/ml) (p <0.05). Correlation analysis (Pearson's r) in the total study population (20-84 years) indicated an inverse correlation between serum folate and age (r = -0.231, p <0.05). In the subjects, aged ≥51 years, there was a significant negative correlation between age and tHcy levels (r = -0.283, p <0.05) and serum vitamin B12 concentrations (r = -0.326, p <0.01) but not with serum folate. However, in subjects with tHcy <15 μmol/L, a significant inverse correlation existed between plasma tHcy and serum folate (r = -0.455; p <0.05). In conclusion, these results highlight the relevance of the vitamin status and particularly of folate levels in the modulation of fasting tHcy levels in the patients with clinical hyperhomocysteinemia, defined as plasma tHcy >15 μmol/L.
Effect of Two Different Lighting Environments on Urinary Neopterin and Sulphatoxymelatonin in an Experimental Night Shift Model
Authors: Schobersberger Wolfgang , Gufler Veronika , Griesmacher Andrea , Bartenbach Christian , Canazei Markus , Staggl Siegmund , Hoffmann Georg 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Regular night shift activities are associated with a series of adverse effects (e.g. chronic fatigue, increased yield loss rates, diseases) related to a disturbed circadian rhythm of the employee. According to current knowledge, the human circadian system is affected by visible light in the short wavelength range. In the present study, we investigated the effects of reduced short-wavelength components in the lighting environment of an office workplace on circadian markers, symptoms of lassitude, and personal mood in an experimental night shift setup. Nocturnal urinary neopterin excretion was different from known circadian rhythms under both filtered test light and bright light conditions. By contrast, urinary sulphatoxymelatonin concentrations could be adjusted to a normal diurnal profile in the test light environment. Mood rating inventories did not result in differences in the subjective perception between the two lighting environments with respect to the dimensions of "Activity", "Concentration, "Deactivation", and "Fatigue". In addition, changes in signs of vigour and weariness in the course of each night of the study were equally pronounced in test light and bright light. In conclusion, the present study shows that light with reduced short-wavelength components maintains the nocturnal profile of sulphatoxymelatonin but simultaneously exerts a wearisome effect on the participants. Therefore, a general implementation of test light to illuminate night shift workplaces implies further investigations.
The Prevalence of Neural Tube Defects in Sétif University Maternity Hospital, Algeria-3 Years Review (2004-2006)
Authors: Houcher Bakhouche , Bourouba Romyla , Djabi Farida , Houcher Zahira 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) including spina bifida, anencephaly and encephalocele are among the most common birth defects, with high associated mortality and morbidity. There are no data concerning the incidence, associated anomalies, treatment and outcome of NTDs in Algeria. The objective of this study is to analyse data on NTD cases from 2004-2006 at Sétif Hospital, a hospital with 8,000-10,000 deliveries annually. A retrospective chart review of patients with NTDs was performed, who were born at Sétif Hospital 2004-2006. During the 3 year period we examined, there were 215 patients with NTDs treated in the Sétif Hospital. The incidence of NTD is 7.5 per 1,000 births. The sex distribution was not equal among NTD cases, 126 (58.6%) females, 88 (40.9%) males and one (0.5%) unidentified sex. Among all NTD cases, there where 122 (56.7%) with spina bifida, 69 (32.1%) with anencephaly, 1 (0.5%) with encephalocele and 23 (10.7%) with anencephaly and spina bifida. Hundred and seventeen (54.4%) cases died in utero and 4 cases (1.9%) unknown. The rate of consanguinity among all NTD cases was 13% (28/215). The rate of affected newborns was highest in mothers aged 31-35 years (21.9%). The peak prevalence was in June (15.8%). A half of NTDs were spina bifida and there was a high rate of mortality. This study demonstrates that NTD represents a significant public health problem in Algeria. In Algeria there were no population-wide educational campaigns about folic acid or its association with the prevention of birth defects. Public health interventions aimed at increasing the periconceptional consumption of folic acid should be implemented or enhanced to reduce the incidence of NTDs in Algeria.
