bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Utility of a Blood-Based BRAFV600E Mutation Assay in Melanoma
Authors: Panka David J. , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Giobbie-Hurder Anita , Schalck Aislyn P. , Montaser-Kouhsari Laleh , Sepehr Alireza , Lawrence Donald P. , McDermott David F. , Cohen Rachel , Carlson Alexander , Wargo Jennifer A. , Merritt Ryan , Seery Virginia J. , Hodi F. Stephen , Gunturi Anasuya , Fredrick Dennie , Atkins Michael B. , Iafrate A. John , Flaherty Keith T. , Mier James W. , Sullivan Ryan J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBRAF inhibitors (BRAFi) have led to clinical benefit in patients with melanoma. The development of a blood-based assay to detect and quantify BRAF levels in these patients has diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive capabilities that could guide treatment decisions. Blood BRAFV600E detection and quantification were performed on samples from 128 patients with stage II (19), III (67), and IV (42) melanoma. Tissue BRAF analysis was performed in all patients with stage IV disease and in selected patients with stage II and III disease. Clinical outcomes were correlated to initial BRAF levels as well as BRAF level dynamics. Serial analysis was performed on 17 stage IV melanoma patients treated with BRAFi and compared with tumor measurements by RECIST. The assay was highly sensitive (96%) and specific (95%) in the stage IV setting, using a blood level of 4.8 pg as “positive.” BRAF levels typically decreased following BRAFi. A subset of these patients (5) had an increase in BRAFV600E values 42 to 112 days before clinical or radiographic disease progression (PD). From 86 patients with resected, stage II or III melanoma, 39 had evidence of disease relapse (45.3%). Furthermore, BRAF mutation in the blood after surgical resection in these patients was not associated with a difference in relapse risk, although tissue BRAF status was only available for a subset of patients. In summary, we have developed a highly sensitive and specific, blood-based assay to detect BRAFV600 mutation in patients with melanoma. Mol Cancer Ther; 13(12); 3210–8. ©2014 AACR.
Hypercoagulability in overweight and obese subjects who are asymptomatic for thrombotic events
Authors: Radu Claudia M. , Spiezia Luca , Gavasso Sabrina , Fadin Mariangela , Woodhams Barry , Vettor Roberto , Campello Elena , Zabeo Eva , Simioni Paolo 
Published: October 2014

SummaryThe role of circulating microparticles (MP) of different origin and tissue factor (TF)-bearing in overweight and obese patients with and without metabolic syndrome is still a matter of debate. In a case-control study, the presence of hypercoagulability was evaluated in overweight and obese patients by measuring MP, thrombin generation (TG) and FVIIa-AT complexes. Twenty overweight patients (body mass index [BMI] range 25–29.9 kg/m2), 20 with I degree (30–34.9 kg/m2), 20 with II degree (35–39.9 kg/m2) and 20 with III degree obesity (≥ 40 kg/m2) were enrolled and compared to 40 age and gender-matched normal weight individuals. A significant increase in median levels of all MP subtypes was observed in the three degrees of obese patients compared to controls. Overweight patients had higher levels of annexin V-MP (AMP), endothelial-derived, leukocyte-derived and TF-bearing MP than controls. Obese patients had a significantly shorter median lag time (p< 0.05), higher median peak thrombin (p< 0.01) and increased median endogenous thrombin potential [ETP] (p< 0.001) compared to controls. Overweight subjects had significantly increased ETP compared to controls (p< 0.05). Both AMP levels and ETP were found to positively correlate with BMI, waist circumference, and inflammatory parameters. No significant increase in FVIIa-AT complex was seen in cases compared to controls. We conclude that obesity is associated with overproduction of procoagulant MP and increase TG. Interestingly, hypercoagulability is found in overweight patients free of metabolic syndrome and increases with the severity of obesity. Assessment of MP and TG may be helpful in the early characterisation of the prothrombotic state in obese patients.
Educational Resources for Patients Considering a Left Ventricular Assist Device
Authors: Iacovetto Matthew C. , Matlock Daniel D. , McIlvennan Colleen K. , Thompson Jocelyn S. , Bradley William , LaRue Shane J. , Allen Larry A. 
Published: October 2014

Background—
Left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) are being used with increasing frequency to treat severe heart failure. Patients seek out informational resources when considering implantation. The primary study objective was to characterize the scope and quality of available LVAD educational materials.

