bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SUNCT, SUNA and pituitary tumors: Clinical characteristics and treatment
Authors: Chitsantikul Prin , Becker Werner J 
Published: November 2012

Background Short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with conjunctival injection and tearing (SUNCT) and short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with cranial autonomic symptoms (SUNA) are rare types of trigeminal autonomic cephalalgias (TACs). Objective To describe a series of patients with SUNCT and SUNA including relationship to pituitary tumors. Method All patients diagnosed with SUNCT or SUNA in the Calgary Headache Assessment and Management Program were reviewed. Results Six patients (five SUNCTs and one SUNA) were identified. The pain was severe, sharp, showed fixed-laterality, involved mainly the orbito-fronto-temporal region and was associated with autonomic symptoms. Attack duration ranged from 3 to 300 seconds and frequency was 1–200 paroxysms/day. MRI showed ipsilateral pituitary adenomas to the pain in five out of five of the SUNCT patients. Patients with adenomas underwent surgery. Pathology included three prolactinomas, and one mixed adenoma and gangliocytoma. One patient has remained headache free for 4 years after surgery. One was pain free for a year, and then headaches returned with tumor recurrence. Another had major improvement, and two have not improved. Patients were generally refractory to medications. Conclusion All five of our patients with typical SUNCT had pituitary tumors, with headache ipsilateral to the pituitary tumors in all cases. Tumor removal provided major improvement in three out of five patients. Medical treatment was only partially effective.
The Extent that Noncompliance with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding Influences Breastfeeding Duration
Authors: Nickel Nathan Christopher , Labbok Miriam H. , Hudgens Michael G. , Daniels Julie L. 
Published: November 2012

Background, Objectives: The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are not, as yet, the norm in the United States. This study examined how noncompliance with each of the Steps, and combinations of 2 Steps, influence duration of breastfeeding at the breast. Methods: Data were from the national Infant Feeding Practices Study II. The outcome was duration of any breastfeeding at the breast. Propensity scores modeled the probability of exposure to lacking 1 or more of the Ten Steps. Inverse probability weights controlled for confounding. Survival analyses estimated the relationship between the lack of a Step and breastfeeding duration. Results: Lack of Step 6 (No human milk substitutes) was associated with shorter breastfeeding duration, compared with being exposed to Step 6 (10.5-wk decrease). Lack of both Steps 4 (Breastfeed within 1 hour after birth) and 9 (Pacifiers), together, was related to the greatest decrease in breastfeeding duration (11.8-wk decrease). The findings supported a dose-response relationship: being exposed to 6 Steps was related to the longest median duration (48.8 wk), followed by 4 or 5 Steps (39.8 wk), followed by 2 or 3 Steps (36.4 wk). Conclusions: Prevalent US maternity care practices do not, as yet, include all of the Ten Steps. This lack of care may be associated with poor establishment of the physiological feedback systems that support sustained breastfeeding. Breastfeeding at the breast is compromised when specific combinations of Steps are lacking. Efforts to increase implementation of specific Steps and combinations of Steps may be associated with increased duration of breastfeeding.
Health Disparities in Cost of Care in Patients With Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gilligan Adrienne M. , Malone Daniel C. , Warholak Terri L. , Armstrong Edward P. 
Published: November 2012

Objectives: To investigate health disparities with respect to cost of care across 4 state Medicaid populations. Methods: Data were obtained from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for this retrospective study. Patients were enrolled in a California, Florida, New Jersey, or New York Medicaid programs during 2004, with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease ( International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision 331.0). Outcome of interest was cost of care. Decomposition of cost to calculate disparities was estimated using the Oaxaca-Blinder model. An a priori α level of .01 was used. Results: Approximately 158 974 individuals qualified for this study. Disparities were found to exist between blacks and whites (with blacks having higher costs; P < .0001), whites and others (with whites having higher costs; P < .0001), blacks and Hispanics (with blacks having higher costs; P < .0001), blacks and others (with blacks having higher costs; P < .0001), and Hispanics and others (with Hispanics having higher costs; P < .0001). Conclusions: Disparities in cost among minority-to-minority populations were just as prevalent, if not higher, than minority–white disparities.
Usefulness of prestudy assessment of patient willingness to undergo tissue biopsy for correlative studies in a melanoma vaccine trial
Authors: Judge Joshua M , Chianese-Bullock Kimberly A , Schroen Anneke T , Slingluff Craig L 
Published: November 2012

