Marked Correlation Research Articles

Marked correlation functions in perturbation theory

We develop perturbation theory approaches to model the marked correlation function constructed to up-weight low density regions of the Universe, which might help distinguish modified gravity models from the standard cosmology model based on general relativity. Working within Convolution Lagrangian Perturbation Theory, we obtain that weighted correlation functions are expressible as double convolution integrals that we approximate using a combination of Eulerian and Lagrangian schemes. We find that different approaches agree within 1% on quasi non-linear scales. Compared with N-body simulations, the perturbation theory is found to provide accurate predictions for the marked correlation function of dark matter fields, dark matter halos as well as Halo Occupation Distribution galaxies down to 30 Mpc/h. These analytic approaches help to understand the degeneracy between the mark and the galaxy bias and find a way to maximize the differences among various cosmological models.

Probing the effect of ortho-cycloalkyl ring size on activity and thermostability in cycloheptyl-fused N,N,N-iron ethylene polymerization catalysts.

The syntheses of six bis(imino)-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrocycloheptapyridine-iron(ii) chloride complexes, [2-{(Ar)NCMe}-9-{N(Ar)}C10H10N]FeCl2 (Ar = 2-(C5H9)-6-MeC6H3Fe1, 2-(C6H11)-6-MeC6H3Fe2, 2-(C8H15)-6-MeC6H3Fe3, 2-(C5H9)-4,6-Me2C6H2Fe4, 2-(C6H11)-4,6-Me2C6H2Fe5, 2-(C8H15)-4,6-Me2C6H3Fe6), are reported in which the ring size of the ortho-cycloalkyl group has been varied as has the type of para-substituent. The molecular structures of Fe3 and Fe6 reveal square pyramidal geometries at iron while the ortho-cyclooctyl rings adopt boat-chair conformations. On treatment with either methylaluminoxane (MAO) or modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), all six complexes showed optimal activities at 80 °C [up to 1.9 × 107 g of PE per mol Fe per h for Fe5/MMAO] for ethylene polymerization forming linear polyethylene (Tm's > 126 °C). Notably, the catalytic activities showed a marked correlation with the ring size of the ortho-cycloalkyl substituent: cyclohexyl (Fe2 and Fe5) > cyclooctyl (Fe3 and Fe6) > cyclopentyl (Fe1 and Fe4) for either para-substituent, H or Me. Furthermore, this family of iron catalysts exhibited remarkable thermostability by remaining highly active even at temperatures as high as 100 °C (1.1 × 107 g of PE per mol Fe per h); the wide variation in polymer molecular weights (Mw: 2.4-166 kg mol-1), influenced through choice of precatalyst and co-catalyst as well as by temperature and pressure, further highlights the versatility of these catalysts.

Antioxidant profile of thinned young and ripe fruits of Chinese peach and nectarine varieties

ABSTRACT The chemical compounds and the antioxidant capacity in thinned young and ripe fruit of 7 Chinese peach and nectarine varieties were investigated. Neochlorogenic acid, catechin and chlorogenic acid were the dominant antioxidants in thinned young fruit, which were 6.4–20.7-fold, 3.3–14.2-fold, and 4.1–11.4-fold higher than ripe fruit, respectively. In addition, the sugar composition of the thinned young fruit was different from that of the ripe fruit. Sucrose displayed a markedly negative correlation with the antioxidant capacity, while glucose, fructose and sorbitol did not. Malic acid and quinic acid were the major organic acids in the thinned young fruit and were positively correlated with the antioxidant capacity. Aspartic acid and glutamic acid were the main amino acids in thinned and ripe fruit. Lysine, alanine, threonine, glycine, tyrosine, and serine were significantly correlated with the antioxidant capacities, and the correlations decreased in turn. While proline and histidine showed no marked correlation with the antioxidant capacity. The antioxidant capacity of the peaches and nectarines evaluated in terms of the DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activities and the ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were 1.3–11.2-fold higher in thinned young fruit than ripe fruit. In addition, the chemical composition, namely, the levels of polyphenols and sucrose, could distinguish the thinned young fruit from the ripe fruit for both peaches and nectarines.

