Datasets:

nbtpj

/

pubmedqa-reformat

like 0

[ "Postoperative chemoradiotherapy after surgical resection of gastric adenocarcinoma: can LV5FU2 reduce the toxic effects of the MacDonald regimen?<||||>A North American phase III trial has recently shown that postoperative chemoradiotherapy using the FUFOL Mayo Clinic regimen improves overall survival and relapse-free survival after surgical resection of gastric cancer. However, severe grade 3-4, hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities were frequent. The aim of this retrospective and multicentric study was to determine the tolerance of a postoperative chemoradiotherapy regimen using LV5FU2 instead of the Mayo Clinic regimen.", "Postoperative chemoradiotherapy after surgical resection of gastric adenocarcinoma: can LV5FU2 reduce the toxic effects of the MacDonald regimen?<||||>Twenty-three patients with resected adenocarcinoma of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction at high risk of recurrence were treated with LV5FU2 chemotherapy and radiotherapy (45 Gy in 25 fractions and 5 weeks) delivered to the tumor bed and regional nodes. Nineteen patients were treated with two to four cycles before radiotherapy, then three cycles during radiotherapy, and finally four cycles after radiotherapy; four patients were only given three cycles during radiotherapy.", "Postoperative chemoradiotherapy after surgical resection of gastric adenocarcinoma: can LV5FU2 reduce the toxic effects of the MacDonald regimen?<||||>Of the 23 patients assigned to this protocol, 20 completed treatment (87%). There was only one interruption of treatment because of hematologic or gastrointestinal toxicity. Tolerance of LV5FU2 regimen associated with radiotherapy was excellent: one grade 3 or 4 gastrointestinal toxicity (4.3%), no toxic death, and only one grade 3 neutropenia (4.3%) were reported." ]

[ "Is asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation really innocuous?<||||>Asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation (HT) is not associated with immediate deterioration of patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, it is unclear whether it is clinically innocuous with respect to long-term outcome. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of asymptomatic HT on 3-month outcome.", "Is asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation really innocuous?<||||>A consecutive series of 1,618 patients, hospitalized between January 2004 and August 2007 for ischemic stroke within 7 days from symptom onset were identified in a prospective stroke registry database. Those who had no evidence of acute cerebral ischemia on diffusion-weighted MRI, who did not undergo T2-weighted gradient echo MRI, whose modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score at 3 months after stroke onset was not available, or who had symptomatic HT were excluded. The odds ratio (OR) of asymptomatic HT was calculated for the full distribution of mRS score and adjusted for variables with p<0.25 with respect to their associations with asymptomatic HT or functional outcome.", "Is asymptomatic hemorrhagic transformation really innocuous?<||||>Of 1,412 patients eligible for the study, 100 (7.1%) had asymptomatic HT. Patients who experienced asymptomatic HT were more likely to have cardioembolic stroke, to receive thrombolytic therapy, to receive anticoagulation with heparin, and to have a higher initial NIH Stroke Scale score. The crude and adjusted ORs of asymptomatic HT for an increment of mRS score at 3 months were 2.94 (95% confidence interval 2.05-4.24) and 1.90 (1.27-2.82), respectively." ]

[ "Chronological evaluation of liver enhancement in patients with chronic liver disease at Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced 3-T MR imaging: does liver function correlate with enhancement?<||||>To investigate the chronological relationship between scan delay and liver enhancement for the hepatobiliary phase on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI and evaluate the effects of liver function on liver enhancement.", "Chronological evaluation of liver enhancement in patients with chronic liver disease at Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced 3-T MR imaging: does liver function correlate with enhancement?<||||>Hepatobiliary-phase images were retrospectively evaluated in 125 patients with chronic liver disease. Hepatobiliary phase images were obtained at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min after injection. We calculated relative liver enhancement (RLE) at t min after injection by dividing the signal intensity (SI) of the liver at t min by precontrast SI. We compared RLE values at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min and evaluated the detectability of focal hepatic lesions. We analyzed the effect of liver function on RLE with the generalized linear model.", "Chronological evaluation of liver enhancement in patients with chronic liver disease at Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced 3-T MR imaging: does liver function correlate with enhancement?<||||>There was not significant difference in RLE and lesion detectability at 15 and 20 min. RLE in the Child-Pugh C group was significantly lower than in the Child-Pugh A and B groups. The serum albumin level and prothrombin time were significantly correlated with the liver enhancement." ]

[ "Urethroplasty for treatment of long anterior urethral stricture: buccal mucosa graft versus penile skin graft-does the stricture length matter?<||||>To investigate the surgical outcomes of dorsal onlay urethroplasty (DOU) using buccal mucosa graft (BMG) or penile skin graft (PSG) and to assess the effect of stricture length in men with anterior urethral strictures.", "Urethroplasty for treatment of long anterior urethral stricture: buccal mucosa graft versus penile skin graft-does the stricture length matter?<||||>A prospective cohort included men with anterior urethral strictures between 2008 and 2015. Patients underwent DOU using PSG or BMG. Patients had urethrography and uroflowmetry at 0, 3, 6, 12 months, and urethroscopy when needed. Student's t test, Mann-Whitney U tests, and Pearson's Chi-square test were used for analysis.", "Urethroplasty for treatment of long anterior urethral stricture: buccal mucosa graft versus penile skin graft-does the stricture length matter?<||||>Sixty-nine patients (43 ± 14 year) were included, 31 received BMG, and 38 received PSG. Mean stricture length was 8 ± 3 cm, mean operative time was 145 ± 31 min, and mean follow-up was 56 ± 10 mo. Success rate was 87 % (90 % BMG vs. 84 % PSG, p = 0.4). Mean operative time was significantly shorter in PSG group (136 ± 29 min vs. 256 ± 58 min, p = 0.0005). Complications of grade I developed in 36 % (wound infection = 10 %, postvoiding dribbling = 18.8 %). Thirty of 69 patients (43 %) had strictures ≥8 cm, and 39 (57 %) had strictures<8 cm-success rate was equal for both subgroups (87 %). Mean blood loss, mean operative time, and incidence of postvoid dribbling were significantly lower in strictures<8 cm." ]

[ "Does Amount and Type of Activity Matter in Behavioral Activation?<||||>Accumulating evidence supports behavioral activation (BA) as an effective stand-alone treatment for improving depression and related conditions, though little is known about the factors that influence positive outcomes. Such research is ripe for future dissemination and implementation efforts, particularly among vulnerable older adult populations in need of such efficacious and transportable treatments.", "Does Amount and Type of Activity Matter in Behavioral Activation?<||||>Given the central but largely unexamined role that increasing activities plays in BA, we investigated the association between participation in weekly activities and treatment outcome.", "Does Amount and Type of Activity Matter in Behavioral Activation?<||||>As a preliminary study of this research question, we report on a sample of 20 older adults with symptoms of depression and complicated bereavement who completed 5 weeks of BA, pre- and posttreatment measures, and weekly planners of BA activities. All activities were coded as either functional or pleasurable (by participants) and if they were social in nature (by trained coders).", "Does Amount and Type of Activity Matter in Behavioral Activation?<||||>Overall, BA was associated with reductions in symptomatology. However, participants' total number of reported activities, and their relative proportion of functional, pleasurable, and social activities, did not significantly relate to their improvement in symptoms." ]

[ "Exposure to child and adolescent psychiatry for medical students: are there optimal \"teaching perspectives\"?<||||>The ability to develop quality medical student exposures in child and adolescent psychiatry is critical to the professional development of these future physicians and to the growth of recruitment efforts into the field. This study identifies teaching perspectives among child and adolescent psychiatry faculty to determine whether there are optimal perspectives that positively influence medical student satisfaction.", "Exposure to child and adolescent psychiatry for medical students: are there optimal \"teaching perspectives\"?<||||>Eighty-eight third- and fourth-year students at an allopathic U.S. medical school assessed teacher performance over a 1-year period using a standard internal teacher evaluation. Three experienced faculty members teaching the medical student seminars each completed a Teaching Perspective Inventory. The authors compared the different teaching perspectives with student satisfaction scores on the standard teacher evaluation instrument.", "Exposure to child and adolescent psychiatry for medical students: are there optimal \"teaching perspectives\"?<||||>All teachers had two dominant perspectives and one recessive perspective. Each teacher had a predominant developmental perspective but they differed in other dominant and recessive perspectives. The transmission perspective was associated with significantly less favorable scores on the standard teacher evaluation compared to the apprenticeship and nurturing perspective." ]

[ "Do children with falling blood lead levels have improved cognition?<||||>Exposure to lead at levels encountered by urban children impairs cognitive development. An observational study suggested improvement in IQ when blood lead level fell, but the only randomized trial of chelation showed no benefit in IQ.", "Do children with falling blood lead levels have improved cognition?<||||>We did a new analysis of the data from the clinical trial using change in blood lead level as the independent variable. The 741 children began with blood lead levels between 20 and 44 microg/dL, and were 13 to 33 months old at randomization to chelation or placebo. Blood lead levels were measured repeatedly, and cognitive tests were given at baseline, 6 months, and 36 months follow-up.", "Do children with falling blood lead levels have improved cognition?<||||>By 6 months after randomization, blood lead levels had fallen by similar amounts in both chelated and placebo children, despite the immediate drops in the chelated group; there was no association between change in blood lead level and change in cognitive test score. Blood lead levels continued to fall. At 36 months follow-up, in the placebo group only, cognitive test scores had increased 4.0 points per 10 microg/dL fall in blood lead level from baseline to 36 months follow-up and 5.1 points from 6 to 36 months." ]

[ "Is flunarizine a long-acting oral atypical antipsychotic?<||||>Flunarizine is known as a nonspecific calcium channel blocker that has been used for decades for the treatment of migraine, vertigo, and cognitive deficits related to cerebrovascular disorders. Flunarizine also has dopamine D2 receptor blocking properties and was effective in animal models of predictive validity for antipsychotics. However, its clinical antipsychotic efficacy has never been investigated.", "Is flunarizine a long-acting oral atypical antipsychotic?<||||>To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of flunarizine compared to haloperidol in outpatients with stable and chronic DSM-IV-defined schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.", "Is flunarizine a long-acting oral atypical antipsychotic?<||||>Seventy patients from 2 centers were randomly assigned and participated in a double-blind, parallel-group, flexible-dose study comparing flunarizine (10-50 mg/day) and haloperidol (2.5-12.5 mg/day) for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement (CGI-I) scale, the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale (ESRS), a battery for cognitive performance, and laboratory examinations. The study was conducted from September 2004 to May 2007.", "Is flunarizine a long-acting oral atypical antipsychotic?<||||>Mean doses at endpoint were 29.7 mg/day for flunarizine and 6.4 mg/day for haloperidol. Both groups showed significant symptom improvement during the study, with a reduction of 21% in the flunarizine group and 19% in the haloperidol group in PANSS total scores (p<.05). There were no significant differences in PANSS overall score and all subscales, CGI-I score, or cognitive performance. Dropout rates, ESRS scores, and prolactin levels were not different between groups, but significantly more patients reported emergence of akathisia in the haloperidol group (p = .04), and weight gain was significantly higher with flunarizine (1.2 kg) than with haloperidol (-0.8 kg) (p<.05)." ]

[ "Volumetric changes of the breast during radiotherapy. Is a replanning necessary for the electron boost?<||||>Radiotherapy can induce tissue reactions with an edema leading to increased breast volume. The aim of the present study was to quantify this increase and analyze its effect on the electron boost technique.", "Volumetric changes of the breast during radiotherapy. Is a replanning necessary for the electron boost?<||||>140 patients with breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery underwent CT planning before, during and/or after radiotherapy in order to evaluate breast volume changes due to radiotherapy. CT data were analyzed using the HELAX planning system and dose distribution was assessed. Determination of the breast volume was achieved using an interpolation algorithm. Three subgroups were analyzed: group 1 (n = 47):<or = 670 cm(3), group 2 (n = 46): 671-999 cm(3), and group 3 (n = 47):>or = 1000 cm(3) breast volume.", "Volumetric changes of the breast during radiotherapy. Is a replanning necessary for the electron boost?<||||>The mean initial breast volume was 907 cm(3) (100-3073 cm(3)). After radiotherapy, mean breast volume increased by 81 cm(3) to 988 cm(3) (109-3185 cm(3)). Significant changes in volume were observed after a dose of 40 Gy. According to the subgroups mean volume increase was as follows: group 1: 53 cm(3) (3-120 cm(3)), group 2: 85 cm(3) (20-200 cm(3)), and group 3: 105 cm(3) (5-340 cm(3)). This difference was statistically significant for all subgroups (p<0.001). Corresponding to the volume increase, depth of the boost target volume changed up to 1.0 cm." ]

[ "Flow cytometric assessment of autologous gammadelta T cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: potential effector cells for immunotherapy?<||||>Gammadelta T cells are a rare component of the circulating innate immune system capable of exerting anti-neoplastic activity. This population may be suitable for the adoptive immunotherapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Little is known however, about the frequency and function of circulating gammadelta T cells in AML. The aim of the study was to enumerate peripheral blood gammadelta T cells in patients with AML and explore the feasibility of their use clinically.", "Flow cytometric assessment of autologous gammadelta T cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: potential effector cells for immunotherapy?<||||>We compared the absolute circulating gammadelta T cell levels in 33 AML patients before and after treatment versus 20 healthy volunteers using flow cytometry. The function of gammadelta T cells was assessed by detection of intracelluar interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and cytotoxicity against leukemic blasts.", "Flow cytometric assessment of autologous gammadelta T cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia: potential effector cells for immunotherapy?<||||>AML patients with high blast counts prior to induction chemotherapy had marginally decreased gammadelta T cell levels compared with healthy controls: median 38/microL versus 83/microL; P = 0.051. Sequential gammadelta T cell enumeration after induction showed significantly decreased counts in patients with a persistently high blast burden compared to patients with reduced but detectable residual disease (molecular maker or borderline bone marrow infiltration): median 7/microL versus 105/microL; P = 0.008. Patients with residual disease had significantly higher gammadelta T cell counts compared to those retested after they had achieved complete remission (CR); P = 0.0025. In CR, gammadelta T cell counts remained lower than those of healthy individuals: median 33/microL versus 83/microL, P = 0.030. We detected a sharp increase (on average, four-fold higher than values in CR) of gammadelta T cells in patients in very early morphologic or molecular relapse. We also tested the functional properties of gammadelta T cells from patients with AML in CR. Flow cytometric assessment of IFN-gamma revealed similar numbers of gammadelta T cells expressing the T1 cytokine compared with healthy controls. We also showed that gammadelta T cells were able to kill leukemic target cells in vitro." ]

[ "Can collagen type II sustain a methotrexate-induced therapeutic effect in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis?<||||>Based on the results of two recently published, randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled studies, a possible improvement in rheumatoid arthritis disease activity after oral tolerization with triple helical collagen type II has been suggested. The goal of this study was to go one step further and ask the question whether collagen type II can sustain the therapeutic effect induced by methotrexate, the most widely accepted disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis.", "Can collagen type II sustain a methotrexate-induced therapeutic effect in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis?<||||>Ninety-two patients with rheumatoid arthritis on stable therapy with methotrexate were enrolled in a 3 month double-blind, randomized and comparative study to examine the efficacy of oral triple helical collagen type II as compared to continuing methotrexate. The dose of methotrexate (or the respective placebo drug) and of concomitant corticosteroids was not changed and intra-articular corticosteroids were not allowed during the 3 months. The primary study endpoint was disease activity as measured by physician and patients.", "Can collagen type II sustain a methotrexate-induced therapeutic effect in patients with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis?<||||>While patients under ongoing therapy with methotrexate had, as expected, no change in disease activity, almost all parameters of disease activity and outcome in patients under a daily oral dose of 0.5 mg triple helical collagen type II worsened significantly (highly significant difference in swollen joints, between the two groups, P<0.0001). No significant differences in side-effects between the two groups during the study period could be demonstrated." ]

[ "Is routine rapid-staged bilateral pulmonary artery banding before stage 1 Norwood a viable strategy?<||||>We adopted a policy of rapid-staged bilateral pulmonary artery banding (bPAB) before the Norwood (NW) procedure for all patients with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. We hypothesized that this strategy might mitigate some of the traditional risk factors and that postponing a major bypass procedure beyond the newborn period could have both short- and long-term benefits. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of this strategy with respect to the short-term outcomes.", "Is routine rapid-staged bilateral pulmonary artery banding before stage 1 Norwood a viable strategy?<||||>From 2008 to 2010, 14 patients underwent bPAB and maintenance of ductal patency with prostaglandin E1 infusion before stage 1 NW. For reference, we also reviewed the data from patients who had undergone the primary NW procedure in the 2 years immediately before the study period.", "Is routine rapid-staged bilateral pulmonary artery banding before stage 1 Norwood a viable strategy?<||||>The bPAB was performed at a median age of 6 days (range, 2-39), gestational age of 38.5 weeks (range, 36-41), and weight of 2.75 kg (range, 2.3-3.6). The subsequent NW was performed at a gestational age of 43.5 weeks (range, 41-51) and weight of 3.2 kg (range, 2.2-4.9). When the NW procedure was eventually performed on the pBAB group, the maximum blood lactate levels within the first 24 hours after the NW were lower than those in the earlier primary NW group (2.8±0.9 vs 10.1±6.5 mmol/dL, P=.0002) and the urine output in the first 24 hours after the NW was greater in the pPAB group (4.1±2.1 vs 2.2±1.5 mL/kg/h; P=.0051)." ]

