bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preclinical Evaluation of SCC244 (Glumetinib), a Novel, Potent, and Highly Selective Inhibitor of c-Met in MET-dependent Cancer Models
Authors: Ai Jing , Chen Yi , Peng Xia , Ji Yinchun , Xi Yong , Shen Yanyan , Yang Xinying , Su Yi , Sun Yiming , Gao Yinglei , Ma Yuchi , Xiong Bing , Shen Jingkang , Ding Jian , Geng Meiyu 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
Because the receptor tyrosine kinase c-Met plays a critical role in tumor growth, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis, and drug resistance, the c-Met axis represents an attractive therapeutic target. Herein, we report the first preclinical characterization of SCC244, a novel, potent, and highly selective inhibitor of c-Met kinase. SCC244 showed subnanomolar potency against c-Met kinase activity and high selectivity versus 312 other tested protein kinases, making it one of the most selective c-Met inhibitors described to date. Moreover, this inhibitor profoundly and specifically inhibits c-Met signal transduction and thereby suppresses the c-Met–dependent neoplastic phenotype of tumor and endothelial cells. In xenografts of human tumor cell lines or non–small cell lung cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma patient-derived tumor tissue driven by MET aberration, SCC244 administration exhibits robust antitumor activity at the well-tolerated doses. In addition, the in vivo antitumor activity of SCC244 involves the inhibition of c-Met downstream signaling via a mechanism of combined antiproliferation and antiangiogenic effects. The results of the current study provide a strong foundation for the clinical investigation of SCC244 in patients with tumors harboring c-Met pathway alterations. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(4); 751–62. ©2017 AACR.
Using Controlled Substance Receipt Patterns to Predict Prescription Overdose Death
Authors: Holt Christina T. , McCall Kenneth L. , Cattabriga Gary , Tu Chunhao , Smalley Elenna K. , Nichols Stephanie D. 
Published: December 2017

<b><i>Background:</i></b> This study evaluates complete state data from controlled substance prescribing trends in the prescription monitoring program (PMP) database and their association with the risk of prescription drug overdose death. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Maine PMP records of individuals who died of prescription overdose deaths between 2006 and 2010 were selected (<i>n</i> = 690). For each subject, an age, gender, and residence matched cohort of PMP users in a 50: 1 ratio was identified (<i>n</i> = 34,500). <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> Prescription opioids contributed to 480 of 690 prescription deaths, many co-ingestions were noted, and OR for overdose death increased with milligram of morphine equivalent (MME)/day &#x3e;100. The majority who were prescribed MME &#x3e;100 per day received a prescription within 90 days of overdose matching the toxicology cause of death. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Medication profiles available through state PMP can identify dosing of prescriptions associated with drug overdose death.
Combination Cyclophosphamide/Glucocorticoids Provide Better Tolerability and Outcomes versus Glucocorticoids Alone in Patients with Sjogren’s Associated Chronic Interstitial Nephritis
Authors: Shen Yuqi , Xie Jingyuan , Lin Li , Li Xiao , Shen Pingyan , Pan Xiaoxia , Ren Hong , Chen Nan 
Published: December 2017

