bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase subunits in chronic thyroiditis
Authors: Wojciechowska-Durczynska Katarzyna , Krawczyk-Rusiecka Kinga , Cyniak-Magierska Anna , Zygmunt Arkadiusz , Sporny Stanisław , Lewinski Andrzej 
Published: December 2012

Abstract

Background
The risk of neoplastic transformation in patients with chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis – HT) is slightly increased. Genetic background of this observation is still unclear. PI3K isoforms are linked with inflammatory and neoplastic processes, thus they appear to be interesting subjects of a research in this respect. The aim of our study was to assess the PIK3CA, PIK3CB, PIK3CD and PIK3CG genes expression levels in HT.

Methods
Following conventional cytological examination, 67 thyroid FNAB specimens, received from patients with HT, were quantitatively evaluated regarding PIK3CA, PIK3CB, PIK3CD and PIK3CG expression levels by real-time PCR in the ABI PRISM ®7500 Sequence Detection System.

Results
The performed analysis has revealed significantly higher expression levels (RQ) of PIK3CD, PIK3CG and PIK3CA genes in comparison with PIK3CB gene (p<0.05) and significantly higher gene expression level of PIK3CD in comparison with PIK3CA (p<0.05).

Conclusion
The observed increased PIK3CD, PIK3CG genes expression in HT is probably related to lymphocyte infiltration commonly seen in this condition, however, the role of increased PIK3CA gene expression in the multi-step carcinogenesis process cannot be excluded.
Physical activity and mammographic density in a cohort of postmenopausal Norwegian women; a cross-sectional study
Authors: Qureshi Samera Azeem , Ellingjord-Dale Merete , Hofvind Solveig , Wu Anna H , Ursin Giske 
Published: December 2012

Abstract
Mammographic density (MD) is a strong risk factor for breast cancer and may represent a useful intermediate marker for breast cancer risk. Physical activity (PA) is known to be associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer. If PA is associated with MD then this would be useful for breast cancer prevention studies. MD was assessed on digitized mammograms using a computer assisted method (Madena) in 2218 postmenopausal women. A questionnaire assessed PA, by asking about the duration and intensity of light, moderate, strenuous PA/week. We used multivariate linear regression models to estimate least square means of percent MD by total and intensity of PA with adjustment for confounders. The mean age (± s.d) was 58.4 (±5.3) and mean BMI was 24.6 (±4.6). We observed a statistically significant inverse association between total PA and MD in the over-weight (BMI = 25.0-29.9) women, where mean MD among women with highest activity (>360 mins/week) was 12.6% (95%CI; 11.2%-14.0%), while among women with no activity it was 15.9% (95 CI; 13.6%-18.2%, p for trend = 0.04). There was no association in the other BMI strata. MD was 12.1% (11.2%-13.0%) in the highest group (> 180 mins/week) of moderate/strenuous activity and in the no activity group 14.8% (14.2%-15.5%, p for trend = 0.001) in the over-weight women. There was no association between light PA and MD in all women combined or in any other BMI strata. We found some evidence of an inverse association between PA and MD among overweight women.
Cost-effectiveness analyses for mirtazapine and sertraline in dementia: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Romeo Renee , Knapp Martin , Hellier Jennifer , Dewey Michael , Ballard Clive , Baldwin Robert , Bentham Peter , Burns Alistair , Fox Chris , Holmes Clive , Katona Cornelius , Lawton Claire , Lindesay James , Livingston Gill , McCrae Niall , Moniz-Cook Esme , Murray Joanna , Nurock Shirley , O'Brien John , Poppe Michaela , Thomas Alan , Walwyn Rebecca , Wilson Kenneth , Banerjee Sube 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundDepression is a common and costly comorbidity in dementia. There are very few data on the cost-effectiveness of antidepressants for depression in dementia and their effects on carer outcomes.AimsTo evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sertraline and mirtazapine compared with placebo for depression in dementia.MethodA pragmatic, multicentre, randomised placebo-controlled trial with a parallel cost-effectiveness analysis (trial registration: ISRCTN88882979 and EudraCT 2006-000105-38). The primary cost-effectiveness analysis compared differences in treatment costs for patients receiving sertraline, mirtazapine or placebo with differences in effectiveness measured by the primary outcome, total Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD) score, over two time periods: 0–13 weeks and 0–39 weeks. The secondary evaluation was a cost-utility analysis using quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) computed from the Euro-Qual (EQ-5D) and societal weights over those same periods.ResultsThere were 339 participants randomised and 326 with costs data (111 placebo, 107 sertraline, 108 mirtazapine). For the primary outcome, decrease in depression, mirtazapine and sertraline were not cost-effective compared with placebo. However, examining secondary outcomes, the time spent by unpaid carers caring for participants in the mirtazapine group was almost half that for patients receiving placebo (6.74v.12.27 hours per week) or sertraline (6.74v.12.32 hours per week). Informal care costs over 39 weeks were £1510 and £1522 less for the mirtazapine group compared with placebo and sertraline respectively.ConclusionsIn terms of reducing depression, mirtazapine and sertraline were not cost-effective for treating depression in dementia. However, mirtazapine does appear likely to have been cost-effective if costing includes the impact on unpaid carers and with quality of life included in the outcome. Unpaid (family) carer costs were lower with mirtazapine than sertraline or placebo. This may have been mediated via the putative ability of mirtazapine to ameliorate sleep disturbances and anxiety. Given the priority and the potential value of supporting family carers of people with dementia, further research is warranted to investigate the potential of mirtazapine to help with behavioural and psychological symptoms in dementia and in supporting carers.
Views of Patients about Sickle Cell Disease Management in Primary Care: A Questionnaire-Based Pilot Study
Authors: Juburi G Al , Okoye O , Majeed A , Knight Y , Green SA , Banarsee R , Nkohkwo A , Ojeer P , Ndive C , Oni L , Phekoo Kj 
Published: December 2012

