bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum cystatin C may predict the early prognostic stages of patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Shimizu Ayumi , Horikoshi Satoshi , Rinnno Hisaki , Kobata Mami , Saito Kensuke , Tomino Yasuhiko 
Published: August 2003

AbstractWe determined the relationship between levels of serum cystatin C or serum creatinine (s‐Cr) and prognostic stages of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Serum samples from 174 patients with type 2 diabetes were obtained from Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo and Juntendo Urayasu Hospital, Chiba, Japan. They were classified into four groups according to the Report of the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan as follows: Stage I (normoalbuminuric stage), Stage II (microalbuminuric stage), Stage IIIA (macroalbuminuric stage without renal dysfunction), Stage IIIB (macroalbuminuric stage with renal dysfunction), and Stage IV (renal failure stage). Among these patients, 68 were Stage I, 29 Stage II, 32 Stage IIIA, 17 Stage IIIB, and 28 Stage IV. The levels of serum cystatin C were measured using the Dade Behring Cystatin C assay with automated Dade Behring Nephelometer II (BNII) (Dade Behring Marburg GmbH, Germany). The mean levels of serum cystatin C in Stage IIIA were significantly higher than those in Stage I or II (P<0.00001, P<0.0005, respectively). The mean levels of serum cystatin C in Stage IIIB and Stage IV were also significantly higher than those in Stage I (P<0.00001). However, the mean levels of serum creatinine (s‐Cr) in Stage IIIA were not significantly higher than those in Stage I or II. The levels of s‐Cr in Stage IIIB and Stage IV were significantly higher than those in Stage I (P<0.00001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots demonstrated that the area under the curve (AUC) of cystatin C (0.76) was greater than that of s‐Cr (0.66). As an early prognostic marker of type 2 diabetic nephropathy, serum cystatin C was better than s‐Cr in terms of sensitivity and specificity. It appears that the levels of serum cystatin C may predict early prognostic stages of patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:164–167, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Interleukin‐10 gene –627 allele variants, not interleukin‐I beta gene and receptor antagonist gene polymorphisms, are associated with atopic bronchial asthma
Authors: Hang Liang‐Wen , Hsia Te‐Chun , Chen Wen‐Chi , Chen Huey‐Yi , Tsai Jeffrey J.P. , Tsai Fuu‐Jen 
Published: August 2003

AbstractAsthma is an airway hyperresponsive disease characterized by the expression of multiple inflammatory genes, including cytokines. Interleukin‐I and interleukin‐10 (IL‐1 and IL‐10) are cytokines that might play a role in the process of inflammation and are therefore considered to be involved in the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma. The aim of this study was to test whether the polymorphisms of the promoter region and exon 5 of the IL‐1 gene, intron 2 of the IL‐1Ra gene, and –627 nucleotide (C/A) of the IL‐10 gene could be genetic markers for the susceptibility of bronchial asthma. A normal control group made up of 47 healthy volunteers and 117 patients with bronchial asthma were examined in this study. We analyzed the variable number of tandem repeats at intron 2 of the IL‐1Ra gene for the polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). PCR‐based restriction analysis of the IL‐1 gene polymorphisms of the promoter region and exon 5 was carried out by the endonucleases Ava I and Taq I, respectively. The IL‐10 gene –627 C/A polymorphisms were investigated by PCR‐based restriction analysis. The distribution of CC homozygotes in the IL‐10 gene was significantly lower in asthma patients than in controls (P=0.013, OR=3.599, 95% CI=1.240∼10.441). The polymorphisms studied in the IL‐1 genes did not reveal any significant association with bronchial asthma when compared with the control group (promoter region by chi‐square test, P=0.627; exon 5 region by Fisher's exact test, P=0.403). Only two alleles of the IL‐1Ra gene corresponding to one and two copies of an 86‐base pair sequence repeat were identified by PCR in the control group. There were three alleles found in the asthmatic patient group. The results revealed no significant differences between normal individuals and asthma patients (P=0.454, Fisher's exact test). The IL‐10 gene –627 “A” allele is an associated risk factor of developing atopic asthma. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:168–173, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of an automated chemiluminescent immunoassay for complexed PSA on the Bayer ACS:180™ system
Authors: Datta Pradip , Dasgupta Amitava 
Published: August 2003

