bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of factors affecting the residual tumor size diagnosed by MRI following neoadjuvant chemotherapy in comparison to pathology
Authors: Chen Jeon‐Hor , Bahri Shadfar , Mehta Rita S. , Carpenter Philip M. , McLaren Christine E. , Chen Wen‐Pin , Fwu Peter T. , Hsiang David J. B. , Lane Karen T. , Butler John A. , Su Min‐Ying 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesTo investigate accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for measuring residual tumor size in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).MethodsNinety‐eight patients were studied. Several MRI were performed during NAC for response monitoring, and the residual tumor size was measured on last MRI after completing NAC. Covariates, including age, tumor characteristics, biomarkers, NAC regimens, MRI scanners, and time from last MRI to operation, were analyzed. Univariate and Multivariate linear regression models were used to determine the predictive value of these covariates for MRI‐pathology size discrepancy as the outcome measure.ResultsThe mean (±SD) of the absolute difference between MRI and pathological residual tumor size was 1.0 ± 2.0 cm (range, 0–14 cm). Univariate regression analysis showed tumor type, morphology, HR status, HER2 status, and MRI scanner (1.5 T or 3.0 T) were significantly associated with MRI‐pathology size discrepancy (all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analyses demonstrated that only tumor type, tumor morphology, and biomarker status considering both HR and HER‐2 were independent predictors (P = 0.0014, 0.0032, and 0.0286, respectively).ConclusionThe accuracy of MRI in evaluating residual tumor size depends on tumor type, morphology, and biomarker status. The information may be considered in surgical planning for NAC patients. J. Surg. Oncol. 2014 109:158–167. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Spontaneous Cerebrospinal fluid effusion of the temporal bone: Repair, audiological outcomes, and obesity
Authors: Son Hwa J. , Karkas Alexandre , Buchanan Patrick , Giurintano Jonathan P. , Theodosopoulos Philip , Pensak Myles L. , Samy Ravi N. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives/HypothesisSpontaneous occurrence of otogenic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) effusion is now far more prevalent than causes related to infections, prior surgeries, or trauma—trends that may be increasing because of higher rates of obesity and improved diagnostic awareness. In our patient cohort with spontaneous CSF effusion, we report its association with obesity and audiological findings before and after surgery.Study DesignRetrospective study.MethodsIn our 45 patients (46 ears) with CSF effusion (with or without lateral skull base meningoencephaloceles), we report clinical data, imaging studies, audiogram results, operative techniques, and recurrence rates. Causes included 33 spontaneous, 10 due to chronic otitis media, one iatrogenic, and one traumatic.ResultsBody mass index (BMI) averaged 35 overall (37 for spontaneous type and 32 for nonspontaneous type). Surgical repair of skull base defect was performed using three middle fossa approaches, 24 combined transmastoid/middle fossa, and 19 transmastoid alone. Overall recurrence of CSF leaks was 6.5%. Thirty patients had audiograms available. Sensorineural hearing loss occurred in 10% of patients. Air‐bone gap improved by ≥ 15 dB in 20% of patients and worsened by ≥ 15 dB in 6.7% of patients.ConclusionPatients with spontaneous CSF effusion had a BMI higher than in the nonspontaneous group, but the difference was not statistically significant. However, the dramatic trend toward spontaneous CSF effusion heightens the need for clinician's acumen for diagnosis, particularly in overweight/obese patients. Our audiological outcomes confirm the efficacy of surgical approaches in correcting conductive hearing loss and preserving bone conduction, although hearing loss is a risk during surgical repair.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 124:1204–1208, 2014
Pressure Dependence of Iron‐Mediated Methyl Methacrylate ATRP in Different Solvent Environments
Authors: Schroeder Hendrik , Buback Michael , Matyjaszewski Krzysztof 
Published: October 2013

Iron‐mediated atom‐transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in N‐methylpyrrolidin‐2‐one (NMP) solution is investigated via online VIS/NIR spectroscopy up to 2500 bar. The activation–deactivation equilibrium constant, KATRP, decreases towards higher NMP content due to the formation of catalytically less active FeII/NMP species. The reaction volume increases from 1 to 15 cm3 mol−1 in passing from 16 to 92 mol% NMP. The same effects are observed for monomer‐free model systems with poly(MMA)–Br as the initiator. Investigations into iron‐catalyzed ATRP of MMA in less polar solvents or even without an additional solvent (i.e., for bulk ATRP) yield KATRP values, which are by two to three orders of magnitude higher than in the presence of NMP.
