Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HIV-associated deficits in action (verb) generation may reflect astrocytosis

Commensurate with the hypothesized neural dissociation between verb and noun generation, research in HIV infection shows that, relative to noun fluency, action (verb) fluency is disproportionately impaired, more strongly related to executive dysfunction, and more sensitive to declines in everyday functioning. However, whether the neurobiological correlates of HIV-associated deficits in verb and noun generation are separable have not heretofore been investigated. The present study examined the biomarker correlates of action and noun fluency in 74 participants with HIV infection. Biomarkers of viral burden, neuroaxonal damage, macrophage activation, neuroprotection, inflammation, and astrocytosis were measured in plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Deficits in action, but not noun generation, were significantly associated with higher CSF levels of S100β, a marker of astrocyte activation, even after controlling for antiretroviral therapy, current immune compromise, and general cognitive impairment. Concurrent validity for the frontal systems hypothesis of verb generation was provided by post hoc analyses demonstrating that S100β was also associated with measures of executive functions, but not semantic memory or psychomotor speed. Overall, these findings suggest that HIV-associated impairment in action fluency, and executive dysfunction more generally, may reflect astrocytosis (i.e., elevated S100β). Complementing the literature in HIV and other clinical populations with frontal systems involvement, these data also support the possible neurobiological dissociation of noun and verb generation.
Long‐term adjuvant therapy for the prevention of postoperative endometrioma recurrence: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Ovulation seems crucial in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriomas. Therefore, suppression of ovulation should be protective against cyst relapse after excision. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the effect of long‐term postoperative medical treatment on the risk of endometrioma recurrence. A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify all the comparative studies published in the last 12 years in the English language literature on the relation between long‐term postoperative adjuvant therapy and risk of endometrioma recurrence. Of the 12 articles assessed in detail, four were finally selected based on surgery for endometriotic cysts, postoperative medical treatment use for ≥12 months vs. expectant management, and ultrasonographic and/or histological diagnosis of endometrioma recurrence. A total of 965 women were enrolled, 726 of whom were in three cohort studies and 239 in one randomized controlled trial. Oral contraceptives (OCs) were always used as postoperative adjuvant treatment. The absolute effect of postoperative OC use was assessed by comparing “always” and “never” users. A recurrent endometrioma was identified in 33 of 423 (8%) “always” OC users and in 117 of 341 (34%) women who underwent expectant management (pooled odds ratio 0.12; 95% confidence interval 0.05–0.29). To define the effect of duration of use, “always” users were compared with “ever” users, and “ever” with “never” users, with a pooled odds ratio of, respectively, 0.21 (95% confidence interval 0.11–0.40) and 0.39 (95% confidence interval 0.23–0.66). Postoperative OC use dramatically decreased the risk of ovarian endometrioma recurrence, especially in women who used OCs regularly and for prolonged periods.
The effects of psychiatric distress, inhibition, and impulsivity on decision making in patients with substance use disorders: A matched control study

In the present study, the decision making abilities of patients with substance use disorders were compared to those of healthy controls and, subsequently, the impact of psychiatric distress, behavioral inhibition, and impulsivity on Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) performance were evaluated. A total of 31 patients and 31 matched healthy controls performed the IGT and completed the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) and the Behavioral Inhibition System/Behavioral Activation System (BIS/BAS). The results confirmed that the patient group had severe impairments on the IGT relative to the controls, which appeared to be virtually unrelated to the employed measures. It is concluded that self-reported psychiatric symptoms, behavioral inhibition, and impulsivity have no impact on the IGT performance in this patient sample.
Efficacy, Effectiveness, Safety and Costs of Acupuncture for Chronic Pain – Results of a Large Research Initiative

Background The aim of the ‘Acupuncture Model Project of the Techniker Krankenkasse’ was to determine efficacy, effectiveness, safety and cost effectiveness of acupuncture treatment in standard medical care. Methods We evaluated a total of 304 674 patients (34.5% men, aged 53.1? 13.8 and 65.5% women, aged 49.5±14.2) who were in the care of over 10 000 physicians and received on average 10? 3 acupuncture treatments for chronic pain (osteoarthritis of the hip or knee, low back pain, neck pain, headache) during a period of three months. Results and conclusions Our findings demonstrate that for the diagnoses examined, acupuncture in addition to usual care was an effective and safe treatment. Whether the effects of acupuncture can be attributed primarily to specific or nonspecific mechanisms appeared to depend on the diagnosis, and should be investigated in further studies. Using acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment was more expensive than usual care alone, but was cost-effective according to internationally accepted threshold values.
Gel‐based separation of phosphoproteins in samples stored in urea/thiourea after precipitation by lanthanum chloride

