bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Analysis of Registered Clinical Trials in Otolaryngology from 2007 to 2010: ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Witsell David L. , Schulz Kristine A. , Lee Walter T. , Chiswell Karen 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveTo describe the conditions studied, interventions used, study characteristics, and funding sources of otolaryngology clinical trials from the ClinicalTrials.gov database; compare this otolaryngology cohort of interventional studies to clinical visits in a health care system; and assess agreement between clinical trials and clinical activity.Study DesignDatabase analysis.SettingTrial registration data downloaded from ClinicalTrials.gov and administrative data from the Duke University Medical Center from October 1, 2007 to September 27, 2010.MethodsData extraction from ClinicalTrials.gov was done using MeSH and non‐MeSH disease condition terms. Studies were subcategorized to create the following groupings for descriptive analysis: ear, nose, allergy, voice, sleep, head and neck cancer, thyroid, and throat. Duke Health System visits were queried by using selected ICD‐9 codes for otolaryngology and non‐otolaryngology providers. Visits were grouped similarly to ClinicalTrials.gov for further analysis. Chi‐square tests were used to explore differences between groups.ResultsA total of 1115 of 40,970 registered interventional trials were assigned to otolaryngology. Head and neck cancer trials predominated. Study models most frequently incorporated parallel design (54.6%), 2 study groups (46.6%), and randomization (69.1%). Phase 2 or 3 studies constituted 46.4% of the cohort. Comparison of the ClinicalTrials.gov database with administrative health system visit data by disease condition showed discordance between national research activity and clinical visit volume for patients with otolaryngology complaints.ConclusionsAnalysis of otolaryngology‐related clinical research as listed in ClinicalTrials.gov can inform patients, physicians, and policy makers about research focus areas. The relative burden of otolaryngology‐associated conditions in our tertiary health system exceeds research activity within the field.
Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium for the acute treatment of probable migraine without aura: A randomized study
Authors: Silberstein Stephen , McDonald Susan A , Goldstein Jerome , Aurora Sheena , Lener Shelly E , White Jonathan , Runken Michael C , Saiers Jane , Derosier Frederick , Lipton Richard B 
Published: October 2013

Objective Probable migraine is a common, disabling migraine subtype fulfilling all but one of the diagnostic criteria for migraine. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of sumatriptan/naproxen sodium for the acute treatment of probable migraine without aura. Methods Patients treated a headache of probable migraine without aura when pain was moderate or severe with sumatriptan/naproxen sodium ( n = 222 intent-to-treat (ITT)) or placebo ( n = 221 ITT/complete case analysis a ) in this randomized, double-blind, parallel-group study. Results Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium was more effective than placebo with respect to the co-primary efficacy endpoints two-hour pain-free response (29% sumatriptan/naproxen sodium vs 11% placebo, p < 0.001) and two- to 24-hour sustained pain-free response (24% sumatriptan/naproxen sodium vs 9% placebo, p < 0.001). Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium was significantly more effective than placebo with respect to the secondary efficacy endpoints of pain-free response four hours postdose ( p < 0.001), pain-free response maintained one to two hours postdose ( p = 0.034) and two to four hours postdose ( p < 0.001), headache relief four hours postdose ( p < 0.001), headache relief maintained two to four hours postdose ( p = 0.015), sustained headache relief two through 24 hours postdose ( p = 0.002), and rescue medication use ( p < 0.001); but not productivity scores. The most common adverse events were dizziness (4% sumatriptan/naproxen sodium,<1% placebo), dry mouth (2% sumatriptan/naproxen sodium, <1% placebo), and nausea (2% sumatriptan/naproxen sodium, <1% placebo). Conclusion Sumatriptan/naproxen sodium is effective in the acute treatment of probable migraine as demonstrated by higher rates of freedom from pain and restoration of function.
Comparative efficacy of triptans for the abortive treatment of migraine: A multiple treatment comparison meta-analysis
Authors: Thorlund Kristian , Mills Edward J , Wu Ping , Ramos Elodie , Chatterjee Anjan , Druyts Eric , Goadsby Peter J 
Published: October 2013

