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Brewin CR, Andrews B, Hejdenberg J, Stewart L. Objective predictors of delayed-onset post-traumatic stress disorder occurring after military discharge. Psychol Med 2012; 42:2119-2126. [PMID: 22348623 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291712000189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that develops after military personnel have been discharged may lead to severe impairment. We investigated whether personnel who develop PTSD after discharge can be identified by independent evidence of internalizing signs such as depression or of externalizing signs such as disciplinary offences while still serving. METHOD Veterans in receipt of a war pension who only developed PTSD post-discharge were compared with matched veterans who developed PTSD in service or never suffered from PTSD. Contemporaneous medical and personnel records were searched for objective evidence of internalizing and externalizing disorder. RESULTS Service personnel who developed PTSD post-discharge were indistinguishable from controls with no PTSD on their psychiatric presentation in service. Those with post-discharge PTSD had significantly more disciplinary offences, specifically absence without leave, disobedience, and dishonesty, than the no-PTSD group, and this excess of offences was present before any exposure to trauma. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to find objective evidence independent of self-report for the claimed link between externalizing disorder and vulnerability to PTSD. Early signs of externalizing disorders may play an important role in helping to identify service personnel at risk of PTSD after military discharge.
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Shaw M, Piper I, Campbell P, McKeown C, Britton J, Oommen K, Stewart L, Whittle I, Gregson R, Clutton E. Investigation of the relationship between transcranial impedance and intracranial pressure. ACTA NEUROCHIRURGICA. SUPPLEMENT 2012; 114:61-5. [PMID: 22327665 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-7091-0956-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Studies on piglets have shown that cranial bioimpedance (Z) measurements correlate well with invasively measured intracranial pressure (ICP). We have tested the feasibility of collecting transcranial impedance from a clinical device for measuring whole-body water content (ImpediMed SFB7). In the clinical study, 50 normal healthy volunteers had transcranial impedance measured using nine different head montages (forehead to mastoid (left/right), temporal to mastoid (left/right), forehead to temporal (left/right), forehead to occipital (left/right) and temporal to temporal). Impedance was measured 20 times over a frequency range per montage and ANOVA used to test for effects of electrode position upon recorded value. For the experimental study, five sedated and ventilated Marino sheep were instrumented for intraventricular ICP and transcranial impedance measurement. Measures of ICP were recorded while ICP was increased from baseline to greater than 50 mmHg in five steps using an intraventricular infusion of mock CSF. There is a significant effect of electrode position and gender upon transcranial impedance (p < 0.001). The temporal-mastoid electrode position had significantly lower impedance values in keeping with its shorter path length. ICP correlated with craniospinal compliance measurements and Impedance vs Freq by ICP step shows a clear ICP dependence (p = 0.007) across the sheep.
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Arik M, Aune S, Barth K, Belov A, Borghi S, Bräuninger H, Cantatore G, Carmona JM, Cetin SA, Collar JI, Dafni T, Davenport M, Eleftheriadis C, Elias N, Ezer C, Fanourakis G, Ferrer-Ribas E, Friedrich P, Galán J, García JA, Gardikiotis A, Gazis EN, Geralis T, Giomataris I, Gninenko S, Gómez H, Gruber E, Guthörl T, Hartmann R, Haug F, Hasinoff MD, Hoffmann DHH, Iguaz FJ, Irastorza IG, Jacoby J, Jakovčić K, Karuza M, Königsmann K, Kotthaus R, Krčmar M, Kuster M, Lakić B, Laurent JM, Liolios A, Ljubičić A, Lozza V, Lutz G, Luzón G, Morales J, Niinikoski T, Nordt A, Papaevangelou T, Pivovaroff MJ, Raffelt G, Rashba T, Riege H, Rodríguez A, Rosu M, Ruz J, Savvidis I, Silva PS, Solanki SK, Stewart L, Tomás A, Tsagri M, van Bibber K, Vafeiadis T, Villar JA, Vogel JK, Yildiz SC, Zioutas K. Search for sub-eV mass solar axions by the CERN Axion Solar Telescope with 3He buffer gas. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2011; 107:261302. [PMID: 22243149 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.107.261302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The CERN Axion Solar Telescope (CAST) has extended its search for solar axions by using (3)He as a buffer gas. At T=1.8 K this allows for larger pressure settings and hence sensitivity to higher axion masses than our previous measurements with (4)He. With about 1 h of data taking at each of 252 different pressure settings we have scanned the axion mass range 0.39 eV≲m(a)≲0.64 eV. From the absence of excess x rays when the magnet was pointing to the Sun we set a typical upper limit on the axion-photon coupling of g(aγ)≲2.3×10(-10) GeV(-1) at 95% C.L., the exact value depending on the pressure setting. Kim-Shifman-Vainshtein-Zakharov axions are excluded at the upper end of our mass range, the first time ever for any solar axion search. In the future we will extend our search to m(a)≲1.15 eV, comfortably overlapping with cosmological hot dark matter bounds.
