bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual Problems During the First 2 Years of Adjuvant Treatment with Aromatase Inhibitors
Authors: Schover Leslie R. , Baum George P. , Fuson Lisa A. , Brewster Abenaa , Melhem-Bertrandt Amal 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Sexual dysfunction has only recently been recognized as a highly prevalent side effect of adjuvant aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy for breast cancer.

Aims
A cross-sectional survey using standardized measures of female sexual function was designed to provide a detailed view of sexual problems during the first 2 years of adjuvant AI therapy and secondarily to examine whether sexual dysfunction leads to nonadherence to this therapy.

Methods
Questionnaires were mailed to all 296 women in a breast oncology registry who had been prescribed a first-time AI for localized breast cancer 18–24 months previously.

Main Outcome Measures
Items assessed medication adherence, demographic, and medical information. Scales included the Female Sexual Function Index, the Menopausal Sexual Interest Questionnaire, the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, the Breast Cancer Prevention Trial Eight Symptom Scale to assess menopausal symptoms, and the Merck Adherence Estimator®.

Results
Questionnaires were returned by 129 of 296 eligible women (43.6%). Respondents were 81% non-Hispanic white with a mean age of 63 and 48% had at least a college degree. Only 15.5% were nonadherent. Ninety-three percent of women scored as dysfunctional on the Female Sexual Function Index, and 75% of dysfunctional women were distressed about sexual problems. Although only 52% of women were sexually active when starting their AI, 79% of this group developed a new sexual problem. Fifty-two percent took action to resolve it, including 24% who stopped partner sex, 13% who changed hormone therapies, and 6% who began a vaginal estrogen. Scores on the Adherence Estimator (beliefs about efficacy, value, and cost of medication) were significantly associated with adherence (P = 0.0301) but sexual function was not.

Conclusions
The great majority of women taking AIs have sexual dysfunction that is distressing and difficult to resolve. Most continue their AI therapy, but a large minority cease sexual activity.
Chiari‐Like Malformation and Syringomyelia in American Brussels Griffon Dogs
Authors: Freeman A.C. , Platt S.R. , Kent M. , Huguet E. , Rusbridge C. , Holmes S. 
Published: August 2014

BackgroundAlthough Chiari‐like malformation (CM) and syringomyelia (SM) have been described in many small breed dogs, the prevalence and clinical manifestations of this complex have not been documented in a large cohort of American Brussels Griffon (ABG) dogs.ObjectivesTo characterize the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of CM and SM in the ABG breed.AnimalsEighty‐four American Kennel Club registered ABG dogs were recruited.MethodsProspective study. Complete histories and neurologic examinations were obtained before MRI. Images were blindly reviewed and calculations were made by using OsiriX. All analyses were performed by Student's t‐test, Spearman's correlation, ANOVA, and chi‐square test where appropriate.ResultsChiari‐like malformation and SM were present in 65% and 52% of dogs, respectively. Twenty‐eight percent of dogs had neurologic deficits and 20% had neck pain. Mean central canal (CC) transverse height was 2.5 mm with a mean length of 3.6 cervical vertebrae. Neurologic deficits were significantly associated with a larger syrinx (P = .04, P = .08) and syrinx size increased with age (P = .027). SM was associated with a smaller craniocervical junction (CCJ) height (P = .04) and larger ventricles (P = .0001; P < .001).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceSyringomyelia and CM are prevalent in American Brussels Griffon dogs. Syrinx size is associated with neurologic deficits, CM, larger ventricles, a smaller craniocervical junction height, neurologic deficits, and cerebellar herniation. Fifty‐two percent of dogs with a SM were clinically normal.
Monitoring the levels of important nutrients in the food supply
Authors: Neal B. , Sacks G. , Swinburn B. , Vandevijvere S. , Dunford E. , Snowdon W. , Webster J. , Barquera S. , Friel S. , Hawkes C. , Kelly B. , Kumanyika S. , L'Abbé M. , Lee A. , Lobstein T. , Ma J. , Macmullan J. , Mohan S. , Monteiro C. , Rayner M. , Sanders D. , Walker C. ,   INFORMAS
Published: August 2014