Correlation between blood oxygen level dependent fMRI signal and GABA content in anterior cingulate cortex after acupuncture of Hegu (LI4)

To explore the correlation between blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-fMRI) signal and neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) concentration in the prefrontal cortex area after acupuncture or Von Frey filament stimulation (epidermal stimulation) at the right Hegu (LI4). A total of 76 healthy volunteers (23 men and 53 women, 24.5±1.4 years in age) were recruited in the pre-sent study. Each volunteer received two sessions of fMRI magnetic resonance scanning (MRS) examinations, with an interval of one week between two sessions. The MRI scan sequences included pre-task MRS, resting state BOLD and task MRS, BOLD. A region of Interest (ROI) of 35 mm×30 mm×25 mm was located at the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex areas. In the two sessions of examinations, the right LI4 point was stimulated by manual acupuncture or Von Frey filament-pressing. The tasks were designed as the block design. Each block contained 3 intermittent acupoint stimulations, lasting 30 s in each stimulation and with two minutes' pause between two stimulations. The MRS data were processed by using Linear Combination (LC) Model software (for assessing GABA content), and the BOLD data of fMRI was analyzed by using SPM12 software (comparison within each group), REST1.8 (comparison between two groups), separately. Extensive deactivations were induced by both stimulations, mainly involving the midline regions as the medial prefrontal lobe, and limbic lobe. The deactivation effect of manual acupuncture stimulation was more extensive and intensive than that of Von Frey filament stimulation, especially in the medial prefrontal lobe. Data from 66 volunteers (after exclusion of 10 participants due to bigger standard deviation of GABA/Glx) showed no marked correlation between the GABA concentration and BOLD activation in the anterior cingulate cortex area in both groups(manual acupuncture stimulation group: r=－0.07, －0.08, 0.04; P=0.57, 0.88, 0.74; Von Frey filament epidermal stimulation group: r=－0.10, －0.09, －0.01; P=0.43, 0.46, 0.96). Acupuncture of LI4 elicits a stronger and broader negative activation effect in the limbic-paralimbic-neocortical network including the medial prefrontal cortex in comparison with Von Frey filament stimulation, but no apparent correlation was found between the GABA concentration and BOLD activation in the anterior cingulate cortex after manual acupuncture and Von Frey stimulation.

Foreign Trade Liberalisation and Economic Growth: The Case of the Republic of Srpska

Abstract This paper assesses the impact of trade liberalisation on the economic growth of the Republic of Srpska (RS). The aim of the research is to prove the hypothesis that trade liberalisation and export orientation positively impact on GDP growth. RS has characteristically small and open economies. The degree and character of the connections between the observed variables was determined by means of regression analysis. Regression analysis indicates that there is a positive connection between the total trade and GDP growth. Further, there is a marked positive correlation between export and GDP, that is, export growth contributes to GDP growth. Foreign trade deficit stands in a negative correlation with GDP. Lastly, regression analysis points to the connection between the Republic of Srpska economic growth and openness of its economy. However, uncontrolled opening and exposure to foreign competitiveness can also bring about problems which in certain circumstances lead to long-term macroeconomic instability.

Chronic pancreatitis and the heart disease: Still terra incognita?