Background Migraine is the most common neurological condition in developed countries. The abortive treatment of migraine attacks is important both for quality of life and costs associated with illness. Triptans, serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonists, effectively relieve the pain, disability, and associated symptoms of migraine while improving health-related quality of life. Although a number of direct head-to-head triptan comparisons have been made, data for all possible permutations are not available, and unlikely to ever be so, although in clinical practice such information would be useful. Objective We aimed to determine the relative efficacy of all available triptans to abort migraine headache among patients with previous adequate response to migraine treatments. Methods We included only double-blinded randomized clinical trials comparing triptans to either placebo or another triptan. Our primary outcomes were pain-free response at two hours and 24-hour sustained pain-free response, and our secondary outcomes were headache response at two hours and 24-hour sustained headache response. We used Bayesian multiple treatment comparison meta-analyses of seven triptans used in adult patients to abort migraine attacks. We applied a random-effects analysis with meta-regression adjusting for dose. Results are reported as odds ratios with 95% credible intervals. Results We included data from 74 randomized clinical trials. All triptans were significantly superior to placebo for all outcomes, with the exception of naratriptan for 24-hour sustained pain-free response. Eletriptan consistently yielded the highest treatment effect estimates. For the two-hour endpoints, eletriptan was statistically significantly superior to sumatriptan, almotriptan, naratriptan, and frovatriptan for at least one of the two outcomes. Rizatriptan yielded the second highest treatment effects followed by zolmitriptan. For the 24-hour endpoints, eletriptan was statistically significantly superior to sumatriptan, rizatriptan, almotriptan, and naratriptan for at least one of the two outcomes. Frovatriptan data were not available at that endpoint. Further, the probability that eletriptan is the most likely of all triptans to produce a favorable outcome was 68% for pain-free response at two hours, and 54% for 24-hour sustained pain-free response. Conclusion Triptans appear to offer differing treatment effects. In the populations studied eletriptan was most likely to produce pain-free responses that were sustained.
Bicuspid Aortic Valves Experience Increased Strain as Compared to Tricuspid Aortic Valves
Authors: Szeto Kai , Pastuszko Peter , Álamo Juan C. del , Lasheras Juan , Nigam Vishal 
Published: October 2013