[ "Does acute sensorineural deafness befall to urgent conditions?<||||>This study was designed as a retrospective evaluation of an electronic patient data base of the University Hospital Zürich from January 1995 to August 2006. Five hundred and forty one patients with a sudden hearing loss were identified. The standard treatment was carbogen inhalation (95% O2 and 5% CO2 eight times per day in the duration of 30 minutes) and prednisone orally (100 mg in one morning dose) for 7 days. Factor that was analyzed included the interval between the onset of symptoms and the beginning of the treatment. The initial hearing loss was described using the pure tone average (PTA in dB) heating level at 4 frequencies (0.5, 1, 2 and 4 kHz). Hearing gain was expressed either as absolute hearing gain (dB values from initial PTA minus dB values from final PTA) or as relative hearing gain (absolute hearing gain divided by initial PTA minus baseline PTA) x 100. Significant recovery of heating was defined as the final PTA<or =30 dB (or same as PTA of the opposite ear).", "Does acute sensorineural deafness befall to urgent conditions?<||||>An absolute hearing gain between the initial audiogram and the final audiogram was 15.1 dB. The mean relative heating gain was 47%. Three hundred one (57%) patients had a significant recovery of hearing, and 228 (43%) had not. If the patients received treatment in the first 24 hours after onset of symptoms, then the rate of significant recovery was 56%, and no significant difference existed between this group and the patients who received the therapy after 24 hours, but within seven days (chi2=0.007, DF=1, p>0.01)." ]

[ "Is FKBP5 a genetic marker of affective psychosis?<||||>A dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been proposed as an important pathogenic factor in depression. Genetic variants of FKBP5, a protein of the HPA system modulating the glucocorticoid receptor, have been reported to be genetically associated with improved response to medical treatment and an increase of depressive episodes.", "Is FKBP5 a genetic marker of affective psychosis?<||||>We examined three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FKBP5, rs4713916 in the proposed promoter region, rs1360780 in the second intron and rs3800373 in the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR), in a case-control study of Caucasian origin (affective psychosis: n = 248; controls: n = 188) for genetic association and association with disease related traits.", "Is FKBP5 a genetic marker of affective psychosis?<||||>Allele and genotype frequencies of rs4713916, rs1360780 and rs3800373 were not significantly different between cases and controls. Two three-locus haplotypes, G-C-T and A-T-G, accounted for 86.2% in controls. Odds ratios were not increased between cases and controls, except the rare haplotype G-C-G (OR 6.81), representing 2.1% of cases and 0.3% of controls. The frequency of rs4713916AG in patients deviated from expected Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the genotype AA at rs4713916 in monopolar depression (P = 0.011), and the two-locus haplotype rs1360780T--rs3800373T in the total sample (overall P = 0.045) were nominally associated with longer continuance of disease." ]

[ "Can Porphyromonas gingivalis be a novel aetiology for recurrent miscarriage?<||||>To study the association between Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) infection and recurrent miscarriage.", "Can Porphyromonas gingivalis be a novel aetiology for recurrent miscarriage?<||||>This case control study included women with early pregnancy failure admitted for surgical evacuation of retained products of conception. Cases (group 1) included 50 women with unexplained recurrent early miscarriage whereas the control group (group 2) consisted of 50 women with no such history. The evacuated products of conception, subgingival plaques, cervicovaginal secretions and saliva of all participants were examined to detect P. gingivalis deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) using a polymerase chain reaction.", "Can Porphyromonas gingivalis be a novel aetiology for recurrent miscarriage?<||||>The prevalence of P. gingivalis DNA in the chorionic villous tissue samples of group 1 was significantly higher than in group 2 (8 [16%] vs. 1 [2%], respectively; p = 0.036, odds ratio [OR]: 9.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-76.9). The prevalence of P. gingivalis DNA was significantly higher in cervicovaginal secretions of group 1 than in group 2 (9 [18%] vs. 1 [2%], respectively; p = 0.02, OR: 10.8, 95% CI: 1.3-88.5). On the contrary, P. gingivalis DNA could not be detected in subgingival plaques and saliva samples of either group." ]

[ "The quality of care for treatment of early stage breast carcinoma: is it consistent with national guidelines?<||||>In response to the importance of early stage breast carcinoma as a public health concern and to the complexity of the clinical literature devoted to treatment of the disease, the National Institutes of Health has held a series of Consensus Development Conferences on the treatment of early stage breast carcinoma. The authors assessed compliance with standards of care for women treated in two states.", "The quality of care for treatment of early stage breast carcinoma: is it consistent with national guidelines?<||||>The authors identified patients diagnosed at 18 randomly selected hospitals (N = 1514) in Massachusetts and at 30 hospitals (N = 1061) in Minnesota. They collected data from medical records, patients, and their surgeons to assess compliance with four indicators of quality of care: radiation therapy after breast-conserving surgery, axillary lymph node dissection, chemotherapy for premenopausal women with positive lymph nodes, and hormonal therapy for postmenopausal women with positive lymph nodes and positive estrogen receptor status.", "The quality of care for treatment of early stage breast carcinoma: is it consistent with national guidelines?<||||>Rates of compliance for 3 of the 4 standards of care were>80% in both states. Only the rate for hormonal therapy for postmenopausal women was low (<64%). However, the proportion of these women who received either chemotherapy or hormonal therapy was>90% in both states." ]

[ "Is there a difference between the effects of single and triple indirect moxibustion stimulations on skin temperature changes of the posterior trunk surface?<||||>To determine whether any difference exists in responses to indirect moxibustion (IM) relative to thermal stimulation duration.", "Is there a difference between the effects of single and triple indirect moxibustion stimulations on skin temperature changes of the posterior trunk surface?<||||>In experiment 1, 9 subjects attended two experimental sessions consisting of single stimulation with IM or triple stimulation with IM, using a crossover design. A K-type thermocouple temperature probe was fixed on the skin surface at the GV14 acupuncture point. IM stimulation was administered to the top of the probe in order to measure the temperature curve. In addition, each subject evaluated his or her subjective feeling of heat on a visual analogue scale after each stimulation. Experiment 2 was conducted on 42 participants, divided into three groups according to the envelope allocation method: single stimulation with IM (n=20), triple stimulation with IM (n=11) and a control group (n=11). A thermograph was used to obtain the skin temperature on the posterior trunk of the participant. To analyse skin temperature, four arbitrary frames (the scapular, interscapular, lumbar and vertebral regions) were made on the posterior trunk.", "Is there a difference between the effects of single and triple indirect moxibustion stimulations on skin temperature changes of the posterior trunk surface?<||||>In experiment 1, no significant difference in maximum temperature was found in IM and subjective feeling of heat intensity between single and triple stimulation with IM. In experiment 2, increases in skin temperature occurred on the posterior trunk, but no differences in skin temperature occurred between the groups receiving single and triple stimulation with IM." ]

[ "Acute Foramen Magnum Syndrome Following Single Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture: Consequence of a Small Posterior Fossa?<||||>Type I Chiari malformation (CMI) is a rare complication of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage that is usually reported after lumbar drain or lumboperitoneal shunt placement. It usually remains asymptomatic; however, even if it becomes symptomatic, symptoms are usually mild. There are only a few reports of acute foramen magnum syndrome following continuous lumbar CSF drainage, and acute foramen magnum syndrome after a single diagnostic lumbar puncture (LP) has not been previously reported. We encountered this catastrophic complication in one of our patient.", "Acute Foramen Magnum Syndrome Following Single Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture: Consequence of a Small Posterior Fossa?<||||>A 30-year-old woman with a large supratentorial meningioma and associated asymptomatic CMI presented with holocranial headache. She underwent successful and uneventful excision of the tumor. However, she developed quadriplegia and respiratory arrest 48 hours following a diagnostic LP performed on postoperative day 9. She underwent urgent posterior fossa decompression after magnetic resonance imaging showed increased tonsillar impaction and swelling along with cervicomedullary compression. Postoperatively, she steadily improved and regained normal power after 3 months. Retrospective quantitative analysis of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a small posterior fossa." ]

[ "Intra-aortal therapy with 5-fluorouracil- polyethylene glycol stealth liposomes: does the metabolism of 5-fluorouracil into 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine depend on ph value?<||||>The application of liposome-encapsulated cytostatics results in higher concentrations in tumor tissue. This effect can be further increased by blood flow retardation with longer retention time in the tumor and by arterial administration realized in abdominal stop-flow therapy, a separate partial circulation with a defined flow under hypoxic conditions. The pH changes under stop-flow therapy may affect the further metabolism of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), used here.", "Intra-aortal therapy with 5-fluorouracil- polyethylene glycol stealth liposomes: does the metabolism of 5-fluorouracil into 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine depend on ph value?<||||>The in vitro 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine (5-FUrd) concentrations at increasing pH values were measured using liposomal encapsulated and free 5-FU. Subsequently, 20 chinchilla rabbits were treated intra-aortally with 5-FU or 5-FU-polyethylene glycol (PEG) liposomes. The pH value was maintained in the physiological range by continuous NaHCO3 application. After 20 min, concentrations of 5-FU and its metabolite 5-FUrd were determined in different organs, the perfusate, serum and the VX-2 tumor by HPLC.", "Intra-aortal therapy with 5-fluorouracil- polyethylene glycol stealth liposomes: does the metabolism of 5-fluorouracil into 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine depend on ph value?<||||>The in vitro 5-FUrd concentrations, which occur only in the physiological pH range, were doubled by the use of 5-FU-PEG liposomes. In the animal trial, NaHCO(3) titration doubled the 5-FUrd concentrations found in our preliminary studies. Compared to free 5-FU, 5-FU-PEG liposomes significantly increased the concentrations in the VX-2 liver tumor by 6.6-fold and in the para-aortal lymph nodes by 8.76-fold." ]

[ "Thyroid hormone and recovery of cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a strong association?<||||>This study investigated whether changes in thyroid hormone (TH) in plasma are associated with the recovery of cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Previous experimental studies have provided evidence of potential implication of TH signaling in post-ischemic recovery of cardiac function.", "Thyroid hormone and recovery of cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a strong association?<||||>A total of 47 patients with AMI and early reperfusion therapy were included in this study. Myocardial injury was analyzed by peak creatinine kinase-MB (CKMB) and cardiac function was assessed by echocardiographic left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF%). Recovery of function (ΔEF%) was estimated as the difference of LVEF% between 48  h and 6 months (6  mo) after AMI. Total triiodothyronine (T(3)), thyroxine (T(4)), and TSH were measured in plasma at different time points (24  h, 48  h, 5  d, and 6  mo).", "Thyroid hormone and recovery of cardiac function in patients with acute myocardial infarction: a strong association?<||||>A significant correlation between LVEF% and T(3) (r=0.5, P=0.0004) was found early after AMI (48  h), whereas no correlation was observed between CKMB and T(3) (r=-0.04, P=0.81). A strong correlation was found between ΔEF% and total T(3) (r=0.64, P=10(-6)) at 6  mo after AMI. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis revealed that T(3) at 6  mo (r=0.64, r(2)=0.41, P=10(-6)) was an independent determinant of ΔEF%." ]

[ "The exposure metric: does including time since exposure in the calculation of working lifetime exposure provide a better understanding of disease risk than the cumulative exposure?<||||>When exposure measurements are available for occupational epidemiology studies, the cumulative exposure (the sum of the products of duration and exposure intensity at all jobs) is generally selected as the summary metric for chronic diseases. For silica exposures, a metric that weights each exposure by the number of years since it occurred has been suggested as more biologically relevant. Comparative reports of analyses using both metrics have not been found in the literature, however.", "The exposure metric: does including time since exposure in the calculation of working lifetime exposure provide a better understanding of disease risk than the cumulative exposure?<||||>We calculated both metrics for silica exposure, and evaluated exposure-response relations for lung cancer and silicosis in two separate case-control studies.", "The exposure metric: does including time since exposure in the calculation of working lifetime exposure provide a better understanding of disease risk than the cumulative exposure?<||||>Generally the results were consistent, due to the high correlation between the two metrics and the fact that the rate of time away from work during the employment years was low." ]

[ "Does feeding alter arterial oxygen saturation in patients with acute stroke?<||||>We measured arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) during eating in acute stroke patients to establish the frequency of any meal-related hypoxemia, which could further damage already vulnerable brain tissue.", "Does feeding alter arterial oxygen saturation in patients with acute stroke?<||||>Stroke patients (</=12 days from stroke onset) classified as \"safe to feed orally\" were compared with elderly hospitalized (for nonneurological causes) and young healthy controls. SaO(2) was measured noninvasively at the bedside by pulse oximetry continuously for 10 minutes before the patient ate a meal, during the meal, and for 10 minutes after completion of the meal.", "Does feeding alter arterial oxygen saturation in patients with acute stroke?<||||>The median baseline SaO(2) was significantly lower in stroke patients (n=106, 95.7%) than elderly (n=50, 96.7%) or young control subjects (n=20, 97.9%; P:<0.001). There was a small decrease in the median SaO(2) during eating in stroke and elderly patients (95.6%, P:=0.08, and 96.3%, P:=0.004, respectively) but not in young controls. Only stroke patients had a significantly lower median SaO(2) after completion of the meal (95. 4%, P:<0.001). SaO(2) of</=90% during and after eating occurred in 24% of stroke and 16% of elderly patients but not in young controls, and it was significantly more common in those who had SaO(2) of</=90% during the baseline recordings (P:</=0.003)." ]

[ "Can the \"Camberwell Assessment of Need\" predict changes in care consumption?<||||>Because of the shift in the Dutch psychiatric care system towards care based on actual need, we should have some kind of instrument for assessing the future need for care. The Camberwell Assessment of Need (CAN) is such an instrument. It is particularly useful when there is a clear link between the need for care and the consumption of care.AIM: To study whether the can is a predictor of (changes in) care consumption.", "Can the \"Camberwell Assessment of Need\" predict changes in care consumption?<||||>The Maastricht Cumulative Needs for Care Monitor (CNCM) involves an interview with all patients with psychotic disorders who are in care in the Maastricht region. The interview takes place at intake and thereafter annually. The main instrument of the CNCM is the CAN, but other instruments are also included. CNCM data are matched with care consumption data extracted from the Psychiatric Case Register South Limburg, including both care consumption in the year before and in the year after the CNCM assessment.", "Can the \"Camberwell Assessment of Need\" predict changes in care consumption?<||||>Patients with intermediate or higher levels of need for care were found to use more inpatient care than patients with lower levels of need for care. In addition, the results showed that a high level of need for care was a predictor of shifts from low inpatient care consumption to high inpatient care consumption, although statistically imprecise by conventional alpha." ]

[ "Is digital rectal examination still necessary in the early detection of prostate cancer?<||||>PSA measurement is important in prostate cancer detection. However, applying cut-off values of>4 ng/ml as indication for biopsy misses 20-30% of tumours.", "Is digital rectal examination still necessary in the early detection of prostate cancer?<||||>To determine the number of patients with prostate cancer and normal age-related PSA, referred for TRUS biopsy due to abnormal DRE alone.", "Is digital rectal examination still necessary in the early detection of prostate cancer?<||||>We reviewed patients referred for biopsy over 12 months. Indication for biopsy included abnormal PSA, abnormal DRE, or both.", "Is digital rectal examination still necessary in the early detection of prostate cancer?<||||>Four-hundred and sixty-five (465) TRUS biopsies were performed, 209 were positive. Of the 183 (183/209) positive on whom complete data were available, 4 (2.2%) had a normal age-related PSA but an abnormal DRE." ]

[ "Is it necessary to harvest additional lymph nodes after resection of the most radioactive sentinel lymph node in breast cancer?<||||>No consensus exists about the number of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) that should be removed based on radioactivity counts in breast cancer, although the \"10% rule\" is often used. We hypothesized that the node with the highest radioactivity would have the strongest probability of being a positive SLN, and we sought to determine the lowest radioactive count of a node harboring cancer.", "Is it necessary to harvest additional lymph nodes after resection of the most radioactive sentinel lymph node in breast cancer?<||||>We retrospectively studied 332 breast cancer patients who underwent lymphoscintigraphy by injection of technetium 99m-labeled thiosulfate colloid and sentinel lymphadenectomy (SL) between 1997 and 2006, with intraoperative determination of radioactive counts of nodes by a gamma probe. All SLNs were examined by permanent sections consisting of at least 3 levels of 40- to 100-mum intervals for hematoxylin and eosin evaluation, with or without immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratins.", "Is it necessary to harvest additional lymph nodes after resection of the most radioactive sentinel lymph node in breast cancer?<||||>Seventy-four percent of patients had more than 1 SLN removed (mean 2.8 per patient); 23.5% had SLN metastasis. Of the node-positive patients, the hottest SLN was positive in 85.9% (67 of 78). Five of the 78 patients (6.4%) with positive nodes had counts less than 10% of those of the hottest node. The lowest radioactive count of a positive SLN was 4.2% of that of the hottest node. Lymphatic mapping based on the 10% rule could greatly improve the false-negative rates compared with removing only the hottest SLN (14.1% versus 6.4%)." ]

[ "Does the length of the history influence the outcome of pneumatic reduction of intussusception in children?<||||>Intussusception is the most common cause of acute abdomen in infants and preschool children. Nonoperative reduction using air enema is an established treatment in children with intussusception. The aim of this study was to determine whether length of the history influences the outcome of pneumatic reduction of intussusception in children?", "Does the length of the history influence the outcome of pneumatic reduction of intussusception in children?<||||>The medical records of 256 consecutive children with intussusception between July 1998 and June 2010, who underwent air enema reduction regardless of the length of the history were reviewed. In all 256 patients, intussusception was confirmed by ultrasound before proceeding to air enema.", "Does the length of the history influence the outcome of pneumatic reduction of intussusception in children?<||||>The length of history ranged from 2 to 240 h with median time of 18.5 h. The median age in 256 patients was 7 months (range 1 day to 12 years). The presenting clinical features included irritability/abdominal pain (77%), vomiting (80%), bleeding per rectum (36%) and palpable abdominal mass (50%). Air enema reduction was successful in 234 (91.5%) of the 256 patients. In 22 (8.5%) patients, air enema failed to reduce the intussusception and 3 (1.1%) of these patients had colonic perforation during the procedure. All 22 patients required surgery. The duration of symptoms did not influence the outcome of pneumatic reduction. 37 (14%) patients developed recurrence after successful pneumatic reduction of intussusception, with 58% presenting within 48 h of the initial procedure." ]

