bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A118G polymorphism in the μ-opioid receptor gene and levels of β-endorphin are associated with provoked vestibulodynia and pressure pain sensitivity
Authors: Heddini Ulrika , Johannesson Ulrika , Grönbladh Alfhild , Nyberg Fred , Nilsson Kent W. , Bohm-Starke Nina 
Published: December 2013

Abstract

Background and aims
Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is the most common cause of dyspareunia among young women. The aetiology is largely unknown and treatment is often extensive and longstanding with varying outcomes. Patients display general pain hypersensitivity and there are correlations with other chronic pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia later in life. The A118G polymorphism in the μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene influences endogenous pain regulation and pain sensitivity, but has not been studied in this patient group before. We aimed to investigate a possible association between A118G polymorphism and PVD, with correlation to plasma levels of β-endorphin, and to explore relationships between this polymorphism and pain sensitivity among women with PVD and healthy controls.

Methods
This case-control study included 98 women with PVD and 103 controls. Participants filled out study-specific questionnaires and underwent quantitative sensory testing of pressure pain thresholds on the arm, leg and in the vestibular area. Levels of β-endorphin were analyzed by radioimmunoassay using the EURIA-beta-endorphin kit, and the A118G single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP; rs1799971) in the OPRM1 gene was analyzed using the TaqMan SNP genotyping assay.

Results
The 118G allele was more common in controls (44%) than in patients (30%) (p = 0.042). The odds ratio of having PVD was 1.8 in participants carrying the 118A allele compared to participants hetero- or homozygous for the 118G allele (OR = 1.846, CI: 1.03-3.31, p = 0.039). Pressure pain thresholds on the leg were higher for participants carrying the 118G allele (mean 480 kPa, SD 167.5) than for those carrying the 118A allele (mean 419, SD 150.4, p = 0.008). Levels of β-endorphin were higher in patients (mean 17.9 fmol/ml, SD 4.71) than in controls (mean 15.8 fmol/ml, SD 4.03) (p < 0.001).

Conclusion
We found an association between the A118G polymorphism in the OPRM1 gene and an increased risk of PVD and increased pain sensitivity among participants carrying the 118A allele. PVD patients were more sensitive to pressure pain and had higher levels of plasma β-endorphin than controls. The results indicate that differences in endogenous pain modulation involving the opioid system could contribute to the pathophysiology of PVD and the general pain hypersensitivity seen in these women.

