bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of Five Neuroblastoma Genes in Bone Marrow or Blood of Patients with Relapsed/Refractory Neuroblastoma Provides a New Biomarker for Disease and Prognosis
Authors: Marachelian Araz , Villablanca Judith G. , Liu Cathy W. , Liu Betty , Goodarzian Fariba , Lai Hollie A. , Shimada Hiroyuki , Tran Hung C. , Parra Jaime A. , Gallego Richard , Bedrossian Nora , Young Sabrina , Czarnecki Scarlett , Kennedy Rebekah , Weiss Brian D. , Goldsmith Kelly , Granger Meaghan , Matthay Katherine K. , Groshen Susan , Asgharzadeh Shahab , Sposto Richard , Seeger Robert C. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
Purpose: We determined whether quantifying neuroblastoma-associated mRNAs (NB-mRNAs) in bone marrow and blood improves assessment of disease and prediction of disease progression in patients with relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma.
Experimental Design: mRNA for CHGA, DCX, DDC, PHOX2B, and TH was quantified in bone marrow and blood from 101 patients concurrently with clinical disease evaluations. Correlation between NB-mRNA (delta cycle threshold, ΔCt, for the geometric mean of genes from the TaqMan Low Density Array NB5 assay) and morphologically defined tumor cell percentage in bone marrow, 123I-meta-iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) Curie score, and CT/MRI-defined tumor longest diameter was determined. Time-dependent covariate Cox regression was used to analyze the relationship between ΔCt and progression-free survival (PFS).
Results: NB-mRNA was detectable in 83% of bone marrow (185/223) and 63% (89/142) of blood specimens, and their ΔCt values were correlated (Spearman r = 0.67, P &lt; 0.0001), although bone marrow Ct was 7.9 ± 0.5 Ct stronger than blood Ct. When bone marrow morphology, MIBG, or CT/MRI were positive, NB-mRNA was detected in 99% (99/100), 88% (100/113), and 81% (82/101) of bone marrow samples. When all three were negative, NB-mRNA was detected in 55% (11/20) of bone marrow samples. Bone marrow NB-mRNA correlated with bone marrow morphology or MIBG positivity (P &lt; 0.0001 and P = 0.007). Bone marrow and blood ΔCt values correlated with PFS (P &lt; 0.001; P = 0.001) even when bone marrow was morphologically negative (P = 0.001; P = 0.014). Multivariate analysis showed that bone marrow and blood ΔCt values were associated with PFS independently of clinical disease and MYCN gene status (P &lt; 0.001; P = 0.055).
Conclusions: This five-gene NB5 assay for NB-mRNA improves definition of disease status and correlates independently with PFS in relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma. Clin Cancer Res; 23(18); 5374–83. ©2017 AACR.
Deep Restricted Kernel Machines Using Conjugate Feature Duality
Authors: Suykens Johan A. K. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The aim of this letter is to propose a theory of deep restricted kernel machines offering new foundations for deep learning with kernel machines. From the viewpoint of deep learning, it is partially related to restricted Boltzmann machines, which are characterized by visible and hidden units in a bipartite graph without hidden-to-hidden connections and deep learning extensions as deep belief networks and deep Boltzmann machines. From the viewpoint of kernel machines, it includes least squares support vector machines for classification and regression, kernel principal component analysis (PCA), matrix singular value decomposition, and Parzen-type models. A key element is to first characterize these kernel machines in terms of so-called conjugate feature duality, yielding a representation with visible and hidden units. It is shown how this is related to the energy form in restricted Boltzmann machines, with continuous variables in a nonprobabilistic setting. In this new framework of so-called restricted kernel machine (RKM) representations, the dual variables correspond to hidden features. Deep RKM are obtained by coupling the RKMs. The method is illustrated for deep RKM, consisting of three levels with a least squares support vector machine regression level and two kernel PCA levels. In its primal form also deep feedforward neural networks can be trained within this framework.
The effect of photoperiod regimes on daily RNA:DNA ratio rhythms in Chinese soft-shelled turtles (Pelodiscus sinensis)
Authors: Ji Fangshuo , Liu Haiyan , Li Chao , Yang Zhencai 
Published: May 2017