Background Performing biopsies for correlative studies in cancer trials raises ethical and regulatory concerns and may impact trial accrual negatively. However, strategies to address these concerns remain largely unexplored. Purpose We sought to assess the perceived risk of mandatory tissue biopsies to be performed for research purposes as part of a clinical trial of a melanoma vaccine by administering a pretrial accrual assessment questionnaire in the population of interest. Furthermore, we explored how such survey data may be used to address potential concerns of regulatory and funding organizations that may not be able to assess the risks of those biopsies. Method A total of 91 melanoma patients, similar to potential participants in a melanoma vaccine pilot study, scored their willingness, on a 9-point Likert scale, to participate in vaccine trials involving no skin biopsy versus a skin biopsy resulting in a 3-, 6-, or 12-cm scar. The vaccine trial was performed with skin biopsies leaving a 6-cm scar. Accrual rate was assessed and that accrual was compared to the accrual of two similar vaccine trials without biopsy requirements. Results A total of 95% of the participants expressed willingness to enter a vaccine trial (likely to highly likely). This proportion decreased to 74%, 63%, and 59%, respectively, for vaccine trials requiring skin biopsy leaving a 3-, 6-, or 12-cm scar. The trial was designed with an estimated 40% decrease in accrual rate compared to prior studies (2 participants expected/month). The resulting trial with a 6-cm biopsy exceeded that accrual rate estimate and had a similar accrual rate to vaccine trials without a biopsy (4.1 vs 2.7–4.6 participants/month). Limitations Potential limitations of this study include the exclusion of some questionnaire responses and the post hoc nature of the analysis. Conclusion Willingness to participate in vaccine trials was decreased by the requirement for skin biopsy, but the size of the biopsy was less of a deterrent than expected. Findings from brief surveys may aid in risk assessment during regulatory review, predict acceptability of tissue collection for correlative studies, and support regulatory approval and meeting accrual goals of the study.
Effects of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on mental disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Galante Julieta , Iribarren Sarah J. , Pearce Patricia F. 
Published: November 2012

Objective Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a programme developed to prevent depression relapse, but has been applied for other disorders. Our objective was to systematically review and meta-analyse the evidence on the effectiveness and safety of MBCT for the treatment of mental disorders. Methods Searches were completed in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, PsychINFO, and PsycEXTRA in March 2011 using a search strategy with the terms ‘mindfulness-based cognitive therapy’, ‘mindfulness’, and ‘randomised controlled trials’ without time restrictions. Selection criteria of having a randomised controlled trial design, including patients diagnosed with mental disorders, using MBCT according to the authors who developed MBCT and providing outcomes that included changes in mental health were used to assess 608 reports. Two reviewers applied the pre-determined selection criteria and extracted the data into structured tables. Meta-analyses and sensitivity analyses were completed. Results Eleven studies were included. Most of them evaluated depression and compared additive MBCT against usual treatment. After 1 year of follow-up MBCT reduced the rate of relapse in patients with three or more previous episodes of depression by 40% (5 studies, relative risk [95% confidence interval]: 0.61 [0.48, 0.79]). Other meta-analysed outcomes were depression and anxiety, both with significant results but unstable in sensitivity analyses. Methodological quality of the reports was moderate. Conclusion Based on this review and meta-analyses, MBCT is an effective intervention for patients with three or more previous episodes of major depression.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Elbow
Authors: Sampath Srinath C. , Sampath Srihari C. , Bredella Miriam A. 
Published: November 2012