Summary Objectives To determine how patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) perceive the quality of care that they receive from their primary healthcare providers. Design A questionnaire-based pilot study was used to elicit the views of patients about the quality of care they have been receiving from their primary healthcare providers and what they thought was the role of primary care in SCD management. Setting Sickle Cell Society and Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Centre, in the London Borough of Brent. Participants One hundred questionnaires were distributed to potential participants with SCD between November 2010 and July 2011 of which 40 participants responded. Main outcome measures Analysis of 40 patient questionnaires collected over a nine-month period. Results Most patients are generally not satisfied with the quality of care that they are receiving from their primary healthcare providers for SCD. Most do not make use of general practitioner (GP) services for management of their SCD. Collecting prescriptions was the reason most cited for visiting the GP. Conclusion GPs could help improve the day-to-day management of patients with SCD. This could be facilitated by local quality improvement schemes in areas with high disease prevalence. The results of the survey have been used to help develop a GP education intervention and a local enhanced service to support primary healthcare clinicians with SCD's ongoing management.
Analysis of lumbar plexopathies and nerve injury after lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach: diagnostic standardization
Authors: Ahmadian Amir , Deukmedjian Armen R. , Abel Naomi , Dakwar Elias , Uribe Juan S. 
Published: December 2012

Object
The minimally invasive lateral transpsoas approach has become an increasingly popular means of fusion. The most frequent complication is related to lumbar plexus nerve injuries; these can be diagnosed based on distribution of neurological deficit following the motor and/or sensory nerve injury. However, the literature has failed to provide a clinically relevant description of these complications. With accurate clinical diagnosis, spine practitioners can provide more precise prognostic and management recommendations to include observation, nerve blocks, neurodestructive procedures, medications, or surgical repair strategies. The purpose of this study was to standardize the clinical findings of lumbar plexopathies and nerve injuries associated with minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas lumbar fusion.

