bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Declining Efficacy of Naltrexone Pharmacotherapy for Alcohol Use Disorders Over Time: A Multivariate Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Del Re A. C. , Maisel Natalya , Blodgett Janet , Finney John 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundOral naltrexone is an FDA‐approved medication for treating alcohol use disorders. Although its efficacy has been supported in multiple clinical trials, an earlier review found that its effect sizes (ESs) on relapse to heavy drinking and, to a lesser extent, percent days drinking were smaller in more recent trials and in multicenter than in single‐site studies. We examined whether these findings held when studies from 2004 to 2009 were taken into account, and whether single‐site versus multicenter trials, the use of placebo run‐in periods, and placebo group improvement accounted for variation in naltrexone effects and decreasing effects over time.MethodsA multivariate meta‐analysis of naltrexone pharmacotherapy trials for alcohol use disorders was conducted. All analyses simultaneously modeled ESs on outcomes of percent days abstinent and relapse to heavy drinking. Potential moderators of medication effects that were examined included publication year, multicenter design (vs. single site), placebo run‐in period, and placebo group improvement.ResultsStatistically significant between‐group differences on percent days abstinent (the inverse of percent days drinking) and relapse to heavy drinking favored naltrexone over placebo. Year of publication was a significant moderator for both outcomes, with more recent trials having smaller ESs. Neither multi‐ versus single‐site study, the interaction between multi‐ versus single‐site study and year of publication, nor placebo run‐in period was a significant moderator of naltrexone effects. Although placebo group improvement was modestly associated with smaller between‐group naltrexone versus placebo ESs, only 21 studies provided usable information on placebo group improvement. Within those studies, there was no relationship between naltrexone ESs and time, so placebo group improvement was not examined as a moderator of that relationship.ConclusionsNaltrexone ESs have attenuated over time. Moderators that explain why effects have been decreasing remain to be determined.
Genome‐wide DNA methylation analysis in alcohol dependence
Authors: Zhang Ruiling , Miao Qin , Wang Chuansheng , Zhao Rongrong , Li Wenqiang , Haile Colin N. , Hao Wei , Zhang Xiang Yang 
Published: February 2013

AbstractGenetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors influence the development of alcohol dependence (AD). Recent studies have shown that DNA methylation markers in peripheral blood may serve as risk markers for AD. Yet a genome‐wide epigenomic approach investigating the role of DNA methylation in AD has yet to be performed. We conducted a population‐based, case‐control study of genome‐wide DNA methylation to determine if alterations in gene‐specific methylation were associated with AD in a Chinese population. Using the Illumina Infinium Human Methylation27 BeadChip, we assessed gene‐specific methylation in over 27 000 CpG sites from DNA isolated from lymphocytes in 63 male AD in‐patients and 65 male healthy controls. Using a multi‐factorial statistical model, we observed differential methylation between cases and controls at multiple CpG sites with the majority of the methylated CpG sites being hypomethylated. Analyses with the online gene set analysis toolkit WebGestalt revealed that the genes of interest were enriched in multiple biological processes involved in AD development. Gene Ontology function annotation showed that stress, immune response and signal transduction were highly associated with AD. Further analysis by the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes revealed associations with multiple pathways involved in metabolism through cytochrome P450, cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and calcium signaling. Associations with canonical pathways previously shown to be involved in AD were also observed, such as dehydrogenases 1A (ADH1A), ADH7, aldehyde dehydrogenases 3B2 (ALDH3B2) and cytochrome P450 2A13. We present evidence that alterations in DNA methylation may be associated with AD, which is consistent with epigenetic theory.