BACKGROUNDIt has been suggested that chronic pancreatitis (CP) may be an independent risk factor for development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). At the same time, it seems that congestive heart failure (CHF) and CP share the responsibility for the development of important clinical conditions such as sarcopenia, cachexia and malnutrition due to development of cardiac cachexia and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI), respectively.AIMTo explore the evidence regarding the association of CP and heart disease, more specifically CVD and CHF.METHODSA systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science and Google Scholar was performed by two independent investigators to identify eligible studies where the connection between CP and CVD was investigated. The search was limited to articles in the English language. The last search was run on the 1st of May 2019. The primary outcomes were: (1) Incidence of cardiovascular event [acute coronary syndrome (ACS), chronic coronary disease, peripheral arterial lesions] in patients with established CP; and (2) Incidence of PEI in patients with CHF.RESULTSOut of 1166 studies, only 8 were eligible for this review. Studies regarding PEI and CHF showed an important incidence of PEI as well as associated malabsorption of nutritional markers (vitamin D, selenium, phosphorus, zinc, folic acid, and prealbumin) in patients with CHF. However, after substitution of pancreatic enzymes, it seems that, at least, loss of appetite was attenuated. On the other side, studies investigating cardiovascular events in patients with CP showed that, in CP cohort, there was a 2.5-fold higher incidence of ACS. In another study, patients with alcohol–induced CP with concomitant type 3c diabetes had statistically significant higher incidence of carotid atherosclerotic plaques in comparison to patients with diabetes mellitus of other etiologies. Earlier studies demonstrated a marked correlation between the clinical symptoms in CP and chronic coronary insufficiency. Also, statistically significant higher incidence of arterial lesions was found in patients with CP compared to the control group with the same risk factors for atherosclerosis (hypertension, smoking, dyslipidemia). Moreover, one recent study showed that PEI is significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with CP.CONCLUSIONCurrent evidence implicates a possible association between PEI and malnutrition in patients with CHF. Chronic pancreatic tissue hypoxic injury driven by prolonged splanchnic hypoperfusion is likely to contribute to malnutrition and cachexia in patients with CHF. On the other hand, CP and PEI seem to be an independent risk factor associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Benthic cyanobacterial detritus mats in lacustrine sediment: Characterization and odorant producing potential

Eutrophic freshwater lake ecosystems are receiving increasing public attention due to a global increase in large-scale harmful cyanobacterial blooms in surface waters. However, the contribution of phytodetritus accumulation in benthic sediments post-bloom remains unclear. In this study, field investigations were performed using microsensors to evaluate benthic phytodetritus mats by measuring TOC/TN ratios, pigments, biodegradable compounds and odorants as descriptive parameters. Results show that the massive amount of phytodetritus trapped by aquatic plants gradually evolved into benthic cyanobacterial detritus mats, which were characterized as anoxic, reductive and low pH. It was confirmed that the occurrence of odorants is more serious in the detritus mats due to decay and decomposition of the accumulated phytodetritus. The mean odorant content in the vegetated zones was 3–52 times higher than that in the unvegetated zones. The dominant odorants were dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), β-ionone and β-cyclocitral, with mean contents of 52.38 ng·(g·dw)-1, 162.20 ng·(g·dw)-1 and 307.51 ng·(g·dw)-1, respectively, in the sediment. In addition, odorant production appears to be associated with the distribution of biodegradable compounds in the sediment. This is supported by the marked correlation observed between biodegradable compounds and odorants. Multiple regression analysis showed that biodegradable compounds can be used as indicators to predict odorant content in the sediment. It is noteworthy that the odorant trend in the water column and sediment is symmetrical, indicating a risk of diffusion from the sediment to the water column. This study helps to clarifying the contributions of benthic cyanobacterial detritus mats to odorant production in shallow eutrophic lakes. The information provided herein may also be useful for future management of aquatic ecosystems.

Local earthquake tomography of the Larderello-Travale geothermal field

The Larderello-Travale Geothermal Field in South-West Tuscany (Italy) is the oldest and among the most productive geothermal fields in the world. A new 3D model of seismic P-wave velocity (VP) of the upper crust beneath the geothermal field is derived by inverting a set of highly consistent travel-times from local-earthquakes. Results document a marked correlation of VP with previously described, high-reflectivity horizons. We also determined a low velocity body (VP ∼5 km s−1) culminating at depths of about 7 km, with estimated volume of 35–40 km3. Such low velocities are consistent with a granite at temperatures above 700 °C, thus in a partially-molten status.

Efficacy of Trichoderma fungal species in the removal of α-naphthol from potato dextrose agar media