SummaryA food supply that delivers energy‐dense products with high levels of salt, saturated fats and trans fats, in large portion sizes, is a major cause of non‐communicable diseases (NCDs). The highly processed foods produced by large food corporations are primary drivers of increases in consumption of these adverse nutrients. The objective of this paper is to present an approach to monitoring food composition that can both document the extent of the problem and underpin novel actions to address it. The monitoring approach seeks to systematically collect information on high‐level contextual factors influencing food composition and assess the energy density, salt, saturated fat, trans fats and portion sizes of highly processed foods for sale in retail outlets (with a focus on supermarkets and quick‐service restaurants). Regular surveys of food composition are proposed across geographies and over time using a pragmatic, standardized methodology. Surveys have already been undertaken in several high‐ and middle‐income countries, and the trends have been valuable in informing policy approaches. The purpose of collecting data is not to exhaustively document the composition of all foods in the food supply in each country, but rather to provide information to support governments, industry and communities to develop and enact strategies to curb food‐related NCDs.
Evidence of temperature‐independent metabolic rates in diurnal Namib Desert tenebrionid beetles
Authors: Lease Hilary M. , Goelst Kathleen , Seely Mary K. , Mitchell Duncan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTo investigate whether the sensitivity to environmental temperature varies between nocturnal and diurnal species of tenebrionid beetle, the metabolic rates of three diurnal species (Onymacris plana Peringuey, Onymacris rugatipennis Haag and Physadesmia globosa Haag) and three nocturnal species (Epiphysa arenicola Penrith, Gonopus sp. and Stips sp.) of beetles from the Namib Desert are measured over a range of temperatures (15–40 °C) that are experienced by these beetles in their natural habitat. The diurnal species O. plana, O. rugatipennis and P. globosa exhibit temperature‐independent metabolic rates (mean Q10 = 1.2) within temperature ranges that are ecologically relevant for diurnal desert beetles (30–40 °C). Onymacris plana, in particular, has a 20–40 °C rate–temperature slope (0.007 log10 mL O2 h−1 g−1 °C−1; Q10 = 1.1) that is less than half that of the other five beetle species (0.022–0.063 log10 mL O2 h−1 g−1 °C−1; Q10 ranges from 1.3–1.9), suggesting that O. plana is more metabolically independent of temperature than the other nocturnal and diurnal tenebrionids being investigated. Animals with metabolic rates that are decoupled from body temperature (or ambient temperature) may have an ecological advantage that allows them to exploit thermal and spatial niches during extreme temperature conditions.
Regression‐based estimation of ERP waveforms: I. The rERP framework
Authors: Smith Nathaniel J. , Kutas Marta 
Published: August 2014

AbstractERP averaging is an extraordinarily successful method, but can only be applied to a limited range of experimental designs. We introduce the regression‐based rERP framework, which extends ERP averaging to handle arbitrary combinations of categorical and continuous covariates, partial confounding, nonlinear effects, and overlapping responses to distinct events, all within a single unified system. rERPs enable a richer variety of paradigms (including high‐N naturalistic designs) while preserving the advantages of traditional ERPs. This article provides an accessible introduction to what rERPs are, why they are useful, how they are computed, and when we should expect them to be effective, particularly in cases of partial confounding. A companion article discusses how nonlinear effects and overlap correction can be handled within this framework, as well as practical considerations around baselining, filtering, statistical testing, and artifact rejection. Free software implementing these techniques is available.
Further Twenty Years of Pathologies? Is Rational Choice better than it used to be?
Authors: Hug Simon 
Published: August 2014