[ "Is it possible to differentiate people with or without low-back pain on the basis of test of lumbopelvic dysfunction?<||||>To determine the prevalence of positive chiropractic test results in relation to low back pain status and to determine the sensitivity, specificity, and predictive (positive and negative) values of these tests.", "Is it possible to differentiate people with or without low-back pain on the basis of test of lumbopelvic dysfunction?<||||>Study subjects were examined by a chiropractor who was unaware of their low back pain status. Information on low back pain was then collected in a self-report questionnaire.", "Is it possible to differentiate people with or without low-back pain on the basis of test of lumbopelvic dysfunction?<||||>Research laboratory at the Odense University Hospital (Denmark).", "Is it possible to differentiate people with or without low-back pain on the basis of test of lumbopelvic dysfunction?<||||>A subset of 166 healthy twins taken from a panel of population-generated twins born between 1953-1982.", "Is it possible to differentiate people with or without low-back pain on the basis of test of lumbopelvic dysfunction?<||||>Chiropractor with approximately 10 years of clinical experience.", "Is it possible to differentiate people with or without low-back pain on the basis of test of lumbopelvic dysfunction?<||||>The prevalence of a number of lumbopelvic dysfunctional tests (4 observational, 6 pain-on-movement, and 2 pain provocation tests), and a diagnostic conclusion based on these test results were studied in relation to low back pain status.", "Is it possible to differentiate people with or without low-back pain on the basis of test of lumbopelvic dysfunction?<||||>There was no single test that was clinically acceptable in relation to all 5 aspects of the study. At least one pain-on-movement test was the only variable that had a totally acceptable pattern." ]

[ "Skin autofluorescence and complications of diabetes: does ethnic background or skin color matter?<||||>Skin autofluorescence (AF) has been associated with complications of diabetes. We evaluated the influence of skin color and ethnicity on the association between skin AF and the presence of diabetes-related complications.", "Skin autofluorescence and complications of diabetes: does ethnic background or skin color matter?<||||>In a multiethnic type 2 diabetes cohort we investigated all patients with available skin AF measurements. The associations between skin AF and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the presence of complications of diabetes were estimated, stratified for ethnicity and quartiles of ultraviolet reflectance percentage (R%).", "Skin autofluorescence and complications of diabetes: does ethnic background or skin color matter?<||||>In total, 810 patients (438 native Dutch, 372 non-Dutch) were included. Because of too low an R%, 32% of black Africans and 19% of Hindustanis were excluded. Non-Dutch patients had lower AF values compared with Dutch patients (median AF=2.69 [interquartile range (IQR), 2.26-3.09] vs. 3.06 [IQR, 2.65-3.50]arbitrary units; P<0.001), but the R% was also lower (non-Dutch, median R%=12% [IQR, 9-15%]; Dutch, median R%=18% [IQR, 14-23%]; P=0.027). In the multivariate analysis, skin AF was only a determinant for complications in patients with R% 25(th) percentile (macrovascular, odds ratio [OR]=1.71 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-2.77]vs. 1.15 [95% CI, 0.55-2.40] in the lowest quartile of R%; microvascular, OR=1.81 [95% CI, 1.20-2.75]vs. OR=0.87 [95% CI, 0.50-1.51]). A similar pattern was observed for nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy separately. In non-Dutch patients AF was not a significant determinant for diabetes complication risk, whereas HbA1c was for nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy." ]

[ "Prevalence of the acetabular sublabral sulcus at MR arthrography in patients under 17 years of age: does it exist?<||||>To retrospectively determine characteristics of contrast-filled acetabular labral clefts in patients under the age of 17 years at MR arthrography (Mra) correlated with arthroscopy, which may impact the thinking regarding the existence of a sublabral sulcus.", "Prevalence of the acetabular sublabral sulcus at MR arthrography in patients under 17 years of age: does it exist?<||||>After IRB approval, 41 patients under the age of 17 who had MRa were identified. The following observations of contrast-filled clefts were assessed: (1) presence/absence, (2) location, (3) depth, (4) abnormal signal within the labrum and (5) shape (linear, gaping, complex). Fisher's exact and the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test were performed. Interreader agreement was calculated with Cohen's k.", "Prevalence of the acetabular sublabral sulcus at MR arthrography in patients under 17 years of age: does it exist?<||||>Reader 1 found clefts in 41 %. Depth was less than half in 6%, more than half in 65% and full thickness in 29%. Shape was linear in 53%, gaping in 18% and complex in 29%. Signal changes occurred in 88%. Reader 2 found clefts in 29%. Depth was less than half in 17%, more than half in 58% and full thickness in 25%. Shape was linear in 50%, gaping in 42% and complex in 17%. Signal changes occurred in 50%. None of the clefts fulfilled the criteria for a sublabral sulcus at MRa and arthroscopy." ]

[ "Does primary or secondary chondrocalcinosis influence long-term survivorship of unicompartmental arthroplasty?<||||>Coexistence of degenerative arthritis and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD) crystals (or radiological chondrocalcinosis) with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knees is frequent at the time of arthroplasty. Several studies suggest more rapid clinical and radiographic progression with CPPD than with OA alone. However, it is unclear whether chondrocalcinosis predisposes to higher risks of progression of arthritis in other compartments.QUESTION/", "Does primary or secondary chondrocalcinosis influence long-term survivorship of unicompartmental arthroplasty?<||||>We questioned whether chondrocalcinosis influences clinical scores, degeneration of other compartments, rupture of the ACL, survivorship, reason for revision, or timing of failures in case of UKA.", "Does primary or secondary chondrocalcinosis influence long-term survivorship of unicompartmental arthroplasty?<||||>We retrospectively reviewed 206 patients (234 knees) who had UKAs between 1990 and 2000. Of these 234 knees, 85 had chondrocalcinosis at the time of surgery and 63 of the knees subsequently had radiographic evidence of chondrocalcinosis observed during followup. We evaluated patients with The Knee Society rating system and compared function and radiographic progression in the other compartments of patients without and with chondrocalcinosis.", "Does primary or secondary chondrocalcinosis influence long-term survivorship of unicompartmental arthroplasty?<||||>The use of conventional NSAIDs, radiographic progression of OA in the opposite femorotibial compartment of the knee, failure of the ACL, and aseptic loosening did not occur more frequently among patients with chondrocalcinosis. The 15-year cumulative survival rates were 90% and 87% for the knees without and with chondrocalcinosis, respectively, using revision to TKA as the end point." ]

[ "Does change in health-related quality of life score predict survival?<||||>Little is known about whether changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) scores from baseline during treatment also predict survival, which we aim to investigate in this study.", "Does change in health-related quality of life score predict survival?<||||>We analysed data from 391 advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients enrolled in the EORTC 08975 study, which compared palliative chemotherapy regimens. HRQoL was assessed at baseline and after each chemotherapy cycle using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13. The prognostic significance of HRQoL scores at baseline and their changes over time was assessed with Cox regression, after adjusting for clinical and socio-demographic variables.", "Does change in health-related quality of life score predict survival?<||||>After controlling for covariates, every 10-point increase in baseline pain and dysphagia was associated with 11% and 12% increased risk of death with hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.11 and 1.12, respectively. Every 10-point improvement of physical function at baseline (HR=0.93) was associated with 7% lower risk of death. Every 10-point increase in pain (HR=1.08) was associated with 8% increased risk of death at cycle 1. Every 10-point increase in social function (HR=0.91) at cycle 2 was associated with 9% lower risk of death." ]

[ "Trace metal concentrations in Posidonia oceanica of North Corsica (northwestern Mediterranean Sea): use as a biological monitor?<||||>Within semi-closed areas like the Mediterranean Sea, anthropic wastes tend to concentrate in the environment. Metals, in particular, are known to persist in the environment and can affect human health due to accumulation in the food chain. The seagrass Posidonia oceanica, widely found in Mediterranean coastal waters, has been chosen as a \"sentinel\" to quantify the distribution of such pollutants within the marine environment. Using a technique similar to dendrochronology in trees, it can act as an indicator of pollutant levels over a timeframe of several months to years. In the present study, we measured and compared the levels of eight trace metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, and Pb) in sheaths dated by lepidochronology and in leaves of shoots sampled from P. oceanica meadows collected from six offshore sites in northern Corsica between 1988 and 2004; in the aim to determine 1) the spatial and 2) temporal variations of these metals in these areas and 3) to compared these two types of tissues.", "Trace metal concentrations in Posidonia oceanica of North Corsica (northwestern Mediterranean Sea): use as a biological monitor?<||||>We found low trace metal concentrations with no increase over the last decade, confirming the potential use of Corsican seagrass beds as reference sites for the Mediterranean Sea. Temporal trends of trace metal concentrations in sheaths were not significant for Cr, Ni, Cu, As or Se, but Zn, Cd, and Pb levels decreased, probably due to the reduced anthropic use of these metals. Similar temporal trends between Cu levels in leaves (living tissue) and in sheaths (dead tissue) demonstrated that lepidochronology linked with Cu monitoring is effective for surveying the temporal variability of this metal." ]

[ "Is fasting insulin concentration inversely associated with rate of weight gain?<||||>To test whether a higher fasting insulin concentration is associated with a lower rate of weight gain over six to seven years.", "Is fasting insulin concentration inversely associated with rate of weight gain?<||||>Two longitudinal epidemiologic cohorts including blacks and whites.", "Is fasting insulin concentration inversely associated with rate of weight gain?<||||>The Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study examined subjects aged 18-30 y in 1985-86 and 1992-93 (n = 3636), and the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study examined subjects aged 45-64 y in 1987-89 and 1993-95 (n = 11179).", "Is fasting insulin concentration inversely associated with rate of weight gain?<||||>In each study, fasting insulin at baseline and weight change during follow-up were measured in participants without diabetes.", "Is fasting insulin concentration inversely associated with rate of weight gain?<||||>In whites and black men in CARDIA, there was a positive age-adjusted association between baseline insulin and weight change, although weight change was not entirely monotonic across the insulin quartiles. In these race-gender groups, the linear regression coefficients indicated that each 50 pmol/L increment of baseline insulin was associated (P<0.05) with approximately 0.10 kg/y greater rate of weight gain (95% confidence intervals (CI) for this estimate in kg/y were 0.023-0.187 for white women, 0.015-0.150 for black men, and 0.011-0.158 for white men). The association was eliminated entirely with adjustment for baseline weight. In contrast, among whites and black women in ARIC, the association was negative, with the linear regression coefficients suggesting that each 50 pmol/L higher fasting insulin concentration was associated (P<0.05) with a 0.03-0.10 kg/y lower rate of weight gain (95% CI for this estimate in kg/y were -0.133 to -0.061 for black women, -0.106 to -0.054 for white women, and -0.055 to -0.009 for white men). This finding was generally strengthened by adjustment for baseline body mass index (BMI)." ]

[ "Race/Ethnicity and Health Care Communication: Does Patient-Provider Concordance Matter?<||||>Although many minority patients would prefer a provider of their own race/ethnicity, the influence of this relationship on patient-provider communication remains unknown. This analysis examined the effect of patient-provider race/ethnicity concordance on patient-reported provider communication quality using data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey years 2002-2012.", "Race/Ethnicity and Health Care Communication: Does Patient-Provider Concordance Matter?<||||>Ordinary least squares regressions were executed on communication rating, measured by the Consumer Assessment of Health Providers and Systems.", "Race/Ethnicity and Health Care Communication: Does Patient-Provider Concordance Matter?<||||>Only 13.8% of black, non-Hispanic patients reported their usual source of care provider matched their race/ethnicity, compared with 94.4% of white, non-Hispanic patients and 43.8% of Hispanic patients. Differences in communication ratings were driven by patient race, rather than provider race. Although black, non-Hispanic patients rate their communication significantly higher than their counterparts overall, there was no significant influence of patient-provider racial concordance on ratings of communication when controlling for other sociodemographic variables." ]

[ "Caliceal diverticular calculi: is there a role for metabolic evaluation?<||||>We report our experience with the treatment and incidence of metabolic abnormalities in patients presenting with caliceal diverticular stones.", "Caliceal diverticular calculi: is there a role for metabolic evaluation?<||||>We retrospectively evaluated 49 patients with caliceal diverticular stones (group 1) and 44 with simple renal stones (group 2). Each group successfully underwent percutaneous treatment. Mean stone size was 1.7 and 2.5 cm. in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Metabolic evaluation was available in 25 group 1 and 22 group 2 patients. Mean followup was 73.2 and 70. 8 months, respectively.", "Caliceal diverticular calculi: is there a role for metabolic evaluation?<||||>We achieved a stone-free rate of 95. 9% in group 1 and 100% in group 2. There was no metabolic abnormality in 75% of the group 1 patients, while 12% had type II absorptive hypercalciuria, 8% hyperuricosuric hypercalciuria and 4% hyperoxaluria. There were no metabolic abnormalities in 22.7% of the group 2 patients, while 9%, 18% and 9% had types I to III absorptive hypercalciuria, respectively, 13.6% hyperuricosuric hypercalciuria, 13.6% hyperoxaluria, 4.5% hypocitruria and 9% type II absorptive hypercalciuria associated with hypocitruria." ]

[ "Comparison between early and late onset breast cancer in Pakistani women undergoing breast conservative therapy: is there any difference?<||||>Early onset breast cancer is associated with poor outcomes but variable results have been reported. It is a significant problem in Pakistani women but remains under reported. Breast conservation plays an important role in surgical management of this younger patient group. The objective of this study was to determine the outcome of breast conservative therapy in patients with early onset breast cancer in our population and compare it with their older counterparts.", "Comparison between early and late onset breast cancer in Pakistani women undergoing breast conservative therapy: is there any difference?<||||>A review of patients with invasive breast cancer who underwent breast conservation surgery at Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital from 1997 to 2009 was performed. Patients were divided into two groups i.e. Group I age ≤ 40 and Group II>40 years. A total of 401 patients with breast cancer were identified in Group I and 405 patients in Group II. Demographics, histopathological findings and receptor status of the two groups were compared. The Chi square test was used for categorical variables. Outcome was assessed on basis of 10 year locoregional recurrence free survival (LRRFS), disease free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) . For survival analysis Kaplan Meier curves were used and significance was determined using the Log rank test. Cox regression was applied for multivariate analysis.", "Comparison between early and late onset breast cancer in Pakistani women undergoing breast conservative therapy: is there any difference?<||||>Median follow up was 4.31 (0.1-15.5) years. Median age at presentation was 34.6 years (17-40) and 51.9 years (41-82) for the two groups. Groups were significantly different from each other with respect to grade, receptor status, tumor stage and use of neoadjuvant therapy. No significant difference was present between the two groups for estimated 10 year LRRFS (86% vs 95%) (p=0.1), DFS (70% vs 70%) (p=0.5) and OS (75% vs 63%) (p=0.1). On multivariate analysis, tumor stage was an independent predictor of LRRFS, DFS and OS." ]

[ "Is Akinesia algera by Paul Julius Möbius (1891) as a coenästhetic appearance a still up-to-date phenomenon?<||||>Considering as example Akinesia algera - postulated in 1891 as a disease by Paul Julius Möbius, the relevance for diagnosing body-related mental disturbances will be demonstrated .", "Is Akinesia algera by Paul Julius Möbius (1891) as a coenästhetic appearance a still up-to-date phenomenon?<||||>Relevant original works of Möbius and of some of his well known contemporaries for instance Kraepelin, Binswanger, Erb were explored. The correlation of the described phenomenon to current textbook doctrine has been attempted.", "Is Akinesia algera by Paul Julius Möbius (1891) as a coenästhetic appearance a still up-to-date phenomenon?<||||>Möbius, case histories, described as Akinesia algera, can be subsumed under the typology of coenästhetic schizophrenia." ]

[ "The effect of body mass index on survival following heart transplantation: do outcomes support consensus guidelines?<||||>To determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) at the time of transplant and posttransplant survival and morbidity.", "The effect of body mass index on survival following heart transplantation: do outcomes support consensus guidelines?<||||>The recent International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation listing criteria for heart transplantation stated that candidates should achieve a BMI<30 kg/m-or percent ideal body weight<140%-before listing for cardiac transplantation. However, data to support these recommendations are limited and often conflicting.", "The effect of body mass index on survival following heart transplantation: do outcomes support consensus guidelines?<||||>United Network of Organ Sharing provided de-identified patient-level data. Analysis included 19,593 orthotopic heart transplant recipients aged>or=18 years and transplanted January 1 1995-December 31 2005. Follow-up data were provided through February 8, 2008. Recipients were stratified by BMI at the time of transplantation: BMI<18.5 (underweight), 18.5 to 24.99 (normal weight), 25 to 29.99 (overweight), 30 to 34.99 (obesity class I), and>or=35 (obesity class II/III). The primary outcome measure was post-transplant survival.", "The effect of body mass index on survival following heart transplantation: do outcomes support consensus guidelines?<||||>Risk-adjusted median survival in the underweight, normal weight, overweight, obesity I, and obesity II/III groups was 8.31, 10.20, 10.03, 9.51, and 9.05 years, respectively. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression, BMI in the overweight (HR = 1.08, 0.99-1.17; P = 0.055) and obesity I (HR = 1.05, 0.99-1.12; P = 0.091) ranges were not associated with significantly diminished survival. However, BMI in the underweight (HR = 1.26, 1.11-1.43; P<0.001) and obesity II/III (HR = 1.18, 1.01-1.38; P = 0.030) ranges were associated with diminished posttransplant survival." ]

