bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
When is an acoustic neuroma not an acoustic neuroma? Pitfalls for radiosurgeons
Authors: Roos Daniel E , Patel Sandy G , Potter Andrew E , Zacest Andrew C 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionBecause acoustic neuroma (AN), also termed vestibular schwannoma, constitutes by far the commonest intracranial schwannoma and cerebello‐pontine angle (CPA) tumour, there is a risk of overlooking rarer alternative diagnoses with similar clinical and/or radiological features. The purpose of this article is to highlight to radiosurgeons the potentially serious implications of this problem through illustrative case studies.MethodsOur linac stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) technique has been previously described, with stereotactic headring fixation and treatment delivered via cones or micro‐multileaf collimators using multiple arcs or static beams.ResultsBetween November 1993 and October 2014, we treated 132 patients referred with a clinical diagnosis of AN, the vast majority with 12 Gy marginal dose. Three of these (2.3%), evident either at the time of treatment (2) or subsequently (1), had features instead consistent with cochlear schwannoma, facial schwannoma and meningioma, respectively. Each warranted significant modification to standard AN outlining and fields. The meningioma progressed due to geographic miss. One other patient with recurrent facial schwannoma (not yet needing SRS) was also referred with an incorrect diagnosis of AN.ConclusionWhen rare variants of common medical problems are not identified before referral, there is a risk that ‘blinkering’ can lead to misdiagnosis and suboptimal treatment. Radiosurgeons need to be particularly mindful of this issue with AN, which can mimic several other tumours occurring in the CPA region, albeit with different patterns of spread. Optimal imaging, high‐quality radiology reporting and neuroradiology input at the time of SRS planning within the setting of a specialised multidisciplinary team are highly desirable.
Would you bet on PET? Evaluation of the significance of positive PET scan results post‐microwave ablation for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zaheer Syed N , Whitley Justin M , Thomas Paul A , Steinke Karin 
Published: June 2015

SummaryFluodeoxyglucose‐positron emission tomography (FDG‐PET) imaging is an acknowledged modality for the follow‐up of solid tumours treated with thermal ablation, with persistent or new FDG uptake at the ablation site considered to be a reliable indicator of local recurrence. Several cases of proven false‐positive FDG‐PET scans are illustrated in this pictorial essay with uptake at the site of the ablated tumour, remote from the ablated lesion and in mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes. Positive FDG‐PET scans post‐thermal ablation of lung tumours therefore cannot always reliably predict local tumour recurrence or nodal spread. It is important to be familiar with FDG uptake patterns post‐ablation and their significance. FDG‐PET avid lesions post‐ablation may require histological confirmation before further therapy is planned or management is changed.
A randomized clinical trial of the effects of ultra‐low‐dose naloxone infusion on postoperative opioid requirements and recovery
Authors: Xiao Y. , Wu L. , Zhou Q. , Xiong W. , Duan X. , Huang X. 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundTolerance to remifentanil during sevoflurane anesthesia may increase postoperative analgesic requirements. Low‐dose naloxone not only has been shown to block the development of acute opioid tolerance but also to ameliorate undesired opioid‐induced side effects. We hypothesized that naloxone prevents the acute opioid tolerance produced by a large dose of remifentanil, and reduces the incidence of opioid‐induced side effects.MethodsSeventy‐two patients undergoing open colorectal surgery were randomly assigned to receive intraoperative remifentanil (1) small dose at 0.1 μg/kg/min; (2) large dose at 0.30 μg/kg/min; or (3) large dose at 0.30 μg/kg/min combined with low‐dose naloxone at 0.25 μg/kg/h just after the induction. Cumulative morphine consumption, postoperative pain scores, incidence of opioid‐related side effects, time to recovery of bowel function, and length of hospital stay were recorded.ResultsCumulative morphine consumption at 24 h after surgery was higher in the large‐dose remifentanil group (28 ± 12 mg) compared with the small‐dose remifentanil group (17 ± 12 mg), and large‐dose remifentanil–naloxone group (18 ± 9 mg), (P < 0.001). The median time to return of bowel function was shorter in the large‐dose remifentanil–naloxone group than the other two groups (P < 0.05). The median length of hospital stay was lower in the large‐dose remifentanil–naloxone group (8 [interquartile range: 8–12] days) compared with the small‐dose remifentanil group (12 [interquartile range: 9–15] days) and large‐dose remifentanil group (12 [interquartile range: 10–13] days), (P < 0.001).ConclusionNaloxone infusion prevented the acute opioid tolerance, provided a quicker recovery of bowel function, and reduced the length of hospital stay after open colorectal surgery.