Methods
A thorough literature search of the MEDLINE database up to June 2012 was performed to identify studies that reported lumbar plexus and nerve injuries after the minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach. Included studies were assessed for described neurological deficits postoperatively. Studies that did attempt to describe nerve-related complications clinically were excluded. A clinically relevant assessment of lumbar plexus nerve injury was derived to standardize early diagnosis and outline prognostic implications.

Results
A total of 18 studies were selected with a total of 2310 patients; 304 patients were reported to have possible plexus-related complications. The incidence of documented nerve and/or root injury and abdominal paresis ranged from 0% to 3.4% and 4.2%, respectively. Motor weakness ranged from 0.7% to 33.6%. Sensory complications ranged from 0% to 75%. A lack of consistency in the descriptions of the lumbar plexopathies and/or nerve injuries as well as a lack of diagnostic paradigms was noted across studies reviewed. Sensory dermal zones were established and a standardized approach was proposed.

Conclusions
There is underreporting of postoperative lumbar plexus nerve injury and a lack of standardization of clinical findings of neural complications related to the minimally invasive lateral retroperitoneal transpsoas approach. The authors provide a diagnostic paradigm that allows for an efficient and accurate classification of postoperative lumbar plexopathies and nerve injuries.
Wall Shear Stress is Decreased in the Pulmonary Arteries of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: An Image‐Based, Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: Tang Beverly T. , Pickard Sarah S. , Chan Frandics P. , Tsao Philip S. , Taylor Charles A. , Feinstein Jeffrey A. 
Published: December 2012

Previous clinical studies in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) have concentrated predominantly on distal pulmonary vascular resistance, its contribution to the disease process, and response to therapy. However, it is well known that biomechanical factors such as shear stress have an impact on endothelial health and dysfunction in other parts of the vasculature. This study tested the hypothesis that wall shear stress is reduced in the proximal pulmonary arteries of PAH patients with the belief that reduced shear stress may contribute to pulmonary endothelial cell dysfunction and as a result, PAH progression. A combined MRI and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was used to construct subject‐specific pulmonary artery models and quantify flow features and wall shear stress (WSS) in five PAH patients with moderate‐to‐severe disease and five age‐ and sex‐matched controls. Three‐dimensional model reconstruction showed PAH patients have significantly larger main, right, and left pulmonary artery diameters (3.5 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 0.1 cm, P = 0.01; 2.5 ± 0.4 vs. 1.9 ± 0.2 cm, P = 0.04; and 2.6 ± 0.4 vs. 2.0 ± 0.2 cm, P = 0.01, respectively), and lower cardiac output (3.7 ± 1.2 vs. 5.8 ± 0.6 L/min, P = 0.02.). CFD showed significantly lower time‐averaged central pulmonary artery WSS in PAH patients compared to controls (4.3 ± 2.8 vs. 20.5 ± 4.0 dynes/cm2, P = 0.0004). Distal WSS was not significantly different. A novel method of measuring WSS was utilized to demonstrate for the first time that WSS is altered in some patients with PAH. Using computational modeling in patient‐specific models, WSS was found to be significantly lower in the proximal pulmonary arteries of PAH patients compared to controls. Reduced WSS in proximal pulmonary arteries may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of PAH. This data may serve as a basis for future in vitro studies of, for example, effects of WSS on gene expression.
The Effectiveness of Local Gentamicin and Dexamethasone Drops in Posterior Choanoplasty
Authors: Qahtani Bandar Al , Suliman Yazeed Al 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThis prospective study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using local gentamicin and steroid drops as a new technique on the success rate of choanal atresia repair in children. The usage of local gentamicin and steroid drops postoperation seems to increase the success rate of posterior choanoplasty. It is a minimally invasive, easily tolerated by both the patients and the parents. It reduces the time of surgery and patients stay in the hospital and reduces the nasal secretion, crustation and adhesion.How to cite this articleAl Qahtani B, Al Suliman Y. The Effectiveness of Local Gentamicin and Dexamethasone Drops in Posterior Choanoplasty. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2012;5(3): 87-90.
Morphometric Evaluation of the Middle Turbinate in Relation to Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Sahni Daisy , Aggarwal Anjali , Gupta Tulika 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivePartial middle turbinectomy during endoscopic sinus surgery is done for better access and to avoid postoperative complications of lateralization of the middle turbinate. There are only few cadaveric studies available in literature describing the middle turbinate morphometry with surgical perspective. Therefore, the present study was planned to record morphometry and relevant surgical distances for the middle turbinate.Materials and methodsThirty-two midsagittal sections of cadaver heads from adult males were dissected. Middle turbinate measurements and shapes were taken. Reference distances and angles were measured.ResultsThe average length of the middle turbinate was 20.4 ± 3.9 mm, while the height of the middle turbinate was taken at three specific points (13.1, 9.7, 6.1 mm). The most common shape found was the type 2. The mean value for the distance between limen nasi and the anterior and posterior attachments of the middle turbinate was found to be 32.1 ± 3.2 mm, with mean angle of 65o with the horizontal and 43.6 ± 4.2 mm, with mean angle of 39.4o with the horizontal respectively.ConclusionThis baseline data may aid endoscopic surgeons in better planning and execution of the middle turbinate resection.How to cite this articleGupta T, Aggarwal A, Sahni D. Morphometric Evaluation of the Middle Turbinate in Relation to Endoscopic Sinus Surgery. Clin Rhinol An Int J 2012;5(3): 103-106.
La performance des réseaux : les cas de deux réseaux brésiliens
Authors: Rodrigues Bandeira Lucilene Klenia , Amewokunu Yao , Karuranga Egide 
Published: December 2012