Theoretical Study on the Relative Energies of Neutral Pterin Tautomers
Authors: Soniat Michael , Martin Christopher B. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Current literature lists the lactam and lactim tautomers as the only major contributors to aqueous pterin structures. Density functional theory calculations were used to determine whether there are other significant neutral tautomers of pterin participating in photochemical and biological systems other than the lactam and lactim forms in aqueous media. Calculations showed that the lactam tautomer is the lowest energy structure while the lactim structure is higher in energy than expected (∼6 kcal/mol) compared to the lactam structure. Three other neutral pterin structures were calculated to be less than ∼4 kcal/mol above the most stable lactam and therefore should also be considered as structures which possibly play an important role in chemical and biological pterin systems.
Serum Neopterin Concentration in Children with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Plata-Nazar Katarzyna , Luczak Grazyna , Kaminska Barbara , Bogotko-Szarszewska Marta , Renke Joanna , Szumera Malgorzata 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
To further evaluate the clinical usefulness of serum neopterin measurement as a parameter monitoring disease activity in children with ulcerative colitis, serum neopterin concentrations were evaluated using immunoenzyme assay (ELISA) in 48 patients suffering from ulcerative colitis with different disease activity. Statistically significant differences in serum neopterin concentration depending on disease activity (according to Truelove-Witts score) as well as statistically significant positive correlation between these variables were observed. We conclude that serum neopterin measurement can be clinically valuable as the parameter monitoring disease activity in children with ulcerative colitis.
An Efficient Synthesis of 2'-O-(β-D-Ribofuranosyl)biopterin
Authors: Hanaya Tadashi , Torigoe Kiyoshi , Soranaka Kazuyuki , Fujita Hiroshi , Pfleiderer Wolfgang , Yamamoto Hiroshi 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

N
2-(N,N-Dimethylaminomethylene)-3-[2-(4-nitrophenyl)ethyl]-1',2'-di-O-(trimethylsilyl)biopterin (4) was prepared from biopterin (1a, 86% overall yield) in 5 steps. Glycosylation of 4 with 1,2,3,5-tetra-O-acetyl-β-D-ribofuranose (5a) and its 2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl analog (5b) respectively afforded the corresponding 2'-O-(2,3,5-tri-Oacetyl- and 2,3,5-tri-O-benzoyl-β-D-ribofuranosyl)biopterin derivatives (6a, 42% and 6b, 60%) as major products. Removal of the protecting groups of 6b provided 2'-O-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)biopterin (1c, 87% overall yield) in 3 steps.
Insulin Secretion in Response to L-Arginine under Decreasing Tetrahydrobiopterin Content
Authors: Ishii Masakazu , Shimizu Shunichi , Watabe Tatsuya , Kiuchi Yuji 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) content in the pancreas from GK (Goto-Kakizaki) rats as a type II diabetic model was markedly decreased compared to Wistar rats as a healthy control. Moreover, insulin stimulated BH4 synthesis in a hamster pancreatic β-cell line, HIT-T15 cells. Therefore, in diabetic condition, the reduction of insulin action is likely to lead to the low levels of BH4 content in pancreatic β-cells. In this study, we examined the effects of the decrease in BH4 content on insulin secretion by L-arginine (L-Arg) or glucose using HIT-T15 cells. Cytosolic calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) in HIT-T15 cells was increased by L-Arg. Under the low BH4 content using 2,4- diamino-6-hydroxypyrimidine (DAHP), a selective inhibitor of BH4 synthesis, L-Arg-induced both Ca2+ response and insulin secretion were stimulated. These stimulating effects were recovered by BH4 content recovering, using sepiapterin, a precursor of BH4 biosynthesis. By contrast, glucose-induced Ca2+ response was not affected by the BH4 content. These results suggest that the decrease of BH4 content in β-cells may stimulate insulin secretion by L-Arg, but not by glucose, under diabetic conditions.