Methods and Results—
In July 2013, we performed a cross-sectional search of Internet, print, and multimedia resources available to patients considering LVAD. Written materials <10 sentences, videos <2 minutes, and materials clearly directed to healthcare professionals were excluded. Seventy-seven materials met inclusion criteria. Potential benefits of LVAD therapy were discussed in all (n=77), whereas less often mentioned were risks (n=43), lifestyle considerations (n=29), surgical details (n=26), caregiver information (n=9), and hospice or palliative care (n=2). Of the 14 materials that recognized a decision or alternate treatment option, 7 used outdated statistics, 12 scored above an eighth grade reading comprehension level, and 12 met <50% of International Patient Decision Aid Standards criteria. In the survey participants rated all but one as biased toward accepting LVAD therapy.

Conclusions—
Although many resources exist for patients considering an LVAD, the content is suboptimal. Benefits of LVADs are often presented in the absence of risks, alternative options, and caregiver considerations. Most materials use outdated statistics, are above the reading level of average Americans, and are biased toward accepting LVAD therapy. There is no tool that would qualify as a formal decision aid.
Prognosis After First-Time Myocardial Infarction in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease According to Disease Activity
Authors: Kristensen Søren Lund , Ahlehoff Ole , Lindhardsen Jesper , Erichsen Rune , Lamberts Morten , Khalid Usman , Nielsen Ole Haagen , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Gislason Gunnar Hilmar , Hansen Peter Riis 
Published: October 2014

Background—
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. We examined the effect of active IBD on major adverse cardiovascular outcomes after myocardial infarction (MI).

Methods and Results—
In nationwide registries, we identified 86 790 patients with first-time MI from the period 2002 to 2011. A total of 1030 patients had IBD, and we categorized their disease activity stages into either flare (120 days), persistent (>120 days) activity, or remission. Short-term mortality was estimated in a logistic regression-model, whereas risk of recurrent MI, all-cause mortality, and a composite of recurrent MI, cardiovascular death, and stroke were estimated by Cox regression-models. Odds ratio of death during hospitalization or within 30 days of discharge (n=13 339) corresponded to 3.29 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.98–5.45) for patients in IBD flares, 1.62 (95% CI, 0.95–2.77) for persistent activity, and 0.97 (95% CI, 0.78–1.19) for remission when compared with the non-IBD group. Among 73 451 patients, including 863 with IBD, alive 30 days after discharge, IBD was associated with hazard ratios of 1.21 (95% CI, 0.99–1.49) for recurrent MI, 1.14 (95% CI, 1.01–1.28) for all-cause mortality, and 1.17 (95% CI, 1.03–1.34) for the composite end point. When compared with the non-IBD group, IBD flares, in particular, were associated with increased risks of recurrent MI (hazard ratio, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.79–5.32), all-cause mortality (hazard ratio, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.61–3.15), and the composite end point (hazard ratio, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.35–3.06), whereas no increased risk was identified in remission.

Conclusions—
Active inflammatory bowel disease worsens prognosis after MI, in particular, in relation with flares.
Within and between population variations of incubation rhythm of great tits Parus major
Authors: Álvarez Elena , Barba Emilio 
Published: October 2014

