bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, C-reactive Protein and Urinary Neopterin Concentrations During dose-dense Chemotherapy
Authors: Melichar Bohuslav , Balloková Anna , Malirová Eva , Urbánek Lubor , Krcmová Lenka , Hyspler Radomir , Hornychová Helena , Ryska Ales , Solichová Dagmar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Angiogenesis plays a crucial role in tumor progression. Prominent among angiogenic factors is vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF is produced by cancer cells as well as by the cells infiltrating tumor stroma, mainly macrophages. Macrophage activation may be assessed by measuring serum or urinary neopterin. Systemic inflammatory response could be evaluated by measuring serum C-reactive protein concentrations. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of a regimen combining dose dense combination of doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide with sequential weekly paclitaxel on plasma VEGF, urinary neopterin and serum C-reactive protein concentrations. Thirty-four female patients with histologically verified breast carcinoma treated with dose-dense regimen combining doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide with sequential weekly paclitaxel administration were studied. Plasma VEGF was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Urinary neopterin was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Compared to baseline plasma VEGF was significantly decreased one week after the start of therapy. VEGF concentrations subsequently increased, but this increase was significant compared to baseline only at week 16. Urinary neopterin was significantly increased compared to baseline at every visit with the exception of visits 12 and 20 at which the significance was borderline. Serum C-reactive protein was increased compared to baseline only at visits 4, 6 and 8. A positive correlation was observed between plasma VEGF and serum C-reactive protein at baseline and at visits 5 and 19. Significant correlations were observed between serum C-reactive protein and urinary neopterin at visits 6, 7, 9, 11, 14, 15 and 17. In conclusion, only minor changes in plasma VEGF and serum C-reactive protein were observed during dose-dense chemotherapy. In contrast, urinary neopterin was increased throughout the course of treatment. Correlations between VEGF and C-reactive protein and between Creactive protein and urinary neopterin were observed only at some time points.
Immunological Markers in Plasma and CSF distinguish Vascular Parkinsonism from Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Vrecko Karoline , Schwingenschuh Petra , Holl Alexander , Saurugg Ronald , Wenzel Karoline , Katschnig Petra , Tafeit Erwin , Ott Erwin 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Activation of the cellular immune system is discussed to be partly responsible in the neurodegenerative process of Parkinson's disease. We determined concentrations of neopterin, of cytokine interleukin-6, and of soluble cytokine receptors sIL-2Rα, sTNF-R75α in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid in controls and patients with vascular parkinsonism and idiopathic Parkinson's disease diagnosed according to published clinical diagnostic criteria, to examine if the cellular immune system is activated locally or peripherally or both. Our results show no activation in idiopathic Parkinson's disease and controls, but a significant increased activation in vascular parkinsonism, where concomitant signs of cerebrovascular disease are present.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Neopterin in Patients with Tumors and other Disorders
Authors: Rehák Svatopluk , Malirová Eva , Cermanová Melanie , Suba Petr , Cerman Jaroslav , Plisek Stanislav , Melichar Bohuslav 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Increased urinary or serum concentrations of neopterin have been reported in cancer patients, but less is known about neopterin concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF neopterin was determined with radioimmunoassay in 64 patients. CSF neopterin concentrations in patients with tumors were significantly higher compared to patients with predominantly peripheral infections (Lyme borreliosis and herpes simplex infection) and no infectious, inflammatory or neoplastic disorder, and significantly lower compared to patients with meningitis or encephalitis. Among patients with tumors, CSF neopterin was significantly higher in patients with non- Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) compared to other tumors. The difference between patients with tumors other than NHL and predominantly peripheral infections was of borderline significance, and a significant difference was observed between patients with tumors other than NHL and no disorder. CSF neopterin was significantly higher in patients with NHL compared to patients with predominantly peripheral infections, multiple sclerosis or polyneuropathy and no disorder, and no difference was evident compared to patients with meningitis or encephalitis. In conclusion, among patients with tumors, high CSF neopterin may suggest the diagnosis of NHL.
