bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased expression of the insulin-like growth factor-I-binding protein-1 (IGFBP-1) phosphoisoform in pre-eclamptic Wharton's jelly and its role in the regulation of collagen biosynthesis
Authors: Bańkowski Edward , Sobolewski Krzysztof , Palka Jerzy , Jaworski Stefan 
Published: August 2004

AbstractInsulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is known as an important stimulator of collagen and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) biosynthesis in tissues. IGF-I activity is under control of IGF-I-binding proteins (IGFBPs) with different IGF-I-binding affinity. IGFBP-1 is known as an inhibitor of IGF-dependent functions. Some IGFBPs (e.g., IGFBP-1) may undergo phosphorylation that dramatically increases IGFBP affinity for IGF. Wharton's jelly represents a reservoir of IGF-I and its binding proteins (BPs). Pre-eclampsia, the most common, pregnancy-associated pathological syndrome, contributes to a significant decrease in IGF-I and IGFBP-1 content in Wharton's jelly, although it does not affect collagen content in this tissue. In the present study we show that control Wharton's jelly contains phosphorylated forms of IGFBP-1 that are dramatically dephosphorylated during pre-eclampsia. A dramatic decrease in IGF-I binding to immunoprecipitated IGFBP-1 from pre-eclamptic Wharton's jelly compared to the control was observed. Western immunoblot analysis with anti-phosphothreonine antibodies for immunoprecipitated IGFBP-1 from control and pre-eclamptic Wharton's jelly revealed that both tissues contain phosphorylated forms of IGFBP-1. However, a distinct decrease in the expression of phosphorylated IGFBP-1 from pre-eclamptic Wharton's jelly was observed. The functional significance of the phenomenon was found in cultured fibroblasts treated with IGFBP isolated from Wharton's jelly extracts. A significant decrease in collagen biosynthesis was found in the cells treated with IGFBP of control Wharton's jelly, while in the presence of IGFBP from pre-eclamptic Wharton's jelly, the rate of collagen biosynthesis was similar to that in the control cells. The result was corroborated by data showing increase in expression of IGF-I receptor and phosphorylated MAP kinases (ERK1 and ERK2) in fibroblasts cultured in the presence of IGFBP from pre-eclamptic Wharton's jelly, compared to control. The data suggest that the decrease in phosphorylated IGFBP-1 in pre-eclamptic Wharton's jelly may decrease IGF-I-binding affinity for IGF and increase the bioavailability of IGF-I for receptor interaction. This mechanism may facilitate IGF-I-dependent stimulation of fibroblasts to produce extracellular matrix (ECM) components even at a low IGF-I tissue level. Therefore, IGFBP-1 phosphoisoforms in Wharton's jelly may play an important role in the regulation of IGF-I-dependent functions during pre-eclampsia.
Immunoglobulin G Fcγ receptor expression on polymorphonuclear cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of HIV-infected and HIV-seronegative patients with bacterial pneumonia
Authors: Armbruster Christine , Krugluger Walter , Huber Monika , Kriwanek Stephan 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis study was designed to test the hypothesis that impaired neutrophil function might contribute to the development of bacterial pneumonia in patients with HIV-infection. Numbers of inflammatory cells and immunoglobulin G Fcγ receptor (IgG FcγR) I, II, III levels were investigated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of HIV-seronegative and HIV-infected patients with bacterial pneumonia. The 99 patients were classified into three groups: I: HIV-seronegative and pneumonia (n=40); II: HIV-infected and pneumonia (n=19); III: HIV-seronegative with other pulmonary diseases than pneumonia (n=40). The results of groups I and II, II and III, and I and III were compared. The percentage of alveolar macrophages was significantly lower (group II vs. III: p=0.005, group I vs. III: p=0.001), that of neutrophils increased significantly in patients with pneumonia (group II vs. III: p=0.02, group I vs. III: p=0.01). Lymphocytes differed only between groups I and III (p=0.04). Although only the expression of FcγRI was significantly higher in HIV-seronegative pneumonia patients compared to those without pneumonia (p=0.01), the mean expression of all three receptors was lower in the HIV-infected group, with that of FcγRI approaching statistical significance.This report provides first evidence that altered FcγR expression on BAL neutrophils might contribute to the increased susceptibility of HIV-infected patients to bacterial pneumonia.
Testing and validating a homogeneous immunometric assay for interference
Authors: Bjerner Johan , Olsen Kari Hauge , Børmer Ole P. , Nustad Kjell 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWe analyzed 95 sera, demonstrating interference in a previous study, with the Kryptor homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) immunoassay (Brahms AG, Berlin, Germany). Only one serum differed, i.e., 6.0 μg/l for Kryptor vs. 13.3 μg/l for a microtiter plate in-house immunofluorometric assay (IFMA), using both aggregated mouse immunoglobulins as blocker and capture monoclonal antibody (Mab) F(ab′)Kryptor-CEA assay results thus agreed with our inhouse CEA assay results, showing no interference. As the Kryptor-CEA assay antibodies were sensitive to interference and the Kryptor-CEA assay buffer did not reduce interference as efficiently as our in-house assay buffer, the Kryptor-CEA assay format was crucial for the absence of interference.
Linearity evaluation of analytical methods that count particles
Authors: Magari Robert T. , Rodriguez Leslie 
Published: August 2004

