bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute Low Back Pain
Authors: Starkweather Angela R. , Ramesh Divya , Lyon Debra E. , Siangphoe Umaporn , Deng Xioayan , Sturgill Jamie , Heineman Amy , Elswick R.K. , Dorsey Susan G. , Greenspan Joel 
Published: January 2016

Objectives:Low back pain (LBP) is the second most frequently diagnosed pain condition in the United States, and although a majority of individuals have resolution of pain during the acute period, an estimated 40% of individuals will experience persistent pain. Given the heterogenous nature of LBP, this study sought to describe and compare somatosensory and molecular (gene expression) profiles between individuals with acute LBP and healthy no-pain controls.Methods:Using a previously established protocol, we comprehensively assessed somatosensory parameters among 31 no-pain control participants and 31 participants with acute LBP. Samples of whole blood were drawn to examine mRNA expression of candidate genes involved in the transduction, maintenance, and modulation of pain.Results:The acute LBP group exhibited increased pain sensitivity to cold stimuli, mechanical stimuli, including mechanical temporal summation at both the painful back area and remote location suggesting a mechanism of enhanced central nervous system excitability. In addition, deep tissue-specific peripheral sensitization was suggested due to significant differences in pressure pain threshold of the painful back area, but not the remote body site. Several genes that were differentially expressed were significantly associated with somatosensory alterations identified in the acute LBP group.Discussion:Acute LBP participants showed selective pain sensitivity enhancement and differential gene expression profiles compared with pain-free controls. Further research to characterize pain-associated somatosensory changes in the context of altered mRNA expression levels may provide insight on the molecular underpinnings of maladaptive chronic pain.
Development and Validation of the Behavioral Avoidance Test—Back Pain (BAT-Back) for Patients With Chronic Low Back Pain
Authors: Holzapfel Sebastian , Riecke Jenny , Rief Winfried , Schneider Jessica , Glombiewski Julia A. 
Published: January 2016

Objectives:
Pain-related fear and avoidance of physical activities are central elements of the fear-avoidance model of musculoskeletal pain. Pain-related fear has typically been measured by self-report instruments. In this study, we developed and validated a Behavioral Avoidance Test (BAT) for chronic low back pain (CLBP) patients with the aim of assessing pain-related avoidance behavior by direct observation.

Materials and Methods:
The BAT-Back was administered to a group of CLBP patients (N=97) and pain-free controls (N=31). Furthermore, pain, pain-related fear, disability, catastrophizing, and avoidance behavior were measured using self-report instruments. Reliability was assessed with intraclass correlation coefficient and Cronbach α. Validity was assessed by examining correlation and regression analysis.

Results:
The intraclass correlation coefficient for the BAT-Back avoidance score was r=0.76. Internal consistency was α=0.95. CLBP patients and controls differed significantly on BAT-Back avoidance scores as well as self-report measures. BAT-Back avoidance scores were significantly correlated with scores on each of the self-report measures (rs=0.27 to 0.54). They were not significantly correlated with general anxiety and depression, age, body mass index, and pain duration. The BAT-Back avoidance score was able to capture unique variance in disability after controlling for other variables (eg, pain intensity and pain-related fear).

Discussion:
Results indicate that the BAT-Back is a reliable and valid measure of pain-related avoidance behavior. It may be useful for clinicians in tailoring treatments for chronic pain as well as an outcome measure for exposure treatments.
MACULAR BUCKLING WITH ANDO PLOMBE MAY INCREASE CHOROIDAL THICKNESS AND MIMIC SEROUS RETINAL DETACHMENT SEEN IN THE TILTED DISK SYNDROME
Authors: Mateo Carlos , Burés-Jelstrup Anniken 
Published: January 2016

Purpose:
Serous subfoveal detachment has been described in the literature as a complication that appears at the border of the staphyloma. Macular buckling induces a postoperative inward bulge that resembles the ridge of a staphyloma. We describe three patients who developed a serous subfoveal detachment after uneventful macular buckling. To our knowledge, this complication, that shares similarities with the staphyloma ridge detachment, has not been previously reported.

Methods:
The clinical records of all cases that underwent macular buckling at our clinic were reviewed.

Results:
Three patients developed a serous subfoveal detachment that could not be explained by choroidal neovascularization or polypoidal vascular choroidopathy. Along with the development of the subfoveal detachment, we observed an increase of the choroidal thickness beneath the fovea. This thickening, that tended to progress during the follow-up, resolved spontaneously after explantation of the buckle. The decrease in foveal thickness did also lead to resolution of the subfoveal detachment.