Uniparental incubation frequently means that eggs remain unattended for periods where the incubating bird is foraging out of the nest. The determination of incubation rhythms (i.e., the length and temporal pattern of incubation sessions) and the factors which affect them are therefore important to understand life-history trade-offs. We described the incubation rhythm and its temporal variation of a southern European great tit Parus major population, and review previous studies to check for latitudinal trends. In the studied population, females were active (from first exit in the morning to last entrance in the evening) 12.5 h per day, performing incubation sessions (on-bouts) of 26 min and recesses (off-bouts) of 12 min. Thus, they were incubating around 67% of their active day, or 83% of the whole day. Attentiveness (% of time incubating) increased throughout the incubation period, due to shorter off-bouts. The active day was longer as the number of daylight hours increased. We show for the first time in a bird species that attentiveness was constant along a latitudinal gradient ranging from Norway to Spain. Females spend a higher proportion of the daylight hours out of the nest as latitude decreases, compensating incubation time during the longer nights. Off-bouts were shorter in central European populations, increasing towards the north and the south, while on-bouts showed no latitudinal variation.
Role of Cross-Equatorial Waves in Maintaining Long Periods of Low Convective Activity over Southern Africa
Authors: Ratnam J. V. , Behera Swadhin K. , Yamagata Toshio 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
Periods of low convective activity over southern Africa during the peak rainy season from December to February are known to be due to the northeastward displacement of the tropical temperate trough (TTT) systems from the landmass. In this study, using Interim European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Re-Analysis (ERA-Interim) data, the authors show that the displacement of the TTT systems during long periods of low convective activity has origins in the Northern Hemisphere. Using standardized area-averaged outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) daily anomalies over southern Africa, long periods of low convective activity are defined as periods of positive OLR anomalies lasting consecutively for 5 or more days with a standard deviation of 1 or more. An eddy streamfunction anomaly composite of the periods of low convective activity shows an upper-level anomalous wave originating in the Northern Hemisphere and extending to southern Africa from the eastern Pacific and displacing the tropical–extratropical cloud bands from the southern African landmass into the southwestern Indian Ocean. The wave train is also seen to generate an anticyclonic anomaly over southern Africa, resulting in suppressed convective activity. Understanding the causes of the long periods of low convective activity will help in improving their predictability and also the predictability of seasonal rainfall over southern Africa.
Evaluation of Oceanic and Terrestrial Sources of Moisture for the North American Monsoon Using Numerical Models and Precipitation Stable Isotopes
Authors: Hu Huancui , Dominguez Francina 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
This work evaluates the oceanic and terrestrial moisture sources that contribute to North American monsoon (NAM) precipitation over a 30-yr period using the modified analytical dynamic recycling model. This computationally efficient modeling framework reveals previously overlooked moisture source regions such as Central America and the Caribbean Sea in addition to the well-known Gulf of California and Gulf of Mexico source regions. The results show that terrestrial evapotranspiration is as important as oceanic evaporation for NAM precipitation, and terrestrial sources contribute to approximately 40% of monsoonal moisture. There is a northward progression of terrestrial moisture sources, beginning with Central America during the early season and transitioning north into northern Mexico and the NAM region itself during the peak of the monsoon season. The most intense precipitation occurs toward the end of the season and tends to originate in the Gulf of California and the tropical Pacific, associated with tropical cyclones and gulf surges. Heavy stable isotopes of hydrogen and oxygen in precipitation (δD and δ18O) collected for every precipitation event measured in Tucson, Arizona, for the period 1981–2008 complement the numerical results. The analysis shows that precipitation events linked to sources from the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea are more isotopically enriched than sources from the Gulf of California and tropical Pacific. It is also seen that terrestrial regions that derive their precipitation from the Gulf of Mexico are also more isotopically enriched than moisture sources from the Pacific.
Regional white matter abnormalities in drug-naive, first-episode schizophrenia patients and their healthy unaffected siblings
Authors: Lyu Hailong , Hu Maorong , Eyler Lisa T , Jin Hua , Wang Juan , Ou Jianjun , Guo Xiaofeng , He Zhong , Liu Fang , Zhao Jingping , Guo Wenbin 
Published: October 2014

