bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed Tomography Features of Benign and Malignant Calcified Thyroid Nodules: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Kim Dong Wook , Heo Young Jin , Baek Jin Wook , Lee Yoo Jin , Park Young Mi , Baek Hye Jin , Jung Soo Jin 
Published: April 2017

Objective
No previous studies have investigated thyroid calcification on computed tomography (CT) quantitatively by using Hounsfield unit (HU) values. This study aimed to analyze quantitative HU values of thyroid calcification on preoperative neck CT and to assess the characteristics of benign and malignant calcified thyroid nodules (CTNs).

Materials and Methods
Two hundred twenty patients who underwent neck CT before thyroid surgery from January 2015 to June 2016 were included. On soft-tissue window CT images, CTNs with calcified components of 3 mm or larger in minimum diameter were included in this study. The HU values and types of CTNs were determined and analyzed.

Results
Of 61 CTNs in 49 patients, there were 42 malignant nodules and 19 benign nodules. The mean largest diameter of the calcified component was 5.3 (2.5) mm (range, 3.1–17.1 mm). A statistically significant difference was observed in the HU values of calcified portions between benign and malignant CTNs, whereas there was no significant difference in patient age or sex or in the size, location, or type of each CTN. Of the 8 CTNs with pure calcification, 3 exhibited a honeycomb pattern on bone window CT images, and these 3 CTNs were all diagnosed as papillary thyroid carcinoma on histopathological examination.

Conclusions
Hounsfield unit values of CTNs may be helpful for differentiating malignancy from benignity.
Venous Sinus Thrombosis in Blunt Trauma: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Slasky Shira E. , Rivaud Yayone , Suberlak Matthew , Tairu Oluwole , Fox Adam D. , Ohman-Strickland Pamela , Bilinisky Esther 
Published: April 2017

Purpose
The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and risk factors of dural venous sinus thrombosis and epidural hemorrhage in the setting of a blunt trauma causing a calvarial fracture crossing a dural venous sinus.

Methods
A retrospective review of 472 blunt trauma patients with calvarial fracture crossing a dural venous sinus was performed. Two hundred ten patients who underwent computed tomography venography were identified and evaluated for the presence of dural venous sinus thrombosis and/or epidural hemorrhage. Site and displacement of fractures, as well as age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and mechanism of injury, were considered for potential predictive value of thrombosis and/or epidural hemorrhage.

Results
We found a 23% incidence of dural venous sinus thrombosis in patients with a fracture traversing a dural venous sinus. Significant predictors of thrombosis included temporal fracture (38% incidence) and skull base fracture (31% incidence). Occipital fracture not involving the skull base was associated with a significantly decreased risk of thrombosis, with an incidence of 9%. Decreased GCS score and fall from height greater than 10 feet additionally predicted dural venous sinus thrombosis. Significant predictors of epidural hemorrhage included parietal fractures and displaced fractures, although a large percentage of nondisplaced fractures in other bones demonstrated epidural hemorrhage as well.

Conclusions
Dural venous sinus thrombosis in the setting of blunt trauma with a calvarial fracture crossing a dural venous sinus has an incidence of 23%. Increased suspicion for thrombosis is warranted in patients with temporal or skull base fractures, low GCS score, and recent fall from great height.
Multislice Computed Tomography Assessment of Tracheobronchial Patterns in Partial Anomalous Left Pulmonary Artery
Authors: Wang Shi-Yu , Gao Wei , Zhong Yu-Min , Sun Ai-Min , Wang Qian , Hu Li-Wei , Qiu Hai-Sheng , Li Jian-Ying , Jaffe Richard B. 
Published: April 2017

Objective
The aim of this study was to present relationship between partial anomalous left pulmonary artery (PALPA) and the tracheobronchial tree and patterns of the tracheobronchial tree assessed by multislice computed tomography (MSCT).

Methods
Nine patients were assessed by MSCT. The relationships between the tracheobronchial tree and PALPA and different tracheobronchial patterns, location of tracheobronchial stenosis, severity of stenosis, and associated cardiac defects were evaluated. The results of MSCT for these patients were compared with the operative findings.