[ "Does stenosis severity of native vessels influence bypass graft patency?<||||>After coronary bypass surgery, occlusion or narrowing of bypass grafts may occur over time. The present study prospectively evaluated the angiographic patency of bypass grafts after 1 year in relation to the preoperative angiographic and functionally severity of the coronary lesion assessed by fractional flow reserve measurement to test the hypothesis that grafting of less critical stenosis may be a risk factor for early dysfunction of the graft.", "Does stenosis severity of native vessels influence bypass graft patency?<||||>The study comprised 164 patients eligible for coronary artery bypass surgery who were not suitable for percutaneous intervention and with at least one intermediate lesion. Fractional flow reserve was measured in all lesions to be grafted to establish if a lesion was functionally significant. The surgeon was blinded to the results of these measurements. One year after surgery, coronary angiography was performed to establish bypass graft patency.", "Does stenosis severity of native vessels influence bypass graft patency?<||||>At coronary angiography after 1 year, 8.9% of the bypass grafts on functionally significant lesions were occluded, and 21.4% of the bypass grafts on functionally nonsignificant lesions were occluded. There was no difference in angina class or repeat interventions between patients with or without occluded bypass grafts." ]

[ "p53 Protein overexpression in colorectal tumors from patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: is it an early or late event?<||||>Tumor development is a multistep process associated with multiple genetic alterations. Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a classical paradigm to study genetic alterations in the development of colorectal neoplasms. In this study, we investigated the timing of p53 overexpression by immunohistochemistry in colorectal carcinogenesis in FAP patients and in sporadic adenomas and adenocarcinomas.", "p53 Protein overexpression in colorectal tumors from patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: is it an early or late event?<||||>We examined 40 microadenomas, 114 tubular adenomas, and three adenocarcinomas from five FAP patients and 30 sporadic adenomas and 14 sporadic adenocarcinomas.", "p53 Protein overexpression in colorectal tumors from patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: is it an early or late event?<||||>p53 overexpression was observed in 43 of 114 adenomas with mild and moderate dysplasia and in three of three adenocarcinomas and in none of 40 microadenomas from FAP patients. In sporadic tumors, six of 30 adenomas with moderate to severe dysplasia and 11 of 14 carcinomas showed p53 overexpression. Uninvolved colonic mucosa in FAP patients, control patients, and patients with sporadic tumors did not stain for p53." ]

[ "Topical anesthetic eye drops abuse: are we aware of the danger?<||||>To investigate the clinical results of topical anesthetic drug (TAD) abuse and to evaluate the results in terms of preventive medicine and public health.", "Topical anesthetic eye drops abuse: are we aware of the danger?<||||>Patients who had been followed in a cornea unit between March 2009 and November 2011 for TAD abuse keratopathy were included in the study. The demographics, duration of TAD use, symptoms, ocular findings, treatment modalities, visual acuities, complications and accompanying psychiatric problems data were obtained from medical records.", "Topical anesthetic eye drops abuse: are we aware of the danger?<||||>Twelve eyes of 8 patients (3 females and 5 males) were evaluated retrospectively. One of the patients was provided the drug with a primary care pratitioner's prescription and for the other 7 patients, it was available from pharmacies without prescription. According to their clinical history, 4 patients were suffering from exposure to welding flash with a corneal foreign body, 2 from lagophthalmus-related keratopathy, 1 from traumatic corneal abrasion, and 1 from exposure to silica dust at work. The mean duration of TAD usage was 14.8 ± 7.78 days. Slit-lamp examination revealed corneal epithelial defect in all eyes, stromal opacity in 11 eyes and ring-shaped infiltrates in 8 eyes." ]

[ "Ocular nutritional supplements: are their ingredients and manufacturers' claims evidence-based?<||||>To compare ingredients contained in top-selling brands of ocular nutritional supplements with the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) and AREDS2 formulae and investigate the validity of claims made by manufacturers of leading brands of ocular nutritional supplements.", "Ocular nutritional supplements: are their ingredients and manufacturers' claims evidence-based?<||||>Descriptive.", "Ocular nutritional supplements: are their ingredients and manufacturers' claims evidence-based?<||||>None.", "Ocular nutritional supplements: are their ingredients and manufacturers' claims evidence-based?<||||>We examined the 5 top-selling brands of ocular nutritional supplements in the United States according to dollar sales tracked by SymphonyIRI (Waltham, MA) from June 2011 to June 2012. We reviewed the ingredients and manufacturer claims of 11 ocular nutritional supplements on the companies' consumer information websites; the ingredients were compared with those contained in the AREDS and AREDS2 formulae.", "Ocular nutritional supplements: are their ingredients and manufacturers' claims evidence-based?<||||>Proportion of ocular nutritional supplements that contained the same ingredients, in the same doses, as the AREDS or AREDS2 formula; proportion of nutritional supplements with unsubstantiated claims made by the manufacturer.", "Ocular nutritional supplements: are their ingredients and manufacturers' claims evidence-based?<||||>All of the ocular nutritional supplements contained the ingredients from the AREDS or AREDS2 formula; 36% (4/11) of the supplements contained equivalent doses of AREDS or AREDS2 ingredients; 55% (6/11) included some information about the AREDS on their consumer information websites. Product descriptions from 4 of the 11 supplements (36%) stated that the supplements were important to maintain general eye health; none of these supplements duplicated the AREDS or AREDS2 formula. All the individual supplements claimed to \"support,\" \"protect,\" \"help,\" or \"promote\" vision and eye health, but none specified that there is no proven benefit in using nutritional supplements for primary prevention of eye disease." ]

[ "Performance parameters for screening and diagnostic mammography in a community practice: are there differences between specialists and general radiologists?<||||>The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of general radiologists in interpretation of mammograms with that of breast imaging specialists in a high-volume community hospital-based private practice.", "Performance parameters for screening and diagnostic mammography in a community practice: are there differences between specialists and general radiologists?<||||>A retrospective observational study was conducted with data prospectively collected over a 5-year period in a community hospital-based practice in which 106,405 screening and 52,149 diagnostic mammograms were performed. The performance of three radiologists specializing in breast imaging was compared with that of six general radiologists. The following data were extracted and analyzed: recall rate, biopsy recommendation rate, and cancer detection rate. Statistical analysis was performed with a chi-square test and two-tailed calculation of p values.", "Performance parameters for screening and diagnostic mammography in a community practice: are there differences between specialists and general radiologists?<||||>The recall rates of the specialists and generalists were nearly the same at 6.5% and 6.7%, respectively. The biopsy recommendation rate at recall from screening examinations was nearly the same for generalists and specialists (1.2% and 1.1%, respectively; p = 0.4504). This rate also was similar for diagnostic examinations (8.5% for generalists; 8.4% for specialists; p = 0.4086). The cancer detection rate in the screening setting was slightly higher for specialists than for generalists: 2.5 and 2.0 cancers per 1,000 cases, respectively (p = 0.0614). The cancer detection rate in the diagnostic setting was 24.2% higher among specialists (20.0 cancers per 1,000 cases) compared with generalists (16.1 cancers per 1,000 cases) (p = 0.0177)." ]

[ "University courses, eating problems and muscle dysmorphia: are there any associations?<||||>Orthorexia and muscle dysmorphia are disorders affecting above all young adults whose prevalence and social impact are still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of the traits of orthorexia and muscle dysmorphia among freshmen attending university courses focused on nutrition (Dietetics) and body care (Exercise and Sport Sciences). Students of Biology were considered as a control group. The prevalence of eating disorder (ED) traits were also evaluated.", "University courses, eating problems and muscle dysmorphia: are there any associations?<||||>All participants (n = 440; n = 53 Dietetics school, n = 200 Exercise and Sport Sciences school, n = 187 the Biology school) completed the following questionnaires: ORTO-15, Muscle-Dysmorphic-Disorder-Inventory, and Eating Attitudes Test-26.", "University courses, eating problems and muscle dysmorphia: are there any associations?<||||>The prevalence of the traits of EDs, orthorexia, and muscle dysmorphia was 9.1%, 25.9%, and 5.9%, respectively. When compared to other students, those attending the Dietetics school showed a 2-fold higher risk of EDs and those from the Exercise and Sport Sciences school a 10-fold higher risk of muscle dysmorphia. The prevalence of orthorexia traits was high in all schools (35.9%, 22.5%, 26.5% in Dietetics, Biology, and Exercise and Sport Sciences schools, respectively). Overall, individuals with traits of any of these disorders were more frequently on diet or on supplement use. In a logistic regression model, attending the Dietetics school (OR = 2.71; 95% CI 1.14-6.48) was significantly associated with the ED traits, but not with the orthorexia traits (OR = 1.75; 95% CI 0.93-3.29), while attending the Exercise and Sport Sciences school was significantly associated with the muscle dysmorphia traits (OR = 5.15; 95% CI 1.44-18.4). Finally, when evaluating the relationships among the types of study programs as dependent variables and traits of these disturbances, the associations between the traits of ED (OR = 3.35; 95% CI 1.38-8.13) and matriculation at the school of Dietetics, and between the traits of muscle dysmorphia (OR = 4.32; 95% CI 1.16-16.1) and the choice of the Exercise and Sport Sciences school were confirmed." ]

[ "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and juvenile mania: an overlooked comorbidity?<||||>To evaluate the psychiatric, cognitive, and functional correlates of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children with and without comorbid bipolar disorder (BPD).", "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and juvenile mania: an overlooked comorbidity?<||||>DSM-III-R structured diagnostic interviews and blind raters were used to examine psychiatric diagnoses at baseline and 4-year follow-up in ADHD and control children. In addition, subjects were evaluated for cognitive, academic, social, school, and family functioning.", "Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and juvenile mania: an overlooked comorbidity?<||||>BPD was diagnosed in 11% of ADHD children at baseline and in an additional 12% at 4-year follow-up. These rates were significantly higher than those of controls at each assessment. ADHD children with comorbid BPD at either baseline or follow-up assessment had significantly higher rates of additional psychopathology, psychiatric hospitalization, and severely impaired psychosocial functioning than other ADHD children. The clinical picture of bipolarity was mostly irritable and mixed. ADHD children with comorbid BPD also had a very severe symptomatic picture of ADHD as well as prototypical correlates of the disorder. Comorbidity between ADHD and BPD was not due to symptom overlap. ADHD children who developed BPD at the 4-year follow-up had higher initial rates of comorbidity, more symptoms of ADHD, worse scores on the CBCL, and a greater family history of mood disorder compared with non-BPD, ADHD children." ]

[ "Breast cancer-related lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection: does early postoperative prediction model work?<||||>Early detection and timely intervention demonstrate the greatest promise of reducing the incidence of late-stage lymphedema in breast cancer patients undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). A nomogram was developed for predicting the risk of lymphedema (LE) in patients with ALND. This study's aim was to test the early postoperative prediction model for the diagnosis of clinical and subclinical LE after ALND.", "Breast cancer-related lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection: does early postoperative prediction model work?<||||>Patients requiring ALND were identified preoperatively through our LE program database. Measurements using metered tape with bioimpedance spectroscopy (L-Dex U400) were obtained preoperatively (n = 180) and at 3-6-month intervals postoperatively. The 5-year probability of LE after ALND was calculated using the Cleveland Clinic Risk Calculator. The discrimination of the nomogram was assessed by calculating the area under (AUC) the receiver operating characteristic curve.", "Breast cancer-related lymphedema after axillary lymph node dissection: does early postoperative prediction model work?<||||>LE was present in 36.1% (n = 65) of 180 patients with ALND. Of these 65 patients, 22 (12.2%) had clinical LE and 43 (23.9%) had subclinical LE. Statistical analyses showed significant differences in BMI and receipt of radiotherapy between patients with and without LE (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01, respectively). AUC was 0.601, 0.614, and 0.600 for the nomogram using any LE, clinical LE, and subclinical LE patients, respectively." ]

[ "Do geodemographic typologies explain variations in uptake in colorectal cancer screening?<||||>Uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in UK is less than 60%. Geodemographic typologies are useful in describing patterns of individual preventive health behaviour but little is known of their value in assessing uptake of CRC screening, or how this compares to traditional measures of area deprivation.", "Do geodemographic typologies explain variations in uptake in colorectal cancer screening?<||||>We used data on CRC screening uptake in the South Central, South-East Coast and South-West England National Health Service regions in multilevel logistic regression to describe the effects of individual composition and contextual factors (area deprivation and geodemographic segments) on non-response to screening invitation. The relative impact of geodemographic segmentation and the index of multiple deprivation (IMD) 2007 was compared. The potential population impact of a targeted increase in uptake in specific geodemographic segments was examined.", "Do geodemographic typologies explain variations in uptake in colorectal cancer screening?<||||>About 88 891 eligible adults were invited to be screened from 2006 to 2008. Uptake rate was 57.3% (CI: 57.0-57.7) and was lower amongst younger persons, men, residents of more deprived areas and people in specific geodemographic segments. Age and gender were significant determinants of uptake and contextual factors explained an additional 3% of the variation. Geodemographic segmentation reduced this residual contextual variation in uptake more than the IMD 2007 (72% vs. 53% reduction). The three geodemographic types that best predicted non-response were characterized by both ethnic mix and a higher than average proportion of single pensioner households renting council properties. Achieving average uptake in the 2.3% of the study population in these geodemographic segments would only increase the total population uptake rate by 0.5% (57.3-57.8%)." ]

[ "Substance use disorders among first- and second- generation immigrant adults in the United States: evidence of an immigrant paradox?<||||>A growing number of studies have examined the \"immigrant paradox\" with respect to the use of licit and illicit substances in the United States. However, there remains a need for a comprehensive examination of the multigenerational and global links between immigration and substance use disorders among adults in the United States.", "Substance use disorders among first- and second- generation immigrant adults in the United States: evidence of an immigrant paradox?<||||>The present study, using data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, aimed to address these gaps by comparing the prevalence of substance use disorders of first-generation (n = 3,338) and second-generation (n = 2,515) immigrants with native-born American adults (n = 15,733) in the United States. We also examined the prevalence of substance use disorders among first-generation emigrants from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Latin America in contrast to second-generation and native-born Americans.", "Substance use disorders among first- and second- generation immigrant adults in the United States: evidence of an immigrant paradox?<||||>The prevalence of substance use disorders was highest among native-born Americans, slightly lower among second-generation immigrants, and markedly lower among first-generation immigrants. Adjusted risk ratios were largest among individuals who immigrated during adolescence (ages 12-17 years) and adulthood (age 18 years or older). Results were consistent among emigrants from major world regions." ]

[ "Is routine caesarean section necessary for breech-breech and breech-transverse twin gestations?<||||>To determine if perinatal outcome is affected by the route of delivery in breech-breech and breech-transverse twin gestations.", "Is routine caesarean section necessary for breech-breech and breech-transverse twin gestations?<||||>Prospective observational study.", "Is routine caesarean section necessary for breech-breech and breech-transverse twin gestations?<||||>Umtata General Hospital, a referral hospital for approximately 32 rural hospitals throughout the former transkei.", "Is routine caesarean section necessary for breech-breech and breech-transverse twin gestations?<||||>Twin gestations with breech-breech and breech-transverse presentations.", "Is routine caesarean section necessary for breech-breech and breech-transverse twin gestations?<||||>Birth weights, 5-minute Apgar scores and neonatal mortality rates among 41 women who underwent vaginal delivery were compared with those of 27 who underwent transverse lower-segment caesarean sections.", "Is routine caesarean section necessary for breech-breech and breech-transverse twin gestations?<||||>A total of 68 women were involved in the study. Forty-one were delivered vaginally and 27 underwent transverse lower-segment caesarean sections. The vaginal delivery group consisted of 35 breech-breech and 6 breech-transverse twin gestations, while the caesarean section group comprised 25 breech-breech and 2 breech-transverse presentations. Both twin I and twin II in the caesarean section group were bigger than their respective counterparts delivered vaginally (P<0.02 for twin I and P<0.01 for twin II). There were no statistically significant differences in either 5-minute Apgar scores or neonatal mortality rates between the two groups." ]

[ "Does subclinical inflammation contribute to impairment of function of knee joints in aged individuals?<||||>To investigate the prevalence of knee US findings of inflammation and structural damage in aged individuals (≥60 years) of a long-term population-based cohort and to correlate these findings with demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters.", "Does subclinical inflammation contribute to impairment of function of knee joints in aged individuals?<||||>Cross-sectional clinical and US investigation of both knee joints during the 2010 follow-up of the prospective population-based Bruneck Study. Demographic variables, physical activity, comorbidities, medications, pain, and functional scales related to the knee joints were recorded. US-assessed parameters were synovial hypertrophy, power Doppler signal, joint effusion, cartilage abnormalities, osteophytes, enthesopathy and bursitis. Statistics included univariate and multivariate regression analysis.", "Does subclinical inflammation contribute to impairment of function of knee joints in aged individuals?<||||>A total of 488 subjects (mean age 72.5 years; 53.5% females, 46.5% males) were examined by clinical assessment, and 433 of these underwent US examination of both knees. Both inflammatory and structural abnormalities were found in 296 (68.8%) subjects. Inflammatory abnormalities were significantly associated with age in years, male gender, diabetes and the presence of knee joint symptoms. In the multivariate analysis, age, male gender and knee swelling emerged as independent predictors of inflammation [odds ratio (OR) (95% CI) = 1.06 (1.03, 1.09), 2.55 (1.55, 4.21) and 5.92 (1.99, 17.58), respectively]." ]