Implications
The data support the conceptualization of PVD as part of a general pain disorder with a possible genetic predisposition. The age of onset of PVD is usually between 18 and 25 years and already at this age general pain hypersensitivity is present but rarely causing disability. We believe that early recognition and treatment, with the risk of further development of chronic pain taken into consideration, might prevent future aggravated pain problems in this patient group.
Effects of Variable Viscosity and Thermal conductivity on Natural-Convection of Nanofluids Past a Vertical Plate in Porous Media
Authors: Noghrehabadi A. , Ghalambaz M. , Ghanbarzadeh A. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe effects of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity on the natural convection heat transfer over a vertical plate embedded in a porous medium saturated by a nanofluid are investigated. In the nanofluid model, a gradient of nanoparticles concentration because of Brownian motion and thermophoresis forces is taken into account. The nanofluid viscosity and the thermal conductivity are assumed as a function of local nanoparticles volume fraction. The appropriate similarity variables are used to convert the governing partial differential equations into a set of highly coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations, and then, they numerically solved using the Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method. The practical range of non- dimensional parameters is discussed. The results show that the range of Lewis number as well as Brownian motion and thermophoresis parameters which were used in previous studies should be reconsidered. The effect of non-dimensional parameters on the boundary layer is examined. The results show that the reduced Nusselt number would increase with increase of viscosity parameter and would decrease with increase of thermal conductivity parameter.
EFFECT OF SOIL DRYING ON RATE OF STRESS DEVELOPMENT, LEAF GAS EXCHANGE AND PROLINE ACCUMULATION IN ROBUSTA COFFEE (COFFEA CANEPHORAPIERRE EX FROEHNER) CLONES
Authors: TESFAYE S. G. , ISMAIL M. R. , RAMLAN M. F. , MARZIAH M. , KAUSAR H. 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYSeasonal drought stresses as a result of changes in global climate and local weather conditions are among the major factors adversely affecting growth and productivity of Robusta coffee (Coffea canephorapierre ex froehner) in many areas producing the crop. It is believed that there exists a wide range of genetic variability among Robusta coffee clones for traits associated with drought tolerance. Therefore, in an attempt to determine differences among Robusta coffee clones for some growth, physiological and biochemical parameters and identify drought-tolerant materials, 12 months old seedlings of six clones (IC-2, IC-3, IC-4, IC-6, IC-8 and R-4) were subjected to two treatments: well-watered control and drought-stressed (soil drying) by withholding irrigation for three weeks in a rain shelter at University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia. The rate of stress development, expressed as extent of wilting and damage to leaves, was considerably higher for clones IC-8, IC-4, R-4 and IC-2 than for IC-3 and IC-6 during the stress period. Leaf water potential (LWP), stomatal conductance (gs) and rate of net photosynthesis (PN) progressively decreased but leaf proline (LP) concentration substantially increased with time of exposure of the plants to soil drying. There was a considerable difference between coffee clones for the rate of change in these parameters. All the clones except IC-6 and IC-8 showed a negative carbon balance with the most negative value for R-4 at the end of the stress period. Six days after rewatering, LWP,gsandPNincreased rapidly while LP concentration decreased and reached a level equivalent to those of well-watered plants, especially for clones IC-3 and IC-6. Among the drought-stressed plants, IC-6 and IC-3 had still significantly higher shoot growth, total dry matter yield and root to shoot ratio than did IC-2, IC-4, IC-8 and R-4. In general, clones IC-6 and IC-3 exhibited quite a better performance in almost all the parameters considered in this study and seemed to be less sensitive to drought stress. Hence, drought tolerance attributes in these clones could be linked to a more effective osmotic adjustment due to more rapid accumulation of LP and probably some morphological parameters, such as increased root-to-shoot ratio. However, further analyses at molecular level, detail biochemical studies and observations under diverse field conditions are required to come up with more conclusive recommendations.
Far-field tectonic effects of the Arabia–Eurasia collision and the inception of the North Anatolian Fault system
Authors: ALBINO IRENE , CAVAZZA WILLIAM , ZATTIN MASSIMILIANO , OKAY ARAL I. , ADAMIA SHOTA , SADRADZE NINO 
Published: December 2013

