bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-150 Suppression of Angiopoetin-2 Generation and Signaling Is Crucial for Resolving Vascular Injury
Authors: Rajput Charu , Tauseef Mohammad , Farazuddin Mohammad , Yazbeck Pascal , Amin Md-Ruhul , Avin BR Vijay , Sharma Tiffany , Mehta Dolly 
Published: January 2016

Objective—
Increased vascular permeability is a hallmark of sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Angiopoietin (Ang2) induces vascular leak, and excess Ang2 generation is associated with patient mortality from these diseases. However, mechanisms dampening Ang2 generation during injury remain unclear. Interestingly, microRNA (miR)-150 levels were decreased in septic patients. miR regulate signaling networks by silencing mRNAs containing complementary sequences. Thus, we hypothesized that miR-150 suppresses Ang2 generation and thereby resolves vascular injury.

Approach and Results—

Wild-type or
miR-150
−/−
mice or endothelial cells were exposed to lipopolysaccharide or sepsis, and Ang2 levels, adherens junction reannealing, endothelial barrier function, and mortality were determined. Although Ang2 transiently increased during lipopolysaccharide-induced injury in wild-type endothelial cells and lungs, miR-150 expression was elevated only during recovery from injury. Deletion of miR-150 caused a persistent increase in Ang2 levels and impaired adherens junctions reannealing after injury, resulting thereby in an irreversible increase in vascular permeability. Also,
miR-150
−/−
mice died rapidly after sepsis. Rescuing miR-150 expression in endothelial cells prevented Ang2 generation, thereby restoring vascular barrier function in
miR-150
−/−
mice. miR-150 terminated Ang2 generation by targeting the transcription factor, early growth response 2. Thus, early growth response 2 or Ang2 depletion in
miR-150
−/−
endothelial cells restored junctional reannealing and reinstated barrier function. Importantly, upregulating miR-150 expression by injecting a chemically synthesized miR-150 mimic into wild-type mice vasculature decreased early growth response 2 and Ang2 levels and hence mortality from sepsis.

Conclusions—
miR-150 is a novel suppressor of Ang2 generation with a key role in resolving vascular injury and reducing mortality resulting from sepsis.
Patterns and Implications of Intracranial Arterial Remodeling in Stroke Patients
Authors: Qiao Ye , Anwar Zeeshan , Intrapiromkul Jarunee , Liu Li , Zeiler Steven R. , Leigh Richard , Zhang Yiyi , Guallar Eliseo , Wasserman Bruce A. 
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose—
Preliminary studies suggest that intracranial arteries are capable of accommodating plaque formation by remodeling. We sought to study the ability and extent of intracranial arteries to remodel using 3-dimensional high-resolution black blood magnetic resonance imaging and investigate its relation to ischemic events.

Methods—
Forty-two patients with cerebrovascular ischemic events underwent 3-dimensional time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography and contrast-enhanced black blood magnetic resonance imaging examinations at 3 T for intracranial atherosclerotic disease. Each plaque was classified by location (eg, posterior versus anterior circulation) and its likelihood to have caused a stroke identified on magnetic resonance imaging (culprit, indeterminate, or nonculprit). Lumen area, outer wall area, and wall area were measured at the lesion and reference sites. Plaque burden was calculated as wall area divided by outer wall area. The arterial remodeling ratio (RR) was calculated as outer wall area at the lesion site divided by outer wall area at the reference site after adjusting for vessel tapering. Arterial remodeling was categorized as positive if RR>1.05, intermediate if 0.95≤RR≤1.05, and negative if RR<0.95.

Results—

One hundred and thirty-seven plaques were identified in 42 patients (37% [50] posterior and 63% [87] anterior). Compared with anterior circulation plaques, posterior circulation plaques had a larger plaque burden (77.7±15.7 versus 69.0±14.0;
P
=0.008), higher RR (1.14±0.38 versus 0.95±0.32;
P
=0.002), and more often exhibited positive remodeling (54.0% versus29.9%;
P
=0.011). Positive remodeling was marginally associated with downstream stroke presence when adjusted for plaque burden (odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 0.99–1.81).

