bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do players and staff sleep more during the pre‐ or competitive season of elite rugby league?
Authors: Caia Johnpaul , Scott Tannath J. , Halson Shona L. , Kelly Vincent G. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study establishes the sleep behaviour of players and staff during the pre‐ and competitive seasons of elite rugby league. For seven days during both the pre‐ and competitive seasons, seven rugby league players and nine full‐time staff from one professional Australian rugby league club had their sleep monitored via wrist actigraphy and self‐report sleep diaries. Two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance determined differences between the pre‐ and competitive season in players and staff, with effect sizes (ES) used to interpret the practical magnitude of differences. Findings show an earlier bed time and wake time for players (−34 min, ES = 1.5; ±0.5 and −39 min, 2.1; ±0.5 respectively) and staff (−29 min, ES = 0.8; ±0.3 and −35 min, ES = 1.7; ±0.4 respectively) during pre‐season when compared to the competitive season. Despite this, no differences were seen when considering the amount of time in bed, sleep duration or sleep efficiency obtained between the pre‐ and competitive seasons. Our results suggest that early morning training sessions scheduled during pre‐season advances wake time in elite rugby league. However, both players and staff can aim to avoid reductions in sleep duration and sleep efficiency with subsequent adjustment of night time sleep patterns. This may be particularly pertinent for staff, who wake earlier than players during both the pre‐ and competitive seasons.
Comparison of pre-processing methods for Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array
Authors: Shiah Yu-Jia , Fraser Michael , Bristow Robert G , Boutros Paul C 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Motivation
Microarrays are widely used to quantify DNA methylation because they are economical, require only small quantities of input DNA and focus on well-characterized regions of the genome. However, pre-processing of methylation microarray data is challenging because of confounding factors that include background fluorescence, dye bias and the impact of germline polymorphisms. Therefore, we present valuable insights and a framework for those seeking the most optimal pre-processing method through a data-driven approach.

Results
Here, we show that Dasen is the optimal pre-processing methodology for the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array in prostate cancer, a frequently employed platform for tumour methylome profiling in both the TCGA and ICGC consortia. We evaluated the impact of 11 pre-processing methods on batch effects, replicate variabilities, sensitivities and sample-to-sample correlations across 809 independent prostate cancer samples, including 150 reported for the first time in this study. Overall, Dasen is the most effective for removing artefacts and detecting biological differences associated with tumour aggressivity. Relative to the raw dataset, it shows a reduction in replicate variances of 67% and 76% for β- and M-values, respectively. Our study provides a unique pre-processing benchmark for the community with an emphasis on biological implications.

Availability and implementation
All software used in this study are publicly available as detailed in the article.

Contact
paul.boutros@oicr.on.ca

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Single Local Application of TGF-β Promotes a Proregenerative State Throughout a Chronically Injured Nerve
Authors: Sulaiman Wale , Dreesen Thomas , Nguyen Doan 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The lack of nerve regeneration and functional recovery occurs frequently when injuries involve large nerve trunks because insufficient mature axons reach their targets in the distal stump and because of the loss of neurotrophic support, primarily from Schwann cells (SCs).

OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether a single application of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) plus forskolin or forskolin alone can promote and support axonal regeneration through the distal nerve stump.

METHODS
Using a delayed repair rat model of nerve injury, we transected the tibial nerve. After 8 wk, end-to-end repair was done and the repair site was treated with saline, forskolin, or TGF- β plus forskolin. After 6 wk, nerve sections consisting of the proximal stump, distal to the site of repair, and the most distal part of the nerve stump were removed for nerve histology, axon counts, and immunohistochemistry for activated SCs (S100), macrophages (CD68), cell proliferation (Ki67), p75NGFR, and apoptosis (activated caspase-3).

RESULTS
TGF-β plus forskolin significantly increased the numbers of axons regenerated distal to the repair site and the most distal nerve sections. Both treatments significantly increased the numbers of axons regenerated in the most distal nerve sections compared to saline treated. Both treatments exhibited extended expression of regeneration-associated marker proteins.

