bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Red Blood Cell Distribution Width in Patients with Cardiac Syndrome X
Authors: Qing Ping , Luo Song-Hui , Guo Yuan-Lin , Liu Jun , Xu Rui-Xia , Zhu Cheng-Gang , Jia Yan-Jun , Ma Feng-Lian , Wu Na-Qiong , Jiang Li-Xin , Li Jian-Jun 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: Cardiac syndrome X (CSX) is a condition characterized by chest pain with normal coronary arteries. However, its pathogenesis has not fully been understood yet. Red blood cell distribution width (RDW) has recently been suggested as a marker of acute and chronic cardiovascular diseases, while no data is available in patients with CSX.METHODS: One hundred and twenty consecutive patients with CSX and 102 normal controls were prospectively enrolled in this study. Blood samples were drawn from all individuals for measuring RDW and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP). The baseline data were compared between patients with CSX and normal controls.RESULTS: The RDW levels were significantly higher in patients with CSX than that in those with normal controls (13.1 ± 2.1 versus 12.3 ± 1.8,p= 0.011). Moreover, the data showed that the levels of plasma CRP were marked higher in patients with CSX than those that were observed in normal controls (CRP: 2.8 ± 2.2 mg/L versus 2.0 ± 1.7 mg/dl,p= 0.014). In addition, the multivariate analysis indicated that peripheral monocyte cell, CRP and RDW were the independent variables most strongly associated with CSX. In a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, we found that an RDW value of 12.8% was used as an effective cut-point in the segregation of the presence or absence of cardiac syndrome X, a sensitivity of 52.0% and a specificity of 65.4% were obtained. Finally, correlation analysis suggested that there was positive correlation between plasma levels of CRP and RDW levels (n= 120,γ= 0.381,P= 0.013).CONCLUSIONS: The present study, for the first time, demonstrated that elevated RDW and CRP levels were independently associated with the presence of CSX.
Urinary MMP-9/NGAL Ratio as a Potential Marker of FSGS in Nephrotic Children
Authors: Korzeniecka-Kozerska Agata , Wasilewska Anna , Tenderenda Edyta , Sulik Agnieszka , Cybulski Kamil 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: The study was undertaken to develop a potential new markers for distinguishing minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in children. We hypothesized that matrix metalloproteinase-9/neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (MMP-9/NGAL) is a better marker of focal sclerosis in the glomerulus then matrix metalloproteinase-9/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-9/TIMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-2/tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 MMP2/TIMP-2.METHODS: The present study used a sample of 36 children and adolescents subdivided into two groups: I – 20 children with MCNS, subjected to examination twice: A – in relapse of nephrotic syndrome, before treatment and B – after regression of proteinuria; II – 16 children with FSGS. MMPs and TIMPs and NGAL levels were measured in the urine using ELISA kit. MMP-9/TIMP-1, MMP-2/TIMP-2 and MMP-9/NGAL ratios were calculated.RESULTS: Median NGAL/cr. was significantly higher in MCNS and FSGS patients when compared to healthy controls. Both, NGAL and MMP-9 urinary levels were significantly elevated in FSGS subjects, as compared with control subjects. Contrary to FSGS children, in MCNS group, before treatment only NGAL/cr., but not MMP-9/cr. was increased. Urinary concentrations of NGAL and MMP-9 were highly associated with each other (NGAL/cr. vs. MMP-9/cr.,r= 0.485,p< 0.01). Median urine MMP-9/NGAL ratio in FSGS patients was significantly higher than in patients with MCNS. We also found that significant increase in MMP-9/NGAL was associated with FSGS [odds ratio (OR) – 9.0; confidence interval (CI) 1.97–41.07].CONCLUSION: MMP-9/NGAL ratio may serve as differentiation marker between MCNS and FSGS in nephrotic children.
