bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical utility of circulating tumor DNA for molecular assessment in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Takai Erina , Totoki Yasushi , Nakamura Hiromi , Morizane Chigusa , Nara Satoshi , Hama Natsuko , Suzuki Masami , Furukawa Eisaku , Kato Mamoru , Hayashi Hideyuki , Kohno Takashi , Ueno Hideki , Shimada Kazuaki , Okusaka Takuji , Nakagama Hitoshi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Yachida Shinichi 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies. The genomic landscape of the PDAC genome features four frequently mutated genes (KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53 and SMAD4) and dozens of candidate driver genes altered at low frequency, including potential clinical targets. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is a promising resource to detect and monitor molecular characteristics of tumors. In the present study, we determined the mutational status of KRAS in plasma cfDNA using multiplex picoliter-droplet digital PCR in 259 patients with PDAC. We constructed a novel modified SureSelect-KAPA-Illumina platform and an original panel of 60 genes. We then performed targeted deep sequencing of cfDNA and matched germline DNA samples in 48 patients who had ≥1% mutant allele frequencies of KRAS in plasma cfDNA. Importantly, potentially targetable somatic mutations were identified in 14 of 48 patients (29.2%) examined by targeted deep sequencing of cfDNA. We also analyzed somatic copy number alterations based on the targeted sequencing data using our in-house algorithm and potentially targetable amplifications were detected. Assessment of mutations and copy number alterations in plasma cfDNA may provide a prognostic and diagnostic tool to assist decisions regarding optimal therapeutic strategies for PDAC patients.
Consistency of T2WI-FS/ASL fusion images in delineating the volume of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Lin Meng , Yu Xiaoduo , Ouyang Han , Luo Dehong , Zhou Chunwu 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTumor extent assessment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is critical for delineating the radiotherapeutic target region. We aimed to investigate the use of the fusion images of fat suppressed T2WI (T2WI-FS) with arterial spin labeling (ASL) in measuring the volume of NPC. Two observers measured the volume of 21 untreated NPC using T2WI-FS, T2WI-FS/ASL (with PLD = 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 s) fusion images and enhanced T1WI separately. Correlation and consistency were used to compare 1) measurements using T2WI-FS/ASL and T2WI-FS alone, taking enhanced T1WI images as a benchmark; 2) measurements between observers. Significant correlations existed between different series (r: 0.896~0.973). Measurements from the two observers using T2WI-FS/ASL had relatively higher intra-class correlation (ICC) (0.980~0.997) and lower within-subject coefficients of variation (wsCV) (14.76%~22.96%) when compared to using T2WI-FS alone (ICC: 0.978, 0.951, wsCV: 21.61%, 24.21%), while the T2WI-FS/ASL 1.0 s exhibited the best performance. Remarkably high ICC value (0.981~0.996) and relatively low wsCV (9.95%~17.91%) were obtained for the two observers using same series. Compared to those obtained using T2WI-FS alone, measurements made using T2WI-FS/ASL were more consistent with those made using enhanced T1WI. The T2WI-FS/ASL fusion images has the potential to be an alternative to enhanced T1WI, when contrast administration can not be performed.
Reverse Engineering Applied to Red Human Hair Pheomelanin Reveals Redox-Buffering as a Pro-Oxidant Mechanism
Authors: Kim Eunkyoung , Panzella Lucia , Micillo Raffaella , Bentley William E. , Napolitano Alessandra , Payne Gregory F. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPheomelanin has been implicated in the increased susceptibility to UV-induced melanoma for people with light skin and red hair. Recent studies identified a UV-independent pathway to melanoma carcinogenesis and implicated pheomelanin’s pro-oxidant properties that act through the generation of reactive oxygen species and/or the depletion of cellular antioxidants. Here, we applied an electrochemically-based reverse engineering methodology to compare the redox properties of human hair pheomelanin with model synthetic pigments and natural eumelanin. This methodology exposes the insoluble melanin samples to complex potential (voltage) inputs and measures output response characteristics to assess redox activities. The results demonstrate that both eumelanin and pheomelanin are redox-active, they can rapidly (sec-min) and repeatedly redox-cycle between oxidized and reduced states and pheomelanin possesses a more oxidative redox potential. This study suggests that pheomelanin’s redox-based pro-oxidant activity may contribute to sustaining a chronic oxidative stress condition through a redox-buffering mechanism.
Endothelial cell tolerance to lipopolysaccharide challenge is induced by monophosphoryl lipid A
Authors: Stark Ryan J. , Choi Hyehun , Koch Stephen R. , Fensterheim Benjamin A. , Lamb Fred S. , Sherwood Edward R. 
Published: December 2015

