bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adolescent disc dysplasia and back pain
Authors: Anakwenze Okechukwu A. , Kancherla Vamsi , Rendon Norma , Drummond Denis S. 
Published: November 2010

Purpose Adolescent disc dysplasia can be a cause of significant back pain and functional impairment in patients. We present a case series of patients inflicted with adolescent disc dysplasia (ADD). Methods A retrospective search was performed identifying patients presenting with ADD. Radiographic studies and advanced imaging were described. We documented presenting symptoms and clinical course. Results Six patients were identified. All patients presented with mechanical back pain, which worsened with flexion and extension. Magnetic resonance imaging was most accurate imaging modality. Conclusion Among our patient cohort, treatment for adolescent disc dysplasia consisted of a combination of physical therapy and bracing. Neither approach proved to be very effective, with only one patient asymptomatic at follow-up.
Pre‐ and/or postnatal protein restriction in rats impairs learning and motivation in male offspring
Authors: Reyes‐Castro L.A. , Rodriguez J.S. , Rodríguez‐González G.L. , Wimmer R.D. , McDonald T.J. , Larrea F. , Nathanielsz P.W. , Zambrano E. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractSuboptimal developmental environments program offspring to lifelong health complications including affective and cognitive disorders. Little is known about the effects of suboptimal intra‐uterine environments on associative learning and motivational behavior. We hypothesized that maternal isocaloric low protein diet during pregnancy and lactation would impair offspring associative learning and motivation as measured by operant conditioning and the progressive ratio task, respectively. Control mothers were fed 20% casein (C) and restricted mothers (R) 10% casein to provide four groups: CC, RR, CR, and RC (first letter pregnancy diet and second letter lactation diet), to evaluate effects of maternal diet on male offspring behavior. Impaired learning was observed during fixed ratio − 1 operant conditioning in RC offspring that required more sessions to learn vs. the CC offspring (9.4 ± 0.8 and 3.8 ± 0.3 sessions, respectively, p < 0.05). Performance in fixed ratio − 5 conditioning showed the RR (5.4 ± 1.1), CR (4.0 ± 0.8), and RC (5.0 ± 0.8) offspring required more sessions to reach performance criterion than CC offspring (2.5 ± 0.5, p < 0.05). Furthermore, motivational effects during the progressive ratio test revealed less responding in the RR (48.1 ± 17), CR (74.7 ± 8.4), and RC (65.9 ± 11.2) for positive reinforcement vs. the CC offspring (131.5 ± 7.5, p < 0.05). These findings demonstrate negative developmental programming effects due to perinatal isocaloric low protein diet on learning and motivation behavior with the nutritional challenge in the prenatal period showing more vulnerability in offspring behavior.
What Latino Puerto Ricans and non‐Latinos say when they talk about Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Karlawish Jason , Barg Frances K. , Augsburger Deborah , Beaver James , Ferguson Allison , Nunez Jessica 
Published: November 2010

