bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Community-Based, Culturally Tailored Behavioral Intervention for Korean Americans With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Kim Miyong T. , Han Hae-Ra , Song Hee-Jung , Lee Jong-Eun , Kim Jiyun , Ryu Jai P. , Kim Kim B. 
Published: November 2009

Purpose The purpose of this study is to test the efficacy of a culturally tailored comprehensive type 2 diabetes management intervention for Korean American immigrants (KAIs) with type 2 diabetes. Methods A randomized controlled pilot trial with 2 parallel arms (intervention vs control) with a delayed intervention design was used. A total of 79 KAIs, recruited from the Baltimore-Washington area, completed baseline, 18-week, and 30-week follow-ups (intervention, n = 40; control, n = 39). All participants had uncontrolled type 2 diabetes (hemoglobin A1C ≥7.5%) at baseline. The authors’ comprehensive, self-help intervention program for type 2 diabetes management (SHIP-DM) consisted of a 6-week structured psychobehavioral education, home glucose monitoring with teletransmission, and bilingual nurse telephone counseling for 24 weeks. The primary outcome of the study was A1C level, and secondary outcomes included an array of psychobehavioral variables. Results Using analysis of covariance, the findings support that the proposed intervention was effective in significantly lowering A1C and fasting glucose and also in improving psychosocial outcomes in the sample. Specifically, the amount of reduction in A1C among intervention group participants was 1.19% at 18 weeks and 1.31% at 30 weeks, with 10% and 15.5% of the participants achieving the suggested goal of A1C <7% at 18 and 30 weeks of follow-up, respectively. Conclusions The results highlight the clinical efficacy of the SHIP-DM intervention composed of a 6-week education program, self-monitoring, and follow-up counseling, in terms of maintaining the improved intervention effects obtained and in terms of glucose control.
Patient Profiling in Cartilage Regeneration: Prognostic Factors Determining Success of Treatment for Cartilage Defects
Authors: de Windt Tommy S. , Bekkers Joris E. J. , Creemers Laura B. , Dhert Wouter J. A. , Saris Daniël B. F. 
Published: November 2009

Background Cartilage therapy for focal articular lesions has been implemented for more than a decade, and it is becoming increasingly available. What is still lacking, however, is analysis of patient characteristics to help improve outcome or select patients for specific treatment. Purpose To analyze the prognostic value of patient age and defect size, age, and location on clinical outcome 3 years after cartilage therapy. Study Design Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods Fifty-five patients (age, 35 ± 9 years) were randomly selected from a prospective database. Each had a traumatic knee injury, each was treated for a focal cartilage lesion, and each was assessed with the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) 3 years after surgery. Patient characteristics (ie, patient age and defect size, age, and location) were tested for valid inclusion in the regression model. Multiple linear regression was used to determine which variables influenced clinical improvement. Binary KOOS scores were generated on the basis of age-matched healthy patients and assessed in a logistic regression analysis. Results Normality tests confirmed normal distribution for each variable (P < .05). Defect size did not influence clinical improvement (P > .05). Clinical outcome regarding the treatment of medial defects was better than that of the lateral defects (10.38-25.26 points for the different KOOS subscales; P < .05). The KOOS improvement from baseline was better for patients <30 years compared with patients >30 years (7.31-29.24 points for the different KOOS subscales; P <.05). Patients with defects <24 months were more likely to report the age-matched healthy reference KOOS (odds ratio, 1.8-4.0; P <.05). Conclusion This study illustrates the influence of patient age and defect location and age on clinical outcome 3 years after treatment of a focal cartilage lesion in patients with a traumatic knee injury.
Surgical Treatment of Osteochondral Lesions of the Talus by Open-Field Autologuous Chondrocyte Implantation
Authors: Giannini Sandro , Battaglia Milva , Buda Roberto , Cavallo Marco , Ruffilli Alberto , Vannini Francesca 
Published: November 2009

