bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Study of Orthogonal-View Phase-Matched Digital Tomosynthesis for Lung Tumor Localization
Authors: Zhang You , Ren Lei , Vergalasova Irina , Yin Fang-Fang 
Published: April 2017

Background and Purpose: Compared to cone-beam computed tomography, digital tomosynthesis imaging has the benefits of shorter scanning time, less imaging dose, and better mechanical clearance for tumor localization in radiation therapy. However, for lung tumors, the localization accuracy of the conventional digital tomosynthesis technique is affected by the lack of depth information and the existence of lung tumor motion. This study investigates the clinical feasibility of using an orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis technique to improve the accuracy of lung tumor localization. Materials and Methods: The proposed orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis technique benefits from 2 major features: (1) it acquires orthogonal-view projections to improve the depth information in reconstructed digital tomosynthesis images and (2) it applies respiratory phase-matching to incorporate patient motion information into the synthesized reference digital tomosynthesis sets, which helps to improve the localization accuracy of moving lung tumors. A retrospective study enrolling 14 patients was performed to evaluate the accuracy of the orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis technique. Phantom studies were also performed using an anthropomorphic phantom to investigate the feasibility of using intratreatment aggregated kV and beams’ eye view cine MV projections for orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis imaging. The localization accuracy of the orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis technique was compared to that of the single-view digital tomosynthesis techniques and the digital tomosynthesis techniques without phase-matching. Results: The orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis technique outperforms the other digital tomosynthesis techniques in tumor localization accuracy for both the patient study and the phantom study. For the patient study, the orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis technique localizes the tumor to an average (± standard deviation) error of 1.8 (0.7) mm for a 30° total scan angle. For the phantom study using aggregated kV–MV projections, the orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis localizes the tumor to an average error within 1 mm for varying magnitudes of scan angles. Conclusion: The pilot clinical study shows that the orthogonal-view phase-matched digital tomosynthesis technique enables fast and accurate localization of moving lung tumors.
Mobile access to virtual randomization for investigator-initiated trials
Authors: Deserno Thomas M , Keszei András P 
Published: April 2017

Background/aims Randomization is indispensable in clinical trials in order to provide unbiased treatment allocation and a valid statistical inference. Improper handling of allocation lists can be avoided using central systems, for example, human-based services. However, central systems are unaffordable for investigator-initiated trials and might be inaccessible from some places, where study subjects need allocations. We propose mobile access to virtual randomization, where the randomization lists are non-existent and the appropriate allocation is computed on demand. Methods The core of the system architecture is an electronic data capture system or a clinical trial management system, which is extended by an R interface connecting the R server using the Java R Interface. Mobile devices communicate via the representational state transfer web services. Furthermore, a simple web-based setup allows configuring the appropriate statistics by non-statisticians. Our comprehensive R script supports simple randomization, restricted randomization using a random allocation rule, block randomization, and stratified randomization for un-blinded, single-blinded, and double-blinded trials. For each trial, the electronic data capture system or the clinical trial management system stores the randomization parameters and the subject assignments. Results Apps are provided for iOS and Android and subjects are randomized using smartphones. After logging onto the system, the user selects the trial and the subject, and the allocation number and treatment arm are displayed instantaneously and stored in the core system. So far, 156 subjects have been allocated from mobile devices serving five investigator-initiated trials. Conclusion Transforming pre-printed allocation lists into virtual ones ensures the correct conduct of trials and guarantees a strictly sequential processing in all trial sites. Covering 88% of all randomization models that are used in recent trials, virtual randomization becomes available for investigator-initiated trials and potentially for large multi-center trials.
Comparison of diffusion-weighted imaging and enhanced T1-weighted sequencing in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Abolhasani Foroughi Amin , Salahi Roohollah , Nikseresht Alireza , Heidari Hora , Nazeri Masoume , Khorsand Ali 
Published: April 2017