CONCLUSION
TGF-β plus forskolin treatment of chronically injured nerve improved axonal regeneration and increased expression of regeneration-associated proteins beyond the repair site. This suggests that a single application at the site of repair has mitogenic effects that extended distally and may potentially overcome the decrease in regenerated axon over long distance.
An Open-Label, Analgesic Efficacy and Safety of Pituitary Radiosurgery for Patients With Opioid-Refractory Pain: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Borius Pierre-Yves , Garnier Stéphanie Ranque , Baumstarck Karine , Castinetti Frédéric , Donnet Anne , Guedj Eric , Cornu Philippe , Blond Serge , Salas Sébastien , Régis Jean 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Hypophysectomy performed by craniotomy or percutaneous techniques leads to complete pain relief in more than 70% to 80% of cases for opioid refractory cancer pain. Radiosurgery could be an interesting alternative approach to reduce complications.

OBJECTIVE
To assess the analgesic efficacy compared with standard of care is the primary goal. The secondary objectives are to assess ophthalmic and endocrine tolerance, drug consumption, quality of life, and mechanisms of analgesic action.

METHODS
The trial is multicenter, randomized, prospective, and open-label with 2 parallel groups. This concerns patients in palliative care suffering from nociceptive or mixed cancer pain, refractory to standard opioid therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to the control group receiving standards of care for pain according to recommendations, or to the experimental group receiving a pituitary GammaKnife (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden) radiosurgery (160 Gy delivered in pituitary gland) associated with standards of care. Evaluation assessments will be taken at baseline, day0, day4, day7, day14, day28, day45, month3, and month6.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES
We could expect pain improvement in 70% to 90% of cases at day4. In addition we will assess the safety of pituitary radiosurgery in a vulnerable population. The secondary endpoints could show decay of opioid consumption, good patient satisfaction, and improvement of the quality of life.

DISCUSSION
The design of this study is potentially the most appropriate to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of radiosurgery for this new indication. New recommendations could be obtained in order to improve pain relief and quality of life.
Characteristics of Unruptured Compared to Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms: A Multicenter Case–Control Study
Authors: Hostettler Isabel C , Alg Varinder S , Shahi Nichole , Jichi Fatima , Bonner Stephen , Walsh Daniel , Bulters Diederik , Kitchen Neil , Brown Martin M , Houlden Henry , Grieve Joan , Werring David J ,   Genetics and Observational Subarachnoid Haemorrhage (GOSH) Study investigators
Published: June 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Only a minority of intracranial aneurysms rupture to cause subarachnoid hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that unruptured aneurysms have different characteristics and risk factor profiles compared to ruptured aneurysms.

METHODS
We recruited patients with unruptured aneurysms or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhages at 22 UK hospitals between 2011 and 2014. Demographic, clinical, and imaging data were collected using standardized case report forms. We compared risk factors using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS
A total of 2334 patients (1729 with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, 605 with unruptured aneurysms) were included (mean age 54.22 yr). In multivariable analyses, the following variables were independently associated with rupture status: black ethnicity (odds ratio [OR] 2.42; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-4.56, compared to white) and aneurysm location (anterior cerebral artery/anterior communicating artery [OR 3.21; 95% CI 2.34-4.40], posterior communicating artery [OR 3.92; 95% CI 2.67-5.74], or posterior circulation [OR 3.12; 95% CI 2.08-4.70], compared to middle cerebral artery). The following variables were inversely associated with rupture status: antihypertensive medication (OR 0.65; 95% CI 0.49-0.84), hypercholesterolemia (0.64 OR; 95% CI 0.48-0.85), aspirin use (OR 0.28; 95% CI 0.20-0.40), internal carotid artery location (OR 0.53; 95% CI 0.38-0.75), and aneurysm size (per mm increase; OR 0.76; 95% CI 0.69-0.84).