Alpha-naphthol is a two-ring aromatic hydrocarbon with toxic and mutagenic properties. Bioremediation technology is considered to be an efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly approach to the remediation of the sites contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. In this study, six fungal species of the Trichoderma genus were cultured in potato dextrose agar (PDA) media containing 10-200 mg/kg of α-naphthol for the adaptation of the fungal strains. The removal of α-naphthol was assessed 30 days after the growth of the adapted fungal colonies at various concentrations of α-naphthol (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg). According to the obtained results, all the fungi could grow in the culture media containing α-naphthol, removing α-naphthol from the media. The highest removal efficiency belonged to T. viridescens, while the lowest removal efficiency belonged to T. koningii. In addition, the growth ability of the fungi was determined based on the colony diameters, and the results indicated the highest and lowest colony diameters in case of T. koningii and T. viridescens, respectively. In other words, an inverse correlation was observed between the fungal growth rate and α-naphthol removal efficiency. On the other hand, the results of enzyme activity assay demonstrated that the activity of peroxidase and catalase increased with higher α-naphthol contamination. The highest enzyme activity was observed in T. viridescens, growing in the media containing 150 mg/kg of α-naphthol, which indicated a marked correlation between α-naphthol removal efficiency and enzyme activity. Therefore, it could be concluded that T. viridescens had the highest enzyme activity and α-naphthol removal efficiency.

The effect of GPx-1 rs1050450 and MnSOD rs4880 polymorphisms on PE susceptibility: a case- control study.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious pregnancy complication whose etiology is not fully understood. However, previous reports have suggested that oxidative stress and genetic variants may contribute to the development of PE. This study aimed to examine the relationship between the Glutathione peroxidase-1(GPx-1) and Manganese Superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) polymorphisms and preeclampsia (PE) risk in Iranian women. Genotyping of the studied women, including 179 preeclamptic cases and 202 controls, for GPx-1 rs1050450 and MnSOD rs4880 polymorphisms was conducted using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Our results showed a 1.7- to 1.6-fold increased risk of PE in the rs1050450 CT and CT + TT (dominant model) genotypes compared to CC genotype (OR = 1.7, 95%CI 1.1-2.7; P = 0.01 and OR = 1.6, 95%CI 1.1-2.4; P = 0.02; respectively). We also found a marked correlation between TC and CC genotypes of MnSOD rs4880 polymorphism and a 1.9- to 2.3-fold increase risk of PE (OR = 1.9, 95%CI 1.2-2.9; P = 0.005 and OR = 2.3, 95%CI 1-5.1; P = 0.04, respectively). The rs4880 MnSOD polymorphism was correlated with increased risk of PE in the allelic and dominant models (OR = 1.8, 95% CI 1.2-2.5, P = 0.002; OR = 1.9, 95%CI 1.3-3, P = 0.002, respectively). High frequency of TC/CC genotype of MnSOD rs4880 and CT genotypes of rs1050450 polymorphism in PE patients compared to controls showed the contribution of these variants to PE susceptibility.

High NDRG3 expression facilitates HCC metastasis by promoting nuclear translocation of β-catenin

NDRG1 has been reported to exert pivotal roles in tumor progression and metastasis via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, little is known about the role of NDRG3 in hepatocarcinogenesis despite its classification in the same subfamily of NDRG1. The present study was aimed to characterize the expression pattern and understand the biological roles of NDRG3 in hepatocarcinogenesis, as a means to exploit its therapeutic potential. It was observed that NDRG3 was up-regulated in HCC tissues and higher NDRG3 expression was associated with significantly shorter overall survival. Furthermore, a lower level of NDRG3 exhibited marked positive correlation with metastasis-free survival. In vitro and in vivo experiments revealed that knock-down of NDRG3 inhibits HCC metastasis and angiogenesis. We further demonstrated that activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling and enhanced CSC-like properties were responsible for NDRG3- mediated promoting effect on HCC. In conclusion, the principal findings demonstrated that high NDRG3 expression facilitates HCC metastasis via regulating the turnover of β-catenin, as well as provides a potential therapeutic target for future therapeutic interventions.

