bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary Neopterin in Patients with Metastatic Colon Cancer Treated with Patupilone
Authors: Melichar Bohuslav , Kalábová Hana , Krčmová Lenka , Kašparová Markéta , Plíšek Jiří , Jaroslav Cerman Jr. , Holečková Petra , Solichová Dagmar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Despite increased efficacy of regimens combining cytotoxic drugs and targeted agents, most patients with metastatic colorectal cancer will ultimately die of the disease. Only a limited number of drugs have reproducible activity in therapy of this tumor, and new active agents are urgently needed. Promising results in the therapy of metastatic colorectal cancer have been reported for patupilone, an epothilone analogue. Similarly to taxanes, the cytotoxic mechanism of epothilones involves the stabilization of microtubules. Increased serum or urinary concentrations of neopterin have been described in patients with tumors of different primary locations, including colorectal cancer. Neopterin concentrations were reported to increase during the administration of cytotoxic agents, including taxane-based chemotherapy. We have studied serum neopterin in patients with colorectal cancer before and during the therapy with patupilone. Urinary neopterin/creatinine concentrations were determined with highperformance liquid chromatography. Increased urinary neopterin concentrations were observed at baseline in the majority of the patients. In most patients, neopterin concentrations further increased during the therapy, and a significant increase of urinary neopterin was observed in patients with normal baseline neopterin concentrations. A trend of decreased survival was observed for patients with high initial neopterin concentration. In conclusion, urinary neopterin is increased in colorectal cancer patients presenting for second or higher line of treatment. An increase of urinary neopterin during patupilone therapy suggests an activation of immune response by this agent.
Expression of Neopterin and Chemokines in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Fagerer Nicola , Arnold Markus , Günther Bernatzky , Werner Kullich 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In chronic inflammatory processes like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD) the role of pteridines and chemokines in the immune response is of great interest. The objectives of the study were to obtain information about an involvement of specific chemokines on the inflammatory process in patients with RA and CVD with activated production of the pteridine neopterin. 113 patients with RA according to American College of Rheumatology criteria including 24.8% suffering from CVD were included in the study (23% male, 77% female). For the assessment of monocyte activation and chemotaxis as well as the proinflammatory influence of chemokines on B-cells and angiogenesis in RA, neopterin and the chemokines CCL2, CXCL13 and CX3CL1 were measured by radio- and enzyme-immunoassays in serum.
Neopterin and chemokines were all found in high concentrations. Neopterin significantly correlated with all chemokines: CXCL13 (rs = 0.368; p <0.0001), CX3CL1 (rs = 0.241; p <0.02), CCL2 (rs = 231; p <0.02), demonstrating high neopterin levels in RA patients to have a strong association to the chemokine induced chemotaxis of B-cells (CXCL13) and mononuclear cells (CX3CL1, CCL2). Significantly elevated concentrations of neopterin and CXCL13 were seen in patients with RA plus CVD compared to RA without CVD (p <0.03). The high incidence of cardiovascular diseases in rheumatoid arthritis seems to be associated with enhanced mononuclear (neopterin, CCL2) and B-cell activation (CXCL13), and as a consequence increased immune system activity.
Mechanistic Study of ROS-photogeneration by Pterin
Authors: Ji Hong-Fang , Shen Liang 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Pterins are widespread in biological systems and possess photosensitizing activities. In the present study, the photosensitization mechanism of acid form of pterin (PTA) and basic form of pterin (PTB) is investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. The reactive oxygen species-photogenerating pathways of the lowest triplet excited (T1) state PTA and PTB are proposed as follows. Through direct energy transfer, both T1 state PTA and PTB can photogenerate 1O2. Two possible O2 .−-generating pathways are proposed according to the electronic parameters of PTA and PTB: i) direct electron transfer from T1 state PTA and PTB to 3O2 and the electron transfer reaction is more favorable energetically for PTB in comparison with PTA; and ii) electron transfer from anion radical of PTA and PTB to 3O2.
Clinical Factors and the Decision to Transfuse Chronic Dialysis Patients
Authors: Whitman Cynthia B. , Shreay Sanatan , Gitlin Matthew , van Oijen Martijn G. H. , Spiegel Brennan M. R. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Red blood cell transfusion was previously the principle therapy for anemia in CKD but became less prevalent after the introduction of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. This study used adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis to identify preferences and predictors of transfusion decision-making in CKD.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
A computerized adaptive choice-based conjoint survey was administered between June and August of 2012 to nephrologists, internists, and hospitalists listed in the American Medical Association Masterfile. The survey quantified the relative importance of 10 patient attributes, including hemoglobin levels, age, occult blood in stool, severity of illness, eligibility for transplant, iron indices, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, cardiovascular disease, and functional status. Triggers of transfusions in common dialysis scenarios were studied, and based on adaptive choice-based conjoint-derived preferences, relative importance by performing multivariable regression to identify predictors of transfusion preferences was assessed.