[ "Does Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Treatment Limit Medical Disability and Attrition Related to Spine Conditions in the US Navy?<||||>Musculoskeletal conditions account for the largest proportion of cases resulting in early separation from the US Navy. This study evaluates the impact of the Spine Team, a multidisciplinary care group that included physicians, physical therapists, and a clinical psychologist, for the treatment of active-duty service members with work-disabling, nonspecific low back pain at the Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, VA, USA. We compared the impact of the introduction of the Spine Team in limiting disability and attrition from work-disabling spine conditions with the experience of the Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, USA, where there is no comparable spine team.QUESTIONS/", "Does Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Treatment Limit Medical Disability and Attrition Related to Spine Conditions in the US Navy?<||||>Is a multidisciplinary spine team effective in limiting disability and attrition related to work-disabling spine conditions as compared with the current standard of care for US military active-duty service members?", "Does Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Treatment Limit Medical Disability and Attrition Related to Spine Conditions in the US Navy?<||||>This is a retrospective, pre-/post-study with a separate, concurrent control group using administratively collected data from two large military medical centers during the period 2007 to 2009. In this study, disability is expressed as the proportion of active-duty service members seeking treatment for a work-disabling spine condition that results in the assignment of a first-career limited-duty status. Attrition is expressed as the proportion of individuals assigned a first-career limited-duty status for a work-disabling spine condition who were referred to a Physical Evaluation Board. We analyzed 667 individuals assigned a first-career limited-duty for a work-disabling spine condition between 2007 and 2009 who received care at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth or Naval Medical Center San Diego.", "Does Coordinated, Multidisciplinary Treatment Limit Medical Disability and Attrition Related to Spine Conditions in the US Navy?<||||>Rates of first-career limited-duty assignments for spine conditions decreased from 2007 to 2009 at both sites, but limited-duty rates decreased to a greater extent at the intervention site (Naval Medical Center Portsmouth; from 8.5 per 100 spine cases in 2007 to 5.1 per 100 cases in 2009, p<0.001) as compared with the control site (Naval Medical Center San Diego; 16.0 per 100 spine cases in 2007 and 14.1 per 100 cases in 2009, p = 0.38) after the Spine Team was implemented in 2008. The risk of disability was lower at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth as compared with Naval Medical Center San Diego for each of the 3 years studied (in 2007, the relative risk was 0.53 [95% confidence limit {CL}, 0.42-0.68; p<0.001]) indicating a protective effect of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth in limiting disability (in 2008, it was 0.58 [95% CL, 0.45-0.73; p<0.001] and in 2009 0.34 [95% CL, 0.27-0.47; p<0.001]); the relative risk improved in 2009 after the introduction of the Spine Team at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth. There were no differences observed in rates of attrition from the period before the introduction of the Spine Team to after at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, and no overall differences could be statistically detected between the two sites." ]

[ "Can enquiries into severe acute maternal morbidity act as a surrogate for maternal death enquiries?<||||>To assess whether severe acute maternal morbidity (SAMM, 'near misses') can be used as a surrogate of an analysis of maternal deaths to describe the pattern of severe maternal disease and avoidable factors related to it.", "Can enquiries into severe acute maternal morbidity act as a surrogate for maternal death enquiries?<||||>Prospective, descriptive study.", "Can enquiries into severe acute maternal morbidity act as a surrogate for maternal death enquiries?<||||>A SAMM and maternal mortality audit was conducted in three clearly defined geographical areas, consisting of rural and urban settings in South Africa.", "Can enquiries into severe acute maternal morbidity act as a surrogate for maternal death enquiries?<||||>Indigent black African pregnant women.", "Can enquiries into severe acute maternal morbidity act as a surrogate for maternal death enquiries?<||||>Cases of SAMM and maternal deaths were collected in the areas and a comparison was made of the disease profiles and avoidable factors, missed opportunities and substandard care.", "Can enquiries into severe acute maternal morbidity act as a surrogate for maternal death enquiries?<||||>The proportion of primary obstetric causes and avoidable factors in women with SAMM and maternal deaths, and the mortality indices of the primary obstetric causes of death and organ system dysfunction.", "Can enquiries into severe acute maternal morbidity act as a surrogate for maternal death enquiries?<||||>A total of 423 women with SAMM and 128 maternal deaths were collected over two years. Demographic factors were similar between the groups except that significantly more maternal deaths had not attended any antenatal care. The primary obstetric causes of SAMM and maternal death did not correlate. The four most common causes of SAMM were complications of hypertension (27.2%), postpartum haemorrhage (18.0%), antepartum haemorrhage (12.8%) and abortion (11.3%), whereas the four most common causes of maternal death were non-pregnancy related sepsis (26.6%), complications of hypertension (23.4%), pre-existing medical disease (14.1%) and abortion (10.9%). The types of avoidable factors were similar between both groups although administrative factors occurred significantly more frequently in the maternal death group as did poor problem identification and monitoring." ]

[ "Can chemical burns and allergic contact dermatitis from higher concentrations of methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone be prevented?<||||>Skin exposure to biocides containing high concentrations of methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) may cause both severe chemical burns and induce sensitization.", "Can chemical burns and allergic contact dermatitis from higher concentrations of methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone be prevented?<||||>This study was performed to investigate whether sodium bisulfite, as a model substance, could be used for treatment of skin accidentally exposed to high concentrations of MCI/MI to prevent chemical burns and elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis.", "Can chemical burns and allergic contact dermatitis from higher concentrations of methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone be prevented?<||||>The reaction between Kathon WT and sodium bisulfite was studied with chemical methods. MCI/MI-hypersensitive patients and controls were patch tested with serial dilutions of Kathon CG and with reaction mixtures being about 30 seconds, 30 minutes, and 48 hours old.", "Can chemical burns and allergic contact dermatitis from higher concentrations of methylchloroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone be prevented?<||||>The concentrations of MCI/MI rapidly decreased after addition of sodium bisulfite. The degradation products did not elicit any irritant test reactions neither in test patients nor in controls. Five out of seven Kathon CG-hypersensitive patients reacted to a reaction mixture about 30 seconds old and containing MCI/MI at 14 ppm, whereas four and two individuals tested positively to the reaction mixtures being 30 minutes and 48 hours old, respectively. The controls tested negatively to all reaction mixtures. All tested persons reacted negatively to sodium bisulfite." ]

[ "Hermeneutic phenomenological interpretations of patients with head and neck neoplasm experiences living with radiation-induced xerostomia: the price to pay?<||||>Patients with head and neck neoplasms often experience a number of persistent treatment related symptoms including xerostomia. The impact of xerostomia can be profound and wearing on the patients, hence negatively influencing their quality of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the in-depth experiences of the patients living with radiation-induced xerostomia.", "Hermeneutic phenomenological interpretations of patients with head and neck neoplasm experiences living with radiation-induced xerostomia: the price to pay?<||||>This was a hermeneutic phenomenological study inspired by the Philosophy of Paul Ricoeur. Research data were retrieved with individual narratives from 15 patients diagnosed with head and neck neoplasm that underwent radiotherapy. Interpretation proceeded through three phases: naïve reading, structural analysis and comprehensive understanding.", "Hermeneutic phenomenological interpretations of patients with head and neck neoplasm experiences living with radiation-induced xerostomia: the price to pay?<||||>Five themes consisting of ten sub-themes emerged from the narratives reflecting on the patients' lived experiences. The themes were \"suffering of the body\", \"suffering of the person's world\", \"being helpless against xerostomia\", \"suffering of the mind\" and \"being alone\". The comprehensive understanding disclosed new possibilities for being-in-the world in relation to living with xerostomia." ]

[ "Does sex influence the impact that smoking, treatment interruption and impaired pulmonary function have on outcomes in limited stage small cell lung cancer treatment?<||||>To look for survival differences between men and women with limited stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) by examining stratified variables that impair treatment efficacy.", "Does sex influence the impact that smoking, treatment interruption and impaired pulmonary function have on outcomes in limited stage small cell lung cancer treatment?<||||>A retrospective review of 215 LS-SCLC patients treated from 1989 to 1999 with concurrent chemotherapy-radiotherapy modelled on the 'early-start' thoracic radiotherapy arm of a National Cancer Institute of Canada randomized trial.", "Does sex influence the impact that smoking, treatment interruption and impaired pulmonary function have on outcomes in limited stage small cell lung cancer treatment?<||||>Of 215 LS-SCLC patients, 126 (58.6%) were men and 89 (41.4%) were women. Smoking status during treatment for 186 patients (86.5%) was: 107 (58%) nonsmoking (NS) (76 [71%] male [M]; 31 [29%] female [F]) and 79 (42%) smoking (S) (36 M [46%]; 43 F [54%]) (continuing-to-smoke F versus M, P=0.001). Fifty-six patients (26%) had radiotherapy interruptions (RTI) during chemotherapy-radiotherapy because of toxicity. Radiotherapy breaks were not associated with sex (P=0.95). Survival by sex and smoking status at two years was: F + NS = 38.7%; F + S = 21.6%; M + NS = 22.9%; and M + S = 9.1% (P=0.0046). Survival by sex and RTI status at two years was: F + no RTI = 32.4%; F + RTI = 23.6%; M + no RTI = 23.0%; and M + RTI = 3.8% (P=0.0025). Diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was recorded for 86 patients (40%) and median survival by sex and DLCO was F = 16.7 months and M = 12.1 months for a DLCO less than 60%; and for a DLCO 60% or more, F = 15.1 months and M = 15.3 months. First relapses were recorded in 132 cases (61%), with chest failure in men (45%) greater than for women (35%) and cranial failure rates similar between sexes (48%). Upon multivariable analysis, continued smoking was the strongest negative factor affecting survival." ]

[ "Is there evidence of an estrogen effect on age-related lens opacities?<||||>To evaluate a possible association between estrogen and lens opacities.", "Is there evidence of an estrogen effect on age-related lens opacities?<||||>A prevalence survey of age-related eye disease.", "Is there evidence of an estrogen effect on age-related lens opacities?<||||>Beaver Dam, Wis.", "Is there evidence of an estrogen effect on age-related lens opacities?<||||>A total community sample of persons 43 through 84 years of age at the time of a private census were recruited for examination, medical history, and photographs of the lenses of the eyes. Data from women are included in this report.", "Is there evidence of an estrogen effect on age-related lens opacities?<||||>Photographs were graded by protocol for the presence and severity of age-related lens opacities.", "Is there evidence of an estrogen effect on age-related lens opacities?<||||>Current use of postmenopausal estrogens was associated with a decreased risk of more severe nuclear sclerosis. Younger age at menarche was also associated with a protective effect regarding nuclear sclerosis. Older age at menopause was associated with a decreased risk of cortical opacities." ]

[ "Is sphere assay useful for the identification of cancer initiating cells of the ovary?<||||>Current evidence suggests that the presence of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) has a role in chemoresistance and relapse. Surface markers such as CD44(+)/CD24(-), CD117(+), and CD133(+) expression have been reported as potential markers for TICs related to ovarian cancer and tumorigenic cell lines. In this study, we have investigated if spheroid forms are TIC specific or whether they can also be produced by somatic stem cells from healthy tissue in vitro. In addition, we also investigated the specificity of surface markers to identify TICs from papillary serous EOC patients.", "Is sphere assay useful for the identification of cancer initiating cells of the ovary?<||||>Cells were obtained from fresh tumors from 10 chemotherapy-naive patients with EOC, and cells from ovarian and tubal epithelium were obtained from 5 healthy menopausal women undergoing surgery for benign pathology and cultured in standard and in selective medium. Cells forming nonadherent spheroids were considered TICs, and the adherent cells were considered as non-TIC-like. Percentages of CD24(+), CD44(+), CD117(+), CD133(+), and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGF-R)(+) cell surface markers were analyzed by flow cytometry.", "Is sphere assay useful for the identification of cancer initiating cells of the ovary?<||||>Four of 10 EOC cell tissues were excluded from the study. Tumor cells cultured in selective medium developed spheroid forms after 1 to 7 weeks in 5 of 6 EOC patients. No spheroid forms were observed in cultures of cells from healthy women. Unlike previously published data, low levels of CD24(+), CD44(+), CD117(+), and VEGF-R(+) expression were observed in spheroid cells, whereas expression of CD133(+) was moderate but higher in adherent cells from papillary serous EOC cells in comparison with adherent cells from controls." ]

[ "Does sociotherapy lose importance in scientific discourse?<||||>Sociotherapy is an approved method in the treatment of mental disorders. The present study aimed at evaluating the role of sociotherapy in a scientific journal during the last 20 years.", "Does sociotherapy lose importance in scientific discourse?<||||>A systematic analysis of all papers published in the \"Psychiatrische Praxis\" in the years 1985/1986, 1995/1996 and 2005/2006 was carried out.", "Does sociotherapy lose importance in scientific discourse?<||||>During the last two decades the proportion of papers with sociotherapeutic topics has decreased significantly. 20 years ago one out of four articles dealt with sociotherapy, currently only one out of ten. In addition, the spectrum of themes is diminished, only the topics work rehabilitation and relatives are represented in the latest issues of the journal." ]

[ "Childhood overweight and obesity: is the gap closing the wrong way?<||||>Obesity is a significant public health issue. Obese children have an increased risk of developing chronic adult diseases. Knowledge of socio-economic distribution trends in childhood overweight/obesity is limited.", "Childhood overweight and obesity: is the gap closing the wrong way?<||||>Body mass indices for 3-year-old children resident in three South Wales localities from 1995 to 2005 were derived from the National Community Child Health Database (NCCHD) and examined in relation to residence lower super output area (LSOA) Townsend Material Deprivation Score.", "Childhood overweight and obesity: is the gap closing the wrong way?<||||>Over 11 years, 53-69% of children had height/weight measurements recorded (with little difference observed across deprivation fifths). Amalgamating the data for all 11 years showed no significant association of prevalence with LSOA socio-economic status. Annual trends varied substantially: the most deprived fifth had the lowest proportion on five, and the highest on six, occasions. Linear regression analysis suggested a greater rate of increase of overweight/obesity in children from most-deprived LSOA areas compared with those from least deprived areas (not statistically significant)." ]

[ "Conformational transitions provoked by organic solvents in beta-lactoglobulin: can a molten globule like intermediate be induced by the decrease in dielectric constant?<||||>It is known that nonnative states of protein molecules can exist in living cells and can be involved in a number of physiological processes. It has also been established that the membrane surface can be responsible for the partial denaturation of proteins due to negative charges on it. The local decrease in the effective dielectric constant of water near the organic surface has been suggested to be an additional driving force for protein denaturation in the membrane field, but data to confirm this suggestion were lacking.", "Conformational transitions provoked by organic solvents in beta-lactoglobulin: can a molten globule like intermediate be induced by the decrease in dielectric constant?<||||>Conformational transitions induced in beta-lactoglobulin by methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, dimethylformamide and dioxane were studied by near and far UV circular dichroism, steady-state tryptophan fluorescence and fluorescence decay of 8-anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonate (8-ANS). The existence of at least two noncoinciding cooperative transitions has been established in all solvent systems studied. The first of these transitions describes the disruption of rigid tertiary structure in protein molecules, while the second reflects the formation of an expanded helical conformation typical of proteins in concentrated organic solvents. This means that the organic solvents provoke the formation of a denatured intermediate state with pronounced secondary structure and native-like compactness. We show that the positions of maxima in fI versus dielectric constant dependence virtually coincide for all five solvent systems studied." ]

[ "Vascular training in the U.K.: femorodistal bypass, an index procedure?<||||>femorodistal bypass operation is one of three index procedures for vascular training in the U.K. Our aim is to determine the suitability of femorodistal bypass to be considered as an index procedure in the era of increasing utilisation of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA).", "Vascular training in the U.K.: femorodistal bypass, an index procedure?<||||>a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data.", "Vascular training in the U.K.: femorodistal bypass, an index procedure?<||||>a total of 526 patients with 608 chronic critically ischaemic limbs admitted to the vascular unit, at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, between January 1994 and December 1999 was included in the study.", "Vascular training in the U.K.: femorodistal bypass, an index procedure?<||||>revascularisation either by PTA, bypass surgery or a combination of both was attempted in 524 limbs (86%). Crural procedures were carried out on 71 limbs (14% of revascularised limbs). Primary crural procedures included 34 PTAs as a sole treatment (48%), and 37 femorodistal bypass operations (52%)." ]

[ "Does more than a single chest tube for mediastinal drainage affect outcomes after cardiac surgery?<||||>The use of 1 or more mediastinal chest tubes has traditionally been routine for all cardiac surgery procedures to deal with bleeding. However, it remains unproven whether multiple chest tubes offer a benefit over a single chest tube.", "Does more than a single chest tube for mediastinal drainage affect outcomes after cardiac surgery?<||||>All consecutive patients undergoing cardiac surgery (2005-2010) received at least 1 chest tube at the time of surgery based on surgeon preference. Patients were grouped into those receiving a single chest tube (SCT) and those receiving multiple chest tubes (MCT). The primary outcome was return to the operating room for bleeding or tamponade.", "Does more than a single chest tube for mediastinal drainage affect outcomes after cardiac surgery?<||||>A total of 5698 consecutive patients were assigned to 2 groups: 3045 to the SCT and 2653 to the MCT group. Patients in the SCT group were older, more often female and less likely to undergo isolated coronary artery bypass graft than those in the MCT group. Unadjusted outcomes for SCT and MCT, respectively, were return to the operating room for bleeding or tamponade (4.7% v. 5.0%; p = 0.50), intensive care unit stay longer than 48 hours (25.5% v. 27.9%; p = 0.041, postoperative stay>9 days (31.5% v. 33.1%; p = 0.20) and mortality (3.8% v. 4.6%; p = 0.16). Logistic regression analysis, adjusted for clinical differences between groups, showed that the number of chest tubes was not associated with return to the operating room for bleeding or tamponade." ]