Results
The anatomy of PALPA was clearly identified by MSCT in all 9 patients. Three relationships between PALPA and the tracheobronchial tree were noted. In addition, 3 patterns of tracheobronchial tree anatomy were also demonstrated. The PALPA arose from the right pulmonary artery, forming a pulmonary sling (n = 2). The PALPA, which arose from the proximal right pulmonary artery, went below the tracheal bifurcation and passed anterior (n = 1) or inferior-anterior (n = 6) to the proximal left main bronchus. Three patterns of the tracheobronchial tree were presented with normal (n = 5), normal pattern with right tracheal bronchus (n = 3), and bridging bronchus (n = 1). The rate of tracheobronchial stenosis was 56% (5/9).
Five patients underwent operation, and at that time, the relationship between PALPA and the tracheobronchial tree defined on MSCT was confirmed.

Conclusions
The PALPA can be associated with tracheobronchial anomalies and airway compression depending on its orientation to the airway. Noninvasive imaging modalities such as MSCT will be helpful for making further management decisions.
Long-term Results After Oncoplastic Surgery for Breast Cancer
Authors: Clough Krishna B. , van la Parra Raquel F. D. , Thygesen Helene H. , Levy Eric , Russ Elisabeth , Halabi Najeeb M. , Sarfati Isabelle , Nos Claude 
Published: April 2017

Objective:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term oncologic outcome after oncoplastic surgery (OPS).

Background:
OPS combines wide tumor excision with reduction mammoplasty techniques thus extending breast conserving surgery to large tumors that might else be proposed a mastectomy. Little data are available about the oncologic results for breast conserving surgery of these larger tumors.

Methods:
From January 2004 until March 2016, a total of 350 oncoplastic breast reductions were prospectively entered into a database. Patients were included if their breast reshaping included a reduction mammoplasty with skin excision (Level 2 oncoplastic techniques).

Results:
Histologic subtypes were: invasive ductal carcinoma in 219 cases (62.6%), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 88 cases (25.1%), and invasive lobular carcinoma in 43 (12.3%) cases. Seventy-three of the invasive cancers (27.9%) received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The mean resection weight was 177 grams. The mean pathological tumor size was 26 mm (range 0–180 mm) and varied from 23 mm (4–180 mm) for invasive cancers to 32 mm (0–100 mm) for DCIS. Specimen margins were involved in 12.6% of the cases; 10.5% of invasive ductal, 14.7% of DCIS, and 20.9% of invasive lobular. The overall breast conservation rate was 92% and varied from 87.4% for DCIS to 93.5% for the invasive cancers. Thirty-one patients (8.9%) developed one or more postoperative complications, inducing a delay in postoperative treatments in 4.6% of patients. The median follow up was 55 months. The cumulative 5-year incidences for local, regional, and distant recurrences were 2.2%, 1.1%, and 12.4%, respectively.

Conclusions:
Oncoplastic breast reductions allow wide resections with free margins and can be used for large cancers as an alternative to mastectomy.
The GroinPain Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial of Injection Therapy Versus Neurectomy for Postherniorraphy Inguinal Neuralgia
Authors: Verhagen Tim , Loos Maarten J. A. , Scheltinga Marc R. M. , Roumen Rudi M. H. 
Published: April 2017

Objective:
This study compares tender point infiltration (TPI) and a tailored neurectomy as the preferred treatment for chronic inguinodynia after inguinal herniorraphy.

Background:
Some 11% of patients develop chronic discomfort after open inguinal herniorraphy. Both TPI and neurectomy have been suggested as treatment options, but evidence is conflicting.

Methods:
Patients with chronic neuropathic pain after primary Lichtenstein repair and >50% pain reduction after a diagnostic TPI were randomized for repeated TPI (combined Lidocaine/corticosteroids /hyaluronic acid injection) or for a neurectomy. Primary outcome was success (>50% pain reduction using Visual Analog Scale, VAS) after 6 months. Cross-over to neurectomy was offered if TPI was unsuccessful.

Results:
A total of 54 patients were randomized in a single center between January 2006 and October 2013. Baseline VAS was similar (TPI: 55, range 10–98 vs neurectomy: 53, range 18–82, P = 0.86). TPI was successful in 22% (n = 6), but a neurectomy was successful in 71% (n = 17, P = 0.001). After unsuccessful TPI, 19 patients crossed over to neurectomy and their median VAS score dropped from 60 to 14 (P = 0.001). No major complications after surgery were reported. Two-thirds of patients on worker's compensation returned to work.