image
Genetic variant rs16430 6bp > 0bp at the microRNA‐binding site in TYMS and risk of sporadic breast cancer risk in non‐hispanic white women aged ≤55 years
Authors: Guan Xiaoxiang , Liu Hongliang , Ju Jingfang , Li Yangkai , Li Peng , Wang Li‐E , Brewster Abenaa M. , Buchholz Thomas A. , Arun Banu K. , Wei Qingyi , Liu Zhensheng 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThymidylate synthase (TYMS) is involved in the folate metabolism and provision of nucleotides needed for DNA synthesis and repair. Thus, functional genetic variants in TYMS may alter cancer risk. In the study, we evaluated associations of three germline variants (rs2790 A > G, rs16430 6 bp > 0 bp, and rs1059394 C > T) in the predicted miRNA‐binding sites of TYMS with risk of sporadic breast cancer in non‐Hispanic white women aged ≤55. We found that carriers of the rs16430 0 bp variant allele had an increased risk of breast cancer [adjusted odd ratio (OR) = 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.08–1.73; P = 0.010], compared with carriers of the 6 bp/6 bp genotype. This increased risk was more evident in older subjects (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.06–2.03, P = 0.022), never smokers (OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.23–2.25, P < 0.001), never drinkers (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.01–2.05, P = 0.043), and estrogen receptor‐positive patients (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.11–1.92, P = 0.006), regardless of tumor stages. The results are consistent with the functional analyses of rs16430 as previously reported, which showed that the 0bp allele had a decrease in both luciferase activity by ∼70% and mRNA levels by ∼50% compared with the 6bp allele. Additionally, the rs16430 variant was predicted to influence the binding activity of miR‐561. Taken together, these findings indicate that the TYMS rs16430 may contribute to the etiology of sporadic breast cancer in non‐Hispanic white women aged ≤55 yr. Further validation in large population‐based or cohort studies is needed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fat signal suppression for coronary MRA at 3T using a water‐selective adiabatic T2‐preparation technique
Authors: Coristine Andrew J. , van Heeswijk Ruud B. , Stuber Matthias 
Published: October 2013

PurposeTo improve fat saturation in coronary MRA at 3T by using a spectrally selective adiabatic T2‐Prep (WSA‐T2‐Prep).MethodsA conventional adiabatic T2‐Prep (CA‐T2‐Prep) was modified, such that the excitation and restoration pulses were of differing bandwidths. On‐resonance spins are T2‐Prepared, whereas off‐resonance spins, such as fat, are spoiled. This approach was combined with a CHEmically Selective Saturation (CHESS) pulse to achieve even greater fat suppression. Numerical simulations were followed by phantom validation and in vivo coronary MRA.ResultsNumerical simulations demonstrated that augmenting a CHESS pulse with a WSA‐T2‐Prep improved robustness to B1 inhomogeneities and that this combined fat suppression was effective over a broader spectral range than that of a CHESS pulse in a conventional T2‐Prepared sequence. Phantom studies also demonstrated that the WSA‐T2‐Prep+CHESS combination produced greater fat suppression across a range of B1 values than did a CA‐T2‐Prep+CHESS combination. Lastly, in vivo measurements demonstrated that the contrast‐to‐noise ratio between blood and myocardium was not adversely affected by using a WSA‐T2‐Prep, despite the improved abdominal and epicardial fat suppression. Additionally, vessel sharpness improved.ConclusionThe proposed WSA‐T2‐Prep method was shown to improve fat suppression and vessel sharpness as compared to a CA‐T2‐Prep technique, and to also increase fat suppression when combined with a CHESS pulse. Magn Reson Med 72:763–769, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Respiratory viruses are associated with common respiratory pathogens in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Esther Charles R. , Lin Feng‐Chang , Kerr Alan , Miller Melissa B. , Gilligan Peter H. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryObjectivesTest the hypothesis that the link between respiratory viruses and pulmonary exacerbation in cystic fibrosis (CF) reflects increased frequency or severity of lower airways infection.Study DesignMolecular respiratory viral panels (RVPs), cell counts, and quantitative bacterial cultures were assessed in 235 bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples from 138 children with CF. Relationships among the data were analyzed using multivariate methods.ResultsRVPs were positive in 67 (28.5%) BALF samples from 52 (37.7%) patients, with rhinovirus/enterovirus most common (82.4% of RVP+). RVP+ patients were younger (5.4 years, IQR 3.0–9.7 vs. 8.0 years, IQR 3.5–12.9; P < 0.01), more likely to have respiratory symptoms (74.6% vs. 55.2%, P < 0.01), and had higher BALF percent neutrophils (70.5%, IQR 46–85% vs. 59.3%, IQR 34–77%; P < 0.05). Percent predicted FEV1 at bronchoscopy was diminished from baseline in both groups, but recovered in the RVP− (90.2 ± 22.2% vs. 89.6 ± 19.7%, P = 0.62) but not the RVP+ subjects (95.7 ± 21.1% vs. 89.1 ± 18.0%, P < 0.05). RVP status did not alter recovery rates of typical CF respiratory pathogens including Staphylococcus aureus (44.8% vs. 42.9%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (25.4% vs. 25.6%). However, common respiratory pathogens (Haemophilus species, Moraxella species, and Streptococcus pneumoniae) were recovered more frequently from RVP+ samples independent of age (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.8–7.5, P < 0.001).ConclusionsRespiratory viruses were frequently detected in BALF from CF patients and associated with markers of disease severity. Respiratory viruses did not impact frequency or severity of infection with typical CF pathogens, but rates of infection with common respiratory pathogens were increased. This finding may have treatment implications. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:926–931. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
AMPK and FoxO1 regulate catalase expression in hypoxic pulmonary arterial smooth muscle
Authors: Awad Hanan , Nolette Nora , Hinton Martha , Dakshinamurti Shyamala 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundHypoxia and reactive oxygen species (ROS) including H2O2 play major roles in triggering and progression of pulmonary vascular remodeling in persistent pulmonary hypertension. Catalase (CAT), the major endogenous enzyme scavenging H2O2, is regulated in a tissue‐ and context‐specific manner.ObjectiveTo investigate mechanisms by which hypoxia and H2O2 regulate catalase expression, and the role of AMPK‐FoxO pathway, in neonatal porcine pulmonary artery smooth muscle (PASMC).Design/MethodsPASMC were grown in hypoxia (10% O2) or normoxia (21% O2) for 72 hr. We measured catalase activity and lipid peroxidation; CAT, FoxO1, and FoxO3a expression by qPCR; protein contents of CAT, FoxOs, p‐AMPK, p‐AKT, p‐JNK, p‐ERK1/2 in whole lysates, and FoxOs in nuclear extracts, by immunoblot; and FoxO‐1 nuclear localization by immunocytochemistry, quantified by laser scanning cytometry.ResultsHypoxia upregulated CAT transcription, content and activity, by increasing CAT transcription factors FoxO1 and FoxO3a mRNA, and promoting nuclear translocation of FoxO1. However, lipid peroxidation increased in hypoxic PASMC. Among candidate FoxO regulatory kinases, hypoxia activated AMPK, and decreased p‐Akt and ERK1/2. AMPK activation increased FoxO1 (total and nuclear) and CAT, while AMPK inhibition inhibited FoxO1 and CAT, but not FoxO3a. Exogenous H2O2 decreased p‐AMPK and increased p‐AKT in hypoxic PASMC. This decreased active FoxO1, and reduced mRNA and protein content of CAT. Hypoxic induction of CAT, AKT inhibition (LY294002), or addition of PEG‐catalase partly ameliorated the H2O2‐mediated loss of nuclear FoxO1.ConclusionsHypoxia induces catalase expression, though this adaptation is insufficient to protect PASMC from hypoxia‐induced lipid peroxidation. This occurs via hypoxic activation of AMPK, which promotes nuclear FoxO1 and thus catalase expression. Exogenous ROS may downregulate cellular antioxidant defenses; H2O2 activates survival factor Akt, decreasing nuclear FoxO1 and thus catalase. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:885–897. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differential DNA methylation profiles of infants exposed to maternal asthma during pregnancy