AbstractLinearity evaluation of an analytical method is important for both manufacturers of diagnostic devices and laboratory users. Some of the statistical assumptions for estimation and testing in linear regression are violated in analytical methods that count particles per unit of volume or/and time, leading to potential erroneous evaluation of linearity. The objective of this paper is to provide an approach for evaluating linearity in these cases. The number of counts for each concentration level has a Poisson probability distribution that is linear, second-, or higher-order polynomial function of the concentration. Maximum likelihood approach is used to estimate the parameters of the models. Deviance of a particular model and the likelihood ratio test are used to test for linearity. An evaluation of linearity of an analytical method in multiple experiments is also described. No particular changes to the standard testing protocols and data collections are necessary. There are several statistical software packages that can perform the calculations. Formulas and SAS codes presented in this article can also assist in estimation and statistical testing.
Phage-displayed recombinant single-chain antibody fragments with high affinity for cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP): cDNA cloning, characterization and CETP quantification
Authors: Ritsch Andreas , Ebenbichler Christoph , Naschberger Elisabeth , Schgoer Wilfried , Stanzl Ursula , Dietrich Hermann , Heinrich Peter C. , Saito Kazunori , Patsch Josef R. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) greatly affects the metabolism of all lipoprotein classes including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), bothknown to constitute powerful risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). We now report the successful first cloning and characterization of single-chain antibody fragments specific for CETP. A recombinant phage display library was generated using spleen mRNA isolated from BALB/c mice that had been immunized with highly purified CETP. Screening of the library yielded two single-chain antibody fragments with high affinity for CETP, termed 1CL8 and 1CL10, displaying respective K
Stem cell factor and macrophage-colony stimulating factor in patients with pancreatic cancer
Authors: Mroczko Barbara , Szmitkowski Maciej , Wereszczynska-Siemiatkowska Urszula , GrazynaJurkowska Grazyna 
Published: August 2004