Quantification of Plasma Cell-Free DNA1in Predicting Therapeutic Efficacy of Sorafenib on Metastatic Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Feng Gang , Ye Xiaobing , Fang Fang , Pu Chun , Huang Houbao , Li Guorong 
Published: June 2013

PURPOSE: The objective of this study is to determine whether or not plasma cfDNA levels can predict efficacy of sorafenib in patient with metastatic cRCC.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Plasma cfDNA levels were quantified by quantitative real-time PCR at six different time-points (before treatment, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks, and 24 weeks) in 18 metastatic cRCC patients receiving sorafenib, as assessed by CT examination according to RECIST 1.1.RESULTS: A significantly lower plasma cfDNA level, measured from 8 weeks to 24 weeks, was found in patients with remission or stable disease than in those with progression. Higher levels in plasma cfDNA levels during the course of treatment indicated poor outcome. For predicting progression, a sensitivity of 66.7% was achieved at 100% specificity using cfDNA levels at 8 weeks.CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of plasma cfDNA levels during the course of sorafenib therapy could identify metastatic cRCC patients who are likely to exhibit a poor response at an early stage.
Mutational Spectrum of Gelsolin and Its Down Regulation Is Associated with Breast Cancer
Authors: Baig Ruqia Mehmood , Mahjabeen Ishrat , Sabir Maimoona , Masood Nosheen , Ali Kashif , Malik Faraz Arshad , Kayani Mahmood Akhtar 
Published: June 2013

Cytoskeletal rearrangement occurs in variety of cellular processes and involves a wide spectrum of proteins. Gelsolin super family proteins control actin organization by severing and capping filament ends and nucleating actin assembly. Gelsolin is the founding member of this family and plays important role in pathogenesis of human neoplasia.This study aimed to investigate the germline mutations and expressional profile of Gelsolin in human breast cancer tissues. For germ line screening PCR-SSCP technique was used while expression was analyzed through quantitative real time PCR. Different types of mutations were observed in Gelsolin coding regions on exons 4, 10, 11, 14 and 15. These mutations include 3 missense nonsynonymous substitution mutations, 2 deletions, 1 insertion and 1 synonymous substitution mutation. Gelsolin transcript level was found significantly lower in breast tumor tissues compared to control samples (p=0.03). Low level of Gelsolin was found in metastatic patients (p=0.002) and patients who died from breast cancer (P=0.03) compared to disease free patients at final follow up. This study shows that level of Gelsolin is down regulated in breast cancer tissues and is linked with metastasis development and death in patients. It is concluded that genetic changes in coding regions of Gelsolin can potentially contribute to genetic instability. These genetic variations and expressional correlation with patient survival may prove to be of significant importance.
Prognostic Role of microRNA-155 in Various Carcinomas: Results from a Meta-Analysis
Authors: He Jing , Zhang Fengmei , Wu Ying , Zhang Wei , Zhu Xiaoli , He Xuelian , Zhao Yuhang , Zhang Wei , Zhao Yulan 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNA) have prognostic values in cancers. This meta-analysis seeks to summarize the global predicting role of miR-155 for survival in patients with a variety of carcinomas.METHODS: Eligible studies were identified through multiple search strategies. Data were extracted from studies investigating the relationship between miR-155 expression and survival in cancer patients. Combined hazard ratios (HRs) of miR-155 for outcome were analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 16 studies dealing with various carcinomas were included for this meta-analysis. For overall survival, higher miR-155 expression could significantly predict worse outcome with the pooled HR of 2.057 (95% CI: 1.392–3.039). For relapse or progress-free survival, elevated miR-155 was also a significant predictor, with a combined HR of 1.918 (95% CI: 1.311–2.806,). In addition, subgroup analysis showed that higher expression of miR-155 had the trends to predict worse outcome in lung cancer. However, the HRs did not reach the statistical significance.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that miR-155 detection has a prognostic value in cancer patients. Regularly measuring miR-155 expression may be useful in clinical practice.
