Lane Medical Library

Predictors of self-reported health-related quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus.

Rheumatology (Oxford). 2013 May 16;

Authors: Kiani AN, Strand V, Fang H, Jaranilla J, Petri M

Abstract
Objective. The Medical Outcomes Short Form-36 Survey (SF-36) has been widely used as a measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in different populations. SLE patients have consistently reported lower scores compared with the general population. The objective of our study was to identify predictors of HRQOL using SF-36 among patients with SLE enrolled in a 2-year randomized controlled trial (RCT).Methods. We analysed 200 SLE patients enrolled in the Lupus Atherosclerosis Prevention Study (LAPS), an RCT of atorvastatin vs placebo, who completed SF-36 at qualifying, 12- and 24-month (final) visits.Results. At baseline, mean SF-36 domain scores were lower than those of age- and gender-matched population norms. There was no statistical difference reported between Physical Component Summary (PCS), Mental Component Summary and eight domain scores in the atorvastatin vs placebo group at 2 years. In multiple regression analyses, African American patients reported significantly lower scores in Physical Functioning compared with Caucasians. The presence of FM was significantly associated with lower scores in physical functioning, role physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning and lower overall mean PCS scores. The Physician's Global Assessment of disease activity was associated with multiple SF-36 domains in univariate analysis.Conclusion. This longitudinal study confirmed lower scores reported across all SF-36 domains. No one explanatory variable was independently associated with all domain scores. FM was independently associated with poorer HRQOL in most domains, underscoring the need for effective treatments for FM in SLE.

PMID: 23681396 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Signet Ring Cell Colorectal Carcinoma: A Distinct Subset of Mucin-poor Microsatellite-stable Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma Associated With Dismal Prognosis.

Am J Surg Pathol. 2013 May 15;

Authors: Hartman DJ, Nikiforova MN, Chang DT, Chu E, Bahary N, Brand RE, Zureikat AH, Zeh HJ, Choudry H, Pai RK

Abstract
We evaluated a consecutive series of signet ring cell colorectal carcinomas in an attempt to correlate the histopathologic pattern of infiltration with molecular alterations and prognosis. Of the 4760 primary colorectal carcinomas surgically resected between the years 2002 and 2012, 53 (1%) were composed of >50% signet ring cells. Of the 53 signet ring cell carcinomas, 40 (75%) were composed of >50% extracellular mucin with signet ring cells floating within pools of mucin and were subclassified as mucin-rich signet ring cell carcinomas. Thirteen (25%) carcinomas were characterized by diffusely infiltrating carcinomas with minimal to no extracellular mucin and were subclassified as mucin-poor signet ring cell carcinomas. All 13 mucin-poor signet ring cell carcinomas were either stage III or IV, whereas many cases of mucin-rich signet ring cell carcinoma were stage I or II (17 cases) (P=0.005). Compared with mucin-rich tumors, mucin-poor signet ring cell carcinomas more frequently demonstrated adverse histologic features such as lymphatic invasion (13/13, 100% vs. 22/40, 55%; P=0.002), venous invasion (6/13, 46% vs. 3/40, 8%; P=0.004), and perineural invasion (11/13, 85% vs. 9/40, 23%; P=0.0001). Twenty-three of 53 (43%) signet ring cell carcinomas demonstrated high levels of microsatellite instability (MSI-H). Twenty-two of 23 (96%) MSI-H signet ring cell carcinomas were mucin rich; only 1 MSI-H signet ring carcinoma was mucin poor (P=0.0033). Mucin-poor signet ring cell carcinoma had significantly reduced overall and recurrence-free survival compared with mucin-rich signet ring cell carcinomas (P=0.0035 and 0.0001, respectively), even when adjusting for tumor stage. Mucin-poor signet ring cell carcinoma had a higher propensity for peritoneal dissemination (5/13, 38%) compared with mucin-rich signet ring cell carcinoma (5/40, 12.5%), although this was not statistically significant (P=0.052). Finally, MSI-H and microsatellite-stable signet ring cell carcinomas had similar overall and recurrence-free survival (P=0.2266 and 0.1055, respectively), even when adjusting for tumor stage. In conclusion, we identified a unique subset of signet ring cell colorectal carcinoma with diffuse infiltration and minimal to no extracellular mucin (mucin-poor signet ring cell carcinoma), which lacks MSI-H and has a dismal prognosis with an aggressive clinical course often with peritoneal dissemination. Further, our results confirm that MSI does not affect survival in colorectal signet ring cell carcinomas.