AbstractStem cell factor (SCF)and macrophage-colony stimulating factor (M-CSF)have assumed an increasing importance in cancer biology. In the present study we investigated the serum levels of these cytokines in pancreatic cancer patients in relation to controls and to patients with benign lesions of the pancreas (chronic pancreatitis group). The classical tumor markers, such as carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)and carbohydrate antigen 19–9 (CA 19–9)were also tested. We compared the serum levels of cytokines with tumor stage. We also defined the receiver-operating characteristics (ROC)curve for cytokines and classical tumor markers. The cytokines were measured in 47 patients with pancreatic cancer, in 27 patients with chronic pancreatitis and in 35 healthy subjects. SCF and M-CSF were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). CEA and CA 19–9 were measured by microparticle enzyme immunoassay. There were significant differences in the levels of circulating SCF, M-CSF, CEA and CA 19–9 in the pancreatic cancer patients compared to the control group, but only the serum levels of M-CSF, CEA and CA 19–9 were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer patients compared to the pancreatitis group. The levels of cytokines and tumor markers were higher in patients with a more advanced tumor stage. The M-CSF serum levels correlated positively with the tested tumor markers. The M-CSF area under the ROC curve was higher than the SCF area. These results suggest that M-CSF is a better candidate for a pancreatic cancer tumor marker than SCF.
Modulation of plasma fibrinogen levels in acute-phase response after hepatectomy
Authors: Giovannini Ivo , Chiarla Carlo , Giuliante Felice , Vellone Maria , Nuzzo Gennaro 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIn acute-phase response, the use of amino acids is redirected to supporting the synthesis of proteins for host defence and tissue repair. Fibrinogen is one of these proteins, and its plasma levels commonly increase in acute-phase conditions. After hepatectomy, this pattern may be modified by the variable impact of postoperative liver dysfunction. Our study was performed to specifically assess and quantify this aspect. Data were collected prospectively on 82 hepatectomized patients; 62 recovered normally, 20 had major complications (most commonly sepsis). Plasma fibrinogen and a large series of complementary variables were determined preoperatively and at postoperative days 1, 3 and 7 in all patients and until recovery, or death in those with complications. Multiple regression analysis showed that postoperative changes in fibrinogen (δFIB, μmol/l) were simultaneously related to the number of resected liver segments (NSEG), total bilirubin (BIL, μmol/l), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, U/l, n.v. 5–45), albumin (ALB, g/l), prothrombin activity (PA, % of standard reference), age (AGE, years) and basal preoperative fibrinogen (PFIB, μmol/l): δFIB=−0.51 (NSEG)−0.71 (Log
Expression of activation molecules in neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes from patients with unstable angina treated with stent implantation
Authors: Sánchez-Margalet Víctor , Cubero José M. , Martín-Romero Consuelo , Cubero José , Cruz-Fernández José M. , Goberna Raimundo 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCoronary angioplasty is known to mediate an inflammatory response. Recently, we have characterized the transient systemic inflammatory response after coronary stent implantation in patients with unstable angina by measuring different soluble protein markers. In the present study we have characterized the expression of various cellular activation markers in neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes from the same group of patients. Peripheral blood samples were taken before and 24 h, 48 h and 7 days after successful coronary stenting in 58 patients. Cell surface markers (CD11b/CD18 and CD38) were analyzed by flow cytometry to determine the activation of neutrophils, monocytes and T lymphocytes. We found that coronary angioplasty with stent implantation produces an increase in the cell surface expression of CD11b/CD18 in neutrophils and CD38 in monocytes, following a similar time-course with a peak after 24 h, returning to basal levels after 48 h and a second peak after 7 days. However, T lymphocytes were not found to be activated. These results suggest that coronary stent implantation induces a different pattern inducing soluble and cellular inflammation markers, and therefore, they should be taken into account in patients undergoing stent implantation to study clinical correlations.
Acid ribonuclease and alkaline ribonuclease isoenzymes in plasma of patients with decreased glomerular filtration rate
Authors: Naskalski Jerzy , Anyszek Tomasz , Surdacka Ewa , Hoyer Bernadetta , Sulowicz Wladyslaw 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRemoval of low molecular weight proteins from plasma by kidneys depends on glomerular filtration rate (GFR), protein-glomerular membrane electric charge, steric interactions and a number of functionally active nephrons present in the kidneys. There is a well documented relationship between the concentration of low molecular weight proteins in plasma and GFR value in patients with impaired renal function. Accumulation of low molecular weight proteins in plasma along with a decrease in GFR value may in the long run enhance formation of protein tissue deposits known as various forms of amyloidosis. In this paper we present studies on plasma concentrations of acid leukocyte-type ribonuclease (RNase) and alkaline pancreatic-type RNase and GFR value in 54 patients with renal failure. RNase isoenzymes' activities were assayed by measuring their enzyme activities manifested as ability to decompose yeast RNA and assay of digestion products' concentration by spectrophotometry. The studies show that decreasing filtration rate produces an increase in serum activities of both acid and alkaline RNases, which is proportional to the logarithm of GFR value. However, the increase rate vs. GFR value is by four times higher for acid RNase then for alkaline RNase. Acid RNase in human plasma is mostly of leukocytic origin and differs from pancreatic-type alkaline RNase, which is of pancreatic origin. The obtained results may suggest that leukocyte originating proteins essentially contribute to low molecular weight protein accumulation in plasma of patients with chronic renal insufficiency.
Significance of consecutive international normalized ratio (INR) outcomes using statistical control rules in long-term anticoagulated patients. Optimization of laboratory monitoring and interpretation of borderline measurements
Authors: Introcaso Giovanni , Gesu Giampietro 
Published: August 2004

