bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Response of vitiligo to once‐ vs. twice‐daily topical tacrolimus: a controlled prospective, randomized, observer‐blinded trial
Authors: Radakovic S , Breier‐Maly J , Konschitzky R , Kittler H , Sator P , Hoenigsmann H , Tanew A 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground  A few studies on the treatment of vitiligo with topical tacrolimus have been published and showed promising results. However, most of these trials were uncontrolled.Objective  This study aims to assess the response of vitiligo to once‐ or twice‐daily treatment with 0.1% tacrolimus in a controlled, randomized, observer‐blinded study.Methods  Seventeen patients with generalized vitiligo were enrolled in this study. In each patient, two lesions were selected and randomized to treatment with either once‐ or twice‐daily application of 0.1% tacrolimus for a total period of 6 months. In 10 patients, a third patch was left untreated to serve as a control.Results  Fifteen patients with 40 target lesions completed the study. Twice‐daily treatment induced excellent (> 75%) repigmentation in two lesions, moderate (> 25–50%) and poor (1–25%) repigmentation in four lesions each, and no response in five lesions. Once‐daily treatment resulted in moderate repigmentation in two lesions and poor repigmentation in five lesions, whereas no effect was observed in the remaining eight lesions. One out of 10 control lesions developed moderate spontaneous repigmentation, the other nine remained unchanged. Besides the frequency of tacrolimus application, the treatment outcome was determined by the localization of the affected areas with the facial region showing the best response.Conclusions  Tacrolimus ointment appears to be an effective treatment option for facial vitiligo. A guarded prognosis is advisable for vitiliginous lesions on other localizations. Treatment must be applied twice daily for optimum response.Conflict of InterestNone declared.
Sex differences and science: the etiology of science excellence
Authors: Haworth Claire M.A. , Dale Philip S. , Plomin Robert 
Published: June 2009

Background:  Are there sex differences in the etiology of high performance in science in childhood that could contribute to the under‐representation of women in scientific careers? In this study the relative contributions of genetic and environmental influences on high performance in science in both boys and girls were assessed using standard twin analyses.Methods:  The sample included 3000 twin pairs from the UK Twins Early Development Study (TEDS). Science performance ratings based on the UK National Curriculum were collected from teachers when the twins were 9, 10 and 12 years old. Science excellence was defined as performing above the 85th percentile. Sex‐limitation liability threshold models were used to assess sex differences in etiology.Results:  We found no evidence for quantitative or qualitative sex differences in the etiology of science excellence, which was moderately heritable (30–50%), and influenced by both shared (40–56%) and non‐shared (10–13%) environmental influences.Conclusions:  Although boys and girls do not differ genetically in relation to school science performance per se, the under‐representation of women in scientific careers may be due to attitudes rather than aptitudes.
Maternal sleep deprivation is a risk factor for small for gestational age: A cohort study
Authors: ABEYSENA Chrishantha , JAYAWARDANA Pushpa , DE A SENEVIRATNE Rohini 
Published: June 2009

Aims: To determine trimester‐specific risk factors for small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) infants.Methods: A population‐based prospective cohort study was conducted in Sri Lanka from May 2001 to April 2002. Pregnant women were recruited on or before 16 weeks of gestation and followed up until delivery. The sample size was 690. Trimester‐specific exposure status and potential confounding factors were gathered on average at 12th, 28th and 36th weeks of gestation. SGA was assessed using customised birth centile charts. Multiple logistic regression was applied, and the results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).Results: The risk factors for SGA less than 5th centile were shift work and exposure to physical and chemical hazards during 2nd and 3rd trimesters (OR 4.20, 95%CI 1.10–16.0), sleeping for less than or equal to 8 h during 2nd or 3rd or both trimesters (OR 2.23, 95%CI 1.08–4.59), walking for less than or equal to 2.5 h per day (OR 2.66, 95%CI 1.12–6.31) and alcohol consumption during the 3rd trimester (OR 14.5, 95%CI 2.23–94.7). Poor weekly gestational weight gain was significantly associated with both SGA < 10th and < 5th centiles. None of the other factors became significant for SGA < 10th centile.Conclusions: Risk factors for SGA less than 5th centile were sleep deprivation and shift work and exposure to physical and chemical hazards during 2nd and 3rd trimesters, less walking hours and alcohol consumption during 3rd trimester. Poor weekly gestational weight gain may be considered as a predictor of delivering an SGA infant.
Uterine papillary serous carcinoma: Patterns of failure and survival
Authors: WANG Wei , DO Viet , HOGG Russell , WAIN Gerard , BRAND Alison , BULL Colin , STENLAKE Annie , GEBSKI Val 
Published: June 2009