Effect of Neopterin on the Hematopoietic System
Authors: Tsuboi Isao , Aizawa Shin 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Neopterin is produced by monocytes and is a useful biomarker for inflammation. We recently found that neopterin is biologically active against hematopoiesis during inflammatory processes. Namely, neopterin stimulates bone marrow myelopoiesis but suppresses B-lymphopoiesis and erythropoiesis. Neopterin also enlarges the splenic mast cell progenitor pool. These hematopoietic responses are not due to a direct effect of neopterin on hematopoietic stem cells; rather, they are an indirect effect mediated by the stromal cell production of cytokines. These hematopoietic responses are compatible with the hematopoietic response that occurs during inflammatory processes such as infection. These findings suggest that neopterin reinforces the hematopoietic response during inflammation and contributes to the potential upregulation of the inflammatory process as a host defense. Thus, neopterin acts as a potent hematopoietic regulatory factor by activating stromal cell functions, although further study is needed to elucidate the mechanism of action.
Serum Neopterin, Retinol and Alpha-tocopherol in Patients with the Carcinoma of the Esophagus
Authors: Cincibuch Jan , Melichar Bohuslav , Študentová Hana , Kapustová Miloslava , Malírová Eva , Solichová Dagmar , Krcmová Lenka , Kašparová Markéta , Schneiderka Petr , Juránová Jarmila , Šrámek Vlastislav , Cwiertka Karel 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Increased serum or urinary concentrations of neopterin have been described in patients with tumors of different primary locations, but reports on neopterin in patients with esophageal carcinoma are scanty. We have studied serum neopterin, retinol and alpha-tocopherol in 45 patients with carcinoma of the esophagus or gastroesophageal junction. Serum neopterin was determined using radioimmunoassay. Retinol and alpha-tocopherol were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Serum neopterin in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus was significantly increased while retinol and alpha-tocopherol were significantly decreased compared to controls. No correlation of neopterin with hemoglobin or peripheral blood cell counts was observed. During chemoradiation, neopterin increased significantly, while retinol and alpha-tocopherol did not change. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates increased serum neopterin and decreased retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations in patients with esophageal carcinoma. Chemoradiation induced a further increase of serum neopterin concentrations.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and C677T Polymorphism of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Houcher Zahira , Houcher Bakhouche , Touabti Abderezak , Begag Samia , Öztürk Ayşenur , Egin Yonca , Akar Nejat , Djabi Farida 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to explore the influence of age and gender, on the association between the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism and plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentrations in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Fasting tHcy and the MTHFR C677T mutation were evaluated in 98 patients with CVD, 46 were men and 52 women (aged 20-96 years). There was a significant elevation of plasma tHcy with age (<45 yr: 33.9 μmol/L vs. >75 yr: 43.6 μmol/L; p <0.01). The mean tHcy concentration increased significantly with age in men (<55 yr: 33.4 μmol/L vs. >55yr: 42.45 μmol/L; p 0.01). However, the plasma tHcy was not increased with older age in women. The frequency of the TT genotype was 19.6% in the younger patients group (>55 yr) compared with 4.7% in the older patients group (>55 yr; p <0.01). In conclusion, the data presented here are consistent with genetic factors that influence tHcy levels being more prominent in old patients (>55 yr). Then, the MTHFR mutation does not seem to be associated with either high tHcy or the occurrence of CVD.
Serum Neopterin Concentration in Children with Viral Gastroenteritis
Authors: Plata-Nazar Katarzyna , Luczak Grazyna , Gora-Gebka Magdalena , Liberek Anna , Kaminska Barbara 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Increased neopterin concentrations are observed in many diseases in which cellular immunity is stimulated. Gastroenteritis is still a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Over 75% of all cases are caused by viral infections. Therefore a non-specific, quick, sensitive, cheap and easy-to-perform marker of viral infection, such as neopterin concentration in serum, would be a cost-effective method of identifying patients with gastroenteritis into probable viral etiology and therefore it would optimize treatment and reduce inappropriate antibiotic treatment.
