bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Black race as a predictor of poor health outcomes among a national cohort of HIV/AIDS patients admitted to US hospitals: a cohort study
Authors: Oramasionwu Christine U , Hunter Jonathan M , Skinner Jeff , Ryan Laurajo , Lawson Kenneth A , Brown Carolyn M , Makos Brittany R , Frei Christopher R 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
In general, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) population has begun to experience the benefits of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); unfortunately, these benefits have not extended equally to Blacks in the United States, possibly due to differences in patient comorbidities and demographics. These differences include rates of hepatitis B and C infection, substance use, and socioeconomic status. To investigate the impact of these factors, we compared hospital mortality and length of stay (LOS) between Blacks and Whites with HIV/AIDS while adjusting for differences in these key characteristics.

Methods
The 1996–2006 National Hospital Discharge Surveys were used to identify HIV/AIDS patients admitted to US hospitals. Survey weights were incorporated to provide national estimates. Patients < 18 years of age, those who left against medical advice, those with an unknown discharge disposition and those with a LOS < 1 day were excluded. Patients were stratified into subgroups by race (Black or White). Two multivariable logistic regression models were constructed with race as the independent variable and outcomes (mortality and LOS > 10 days) as the dependent variables. Factors that were significantly different between Blacks and Whites at baseline via bivariable statistical tests were included as covariates.

Results
In the general US population, there are approximately 5 times fewer Blacks than Whites. In the present study, 1.5 million HIV/AIDS hospital discharges were identified and Blacks were 6 times more likely to be hospitalized than Whites. Notably, Blacks had higher rates of substance use (30% vs. 24%; P < 0.001), opportunistic infections (27% vs. 26%; P < 0.001) and cocaine use (13% vs. 5%; P < 0.001). Conversely, fewer Blacks were co-infected with hepatitis C virus (8% vs. 12%; P < 0.001). Hepatitis B virus was relatively infrequent (3% for both groups). Crude mortality rates were similar for both cohorts (5%); however, a greater proportion of Blacks had a LOS > 10 days (21% vs. 19%; P < 0.001). Black race, in the presence of comorbidities, was correlated with a higher odds of LOS > 10 days (OR, 95% CI = 1.20 [1.10–1.30]), but was not significantly correlated with a higher odds of mortality (OR, 95% CI = 1.07 [0.93–1.25]).

Conclusion
Black race is a predictor of LOS > 10 days, but not mortality, among HIV/AIDS patients admitted to US hospitals. It is possible that racial disparities in hospital outcomes may be closing with time.
Neck/shoulder pain in adolescents is not related to the level or nature of self-reported physical activity or type of sedentary activity in an Australian pregnancy cohort
Authors: Briggs Andrew M , Straker Leon M , Bear Natasha L , Smith Anne J 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
An inconsistent relationship between physical activity and neck/shoulder pain (NSP) in adolescents has been reported in the literature. Earlier studies may be limited by not assessing physical activity in sufficient detail. The aim of this study was to comprehensively examine the association between NSP and the level and nature of physical activity, and type of sedentary activity in adolescents.

Methods
A cross-sectional analysis using data from 924 adolescents in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (RAINE) study was performed. Complete data were available for 643 adolescents (54.6% female) at the 14-year follow-up. Physical activity was measured using a detailed self-report electronic activity diary requiring participants to input details of all physical activities over the day in segments of 5 minutes for a one-week period. Physical activity levels were categorised as: sedentary, light, moderate, or vigorous based on metabolic energy equivalents. Nature of activity was determined by assigning each activity to categories based on the amount of movement (static/dynamic) and the main posture assumed for the activity (standing/sitting/lying). Type of sedentary activity was characterised by exposure time to watching TV, using a computer, and reading. Logistic regression was used to explore the association between NSP and activity.

Results
Females reported a higher prevalence of lifetime, 1-month and chronic NSP than males (50.9 vs 41.7%, 34.1 vs 23.5%, and 9.2 vs 6.2% respectively). No consistent, dose-response relationship was found between NSP and the level, nature, and type of physical activity.

Conclusion
Self-reported one month and lifetime NSP prevalence in adolescents is not related to the level or intensity of physical activity or the type of sedentary activity over a one week period.
Malaria has no effect on birth weight in Rwanda
Authors: Rulisa Stephen , Mens Pètra F , Karema Corine , Schallig Henk DFH , Kaligirwa Nadine , Vyankandondera Joseph , de Vries Peter J 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
Malaria has a negative effect on pregnancy outcome, causing low birth weight, premature birth and stillbirths, particularly in areas with high malaria transmission. In Rwanda, malaria transmission intensity ranges from high to nil, probably associated with variable altitudes. Overall, the incidence decreased over the last six years (2002–2007). Therefore, the impact of malaria on birth outcomes is also expected to vary over time and space.