The recent introduction of the La3+ precipitation method for the enrichment of phosphoproteins allows a gel‐based analysis of these posttranslationally modified proteins. However, if this method is applied to cell lysates stored in urea‐containing lysis buffer for an extended period of time, incomplete phosphoprotein recovery is observed. We ascribe this effect to the presence of urea in the lysis buffer. To overcome this problem various strategies were tested, where cell lysates stored at least for one year were utilized. By applying an optimized protocol approximately 250 proteins could be observed following separation by 2DE.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for relieving acute pain in the prehospital setting: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials

Although medics in many services are equipped with pharmacological analgesia, legislative or logistical restrictions in some systems result in the need to rely on nonpharmacological avenues for the management of acute pain. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) has been proposed as an alternative to analgesic medication that could be feasible and effective in the prehospital setting. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness and safety of TENS when administered by medics to patients with acute pain in the prehospital setting. A systematic literature review was carried out to identify randomized-controlled trials investigating the safety and efficacy of TENS compared with ‘sham’ (placebo) TENS in the prehospital setting. Quality assessment of included studies was carried out to identify potential for bias. Qualitative and quantitative synthesis of results was performed to determine effectiveness and safety. The studies included were meta-analysed using a random-effects model to produce pooled results for comparison of the mean post-treatment pain scores using a visual analogue scale (VAS). Four studies were included in the analysis, all of which were prospective clinical trials of good methodological quality. Meta-analysis indicated that TENS produced a clinically significant reduction in severity of pain [mean VAS reduction 38 mm (95% confidence interval 28–44); P<0.0001] for patients with moderate-to-severe acute pain. TENS produced post-treatment mean pain scores that were significantly lower than ‘sham’ TENS [33 mm VAS (95% confidence interval 21–44); P<0.0001]. TENS was also effective in reducing acute anxiety secondary to pain. No safety risks were identified. When administered by medics in the prehospital setting to patients with acute pain, TENS appears to be an effective and safe nonpharmacological analgesic modality that should be considered by emergency medical services organizations in which pharmacological pain management is restricted or unavailable.
How and why do occupational therapists use the OTseeker evidence database

Background: OTseeker is a free online bibliographic database containing systematic reviews and methodological ratings of randomised controlled trials relevant to occupational therapy. The database aims to help therapists efficiently identify high quality pre-appraised research. Aim: This study explored the search practices of therapists who regularly used OTseeker, what they did with the information retrieved and their perceptions of the database. Sample: A purposive sample of 11 occupational therapists was recruited in 2004. All had visited OTseeker at least five times in the previous 12 months. Study design: Qualitative. Methods: A semistructured interview was conducted with each participant. Grounded theory methods were used for analysis. Findings: Five distinct categories were identified: reasons for visiting OTseeker, learning about OTseeker, search times and locations, using information from OTseeker, and improving OTseeker. Therapists used the database to teach or model evidence-based practice, answer clinical questions and keep up-to-date. Suggestions for improvement focussed on search functionality, access to abstracts and the location of the PEDro rating scale. Only two participants synthesised information from OTseeker into a summary, and/or used it to inform client reports. Conclusion: This study suggests that OTseeker is helping to increase research utilisation by occupational therapists. Further research is needed to help therapists apply research evidence to change practice and policy. © 2006 The Authors Journal compilation
Anaerobic Bacteriology: Clinical and Laboratory Practice

The main title 'Hemopoietic Dysplasias' was the consensus term finally agreed by the participants to a conference on 'Preleukaemic States', which is the subtitle. Although the conference was held in 1975 and the proceedings have been published as Volume 2 Nos. 1-2 of Blood Cells, it is nevertheless helpful to have this reedition because the subjezt is one of great theoretical importance. To contemplate the pathology of sideroblastic anaemia, marrow hypoplasia, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, indeed all those conditions which may prezede overt leukaemia, forces us to conceive how the haemopoietic system functions, how successive stages of proliferation and differentiation are controlled, and how break-downs may occur. The speakers deal expertly with the subject from many aspects-clinical, morphological, experimental, theoretical, and so forth-and their discussions are illuminating. If there is one criticism it is the absence of a cytogeneticist since the chromosomal data receive adequate attention only in the section on radiation leukaemogenesis. The distinction between polyclonal and monoclonal proliferations might have been made and the evidence for progression more clearly demonstrated. There are also errors in the editing: on page 349, for example, there is a reference to 'myeloid dysphasia' and it is almost appropriate! But, all in all, for haematologists and oncologists this is a valuable and thought-provoking book.
Group cognitive behavioural therapy for obsessive–compulsive disorder: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Objective: Behaviour therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) including ERP are considered the psychological treatments of choice for obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), but group CBT/ERP has received relatively little research attention in the treatment of OCD. The aim of this study was to provide a meta‐analysis of the effectiveness of group CBT/ERP for OCD.
Increasing Hospitalizations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Among Children in the United States, 1988–2011