Background Ideal treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus is still controversial. Although good clinical and histologic results have been reported for the knee, long-term results have not been reported for autologous chondrocyte implantation in the ankle. Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging T2 mapping is becoming an increasingly used method for noninvasive assessment of repair tissue in the knee, but no experience on the ankle has been reported. Hypothesis The 10-year clinical results of autologous chondrocyte implantation in the treatment of osteochondral lesions of the talus has clinical efficacy comparable with the long-term efficacy of autologous chondrocyte implantation in the knee. A secondary hypothesis is that magnetic resonance imaging T2 mapping may provide noninvasive assessment of the repaired tissue quality in the ankle. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Between 1997 and 1999, 10 patients (age 25.8 6 6.4 years) with an osteochondral lesion of the talus were treated with autologous chondrocyte implantation. The mean size of the lesions was 3.1 cm2 (range, 2.2-4.3 cm2). All patients were evaluated clinically (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score), radiographically, and by magnetic resonance imaging preoperatively and at established intervals up to a mean follow-up of 119 6 6.5 months. At the final follow-up, magnetic resonance imaging was graded with the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue scoring system and T2-mapping evaluation in 6 cases. Results Before surgery, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 37.9 6 17.8 points, while at final follow-up it was 92.7 6 9.9 (P <.0005). Magnetic resonance imaging showed well-modeled restoration of the articular surface. The regenerated cartilage showed a mean T2-mapping value of 46 microseconds (range, 34-50), with no significant difference compared with that of healthy hyaline cartilage. Conclusion The results of autologous chondrocyte implantation in the ankle joint are comparable with those in the knee as demonstrated by the significant clinical improvement, hyaline cartilage repair, and the durability of the results. Integration of both T2 mapping and Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair scoring permitted adequate evaluation of the repair site in the ankle.
Osteochondral Integration of Multiply Incised Pure Cartilage Allograft: Repair Method of Focal Chondral Defects in a Porcine Model
Authors: Bardos Tamas , Farkas Boglarka , Mezes Beata , Vancsodi Jozsef , Kvell Krisztian , Czompoly Tamas , Nemeth Peter , Bellyei Arpad , Illes Tamas 
Published: November 2009

Background A focal cartilage lesion has limited capacity to heal, and the repair modalities used at present are still unable to provide a universal solution. Pure cartilage graft implantation appears to be a simple option, but it has not been applied widely as cartilage will not reattach easily to the subchondral bone. Hypothesis We used a multiple-incision technique (processed chondrograft) to increase cartilage graft surface. We hypothesized that pure cartilage graft with augmented osteochondral fusion capacity may be used for cartilage repair and we compared this method with other repair techniques. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Full-thickness focal cartilage defects were created on the medial femoral condyle of 9-month-old pigs; defects were repaired using various methods including bone marrow stimulation, autologous chondrocyte implantation, and processed chon-drograft. After the repair, at weeks 6 and 24, macroscopic and histologic evaluation was carried out. Results Compared with other methods, processed chondrograft was found to besimilarly effective incartilage repair. Defects without repair and defects treated with bone marrow stimulation appeared slightly irregular with fibrocartilage filling. Autologous chondrocyte implantationproducedhyalinelikecartilage, althoughitscellularorganizationwasdistinguishablefromthesurroundingarticularcartilage. Processed chondrograft demonstrated good osteochondral integration, and the resulting tissue appeared to be hyaline cartilage. Conclusion The applied cartilage surface processing method allows acceptable osteochondral integration, and the repair tissue appears to have good macroscopic and histologic characteristics. Clinical Relevance If further studies confirm its efficacy, this technique could be considered for human application in the future.
Futility interim monitoring with control of type I and II error probabilities using the interim Z-value or confidence limit
Authors: Lachin John M 
Published: November 2009

Background It is highly desirable to terminate a clinical trial early if the emerging data suggests that the experimental treatment is ineffective, or substantially less effective than the level the study was designed to detect. Many studies have used a conditional power calculation as the basis for termination for futility. However, in order to compute conditional power one must posit an assumption about the distribution of the future data yet to be observed, such as that the original design assumptions will apply, or that the future data will have the same treatment effect as that estimated from the current ‘trend’ in the data. Each such assumption will yield a different conditional power value. Purpose The assessment of futility is described in terms of the observed quantities alone, specifically the interim Z-value or the interim confidence limit on the magnitude of the treatment effect, such that specified type I and II error probabilities are achieved. No assumption is required regarding the distribution of the future data yet to be observed. Methods Lachin [1] presents a review of futility stopping based on assessment of conditional power and evaluates the statistical properties of a futility stopping rule. These methods are adapted to futility stopping using only the observed data without any assumption about the future data yet to be observed. Results The statistical properties of the futility monitoring plan depend specifically on the corresponding boundary value for the interim Z-value. These include the probability of interim stopping under the null or under a specific alternative hypothesis, and the resulting type I and II error probabilities. Thus, the stopping rule can be uniquely specified in terms of a boundary for the interim Z-value. Alternately, the stopping rule can be specified in terms of a boundary on the upper confidence limit for the treatment group effect (favoring treatment). Herein it is shown that this approach is equivalent to a boundary on the test Z-value, from which the operating characteristics of the stopping rule can then be calculated. Limitations While the statistical properties described herein strictly apply to a pre-specified futility boundary, it is also shown that these methods can be applied in an ad-hoc manner. In the event that a sequence of interim assessments for futility is desired, other sequential methods with an outer effectiveness boundary and inner futility boundary would be preferred. Conclusions These methods allow the design of clinical trials that have specified operating characteristics with a pre-specified futility analysis based only on the interim quantities that have been observed. Examples are presented. Clinical Trials 2009; 6: 565—573. http://ctj.sagepub.com
Effectiveness of pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions for smoking cessation in actual clinical practice
Authors: Rovina Nikoletta , Nikoloutsou Ioanna , Katsani Georgia , Dima Efrossini , Fransis Konstantinos , Roussos Charis , Gratziou Christina 
Published: November 2009