The ratio of RNA to DNA is widely used to reflect instantaneous animal growth; however, little is known about its daily variation. Photoperiod can modify expression of internal clocks, providing animals with the flexibility to adapt to variable environments. This study focused on the influence of photoperiod regimes on the daily variation of RNA:DNA ratio in Pelodiscus sinensis. We randomly divided 260 turtles into four groups: constant dark (0L), 8 h light with 16 h dark (8L), 12 h light with 12 h dark (12L), and 16 h light with 8 h dark (16L). Turtles were housed under specific photoperiods for 15 days (fed for first 10 days then starved for 5 days), thereafter we sampled the tissues every 2 h for 24 h. We dissected forelimb muscles and measured the concentration of isolated RNA and DNA. There were rhythmic variations in the RNA:DNA ratio, even in turtles under continuous darkness, indicating that P. sinensis has circadian RNA:DNA ratio rhythms, and the rhythms were likely controlled by internal clocks. Additionally, the acrophase was advanced by two hours in constant darkness in contrast to the other three photoperiods, indicating that the photoperiod considerably modified the rhythm set by the internal clocks. Notably, the RNA:DNA ratio differed between photoperiod regimes, with 0L > 16L > 8L ≈ 12L, indicating the photoperiod may be a seasonal indicator for turtles to synchronize their physiological processes with environmental variations.
The spatial-and-ethological population structure, cooperation, and the evolution of sociality in rodents
Authors: Gromov Vladimir S. 
Published: May 2017

There are two types of complex social units — aggregations and family groups — in rodent populations, with an essential difference in their social organization. The impact of ecological factors on the evolution of sociality in rodents (the transition from solitary towards family-group lifestyle) is still unclear. The inter-specific comparative analysis based on quantification of social traits related to the spatial-and-ethological population structure and cooperation allows author to propose a new conceptual approach to the assessment of differences between the species under consideration in terms of the evolution of sociality. A new conceptual model of the evolution of sociality in rodents should incorporate ecological conditions and social factors, including cooperation, operating as a complex of selective forces promoting formation of family groups.
Vitamin D Status and Supplementation in Employer-Sponsored Wellness Program
Authors: Kaufman Harvey W. , Chen Zhen 
Published: May 2017

Purpose: To assess the response to information about vitamin D status by participants enrolled in employer-sponsored wellness programs. Design: A self-reported health risk assessment questionnaire was used to categorize vitamin D supplementation. Participants: A total of 50 209 participants of 12 employer-sponsored wellness programs that included vitamin D testing and services provided by Quest Diagnostics in 2014 and 2015. Measures: Vitamin D status based on laboratory testing results and responses to vitamin D supplementation in a health risk assessment questionnaire for initial and subsequent years. Results: Among 50 209 participants, 29% had deficient and 37% had suboptimal levels of vitamin D. Many participants appeared to act counter to their informed vitamin D status by starting supplements when vitamin D level was initially optimal (20%) or discontinuing supplements when vitamin D level was initially deficient (36%). Three-quarters of participants who had deficient or suboptimal vitamin D levels and were not taking supplements in 2014 continued not taking supplements in 2015. Conclusion: Deficient and suboptimal vitamin D levels remain prevalent in a working-age population. Many participants do not seem to be taking appropriate actions after receiving vitamin D testing results. Accordingly, employer-sponsored wellness programs have an opportunity to better educate participants.
Ethical dilemmas during cardiac arrest incidents in the patient’s home
Authors: Karlsson Mattias , Karlsson Niclas , Hilli Yvonne 
Published: May 2017