Conclusion:
A tailored neurectomy is 3 times more effective than tender point infiltration in chronic inguinodynia after anterior inguinal hernia mesh repair. A step up treatment stratagem starting with tender point infiltration followed by a tailored neurectomy is advised.
Reversible Pisa Syndrome Induced by Rivastigmine in a Patient With Early-Onset Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Hsu Chih-Wei , Lee Yu , Lee Chun-Yi , Lin Pao-Yen 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Pisa syndrome (PS) is a state of dystonic muscle contraction with a marked truncal deviation to one side. It is an uncommon adverse effect of antipsychotic drugs, but is rarely reported in patients receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, especially rivastigmine. We present a 57-year-old female patient with Alzheimer disease who began to develop symptoms of dementia at the age of 51 years. She was observed to have symptoms of PS after continuous use of rivastigmine (9 mg/d) for nearly 2 years. The PS symptoms improved after the dose of rivastigmine was reduced but recurred when the dose was added back to 9 mg/d. Finally, after we decreased the dose to 4.5 mg/d, her PS symptoms were remitted. This report reminds us that clinicians need to be cautious about the risk of PS when prescribing rivastigmine in a patient with early-onset Alzheimer disease.
Duodenal Levodopa Infusion for Long-Term Deep Brain Stimulation–Refractory Symptoms in Advanced Parkinson Disease
Authors: Regidor Ignacio , Benita Vicente , del Álamo de Pedro Marta , Ley Luis , Martinez Castrillo Juan Carlos 
Published: April 2017

Objectives
This study assesses the effect of levodopa/carbidopa intestinal infusion gel (LCIIG) as an additional treatment in patients with advanced idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD) previously treated with deep brain stimulation (DBS).

Methods
Prospective study of advanced PD patients, satisfactorily treated with bilateral DBS of the subthalamic nucleus, who had developed refractory symptoms and LCIIG was added. Controls were advanced PD patients treated with LCIIG. Measurements included the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS)-III and the UPDRS axial compound.

Results
There were 19 patients in the DBS-LCIIG therapy group and 21 in the control group. The DBS-LCIIG patients were younger and had disease duration longer than controls. The median time from DBS to gastrostomy was 7.8 years (range, 2–12 years). In both study groups, the mean scores of the UPDRS-III and UPDRS axial subscales improved significantly after LCIIG treatment (DBS-LCIIG group: UPDRS-III, 62.0 [15.7] vs 30.9 [12.1]; UPDRS axial, 24.7 [4.9] vs 10.2 [2.7]; P < 0.0005 for all comparisons). There were no differences in adverse events between the groups. In the follow-up of the DBS-LCIIG group. 5 patients discontinued DBS-LCIIG therapy and returned to DBS, 5 discontinued DBS and were maintained with LCIIG, and the remaining 9 continued with DBS-LCIIG therapy. Mean time until discontinuation in the double DBS-LCIIG group was 891 days. The main risk factors for discontinuation were age at the beginning of LCIIG and severity of the UPDRS axial subscale.

Conclusions
Levodopa/carbidopa intestinal infusion gel therapy may be a valuable option in selected patients with advanced PD who develop refractory symptoms after long-term subthalamic nucleus–DBS.
Zonisamide in Brain Tumor–Related Epilepsy: An Observational Pilot Study
Authors: Maschio Marta , Dinapoli Loredana , Zarabla Alessia , Maialetti Andrea , Giannarelli Diana , Fabi Alessandra , Vidiri Antonello , Cantelmi Tonino 
Published: April 2017

Objectives
Epilepsy heavily affects the quality of life (QoL) of patients with brain tumor because in addition to taking treatments for the oncological illness, patients are required to live with the long-term taking of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The AEDs' adverse effects are common in these patients and can negatively influence their perceptions of their QoL.
We conducted an observational pilot study in patients with brain tumor–related epilepsy to verify efficacy, tolerability, and impact on QoL and global neurocognitive performances of zonisamide (ZNS) in add-on.