[ "The reversed halo sign: pathognomonic pattern of pulmonary mucormycosis in leukemic patients with neutropenia?<||||>Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) is a life-threatening fungal infection with an increasing incidence among patients with acute leukemia. In some immunocompromised hosts, the reversed halo sign (RHS) has been described on the pulmonary computed tomographic (CT) scan of patients with mucormycosis.", "The reversed halo sign: pathognomonic pattern of pulmonary mucormycosis in leukemic patients with neutropenia?<||||>This study reports a single-center experience with PM exclusively in patients with acute leukemia. Clinical records, laboratory results, and CT scans were retrospectively analyzed to evaluate the clinical usefulness of the RHS for the early identification and treatment of PM, with regard to outcomes in these patients.", "The reversed halo sign: pathognomonic pattern of pulmonary mucormycosis in leukemic patients with neutropenia?<||||>Between 2003 and 2012, 16 cases of proven PM were diagnosed among 752 consecutive patients receiving chemotherapy for acute myeloblastic or lymphoblastic leukemia. At the time PM was diagnosed, all patients but one were neutropenic. The study of sequential thoracic CT scans showed that during the first week of the disease, the RHS was observed in 15 of 16 patients (94%). Initially, other radiologic findings (multiple nodules and pleural effusion) were less frequent, but appeared later in the course of the disease (6% and 12% before vs 64% and 55% after the first week). After the diagnosis of PM, median overall survival was 25 weeks (range, 3-193 weeks), and 6 patients (38%) died before day 90." ]

[ "Does catheter shape influence the success of right adrenal venous sampling?<||||>To evaluate the importance of selecting an appropriate catheter shape for the right adrenal vein (RAV) anatomy on CT to the success of right adrenal venous sampling (RAVS) by elucidating the interactions of anatomical factors with catheter shape.", "Does catheter shape influence the success of right adrenal venous sampling?<||||>130 patients with enhanced CT underwent RAVS using two catheters: catheter 1 was planar and catheter 2 was a three-dimensional shape. The following anatomical factors on CT were evaluated in each patient: presence of a right adrenal tumor, presence of a common trunk with an accessory right hepatic vein, diameter of the RAV, short and long diameters of the IVC, ratio of the long to the short diameter of IVC, and the transverse, modified transverse, and vertical angles of the RAV. RAVs were classified by direction on CT as lateral-caudal, lateral-cranial, medial-caudal, or medial-cranial. The technical feasibility of each catheter was evaluated by intragroup analysis.", "Does catheter shape influence the success of right adrenal venous sampling?<||||>108 patients underwent technically successful RAVS with one or both catheters. Eight of the 22 patients in whom RAVS was not successfully achieved by either catheter within ten minutes required microcatheters; other catheters were used in the other 14. The factors that were found to be associated with RAVS success were the modified transverse and the vertical angles (p < 0.01) of RAV on CT. Catheters 1 and 2 provided stable sampling in the lateral-caudal and medial groups, respectively." ]

[ "Can a community evidence-based asthma care program improve clinical outcomes?<||||>Asthma is associated with significant morbidity. Previous studies highlight significant variations in asthma management approaches within primary care settings where the adoption of published asthma guidelines is typically suboptimal.", "Can a community evidence-based asthma care program improve clinical outcomes?<||||>To determine whether the implementation of an evidence-based asthma care program in community primary care settings leads to improved clinical outcomes in asthma patients.", "Can a community evidence-based asthma care program improve clinical outcomes?<||||>A community-based participatory research project was implemented at 8 primary care practices across Ontario, Canada, consisting of elements based on the Canadian Asthma Consensus Guidelines (asthma care map, program standards, management flow chart and action plan). A total of 1408 patients aged 2-55 years participated. Conditional logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios (OR) comparing baseline to follow-up while adjusting for age, gender, socioeconomic status and other covariates. At 12-month follow-up, there were statistically significant reductions in self-reported asthma exacerbations from 77.8% to 54.5% [OR = 0.35; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.28-0.43]; emergency room visits due to asthma from 9.9% to 5.5% (OR = 0.47; 95% CI: 0.32-0.62); school absenteeism in children from 19.9% to 10.2% (OR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.25-0.54); productivity loss in adults from 12.0% to 10.3% (OR = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.34-0.71); uncontrolled daytime asthma symptoms from 62.4% to 41.4% (OR = 0.34; 95% CI: 0.27-0.42); and uncontrolled nighttime asthma symptoms from 46.4% to 25.4% (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.23-0.37)." ]

[ "Comparison of visibility of circumscribed masses on Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) and 2D mammography: are circumscribed masses better visualized and assured of being benign on DBT?<||||>To compare the visibility of circumscribed masses on digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) images and 2D mammograms and determine the usefulness of DBT for differentiation between benign and malignant circumscribed masses.", "Comparison of visibility of circumscribed masses on Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) and 2D mammography: are circumscribed masses better visualized and assured of being benign on DBT?<||||>Seventy-one (19 malignant and 52 benign) mammographic well-circumscribed masses were included. Visibility of the masses and halo signs on DBT images were retrospectively compared with 2D mammograms. The effects of mammographic breast density on mass visibility were also evaluated.", "Comparison of visibility of circumscribed masses on Digital Breast Tomosynthesis (DBT) and 2D mammography: are circumscribed masses better visualized and assured of being benign on DBT?<||||>For DBT, 83% were superior and 17% were equivalent in visibility of the masses to that of 2D, and superiority of DBT was significantly enhanced in the high breast density group compared with the low breast density group (91% vs 68%, respectively, p = 0.016). Three lesions were only detected on DBT. There was no significant difference in the superiority of DBT for lesion visibility between malignant and benign masses. The halo sign was detected in 58% lesions on DBT and in 4% on 2D (p<0.001)." ]

[ "Drug policy in Vietnam: a decade of change?<||||>Driven by the rapid spread of HIV, Vietnam's response to drug use has undergone significant transformation in the past decade. This paper seeks to identify and analyse factors that prompted these changes and to investigate their impact on the lives of people who use drugs.", "Drug policy in Vietnam: a decade of change?<||||>This policy analysis is based on a review of Vietnamese Government documents, peer-reviewed publications and the authors' knowledge of and involvement in drug policy in Vietnam.", "Drug policy in Vietnam: a decade of change?<||||>The last decade has witnessed a progressive change in the mindset of political leaders in Vietnam around illicit drug use and HIV issues. This has led to adoption of evidence-based interventions and the evolution of drug policy that support the scale up of these interventions. However, HIV prevalence among drug users at 31.5% remains high due to limited access to effective interventions and impediments caused by the compulsory treatment centre system." ]

[ "Do subclinical epileptiform discharges really affect short-term memory in children?<||||>Deficits in concentration, specific developmental disorders, and behaviour problems often impair the educational abilities of children and adolescents with epilepsy, even if the subjects are seizure-free. The impact of subclinical epileptiform discharges that persist despite adequate antiepileptic treatment is not yet understood. Some studies suggest that these lead to simultaneous transitory cognitive impairment, thereby affecting short-term memory functions. This study examines the impact of subclinical discharges on memory functions.", "Do subclinical epileptiform discharges really affect short-term memory in children?<||||>40 seizure-free children (10.3 +/- 3.5 years) with subclinical epileptiform discharges were examined by means of computerized EEG-coupled tests focussing on visuo-spatial and verbal short-term memory, in order to assess the temporal relation between discharges and test performance.", "Do subclinical epileptiform discharges really affect short-term memory in children?<||||>No significant differences in cognitive performance were detected in phases with and without epileptiform discharges; neither discharges>1.5 sec, nor multiple discharges within a test impaired performance. Moreover, performance was independent of the localisation of discharges and of the time of their occurrence during the test." ]

[ "Nail dystrophies, scalp and intergluteal/perianal psoriatic lesions: risk factors for psoriatic arthritis in mild skin psoriasis?<||||>The study was conducted between November 2008 and April 2009 on consecutive psoriatic outpatients referred to a service of dermatological consultations, on indication of other hospital specialists. Participants were affected by mild skin psoriasis, in particular with nail dystrophies and/or scalp and/or intergluteal/perianal lesions. The questionnaire provided by the Classification of Psoriatic Arthritis (CASPAR) study group was proposed to all patients and we added a question about the time of psoriasis onset.", "Nail dystrophies, scalp and intergluteal/perianal psoriatic lesions: risk factors for psoriatic arthritis in mild skin psoriasis?<||||>Eighty-seven subjects (34 males and 53 females) aged between 18 and 91 years (mean age 48 years) with such psoriatic features were recruited. Other 30 refused to take part to the study. Forty-seven per cent of these participants were found to suffer from PsA, in particular 83% of those with nail and scalp psoriasis, 40% of subjects with intergluteal/perianal involvement and 37% of patients with just scalp lesions. We present the first exploratory and observational study focused on a population with mild skin psoriasis, in order to evaluate if nail dystrophies, scalp or intergluteal/perianal psoriatic lesions might be indicative of a higher risk of PsA even in cases with mild skin psoriasis." ]

[ "Does mothers' postnatal depression influence the development of imitation?<||||>Links between mothers' postnatal depression (PND) and children's cognition have been identified in several samples, but the evidence is inconsistent. We hypothesized that PND may specifically interfere with infants' imitation, an early learning ability that features in early mother-infant interaction and is linked to memory, causal understanding and joint attention.", "Does mothers' postnatal depression influence the development of imitation?<||||>A randomly controlled experiment on imitation was embedded into a longitudinal study of a representative sample of firstborn British infants, whose mothers were assessed for depression using the SCAN interview during pregnancy and at 6 months postpartum. At a mean of 12.8 months, 253 infants were presented with two imitation tasks that varied in difficulty, in counterbalanced order.", "Does mothers' postnatal depression influence the development of imitation?<||||>The infants of mothers who experienced PND were significantly less likely than other infants in the sample to imitate the modelled actions, showing a 72% reduction in the likelihood of imitation. The association with PND was not explained by sociodemographic adversity, or a history of depression during pregnancy or prior to conception. Mothers' references to infants' internal states during mother-infant interaction at 6 months facilitated imitation at 12 months, but did not explain the link with PND." ]

[ "Do young and older adults have different health care priorities?<||||>This article compares the inpatient experience of young versus older adults, and assesses the relative importance of different aspects of health care in these two groups.", "Do young and older adults have different health care priorities?<||||>The study comprised adult inpatients in 161 English hospitals.", "Do young and older adults have different health care priorities?<||||>Standardized scores were calculated covering overall care and eight domains of patient experience (consistency, respect, involvement, nursing, doctors, cleanliness, pain control, and privacy). Values for young and older adults were compared. Additionally, Fisher r-to-z transformation was used to assess age differences in the strength of correlation between overall care and individual care domains.", "Do young and older adults have different health care priorities?<||||>Young people reported a poorer experience across all aspects of inpatient care (p<.01). Compared with older adults, young men's overall care rating was more strongly correlated to pain control, and young women's to respect and doctors' characteristics (p<.05)." ]

[ "Is the P25L a \"real\" VHL mutation?<||||>The von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene has two translational initiation sites separated by 53 codons. Both proteins have been detected in cells and have equivalent activity. A mutation in the first 53 codons of the open reading frame has no effect on the structure of the smaller protein. As expected, the vast majority of VHL mutations are downstream of the second initiation site and alter both proteins. However, several candidate mutations have been found in the first 53 codons, including a substitution of leucine for proline at position 25 (P25L) of the larger protein.", "Is the P25L a \"real\" VHL mutation?<||||>DNA sequence analysis showed two VHL gene mutations, P25L and P86R, in an individual with a clinical diagnosis of VHL disease. Both mutations have been reported previously. P25L alters only the upstream protein, whereas P86R alters both VHL proteins. Based on the positions of the mutations, P86R is more likely to be pathogenically significant than the P25L mutation. A survey of anonymized DNAs for P25L, using allele-specific PCR, revealed that it is a variant with an allele frequency of approximately 0.5%." ]

[ "Are admission systolic blood pressures predictive of outcomes in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage after aggressive blood pressure management?<||||>High blood pressure (HBP) is observed frequently in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (SICH). Although HBP at admission has been associated with poor outcomes, most studies from which such conclusions were derived had been carried out decades earlier, when aggressive BP management was not implemented. In our institution, SICH patients showing HBP undergo aggressive BP management by intravenous nicardipine with target systolic BP (SBP) less than 140 mmHg. We investigated whether responsiveness to intravenous nicardipine, haematoma expansion rate and activity of daily living 90 days after admission differed by the degree of admission SBP.", "Are admission systolic blood pressures predictive of outcomes in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage after aggressive blood pressure management?<||||>A retrospective study was carried out by reviewing charts of 120 SICH patients admitted within 6 h of onset who were quadrichotomized on the basis of SBP:<140 mmHg (n=6), 140-184 mmHg (n=49), 185-219 mmHg (n=38) and ≥220 mmHg (n=27). The six patients with SBP less than 140 mmHg were excluded, and demographic and outcome variables of the latter three groups were compared. Whether plasma catecholamine levels differed among the three groups was also investigated.", "Are admission systolic blood pressures predictive of outcomes in patients with spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage after aggressive blood pressure management?<||||>Optimal BP management (target SBP<140 mmHg) within 2 h of arrival was achieved in 98%, haematoma expansion occurred in 7% and the 90-day mortality rate was 11%. Responsiveness to intravenous nicardipine, haematoma expansion rate and activity of daily living were not significantly different. Furthermore, plasma catecholamine levels did not differ significantly." ]

[ "Can contemporary patients with biopsy Gleason score 3+4 be eligible for active surveillance?<||||>We analyzed whether expansion of existing active surveillance (AS) protocols to include men with biopsy Gleason score (GS) 3+4 prostate cancer (PCa) would significantly alter pathologic and biochemical outcomes of potential candidates of AS.", "Can contemporary patients with biopsy Gleason score 3+4 be eligible for active surveillance?<||||>Among patients who underwent radical prostatectomy at our center between 2006 and 2013, we identified 577 patients (group A) who preoperatively fulfilled at least one of 6 different AS criteria. Also, we identified 217 patients (group B) with biopsy GS 3+4 but fulfilled non-GS criteria from at least one of 6 AS criteria. Designating group C as expanded group incorporating all patients in group A and B, we compared risk of unfavorable disease (pathologic GS ≥ 4+3 and/or pathologic T stage ≥ pT3a) and biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival between groups.", "Can contemporary patients with biopsy Gleason score 3+4 be eligible for active surveillance?<||||>Rates of unfavorable disease were not significantly different between patients of group A and C who met AS criteria from 5 institutions (all p>0.05), not including University of Toronto (p<0.001). Also BCR-free survivals were not significantly different between patients in group A and C meeting each of 6 AS criteria (all p>0.05). Among group B, PSAD>0.15 ng/mL/cm3 (p = 0.011) and tumor length of biopsy GS 3+4 core>4 mm (p = 0.007) were significant predictors of unfavorable disease. When these two criteria were newly applied in defining group B, rates of unfavorable disease in group A and B was 15.6% and 14.7%, respectively (p = 0.886)." ]

[ "Bony vibration stimulation test combined with magnetic resonance imaging. Can discography be replaced?<||||>The results of two noninvasive methods, magnetic resonance imaging and a bony vibration test, were compared with discographic pain provocation findings.", "Bony vibration stimulation test combined with magnetic resonance imaging. Can discography be replaced?<||||>To evaluate whether the combination of magnetic resonance imaging and vibration pain provocation tests could be used to replace discography in low back pain diagnostics.", "Bony vibration stimulation test combined with magnetic resonance imaging. Can discography be replaced?<||||>Magnetic resonance imaging gives a wealth of visual information on anatomic changes of the spine with often unknown clinical significance. Discographic examination of the spine is still the only widely accepted diagnostic method that can relate the pathoanatomic changes to the patient's clinical pain. Internal anular rupture has been shown to be one of the sources of back pain. The bony vibration test of the spinal processes has been shown correlate well with discographic pain provocation tests in cases of internal anular rupture.", "Bony vibration stimulation test combined with magnetic resonance imaging. Can discography be replaced?<||||>The three lowest lumbar discs of 33 patients with back pain were examined by means of magnetic resonance imaging and a bony vibration stimulation test, and the results were compared with those from computed tomography-discography.", "Bony vibration stimulation test combined with magnetic resonance imaging. Can discography be replaced?<||||>In cases of intradiscal magnetic resonance imaging findings, the vibration provocation test showed a sensitivity of 0.88 and a specificity of 0.50 compared with the discographic pain provocation test. If the patients with previous back surgery were excluded, the specificity was 0.75. In the cases of total anular rupture, the sensitivity was 0.50, and the specificity was 0.33." ]

[ "Pathologic assessment of non-palpable probably benign breast masses at sonography: can instant intervention be avoided and is follow-up adequate?<||||>To evaluate the pathologic results, determine the negative predictive value of non-palpable probably benign lesions at ultrasound and asses whether follow-up is adequate and immediate biopsy can be avoided.", "Pathologic assessment of non-palpable probably benign breast masses at sonography: can instant intervention be avoided and is follow-up adequate?<||||>Four hundred and eight cases which were referred to our breast imaging unit between 2004 and 2008 for biopsy evaluation were enrolled into the study. Two hundred and thirteen probably benign solid masses are classified as BI-RADS 3 in 205 of the enrollees. All masses were sonographically detectable and were classified through the guidelines of BI-RADS lexicon for sonography before the final pathological examination. All pathologic results were evaluated and the negative predictive value, false negativity rate and 95% confidence interval were calculated.", "Pathologic assessment of non-palpable probably benign breast masses at sonography: can instant intervention be avoided and is follow-up adequate?<||||>Of the 213 masses, fine needle aspiration cytology was performed in 120. US-guided wire localization and eventual surgery were carried out in the remaining 93 masses. Finally, 211 of the punctured lesions turned out to be benign and only two malignant lesions were detected. The resulting negative predictive value was found to be 99.1% while the false negative rate value was 0.9%." ]