This study evaluated whether serum neopterin concentration can be a reliable marker of viral etiology of gastroenteritis in children. The study group consisted of 67 children: 29 girls and 38 boys, aged from 0.1 to 16.1 years with symptoms of gastroenterits and with confirmed rotavirus or adenovirus infection; the control group consisted of 105 healthy children. Clinical examinations and laboratory test including whole blood count, serum C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, and creatinine concentration were conducted. The serum neopterin level was analyzed by Elisa.
Serum neopterin concentration in the study group varied from 6.03 to 171 nmol/L (median 23.7 nmol/L) and it was significantly higher than in the control group (from 2.88 to 14.8 nmol/L; median 4.73 nmol/L) (P <0.001). Neopterin concentration was above the normal value (>11 nmol/L) in 58 children from the study group and only in 6 from the control group (86.6% sensitivity and 94.3% specificity). Serum neopterin concentration did not differ significantly between children with rotavirus and adenovirus infection (P = 0.47). The correlation between serum neopterin and C-reactive protein concentrations was of borderline significance (rs = 0.23, p = 0.06); and there was no correlation between serum concentrations of neopterin and procalcitonin, white blood count, lymphocytes count, monocytes count or the body temperature. Serum neopterin concentration is highly increased in children suffering from viral gastroenteritis, regardless of the virus type. When a cut-off of 11.0 nmol/L neopterin was applied, comparison yields 86.6% sensitivity and 94.3% specificity for the diagnosis of viral gastroenteritis in pediatric patients. Further studies are necessary for other etiological agents of gastroenteritis.
Is There any Alteration in Erythrocyte Folate Status in Patients with Thyroid and Breast Cancers?
Authors: Baydar Terken , Sahin Tevfik Tolga , Girgin Gozde , Sipahi Hande , Yuksel Osman , Taneri Ferit , Tekin Ercument 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine folate reserve in patients with thyroid and breast diseases. Erythrocyte folate concentrations of ninety-eight patients and thirty healthy subjects were determined by a modified microbiological assay. An increase in folate levels was observed in of both thyroid (n = 15) and breast (n = 22) cancer patients compared to controls, while a decrease was observed in benign breast disease patients (n = 24) compared to both control group and breast cancer patients. Patients with benign thyroid diseases (n = 37) had significantly lower folate concentrations as compared to both control and thyroid cancer groups. The results pointed out the elevated erythrocyte folate levels in the patients with malignant tumors.
Experiences with the SELDI-TOF Method for the Detection of the Diabetes Associated Antigen GAD 65 in the Peripheral Blood of Patients with Diabetes and Inflammation
Authors: Tilz Gernot P. , Wiltgen Marco , Hermetter Albin , Schmiedinger Hannes , Demel Ulrike 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The treatment of diabetes mellitus type 1 is a major challenge in health care. The diabetes associated antigen Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase (GAD 65) has been described as strictly intracellular. However an intracellular antigen would never have access to the immune system. In a previous study with the high sensitive fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), we detected the GAD 65 antigen in the sera of patients with type 1 diabetes and related autoimmune diseases. FCS is a time consuming measurement procedure and very sensitive to disturbance, which makes unsuitable for a routine screening of the patient sera for GAD 65. Since the measured GAD 65 concentrations were surprisingly high (2.65 microgram/ml) and therefore within the detection range of less sensitive methods, in this study we used the SELDI-TOF (Surface enhanced laser desorption ionisation - time of flight) technique to confirm the FCS results in view of an early diabetes diagnosis. For this purpose we developed an array with the SELDI-TOF method and analysed 4 patient sera (2 diabetes and 2 controls) in a pilot experiment. For one diabetes serum, we found some evidence for the diabetic antigen GAD 65 in the mass spectra in a peak close to albumin with a molecular weight of 65 kDa. The 3 other samples remained negative. Because of the higher concentration of albumin in the sera, a peak evaluation in regard of GAD 65 was difficult and not reliable in this setup. Troubles and experiences with SELDI-TOF for the detection of GAD 65 are discussed.