Authors: Gunawardhana Lakshitha P. , Baines Katherine J. , Mattes Joerg , Murphy Vanessa E. , Simpson Jodie L. , Gibson Peter G. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryBackgroundAsthma is a complex disease that involves both genetic factors and environmental exposures. Aberrant epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, may be important in asthma development. Fetal exposure to maternal asthma during critical periods of in utero development may lead to epigenetic alterations that predispose infants to a greater risk of developing asthma themselves. We investigated alterations in the DNA methylation profile of peripheral blood from infants exposed to maternal asthma during pregnancy.MethodsPeripheral blood was collected from 12‐month‐old infants born to women with (n = 25) and without (n = 15) doctor diagnosed asthma during pregnancy. Genomic DNA was extracted, bisulfite converted, and hybridized to Infinium Methylation 27 arrays (Illumina), containing over27,000 CpGs from 14,495 genes. CpG loci in only autosomal genes were classified as differentially methylated at the 99% level (P < 0.01, |DiffScore| > 22 and delta beta >0.06).ResultsThere were 70 CpG loci, corresponding to 67 genes that were significantly differentially methylated. Twelve CpG loci (11 genes) showed greater than 10% comparative difference in DNA methylation, including hyper‐methylated loci of FAM181A, MRI1, PIWIL1, CHFR, DEFA1, MRPL28, AURKA, and hypo‐methylated loci of NALP1L5, MAP8KIP3, ACAT2, and PM20D1 in maternal asthma. Methylation of MAPK8IP3 was significantly negatively correlated with maternal blood eosinophils (r = −0.38; P = 0.022), maternal eNO (r = −0.44; P = 0.005), and maternal serum total IgE (r = −0.39, P = 0.015). Methylation of AURKA negatively correlated with maternal hemoglobin (r = −0.43; P = 0.008), infants height (r = −0.51; P < 0.001) and weight (r = −0.36; P = 0.021). Methylation of PM20D1 was lower in infants born to mothers with asthma on inhaled corticosteroid treatment. Methylation of PM20D1 was lower and MRI1 was higher in infants born to atopic mothers without asthma.ConclusionsIn an Australian study population, exposure to maternal asthma during pregnancy is associated with differential methylation profiles of infants' peripheral blood DNA, which may act as risk factors for future asthma development. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:852–862. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trends in eggshell thickness and mercury in common goldeneye and hooded merganser eggs
Authors: Rave David P. , Zicus Michael C. , Fieberg John R. , Savoy Lucas , Regan Kevin 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTEnvironmental contaminants such as dichloro diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury are associated with physiological problems in wildlife. DDT and PCBs were banned in North America in the 1970s, but these contaminants sometimes persist in the environment and can cause reproductive problems, including eggshell thinning. In contrast, mercury deposition from anthropogenic sources is a continuing if not growing concern globally. We measured thickness of common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) and hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) eggshells collected in 2003–2004 in Minnesota, USA, to compare with measurements taken prior to (approx. 1900) and after (1981) widespread DDT use. We also compared egg‐mercury concentration (ppm) in goldeneye and merganser eggs collected in 2003–2004 with a 1981 collection. Mean eggshell thickness was 0.401 mm (SE = 0.003) and 0.606 mm (SE = 0.008) for goldeneyes and mergansers, respectively. This was 9.0% (goldeneyes) and 6.0% (mergansers) greater than in 1981. Mean thickness of goldeneye eggshells remained 7.8% less than the mean prior to widespread DDT use; whereas, merganser eggshell thickness was statistically similar to pre‐DDT thickness. Mean Ratcliffe's index, a measure of eggshell quality, also increased for goldeneyes (2.52, SE = 0.021) and mergansers (3.78, SE = 0.042) since 1981. Goldeneye values were statistically similar to, while merganser values remained 5.6% less than, pre‐DDT values. Geometric mean concentrations of mercury (wet wt) have declined since 1981 in merganser eggs (0.33 ppm, SE = 0.024), and were statistically unchanged in goldeneye eggs (0.13 ppm, SE = 0.011). Continued monitoring of wildlife populations for contaminants is important because wildlife may serve as an indicator of overall ecosystem health. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Does “Conversion Chemotherapy” Really Improve Survival in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients with Liver‐Limited Disease?