AbstractProstate‐specific antigen (PSA), the most important tumor marker for the detection of prostate cancer, exists in serum in a free, uncomplexed form (free PSA [fPSA]), and as bound to protease inhibitors (mainly α1‐antichymotrypsin [ACT]). The measurement of complexed PSA (cPSA) concentration in serum has been shown to have better sensitivity and specificity than serum total PSA concentration. A new chemiluminescent immunoassay for cPSA for use on the Bayer ACS:180™ fully automated system (Bayer Corp., Tarrytown, NY) has been developed and evaluated. The precision of the new assay was <3.9% (within‐run coefficient of variation [CV]) and <5.0% (total CV). The analytical sensitivity (95% upper limit of noise at zero calibrator) was <0.03 ng/mL. A comparison of the ACS:180™ cPSA results with the cPSA concentrations calculated from the ACCESS (Beckman‐Coulter) PSA and fPSA assays yielded the following regression equation: ACS:180™ cPSA=0.93* (calculated ACCESS cPSA) +0.43, R=0.993, n=95. The mean dilution and spike recovery for five samples were both 98%. No interference was observed from hemoglobin, triglyceride, or bilirubin (NCCLS protocol). These results indicate that the ACS:180™ cPSA assay is precise, and compares well with the calculated cPSA from ACCESS total and free‐PSA results. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:174–178, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impaired protein binding of Chinese medicine DanShen in uremic sera and sera with hyperbilirubinemia: Rapid assessment of total and free Danshen concentrations using the fluorescence polarization immunoassay for digoxin
Authors: Wahed Amer , Pollard John , Wells Alice , Dasgupta Amitava 
Published: August 2003

AbstractDanShen is a Chinese medicine that is used to treat cardiovascular disorders. DanShen is moderately to strongly protein bound, mainly to albumin. Because impaired protein binding of albumin‐bound drugs in uremia has been reported, we studied protein binding of DanShen by measuring the digoxin‐like immunoreactive component of this Chinese medicine. We observed a significantly higher percentage of free fraction of DanShen in uremic sera in vitro. Impaired protein binding of DanShen was also observed in sera from patients with liver disease, who had elevated concentrations of bilirubin. Treating uremic sera with activated charcoal significantly improved the protein binding of DanShen, indicating that uremic compounds are responsible for the impaired protein binding of DanShen. On the other hand, when various amounts of bilirubin were added to aliquots of the normal pool supplemented with DanShen, we observed only a modest displacement of DanShen from the protein‐binding sites by bilirubin, indicating that hypoalbuminemia may play a major role in impaired protein binding of DanShen in sera with elevated bilirubin concentrations. We conclude that protein binding of DanShen is lower in uremic sera and in sera with elevated bilirubin concentrations. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:179–183, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantification of chemotherapeutic target gene mRNA expression in human breast cancer biopsies: Comparison of real‐time reverse transcription‐PCR vs. Relative quantification reverse transcription‐PCR utilizing DNA sequencer analysis of PCR products
Authors: Juhasz Agnes , Frankel Paul , Cheng Catherine , Rivera Hector , Vishwanath Reena , Chiu Alice , Margolin Kim , Yen Yun , Newman Edward M. , Synold Tim , Wilczynski Sharon , Lenz Heinz‐Josef , Gandara David , Albain Kathy S. , Longmate Jeffrey , Doroshow James H. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe solid tumor mRNA expression of genes related to the mechanism of action of certain antineoplastic agents is often predictive of clinical efficacy. We report here on the development of a rapid and practical real‐time RT‐PCR method to quantify genetic expression in solid tumors. The genes examined are related to the intracellular pharmacology of gemcitabine and cisplatin, two drugs that are used in the treatment of several types of advanced cancer. We evaluated target gene mRNA levels from breast tumor samples using two quantitative RT‐PCR methods: 1) an improved relative RT‐PCR method using fluorescence‐labeled primers, automated PCR set up, and GeneScan® analysis software; and 2) real‐time RT‐PCR with redesigned primers using an ABI 7900HT instrument, with additional postprocessing of the data to adjust for efficiency differences across the target genes. Using these methods, we quantified mRNA expression levels of deoxycytidine kinase (dCK), deoxycytidylate deaminase (dCDA), the M1 and M2 subunits of ribonucleotide reductase (RRM1, RRM2), and excision cross complementation group 1 (ERCC1) in 35 human “fresh” frozen breast cancer biopsies. While both assay methods were substantially more rapid than traditional RT‐PCR, real‐time RT‐PCR appeared to be superior to the amplification end‐point measurement in terms of precision and high throughput, even when a DNA sequencer was used to assess fluorescence‐labeled PCR products. This reproducible, highly sensitive real‐time RT‐PCR method for the detection and quantification of the mRNAs for dCK, dCDA, RRM1, RRM2, and ERCC1 in human breast cancer biopsies appears to be more informative and less time‐consuming than either classical radioisotope‐dependent RT‐PCR or the technique utilizing GeneScan® analysis described herein. By allowing the measurement of intratumoral target gene expression, these new methods may prove useful in predicting the clinical utility of gemcitabine‐ and platinum‐containing chemotherapy programs in patients with solid tumors. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17:184–194, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prenatal diagnosis of Machado‐Joseph disease/spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 in Taiwan: Early detection of expanded ataxin‐3
Authors: Tsai Hui‐Fang , Liu Chin‐San , Chen Gin‐Den , Lin Mei‐Ling , Li Chuan , Chen Yi‐Yun , Wang Bao‐Tyan , Hsieh Mingli 
Published: August 2003