Conclusions—
Intracranial arteries remodel in response to plaque formation, and posterior circulation arteries have a greater capacity for positive remodeling and, consequently, may more likely elude angiographic detection. Arterial remodeling may provide insight into stroke risk.
Retinal Artery Occlusion and the Risk of Stroke Development
Authors: Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Han Jinu , Choi Yoon Seong , Hwang Seung-sik , Lee Christopher Seungkyu , Lee Sung Chul , Kim Sung Soo 
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose—
Our aim was to evaluate the risk of subsequent stroke development after retinal artery occlusion (RAO).

Methods—
National registry data were collected from the Korean National Health Insurance Service, comprised 1 025 340 random subjects. Patients diagnosed with RAO in 2002 and 2003 were excluded. The RAO group was composed of patients with an initial diagnosis of either central or other RAO between January 2004 and December 2013 (n=401). The comparison group was composed of randomly selected patients (5 per RAO patient; n=2003) who were matched to the RAO group according to sociodemographic factors and year of RAO diagnosis. Each sampled patient was tracked until 2013. Cox proportional hazard regression was used.

Results—

Stroke occurred in 15.0% of the RAO group and in 8.0% of the comparison group (
P
< 0.001). RAO was associated with an increased risk of stroke occurrence (hazard ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.32–2.41). The magnitude of the RAO effect for stroke was larger among younger adults aged <65 years (hazard ratio, 3.11) than older adults aged ≥65 years (hazard ratio, 1.26). However, the risk of subsequent stroke was significantly increased in older adults aged ≥65 years at the 4-year follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.58; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–2.48).

Conclusions—
RAO was significantly associated with subsequent stroke after adjusting for comorbidities and sociodemographic factors. These findings are limited by uncontrolled confounding factors and need to be replicated by other observational studies.
Online Tool to Improve Stratification of Adverse Events in Stroke Clinical Trials
Authors: Hesse Kerrick , MacIsaac Rachael L. , Abdul-Rahim Azmil H. , Lyden Patrick D. , Bluhmki Erich , Lees Kennedy R. , Alexandrov A. , Bath P.M. , Bornstein N. , Claesson L. , Davis S.M. , Donnan G. , Diener H.C. , Fisher M. , Gregson B. , Grotta J. , Hacke W. , Hennerici M.G. , Hommel M. , Kaste M. , Marler J. , Muir K. , Sacco R. , Shuaib A. , Teal P. , Wahlgren N.G. , Warach S. , Weimar C. 
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose—
Knowing characteristic adverse events (AEs) and their incidence among patients participating in acute stroke trials may assist interpretation of future studies. We aimed to develop an online tool to inform stroke trial safety.

Methods—

We identified relevant AEs from patients within the Virtual International Stroke Trials Archive (VISTA), using receiver operating characteristic principles. We modeled their incidence on patient age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and comorbidities using binary logistic regression. Models with an
R
2
>5% were deemed powerful enough to predict expected AE incidences and were included. The calculator was developed using programs R and Visual Studios.

Results—

Forty-eight of the most common AEs were identified and incorporated into the Isch
AE
mic Stroke Calculator. The calculator, publicly available at
http://www.vistacollaboration.org
calculates the expected incidence of AEs or groups of AEs in a trial cohort and where possible compares them with the observed incidence.

