bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated levels of survivin and livin mRNA in bronchial aspirates as markers to support the diagnosis of lung cancer
Authors: Li Jian , Chen Ping , Li Xiao‐Qin , Bao Qian‐Lei , Dai Chun‐Hua , Ge Li‐Ping 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSurvivin and livin are two members of the inhibitor of apoptosis gene family, which have been found to be expressed in many human cancer tissues. But their expression could not be detected in normal adult tissue. The aim of our study was to evaluate the diagnostic role of survivin and livin mRNA expression in the bronchial aspirates of patients with lung cancer. Seventy lung cancer patients and 26 benign lung disease patients participated in our study. The bronchial aspirates (bronchial wash or bronchoalveolar lavage fluids) obtained during bronchoscopy. Survivin and livin mRNA were determined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze diagnostic performance of the two markers. Survivin and livin mRNA levels in patients with lung cancer were significantly higher than in those with benign lung disease (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). In lung cancer patients, specimens taken from cancerous bronchi had significantly higher levels of survivin and livin mRNA than specimens from the mirror side bronchi in the same patients (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively). The best cutoff values of survivin and livin were selected according to ROC curves. The survivin mRNA expression in bronchial aspirates had sensitivity and specificity of 83 and 96% for diagnosis of lung cancer. Livin mRNA detection in bronchial aspirates showed 63% sensitivity and 92% specificity. Our findings suggest that survivin and livin mRNA detection in bronchial aspirates may be valuable diagnostic marker for the early diagnosis of lung cancer.
Tufa Barriers from a Caddisfly's Point of View: Streams or Lake Outlets?
Authors: Šemnički Petra , Previšić Ana , Ivković Marija , Čmrlec Kristina , Mihaljević Zlatko 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe caddisfly community composition in different microhabitats at tufa barriers was studied in the Plitvice Lakes NP, Croatia. Three tufa barriers were investigated and six emergence traps were installed at each site covering various microhabitats. Sampling was conducted monthly during the year 2008. Tufa barriers are lake outlet habitats, but they feature a variety of microhabitats similar to streams, which is reflected in the composition of caddisfly communities regarding longitudinal distribution preferences. The caddisfly communities at all three sites were dominated by species typical for the rhithral zone, but there was a shift in species composition along a longitudinal gradient, from the epirhithral to the metarhithral zone. Analysis of functional feeding guilds showed considerable differences between the caddisfly community at the Labudovac barrier and both downstream barriers, shifting from one with a quite diverse composition, to one completely dominated by passive filter‐feeders. Passive filter feeders were not represented by the same taxa at up‐ and downstream barriers (i.e., by Hydropsyche species and Wormaldia species, at the Labudovac barrier and at both downstream barriers, respectively). Due to high complexity and habitat diversity, the highest diversity and equitability of caddisfly communities were recorded at microhabitats with particulate tufa and medium current velocity (10–20 cm/s). The lowest diversity and species richness were recorded for silt with low current velocity (0–10 cm/s). Abundance of caddisflies was positively correlated with current velocity due to a very high proportion of rheophilic passive filter feeders in the communities. However, community composition and structure is only to some degree influenced by microhabitat characteristics, but rather by their general position within the barrage‐lake system, i.e., longitudinal distribution and thereby availability of different food resources. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Noise suppressed, multifocus image fusion for enhanced intraoperative navigation
Authors: Feruglio Paolo Fumene , Vinegoni Claudio , Fexon Lioubov , Thurber Greg , Sbarbati Andrea , Weissleder Ralph 
Published: August 2012

AbstractCurrent intraoperative imaging systems are typically not able to provide ‘sharp’ images over entire large areas or entire organs. Distinct structures such as tissue margins or groups of malignant cells are therefore often difficult to detect, especially under low signal‐to‐noise‐ratio conditions. In this report, we introduce a noise suppressed multifocus image fusion algorithm, that provides detailed reconstructions even when images are acquired under sub‐optimal conditions, such is the case for real time fluorescence intraoperative surgery. The algorithm makes use of the Anscombe transform combined with a multi‐level stationary wavelet transform with individual threshold‐based shrinkage. While the imaging system is integrated with a respiratory monitor triggering system, it can be easily adapted to any commercial imaging system. The developed algorithm is made available as a plugin for Osirix. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Bacterial infection of macrophages induces decrease in refractive index