Serum Neopterin in Patients with Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Beneš Petr , Melichar Bohuslav , Študentová Hana , Kapustová Miloslava , Malírová Eva , Schneiderka Petr , 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 melanoma are scanty. We have studied serum neopterin and a melanoma marker, S-100-beta, in 41 patients with melanoma. Serum neopterin and S-100-beta were determined by immunoassay. Neopterin concentrations were significantly increased compared to controls only in patients with active disease, but not in patients without evidence of disease activity. Serum neopterin and S-100-beta in patients with active disease were higher than in patients without evidence of disease activity. In patients a significant correlation existed between neopterin and S-100-beta (rs = 0.33, p <0.05), and, in patients without active disease, there was also a correlation between neopterin and age (rs = 0.51, p <0.01). In conclusion, increased serum neopterin in patients reflects disease activity. A significant correlation was observed between serum neopterin and S-100-beta. Future studies are necessary to demonstrate whether the combined measurement of serum neopterin and S-100-beta could be useful in the detection of recurrence in patients with melanoma.
Accelerated Tryptophan Degradation in Trauma and Sepsis Patients is Related to Pro-inflammatory Response and to the Diminished in vitro Response of Monocytes
Authors: Ploder Martin , Spittler Andreas , Schroecksnadel Katharina , Neurauter Gabriele , Pelinka Linda E. , Roth Erich , Fuchs Dietmar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Immune system activation and inflammation accompanies immune dysfunction in trauma and sepsis patients. Tryptophan degradation via the kynurenine pathway by the cytokine-inducible enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) could contribute to the deficient responsiveness of immunocompetent cells. Activated IDO in patients after trauma and with sepsis is indicated by an increased kynurenine to tryptophan ratio (kyn/trp), which was found to be associated with poor outcome of patients. In this study, tryptophan and kynurenine concentrations in 18 patients post trauma or with sepsis during 12-14 days of follow up (up to 84 specimens were available) were compared to concentrations of neopterin and cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin- 6 (IL-6) and the in vitro response of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes. Compared to healthy controls, average kyn/trp and kynurenine, TNF-α, IL-6 and neopterin concentrations were increased in patients, and tryptophan concentrations were decreased. During follow-up, only kyn/trp, kynurenine and neopterin concentrations (all p <0.001) were increasing, whereas the changes of tryptophan, TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were not significant. Non-survivors presented not only with higher kyn/trp and with higher kynurenine and neopterin concentrations than survivors, but also TNF-α and IL-6 concentrations were higher. Kyn/trp correlated with neopterin (rs = 0.590; p <0.001) and also with TNF-α (rs = 0.374; p <0.01) and IL-6 concentrations (rs = 0.262; p <0.05) and inversely with the in vitro response of stimulated monocytes. Data imply that increased tryptophan degradation in patients post trauma is due to IDO activation. Increased IDO activity most likely represents a result of host defence response in patients, and data support a possible role of IDO to diminish immunoresponsiveness in such patients.
Exposure to Helicobacter pylori and Serum Kynurenine to Tryptophan Ratio in Patients with Gastric Cancer
Authors: Engin Ayse Basak , Karahalil Bensu , Karakaya Ali Esat , Engin Atilla 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
In Helicobacter pylori seropositive individuals, the subsequent risk of non-cardia gastric cancer development is frequently attributed to the infection agent. Although the link between inflammation and gastric cancer is formally recognized, the molecular basis of evading mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori from host immune system remains unclear.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of systemic factors in gastric cancer patients such as serum kynurenine to tryptophan ratios, neopterin, nitric oxide and urinary biopterin levels which may sustain the persistence of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity. This prospective randomized study involved 95 adults with gastric cancer and 108 cancer free patients with extradigestive diseases. Each group was assigned into two subgroups according to Helicobacter pylori IgG seropositivity. Exposure to Helicobacter pylori was detected by serum IgG test (ELISA). Serum tryptophan, kynurenine, neopterin and nitrite concentrations were measured. In simultaneous urinary samples, neopterin, biopterin, and creatinine levels were assayed. Significant decreases were found in serum tryptophan levels of both Helicobacter
pylori seronegative and seropositive gastric cancer patients versus controls without malignant disease. However, marked increase in kynurenine/tryptophan was observed only in Helicobacter pylori seropositive cancer patients. Highly significant correlation between the serum neopterin and kynurenine/tryptophan indicated interferon gamma stimulated tryptophan degradation. Decrease in serum nitrite levels, and a parallel increase in urinary biopterin concentrations in Helicobacter pylori seropositive cancer cases might result from the excessive nitric oxide consumption due to reactive oxygen radical overproduction. Significantly higher kynurenine to tryptophan ratio and its correlation with increased neopterin levels suggested a role of tryptophan-degrading enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and that persistence of Helicobacter pylori seropositivity might participate in enhanced immune tolerance of cancer patients.
