Smad4 inactivation predicts for worse prognosis and response to fluorouracil-based treatment in colorectal cancer.

Aims: To determine whether expression of Smad4, a tumour suppressor found to be absent in 10% of colorectal cancer (CRC), is associated with outcomes in patients with CRC.

Methods: Tumour samples from 241 consecutive patients with CRC who underwent upfront colon resection between 2005 and 2009 were obtained. Triplicate tissue cores from resected primary colon tumours and matched normal controls were used to construct the tissue microarrays (TMAs).

A disposable tear glucose biosensor-part 2: system integration and model validation.

Background: We presented a concept for a tear glucose sensor system in an article by Bishop and colleagues in this issue of Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology. A unique solution to collect tear fluid and measure glucose was developed. Individual components were selected, tested, and optimized, and system error modeling was performed.

A disposable tear glucose biosensor-part 1: design and concept testing.

Background: Tear glucose has been suggested previously as a potential approach for the noninvasive estimation of blood glucose. While the topic remains unresolved, an overview of previous studies suggests the importance of a tear sampling approach and warrants new technology development. A concept device is presented that meets the needs of a tear glucose biosensor.

Impact of insulin sensitivity treatment with pioglitazone on endothelial function in non-diabetic patients with arterial hypertension.

Objective: The thiazolidindione (TDZ) pioglitazone reduces insulin resistance and blood pressure in non-diabetic patients with arterial hypertension as previously reported [Füllert et al. 2002]. The question is still not answered whether it is a direct effect on the endothelial wall or it is related with improvement of insulin sensitivity.