Objective: To evaluate the outcome in patients with uterine papillary serous carcinoma (UPSC).Methods: A retrospective review of women treated for UPSC between 1995 and 2006 in Westmead Hospital, Sydney. The patients were treated with total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy and surgical staging. The majority of the patients had platinum‐based adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Sites of initial recurrence were documented. Overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS) were estimated using Kaplan–Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed using Cox regression analysis to test the effects of multiple prognostic factors on survival.Results: Two‐year and five‐year OS was 65% and 43%. The median OS was 39 months. Two‐year and five‐year PFS was 60% and 35%. Macroscopic residual disease at the completion of surgery was the only significant prognostic factor associated with worse OS on both univariate and multivariate analysis (P < 0.001). The median OS was only 11 months if patients had macroscopic residual disease, and all patients died within 18 months despite adjuvant therapies. Twenty‐one patients relapsed. The site(s) of initial recurrence were: vagina (five patients), pelvic lymph nodes (four patients), abdomen (11 patients), para‐aortic lymph nodes (six patients), inguinal lymph nodes (two patients) and distant metastases in seven patients. Only one of 16 patients who received vaginal brachytherapy failed in the vagina, but three of seven patients who received external beam pelvic radiotherapy failed in the vagina.Conclusion: We recommend optimal cytoreduction surgery with the aim of leaving no macroscopic disease at the end of the operation. Vaginal brachytherapy should be considered as a component of adjuvant radiotherapy. Abdominal failure was the commonest mode of failure in our cohort of patients.
Do maternal‐ or pregnancy‐associated disease states affect blood pressure in the early neonatal period?
Authors: KENT Alison L. , SHADBOLT Bruce , HU Eric , MESKELL Sandra , FALK Michael C. , DAHLSTROM Jane E. 
Published: June 2009

Background: Placental vascular changes associated with maternal disease states may affect fetal vascular development. There is evidence suggesting that being born prematurely is associated with a higher blood pressure (BP) in later life.Aim: To determine whether maternal disease state affects BP in the early neonatal period.Methods: Cohort study of neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit with exposure to maternal hypertension and diabetes. Inclusion criteria were neonates greater than 27 weeks gestation not ventilated or requiring inotropes for more than 24 h, materna l hypertension (pregnancy induced or essential) or diabetes of any kind requiring treatment, and spontaneous delivery. Exclusion criteria included chromosomal or congenital anomaly and illicit maternal drug use. Oscillometric BP measurements taken until discharge on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 21 and 28. Placental histopathology was performed.Results: One hundred and ninety infants enrolled, 104 in the control and 86 in the study group. Sixty‐five infants were born between 28–31 weeks and 125 infants between 32–41 weeks gestation. Those born between 28–31 weeks with a history of diabetes had a statistically higher systolic, mean and diastolic BP throughout the first 28 days of life (P = 0.001; P = 0.007; P = 0.02). Those born between 32–41 weeks gestation with placental pathology associated with altered uteroplacental perfusion had a higher systolic BP (P = 0.005).Conclusions: Maternal‐ or pregnancy‐associated disease states appear to influence BP in the early neonatal period. Diabetes and altered placental perfusion were associated with higher BP readings. Clinical significance of these statistically elevated BPs in the early neonatal period is unknown.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes following diabetes in pregnancy in Far North Queensland, Australia
Authors: DAVIS Bronwyn , BOND Dianne , HOWAT Paul , SINHA Ashim K , FALHAMMAR Henrik 
Published: June 2009