BackgroundTo discover whether Latino Puerto Rican and non‐Latino communities differ in the words they use to talk about Alzheimer's disease (AD).MethodsFour groups of 30 persons per group defined by self‐identified ethnicity and caregiver status: Latino Puerto Ricans and non‐Latino Whites, who were either caregivers or non‐caregivers completed free‐listing exercises to identify the words they use when they describe AD causes, symptoms, caregiving, and research risks and benefits.ResultsBoth Latino Puerto Ricans and non‐Latino Whites recognize AD as a disease of memory loss and other cognitive problems. Although both groups used the term “sadness” to describe AD, non‐Latino Whites did not feature emotional, behavioral, or psychological problems as among the causes of AD. Although all the groups' descriptions of a person who lives with and cares for a person with AD shared the word “loving,” Latino Puerto Ricans focused on a good spouse who exercises intelligence, patience, and attention on behalf of the person with AD and did not use the term “caregiver.” In contrast, non‐Latino Whites typically used the term “caregiver.” Both groups' lists shared words that describe research as presenting harms to an AD patient and requiring a commitment of time. Latino Puerto Ricans' lists suggested an understanding of research benefits akin to clinical care.ConclusionsNotable differences exist in how Latino Puerto Ricans and non‐Latino Whites talk about AD and AD research. Clinicians, clinical investigators, and patient educators need to consider these differences when they conduct clinical care and research and design outreach and educational materials.
Evaluation of the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis
Authors: Blaser Martin , Methe Barbara , Strober Bruce , Perez Perez Guillermo , Brown Stuart , Alekseyenko Alexander 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPsoriasis, a highly prevalent disease of humans of unknown cause, is a chronic inflammatory disorder primarily involving skin, with distinctive clinical characteristics. With the newly developed tools that facilitate microbiome research, it now is possible to assess whether the cutaneous microbiome plays a role in the pathogenesis of this disorder. Preliminary data from our studies suggest that the cutaneous microbiome in psoriasis is complex and possibly different from normal. To deal with this complexity, we propose to examine the cutaneous microbiome in relation to psoriasis with explorations at several taxonomic and informatic levels. Our overall objective is to examine how changes in the normal cutaneous microbiome contributes to the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Since causality is complex and often difficult to prove, our overall hypothesis is that there are alterations in the cutaneous microbiome in areas of skin affected by psoriasis in comparison with the range observed in clinically unaffected areas, or in healthy persons. We also hypothesize that the characteristics of the microbiome may affect clinical responses to the immunomodulatory agents used to treat psoriasis. An alternative hypothesis is that effective treatment of psoriasis with systemic immunomodulatory agents will not substantially affect the disordered microbial ecosystem. Such observations would provide evidence for the roles of the microbiota in this disorder. Since an important consideration in microbiome research is the optimal level (e.g. phylum, genus, species, strain, gene) at which to examine a scientific question, and we are not yet certain what are the optimal levels for psoriasis, this also will be examined. Our studies of psoriasis should allow development of both approaches and tools that will have general utility for microbiome research. To test our hypothesis, we propose the following specific aims: 1. To understand the cutaneous microbiome species composition overlaying psoriatic lesions; 2. To investigate differences in metagenome content for psoriatic lesions compared to normal skin; 3. To identify differences in the transcriptional profiles of the microbiome and the host between normal skin and psoriatic lesions using high-throughput sequencing; and 4. To estimate the effects of systemic immunomodulatory therapy for psoriasis on microbiome composition. In total, these studies should help us understand the role of the microbiome in psoriasis pathogenesis.
Hydrophobic coatings deposited with an atmospheric pressure microplasma jet
Authors: Vogelsang Andreas , Ohl Andreas , Foest Rüdiger , Schröder Karsten , Weltmann Klaus-Dieter 
Published: November 2010

