bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum IL-6: a candidate biomarker for intracranial pressure elevation following isolated traumatic brain injury
Authors: Hergenroeder Georgene W , Moore Anthony N , McCoy J Philip , Samsel Leigh , Ward Norman H , Clifton Guy L , Dash Pramod K 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackgroundIncreased intracranial pressure (ICP) is a serious, life-threatening, secondary event following traumatic brain injury (TBI). In many cases, ICP rises in a delayed fashion, reaching a maximal level 48-96 hours after the initial insult. While pressure catheters can be implanted to monitor ICP, there is no clinically proven method for determining a patient's risk for developing this pathology.MethodsIn the present study, we employed antibody array and Luminex-based screening methods to interrogate the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the serum of healthy volunteers and in severe TBI patients (GCS≤8) with or without incidence of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). De-identified samples and ELISAs were used to confirm the sensitivity and specificity of IL-6 as a prognostic marker of elevated ICP in both isolated TBI patients, and polytrauma patients with TBI.ResultsConsistent with previous reports, we observed sustained increases in IL-6 levels in TBI patients irrespective of their ICP status. However, the group of patients who subsequently experienced ICP ≥ 25 mm Hg had significantly higher IL-6 levels within the first 17 hours of injury as compared to the patients whose ICP remained ≤20 mm Hg. When blinded samples (n = 22) were assessed, a serum IL-6 cut-off of <5 pg/ml correctly identified 100% of all the healthy volunteers, a cut-off of >128 pg/ml correctly identified 85% of isolated TBI patients who subsequently developed elevated ICP, and values between these cut-off values correctly identified 75% of all patients whose ICP remained ≤20 mm Hg throughout the study period. In contrast, the marker had no prognostic value in predicting elevated ICP in polytrauma patients with TBI. When the levels of serum IL-6 were assessed in patients with orthopedic injury (n = 7) in the absence of TBI, a significant increase was found in these patients compared to healthy volunteers, albeit lower than that observed in TBI patients.ConclusionsOur results suggest that serum IL-6 can be used for the differential diagnosis of elevated ICP in isolated TBI.
Clinical application of tumor volume in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma to predict outcome
Authors: Lee Ching-Chih , Huang Tze-Ta , Lee Moon-Sing , Hsiao Shih-Hsuan , Lin Hon-Yi , Su Yu-Chieh , Hsu Feng-Chun , Hung Shih-Kai 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Current staging systems have limited ability to adjust optimal therapy in advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to delineate the correlation between tumor volume, treatment outcome and chemotherapy cycles in advanced NPC.

Methods
A retrospective review of 110 patients with stage III-IV NPC was performed. All patients were treated first with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, then concurrent chemoradiation, and followed by adjuvant chemotherapy as being the definitive therapy. Gross tumor volume of primary tumor plus retropharyngeal nodes (GTVprn) was calculated to be an index of treatment outcome.

Results
GTVprn had a close relationship with survival and recurrence in advanced NPC. Large GTVprn (≧13 ml) was associated with a significantly poorer local control, lower distant metastasis-free rate, and poorer survival. In patients with GTVprn ≧ 13 ml, overall survival was better after ≧4 cycles of chemotherapy than after less than 4 cycles.

Conclusions
The incorporation of GTVprn can provide more information to adjust treatment strategy.
Skeletal nutrient vascular adaptation induced by external oscillatory intramedullary fluid pressure intervention
Authors: Lam Hoyan , Brink Peter , Qin Yi-Xian 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background
Interstitial fluid flow induced by loading has demonstrated to be an important mediator for regulating bone mass and morphology. It is shown that the fluid movement generated by the intramedullary pressure (ImP) provides a source for pressure gradient in bone. Such dynamic ImP may alter the blood flow within nutrient vessel adjacent to bone and directly connected to the marrow cavity, further initiating nutrient vessel adaptation. It is hypothesized that oscillatory ImP can mediate the blood flow in the skeletal nutrient vessels and trigger vasculature remodeling. The objective of this study was then to evaluate the vasculature remodeling induced by dynamic ImP stimulation as a function of ImP frequency.

Methods
Using an avian model, dynamics physiological fluid ImP (70 mmHg, peak-peak) was applied in the marrow cavity of the left ulna at either 3 Hz or 30 Hz, 10 minutes/day, 5 days/week for 3 or 4 weeks. The histomorphometric measurements of the principal nutrient arteries were done to quantify the arterial wall area, lumen area, wall thickness, and smooth muscle cell layer numbers for comparison.

