bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BRAF Mutation Predicts a Poorer Clinical Prognosis for Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Xing Mingzhao , Westra William H. , Tufano Ralph P. , Cohen Yoram , Rosenbaum Eli , Rhoden Kerry J. , Carson Kathryn A. , Vasko Vasily , Larin Alexandr , Tallini Giovanni , Tolaney Sara , Holt Elizabeth H. , Hui Pei , Umbricht Christopher B. , Basaria Shehzad , Ewertz Marge , Tufaro Anthony P. , Califano Joseph A. , Ringel Matthew D. , Zeiger Martha A. , Sidransky David , Ladenson Paul W. 
Published: December 2005

Context: Use of BRAF mutation in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) has the potential to improve risk stratification of this cancer.Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of BRAF mutation in patients with PTC.Design, Setting, and Subjects: In a multicenter study of 219 PTC patients, data on their clinicopathological characteristics and clinical courses between 1990 and 2004 were retrospectively collected, and their tumor BRAF mutation status was determined. Associations of BRAF mutation with initial tumor characteristics and subsequent recurrence were analyzed.Main Outcome Measure: Relationships between the BRAF mutation status and clinicopathological outcomes, including recurrence, were measured.Results: We found a significant association between BRAF mutation and extrathyroidal invasion (P &lt; 0.001), lymph node metastasis (P &lt; 0.001), and advanced tumor stage III/IV (P = 0.007) at initial surgery. This association remained significant on multivariate analysis, adjusting for conventional clinicopathological predictors of recurrence excluding the histological PTC subtype, but was lost when the tumor subtype was included in the model. BRAF mutation was also significantly associated with tumor recurrence, 25 vs. 9% with and without mutation, respectively (P = 0.004), during a median of 15 (interquartile range, 3–29) months of follow-up. This association remained significant on multivariate analysis adjusting for conventional clinicopathological predictors of recurrence, even including the PTC subtype (odds ratio, 4.0; 95% confidence interval, 1.1–14.1; P = 0.03). BRAF mutation was even an independent predictor of recurrence in patients with stage I/II disease, 22 vs. 5% with and without BRAF mutation, respectively (P = 0.002). BRAF mutation was also more frequently associated with absence of tumor I-131 avidity and treatment failure of recurrent disease.Conclusions: In patients with PTC, BRAF mutation is associated with poorer clinicopathological outcomes and independently predicts recurrence. Therefore, BRAF mutation may be a useful molecular marker to assist in risk stratification for patients with PTC.
Tissue Thyroid Hormone Levels in Critical Illness
Authors: Peeters Robin P. , van der Geyten Serge , Wouters Pieter J. , Darras Veerle M. , van Toor Hans , Kaptein Ellen , Visser Theo J. , Van den Berghe Greet 
Published: December 2005

Context: Pronounced alterations in serum thyroid hormone levels occur during critical illness. T3 decreases and rT3 increases, the magnitudes of which are related to the severity of disease. It is unclear whether these changes are associated with decreased tissue T3 concentrations and, thus, reduced thyroid hormone bioactivity.
Patients and Study Questions: We therefore investigated, in 79 patients who died after intensive care and who did or did not receive thyroid hormone treatment, whether total serum thyroid hormone levels correspond to tissue levels in liver and muscle. Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between tissue thyroid hormone levels, deiodinase activities, and monocarboxylate transporter 8 expression.
Results: Tissue iodothyronine levels were positively correlated with serum levels, indicating that the decrease in serum T3 during illness is associated with decreased levels of tissue T3. Higher serum T3 levels in patients who received thyroid hormone treatment were accompanied by higher levels of liver and muscle T3, with evidence for tissue-specific regulation. Tissue rT3 and the T3/rT3 ratio were correlated with tissue deiodinase activities. Monocarboxylate transporter 8 expression was not related to the ratio of the serum over tissue concentration of the different iodothyronines.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that, in addition to changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis, tissue-specific mechanisms are involved in the reduced supply of bioactive thyroid hormone in critical illness.
Steroidogenesis in Aldosterone-Producing Adenoma Revisited by Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Assié Guillaume , Auzan Colette , Gasc Jean-Marie , Baviera Erno , Balaton André , Elalouf Jean-Marc , Jeunemaitre Xavier , Plouin Pierre-François , Corvol Pierre , Clauser Eric 
Published: December 2005