Urinary Neopterin, Serum Retinol, α-tocopherol and Homocysteine in Breast Cancer Patients During Treatment with Bevacizumab and Chemotherapy
Authors: Melichar Bohuslav , Kalábová Hana , Krčmová Lenka , Kašparová Markéta , Plíšek Jiří , Hyšpler Radomír , Študentová Hana , Zezulová Michaela , Holečková Petra , Pecka Miroslav , Solichová Dagmar 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Bevacizumab, monoclonal antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor, is effective in different tumors, including colorectal carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma and breast cancer. Increased serum or urinary concentrations of neopterin, an indicator of systemic immune response, have been described in patients with tumors of different primary locations, and further increase has been observed during anticancer therapy. An increase of urinary neopterin has been described after administration of cytokines, cytotoxic chemotherapy, or external beam radiation, but less is known about the effects of targeted agents on systemic immune response. We have studied serum homocysteine, C-reactive protein, α-tocopherol and retinol, and urinary neopterin in patients with metastatic breast cancer treated with bevacizumab, taxane and carboplatin. Homocysteine and C-reactive protein were determined immunochemically. α-tocopherol, retinol and urinary neopterin were determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Homocysteine, C-reactive protein and urinary neopterin decreased, while retinol and α-tocopherol increased during the therapy. In conclusion, the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer with bevacizumab, taxane and carboplatin resulted in the suppression of systemic inflammatory and immune response. The suppression of systemic inflammatory and immune response was associated with an increase in serum vitamin concentrations.
Clinical Usefulness of Determining the Concentration of Neopterin
Authors: Plata-Nazar Katarzyna , Jankowska Agnieszka 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Neopterin is one of biochemical markers of immune activity, which seems to be useful in monitoring inflammatory diseases. Increased serum concentration of neopterin is observed in conditions with cell-mediated immune response involvement. In clinical practice, neopterin evaluation is applied in medical conditions such as: infectious diseases, oncology, rheumatology, transplantology, transfusiology, cardiology, neurology and many others. Neopterin can be detected in serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, saliva, ascitic fluid, bile, pancreatic juice and gastric juice. In recently published studies, various non-specific indicators of inflammation such as neopterin, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin were compared and proved to be independently useful.
Hepatotoxicity and Langerhans Islets Regenerative Effects of Polar and Neutral Lipids of Nigella sativa L. in Nicotinamide/streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Sobhi Widad , Khettal Bachra , Belmouhoub Messaoud , Atmani Djebbar , Duez Pierre , Benboubetra Mustapha 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
The extracted oil from Nigella sativa seeds is reported to be effective against various diseases and chemicallyinduced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The effect of oral administration of Nigella sativa total, polar and neutral oils was investigated on hepatoprotective status in streptozotocin/nicotinamide (STZ-N)-induced diabetic rats. The toxicity was assessed biochemically by monitoring aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptitase (g-GT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) activities as well as biluribin titre and histologically under light microscope. The study was also undertaken to evaluate the effect of oil fractions on the regeneration of pancreatic Langerhans islets in treated diabetic rats.
Biochemical analysis showed that lipid fractions from total oil of Nigella sativa seeds are not hepatotoxic. However, histological study of the liver demonstrated major and minor tissue damages with the neutral fraction exhibiting the most protective effect. At the end of the experiment period (17 days) of treatment with thymoquinone (25mg/kg bw/day) or neutral lipid fraction (100mg/kg bw/day), a positive effect on the regenerative of Langerhans islets, initially distorted by STZ, was observed. Thus, the hypoglycaemic effect of neutral lipid fraction could be a result of the regeneration of the pancreatic Langerhans islets.
The role of alternating current electric field for cell adhesion on 2D and 3D biomimetic scaffolds based on polymer materials and adhesive proteins
Authors: Pehlivanova V. , Krasteva V. , Seifert B. , Lützow K. , Tsoneva I. , Becker T. , Richau K. , Lendlein A. , Tzoneva R. 
Published: August 2013