Introduction The purpose of this study was to assess whether demographic, brain anatomical regions and contrast enhancement show differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients with increased diffusion lesions (ID group) compared with diffusion restriction (DR group). Method MRI protocol comprised T1- and T2-weighted sequences with and without gadolinium (Gd), and sagittal three-dimensional FLAIR sequence, DWI and ADC maps were prospectively performed in 126 MS patients from January to December 2015. The investigation was conducted to evaluate differences in demographic, cord and brain regional, technical, and positive or negative Gd contrast imaging parameters in two groups of ID and DR. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS. Results A total of 9.6% of patients showed DR. In the DR group, 66.6% of the patients showed contrast enhancement of plaques, whereas 29.2% of the IR group showed enhancement of plaques. The most prevalent group was non-enhanced plaques in the ID group, followed by Gd-enhanced plaques in the ID group. Patients in the ID group (90.4%) were significantly more than in the DR group (9.6%). Out of the 40 patients with Gd-enhanced plaques, 80.5% was from the ID group and 19.5% from the DR group. Conclusion MRI of the brain, unlike of the cord, with Gd demonstrates significant difference in enhancement between the two groups ( p < 0.05). No significant difference was seen in demographic, cord and brain regional, and technical parameters, EDSS, disease duration, and attack rate as well as demographic and regional parameters between the ID and decrease diffusion groups ( p > 0.05).
Osteoblasts support megakaryopoiesis through production of interleukin-9
Authors: Xiao Min , Wang Yongkui , Tao Chen , Wang Zhenyu , Yang Jun , Chen Zhenguo , Zou Zhipeng , Li Mangmang , Liu Anling , Jia Chunhong , Huang Bin , Yan Bo , Lai Pinglin , Ding Changhai , Cai Daozhang , Xiao Guozhi , Jiang Yu , Bai Xiaochun 
Published: April 2017

Key PointsOsteoblast-produced IL-9 supports megakaryopoiesis and platelet formation. IL-9 is a promising therapeutic agent for treatment of thrombocytopenia.
Management of venous thromboembolism during thrombocytopenia after autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Li Ang , Davis Chris , Wu Qian , Li Shan , Kesten Madeline F. , Holmberg Leona A. , Gopal Ajay K. , Garcia David A. 
Published: April 2017

Key Points
Anticoagulation continuation vs cessation during thrombocytopenia did not affect recurrent thrombosis or bleeding after autologous HCT. Among anticoagulated patients undergoing autologous HCT, higher platelet counts were not associated with a lower risk of bleeding.
The landscape of BRAF transcript and protein variants in human cancer
Authors: Marranci Andrea , Jiang Zhijie , Vitiello Marianna , Guzzolino Elena , Comelli Laura , Sarti Samanta , Lubrano Simone , Franchin Cinzia , Echevarría-Vargas Ileabett , Tuccoli Andrea , Mercatanti Alberto , Evangelista Monica , Sportoletti Paolo , Cozza Giorgio , Luzi Ettore , Capobianco Enrico , Villanueva Jessie , Arrigoni Giorgio , Signore Giovanni , Rocchiccioli Silvia , Pitto Letizia , Tsinoremas Nicholas , Poliseno Laura 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Background
The BRAF protein kinase is widely studied as a cancer driver and therapeutic target. However, the regulation of its expression is not completely understood.

Results
Taking advantage of the RNA-seq data of more than 4800 patients belonging to 9 different cancer types, we show that BRAF mRNA exists as a pool of 3 isoforms (reference BRAF, BRAF-X1, and BRAF-X2) that differ in the last part of their coding sequences, as well as in the length (BRAF-ref: 76 nt; BRAF-X1 and BRAF-X2: up to 7 kb) and in the sequence of their 3’UTRs. The expression levels of BRAF-ref and BRAF-X1/X2 are inversely correlated, while the most prevalent among the three isoforms varies from cancer type to cancer type. In melanoma cells, the X1 isoform is expressed at the highest level in both therapy-naïve cells and cells with acquired resistance to vemurafenib driven by BRAF gene amplification or expression of the Δ[3–10] splicing variant. In addition to the BRAF-ref protein, the BRAF-X1 protein (the full length as well as the Δ[3–10] variant) is also translated. The expression levels of the BRAF-ref and BRAF-X1 proteins are similar, and together they account for BRAF functional activities. In contrast, the endogenous BRAF-X2 protein is hard to detect because the C-terminal domain is selectively recognized by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway and targeted for degradation.