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Bahrami B, Ajina S, Getov S, Stewart L, Todorov A, Rees G. Observer- and stimulus-specific effects in unconscious evaluation of faces on social dimensions. J Vis 2011. [DOI: 10.1167/11.11.562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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Mehta S, Tran K, Stewart L, Nauta M, Yoong W. Re: Explaining differences in birth outcomes in relation to maternal age: the Generation R Study. BJOG 2011; 118:1146-7; author reply 1147-8. [PMID: 21749619 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2011.03033.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Stewart L, Hindmarch CCT, Qiu J, Tung YCL, Yeo GSH, Murphy D. Hypothalamic transcriptome plasticity in two rodent species reveals divergent differential gene expression but conserved pathways. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:177-85. [PMID: 21070396 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2010.02093.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We have addressed the question of how different rodent species cope with the life-threatening homeostatic challenge of dehydration at the level of transcriptome modulation in the supraoptic nucleus (SON), a specialised hypothalamic neurosecretory apparatus responsible for the production of the antidiuretic peptide hormone arginine vasopressin (AVP). AVP maintains water balance by promoting water conservation at the level of the kidney. Dehydration evokes a massive increase in the regulated release of AVP from SON axon terminals located in the posterior pituitary, and this is accompanied by a plethora of changes in the morphology, electrophysiological properties, biosynthetic and secretory activity of this structure. Microarray analysis was used to generate a definitive catalogue of the genes expressed in the mouse SON, and to describe how the gene expression profile changes in response to dehydration. Comparison of the genes differentially expressed in the mouse SON as a consequence of dehydration with those of the rat has revealed many similarities, pointing to common processes underlying the function-related plasticity in this nucleus. In addition, we have identified many genes that are differentially expressed in a species-specific manner. However, in many cases, we have found that the hyperosmotic cue can induce species-specific alterations in the expression of different genes in the same pathway. The same functional end can be served by different means, via differential modulation, in different species, of different molecules in the same pathway. We suggest that pathways, rather than specific genes, should be the focus of integrative physiological studies based on transcriptome data.
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Covar R, Gleason M, Macomber B, Stewart L, Szefler P, Engelhardt K, Murphy J, Liu A, Wood S, DeMichele S, Gelfand EW, Szefler SJ. Impact of a novel nutritional formula on asthma control and biomarkers of allergic airway inflammation in children. Clin Exp Allergy 2010; 40:1163-74. [PMID: 20545703 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2010.03523.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A novel nutritional formula (NNF) enriched in eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and gamma-linolenic fatty acids and antioxidants reduces airway inflammation and improves clinical outcomes in critically ill patients, but NNF has not been evaluated in chronic inflammatory diseases such as persistent asthma. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy, compliance, and safety of NNF in asthmatic children. METHODS Children, 6-14 years of age, with mild to moderate persistent asthma, on as needed albuterol alone, were randomized to receive daily NNF (n=23) or control formula (n=20) for 12 weeks, with multiple assessments of asthma control, spirometry, measures of airway inflammation, formula tolerance, and adverse events. RESULTS Daily consumption of either NNF or a control formula showed improvement in asthma-free days over time (P=0.04) but there was no difference between groups. However, the NNF group had lower exhaled nitric oxide levels compared with the control group at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P<0.05). An overall group difference in log FEV1 PC20 (P=0.05) was found in favour of the NNF group as well. Significantly higher levels of EPA in plasma (P<0.01) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) (P<0.01) phospholipids in the NNF group compared with control group within 2 weeks indicated good adherence with daily NNF intake. There were no differences in adverse events for NNF vs. control after 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS Both NNF and control groups demonstrated improvement in asthma-free days. NNF-treated group had reduced biomarkers of disease activity. Rapid PBMC fatty acid composition changes reflected an anti-inflammatory profile. Dietary supplementation with NNF was safe and well tolerated (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01087710).
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Tombe KD, Verma DK, Stewart L, Reczek EB. SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS OF LIGHT HYDROCARBONS (C1–C4)—A REVIEW. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2010. [DOI: 10.1080/15298669191364479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Myler PJ, Stacy R, Stewart L, Staker BL, Van Voorhis WC, Varani G, Buchko GW. The Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID). Infect Disord Drug Targets 2010; 9:493-506. [PMID: 19594426 DOI: 10.2174/187152609789105687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2009] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The NIAID-funded Seattle Structural Genomics Center for Infectious Disease (SSGCID) is a consortium established to apply structural genomics approaches to potential drug targets from NIAID priority organisms for biodefense and emerging and re-emerging diseases. The mission of the SSGCID is to determine approximately 400 protein structures over the next five years. In order to maximize biomedical impact, ligand-based drug-lead discovery campaigns will be pursued for a small number of high-impact targets. Here we review the center's target selection processes, which include pro-active engagement of the infectious disease research and drug therapy communities to identify drug targets, essential enzymes, virulence factors and vaccine candidates of biomedical relevance to combat infectious diseases. This is followed by a brief overview of the SSGCID structure determination pipeline and ligand screening methodology. Finally, specifics of our resources available to the scientific community are presented. Physical materials and data produced by SSGCID will be made available to the scientific community, with the aim that they will provide essential groundwork benefiting future research and drug discovery.