Background:Our objective was to characterize national trends in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-related hospitalizations for children. We hypothesized that over time, improvements in care would be associated with a decrease in hospitalization rates, similar to what has been observed in Canadian children with IBD. Methods:Retrospective, serial, cross-sectional analysis of annual, nationally representative samples of children with IBD. Results:Overall, discharges for all children irrespective of diagnosis decreased from 1988 to 2011 (P for trend <0.001). In contrast, discharges for children with IBD rose over the same time period from 6.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.0–8.2) to 8.2 (95% CI, 5.5–10.9) per 100,000 individuals per year (P for trend <0.001). More of this rise occurred in hospitalizations that did not have IBD-related endoscopy or surgery performed (P for trend <0.001). Although mean length of stay decreased over the study period (P for trend <0.001), total hospital days increased over the latter half of the study with a significant increase over the entire study period (P for trend <0.001). Conclusions:Contrary to clinically informed hypotheses, nationally representative rates of hospitalization for pediatric patients with IBD have increased since the mid-1990s. This directly contrasts with stable rates over the preceding years. Most of the expansion in hospital care seems to be related to hospitalizations that do not include procedures. Several lines of future research may greatly facilitate a better understanding of the epidemiologic, therapeutic, and health care resource issues at play.
Impulsivity, cognitive function, and their relationship in heroin-dependent individuals

There is mixed evidence concerning cognitive function and heroin dependence. In this study, abstinent heroin-dependent individuals (n = 86) and age- and sex-matched non-drug-using controls (n = 88) were compared on self-report measures of impulsivity and computerized assessments of cognitive function. Abstinent heroin-dependent individuals reported greater motor impulsivity and experience seeking and showed functional weaknesses in cognitive ability, including impulsivity and distractibility (d = 0.28 to 0.49), but not decision making or working memory. Self-reported impulsivity was uncorrelated with cognitive function. These results suggest underlying brain-related factors in heroin dependence and have implications for therapeutic intervention.
Phosphoproteomics—More than meets the eye

PTMs enable cells to adapt to internal and external stimuli in the milliseconds to seconds time regime. Protein phosphorylation is probably the most important of these modifications as it affects protein structure and interactions, critically influencing the life cycle of a cell. In the last 15 years, new insights into phosphorylation have been provided by highly sensitive MS‐based approaches combined with specific phosphopeptide enrichment strategies. Although so far research has mainly focused on the discovery and characterization of O‐phosphorylation, this review also briefly outlines the current knowledge about N‐phosphorylation depicting its ubiquitous relevance. Further, common pitfalls in sample preparation, LC‐MS analysis, and subsequent data analysis are discussed as well as issues regarding quality and comparability of studies on protein phosphorylation.
Cytokines, IBD, and Colitis-associated Cancer

Abstract:Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are debilitating conditions that result in intestinal damage due to chronic inflammation. In addition, the perpetual state of inflammation predisposes individuals to the development of colitis-associated cancer. Because of the immense immune cell infiltration into colon, cytokines produced by immune cells are major players in the initiation and progression of IBD and colitis-associated cancer. In this review, we will explore the functions of many key cytokines and their roles in IBD and colitis-associated cancer, as well as their influences on the immune system and stromal cells. Finally, we will briefly discuss current therapies and current clinical trials targeting cytokines in IBD.
Analysis of haptoglobin N‐glycome alterations in inflammatory and malignant lung diseases by capillary electrophoresis

A CE‐based method was introduced to compare the N‐glycosylation profile of haptoglobin in normal and pathologic conditions. To assess the biomarker potential of glycosylation changes in various lung diseases, haptoglobin was isolated from plasma samples of healthy, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and lung cancer patients by means of two haptoglobin‐specific monoclonal antibodies. Haptoglobin N‐glycans were then enzymatically released, fluorescently labeled, and profiled by CE. Disease‐associated changes of core and antennary fucosylation were identified by targeted exoglycosidase digestions and their levels were compared in the different patient groups. Terms such as core‐ and arm‐fucosylation degree, as well as branching degree, were introduced for easier characterization of the changes and statistical analysis was used to examine which structures were responsible for the observed differences. Increased level of α1–6 fucosylated tri‐antennary glycans was found in all disease groups compared to the control. Elevated amounts of core‐ and arm‐fucosylation on tetra‐antennary glycans were detected in the lung cancer group compared to the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group. A larger scale study is necessary to confirm and validate these preliminary findings in the glycosylation changes of haptoglobin, so could then be used as biomarkers in the diagnosis of malignant and inflammatory lung diseases.
Association between cognitive impairments and anxiety disorders following traumatic brain injury

