bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Randomized Trial of Telegenetics vs. In‐Person Cancer Genetic Counseling: Cost, Patient Satisfaction and Attendance
Authors: Buchanan Adam H. , Datta Santanu K. , Skinner Celette Sugg , Hollowell Gail P. , Beresford Henry F. , Freeland Thomas , Rogers Benjamin , Boling John , Marcom P. Kelly , Adams Martha B. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTelegenetics—genetic counseling via live videoconferencing—can improve access to cancer genetic counseling (CGC) in underserved areas, but studies on cancer telegenetics have not applied randomized methodology or assessed cost. We report cost, patient satisfaction and CGC attendance from a randomized trial comparing telegenetics with in‐person CGC among individuals referred to CGC in four rural oncology clinics. Participants (n = 162) were randomized to receive CGC at their local oncology clinic in‐person or via telegenetics. Cost analyses included telegenetics system; mileage; and personnel costs for genetic counselor, IT specialist, and clinic personnel. CGC attendance was tracked via study database. Patient satisfaction was assessed 1 week post‐CGC via telephone survey using validated scales. Total costs were $106 per telegenetics patient and $244 per in‐person patient. Patient satisfaction did not differ by group on either satisfaction scale. In‐person patients were significantly more likely to attend CGC than telegenetics patients (89 vs. 79 %, p = 0.03), with bivariate analyses showing an association between lesser computer comfort and lower attendance rate (Chi‐square = 5.49, p = 0.02). Our randomized trial of telegenetics vs. in‐person counseling found that telegenetics cost less than in‐person counseling, with high satisfaction among those who attended. This study provides support for future randomized trials comparing multiple service delivery models on longer‐term psychosocial and behavioral outcomes.
Surgical Correction of Distal Radius Malunions using an Anatomic Radial Locking Plate
Authors: Hutchinson Alexander J. , Dunn John C. , Pirela-Cruz Miguel A. 
Published: April 2015

Background Correction of a distal radius fracture malunion is challenging technically. These malunions most classically deform dorsally, but often the deformity involves three planes. Methods Using an anatomically designed radial plate that takes into consideration the three planes, correction of the deformity can be obtained. In this video we see a patient with a classic dinner fork deformity that is associated with a dorsal malunion involving the distal radius. Correction of a distal radius malunion can be performed using a radial approach and an anatomic radial plate. Results The authors have used this technique for difficult distal radius fracture malunions and have achieved superb correction, returning patients to early range of motion and an active lifestyle. Conclusions Careful mobilization of the branches of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the superficial branch of the radial nerve is required. This technique affords the surgeon excellent access to three sides of the radius to help perform this complex surgery.
Molecular markers of neuropsychological functioning and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Edwards Melissa , Balldin Valerie Hobson , Hall James , O'Bryant Sid 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe current project sought to examine molecular markers of neuropsychological functioning among elders with and without Alzheimer's disease (AD) and determine the predictive ability of combined molecular markers and select neuropsychological tests in detecting disease presence.MethodsData were analyzed from 300 participants (n = 150, AD and n = 150, controls) enrolled in the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium. Linear regression models were created to examine the link between the top five molecular markers from our AD blood profile and neuropsychological test scores. Logistical regressions were used to predict AD presence using serum biomarkers in combination with select neuropsychological measures.ResultsUsing the neuropsychological test with the least amount of variance overlap with the molecular markers, the combined neuropsychological test and molecular markers was highly accurate in detecting AD presence.ConclusionThis work provides the foundation for the generation of a point‐of‐care device that can be used to screen for AD.