Correlation between the qualification for bevacizumab use and the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer harboring the epidermal growth factor receptor mutation: a retrospective analysis

Previously, the combination of epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) and bevacizumab (BEV) was investigated. A subgroup analysis of the IMpower150 trial, which investigated the combination of atezolizumab, carboplatin, paclitaxel, and bevacizumab (ABCP), demonstrated the benefit of ABCP in patients harboring EGFR mutations. This study aims to assess the prognostic significance of the qualification for BEV use and the proportion of patients who potentially benefit from BEV-containing combination therapy before and after initial EGFR-TKI treatment. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 297 patients with advanced or recurrent non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring EGFR mutations who had received EGFR-TKIs. We performed statistical analyses using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox regression adjusted for risk factors. Of the 297 patients, 203 (68%) were eligible to receive BEV ("BEV fit") at the time of EGFR-TKI initiation. Among the "BEV unfit" patients at baseline (n = 70), 14 (20%) became eligible to receive ABCP ("ABCP fit") at the time of EGFR-TKI failure. The median overall survival (OS) of the "BEV fit" and "BEV unfit" patients was 26.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) 23.7-31.2] and 19.1 (95% CI 15.0-25.1) months, respectively (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis revealed a marked correlation between survival and the qualification for BEV use. The qualification for BEV use at baseline is independently related to the OS. Some patients harboring EGFR mutations, including those who were "BEV unfit" at baseline, could be eligible for the ABCP regimen after EGFR-TKI treatment.

Evaluation of Vitamin D Levels and Response to Therapy of Childhood Migraine.

Background and Objectives: Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency are related with many neurological diseases such as migraine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pediatric migraine is associated with vitamin D deficiency and the effect of vitamin D therapy on the frequency, duration, severity of migraine attacks, and Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively examined the patients’ levels of calcium, phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, alkaline phosphatase, and 25-OH vitamin D of 92 pediatric migraine patients. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1, which had low vitamin D levels and received vitamin D therapy, and group 2, which had normal vitamin D levels and did not receive vitamin D therapy. Migraine severity measured by the visual analog scale (VAS), migraine frequency, and duration as well as scores on the PedMIDAS questionnaire were compared with regard to the 25-OH vitamin D levels. In addition, pre- and posttreatment pedMIDAS scores, VAS, migraine frequency, and duration were compared with baseline values. Results: A total of 34.7% patients had vitamin D insufficiency (vitamin D levels between 10 and 20 ng/mL), whereas 10.8% had vitamin D deficiency (vitamin D levels < 10 ng/mL). Migraine frequency, migraine duration, and PedMIDAS scores were significantly higher in the group 1 than group 2 (p = 0.004, p = 0.008, and p = 0.001). After vitamin D therapy at sixth months of supplementation, migraine duration was reported statistically significant shorter (p < 0.001) and the migraine frequency, VAS scores, and pedMIDAS scores were statistically significant lower compared with baseline values in group 1 (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We found a marked correlation between pediatric migraine and vitamin D levels. Vitamin D therapy was beneficial in migraine pediatric patients.

Association Between Preanalytical Factors and Tumor Mutational Burden Estimated by Next-Generation Sequencing-Based Multiplex Gene Panel Assay.

Tumor mutational burden (TMB) measured via next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based gene panel is a promising biomarker for response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in solid tumors. However, little is known about the preanalytical factors that can affect the TMB score. Data of 199 patients with solid tumors who underwent multiplex NGS gene panel (OncoPrime), which was commercially provided by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments-licensed laboratory and covered 0.78 megabase (Mb) of capture size relevant to the TMB calculation, were reviewed. Associations between the TMB score and preanalytical factors, including sample DNA quality, sample type, sampling site, and storage period, were analyzed. Clinical outcomes of patients with a high TMB score (≥10 mutations per megabase) who received anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibodies (n = 22) were also analyzed. Low DNA library concentration (<5 nM), formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue (FFPE), and the prolonged sample storage period (range, 0.9-58.1 months) correlated with a higher TMB score. After excluding low DNA library samples from the analysis, FFPE samples, but not the sample storage period, exhibited a marked correlation with a high TMB score. Of 22 patients with a high TMB score, we observed the partial response in 2 patients (9.1%). Our results indicate that the TMB score estimated via NGS-based gene panel could be affected by the DNA library concentration and sample type. These factors could potentially increase the false-positive and/or artifactual variant calls. As each gene panel has its own pipeline for variant calling, it is unknown whether these factors have a significant effect in other platforms. A high tumor mutational burden score, as estimated via next-generation sequencing-based gene panel testing, should be carefully interpreted as it could be affected by the DNA library concentration and sample type.