Objective: Shared neuropathological features between schizophrenia patients and their siblings may represent intermediate phenotypes of schizophrenia and can be used to investigate genetic susceptibility to the illness. This study aimed to discover regional white matter abnormalities in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and their unaffected siblings compared to healthy subjects in the Chinese Han population using optimized Voxel-Based Morphometry (VBM). Method: A total of 51 drug-naive, FES patients, 45 of their unaffected siblings and 59 healthy comparisons were studied with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: FES patients exhibited significant regional white matter deficits in the left inferior frontal gyrus and left joint of external capsule and internal capsule compared with healthy subjects (corrected FDR, p<0.005). The sibling group also showed significant white matter deficits in these two regions compared with the healthy comparison group (uncorrected, p<0.001). White matter deficits with a less stringent threshold for significance in the left cerebellum anterior lobe, left middle frontal gyrus, left hippocampus, right anterior cingulate and right internal capsule were observed in patients compared to their siblings. Conclusions: Our findings extend those from previous VBM analyses showing that FES patients and their unaffected siblings may share white matter deficits in the left inferior frontal gyrus and the left joint of external capsule and internal capsule. These regional white matter deficits may be related to genetic factors related to schizophrenia susceptibility.
MSSQ-Short Norms May Underestimate Highly Susceptible Individuals
Authors: Lamb Steve , Kwok Kenny C. S. 
Published: October 2014

Objective: The aim of this study was to provide more reliable and robust norms for the Motion Sickness Susceptibility Questionnaire (MSSQ-Short). Background: The previous norms for the MSSQ-Short involved a small sample overrepresenting younger female participants, which may provide misleading estimates of susceptibility in the general population. Method: We measured MSSQ-Short scores in a sample of 1,711 members of the general public in New Zealand and Australia. The sample is 6.6 times larger than the original norm sample, and age and gender closely match the general population. Results: Compared with the current study, the original norms underrepresent those of high susceptibility by a factor of 3.6, or 0.52 standard deviations. The analysis detected higher levels of susceptibility in females and significantly lower susceptibility in those ages 65 years and older. Conclusion: This study provides the largest sample of MSSQ-Short scores with more representative demographic characteristics of age and gender. Despite the potential for a self-selection bias toward high levels of susceptibility, we argue that the current norms provide more reliable and robust norms than the original sample. Application: These updated norms provide the tools for researchers and designers to evaluate the likely effect of various motion environments on the general population. Robust norm data can inform research, including general motion sickness research and environmental design.
Multi-level biomarker analysis of nitric oxide synthase isoforms in bipolar disorder and adult ADHD
Authors: Kittel-Schneider Sarah , Reuß Martin , Meyer Andrea , Weber Heike , Gessner Alexandra , Leistner Carolin , Kopf Juliane , Schmidt Brigitte , Hempel Susanne , Volkert Julia , Lesch Klaus-Peter , Reif Andreas 
Published: October 2014

Introduction: Several studies have shown altered levels of nitric oxide (NO) and its stable metabolites (NOx-) in blood and cerebrospinal fluid of psychiatric patients. The aim of our study was to replicate previous findings and investigate the influence of the nitrinergic system in bipolar disorder and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (aADHD) in particular. Methods: The concentrations of NO2- and NO3- in peripheral blood in a sample of aADHD, bipolar disorder (BPD) and controls were analysed. The sample was genotyped for a three marker haplotype in the NOS3 gene (rs2070744, rs1799983 and Intron 4 VNTR) and for genetic variants of the NOS1 gene ( NOS1 ex 1c, NOS1 ex 1f). Finally, qRT PCR was performed. Results: We found significantly lower NOx- levels in BPD ( p<0.001). rs2070744 T/T-carriers of the whole sample showed increased mRNA expression of NOS3 ( p=0.05). Only in BPD an influence of rs2070744 was seen regarding NO metabolite levels; C/C carriers displayed lower NOx- levels ( p=0.05). Conclusion: We could replicate and extend previous findings showing altered NOx- levels in BPD and an influence of NOS3 rs2070744 on NOS3 expression and NOx- concentration. Together, these data point to a role of the nitrinergic pathway in BPD.
T2-weighted IDEAL fast spin echo imaging of the brachial plexus: comparison with STIR
Authors: Tomura Noriaki , Saginoya Toshiyuki , Kokubun Mika , Tsuchiya Mario , Yamamoto Teiji 
Published: October 2014