CONCLUSION
We show substantial differences in patient and aneurysm characteristics between ruptured and unruptured aneurysms. These findings support the hypothesis that different pathological mechanisms are involved in the formation of ruptured aneurysms and incidentally detected unruptured aneurysms. The potential protective effect of aspirin might justify randomized prevention trials in patients with unruptured aneurysms.
Incidence, Long-Term Outcomes, and Healthcare Utilization of Patients With Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and Disseminated Mycobacterium avium Complex From 1992–2015
Authors: Collins Lauren F. , Clement Meredith E. , Stout Jason E. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBackgroundDespite the advent of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continue to develop late-stage complications including acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), disseminated Mycobacterium avium complex (DMAC), and death.MethodsWe performed an observational retrospective cohort study of HIV-infected adults who developed DMAC in the Duke University Health System from 1992 to 2015 to determine the incidence, long-term outcomes, and healthcare utilization of this population at high risk for poor outcomes. Findings were stratified by the “pre-cART” era (before January 1, 1996) and “post-cART” thereafter.ResultsWe identified 330 adult HIV-infected patients newly diagnosed with DMAC, the majority (75.2%) of whom were male and non-Hispanic black (69.1%), with median age of 37 years. Incidence of DMAC declined significantly from 65.3/1000 in 1992 to 2.0/1000 in 2015, and the proportion of females and non-Hispanic blacks was significantly higher in the post-cART era. The standardized mortality ratios for DMAC patients who received cART were 69, 58, 27, 5.9, and 6.8 at years 1–5, respectively, after DMAC diagnosis. For patients diagnosed with DMAC in 2000 or later (n = 135), 20% were newly diagnosed with HIV in the 3 months preceding presentation with DMAC. Those with established HIV had a median time from HIV diagnosis to DMAC diagnosis of 7 years and were more likely to be black, rehospitalized in the 6 months after DMAC diagnosis, and die in the long term.ConclusionsDisseminated Mycobacterium avium complex continues to be a lethal diagnosis in the cART era, disproportionately afflicts minority populations, and reflects both delayed entry into care and failure to consistently engage care.
Disease Stabilization of DYT1-Positive Primary Generalized Dystonia With Deep Brain Stimulation of the Globus Pallidus Interna: A 15-Year Follow-up
Authors: Dupre Derrick A , Nangunoori Raj , Koduri Sravanthi , Angle Cindy , Cantella Diane , Whiting Donald 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE
Primary generalized dystonia (PGD) is a genetic form of dystonia that frequently displays pharmacological resistance and progresses quickly after onset. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used successfully to treat refractory dystonia, specifically globus pallidus interna (GPi) DBS for DYT1-positive PGD patients. Long-term follow-up of the safety and efficacy falls short of the longevity seen in other diseases treated with DBS.

CASE PRESENTATION
A male patient presented for neurosurgical evaluation with scapular winging, hand contractures, and violent truncal spasms, which forced him to be bedridden. After failing conservative therapy, the 18-yr-old patient was implanted with bilateral GPi-DBS. DBS parameter adjustments were made primarily within the first 3 yr after implantation, with nominal changes thereafter. Initial settings were contact of 3 + 0−, amplitude of 4.9 V, frequency of 185 Hz, and pulse width of 270 μsec on the left and 3 + 0−, 2.8 V, 185 Hz, and 120 μsec on the right. Current settings are 3 + 2 + 1−, 5.2 V, 130 Hz, 330 μsec on the left and 3 + 0−, 3.5 V, 185 Hz, and 180 μsec on the right and have been relatively unchanged in the past 4 yr. Unified dystonia rating scale scores reveal a significant decrease in dystonic symptoms.