Fetal death and placental weight/birthweight ratio: a population study
Authors: Haavaldsen Camilla , Samuelsen Sven O. , Eskild Anne 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo study the association of placental weight and placental weight/birthweight ratio with gestational age‐specific fetal death.DesignPopulation‐based study.SettingMedical Birth Registry of Norway.PopulationAll singleton births in Norway, 1999–2008 (n = 534 892).MethodsGestational age‐specific quartiles of placental weight and placental weight/birthweight ratio were estimated, and proportions of fetal deaths and live births within the lowest and highest quartile were compared. The risk of fetal death associated with placental weight/birthweight ratio was estimated as crude and adjusted odds ratios.Main outcome measuresOffspring vital status.ResultsPregnancies with fetal death were overrepresented in the lowest quartile of placental weight and placental weight/birthweight ratio in term and preterm deliveries. In preterm deliveries, fetal deaths were also overrepresented in the highest placental weight/birthweight ratio. Adjusted odds ratio of fetal death in preterm deliveries was 1.67 (95% confidence interval 1.44–1.94) for placental weight/birthweight ratio in the lowest quartile and 1.79 (95% confidence interval 1.55–2.08) in the highest quartile. Corresponding odds ratios for deliveries at term were 1.76 (95% confidence interval 1.50–2.06) and 1.18 (95% confidence interval 0.99–1.41).ConclusionsBoth small and large placentas relative to birthweight were associated with fetal death in preterm births. At term, only small placentas relative to birthweight were associated with fetal death. Understanding the mechanisms behind the increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnancies with disproportionate placental weight/birthweight ratio may be important for prevention of fetal deaths.
Attenuation of the retinal nerve fibre layer and reduced retinal function assessed by optical coherence tomography and full‐field electroretinography in patients exposed to vigabatrin medication
Authors: Kjellström Ulrika , Andréasson Sten , Ponjavic Vesna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate the clinical value of assessment of peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness with OCT in addition to the evaluation of retinal function measured by full‐field electroretinography (ff‐ERG) in patients with suspected vigabatrin (VGB)‐attributed visual field defects.Methods:  Visual fields from adult patients in our clinical follow‐up program for VGB medication were analysed. Twelve patients with suspected VGB‐attributed visual field defects were selected for the study. They were re‐examined with computerized kinetic perimetry, ff‐ERG and OCT (2D circle scan).Results:  Constricted visual fields were found in all patients. Comparative analysis of ff‐ERG parameters showed reduced b‐wave amplitudes for the isolated and the combined rod and cone responses (p < 0.0001). The a‐wave, reflecting photoreceptor activity, was reduced (p = 0.001), as well as the summed amplitude of oscillatory potentials (p = 0.029), corresponding to inner retinal function. OCT measurements demonstrated attenuation of the RNFL in nine of 12 patients, most frequently superiorly and/or inferiorly. No temporal attenuation was found. Significant positive correlations were found between the total averaged RNFL thickness, superior and inferior RNFL thickness and reduced ff‐ERG parameters. Positive correlations were also found between RNFL thickness and isopter areas.Conclusion:  OCT measurements can detect attenuation of the RNFL in patients exposed to VGB medication. RNFL thickness correlates with reduced ff‐ERG parameters and isopter areas of constricted visual fields, indicating that VGB is retino‐toxic on several levels, from photoreceptors to ganglion cells. The study also supports previous studies, suggesting that OCT measurement of the RNFL thickness may be of clinical value in monitoring patients on vigabatrin therapy.
Novel OPA1 missense mutation in a family with optic atrophy and severe widespread neurological disorder
Authors: Liskova Petra , Ulmanova Olga , Tesina Petr , Melsova Hana , Diblik Pavel , Hansikova Hana , Tesarova Marketa , Votruba Marcela 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To identify the underlying molecular genetic cause in a Czech family with optic atrophy, deafness, ptosis, ophthalmoplegia, polyneuropathy and ataxia transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait.Methods:  Ophthalmological and neurological examination followed by molecular genetic analyses.Results:  Seven family members were clinically affected. There was a variable but progressive visual, hearing and neurological disability across the family as a whole. The majority of subjects presented with impairment of visual function and a variable degree of ptosis and/or ophthalmoplegia from the first to the third decade of life. Deafness, neuropathy and ataxia appeared later, in the third and fourth decade. Migraine, tachycardia, intention tremor, nystagmus and cervical dystonia were observed in isolated individuals. A significant overall feature was the high level of neurological disability leading to 3 of 4 members being unable to walk or stand unaided before the age of 60 years. A novel missense mutation c.1345A>C (p.Thr449Pro) in OPA1 segregating with the disease phenotype over three generations was detected. In silico analysis supported pathogenicity of the identified sequence variant.Conclusion:  Our work expands the spectrum of mutation in OPA1, which may lead to severe multisystem neurological disorder. The molecular genetic cause of dominant optic atrophy in the Czech population is reported for the first time. We propose that regular cardiac follow‐up in patients diagnosed with dominant optic atrophy and widespread neurological disease should be considered.