Results
The preliminary results indicated that the acute cyclic ImP stimuli can significantly enlarge the nutrient arterial wall area up to 50%, wall thickness up to 20%, and smooth muscle cell layer numbers up to 37%. In addition, 3-week of acute stimulation was sufficient to alter the arterial structural properties, i.e., increase of arterial wall area, whereas 4-week of loading showed only minimal changes regardless of the loading frequency.

Conclusions
These data indicate a potential mechanism in the interrelationship between vasculature adaptation and applied ImP alteration. Acute ImP could possibly initiate the remodeling in the bone nutrient vasculature, which may ultimately alter blood supply to bone.
The 3020insC Allele of NOD2 Predisposes to Cancers of Multiple Organs
Authors: Lubiński Jan , Huzarski Tomasz , Kurzawski Grzegorz , Suchy Janina , Masojć Bartłomiej , Mierzejewski Marek , Lener Marcin , Domagała Wenancjusz , Chosia Maria , Teodorczyk Urszula , Mędrek Krzysztof , Dębniak Tadeusz , Złowocka Elżbieta , Gronwald Jacek , Byrski Tomasz , Grabowska Ewa , Nej Katarzyna , Szymańska Anna , Szymańska Jolanta , Matyjasik Joanna , Cybulski Cezary , Jakubowska Anna , Górski Bohdan , Narod Steven A. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The NOD2 gene has been associated with susceptibility to Crohn's disease and individuals with Crohn's disease are at increased risk for cancer at a number of organ sites. We studied the association between the 3020insC allele of the NOD2 gene and cancer among 2604 cancer patients and 1910 controls from Poland. Patients were diagnosed with one of twelve types of cancer in the Szczecin region between 1994 and 2004. Significant associations were found for colon cancer (OR = 1.8; 95% CI 1.2 to 2.6), for lung cancer (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1 to 2.5) and for ovarian cancer (OR = 1.6; 95% CI 1.1 to 2.3). In addition, a significant association was found for early-onset laryngeal cancer (OR = 2.9; 95% CI 1.4 to 6.2) and for breast cancer in the presence of DCIS (OR = 2.1 95% CI = 1.2 to 3.6). The NOD2 3020insC allele is relatively common (in Poland 7.3% of individuals) and may be responsible for an important fraction of cancer cases. We estimate that the lifetime cancer risk among carriers of this allele is 30% higher than that of individuals with two wild-type alleles.
Frequency of the Common MYH Mutations (G382D and Y165C) in MMR Mutation Positive and Negative HNPCC Patients
Authors: Ashton Katie A. , Meldrum Cliff J. , McPhillips Mary L. , Kairupan Carla F. , Scott Rodney J. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Recently mutations in the MYH gene have been associated with a milder form of adenomatous polyposis which is characterized by a variable level of colonic polyps ranging from a few to several hundred. In the context of HNPCC it is not unusual to identify patients with a smattering of polyps. The MYH gene product is involved in DNA repair and indeed the hMSH2/hMSH6 complex (both genes being essential elements of the DNA mismatch repair pathway) is required to stimulate MYH activity. We reasoned that because of the clinical similarity of a subset of HNPCC patients to those described with MYH mutations and the role of the hMSH2/hMSH6 complex in the activation of MYH protein that MYH mutations may account for a small proportion of HNPCC patients. In a study of 442 HNPCC patients we identified MYH mutations at the same frequency as that expected in the general population. Nevertheless, two HNPCC families were identified harbouring biallelic changes in MYH.
Clinical Outcome of Hereditary Breast Cancer in the Lithuanian Population
Authors: Elsakov Pavel , Kurtinaitis Juozas , Ostapenko Valerij 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Breast cancer family history has been known to be one of the main cancer risk factors. Members of high-risk families should be given recommendations which may improve prophylaxis, early diagnosis and treatment. Detection of high-risk families is possible by identification of mutations in cancer susceptibility genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 as well as by family history showing breast and/or ovary cancer aggregation. In a group of 521 breast cancer patients we identified 26 patients with hereditary breast cancer who fulfilled the following criteria: one more relative with breast cancer, vertical transmission, at least one breast cancer patient affected at the age under 50 years. 8 patients of these developed second primary breast cancer. We also compared the frequency of hereditary cancers in stage I-III with the frequency of respective cancers with negative family history. Hereditary breast cancers were diagnosed less frequently in stage I and more frequently in stage II and III (RR = 0.49, RR = 1.39, RR = 1.62, respectively). Because of importance of family history as well as genetic testing for breast cancer susceptibility genes (BRCA1/2), it is necessary to create a nationwide network of hereditary cancer clinics for proper diagnosis, treatment, and prophylaxis of these patients.
The NOD2 3020insC Mutation in Women with Breast Cancer from the Bydgoszcz Region in Poland. First Results
Authors: Janiszewska Hanna , Haus Olga , Lauda-Świeciak Anna , Bąk Aneta , Mierzwa Tomasz , Sir Jan , Laskowski Ryszard 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The frameshift NOD2 gene mutation 3020insC is predominantly associated with Crohn's disease, but predisposes to many types of common cancers as well. We studied the frequency of this mutant NOD2 allele in 148 breast cancer women from the Bydgoszcz region in Poland. The NOD2 mutation was present in 8.8% of the patients. The mean age at breast cancer diagnosis of the mutation carriers was 43 years. We did not find any mutation in patients diagnosed with breast cancer after the age of 50 years. There was no association of the NOD2 mutation with a strong family history of breast cancer. On the contrary, the mutation frequency (11.4%) was two times higher in women from families with a single case of breast cancer and with aggregation of other common types of cancer, especially digestive tract cancers. Low risk of breast cancer in the mutation carriers seems to be confirmed by finding the 3020insC mutation in three healthy parents of probands aged 73, 74 and 83 years, from three separate families.
Pilot Study on Low Penetrance Breast and Colorectal Cancer Predisposition Markers in Latvia
Authors: Irmejs Arvids , Miklasevics Edvins , Boroschenko Viktors , Gardovskis Andris , Vanags Andrejs , Melbarde-Gorkusa Inga , Bitina Marianna , Suchy Janina , Gardovskis Janis 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Introduction
It has not been established whether CHEK2 and NOD2 variants are present in Latvia and whether inherited variation in these genes influences cancer risk in this population.

