bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on placebo analgesia is relevant to clinical practice
Authors: Gay Charles W , Bishop Mark D 
Published: February 2014

AbstractOver the decades, research into placebo responses has shed light onto several endogenous (i.e. produced from within) mechanisms underlying modulation of pain perception initiated after the administration of inert substances (i.e. placebos). Chiropractors and manual therapists should embrace analgesic-placebo-research in an attempt to maximize clinical benefit. Historical views that placebo responses are fake, passive, undesirable, and require deception and therefore should be minimized and avoided in clinical practice are outdated. Further, statements that contend the placebo response represents a single mechanism are overly simplistic. This commentary will discuss research that shows that there are several active biological processes underlying modulation of pain perception involved in placebo analgesia and its counterpart nocebo hyperalgesia. We contend that it is highly likely that, to some extent, all of these biological processes are engaged, in varying degrees, following all interventions and represent endogenous pain modulating processes. Failure, of chiropractors and manual therapists, to embrace a more contemporary view of analgesic-placebo-research serves as a barrier to transferring knowledge into clinical practice and represents a missed opportunity to improve the delivery of current treatments.
Increased CD44s and decreased CD44v6 RNA expression are associated with better survival in myxofibrosarcoma patients: a pilot study
Authors: Matuschek Christiane , Lehnhardt Marcus , Gerber Peter Arne , Poremba Christopher , Hamilton Jackson , Lammering Guido , Orth Klaus , Budach Wilfried , Bojar Hans , Bölke Edwin , Peiper Matthias 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
New prognostic markers may be of value in determining survival and informing decisions of adjuvant treatment in the heterogeneous group of soft tissue sarcomas known as malignant fibrous sarcomas (MFS). Increased CD44 expression has been associated with a better outcome in cancers such as bladder tumors and could potentially relate to cell-cell interaction as a marker for potential invasion/metastasis. The aim of this pilot study was to determine if there is a correlation between the expression rate of CD44 in adult patients with MFS and clinical outcomes.

Methods
The clinical outcome of 34 adult MFS patients (19 males and 15 females, average age 62 years, median 63 years, range: 38–88 years) who underwent surgical treatment were evaluated. Twenty-five of these patients had additional adjuvant radiotherapy. Extracted RNA from sarcoma tissues was used to measure the transcripts of CD44s (standard form) and isoform expression.
The pooled data for each variant of CD44 was divided in half at the median expression value into two equally sized groups (low and high). Survival modeling and multivariate analysis were used with these two groups to determine if there were differences in survival times and whether this was independent of known factors such as tumor stage/grade, patient age and resection margin status.

Results
High CD44s and low of CD44v6 expression significantly correlated with an improved outcome (P <0.05 and P <0.02, respectively) whereas CD44v8 and hCD44 (isoforms) did not. Differences in survival were apparent within 6–12 months of operation with >30% difference in survival between low/high expressions at 5 years. These finding were independent of the other measured MFS survival predictors, though the group was homogenous.

Conclusions
High CD44s and low CD44v6 expression may be an independent predictor of improved survival in MFS patients in this pilot data. This is contrary to other MFS data, which did not account for the CD44 isoforms but is confirmed by data from other cancer types. Further investigation is needed to confirm CD44 isoform expression data as a relevant survival biomarker and whether it could be used to inform clinical decisions such as adjuvant therapy.
Genome-wide analysis links emerin to neuromuscular junction activity in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: González-Aguilera Cristina , Ikegami Kohta , Ayuso Cristina , de Luis Alberto , Íñiguez María , Cabello Juan , Lieb Jason D , Askjaer Peter 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Background
Laminopathies are diseases characterized by defects in nuclear envelope structure. A well-known example is Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy, which is caused by mutations in the human lamin A/C and emerin genes. While most nuclear envelope proteins are ubiquitously expressed, laminopathies often affect only a subset of tissues. The molecular mechanisms underlying these tissue-specific manifestations remain elusive. We hypothesize that different functional subclasses of genes might be differentially affected by defects in specific nuclear envelope components.