Context: Primary aldosteronism (PAL) is the most frequent cause of secondary arterial hypertension. In PAL, aldosterone production is chronic, excessive, and autonomous.Objective: The objective of this study was to identify the angiotensin-II independent alterations of steroidogenesis responsible for PAL.Design: Genomewide gene expression was compared in two tissues differentiated for aldosterone production, both nonstimulated by circulating angiotensin II and differing in their autonomy to produce aldosterone: aldosterone-producing adenoma (APA) and its adjacent dissected zona glomerulosa (ZG).Setting: The setting of this study was the Comete Network.Patients: Patients with APA were studied.Intervention: Transcriptome comparison was made of one APA and its adjacent ZG by serial analysis of gene expression; validation by in situ hybridization was performed for 19 genes in 11 samples.Outcome: The study outcome was genes differentially expressed in APA and adjacent ZG.Results: Activation of steroidogenesis in PAL is restricted to the overexpression of the enzymes producing aldosterone-specific steroids, aldosterone synthase and also 21-hydroxylase, suggesting that upstream precursor production is not limiting. Increased expression of high-density lipoprotein receptor, adrenodoxin and P450 oxidoreductase suggests that these systems provide cholesterol and electrons to the mitochondrial steroidogenic enzymes. As for acute stimulation of aldosterone production, an activation of calcium signaling is suggested by concordant overexpression of calcium-binding proteins or effectors. Calcium activation may result from an abnormal activity of Gq protein-coupled receptors. This calcium activation may be the starting point of the other gene expression changes observed in APA. Finally, other differentially expressed genes include three genes encoding unidentified proteins.Conclusion: This work provides an original and integrated view of the mechanisms of aldosterone production in PAL.
The Politics of Discretionary Medicaid Spending, 1980–1993
Authors: Kousser Thad 
Published: December 2005

Why do some states choose to spend more than four times as much as others to provide health care to the disadvantaged? Political scientists who have traditionally explored this question by analyzing trends in overall Medicaid expenditures lumped states' discretionary spending in with other money that states are mandated to spend. Analyses of total expenditures found that socioeconomic factors drove spending but that party control of state legislatures made no difference in health policy making.By isolating discretionary state Medicaid expenditues from total spending figures, I reexamine the influences of political as well as economic and demographic factors. The often-doubted importance of party control becomes clear. This study investigates spending patterns in the discretionary portions of state Medicaid programs in forty-six states from 1980 to 1993 and analyzes both incremental program changes and absolute differences in state spending. To discover how greatly the researcher's choice of dependent variables can affect results, optional spending is separated from total spending levels and the variation is modeled in both.Focusing not on the spending that the federal government requires of state officials but on the policies that state officials actually choose allows a balanced exploration of both political and economic effects on welfare expenditures. This research also provides new insights about which forces will shape policy decisions if more and more control of the public health care system is devolved to the states.
Grand Geopolitics for a New Turkey
Authors: Candar Cengiz , Fuller Graham E. 
Published: December 2005

Cengiz Candar is a political columnist at the Turkish newspaperSabah. He was a public policy scholar at the Wilson Center and a senior fellow at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington in 1999. He served as a special advisor to Turkey's President Turgut Ozal on foreign policy issues.
Graham E. Fuller is a resident senior consultant at RAND in Washington and a former vice chairman of the National Intelligence Council at the Central Intelligence Agency. He has written extensively on the geopolitics of the Middle East and Central Asia as well as on Islamic fundamentalism.
Gamma Knife Surgery for Low-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Heppner Peter A. , Sheehan Jason P. , Steiner Ladislau E. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

OBJECT:
Data regarding the long-term efficacy of Gamma knife surgery on a large series of patients with low-grade gliomas is lacking. We aimed to review the outcome of patients with low-grade gliomas undergoing Gamma knife surgery at the Lars Leksell Gamma Knife Center at the University of Virginia to clarify its role in the management of these lesions.