Objectives: This study evaluated the effectiveness of behavioral interventions (brief counseling, nonspecific psychological support in groups — NSGS and cognitive behavioral group therapy — CBGT) in combination with bupropion SR for smoking cessation in the field, through a smoking cessation clinic. Methods: Two-hundred-and-five smokers were enrolled in a 19-week course during 2007/ 2008, and were randomly assigned to: bupropion SR combined with brief counseling (group A), bupropion SR combined with NSGS (group B), bupropion SR combined with CBGT (group C), or CBGT as the only approach (group D). Results: Continuous abstinence rates at the end of therapy were 53.2% for group A, 62.9% for group B, 50.0% for group C, and 22.2% (p < 0.05) for group D. Sustained abstinence rates in 12 months were 29.6%, 28.1%, 34.3% and 19.4% (p > 0.05), respectively. Conclusions: Bupropion SR is an effective aid for smoking cessation in clinical practice. NSGT increased the chances for success at the end of therapy when combined with bupropion SR, while CBGT as monotherapy was less effective compared with the approaches including pharmacotherapy. It is suggested that smoking cessation interventions in real-life healthcare settings should be implemented through comprehensive programs using pharmacotherapy where applicable, combined with NSGT, and integrated by specialized healthcare professionals.
Intrapleural hemorrhage after administration of tPA: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Goralski Jennifer L. , Bromberg Philip A. , Haithcock Benjamin 
Published: November 2009

Objective: Intrapleural fibrinolytic enzymes have been used for over 60 years in the treatment of complicated pleural effusions to lyse loculations and promote resolution. Despite this extensive history of use, however, little is known about complications that may arise with the use of this therapy. Here we discuss a patient with chronic renal failure on hemodialysis who developed an intrapleural hemorrhage after the administration of intrapleural tPA to treat a complicated parapneumonic effusion. A review of the literature examines the efficacy and safety of this therapy, focusing on bleeding complications. Specific attention is paid to patients who have underlying coagulopathies or who are receiving anticoagulation. Data sources: A review of the literature, as indexed in PubMed, was undertaken using the following search terms in combination: tPA, pleural effusion, complications of thrombolytics, and intrapleural hemorrhage. The search was inclusive of patients under the age of 18, but was limited by English language and human subjects. Study selection/data extraction: All relevant articles identified during the search were reviewed. Those studies that reported on bleeding complications, or lack thereof, were included in this review. Limitations of each article are noted in the text. Conclusions: Multiple studies, including a 2000 ACP consensus statement and a 2008 Cochrane review, indicate the need for further investigations to evaluate the safety and efficacy of intrapleural thrombolytics for the treatment of complicated pleural effusions and empyemas. Limited studies specifically address bleeding complications, especially in subpopulations of patients receiving concurrent anticoagulant therapy.
Comparison of eukaryotic phylogenetic profiling approaches using species tree aware methods
Authors: Ruano-Rubio Valentín , Poch Olivier , Thompson Julie D 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Phylogenetic profiling encompasses an important set of methodologies for in silico high throughput inference of functional relationships between genes. The simplest profiles represent the distribution of gene presence-absence in a set of species as a sequence of 0's and 1's, and it is assumed that functionally related genes will have more similar profiles. The methodology has been successfully used in numerous studies of prokaryotic genomes, although its application in eukaryotes appears problematic, with reported low accuracy due to the complex genomic organization within this domain of life. Recently some groups have proposed an alternative approach based on the correlation of homologous gene group sizes, taking into account all potentially informative genetic events leading to a change in group size, regardless of whether they result in a de novo group gain or total gene group loss.

Results
We have compared the performance of classical presence-absence and group size based approaches using a large, diverse set of eukaryotic species. In contrast to most previous comparisons in Eukarya, we take into account the species phylogeny. We also compare the approaches using two different group categories, based on orthology and on domain-sharing. Our results confirm a limited overall performance of phylogenetic profiling in eukaryotes. Although group size based approaches initially showed an increase in performance for the domain-sharing based groups, this seems to be an overestimation due to a simplistic negative control dataset and the choice of null hypothesis rejection criteria.