Results
A total of 350 providers completed the survey (n=305 nephrologists; mean age=46 years; 21% women). Of 10 attributes assessed, absolute hemoglobin level was the most important driver of transfusions, accounting for 29% of decision-making, followed by functional status (16%) and cardiovascular comorbidities (12%); 92% of providers transfused when hemoglobin was 7.5 g/dl, independent of other factors. In multivariable regression, Veterans Administration providers were more likely to transfuse at 8.0 g/dl (odds ratio, 5.9; 95% confidence interval, 1.9 to 18.4). Although transplant eligibility explained only 5% of decision-making, nephrologists were five times more likely to value it as important compared with non-nephrologists (odds ratio, 5.2; 95% confidence interval, 2.4 to11.1).

Conclusions
Adaptive choice-based conjoint analysis was useful in predicting influences on transfusion decisions. Hemoglobin level, functional status, and cardiovascular comorbidities most strongly influenced transfusion decision-making, but preference variations were observed among subgroups.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Cardiovascular Mortality after Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Baia Leandro C. , Humalda Jelmer K. , Vervloet Marc G. , Navis Gerjan , Bakker Stephan J.L. , de Borst Martin H. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract

Background and objectives
Circulating fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes in CKD. Whether FGF23 predicts cardiovascular mortality after kidney transplantation, independent of measures of mineral metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors, is unknown.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The association between plasma C-terminal FGF23 and cardiovascular mortality was analyzed in a single-center prospective cohort of 593 stable kidney transplant recipients (mean age ± SD, 52±12 years; 54% male; estimated GFR, 47±16 ml/min per 1.73 m2), at a median of 6.1 (interquartile range, 2.7–11.7) years after transplantation. Multivariate Cox regression models were built, adjusting for measures of renal function and mineral metabolism; Framingham risk factors; the left ventricular wall strain markers midregional fragment of pro–A-type natriuretic peptide (MR-proANP) and N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP); and copeptin, the stable C-terminal portion of the precursor of vasopressin.

Results
In multivariate linear regression analysis, MR-proANP (β=0.20, P<0.001), NT-proBNP (β=0.18, P<0.001), and copeptin (β=0.26, P<0.001) were independently associated with FGF23. During follow-up for 7.0 (interquartile range, 6.2–7.5) years, 128 patients (22%) died, of whom 66 (11%) died due to cardiovascular disease; 54 (9%) had graft failure. FGF23 was associated with an higher risk of cardiovascular mortality in a fully adjusted multivariate Cox regression model (hazard ratio [HR], 1.88 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.11 to 3.19]; P=0.02). FGF23 was also independently associated with all-cause mortality (full model HR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.27 to 2.73]; P=0.001). Net reclassification improved for both cardiovascular mortality (HR, 0.07 [95% CI, 0.01 to 0.14]; P<0.05) and all-cause mortality (HR, 0.11 [95% CI, 0.05 to 0.18]; P<0.001).