Genomewide Association Study for Maximum Number of Alcoholic Drinks in European Americans and African Americans
Authors: Xu Ke , Kranzler Henry R. , Sherva Richard , Sartor Carolyn E. , Almasy Laura , Koesterer Ryan , Zhao Hongyu , Farrer Lindsay A. , Gelernter Joel 
Published: June 2015

BackgroundWe conducted a genomewide association study (GWAS) for maximum number of alcoholic drinks consumed in a 24‐hour period (“MaxDrinks”), in 2 independent samples comprised of over 9,500 subjects, following up on our GWAS for alcohol dependence (AD) in European Americans (EAs) and African Americans (AAs).MethodsThe samples included our GWAS samples (Yale‐UPenn) recruited for studies of the genetics of drug or AD, and a publicly available sample: the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE). Genomewide association analysis was performed for ~890,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using linear association random effects models. EAs and AAs were separately analyzed.ResultsThe results confirmed significant associations of the well‐known functional loci at ADH1B with MaxDrinks in EAs (rs1229984 Arg48His p = 5.96 × 10−15) and AAs (rs2066702 Arg370Cys, p = 2.50 × 10−10). The region of significant association on chromosome 4 was extended to LOC100507053 in AAs but not EAs. We also identified potentially novel significant common SNPs for MaxDrinks in EAs in the Yale‐UPenn sample: rs1799876 at SERPINC1 on chromosome 1 (4.00 × 10−8) and rs2309169 close to ANKRD36 on chromosome 2 (p = 5.58 × 10−9). After adjusting for the peak SNP rs1229984 on ADH1B, rs1799876 was nearly significant (p = 1.99 × 10−7) and rs2309169 remained highly significant (2.12 × 10−9).ConclusionsThe results provide further support that ADH1B modulates alcohol consumption. Future replications of potential novel loci are warranted. This is the largest MaxDrinks GWAS to date, the first in AAs.
Corporate governance and the probability of default
Authors: Schultz Emma L. , Tan David T. , Walsh Kathleen D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe employ Merton's probability of default as a continuous ex‐ante measure of the likelihood of firm failure and dynamic panel generalised method of moments to better characterise the relationship between corporate governance and the chance of default. In doing so, we overcome limitations of discrete proxies widely used in previous studies and more completely account for endogeneity issues permeating this area of research. While initial testing designed to facilitate comparison with previous studies suggests a significant relationship between the probability of default and executive pay, board structure and ownership structure, once endogeneity concerns are accounted for, no such relationship remains.
Comparison of striatal dopamine transporter levels in chronic heroin‐dependent and methamphetamine‐dependent subjects
Authors: Yuan Jie , Liu Xing Dang , Han Mei , Lv Rong Bin , Wang Yuan Kai , Zhang Guang Ming , Li Yu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTo compare the effects of heroin and methamphetamine (METH) addiction on dopamine transporters (DATs) in the same dose and duration, we assessed DAT levels in the striatum by 99mTc‐TRODAT‐1 single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) brain images in people with heroin and METH dependence. We recruited 21 healthy human controls, 23 heroin‐dependent subjects and 25 METH abusers. The heroin‐ and METH‐dependent subjects exhibited negative urine toxicology after undergoing physiological detoxification. All subjects underwent SPECT brain imaging, and specific tracer uptake ratios (SURs) were assessed bilaterally in the regions of interest. A significant SUR reduction in heroin‐dependent subjects and METH‐dependent subjects compared with healthy controls was found in the left striatum, right striatum, left caudate nucleus, right caudate nucleus, left putamen and right putamen. There were no significant differences in the heroin group and METH group for the left striatum, right striatum, left caudate nucleus, right caudate nucleus, left putamen and right putamen. The scores of craving, HAMA (Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale), in heroin abusers were lower than in the METH abusers. Our results show that people with heroin and METH dependence who are currently abstinent had lower DAT levels in the striatum than healthy controls. There were no differences in striatal DAT in heroin and METH users. These results suggest that chronic heroin and METH abuse appears to produce similar effects in striatal DAT in humans. METH users may have more serious craving and anxiety symptoms than heroin users with prolonged abstinence.