Objective: To determine whether the leaflets of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) experience increased strain when compared to tricuspid aortic valve (TAV) leaflets. Background: The population at highest risk of aortic valve calcification (AVC) are individuals with BAVs. Currently, efforts to medically treat AVC are hampered by a limited understanding of the biomechanical forces involved in the molecular pathogenesis of AVC. Methods: Surgically created BAVs and control TAVs were placed into a left heart simulator. Strains were calculated by comparing the distances between points on the aortic valve (AoV) leaflet during various time points during a simulated cardiac cycle. Results: The fused leaflets of BAVs experience significantly more strain during systole when compared to TAVs. Specifically, BAVs experience 24% strain ( P < .0001) in the radial direction, parallel to the direction of blood flow, as compared to TAVs. There was peak difference of 4% ( P < .001) in the circumferential direction. Discussion: Based upon the data presented here, we are in the process of identifying how increased strain activates calcification-associated pathways in AoV cells. Future studies will examine whether these stretch responsive pathways can be blocked to inhibit calcification of BAVs.
Functional characterisation of three members of the Vitis viniferaL. carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase gene family
Authors: Lashbrooke Justin G , Young Philip R , Dockrall Samantha J , Vasanth Krishnan , Vivier Melané A 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn plants, carotenoids serve as the precursors to C13-norisoprenoids, a group of apocarotenoid compounds with diverse biological functions. Enzymatic cleavage of carotenoids catalysed by members of the carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase (CCD) family has been shown to produce a number of industrially important volatile flavour and aroma apocarotenoids including β-ionone, geranylacetone, pseudoionone, α-ionone and 3-hydroxy-β-ionone in a range of plant species. Apocarotenoids contribute to the floral and fruity attributes of many wine cultivars and are thereby, at least partly, responsible for the “varietal character”. Despite their importance in grapes and wine; carotenoid cleavage activity has only been described for VvCCD1 and the mechanism(s) and regulation of carotenoid catabolism remains largely unknown.ResultsThree grapevine-derived CCD-encoding genes have been isolated and shown to be functional with unique substrate cleavage capacities. Our results demonstrate that the VvCCD4a and VvCCD4b catalyse the cleavage of both linear and cyclic carotenoid substrates. The expression ofVvCCD1,VvCCD4aandVvCCD4bwas detected in leaf, flower and throughout berry development.VvCCD1expression was constitutive, whereasVvCCD4aexpression was predominant in leaves andVvCCD4bin berries. A transgenic population with a 12-fold range ofVvCCD1expression exhibited a lack of correlation betweenVvCCD1expression and carotenoid substrates and/or apocarotenoid products in leaves, providing proof that thein plantafunction(s) of VvCCD1 in photosynthetically active tissue is distinct from thein vitroactivities demonstrated. The isolation and functional characterisation of VvCCD4a and VvCCD4b identify two additional CCDs that are functional in grapevine.ConclusionsTaken together, our results indicate that the three CCDs are under various levels of control that include gene expression (spatial and temporal), substrate specificity and compartmentalisation that act individually and/or co-ordinately to maintain carotenoid and volatile apocarotenoid levels in plants. Altering the expression ofVvCCD1in a transgenic grapevine population illustrated the divergence between thein vitroenzyme activity and thein plantaactivity of this enzyme, thereby contributing to the efforts to understand how enzymatic degradation of carotenoids involved in photosynthesis occurs. The identification and functional characterisation of VvCCD4a and VvCCD4b suggest that these enzymes are primarily responsible for catalysing the cleavage of plastidial carotenoids.
Questionnaire-based study to assess the association between management practices and mastitis within tie-stall and free-stall dairy housing systems in Switzerland
Authors: Gordon Paz F , van den Borne Bart HP , Reist Martin , Kohler Samuel , Doherr Marcus G 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background
Prophylactic measures are key components of dairy herd mastitis control programs, but some are only relevant in specific housing systems. To assess the association between management practices and mastitis incidence, data collected in 2011 by a survey among 979 randomly selected Swiss dairy farms, and information from the regular test day recordings from 680 of these farms was analyzed.

Results
The median incidence of farmer-reported clinical mastitis (ICM) was 11.6 (mean 14.7) cases per 100 cows per year. The median annual proportion of milk samples with a composite somatic cell count (PSCC) above 200,000 cells/ml was 16.1 (mean 17.3) %. A multivariable negative binomial regression model was fitted for each of the mastitis indicators for farms with tie-stall and free-stall housing systems separately to study the effect of other (than housing system) management practices on the ICM and PSCC events (above 200,000 cells/ml). The results differed substantially by housing system and outcome. In tie-stall systems, clinical mastitis incidence was mainly affected by region (mountainous production zone; incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.73), the dairy herd replacement system (1.27) and farmers age (0.81). The proportion of high SCC was mainly associated with dry cow udder controls (IRR = 0.67), clean bedding material at calving (IRR = 1.72), using total merit values to select bulls (IRR = 1.57) and body condition scoring (IRR = 0.74). In free-stall systems, the IRR for clinical mastitis was mainly associated with stall climate/temperature (IRR = 1.65), comfort mats as resting surface (IRR = 0.75) and when no feed analysis was carried out (IRR = 1.18). The proportion of high SSC was only associated with hand and arm cleaning after calving (IRR = 0.81) and beef producing value to select bulls (IRR = 0.66).