Conclusions
Plasma FGF23 is independently associated with cardiovascular and all-cause mortality after kidney transplantation. The association remained significant after adjustment for measures of mineral metabolism and cardiovascular risk factors.
Effect of Renin-Angiotensin System Blockade on Soluble Klotho in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes, Systolic Hypertension, and Albuminuria
Authors: Karalliedde Janaka , Maltese Giuseppe , Hill Benjamin , Viberti Giancarlo , Gnudi Luigi 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Soluble Klotho is an anti-aging phosphaturic protein associated with vascular-renal protection. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that renin-angiotensin system (RAS) blockade increases soluble Klotho levels. The effect of RAS blockers on soluble Klotho in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is unknown.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
Plasma-soluble Klotho was measured in a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled clinical trial performed at a single university hospital center (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT001715, from March 2003 to September 2006). Seventy-six patients with type 2 diabetes and DKD (all with albuminuria and serum creatinine <1.7 mg/dl) were studied at baseline and at 24 weeks (study end) after randomization to valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (n=37) or amlodipine (n=39) treatment. Aortic-pulse wave velocity by applanation tonometry and albuminuria (from three timed urine collections) were also measured at baseline and 24 weeks.

Results
Valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide treatment significantly increased mean (± SD) soluble Klotho (from 432.7±179 to 506.4±226.8 pg/ml; P=0.01) and reduced serum phosphate (from 3.25±1.18 to 2.60±0.96 mg/dl; P=0.04) compared with amlodipine (from 430.1±145.8 to 411.9±157.6 pg/ml and from 2.94±0.56 to 2.69±1.52 mg/dl, respectively). There was a significant difference between treatment groups in soluble Klotho (mean 91.9 pg/ml; 95% confidence interval, 19.9 to 162) and serum phosphate levels (mean −0.68 mg/dl; 95% confidence interval, −0.15 to −1.33) with valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide treatment (P=0.03 and P=0.04, respectively). Attained BP was similar in the two groups and levels of soluble Klotho were not associated with aortic-pulse wave velocity and albuminuria, variables that fell significantly only with valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide.

Conclusions
Treatment with a RAS blocker, valsartan, is associated with an increase in soluble Klotho, which may contribute to the BP-independent cardiorenal benefits of these drugs in DKD.
Cardiorenal Syndrome
Authors: House Andrew A. 
Published: August 2013

Summary
Cardiorenal syndromes (CRSs) with bidirectional heart-kidney signaling are increasingly being recognized for their association with increased morbidity and mortality. In acute CRS, recognition of the importance of worsening kidney function complicating management of acute decompensated heart failure has led to the examination of this specific outcome in the context of acute heart failure clinical trials. In particular, the role of fluid overload and venous congestion has focused interest in the most effective use of diuretic therapy to relieve symptoms of heart failure while at the same time preserving kidney function. Additionally, many novel vasoactive therapies have been studied in recent years with the hopes of augmenting cardiac function, improving symptoms and patient outcomes, while maintaining or improving kidney function. Similarly, recent advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of chronic CRS have led to reanalysis of kidney outcomes in pivotal trials in chronic congestive heart failure, and newer trials are including changes in kidney function as well as kidney injury biomarkers as prospectively monitored and adjudicated outcomes. This paper provides an overview of some new developments in the pharmacologic management of acute and chronic CRS, examines several reports that illustrate a key management principle for each subtype, and discusses opportunities for future research.
Determinants and Changes Associated with Aldosterone Breakthrough after Angiotensin II Receptor Blockade in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with Overt Nephropathy
Authors: Moranne Olivier , Bakris George , Fafin Coraline , Favre Guillaume , Pradier Christian , Esnault Vincent L.M. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system decreases proteinuria and slows estimated GFR decline in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with overt nephropathy. Serum aldosterone levels may increase during renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade. The determinants and consequences of this aldosterone breakthrough remain unknown.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
This study examined the incidence, determinants, and changes associated with aldosterone breakthrough in a posthoc analysis of a randomized study that compared the effect of two angiotensin II receptor blockers in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with overt nephropathy.

Results
Of 567 of 860 participants included in this posthoc analysis, 28% of participants developed aldosterone breakthrough, which was defined by an increase greater than 10% over baseline values of serum aldosterone levels after 1 year of angiotensin II receptor blocker treatment. Factors independently associated with aldosterone breakthrough at 1 year were lower serum aldosterone and potassium levels at baseline, higher decreases in sodium intake, systolic BP, and estimated GFR from baseline to 1 year, and use of losartan versus telmisartan. Aldosterone breakthrough at 6 months was not sustained at 1 year in 69% of cases, and it did not predict estimated GFR decrease and proteinuria increase between 6 months and 1 year.