Conclusion
Presence-absence profiling represents a more accurate classifier of related versus non-related profile pairs, when the profiles under consideration have enough information content. Group size based approaches provide a complementary means of detecting domain or family level co-evolution between groups that may be elusive to presence-absence profiling. Moreover positive correlation between co-evolution scores and functional links imply that these methods could be used to estimate functional distances between gene groups and to cluster them based on their functional relatedness. This study should have important implications for the future development and application of phylogenetic profiling methods, not only in eukaryotic, but also in prokaryotic datasets.
Diverse MHC IIB allele repertoire increases parasite resistance and body condition in the Long-tailed giant rat (Leopoldamys sabanus)
Authors: Lenz Tobias L , Wells Konstans , Pfeiffer Martin , Sommer Simone 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) code for key functions in the adaptive immune response of vertebrates and most of them show exceptionally high polymorphism. This polymorphism has been associated with the selection by diverse and changing parasite communities. We analysed MHC class IIB diversity, gastrointestinal parasite load and body condition in the wild ranging tropical rat Leopoldamys sabanus (Thomas, 1887) under natural selection conditions in a highly variable rainforest environment in Borneo to explore the mechanisms that maintain these high levels of genetic polymorphism.

Results
Allelic diversity was determined via SSCP and sequencing, and parasite screening was done through non-invasive faecal egg count. The detected alleles showed expected high levels of polymorphism and balancing selection. Besides a clear advantage for more diverse MHC genotypes in terms of number of alleles, reflected in better body condition and resistance against helminth infection, our data also suggested a positive effect of MHC allele divergence within an individual on these parameters.

Conclusion
In accordance with the heterozygote advantage hypothesis, this study provides evidence for an advantage of more diverse MHC genotypes. More specifically, the potential negative relation between individual allele divergence and number of parasite species is in line with the 'divergent allele advantage' hypothesis.
Cytogenetic studies in Eigenmannia virescens (Sternopygidae, Gymnotiformes) and new inferences on the origin of sex chromosomes in the Eigenmannia genus
Authors: Silva Danillo S , Milhomem Susana SR , Pieczarka Julio C , Nagamachi Cleusa Y 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background
Cytogenetic studies were carried out on samples of Eigenmannia virescens (Sternopygidae, Gymnotiformes) obtained from four river systems of the Eastern Amazon region (Para, Brazil).

Results
All four populations had 2n = 38, with ZZ/ZW sex chromosomes (Z, acrocentric; W, submetacentric). Constitutive heterochromatin (CH) was found at the centromeric regions of all chromosomes. The W chromosome had a heterochromatic block in the proximal region of the short arm; this CH was positive for DAPI staining, indicating that it is rich in A-T base pairs. The nucleolar organizer region (NOR) was localized to the short arm of chromosome pair 15; this result was confirmed by fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with human 45S rDNA, and CMA3 staining indicated that the region is G-C rich. FISH with telomeric probes did not show any evidence of interstitial telomeric sequences (ITS).

Conclusion
Previous studies have shown that the species Eigenmannia sp. 2 and E. virescens have differentiated sex chromosomes, and diverse sex chromosome systems have been described for E. virescens specimens obtained from different Brazilian rivers. A comparative analysis of the present data and prior reports suggests that the sex chromosomes of Eigenmannia may have arisen independently in the different populations.
De novo 454 sequencing of barcoded BAC pools for comprehensive gene survey and genome analysis in the complex genome of barley
Authors: Steuernagel Burkhard , Taudien Stefan , Gundlach Heidrun , Seidel Michael , Ariyadasa Ruvini , Schulte Daniela , Petzold Andreas , Felder Marius , Graner Andreas , Scholz Uwe , Mayer Klaus FX , Platzer Matthias , Stein Nils 
Published: November 2009

Abstract

Background

De novo sequencing the entire genome of a large complex plant genome like the one of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is a major challenge both in terms of experimental feasibility and costs. The emergence and breathtaking progress of next generation sequencing technologies has put this goal into focus and a clone based strategy combined with the 454/Roche technology is conceivable.

Results
To test the feasibility, we sequenced 91 barcoded, pooled, gene containing barley BACs using the GS FLX platform and assembled the sequences under iterative change of parameters. The BAC assemblies were characterized by N50 of ~50 kb (N80 ~31 kb, N90 ~21 kb) and a Q40 of 94%. For ~80% of the clones, the best assemblies consisted of less than 10 contigs at 24-fold mean sequence coverage. Moreover we show that gene containing regions seem to assemble completely and uninterrupted thus making the approach suitable for detecting complete and positionally anchored genes.
By comparing the assemblies of four clones to their complete reference sequences generated by the Sanger method, we evaluated the distribution, quality and representativeness of the 454 sequences as well as the consistency and reliability of the assemblies.

Conclusion
The described multiplex 454 sequencing of barcoded BACs leads to sequence consensi highly representative for the clones. Assemblies are correct for the majority of contigs. Though the resolution of complex repetitive structures requires additional experimental efforts, our approach paves the way for a clone based strategy of sequencing the barley genome.