bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of the medical outcomes study sleep scale in Spanish postmenopausal women
Authors: Zagalaz-Anula Noelia , Hita-Contreras Fidel , Martínez-Amat Antonio , Cruz-Díaz David , Lomas-Vega Rafael 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Objective:
This study aimed to analyze the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the Medical Outcomes Study Sleep Scale (MOS-SS), and its ability to discriminate between poor and good sleepers among a Spanish population with vestibular disorders.

Methods:
In all, 121 women (50-76 years old) completed the Spanish version of the MOS-SS. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity (exploratory factor analysis) were analyzed. Concurrent validity was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the 36-item Short Form Health Survey. To analyze the ability of the MOS-SS scores to discriminate between poor and good sleepers, a receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was performed.

Results:
The Spanish version of the MOS-SS showed excellent and substantial reliability in Sleep Problems Index I (two sleep disturbance items, one somnolence item, two sleep adequacy items, and awaken short of breath or with headache) and Sleep Problems Index II (four sleep disturbance items, two somnolence items, two sleep adequacy items, and awaken short of breath or with headache), respectively, and good internal consistency with optimal Cronbach's alpha values in all domains and indexes (0.70-0.90). Factor analysis suggested a coherent four-factor structure (explained variance 70%). In concurrent validity analysis, MOS-SS indexes showed significant and strong correlation with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index total score, and moderate with the 36-item Short Form Health Survey component summaries. Several domains and the two indexes were significantly able to discriminate between poor and good sleepers (P < 0.05). Optimal cut-off points were above 20 for “sleep disturbance” domain, with above 22.22 and above 33.33 for Sleep Problems Index I and II.

Conclusions:
The Spanish version of the MOS-SS is a valid and reliable instrument, suitable to assess sleep quality in Spanish postmenopausal women, with satisfactory general psychometric properties. It discriminates well between good and poor sleepers.
An Internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for treatment-induced menopausal symptoms in breast cancer survivors: results of a pilot study
Authors: Atema Vera , van Leeuwen Marieke , Oldenburg Hester S.A. , van Beurden Marc , Hunter Myra S. , Aaronson Neil K. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Objective:
Previous studies demonstrated that a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) program delivered in group sessions is effective in alleviating treatment-induced menopausal symptoms in women with breast cancer, but also that in-person CBT is inconvenient for some women and can result in low levels of program compliance. A promising, alternative approach is to use the Internet to make this form of CBT more accessible and feasible for patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and to generate preliminary data on the efficacy of a guided, Internet-based CBT program.

Methods:
Twenty-one participants with treatment-induced menopausal symptoms started the guided Internet-based CBT program. Self-report questionnaires were completed at baseline and at 10 weeks (posttreatment). Counselors’ evaluations were obtained via interviews. Primary outcomes were program usage, compliance rates, and participant and counselor satisfaction. Secondary outcomes were overall levels of endocrine symptoms and hot flush/night sweats problem rating.

Results:
Ninety percent of participants completed the program as planned. Satisfaction rates were high among participants and counselors. Small revisions to the program were advised. There was a significant decrease over time in overall levels of endocrine symptoms and hot flush/night sweats problem rating.

Conclusions:
These findings suggest that an Internet-based CBT program for women with treatment-induced menopausal symptoms is feasible and promising in terms of efficacy. The efficacy of the CBT program is currently being investigated in a larger randomized controlled trial.
Vaginal estrogen: a dual-edged sword in postoperative healing of the vaginal wall
Authors: Ripperda Christopher M. , Maldonado Pedro Antonio , Acevedo Jesus F. , Keller Patrick W. , Akgul Yucel , Shelton John M. , Word Ruth Ann 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Objective:
Reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse is plagued with high failure rates possibly due to impaired healing or regeneration of the vaginal wall. Here, we tested the hypothesis that postoperative administration of local estrogen, direct injection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), or both lead to improved wound healing of the injured vagina in a menopausal rat model.