METHODS:
A retrospective review of 49 patients treated between 1989 and 2003 was conducted. The median follow up was 63 months. Gamma knife surgery was generally performed for tumors in eloquent brain, residual tumor post-surgery or for late progression after surgery.

RESULTS:
Median clinical progression free survival was 44 months and median radiological progression free survival was 37 months. Five-year radiological progression free survival was 37% while clinical progression free survival was 41%. Mortality due to tumor progression occurred in 7 patients (14%). Complete radiological remission was seen in 14 patients (29%). Complications due to Gamma surgery were seen in 4 patients (8%). Of these, two resolved without sequelae, one required surgery for neurological decline and associated radiation induced changes, and one patient suffered a permanent neurological deficit from treatment.

CONCLUSION:
Gamma knife radiosurgery is a safe treatment for low-grade gliomas and may be considered in patients with residual or recurrent disease.
Concomitant Ectatic Posterior Communicating Artery and Tentorial Meningioma as a Source of Oculomotor Palsy: Case Report
Authors: Babbitz Jesse D. , Harsh Griffith R. 
Published: December 2005

Abstract

OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE:
Although non-aneurysmal vascular compression of the oculomotor nerve is rare, it should be considered in the evaluation of unilateral oculomotor palsy.

CLINICAL PRESENTATION:
A 36-year-old non-diabetic man presented with two months of intermittent retro-orbital headache and third nerve paresis caused by compression of the oculomotor nerve between an ectatic, atherosclerotic posterior communicating artery (PComA) and a small tentorial meningioma. At operation, the subarachnoid portion of the nerve, prevented from migrating posteriorly and laterally by the meningioma, was grooved by the apex of the artery's loop.

INTERVENTION:
Microvascular decompression (MVD) of the artery loop from the nerve and resection of the meningioma were performed. Postoperatively, the patient's retro-orbital headache and oculomotor paresis, with the exception of mild anisocoria, resolved. Tumor infiltrating the posterior tentorium and lateral cavernous sinus was treated by Cyberknife radiosurgery five months later. One year after surgery, the patient had improvement in his headaches, full extra-ocular movements, and minimal residual anisocoria.

CONCLUSION:
Only one other report describes MVD of the third nerve from PComA compression. A review is presented of MVD carried out for similar cases of non-aneurysmal vascular compression of the oculomotor nerve. By analogy from cases in which an aneurysm is the compressing vascular structure, prompt surgical treatment is advocated. Complete evaluation of an isolated third nerve palsy should include MRI sequences designed to detect vascular compression of cranial nerves.
Immobilization of Pybox Ligand on Modified Starch
Authors: Cornejo Alfonso , Martinez-Merino Victor , Gil Maria J , Valerio Christine , Pinel Catherine 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Starch, one of the most abundant natural polymer was used as support for chiral pyridine–bis(oxazoline) ligand. The corresponding ruthenium complex was used as catalyst in cyclopropanation reaction of styrene with ethyl diazoacetate. Yield, diastereoisomeric excess and enantiomeric excess kept constant after 3 runs.
Evaluation of RNA Structures by Using a Probe-immobilized 27 MHz Quartz Crystal Microbalance
Authors: Ozeki Tomomitsu , Furusawa Hiroyuki , Okahata Yoshio 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Binding behaviors of RNAs to a complementary ssDNA-immobilized quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) were consistent with the predicted secondary structure of RNA including a loop, stem, bulge, tail, and single strand domains.
Supramolecular Two-dimensional Arrays with Phenyl/Perfluorophenyl Interactions Constructed from One-dimensional Coordination Polymers
Authors: Kasai Kayoko 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Supramolecular assembly of Cd(NO3)2, aniline derivatives and fluorinated ligand 1,4-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene (bpf) afforded one-dimensional coordination polymers [Cd(bpf)(aniline)2(NO3)2]n (1), [Cd(bpf)(p-toluidine)2(NO3)2]n (2), and {[Cd(bpf)(p-bromoaniline)2(NO3)2]·(p-bromoaniline)2}n (3). The 1D polymers of 1 and 2 were connected through phenyl/perfluorophenyl interaction to give supramolecular two-dimensional arrays while no such interaction in 3 due to the bulky Br group.
Enantioselective Synthesis of 3,4-Dihydropyran-2-ones by Chiral Quaternary Ammonium Phenoxide-catalyzed Tandem Michael Addition and Lactonization
Authors: Tozawa Takashi , Yamane Yoshinobu , Mukaiyama Teruaki 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
Chiral quaternary ammonium phenoxides derived from cinchona alkaloids were easily synthesized and were effectively employed in the tandem Michael addition and lactonization between α,β-unsaturated ketones and a silyl enolate derived from phenyl isobutyrate, and optically active 3,4-dihydropyran-2-ones were afforded in high yields with high enantiomeric excesses.
Measurement and Analysis of Vibration Levels in Commercial Truck Shipments in Thailand and Its Impact on Packaged Produce
Authors: Paul Singh S , Jarimopas B , Saengnil W 
Published: December 2005