Aim of the study
To evaluate the role of CHEK2 and NOD2 mutations in breast and colorectal cancers in the population of Latvia.

Materials and methods
Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from 185 breast cancer and 235 colorectal cancer consecutive hospital-based cases from 11/2003 to 06/2005. The population control group included blood samples from the clamped distal part of the umbilical cord from 978 consecutive anonymous newborns born between 03/2005 and 08/2005. All cases and controls were tested for the presence of NOD2 3020insC mutation and CHEK2 I157T mutation.

Results
NOD2 3020insC was present in 7.7% (18/235) of CRC cancers, in 9.2% (17/185) of breast cancers and in 7.7% (75/974) of controls. CHEK2 I157T variant was found in 7.6% (14/185) of breast cancer cases, 10.2% (24/235) of colon cancer cases and in 6.4% (63/978) of population controls. NOD2 3020insC variant was associated with increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 2.5, p < 0.05) for cases diagnosed at age between 51 and 60 years. CHEK2 I157T variant was associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (OR = 1.7, p < 0.05) with the highest OR = 2.0 for cases diagnosed at age >70 yrs.

Conclusions
NOD2 3020insC, CHEK2 I157T variants may be associated with increased risk of colorectal and breast cancers in Latvia.
Sepsis biomarkers: a review
Authors: Pierrakos Charalampos , Vincent Jean-Louis 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Introduction
Biomarkers can be useful for identifying or ruling out sepsis, identifying patients who may benefit from specific therapies or assessing the response to therapy.

Methods
We used an electronic search of the PubMed database using the key words "sepsis" and "biomarker" to identify clinical and experimental studies which evaluated a biomarker in sepsis.

Results
The search retrieved 3370 references covering 178 different biomarkers.