Urinary Biopterin Levels and Blood Dihydropteridine Reductase Activities in Patients with Thyroid and Breast Disorders
Authors: Girgin Gözde , Baydar Terken , Sahin Tevfik Tolga , Palabiyik Saziye Sezin , Sipahi Hande , Yuksel Osman , Tekin Ercüment , Taneri Ferit 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Biopterin as a stable metabolite is produced by oxidation of 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4). It is known that many diseases may cause changes in BH4 concentration and/or dihydropteridine reductase (DHPR) enzyme activity. There is only a limited number of studies correlating DHPR activity in malignancies. The main goal of the present study was to evaluate alterations in the DHPR activity and biopterin levels in patients with breast and thyroid cancers. The breast cancer patients (n=24) were compared to patients with benign breast diseases (n=19) and controls (n=30). In addition; the patients with thyroid cancer (n=17) were compared to patients with benign thyroid diseases (n=42) and the control group. We did not observe any significant difference between the benign disorders and the malignancies. Biopterin concentrations in patients with benign and malign thyroid and breast diseases were lower than the controls (all p <0.05). DHPR activities in thyroid diseases were significantly higher than the controls while insignificant decreases in DHPR activities in breast patients were detected. Our results suggested significant alterations in unconjugated pteridine pathway in thyroid and breast disorders.
Correlation of Peripheral Blood CD14+CD16+ Monocytes, Urinary Neopterin and the Risk Factors of Atherosclerosis in Patients with Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Králíčková Pavlína , Kalábová Hana , Krčmová Lenka , Kašparová Markéta , Plíšek Jiří , Ungermann Leoš , Vokurková Doris , Hyšpler Radomír , Pecka Miroslav , Šrámek Vlastislav , Študentová Hana , Zezulová Michaela , Solichová Dagmar , Melichar Bohuslav 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Monocytes/macrophages are thought to play a fundamental role in the development of vascular lesions in atherosclerosis. In the present study, we evaluated circulating CD14+CD16+ monocytes, laboratory parameters of the risk of atherosclerosis, including serum cholesterol, homocysteine and C-reactive protein, urinary neopterin, serum a-tocopherol and retinol along with carotid intima-media thickness in patients with breast carcinoma. A significant correlation was observed between the absolute numbers of CD14+CD16+ monocytes, serum HDL cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations. In conclusion, present data extend the observation of an association between peripheral blood CD14+CD16+ monocyte counts and lipid metabolism to cancer patients. No correlation of CD14+CD16+ monocyte counts with urinary neopterin concentrations was observed.
Neopterin May Enhance TNF-a-mediated Mononuclear Cell Death in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Patients with Bacterial Meningitis
Authors: Kawakami Yasuhiko , Tsukimoto Mitsutoshi , Kuwabara Kentaro , Fujita Takehisa , Fujino Osamu , Kojima Shuji , Fukunaga Yoshitaka 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
It has been reported that levels of neopterin are elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with bacterial meningitis, and that neopterin enhances cell death induced by H2O2 in mouse monocytes and macrophages. In the present study, we examined the relationship between the disappearance of inflammatory cells in the CSF of patients with bacterial meningitis and the effects of neopterin on cell death. We hypothesized that the rapid cell death of mononuclear leukocytes (MNs) and survival of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) brought about by high levels of tumor necrosis factor-a TNF-a may be related to the pathophysiology of PMN predominance in the CSF of patients with bacterial meningitis. Peripheral blood leukocytes separated into two fractions (MNs and PMNs) were suspended in CSF samples from patients with bacterial meningitis, and the cell death rate was determined with MTT assay. The higher the CSF TNF-a level, the higher the MN mortality rate tended to be. In contrast, PMNs were able to survive high levels of TNF-a in the CSF. For control purposes, MNs and PMNs were also suspended in various conditioned media. The same association between TNF-a levels and MN mortality was observed, as was the survival of PMNs. The addition of neopterin enhanced the cytocidal effect of TNF. The present study suggests that neopterin is related to PMN predominance in the CSF of patients with bacterial meningitis via the effect of TNF-a on cell death.