Background: Diabetes in pregnancy (DIP) is increasing and is associated with a number of adverse consequences for both the mother and the child.Aims: To compare local maternal and neonatal outcomes with state and national data.Methods: Chart audit of all DIP delivered during 2004 at a regional teaching hospital and compare outcomes with national benchmark, Queensland and national Indigenous data.Results: The local DIP frequency was 6.7%. The local compared to benchmark and state data demonstrated a higher frequency of Indigenous mothers (43.6% vs 6.8% vs 5.5%), caesarean sections (50.7% vs 26% vs 32.0%), hypoglycaemia (40.7% vs 19.5% vs 2.7%) and respiratory distress (16.6% vs 4.5% vs 2.3%) in infants, fewer normal birthweights (64.8% vs 82.6% vs 80.4%) and full‐term deliveries. More local mothers compared to benchmark had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (15.4% vs 8.7%) but fewer used insulin (31.0% vs 46.6%); compared to state data, fewer women had gestational diabetes (79.5% vs 91.2%), however, insulin use was higher (22.8%). Furthermore, Aborigines had fewer pregnancies compared to Torres Strait Islanders (3.0 vs 5.0) and less insulin use (21.9% vs 59.3%) (P = 0.008–0.024). In contrast, non‐Indigenous versus Indigenous women showed fewer pregnancies, less T2DM (7.8% vs 23.7%), better glycaemic control, longer babies, more full‐term deliveries and less severe neonatal hypoglycaemia. Comparing local and national Indigenous data, local showed poorer outcomes, however, only 11.8% had diabetes or hypertension nationally.Conclusion: The local cohort had poorer outcomes probably reflecting a more disadvantaged. Few differences were found between local Indigenous groups.
Obesity and Migraine: The Effect of Age, Gender and Adipose Tissue Distribution
Authors: Peterlin B. Lee , Rosso Andrea L. , Rapoport Alan M. , Scher Ann I. 
Published: June 2009

(Headache 2010;50:52‐62)Objective.— To evaluate the prevalence of migraine/severe headaches in those with and without general obesity and abdominal obesity (Abd‐O) and the effect of gender and age on this relationship.Background.— General, or total body obesity (TBO), as estimated by body mass index, is a risk factor for migraine chronification. However, there are conflicting data as to whether TBO is associated with migraine prevalence. Abd‐O has been shown to be a better predictor of various disease states than TBO, but has not been evaluated in general population studies in association with migraine.Methods.— Data from a general population survey, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, were used to obtain demographics, self‐report of migraine/severe headaches and measured body mass indices, including height, weight, and waist circumference. All analyses were stratified by age and gender and multivariate analyses were determined through use of logistic regression models.Results.— A total of 21,783 participants were included in the analysis. Between 20‐55 years of age, the prevalence of migraine was increased in both men and women with TBO as compared with those without, (P ≤ .001). Migraine was also more prevalent in those with Abd‐O as compared with those without (men: 20.1% vs 15.9%, P < .001; women: 36.9% vs 28.8.2%, P < .001). After 55 years of age, the prevalence of migraine in men was no longer associated with either TBO or Abd‐O. Similarly, after 55 years of age, the prevalence of migraine in women was no longer associated with TBO. However, in women older than 55 years, the prevalence of migraine was decreased in those with Abd‐O as compared with those without Abd‐O (14.4% vs 17.4%, P < .05). After adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and Abd‐O, results were similar for the association between migraine prevalence and TBO in both younger and older men and women. After adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors and TBO, migraine prevalence was no longer associated with Abd‐O in younger men, but remained associated with an increased odds ratio of having migraine in younger women, as well as a decreased odds ratio in older women.Conclusion.— The relationship between migraine and obesity varies by age, gender, and adipose tissue distribution (eg, TBO vs Abd‐O). In men and women ≤55 years old, migraine prevalence is increased in those with TBO, independent of Abd‐O. In addition, in men and women ≤55 years old, migraine prevalence is increased in those with Abd‐O; and in women this association is independent of TBO. In men older than 55 years, migraine is not associated with either TBO or Abd‐O. However, in women older than 55 years, migraine prevalence is decreased in those with Abd‐O and is independent of TBO.
The Relative Efficacy of Phenothiazines for the Treatment of Acute Migraine: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kelly Anne‐Maree , Walcynski Tracy , Gunn Barry 
Published: June 2009