PMID: 23681075 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Prognostic Value of the Index of Microcirculatory Resistance Measured after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention.

Circulation. 2013 May 16;

Authors: Fearon WF, Low AF, Yong AC, McGeoch R, Berry C, Shah MG, Ho M, Kim HS, Loh JP, Oldroyd KG

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Most methods for assessing microvascular function are not readily available in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The aim of this study is to determine whether the Index of Microcirculatory Resistance (IMR), measured at the time of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is predictive of death and rehospitalization for heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: IMR was measured immediately after primary PCI in 253 patients from 3 institutions using a pressure-temperature sensor wire. The primary endpoint was the rate of death or rehospitalization for heart failure. The prognostic value of IMR was compared to coronary flow reserve, TIMI myocardial perfusion grade and clinical variables. The mean IMR was 40.3 ±32.5. Patients with an IMR>40 had a higher rate of the primary end point at one year compared to patients with an IMR≤40 (17.1% vs. 6.6%, p=0.027). During a median follow-up period of 2.8 years, 13.8% suffered the primary end point and 4.3% died. An IMR>40 was associated with an increased risk of death or rehospitalization for heart failure (HR 2.1, p=0.034) and of death alone (HR 3.95, p=0.028). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of death or rehospitalization for heart failure included IMR>40 (HR 2.2, p=0.026), fractional flow reserve ≤0.8 (HR 3.24, p=0.008) and diabetes (HR 4.4, p<0.001). An IMR>40 was the only independent predictor of death alone (HR 4.3, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: An elevated IMR at the time of primary PCI predicts poor long term outcomes.

PMID: 23681066 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Torque Spectroscopy of DNA: Base-Pair Stability, Boundary Effects, Backbending, and Breathing Dynamics.

Phys Rev Lett. 2013 Apr 26;110(17):178103

Authors: Oberstrass FC, Fernandes LE, Lebel P, Bryant Z

Abstract
Changes in global DNA linking number can be accommodated by localized changes in helical structure. We have used single-molecule torque measurements to investigate sequence-specific strand separation and Z-DNA formation. By controlling the boundary conditions at the edges of sequences of interest, we have confirmed theoretical predictions of distinctive boundary-dependent backbending patterns in torque-twist relationships. Abrupt torque jumps are associated with the formation and collapse of DNA bubbles, permitting direct observations of DNA breathing dynamics.

PMID: 23679785 [PubMed - in process]

New method for gravitational wave detection with atomic sensors.

Phys Rev Lett. 2013 Apr 26;110(17):171102

Authors: Graham PW, Hogan JM, Kasevich MA, Rajendran S

Abstract
Laser frequency noise is a dominant noise background for the detection of gravitational waves using long-baseline optical interferometry. Amelioration of this noise requires near simultaneous strain measurements on more than one interferometer baseline, necessitating, for example, more than two satellites for a space-based detector or two interferometer arms for a ground-based detector. We describe a new detection strategy based on recent advances in optical atomic clocks and atom interferometry which can operate at long baselines and which is immune to laser frequency noise. Laser frequency noise is suppressed because the signal arises strictly from the light propagation time between two ensembles of atoms. This new class of sensor allows sensitive gravitational wave detection with only a single baseline. This approach also has practical applications in, for example, the development of ultrasensitive gravimeters and gravity gradiometers.

PMID: 23679702 [PubMed - in process]

Education and counseling of pregnant patients with chronic hepatitis B: perspectives from obstetricians and perinatal nurses in santa clara county, california.

Asian Pac J Cancer Prev. 2013;14(3):1707-13

Authors: Yang EJ, Cheung CM, So SK, Chang ET, Chao SD

Abstract
Background: This study aimed to better understand the barriers to perinatal hepatitis B prevention and to identify the reasons for poor hepatitis B knowledge and delivery of education to hepatitis B surface-antigen- positive pregnant women among healthcare providers in Santa Clara County, California. Materials and Methods: Qualitative interviews were conducted with 16 obstetricians and 17 perinatal nurses in Santa Clara County, California, which has one of the largest populations in the United States at high risk for perinatal hepatitis B transmission. Results: Most providers displayed a lack of self-efficacy attributed to insufficient hepatitis B training and education. They felt discouraged from counseling and educating their patients because of a lack of resources and discouraging patient attitudes such as stigma and apathy. Providers called for institutional changes from the government, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations to improve care for patients with chronic hepatitis B. Conclusions: Early and continuing provider training, increased public awareness, and development of comprehensive resources and new programs may contribute to reducing the barriers for health care professionals to provide counseling and education to pregnant patients with chronic hepatitis B infection.