AbstractTwenty years ago the publication of “Pathologies of rational choice” by Donald Green and Ian Shapiro (1994) stimulated a large debate about the usefulness of rational choice approaches in political science. While the publication of this book has fruitfully led rational choice scholars to be more attentive to links between theoretical models and their empirical implications, some misunderstandings about the theoretical contributions of this approach still affect the discipline. Based on a brief summary about the debate I show the directions in which the rational choice literature has evolved and discuss some recent significant contributions.
Signal‐to‐noise assessment for diffusion tensor imaging with single data set and validation using a difference image method with data from a multicenter study
Authors: Wang Zhiyue J. , Chia Jonathan M. , Ahmed Shaheen , Rollins Nancy K. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose:To describe a quantitative method for determination of SNR that extracts the local noise level using a single diffusion data set.Methods:Brain data sets came from a multicenter study (eight sites; three MR vendors). Data acquisition protocol required b = 0, 700 s/mm2, fov = 256 × 256 mm2, acquisition matrix size 128 × 128, reconstruction matrix size 256 × 256; 30 gradient encoding directions and voxel size 2 × 2 × 2 mm3. Regions‐of‐interest (ROI) were placed manually on the b = 0 image volume on transverse slices, and signal was recorded as the mean value of the ROI. The noise level from the ROI was evaluated using Fourier Transform based Butterworth high‐pass filtering. Patients were divided into two groups, one for filter parameter optimization (N = 17) and one for validation (N = 10). Six white matter areas (the genu and splenium of corpus callosum, right and left centrum semiovale, right and left anterior corona radiata) were analyzed. The Bland–Altman method was used to compare the resulting SNR with that from the difference image method. The filter parameters were optimized for each brain area, and a set of “global” parameters was also obtained, which represent an average of all regions.Results:The Bland–Altman analysis on the validation group using “global” filter parameters revealed that the 95% limits of agreement of percent bias between the SNR obtained with the new and the reference methods were −15.5% (median of the lower limit, range [−24.1%, −8.9%]) and 14.5% (median of the higher limits, range [12.7%, 18.0%]) for the 6 brain areas.Conclusions:An FT‐based high‐pass filtering method can be used for local area SNR assessment using only one DTI data set. This method could be used to evaluate SNR for patient studies in a multicenter setting.
Dose response of selected solid state detectors in applied homogeneous transverse and longitudinal magnetic fields
Authors: Reynolds M. , Fallone B. G. , Rathee S. 
Published: August 2014

Purpose:MR‐Linac devices under development worldwide will require standard calibration, commissioning, and quality assurance. Solid state radiation detectors are often used for dose profiles and percent depth dose measurements. The dose response of selected solid state detectors is therefore evaluated in varying transverse and longitudinal magnetic fields for this purpose.Methods:The Monte Carlo code PENELOPE was used to model irradiation of a PTW 60003 diamond detector and IBA PFD diode detector in the presence of a magnetic field. The field itself was varied in strength, and oriented both transversely and longitudinally with respect to the incident photon beam. The long axis of the detectors was oriented either parallel or perpendicular to the photon beam. The dose to the active volume of each detector in air was scored, and its ratio to dose with zero magnetic field strength was determined as the “dose response” in magnetic field. Measurements at low fields for both detectors in transverse magnetic fields were taken to evaluate the accuracy of the simulations. Additional simulations were performed in a water phantom to obtain few representative points for beam profile and percent depth dose measurements.Results:Simulations show significant dose response as a function of magnetic field in transverse field geometries. This response can be near 20% at 1.5 T, and it is highly dependent on the detectors’ relative orientation to the magnetic field, the energy of the photon beam, and detector composition. Measurements at low transverse magnetic fields verify the simulations for both detectors in their relative orientations to radiation beam. Longitudinal magnetic fields, in contrast, show little dose response, rising slowly with magnetic field, and reaching 0.5%–1% at 1.5 T regardless of detector orientation. Water tank and in air simulation results were the same within simulation uncertainty where lateral electronic equilibrium is present and expectedly differed at the beam edge in transverse field orientations only. Due to the difference in design, the two detectors behaved differently.Conclusions:When transverse magnetic fields are present, great care must be taken when using diamond or diode detectors. Dose response varies with relative detector orientation, magnetic field strength, and between detectors. This response can be considerable (∼20% for both detectors). Both detectors in longitudinal fields exhibit little to no dose response as a function of magnetic field. Water tank simulations seem to suggest that the diode detector is better suited to general beam commissioning, and each detector must be investigated separately.
Differences in Isokinetic Strength of the Knee Extensors and Flexors in Men With Isolated and Combined Cruciate-Ligament Knee Injury
Authors: Kaminska Ewa , Piontek Tomasz , Wiernicka Marzena , Cywinska-Wasilewska Grazyna , Lewandowski Jacek , Lochynski Dawid 
Published: August 2014