[ "Can greater muscularity in larger individuals resolve the 3/4 power-law controversy when modelling maximum oxygen uptake?<||||>The power function relationship, MR = a.m(b), between metabolic rate (MR) and body mass m has been the source of much controversy amongst biologists for many years. Various studies have reported mass exponents (b) greater than the anticipated 'surface-area' exponent 0.67, often closer to 0.75 originally identified by Kleiber.AIM: The study aimed to provide a biological explanation for these 'inflated' exponents when modelling maximum oxygen uptake (max), based on the observations from this and previous studies that larger individuals develop disproportionately more muscle mass in the arms and legs.", "Can greater muscularity in larger individuals resolve the 3/4 power-law controversy when modelling maximum oxygen uptake?<||||>A cross-sectional study of 119 professional soccer players from Croatia aged 18-34 was carried out.", "Can greater muscularity in larger individuals resolve the 3/4 power-law controversy when modelling maximum oxygen uptake?<||||>Here we confirm that the power function relationship between max and body mass of the professional soccer players results in an 'inflated' mass exponent of 0.75 (95% confidence interval from 0.56 to 0.93), but also the larger soccer players have disproportionately greater leg muscle girths. When the analysis was repeated incorporating the calf and thigh muscle girths rather than body mass as predictor variables, the analysis not only explained significantly more of the variance in max, but the sum of the exponents confirmed a surface-area law." ]

[ "Kidney protection in preventing post-ischaemic renal failure during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair: does prostaglandin E1 together with cooling provide more protection than cooling alone?<||||>Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) is known to have a positive effect on kidney function after kidney ischaemia due to aortic clamping. Side effects of PGE1 are a decrease of systemic blood pressure and prevention of thrombocyte clotting, both being undesired during repair of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAA). The aim of this study was to evaluate, whether intraoperative and intraarterial kidney perfusion with 4 degrees Ringer's lactate plus 1000 IU of heparin/l plus 20 micrograms PGE1/l is more effective in preventing postischaemic kidney dysfunction than cold perfusion without PGE1.", "Kidney protection in preventing post-ischaemic renal failure during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair: does prostaglandin E1 together with cooling provide more protection than cooling alone?<||||>In the time period from I/1996 until X/1998 58 patients underwent aortic repair for TAA type II, III, or IV (Crawford's classification). Ten patients fulfilled the criteria for this study: renal artery stenosis or occlusion was excluded by angiography pre- and postoperatively. By means of szintigraphy an at least 30% participation in renal function had to be proven for every kidney. Intraoperatively both kidneys had to be excluded from circulation simultaneously. The left kidney in each patient was perfused with 4 degrees Ringer's lactate plus 1000 IU of heparin/l plus 20 micrograms PGE1/l. The right kidney was perfused with a solution of the same temperature plus heparin but without PGE1.", "Kidney protection in preventing post-ischaemic renal failure during thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair: does prostaglandin E1 together with cooling provide more protection than cooling alone?<||||>There was an intermittent increase of creatinin and/or urea in each patient postoperatively. By renal szintigraphy, which was performed after a mean time of 9 (5-13) days postoperatively, a shift of renal function from one kidney to the other could be excluded." ]

[ "Increasing the sensitivity of endocervical curettings by performing ThinPrep® Pap on transport container fluid: is diagnostic material going down the drain?<||||>The sensitivity of endocervical curettage (ECC) can be suboptimal because of limited epithelial tissue. The false-negative rate for ECC in patients with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia involving the endocervical canal has been reported to be 45%. ECC samples are transported to pathology in formalin- or saline-filled containers; this fluid is discarded after the specimen has been submitted. We evaluated the utility of performing liquid-based cytological preparations from ECC transport container fluid as a way to increase the sensitivity of ECC specimens.", "Increasing the sensitivity of endocervical curettings by performing ThinPrep® Pap on transport container fluid: is diagnostic material going down the drain?<||||>Consecutive ECC specimens received at one of the two participating institutions were selected prospectively. A surgical pathology mesh bag was placed over a ThinPrep(®) CytoLyt(®) solution container, and the specimen was filtered through the bag, collecting the transport fluid in the container. The CytoLyt(®) was processed to obtain a container fluid ThinPrep(®) (CF-TP) liquid-based Papanicolaou (Pap) slide. The CF-TP slides were reviewed and the findings were compared with those from the ECC and follow-up specimens.", "Increasing the sensitivity of endocervical curettings by performing ThinPrep® Pap on transport container fluid: is diagnostic material going down the drain?<||||>The cohort included 53 patients. Discrepancies between CF-TP and ECC were seen in 14 of the 53 patients (26%); a more significant lesion was identified in CF-TP relative to ECC in 13 of these cases. CF-TP diagnosis was confirmed in eight of 11 cases with histological follow-up. A positive CF-TP result was confirmed by histology in six of nine cases with negative ECC." ]

[ "Clinical outcome of 251 patients with extrahepatic metastasis at initial diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: does transarterial chemoembolization improve survival in these patients?<||||>The therapeutic efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) has not been evaluated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with extrahepatic metastasis. We investigated the efficacy of TACE with/without systemic chemotherapy (s-chemo) in these patients.", "Clinical outcome of 251 patients with extrahepatic metastasis at initial diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: does transarterial chemoembolization improve survival in these patients?<||||>We performed a survival analysis of consecutive HCC patients with extrahepatic metastasis, diagnosed at initial presentation according to treatment modality after stratification, using the Child-Pugh classification and intrahepatic HCC T stage, retrospectively.", "Clinical outcome of 251 patients with extrahepatic metastasis at initial diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: does transarterial chemoembolization improve survival in these patients?<||||>Between 2005 and 2007, 251 patients were newly diagnosed with HCC involving extrahepatic metastasis at our institution. Among those, 226 were classified as Child-Pugh A-B and the other 25, Child-Pugh C. Within the Child-Pugh A-B group, repeated TACE or transarterial chemoinfusion (TACI) was performed with/without s-chemo in 171 patients. Eight of 226 received s-chemo alone, and 47, conservative management (CM) alone. The median survival time of patients treated with TACE/TACI with s-chemo, TACE/TACI alone, and CM was 10, 5, and 2.9 months in patients classified as Child-Pugh A and T3-stage HCC (TACE/TACI with s-chemo vs CM, P=0.0354; TACE/TACI alone vs CM, P=0.0553) and 7.1, 2.6, and 1.6 months in Child-Pugh B and T3-stage patients, respectively (TACE/TACI with s-chemo vs CM, P=0.0097; TACE/TACI alone vs CM, P<0.0001). Individual treatment with TACE/TACI or sorafenib showed independent prognostic significance in the multivariate analysis." ]

[ "Does positron emission tomography scanning improve survival in patients undergoing potentially curative lung resections for non-small-cell lung cancer?<||||>To determine if positron emission tomography (PET) scanning has resulted in an improvement in the short- and long-term survival of patients undergoing potentially curative resections for non-small-cell lung cancer. No publications exist to demonstrate an increased survival of patients with lung cancer due to the use of PET scanning. If PET scanning reduces unnecessary resections, the results from surgery should be improved with its introduction.", "Does positron emission tomography scanning improve survival in patients undergoing potentially curative lung resections for non-small-cell lung cancer?<||||>A prospective thoracic surgery database was retrospectively analysed. Patients (N=1999), who had undergone potentially curative resections for non-small-cell lung cancer, and those who had a PET scan pre operatively (N=934), were compared with patients who had not undergone PET scanning (N=1065), prior to surgical resection. PET scanning became routine for all patients 4 years ago in our unit. Staging was defined as pathological staging to eliminate bias by 'better' preoperative staging due multislice computed tomography (CT) and PET scanning. Propensity matching based on Cox regression analysis was performed for survival analysis at each stage.", "Does positron emission tomography scanning improve survival in patients undergoing potentially curative lung resections for non-small-cell lung cancer?<||||>Propensity matching revealed that the introduction of routine PET scanning did not result in improved survival in the short or long term, for patients undergoing resections for stage Ia (N=271 in each matched group), p=0.74, stage Ib (N=321 in each matched group), p=0.43 and stage II (N=164 in each matched group), p=0.06. PET has however resulted in a significant increased survival for patients undergoing resections for stage III primary lung cancer (N=68 in each matched group), p=0.03." ]

[ "Does problem-solving training for family caregivers benefit their care recipients with severe disabilities?<||||>To examine whether an individualized problem-solving intervention provided to family caregivers of persons with severe disabilities provides benefits to both caregivers and their care recipients.", "Does problem-solving training for family caregivers benefit their care recipients with severe disabilities?<||||>Family caregivers were randomly assigned to an education-only control group or a problem-solving training (PST) intervention group. Participants received monthly contacts for 1 year.", "Does problem-solving training for family caregivers benefit their care recipients with severe disabilities?<||||>Family caregivers (129 women, 18 men) and their care recipients (81 women, 66 men) consented to participate.", "Does problem-solving training for family caregivers benefit their care recipients with severe disabilities?<||||>Caregivers completed the Social Problem-Solving Inventory-Revised, the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression scale, the Satisfaction with Life scale, and a measure of health complaints at baseline and in 3 additional assessments throughout the year. Care recipient depression was assessed with a short form of the Hamilton Depression Scale.", "Does problem-solving training for family caregivers benefit their care recipients with severe disabilities?<||||>Latent growth modeling was used to analyze data from the dyads. Caregivers who received PST reported a significant decrease in depression over time, and they also displayed gains in constructive problem-solving abilities and decreases in dysfunctional problem-solving abilities. Care recipients displayed significant decreases in depression over time, and these decreases were significantly associated with decreases in caregiver depression in response to training." ]

[ "Is prostate cancer screening worthy in southern European male populations?<||||>To investigate the frequency of PSA-detected prostate cancer among non-symptomatic Greek males.", "Is prostate cancer screening worthy in southern European male populations?<||||>A prospective study on prostate cancer (PC) screening was performed in a representative sample of asymptomatic Greek males aged 40-75 years in Eleusina, (Greece) between January and November 2001. Indication for prostate biopsy was a PSA value above 3.0 ng/mL on repeat examination. Patients found with PC at biopsy received the appropriate treatment. Ten years later, patients initially diagnosed with PC were surveyed between June and July 2011 by telephone interview, in order to evaluate PC screening effects. Outcomes examined included: overall survival, disease-free survival and cancer mortality.", "Is prostate cancer screening worthy in southern European male populations?<||||>309 asymptomatic males were screened. The mean age of the study population was 62 years (median 62). The PSA median was 1.1 ng/mL with 90.2% presenting with<3.0 ng/mL. Seven out of 29 patients found with a serum PSA value above 3.0 ng/mL (9.8%) were finally diagnosed with PC at biopsy. During the survey time the two patients with prostate carcinoma of low differentiation died despite aggressive treatment. Of the remaining 5 patients diagnosed with PC, one died of causes other than PC, 2 are disease-free while 2 patients are alive with the disease." ]

[ "Individualised quality of life after pacing. Does mode matter?<||||>To examine the hypothesis that atrial based pacing improves Quality of Life (QoL) after pacing by undertaking a detailed QoL evaluation that includes an individualised assessment as well as disease specific evaluation.", "Individualised quality of life after pacing. Does mode matter?<||||>Prospective study of patients randomised to VVI(R) or atrial based pacing modes using the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual QoL (SEIQoL), the 36-item Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form General Health Survey (SF36), and a modified version of the Karolinska Cardiovascular Symptomatology Questionnaire (KCSQ).", "Individualised quality of life after pacing. Does mode matter?<||||>Seventy-three patients completed the two-year follow up of the study. Pacing improved SEIQoL scores, cardiovascular symptoms and the physical role limitation, social limitation and mental health domains of SF36 from baseline to one month. Pacing mode had no effect on QoL the major determinants of which were baseline QoL and a history of coronary artery disease." ]

[ "An evaluation of fracture stabilization comparing kyphoplasty and titanium mesh repair techniques for vertebral compression fractures: is bone cement necessary?<||||>In vitro biomechanical investigation using human cadaveric vertebral bodies.", "An evaluation of fracture stabilization comparing kyphoplasty and titanium mesh repair techniques for vertebral compression fractures: is bone cement necessary?<||||>To evaluate differences in biomechanical stability of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) repaired using an expandable titanium mesh implant, with and without cement, as compared with standard balloon kyphoplasty.", "An evaluation of fracture stabilization comparing kyphoplasty and titanium mesh repair techniques for vertebral compression fractures: is bone cement necessary?<||||>Vertebral augmentation, either in the form of vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty, is the treatment of choice for some VCFs. Polymethylmethacrylate, a common bone cement used in this procedure, has been shown to possibly cause injury to neural and vascular structures due to extravasation, embolization, and may be too rigid for an osteoporotic spine. Therefore, suitable alternatives for the treatment of VCFs have been sought.", "An evaluation of fracture stabilization comparing kyphoplasty and titanium mesh repair techniques for vertebral compression fractures: is bone cement necessary?<||||>Individual vertebral bodies from 5 human cadaveric spines (from T4 to L5) were stripped of all soft tissues, and compressed at 25% of the intact height using methods previously described. Vertebral bodies were then randomly assigned to the following repair techniques: (1) conventional kyphoplasty, (2) titanium implant with cement, (3) titanium implant without cement. All vertebral bodies were then recompressed at 25% of the repaired height. Yield load, ultimate load, and stiffness were recorded and compared in these groups before and after treatment.", "An evaluation of fracture stabilization comparing kyphoplasty and titanium mesh repair techniques for vertebral compression fractures: is bone cement necessary?<||||>There were no differences in biomechanical data between intact groups, and between repaired groups. In all 3 treatment groups, yield load and ultimate load of repaired vertebrae were similar to that of intact vertebrae. However, the stiffness following repair was found to be statistically less than the stiffness of the intact vertebral body (P<0.05 for all comparisons)." ]

[ "Using magnetic resonance angiography to measure abnormal synovial blood vessels in early inflammatory arthritis: a new imaging biomarker?<||||>To ascertain whether magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can reliably detect synovial neovascularization in subjects with early inflammatory arthritis.", "Using magnetic resonance angiography to measure abnormal synovial blood vessels in early inflammatory arthritis: a new imaging biomarker?<||||>Subjects with 6 weeks to 6 months of clinical evidence of inflammatory hand arthritis had a radiograph, power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and contrast enhanced MRA performed on the more symptomatic hand. Ultrasound examination of the wrist and 2nd-5th metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints was scored for erosions, synovial thickening, and synovial blood flow. MRI were assessed using the OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis MRI Score (RAMRIS). MRA was used to assess the number of abnormal vessels in the 2nd-5th MCP and in the wrist.", "Using magnetic resonance angiography to measure abnormal synovial blood vessels in early inflammatory arthritis: a new imaging biomarker?<||||>Of 30 subjects, 66.7% showed abnormal vasculature on MRA in the MCP and/or wrist; mean number of abnormal vessels was 5.24 (range 0-22). Number of abnormal vessels on MRA was strongly correlated with degree of blood flow seen in the corresponding area on PDU (r = 0.79, p<or= 0.0001). The number of abnormal vessels was highly correlated with MRI MCP synovitis scores (r = 0.69, p<or= 0.0001), MRI wrist synovitis scores (r = 0.73, p<or= 0.0001), and ultrasound synovitis scores (r = 0.68, p<or= 0.0001)." ]

[ "A comparison of stages IB1 and IB2 cervical cancers treated with radical hysterectomy. Is size the real difference?<||||>To compare stages IB1 and IB2 cervical cancers treated with radical hysterectomy (RH) and to define predictors of nodal status and recurrence.", "A comparison of stages IB1 and IB2 cervical cancers treated with radical hysterectomy. Is size the real difference?<||||>Patients with stage IB cervical cancers undergoing RH between 1990 and 2000 were evaluated and clinicopathological variables were abstracted. The perioperative complication rate, estimated blood loss (EBL), and OR time were also tabulated. Variables were analyzed using X(2) and t tests. Disease-free survival (DFS) was calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed via stepwise logistic regression. Cox-proportional hazards were used to identify independent predictors of recurrence.", "A comparison of stages IB1 and IB2 cervical cancers treated with radical hysterectomy. Is size the real difference?<||||>RH was performed on 109 stage IB1 and 86 stage IB2 patients. Mean age, EBL, and perioperative complication rates were similar. Overall, 38 patients (14 IB1 vs. 24 IB2) had positive nodes (P = 0.01) including 9 patients with positive para-aortic nodes (2 IB1 and 7 IB2). Parametrial involvement (PI) and outer 2/3 depth of invasion (DOI) were significantly more common in the IB2 tumors as well. Patients with IB2 disease received adjuvant radiation more frequently than IB1 patients (52% vs. 37%, P = 0.04). Univariate predictors of nodal status included lymphovascular space involvement (LVSI) (P = 0.001), DOI (P = 0.011), PI (P = 0.001), and stage (P = 0.011). Multivariate analysis identified only LVSI (OR 6.4, CI 2.4-17, P = 0. 0002) and PI (OR 8, CI 3.1-20, P = 0. 0001) as independent predictors of positive nodes. With a median follow-up of 35 months, estimates of DFS revealed tumor size (P = 0.008), nodal status (P = 0.0004), LVSI (P = 0.002), PI (P = 0.004), and DOI (P = 0.0004) as significant univariate predictors. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy, age, grade, histology, and adjuvant radiation were not associated with recurrence. The significant independent predictors of DFS were LVSI (ROR 5.7, CI 2-16, P = 0.0064) and outer 2/3 DOI (OR 5.8, CI 2-20, P = 0.0029). Neither tumor size nor nodal status was a significant predictor of DFS." ]