Background Short TI inversion-recovery (STIR) imaging is widely used, but its signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) is relatively low. Iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetric and least-squares estimation (IDEAL) imaging has demonstrated promising results in several areas. Purpose To compare T2-weighted fast spin-echo IDEAL (T2W IDEAL-FSE) with STIR to determine which sequence is superior to image the brachial plexus. Material and Methods The brachial plexus was imaged in 18 patients and six volunteers. The patients’ diseases comprised of: suspected chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), brachial plexus palsy of unknown origin, and suspected amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Frontal partial MIP images were acquired. Image quality was qualitatively and independently scored by two radiologists on a three-point grading scale for noise, visibility of the nerve roots, and overall image quality. Inter-observer agreement of the rating by two readers was assessed. The SNR and contrast-to-noise-ratio (CNR) were quantitatively calculated, and differences between T2W IDEAL-FSE and STIR were compared. Results Qualitatively, each score for T2W IDEAL-FSE was significantly higher ( P < 0.01) than that for STIR. Quantitatively, both SNR and CNR for T2W IDEAL-FSE (45.3 ± 12.6 and 27.1 ± 12.1, respectively) were significantly higher ( P < 0.001) than those for STIR (17.4 ± 6.1 and 8.2 ± 4.7, respectively). Conclusion T2W IDEAL-FSE could be used to replace STIR for visualization of the brachial plexus.
Improved sensitivity of 3.0 Tesla susceptibility-weighted imaging in detecting traumatic bleeds and its use in predicting outcomes in patients with mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Liu Guobing , Ghimire Prasanna , Pang Haopeng , Wu Guangyao , Shi Hongcheng 
Published: October 2014

Background The efficacy of susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) for detecting intracranial bleeds (ICBs) in patients with mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI) has not been directly compared to that of T2*-weighted gradient-recalled-echo imaging (T2*WI). Further, its prognostic value for MTBI patients remains unproven. Purpose To compare the sensitivity of ICB identification between SWI and T2*WI and examine the prognostic value of SWI for MTBI patients. Material and Methods T2*WI, SWI, and clinical information of 63 MTBI patients were collected. Sensitivity was compared between T2*WI and SWI for ICB identification, and statistical analysis was conducted to understand the correlations between SWI and clinical characteristics. Results ICBs were detected in more patients (47 vs. 35, P < 0.001) and more ICBs were detected (276 vs. 147, P < 0.001) on SWI than T2*WI. On SWI, patients with conscious disturbance showed higher ICBs prevalence (84.6% vs. 58.3%, P = 0.020), and more patients from the post-concussive syndrome (PCS)(+) group than the PCS(−)group were ICBs positive (86.1% vs. 59.3%, P = 0.015). The numbers of ICBs were significantly higher in the PCS(+) group than the PCS(−) group ( P < 0.001). Significant correlation was found between PCS and ICBs number (r = 0.510, P < 0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that ICB number was an independent variable predicting occurrence of PCS. Conclusion SWI is more sensitive than T2*WI in detecting hemorrhagic foci in MTBI patients and may offer valuable prognostic information regarding these patients, for example, information on PCS. Further, cerebral parenchymal hemorrhage may affect long-term outcomes in MTBI patients.
Recurrent steroid-responsive cerebral vasogenic edema in status migrainosus and persistent aura
Authors: Kim Yeon-Jung , Kwon Sun U 
Published: October 2014

Background Status migrainosus (SM) and persistent aura (PA) without infarction are complications of migraine. Although several patients have been reported to have reversible brain lesions associated with complications of migraine, their nature and pathophysiology remain unclear. Case We report on a 38-year-old male who presented with nine episodes of SM and PA over eight years. Serial neuroimaging studies including brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), blood flow single photon emission tomography (SPECT),18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and11 C-flumazenil PET (FMZ-PET) demonstrated cerebral vasogenic edema (CVE) with hypoperfusion and hypometabolism in the area, anatomically corresponding to the area with PA. SM and PA were effectively controlled by corticosteroid therapy. Follow-up MRI revealed complete reversibility of the CVE, which was supported by normal FMZ-PET and FDG-PET findings. Conclusion We have described a patient with transient brain lesions associated with complications of migraine who was diagnosed with fully reversible and steroid responsive CVE.