Conclusions
Aldosterone breakthrough is a frequent event 1 year after initiating renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade, particularly in participants exposed to intensive lowering of BP with sodium depletion and short-acting angiotensin II receptor blockers. Short-term serum aldosterone level increases at 6 months are not associated with negative kidney outcomes between 6 months and 1 year.
Effects of phosphatidyl serine on immune response in the shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Yang Liubing , Pan Luqing 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Phosphatidyl serine plays an important role in animal innate immunity. Given its important functions, numerous investigations have been carried out on its immunological function in many animals. However, studies of phosphatidyl serine in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei, an economically important animal, are rare. In this paper, we demonstrated influences of injecting phosphatidyl serine (PS) on immune response including some parameters from pro-phenol oxidase activating system (pro-PO system) and hemocyanin-derived phenol oxidase activity (Hd-PO) along with antibacterial and bacteriolytic activities in the white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei with different PS concentrations (5, 10 and 20 μg mL−1). The results showed that PS could affect immune response of L. vannamei significantly (P<0.05), including total hemocyte counts (THC), PO activity from hemocyte, phenol oxidase (PO) activity from plasma, hemocyanin concentration, Hd-PO activity as well as antibacterial and bacteriolytic activities in the plasma. Among the lines, 20 μg mL−1 PS had the strongest effect on the above parameters, whereas 5 μg mL−1 had the least effect. The experimental results indicated that PS was able to activate exocytosis of pro-PO and formation of Hd-PO in white shrimp after injection, further regulating the immune process reflected by variation of antibacterial and bacteriolytic activities in a certain way.
Bioelectrical Impedance Vector Analysis (BIVA) in Slovak population: application in a clinical sample
Authors: Siváková Daniela , Vondrová Diana , Valkovič Peter , Cvíčelová Marta , Danková Zuzana , Luptáková Lenka 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to provide new data on body composition in the Slovak population, particularly impedance vector components according to sex and age, relevant for bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in a clinical sample. The reference sample consisted of 1543 apparently healthy individuals (1007 females and 536 males), aged from 18 to 92 years and of 60 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) (26 females and 34 males), aged from 40 to 81 years. Bioelectrical parameters of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) were measured with a monofrequency analyser (BIA 101). BIVA was used to analyse tissue electric properties in control subjects and patients with PD. The mean vector position differed significantly between PD patients and healthy controls in males of age subgroups 60–69 years and 70–79 years, respectively. These results were conterminous with significant Hotelling’s T2-test; 60–69 y T2=7.8, P=0.024 and 70–79 y T2=7.6, P=0.026. In the RXc-score graph three patients had values outside the 95% ellipse. Altered tissue electric properties were present in 23.5% of males and 15.4% of females. Distribution of impedance vector components in different age categories of healthy Slovak subjects are relevant to comparative population studies and to clinical practice.
Plant-pathogen interactions during infection process of asparagus with Fusarium spp.
Authors: Waśkiewicz Agnieszka , Irzykowska Lidia , Drzewiecka Kinga , Bocianowski Jan , Dobosz Bernadeta , Weber Zbigniew , Karolewski Zbigniew , Krzyminiewski Ryszard , Goliński Piotr 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Hes-1-targeting siRNA inhibits the maturation of murine myeloid-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Chen Guoliang , Yu Chunyan , Xing Feiyue , You Pengtao , Di Jingfang , Zeng Shan , Liu Jing 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Activation of Notch by Jagged-1 may plays a pivotal role in maturation of dendritic cells (DCs), but the mechanism has not been completely defined. In the present study, Hes-1 (Hairy/enhancer-of-split)-targeting siRNA was used to confirm a role of Jagged-1-Notch signaling pathway activation in maturation of murine bone marrow-derived DCs and to search for a target that plays a critical role. The results showed that compared with the