Background: The majority (70%) of cardiac arrests in Sweden are experienced in the patient’s home. In these situations, the ambulance nurses may encounter several ethical dilemmas. Aim: The aim was to investigate Swedish specialist ambulance nurses’ experiences of ethical dilemmas associated with cardiac arrest situations in adult patients’ homes. Methods: Nine interviews were conducted with specialist ambulance nurses at four different ambulance stations in the southeast region of Sweden. Data were analysed using content analysis. Ethical considerations: Ethical principles mandated by the Swedish Research Council were carefully followed during the whole process. Findings: Two main themes with six sub-themes were identified: The scene – creating a sheltered space for caring and Ethical decision-making. The results showed that ethical dilemmas might occur when trying to create a sheltered space to preserve the patients’ integrity and dignity. A dilemma could be whether or not to invite significant others to be present during the medical treatment. Ethical decision-making was dependent on good communication and ethical reasoning among all parties. In certain situations, decisions were made not to commence or to terminate care despite guidelines. The decision was guided by combining the medical/nursing perspectives and ethical competence with respect to the human being’s dignity and a will to do good for the patient. The nurses followed the voice of their heart and had the courage to be truly human. Conclusion: The ambulance nurses were guided by their ethos, including the basic motive to care for the patient, to alleviate suffering, to confirm the patient’s dignity and to serve life and health.
Effect of BGM Accuracy on the Clinical Performance of CGM: An In-Silico Study
Authors: Campos-Náñez Enrique , Breton Marc D. 
Published: May 2017

Background: Standard management of type 1 diabetes (T1D) relies on blood glucose monitoring based on a range of technologies from self-monitoring of blood glucose (BGM) to continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Even as CGM technology matures, patients utilize BGM for calibration and dosing. The question of how the accuracy of both technologies interact is still not well understood. Methods: We use a recently developed data-driven simulation approach to characterize the relationship between CGM and BGM accuracy especially how BGM accuracy impacts CGM performance in four different use cases with increasing levels of reliance on twice daily calibrated CGM. Simulations are used to estimate clinical outcomes and isolate CGM and BGM accuracy characteristics that drive performance. Results: Our results indicate that meter (BGM) accuracy, and more specifically systematic positive or negative bias, has a significant effect on clinical performance (HbA1c and severe hypoglycemia events) in all use-cases generated for twice daily calibrated CGMs. Moreover, CGM sensor accuracy can amplify or mitigate, but not eliminate these effects. Conclusion: As a system, BGM and CGM and their mode of use (use-case) interact to determine clinical outcomes. Clinical outcomes (eg, HbA1c, severe hypoglycemia, time in range) can be closely approximated by linear relationships with two BGM accuracy characteristics, namely error and bias. In turn, the coefficients of this linear relationship are determined by the use-case and by CGM accuracy (MARD).
Correlation Between Lumbopelvic and Sagittal Parameters and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adults With Lumbosacral Spondylolisthesis
Authors: Gussous Yazeed , Theologis Alexander A. , Demb Joshua B. , Tangtiphaiboontana Jennifer , Berven Sigurd 
Published: May 2017

Study Design: Secondary analysis of prospective, multicenter data. Objective: To evaluate impact of sagittal parameters on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in adults with lumbosacral spondylolisthesis. Methods: Adults with unoperated lumbosacral spondylolisthesis were identified in the Spinal Deformity Study Group database. Pearson’s correlations were calculated between SF-12 (Short Form–12)/Scoliosis Research Society–30 (SRS-30) scores and radiographic parameters (C7 sagittal vertical axis [SVA] deviation, T1 pelvic angle, pelvic tilt [PT], pelvic incidence, sacral slope, slip angle, Meyerding slip grade, Labelle classification). Main effects linear regression models measured association between individual health status measures and individual radiographic predictor variables. Results: Forty-five patients were analyzed (male, 15; female, 30; average age 40.5 ± 18.7 years; 14 low-grade, 31 high-grade). For low-grade slips, SVA had strong negative correlations with SF-12 mental component score (MCS), SRS-30 appearance, mental, and satisfaction domains ( r = −0.57, r = −0.60, r = −0.58, r = −0.53, respectively; P < .05). For high-grade slips, slip angle had a moderate negative correlation with SF-12 MCS ( r = −0.36; P = .05) and SVA had strong negative correlations with SF-12 physical component score (PCS), SRS-30 appearance and activity domains ( r = −0.48, r = −0.48, r = −0.45; P < .05) and a moderate negative correlation with SRS-30 total ( r = −0.37; P < .05). T1 pelvic angle had a moderate negative correlation with SF-12 PCS and SRS-30 appearance ( r = −0.37, r = −0.36; P ≤ .05). For every 1° increase in PT, there was a 0.04-point decrease in SRS appearance, 0.05-point decrease in SRS activity, 0.06-point decrease in SRS satisfaction, and 0.04-point decrease in SRS total score ( P < .05). Conclusion: Lumbosacral spondylolisthesis in adults negatively affects HRQoL. Multiple radiographic sagittal parameters negatively affect HRQoLs for patients with low- and high-grade slips. Improvement of sagittal parameters is an important goal of surgery for adults with lumbosacral spondylolisthesis.
Use of Intraoperative Ultrasound During Spinal Surgery
Authors: Vasudeva Viren S. , Abd-El-Barr Muhammad , Pompeu Yuri A. , Karhade Aditya , Groff Michael W. , Lu Yi 
Published: May 2017