Griffith Edwards’ rigorous sympathy with Alcoholics Anonymous
Authors: Humphreys Keith 
Published: June 2015

AbstractGriffith Edwards made empirical contributions early in his career to the literature on Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), but the attitude he adopted towards AA and other peer‐led mutual help initiatives constitutes an even more important legacy. Unlike many treatment professionals who dismissed the value of AA or were threatened by its non‐professional approach, Edwards was consistently respectful of the organization. However, he never became an uncritical booster of AA or overgeneralized what could be learnt from it. Future scholarly and clinical endeavors concerning addiction‐related mutual help initiatives will benefit by continuing Edwards’ tradition of ‘rigorous sympathy’.
Basophils exhibit antibacterial activity through extracellular trap formation
Authors: Yousefi S. , Morshed M. , Amini P. , Stojkov D. , Simon D. , von Gunten S. , Kaufmann T. , Simon H.‐U. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBasophils are primarily associated with immunomodulatory functions in allergic diseases and parasitic infections. Recently, it has been demonstrated that both activated human and mouse basophils can form extracellular DNA traps (BETs) containing mitochondrial DNA and granule proteins. In this report, we provide evidence that, in spite of an apparent lack of phagocytic activity, basophils can kill bacteria through BET formation.
Inverse Adaptive Cluster Sampling with Unequal Selection Probabilities: Case Studies on Crab Holes and Arsenic Pollution
Authors: Salehi Mohammad , Moradi Mohammad , Al Khayat Jassim A. , Brown Jennifer , Yousif Adil Eltayeb Mohamed 
Published: June 2015

SummaryAdaptive cluster sampling is an efficient method of estimating the parameters of rare and clustered populations. The method mimics how biologists would like to collect data in the field by targeting survey effort to localised areas where the rare population occurs. Another popular sampling design is inverse sampling. Inverse sampling was developed so as to be able to obtain a sample of rare events having a predetermined size. Ideally, in inverse sampling, the resultant sample set will be sufficiently large to ensure reliable estimation of population parameters. In an effort to combine the good properties of these two designs, adaptive cluster sampling and inverse sampling, we introduce inverse adaptive cluster sampling with unequal selection probabilities. We develop an unbiased estimator of the population total that is applicable to data obtained from such designs. We also develop numerical approximations to this estimator. The efficiency of the estimators that we introduce is investigated through simulation studies based on two real populations: crabs in Al Khor, Qatar and arsenic pollution in Kurdistan, Iran. The simulation results show that our estimators are efficient.
Prevention of transient liver damage after laparoscopic gastrectomy via modification of the liver retraction technique using the Nathanson liver retractor
Authors: Kitajima Toshihiro , Shinohara Hisashi , Haruta Shusuke , Momose Kota , Ueno Masaki , Udagawa Harushi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionAlthough laparoscopic radical gastrectomy has several advantages over conventional surgery, postoperative liver dysfunction is an unwanted complication. The major cause is considered to be use of mechanical liver retraction. To prevent liver damage after laparoscopic gastrectomy, we modified the liver retraction method: the retractor was used only after lymph node dissection along the greater curvature had been completed, and it was released before reconstruction and intermittent repositioning to avoid discoloration of the liver parenchyma. This study sought to determine whether postoperative liver dysfunction could be prevented by making these simple modifications.MethodsIn this retrospective study involving 114 laparoscopic gastrectomy patients, postoperative serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin levels were compared between laparoscopic gastrectomy patients who had undergone the modified procedure and those who had not. Discoloration of the liver was classified into three groups just before the retractor was released at the end of surgery.ResultsAspartate aminotransferase and ALT levels on postoperative days 1 and 2 and the proportion of patients with elevated aspartate aminotransferase or ALT levels on postoperative day 1 were significantly lower after the modifications. ALT level on postoperative day 1 was significantly higher in the subgroup with broad liver discoloration.ConclusionsReducing the duration of liver retraction and moving the position of the retractor or releasing it intermittently before discoloration of the liver parenchyma may be effective for preventing postoperative liver damage.