control, lipopolysaccharide or Zymosan A groups, Jagged-1 (a soluble Jagged 1/Fc chimera protein) effectively increased expression of Hes-1 and Deltex-1 mRNA, which could be reversed by DAPT (2, 4-diamino-5-phenylthiazole), a specific inhibitor of the Notch signaling pathway. Hes-1-targeting siRNA could successfully down-regulate the endogenous Hes-1 expression in the DCs. Concurrently, a significant down-regulation of CD40, CD80, CD86 and MHC-II expressions on the surface of the DCs was found with the reduction of IL-12 yielded by the DCs. Our results demonstrate that Hes-1-targeting siRNA can inhibit the maturation of the DCs induced by Jagged-1, indicating Hes-1 may be an important target of Notch signaling mediating the maturation of DCs.
DFT study on [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions to [60] fullerene
Authors: Peyghan Ali , Noei Maziar 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe functionalisation of C60 fullerene with 2,3-dimethylene-1,4-dioxane (I) and 2,5-dioxabicyclo [4.2.0]octa-1(8),6-diene (II) was investigated by the use of density functional theory calculations in terms of its energetic, structural, field emission, and electronic properties. The functionalisation of C60 with I was previously reported experimentally. The I and II molecules are preferentially attached to a C—C bond shared and located between two hexagons of C60 via [4+2] and [2+2] cycloadditions bearing reaction energies of −15.9 kcal mol−1 and −72.4 kcal mol−1, respectively. The HOMO-LUMO energy gap and work function of C60 are significantly reduced following completion of the reactions. The field electron emission current of the C60 surface will increase after functionalisation of either the I or II molecule.
Total synthesis of cannabisin F
Authors: Xia Ya-Mu , Xia Jun , Chai Chen 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA practical eight-step synthesis of lignanamide cannabisin F starting from vanillin is reported for the first time. This synthetic strategy applies the aldol reaction followed by the Wittig reaction to afford the key 8-O-4′-neolignan intermediate diacid. The diacid was condensed with N,O-protected tyramine giving, after deprotection, cannabisin F.
Solid waste decontamination by thermal desorption and catalytic oxidation methods
Authors: Šolcov Olga , Topka Pavel , Soukup Karel , Jirátová Květuše , Váňová Helena , Kaštánek František 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCombined thermal desorption and catalytic oxidation for soil decontamination was studied at the pilot plant scale. Gasoline, xylene, and 2-methylnaphthalene were used as model contaminants in the concentrations from 2 g to 10 g per kg of soil. To guarantee the flow of the exhaust gas from the thermal desorption unit into the catalytic oxidation unit, a Venturi pump was used. Based on the laboratory scale catalytic tests, the commercial catalyst EnviCat® VOC-1544 was employed in the catalytic oxidation. Residual concentrations of hydrocarbons in soil after the thermal desorption were below the detection limits of the applied analytical method (GC-MS). Although the contaminant concentrations at the inlet of the catalytic reactor significantly varied during the experiments, the efficiency of catalytic oxidation was higher than 90 % in all cases.
Determination of limiting current density for different electrodialysis modules
Authors: Káňavová Natália , Machuča Lubomír , Tvrzník David 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLimiting current density of ammonium nitrate solution in laboratory-, pilot-, and industrial-scale electrodialysis modules were determined to provide a method for the prediction of the limiting current density of ammonium nitrate solutions at any conditions. The current-voltage curve was measured in each case and the limiting current density was evaluated using the dependence of the derivative, dI/dU, on the electric current, I. The limiting current was determined as a current at which the derivative dI/dU equals zero. The developed method enables not only the prediction of the limiting current density but the limiting cut and limiting flux can be determined concurrently at any linear flow velocity of the diluate and inlet ammonium nitrate concentration. It could help to prevent working in the overlimiting region and to avoid undesirable decrease of current efficiency and pH changes. The limiting cut is the maximal cut that can be obtained at certain linear flow velocity and module geometry irrespective of the inlet ammonium nitrate concentration and it is very useful information when designing a new electrodialysis unit for specific application.