NovelERBB Receptor Feedback Inhibitor 1 (ERRFI1)+ 808 T/G Polymorphism Confers Protective Effect on Diabetic Nephropathy in a Korean Population
Authors: Lee Ihn Suk , Lee Ju Hee , Kim Hyun Jin , Lee Jae Min , Lee Seong Kyu , Kim Hye Soo , Lee Jong Min , Park Kang Seo , Ku Bon Jeong 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: The identification and characterization of the gene, ERRFI1, in diabetes has not been reported. In this study, we evaluated the relationship between ERRFI1 polymorphism and characteristics of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Korea.SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We conduct a case-control study involving T2DM patients (n=342) and controls (n=473).RESULTS: A novel single nucleotide ERRFI1 gene polymorphism at +807(T/G) was found. G genotype frequency was 40.1% in the diabetic group and 42.7% in the control group; the difference was not significant (p=0.45). In the diabetic group, the urine albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was lower in the G genotype than in the T genotype (P=0.004). In males with T2DM, those with the G genotype displayed lower systolic blood pressure (P=0.01) and higher glomerular filtration rate (P=0.048) compare to those with the T genotype. In females with T2DM, urine ACR was low in those with the G genotype than in those with the T genotype (P=0.02). In the diabetic group, patients who harboring T allele had a 1.81 times higher risk of diabetic nephropathy than the G allele (95% CI 1.11–2.96, P=0.02). In females with T2DM, patients who harboring T allele had a 2.12 times higher risk of diabetic nephropathy (95% CI 1.07–4.1, P=0.03).CONCLUSIONS: We identify new loci associated with glycemic traits in diabetes and this finding indicates the potential of ERRFI1 as a novel therapeutic target of diabetic nephropathy.
Utility of OCT3/4, TSPY andβ-Catenin as Biological Markers for Gonadoblastoma Formation and Malignant Germ Cell Tumor Development in Dysgenetic Gonads
Authors: Palma Icela , Garibay Nayely , Pena-Yolanda Rocio , Contreras Alejandra , Raya Atlantida , Dominguez Carolina , Romero Mirna , Aristi Gerardo , Queipo Gloria 
Published: June 2013

BACKGROUND: Gonadoblastoma (GB) is regarded as an in situ form of germ cell tumor in dysgenetic gonads, and 30% of patients with GB develop a dysgerminoma/seminoma tumor.OBJECTIVE: Determine whether OCT3/4 andβ-catenin are expressed in dysgenetic gonads before GB development and whether TSPY participates in the OCT3/4-β-catenin pathways in the malignant invasive behavior.METHODS: dysgenetic gonads of Disorders of sex differentiation (DSD) patients with mixed gonadal dysgenesis were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence for comparison with GB and dysgerminoma/seminoma.RESULTS: Our results suggest that the development of GB is secondary to the interaction of OCT3/4 and TSPY, thatβ-catenin does not participate in this process.CONCLUSIONS: The use of this biological markers detects the potential high risk gonads.
IL-18–Primed Helper NK Cells Collaborate with Dendritic Cells to Promote Recruitment of Effector CD8+ T Cells to the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Wong Jeffrey L. , Berk Erik , Edwards Robert P. , Kalinski Pawel 
Published: June 2013

AbstractChemokine-driven interactions of immune cells are essential for effective antitumor immunity. Human natural killer (NK) cells can be primed by the interleukin (IL)-1–related proinflammatory cytokine IL-18 for unique helper activity, which promotes dendritic cell (DC) activation and DC-mediated induction of type-1 immune responses against cancer. Here, we show that such IL-18–primed "helper" NK cells produce high levels of the immature DC (iDC)–attracting chemokines CCL3 and CCL4 upon exposure to tumor cells or the additional inflammatory signals IFN-α, IL-15, IL-12, or IL-2. These "helper" NK cells potently attract iDCs in a CCR5-dependent mechanism and induce high DC production of CXCR3 and CCR5 ligands (CXCL9, CXCL10, and CCL5), facilitating the subsequent recruitment of type-1 effector CD8+ T (Teff) cells. Using cells isolated from the malignant ascites of patients with advanced ovarian cancer, we show that "helper" NK cell-inducing factors can be used to enhance local production of Teff cell-recruiting chemokines. Our findings reveal the unique chemokine expression profile of "helper" NK cells and highlight the potential for using two-signal–activated NK cells to promote homing of type-1 immune effectors to the human tumor environment. Cancer Res; 73(15); 4653–62. ©2013 AACR.
Cyclophosphamide Induces a Type I Interferon–Associated Sterile Inflammatory Response Signature in Cancer Patients' Blood Cells: Implications for Cancer Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Moschella Federica , Torelli Giovanni Fernando , Valentini Mara , Urbani Francesca , Buccione Carla , Petrucci Maria Teresa , Natalino Fiammetta , Belardelli Filippo , Foà Robin , Proietti Enrico 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Purpose: Certain chemotherapeutics, particularly cyclophosphamide, can enhance the antitumor efficacy of immunotherapy. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of cyclophosphamide-mediated immunomodulation is needed to improve the efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy.