Objective and Background.— Ranges of agents are used in the emergency departments to treat migraine headache. Some experts suggest that phenothiazines are among the most effective; clinical trials have been small with varied results. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to determine the relative effectiveness of phenothiazines compared with placebo and other active agents for the treatment of acute migraine.Methods.— We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane database, and international clinical trial registers for randomized controlled trials comparing parenteral phenothiazines with placebo or another active parenteral agent for treatment of acute migraine in adults. The primary outcome was relief of headache, and secondary outcome was clinical success. Analysis was for phenothiazines vs placebo, pooled other active agents, and metoclopramide for each outcome. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and pooled by using a random effects model (RevMan v5).Results.— Thirteen trials were appropriate and had available data. Phenothiazines were compared with placebo in 5 trials and to another active agent in 10 (metoclopramide 4). Phenothiazine was more effective than placebo for headache relief (OR 15.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.57‐29.82) and clinical success (OR 8.92, 95% CI 4.08‐19.51). Phenothiazines were more effective than other agents combined (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.25‐3.31) and the metoclopramide subgroup (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.29‐3.92) for clinical success, but no differences were found for headache relief. The clinical success rate of phenothiazines was 78% (95% CI 74‐82).Conclusion.— Phenothiazines are more effective than placebo for the treatment of migraine headache and have higher rates of clinical success than other agents against which they have been compared.
Fast and reliable mutation detection of the complete exon 11–15 JAK2 coding region using non‐isotopic RNase cleavage assay (NIRCA)
Authors: Kambas Konstantinos , Mitroulis Ioannis , Kourtzelis Ioannis , Chrysanthopoulou Akrivi , Speletas Matthaios , Ritis Konstantinos 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThe screening for JAK2 V617F mutation in patients with polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and idiopathic myelofibrosis offers crucial information for the final diagnosis of these disorders. Recently, several JAK2 exons 12 and 14 mutations have been detected in V617F‐negative patients with idiopathic erythrocytosis. The need for a rapid and accurate assay for the mutation screening in both exons 12 and 14 prompted us for the application of a method for the analysis of the entire coding region between exons 11 and 15. We applied the non‐isotopic RNase cleavage assay and the accuracy of the method was verified in a series of V617F‐positive, V617F‐negative patients and healthy individuals, with no false results. This method can be applied in any laboratory without the requirement of specific sophisticated equipment.
Weak with Sex: Sexual Intercourse as a Trigger for Cataplexy
Authors: Poryazova Rositsa , Khatami Ramin , Werth Esther , Bassetti Claudio L. 
Published: June 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Sudden, often positive emotions are typical triggers for cataplexy in patients with narcolepsy–cataplexy (NC). Cataplexy during sexual intercourse and orgasm (orgasmolepsy) has been previously reported, but its frequency and characteristics are poorly known.

Aim
To assess frequency and features of loss of muscle tone during sexual intercourse in a series of patients with NC, other sleep–wake disorders, and healthy controls.

Methods
Review of sleep questionnaires (including the Stanford Cataplexy Questionnaire) of 75 subjects (29 with NC, 26 with other sleep–wake disorders, and 20 healthy controls), followed by an interview with specific focus on muscle loss during sexual activity in suspicious cases.

Main Outcome Measures
Cataplexy during sexual intercourse and orgasm (orgasmolepsy).