Abstract
Synthesis and magnetic properties of fergusonite-structured La(NbVMn)O4
Authors: Kawakami Shunsuke , Takeda Naoya , Kohiki Shigemi , Tsutsui Fuki , Harada Juri , Arai Masao , Mitome Masanori , Ohmura Kazuyo , Yubuta Kunio , Shishido Toetsu 
Published: August 2013

The authors have synthesized fergusonite-structured La(Nb0·71V0·04Mn0·25)O4 samples. The samples, consisting of La3+, Nb5+, V5+, Mn4+ and oxygen ions, demonstrated temperature-dependent magnetization that increased with lowering the temperature below ≈200 K, and almost saturated below ≈100 K. At 75 K, the field-dependent magnetization demonstrated sigmoidal curve and reached 3 μB/Mn at 1 T. Such a magnetic behavior can be ascribed to exchange interaction between Mn4+Nb2O11 nanoclusters. The Mn4+ substitution for the V5+ sites of the crystal resulted also in the occupied state above the valence band maximum.
Synthesis, characterization and biodegradation studies of poly(ester-urethane)s
Authors: Bhusari Ganesh S. , Umare Suresh S. , Chandure Ajay S. 
Published: August 2013

A series of aliphatic poly(ester-urethane)s (PEUs) with different NCO/OH ratio were synthesized by a two-step bulk polymerization process from aliphatic poly(neopentyl-succinate) (PNSu), 4,4’-dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate and 1,3-propanediol as a chain extender in the presence of dibutyltindilaurate as a catalyst. PNSu was prepared by the transesterification polycondensation from diethyl succinate and neopentyl glycol in the presence of titanium isopropoxide as a catalyst. The effect of the NCO/OH ratio on the structural, physical and thermal properties of PEUs was studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, gel permeation chromatography, density measurement, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetric analysis and optical microscopy. The density (ρ) and number-average molecular weight (Mn) of PEUs are found to be in the range of 1·175–1·180 g/cm3 and 55 137–56 947 g/mol, respectively. The biodegradability of the PEUs film was investigated by hydrolytic (in 3% sodium hydroxide solution) and enzymatic degradation (Aspergilus niger lipase in phosphate buffer solution pH = 7·2) at 37°C. PEUs film shows a slower degradation rate in A. niger lipase compared with the hydrolytic process.
Dietary Sodium Restriction and Association with Urinary Marinobufagenin, Blood Pressure, and Aortic Stiffness
Authors: Jablonski Kristen L. , Fedorova Olga V. , Racine Matthew L. , Geolfos Candace J. , Gates Phillip E. , Chonchol Michel , Fleenor Bradley S. , Lakatta Edward G. , Bagrov Alexei Y. , Seals Douglas R. 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Systolic BP and large elastic artery stiffness both increase with age and are reduced by dietary sodium restriction. Production of the natriuretic hormone marinobufagenin, an endogenous α1 Na+,K+-ATPase inhibitor, is increased in salt-sensitive hypertension and contributes to the rise in systolic BP during sodium loading.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
The hypothesis was that dietary sodium restriction performed in middle-aged/older adults (eight men and three women; 60±2 years) with moderately elevated systolic BP (139±2/83±2 mmHg) would reduce urinary marinobufagenin excretion as well as systolic BP and aortic pulse-wave velocity (randomized, placebo-controlled, and crossover design). This study also explored the associations among marinobufagenin excretion with systolic BP and aortic pulse-wave velocity across conditions of 5 weeks of a low-sodium (77±9 mmol/d) and 5 weeks of a normal-sodium (144±7 mmol/d) diet.