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Steroid therapy has become an effective option for patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome with tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN), while the use of cytotoxic agents is still debated. Our study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients treated with cyclophosphamide (CTX) combined with glucocorticoids with those of patients treated with glucocorticoids alone. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> All patients with primary Sjogren’s syndrome with chronic TIN admitted to the Division of Nephrology, Ruijin Hospital, from January 1, 2002, to April 30, 2016, and treated with steroids alone or combined with CTX were included. The immunological prognosis, improvements of renal function, and acquired tubular defects of the patients were retrospectively compared between the 2 therapeutic groups. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 70 cases were included. Of these, 36 were diagnosed by renal biopsy. A total of 56 patients were treated with glucocorticoids alone, while 14 patients received glucocorticoids combined with CTX. There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters between the 2 therapeutic groups at baseline. Compared with patients in the steroid group, patients in the CTX group showed better estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) improvement (21.35 ± 19.63 vs. 2.72 ± 19.11 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup>, <i>p</i> = 0.006) but a similar decline in immunoglobulin G (IgG; 450 [interquartile range, IQR 910] vs.176 [IQR 1,910] mg/dL, <i>p</i> = 0.93) at 12 months of follow-up. CTX therapy was associated with better eGFR improvement (β = 12.96 [2.95–22.97]) even after adjusting for dry mouth, anti-Sjögren’s-syndrome-related antigen A and anti-Sjögren’s-syndrome-related antigen B positivity, hemoglobin, initial steroid dose, and baseline eGFR by linear regression analyses. Subgroup analyses revealed that the beneficial effects of CTX therapy on renal function were only observed in patients with baseline IgG ≥1,560 mg/dL or eGFR &#x3c;90 mL/min/1.73 m<sup>2</sup>. The urine α1-microglobulin improvement was better in the CTX group than in the steroid group at 12 months of follow-up (β = 1.29, 95% CI 0.56–2.02, <i>p</i> = 0.001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> CTX therapy is suggested for primary Sjogren’s syndrome patients with chronic TIN, especially those with higher IgG levels and abnormal renal function at baseline.
Serum Magnesium Abnormality and Influencing Factors of Serum Magnesium Level in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Single-Center Study in Northern China
Authors: Tsai Shihming , Zhao Huiping , Wu Bei , Zuo Li , Wang Mei 
Published: December 2017

<b><i>Background/Aims:</i></b> Both hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia have been associated with cardiovascular diseases, bone diseases, and mortality in dialysis patients. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of and influencing factors for abnormal serum Mg levels in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A cross-sectional study in Peking University People’s Hospital recorded the demographic information, clinical characteristics, and laboratory data. Data were assessed and compared with the results from 2 other studies in China. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 180 enrolled PD patients, the primary diseases were glomerulonephritis (38.3%) and diabetic nephropathy (38.3%). Mean serum Mg concentration was 1.02 ± 0.16 mmol/L; 67% had normal serum<b><i></i></b> Mg concentrations, and 33% had hypermagnesemia. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Hypermagnesemia is likely to occur in patients with higher serum phosphate, lower intact parathyroid hormone, and lower high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels. Serum Mg level distributions in PD patients vary throughout China, may have different potential causes (such as geographical location and dietary habits) and<b><i></i></b> should be further studied.
Familial Aggregation of Aortic Valvular Stenosis
Authors: Martinsson Andreas , Li Xinjun , Zöller Bengt , Andell Pontus , Andersson Charlotte , Sundquist Kristina , Smith J. Gustav 
Published: December 2017

Background—
Aortic valvular stenosis (AS) is the most common cause of cardiac valvular replacement surgery. During the last century, the pathogenesis of AS has undergone transitions in developed countries, from rheumatic heart disease to a degenerative calcific pathogenesis. Although a familial component has been described for a subset of cases with a bicuspid valve, data are limited on the overall familial aggregation of this disease.

Methods and Results—
Contemporary information on 6 117 263 Swedish siblings, of which 13 442 had a clinical diagnosis of AS, was collected from the nationwide Swedish Multi-Generation Register and the National Patient Register. A total of 4.8% of AS cases had a sibling history of AS. Having at least 1 sibling with AS was associated with a hazard ratio of 3.41 (95% confidence interval, 2.23–5.21) to be diagnosed with AS in an adjusted model. Individuals with >1 sibling with AS had an exceptionally high risk (hazard ratio, 32.84) but were uncommon (34 siblings from 11 sibships). In contrast, spouses of subjects with AS were only slightly more likely to be diagnosed with AS compared with subjects without spousal AS (hazard ratio 1.16 for husbands and 1.18 for wives).

Conclusions—
A sibling history of clinically diagnosed AS was associated with increased risk of AS. Spouses of patients with AS only had a modest risk increase, suggesting that shared adult environmental factors contribute less to the development of AS than genetic factors.
Diagnosis and Prognosis in Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivors Without Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Rodrigues Patricia , Joshi Abhishek , Williams Howell , Westwood Mark , Petersen Steffen E. , Zemrak Filip , Schilling Richard J. , Kirkby Claire , Wragg Andrew , Manisty Charlotte , Mohiddin Saidi 
Published: December 2017

Background—
Determining the pathogenesis of sudden cardiac arrest or periarrest without significant coronary artery disease is crucial for management and prognosis. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) can detect morphological, functional, or tissue abnormalities, and we sought to evaluate the role of CMR in determining sudden cardiac arrest pathogenesis and prognosis in survivors.