Conclusions—

The Isch
AE
mic Stroke Calculator is an open access resource to support safety interpretation within acute stroke trials. Prediction of AEs with higher likelihood of occurrence may direct preventive clinical measures.
Evaluation of Surface Fluxes in ERA-Interim Using Flux Tower Data
Authors: Zhou Chunlüe , Wang Kaicun 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Surface air temperature Ta is largely determined by surface net radiation Rn and its partitioning into latent (LE) and sensible heat fluxes (H). Existing model evaluations by comparison of absolute flux values are of limited help because the evaluation results are a blending of inconsistent spatial scales, inaccurate model forcing data, and imperfect parameterizations. This study further evaluates the relationships of LE and H with Rn and environmental parameters, including Ta, relative humidity (RH), and wind speed (WS), using ERA-Interim data at a 0.125° × 0.125° grid with observations at AmeriFlux sites from 1998 to 2012. The results demonstrate ERA-Interim can roughly reproduce the absolute values of environmental parameters, radiation, and turbulent fluxes. The model performs well in simulating the correlation of LE and H with Rn, except for the notable correlation overestimation of H against Rn over high-density vegetation (e.g., deciduous broadleaf forest, grassland, and cropland). The sensitivity of LE to Rn in the model is similar to that observed, but that of H to Rn is overestimated by 24.2%. Over the high-density vegetation, the correlation coefficient between H and Ta is overestimated by over 0.2, whereas that between H and WS is underestimated by over 0.43. The sensitivity of H to Ta is overestimated by 0.72 W m−2 °C−1, whereas that of H to WS in the model is underestimated by 16.15 W m−2 (m s−1)−1 over all of the sites. The model cannot accurately capture the responses of evaporative fraction [EF; EF = LE / (LE + H)] to Rn and environmental parameters. This calls for major research efforts to improve the intrinsic parameterizations of turbulent fluxes, particularly over high-density vegetation.
Spatiotemporal Structure of Precipitation Related to Tropical Moisture Exports over the Eastern United States and Its Relation to Climate Teleconnections
Authors: Steinschneider Scott , Lall Upmanu 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Tropical moisture exports (TMEs) may play an important role in extreme precipitation. An analysis of the spatiotemporal structure of precipitation associated with TMEs for the eastern United States at seasonal and daily time scales is presented. TME-based precipitation is characterized based on the change in specific humidity along TME tracks delineated in a Lagrangian analysis of the ERA-Interim dataset. The empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs) of seasonal TME-based precipitation are analyzed separately for each season to identify the dominant modes of interannual variability. Loading patterns for the first EOF show a distinct seasonal cycle in the core region of TME-based precipitation across the eastern United States, while the second EOF describes a northwest–southeast oscillation in the center of TME-induced precipitation occurrence. The EOFs for TMEs are compared against EOFs of gauged flood count data, which exhibit similar spatial structures. Correlations between TME EOFs, geopotential heights, and sea surface temperatures suggest a strong connection between TME-based precipitation, the Pacific–North American (PNA) pattern, Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO), and the Intra-Americas Sea patterns for much of the calendar year. Daily TME-based and total precipitation is projected onto the leading seasonal EOFs to examine the characteristics of upper-quantile daily events. The daily analysis suggests that the PNA can potentially provide information regarding heavy TME-based precipitation at a lead time of 1–10 days or more in most seasons and total precipitation in the winter. The potential for subseasonal, seasonal, and decadal forecasts or conditional simulations of precipitation in the study region is discussed.
Analysis of Missed Summer Severe Rainfall Forecasts
Authors: Cao Zuohao , Zhang Da-Lin 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Despite considerable progress in mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP), the ability to predict summer severe rainfall (SSR) in terms of amount, location, and timing remains very limited because of its association with convective or mesoscale phenomena. In this study, two representative missed SSR events that occurred in the highly populated Great Lakes regions are analyzed within the context of moisture availability, convective instability, and lifting mechanism in order to help identify the possible causes of these events and improve SSR forecasts/nowcasts. Results reveal the following limitations of the Canadian regional NWP model in predicting SSR events: 1) the model-predicted rainfall is phase shifted to an undesired location that is likely caused by the model initial condition errors, and 2) the model is unable to resolve the echo-training process because of the weakness of the parameterized convection and/or coarse resolutions. These limitations are related to the ensuing model-predicted features: 1) vertical motion in the areas of SSR occurrence is unfavorable for triggering parameterized convection and grid-scale condensation; 2) convective available potential energy is lacking for initial model spinup and later for elevating latent heating to higher levels through parameterized convection, giving rise to less precipitation; and 3) the conversion of water vapor into cloud water at the upper and middle levels is underpredicted. Recommendations for future improvements are discussed.
Charcoal Suspension Tattoo
Authors: Tirelli Giancarlo , Cova Maria Assunta , Boscolo-Rizzo Paolo , Da Mosto Maria Cristina , Makuc Elisa , Gardenal Nicoletta 
Published: January 2016