Practice effects due to serial cognitive assessment: Implications for preclinical Alzheimer's disease randomized controlled trials
Authors: Goldberg Terry E. , Harvey Philip D. , Wesnes Keith A. , Snyder Peter J. , Schneider Lon S. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIntroductionPractice effects are characteristic of nearly all standard cognitive tasks when repeated during serial assessments and are frequently important confounders in clinical trials.MethodsWe summarize evidence that gains in neuropsychological test performance scores associated with practice effects occur as artifactual changes associated with serial testing within clinical trials. We identify and emphasize such gains in older, non–cognitively impaired individuals and estimate an effect size of 0.25 for composite cognitive measures in older populations assessed three times in a 6‐ to 12‐month period.ResultsWe identified three complementary approaches that can be used to attenuate practice effects: (1) massed practice in a prebaseline period to reduce task familiarity effects; (2) tests designed to reduce practice‐related gains so that item‐specific driven improvements are minimized by using tasks that minimize strategy and/or maximize interitem interference; and (3) well‐matched alternate forms.DiscussionWe have drawn attention to and increased awareness of practice effect–related gains that could result in type 1 or type 2 errors in trials. Successfully managing practice effects will eliminate a large source of error and reduce the likelihood of misinterpretation of clinical trials outcomes.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 18F‐labeled amyloid imaging in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Yeo Jing Ming , Waddell Briony , Khan Zubair , Pal Suvankar 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundAmyloid imaging using fluorine 18–labeled tracers florbetapir, florbetaben, and flutemetamol has recently been reported in Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsWe systematically searched MEDLINE and EMBASE for relevant studies published from January 1980 to March 2014. Studies comparing imaging findings in AD and normal controls (NCs) were pooled in a meta‐analysis, calculating pooled weighted sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio (OR) using the DerSimonian‐Laird random‐effects model.ResultsNineteen studies, investigating 682 patients with AD, met inclusion criteria. Meta‐analysis demonstrated a sensitivity of 89.6%, a specificity of 87.2%, and an OR of 91.7 for florbetapir in differentiating AD patients from NCs, and a sensitivity of 89.3%, a specificity of 87.6%, and a diagnostic OR of 69.9 for florbetaben. There were insufficient data to complete analyses for flutemetamol.ConclusionsResults suggest favorable sensitivity and specificity of amyloid imaging with fluorine 18–labeled tracers in AD. Prospective studies are required to determine optimal imaging analysis methods and resolve outstanding clinical uncertainties.
Blood protein predictors of brain amyloid for enrichment in clinical trials?
Authors: Ashton Nicholas J. , Kiddle Steven J. , Graf John , Ward Malcolm , Baird Alison L. , Hye Abdul , Westwood Sarah , Wong Karyuan Vivian , Dobson Richard J. , Rabinovici Gil D. , Miller Bruce L. , Rosen Howard J. , Torres Andrew , Zhang Zhanpan , Thurfjell Lennart , Covin Antonia , Hehir Cristina Tan , Baker David , Bazenet Chantal , Lovestone Simon ,   AIBL Research Group
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundMeasures of neocortical amyloid burden (NAB) identify individuals who are at substantially greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Blood‐based biomarkers predicting NAB would have great utility for the enrichment of AD clinical trials, including large‐scale prevention trials.MethodsNontargeted proteomic discovery was applied to 78 subjects from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing with a range of NAB values. Technical and independent replications were performed by immunoassay.ResultsSeventeen discovery candidates were selected for technical replication. α2‐Macroglobulin, fibrinogen γ‐chain (FGG), and complement factor H‐related protein 1 were confirmed to be associated with NAB. In an independent cohort, FGG plasma levels combined with age predicted NAB had a sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 78%.ConclusionA single blood protein, FGG, combined with age, was shown to relate to NAB and therefore could have potential for enrichment of clinical trial populations.