Prior exposure to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) produces a reduced or “tolerant” inflammatory response to subsequent challenges with LPS, however the potent pro-inflammatory effects of LPS limit its clinical benefit. The adjuvant monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) is a weak toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) agonist that induces negligible inflammation but retains potent immunomodulatory properties. We postulated that pre-treatment with MPLA would inhibit the inflammatory response of endothelial cells to secondary LPS challenge. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), were exposed to MPLA (10 μg/ml), LPS (100 ng/ml) or vehicle control. HUVECs were then washed and maintained in culture for 24 h before being challenged with LPS (100 ng/ml). Supernatants were collected and examined for cytokine production in the presence or absence of siRNA inhibitors of critical TLR4 signalling proteins. Pre-treatment with MPLA attenuated interleukin (IL)-6 production to secondary LPS challenge to a similar degree as LPS. The application of myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) siRNA dramatically reduced MPLA-induced tolerance while TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF) siRNA had no effect. The tolerant phenotype in endothelial cells was associated with reduced IκB kinase (IKK), p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation and enhanced IL-1 receptor associated kinase-M (IRAK-M) expression for LPS-primed HUVECs, but less so in MPLA primed cells. Instead, MPLA-primed HUVECs demonstrated enhanced p-extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. In contrast with leucocytes in which tolerance is largely TRIF-dependent, MyD88 signalling mediated endotoxin tolerance in endothelial cells. Most importantly, MPLA, a vaccine adjuvant with a wide therapeutic window, induced tolerance to LPS in endothelial cells.
Performance analysis of dedicated short range communications technology and overview of the practicability for developing countries
Authors: Bassoo Vandana , Sookarah Doorgesh 
Published: December 2015

Vehicular communication is a widely researched field and aims at developing technologies that may complement systems such as the advanced driver assistance systems. It is therefore important to analyse and infer on the performance of vehicular technologies for different driving and on‐road criteria. This study considers the dedicated short range communications technology and more precisely the IEEE 802.11p standard for a performance and practicability analysis. There is also the proposal of a new classification scheme for typical driving conditions, which includes the main categories of Emergency and Safety scenarios while sub‐classifications of Critical and Preventive Safety also exist. The scheme is used to build up scenarios as well as related equations relevant to developing countries for practical network simulation. The results obtained indicate that the relative speed of nodes is a determining factor in the overall performance and effectiveness of wireless vehicular communication systems. Moreover, delay values of low order were observed while an effective communication range of about 800 m was calculated for highway scenarios. The research thus indicates suitability of the system for an active use in collision avoidance even though independent factors such as climatic conditions and driver behaviour may affect its effectiveness in critical situations.
Relief of Cervicogenic Headaches after Single-Level and Multilevel Anterior Cervical Diskectomy: A 5-Year Post Hoc Analysis
Authors: Liu Jonathan J. , Cadena Gilbert , Panchal Ripul R. , Schrot Rudolph J. , Kim Kee D. 
Published: December 2015