AbstractNew thermochronological data show that rapid Middle Miocene exhumation occurred synchronously along the Bitlis suture zone and in the southeastern Black Sea region, arguably as a far-field effect of the Arabia–Eurasia indentation. Collision-related strain focused preferentially along the rheological boundary between the multideformed continental lithosphere of northeastern Anatolia and the strong (quasi)oceanic lithosphere of the eastern Black Sea. Deformation in the southeastern Black Sea region ceased in late Middle Miocene time, when coherent westward motion of Anatolia and the corresponding activation of the North and East Anatolian Fault systems mechanically decoupled portions of the foreland from the Arabia–Eurasia collision zone.
Laryngeal cancer management in a small, rural, multidisciplinary team setting: 15-year review
Authors: Hamilton D W , McMeekin P J , Dyson P , Robson A K 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground:The Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle, serves a largely remote, rural population of 330 000. The aim of this study was to report the treatment and survival figures for patients treated for laryngeal cancer at this centre.Methods:The study included 209 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx diagnosed between 1996 and 2010 at the Cumberland Infirmary.Results:Disease-specific survival was 100 per cent for stage one, 76 per cent for stage two, 87 per cent for stage three and 46 per cent for stage four. In total, 76 patients (36 per cent) had a laryngectomy, either as primary treatment or as a salvage procedure.Conclusion:Our tumour-specific survival rate was very high, and this success may be due in part to high rates of surgical intervention. Survival data compared favourably with other centres, despite less radical radiotherapy regimes. Laryngeal cancer can be managed effectively in a small, relatively remote, multidisciplinary team setting.
Depression is more than the sum score of its parts: individual DSM symptoms have different risk factors
Authors: Fried E. I. , Nesse R. M. , Zivin K. , Guille C. , Sen S. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundFor diagnostic purposes, the nine symptoms that compose the DSM-5 criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) are assumed to be interchangeable indicators of one underlying disorder, implying that they should all have similar risk factors. The present study investigates this hypothesis, using a population cohort that shifts from low to elevated depression levels.MethodWe assessed the nine DSM-5 MDD criterion symptoms (using the Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9) and seven depression risk factors (personal and family MDD history, sex, childhood stress, neuroticism, work hours, and stressful life events) in a longitudinal study of medical interns prior to and throughout internship (n = 1289). We tested whether risk factors varied across symptoms, and whether a latent disease model could account for heterogeneity between symptoms.ResultsAll MDD symptoms increased significantly during residency training. Four risk factors predicted increases in unique subsets of PHQ-9 symptoms over time (depression history, childhood stress, sex, and stressful life events), whereas neuroticism and work hours predicted increases in all symptoms, albeit to varying magnitudes. MDD family history did not predict increases in any symptom. The strong heterogeneity of associations persisted after controlling for a latent depression factor.ConclusionsThe influence of risk factors varies substantially across DSM depression criterion symptoms. As symptoms are etiologically heterogeneous, considering individual symptoms in addition to depression diagnosis might offer important insights obfuscated by symptom sum scores.
Synthesis and analysis of distributed ensemble control strategies for allocation to multiple tasks
Authors: Mather T. William , Hsieh M. Ani 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYWe present the synthesis and analysis of distributed ensemble control policies to enable a team of robots to control their distribution across a collection of tasks. We assume that individual robot controllers are modeled as a sequential composition of individual task controllers. A macroscopic description of the team dynamics is then used to synthesize ensemble feedback control strategies that maintain the desired distribution of robots across the tasks. We present a distributed implementation of the ensemble feedback strategy that can be implemented with minimal communication requirements. Different from existing strategies, the approach results in individual robot control policies that maintain the desired mean and the variance of the robot populations at each task. We present the stability properties of the ensemble feedback strategy, verify the feasibility of the distributed ensemble controller through high-fidelity simulations, and examine the robustness of the strategy to sensing and/or actuation failures. Specifically, we consider the case when robots are subject to estimation and navigation errors resulting from lossy inter-agent wireless communication links and localization errors.
Curve shortening-inspired self-reconfiguration of heterogenous hexagonal-shaped modules toward a straight chain
Authors: Miao Yizhou , Yan Gangfeng , Lin Zhiyun 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYThis study deals with a self-reconfiguration problem of hexagonal-shaped modules from an arbitrary initial configuration to a straight chain. Modules are modeled as the same-sized rigid bodies. Two categories of modules with different functionalities are used. One category comprises two powerful modules, which are expected to play the role of terminal modules in a goal configuration. The other category comprises several ordinary modules, which are expected to fill in the middle portion in a goal configuration. A distributed control strategy, inspired by the idea of curve shortening, is developed for each module to act cooperatively to attain a goal configuration. It is verified that under the proposed strategy, modules eventually converge to a straight chain.
The reception of the Latin Life of St Giles in Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Franklin Carmela Vircillo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article maps the textual transmission of the Vita S. Aegidii to identify the routes of its reception in Anglo-Saxon England. It shows how the Mass of Giles in Leofric's Missal offers new evidence of Leofric's links to the Liège area. The collation between the Old English Life of St Giles and the critical edition of the Latin source indicates first that the Life was translated from a Latin copy related to Vatican, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Reginensis 497, containing a palimpsest of the Old English Orosius; second, it highlights the continuing exchanges between the Trier region and England in the eleventh century; and third, it applies inter-lingual transmission in order to understand translation practice. A new edition and translation of the Latin vita are included.
TELEMEDICAL VERSUS CONVENTIONAL HEART PATIENT MONITORING: A SURVEY STUDY WITH GERMAN PHYSICIANS
Authors: Klack Lars , Ziefle Martina , Wilkowska Wiktoria , Kluge Johanna 
Published: December 2013