Methods:
Ovariectomized rats underwent surgical injury to the posterior vaginal wall and were randomized to treatment with placebo (n = 41), estrogen cream (n = 47), direct injection of MSCs (n = 39), or both (n = 43).

Results:
MSCs did not survive after injection and had no appreciable effects on healing of the vaginal wall. Acute postoperative administration of vaginal estrogen altered the response of the vaginal wall to injury with decreased stiffness, decreased collagen content, and decreased expression of transcripts for matrix components in the stromal compartment. Conversely, vaginal estrogen resulted in marked proliferation of the epithelial layer and increased expression of genes related to epithelial barrier function and protease inhibition. Transcripts for genes involved in chronic inflammation and adaptive immunity were also down-regulated in the estrogenized epithelium.

Conclusions:
Collectively, these data indicate that, in contrast to the reported positive effects of preoperative estrogen on the uninjured vagina, acute administration of postoperative vaginal estrogen has adverse effects on the early phase of healing of the stromal layer. In contrast, postoperative estrogen plays a positive role in healing of the vaginal epithelium after injury.
Cardiac autonomic function and hot flashes among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women
Authors: Gibson Carolyn J. , Mendes Wendy Berry , Schembri Michael , Grady Deborah , Huang Alison J. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Objective:
Abnormalities in autonomic function are posited to play a pathophysiologic role in menopausal hot flashes. We examined relationships between resting cardiac autonomic activity and hot flashes in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Methods:
Autonomic function was assessed at baseline and 12 weeks among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women (n = 121, mean age 53 years) in a randomized trial of slow-paced respiration for hot flashes. Pre-ejection period (PEP), a marker of sympathetic activation, was measured with impedance cardiography. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a marker of parasympathetic activation, was measured with electrocardiography. Participants self-reported hot flash frequency and severity in 7-day symptom diaries. Analysis of covariance models were used to relate autonomic function and hot flash frequency and severity at baseline, and to relate changes in autonomic function to changes in hot flash frequency and severity over 12 weeks, adjusting for age, body mass index, and intervention assignment.

Results:
PEP was not associated with hot flash frequency or severity at baseline or over 12 weeks (P > 0.05 for all). In contrast, there was a trend toward greater frequency of moderate-to-severe hot flashes with higher RSA at baseline (β = 0.43, P = 0.06), and a positive association between change in RSA and change in frequency of moderate-to-severe hot flashes over 12 weeks (β = 0.63, P = 0.04).

Conclusions:
Among perimenopausal and postmenopausal women with hot flashes, variations in hot flash frequency and severity were not explained by variations in resting sympathetic activation. Greater parasympathetic activation was associated with more frequent moderate-to-severe hot flashes, which may reflect increased sensitivity to perceiving hot flashes.
Purpura Fulminans
Authors: Shenoy Rahul , Nanjappa Sowmya , Eaton Kevin , Prieto-Granada Carlos , Messina Jane L. , Greene John N. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Purpura fulminans is a rapidly progressing clinical syndrome of hematologic and cutaneous manifestations accompanied by an underlying dysfunction of coagulation resulting in disseminated diathesis. It usually occurs secondary to severe infection, but can also have an idiopathic genesis. A unique subset of inherited coagulation defects leading to fulminant purpura in neonates has also been well documented. We present a case of an adult with sarcomatoid mesothelioma on chemotherapy who presented with rapidly evolving purpuric lesions associated with acral gangrene after a recent dog bite. Once an infectious cause was ruled out, a paraneoplastic presentation of purpura fulminans secondary to the underlying malignancy was postulated. This presentation could be triggered by an altered immune system response to the preexisting neoplasm. We also discuss a comprehensive literature review of the infectious and noninfectious conditions associated with fulminant purpura.
Should Antipsychotic Medications for Schizophrenia Be Given for a Lifetime?
Authors: Glick Ira D. , Davis John M. , Zamora Daisy , Ballon Jacob , Nuthi Meena 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Background
Schizophrenia remains a major health problem despite antipsychotic medications that, for most patients, can decrease acute symptoms, decrease relapses, and contribute to partial and sometimes strong positive response in patients with chronic symptoms. What has not been clear—because a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial is not feasible or ethical—is how many years after the initial episode, or onset of antipsychotic treatment, should medication be continued to achieve the best global outcome. We designed a small, clinical study to retrospectively perform a detailed follow-up to examine antipsychotic medication because it relates to both global outcome and life satisfaction.