[ "Do performance appraisals of registered nurses reflect a relationship between hospital size and caring?<||||>Patients and family members expect nurses to demonstrate caring during their contact with patients. If caring is so important, it should be measured on the performance appraisals of registered nurses.", "Do performance appraisals of registered nurses reflect a relationship between hospital size and caring?<||||>Watson's carative factors. A review of performance appraisals, for evidence of Watson's carative factors, for medical-surgical nurse positions from 87 hospitals in one Midwestern state.", "Do performance appraisals of registered nurses reflect a relationship between hospital size and caring?<||||>Facility size did not seem to be associated with the appearance of Watson's carative factors. Size of facility was only significant between small hospitals and Watson's carative factor two, sustaining faith and hope." ]

[ "Is obstetric and neonatal outcome worse in fetuses who fail to reach their own growth potential?<||||>To determine the perinatal outcome of fetuses who had birthweights less than that expected from early third trimester ultrasound scanning.", "Is obstetric and neonatal outcome worse in fetuses who fail to reach their own growth potential?<||||>Retrospective estimation of centile fetal weight at early third trimester ultrasound scanning compared with actual centile birthweight corrected for gestational age, parity and sex.", "Is obstetric and neonatal outcome worse in fetuses who fail to reach their own growth potential?<||||>Teaching Hospital Obstetric Unit, London.", "Is obstetric and neonatal outcome worse in fetuses who fail to reach their own growth potential?<||||>197 unselected women with singleton cephalic pregnancies who were delivered at term in our unit between October 1989 and May 1990.", "Is obstetric and neonatal outcome worse in fetuses who fail to reach their own growth potential?<||||>CTG abnormality, need for fetal blood sampling in labour, meconium-staining of the amniotic fluid, mode of delivery, Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, need for transfer of baby to neonatal unit, and need for neonatal intubation of the neonate at delivery.", "Is obstetric and neonatal outcome worse in fetuses who fail to reach their own growth potential?<||||>An actual birthweight greater than 5% less than the birthweight estimated from ultrasound scanning identified 44 babies (22%) with an increased risk of CTG abnormalities (chi 2 = 8.38, P less than 0.0025; Odds ratio (OR) = 2.54; 95% CI 1.36 to 4.78) and need for operative delivery (chi 2 = 5.81, P less than 0.0125; OR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.15 to 3.27), when compared with the remainder of the sample. Overall 14 (32%) of this group had birthweights above the 50th centile. A group of 44 babies selected as being the smallest for gestational age, without reference to growth pattern, had a similar excess morbidity. (All this group had birthweights below the 39th centile)." ]

[ "A comparison between bipedal and quadrupedal rats: do bipedal rats actually assume an upright posture?<||||>A basic science animal investigation.", "A comparison between bipedal and quadrupedal rats: do bipedal rats actually assume an upright posture?<||||>To determine if bipedal rats differ in upright posture compared with quadrupedal rats.", "A comparison between bipedal and quadrupedal rats: do bipedal rats actually assume an upright posture?<||||>It has been reported that surgically induced bipedalism in the rat leads to habitual upright posture. Based on this finding, bipedal rats have been used to study the changes erect posture induces in bone, ligament, muscle, and intervertebral discs. Previous studies have used direct observation as a means to describe posture. This study is the first to quantify postural differences between bipedal and quadrupedal rats.", "A comparison between bipedal and quadrupedal rats: do bipedal rats actually assume an upright posture?<||||>Eleven bipedal rats were created by forelimb and tail amputation within 24 hours of birth. Eleven quadrupedal rats served as controls. Specialized cages were used with infrared sensors, and a computer program measured the total amount of time in the upright stance, the number of stands, and the amount of horizontal movement in the upright stance. Statistical comparisons were made between bipedal and quadrupedal rats hourly and over a 24-hour period of time.", "A comparison between bipedal and quadrupedal rats: do bipedal rats actually assume an upright posture?<||||>Quadrupedal rats assumed an upright posture for a significantly greater amount of time than bipedal rats when monitored over 24 hours (P = 0.016). Quadrupedal and bipedal rats did not differ in the number of stands (P = 0.63) or in the amount of horizontal movement in the upright stance (P = 0.34) over 24 hours. Similar results were obtained when comparing hourly intervals." ]

[ "Do declining private insurance coverage rates influence pediatric hospital charging practices?<||||>To analyze trends in primary payer composition for pediatric hospitalizations and insurance coverage rates from 2000 to 2006 and possible effects on hospital charging practices.", "Do declining private insurance coverage rates influence pediatric hospital charging practices?<||||>We documented national trends in hospital charge-to-cost ratios and primary payer mixes for pediatric discharges from 2000 to 2006 using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kid's Inpatient Database (KID). We then performed regression analyses at the hospital level to analyze associations between pediatric insurance coverage rates and hospital charge-to-cost ratios.", "Do declining private insurance coverage rates influence pediatric hospital charging practices?<||||>We found pediatric inpatient charge-to-cost ratios increased dramatically during study period. Charge-to-cost ratios were higher for hospitals located in states with either higher uninsurance rates or a public-private coverage mix that was skewed towards public coverage." ]

[ "Is androgenetic alopecia a risk for atherosclerosis?<||||>Several studies have demonstrated the presence of an association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with AGA and healthy controls by the incorporation of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) along with echocardiography (ECHO) and exercise electrocardiography (ExECG).", "Is androgenetic alopecia a risk for atherosclerosis?<||||>We performed a case-control study in 50 male patients with AGA and 31 age-matched healthy male controls with normal hair status. Both the AGA patients and controls with a history of diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, hypertension, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease, and renal failure were excluded. AGA was classified according to the Hamilton-Norwood scale. Serum lipids, serum hs-CRP, total testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were examined in all study subjects. Carotid ultrasonography was used to measure the IMT of the common carotid arteries (CCA). ECHO and ExECG were performed in all subjects.", "Is androgenetic alopecia a risk for atherosclerosis?<||||>IMT of the CCA was found to be significantly higher in patients with severe vertex pattern AGA when compared to patients with other patterns of AGA and healthy controls (P<0.05). Hs-CRP in patients with any group of AGA was not significantly different from those healthy controls (P>0.05). ECHO showed that cardiac structural and functional measures were in normal ranges. ExECG was also normal in all subjects." ]

[ "Can diffusion-weighted MRI determine complete responders after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer?<||||>We aimed to prospectively determine if analyzing pre- and post-chemoradiotheraphy (CRT) changes in the signal intensity (SI) and apperent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values from diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) can accurately predict complete responders for locally advanced rectal cancer.", "Can diffusion-weighted MRI determine complete responders after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer?<||||>Thirty patients (mean age, 54.3 years) with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant CRT and subsequent surgery were included in this study. All patients were evaluated pre- and post-CRT by standardized turbo spin echo and DW-MRI. Pre- and post-CRT tumor and normal rectal wall SI (which were gradually scored as very high, high, intermediate, low, and no signal) and ADC values were recorded.", "Can diffusion-weighted MRI determine complete responders after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for locally advanced rectal cancer?<||||>Tumor SIs were decreased in all of the patients that had a therapy response. However, complete tumor SI loss was only seen in two (22.2%) of nine patients with a pathological complete response, while it regressed to low and/or intermediate SI levels in the remaining seven patients (77.8%). Post-CRT ADC values of rectal tumors were significantly higher from the preCRT ADC values (P<0.0001; Z=-9.39). However, post-CRT ADC values from the complete and partial/no response patient groups were not significantly different (P = 0.071; Z=-1.99)." ]

[ "Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: is enzyme elevation a consistent finding in tubular injury?<||||>Measurement of urinary enzymes facilitates early detection of acute renal impairment. Since in the case of vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity, there are different findings for the enzyme N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in various studies, we decided to measure 3 other important urinary enzymes -- gamma-glutamyl-transferase (GGT), alanine aminopeptidase (AAP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) -- in nephrotoxic rats.", "Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: is enzyme elevation a consistent finding in tubular injury?<||||>Male rats were given intraperitoneal injections of vancomycin (VAN) in doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg or normal saline every 12 hours for 7 days. After the 14th injection, the animals were placed in metabolic cages to collect urine samples.", "Vancomycin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: is enzyme elevation a consistent finding in tubular injury?<||||>All animals receiving 400 mg/kg VAN died before completion of treatment course. The nephrotoxicity was completely dose-dependent according to pathologic findings. The major insults were in tubules, resembling acute tubular necrosis. GGT, AAP and LDH activity was measured in urine and corrected by dividing it by urinary creatinine (Cr) concentration. LDH activity showed a dose-dependent increase, while GGT and AAP activity decreased in the 200 mg/kg treated group, but only GGT showed a significant difference with controls. Serum urea and Cr and kidney weights were increased and animals' weights were decreased significantly in the 200 mg/kg VAN group compared with other groups." ]

[ "Is bone mineral mass truly decreased in teenagers with a first episode of forearm fracture?<||||>Forearm fractures are common in the pediatric population and are mostly treated by cast immobilization. The purposes of this study were first to determine whether forearm fractures in adolescents are associated with abnormal bone mineral density (BMD) or content (BMC) at the time of fracture, and second, to quantify the bone mineral loss at various sites due to cast-mediated immobilization.", "Is bone mineral mass truly decreased in teenagers with a first episode of forearm fracture?<||||>This longitudinal case-control study recruited 50 adolescents (age, 12.8 ± 1.8 y) who underwent cast-mediated immobilization for a forearm fracture and 50 healthy controls (13.0 ± 1.8 y). Using 2 dual-energy x-ray absorptiometries, BMD and BMC were measured at various skeletal sites (total body, lumbar spine, total upper limb, and forearm) at fracture time and at cast removal.", "Is bone mineral mass truly decreased in teenagers with a first episode of forearm fracture?<||||>At the fracture time, BMD/BMC Z-scores at the lumbar spine and areal BMD at the peripheral wrist were not different among the injured and the healthy subjects. At cast removal, significant BMD decreases were observed in adolescents with fracture at the level of the radial and the ulnar diaphyses (-5.6% and -3.8%, respectively) and the total upper limb (-5.6%) compared with the noninjured side. Significant decreases in the BMC values were observed at the level of the radial diaphysis (-6.4%), ultradistal ulna (-10.2%), total upper limb, and total ulna (-8.2% and -4.9%, respectively)." ]

[ "Body Mass Index Accuracy in Preadolescents: Can We Trust Self-Report or Should We Seek Parent Report?<||||>To assess the accuracy of self- and parent-report of weight, height, and body mass index (BMI) in children between 8 and 12 years of age and to determine whether self- or parent-report should be preferred for preadolescents' subjective measures.", "Body Mass Index Accuracy in Preadolescents: Can We Trust Self-Report or Should We Seek Parent Report?<||||>Through at-home questionnaires, 875 preadolescent children (44% boys; 56% girls) and their parents (N = 821) were asked to report the children's weight and height. Objective weight and height were measured at school by trained interviewers.", "Body Mass Index Accuracy in Preadolescents: Can We Trust Self-Report or Should We Seek Parent Report?<||||>Correlations between objective, self-reported, and parent-reported measures were strong for weight, height, and BMI, but children and parents generally underestimated the children's weight by about 1 kg, their height by less than 1 cm, and their BMI by less than 0.25 kg/m(2). The magnitude of the underestimation varied by age, sex, and BMI category, with older children, girls, and children in the overweight and obese BMI categories underestimating their weight to a greater extent. Weight estimates provided by girls' parents tended to be lower than the real values more often than those of boys' parents." ]

[ "Are low plasma levels of 25-(OH)vitamin D a major risk factor for hyperparathyroidism independent of calcitriol in renal transplant patients?<||||>Recently, some studies have emphasized the role of plasma 25-(OH)vitamin D (25OHD) levels in mineral metabolism dysregulation in chronic kidney diseases (CKDs). However, to date little attention has been paid to 25OHD metabolism abnormalities after renal transplantation (Tx). This cross-sectional study aimed to focus on its role in mineral metabolism dysregulation in functioning Tx.", "Are low plasma levels of 25-(OH)vitamin D a major risk factor for hyperparathyroidism independent of calcitriol in renal transplant patients?<||||>Twenty-eight out of 75 Caucasian Tx patients were selected following strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Two blood samples were effected at the end of the winter for the measurements of plasma 25OHD and calcitriol levels. Serum creatinine (Cr), alkaline phosphatase (SAP), immunoreactive intact parathyroid hormone (PTH), electrolytes and 24-hr proteinuria were also determined. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to evaluate the data distribution: serum Cr, Cr clearance, dialysis duration and PTH levels were non-normally distributed and were log-transformed. Values of p<=0.01 were assumed as statistically significant.", "Are low plasma levels of 25-(OH)vitamin D a major risk factor for hyperparathyroidism independent of calcitriol in renal transplant patients?<||||>Median serum Cr and PTH levels were, respectively, 1.0 mg/dL and 90.0 pg/mL (range 27-420; normal range 10-65); most of our Tx patients (78.5%) had serum PTH levels above the upper limit of normal values. Mean plasma 25OHD concentration was 19.6 +/- 8.9 SD ng/mL (range: 6-36). None had levels<5 ng/mL (severe deficiency); 10 patients (35.7%) had mild deficiency (5-15 ng/mL); 14 patients (50%) had vitamin D insufficiency (16-30 ng/mL); and only four patients (14.3%) had target levels (>30 ng/mL). Mean plasma calcitriol levels were 69.7 +/- 19.0 pg/mL (range 47-105; normal range 35-85). They were not significantly correlated to plasma 25OHD levels. Proteinuria (292.6 +/- 147.0 mg/24 hr) inversely correlated to plasma 25OHD levels (r=-0.480; p<0.01). The bivariate correlation analysis between logPTH and the other parameters showed a significant correlation for SAP (r=0.494; p=0.008), plasma 25OHD levels (r=-0.442; p=0.01), proteinuria (r=0.452; p=0.01), log serum Cr (r=0.551; p=0.002) and log Cr clearance (r=-0.534; p=0.003). The other parameters did not correlate significantly with logPTH, notably plasma calcitriol and serum phosphate levels. Only the parameters significantly correlated to logPTH in the bivariate correlation analysis were included in the back stepwise multiple linear regression analysis as independent variables (model: p<0.0001; R2=0.54): among them, only plasma 25OHD levels (Beta=-0.486; p=0.001) and log serum Cr levels (Beta=0.589; p=0.0002) were the dependent variable logPTH predictors." ]

[ "Cold Antibodies in Cardiovascular Surgery:  Is Preoperative Screening Necessary?<||||>Cold antibodies (CAs) are rarely significant for transfusion, but they can cause complications under the hypothermic conditions of cardiovascular surgery. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of such complications.", "Cold Antibodies in Cardiovascular Surgery:  Is Preoperative Screening Necessary?<||||>Patients with CAs who underwent cardiovascular surgery were identified, and their records were reviewed for intraoperative complications attributable to CAs.", "Cold Antibodies in Cardiovascular Surgery:  Is Preoperative Screening Necessary?<||||>Over 14.5 years, of the 47,373 patients who underwent cardiovascular surgery, 99 had CAs before or within 30 days after surgery. Ninety-seven patients had hypothermic surgery, and intraoperative agglutination was noted in four; two of these cases were never reported to the transfusion service." ]

[ "Is intra-arterial thrombolysis beneficial for M2 occlusions?<||||>The role of endovascular therapy for acute M2 trunk occlusions is debatable. Through a subgroup analysis of Prolyse in Acute Cerebral Thromboembolism-II, we compared outcomes of M2 occlusions in treatment and control arms.", "Is intra-arterial thrombolysis beneficial for M2 occlusions?<||||>Solitary M2 occlusions were identified from the Prolyse in Acute Cerebral Thromboembolism-II database. Primary endpoints were successful angiographic reperfusion (TICI 2-3) at 120 minutes and functional independence (mRS 0-2) at 90 days.", "Is intra-arterial thrombolysis beneficial for M2 occlusions?<||||>Forty-four patients with solitary M2 occlusions, 30 in the treatment arm and 14 in the control arm, were identified. Successful reperfusion (TICI 2-3) was achieved in 53.6% and 16.7% of patients in the treatment and control arms, respectively (P=0.04). A favorable clinical outcome (mRS 0-2) was observed in 53.3% and 28.6%, respectively (P=0.19). Baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups." ]

[ "Does periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia modulate cartilage biochemistry?<||||>The aim of periacetabular osteotomy is to improve joint mechanics in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip. In our study, we tried to determine whether the proteoglycan content, as measured with delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of cartilage (dGEMRIC), can be modulated with the alteration of the hip joint biomechanics.", "Does periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia modulate cartilage biochemistry?<||||>In this prospective cohort study, thirty-seven patients (thirty-seven hips) with no or minimal osteoarthritis were treated with periacetabular osteotomy for symptomatic acetabular dysplasia. All patients had preoperative and one-year follow-up dGEMRIC scans. Twenty-eight of the thirty-seven also had two-year scans. The changes in dGEMRIC findings and hip morphology between the preoperative visit and the examinations at one and two years following the periacetabular osteotomy were assessed.", "Does periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia modulate cartilage biochemistry?<||||>The mean preoperative dGEMRIC index (and standard deviation) was 561.6 ± 117.6 ms; this decreased to 515.2 ± 118.4 ms at one year after periacetabular osteotomy but subsequently recovered to 529.2 ± 99.1 ms at two years postoperatively. The decrease in the dGEMRIC index of the acetabular cartilage after surgery appears to be most pronounced at the superior aspect of the acetabulum, where the decrease in mechanical loading after periacetabular osteotomy would be most pronounced. All domains of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) demonstrated significant improvement from the preoperative to the postoperative visits (all p<0.001)." ]