PB2046 GROWTH/DIFFERENTIATION FACTOR-15, HEPCIDIN AND IRON METABOLISM BIOMARKERS IN LYMPHOPROLIFERATIVE DISEASES

Background: Lymphoma patients, even those without anemia, sometimes have levels of iron metabolism biomarkers outside the normal range. Hepcidin and ferritin, usually elevated in inflammatory and malignant states, are affected by erythropoetic activity. GDF-15 might be included in the process. Its level is elevated in some malignant and non malignant diseases and is associated with worse prognostic outcome. Aims: Our objectives were to investigate the level of the growth/differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15), hepcidin and iron metabolism biomarkers in patients with lymphoproliferative diseases and to compare these parameters between patients who needed and received lymphoma treatment and those on “watch and wait” regimen. Methods: This is an ongoing research at the Clinic for hematology, Clinical center of Vojvodina. Patients with comorbidities associated with elevated GDF-15 or hepcidin levels were excluded. The results of 29 lymphoma patients have been analyzed. CBC, ESR, LDH, CRP, β2microglobulin, Fe, transferin, ferritin, soluble transferin receptors, hepcidin, GDF-15 were evaluated in 12 lymphoma patients on “watch and wait”, while in 17 patients who needed treatment the markers were measured before therapy and will be analyzed again after treatment completion. ELISA technique from stored sera was used for GDF-15 and hepcidin evaluation. Informed written consents were collected after Approval of Ethical committee of Clinical center Vojvodina and Faculty of Medicine University of Novi Sad. Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman Rank Order Correlation were performed and p < 0.05 was significant with confidence interval of 95%. Results: The first group consisted of 12 patients, median age 64 (interquartile range (IQ) 55 to 67), the second of 17 patients who needed therapy, median age 58 years (IQ 51 to 65). Significant higher values were in the second group for: GDF-15 592pg/ml (IQ 560 to 680) vs. 840pg/ml (IQ 600 to 980) p < 0.05, hepcidin 6540pg/ml (IQ 6512 to 6552) vs. 6720pg/ml (IQ 6560 to 6920) p < 0.05, and β2microglobulin 2.08 (IQ 2.03 to 2.41) vs. 4.04 (IQ 3.12 to 4.43), p < 0.05. The second group had a significantly lower value of transferin 2.7 g/l (IQ 2.46 to 3.13) vs. 2.24 g/L (IQ 2.06 to 2.59), p < 0.05, Fe 18.2 μmol/l (IQ 15.8 to 23.3) vs. 10 μmol/l (IQ 6.3 to 13.6), p < 0.05, Hg 139 g/l (IQ 135 to149) vs. 126 g/l (IQ 115 to 135) p < 0.05, hematocrit 0.42 (IQ 0.40 to 0.43) vs. 0.39 (IQ 0.35 to 0.41), p < 0.05. There were marked positive correlation between GDF-15 and ESR (r = 0.58, p < 0.05), β2mikroglobulin (r = 0.47, p < 0.05), ferritin (r = 0.44, p < 0.05), and fibrinogen (r = 0.5, p < 0.05), and negative with transferin (r = -0.55, p < 0.05), Fe (r = -0.39, p < 0.05), hemoglobin (r = -0.43, p < 0.05), and hematocrit (r = -0.42, p < 0.05). Hepcidin positively correlated with β2microglobulin (r = 0.6, p < 0.05), and ferritin (r = 0.38, p < 0.05). Summary/Conclusion: Higher values of GDF-15 and hepcidin in the group of patients who needed therapy might be connected to a larger tumor burden and more aggressive course of lymphoproliferative disease. These data will be evaluated in larger groups of patients, alongside data collected from the second group after treatment completion. The prognostic value of GDF-15, hepcidin, and iron metabolism biomarkers in lymphoproliferative diseases is yet to be determined.

Relationships between eye fluids and blood values after exercise in lidia cattle: mineral parameters.