Conclusions
By shedding light on the repertoire of BRAF mRNA and protein variants, and on the complex regulation of their expression, our work paves the way to a deeper understanding of a crucially important player in human cancer and to a more informed development of new therapeutic strategies.
Thyroid Function Variation in the Normal Range, Energy Expenditure, and Body Composition in L-T4–Treated Subjects
Authors: Samuels Mary H. , Kolobova Irina , Antosik Megan , Niederhausen Meike , Purnell Jonathan Q. , Schuff Kathryn G. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Purpose:
It is not clear whether upper limits of the thyrotropin (TSH) reference range should be lowered. This debate can be better informed by investigation of whether variations in thyroid function within the reference range have clinical effects. Thyroid hormone plays a critical role in determining energy expenditure, body mass, and body composition, and therefore clinically relevant variations in these parameters may occur across the normal range of thyroid function.

Methods:
This was a cross-sectional study of 140 otherwise healthy hypothyroid subjects receiving chronic replacement therapy with levothyroxine (L-T4) who had TSH levels across the full span of the laboratory reference range (0.34 to 5.6 mU/L). Subjects underwent detailed tests of energy expenditure (total and resting energy expenditure, thermic effect of food, physical activity energy expenditure), substrate oxidation, diet intake, and body composition.

Results:
Subjects with low-normal (≤2.5 mU/L) and high-normal (&gt;2.5 mU/L) TSH levels did not differ in any of the outcome measures. However, across the entire group, serum free triiodothyronine (fT3) levels were directly correlated with resting energy expenditure, body mass index (BMI), body fat mass, and visceral fat mass, with clinically relevant variations in these outcomes.

Conclusions:
Variations in thyroid function within the laboratory reference range have clinically relevant correlations with resting energy expenditure, BMI, and body composition in L-T4–treated subjects. However, salutary effects of higher fT3 levels on energy expenditure may be counteracted by deleterious effects on body weight and composition. Further studies are needed before these outcomes should be used as a basis for altering L-T4 doses in L-T4–treated subjects.
Large Reduction in Adiponectin During Pregnancy Is Associated With Large-for-Gestational-Age Newborns
Authors: Lekva Tove , Roland Marie Cecilie Paasche , Michelsen Annika E. , Friis Camilla Margrethe , Aukrust Pål , Bollerslev Jens , Henriksen Tore , Ueland Thor 
Published: April 2017

AbstractContext:Fetuses exposed to an obese intrauterine environment are more likely to be born large-for-gestational age (LGA) and are at increased risk of obesity in childhood and cardiovascular disease and/or type 2 diabetes mellitus as adults, but which factors that influence the intrauterine environment is less clear.Objective:To investigate the association between circulating levels of leptin and adiponectin, measured multiple times during pregnancy, and birth weight and prevalence of LGA or small-for-gestational-age infants. The association between birth weight and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of adiponectin receptors and genes involved in nutrient transport in the placenta was also investigated.Design:Population-based prospective cohort [substudy of the STORK study (STORe barn og Komplikasjoner, translated as Large Babies and Complications)] from 2001 to 2008.Setting:University hospital. Patients or other participants: 300 women.Main Outcome Measures:Oral glucose tolerance test was performed twice along with adiponectin and leptin levels measured four times during pregnancy.Results:Circulating adiponectin was lower in mothers who gave birth to LGA offspring or had fetuses with high intrauterine abdominal circumference late in pregnancy. Adiponectin decreased most from early to late pregnancy in mothers who gave birth to LGA offspring, and the decrease was an independent predictor of birth weight. Adiponectin receptor 2 and system A amino acid transporter mRNA expression in placentas was negatively correlated with birth weight and was lower in placentas from LGA infants.Conclusions:Our findings suggest that maternal adiponectin may be an important predictor of fetal growth and birth weight, independent of body mass index and insulin resistance.
Analysis of Production, Impact, and Scientific Collaboration on Difficult Airway Through the Web of Science and Scopus (1981–2013)
Authors: García-Aroca Miguel Ángel , Pandiella-Dominique Andrés , Navarro-Suay Ricardo , Alonso-Arroyo Adolfo , Granda-Orive José Ignacio , Anguita-Rodríguez Francisco , López-García Andrés 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:
Bibliometrics, the statistical analysis of written publications, is an increasingly popular approach to the assessment of scientific activity. Bibliometrics allows researchers to assess the impact of a field, or research area, and has been used to make decisions regarding research funding. Through bibliometric analysis, we hypothesized that a bibliometric analysis of difficult airway research would demonstrate a growth in authors and articles over time.