This study examined the association between cognitive impairment and anxiety disorders following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Sixty-six participants recruited from a rehabilitation hospital completed the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM–IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders–Fourth Edition) and cognitive tests at one year post injury. Prevalence of anxiety disorder was 27.3%. Logistic regression analyses revealed that the attention/working memory, information processing, and executive functions models were significantly associated with anxiety disorder. The memory model was not significant. Processing speed emerged as the strongest model associated with anxiety disorder. The role of cognitive impairment in the etiology of anxiety disorders after TBI is discussed, and treatment implications are explored.
Early identification of non‐remission in first‐episode psychosis in a two‐year outcome study

Simonsen E, Friis S, Opjordsmoen S, Mortensen EL, Haahr U, Melle I, Joa I, Johannessen JO, Larsen TK, Røssberg JI, Rund BR, Vaglum P, McGlashan TH. Early identification of non‐remission in first‐episode psychosis in a two‐year outcome study.
Alterations of the Subgingival Microbiota in Pediatric Crohn's Disease Studied Longitudinally in Discovery and Validation Cohorts

Background:Oral manifestations are common in Crohn's disease (CD). Here we characterized the subgingival microbiota in pediatric patients with CD initiating therapy and after 8 weeks to identify microbial community features associated with CD and therapy. Methods:Pediatric patients with CD were recruited from The Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania. Healthy control subjects were recruited from primary care or orthopedics clinic. Subgingival plaque samples were collected at initiation of therapy and after 8 weeks. Treatment exposures included 5-ASAs, immunomodulators, steroids, and infliximab. The microbiota was characterized by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The study was repeated in separate discovery (35 CD, 43 healthy) and validation cohorts (43 CD, 31 healthy). Results:Most subjects in both cohorts demonstrated clinical response after 8 weeks of therapy (discovery cohort 88%, validation cohort 79%). At week 0, both antibiotic exposure and disease state were associated with differences in bacterial community composition. Seventeen genera were identified in the discovery cohort as candidate biomarkers, of which 11 were confirmed in the validation cohort. Capnocytophaga, Rothia, and TM7 were more abundant in CD relative to healthy controls. Other bacteria were reduced in abundance with antibiotic exposure among CD subjects. CD-associated genera were not enriched compared with healthy controls after 8 weeks of therapy. Conclusions:Subgingival microbial community structure differed with CD and antibiotic use. Results in the discovery cohort were replicated in a separate validation cohort. Several potentially pathogenic bacterial lineages were associated with CD but were not diminished in abundance by antibiotic treatment, suggesting targets for additional surveillance.
Efficacy of Vedolizumab as Induction Therapy in Refractory IBD Patients: A Multicenter Cohort

Background:Vedolizumab (VDZ) demonstrated efficacy in Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in the GEMINI trials. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of VDZ at week 14 in inflammatory bowel disease in a multicenter cohort of patients. Methods:Patients at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital were considered for inclusion. VDZ (300 mg) was administered at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 14. Efficacy was assessed using the Harvey–Bradshaw index for CD, the simple clinical colitis activity index for UC and physician assessment, along with C-reactive protein and decrease of corticosteroid therapy. Clinical response was defined as decrease in Harvey–Bradshaw index ≥3 and simple clinical colitis activity index ≥3 and remission as Harvey–Bradshaw index ⩽4, simple clinical colitis activity index ⩽2 and physician assessment of response and remission. Results:Our study included 172 patients (107 CD, 59 UC, 6 inflammatory bowel disease-unclassified, men 48.3%, mean age 40 years and disease duration 14 years). Fourteen patients had ostomy and 9 ileoanal pouch, and only 35.5% fulfilled eligibility for the GEMINI trials. Previous treatment failures with ≥ 2 anti-TNFs occurred in 70.9%, one-third were on an immunomodulator and 46% systemic steroids at baseline. In CD, 48.9% and 23.9% and in UC, 53.9% and 29.3% had clinical response and clinical remission at week 14, respectively. Adverse events occurred in 10.5%. Conclusions:VDZ is safe and well tolerated in refractory inflammatory bowel disease patients in a clinical practice with efficacy in UC and CD with responses similar to what was seen in clinical trials.