Cette recherche examine la relation entre le fonctionnement d’un réseau et sa performance à partir des cas de deux réseaux d’entreprises brésiliens : les réseaux de Campina Grande et de João Pessoa. L’analyse des résultats montre que contrairement au réseau de João Pessoa où les membres sont motivés par des objectifs individuels de court terme, le fonctionnement du réseau de Campina Grande peut être expliqué par quatre variables qui ont une influence sur sa performance : le rôle des institutions, les attentes des membres et une vision collective à long terme, la sélection de partenaires basée sur un ensemble de critères, et le transfert de connaissances à plusieurs niveaux.
Predictors of Pain for Patients With Early Inflammatory Polyarthritis
Authors: Dobkin Patricia L. , Liu Aihua , Abrahamowicz Michal , Carrier Nathalie , de Brum‐Fernandes Artur J. , Cossette Pierre , Boire Gilles 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo identify predictors of pain at 1 year in patients with early inflammatory polyarthritis (EIP).MethodsUsing a prospective design, patients were examined by a rheumatologist and completed questionnaires at baseline and at 1 year after symptom onset. Separate regression analyses were run for pain intensity, sensory pain, and affective pain. Age and sex were adjusted in cross‐sectional and longitudinal analyses; baseline potential predictors consisted of measures for corresponding pain values and disease activity, depression, coping scores, medication use, rheumatoid arthritis criteria being met, and duration of symptoms.ResultsA total of 211 patients were enrolled in the study (mean ± SD age 58.8 ± 14.2 years, 63% women). There were significant improvements at 1 year for disease activity, instrumental coping, emotional coping, depression, and all 3 pain measures. At baseline, disease activity and depression were positively associated with all types of pain; in addition, instrumental coping was positively associated with sensory pain and palliative coping was positively associated with affective pain. At 1 year, pain intensity was predicted by baseline pain intensity, duration of symptoms, use of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and emotional coping. Sensory pain was predicted by baseline sensory pain and DMARD use. Affective pain was predicted by baseline affective pain, DMARD use, and emotional coping.ConclusionThe majority of treated EIP patients can expect improvements in clinical and psychosocial variables over the first year of their illness. Emotional coping at baseline may contribute to pain in the future, and therefore it may be useful for patients to learn other means of dealing with this chronic disease.
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Cardiovascular Risk in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Cross‐Sectional Comparative Study
Authors: Halvorsen Silje , V⊘llestad Nina K⊘pke , Provan Sella Arrestad , Semb Anne Grete , van der Heijde Désirée , Hagen Kåre Birger , Dagfinrud Hanne 
Published: December 2012