Methods and Results—
We retrospectively reviewed cardiac investigations and clinical outcomes in consecutive survivors of potentially fatal arrhythmias without coronary artery disease admitted to our institutions from 2008 to 2014. After coronary angiography and echocardiography, all underwent CMR and, when indicated, electrophysiology studies. Major adverse cardiac events (MACE), comprising significant nonfatal ventricular arrhythmia or death, was the primary outcome. Of 164 included subjects (65% men; mean age 48 [18–80] years), CMR contributed to the diagnosis in 80 (49%) and was decisive in 50 cases (30%). Dilated cardiomyopathy (n=27), myocarditis or sarcoidosis (n=22), occult myocardial infarction (n=13), and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (n=9) were most frequent. Arrhythmic causes were found in 14% while no cause was identified in 36%. MACE occurred in 31% of subjects during a median follow-up of 32 months. MACE associated with presence of a CMR diagnosis, extent of late gadolinium enhancement, and left and right ventricular ejection fractions. Right ventricular ejection fraction was an independent predictor of MACE.

Conclusions—
CMR identified a likely pathogenesis for sudden cardiac arrest in nearly half of survivors in whom coronary artery disease had been excluded. One in 3 subjects had MACE; risk doubled in those with a CMR diagnosis and some CMR parameters—late gadolinium enhancement, left ventricular ejection fraction, and especially right ventricular ejection fraction—associated with prognosis.
Dyspnea Among Patients With Chronic Total Occlusions Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Qintar Mohammed , Grantham J. Aaron , Sapontis James , Gosch Kensey L. , Lombardi William , Karmpaliotis Dimitri , Moses Jeffery , Salisbury Adam C. , Cohen David J. , Spertus John A. , Arnold Suzanne V. 
Published: December 2017

Background—
Dyspnea is a common angina equivalent that adversely affects quality of life, but its prevalence in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs) and predictors of its improvement after CTO percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are unknown. We examined the prevalence of dyspnea and predictors of its improvement among patients selected for CTO PCI.

Methods and Results—
In the OPEN CTO registry (Outcomes, Patient health status, and Efficiency iN Chronic Total Occlusion) of 12 US experienced centers, 987 patients undergoing CTO PCI (procedure success 82%) were assessed for dyspnea with the Rose Dyspnea Scale at baseline and 1 month after CTO PCI. Rose Dyspnea Scale scores range from 0 to 4 with higher scores indicating more dyspnea with common activities. A total of 800 (81%) reported some dyspnea at baseline with a mean (±SD) Rose Dyspnea Scale of 2.8±1.2. Dyspnea improvement was defined as a ≥1 point decrease in Rose Dyspnea Scale from baseline to 1 month. Predictors of dyspnea improvement were examined with a modified Poisson regression model. Patients with dyspnea were more likely to be female, obese, smokers, and to have more comorbidities and angina. Among patients with baseline dyspnea, 70% reported less dyspnea at 1 month after CTO PCI. Successful CTO PCI was associated with more frequent dyspnea improvement than failure, even after adjustment for other clinical variables. Anemia, depression, and lung disease were associated with less dyspnea improvement after PCI.