Objectives: In this study, we explored crucial factors that explain a person's attitude toward and his or her assessment of telemedical systems. Special focus lies on the link between the perspective of physicians (telemedicine users) and technicians (telemedicine designers) to find potential barriers hindering the broad application of telemedical systems in hospitals and doctors’ offices.Methods: A survey among medical professionals (n = 34), technical professionals (n = 39), and a control group (n = 44) was conducted. The collected data were assessed in terms of domain knowledge, attitudes toward telemedicine, and potential implementation barriers.Results: Participants favored the conventional method over telemedical monitoring in regards to privacy, security, and time efficiency. In contrast, telemedicine was preferred with reference to efficiency of data analysis, long-term care, and emergency adequacy. Significant differences between the professional groups were found regarding perceived cost effectiveness, patients’ compliance, privacy protection, and false alarm sensitivity. Medical professionals exhibited the most reluctance toward using telemedical treatments.Conclusions: The perceived drawbacks are attributed to a general uncertainty about the reliability of telemedical systems, in combination with concerns about personal data privacy, security, and loss of control. The reported fear of not being able to correctly use and handle the systems assumes a low usability of devices. To acquaint medical professionals with the benefits and limitations of telemedical systems, telemonitoring and tele-treatment should be included in the education of medical personnel at an early stage.
COST-UTILITY OF SELF-MANAGED COMPUTER THERAPY FOR PEOPLE WITH APHASIA
Authors: Latimer Nicholas R. , Dixon Simon , Palmer Rebecca 
Published: December 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the potential cost-effectiveness of self-managed computer therapy for people with long-standing aphasia post stroke and to estimate the value of further research.Methods: The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of computer therapy in addition to usual stimulation compared with usual stimulation alone was considered in people with long-standing aphasia using data from the CACTUS trial. A model-based approach was taken. Where possible the input parameters required for the model were obtained from the CACTUS trial data, a United Kingdom-based pilot randomized controlled trial that recruited thirty-four people with aphasia and randomized them to computer treatment or usual care. Cost-effectiveness was described using an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) together with cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. A value of information analysis was undertaken to inform future research priorities.Results: The intervention had an ICER of £3,058 compared with usual care. The likelihood of the intervention being cost-effective was 75.8 percent at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000 per QALY gained. The expected value of perfect information was £37 million.Conclusions: Our results suggest that computer therapy for people with long-standing aphasia is likely to represent a cost-effective use of resources. However, our analysis is exploratory given the small size of the trial it is based upon and therefore our results are uncertain. Further research would be of high value, particularly with respect to the quality of life gain achieved by people who respond well to therapy.
IMPACT OF EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTIONS ON ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS REPORTING
Authors: Pagotto Caroline , Varallo Fabiana , Mastroianni Patrícia 
Published: December 2013