Methods
Obstetric indicators (birth weight and pregnancy outcome) and malaria incidence were compared and analyzed to their association over time (2002–2007) and space. Birth data from 12,526 deliveries were collected from maternity registers of 11 different primary health centers located in different malaria endemic areas. Malaria data for the same communities were collected from the National Malaria Control Programme. Associations were sought with mixed effects models and logistic regression.

Results
In all health centres, a significant increase of birth weight over the years was observed (p < 0.001) with a significant seasonal fluctuation. Malaria incidence had no significant effect on birth weight. There was a slight but significant decreasing effect of malaria incidence on the occurrence of premature delivery (p-value 0.045) and still birth (p-value 0.009). Altitude showed a slight but significant negative correlation with birth weight. Overall, a decrease over the years of premature delivery (p = 0.010) and still birth (p = 0.036) was observed.

Conclusion
In Rwanda, birth weight and pregnancy outcome are not directly influenced by malaria, which is in contrast to many other studied areas. Although malaria incidence overall has declined and mean birth weight increased over the studied period, no direct association was found between the two. Socio-economic factors and improved nutrition could be responsible for birth weight changes in recent years.
Dietary patterns in clinical subtypes of multiple sclerosis: an exploratory study
Authors: Ramsaransing Geeta SM , Mellema Sanne A , De Keyser Jacques 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackroundMultiple sclerosis is a neurodegenerative disorder with a wide range in disease course severity. Many factors seem to be implicated in multiple sclerosis disease course, and diet has been suggested to play a role. Because limited data is present in the literature it was investigated whether variations in dietary intake may be related to the severity of the disease course in multiple sclerosis.MethodsUsing a food diary during 14 days, the dietary intake of 23 nutrients and vitamins was measured in patients with primary progressive (n = 21), secondary progressive (n = 32), and benign multiple sclerosis (n = 27) and compared to each other. The intake measured was also compared to the intake of the Dutch population and to the recommended daily allowance.ResultsCompared to the other MS groups, the secondary progressive MS patients had a lower intake of magnesium, calcium and iron. The total group of MS patients had, compared to the Dutch population, a lower intake of folate, magnesium and copper and a lower energy intake. Compared to the daily recommended allowance, the MS patients had a lower than recommended intake of folic acid, magnesium, zinc and selenium.ConclusionMagnesium, calcium and iron intake may possibly be related to MS disease progression, and should receive further attention. This is important because no effective neuroprotective treatment for MS patients is available.
Identification of protein functions using a machine-learning approach based on sequence-derived properties
Authors: Lee Bum Ju , Shin Moon Sun , Oh Young Joon , Oh Hae Seok , Ryu Keun Ho 
Published: August 2009

AbstractBackgroundPredicting the function of an unknown protein is an essential goal in bioinformatics. Sequence similarity-based approaches are widely used for function prediction; however, they are often inadequate in the absence of similar sequences or when the sequence similarity among known protein sequences is statistically weak. This study aimed to develop an accurate prediction method for identifying protein function, irrespective of sequence and structural similarities.ResultsA highly accurate prediction method capable of identifying protein function, based solely on protein sequence properties, is described. This method analyses and identifies specific features of the protein sequence that are highly correlated with certain protein functions and determines the combination of protein sequence features that best characterises protein function. Thirty-three features that represent subtle differences in local regions and full regions of the protein sequences were introduced. On the basis of 484 features extracted solely from the protein sequence, models were built to predict the functions of 11 different proteins from a broad range of cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes. The accuracy of protein function prediction using random forests with feature selection ranged from 94.23% to 100%. The local sequence information was found to have a broad range of applicability in predicting protein function.ConclusionWe present an accurate prediction method using a machine-learning approach based solely on protein sequence properties. The primary contribution of this paper is to propose newPNPRDfeatures representing global and/or local differences in sequences, based on positively and/or negatively charged residues, to assist in predicting protein function. In addition, we identified a compact and useful feature subset for predicting the function of various proteins. Our results indicate that sequence-based classifiers can provide good results among a broad range of proteins, that the proposed features are useful in predicting several functions, and that the combination of our and traditional features may support the creation of a discriminative feature set for specific protein functions.
Diffuse anorectal melanoma; review of the current diagnostic and treatment aspects based on a case report
Authors: Stoidis Christos N , Spyropoulos Basileios G , Misiakos Evangelos P , Fountzilas Christos K , Paraskeva Panorea P , Fotiadis Constantine I 
Published: August 2009