Conclusions
There were substantial differences in identified risk factors in the four models. Some of the factors were in agreement with the reported literature while others were not. This highlights the multifactorial nature of the disease and the differences in the risks for both mastitis manifestations. Attempting to understand these multifactorial associations for mastitis within larger management groups continues to play an important role in mastitis control programs.
Put a tiger in your tank: the polyclad flatworm Maritigrella crozieri as a proposed model for evo-devo
Authors: Lapraz François , Rawlinson Kate A , Girstmair Johannes , Tomiczek Bartłomiej , Berger Jürgen , Jékely Gáspár , Telford Maximilian J , Egger Bernhard 
Published: October 2013

Abstract
Polyclad flatworms are an early branching clade within the rhabditophoran Platyhelminthes. They provide an interesting system with which to explore the evolution of development within Platyhelminthes and amongst Spiralia (Lophotrochozoa). Unlike most other flatworms, polyclads undergo spiral cleavage (similar to that seen in some other spiralian taxa), they are the only free-living flatworms where development via a larval stage occurs, and they are the only flatworms in which embryos can be reared outside of their protective egg case, enabling embryonic manipulations. Past work has focused on comparing early cleavage patterns and larval anatomy between polyclads and other spiralians. We have selected Maritigrella crozieri, the tiger flatworm, as a suitable polyclad species for developmental studies, because it is abundant and large in size compared to other species. These characteristics have facilitated the generation of a transcriptome from embryonic and larval material and are enabling us to develop methods for gene expression analysis and immunofluorescence techniques. Here we give an overview of M. crozieri and its development, we highlight the advantages and current limitations of this animal as a potential evo-devo model and discuss current lines of research.
Feasibility and Safety of High Dose Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced Cervical Cancer: A Preliminary Experience of Gynecologic Oncology Management Italian Team
Authors: Russo Donatella , Ronzino Graziana , Papaleo Antonella , Cavalera Elisa , Leone Angela , Giampaglia Marianna , Caretto Simona , Aprile Fabrizio Totaro , De Marzi Alex Cristiano , Santantonio Mario , Perrone Antonio , Tinelli Andrea 
Published: October 2013

Locally advanced cervical cancer has a poor prognosis and is difficult to treat by surgery; authors’ evaluated feasibility and safety of the simultaneous integrated boost (SIB) technique for dose escalation in patients with cervical cancer using a rotational dynamic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy Technique (VMAT®).
Authors evaluated 10 patients affected by loco-regionally advanced, node negative, inoperable cervical cancer. All women received primary chemoradiation (CRT). Six pts received three cycles of platinum-based chemotherapy (CT) plus CRT. Three Programmed Temperature Vaporization (PTV) were delineated: PTV1 (primary, cervix and parametria with a 1cm-margin); PTV2 (body of uterus with a 1cm-margin); PTV3 (pelvic nodes). PTV1 was defined using image fusion between CT-scan and RM or PET/CT. Treatment plans, calculated using a rotational dynamic Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) system on Oncentra Masterplan® (VMAT®), and consisted in a simultaneous integrated boost. Total treatment time was 45 days. Concomitant CT consisted of weekly cisplatin 40 mg/m2. Dose–volume histograms and acute gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and hematological toxicity were evaluated. Secondary endpoint was evaluation of short term disease free survival. Three months after CTRT, patients were revaluated with colposcopy and cytology and Pelvic imaging. After six and twelve months from CTRT, reevaluation included PET-CT or Chest CT scan and Abdominal and Pelvic RM. All patients concluded radiation without suspension. Cytology demonstrated complete response (CR) in 4 pts in the ERT fraction of brachytherapy (BRT) group and in 1 pts in ERT alone group. All other patients showed a partial response (PR) > 75%. After a median follow up of 20 month (range 16-22), 5 patients are free from disease (NED), 4 patients are alive with disease (AWD) and 1 patient died after three months (DOD). In 2 AWD patients, re-staging PET showed a RC of pelvic disease with evidence of disease in lomboaortic nodes. One of them received salvage radiation therapy on recurrence. After this preliminary experience, in patients with inaccessible cervical canal, authors could propose the dose escalation on PTV1, with the aim of delivering BED as near as possible to 85Gy.
The Burden of HIV-Associated Dementia in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Asekomeh God'spower Eshiofe , Onwuchekwa Arthur C. , Ogunrin Olubunmi A. 
Published: October 2013