Authors: Kataoka K. , Kanazawa A. , Iwamoto S. , Kato T. , Nakajima A. , Arimoto A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe clinical benefits of conversion chemotherapy followed by liver resection for initially unresectable colorectal liver metastases are still controversial. The criteria for unresectability vary from one team to another. To clarify this issue, we retrospectively assessed the survival and characteristics of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients with liver‐limited disease (LLD) who underwent conversion therapy.MethodOur criteria for resectability depended on the size of the remnant liver volume (>30 %) and expected function after removal of all metastases. Between December 2007 and September 2011, a total of 115 patients were diagnosed as having mCRC with LLD and received chemotherapy. Among them, 47 had tumors that were initially diagnosed as resectable. They underwent hepatic resection after chemotherapy (resected group). Of the 67 tumors were initially diagnosed as unresectable, 12 became resectable after chemotherapy (conversion group), leaving 55 tumors that remained unresectable after chemotherapy (unresected group).ResultsThe median follow‐up was 25.2 months. Hepatic resection was more invasive in the conversion group than in the resected group. Median disease‐free survival was significantly higher in the resected group than in the conversion group (p = 0.013). Overall survival (OS) was also higher in the resected group, but the difference was not significant (p = 0.36). However, OS was significantly higher in the conversion group than in the unresected group (p = 0.034). Multivariate analysis of the resected and conversion groups showed that OS was significantly negatively influenced by abnormal carcinoembryonic antigen levels at surgery (p = 0.037) and a hospital stay >30 days (p = 0.009).ConclusionsOur results showed that conversion chemotherapy could contribute to longer OS in mCRC patients with LLD.
Accidentally Ingested Toothpicks Causing Severe Gastrointestinal Injury: A Practical Guideline for Diagnosis and Therapy Based on 136 Case Reports
Authors: Steinbach Catherine , Stockmann Martin , Jara Maximilian , Bednarsch Jan , Lock Johan Friso 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackground
Ingested toothpicks are a relatively rare event, but may cause serious gut injuries with peritonitis, sepsis, or death. Numerous case reports describing the clinical course in this setting are available but there is no concise guideline. The aim of the present study was to develop practical guidelines to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and management of acute tooth pick ingestion.MethodOur Medline search identified 116 publications containing case reports of ingested toothpicks. We then performed a retrospective analysis of patients’ characteristics, medical history, diagnostics, therapy, and clinical outcome.ResultsA total of 136 cases (74 % male, age 52 [5–92] years) have been reported in the literature. From the available information, more than 50 % (n = 48) of patients were not aware of having swallowed a toothpick. The most common presenting symptoms were abdominal pain (82 %), fever (39 %), and nausea (31 %). The toothpick caused gut perforation in 79 % of all patients. The locations of toothpicks prior removal were esophagus (2 %), stomach (20 %), duodenum (23 %), small intestine (18 %), and large intestine (37 %). The diagnostic procedures included endoscopy (63 %), computed tomography scan (63 %), and ultrasound (47 %); however, in 35 % of cases these investigations failed to detect the toothpick. Therapy was surgery in most cases (58 %). The overall mortality was 9.6 %.ConclusionsToothpick ingestion is a medical emergency. Perforations of the intestine are common and the associated mortality is high. Adequate therapy depends on localization of the toothpick in the gastrointestinal tract. Ingested toothpicks should be kept in mind as an important differential diagnosis in patients with acute abdomen.
Central Asia and Japan: Bilateral and Multilateral Relations
Authors: Rakhimov Mirzokhid 
Published: October 2013

With the collapse of the Soviet Union in the 1991s Central Asian nations and Japan established diplomatic relations and partnership began to increase steadily as manifested by the level of official contacts. In 1997 the “Silk Road” Diplomacy concept was formulated for Japan's policy toward Central Asia. In the beginning of 21st century we see activization of new actors including India, Korea and Japan in Central Asia, which were mainly welcomed in the region. Tokyo recognized the growing strategic importance of Central Asia in the context of international security and sought to play a more active role as an Asian nation in Eurasia. During two decades Central Asian nations and Japan partnership began to increase steadily. Japan is one of the largest assistants to Central Asia in structural reforms and Japanese investments to the different aspects of region economy and transport communication add up to several billions. There are several areas of special interest to Japan in its relations with Central Asia, including cooperation in education, economic development of the region, political reforms, as well as energy resources. Japan's effort in creating the “Central Asia plus Japan” dialog is part of its multilateral diplomacy. At the same time there are some challenges and problems in Central Asia–Japan relations. However, there are potentialities for future bilateral and multilateral relations. Japan like Korea, India and other countries has a strong positive image in Central Asia, which could be regarded as an additional factor for fostering partnership of Central and East Asia as well as interregional relation with the vast Asian continent and beyond.