Results
Here we determine genome-wide DNA association profiles of two nuclear envelope components, lamin/LMN-1 and emerin/EMR-1 in adult Caenorhabditis elegans. Although both proteins bind to transcriptionally inactive regions of the genome, EMR-1 is enriched at genes involved in muscle and neuronal function. Deletion of either EMR-1 or LEM-2, another integral envelope protein, causes local changes in nuclear architecture as evidenced by altered association between DNA and LMN-1. Transcriptome analyses reveal that EMR-1 and LEM-2 are associated with gene repression, particularly of genes implicated in muscle and nervous system function. We demonstrate that emr-1, but not lem-2, mutants are sensitive to the cholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb, indicating altered activity at neuromuscular junctions.

Conclusions
We identify a class of elements that bind EMR-1 but do not associate with LMN-1, and these are enriched for muscle and neuronal genes. Our data support a redundant function of EMR-1 and LEM-2 in chromatin anchoring to the nuclear envelope and gene repression. We demonstrate a specific role of EMR-1 in neuromuscular junction activity that may contribute to Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy in humans.
voom: precision weights unlock linear model analysis tools for RNA-seq read counts
Authors: Law Charity W , Chen Yunshun , Shi Wei , Smyth Gordon K 
Published: February 2014

AbstractNew normal linear modeling strategies are presented for analyzing read counts from RNA-seq experiments. The voom method estimates the mean-variance relationship of the log-counts, generates a precision weight for each observation and enters these into the limma empirical Bayes analysis pipeline. This opens access for RNA-seq analysts to a large body of methodology developed for microarrays. Simulation studies show that voom performs as well or better than count-based RNA-seq methods even when the data are generated according to the assumptions of the earlier methods. Two case studies illustrate the use of linear modeling and gene set testing methods.
Psychiatric characteristics in transsexual individuals:
multicentre study in four European countries
Authors: Heylens Gunter , Elaut Els , Kreukels Baudewijntje P. C. , Paap Muirne C. S. , Cerwenka Susanne , Richter-Appelt Hertha , Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T. , Haraldsen Ira R. , De Cuypere Griet 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundResearch into the relationship between gender identity disorder and
psychiatric problems has shown contradictory results.AimsTo investigate psychiatric problems in adults fulfilling DSM-IVTR
criteria for a diagnosis of gender identity disorder.MethodData were collected within the European Network for the Investigation of
Gender Incongruence using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric
Interview – Plus and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II
Disorders (n = 305).ResultsIn 38% of the individuals with gender identity disorder a current
DSM-IV-TR Axis I diagnosis was found, mainly affective disorders and
anxiety disorders. Furthermore, almost 70% had a current and lifetime
diagnosis. All four countries showed a similar prevalence, except for
affective and anxiety disorders, and no difference was found between
individuals with early-onset and late-onset disorder. An Axis II
diagnosis was found in 15% of all individuals with gender identity
disorder, which is comparable to the general population.ConclusionsPeople with gender identity disorder show more psychiatric problems than
the general population; mostly affective and anxiety problems are
found.
Interventions for reducing benzodiazepine use in older people: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Gould Rebecca L. , Coulson Mark C. , Patel Natasha , Highton-Williamson Elizabeth , Howard Robert J. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundThe use of benzodiazepines has been advised against in older people, but prevalence rates remain high.AimsTo review the evidence for interventions aimed at reducing benzodiazepine use in older people.MethodWe conducted a systematic review, assessment of risk of bias and meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials of benzodiazepine withdrawal and prescribing interventions.ResultsTen withdrawal and eight prescribing studies met the inclusion criteria. At post-intervention, significantly higher odds of not using benzodiazepines were found with supervised withdrawal with psychotherapy (odds ratio (OR) = 5.06, 95% CI 2.68–9.57,P<0.00001) and withdrawal with prescribing interventions (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–2.02,P=0.04) in comparison with the control interventions treatment as usual (TAU), education placebo, withdrawal with or without drug placebo, or psychotherapy alone. Significantly higher odds of not using benzodiazepines were also found for multifaceted prescribing interventions (OR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.10–1.72,P= 0.006) in comparison with control interventions (TAU and prescribing placebo).ConclusionsSupervised benzodiazepine withdrawal augmented with psychotherapy should be considered in older people, although pragmatic reasons may necessitate consideration of other strategies such as medication review.
Use of community treatment orders in an inner-London assertive outreach service
Authors: Rawala Muffazal , Gupta Susham 
Published: February 2014