Study Design: Review and technical report. Objective: Intraoperative ultrasound has been used by spine surgeons since the early 1980s. Since that time, more advanced modes of intraoperative imaging and navigation have become widely available. Although the use of ultrasound during spine surgery has fallen out of favor, it remains the only true real-time imaging modality that allows surgeons to visualize soft tissue anatomy instantly and continuously while operating. It is our objective to demonstrate that for this reason, ultrasound is a useful adjunctive technique for spine surgeons, especially when approaching intradural lesions or when addressing pathology in the ventral spinal canal via a posterior approach. Methods: Using PubMed, the existing literature regarding the use of intraoperative ultrasound during spinal surgery was evaluated. Also, surgical case logs were reviewed to identify spinal operations during which intraoperative ultrasound was used. Illustrative cases were selected and reviewed in detail. Results: This article provides a brief review of the history of intraoperative ultrasound in spine surgery and describes certain surgical scenarios during which this technique might be useful. Several illustrative cases are provided from our own experience. Conclusions: Surgeons should consider the use of intraoperative ultrasound when approaching intradural lesions or when addressing pathology ventral to the thecal sac via a posterior approach.
Should We Label All Synovial Cysts as Unstable?
Authors: Kulkarni Arvind G. , Dutta Shumayou , Dhruv Abhilash , Bassi Anupreet 
Published: May 2017

Study Design: Retrospective study. Objective: To analyze the various anatomical parameters that influence segmental stability in patients suffering from lumbar intra spinal cysts (LISCs) and to determine the outcome of microscopic unilateral laminotomy and cystectomy. Methods: All patients that were surgically managed for a LISC between 2007 and 2013 with more than 3 years of follow-up were reviewed. Those without associated instability were evaluated for segmental mobility, segmental angulation, facet inclination, stage of disc degeneration, and level of involvement on MRI and dynamic radiographs. Outcomes of unilateral laminotomy and cystectomy were evaluated using VAS (Visual Analogue Score), ODI (Oswestry Disability Index), and Macnabs criteria. Dynamic radiographs were performed in all cases pre- and postoperatively and at the last follow-up. Results: Thirty patients were operated for a LISC between 2007 and 2013. The levels involved were L4-5(23), L3-4(4) and L5-S1(3). The mean facet angle was 42.6 (± 6.1) degrees. The stage of disc degeneration was scattered haphazardly across all the cases (Gr 2[17]; Gr 3[1]; Gr 4[8]; Gr 5[4]). VAS and ODI scores improved significantly in all patients. Mean follow-up was 46.5 months (36-96 months). No patient developed postoperative instability at the last follow-up. Conclusions: The coronal inclination of the facet joints, absence of radiological instability, and poor co-relation with stages of disc degeneration suggests the presence of adequate residual stability. In this study, stand-alone decompression for LISCs without instability had well sustained good/excellent outcomes. Fusion is recommended for LISCs with associated instability.
Biomechanical Stability of a Stand-Alone Interbody Spacer in Two-Level and Hybrid Cervical Fusion Constructs
Authors: Kang Daniel G. , Wagner Scott C. , Tracey Robert W. , Cody John P. , Gaume Rachel E. , Lehman Ronald A. 
Published: May 2017