Authors: Ekpenyong Andrew E. , Man Si Ming , Achouri Sarra , Bryant Clare E. , Guck Jochen , Chalut Kevin J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractInfection of cells by pathogens leads to both biochemical and structural modifications of the host cell. To study the structural modifications in a label‐free manner, we use digital holographic microscopy, DHM, to obtain the integral refractive index distribution of cells. Primary murine bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM) infected with Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, undergo highly significant reduction in refractive index, RI, compared to uninfected cells. Infected BMDM cells from genetically modified mice lacking an inflammatory protein that causes cell death, caspase 1, also exhibit similar decrease in RI. These data suggest that any reduction in RI of Salmonella ‐infected BMDMs is pathogen induced and independent of caspase 1‐induced inflammation or cell death. This finding suggests DHM may be useful for general real time monitoring of host cell interactions with infectious pathogens. (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Recent advances in proteomic technologies applied to cardiovascular disease
Authors: Napoli Claudio , Zullo Alberto , Picascia Antonietta , Infante Teresa , Mancini Francesco Paolo 
Published: August 2012

AbstractIn recent years, the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has increased its potential, also thanks to mass spectrometry (MS) proteomics. Modern MS proteomics tools permit analyzing a variety of biological samples, ranging from single cells to tissues and body fluids, like plasma and urine. This approach enhances the search for informative biomarkers in biological samples from apparently healthy individuals or patients, thus allowing an earlier and more precise diagnosis and a deeper comprehension of pathogenesis, development and outcome of CVD to further reduce the enormous burden of this disease on public health. In fact, many differences in protein expression between CVD‐affected and healthy subjects have been detected, but only a few of them have been useful to establish clinical biomarkers because they did not pass the verification and validation tests. For a concrete clinical support of MS proteomics to CVD, it is, therefore, necessary to: ameliorate the resolution, sensitivity, specificity, throughput, precision, and accuracy of MS platform components; standardize procedures for sample collection, preparation, and analysis; lower the costs of the analyses; reduce the time of biomarker verification and validation. At the same time, it will be fundamental, for the future perspectives of proteomics in clinical trials, to define the normal protein maps and the global patterns of normal protein levels, as well as those specific for the different expressions of CVD. J. Cell. Biochem. 114: 7–20, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Atmospheric pressure changes in the Arctic from 1801 to 1920
Authors: Przybylak Rajmund , Wyszyński Przemysław , Vízi Zsuzsanna , Jankowska Joanna 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTIn this article, the results of an investigation into the atmospheric pressure conditions in the Arctic in the period from 1801 to 1920 are presented. For this period, which can be described as ‘early instrumental’, limited meteorological data exist from a network of regular stations. As a result, in order to get at least a rough idea of pressure conditions in the Arctic in the study period, data from different land and marine expeditions were collected. A total of 94 pressure series of monthly means have been gathered, the duration of which is usually less than 2 years. While the area and time periods covered by the data are variable, it is still possible to describe the general character of the pressure conditions. The results show that the areally averaged Arctic pressure in the early instrumental period (1861–1920) was 0.8 hPa lower than today (1961–1990). Lower values of atmospheric pressure were also observed in all study regions, excluding the Atlantic. The greatest negative differences (−2.1 hPa) have been found for the Canadian Arctic. The greatest changes between the historical and present times were noted in all winter months and in winter as a whole (−1.9 hPa), while in summer and autumn they were very small and their average differences came to − 0.1 and − 0.2 hPa, respectively. Comparison of historical and contemporary annual courses of atmospheric pressure in the whole of the Arctic and in its particular regions reveals general consonance. There is evidence to show that changes in Arctic atmospheric pressure during the whole study period were insignificant. Atmospheric pressure in the first International Polar Year (IPY) period (September 1882 to July 1883) was, on average, 1.4 hPa higher than in modern period (1961–1990). The greatest positive seasonal differences between historical and contemporary pressure values occurred in autumn (2.6 hPa), while the lowest were in winter (only 0.2 hPa). Spatial patterns of average annual and seasonal atmospheric pressure in the Arctic were very similar to present day ones. The pressure differences calculated between historical and modern mean monthly values show that almost all of them lie within one standard deviation from present long‐term mean (1961–1990). Thus, this means that the atmospheric pressure in the early instrumental period was not significantly different to that of the present day. Recent, commonly used gridded datasets of the sea level atmospheric pressure (HadSLP2 and the 20th Century Reanalysis Project) reveal quite a large positive bias in the period 1850–1920 in comparison to the real data from the instrumental observations. Copyright © 2012 Royal Meteorological Society
Acute and late changes in intraarticular cytokine levels following anterior cruciate ligament injury
Authors: Bigoni Marco , Sacerdote Paola , Turati Marco , Franchi Silvia , Gandolla Marta , Gaddi Diego , Moretti Sarah , Munegato Daniele , Augusti Carlo A. , Bresciani Elena , Omeljaniuk Robert J. , Locatelli Vittorio , Torsello Antonio 
Published: August 2012

AbstractSurgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) does not necessarily decrease the risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA). The inflammatory response and relative changes in pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines could participate in triggering the development of OA. To test this hypothesis we measured the concentrations of IL‐1β, IL‐1ra, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and TNF‐α at different times after ACL rupture. The sample population consisted of 48 patients with ACL tear which were assigned to different groups according to the time elapsed from the injury: 22 acute (A), 7 early sub‐acute (ESA), 11 late sub‐acute (LSA), and 8 chronic (C). In group A, there were high levels of IL‐1β, IL‐6, and IL‐8, whereas levels of IL‐1ra and TNF‐α were significantly lower than usually reported. IL‐1β and IL‐8 concentrations returned with time to normal levels in the ESA group. Interestingly, IL‐1ra levels remained always significantly lower than normally reported levels, and TNF‐α levels did not increase after trauma. Our data show increased level of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐6 and IL‐8) in the acute phase of inflammation which could be responsible for triggering cartilage catabolism and suggest that prompt neutralization of IL‐6 and IL‐8 accumulations in synovial fluid could help prevent development of OA in ACL‐injured knees. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 315–321, 2013
Hyperbaric oxygen treatment suppresses MAPK signaling and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in degenerated human intervertebral disc cells
Authors: Niu Chi‐Chien , Lin Song‐Shu , Yuan Li‐Jen , Chen Lih‐Huei , Wang I‐Chun , Tsai Tsung‐Ting , Lai Po‐Liang , Chen Wen‐Jer 
Published: August 2012

AbstractNucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) from degenerating discs produce catabolic and inflammatory factors, including interleukin (IL)‐1 and nitric oxide (NO). Enhanced production of NO has been implicated in the apoptosis of degenerating disc cells. This study evaluates the effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) on degenerated human NPCs. All hyperoxic cells were exposed to 100% O2 at 2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA). Phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) in NPCs was detected using the phosphor‐kinase array kit. RNA was isolated for real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of aggrecan and type II collagen gene expression. The levels of IL‐1β and NO were quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). To identify the HBO‐induced anti‐apoptotic pathways, expression of Bcl‐2 and Bax proteins as well as activation of cysteine‐containing aspartate‐specific proteases (caspases) 3, 8, and 9 was evaluated using Western blotting after HBO treatment. Our data showed that HBO treatment decreased the expression of IL‐1β, suppressed phosphorylation of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK, decreased synthesis of NO, and increased the gene expression of aggrecan and type II collagen in NPCs as compared with the atmospheric treatment. HBO up‐regulated the ratio of Bcl‐2 to Bax expression and reduced the activity of caspases 9 and 3 but not of caspase 8, indicating a selective effect over the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway in degenerated NPCs. These results support our hypothesis that HBO treatment suppresses MAPK signaling and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in degenerated human intervertebral disc cells. © 2012 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31: 204–209, 2013
Suitability of some selected maize hybrids from Serbia for the production of bioethanol and dried distillers' grains with solubles
Authors: Semenčenko Valentina V , Mojović Ljiljana V , Đukić‐Vuković Aleksandra P , Radosavljević Milica M , Terzić Dušanka R , Milašinović Šeremešić Marija S 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Bioethanol is mostly produced from starchy parts of the corn grain kernel leaving significant amounts of valuable by‐products such as dried distillers' grains with solubles (DDGS) which can be used as a substitute for traditional feedstuff. The suitability of six maize hybrids from Serbia was investigated for bioethanol and DDGS production. The correlation between physical and chemical characteristics of the grain, bioethanol yield and quality of the corresponding DDGS was assessed.RESULTS: All hybrids had very different chemical composition and physical characteristics which could allow various applications. The highest bioethanol yield (94.5% of theoretical) and volumetric productivity (2.01 g l−1 h−1) were obtained with hybrid ZP 434 and the lowest with ZP 611k. Regarding chemical composition, all DDGS samples manifested good properties as feed components. Their protein content was higher compared to the kernel. In addition, the samples showed high digestibility and high mineral content, especially of calcium and phosphorus.CONCLUSION: A hybrid ZP 434 was selected as the most promising bioethanol producer. This property is attributed to the highest level of soft endosperm which is more susceptible to starch‐hydrolysing enzymes. A high yield potential per hectare makes it the best candidate for commercial bioethanol production. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Benefit of portal or superior mesenteric vein resection with adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with pancreatic head carcinoma