CONCLUSION
While prior reports have shown that GPi-DBS is effective for dystonia, this is the first with 15 yr of long-term follow-up showing disease stabilization, suggesting that stimulation is efficacious and can potentially prevent disease progression. This report reaffirms previous reports that recommend early surgical intervention before the onset of permanent musculoskeletal deficits.
Pilot Studies Examining Feasibility of Substance Use Disorder Screening and Treatment Linkage at Urban Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinics
Authors: Gryczynski Jan , Nordeck Courtney D. , Mitchell Shannon Gwin , Page Kathleen R. , Johnsen Luke L. , O’Grady Kevin E. , Schwartz Robert P. 
Published: June 2017

Background:Sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics provide critical public health services for screening and treatment of sexually transmitted infections throughout the United States. These settings serve high-risk populations, often on a walk-in basis, and may be promising venues for integrating substance use disorder (SUD) services.Methods:We report findings from 2 pilot studies conducted at Baltimore City Health Department's STD clinics. The screening study characterized rates of SUDs among STD clinic patients. Patients waiting for services completed a diagnostic interview mapping to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition SUD criteria (n = 100). The Treatment Linkage Feasibility study examined the feasibility of linking STD clinic patients with opioid and/or cocaine use disorders to SUD treatment in the community (n = 21), using SUD-focused Patient Navigation services for 1 month after the STD clinic visit. Assessments were conducted at baseline and 1-month follow-up.Results:In the screening study, the majority of STD clinic patients met diagnostic criteria for alcohol and/or drug SUD (57%). Substance-specific SUD rates among patients were 35% for alcohol, 31% for cannabis, 11% for opioids, and 8% for stimulants (cocaine/amphetamines). In the Treatment Linkage Feasibility study, 57% (12/21) of participants attended at least 1 SUD service, and 38% (8/21) were actively enrolled in SUD treatment by 1-month follow-up. The sample reported significant reductions in past 30-day cocaine use from baseline to follow-up (P = 0.01).Conclusions:SUD rates are high among STD clinic patients. STD clinics are viable settings for initiating SUD treatment linkage services. Larger-scale research on integrating SUD services in these settings is needed.
Influence of OPRM1 Polymorphism on Postoperative Pain After Intrathecal Morphine Administration in Italian Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section
Authors: Pettini Eleonora , Micaglio Massimo , Bitossi Ubaldo , De Gaudio Angelo R. , Degl’Innocenti Duccio R. , Tofani Lorenzo , Limatola Vittorio , Adembri Chiara , Di Filippo Alessandro 
Published: June 2017

Objectives:
The aim of this prospective observational study was to evaluate the influence of OPRM1 polymorphism on the analgesic efficacy (including visual analog scale [VAS] scores and requirement for rescue analgesia) of a standard dose of intrathecal morphine.

Materials and Methods:
An Italian cohort of 63 parturients, scheduled for elective cesarean section at a tertiary University Hospital, received spinal anesthesia with hyperbaric bupivacaine and morphine 100 mcg. For the first 48 hours in the postoperative period the patients received acetaminophen 1 g IV q6hr. Incident pain was treated with ketorolac 30 mg IV. Every 6 hours the following parameters were registered: VAS at rest, VAS during movements, postoperative nausea and vomiting, pruritus, and rescue analgesic medications requirements. Age and anthropometric data, number of pregnancies, educational level, OPRM1 genotype, were also obtained.

Results:
Of the 63 patients enrolled, 45 (71%) were homozygous genotype A/A (118A group), whereas 18 carried the G variants of OPRM1 (A/G or G/G) (118G group). No significant differences in analgesic rescue doses’ administration and in incidence of moderate/severe postoperative pain (VAS>3) between the 2 groups were observed. Pruritus was more frequent in the 118A group than in the 118G group in the first 24 hours of the postoperative period.

Discussion:
In the Italian population participating in this study there was a different incidence of pruritus in the postcesarean period in response to intrathecal opioids related to OPRM1 gene polymorphism, but not of postoperative pain.
A Subregion of the Parabrachial Nucleus Partially Mediates Respiratory Rate Depression from Intravenous Remifentanil in Young and Adult Rabbits
Authors: Miller Justin R. , Zuperku Edward J. , Stuth Eckehard A. E. , Banerjee Anjishnu , Hopp Francis A. , Stucke Astrid G. 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Background
The efficacy of opioid administration to reduce postoperative pain is limited by respiratory depression. We investigated whether clinically relevant opioid concentrations altered the respiratory pattern in the parabrachial nucleus, a pontine region contributing to respiratory pattern generation, and compared these effects with a medullary respiratory site, the pre-Bötzinger complex.