Methods
This is a naturalistic study of 35 patients with chronic schizophrenia examining antipsychotic medication adherence from 8 to 50 years (average, 21 y) after onset of antipsychotic treatment. The sample was derived from all patients treated for many years in 1 physician's academic clinic. Most were treated by community physicians before referral to the academic clinic. Information was gathered on (1) medication adherence, (2) long-term global outcomes (based on both the patient ratings and a blind clinician's assessment [blind to medication data] on both the Global Outcome Scale and the Global Assessment of Functioning Scale), and (3) a patient-rated Satisfaction With Life Scale. Spearman rank order correlations were used to relate medication adherence to global outcomes and life satisfaction, as were linear regression models adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics.

Results
A total of 35 patients (mean age, 45 y; mean years of possible medication since onset of treatment, 21 y) were assessed. Medication adherence was a statistically significant predictor of better long-term global outcomes and life satisfaction, both in Spearman rank order correlations and in covariate-adjusted linear regressions (all P values <0.01). Poor medication adherence was associated with poor outcomes, often disastrous, with low life satisfaction. Other variables such as presence of substance use disorders or family support did not explain the difference between those who adhered and those who did not.

Conclusions
In this naturalistic study, patients who adhered to antipsychotic medication had better long-term global outcomes than those who had poor adherence. Study limitations include the potential for residual confounding. This sample provides data consistent with the recommendation, in the absence of clinically important unwanted drug effects like tardive dyskinesia or large weight gain, for continuous, long-term antipsychotic treatment for chronic schizophrenia.
Hepatitis C in a Mobile Low-Threshold Methadone Program
Authors: Silva Mário J. , Pereira Cláudia , Loureiro Rafaela , Balsa Catarina , Lopes Paulo , Água-Doce Ivone , Belo Elsa , Martins Helena C. , Coutinho Rodrigo , Pádua Elizabeth 
Published: February 2017

Introduction
Data on the epidemiology of hepatitis C among individuals who use drugs in low-threshold settings are lacking, although crucial to assess the burden of disease and aid in the design of treatment strategies.

Objective
The aim of this study was to characterize the epidemiology and disease related to hepatitis C in a population attending a low-threshold methadone program.

Materials and methods
A cross-sectional study in the population attending the Mobile Low-Threshold Methadone Program in Lisbon, Portugal, was carried out. The survey included assessment of risk factors for infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and liver disease, HCV serology and RNA detection, HCV genotyping, and liver disease staging.

Results
A total of 825 participants were enrolled, 81.3% men, mean age 44.5 years. Injecting drug use (IDU) was reported by 58.4% – among these, 28.2% were people who inject drugs. Excessive drinking and HIV coinfection were reported by 33.4 and 15.9%, respectively. Among participants with active infection, 16.9% were followed up in hospital consultation. The overall seroprevalence for HCV was 67.6% (94.2% in IDU, 30.0% in non-IDU, 97.1% in people who inject drugs, and 75.6% in excessive drinkers). Among seropositives for HCV, active infection was present in 68.4%. Among individuals with active infection, the most common genotypes were 1a (45.3%) and 3a (28.7%), whereas 30% had severe liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Age 45 years or older, HCV genotype 3, and coinfection with HIV were significant predictors of cirrhosis.