Corneal endothelial morphology and central thickness in patients with type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: Storr‐Paulsen Allan , Singh Amardeep , Jeppesen Helene , Norregaard Jens C. , Thulesen Jesper 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To investigate corneal endothelial cell density and morphology in type II diabetic and non‐diabetic patients and to relate potential differences to the glycaemic status.Methods:  A prospective clinical study including 107 patients with type II diabetes and 128 non‐diabetic patients. Sample size was based on a power calculation (power = 0.90; p = 0.05). The diabetic patients had on average more than four HbA1c tests performed (mean 4.1; range 2–14) with intervals of at least 3 months as a reflection of the long‐term glycaemic status. The controls had no diabetes confirmed by two causal blood tests. The endothelial cell density, the variation in endothelial cell size (CV), the percentage of hexagonal cells, and the central corneal thickness (CCT) were recorded.Results:  Type II diabetic subjects did not differ from the non‐diabetic control subjects with regards to endothelial cell density, hexagonality or variation in CV, but showed a significant increase in CCT (538 versus 546 μm, p < 0.05). In the diabetic group, lower cell counts were associated with higher HbA1c values (p < 0.05). The HbA1c did not, however, have any impact on the CCT.Conclusion:  Type II diabetes has no impact on corneal cell density or morphology in subjects with good glycaemic status. However, higher HbA1c was associated with lower endothelial cell density. CCT was significantly increased in the diabetic group.
The association between medical conditions and gender, well‐being, psychosomatic complaints as well as school adaptability
Authors: Olsson Ann , Hasselgren Mikael , Hagquist Curt , Janson Staffan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimThe aim was to assess the association between medical conditions and gender, well‐being, psychosomatic complaints and school adaptability. The second aim was to determine whether self‐reported medical conditions should be included in class‐room questionnaires that deal with well‐being and risk behaviour.MethodsA cross‐sectional class‐room questionnaire was given to all 15‐ to 16‐year‐olds within a Swedish county. The questionnaire included background factors, subjective health, well‐being, psychosomatic complaints, self image, drug use and also several themes from the school context. In addition, there were 13 medical conditions/problems to tick (yes or no) and an open alternative for other problems/medical conditions.Results3108 questionnaires (response rate 84%) were analysed. The majority of the girls and the boys reported no medical conditions; however, 49% of the girls and 39% of the boys reported at least one medical condition. The medical conditions were associated with gender, well‐being, psychosomatic complaints and school adaptability. The association was stronger for girls than for boys.ConclusionMedical conditions among these teenagers were associated with gender, well‐being, psychosomatic complaints and school adaptability, particularly for girls. Our results suggest that medical conditions could preferably be included in regular classroom questionnaires.
Quality of life of adolescents born with extremely low birth weight
Authors: Methúsalemsdóttir Hólmdís Freyja , Egilson Snæfríður Þóra , Guðmundsdóttir Ragnhildur , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur Anna , Georgsdóttir Ingibjörg 
Published: February 2013

AbstractAimTo explore extremely low birth weight [ELBW] adolescents' self‐reported quality of life [QoL] and compare it with control group of same age full‐term peers.MethodsThis project is nested within a national follow‐up study on the long‐term outcome of ELBW infants born in Iceland in 1991–1995. Twenty‐nine ELBW adolescents and 30 controls evaluated their QoL using KIDSCREEN‐52. To evaluate group differences, Chi‐square tests and Mann–Whitney U‐tests were conducted. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the influence of birth weight on QoL in ten dimensions.ResultsNo differences were observed between the groups on six of ten KIDSCREEN dimensions. ELBW adolescents reported significantly lower QoL on four dimensions: Physical well‐being (OR 3.41; CI, 1.14–10.25), Psychological well‐being (OR 7.65; CI, 2.04–28.78), Moods and emotion (OR 5.20; CI, 1.53–17.82), and Self‐perception (OR 3.20; CI, 1.05–9.74).ConclusionELBW adolescents report similar social well‐being and participation compared with same age full‐term peers. Conversely, they report lower physical and emotional quality of life.