Aims and methodTo compare admission rates and bed occupancy before and after the introduction of community treatment orders (CTOs) in 37 assertive outreach service patients. The effect of CTOs on treatment adherence and illicit drug use were also evaluated. The views of patients and care coordinators were obtained through a focus group.ResultsWhen CTOs were introduced, admission rates fell from 3.3 to 0.3 per year and average bed occupancy declined from 133.2 to 10.8 days per year. Treatment adherence improved from 4 (10.8%) to 31 (83.7%) patients, and an objective reduction in substance misuse was observed in 25 (67.5%) patients. Whereas patients expressed ambivalence towards CTOs, their care coordinators generally had a more positive view.Clinical implicationsThe decline in hospital usage following the introduction of CTOs is encouraging and could reflect improved adherence and engagement through intensive case management, leading to a reduction in readmissions. However, further studies need to look at quality of life, cost-effectiveness and the impact on patients.
Blasphemy laws and mental illness in Pakistan
Authors: Husain Muzaffar 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThere is emerging evidence that individuals who are mentally ill are over-represented in the group of defendants prosecuted under the blasphemy laws of Pakistan. This article discusses the background of blasphemy legislation in Pakistan, and proposes causal interactions between underlying mental illness in the defendant and prosecution for blasphemy. It sketches possible legal safeguards for such blasphemy defendants with mental illness in mental health legislation.
Research productivity of staff in NHS mental health trusts: comparison using the Leiden method
Authors: Mitchell Alex J. , Gill John 
Published: February 2014

Aims and methodTo examine research productivity of staff working across 57 National Health Service (NHS) mental health trusts in England. We examined research productivity between 2010 and 2012, including funded portfolio studies and all research (funded and unfunded).ResultsAcross 57 trusts there were 1297 National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) studies in 2011/2012, involving 46140 participants and in the same year staff in these trusts published 1334 articles (an average of only 23.4 per trust per annum). After correcting for trust size and budget, the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust was the most productive. In terms of funded portfolio studies, Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust as well as South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust had the strongest performance in 2011/2012.Clinical implicationsTrusts should aim to capitalise on valuable staff resources and expertise and better support and encourage research in the NHS to help improve clinical services.
Neuroimaging in a memory assessment service: a completed audit cycle
Authors: Kuruvilla Tarun , Zheng Rui , Soden Ben , Greef Sarah , Lyburn Iain 
Published: February 2014

Aims and methodA clinical audit was used to compare neuroimaging practice in a memory assessment service prior to and 6 months after implementation of guidance, developed from national and European guidelines and adapted to local resource availability, with multislice computed tomography (CT) as first-line structural imaging procedure.ResultsReferrals to the service nearly doubled from the initial audit to the re-audit. Patients having at least one neuroimaging procedure increased from 68 to 76%. Patients with no reason documented for not having imaging significantly reduced from 50% to less than 1%. Despite the larger number of referrals, the mean waiting times for the scans only increased from 22 to 30 days. Variations in practice between the sectors reduced.Clinical implicationsDisseminating evidence-based guidelines adapted to local resource availability appears to have standardised neuroimaging practice in a memory assessment service. Further research into the clinical and cost benefits of the increased scanning is planned.
Is the bark worse than the bite? Additional conditions used within community treatment orders
Authors: Smith Mike , Branton Tim , Cardno Alastair 
Published: February 2014