Experimental Design: Transcript profiling and flow cytometry were used to explore cyclophosphamide-induced immunoadjuvanticity in patients with hematologic malignancies.
Results: A single high-dose treatment rapidly (1–2 days) induced peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) transcriptional modulation, leading to reduction of cell-cycle and biosynthetic/metabolic processes and augmentation of DNA damage and cell death pathways (p53 signaling pathway), death-related scavenger receptors, antigen processing/presentation mediators, T-cell activation markers and, noticeably, a type I IFN (IFN-I) signature (OAS1, CXCL10, BAFF, IFITM2, IFI6, IRF5, IRF7, STAT2, UBE2L6, UNC93B1, ISG20L1, TYK2). Moreover, IFN-I–induced proinflammatory mediators (CXCL10, CCL2, IL-8, and BAFF) were increased in patients' plasma. Accordingly, cyclophosphamide induced the expansion/activation of CD14+CD16+ monocytes, of HLA-DR+, IL-8RA+, and MARCO+ monocytes/dendritic cells, and of CD69+, OX40+, and IL-8RA+ lymphocytes.
Conclusions: Altogether, these data identify the cyclophosphamide-induced immunomodulatory factors in humans and indicate that preconditioning chemotherapy may stimulate immunity as a consequence of danger perception associated with blood cell death, through p53 and IFN-I–related mechanisms. Clin Cancer Res; 19(15); 4249–61. ©2013 AACR.
Snail Cooperates with KrasG12D to Promote Pancreatic Fibrosis
Authors: Shields Mario A. , Ebine Kazumi , Sahai Vaibhav , Kumar Krishan , Siddiqui Kulsumjehan , Hwang Rosa F. , Grippo Paul J. , Munshi Hidayatullah G. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPatients with pancreatic cancer, which is characterized by an extensive collagen-rich fibrotic reaction, often present with metastases. A critical step in cancer metastasis is epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which can be orchestrated by the Snail family of transcription factors. To understand the role of Snail (SNAI1) in pancreatic cancer development, we generated transgenic mice expressing Snail in the pancreas. Because chronic pancreatitis can contribute to pancreatic cancer development, Snail-expressing mice were treated with cerulein to induce pancreatitis. Although significant tissue injury was observed, a minimal difference in pancreatitis was seen between control and Snail-expressing mice. However, because Kras mutation is necessary for tumor development in mouse models of pancreatic cancer, we generated mice expressing both mutant KrasG12D and Snail (Kras+/Snail+). Compared with control mice (Kras+/Snai−), Kras+/Snail+ mice developed acinar ectasia and more advanced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia. The Kras+/Snail+ mice exhibited increased fibrosis, increased phosphorylated Smad2, increased TGF-β2 expression, and activation of pancreatic stellate cells. To further understand the mechanism by which Snail promoted fibrosis, we established an in vitro model to examine the effect of Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells on stellate cell collagen production. Snail expression in pancreatic cancer cells increased TGF-β2 levels, and conditioned media from Snail-expressing pancreatic cancer cells increased collagen production by stellate cells. Additionally, inhibiting TGF-β signaling in stellate cells attenuated the conditioned media–induced collagen production by stellate cells. Together, these results suggest that Snail contributes to pancreatic tumor development by promoting fibrotic reaction through increased TGF-β signaling.Implications: Expression of the EMT regulator Snail in the context of mutant Kras provides new insight into pancreatic cancer progression. Mol Cancer Res; 11(9); 1078–87. ©2013 AACR.