Objective: The current surgical trend in the treatment of pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland is to limit the extent of resection. This raises the need to correctly identify the mass within the normal parenchyma so as to avoid dissecting the entire superficial lobe of the gland. We describe ultrasound-guided tattooing as a technique to facilitate identification and excision of parotid pleomorphic adenomas. Methods: We reviewed 23 consecutive patients with pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. All patients underwent ultrasound-guided tattooing of the lesions with a charcoal suspension. Baseline tumor and patients’ characteristics, major and minor complications, and subjective tolerance to the procedure were recorded. We assessed the number of intralesionally marked masses and the percentage of intraoperatively detected marked lesions. Results: The injection was well tolerated. No major complications were recorded. In 2 cases (9%), a transient increase in lesion size was observed. No other minor complications were encountered. Charcoal was found inside the tumor in 19 cases (83%). In 4 cases (17%), it was found in the tissues above the lesion. Twenty-three lesions were intraoperatively detected (100%) and dissected. Conclusion: Charcoal suspension tattooing is safe and well tolerated for the detection of small pleomorphic adenomas during parotid surgery.
Direct oral anticoagulants in antiphospholipid syndrome: a real life case series
Authors: Betancur J F , Bonilla-Abadía F , Hormaza A A , Jaramillo F J , Cañas C A , Tobón G J 
Published: January 2016

Aim The aim of this study was to describe a case series of patients with primary or secondary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). Patients and methods Clinical charts of eight patients with thrombotic primary or secondary APS treated with direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) between January 2012 and May 2015 were reviewed. Results The mean age was 45 ± 14.36 (range 27–69 years). Four patients had secondary APS (50%). All patients were initially treated with warfarin by a mean time of 70.87 ± 57.32 months (range 17–153 months). Changes in anticoagulation were defined by recurring thrombosis in five patients (62.5%) and life-threatening bleeding in the other three cases. Seven patients (87.5%) received rivaroxaban treatment and one patient (12.5%) apixaban. The mean follow-up period with DOACs was 19 ± 10.06 months (range 2–36 months). There was no recurrence of thrombosis by the time of data collection. Conclusions Despite not being the standard treatment in APS, we propose DOACs as a rational alternative for the management of patients with this diagnosis. Further interventional clinical studies are necessary for possible standardization of this therapy in APS patients.
Tazarotene 0.1% Cream as Monotherapy for Early-Stage Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Besner Morin Catherine , Roberge David , Turchin Irina , Petrogiannis-Haliotis Tina , Popradi Gizelle , Pehr Kevin 
Published: January 2016

Background: Numerous treatments are available for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), including systemic retinoids. Very few data are available on topical retinoids. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficiency of tazarotene as monotherapy for early-stage CTCL. Methods: An open-label, prospective study of tazarotene as monotherapy for stages IA to IIA CTCL was conducted. Index lesions on 10 patients were followed for 6 months on treatment, plus at least 6 months off treatment. Results: Six patients (60%) showed complete response (CR). Erythema, scaling, thickness, and lesion area decreased progressively throughout treatment. The mean time to CR was 3.8 months; CR was durable for at least 6 months in 83%. Of the 4 patients (40%) without CR, 2 (20%) had stable disease and 2 (20%) stopped the medication because of local side effects; none showed progression. Conclusions: This is the first Canadian trial providing evidence that topical tazarotene has excellent potential as a monotherapy agent for stages I to IIA CTCL.
A Study of Burnout and Multidisciplinary Team-Working amongst Professional Music Therapists
Authors: Hills Barbara , Norman Ian , Forster Lucy 
Published: January 2016