Results
Urinary marinobufagenin excretion (weekly measurements; 25.4±1.8 versus 30.7±2.1 pmol/kg per day), systolic BP (127±3 versus 138±5 mmHg), and aortic pulse-wave velocity (700±40 versus 843±36 cm/s) were lower during the low- versus normal-sodium condition (all P<0.05). Across all weeks, marinobufagenin excretion was related with systolic BP (slope=0.61, P<0.001) and sodium excretion (slope=0.46, P<0.001). These associations persisted during the normal- but not the low-sodium condition (both P<0.005). Marinobufagenin excretion also was associated with aortic pulse-wave velocity (slope=0.70, P=0.02) and endothelial cell expression of NAD(P)H oxidase-p47phox (slope=0.64, P=0.006).

Conclusions
These results show, for the first time in humans, that dietary sodium restriction reduces urinary marinobufagenin excretion and that urinary marinobufagenin excretion is positively associated with systolic BP, aortic stiffness (aortic pulse-wave velocity), and endothelial cell expression of the oxidant enzyme NAD(P)H oxidase. Importantly, marinobufagenin excretion is positively related to systolic BP over ranges of sodium intake typical of an American diet, extending previous observations in rodents and humans fed experimentally high-sodium diets.
Randomized Controlled Trial of Febuxostat Versus Allopurinol or Placebo in Individuals with Higher Urinary Uric Acid Excretion and Calcium Stones
Authors: Goldfarb David S. , MacDonald Patricia A. , Gunawardhana Lhanoo , Chefo Solomon , McLean Lachy 
Published: August 2013

Summary

Background and objectives
Higher urinary uric acid excretion is a suspected risk factor for calcium oxalate stone formation. Febuxostat, a xanthine oxidoreductase inhibitor, is effective in lowering serum urate concentration and urinary uric acid excretion in healthy volunteers and people with gout. This work studied whether febuxostat, compared with allopurinol and placebo, would reduce 24-hour urinary uric acid excretion and prevent stone growth or new stone formation.

Design, setting, participants, & measurements
In this 6-month, double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial, hyperuricosuric participants with a recent history of calcium stones and one or more radio-opaque calcium stone ≥3 mm (as seen by multidetector computed tomography) received daily febuxostat at 80 mg, allopurinol at 300 mg, or placebo. The primary end point was percent change from baseline to month 6 in 24-hour urinary uric acid. Secondary end points included percent change from baseline to month 6 in size of index stone and change from baseline in the mean number of stones and 24-hour creatinine clearance.

Results
Of 99 enrolled participants, 86 participants completed the study. Febuxostat led to significantly greater reduction in 24-hour urinary uric acid (−58.6%) than either allopurinol (−36.4%; P=0.003) or placebo (−12.7%; P<0.001). Percent change from baseline in the size of the largest calcium stone was not different with febuxostat compared with allopurinol or placebo. There was no change in stone size, stone number, or renal function. No new safety concerns were noted for either drug.

Conclusions
Febuxostat (80 mg) lowered 24-hour urinary uric acid significantly more than allopurinol (300 mg) in stone formers with higher urinary uric acid excretion after 6 months of treatment. There was no change in stone size or number over the 6-month period.