Study Design Prospective study. Objective Because single-level disk arthroplasty or arthrodesis in the lower subaxial spine improves headaches after surgery, we studied whether this effect may be better appreciated after two-level arthroplasty. Methods We performed an independent post hoc analysis of two concurrent prospective randomized investigational device exemption trials for cervical spondylosis, one for single-level treatment and the other for two adjacent-level treatments. Results For the one-level study, baseline mean headache scores significantly improved at 60 months for both the cervical disk arthroplasty (CDA) and anterior cervical diskectomy and fusion (ACDF) groups ( p < 0.0001). However, mean improvement in headache scores was not statistically different between the investigational and control groups from 6 months through 60 months. For the two-level study, baseline mean headache scores significantly improved at 60 months for both the CDA and ACDF groups ( p < 0.0001). The CDA group demonstrated greater improvement from baseline at all points; this difference was statistically significant at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months but not at 18 and 60 months. Conclusion Both CDA and ACDF at either one or two levels are associated with sustained headache relief from baseline. Patients undergoing two-level arthroplasty had significantly greater improvement in headache at all points except for at 18 and 60 months. This difference in improvement was not observed in patients undergoing single-level arthroplasty. The mechanism of greater headache relief after two-level arthroplasty remains unclear.
Application of Otolith Chemical Signatures to Estimate Population Connectivity of Red Snapper in the Western Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Sluis Michelle Zapp , Barnett Beverly K. , Patterson William F. , Cowan James H. , Shiller Alan M. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
Otolith chemical signatures of Red Snapper Lutjanus campechanus from six nursery regions were used to estimate the sources of recruits to four sampling regions in the western Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) and to estimate whether postsettlement mixing of Red Snapper occurs between the U.S. and Mexican portions of the western Gulf. In a previous study, region-specific otolith signatures (element : Ca ratios: Ba:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca, Sr:Ca, and Li:Ca; stable isotope delta values: δ13C and δ18O) were developed based on age-0 Red Snapper (2005–2007 year-classes) sampled from the six nursery areas. In the present study, subadult and adult Red Snapper (ages 1–3) belonging to those same year-classes were collected from four sampling regions within the western Gulf (two regions in U.S. waters; two regions along the Mexican continental shelf) during summer in 2006–2008. Left sagittal otoliths were used to age subadults and adults to the corresponding nursery year-classes, and right sagittal otoliths were cored for chemical analysis. Off the southwestern U.S. coast, the sampled age-1–3 Red Snapper included locally derived recruits as well as recruits from the northwestern Gulf nursery region. However, analytical results were inconclusive with respect to estimating the connectivity between Red Snapper populations in U.S. and Mexican waters of the western Gulf.
Received May 4, 2015; accepted August 25, 2015
Genetic diversity and population structure ofArabidopsis thalianaalong an altitudinal gradient
Authors: Tyagi Antariksh , Singh Shivani , Mishra Parneeta , Singh Akanksha , Tripathi Abhinandan Mani , Jena Satya Narayan , Roy Sribash 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe natural genetic variation within a plant species is primarily a consequence of its phylogeography and evolutionary history. This variation largely determines its present-day population structure. Arabidopsis thaliana , as a model plant, has been studied in great detail including its probable origin, local as well as global genetic diversity pattern, population structure, adaptation, etc. However, no such studies have so far been reported from the Indian Himalayan region. Here, we describe a comprehensive study on the genetic diversity and population structure of A. thaliana from an altitudinal range of 700–3400 m above mean sea level the highest altitudinal range reported so far. We also compare these populations with previously reported worldwide populations. A total of 48 accessions representing six populations were analysed using 19 microsatellites and 11 chloroplast markers. Genetic diversity analysis indicated populations to be highly diverse and comparable with worldwide populations. STRUCTURE, principal coordinate and isolation by distance (IBD) analyses showed that genetic variation in different populations is structured at geographical and altitudinal level. Further analyses indicate that these populations are genetically distinct from the rest of the world populations. Different parameters of the demographic expansion model support a rapid expansion. Based on mismatch distribution, the initial time of expansion of west Himalayan populations was found to be about 130 000 years. Bayesian analysis of divergence time indicated that these populations have a long evolutionary history in this region. Based on the results of genetic diversity parameters, demographic expansion and divergence time estimation, it appears that west Himalayan populations may be the source of the west–east expansion model.
Starbursting brightest cluster galaxy: a Herschel view of the massive cluster MACS J1931.8−2634
Authors: Santos J. S. , Balestra I. , Tozzi P. , Altieri B. , Valtchanov I. , Mercurio A. , Nonino M. , Yu Heng , Rosati P. , Grillo C. , Medezinski E. , Biviano A. 
Published: December 2015