PMID: 23679261 [PubMed - in process]

Salivary Gland Choristoma (Heterotopic Salivary Gland Tissue) on the Anterior Chest Wall of a Newborn.

Pediatr Dermatol. 2013 May 16;

Authors: Aby JL, Patel M, Sundram U, Benjamin LT

Abstract
Salivary gland choristoma (heterotopic salivary gland tissue) is a rare condition typically seen in the newborn period. This developmental heterotopia is generally nonprogressive, with little risk of malignant transformation. We present the second known reported case of a salivary gland choristoma located on the anterior chest wall. Knowledge of this rare entity will allow for accurate diagnosis and management of this benign anatomic variant.

PMID: 23679208 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Specific-gene studies of evolutionary mechanisms in an age of genome-wide surveying.

Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2013 May 16;

Authors: Watt WB

Abstract
The molecular tools of genomics have great power to reveal patterns of genetic difference within or among species, but must be complemented by the mechanistic study of the genetic variants found if these variants' evolutionary meaning is to be well understood. Central to this purpose is knowledge of the organisms' genotype-phenotype-environment interactions, which embody biological adaptation and constraint and thus drive natural selection. The history of this approach is briefly reviewed. Strategies embracing the complementarity of genomics and specific-gene studies in evolution are considered. Implementation of these strategies, and examples showing their feasibility and power, are discussed. Initial generalizations emphasize: (1) reproducibility of adaptive mechanisms; (2) evolutionary co-importance of variation in protein sequences and expression; (3) refinement of rudimentary molecular functions as an origin of evolutionary innovations; (4) identification of specific-gene mechanisms as underpinnings of genomic or quantitative genetic variation; and (5) multiple forms of adaptive or constraining epistasis among genes. Progress along these lines will advance understanding of evolution and support its use in addressing urgent medical and environmental applications.

PMID: 23679204 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Peptidoglycan at its peaks: how chromatographic analyses can reveal bacterial cell-wall structure and assembly.

Mol Microbiol. 2013 May 17;

Authors: Desmarais SM, de Pedro MA, Cava F, Huang KC

Abstract
The peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall is a unique macromolecule responsible for both shape determination and cellular integrity under osmotic stress in virtually all bacteria. A quantitative understanding of the relationships between PG architecture, morphogenesis, immune system activation, and pathogenesis can provide molecular-scale insights into the function of proteins involved in cell-wall synthesis and cell growth. High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) has played an important role in our understanding of the structural and chemical complexity of the cell wall by providing an analytical method to quantify differences in chemical composition. Here, we present a primer on the basic chemical features of wall structure that can be revealed through HPLC, along with a description of the applications of HPLC PG analyses for interpreting the effects of genetic and chemical perturbations to a variety of bacterial species in different environments. We describe the physical consequences of different PG compositions on cell shape, and review complementary experimental and computational methodologies for PG analysis. Finally, we present a partial list of future targets of development for HPLC and related techniques.

PMID: 23679048 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

The New Skinny in Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials.

ACS Nano. 2013 May 16;

Authors: Koski KJ, Cui Y

Abstract
While the advent of graphene has focused attention on the extraordinary properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, graphene's lack of an intrinsic band gap and limited amenability to chemical modification has sparked increasing interest in its close relatives and in other 2D layered nanomaterials. In this issue of ACS Nano, Bianco et al. report on the production and characterization of one of these related materials: germanane, a one-atom-thick sheet of hydrogenated puckered germanium atoms structurally similar to graphane. It is a 2D nanomaterial generated via mechanical exfoliation from GeH. Germanane has been predicted to have technologically relevant properties such as a direct band gap and high electron mobility. Monolayer 2D materials like germanane, in general, have attracted enormous interest for their potential technological applications. We offer a perspective on the field of 2D layered nanomaterials and the exciting growth areas and discuss where the new development of germanane fits in, now and in the foreseeable future.

PMID: 23678956 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Informed consent, big data, and the oxymoron of research that is not research.

Am J Bioeth. 2013;13(4):40-2

Authors: Ioannidis JP

PMID: 23514395 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Chapter 9: Analyses using disease ontologies.