Conclusions—
Dyspnea is a common symptom among patients undergoing CTO PCI and improves significantly with successful PCI. Patients with other potentially noncardiac causes of dyspnea reported less dyspnea improvement after CTO PCI.
Red squirrel territorial vocalizations deter intrusions by conspecific rivals
Authors: Siracusa Erin , Morandini Marina , Boutin Stan , Humphries Murray M. , Dantzer Ben , Lane Jeffrey E. , McAdam Andrew G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn many species, territory advertisement is thought to be one of the primary functions of acoustic communication. North American red squirrels are a territorial species in which ‘rattles’ have long been thought to be the principal signal communicating territory ownership. These vocalizations have been assumed to deter intruders, thus reducing energetic costs and the risk of injury associated with direct aggressive interactions. However, this hypothesis has not been directly tested. Here we used a speaker occupation experiment to test whether red squirrel rattles function to deter conspecific rivals. We studied 29 male squirrels and removed each individual from his territory twice in a paired design. During the experimental treatment, we simulated the owner’s presence after its removal by broadcasting the owner’s rattle from a loudspeaker at the centre of the territory once every 7 min. During the control treatment, the territory was left in silence following the temporary removal of the owner. We found that the presence of a speaker replacement reduced the probability of intrusion by 34% and increased the latency to first intrusion by 7%, providing support for the hypothesis that rattles play an active role in reducing intrusion risk. However, intrusions were not completely averted by the speaker replacement, indicating that for some individuals vocalizations alone are not a sufficient deterrent without other cues of the territory owner.
Early Training for the Future Ensemble Player
Authors: Sharp Erica 
Published: December 2017

Violinist Sharp has been performing in California since 1955, including 20 years as a member of the San Francisco Symphony, a year as principal second violinist in the San Francisco Chamber Orchestra and four years as a member of the UC Davis resident Bloch String Quartet. Following six years of free-lance studio work in Los Angeles, she has been teaching and performing in the San Diego area. She currently conducts the Civic Youth Orchestra #2 and coaches the strings of both the Civic Youth Orchestra #1 and the La Jolla Civic Orchestra. Her lecture, “How to Get an Orchestra Job and Keep It,” will be published in guidebook form in the spring.
Guide to the Contemporary Etudes for Contrabass
Authors: Turetzky Bertram , Childs Barney , Erb Donald , Johnson Tom , Ruggeri Roger 
Published: December 2017

“One purpose of any professional association is to keep its members informed of new developments and to give them an opportunity to master new skills, or at least to understand them.”—Margaret Farish It is appropriate to recall these words of educator Farish — then ASTA Publications Chairman —who pronounced them as she expedited the ASTA Contemporary Etudes Project. The first phase of the project was completed as ASTA prepared and published, in 1982, with violinist Eugene Gratovitch as project editor, 16 Contemporary Violin Etudes for Study and Performance. Robert Culver succeeded Margaret Farish as ASTA Publications Chairman, and continued with the project. With this issue of AST, we announce the publication of the second volume commissioned toward this goal — Contemporary Etudes for Contrabass. With performance notes by project editor Bertram Turetzky, with music written by bassist Turetzky and composers Barney Childs, Donald Erb and Tom Johnson, and with the acceptance you will see noted on these pages, we feel sure the volume will serve its purpose. Contemporary Etudes for Contrabass will become a creative doorway for bassists moving into the twenty-first century; it will become a standard part of the learning — and performing — repertoire. The etude book is handsomely designed, spiral-bound, generously laid out in a 9”xl2” format for ease of reading, with 78 pages of music and performance notes. The music is written at a level for bassists who already have the ability to perform much of the literature; however, the forms, the ideas and the music should be of interest to any educator and any student of the bass. Priced at $12.95, the book is available through Theodore Presser, Presser Place, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010. Look for a publications order blank elsewhere in this issue. [J.A.]
The Colour Strings Method for the Young Violinist
Authors: Brown Rebekah Ann , Holborn Elizabeth Ivanoff 
Published: December 2017

Violinist Rebekah Ann Brown is director of the Columbus School of Music and the Violin School of Bloomington, Indiana. At Indiana University, she specializes in violin pedagogy. She conducts psychoacoustic research in measurements of expressive intonation by recording artists and performs comparative studies of holistic philosophies. She has studied Colour Strings in this country and in London and has a Suzuki certificate from Matsumoto, Japan. Brown has taught in private studios, public schools, and universities and has been a musical director of youth symphonies. Her expertise is sought in clinics and seminars and by artists-in-residence who are working with students and teachers. She uses both orchestral literature and American fiddle music with students for developing technique. She has also cataloged an extensive list of twentieth-century music for technical studies at all levels of proficiency.
Harp Lessons by Telecommunication
Authors: Downs Dennis , Lindquist Ellen 
Published: December 2017