Aims and methodTo investigate the use of additional conditions attached to community treatment orders (CTOs) and whether they influence the process of recall to hospital. We conducted a retrospective descriptive survey of the records and associated paperwork of all the CTOs started in the trust in the year from January 2010. Each CTO was followed up for 12 months.ResultsA total of 65 CTOs were included in the study; 25 patients were recalled during the study and all but one of these had their CTO revoked and remained in hospital. Each patient whose CTO was revoked had experienced a relapse in their condition. Many patients had not complied with CTO conditions prior to relapsing and could potentially have been recalled earlier.Clinical implicationsOur findings suggest that the breaching of additional CTO conditions does not tend to result in a patient's recall to hospital. This has implications regarding how the workings of CTOs are explained to patients and regarding the utility of additional conditions more generally.
Community treatment orders: background and implications of the OCTET trial
Authors: Burns Tom , Molodynski Andrew 
Published: February 2014

SummaryCommunity treatment orders (CTOs) were introduced into the UK despite unconvincing international evidence for their effectiveness. The Oxford Community Treatment Order Evaluation Trial (OCTET) is a multisite randomised controlled trial of 333 patients with psychosis conducted in the UK. It confirms an absence of any obvious benefit in reducing relapse despite significant curtailment of liberty. Community mental health teams need to seriously consider whether they should continue using CTOs or shift their clinical focus to strengthening the working alliance.
OCTET does not demonstrate a lack of effectiveness for community treatment orders
Authors: Curtis David 
Published: February 2014

SummaryIn the Oxford Community Treatment Order Evaluation Trial (OCTET), patients were randomised either to be made subject to a community treatment order (CTO) or to be managed with Section 17 leave and discharge. No differences in outcome between the two groups were observed. Here it is argued that the patients studied were not those who might have benefited from a CTO and that the psychiatrists involved were unlikely to have used the provisions of a CTO assertively. Consideration of the lengths of time for which both Section 17 leave and CTOs were used supports the notion that CTOs were not used appropriately for a group of patients who might have benefited from them. Hence the results of this study should not be taken to provide any evidence as to the effectiveness or otherwise of CTOs.
Open access publishing – a quiet revolution
Authors: Pimm Jonathan 
Published: February 2014

SummaryRadical changes are taking place in scientific publishing, driven by mandates from major research funders both in the UK and elsewhere. The publishing landscape is changing, and open access is increasingly being seen as a viable alternative to subscription-based business models. Although many issues are yet unresolved, even the large commercial publishers are developing stables of open access journals. To reach a wider audience, and to increase appeal to potential contributors deciding where to publish, the Bulletin has now become an open access journal with effect from this issue.
Removal of Lipopolysaccharide and DNA from Protein Solutions Using Porous Supports Bearing Polymeric Lipid Membranes
Authors: Wakita Masa-aki 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Polymeric lipid membranes of N-octadecylchitosan were covalently immobilized on porous supports and applied as adsorbents for purification of proteins. In addition to lipopolysaccharide, DNA was removed to its detection limit from albumin solution with a quantitative recovery of protein. Selective removal of lipopolysaccharide from IgG solution was also confirmed.
Theoretical Study on Alkoxydiphosphine Ligand for Bimetallic Cooperation in Nickel-catalyzed Monosubstitution of C–F Bond
Authors: Asako Sobi , Ilies Laurean , Verma Pritha , Ichikawa Saki , Nakamura Eiichi 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
A theoretical study on a tripodal alkoxydiphosphine (POP) ligand, which accelerates the nickel-catalyzed monosubstitution of a polyfluoroarene with an organozinc reagent, revealed that the alkoxy group and the diphosphine act independently to facilitate cooperation of a Lewis acid and a transition metal.
Stable fixation of the IBP humeral component implanted without cement in total elbow replacement
Authors: deVos M. J. , Verdonschot N. , Luites J. W. H. , Anderson P. G. , Eygendaal D. 
Published: February 2014