Objectives: The prevalence of HIV dementia in West Africa is poorly defined. Hence we sought to determine the frequency of HIV-associated dementia in advanced HIV-1 infection and assess the contributory role of HIV-2 co-infection and other risk factors in a Nigerian population.
Subjects and Methods: A total of 130 HIV seropositive patients with CD4+ T lymphocytes count <200 cells/µl were compared with 130 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Detailed clinical evaluation and cognitive assessment for dementia using the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) were carried out on all participants.
Results: The life-time prevalence of dementia in HIV- positive patients was 66.2%. The HIV-positive patients had lower scores in all cognitive domains of the IHDS (p<0.05). Reduced mean score of Karnofsky performance scale, reduced body mass index, reduced total lymphocyte count and CD4+ T-lymphocyte cell count increased risk of dementia but HIV-2 co-infection was not associated with development of dementia.
Conclusion: There is a high burden of dementia among Nigerian adults with HIV/AIDS. This underscores the need for regular cognitive assessment for early detection and institution of appropriate intervention.
In vivo validation of the electronic depth control probes
Authors: Dombovári Balázs , Fiáth Richárd , Kerekes Bálint Péter , Tóth Emília , Wittner Lucia , Horváth Domonkos , Seidl Karsten , Herwik Stanislav , Torfs Tom , Paul Oliver , Ruther Patrick , Neves Herc , Ulbert István 
Published: October 2013

AbstractIn this article, we evaluated the electrophysiological performance of a novel, high-complexity silicon probe array. This brain-implantable probe implements a dynamically reconfigurable voltage-recording device, coordinating large numbers of electronically switchable recording sites, referred to as electronic depth control (EDC). Our results show the potential of the EDC devices to record good-quality local field potentials, and single- and multiple-unit activities in cortical regions during pharmacologically induced cortical slow wave activity in an animal model.
Measurement of amino terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) employing the ADVIA Centaur platform. Validation, reference interval and comparison to UniQ RIA
Authors: Knudsen Cindy Soendersoe , Heickendorff Lene , Nexo Ebba 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRecently, measurement of amino terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) was introduced as a part of the hepatic cirrhotic marker enhanced liver fibrosis™ test on the automated ADVIA CentaurWe analyzed four control samples 20 times over a period of 5 days. Centaur PIIINP assay measurements were compared with the widely used UniQ PIIINP RIA assay (Orion Diagnostica, Espoo, Finland) using 55 patient samples (range=3.7–43.3 µg/L). Furthermore, we established a reference interval based on samples from 287 blood donors.In the concentration range 2.5–11.9 µg/L, the total imprecision was below 8%. Comparison with the UniQ PIIINP RIA assay yielded: Centaur PIIINP µg/L=1.9×(UniQ PIIINP RIA)+0.6 µg/L, rWe conclude that the Centaur PIIINP assay is suitable for routine use with our newly defined reference interval. The results obtained by Centaur correlates well with those obtained by the previously employed RIA, though the absolute values are higher.
Influence of Allium sativum extract on the hypoglycemic activity of glibenclamide: an approach to possible herb-drug interaction
Authors: Poonam Tripathi , Prakash Gupta Prem , Kumar Lal Vijay 
Published: October 2013

Abstract

Background: The use of herbs with allopathic medicines increases the possibility of herb-drug interaction, which may either be beneficial or harmful. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to determine the interaction of glibenclamide, a sulfonylurea, with the aqueous extract of garlic (Allium sativum), an herb used widely as an antidiabetic agent.

Methods: The interaction was evaluated by an acute study, chronic study, oral glucose tolerance test, and body weight estimation in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Glibenclamide was given orally at two different doses of 0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, and A. sativum extract (ASE) was administered at the dose of 500 mg/kg. Blood glucose level and body weight estimation were carried out at various intervals.

Results: The hypoglycemic effect observed with combinations of glibenclamide and ASE was greater than either of the drug given alone. Combined treatments of glibenclamide and ASE resulted in higher increase in body weight than alone treatments.

Conclusions: We conclude that ASE shows a synergistic effect with glibenclamide. This could be important in reducing the dose of glibenclamide to achieve an enhanced therapeutic effect with minimal side effects.