Eye fluids (aqueous humour and vitreous humour) may be helpful in estimating ante-mortem blood levels, since some parameters measured in these fluids have proved to be stable or to change in a predictable way after death. This would help in diagnosing the cause of death in some diseases or to evaluate ante-mortem blood levels in certain animals not easy to handle or with difficult access. In order to establish reference values of some parameters in blood and eye fluids (aqueous humour and vitreous humour), as well as the possible correlation among these three different fluids, various minerals and electrolytes (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo) were measured in 15 four to five year-old Lidia bulls, all dying after a period of significant stress and major exertion. Plasmatic values of Mg and P were much greater than reported in the literature. In general, mineral plasmatic values were greater than those found in ocular fluids (aqueous and vitreous), while Na, K and Cr were similar in the three fluids. We have verified the existence of correlations in P, Co and Mo among the three fluids measured, and between Se of plasma and vitreous humour. But the most marked correlations were observed in Mo (plasma -aqueous humour, r = 0.893, plasma-vitreous humour, r = 0.945, HA -HV, r = 0.849), in P (plasma-vitreous humour, r = 0.726) and in Co (plasma-vitreous humour, r = 879).

Environmental and biological monitoring of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene (BTEX) exposure in residents living near gas stations

ABSTRACTThe volatile organic compounds benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) are emitted into the atmosphere at gas stations (GS) leading to chronic exposure of nearby residents, which raises public health concerns. This study aimes at determining the contribution of GS emissions to BTEX exposure in nearby residents. Three Control and Exposed areas to BTEX emissions from GS were defined in a medium-sized European city (Porto, Portugal). BTEX atmospheric levels were determined in Control and Exposed areas using passive samplers deployed outdoors (n = 48) and indoors (n = 36), and human exposure was estimated for 119 non-smoking residents using the first urine of the day. Results showed that median BTEX outdoor and indoor concentrations were significantly higher for Exposed than Control areas, with exception of ethylbenzene and xylene indoor concentrations, where no marked differences were found. Comparison of urinary concentrations between Exposed and Control residents demonstrated no significant differences for benzene and ethylbenzene, whereas levels of toluene and xylene were significantly higher in Exposed residents. No marked correlation was obtained between atmospheric BTEX concentrations and urinary concentrations. Data indicate the potential impact on air quality of BTEX emissions from GS, which confirms the importance of these findings in urban planning in order to minimize the impact on health and well-being of surrounding populations.

Caveolin-1 and dynamin-2 overexpression is associated with the progression of bladder cancer.

Caveolae-mediated endocytosis regulates cell adhesion and growth in an anchorage-dependent manner. Studies of the endocytic function of caveolae have suggested a wide-ranging list of cargoes, including a number of receptors and extracellular proteins, ligands and nutrients from the extracellular matrix. Disruption of the processes of caveolae-mediated endocytosis mediated by signaling proteins is critical to cellular integrity. Caveolin-1 and dynamin-2 are the 2 major proteins associated with endocytotic function. Mechanistically, dynamin-2 has a co-equal role with caveolin-1 in terms of caveolae-derived endosome formation. Recent studies have revealed the pathological outcomes associated with the dysregulation of caveolin-1 and dynamin-2 expression. Increased expression levels of the gene for caveolin, Cav-1, resulting in augmented cellular metastasis and invasion, have been demonstrated in various types of cancer, and overexpression of the gene for dynamin-2, DNM2, has been associated with tumorigenesis in cervical, pancreatic and lung cancer. An increased expression of Cav-1 and DNM2 is known to be associated with the invasive behavior of cancer cells, and with cancer progression. Furthermore, it has been previously demonstrated that, in caveolar assembly and caveolae mediated endocytosis, Cav-1 interacts directly with DNM2 during the processes. Altered expression of the 2 genes is critical for the normal function of the cell. The expression patterns of Cav-1 and DNM2 have been previously examined in bladder cancer cell lines, and were each demonstrated to be overexpressed. In the present study, the expression levels of these 2 genes in bladder cancer samples were quantified. The gene expression levels of Cav-1 and DNM2 were identified to be increased 8.88- and 8.62-fold, respectively, in tumors compared with the normal controls. Furthermore, high-grade tumors exhibited significantly increased expression levels of Cav-1 and DNM2 (both P<0.0001) compared with the low-grade tumors. In addition, compared with normal control samples, the expression of the 2 genes in tumor samples was observed to be highly significant (P<0.0001), with a marked positive correlation identified for the tumors (Pearson's correlation coefficient, r=0.80 for the tumor samples vs. r=0.32 in the normal control samples). Taken together, the results of the present study demonstrated that the overexpression of Cav-1 and DNM2 genes, and a determination of their correlation coefficients, may be a potential risk factor for bladder cancer, in addition to other clinical factors.