Successful plasma polymerization of a fluorocarbon compound (c-C4F8) using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet is described. The source is operated with argon as working gas at a flow rate of 6 slm and 10–100 sccm admixtures of c-C4F8. Deposition is limited to a discharge regime with strong localization and was observed for conductive substrates only (Al and Si). The deposition process is characterized by a high local growth rate (40 nm s−1) and produces films which show a Teflon-like chemical structure and hydrophobicity. The coatings are characterized using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, profilometry and scanning electron microscopy. Changing the ambient atmosphere from protective N2 to normal air only reduces the deposition rate but does not change the chemistry of the film.
Based on the results of parameter variations and the electrical relations of the jet setup, the special form of the deposition regime of the jet is discussed and considered to be a γ-mode discharge dependent on the choice of substrate material.
Prevalence of comorbid disorders in problem and pathological gambling: systematic review and meta‐analysis of population surveys
Authors: Lorains Felicity K. , Cowlishaw Sean , Thomas Shane A. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAims  This paper reviews evidence pertaining to the prevalence of common comorbid disorders, including alcohol use disorder, depression, substance use disorders, nicotine dependence, anxiety disorders and antisocial personality disorder, in population‐representative samples of problem and pathological gamblers.Methods  A systematic search was conducted for peer‐reviewed and unpublished articles reported between 1 January 1998 and 20 September 2010. Only studies which examined the prevalence of comorbid conditions in problem and/or pathological gamblers from a general population sample using randomized sampling methods and standardized measurement tools were included. Meta‐analysis techniques were then performed to synthesize the included studies and estimate the weighted mean effect size and heterogeneity across studies.Results  Eleven eligible studies were identified from the literature. Results from across the studies indicated that problem and pathological gamblers had high rates of other comorbid disorders. The highest mean prevalence was for nicotine dependence (60.1%), followed by a substance use disorder (57.5%), any type of mood disorder (37.9%) and any type of anxiety disorder (37.4%). However, there was evidence of moderate heterogeneity across studies, suggesting that rate estimates do not necessarily converge around a single population figure, and that weighted means should be interpreted with caution.Conclusions  Problem and pathological gamblers experience high levels of other comorbid mental health disorders and screening for comorbid disorders upon entering treatment for gambling problems is recommended. Further research is required to explore the underlying causes of variability observed in the prevalence estimates.
A multicentre, prospective, randomized trial: comparative efficacy of tamsulosin and nifedipine in medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteric stones with renal colic
Authors: Ye Zhangqun , Yang Huan , Li Hong , Zhang Xiaochun , Deng Yaoliang , Zeng Guohua , Chen Lingwu , Cheng Yue , Yang Jianggen , Mi Qiwu , Zhang Yonghai , Chen Zhong , Guo Hui , He Wei , Chen Zhiqiang 
Published: November 2010

Study Type – Therapy (RCT)Level of Evidence 1b What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? α‐blocker tamsulosin in medical expusion therapy was determined to be safe and effective for distal ureteric stones with renal colic.This trial further demonstrates that the tamsulosin in MET is more efficative and more safer than nifedipine for distal ureteric stones with renal colic.OBJECTIVE

To determine the comparative efficacy of tamsulosin and nifedipine in medical expulsive therapy (MET) for distal ureteric stones with renal colic.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated the comparative efficacy of tamsulosin and nifedipine in MET in a prospective randomized trial of 3189 outpatients from 10 centres in China.
Eligible patients randomly received tamsulosin or nifedipine. Efficacies of the two agents in MET were compared at 4 weeks.
The primary endpoint was overall stone‐expulsion rate.
Secondary endpoints were stone‐expulsion time, rate of pain relief therapy, mean analgesic consumption for renal colic recurrence, and side‐effects incidence.

RESULTS

Stone‐expulsion rates in the tamsulosin group (group 1) were greater than those in the nifedipine group (group 2; P < 0.01).
There was a significant variation in stone‐expulsion rates and times between groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.01); with improvements in stone‐expulsion rate and time significantly better in group 1 than in group 2.
There was a significant variation in the rate of pain relief therapy for renal colic recurrence between groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.01); patients in group 1 required significantly less analgesics than those in group 2 (P < 0.01).
There were no statistically significant differences in side‐effects incidence between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of tamsulosin and nifedipine in MET was determined to be safe and effective for distal ureteric stones with renal colic.
Tamsulosin was significantly better than nifedipine in relieving renal colic and facilitating ureteric stone expulsion.
Expert system design for credit risk evaluation using neuro‐fuzzy logic
Authors: Sreekantha D. K. , Kulkarni R. V. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractOver the past few years, the credit risk evaluation of micro‐, small‐ and medium‐scale enterprises by banks and financial institutions has been an active area of research under the joint pressure of regulators and shareholders. The credit rating assessment forms an important part of credit risk assessment, involving risk parameters such as financial, business, industry and management areas. The mathematical models of evaluation are at the core of modern credit risk management systems. This paper focuses on the use of fuzzy logic and neural network techniques to design a methodology for evaluating the credit worthiness of the entrepreneur. The neuro‐fuzzy logic approach takes into account the minute details of credit rating expert's thought process to arrive at the final decision. A flexible credit rating framework (CRF) has been designed to organize all the facts of the client in a hierarchical fashion. The neural networks provide self‐learning capability to the CRF. The CRF can be customized to suit different business and industrial interests.
Elective Cesarean Delivery: Does It Have a Negative Effect on Breastfeeding?
Authors: Zanardo Vincenzo , Svegliado Giorgia , Cavallin Francesco , Giustardi Arturo , Cosmi Erich , Litta Pietro , Trevisanuto Daniele 
Published: November 2010