Materials and Methods
We recruited 13 patients (5 females, 8 males; mean age, 49.6 years) presenting uncontrolled seizures. At first visit and at final follow-up at 6 months, patients underwent neurological examination, evaluation of adverse events, and cognitive and QoL tests. A seizure diary was given.

Results
Eight patients underwent chemotherapy, 3 underwent radiotherapy, and 5 had disease progression. Mean dosage of ZNS at final follow-up was 300 mg/d.
Of 9 patients who reached the sixth month follow-up, the mean weekly seizure number before ZNS had been 3.2 ± 5.0, and at final follow-up, the mean weekly seizure number was 0.18 ± 0.41 (P = 0.05).
Compared with baseline, we observed stability in all cognitive domains, except for verbal fluency that significantly worsened.
Results on QoL tests showed that QoL remained unchanged over time, which could indicate that ZNS did not influence the patients' perceived QoL.

Conclusions
Zonisamide as add-on in our patients seems to be well tolerated and efficacious in controlling seizures. Despite having limitations represented by the fact that our study is observational, with a small study population and a short follow-up period, our results confirm that when choosing an AED, in addition to efficacy, the drug's effect on patients' QoL also needs to be considered, especially for patients facing many psychosocial challenges, such as those with brain tumor–related epilepsy.
Genome-scale mutational signatures of aflatoxin in cells, mice and human tumors
Authors: Huang Mi Ni , Yu Willie , Teoh Wei Wei , Ardin Maude , Jusakul Apinya , Ng Alvin , Boot Arnoud , Abedi-Ardekani Behnoush , Villar Stephanie , Myint Swe Swe , Othman Rashidah , Poon Song Ling , Heguy Adriana , Olivier Magali , Hollstein Monica , Tan Patrick , Teh Bin Tean , Sabapathy Kanaga , Zavadil Jiri , Rozen Steven G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mutagen and IARC Group 1 carcinogen that causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here we present the first whole genome data on the mutational signatures of AFB1 exposure from a total of > 40,000 mutations in four experimental systems: two different human cell lines, and in liver tumors in wild-type mice and in mice that carried a hepatitis B surface antigen transgene – this to model the multiplicative effects of aflatoxin exposure and hepatitis B in causing HCC. AFB1 mutational signatures from all four experimental systems were remarkably similar. We integrated the experimental mutational signatures with data from newly-sequenced HCCs from Qidong County, China, a region of well-studied aflatoxin exposure. This indicated that COSMIC mutational signature 24, previously hypothesized to stem from aflatoxin exposure, indeed likely represents AFB1 exposure, possibly combined with other exposures. Among published somatic mutation data, we found evidence of AFB1 exposure in 0.7% of HCCs treated in North America, 1% of HCCs from Japan, but 16% of HCCs from Hong Kong. Thus, aflatoxin exposure apparently remains a substantial public health issue in some areas. This aspect of our study exemplifies the promise of future widespread resequencing of tumor genomes in providing new insights into the contribution of mutagenic exposures to cancer incidence.
The evolutionary dynamics of the odorant receptor gene family in corbiculate bees
Authors: Brand Philipp , Ramírez Santiago R. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractInsects rely on chemical information to locate food, choose mates, and detect potential predators. It has been hypothesized that adaptive changes in the olfactory system facilitated the diversification of numerous insect lineages. For instance, evolutionary changes of Odorant Receptor (OR) genes often occur in parallel with modifications in life history strategies. Corbiculate bees display a diverse array of behaviors that are controlled through olfaction, including varying degrees of social organization, and manifold associations with floral resources. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms driving the evolution of the OR gene family in corbiculate bees in comparison to other chemosensory gene families. Our results indicate that the genomic organization of the OR gene family has remained highly conserved for approximately 80 million years, despite exhibiting major changes in repertoire size among bee lineages. Moreover, the evolution of OR genes appears to be driven mostly by lineage-specific gene duplications in few genomic regions that harbor large numbers of OR genes. A selection analysis revealed that OR genes evolve under positive selection, with the strongest signals detected in recently duplicated copies. Our results indicate that chromosomal translocations had a minimal impact on OR evolution, and instead local molecular mechanisms appear to be main drivers of OR repertoire size. Our results provide empirical support to the longstanding hypothesis that positive selection shaped the diversification of the OR gene family. Together, our results shed new light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the evolution of olfaction in insects.
A dry method for preserving tear protein samples
Authors: Qin Weiwei , Zhao Chan , Zhang Linpei , Wang Ting , Gao Youhe 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTears covering the ocular surface is an important bio-fluid containing thousands of molecules, including proteins, lipids, metabolites, nucleic acids, and electrolytes. Tears are valuable resources for biomarker research of ocular and even systemic diseases. For application in biomarker studies, tear samples should ideally be stored using a simple, low-cost, and efficient method along with the patient’s medical records. For this purpose, we developed a novel Schirmer’s strip-based dry method that allows for storage of tear samples in vacuum bags at room temperature. Using this method, tear protein patterns can also be preserved. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry analysis of proteins recovered from the dry method and traditional wet method showed no significant difference. Some tissue/organ enriched proteins were identified in tear, thus tear might be a good window for monitoring the change of these tissues or organs. This dry method facilitates sample transportation and enables the storage of tear samples on a large scale, increasing the availability of samples for studying disease biomarkers in tears.
A lncRNA/Lin28/Mirlet7axis coupled to DNA methylation fine tunes the dynamics of a cell state transition
Authors: Li Meng Amy , Amaral Paulo P. , Cheung Priscilla , Bergmann Jan H. , Kinoshita Masaki , Kalkan Tüzer , Ralser Meryem , Robson Sam , Meyenn Ferdinand von , Paramor Maike , Yang Fengtang , Chen Caifu , Nichols Jennifer , Spector David L. , Kouzarides Tony , He Lin , Smith Austin 
Published: April 2017