Context: The elbow is a complex joint and commonly injured in athletes. Evaluation of the elbow by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important adjunct to the physical examination. To facilitate accurate diagnosis, a concise structured approach to evaluation of the elbow by MRI is presented. Evidence Acquisition: A PubMed search was performed using the terms elbow and MR imaging. No limits were set on the range of years searched. Articles were reviewed for relevance with an emphasis of the MRI appearance of normal anatomy and common pathology of the elbow. Results: The spectrum of common elbow disorders varies from obvious acute fractures to chronic overuse injuries whose imaging manifestations can be subtle. MRI evaluation should include bones; lateral, medial, anterior, and posterior muscle groups; the ulnar and radial collateral ligaments; as well as nerves, synovium, and bursae. Special attention should be paid to the valgus extension overload syndrome and the MRI appearance of associated injuries when evaluating throwing athletes. Conclusion: MRI evaluation of the elbow should follow a structured approach to facilitate thoroughness, accuracy, and speed. Such an approach should cover bone, cartilage, muscle, tendons, ligaments, synovium, bursae, and nerves.
SNPEVG: a graphical tool for GWAS graphing with mouse clicks
Authors: Wang Shengwen , Dvorkin Daniel , Da Yang 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generate large quantities of tests results. Global and local graphical viewing of the test results is an effective approach to digest and interpret GWAS results.

Results
SNPEVG is a set of graphical tools for instant global and local viewing and graphing of GWAS results for all chromosomes and for each trait. The current version includes three programs, SNPEVG1, SNPEVG2 and SNPEVG3. SNPEVG1 is a graphical tool for SNP effect viewing of P-values allowing multiple traits. The total number of graphs that can be generated by one ‘Run’ is n(c + 2), where n is number of ‘traits’ with 0 < n ≤ 100, and c is the number of chromosomes. SNP effect viewing and graphing is accomplished through a user friendly graphical user interface (GUI) that provides a wide-range of options for the user to choose. The GUI can produce the Manhattan plot, the Q-Q plot of all SNP effects, and graphs for SNP effects by chromosome by clicking one command. Any or all the graphs can be saved with publication quality by clicking one command. SNPEVG2 is for the viewing and graphing of multiple traits on the same graph with options to graph any or all of the traits, customizable colors and user specified Y1 or Y2 axis for each traits. The SNPEVG3 program uses the output file of single-locus test results from the epiSNP computer package as the input file. Each chromosome figure can display three genetic effects (genotypic, additive and dominance effects), and the number of observations.

Conclusions
The SNPEVG package is a versatile, flexible and efficient graphical tool for rapid digestion of large quantities of GWAS results with mouse clicks.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of roots of contrasting Gossypium herbaceum genotypes revealing adaptation to drought
Authors: Ranjan Alok , Pandey Neha , Lakhwani Deepika , Dubey Neeraj Kumar , Pathre Uday V , Sawant Samir V 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Root length and its architecture govern the adaptability of plants to various stress conditions, including drought stress. Genetic variations in root growth, length, and architecture are genotypes dependent. In this study, we compared the drought-induced transcriptome of four genotypes of Gossypium herbaceum that differed in their drought tolerance adaptability. Three different methodologies, namely, microarray, pyrosequencing, and qRT–PCR, were used for transcriptome analysis and validation.

Results
The variations in root length and growth were found among four genotypes of G.herbaceum when exposed to mannitol-induced osmotic stress. Under osmotic stress, the drought tolerant genotypes Vagad and GujCot-21 showed a longer root length than did by drought sensitive RAHS-14 and RAHS-IPS-187. Further, the gene expression patterns in the root tissue of all genotypes were analyzed. We obtained a total of 794 differentially expressed genes by microarray and 104928 high-quality reads representing 53195 unigenes from the root transcriptome. The Vagad and GujCot-21 respond to water stress by inducing various genes and pathways such as response to stresses, response to water deprivation, and flavonoid pathways. Some key regulatory genes involved in abiotic stress such as AP2 EREBP, MYB, WRKY, ERF, ERD9, and LEA were highly expressed in Vagad and GujCot-21. The genes RHD3, NAP1, LBD, and transcription factor WRKY75, known for root development under various stress conditions, were expressed specifically in Vagad and GujCot-21. The genes related to peroxidases, transporters, cell wall-modifying enzymes, and compatible solutes (amino acids, amino sugars, betaine, sugars, or sugar alcohols) were also highly expressed in Vagad and Gujcot-21.