AbstractAnalysis of serial measurements is needed to elaborate observations in all fields of medical research. In the present study, retrospective data of anticoagulated patients were used to calculate a mean of observations and control limits, X±1σ and X±2σ (mean±standard deviation). During 18 months of coagulation monitoring, 45 patients without major oral anticoagulant therapy complications, with more international normalized ratio (INR) determinations in the therapeutic range and with a normal distribution of INR values according to the Kurtosis coefficient, were selected. The cumulative distribution functions allowed us to obtain critical limits of INR with a cumulative probability (p). Control limits, calculated for a therapeutic control chart, indicated through different control rules, 1S
Elevated plasma total homocysteine in centenarians
Authors: Malaguarnera Mariano , Pistone Giovanni , Motta Massimo , Vinci Ernesto , Oreste Giovanni , Avellone Gino , Musumeci Salvatore 
Published: August 2004

AbstractHomocysteine (Hcy) is a sulfur-containing metabolite of methionine and is an emerging independent risk factor for atherosclerosis. Previous studies have shown that age, gender, renal function and folic acid intake are the main factors influencing total plasma Hcy levels in humans. A unique approach to the science of human longevity is the natural model of centenarians. The objective of this study was to verify whether the previously determined risk factors for atherosclerosis and atherosclerosis-related diseases change with age and, finally, to establish the vitamin nutritional status role.We studied 54 centenarians (14 males and 40 females) aged between 100–107 years (mean age 102.6±1.8 years) living in Sicily (Italy), recruited via the Registry Office, and compared them with three control groups composed of subjects with different age ranges. Total plasma Hcy, folate, vitamin BIt seems that centenarians are protected by some mechanism (maybe genetic) that allows them a long survival despite the high value of homocysteinemia. On the other hand, it can by hypothesized that good vitamin intake is essential to live over 100 years.
New methodology of influential point detection in regression model building for the prediction of metabolic clearance rate of glucose
Authors: Meloun Milan , Hill Martin , Militký Jiří , Vrbíková Jana , Stanická Sona , Škrha Jan 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIdentifying outliers and high-leverage points is a fundamental step in the least-squares regression model building process. The examination of data quality involves the detection of influential points, outliers and high-leverages, which cause many problems in regression analysis. On the basis of a statistical analysis of the residuals (classical, normalized, standardized, jackknife, predicted and recursive) and diagonal elements of a projection matrix, diagnostic plots for influential points indication are formed. The identification of outliers and high leverage points are combined with graphs for the identification of influence type based on the likelihood distance. The powerful procedure for the computation of influential points characteristics written in S-Plus is demonstrated on the model predicting the metabolic clearance rate of glucose (MCRg) that represents the ratio of the amount of glucose supplied to maintain blood glucose levels during the euglycemic clamp and the blood glucose concentration from common laboratory and anthropometric indices. MCRg reflects insulin sensitivity filtering-off the effect of blood glucose. The prediction of clamp parameters should enable us to avoid the demanding clamp examination, which is connected with a higher load and risk for patients.
Intra-laboratory analytical variability of biochemical markers of fibrosis (Fibrotest) and activity (Actitest) and reference ranges in healthy blood donors
Authors: Imbert-Bismut Françoise , Messous Djamila , Thibaut Vincent , Myers Rob B. , Piton Annie , Thabut Dominique , Devers Laure , Hainque Bernard , Mercadier Anne , Poynard Thierry 
Published: August 2004

AbstractCombinations of tests comprising α
The glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms in a control population and in Alzheimer's disease patients
Authors: Žuntar Irena , Kalanj-Bognar Svjetlana , Topic Elizabeta , Petlevski Roberta , Štefanović Mario , Demarin Vida 
Published: August 2004