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and the level of cardiovascular (CV) risk factors in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and controls.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional comparative study, CRF was measured with a maximal treadmill test for estimation of peak oxygen uptake. Metabolic syndrome (MS), body composition, traditional CV risk factors, and inflammatory markers were assessed. Multivariable linear regression models were used to study the associations between CRF and CV risk factors. All models were adjusted for age, sex, and smoking, and for inflammation when C‐reactive protein (CRP) level or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were not already included as dependent variables.ResultsA total of 126 patients (mean ± SD age 47.9 ± 10.8 years) and 111 controls (mean ± SD age 52.1 ± 11.1 years) were included. There were significant inverse associations between CRF and body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, CRP level, and ESR (P < 0.001–0.03) for patients and controls. Also, significant associations were found between CRF and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (β = 0.03, P < 0.001) and blood pressure (BP; β = −0.9 for systolic and β = −0.6 for diastolic; P < 0.01) in controls, but these associations were not found in patients (β = 0, P = 0.69 for HDL cholesterol; β = −0.04, P = 0.87 for systolic pressure; and β = −0.14, P = 0.34 for diastolic pressure) (additional adjustments for medication). Higher CRF was associated with a lower risk for MS in both patients (odds ratio [OR] 0.91, P = 0.03) and controls (OR 0.89, P = 0.01).ConclusionCRF was associated with favorable levels of CV risk factors and lower risk of MS in both AS patients and controls. However, established findings of an association between CRF and BP and HDL cholesterol in healthy adults were not confirmed in AS patients.
Adaptive synchronization of fractional‐order complex networks via pinning control
Authors: Liu Jingui , Huang Lihong , Meng Yimin 
Published: December 2012

SUMMARYAdaptive synchronization of a class of fractional‐order complex networks is investigated in this paper. On the basis of the fractional‐order system stability theory, adaptive synchronization criteria of fractional‐order complex networks with 0 < q < 1 is achieved. Furthermore, pinning control method is then suggested to control the networks, and adaptive strategy is employed to tune the control gains and coupling strength. Because the nodes with high degree may not be the center of the networks, a new attempt to choose the pinned nodes on the basis of the closeness centrality scheme is proposed. Finally, numerical simulations are given to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach based on the closeness centrality scheme. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Body mass growth in common marmosets: Toward a model of pediatric obesity
Authors: Tardif Suzette D. , Power Michael L. , Ross Corinna N. , Rutherford Julienne N. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWhile much is known about adult obesity in nonhuman primates, very little is known regarding development of childhood adiposity. As small monkeys that are easy to handle and have a relatively fast life history, common marmoset monkeys (Callithrix jacchus) offer interesting opportunities to examine the question of fat versus lean mass growth in a nonhuman primate. This article provides an overview of our understanding of early life growth in mass in marmoset monkeys, based primarily upon our past 20 years of research, culminating in our recent findings on early life obesity in this species. Common marmosets display variance in early life growth patterns that is related to both pre‐ and postnatal factors and the marmoset uterine environment is exquisitely designed to reflect resources available for the gestation of multiple offspring, making them an interesting model of developmental programming. We have demonstrated that obesity can be generated in very early life in captive marmosets, with excess adiposity evident by one month of age, making this species a potentially valuable model in which to study pediatric obesity and its sequelae. Birth weight is associated with adiposity in animals vulnerable to obesity. Early life exposure to higher fat diets enhances the chances of postweaning obesity development. However, overall higher food consumption is also associated with obesity development at later ages. One unexpected finding in our studies has been the relatively high body fat percentage of neonatal (12–18%) marmosets suggesting that hypotheses regarding the uniqueness of high human neonatal adiposity merit further examination. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.