Introduction:Spontaneous adverse drug events (ADE) reporting is the main source of data for assessing the risk/benefit of drugs available in the pharmaceutical market. However, its major limitation is underreporting, which hinders and delays the signal detection by Pharmacovigilance (PhV).Objectives:To identify the techniques of educational intervention (EI) for promotion of PhV by health professionals and to assess their impact.Methods:A systematic review was performed in the PUBMED, PAHO, LILACS and EMBASE databases, from November/2011 to January/2012, updated in March/2013. The strategy search included the use of health descriptors and a manual search in the references cited by selected papers.Results:101 articles were identified, of which 16 met the inclusion criteria. Most of these studies (10) were conducted in European hospitals and physicians were the health professionals subjected to most EI (12), these studies lasted from one month to two years. EI with multifaceted techniques raised the absolute number, the rate of reporting related to adverse drug reactions (ADR), technical defects of health technologies, and also promoted an improvement in the quality of reports, since there was increased reporting of ADR classified as serious, unexpected, related to new drugs and with high degree of causality.Conclusion:Multifaceted educational interventions for multidisciplinary health teams working at all healthcare levels, with sufficient duration to reach all professionals who act in the institution, including issues related to medication errors and therapeutic ineffectiveness, must be validated, with the aim of standardizing the Good Practice of PhV and improve drug safety indicators.
MAPPING OF HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT IN SELECTED COUNTRIES
Authors: Oortwijn Wija , Broos Pieter , Vondeling Hindrik , Banta David , Todorova Lora 
Published: December 2013

Objectives: The aim of this study was to develop and apply an instrument to map the level of health technology assessment (HTA) development at country level in selected countries. We examined middle-income countries (Argentina, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, and Russia) and countries well-known for their comprehensive HTA programs (Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom).Methods: A review of relevant key documents regarding the HTA process was performed to develop the instrument which was then reviewed by selected HTAi members and revised. We identified and collected relevant information to map the level of HTA in the selected countries. This was supplemented by information from a structured survey among HTA experts in the selected countries (response rate: 65/385).Results: Mapping of HTA in a country can be done by focusing on the level of institutionalization and the HTA process (identification, priority setting, assessment, appraisal, reporting, dissemination, and implementation in policy and practice). Although HTA is most advanced in industrialized countries, there is a growing community in middle-income countries that uses HTA. For example, Brazil is rapidly developing effective HTA programs. India and Russia are at the very beginning of introducing HTA. The other middle-income countries show intermediate levels of HTA development compared with the reference countries.Conclusions: This study presents a set of indicators for documenting the current level and trends in HTA at country level. The findings can be used as a baseline measurement for future monitoring and evaluation. This will allow a variety of stakeholders to assess the development of HTA in their country, help inform strategies, and justify expenditure for HTA.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY REASSESSMENT: THE ART OF THE POSSIBLE
Authors: MacKean Gail , Noseworthy Tom , Elshaug Adam G. , Leggett Laura , Littlejohns Peter , Berezanski Joan , Clement Fiona 
Published: December 2013

Background:Health technology reassessment (HTR) is “a structured, evidence-based assessment of the clinical, social, ethical, and economic effects of a technology currently used in the healthcare system, to inform optimal use of that technology in comparison to its alternatives.” The purpose of this study is to describe the key themes in the context of current HTR activities and propose a way forward for this newly emerging field.Methods:Data were gathered from a workshop held as part of the 2012 Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health (CADTH) symposium. The workshop consisted of two panel presentations followed by discussion; data gathered, including presentations and rich audience discussion transcripts, were analyzed for key themes emerging in the field of HTR using constant comparative analysis.Results:The language chosen to describe HTR will set the tone for engagement. The identification of champions at multiple levels and political will are essential. Key lessons from international experience are: disinvestment is difficult, focus on clinical areas not specific technologies, identify clear goals of the HTR agenda. Six key themes were identified to move the HTR agenda forward: emphasize integration over segregation, focus on development of HTR methods and processes, processes are context-specific but lessons must be shared, build capacity in synergistic interdisciplinary fields, develop meaningful stakeholder engagement, strengthen postimplementation monitoring and evaluation.Conclusions:To move this field forward, we must continue to build on international experiences with a focus on developing novel methodological approaches to generating, incorporating, and implementing evidence into policy and practice.