Incorporating risk assessment into the formative evaluation of an authentic e‐learning program
Authors: Vesper James L. , Kartoğlu Ümit , Herrington Jan , Reeves Thomas C. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis paper describes the use of two different risk assessment strategies during the design and development of a complex authentic task‐based e‐learning program developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The first strategy involved the use of expert reviewers and the second strategy employed the engagement of a risk assessment expert facilitator. This approach enabled the WHO design team to identify risks in advance and employ control and mitigation strategies to eliminate or reduce the risks that were revealed by the two risk assessments.
Neurorestoration induced by the HDAC inhibitor sodium valproate in the lactacystin model of Parkinson's is associated with histone acetylation and up‐regulation of neurotrophic factors
Authors: Harrison Ian F , Crum William R , Vernon Anthony C , Dexter David T 
Published: June 2015

Background and PurposeHistone hypoacetylation is associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), due possibly to an imbalance in the activities of enzymes responsible for histone (de)acetylation; correction of which may be neuroprotective/neurorestorative. This hypothesis was tested using the anti‐epileptic drug sodium valproate, a known histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI), utilizing a delayed‐start study design in the lactacystin rat model of PD.Experimental ApproachThe irreversible proteasome inhibitor lactacystin was unilaterally injected into the substantia nigra of Sprague–Dawley rats that subsequently received valproate for 28 days starting 7 days after lactacystin lesioning. Longitudinal motor behavioural testing, structural MRI and post‐mortem assessment of nigrostriatal integrity were used to track changes in this model of PD and quantify neuroprotection/restoration. Subsequent cellular and molecular analyses were performed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying valproate's effects.Key ResultsDespite producing a distinct pattern of structural re‐modelling in the healthy and lactacystin‐lesioned brain, delayed‐start valproate administration induced dose‐dependent neuroprotection/restoration against lactacystin neurotoxicity, characterized by motor deficit alleviation, attenuation of morphological brain changes and restoration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Molecular analyses revealed that valproate alleviated lactacystin‐induced histone hypoacetylation and induced up‐regulation of brain neurotrophic/neuroprotective factors.Conclusions and ImplicationsThe histone acetylation and up‐regulation of neurotrophic/neuroprotective factors associated with valproate treatment culminate in a neuroprotective and neurorestorative phenotype in this animal model of PD. As valproate induced structural re‐modelling of the brain, further research is required to determine whether valproate represents a viable candidate for disease treatment; however, the results suggest that HDACIs could hold potential as disease‐modifying agents in PD.