Reduced plasma desmosterol‐to‐cholesterol ratio and longitudinal cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Sato Yoshiaki , Bernier Francois , Yamanaka Yasukazu , Aoshima Ken , Oda Yoshiya , Ingelsson Martin , Lannfelt Lars , Miyashita Akinori , Kuwano Ryozo , Ikeuchi Takeshi 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe here examined whether plasma desmosterol‐to‐cholesterol ratio (DES/CHO) is decreased in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and investigated the association between plasma DES/CHO and longitudinal cognitive decline.MethodsPlasma DES/CHO of AD patients and age‐matched controls in a Japanese cross‐sectional cohort was determined. Plasma DES/CHO at baseline and follow‐up visits was assessed in relation to cognitive decline in Japanese and Swedish longitudinal cohorts.ResultsPlasma DES/CHO was significantly reduced in Japanese AD patients and significantly correlated with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score. The longitudinal analysis revealed that plasma DES/CHO in AD patients shows a significant decrease at follow‐up intervals. The decline in plasma DES/CHO is larger in the AD group with rapid progression than in that with slow progression. The changes in plasma DES/CHO significantly correlated with changes in the MMSE score.ConclusionPlasma DES/CHO is decreased in AD patients and may serve as a longitudinal surrogate marker associated with cognitive decline.
Subjective memory complaints, cortical thinning, and cognitive dysfunction in middle‐age adults at risk of AD
Authors: Schultz Stephanie A. , Oh Jennifer M. , Koscik Rebecca L. , Dowling N. Maritza , Gallagher Catherine L. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Bendlin Barbara B. , LaRue Asenath , Hermann Bruce P. , Rowley Howard A. , Asthana Sanjay , Sager Mark A. , Johnson Sterling C. , Okonkwo Ozioma C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundSubjective memory complaints (SMCs) represent an individual's perception of subtle changes in memory in the absence of objective impairment in memory. However, it is not fully known whether persons with SMCs harbor brain alterations related to Alzheimer's disease (AD) or whether they indeed demonstrate poorer cognitive performance.MethodsThe participants were 261 middle‐age adults (mean age 54.30 years) enrolled in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer's Prevention, a registry of cognitively normal adults at risk of AD. They answered a question pertaining to subjective memory, completed a comprehensive neuropsychological examination, and subsequently underwent a volumetric magnetic resonance imaging scan. Cortical thickness measurements were derived from 10 a priori regions of interest involved in AD. Analyses of covariance were conducted to investigate the group differences in cortical thickness and neuropsychological measures.ResultsCompared with individuals without SMCs, those with SMCs had significant cortical thinning in the entorhinal, fusiform, posterior cingulate, and inferior parietal cortices and significantly reduced amygdala volume. Similarly, those with SMCs had significantly lower test scores on measures of Immediate Memory, Verbal Learning & Memory, and Verbal Ability. Additional adjustment for depressive symptoms (which differed between the groups) attenuated only the findings for the entorhinal cortex (P = .061) and Verbal Ability (P = .076).ConclusionAt‐risk, cognitively healthy individuals with SMCs exhibit cortical thinning in brain regions affected by AD and poorer performance on objective memory tests. These findings suggest that, in some individuals, SMCs might represent the earliest stages of AD.
Neuroimaging referral for dementia diagnosis: The specialist's perspective in Ireland
Authors: Ciblis Aurelia S. , Butler Marie‐Louise , Bokde Arun L.W. , Mullins Paul G. , O'Neill Desmond , McNulty Jonathan P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundNeuroimaging is an increasingly important tool in the diagnostic workup of dementia. Neurologists, geriatricians, and old‐age psychiatrists are involved in key tasks in the diagnostic process, frequently referring patients with suspected dementia for neuroimaging.MethodsThe research design was a postal survey of all geriatricians, old‐age psychiatrists, and neurologists in the Republic of Ireland (N = 176) as identified by the Irish Medical Directory 2011–2012 and supplementary listings.ResultsAlmost 65% of specialists did not have access to 2‐[18F]fluoro‐2‐deoxy‐D‐glucose positron emission (FDG‐PET) or FDG‐PET/computed tomography (CT), and 80.3% did not have access to perfusion hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) or dopaminergic iodine‐123‐radiolabeled 2β‐carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐N‐(3‐fluoropropyl) nortropane SPECT. Most specialists (88.7%) referred patients with mild cognitive impairment or suspected dementia for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), 81.7% referred for CT, and 26.8% for FDG‐PET or FDG‐PET/CT. Only 44.6% of respondents were aware of dementia‐specific protocols for referrals for neuroimaging.ConclusionSpecialist access to imaging modalities other than CT and MRI is restricted. Improved access may affect patient treatment and care.