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to measure and analyze the vibration levels in commercial truck shipments in Thailand. Trucks with leaf spring suspensions are the most common logistics method to move products in South East Asia. This study measured the vibration levels in two of the most commonly used truck types used to ship packaged goods as a function of road condition and vehicle speed.
The data presented in this study will assist product and package designers to reduce damage in transit by using the recommended vibration test spectrums to evaluate products and packages prior to shipment. The data can also be used by test development organizations as part of lab-simulated methods to perform preshipment tests on packaged goods. The test shipments in this study consisted of packaged tangerine fruit from orchards to retailers.
The results showed that an increase in truck speed resulted in an increase in vibration levels and damage to packaged fruit. The laterite (unpaved gravel surface) road condition produced the highest vibration level for a given truck and traveling speed followed by concrete highway and asphalt road conditions. Fruit damage was found to be greatest in the uppermost container for every combination of road, truck type, and traveling speed, which also corresponded to the highest vibration levels recorded. Results of damage in packaged tangerine fruit as a function of location in the payload is also presented.
Catalase activity in equine semen
Authors: Ball Barry A. , Gravance Curtis G. , Medina Victor , Baumber Julie , Liu Irwin K. M. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To characterize the activity of catalase in equine semen.Animals—15 stallions of known and unknown reproductive history.Procedure—Seminal plasma was collected from raw equine semen by centrifugation, and samples of seminal plasma were frozen prior to assay for catalase activity. Tissue samples (n = 3 stallions) from the bulbourethral gland, prostate gland, vesicular gland, and testis were homogenized, and cauda epididymal fluid was collected for determination of catalase activity. Catalase activity was determined as an enzyme kinetic assay by the disappearance of H2O2as measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry.Results—Catalase activity in equine seminal plasma was 989.3 ± 167.8 U/ml (mean ± SEM), and the specific activity of catalase in equine seminal plasma was 98.7 ± 29.2 U/mg of protein. Specific activity of catalase in tissue homogenates was significantly higher in the prostate gland (954 ± 270 U/mg of protein) than in the ampulla (59 ± 5 U/mg of protein), bulbourethral gland (54 ± 11 U/mg of protein), vesicular gland (39 ± 3 U/mg of protein), cauda epididymal fluid (11 ± 3 U/mg protein), or testis (54 ± 6 U/mg of protein).Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Equine seminal plasma contains a high activity of catalase that is derived primarily from prostatic secretions. Procedures such as semen cryopreservation that remove most seminal plasma from semen may reduce the ability to scavenge H2O2and thereby increase the susceptibility of spermatozoa to oxidative stress. (Am J Vet Res2000;61:1026–1030)
Kinematics of the hind limb in trotting horses after induced lameness of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints and intra-articular administration of anesthetic
Authors: Kramer Joanne , Keegan Kevin G. , Wilson David A. , Smith Bryan K. , Wilson Daniel J. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To identify hind limb and pelvic kinematic variables that change in trotting horses after induced lameness of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints and after subsequent intra-articular administration of anesthetic.Animals—8 clinically normal adult horses.Procedure—Kinematic measurements were made before and after transient endotoxin-induced lameness of the distal intertarsal and tarsometatarsal joints and after intra-articular administration of anesthetic. Fourteen displacement and joint angle (metatarsophalangeal [fetlock] and tarsal joints) measurements were made on the right hind limb, sacrum, and the right and left tubera coxae. Kinematic measurements were compared by general linear models, using a repeated measures ANOVA. Post hoc multiple comparisons between treatments were evaluated with a Fisher least squared difference test at α = 0.05.Results—After lameness induction, fetlock and tarsal joint extension during stance decreased, fetlock joint flexion and hoof height during swing increased, limb protraction decreased, and vertical excursion of the tubera coxae became more asymmetric. After intra-articular administration of anesthetic, limb protraction returned to the degree seen before lameness, and vertical excursion of the tubera coxae became more symmetric.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Increased length of hind limb protraction and symmetry of tubera coxae vertical excursion are sensitive indicators of improvement in tarsal joint lameness. When evaluating changes in tarsal joint lameness, evaluating the horse from the side (to assess limb protraction) is as important as evaluating from the rear (to assess pelvic symmetry). (Am J Vet Res2000;61:1031–1036)
Evaluation of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues obtained from vaccine site-associated sarcomas of cats for DNA of feline immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Kidney Beverly A. , Ellis John A. , Haines Deborah M. , Jackson Marion L. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To evaluate the use of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for detection of feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) DNA, using formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded (FFPE) tissues, and to use this method to evaluate tissues obtained from vaccine site-associated sarcomas (VSS) of cats for FIV DNA.Sample Population—50 FFPE tissue blocks from VSS of cats and 50 FFPE tissue blocks from cutaneous non-vaccine site-associated fibrosarcomas (non-VSS) of cats.Procedure—DNA was extracted from FFPE sections of each tumor and regions of thegaggene of FIV were amplified by a PCR, using 3 sets of primers. Sensitivity of the method was compared between frozen and FFPE tissues, using splenic tissue obtained from a cat that had been experimentally infected with FIV.Results—We did not detect FIV DNA in VSS or non- VSS tissues. Sensitivity of the PCR method was identical for frozen or FFPE tissues.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—It is possible to detect FIV DNA in FFPE tissues by use of a PCR. We did not find evidence to support direct FIV involvement in the pathogenesis of VSS in cats. (Am J Vet Res2000;61:1037–1041)
Herd characteristics and management practices associated with bulk-tank somatic cell counts in herds in official Dairy Herd Improvement Association programs in Ohio
Authors: Khaitsa Margaret L. , Wittum Thomas E. , Smith K. Larry , Henderson Janet L. , Hoblet Kent H. 
Published: December 2005