Conclusion:
The development of the subfoveal detachment in our patients was closely associated with a focal increase of the choroidal thickness after the macular buckling. After the buckle was removed, the choroidal thickness went back to the normal prebuckling values and the detachment resolved in all three patients. This leads us to think that there is a close association between choroidal thickness and the serous subfoveal detachment.
Reliable Gait Recognition Using 3D Reconstructions and Random Forests – An Anthropometric Approach
Authors: Sandau Martin , Heimbürger Rikke V. , Jensen Karl E. , Moeslund Thomas B. , Aanæs Henrik , Alkjær Tine , Simonsen Erik B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPhotogrammetric measurements of bodily dimensions and analysis of gait patterns in CCTV are important tools in forensic investigations but accurate extraction of the measurements are challenging. This study tested whether manual annotation of the joint centers on 3D reconstructions could provide reliable recognition. Sixteen participants performed normal walking where 3D reconstructions were obtained continually. Segment lengths and kinematics from the extremities were manually extracted by eight expert observers. The results showed that all the participants were recognized, assuming the same expert annotated the data. Recognition based on data annotated by different experts was less reliable achieving 72.6% correct recognitions as some parameters were heavily affected by interobserver variability. This study verified that 3D reconstructions are feasible for forensic gait analysis as an improved alternative to conventional CCTV. However, further studies are needed to account for the use of different clothing, field conditions, etc.
Association of dietary carotenoids and the incidence of insulin resistance in adults: Tehran lipid and glucose study
Authors: Mirmiran Parvin , Khalili Moghadam Sajjad , Bahadoran Zahra , Tohidi Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimCarotenoids may reduce the risk of insulin resistance (IR) due to their antioxidant properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between dietary intake of carotenoids and the risk of IR in Iranian adults.MethodsIn this longitudinal study, 1106 men and women, aged 19–74 years, were studied within the framework of Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study among Tehran an adults. Fasting serum insulin and glucose were measured at baseline and again after three years of follow up; IR was defined according to optimal cut‐off values. The usual dietary intake of carotenoids including α‐carotene, β‐carotene, lycopene, lutein and β‐cryptoxanthin was measured using a validated 168‐item semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the occurrence of IR across tertiles of carotenoids with adjustment for potential confounding variables.ResultsMean age of participants was 40.71 ± 12.14 years, and mean body mass index was 27.23 ± 4.9 kg/m2, at baseline. Mean intake of total carotenoids was 10.1 ± 7.3 mg/day. Highest compared to the lowest dietary intake of β‐carotene was significantly associated with a lower risk of IR (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.25–0.72, P for trend = 0.01). Higher intake of β‐cryptoxanthin was also significantly associated with a lower risk of IR (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.30–0.84, P for trend = 0.01).ConclusionsHigher consumption of dietary carotenoids such as β‐carotene and β‐cryptoxanthin may be associated with a reduced risk of IR.
Genome Update. Let the consumer beware: Streptomyces genome sequence quality
Authors: Studholme David J. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryA genome sequence assembly represents a model of a genome. This article explores some tools and methods for assessing the quality of an assembly, using publicly available data for Streptomyces species as the example. There is great variability in quality of assemblies deposited in GenBank. Only in a small minority of these assemblies are the raw data available, enabling full appraisal of the assembly quality.
Hypofractionated versus conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast
Authors: Oar Andrew J , Boxer Miriam M , Papadatos George , Delaney Geoff P , Phan Penny , Descallar Joseph , Duggan Kirsten , Tran Kelvin , Yap Mei Ling 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIntroductionHypofractionated radiotherapy (RT) in the setting of early invasive breast cancer has been shown to have similar local control rates and cosmetic outcomes as conventionally fractionated RT. This study compares ipsilateral recurrence rates between hypofractionated and conventional RT, with and without a boost. The effect of hypofractionated RT and chest wall separation (CWS) on cosmetic outcome was also assessed.MethodsAll patients with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) treated between 1998 and 2012 across two sites of a single cancer institution were retrospectively studied. Patients were analysed according to those receiving conventional RT (≤2 Gy per fraction) and those receiving hypofractionated RT (>2 Gy per fraction), as well as the presence or absence of a tumour bed boost. Data were collected through electronic medical records and local cancer registry. Cosmetic outcome was scored by physicians on a four‐point scale during clinical follow‐up appointments.ResultsOne hundred and ninety‐seven patients were treated for DCIS during the study period. One hundred and forty‐one were treated with conventional RT, and 56 with hypofractionated RT. After a median follow up of 4.4 years, there were 12 ipsilateral recurrences, of which seven were invasive disease and five DCIS. Ten recurrences occurred in patients who received conventional RT (7.1% recurrence rate) and two in those who received hypofractionated RT (3.6% recurrence rate) (P = 0.48). Cosmetic outcomes were not significantly different between conventional and hypofractionated RT (P = 0.06).ConclusionsHypofractionation represents a suitable alternative for treating DCIS in the absence of randomised data.
The Association Between Bleeding and the Incidence of Warfarin Discontinuation in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Simon Teresa A. , Pan Xianying , Kawabata Hugh , Huang Han‐Yao , Azoulay Laurent 
Published: January 2016