Atrophy of presubiculum and subiculum is the earliest hippocampal anatomical marker of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Carlesimo Giovanni A. , Piras Fabrizio , Orfei Maria Donata , Iorio Mariangela , Caltagirone Carlo , Spalletta Gianfranco 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is no consensus about which hippocampal subfields become atrophic earliest in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsThirty AD patients, 41 mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and 38 healthy controls (HCs) underwent cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (with an automated segmentation protocol for the volumetric analysis of hippocampal subfields) and a test of immediate and delayed recall of a 15‐word list.ResultsThe volumes of the presubiculum and subiculum presented the most remarkable reduction in the patient's groups. In the MCI group, only the volumes of presubiculum and subiculum predicted performance on the memory tests. In AD patients, the volumes of all hippocampal subfields (with the notable exception of the CA1) predicted memory scores.ConclusionsOur data point to a prevalent atrophy of the presubicular‐subicular complex from the early phases of AD. This finding is consistent with neuropathological observations in AD patients and probably reflects the severe degeneration of the perforant pathway while penetrating the hippocampus through the subicular field in its course from the entorhinal cortex to the dentate gyrus.
Telepractice Versus In-Person Delivery of Voice Therapy for Primary Muscle Tension Dysphonia
Authors: Rangarathnam Balaji , McCullough Gary H. , Pickett Hylan , Zraick Richard I. , Tulunay-Ugur Ozlem , McCullough Kimberly C. 
Published: April 2015

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to investigate the utility of telepractice for delivering flow phonation exercises to persons with primary muscle tension dysphonia (MTD).MethodFourteen participants with a diagnosis of primary MTD participated, 7 on site and 7 at remote locations. Each participant received 12 treatment sessions across 6 weeks. Treatment consisted of flow phonation voice therapy exercises. Auditory–perceptual, acoustic, aerodynamic, and quality-of-life measures were taken before and after treatment.ResultsPerceptual and quality-of-life measures were significantly better posttreatment and were statistically equivalent across groups. Acoustic and aerodynamic measures improved in both groups, but changes did not reach statistical significance. Results for the 2 service delivery groups were comparable, with no significant differences observed for perceptual and quality-of-life measures.ConclusionsAlthough the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association supports the use of telepractice for speech-language pathology services, evidence for the use of telepractice for providing behavioral treatment to patients with MTD has been lacking. The results of this study indicate that flow phonation exercises can be successfully used for patients with MTD using telepractice.
Evidence-Based Systematic Review: Effects of Speech-Language Pathology Treatment for Individuals With Paradoxical Vocal Fold Motion
Authors: Patel Rita R. , Venediktov Rebecca , Schooling Tracy , Wang Beverly 
Published: April 2015

PurposeIn this article, our goal was to determine the state of the evidence and the effect of speech-language pathology (SLP) treatment for individuals with paradoxical vocal fold motion (PVFM).MethodThe American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's National Center for Evidence-Based Practice in Communication Disorders searched 22 electronic databases using key words related to PVFM, speech or voice treatment, and behavioral intervention for articles published through July 2013. Identified articles were systematically evaluated to assess the quality of the evidence using a modification of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's critical appraisal scheme.ResultsSixty-five articles met the search criteria. Only 2 out of the 65 articles were judged to contain adequate evidence to evaluate the effect of SLP treatment for PVFM. All 65 articles exemplify the state of the evidence for SLP treatment for PVFM.ConclusionThe state of the evidence for the use of SLP treatment is in its infancy, with a majority of articles in the exploratory stage of research. Consequently, few clinical implications can be drawn at this time. SLP treatment for PVFM is promising; however, there is clearly a pressing need for systematic experimental studies that involve a control group to further the evidence base.Supplemental Materialhttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170243
Narrative Intervention for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Authors: Gillam Sandra Laing , Hartzheim Daphne , Studenka Breanna , Simonsmeier Vicki , Gillam Ronald 
Published: April 2015

Purpose
This study was conducted to determine whether a narrative intervention program that targeted the use of mental state and causal language resulted in positive gains in narrative production for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Method
Five children (2 girls and 3 boys) who had been diagnosed with ASD participated in the study. Children ranged in age from 8 to 12 years and were recruited through an autism clinic. Intervention was provided for two 50-min individual sessions per week for a total of 21–33 sessions (depending on the student). Children's spontaneous stories, collected weekly, were analyzed for overall story complexity, story structure, and the use of mental state and causal language. Following a multiple-baseline across-participants design, data were collected for lagged baseline and intervention phases over a 6-month period.