Conclusion
Our analysis highlights changes in the expression pattern of genes and depicts a small but highly specific set of drought responsive genes induced in response to drought stress. Some of these genes were very likely to be involved in drought stress signaling and adaptation, such as transmembrane nitrate transporter, alcohol dehydrogenase, pyruvate decarboxylase, sucrose synthase, and LEA. These results might serve as the basis for an in-depth genomics study of Gossypium herbaceum, including a comparative transcriptome analysis and the selection of genes for root traits and drought tolerance.
Disruption of the alox5ap gene ameliorates focal ischemic stroke: possible consequence of impaired leukotriene biosynthesis
Authors: Ström Jakob O , Strid Tobias , Hammarström Sven 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundLeukotrienes are potent inflammatory mediators, which in a number of studies have been found to be associated with ischemic stroke pathology: gene variants affecting leukotriene synthesis, including the FLAP (ALOX5AP) gene, have in human studies shown correlation to stroke incidence, and animal studies have demonstrated protective properties of various leukotriene-disrupting drugs. However, no study has hitherto described a significant effect of a genetic manipulation of the leukotriene system on ischemic stroke. Therefore, we decided to compare the damage from focal cerebral ischemia between wild type and FLAP knockout mice. Damage was evaluated by infarct staining and a functional test after middle cerebral artery occlusion in 20 wild type and 20 knockout male mice.ResultsMortality-adjusted median infarct size was 18.4 (3.2-76.7) mm3in the knockout group, compared to 72.0 (16.7-174.0) mm3in the wild type group (p < 0.0005). There was also a tendency of improved functional score in the knockout group (p = 0.068). Analysis of bone marrow cells confirmed that knockout animals had lost their ability to form leukotrienes.ConclusionsSince the local inflammatory reaction after ischemic stroke is known to contribute to the brain tissue damage, the group difference seen in the current study could be a consequence of a milder inflammatory reaction in the knockout group. Our results add evidence to the notion that leukotrienes are important in ischemic stroke, and that blocked leukotriene production ameliorates cerebral damage.
Transcriptome analysis of intraspecific competition in Arabidopsis thalianareveals organ-specific signatures related to nutrient acquisition and general stress response pathways
Authors: Masclaux Frédéric G , Bruessow Friederike , Schweizer Fabian , Gouhier-Darimont Caroline , Keller Laurent , Reymond Philippe 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
Plants are sessile and therefore have to perceive and adjust to changes in their environment. The presence of neighbours leads to a competitive situation where resources and space will be limited. Complex adaptive responses to such situation are poorly understood at the molecular level.

Results
Using microarrays, we analysed whole-genome expression changes in Arabidopsis thaliana plants subjected to intraspecific competition. The leaf and root transcriptome was strongly altered by competition. Differentially expressed genes were enriched in genes involved in nutrient deficiency (mainly N, P, K), perception of light quality, and responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Interestingly, performance of the generalist insect Spodoptera littoralis on densely grown plants was significantly reduced, suggesting that plants under competition display enhanced resistance to herbivory.