SummaryAimWhile bleeding is a well‐known complication of warfarin use and is thought to be a contributory cause of treatment discontinuation, studies quantifying this association are limited. The objective of this study was to quantify the association between bleeding events and subsequent warfarin discontinuation in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).MethodsA nested case–control analysis was conducted within a cohort of patients with NVAF newly treated with warfarin. All patients who discontinued warfarin (at least 60 days from last day of warfarin supply) during follow‐up were identified as cases and matched with up to 10 controls on age, sex, and duration of follow‐up. The index date was defined as the date of warfarin treatment discontinuation of the cases. Conditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of warfarin treatment discontinuation associated with a bleeding event in the 60 days before the index date.ResultsThe cohort included 24,243 patients who initiated warfarin treatment, of whom 13,482 discontinued treatment during follow‐up (cases). Bleeding was associated with an increased risk of warfarin treatment discontinuation (3.55% vs. 0.85%; OR, 4.31; 95% CI, 3.87–4.81). When including only bleeds as the first listed diagnosis, the unadjusted OR was 4.64 (95% CI, 4.10–5.26), and the adjusted OR was 4.65 (95% CI, 4.10–5.27).ConclusionsBleeding was significantly associated with warfarin discontinuation, and thus, the selection of an effective treatment regimen associated with a lower bleeding rate could be a desirable treatment approach.
Disruption of hippocampal synaptic transmission and long‐term potentiation by psychoactive synthetic cannabinoid ‘Spice’ compounds: comparison with Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol
Authors: Hoffman Alexander F. , Lycas Matthew D. , Kaczmarzyk Jakub R. , Spivak Charles E. , Baumann Michael H. , Lupica Carl R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThere has been a marked increase in the availability of synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of marijuana. These cannabimimetic drugs, sold illicitly as ‘Spice’ and related products, are associated with serious medical complications in some users. In vitro studies suggest that synthetic cannabinoids in these preparations are potent agonists at central cannabinoid CB1 receptors (CB1Rs), but few investigations have delineated their cellular effects, particularly in comparison with the psychoactive component of marijuana, Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9‐THC). We compared the ability of three widely abused synthetic cannabinoids and Δ9‐THC to alter glutamate release and long‐term potentiation in the mouse hippocampus. JWH‐018 was the most potent inhibitor of hippocampal synaptic transmission (EC50 ~15 nM), whereas its fluoropentyl derivative, AM2201, inhibited synaptic transmission with slightly lower potency (EC50 ~60 nM). The newer synthetic cannabinoid, XLR‐11, displayed much lower potency (EC50 ~900 nM) that was similar to Δ9‐THC (EC50 ~700 nM). The effects of all compounds occurred via activation of CB1Rs, as demonstrated by reversal with the selective antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 or the neutral CB1R antagonist PIMSR1. Moreover, AM2201 was without effect in the hippocampus of transgenic mice lacking the CB1R. Hippocampal slices exposed to either synthetic cannabinoids or Δ9‐THC exhibited significantly impaired long‐term potentiation (LTP). We find that, compared with Δ9‐THC, the first‐generation cannabinoids found in Spice preparations display higher potency, whereas a recent synthetic cannabinoid is roughly equipotent with Δ9‐THC. The disruption of synaptic function by these synthetic cannabinoids is likely to lead to profound impairments in cognitive and behavioral function.
Quantitative trait loci for a neurocranium deformity, lack of operculum, in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.)
Authors: Negrín‐Báez D. , Navarro A. , Afonso J. M. , Toro M. A. , Zamorano M. J. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryLack of operculum, a neurocranial deformity, is the most common external abnormality to be found among industrially produced gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.), and this entails significant financial losses. This study conducts, for the first time in this species, a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of the lack of operculum. A total of 142 individuals from a paternal half‐sibling family (six full‐sibling families) were selected for QTL mapping. They had previously shown a highly significant association with the prevalence of lack of operculum in a segregation analysis. All the fish were genotyped for 106 microsatellite markers using a set of multiplex PCRs (ReMsa1–ReMsa13). A linear regression methodology was used for the QTL analysis. Four QTL were detected for this deformity, two of which (QTLOP1 and QTLOP2) were significant. They were located at LG (linkage group) nine and LG10 respectively. Both QTL showed a large effect (about 27%), and furthermore, the association between lack of operculum and sire allelic segregation observed was statistically significant in the QTLOP1 analysis. These results represent a significant step towards including marker‐assisted selection for this deformity in genetic breeding programmes to reduce the incidence of the deformity in the species.
Discrepancy in compliance between the clinical and genetic diagnosis of choroidal hypoplasia in Danish Rough Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs
Authors: Fredholm M. , Larsen R. C. , Jönsson M. , Söderlund M. A. , Hardon T. , Proschowsky H. F. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryCollie eye anomaly (CEA) is a congenital, inherited ocular disorder which is widespread in herding breeds. Clinically, the two major lesions associated with CEA are choroidal hypoplasia (CH) and coloboma, and both lesions are diagnosed based on ophthalmological examination. A 7.8‐kb intronic deletion in the gene encoding non‐homologous end‐joining factor 1 (NHEJ1) has been reported to be the causative mutation underlying CH when present in the homozygous state. In this study, we have investigated the compliance between the clinical and genetic diagnosis of CH in the Danish Rough Collie and Shetland Sheepdog populations. Our results show that the deletion in NHEJ1 is not predictive for CH in the Danish Rough Collie population, whereas the clinical and genetic diagnosis is in accordance with each other in the Shetland Sheepdog population. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the intronic deletion in NHEJ1 is not the causative mutation but, rather, a marker linked to the locus underlying the trait in some populations but linked to both the wild‐type and CH‐causing locus in most dogs in the Danish Rough Collie population.
The prevalence of structural pituitary abnormalities by MRI scanning in men presenting with isolated hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism
Authors: Dalvi Mazhar , Walker Brian R. , Strachan Mark W.J. , Zammitt Nicola N. , Gibb Fraser W. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryObjectiveHypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (HH) is commonly associated with ageing, obesity and type 2 diabetes. The indications for pituitary imaging are controversial, and current guidelines are based on small case series.DesignRetrospective case series from a secondary/tertiary endocrinology referral centre.PatientsAll men presenting to the Edinburgh Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes with hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism (testosterone <10 nmol/l and normal prolactin) from 2006 to 2013, in whom pituitary MRI was performed (n = 281). All HH patients referred in 2011 (n = 86) were reviewed to assess differences between those selected for pituitary MRI and those who were not scanned.ResultsPituitary MRI was normal in 235 men (83·6%), with 24 microadenomas (8·5%), 5 macroadenomas (1·8%) and 1 craniopharyngioma (0·4%) identified. The remaining 16 (5·7%) comprised a range of minor pituitary abnormalities including small cysts and empty sella. All men with abnormal imaging studies had otherwise normal pituitary function. Imaging abnormalities were associated with a significantly lower age at presentation (50 vs 54 years, P = 0·02), but no differences in testosterone or gonadotrophin levels were observed. Current Endocrine Society guidelines would have prompted imaging in only three of six patients with significant pituitary pathology.ConclusionsStructural pituitary disease is more common in isolated HH than in the general population, and current guidelines do not accurately identify ‘at‐risk’ individuals. Full anterior pituitary function testing has a low yield in patients presenting with hypogonadism. The optimal strategy for determining the need for pituitary imaging remains uncertain.
Time‐efficiency analysis of the treatment with monolithic implant crowns in a digital workflow: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Joda Tim , Brägger Urs 
Published: January 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the randomized controlled trial was to analyze time‐efficiency of a treatment with implant crowns made of monolithic lithium disilicate (LS2) plus titanium base vs. porcelain fuse to zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) in a digital workflow.Materials and MethodsTwenty study participants were included for single‐tooth replacement in premolar and molar sites. Baseline was the start of the prosthetic treatment. All patients received transocclusal screw‐retained implant reconstructions on a soft tissue level‐type implant. The 3D implant position was captured with intraoral optical scanning (IOS). After randomization, ten patients were restored with CAD‐/CAM‐produced monolithic LS2‐crowns bonded to prefabricated titanium abutments without any physical models (test), and ten patients with CAD‐/CAM‐fabricated ZrO2‐suprastructures and hand‐layered ceramic veneering with milled master models (control). Every single clinical and laboratory work step was timed in minutes and then analyzed for time‐efficiency with Wilcoxon Rank Sum Tests. Direct costs were assessed for laboratory fees for first line production in Swiss Francs (CHF).ResultsTwo clinical appointments were necessary for IOS and seating of all implant crowns. The mean total production time, as the sum of clinical plus laboratory work steps, was significantly different, resulting in 75.3 min (SD ± 2.1) for test and 156.6 min (SD ± 4.6) for control [P = 0.0001]. Analysis for clinical treatment sessions showed a significantly shorter mean chair time for the complete digital workflow of 20.8 min (SD ± 0.3) compared to 24.1 min (SD ± 1.1) [P = 0.001]. Even more obvious were the results for the mean laboratory work time with a significant reduction of 54.5 min (SD ± 4.9) vs. 132.5 min (SD ± 8.7), respectively [P = 0.0001].ConclusionThe test workflow was more time‐efficient than the controls for implant‐supported crowns; notably, laboratory fabrication steps could be effectively shortened with the digital process of monolithic LS2 plus titanium base resulting in more than 30% reduced overall treatment costs.