AbstractObjective—To identify herd characteristics and management practices associated with bulk-tank somatic cell counts (BTSCC) in dairy herds in Ohio enrolled in official Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) programs.Sample Population—186 dairies in Ohio.Procedure—All herds in official DHIA programs in 9 counties were asked to participate. Extensive information regarding herd characteristics and management practices was obtained, using a standardized questionnaire. Bulk-tank milk samples were requested from all participating herds for bacterial culture. Official DHIA test-day records for January 1997 were obtained from all herds enrolled in official DHIA programs in the 9 counties. Potential associations were identified, using multivariable ANOVA.Results—Participation was 186 of 479 (39%) herds.Streptococcus agalactiaeandMycoplasmaspp were not isolated from bulk-tank milk samples.Staphylococcus aureuswas isolated from 64 of 172 (37%) of the herds. The BTSCC were inversely associated with peak daily milk production, postmilking teat disinfection, percentage of eligible cows in the herd detected in estrus, and directly related to the extent to which BTSCC was perceived as a herd problem during the preceding 2 years. Type of housing for nonlactating cows and product used for treatment of nonlactating cows also were significantly associated with BTSCC.Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Consideration of herd characteristics and implementation of management practices associated with BTSCC could result in increased milk yield and production of milk with lower BTSCC. (Am J Vet Res2000;61:1092–1098)