Conclusions
This study provides a comprehensive list of genes whose expression is affected by intraspecific competition in Arabidopsis. The outcome is a unique response that involves genes related to light, nutrient deficiency, abiotic stress, and defence responses.
Association between unemployment rates and prescription drug utilization in the United States, 2007–2010
Authors: Kozman Daniel , Graziul Christopher , Gibbons Robert , Alexander G Caleb 
Published: November 2012

Abstract

Background
While extensive evidence suggests that the economic recession has had far reaching effects on many economic sectors, little is known regarding its impact on prescription drug utilization. The purpose of this study is to describe the association between state-level unemployment rates and retail sales of seven therapeutic classes (statins, antidepressants, antipsychotics, angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors, opiates, phosphodiesterase [PDE] inhibitors and oral contraceptives) in the United States.

Methods
Using a retrospective mixed ecological design, we examined retail prescription sales using IMS Health Xponent™ from September 2007 through July 2010, and we used the Bureau of Labor Statistics to derive population-based rates and mixed-effects modeling with state-level controls to examine the association between unemployment and utilization. Our main outcome measure was state-level utilization per 100,000 people for each class.

Results
Monthly unemployment levels and rates of use of each class varied substantially across the states. There were no statistically significant associations between use of ACE inhibitors or SSRIs/SNRIs and average unemployment in analyses across states, while for opioids and PDE inhibitors there were small statistically significant direct associations, and for the remaining classes inverse associations. Analyses using each state as its own control collectively exhibited statistically significant positive associations between increases in unemployment and prescription drug utilization for five of seven areas examined. This relationship was greatest for statins (on average, a 4% increase in utilization per 1% increased unemployment) and PDE inhibitors (3% increase in utilization per 1% increased unemployment), and lower for oral contraceptives and atypical antipsychotics.

Conclusion
We found no evidence of an association between increasing unemployment and decreasing prescription utilization, suggesting that any effects of the recent economic recession have been mitigated by other market forces.
Validation of the functional assessment of cancer therapy-gastric module for the Chinese population
Authors: Zhou Hui Jun , So Jimmy BY , Yong Wei Peng , Luo Nan , Zhu Feng , Naidoo Nasheen , Li Shu Chuen , Yeoh Khay Guan 
Published: November 2012

AbstractBackgroundQuality of life (QoL) assessment has become an important aspect of the clinical management of gastric cancer (GC), which poses a greater health threat in Chinese populations around the world. Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Gastric Module (FACT-Ga), a questionnaire developed specifically to measure QoL of patients with GC, has never been validated in Chinese subjects. The current study was designed to examine the psychometric properties of FACT-Ga as a GC specific QoL instrument for its future use in Chinese populations.MethodsA sample of 67 Chinese patients with GC in the National University Hospital, Singapore was investigated cross-sectionally. The participants independently completed either English or Chinese versions of the FACT-Ga and the European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D). Reliability was measured as the Cronbach’s α for EQ-5D, and five subscale scores and two total scores of FACT-Ga. The sensitivity to patients’ clinical status was evaluated by comparing EQ-5D and FACT-Ga scores between clinical subgroups classified by Clinical Stage and Treatment Intent. The construct validity of FACT-Ga was assessed internally by examining the item-to-scale correlations and externally by contrasting the FACT-Ga subscales with the EQ-5D domains.ResultsFor both FACT-Ga and EQ-5D, patients treated with curative intent rated their QoL higher than those treated for palliation, and early stage patients scored higher than those in the late stage. The sensitivity to clinical status of FACT-Ga scores were differential as four of seven FACT-Ga scores were significant for Treatment Intent while only one subscale score was significant for Clinical Stage. Six FACT-Ga scores had Cronbach’s α of 0.8 or above indicating excellent reliability. For construct validity, 45 of 46 items converged about their respective subscales. The monotrait-multimethod correlations between QoL constructs of FACT-Ga and EQ-5D were stronger than the multitrait-multimethod correlations as theoretically hypothesized, suggesting good convergent and discriminant validities.ConclusionsGiven the excellent reliability and good construct validity, FACT-Ga scores are able to distinguish patient groups with different clinical characteristics in the expected direction. Therefore FACT-Ga can be used as a discriminative instrument for measuring QoL of Chinese patients with GC.