Winter Weather Patterns over Northern Eurasia and Arctic Sea Ice Loss
Authors: Wu Bingyi , Handorf Dörthe , Dethloff Klaus , Rinke Annette , Hu Aixue 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
Using NCEP–NCAR reanalysis and Japanese 25-yr Reanalysis (JRA-25) winter daily (1 December–28 February) data for the period 1979–2012, this paper reveals the leading pattern of winter daily 850-hPa wind variability over northern Eurasia from a dynamic perspective. The results show that the leading pattern accounts for 18% of the total anomalous kinetic energy and consists of two subpatterns: the dipole and the tripole wind patterns. The dipole wind pattern does not exhibit any apparent trend. The tripole wind pattern, however, has displayed significant trends since the late 1980s. The negative phase of the tripole wind pattern corresponds to an anomalous anticyclone over northern Eurasia during winter, as well as two anomalous cyclones occurring over southern Europe and in the mid- to high latitudes of East Asia. These anomalous cyclones in turn lead to enhanced winter precipitation in these two regions, as well as negative surface temperature anomalies over the mid- to high latitudes of Asia. The intensity of the tripole wind pattern and the frequency of its extreme negative phase are significantly correlated with autumn Arctic sea ice anomalies. Simulation experiments further demonstrate that the winter atmospheric response to Arctic sea ice decrease is dynamically consistent with the observed trend in the tripole wind pattern over the past 24 winters, which is one of the causes of the observed declining winter surface air temperature trend over Central and East Asia. The results of this study also imply that East Asia may experience more frequent and/or intense winter extreme weather events in association with the loss of Arctic sea ice.
Development of a rapid assay for the analysis of serum cortisol and its implementation into a routine service laboratory
Authors: Owen Laura J , Adaway Joanne E , Davies Sarah , Neale Sarah , El-Farhan Nadia , Ducroq David , Evans Carol , Rees D Aled , MacKenzie Finlay , Keevil Brian G 
Published: June 2013

Background LC-MS/MS is rapidly becoming the technology of choice for measuring steroid hormones. We have developed a rapid LC-MS/MS assay for the routine analysis of serum cortisol. We have used this assay to investigate the effects of gender and exogenous steroid interference on the immunoassay measurement of serum cortisol. Methods Zinc sulphate (40  µL) was added to 20  µL of sample. This was vortexed for 10 s followed by the addition of 100  µL of internal standard in methanol. Following mixing and centrifugation, 10  µL of sample was injected into an Acquity LC system coupled to a Quattro Premier tandem mass spectrometer. Serum samples ( n = 149) were analysed by LC-MS/MS and two commercial immunoassays. Results were then compared for all samples and for gender differences. A further set of serum samples ( n = 171) was analysed by the LC-MS/MS assay and a GC-MS assay. Results Cortisol had a retention time of 0.98 min and the assay had an injection-to-injection time of 2.6 min per sample. Mean recovery was 99% and mean CV was 8%. The immunoassays gave comparisons of: Roche = 1.23 × LC-MS/MS −1.12 nmol/L and Abbott = 0.94 × LC-MS/MS + 11.97. The comparison with GC-MS showed LC-MS/MS = 1.11 × GC-MS – 22.90. Discussion We have developed an LC-MS/MS assay for serum cortisol analysis that is suitable for routine clinical use and has been in use in our laboratory for 12 months. The availability of this assay will give more reliable results in patients receiving exogenous steroid therapy.
The impact of centrifugation in primary care on pseudohyperkalaemia: a retrospective evaluation
Authors: Turner Helen E , Peake Roy W A , Allison James J 
Published: June 2013

Background Spurious hyperkalaemia is a relatively common occurrence in samples originating from primary care. Failure to identify spurious hyperkalaemia carries a significant risk of patient mismanagement. We have carried out a retrospective evaluation to review the impact of the use of centrifuges in primary care for biochemistry blood samples on the management of hyperkalaemia. Methods Serum potassium concentrations in samples received from primary care were reviewed for six months prior to and after the implementation of on-site centrifugation. Samples exhibiting significant hyperkalaemia (serum potassium >6.0 mmol/L) were further investigated to ascertain the degree of patient follow-up. Results There was a significant decrease in the number of samples exhibiting marked hyperkalaemia following the implementation (2244 versus 524; P < 0.0001). In terms of patient follow-up, we observed a reduction in the number of patients exhibiting pseudohyperkalaemia that previously had led to inappropriate hospital admissions over the same time period (6 cases postimplementation versus 22 cases preimplementation). We also observed an increase in the number of patients exhibiting true hyperkalaemia during the six-month period postimplementation (33 cases postimplementation versus 6 cases preimplementation). Conclusions The centrifugation of serum samples in primary care improves the sample quality and the integrity of the potassium results reported. We have also demonstrated evidence of an improvement in patient management and quality of care.