AbstractPrimary anorectal melanoma is a rare and aggressive disease. Patients commonly complain for changes in bowel habits and rectal bleeding, and proctoscopically they mostly appear as non pigmented or lightly pigmented polypoid lesions. Such a lesion should always raise a high index of suspicion in any gastroenterologist or surgeon to prompt surgery, since early radical excision is the only treatment option.Herein, we report a case of a 57-year-old man with a diffuse anal canal melanoma and give reference to the current diagnostic and treatment options.
Exercise therapy, quality of life, and activities of daily living in patients with Parkinson disease: a small scale quasi-randomised trial
Authors: Yousefi Bahram , Tadibi Vahid , Khoei Ali Fathollahzadeh , Montazeri Ali 
Published: August 2009

Abstract

Background
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a 10-week exercise therapy regimen on activities of daily living (ADL) and perceived health status in patients with Parkinson disease.

Methods
Twenty-four Parkinson's disease patients entered into the study. Participants were allocated into the experimental (n = 12) or control group (n = 12). ADL was assessed using the Short Parkinson Evaluation Scale/Scale for Outcomes in Parkinson Disease (SPES/SCOPA) and perceived health status was measured using the Parkinson's Disease Quality of Life (PDQL) questionnaire. Patients in the experimental group received pharmacological therapy plus a 1-hour exercise therapy session 4 times a week, while patients in the control group received pharmacological therapy only. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison.

Results
The mean age of participants was 59.8 (SD = 3.0) and 58.2 (SD = 3.4) years in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The median Hoehn and Yahr stage was 3.0 for both groups. There were no significant differences in all subscales and overall scores between two groups at baseline. However, after the intervention, except for the emotional functioning (P = 0.27), there were significant differences between the two groups for Parkinson symptoms, systemic symptoms, social functioning, and overall scores of the PDQL (all P values < 0.05), and the ADL (P = 0.01) indicating that quality of life was improved in the experimental group.

Conclusion
The findings from this small scale quasi-randomised trial showed that exercise therapy was effective in improving activities of daily living and perceived health status in patients with Parkinson's disease. Indeed, exercise therapy could be offered to patients with Parkinson disease, considering that it is low in cost and usually has no negative side effects.

Trial registration
Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN98825027
Chromogranin-A and N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide: An Excellent Pair of Biomarkers for Diagnostics in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumor
Authors: Korse Catharina M. , Taal Babs G. , de Groot Cornelis A. , Bakker Robert H. , Bonfrer Johannes M.G. 
Published: August 2009

Purpose For the last decade chromogranin-A (CgA) has been a well-established marker for neuroendocrine tumor (NET), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) has been a useful marker for left ventricular dysfunction. This study examined the diagnostic value of CgA and NT-proBNP for carcinoid heart disease (CHD), and their prognostic value for overall survival in NET patients. Patients and Methods Serum samples were obtained and cardiac ultrasound studies performed in 102 NET patients. The criterion for mild and severe CHD was tricuspid regurgitation stage I/II and III/IV, respectively. Proportional odds and Cox proportional hazards models were constructed respectively to identify the association between CHD and overall survival with patient characteristics and the two markers. Results Severe CHD was found in 15 (15%) of 102 patients, 13 of whom had elevated NT-proBNP levels. In the univariate proportional odds model CHD was correlated with age (P = .007), CgA (P = .002), and NT-proBNP (P < .001), whereas in the multivariate model NT-proBNP and CgA were significantly associated with CHD (P < .001 and P = .01). In the univariate Cox models, age (P = .04), sex (P = .03), CgA (P = .003), and NT-proBNP (P = .04) were related to overall survival, and in the multivariate model CgA and NT-proBNP remained significantly related to overall survival (P = .002 and P = .04, respectively). Conclusion NT-proBNP and CgA are very important markers in the diagnosis of CHD in patients with NET. Furthermore, patients with elevated NT-proBNP in addition to elevated CgA levels showed worse overall survival than patients with elevated CgA alone.
Early and Late Therapy Response Assessment With [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography in Pediatric Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Analysis of a Prospective Multicenter Trial
Authors: Furth Christian , Steffen Ingo G. , Amthauer Holger , Ruf Juri , Misch Daniel , Schönberger Stefan , Kobe Carsten , Denecke Timm , Stöver Brigitte , Hautzel Hubertus , Henze Günter , Hundsdoerfer Patrick 
Published: August 2009