Results
Orgasmolepsy was reported by three NC patients (two female, one male), one male patient with behaviorally induced insufficient sleep syndrome (BIISS) and cataplexy-like symptoms, and none of the healthy controls. In the two female NC patients, orgasmolepsy occurred by each sexual intercourse, and the male patient reported orgasmolepsy only when in a relationship involving emotional commitment and trust. In the patient with BIISS and orgasmolepsy, cataplexy-like symptoms involved unilaterally upper or lower limbs in association with negative emotions or sports activities.

Conclusions
Cataplexy during sexual intercourse is a distinct feature of NC, which can, however, be reported rarely also by patients with other sleep–wake disorders. Insufficient arousal may favor the occurrence of cataplexy and cataplexy-like symptoms, including orgasmolepsy. Hypocretin deficiency and reward dysregulation in narcolepsy may further facilitate this phenomenon and contribute to its repetitive occurrence.
1 Gyr in the life of the globular cluster NGC 6397
Authors: Heggie Douglas C. , Giersz Mirek 
Published: June 2009

Abstract
M4 and NGC 6397 are two very similar galactic globular clusters, which differ mainly in their surface brightness profile. M4 has a classic King-like profile, whereas NGC 6397 has a more concentrated profile, which is often interpreted as that of a post-core collapse cluster. In previous papers, however, the authors found that M4 is also a post-core collapse cluster, and concluded that the main reason for the difference between the two surface brightness profiles is fluctuations. This conclusion was reached on the basis of Monte Carlo models, however, and in the present Letter we verify that similar fluctuations occur in N-body models. The models were initialized by generating initial conditions from the Monte Carlo model of NGC 6397 at the simulated age of 12 Gyr, and one was followed for 1 Gyr. The new models help us to clarify the nature of the fluctuations, which have the nature of semiregular oscillations with a time-scale of the order of 108 years. They are influenced by the dynamical role which is played by primordial binaries in the evolution of the core.
Medicare Reform Preferences: Before and After Education and Deliberation
Authors: WOOLSEY SAMANTHA 
Published: June 2009

Using the case of Medicare reform, this article provides data on whether certain deliberative democracy efforts result in higher quality public opinion. Through a survey of preexisting social groups before and after a review of educational materials and participation in group discussion, the study hypothesized that: (1) respondents would change their reform preferences due to participation in an educational and deliberative forum; and (2) respondents' reform and value preferences would be more congruent after the forum than they were before it. Results supported these hypotheses. Reform preference changes were influential in terms of overall public opinion. In three cases, opinion changes resulted in the majority response changing from opposition or uncertainty to support. In other instances, preference change was evident in the magnitude of support indicated for particular reform proposals. Congruence between respondent value preferences and related reform proposals increased for all five major policy variables and their corresponding values, indicating higher quality opinion.Utilizando el caso de la reforma al sistema de salud, este artículo provee información acerca de si algunos foros de democracia deliberativa ocasionan una mayor calidad de la opinión pública. A través de una encuesta a grupos sociales pre‐existentes antes y después de la revisión de los materiales educacionales y participación en la discusión de grupo, el estudio plantea que: (1) los encuestados cambiarían sus preferencias de reforma debido a la participación en un foro educacional y deliberativo; y (2) las preferencias y valores de reforma de los encuestados serían más congruentes después del foro que antes del mismo. Los resultados apoyaban estas hipótesis. Los cambios en las preferencias de reforma fueron influyentes en términos del conjunto de la opinión pública. En tres casos, los cambios de la opinión resultaron en que la respuesta de la mayoría cambiara de la oposición o indecisión al apoyo. Por otro lado, el cambio en la preferencia fue evidente en la magnitud del apoyo indicado para una propuesta de reforma particular. La congruencia entre el valor de la preferencia del encuestado y las propuestas de reforma relacionadas incrementó en todas las cinco variables políticas más importantes y sus valores correspondientes, indicando una mayor calidad de la opinión.