Abstract
We investigate the dust-obscured star formation (SF) properties of the massive, X-ray-selected galaxy cluster MACS J1931.8−2634 at z = 0.352. Using far-infrared (FIR) imaging in the range 100–500 μm obtained with the Herschel telescope, we extract 31 sources (2σ) within r ∼ 1 Mpc from the brightest cluster galaxy (BCG). Among these sources, we identify six cluster members for which we perform an analysis of their spectral energy distributions (SEDs). We measure total infrared luminosity (LIR), star formation rate (SFR) and dust temperature. The BCG, with LIR = 1.4 × 1012 L⊙ is an ultraluminous infrared galaxy and hosts a type-II active galactic nuclei (AGN). We decompose its FIR SED into AGN and starburst components and find equal contributions from AGN and starburst. We also recompute the SFR of the BCG finding SFR = 150 ± 15 M⊙ yr−1. We search for an isobaric cooling flow in the cool core using Chandra X-ray data, and find no evidence for gas colder than 1.8 keV in the inner 30 kpc, for an upper limit to the instantaneous mass-deposition rate of 58 M⊙ yr−1 at 95 per cent c.l. This value is 3× lower than the SFR in the BCG, suggesting that the on-going SF episode lasts longer than the intracluster medium cooling events.
End-Stage Liver Disease Is a Strong Predictor of Early Mortality in Cryptococcosis
Authors: Spec Andrej , Raval Krunal , Powderly William G. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackground.  Cryptococcosis in the setting of end-stage liver disease (ESLD) has been associated with high mortality. We sought to compare the outcome of cryptococcal disease in patients with ESLD to that of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients and to those patients without HIV or ESLD.Methods.  We assembled a retrospective cohort of 232 consecutive cases of cryptococcosis in our institution, from 2002 to 2014, inclusively. We analyzed the cases for comorbidities, type of infection, and survival. Data were analyzed with t tests, Fishers Exact test, and Kaplan-Meyer analysis.Results.  Twenty-five (10.8%) patients with cryptococcal infection had concomitant ESLD; of these, 5 (20%) presented with peritonitis. Most (17 of 25, 68%) did not have any other cause of immunocompromise that has been more classically associated with cryptococcosis. Patients with ESLD had a significantly higher mortality than HIV-positive patients and HIV-negative patients without ESLD (HIVNE) (80% vs 13.6% and 22.7%, respectively; P &lt; .001). In addition, fatal outcome in ESLD patients occurred more rapidly than in HIVNE patients, with a median survival of 6 days (vs 17), despite a comparable time to diagnosis (6.2 vs 6.6 days).Conclusions.  Cryptococcosis is an important morbidity in patients with ESLD. Patients with ESLD who are infected with Cryptococcus have a high and rapid mortality. This suggests that a high level of vigilance for cryptococcal infection should be kept in patients with ESLD.
Cervical Spine Movement and Ease of Intubation Using Truview or McCoy Laryngoscope in Difficult Intubation
Authors: Bharadwaj Ashuma , Khurana Gurjeet , Jindal Parul 
Published: December 2015

Study Design.
Prospective, observational, analytical, randomized control trial.

Objective.
To compare cervical spine movement for best laryngoscopic view and ease of intubation using Truview or McCoy laryngoscope in anticipated difficult intubation.