Effects of acute and chronic sunitinib treatment on cardiac function and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase II
Authors: Mooney L , Skinner M , Coker S J , Currie S 
Published: June 2015

Background and PurposeCalcium/calmodulin‐dependent protein kinase IIδ (CaMKIIδ) is an important regulator of cardiac contractile function and dysfunction and may be an unwanted secondary target for anti‐cancer drugs such as sunitinib and imatinib that have been reported to alter cardiac performance. This study aimed to determine whether anti‐cancer kinase inhibitors may affect CaMKII activity and expression when administered in vivo.Experimental ApproachCardiovascular haemodynamics in response to acute and chronic sunitinib treatment, and chronic imatinib treatment, were assessed in guinea pigs and the effects compared with those of the known positive and negative inotropes, isoprenaline and verapamil. Parallel studies from the same animals assessed CaMKIIδ expression and CaMKII activity following drug treatments.Key ResultsAcute administration of sunitinib decreased left ventricular (LV) dP/dtmax. Acute administration of isoprenaline increased LVdP/dtmax dose‐dependently, while LVdP/dtmax was decreased by verapamil. CaMKII activity was decreased by acute administration of sunitinib and was increased by acute administration of isoprenaline, and decreased by acute administration of verapamil. CaMKIIδ expression following all acute treatments remained unchanged. Chronic imatinib and sunitinib treatments did not alter fractional shortening; however, both CaMKIIδ expression and CaMKII activity were significantly increased. Chronic administration of isoprenaline and verapamil decreased LV fractional shortening with parallel increases in CaMKIIδ expression and CaMKII activity.Conclusions and ImplicationsChronic sunitinib and imatinib treatment increased CaMKIIδ expression and CaMKII activity. As these compounds are associated with cardiac dysfunction, increased CaMKII expression could be an early indication of cellular cardiotoxicity marking potential progression of cardiac contractile dysfunction.
How Does Landscape Modification Induce Biological Homogenization in Tropical Stream Metacommunities?
Authors: Siqueira Tadeu , Lacerda Camila Giaj‐Levra Teixeira , Saito Victor S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHabitat modification can homogenize biological communities. Beta diversity analyses provide key information for understanding biotic homogenization, especially given recent conceptual and methodological advances. Here, we investigated if landscape modification was associated with taxonomic homogenization in 32 stream insect communities from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We investigated: (1) if the way we defined landscape affected our estimates of beta diversity; (2) to what extent changes in species composition versus relative abundance caused the observed homogenization; and (3) if environmental heterogeneity among modified habitats influenced homogenization. We detected taxonomic homogenization caused by landscape modification only when we used refined landscape categorizations and abundance‐based diversity measures. For forested streams, changes in relative abundance rather than absolute taxonomic composition increased the biological variation. Forested streams were generally more heterogeneous, with a variable set of abundant genera; by contrast, non‐forested streams were more homogeneous, with the same set of genera being more or less abundant. We suggest that landscape modification by agriculture, pasture, and silviculture reduces beta diversity by limiting the colonization of potential species, and, ultimately, causing taxonomic homogenization. Studies investigating biotic homogenization should include multiple dissimilarity measures representing changes in relative species abundance and community composition.
Combination with third‐generation bisphosphonate (YM529) and interferon‐alpha can inhibit the progression of established bone renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kurabayashi Atsushi , Inoue Keiji , Fukuhara Hideo , Karashima Takashi , Fukata Satoshi , Kawada Chiaki , Shuin Taro , Furihata Mutsuo 
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the third‐generation nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonate (YM529) can inhibit the progression of established bone renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and to elucidate its mechanism. Antiproliferative effect and apoptosis induction of RCC cells and mouse osteoclasts by YM529 and/or interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α) were evaluated in vitro using cell counting and in vivo using soft X‐ray, the TUNEL method and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase stain. For the in vivo study, male athymic BALB/cA Jc1‐nu nude mice bearing human RCC cell line RBM1‐IT4 cells were treated with YM529 and/or IFN‐α. The biological activity of osteoclasts was evaluated using the pit formation assay. The antiangiogenetic effect by YM529 and/or IFN‐α was analyzed using micro‐vessel density and in situ mRNA hybridization. Osteoclast number in bone tumors was decreased in YM529‐treated mouse. YM529 also inhibited osteoclast activity and proliferation in vitro, whereas basic fibroblast growth factor expressions and micro‐vessel density within tumors were inhibited by IFN‐α. Neither YM529 nor IFN‐α alone significantly inhibited the growth of established bone metastatic tumors. Combined treatment with YM529 and IFN‐α may be beneficial in patients with human RCC bone metastasis. Their effects are mediated by osteoclast recruitment inhibition and inactivation by YM529 and antiangiogenesis by IFN‐α.