AbstractMachado‐Joseph disease (MJD)/Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3 (SCA3) is a rare autosomal dominative disorder in which one of the neurodegenerative disorders is caused by a translated CAG repeat expansion. Here, we present the first prenatal diagnosis of MJD in Taiwan in a woman whose husband was known to carry an unstable CAG repeat expansion in the MJD gene. After evaluating the couples' motivation and psychological tolerance, amniocentesis was performed at gestation of 13 weeks. The diagnosis was made using a simple nonradioactive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for rapid detection of the presence of an expanded MJD allele. Meanwhile, using radioactive PCR, we identified the presence of an unusual shortness of CAG expansion in the MJD gene with 74 repeats in the fetus compared with 78 repeats in the father. After termination of the pregnancy, Western blot analysis further confirmed the presence of normal and mutant ataxin‐3 in the fetal tissue. In summary, we have performed the first prenatal diagnosis of MJD in Taiwan, and described our experience with an at‐risk male requesting counseling, carrier testing, and prenatal diagnosis for Machado‐Joseph disease. Early detection of both normal and expanded ataxin‐3 in fetal tissues was first demonstrated in the present study. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 17: 195–200, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of the Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research (CASPER) interview with a psychiatric inpatient population
Authors: Strong Joanna E. , Farrell Albert D. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThe Computerized Assessment System for Psychotherapy Evaluation and Research (CASPER; Farrell & McCullough‐Vaillant, 1996) includes a computer‐based interview designed to assess functioning across a broad range of areas. The psychometric properties of scales derived from this interview were examined in a sample of 191 patients from the admissions wards of a state psychiatric hospital. Few participants had difficulty completing the computerized interview, and most rated their reactions to it positively. Item analyses and confirmatory factor analysis largely replicated the structure reported in a previous study of outpatients. Support was found for scales representing Physical Complaints, Worry, Hopelessness, Assertiveness, Hostility/Anger, Thought Problems, Psychotic Symptoms, Substance Use, and Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior. Comparison of scales from the CASPER and the Behavior and Symptom Identification Scale‐32 (BASIS‐32; Eisen & Culhane, 1999) supported the convergent and discriminant validity of several scales. Support also was found for the CASPER Global Functioning scale. Overall, results supported the use of the CASPER as a valuable tool for assessing inpatient functioning. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
MMPI‐2: Confidence intervals for random responding to the F, F Back, and VRIN scales
Authors: Charter Richard A. , Lopez Michael N. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractSeveral studies have investigated random responding to the F, F Back, and VRIN scales. Only one study attempted to provide practical cutoff scores for these scales, but was unable to reach definitive cutoffs. This study uses the normal approximation to the binomial distribution and provides confidence interval bounds for random responding at the 95, 90, and 85% levels for the F, F Back, and VRIN scales. The possibility that humans asked to respond randomly produce F, F Back, and VRIN scores different from computer‐generated random scores was investigated. The results show nonsignificant differences between human and computer responses for the F and F Back scales and mixed results for the VRIN scale. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Minimal model to document psychometric change after standard anterior temporal lobectomy for intractable seizure disorder
Authors: Costello Raymond M. , Mayes Bruce , Szabo C. Akos , Vollmer Dennis G. 
Published: August 2003