Summary of Background data.
The addition of modified laryngoscope blade to the anesthesiologist's armamentarium adds flexibility and improves the skill of the anesthetist, which benefits the patients.

Methods.
One hundred patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists status I and II with predicted difficult intubation score ≥5 were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 50): intubation done with McCoy laryngoscope and Group B (n = 50): intubation done with Truview laryngoscope and compared for the ease of intubation using intubation difficulty scale (IDS), cervical spine movement, and hemodynamic alterations.

Results.
The total IDS determining the ease of tracheal intubation was better in Group B than Group A. On comparing the variables of IDS score, there was no difference between the two groups except 14 (28%) patients in Group A required application of external laryngeal pressure, whereas only five (10%) patients had this difficulty in Group B. It was seen that craniocervical extension was significantly less (2.5 times) in Group B as compared to Group A.

Conclusion.
In anticipated difficult intubation, Truview improves the laryngeal view, causes less movement at cervical spine, which could be more helpful in patients with restricted neck mobility, and has lesser complications.

Level of Evidence: 2
Novel Use of Preoperative Epidermal Coloring of Very Small Dermatological Specimens—Protocol for Reduction of Lost Specimens
Authors: Surprenant David , Garib George , Hutchens Kelli , Dreifke Michael , Speiser Jodi , Winterfield Laura , Peterson Anthony , Krol Cindy , Adams William , Tung Rebecca 
Published: December 2015

Abstract:
Small tissue biopsies are often difficult to visualize and can be easily lost or mishandled. The authors hypothesized that full epidermal surface coloration of small skin lesions with a sterile skin marker (gentian violet ink) before performing shave biopsy would make small gross specimens easier to identify without impacting microscopic appearance. Live evaluation of 4 inked and 4 noninked gross (2–3 mm) specimens in covered and uncovered formalin-containing jars by 50 consecutive health care personnel demonstrated that inked specimens were significantly (P < 0.001) easier to visualize than noninked specimens. Additionally, a blinded dermatopathologist evaluated 25 inked and 25 noninked specimens microscopically. Utilization of this inking process did not interfere with histopathologic assessment or impede diagnosis. This pilot study describes an easily implementable quality improvement measure that may decrease the rate of loss and mishandling of specimens.
Prognostic Implication of Lymphovascular Invasion Detected by Double Immunostaining for D2-40 and MITF1 in Primary Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Feldmeyer Laurence , Tetzlaff Michael , Fox Patricia , Nagarajan Priyadharsini , Curry Jonathan , Ivan Doina , Torres Cabala Carlos A. , Prieto Victor G. , Aung Phyu P. 
Published: December 2015

Background:
Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is associated with adverse outcomes in primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM). Detection of LVI by hematoxylin and eosin staining alone is 0%–6%, but targeting lymphovascular structures increases the detection rate.

Objective:
To examine the prognostic significance of LVI detected by immunostaining for D2-40 and microphthalmia-associated transcription factor 1 (MITF1) in PCM.

Methods:
The authors retrospectively analyzed 120 PCM samples. We compared the LVI detection rates of immunostaining for D2-40 only (22%), double staining for D2-40 and MITF1 (38%), and hematoxylin and eosin, and examined the association of LVI with clinicopathologic variables and clinical outcomes.

Results:
Immunolabeling with both methods significantly increased the LVI detection rate. Double staining for D2-40 and MITF1 as well as D2-40–detected LVI was significantly associated with increased Breslow thickness, number of mitoses, and sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis. D2-40–detected LVI was also associated with ulceration. Although the difference was not significant, double staining for D2-40 and MITF1 allowed for easier detection of LVI than D2-40 alone.

Limitations:
This study was conducted in a tertiary referral institution; therefore, a referral bias cannot be excluded.

Conclusions:
Immunolabeling increased detection of LVI in PCM. Because LVI is a positive predictive marker for SLN metastasis, the authors propose using anti-D2-40 and anti-MITF1 in the evaluation of LVI in patients with PCM with a certain risk of SLN metastasis.