Investigating the diagnostic performance of HOTTIP, PVT1, and UCA1 long noncoding RNAs as a predictive panel for the screening of colorectal cancer patients with lymph node metastasis.

Like other noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), dysregulation of long ncRNAs (lncRNAs) has been associated with various clinicopathological features of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients such as lymph node metastasis (LNM). Recently, three aberrant expressed oncogenic lncRNA (onco-lncRNAs), including HOXA transcript at the distal tip (HOTTIP), plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1), and urothelial carcinoma associated 1 (UCA1) have been reported in LNM. Herein, we compared the diagnostic performance of these lncRNAs as individual biomarkers and as a discriminating panel between LNM CRC patients, nonmetastatic lymph nodes (NLN) and normal healthy subjects. The lncRNAs expression level was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic power. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to outline the overall survival (OS) of CRC patients with an abnormal level of lncRNAs. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the overexpressed HOTTIP (0.7817; 95% CI, 0.6809-0.8824), PVT1 (0.8559; 95% CI, 0.7737-0.9382), and UCA1 (0.8135; 95% CI, 0.722-0.9051) introduced them as individual CRC biomarkers. As a predictive panel, the AUC values of the HOTTIP, PVT1, and UCA1 for training set were 0.9256 (95% CI, 0.8634-0.9879; all CRCs), 0.8708 (95% CI, 0.7709-0.9378; NLN) and 0.9804 (95% CI, 0.9585-0.9998; LNM), and for validation set were 0.9286 (95% CI, 0.8752-0.9820; all CRCs), 0.8911 (95% CI, 0.8238-0.9585; NLN), and 0.9833 (95% CI, 0.9642-1.002; LNM), respectively. Also, HOTTIP/PVT1/UCA1 panel dysregulation had a marked correlation with patient's OS in training set (logrank test P = 0.0121; hazard ratio [HR], 0.1225; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.02376-0.6312), and in validation set (logrank test P < 0.0001, HR, 0.2003; 95% CI, 0.08942-0.4486). These data showed that the combination of HOTTIP, PVT1, and UCA1 as a predictive panel, has a better diagnostic performance than each of these lncRNAs individually, and could be used for the screening of patients with advanced CRC.

Apolipoprotein Profiles in Very Preterm and Term-Born Preschool Children.

BackgroundLittle is known about plasma apolipoprotein profiles in very preterm‐born and term‐born preschool children compared with the adult population. This is of particular interest because apolipoprotein composition might contribute to cardiometabolic outcome in later life.Methods and ResultsChildren aged 5 to 7 years born at term or with <32 weeks of gestation were included. Apolipoprotein concentrations were measured in plasma collected after an overnight fast using multiple‐reaction monitoring‐based mass spectrometry. Twelve apolipoproteins were measured in 26 former term and 38 former very preterm infants. Key findings were confirmed by assessing apolipoprotein levels using antibody‐based assays. Comparing children born term and preterm, apolipoprotein A‐I, A‐IV, C‐II, and C‐III were significantly higher in the latter group. Term‐born children showed plasma levels of apolipoprotein C‐II and C‐III quantitatively similar to the adult range (Bruneck study). Hierarchical clustering analyses suggested that a higher proportion of apolipoprotein C‐III and C‐II reside on high‐density lipoprotein particles in children than in adults given the marked correlations of apolipoprotein C‐III and C‐II with high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and apolipoprotein A‐I in children but not adults. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were similar in children and adults but the pattern of high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol–associated apolipoproteins was different (lower apolipoprotein A‐I and C‐I but higher A‐II, A‐IV, and M).ConclusionsOur study defines apolipoprotein profiles in preschoolers and reports potential effects of prematurity. Further large‐scale studies are required to provide evidence whether this apolipoprotein signature of prematurity, including high apolipoprotein C‐II and C‐III levels, might translate into adverse cardiometabolic outcome in later life.