Early intervention and holistic, relationship‐based practice with fathers: evidence from the work of the Family Nurse Partnership
Authors: Ferguson Harry , Gates Peter 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis paper seeks to add to the literature on working with fathers by focusing on early intervention. It draws on research into fathers involved in a home visitation service delivered by the Family Nurse Partnership in England and evaluates the men's experiences of the intervention. The vulnerability of fathers was striking and many were helped to develop their practical skills and confidence in caring for their babies. The intervention was effective because of the quality time that was invested in developing relationships with fathers (as well as mothers), the focus on their strengths as well as areas for improvement and the skilled, therapeutically oriented, holistic approach through which the service was delivered. The ‘early’ nature of the help was crucial to its success because of how it so effectively tapped into the men's redefinition of themselves as caring fathers during pregnancy and following the birth. We argue that there is important learning here for social care and health services in general about how to engage men and promote fathers' capacities to care for their children.
Impact of Insertion Torque and Implant Neck Design on Peri‐Implant Bone Level: A Randomized Split‐Mouth Trial
Authors: Hof Markus , Pommer Bernhard , Strbac Georg D. , Vasak Christoph , Agis Hermann , Zechner Werner 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study is to assess the impact of insertion torque and implant neck design on peri‐implant bone levels and gain insights into dynamic crestal tissue alterations by radiological, clinical, and biochemical examinations.Material and MethodsIn this prospective trial, a total of 84 implants (four implants in each patient) in the interforaminal region of 21 edentulous mandibles were randomly alternated according to a split‐mouth design. Implant placement was performed using different insertion torques (≤20 Ncm vs >50 Ncm). In each group, one machined and one anodized implant neck design (1.5 mm length) was used in the same jaw side. Evaluation of peri‐implant tissues involved radiological, clinical examination and immunoassays for interleukin‐1β.ResultsNo significant influence of insertion torque or implant neck design on peri‐implant bone level was found. Protein levels of interleukin‐1β in the peri‐implant crevicular fluid revealed no difference between both insertion torque groups and different neck designs.ConclusionInteractive effects of insertion torque and neck surface modification may exist; however, no clinically significant differences in marginal bone resorption after 1 year could be observed in the edentulous anterior mandible.
Engraftment of heavily transfused patients with severe aplastic anemia with a fludarabine‐based regimen
Authors: Wang San‐Bin , Li Li , Pan Xin‐Hua , Hu Deng‐Ming , Peng Li‐Hui , Liu Lin , Xie Zheng‐Jun , Yin Bo , Sun Xiao‐Juan , Yu Jing , Liang Yang 
Published: February 2013

AbstractWe have developed a practical conditioning regimen without anti‐thymocyte globulin (ATG), irradiation, or other myeloablative alkylating agent for low‐income countries in which patients with severe aplastic anemia (SAA), who usually have heavily transfused and a prolonged disease history. The application of ATG, Busulphan, and/or irradiation to cyclophosphamide (Cy) to avoid graft rejection has many short‐ and long‐term complications. In this study, we focused on evaluating a fludarabine‐based conditioning regimen, among 83 patients with SAA. Patients were treated with fludarabine (40 mg/m2/d; day [−5 to −2]) and cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg/d; day [−5 to −2]). Altogether, 81 patients indicated initial engraftment, whereas two cases showed primary graft failure. And four of the 81 cases indicated graft rejection during follow‐up. Regardless of a high cumulative incidence of acute (55/83; 66.2% grade II–IV; 47/83; 56.6% III–IV) and chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (50/83; 60.2%), in total, 77 patients showed durable engraftment and transfusion independence, and 64 are alive at a median time of 49 months with an overall survival rate of 66%. In conclusion, this conditioning indicated well toleration, mild toxicity, durable engraftment, excellent survival as well as less cost. Its application might shed new light on SAA at high risk of graft rejection in resource‐limited countries.