Purpose In adult Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) risk stratification after early therapy response assessment with [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) seems to allow tailoring therapy with less toxicity for patients with adequate metabolic response. This study delivers the first prospective data on the potential of FDG-PET for response assessment in pediatric HL. Patients and Methods FDG-PET was performed in 40 pediatric HL patients before polychemotherapy (PET-1), after two cycles of polychemotherapy (PET-2), and after completion of polychemotherapy (PET-3). Mean follow-up was 46 months (range, 26 to 72 months). Results At early and late response assessment, the proportion of PET-negative patients was significantly higher compared with those patients with negative findings in conventional imaging methods (CIMs; PET-2, 26 of 40 v CIM-2, one of 40; P < .001; PET-3, 21 of 29 v CIM-3, four of 29; P < .001). Sensitivity and negative predictive value were 100% for early and late therapy response assessment by PET. Both patients suffering a relapse during follow-up were identified by PET-2/3, whereas one of these patients was not detected by CIM-3. PET was superior to CIMs with regard to specificity in early and late therapy response assessment (68% v 3%, and 78% v 11%, respectively; both P < .001). Specificity of early therapy response assessment by PET was improved to 97% by quantitative analysis of maximal standardized uptake value reduction using a cutoff value of 58%. Conclusion Pediatric HL patients with a negative PET in response assessment have an excellent prognosis while PET-positive patients have an increased risk for relapse.
Breast Cancer Risk in Female Survivors of Hodgkin's Lymphoma: Lower Risk After Smaller Radiation Volumes
Authors: De Bruin Marie L. , Sparidans Judith , van't Veer Mars B. , Noordijk Evert M. , Louwman Marieke W.J. , Zijlstra Josée M. , van den Berg Hendrik , Russell Nicola S. , Broeks Annegien , Baaijens Margreet H.A. , Aleman Berthe M.P. , van Leeuwen Flora E. 
Published: August 2009

Purpose We assessed the long-term risk of breast cancer (BC) after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). We focused on the volume of breast tissue exposed to radiation and the influence of gonadotoxic chemotherapy (CT). Patients and Methods We performed a cohort study among 1,122 female 5-year survivors treated for HL before the age of 51 years between 1965 and 1995. We compared the incidence of BC with that in the general population. To assess the risk according to radiation volume and hormone factors, we performed multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results After a median follow-up of 17.8 years, 120 women developed BC (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 5.6; 95% CI, 4.6 to 6.8), absolute excess risk 57 per 10,000 patients per year. The overall cumulative incidence 30 years after treatment was 19% (95% CI, 16% to 23%); for those treated before age 21 years, it was 26% (95% CI, 19% to 33%). The relative risk remained high after prolonged follow-up (> 30 years after treatment: SIR, 9.5; 95% CI, 4.9 to 16.6). Mantle field irradiation (involving the axillary, mediastinal, and neck nodes) was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk (95% CI, 1.1 to 6.9) compared with similarly dosed (36 to 44 Gy) mediastinal irradiation alone. Women with ≥ 20 years of intact ovarian function after radiotherapy at young ages (< 31 years) experienced significantly higher risks for BC than those with fewer than 10 years of intact ovarian function. Conclusion Reduction of radiation volume appears to decrease the risk for BC after HL. In addition, shorter duration of intact ovarian function after irradiation is associated with a significant reduction of the risk for BC.
SOX Antibodies in Small-Cell Lung Cancer and Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome: Frequency and Relation With Survival
Authors: Titulaer Maarten J. , Klooster Rinse , Potman Marko , Sabater Lidia , Graus Francesc , Hegeman Ingrid M. , Thijssen Peter E. , Wirtz Paul W. , Twijnstra Albert , Smitt Peter A.E. Sillevis , van der Maarel Silvère M. , Verschuuren Jan J.G.M. 
Published: August 2009

Purpose SOX1 antibodies are common in small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) with and without paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS) and can serve as serological tumor marker. Addition of other antibodies might improve its diagnostic power. We validated an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to assess the diagnostic value of serum antibodies in SCLC and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS). Clinical outcome with respect to SOX antibodies was evaluated, as the SOX-related antitumor immune response might help to control the tumor growth. Patients and Methods We used recombinant SOX1, SOX2, SOX3, SOX21, HuC, HuD, or HelN1 proteins in an ELISA to titrate serum samples and validated the assay by western blot. We tested 136 consecutive SCLC patients, 86 LEMS patients (43 with SCLC), 14 patients with SCLC and PNS (paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration or Hu syndrome), 62 polyneuropathy patients, and 18 healthy controls. Results Our ELISA was equally reliable as western blot. Forty-three percent of SCLC patients and 67% of SCLC-LEMS patients had antibodies to one of the SOX or Hu proteins. SOX antibodies had a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 95% to discriminate between LEMS with SCLC and nontumor LEMS. No difference in survival was observed between SOX positive and SOX negative SCLC patients. Conclusion SOX antibodies are specific serological markers for SCLC. Our assay is suitable for high throughput screening, detecting 43% of SCLC. SOX antibodies have diagnostic value in discriminating SCLC-LEMS from nontumor LEMS, but have no relation to survival in patients with SCLC.