Study Design: In vitro human cadaveric biomechanical analysis. Objective: To evaluate the segmental stability of a stand-alone spacer (SAS) device compared with the traditional anterior cervical plate (ACP) construct in the setting of a 2-level cervical fusion construct or as a hybrid construct adjacent to a previous 1-level ACP construct. Methods: Twelve human cadaveric cervical spines (C2-T1) were nondestructively tested with a custom 6-degree-of-freedom spine simulator under axial rotation (AR), flexion-extension (FE), and lateral bending (LB) at 1.5 N m loads. After intact analysis, each specimen underwent instrumentation and testing in the following 3 configurations, with each specimen randomized to the order of construct: (A) C5-7 SAS; (B) C5-6 ACP, and C6-7 SAS (hybrid); (C) C5-7 ACP. Full range of motion (ROM) data at C5-C7 was obtained and analyzed by each loading modality utilizing mean comparisons with repeated measures analysis of variance with Sidak correction for multiple comparisons. Results: Compared with the intact specimen, all tested constructs had significantly increased segmental stability at C5-C7 in AR and FE ROM, with no difference in LB ROM. At C5-C6, all test constructs again had increased segmental stability in FE ROM compared with intact (10.9° ± 4.4° Intact vs SAS 6.6° ± 3.2°, P < .001; vs.Hybrid 2.9° ± 2.0°, P = .005; vs ACP 2.1° ± 1.4°, P < .001), but had no difference in AR and LB ROM. Analysis of C6-C7 ROM demonstrated all test groups had significantly greater segmental stability in FE ROM compared with intact (9.6° ± 2.7° Intact vs SAS 5.0° ± 3.0°, P = .018; vs Hybrid 5.0° ± 2.7°, P = .018; vs ACP 4.4° ± 5.2°, P = .005). Only the hybrid and 2-level ACP constructs had increased stability at C6-C7 in AR ROM compared with intact, with no difference for all test groups in LB ROM. Comparison between test constructs demonstrated no difference in C5-C7 and C6-C7 segmental stability in all planes of motion. However, at C5-C6 comparison between test constructs found the 2-level SAS had significantly less segmental stability compared to the hybrid (6.6° ± 3.2° vs 2.9° ± 2.0°, P = .025) and ACP (6.6° ± 3.2° vs 2.1° ± 1.4°, P = .004). Conclusions: Our study found the currently tested SAS device may be a reasonable option as part of a 2-level hybrid construct, when used below an adjacent 1-level ACP, but should be used with careful consideration as a 2-level SAS construct. Consequences of decreased segmental stability in FE are unknown; however, optimal immediate fixation stability is an important surgical principle to avoid loss of fixation, segmental kyphosis, interbody graft subsidence, and pseudarthrosis.
Preoperative Computed Tomography Myelography Parameters as Predictors of Outcome in Patients With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Results of a Systematic Review
Authors: Waly Feras J. , Abduljabbar Fahad H. , Fortin Maryse , Nooh Anas , Weber Michael 
Published: May 2017

Study Design: Systematic review. Objectives: To determine the preoperative computed tomography (CT) myelogram imaging parameters in patients diagnosed with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) that correlate with severity of DCM and predict postoperative patients’ functional outcome. Methods: An electronic database search was performed using Ovid Medline and Embase. CT myelogram studies investigating the correlation between imaging characteristics and DCM severity or postoperative outcomes were included. Two independent reviewers performed citation screening, selection, qualitative assessment, and data extraction using an objective and blinded protocol. Results: A total of 5 studies (402 patients) were included in this review and investigated the role of preoperative CT myelogram parameters in predicting the functional outcome after surgical treatment of DCM. All studies were retrospective cohort studies. CT myelogram characteristics included the transverse area of the spinal cord at maximum level of compression, spinal canal narrowing, number of blocks, spinal canal diameter, and flattening ratio. There is low evidence suggesting that patients with a preoperative transverse area of the spinal cord >30 mm2 at the level of maximum compression have better postoperative recovery and outcome. We found no studies investigating the correlation between preoperative CT myelogram parameters and DCM severity. Conclusions: Patients with greater transverse area of spinal cord at the level of maximum compression on the preoperative CT myelogram are more likely to have better neurological outcome after surgery. There is insufficient evidence to suggest that any of the other CT myelogram parameters investigated are predictors of postoperative outcomes in patients with DCM.