Conclusion
This population has a high burden of hepatitis C and several characteristics that favor dissemination of infection. Healthcare strategies are urgently needed to address hepatitis C in this setting.
An effectiveness study of group psychoeducation for hepatitis C patients in community clinics
Authors: North Carol S. , Pollio David E. , Sims Omar T. , Jain Mamta K. , Brown Geri R. , Downs Dana L. , Lisker-Melman Mauricio , Hong Barry A. 
Published: February 2017

Objective
A successful psychoeducation program for serious mental illness, PsychoEducation Responsive to Families (PERF), was modified for hepatitis C virus (HCV). An effectiveness study was carried out comparing HCV-PERF with didactic education.

Patients and methods
A sample of 309 adult HCV patients was recruited from three outpatient settings and randomized (60% HCV-PERF, 40% didactic control). Groups met for 90 min bimonthly for 6 months following separate structured protocols. HCV-PERF sessions included a didactic curriculum developed uniquely for groups by member choice, with group problem-solving and support interactions. Patients were assessed at baseline, after the intervention, and 1 year later. Demographic and HCV-related variables and structured diagnostic interview data were obtained.

Results
Both groups improved significantly on major depression and alcohol and drug use, quality of life, risk behaviors, and treatment satisfaction, and worsened on disability and perceived HCV-related problems. Intervention groups did not differ on outcomes.

Conclusion
Even though the active intervention did not achieve a significant improvement relative to the control condition, the observable improvements in both conditions warrant further exploration of the contributions of education and support as potentially important elements of HCV behavioral intervention. Further study is needed to identify elements common to education interventions that may be contributory to the improved outcomes over time.
Global Adverse Event Reports of Breast Implant–Associated ALCL: An International Review of 40 Government Authority Databases
Authors: Srinivasa Dhivya R. , Miranda Roberto N. , Kaura Arminder , Francis Ashleigh M. , Campanale Antonella , Boldrini Rosaria , Alexander Janette , Deva Anand K. , Gravina Paula R. , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Nast Karen , Butler Charles E. , Clemens Mark W. 
Published: February 2017

Background:
Tracking world cases of breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is currently limited to patient registries at a few academic centers, dependent upon patient referral and case reports in the literature. The purpose of this study was to review and compare federal database adverse event reports of breast implant–associated ALCL encompassing the major breast implant markets worldwide.

Methods:
Federal implantable device regulatory bodies were contacted and database queries were performed for 40 countries. Demographics, device characteristics, pathology, treatment modalities, and outcomes were assessed when available.

Results:
For the countries queried, 363 unique cases were reported for breast implant–associated ALCL. Search terms “anaplastic” and “ALCL” were queried of the U.S. Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database and yielded 258 unique cases as of September 2015, of which only 130 had pathologic markers performed. Implant surface was textured significantly more than smooth (50 percent versus 4.2 percent; p = 0.0001). Treatment, when reported (n = 136), included explantation [n = 125 (91.9 percent)], chemotherapy [n = 42 (30.8 percent)], radiation therapy [n = 25 (18.4 percent)], and/or stem cell transplant [n = 9 (6.6 percent)], and five deaths were reported.

Conclusions:
Federal reporting of breast implant–associated ALCL has limitations in providing clinical history, treatment, and oncologic follow-up. Worldwide and country-specific total and textured implant sales data are needed to determine critical incidence and prevalence analysis. International multi-institutional collaborations and centralized tissue consortiums working in concert with federal authorities are necessary to acquire accurate complete data on breast implant–associated ALCL.
U.S. Epidemiology of Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Doren Erin L. , Miranda Roberto N. , Selber Jesse C. , Garvey Patrick B. , Liu Jun , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Butler Charles E. , Clemens Mark W. 
Published: February 2017

Background:
Breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a distinctive type of T-cell lymphoma that arises around breast implants. Although rare, all cases with adequate history have involved a textured breast implant. The objective of this study was to determine the U.S. incidence and lifetime prevalence of breast implant–associated ALCL in women with textured breast implants.

Methods:
This is a retrospective review of documented cases of breast implant–associated ALCL in the United States from 1996 to 2015. The incidence and prevalence were determined based on a literature and institutional database review of breast implant–associated ALCL cases and textured breast implant sales figures from implant manufacturers’ annualized data.