Context:The extent of knee extensor and flexor weakness after disruption of knee ligaments affects a rehabilitation output and functional recovery and may give prognostic information on a possible risk of development of knee osteoarthritis.Objective:The hypothesis tested was whether patients with a multiple-ligament tear would have larger abnormalities in strength of the knee extensors and flexors than patients with an isolated-ligament rupture.Design:Cross-sectional study, level III.Setting:Outpatient orthopedic clinic.Participants:3 groups of recreationally active men: noninjured control (CON, n = 12), with an anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACLI, n = 10), and with combined anterior and posterior cruciate ligament injury (APCLI, n = 9), matched according to age, body mass, and height.Intervention:All patients received conservative treatment and rehabilitation and awaited ligament reconstruction surgery.Main Outcome Measures:Isokinetic maximum-repetition peak torque per body mass (PT/BM) and total work (TW), PT and TW limb-symmetry index (LSI), and flexor-to-extensor PT ratio were evaluated during concentric knee extension-flexion movements at lower (60°/s) and higher (240°/s) isokinetic velocities.Results:The main finding was that compared with the individuals with ACLI, patients with APCLI produced in their injured limbs lower mean TW (extension: 30.3%, flexion: 28.2%) and had lower mean TW LSI (extension 74% in APCLI vs 91.6% in ACLI; flexion 61.3% in APCLI vs 90.8% in ACLI) at the higher but not lower speed of isokinetic testing. However, at the lower velocity the quantified size of reduction in PT/BM and TW was greater in subjects with APCLI than ACLI as compared with the CON individuals.Conclusions:After bi-cruciate-ligament injury the capacity to produce torque by concentric muscle contractions throughout knee-extension and-flexion movements performed with high speed is lower in injured limbs than after isolated anterior cruciate ligament tear.
Molecular and Clinical Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children
Authors: Felsenstein Susanna , Faddoul Diala , Sposto Richard , Batoon Kristine , Polanco Claudia M. , Dien Bard Jennifer 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Group A
Streptococcus
(GAS) pharyngitis is a very common condition causing significant morbidity in children. Accurate diagnosis followed by appropriate antimicrobial therapy is recommended to prevent postinfectious sequelae. Diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis by a rapid antigen detection test (RADT) or culture in the absence of discriminating clinical findings remains challenging. Validation of new sensitive rapid diagnostic tests is therefore a priority. The performance of a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay (
illumi
gene assay) for the diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis was compared with that of a RADT and standard culture in 361 pediatric throat swab samples. Discrepant results were resolved using an alternate molecular assay. Test results were correlated with clinical presentations in patients positive by either method. The closest estimate of the true prevalence of GAS pharyngitis was 19.7% (71/361 samples). The
illumi
gene assay alone detected 70/71 GAS-positive samples; RADT and culture detected 35/71 and 55/71 samples, respectively. RADT followed by culture confirmation of RADT-negative specimens detected 58/71 cases. The
illumi
gene assay increased identification among children eligible for testing by American College of Physicians (ACP)/American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) criteria from 31 to 39 positive cases, five of which were false positives. Analysis of clinical data in GAS-positive patients indicated that a significantly greater proportion of children with McIsaac scores of ≥4 tested positive by the
illumi
gene assay versus RADT and culture. Overall, the
illumi
gene assay was much more sensitive and was similarly specific for GAS detection, compared to culture alone, RADT alone, or the ACP/AAFP RADT/culture algorithm. Combining high sensitivity with rapidly available results, the
illumi
gene GAS assay is an appropriate alternative to culture for the laboratory diagnosis of GAS pharyngitis in patients for whom testing is clinically indicated.
Rapid Time to Results and High Sensitivity of the CarbaNP Test on Early Cultures
Authors: Lee Lai-yang , Korman Tony M. , Graham Maryza 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