AbstractNeuropsychological assessment of persons with epilepsy is recommended whenever neurosurgery is considered as an alternative therapy for seizure disorders refractory to ordinary medical management. Although psychological assessment is common in centers specialized in the care of epilepsy patients, standardized protocols are not common. This study addresses the question of the optimal minimal test battery necessary to differentiate groups of right‐handed patients with refractory, complex partial seizure disorder who receive either right or left anterior temporal lobectomy or no surgery. No variable differentiated the groups before surgery. Only Logical Memory–Immediate of the Wechsler Memory Scale differentiated the groups following surgery. This finding is consistent with the literature. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Measuring coping style and resistance among Spanish and Argentine samples: Development of the Systematic Treatment Selection Self‐Report in Spanish
Authors: Corbella Sergi , Beutler Larry E. , Fernández‐Álvarez Héctor , Botella Luis , Malik Mary L. , Lane Geoffrey , Wagstaff Nicole 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis article reports the reliability and validity of the Coping Style and Resistance subscales of the Systematic Treatment Selection Self‐Report (STS‐SR) scale after its translation to Spanish. The English versions of the STS system identify eight empirically derived patient variables that have been found to moderate the effects of various classes of mental health treatment procedures. Research on these dimensions as treatment indicators, as assessed both by clinicians and through patient self‐reports, indicates that they increase the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment among English‐speaking samples. This article reports a study of the convergent and discriminant validity of two of the subscales, Coping Style and Trait Resistance. The subscales were translated English into Spanish and administered to large Spanish and Argentinean subject pools, along with established measures of the same and related constructs. Results revealed that both scales possessed good internal consistency and adequate discriminant validity. The implications of these findings are discussed. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Evaluation of a meridian‐based intervention, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), for reducing specific phobias of small animals
Authors: Wells Steve , Polglase Kathryn , Andrews Henry B. , Carrington Patricia , Baker A. Harvey 
Published: August 2003

AbstractThis study explored whether a meridian‐based procedure, Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), can reduce specific phobias of small animals underlaboratory‐controlled conditions. Randomly assigned participants were treated individually for 30 min with EFT (n = 18) or a comparison condition, diaphragmatic breathing (DB) (n = 17). ANOVAS revealed that EFT produced significantly greater improvement than did DB behaviorally and on three self‐report measures, but not on pulse rate. The greater improvement for EFT was maintained, and possibly enhanced, at six‐ to nine‐months follow‐up on the behavioral measure. These findings suggest that a single treatment session using EFT to reduce specific phobias can produce valid behavioral and subjective effects. Some limitations of the study also are noted and clarifying research suggested. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Psychol.
Neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1R) expression is induced in human colonic epithelial cells by proinflammatory cytokines and mediates proliferation in response to substance P
Authors: Goode Triona , O'Connor Terry , Hopkins Ann , Moriarty Derek , O'Sullivan Gearld C. , Collins J. Kevin , O'Donoghue Diarmuid , Baird Alan W. , O'Connell Joe , Shanahan Fergus 
Published: August 2003