Conclusions
Many biomarkers have been evaluated for use in sepsis. Most of the biomarkers had been tested clinically, primarily as prognostic markers in sepsis; relatively few have been used for diagnosis. None has sufficient specificity or sensitivity to be routinely employed in clinical practice. PCT and CRP have been most widely used, but even these have limited ability to distinguish sepsis from other inflammatory conditions or to predict outcome.
A latent capacity of theC. eleganspolycystins to disrupt sensory transduction is repressed by the single-pass ciliary membrane protein CWP-5
Authors: Miller Renee M. , Portman Douglas S. 
Published: March 2010

SUMMARYAutosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) results from loss-of-function mutations in PKD1 or PKD2. The products of these genes, the polycystins PC-1 and PC-2, form a transmembrane channel that is necessary for flow sensing by renal cilia. In C. elegans, the polycystin orthologs LOV-1 and PKD-2 function in sensory neurons that mediate male mating behavior. Here, we report that the novel single-pass membrane protein CWP-5 is necessary for polycystin signaling during the response step of mating behavior. As with the polycystins, CWP-5 localizes to neuronal cilia; this localization requires LOV-1. The response defect of cwp-5 mutants does not appear to result from disruption of ciliogenesis or polycystin localization. Instead, genetic and behavioral analyses indicate that CWP-5 represses a previously undescribed antagonistic effect of the polycystins on sensory function. Although cwp-5 does not have a primary-sequence ortholog in vertebrates, it has intriguing parallels with the autosomal recessive PKD gene FPC (also known as PKHD1). Together, this study identifies a new component of C. elegans polycystin signaling, demonstrates that the polycystins have a latent capacity to hinder sensory transduction, and suggests that aberrant functions of the polycystins could contribute to the pathogenesis of PKD.
Prediction of Log(IGC50)−1 for Benzene Derivatives to Ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis from Their Molecular Descriptors
Authors: Fatemi Mohammad Hossein , Malekzadeh Hanieh 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to develop the structure–toxicity relationships for a large group of organic compounds including 392 substituted benzenes to the ciliate Tetrahymena pyriformis (Log(IGC50)−1) using interpretable molecular descriptors. These descriptors were calculated using DRAGON and CODESSA software. Multiple linear regression and artificial neural network methods were used as linear and nonlinear feature-mapping techniques. The best obtained model was derived by MLR with seven descriptors which are: the molecular weight, the radial distribution function, the Kier shape index, the 26th component of atom-centered descriptors type of R–CX–R, the topographic electronic index, the H atoms attached to CO groups, the 24th component of atom-centered descriptors of R–CH–R. These descriptors can encode different features of molecules which are responsible for their steric, electronic, and lipophilicity interactions. The best obtained model had statistics of R2 = 0.822, F = 1386.806, and SE = 0.312 for training and R2 = 0.815, F = 361.384, and SE = 0.337 for prediction. The presented model shows better statistical parameters in comparison with a previous model. The reliability of the model was evaluated by using the leave-many-out cross-validation method (Q2 = 0.819 and SPRESS = 0.32) as well as by y-scrambling.
Tributyl Borate Mediated Biginelli Reaction: A Facile Microwave-Assisted Green Synthetic Strategy toward Dihydropyrimidinones
Authors: Ranjith Choorikkat , Srinivasan G V , Vijayan K K 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Exploitation of a new boron-based catalyst, tributyl borate, for the formation of dihydropyrimidinones under solvent-free microwave-assisted conditions is described. The method is a simple, easy, fast, cost effective, and potentially green protocol for the formation of multi-functionalized pharmacologically active dihydropyrimidinones.
Organogels of Lignin-derived Stable Metabolic Intermediate, 2-Pyrone-4,6-dicarboxylic Acid (PDC), Bearing Cholesteryl Groups
Authors: Michinobu Tsuyoshi , Hiraki Kenta , Fujii Nozomu , Shikinaka Kazuhiro , Katayama Yoshihiro , Masai Eiji , Nakamura Masaya , Otsuka Yuichiro , Ohara Seiji , Shigehara Kiyotaka 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
The organogelation behavior of a lignin-derived stable metabolic intermediate bearing two cholesteryl groups was examined for the first time, and it was found that the carbamate spacers possessing a hydrogen-bonding ability are essential for gelation of aliphatic or aromatic organic solvents.
Improving the Generation of Decision Objectives
Authors: Bond Samuel D. , Carlson Kurt A. , Keeney Ralph L. 
Published: March 2010