Abstract:  Background:  Cesarean delivery has negative effects on breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to evaluate breastfeeding rates, defined in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, from delivery to 6 months postpartum in infants born by elective and emergency cesarean section and in infants born vaginally.Methods:  Delivery modalities were assessed in relation to breastfeeding patterns in 2,137 term infants delivered at a tertiary center, the Padua University School of Medicine in northeastern Italy, from January to December 2007. The study population included 677 (31.1%) newborns delivered by cesarean section, 398 (18.3%) by elective cesarean, 279 (12.8%) by emergency cesarean section, and 1,496 (68.8%) delivered vaginally.Results:  Breastfeeding prevalence in the delivery room was significantly higher after vaginal delivery compared with that after cesarean delivery (71.5% vs 3.5%, p < 0.001), and a longer interval occurred between birth and first breastfeeding in the newborns delivered by cesarean section (mean ± SD, hours, 3.1 ± 5 vs 10.4 ± 9, p < 0.05). No difference was found in breastfeeding rates between the elective and emergency cesarean groups. Compared with elective cesarean delivery, vaginal delivery was associated with a higher breastfeeding rate at discharge and at the subsequent follow‐up steps (7 days, 3 mo, and 6 mo of life).Conclusions:  Emergency and elective cesarean deliveries are similarly associated with a decreased rate of exclusive breastfeeding compared with vaginal delivery. The inability of women who have undergone a cesarean section to breastfeed comfortably in the delivery room and in the immediate postpartum period seems to be the most likely explanation for this association. (BIRTH 37:4 December 2010)
Long‐Term Disability Claims Rates and the Consumption‐to‐Wealth Ratio
Authors: Smoluk H. J. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA framework for linking long‐term disability (LTD) claims rates to the macro‐economy using the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio is developed from financial economic and option theories. Financial economic theory suggests that the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio reflects consumption smoothing and reveals expectations about future wealth. For individuals contemplating submitting an LTD claim, the expected payoff to exercising this insurance option is a function of their expectations about their future wealth. The lower (higher) their expectations about future wealth, the higher (lower) the expected payoff, and the higher (lower) claims rates are likely to be. Using cointegration analysis, we find that LTD claims rates and the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio are linked in a long‐run equilibrium. When the consumption‐to‐wealth ratio is high (low), LTD claims rates are low (high).
The Effects of Tort Reform on Medical Malpractice Insurers' Ultimate Losses
Authors: Born Patricia , Viscusi W. Kip , Baker Tom 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWhereas the literature evaluating the effect of tort reforms has focused on the impact of reforms on insurers' reported incurred losses, this article examines the ultimate effects of reforms using the developed losses from a comprehensive sample of insurers writing medical malpractice insurance from 1984 to 2003. Noneconomic damages caps are particularly influential in reducing medical malpractice losses and increasing insurer profitability. The long‐run effects of these reforms are greater than insurers' expected effects; for example, 5‐ and 7‐year developed loss ratios are below the initially reported incurred loss ratios for those years following the enactment of noneconomic damages caps. Analyses of reported losses consequently understate the ultimate effects of tort reforms. The quantile regressions show that reforms have the greatest effects for the firms that are at the high end of the loss distribution.
What a Rational Parser Would Do
Authors: Hale John T. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis article examines cognitive process models of human sentence comprehension based on the idea of informed search. These models arerationalin the sense that they strive to find a good syntactic analysis quickly. Informed search derives a new account of garden pathing that handles traditional counterexamples. It supports a symbolic explanation for local coherence as well as an algorithmic account of entropy reduction. The models are expressed in a broad framework for theories of human sentence comprehension.
Diagnostic Performance of Myocardial Innervation Imaging Using MIBG Scintigraphy in Differential Diagnosis between Dementia with Lewy Bodies and Other Dementias: A Systematic Review and a Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Treglia Giorgio , Cason Ernesto 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEThis study was designed to review the diagnostic performance of myocardial innervation imaging using iodine‐123‐metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) scintigraphy in differential diagnosis between dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and other dementias.METHODSA comprehensive computer literature search of studies published through May 2010 regarding MIBG scintigraphy in patients with DLB was performed in PubMed/MEDLINE and Embase databases. Only studies in which MIBG scintigraphy was performed for differential diagnosis between DLB and other dementias were selected. Pooled sensitivity and specificity of MIBG scintigraphy were presented with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The area under the ROC curve was calculated to measure the accuracy of MIBG scintigraphy in differential diagnosis between Lewy body diseases and other dementias.RESULTSUltimately, we identified 8 studies comprising a total of 346 patients with dementia (152 patients with DLB and 194 patients with other dementias). The pooled sensitivity of MIBG scintigraphy in detection of DLB was 98% (95% CI, 94‐100%); the pooled specificity of MIBG scintigraphy in differential diagnosis between DLB and other dementias was 94% (95% CI, 90‐97%). The area under the ROC curve was .99.CONCLUSIONSMyocardial innervation imaging with MIBG scintigraphy demonstrated high pooled sensitivity and specificity in patients with suspected DLB. MIBG scintigraphy is an accurate test for differential diagnosis between DLB and other dementias. J Neuroimaging 2012;22:111‐117.
Acute White Matter Differences in the Fornix Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Authors: Yallampalli Ragini , Wilde Elisabeth A. , Bigler Erin D. , McCauley Stephen R. , Hanten Gerri , Troyanskaya Maya , Hunter Jill V. , Chu Zili , Li Xiaoqi , Levin Harvey S. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThe integrity of the fornix using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in adolescent participants with acute mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) compared to a demographically matched control group was examined. Fractional anisotropy (FA) in the fornix was elevated in the mild traumatic brain injured group. Performance on the Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (ANAM) was lower in the group with mTBI. A relation was found between lower performance on cognitive tasks and higher FA. The potential role of fornix injury as a basis of memory and processing speed deficits in mTBI is discussed.
Treatment and side effect management of CTLA‐4 antibody therapy in metastatic melanoma
Authors: Kähler Katharina C. , Hauschild Axel 
Published: November 2010