PLoS Comput Biol. 2012;8(12):e1002827

Authors: Shah NH, Cole T, Musen MA

Abstract
Advanced statistical methods used to analyze high-throughput data such as gene-expression assays result in long lists of "significant genes." One way to gain insight into the significance of altered expression levels is to determine whether Gene Ontology (GO) terms associated with a particular biological process, molecular function, or cellular component are over- or under-represented in the set of genes deemed significant. This process, referred to as enrichment analysis, profiles a gene-set, and is widely used to makes sense of the results of high-throughput experiments. The canonical example of enrichment analysis is when the output dataset is a list of genes differentially expressed in some condition. To determine the biological relevance of a lengthy gene list, the usual solution is to perform enrichment analysis with the GO. We can aggregate the annotating GO concepts for each gene in this list, and arrive at a profile of the biological processes or mechanisms affected by the condition under study. While GO has been the principal target for enrichment analysis, the methods of enrichment analysis are generalizable. We can conduct the same sort of profiling along other ontologies of interest. Just as scientists can ask "Which biological process is over-represented in my set of interesting genes or proteins?" we can also ask "Which disease (or class of diseases) is over-represented in my set of interesting genes or proteins?". For example, by annotating known protein mutations with disease terms from the ontologies in BioPortal, Mort et al. recently identified a class of diseases--blood coagulation disorders--that were associated with a 14-fold depletion in substitutions at O-linked glycosylation sites. With the availability of tools for automatic annotation of datasets with terms from disease ontologies, there is no reason to restrict enrichment analyses to the GO. In this chapter, we will discuss methods to perform enrichment analysis using any ontology available in the biomedical domain. We will review the general methodology of enrichment analysis, the associated challenges, and discuss the novel translational analyses enabled by the existence of public, national computational infrastructure and by the use of disease ontologies in such analyses.

PMID: 23300417 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Chapter 7: Pharmacogenomics.

PLoS Comput Biol. 2012;8(12):e1002817

Authors: Karczewski KJ, Daneshjou R, Altman RB

Abstract
There is great variation in drug-response phenotypes, and a "one size fits all" paradigm for drug delivery is flawed. Pharmacogenomics is the study of how human genetic information impacts drug response, and it aims to improve efficacy and reduced side effects. In this article, we provide an overview of pharmacogenetics, including pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), gene and pathway interactions, and off-target effects. We describe methods for discovering genetic factors in drug response, including genome-wide association studies (GWAS), expression analysis, and other methods such as chemoinformatics and natural language processing (NLP). We cover the practical applications of pharmacogenomics both in the pharmaceutical industry and in a clinical setting. In drug discovery, pharmacogenomics can be used to aid lead identification, anticipate adverse events, and assist in drug repurposing efforts. Moreover, pharmacogenomic discoveries show promise as important elements of physician decision support. Finally, we consider the ethical, regulatory, and reimbursement challenges that remain for the clinical implementation of pharmacogenomics.

PMID: 23300409 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Introduction to translational bioinformatics collection.

PLoS Comput Biol. 2012;8(12):e1002796

Authors: Altman RB

PMID: 23300404 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

SnIPRE: selection inference using a poisson random effects model.

PLoS Comput Biol. 2012;8(12):e1002806

Authors: Eilertson KE, Booth JG, Bustamante CD

Abstract
We present an approach for identifying genes under natural selection using polymorphism and divergence data from synonymous and non-synonymous sites within genes. A generalized linear mixed model is used to model the genome-wide variability among categories of mutations and estimate its functional consequence. We demonstrate how the model's estimated fixed and random effects can be used to identify genes under selection. The parameter estimates from our generalized linear model can be transformed to yield population genetic parameter estimates for quantities including the average selection coefficient for new mutations at a locus, the synonymous and non-synynomous mutation rates, and species divergence times. Furthermore, our approach incorporates stochastic variation due to the evolutionary process and can be fit using standard statistical software. The model is fit in both the empirical Bayes and Bayesian settings using the lme4 package in R, and Markov chain Monte Carlo methods in WinBUGS. Using simulated data we compare our method to existing approaches for detecting genes under selection: the McDonald-Kreitman test, and two versions of the Poisson random field based method MKprf. Overall, we find our method universally outperforms existing methods for detecting genes subject to selection using polymorphism and divergence data.

PMID: 23236270 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Emotional reactivity and regulation in panic disorder: insights from a functional magnetic resonance imaging study of cognitive behavioral therapy.