Authors: Murakami Yoshiaki , Uemura Kenichiro , Sudo Takeshi , Hashimoto Yasushi , Nakashima Akira , Kondo Naru , Nakagawa Naoya , Sueda Taijiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of portal or superior mesenteric vein (PV/SMV) resection for patients with pancreatic carcinoma who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy.MethodsMedical records of 125 patients with pancreatic head carcinoma who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy were reviewed retrospectively. Sixty‐one patients underwent PV/SMV resection and 64 patients did not. Clinicopathological factors were compared between the two groups and the prognostic impact of PV/SMV resection was evaluated using univariate and multivariate survival analysis.ResultsThe frequency of mortality and morbidity did not differ between the two groups. Univariate analysis revealed that a significant difference in overall survival was found between patients who did and did not undergo PV/SMV resection (P = 0.046) as well as between patients with and without pathological PV/SMV invasion (P = 0.012). However, PV/SMV resection and pathological PV/SMV invasion were not independent prognostic factors by multivariate survival analysis. Among patients with PV/SMV resection, the use of adjuvant chemotherapy was the only independent prognostic factor of overall survival (P = 0.003).ConclusionsResection of the PV/SMV with adjuvant chemotherapy may provide an acceptable survival benefit to patients with pancreatic head carcinoma, which involves the PV/SMV without additional mortality and morbidity. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:414–421. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overexpression of MMSET in endometrial cancer: A clinicopathologic study
Authors: Xiao Min , Yang Shanshan , Chen Jie , Ning Xiaoming , Guo Liyuan , Huang Kejin , Sui Lihua 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesEndometrial cancer is a common gynecologic malignancy. It has been reported that overexpression of multiple myeloma SET (MMSET) promoted cellular adhesion, clonogenic growth, and tumorigenicity in other carcinomas. Therefore, the authors expected to investigate whether MMSET overexpression is an independent prognostic marker in endometrial cancer.MethodsImmunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of MMSET in 161 endometrial cancer specimens and 62 normal endometrium specimens. The correlation of MMSET expression with clinicopathological parameters was assessed using χ2 analysis. Patients' survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier and log‐rank tests. Cox regression was used for the multivariate analysis of prognostic factors.ResultsMMSET immunoreactivity was overexpressed in endometrial cancer compared with normal endometrium (P < 0.001). Moreover, MMSET expression was correlated with FIGO stage, histological grade, depth of myometrial invasion, lymph node metastasis, and vascular/lymphatic invasion. Furthermore, Patients with positive MMSET expression had significantly poorer overall survival and disease‐free survival compared with patients with negative expression of MMSET (both P < 0.001, log‐rank test). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that positive MMSET expression was an independent prognostic factor for both OS and DFS of patients with endometrial cancer (P = 0.008 and P = 0.048, respectively).ConclusionsOverexpression of MMSET may contribute to the progression of endometrial cancer and also may serve as a new biomarker to predict the prognosis of endometrial cancer. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:428–432. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Indicators of symptom improvement and survival in inpatients with advanced cancer undergoing palliative surgical consultation
Authors: Badgwell Brian D. , Aloia Thomas A. , Garrett John , Chedister Gabe , Miner Tom , Krouse Robert 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to prospectively identify the presentation, treatment, and outcomes of inpatients with advanced malignancy undergoing palliative surgical consultation.MethodsInpatients undergoing palliative surgical consultation were prospectively identified from November 2008 to May 2011. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed to obtain clinical data and outcome.ResultsOf 202 consultations, the diagnoses were wound problems (N = 39, 19%), bowel obstruction (N = 75, 37%), intra‐abdominal inflammatory conditions (N = 36, 18%), abdominal pain of unclear etiology (N = 13, 6%), gastrointestinal hemorrhage (N = 15, 7%), malnutrition/feeding tube request (N = 14, 7%), and biliary obstruction (N = 10, 5%). Management included non‐operative/non‐procedural treatment in 81 (40%), procedures in 35 (17%), and surgery in 86 (43%). Patients treated with non‐operative/non‐procedural, procedural, and surgical treatment demonstrated symptom improvement rates of 60% (49/81), 69% (24/35), and 78% (67/86), respectively. Surgical treatment was associated with symptom improvement (OR 2.3 [95% CI 1.2–4.5]) compared to non‐operative/non‐procedural management. Symptom improvement was associated with improved survival (HR 0.27 [95% CI 0.19–0.38]) on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsSymptom improvement was obtained in the majority of patients regardless of treatment strategy. Although patients selected for surgery demonstrated an association with symptom improvement, future prospective studies are needed to determine additional variables important in treatment selection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:367–371. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recent Insights Into the Biomedical Applications of Shape‐memory Polymers
Authors: Serrano Maria C. , Ameer Guillermo A. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractShape‐memory polymers (SMP) are versatile stimuli‐responsive materials that can switch, upon stimulation, from a temporary to a permanent shape. This advanced functionality makes SMP suitable and promising materials for diverse technological applications, including the fabrication of smart biomedical devices. In this paper, advances in the design of SMP are discussed, with emphasis on materials investigated for medical applications. Future directions necessary to bring SMP closer to their clinical application are also highlighted. magnified image