SummaryImmune‐modifying monoclonal antibodies may induce or enhance the natural immune response against tumor cells. The complex interaction between antigen‐presenting cells and T lymphocytes as an immune response is strongly affected by anti‐CD152 (CTLA‐4)‐antibodies. The cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte (CTLA‐4) receptor binds molecules of the B7‐family which leads to a suppression of T cells. Specific CTLA‐4 antibodies induce an unrestrained T‐cell activation. Treatment with the CTLA‐4 antibodies ipilimumab and tremelimumab has been investigated in metastatic melanoma only within clinical trials. Currently, the critical phase III trial on ipilimumab is in the final analysis process and expected to lead to approval.CTLA‐4 antibodies belong to the most promising new molecules for the treatment of advanced melanoma. During treatment with CTLA‐4 antibodies, distinct adverse events may occur. Treating physicians must be familiar with their appropriate treatment and prophylaxis. The most frequently observed side effects are diseases such as an autoimmune colitis which is typically characterized by a mild to moderate, but occasionally also severe and persistent diarrhea. Other autoimmune‐mediated side effects like hypophysitis, hepatitis, iridocyclitis or an exacerbation of lupus nephritis have been reported in the literature. Their early recognition and treatment are mandatory to reduce the risk of sequelae for CTLA‐4‐antibod‐treated patients. Autoimmune‐mediated side effects are reported to correlate positively with treatment response. We review the mechanisms of action, provide an update on clinical trials with the two CTLA‐4‐antibodies for metastatic melanoma, and present detailed recommendations for managing the side effects of these new agents.