SummaryExecution of pluripotency requires progression from the naïve status represented by mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) to a condition poised for lineage specification. This process is controlled at transcriptional, post-transcriptional and epigenetic levels and non-coding RNAs are contributors to this regulation complexity. Here we identify a molecular cascade initiated by a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA),Ephemeron(Epn), that modulates the dynamics of exit from naïve pluripotency.Epndeletion delays the extinction of ESC identity, an effect mediated by perduring expression of the pivotal transcription factor Nanog. In the absence ofEpn, Lin28a expression is reduced, resulting in an elevated level ofMirlet7gthat suppressesde novomethyltransferases Dnmt3a/b.Dnmt3a/bdeletion also retards exit from the ESC state, and is associated with delayed promoter methylation and slower down-regulation ofNanog.Altogether, our findings reveal a lncRNA/miRNA/DNA methylation axis that facilitates a timely stem cell state transition.
Assortment of flowering time and immunity alleles in natural Arabidopsis thaliana populations suggests immunity and vegetative lifespan strategies coevolve
Authors: Glander Shirin , He Fei , Schmitz Gregor , Witten Anika , Telschow Arndt , de Meaux J. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTThe selective impact of pathogen epidemics on host defenses can be strong but remains transient. By contrast, life-history shifts can durably and continuously modify the balance between costs and benefits of immunity, which arbitrates the evolution of host defenses. Their impact on the evolutionary dynamics of host immunity, however, has seldom been documented. Optimal investment into immunity is expected to decrease with shortening lifespan, because a shorter life decreases the probability to encounter pathogens or enemies. Here, we document that in natural populations of Arabidopsis thaliana, the expression levels of immunity genes correlate positively with flowering time, which in annual species is a proxy for lifespan. Using a novel genetic strategy based on bulk-segregants, we partitioned flowering time-dependent from – independent immunity genes and could demonstrate that this positive co-variation can be genetically separated. It is therefore not explained by the pleiotropic action of some major regulatory genes controlling both immunity and lifespan. Moreover, we find that immunity genes containing variants reported to impact fitness in natural field conditions are among the genes whose expression co-varies most strongly with flowering time. Taken together, these analyses reveal that natural selection has likely assorted alleles promoting lower expression of immunity genes with alleles that decrease the duration of vegetative lifespan in A. thaliana and vice versa. This is the first study documenting a pattern of variation consistent with the impact that selection on flowering time is predicted to have on diversity in host immunity.