Methods
Studies were performed in 40 young and 55 adult artificially ventilated, decerebrate rabbits. We identified an area in the parabrachial nucleus where α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid microinjections elicited tachypnea. Two protocols were performed in separate sets of animals. First, bilateral microinjections of the μ-opioid receptor agonist [D-Ala,2 N-MePhe,4 Gly-ol]-enkephalin (100 μM) into the “tachypneic area” determined the effect of maximal μ-opioid receptor activation. Second, respiratory rate was decreased with continuous IV infusions of remifentanil. The opioid antagonist naloxone (1 mM) was then microinjected bilaterally into the “tachypneic area” of the parabrachial nucleus to determine whether the respiratory rate depression could be locally reversed.

Results
Average respiratory rate was 27 ± 10 breaths/min. First, [D-Ala,2 N-MePhe,4 Gly-ol]-enkephalin injections decreased respiratory rate by 62 ± 20% in young and 45 ± 26% in adult rabbits (both P < 0.001). Second, during IV remifentanil infusion, bilateral naloxone injections into the “tachypneic area” of the parabrachial nucleus reversed respiratory rate depression from 55 ± 9% to 20 ± 14% in young and from 46 ± 20% to 18 ± 27% in adult rabbits (both P < 0.001). The effects of bilateral [D-Ala,2 N-MePhe,4 Gly-ol]-enkephalin injection and IV remifentanil on respiratory phase duration in the “tachypneic area” of the parabrachial nucleus was significantly different from the pre-Bötzinger complex.

Conclusions
The “tachypneic area” of the parabrachial nucleus is highly sensitive to μ-opioid receptor activation and mediates part of the respiratory rate depression by clinically relevant administration of opioids.
Comparison of the Vacuum Mattress versus the Spine Board Alone for Immobilization of the Cervical Spine Injured Patient
Authors: Prasarn Mark L. , Hyldmo Per Kristian , Zdziarski Laura A. , Loewy Evan , Dubose Dewayne , Horodyski MaryBeth , Rechtine Glenn R. 
Published: June 2017

Study Design.
A biomechanical cadaveric study.

Objective.
We sought to determine the amount of motion generated in an unstable cervical spine fracture with use of the vacuum mattress versus the spine board alone. Our hypothesis is that the vacuum mattress will better immobilize an unstable cervical fracture.

Summary of Background Data.
Trauma patients in the United States are immobilized on a rigid spine board, whereas in many other places, vacuum mattresses are used with the proposed advantages of improved comfort and better immobilization of the spine.

Methods.
Unstable subaxial cervical injuries were surgically created in five fresh whole human cadavers. The amount of motion at the injured motion segment during testing was measured using a Fastrak, three-dimensional, electromagnetic motion analysis device (Polhemus Inc.). The measurements recorded in this investigation included maximum displacements during application and removal of the device, while tilting to 90°, during a bed transfer, and a lift onto a gurney. Linear and angular displacements were compared using the Generalized Linear Model analysis of variance for repeated measures for each of the six dependent variables (three planes of angulations and three axes of displacement).

Results.
There was more motion in all six planes of motion during the application process with use of the spine board alone, and this was statistically significant for axial rotation (P = 0.011), axial distraction (P = 0.035), medial-lateral translation (P = 0.027), and anteroposterior translation (P = 0.026). During tilting, there was more motion with just the spine board, but this was only statistically significant for anteroposterior translation (P = 0.033). With lifting onto the gurney, there was more motion with the spine board in all planes with statistical significance, except lateral bending. During the removal process, there was more motion with the spine board alone, and this was statistically significant for axial rotation (P = 0.035), lateral bending (P = 0.044), and axial distraction (P = 0.023).

Conclusion.
There was more motion when using a spine board alone during typical maneuvers performed during early management of the spine injured patient than the vacuum mattress. There may be benefit of use of the vacuum mattress versus the spine board alone in preventing motion at an unstable, subaxial cervical spine injury.

Level of Evidence: 2