Real decision makers exhibit significant shortcomings in the generation of objectives for decisions that they face. Prior research has illustrated the magnitude of this shortcoming but not its causes. In this paper, we identify two distinct impediments to the generation of decision objectives: not thinking broadly enough about the range of relevant objectives, and not thinking deeply enough to articulate every objective within the range that is considered. To test these explanations and explore ways of stimulating a more comprehensive set of objectives, we present three experiments involving a variety of interventions: the provision of sample objectives, organization of objectives by category, and direct challenges to do better, with or without a warning that important objectives are missing. The use of category names and direct challenges with a warning both led to improvements in the quantity of objectives generated without impacting their quality; other interventions yielded less improvement. We conclude by discussing the relevance of our findings to decision analysis and offering prescriptive implications for the elicitation of decision objectives. In this version of the paper, “Improving the Generation of Decision Objectives” by Samuel D. Bond, Kurt A. Carlson, and Ralph L. Keeney, originally published online ahead of print March 10, 2010, the first panel heading of Figure 2 was corrected to read “Study 1 (Choice context = Dissertation),” as shown on page 243.
Evaluation of the Becton-Dickinson rapid serum tube: does it provide a suitable alternative to lithium heparin plasma tubes?
Authors: Dimeski Goce , Masci Paul P. , Trabi Manuela , Lavin Martin F. , de Jersey John 
Published: March 2010

Abstract

Background: Obtaining a suitable specimen for analysis in a timely manner is pivotal in clinical chemistry service provision. Serum is recognized as the preferred specimen for most assays, but because of time constraints for completion of clotting and an increasing number of patients on anti-coagulant therapy, latent clotting or no clotting is an outcome which can lead to errors and delay in delivery of critical results. Although lithium heparin plasma has unique problems, it has become an alternative in hospital-based laboratories.

Methods: The Becton-Dickinson (BD) rapid serum tube (RST) was evaluated in a hospital environment using a total of 53 participants, both healthy and anticoagulated, for 31 analytes against BD PST II and BD SST II tubes measured with Beckman DxC800 and DxI800 analyzers.

Results: Most results from the RST tube were comparable with those from the SST II tube. Potassium results were closer to the PST II plasma concentrations. Incomplete and latent clotting was encountered in the RST specimens from participants (cardiac and dialysis) who had received a total of >7000 units of heparin [activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) >150 s], warfarin/heparin combination, and specimens from cardiac surgery patients who had received a total of >25,000 units of heparin (APTT >200 s) at the time of collection of specimens.

Conclusions: The RST tube provides a suitable alternative to lithium heparin plasma tubes for most patients in a hospital environment. However, latent clotting continued to occur in specimens collected from participants who had received high concentrations of anticoagulants.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:651–7.
Comic vices and comic virtues
Authors: Morreall John 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn the face of some people's naive enthusiasm about the benefits of humor, Victor Raskin (Is humor always good for you?, Oklahoma, 1997) has explored the question “Is humor always good for you?” Rod Martin (Psychological Bulletin 12: 504–519, 2001) has shown how some kinds of humor foster unhealthy attitudes. Avner Ziv (Humor research in education: Enthusiasm vs. data, 1995) has warned that some claims about humor's value in education are exaggerated. Elliott Oring (Engaging humor, University of Illinois Press, 2003: Ch. 4) has shown how humor can express ethnic hatred. All these caveats are useful in a culture where the prevailing attitude toward humor is positive. If we consider attitudes toward humor through most of history, however, they were mostly negative. In Western religion and philosophy, indeed, no other human trait has been associated with so many vices. This article helps explain the cultural shift from a generally negative to a generally positive evaluation of humor by examining the traditional moral objections to humor, and providing modern rebuttals to them. It then develops the idea that humor in which we transcend our personal perspectives can foster virtues such as openmindedness, patience, tolerance, graciousness, humility, perseverance, and courage.
Mow ‘em all down grandma: The “weapon” of humor in two Danish World War II occupation scrapbooks
Authors: Hong Nathaniel 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe article examines the assumption that humour is wielded as a potent political weapon during political conflict. The rebellious character and ubiquity of the body of humor in a conflict is often marshalled as evidence of its power and efficacy. The question of whether oppositional humour operates as a weapon or not is examined through the use of anti-occupation humor in two extensive sets of Danish scrapbooks created during German occupation, 1940–1945. The differences discovered suggest that humor can be used both as a secondary reinforcement in the process of developing critical political consciousness necessary for challenge and resistance, and that it can also be a surrogate for conflict that ultimately contributes to escapism and acquiescence.