We determined the short-term clinical outcome and migration within the bone of the humeral cementless component of the Instrumented Bone Preserving (IBP) total elbow replacement in a series of 16 patients. There were four men and 12 women with a mean age at operation of 63 years (40 to 81). Migration was calculated using radiostereometric analysis. There were no intra-operative complications and no revisions. At two-year follow-up, all patients showed a significant reduction in pain and functional improvement of the elbow (both p < 0.001). Although ten components (63%) showed movement or micromovement during the first six weeks, 14 (88%) were stable at one year post-operatively. Translation was primarily found in the proximal direction (median 0.3 mm (interquartile range (IQR) -0.09 to 0.8); the major rotational movement was an anterior tilt (median 0.7° (IQR 0.4° to 1.6°)). One malaligned component continued to migrate during the second year, and one component could not be followed beyond three months because migration had caused the markers to break off the prosthesis. This study shows promising early results for the cementless humeral component of the IBP total elbow replacement. All patients had a good clinical outcome, and most components stabilised within six months of the operation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:229–36.
Arthroscopic debridement in the treatment of patients with osteoarthritis of the elbow, based on computer simulation
Authors: Miyake J. , Shimada K. , Oka K. , Tanaka H. , Sugamoto K. , Yoshikawa H. , Murase T. 
Published: February 2014

We retrospectively assessed the value of identifying impinging osteophytes using dynamic computer simulation of CT scans of the elbow in assisting their arthroscopic removal in patients with osteoarthritis of the elbow. A total of 20 patients were treated (19 men and one woman, mean age 38 years (19 to 55)) and followed for a mean of 25 months (24 to 29). We located the impinging osteophytes dynamically using computerised three-dimensional models of the elbow based on CT data in three positions of flexion of the elbow. These were then removed arthroscopically and a capsular release was performed. The mean loss of extension improved from 23° (10° to 45°) pre-operatively to 9° (0° to 25°) post-operatively, and the mean flexion improved from 121° (80° to 140°) pre-operatively to 130° (110° to 145°) post-operatively. The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score improved from 62 (30 to 85) to 95 (70 to 100) post-operatively. All patients had pain in the elbow pre-operatively which disappeared or decreased post-operatively. According to their Mayo scores, 14 patients had an excellent clinical outcome and six a good outcome; 15 were very satisfied and five were satisfied with their post-operative outcome. We recommend this technique in the surgical management of patients with osteoarthritis of the elbow. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:237–41.
Effects of psychological distress and perceptions of illness on recovery from total knee replacement
Authors: Hanusch B. C. , O’Connor D. B. , Ions P. , Scott A. , Gregg P. J. 
Published: February 2014

This cohort study investigated the influence of psychological factors, including perception of illness, anxiety and depression on recovery and functional outcome after total knee replacement surgery. A total of 100 patients (55 male; 45 female) with a mean age of 71 (42 to 92) who underwent a primary total knee replacement for osteoarthritis were recruited into this study. In all 97 participants completed the six week and 87 the one year follow-up questionnaires. Pre-operatively patients completed the revised Illness Perception Questionnaire, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Recovery Locus of Control Scale. Function was assessed pre-operatively, at six weeks and one year using Oxford Knee Score (OKS) and the goniometer-measured range of movement (ROM). The results showed that pre-operative function had the biggest impact on post-operative outcome for ROM and OKS. In addition questionnaire variables and depression had an impact on the OKS at six weeks. Depression and anxiety were also associated with a higher (worse) knee score at one year but did not influence the ROM at either six weeks or one year. Recovery from total knee replacement can be difficult to predict. This study has identified psychological factors that play an important role in recovery from surgery and functional outcome. These should be taken into account when considering patients for total knee replacement. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:210–16.