For rapid results, we adapted the CarbaNP test by using 5-hour-old cultures; the sensitivity and specificity for detection of carbapenemase production were 100% for non-OXA-producing organisms. The sensitivity from early cultures was 94% for detection of carbapenemase production in
Enterobacteriaceae
strains. Utilizing younger cultures allows the test to be incorporated into a single day's workflow, facilitating timely patient care and antimicrobial stewardship.
Isolation of Salmonella enterica Serovar Kentucky Strain ST 198 and Its H
2
S-Negative Variant from a Patient: Implications for Diagnosis
Authors: Albert M. John , Al Obaid Khaled , Alfouzan Wadha , Sheikh Abdul Rashid , Udo Edet , Izumiya Hidemasa , Bulach Dieter M. , Seemann Torsten 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

H
2
S-producing multiresistant
Salmonella enterica
serovar Kentucky strain sequence type (ST) 198 and its non-H
2
S-producing variant were isolated from a patient. Whole-genome comparison showed a base addition in the gene encoding molybdenum cofactor biosynthesis protein C, which could affect H
2
S production in the variant. Lack of H
2
S production has implications for diagnosis of salmonella.
Updating the PGMY Primers and Probes for Improved Detection of HPV68a: Validation of Version 2 of the PGMY-CHUV Assay
Authors: Estrade C. , Sahli R. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

HPV68a is not efficiently detected by PCR with the PGMY primers. Version 2 of the PGMY-CHUV assay (PGv2) was developed from version 1 (PGv1) to evaluate HPV68-discordant results with the Anyplex II HPV28 assay. We now report that PGv2 is significantly more sensitive than PGv1 for HPV68a and as sensitive and specific for the other HPV genotypes during a 1-year prospective validation (
n
= 714 samples).
Characterization of Multiple Cytomegalovirus Drug Resistance Mutations Detected in a Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipient by Recombinant Phenotyping
Authors: Drouot Emilien , Piret Jocelyne , Lebel Marc H. , Boivin Guy 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

Cytomegalovirus resistance to antivirals is a major problem in transplant recipients. We evaluated the impact of five mutations (A594V, L595F, and E655K in the
UL97
gene and V526L and E756K in the
UL54
gene), detected in a blood sample from a stem cell transplant recipient, on drug susceptibilities and replicative capacities of recombinant viruses.
Reassessment of Genotype 1 Hepatitis C Virus Subtype Misclassification by LiPA 2.0: Implications for Direct-Acting Antiviral Treatment
Authors: Guelfo Javier R. , Macias Juan , Neukam Karin , Di Lello Federico A. , Mira Jose A. , Merchante Nicolas , Mancebo María , Nuñez-Torres Rocío , Pineda Juan A. , Real Luis M. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT
The accuracy of LiPA 2.0 for hepatitis C virus 1 (HCV-1) subtype classification was analyzed. LiPA 2.0 genotype results from 101 HCV-1-infected patients were compared to genotype findings determined by direct core sequencing. Eleven (11%) samples were misclassified. Given the influence of the HCV-1-subtype in the anti-HCV therapy response, an alternative classification method is warranted.
Characterization of a Novel Thermostable Nuclease Homolog (Nuc
M
) in a Highly Divergent Staphylococcus aureus Clade
Authors: Schaumburg Frieder , Pauly Maude , Schubert Grit , Shittu Adebayo , Tong Steven , Leendertz Fabian , Peters Georg , Becker Karsten 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACT

A thermostable nuclease homologue (Nuc
M
) in an animal-associated divergent clade of
Staphylococcus aureus
in sub-Saharan Africa has a highly divergent nucleotide sequence compared to those of the classical
nuc1
and
nuc2
genes of
S. aureus
. Its deduced amino acid sequences, tertiary structures, and nuclease activities, however, are similar.