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the role of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We genotyped the GSTP1 polymorphisms in exon 5 (A313G) and exon 6 (C341T) by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in 56 Croatian patients with AD and 231 controls. Distributions and frequencies of GSTP1 genetic variants were not statistically different between AD patients and healthy controls. Higher frequencies of the mutant genotypes were observed in AD patients (13% for both A313G and C341T) when compared with control subjects (7% for A313G and 8% for C341T), but association of GSTP1 GG (OR 2.057, 95% CI 0.796–5.315, p=0.094) and TT (OR 1.691, 95% CI 0.669–4.270, p=0.514) genotypes with an increased risk of AD was not confirmed by statistical analysis. The frequencies of
Long-distance mountain biking does not disturb the measurement of total, free or complexed prostate-specific antigen in healthy men
Authors: Herrmann Markus , Scharhag Jürgen , Sand-Hill Marga , Kindermann Wilfried , Herrmann Wolfgang 
Published: August 2004

AbstractPurpose: Mechanical manipulation of the prostate is a generally accepted interfering factor for the measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). However, only few studies have focused on common daily mechanical manipulations, such as bicycle riding. Furthermore, physical exercise is also supposed to modulate PSA serum concentration. Long-distance mountain biking is an excellent model to study the combined effect of mechanical prostate manipulation by bicycle riding and strenuous endurance exercise on total, free and complexed PSA (tPSA, fPSA, cPSA). Materials and methods: We investigated tPSA, fPSA and cPSA in 42 healthy male cyclists (mean age 35±6 years) before and after a 120 km off-road mountain bike race. Blood sampling was done before, 15 min and 3 h after the race. Results: Mean race time was 342±65 min. All athletes had normal serum levels of tPSA, fPSA or cPSA. None of these parameters was modified by the race. Conclusions: In healthy men the measurement of tPSA, fPSA and cPSA is not disturbed by preceding long distance mountain biking or endurance exercise. Based on the present data, there is no evidence for a recommendation to limit bicycle riding or physical activity before the measurement of tPSA, fPSA or cPSA.
Automated flagging influences the inconsistency and bias of band cell and atypical lymphocyte morphological differentials
Authors: Meer Wim van der , Scott Colin Stephen , Keijzer MarinusH. de 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis study evaluated inter- and intra-observer variabilities of band cell and atypical lymphocyte differentials and the influence of instrument flagging information on resulting microscopic differentials. Five stained slides with a range of band cell counts and five with variable numbers of atypical lymphocytes were sent for morphological review by 30 technicians. No supplementary full blood cell count information was provided. Two months later, the same slides were sent, together with their corresponding analyzer reports comprising the full blood cell count, automated differentials and flags, to the same technicians. The first and second appraisals of band cells and variant lymphocytes both showed poor levels of inter-observer consistency. Observed values for all slides were very wide and suggested a high inherent predisposition to erroneous reporting practices. Analysis of category trends showed that analyzer left shift or immature granulocytes flags had no influence on observer band cell assessments as downward vs. upward category revisions were evenly balanced. The findings for atypical lymphocytes were, however, somewhat different. Two slides with no flags both showed balanced category revisions, whereas two of the three slides with atypical lymphocyte flags showed clear evidence of upward category revision. The third slide with an atypical lymphocyte flag did not show any overall category trend, but six of the seven observers who in the first examination recorded atypical lymphocyte estimates of ≤30% revised their estimates upward when the slides were examined the second time. These results suggest that morphologist access to an analyzer report and flagging information is unlikely to affect the “randomness” of band cell determinations but it may induce observer bias in variant lymphocyte estimates.
Extracellular concentration of homocysteine in human cell lines is influenced by specific inhibitors of cyst(e)ine transport
Authors: Hultberg Björn 
Published: August 2004

AbstractDespite the growing evidence that plasma homocysteine is a cardiovascular risk factor, the mechanism behind the vascular injuries is still unknown. Studies of the cellular uptake systems for homocysteine are scarce, but membrane transporters of cyst(e)ine seem to be involved. In the present study the cellular uptake of extracellular homocysteine in HeLa and hepatoma cell lines is investigated by using several different transport inhibitors for cellular uptake of cyst(e)ine. It is shown that systems A and X