METHODS:
Using the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases, we conducted a search of published manuscripts on the difficult airway from January 1981 to December 2013. After removal of duplicates, we identified 2412 articles. We then analyzed the articles as a group to assess indicators of productivity, collaboration, and impact over this time period.

RESULTS:
We found an increase in productivity over the study period, with 37 manuscripts published between 1981 and 1990, and 1268 between 2001 and 2010 (P < .001). The difficult airway papers growth rate was bigger than that of anesthesiology research in general, with CAGR (cumulative average growth rate) since 1999 for difficult airway >9% for both WoS and Scopus, and CAGR for anesthesiology as a whole =0.64% in WoS, and =3.30% in Scopus. Furthermore, we found a positive correlation between the number of papers published per author and the number of coauthored manuscripts (P < .001). We also found an increase in the number of coauthored manuscripts, in international cooperation between institutions, and in the number of citations for each manuscript. For any author, we also identified a positive relationship between the number of citations per manuscript and the number of papers published (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:
We found a greater increase over time in the number of difficult airway manuscripts than for anesthesiology research overall. We found that collaboration between authors increases their impact, and that an increase in collaboration increases citation rates. Publishing in English and in certain journals, and collaborating with certain authors and institutions, increases the visibility of manuscripts published on this subject.
Tetrodotoxin, Epinephrine, and Chemical Permeation Enhancer Combinations in Peripheral Nerve Blockade
Authors: Santamaria Claudia M. , Zhan Changyou , McAlvin J. Brian , Zurakowski David , Kohane Daniel S. 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUND:
Chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) have the potential to improve nerve blockade by site 1 sodium channel blockers such as tetrodotoxin (TTX). Here, we investigated the efficacy and toxicity of CPE-enhanced nerve blockade across a range of TTX concentrations using 2 CPEs (sodium octyl sulfate and octyl trimethyl ammonium bromide). We also tested the hypothesis that CPEs could be used to reduce the concentrations of TTX and/or of a second adjuvant drug (in this case, epinephrine) needed to achieve prolonged local anesthesia

METHODS:
Sprague-Dawley rats were injected at the sciatic nerve with combinations of TTX and CPEs, with and without epinephrine. Sensory and motor nerve blockade were assessed using a modified hot plate test and a weight-bearing test, respectively. Systemic and local toxicities of the different combinations were assessed.

RESULTS:
Addition of increasing concentrations of TTX to fixed concentrations of CPEs produced a marked concentration-dependent improvement in the rate of successful nerve blocks and in nerve block duration. CPEs did not affect systemic toxicity. At some concentrations, the addition of sodium octyl sulfate increased the duration of block from TTX plus epinephrine, and epinephrine increased that from TTX plus CPEs. The addition of epinephrine did not cause an increase in local toxicity, and it markedly reduced systemic toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS:
CPEs can prolong the duration of nerve blockade across a range of concentrations of TTX. CPEs could also be used to reduce the concentration of epinephrine needed to achieve a given degree of nerve block. CPEs may be useful in enhancing nerve blockade from site 1 sodium channel blockers.
Vitamin E diffused highly cross-linked polyethylene in total hip arthroplasty at five years
Authors: Nebergall A. K. , Greene M. E. , Laursen M. B. , Nielsen P. T. , Malchau H. , Troelsen A. 
Published: April 2017