This paper reports the findings of a survey of 151 members of the British Association of Professional Music Therapists, conducted in January 1998, to investigate burnout and job satisfaction in relation to multidisciplinary team membership. Information on personal profile and employment characteristics was also sought, as music therapists are such a widely diverse group. Three aspects of burnout (emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and personal accomplishment) were measured with the Maslach Burnout Inventory (Maslach & Jackson 1981). Factors influencing reward and dissatisfaction in the job were also assessed in relation to multidisciplinary team membership. Personal and team role clarity and team and professional identification were assessed in therapists who were members of multidisciplinary teams. Therapists who were members of multidisciplinary teams were found to have higher levels of personal accomplishment and similar levels of emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation in comparison to those working independently. These results are discussed in relation to previous surveys of other health and social care professionals. Sources of pressure and reward differed between multidisciplinary team members and non-members. Music therapists who were members of multidisciplinary teams were found to have a moderate level of personal role clarity within their team and identified with their profession more than with their multidisciplinary team.
An Introduction to Vibroacoustic Therapy and an Examination of its Place in Music Therapy Practice
Authors: Hooper Jeff 
Published: January 2016

Vibroacoustic (VA) therapy transmits to the body pre-recorded music, or pre-recorded music combined with sinusoidal low frequency sound, through loud speakers built into a chair, table or bed unit. The development of VA therapy has not been confined to one country or one product and, after examining the theoretical background to VA therapy, the author describes four VA systems. In Europe, music therapy is traditionally seen as a process which develops from an ‘active’ musical relationship. In contrast VA therapy is a ‘receptive’ intervention. The author discusses completed and on-going research with VA equipment, and concludes by asking – is VA therapy music therapy? He suggests that the principles of VA therapy can inform active music-making.
Introducing the New Interview Series: The UK and a European Perspective
Authors: Sutton Julie 
Published: January 2016

Readers of the BJMT will be aware that a series of interviews with UK-based music therapists (the Historical Perspectives Series) has now come to an end. It was fitting that the final two interviews marked the contributions of two administrators. Both Denize Christophers for the BSMT and Diana Asbridge for the APMT gave a strong impression of the huge development of UK music therapy over the years. Looking to the future, this development looks set to continue worldwide. In the UK, we are concerned in particular with the administration of our professional bodies and working within the framework of State Registration and Continuing Professional Development. Following on from the first set of interviews, the new series will add a broader perspective, incorporating contributions from both inside and outside the UK. This will offer us an opportunity to view UK music therapy within another framework – one that is grounded in our history, while also acknowledging changes within the profession, and looking towards future developments. It is a conscious move from the past to the future, and will contribute to the ongoing dialogue between the UK and the rest of Europe at a time of significant change. The following set of three interviews incorporates the thoughts of therapists who are directly involved with developments in music therapy in different areas of Europe. Tony Wigram will need no introduction, and here he writes in his capacity as a colleague who has considerable experience of work in the UK and in Europe (in particular, his involvement with the Masters and PhD courses in Aalborg, Denmark). Nigel Hartley who, as Chairperson of the APMT, represents the UK profession at an exciting and challenging point in its history, is also informed by his experience of working in other European countries. Jos De Backer, the head of the Leuven Music Therapy Masters in Belgium, and a well known presenter and teacher in many European countries, is also the current President of the European Music Therapy Confederation (EMTC). For the interview, each of these experienced therapists was asked a series of questions, which fell into four categories: general perspectives of the state of the profession employment and clinical practice research and training the UK perspective Questions and answers are printed below. The broad range of opinion and experience documented offers a unique view of the profession as a whole, and of how developments in the UK fit within a European perspective. In forthcoming editions of the Journal, a series of further interviews will develop the themes identified by Hartley, Wigram and De Backer. It is apt that the interviews end with De Backer's acknowledgement of the fact that whereas the many differences between countries cause challenges, these differences also ultimately add to a richness and breadth of knowledge and experience which must, at all costs, be respected. At times of change it is essential to bear this sentiment in mind.