Biol Psychiatry. 2013 Jan 1;73(1):5-6

Authors: Shurick AA, Gross JJ

PMID: 23217459 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Life: asteroid target, witness from the early Earth, and ubiquitous effect on global geology.

Astrobiology. 2012 Dec;12(12):1163-4

Authors: Sleep NH

PMID: 23151301 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The foreskin advancement flap: an alternative technique for reconstruction of penile burns.

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2013 Apr;66(4):570-3

Authors: Momeni A, Abidari JM, Karanas YL

Abstract
Penile burns are devastating injuries and are frequently associated with significant functional and psychological sequelae. The goals of penile reconstruction after burn injury include: 1) skin coverage, 2) preservation of penile length, sensation and erectile function, 3) esthetic integrity, and 4) permissive for penile growth in the pediatric patient. A multitude of different techniques have been proposed, including skin grafts, local, regional, and free flaps, each of which fail to address all goals of reconstruction. We introduce the foreskin advancement flap that, when available, successfully addresses these key challenges and as such provides for an ideal reconstruction.

PMID: 22981384 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

The prognostic value of CXCR4 in acute myeloid leukemia.

Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2013 Jan;21(1):79-84

Authors: Ahn JY, Seo K, Weinberg OK, Arber DA

Abstract
BACKGROUND: CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR4) has been shown to be expressed in a subset of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and is correlated with a poor prognosis. CXCR4 expression appears to be an independent prognostic factor for survival in a heterogeneous group of AML patients. To better assess its significance, we analyzed CXCR4 expression in a group of AML patients.
METHODS: The prognostic value of CXCR4 expression in 53 patients with AML presenting between 2003 and 2008 was analyzed. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded bone marrow biopsy or clot sections were stained using immunohistochemical methods.
RESULTS: CXCR4 was expressed in 26 patients (49.1%). A patient age of less than 60 years (P=0.023), achievement of complete remission after induction therapy (P<0.001), and no CXCR4 expression (P=0.010) were all associated with better progression-free survival (PFS). Among mutations of NPM1, CEBPA, FLT3 ITD, and FLT3 D835 and expression of CXCR4, only CXCR4 expression was associated with PFS (P=0.010; by log-rank test). By multivariate analysis, CXCR4 expression was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.001 for PFS and P=0.001 for overall survival). CXCR4 expression in patients with a normal karyotype was detected in 15 of 22 patients (68.2%, relative ratio 4.46, P=0.035). Expression of CXCR4 in normal-karyotype AML showed inferior PFS (median 2.0 vs. 10.7 mo, P=0.026) and had a trend toward inferior overall survival (median 10.8 vs. 14.0 mo, P=0.058).
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CXCR4 expression is associated with poor prognosis in patients with AML. Specifically, CXCR4 expression is common in normal-karyotype AML and is a marker of more aggressive disease in this population. CXCR4 expression could be incorporated into the risk assessment of patients with AML.

PMID: 22914607 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Genetic counseling for prenatal testing: where is the discussion about disability?

J Genet Couns. 2012 Dec;21(6):814-24

Authors: Farrelly E, Cho MK, Erby L, Roter D, Stenzel A, Ormond K

Abstract
There are little data revealing how genetic counselors talk about disability in the prenatal setting. We performed a qualitative analysis of 93 existing transcripts from simulated patient (SP) genetic counseling sessions conducted in 2003–4 through the Genetic Counseling Video Project. We found that most genetic counselors (95%) focused on the physical aspects of disability while fewer (27%) discussed the social aspects. In addition, few genetic counselors (38%) asked patients about personal experiences with disability. When discussing options available if a pregnancy were diagnosed with a disability, most genetic counselors mentioned termination (86%) while fewer mentioned the continuation of the pregnancy (37%) or adoption (13%). Only half of the genetic counselors asked the SP if she had thought about how she might use the results of prenatal screening. To better facilitate informed decision-making that is consistent with patient values, we recommend genetic counselors engage prenatal patients in a deeper discussion about their ability and willingness to parent a child with a disability.

PMID: 22898882 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Dually diagnosed patients' benefits of mutual-help groups and the role of social anxiety.