Dennis A. Downs, orchestra instructor at Cedar Falls High School and Peet Junior High School, has taught public school orchestras for 25 years. Past president of the Iowa String Teachers Association and Iowa School Orchestra Association, he is an MENC Certified Music Instructor with a BFAE from Wayne State College, MA from the University of Northern Colorado, and Ed Ad from the University of Nebraska. A cellist in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Symphony, he also directs the Cedar Falls Municipal Band and performs professionally on guitar, bass, and trombone. Downs is the project facilitator for the distance education program he describes in this article.
Systemic lupus erythematosus arthropathy: the sonographic perspective
Authors: Di Matteo A , De Angelis R , Cipolletta E , Filippucci E , Grassi W 
Published: December 2017

Background Despite being promising, the use of ultrasound (US) in the assessment of musculoskeletal manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is still limited. Literature on this topic is scarce and the spectrum and clinical relevance of US abnormalities has not yet been outlined. With this paper, we aim to explore the panel of joint and tendon US findings in a group of SLE patients. Methods Twenty-five consecutive SLE patients, with current or medical history of musculoskeletal symptoms, were studied. All patients underwent routine clinical examination and US evaluation. The US examination targeted sites clinically involved in the physical examination and/or indicated as painful in the patient’s medical history. Results One or more US changes were found in all the patients. US abnormalities were detected in 85 out of the 243 scanned joints (35%), in 70 out of the 215 scanned tendons (32.6%) and in 10 out of the 41 scanned entheses (24.4%). Synovial effusion, synovial hypertrophy, “mixed” synovitis (coexistence of synovial effusion and synovial hypertrophy), joint dislocation, bone erosion, and cartilage damage were found in 9.5%, 11.5%, 14%, 3.7%, 2.1%, and 4.5% of the scanned joints, respectively. Tenosynovitis, tendon dislocation, tendon tear, tendon thinning, and tendinitis/peritendinitis were detected in 17.7%, 8.4%, 0.9%, 4.2%, and 4.7% of the scanned tendons, respectively. Power Doppler signal, hypoechogenicity, thickening, enthesophytes, calcifications, and bone erosions were detected at the entheseal level in 12.2%, 9.8%, 12.2%, 7.3%, 7.3%, and in 0% of the scanned entheses, respectively. Conclusions This study revealed an unexpectedly wide heterogeneity of US pathologic findings in the joints and tendons of patients with SLE. A broad spectrum of US changes also involving anatomic structures not considered in previous investigations, including entheses and tendons with no synovial sheath, was detected. These preliminary results suggest that US is able to identify several US “patterns” whose clinical, prognostic, and pathogenetic significance is still to be defined.
Open-cell stent and use of cone-beam CT enables a safe and effective coil embolization of true ophthalmic artery and anterior choroidal artery aneurysms with preservation of parent vessel: Clinical and angiographic results
Authors: Hou Samuel Y , Kühn Anna Luisa , Puri Ajit S , Wakhloo Ajay K 
Published: December 2017

Background Treatment of true ophthalmic artery (OA) or anterior choroidal artery (AChA) aneurysms with preservation of the parent vessel may be challenging. Flow diverters have limitations when dealing with branch vessels arising from the aneurysm sac. Visual loss or AChA territory infarcts have been reported both for surgical and endovascular treatment. Methods We evaluated the safety and efficacy of an open-cell design, laser-cut, self-expanding Nitinol stent, and use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for stent-assisted coil embolization. Results A total of seven patients with unruptured OA or AChA aneurysms were enrolled in this prospective small case study and the data were analyzed retrospectively. A complete obliteration was achieved in all aneurysms immediately post-intervention or at six-month follow-up without any evidence for recanalization at up to three-year follow-up. All patients tolerated the procedure well and there was no change in baseline modified Rankin Scale. Conclusions Our study suggests that specific features of an open-cell stent allow a safe and effective treatment of OA or AChA aneurysms with a high technical success rate and excellent mid-term angiographic and clinical outcome. CBCT is a useful intraoperative imaging tool.