Aims The objective of this five-year prospective, blinded, randomised controlled trial (RCT) was to compare femoral head penetration into a vitamin E diffused highly cross-linked polyethylene (HXLPE) liner with penetration into a medium cross-linked polyethylene control liner using radiostereometric analysis. Patients and Methods Patients scheduled for total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomised to receive either the study E1 (32 patients) or the control ArComXL polyethylene (35 patients). The median age (range) of the overall cohort was 66 years (40 to 76). Results The five-year median (interquartile range) proximal femoral head penetration into the E1 was -0.05 mm (-0.13 to -0.02) and 0.07 mm (-0.03 to 0.16) for ArComXL. At three and five years, the penetration was significantly greater in the ArComXL group compared with the E1 group (p = 0.029 and p = 0.019, respectively). All patient-reported outcomes (PROs) improved significantly from the pre-operative interval compared with those at one year, and remained favourable at five years. There were no differences between the two groups at any interval. Conclusion The five-year results showed that E1 polyethylene does not wear more than the control, ArComXL. This is the longest-term RCT comparing the wear performance and clinical outcome of vitamin E diffused HXLPE with a previous generation of medium cross-linked polyethylene. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:577–84.
Use of inlet radiographs in the assessment of reduction after the surgical treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip
Authors: Massa B. S. F. , Guarniero R. , Godoy Jr R. M. , Rodrigues J. C. , Montenegro N. B. , Cordeiro F. G. 
Published: April 2017

AimsThis pilot study aimed to evaluate prospectively the use of inlet radiographs of the hip as an alternative method of the assessment of reduction after the surgical treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH).Patients and MethodsThe children in this study underwent surgery between January 2013 and January 2015. All had inlet radiographs and CT scans post-operatively. Data were analysed by determining inter-observer reliability and intra-observer reproducibility, using the kappa value (K). Differences were settled by discussion between the two observers until a consensus was reached. The sensitivity and specificity of the radiographic and CT results were compared. A total of 26 radiographs were obtained from 23 children, with a mean age of 2.38 years (one to five).ResultsSimilar high levels of intra- and inter-observer agreement were observed (K = 0.834, 95% confidence interval (CI)). There was a high agreement between the radiographic and CT results (K = 0.834, 5% CI), with excellent sensitivity and a specificity of 95.5%.ConclusionThese results suggest that inlet radiographs may be a reliable method of assessing the reduction of the hip after the surgical treatment of DDH. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:697–701.
Management of massive acetabular bone defects in revision arthroplasty of the hip using a reconstruction cage and porous metal augment
Authors: Mäkinen T. J. , Abolghasemian M. , Watts E. , Fichman S. G. , Kuzyk P. , Safir O. A. , Gross A. E. 
Published: April 2017

Aims It may not be possible to undertake revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the presence of massive loss of acetabular bone stock using standard cementless hemispherical acetabular components and metal augments, as satisfactory stability cannot always be achieved. We aimed to study the outcome using a reconstruction cage and a porous metal augment in these patients. Patients and Methods A total of 22 acetabular revisions in 19 patients were performed using a combination of a reconstruction cage and porous metal augments. The augments were used in place of structural allografts. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 70 years (27 to 85) and the mean follow-up was 39 months (27 to 58). The mean number of previous THAs was 1.9 (1 to 3). All patients had segmental defects involving more than 50% of the acetabulum and seven hips had an associated pelvic discontinuity. Results Three failures were observed in two hips, both of which had undergone a previous resection of a tumour affecting the acetabulum. Other complications included a late arterial injury, a sciatic nerve palsy, a dislocation treated with a femoral revision, a deep infection treated with irrigation and debridement and a fracture of the greater trochanter treated conservatively. The mean Oxford Hip Score significantly increased from 13.9 (2 to 23) to 28.7 (13 to 38) (p < 0.00001). The mean vertical distance between the centre of rotation of the hip and its normal location decreased from 30 mm to 10 mm. Conclusions Acceptable early survivorship can be achieved using this novel technique, but it may be unsuitable for use in patients who have previously undergone the resection of a tumour involving the acetabulum. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:607–13.