Results
All of the children made gains on all 3 measures of narration after participating in the instruction, with clear changes in level for all 5 children and changes in trend for 4 of the 5 children. The gains were maintained after intervention was discontinued.

Conclusion
The results demonstrate the efficacy of the 3-phase narrative instruction program for improving the fictional narration abilities of children with ASD.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.6170315
The Impact of Social Support and Attachment Style on Quality of Life and Readiness to Change in a Sample of Individuals Receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence
Authors: Cavaiola Alan A. , Fulmer Barbara A. , Stout David 
Published: April 2015

Background A basic principle within the addictions treatment field is that social support is a vital ingredient in the recovery process. This study examines the nature of social support in a sample of opioid-dependent men and women who are currently being treated in a medication-assisted treatment program (methadone). This research examines the types of social support behaviors that the opioid-dependent individuals consider helpful and explores whether attachment style (i.e., secure, ambivalent, or anxious attachment) was a determining factor in whether social support was perceived as helpful. The dependent variables included readiness to change addictive behaviors and abstinence from other mood-altering drugs. Methods Participants ( N = 159) completed a demographic questionnaire, the Significant Others Scale, the Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support Assessment, the Readiness to Change Scale, and an Attachment Style Questionnaire. The demographic questionnaire included subjective ratings of self-improvement. Results Social support predicted perceived improvement in all of the areas examined (e.g., health, family/social relationships) and abstinence; however, attachment style did not predict improvement or with readiness to change. Conclusions Social support is an important factor in one's recovery from substance use disorders. Yet attachment style (i.e., anxious, avoidant, or secure) did not predict abstinence or overall improvement in functioning.
Enumerating classes and characters of 𝑝-groups
Authors: O’Brien E. , Voll C. 
Published: April 2015

We develop general formulae for the numbers of conjugacy classes and irreducible complex characters of finitepp-groups of nilpotency class less thanpp. This allows us to unify and generalize a number of existing enumerative results, and to obtain new such results for generalizations of relatively freepp-groups of exponent pp. Our main tools are the Lazard correspondence and the Kirillov orbit method.
do_x3dna: a tool to analyze structural fluctuations of dsDNA or dsRNA from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Kumar Rajendra , Grubmüller Helmut 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSummary: The do_x3dna package has been developed to analyze the structural fluctuations of DNA or RNA during molecular dynamics simulations. It extends the capability of the 3DNA package to GROMACS MD trajectories and includes new methods to calculate the global-helical axis of DNA and bending fluctuations during simulations. The package also includes a Python module dnaMD to perform and visualize statistical analyses of complex data obtained from the trajectories.Availability and Implementation: The source code of the do_x3dna is available at https://github.com/rjdkmr/do_x3dna under GNU GPLv3 license. A detailed documentation, including tutorials and required input data, are freely available at http://rjdkmr.github.io/do_x3dna/.Contact: rjdkmr@gmail.com