Development of ordinal sequence perception in infancy
Authors: Lewkowicz David J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractPerception of the ordinal position of a sequence element is critical to many cognitive and motor functions. Here, the prediction that this ability is based on a domain‐general perceptual mechanism and, thus, that it emerges prior to the emergence of language was tested. Infants were habituated with sequences of moving/sounding objects and then tested for the ability to perceive the invariant ordinal position of a single element (Experiment 1) or the invariant relative ordinal position of two adjacent elements (Experiment 2). Experiment 1 tested 4‐ and 6‐month‐old infants and showed that 4‐month‐old infants focused on conflicting low‐level sequence statistics and, therefore, failed to detect the ordinal position information, but that 6‐month‐old infants ignored the statistics and detected the ordinal position information. Experiment 2 tested 6‐, 8‐, and 10‐month‐old infants and showed that only 10‐month‐old infants detected relative ordinal position information and that they could only accomplish this with the aid of concurrent statistical cues. Together, these results indicate that a domain‐general ability to detect ordinal position information emerges during infancy and that its initial emergence is preceded and facilitated by the earlier emergence of the ability to detect statistical cues.
The epidemiology of intermittent and chronic ataxia in children in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Salman Michael S , Lee Esther J , Tjahjadi Anindita , Chodirker Bernard N 
Published: February 2013

AimTo determine the epidemiology of chronic ataxia in children in Manitoba, Canada.MethodA retrospective study using multiple sources and disease codes identified children (age 0–16y) with chronic ataxia (>2mo duration or recurrent episodes of ataxia) seen at Winnipeg Children's Hospital from 1991 to 2008. Patients with isolated peripheral nerve diseases, vestibular disorders, or brain tumors were excluded.ResultsWe identified 184 patients (males=females; mean age 15y, SD 7y 8mo) with chronic ataxia. Median age at the presenting symptom onset was 1 year 3 months and at ataxia onset 3 years 1 month. Median duration of follow‐up was 6 years 5 months. During the study period, the crude incidence rate was 5.77 in 10 000; the crude prevalence rate was 6.59 in 10 000; and the crude mortality rate 0.446 in 10 000. The most common presenting symptoms were developmental delay, ataxia, or seizures. The most common diagnoses (known in 129) were Angelman syndrome (n=16), ataxia telangiectasia (n=13), mitochondrial disease (n=9), Friedreich ataxia (n=7), stroke (n=7), and familial/genetic episodic ataxia (n=7).InterpretationChronic ataxia is a relatively common early‐presenting symptom in childhood. A specific diagnosis is possible in 70% of patients after extensive investigations. The mortality rate is relatively low and the disease burden is high with significant comorbidities including developmental delay and epilepsy.
Galanin‐induced decreases in nucleus accumbens/striatum excitatory postsynaptic potentials and morphine conditioned place preference require both galanin receptor 1 and galanin receptor 2
Authors: Einstein Emily B. , Asaka Yukiko , Yeckel Mark F. , Higley Michael J. , Picciotto Marina R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe neuropeptide galanin has been shown to alter the rewarding properties of morphine. To identify potential cellular mechanisms that might be involved in the ability of galanin to modulate opiate reward, we measured excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs), using both field and whole‐cell recordings from striatal brain slices extracted from wild‐type mice and mice lacking specific galanin receptor (GalR) subtypes. We found that galanin decreased the amplitude of EPSPs in both the dorsal striatum and nucleus accumbens. We then performed recordings in slices from knockout mice lacking either the GalR1 or GalR2 gene, and found that the ability of galanin to decrease EPSP amplitude was absent from both mouse lines, suggesting that both receptor subtypes are required for this effect. In order to determine whether behavioral responses to opiates were dependent on the same receptor subtypes, we tested GalR1 and GalR2 knockout mice for morphine conditioned place preference (CPP). Morphine CPP was significantly attenuated in both GalR1 and GalR2 knockout mice. These data suggest that mesolimbic excitatory signaling is significantly modulated by galanin in a GalR1‐dependent and GalR2‐dependent manner, and that morphine CPP is dependent on the same receptor subtypes.