AbstractWe have previously shown that the receptor for substance P (SP), neurokinin‐1 receptor (NK‐1R), is a marker of human mucosal but not peripheral mononuclear cells. In the present study, we investigate NK‐1R expression in the human colonic mucosa in vivo, particularly in the epithelial cells. We investigate the influence of proinflammatory Th1 cytokines and SP on expression and function of NK‐1R in colonic epithelial cells in vitro. Using in situ hybridization to detect NK‐1R mRNA, and immunohistochemistry to detect NK‐1R protein, colonic epithelial cells were found to express NK‐1R in vivo. In contrast, colon epithelial cell lines (Caco‐2, HT29, SW620, T84) were negative for NK‐1R mRNA and protein. However, stimulation with a proinflammatory cytokine cocktail containing IFN‐γ, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β, caused induction of NK‐1R expression. Expression of NK‐1R in human colonic epithelial cells in vivo may therefore reflect cytokine conditioning by the mucosal microenvironment. SP did not alter ion transport in monolayers of cytokine‐treated T84 cells. While SP stimulated epithelial ion transport in colonic mucosae ex vivo, this was not a direct effect of SP on the epithelial cells, and appeared to be neurally mediated. However, SP (10−10–10−8 M) elicited a dose‐dependent proliferative effect on cytokine‐stimulated, but not unstimulated, SW620 cells. Proliferation of the epithelial cells in response to SP was mediated specifically via cytokine‐induced NK‐1R, since an NK‐1R‐specific antagonist (Spantide 1) completely blocked SP‐mediated proliferation in the cytokine‐treated cells. Our results therefore demonstrate that proinflammatory cytokines induce expression of NK‐1R in human colonic epithelial cell lines, and that SP induces proliferation of the epithelial cells via cytokine‐induced NK‐1R. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 30–41, 2003© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Establishment of a human preadipose cell line, HPB‐AML‐I: Refractory to PPARγ‐mediated adipogenic stimulation
Authors: Torii Ikuko , Morikawa Shigeru , Nakano Akinobu , Morikawa Keiko 
Published: August 2003

AbstractIn this study, we established a unique cell line, HPB‐AML‐I (AML‐I), from peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from a patient with acute myeloid leukemia (AML: M1). Morphological and phenotypical analyses of the established AML‐I cells demonstrated that they belong to a preadipocyte cell line as indicated by their storage of lipid droplets and expression of surface antigens similar to those found on bone marrow stromal cells (MSC). Through cell culture under adipogenic conditions, effective differentiation of AML‐I cells into adipocytes was induced by an adipogenesis inducing cocktail (INC) made up of a mixture of methylisobutylxanthine, hydrocortisone, and indomethacin. By contrast, activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPARγ), which plays a key role in lipids metabolism and is highly expressed in AML‐I cells, decreased the number of lipid droplets in AML‐I cells. Here we report the establishment of a unique human derived‐preadipocyte cell line, AML‐I, and its bi‐directional adipogenic response to different type stimulation, i.e., one is a refractory response to troglitazone, a well‐known adipogenic stimulator, and a positive response to INC, an adipogenesis induction cocktail. These results suggest that, based on the adipogenic response, there might be some distinct lineages in human adipocytes and that the unique differentiation of AML‐I cells should be useful for analyzing both the differentiation and regulation of human preadipocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 42–52, 2003© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Survivin study: What is the next wave?
Authors: Li Fengzhi 
Published: August 2003

AbstractSurvivin, a novel member of inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) protein family, is aberrantly expressed in cancer but undetectable in normal, differentiated adult tissues. Current studies suggest that survivin is implicated in both control of apoptosis and regulation of cell division. However, due to some inconsistent observations on survivin subcellular localization, there is debate about survivin's function in regulating apoptosis, cell division, or both. This review will discuss concepts, experimental methods, and interesting results that unify the different notions about survivin localization and function or point out gaps of knowledge about controversial issues. The author also intends to review various aspects of survivin studies, which were not emphasized or sufficiently discussed in previous reviews on survivin, and update recent developments that may reveal new applications of disease‐oriented therapeutics in the coming years. J. Cell. Physiol. 197: 8–29, 2003 © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.