Results:
One hundred pathologically confirmed breast implant–associated ALCL cases were identified in the United States. Mean age at diagnosis was 53.2 ± 12.3 years. Mean interval from implant placement to diagnosis was 10.7 ± 4.6 years. Forty-nine patients had breast implants placed for cosmetic reasons, 44 for mastectomy reconstruction, and seven for unknown reasons. Assuming that breast implant–associated ALCL occurs only in textured breast implants, the incidence rate is 2.03 per 1 million person-years (203 per 100 million person-years), which is 67.6 times higher than that of primary ALCL of the breast in the general population (three per 100 million per year; p < 0.001). Lifetime prevalence was 33 per 1 million persons with textured breast implants.

Conclusions:
This study demonstrates a statistically significant association between textured breast implants and breast implant–associated ALCL. Although women with a textured breast implant have a low risk of developing breast implant–associated ALCL, the current U.S. incidence is significantly higher than that of primary ALCL of the breast in the general population.
The Effect of Atomoxetin Use in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder on the Symptoms of Restless Legs Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Baykal Saliha , Karakurt Melih Nuri 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is frequently accompanied with sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea, periodic limb movement disorder, restless legs syndrome (RLS), and circadian rhythm disorder. We have limited information about the effects of medical therapies used in the treatment of ADHD on RLS. This article discusses the effects of atomoxetine treatment on both disorders in a patient followed by diagnoses of ADHD and RLS.
The Use of Zonisamide for the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Buoli Massimiliano , Grassi Silvia , Ciappolino Valentina , Serati Marta , Altamura Alfredo C. 
Published: February 2017

Objective
Traditional pharmacotherapy has undoubtedly improved the outcome of patients with psychiatric disorders, but partial efficacy or poor tolerability persists in a number of these subjects. Among different compounds, zonisamide has been used to address unmet needs of standard pharmacotherapy. The purpose of the present article is to provide a review about the use of zonisamide for the treatment of psychiatric conditions.

Methods
A research in the main database sources has been conducted to obtain an overview of the use of zonisamide in psychiatric disorders or associated conditions (obesity and smoking cessation).

Results
Most available data indicate the possible effectiveness of zonisamide for the treatment of acute phases of bipolar disorder, binge-eating disorder (BED), alcohol misuse, and obesity. A further assessment of the safety and tolerability of zonisamide is made necessary by the fact that, with the exception of BED, for all other disorders at least some data come from studies with combined pharmacological therapies.

Conclusions
Zonisamide may have some utility, especially as an adjunctive therapy, for the management of acute phases and weight gain in bipolar disorder and for prevention of alcohol misuse. Preliminary evidence indicates zonisamide as a candidate compound for the treatment of BED and obesity. However, open-label design and small sample sizes of most available studies prevent from drawing sound conclusions about the utility of this compound in psychiatry.
Function of the Arabidopsis kinesin-4, FRA1, requires abundant processive motility
Authors: Ganguly Anindya , DeMott Logan , Dixit Ram 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTProcessivity is important for kinesins that mediate intracellular transport. Structure-function analyses of N-terminal kinesins have identified several non-motor regions that affect processivityin vitro. However, whether these structural elements affect kinesin processivity and function in vivo is not known. Here, we used an Arabidopsis kinesin-4, called Fragile Fiber1 (FRA1), which is thought to mediate vesicle transport to test whether mutations that alter processivityin vitrobehave similarly in vivo and whether processivity is important for FRA’s function. We generated several FRA1 mutants that differed in their run lengthsin vitroand then transformed them into thefra1-5mutant for complementation and in vivo motility analyses. Our data show that the behavior of processivity mutants in vivo can differ dramatically fromin vitroproperties, underscoring the need to extend structure-function analyses of kinesins in vivo. In addition, we found that high density of processive motility is necessary for FRA1’s physiological function.SummaryThis study shows that the motility of kinesin mutants can differ significantly betweenin vitroandin vivoconditions and that abundant processive motility is important for FRA1 kinesin’s function.