High prevalence of Y-box protein-1/p18 fragment in plasma of patients with malignancies of different origin.

Background: Expression of the cold shock protein Y-box protein 1 (YB-1) is associated with deleterious outcome in various malignant diseases. Our group recently showed that the detection of an 18 kDa YB-1 fragment (YB-1/p18) in human plasma identifies patients with malignant diseases. We now tested the prevalence, clinical, and diagnostic value of YB-1/p18 detection in common tumors.

Y-box protein-1/p18 fragment identifies malignancies in patients with chronic liver disease.

Background: Immunohistochemical detection of cold shock proteins is predictive for deleterious outcome in various malignant diseases. We recently described active secretion of a family member, denoted Y-box (YB) protein-1. We tested the clinical and diagnostic value of YB-1 protein fragment p18 (YB-1/p18) detection in blood for malignant diseases.

Early clinical experiences with the new influenza A (H1N1/09).

Background: Because of ongoing person-to-person transmission of the disease, the World Health Organization has declared a phase 6 pandemic alert for the new type of influenza A (H1N1/09). This means that the spread of the disease must be closely monitored.

Methods: At the Düsseldorf University Hospital, patients with flu-like symptoms and their contacts have been tested for the new type of influenza A since April 2009.