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2013 Feb;44(2):216-23

Authors: Timko C, Cronkite RC, McKellar J, Zemore S, Moos RH

Abstract
There is debate about whether dually diagnosed patients benefit from mutual-help groups (MHGs), partly because social anxiety may make participation problematic. We examined dually diagnosed patients' participation in MHGs and outcomes at 6, 12, and 24 months post-treatment, and the extent to which social anxiety was associated with participation. We also examined whether MHG participation and social anxiety were related to outcomes, and whether social anxiety moderated associations between participation and outcomes. We found high rates of MHG participation. Among patients who attended at least one meeting, outcomes were positive. Social anxiety was not associated with levels of MHG participation, but more participation was associated with better outcomes. When social anxiety moderated associations between MHG participation and outcomes, patients with more social anxiety benefited more from participation. Treated dually diagnosed patients participate in, and benefit from, MHGs, and participation and benefits are comparable, or even strengthened, among more socially-anxious patients.

PMID: 22763197 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Depressive symptoms and oxidative DNA damage in Japanese municipal employees.

Psychiatry Res. 2012 Dec 30;200(2-3):318-22

Authors: Yi S, Nanri A, Matsushita Y, Kasai H, Kawai K, Mizoue T

Abstract
We sought to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of systemic oxidative DNA damage and repair, among 301 men and 210 women aged 21-67 years working in two municipal offices. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). The geometric mean and its 95% confidence interval (CI) of urinary 8-OHdG concentrations were calculated according to the quartile of CES-D score. The prevalence of depressive symptoms, defined as having CES_D of ≥16, was 35.9% in men and 35.2% in women. There was no significant difference in geometric mean of urinary 8-OHdG concentrations according to the levels of depressive symptoms. In men, the multivariable-adjusted geometric mean of urinary 8-OHdG concentrations (95% CIs) in the first, second, third, and fourth category of depressive symptoms was 1.09 (1.02-1.16), 1.16 (1.08-1.24), 1.15 (1.07-1.24), and 1.10 (1.02-1.18), respectively (p for trend=0.86). Similarly, no significant association was found in the analyses among women, nonsmoking men, and smoking men. The lack of association between depressive symptoms and urinary 8-OHdG concentrations may indicate the absence or more complex interactions between milder forms of depression and systemic oxidative DNA damage and repair in well-functioning population.

PMID: 22732398 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

How acute and chronic alcohol consumption affects brain networks: insights from multimodal neuroimaging.

Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2012 Dec;36(12):2017-27

Authors: Schulte T, Oberlin BG, Kareken DA, Marinkovic K, Müller-Oehring EM, Meyerhoff DJ, Tapert S

Abstract
BACKGROUND: Multimodal imaging combining 2 or more techniques is becoming increasingly important because no single imaging approach has the capacity to elucidate all clinically relevant characteristics of a network.
METHODS: This review highlights recent advances in multimodal neuroimaging (i.e., combined use and interpretation of data collected through magnetic resonance imaging [MRI], functional MRI, diffusion tensor imaging, positron emission tomography, magnetoencephalography, MR perfusion, and MR spectroscopy methods) that leads to a more comprehensive understanding of how acute and chronic alcohol consumption affect neural networks underlying cognition, emotion, reward processing, and drinking behavior.
RESULTS: Several innovative investigators have started utilizing multiple imaging approaches within the same individual to better understand how alcohol influences brain systems, both during intoxication and after years of chronic heavy use.
CONCLUSIONS: Their findings can help identify mechanism-based therapeutic and pharmacological treatment options, and they may increase the efficacy and cost effectiveness of such treatments by predicting those at greatest risk for relapse.

PMID: 22577873 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Underutilization of genetics services for autism: the importance of parental awareness and provider recommendation.

J Genet Couns. 2012 Dec;21(6):803-13

Authors: Vande Wydeven K, Kwan A, Hardan AY, Bernstein JA

Abstract
Reasons for the underutilization of genetics services by families of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are not well understood. We report the identification of factors associated with this underuse. Survey-based study of parents and/or guardians of children with ASD. One hundred fifty-five families completed the questionnaire. Thirty-one of 155 (20%) children had seen a genetics professional. Forty-nine of 154 (32%) children had undergone genetic testing. Parents whose child saw a genetics professional were more likely to 1) Have a primary provider refer for or suggest a genetics evaluation 2) Have asked for a referral, and/or 3) Know another person with a genetic cause of ASD. amilies of children with ASD who have not received genetics services are less aware of their availability and utility. They are also less likely to have their provider recommend a clinical genetics evaluation. Efforts should be taken to increase awareness of both health providers and parents regarding the usefulness of genetics services for ASD.

PMID: 22415587 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]