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Stewart L, Casswell S. Persuading parliamentarians: advocacy and lobbying on alcohol-related issues. COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDIES 2010; 12:273-81. [PMID: 3229109 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.1988.tb00587.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Casswell S, Stewart L. A community action project on alcohol: community organization and its evaluation. COMMUNITY HEALTH STUDIES 2010; 13:39-48. [PMID: 2736904 DOI: 10.1111/j.1753-6405.1989.tb00175.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Stewart L, Daly BM. A localized cutaneous reaction to vitamin K injection in a neonate. Clin Exp Dermatol 2010; 34:939-40. [PMID: 20055890 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2008.03067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Burch J, Paulden M, Conti S, Stock C, Corbett M, Welton NJ, Ades AE, Sutton A, Cooper N, Elliot AJ, Nicholson K, Duffy S, McKenna C, Stewart L, Westwood M, Palmer S. Antiviral drugs for the treatment of influenza: a systematic review and economic evaluation. Health Technol Assess 2009; 13:1-265, iii-iv. [DOI: 10.3310/hta13580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Stewart L, Van de Ven L, Katsarou V, Rentziou E, Doran M, Jackson P, Reilly JJ, Wilson D. High prevalence of obesity in ambulatory children and adolescents with intellectual disability. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2009; 53:882-886. [PMID: 19674243 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2009.01200.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity prevalence is unusually high among adults with intellectual disability (ID). There is limited and conflicting evidence on obesity prevalence among ambulatory children and adolescents with ID. The present study aimed to estimate obesity prevalence in this group and to compare with population prevalence. METHODS Survey of nine schools (n = 206, 150 boys) for ambulatory children and adolescents with mild-moderate ID in Scotland in 2007. Obesity was defined as measured body mass index (BMI) at or above the 95th percentile relative to UK 1990 reference data, and using the international definition based on BMI. Obesity prevalence observed was compared against Scottish population data on obesity prevalence from the most recent nationally representative survey. RESULTS Obesity prevalence (at or above 95th percentile for BMI) was 36%, and was significantly higher among those attending secondary schools compared with primary schools (P < 0.01). Prevalence of obesity was significantly higher than in the general paediatric population in both boys and girls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The present study suggests that that obesity may be very prevalent among ambulatory children and adolescents with ID, and that increased obesity risk may begin in childhood.
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Beange H, Gale L, Stewart L. Project renourish: A dietary intervention to improve nutritional status in people with multiple disabilities. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/07263869500035531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Stewart L. Approaches to preventing alcohol-related problems: the experience of New Zealand and Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009; 16:391-9. [PMID: 16203454 DOI: 10.1080/09595239700186791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
New Zealand and Australia have experienced similarities in their drinking cultures and patterns since colonization. This paper briefly reviews those experiences and looks at the approaches both countries have taken in dealing with alcohol-related problems. Over 10 years ago Australia developed a national strategy embracing a harm reduction approach and more recently New Zealand embarked upon a similar process. As well as examining the development of these, other initiatives are examined. These include approaches to licensing of alcohol sales, taxation, alcohol promotion, control of drinking on licensed premises, drinking and driving intervention, community action, initiatives by Maori and Aboriginal people and efforts to educate the individual drinker.
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Stewart L, Chapple J, Hughes AR, Poustie V, Reilly JJ. The use of behavioural change techniques in the treatment of paediatric obesity: qualitative evaluation of parental perspectives on treatment. J Hum Nutr Diet 2008; 21:464-73. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-277x.2008.00888.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gerdts C, Li L, Fu Q, Nollert P, Ismagilov R, Stewart L. The microcapillary protein crystallization system. Acta Crystallogr A 2008. [DOI: 10.1107/s0108767308080823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Hawker GA, Stewart L, French MR, Cibere J, Jordan JM, March L, Suarez-Almazor M, Gooberman-Hill R. Understanding the pain experience in hip and knee osteoarthritis--an OARSI/OMERACT initiative. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2008; 16:415-22. [PMID: 18296075 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2007.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 330] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Accepted: 12/26/2007] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the pain experience of people with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA), particularly changes over time and most distressing features. METHOD Focus groups in individuals aged 40+ years with painful hip or knee OA obtained detailed descriptions of OA pain from early to late disease. A modified Patient Generated Index (PGI) was used to assess the features of OA pain that participants found most distressing. Content analysis was performed to examine response patterns; descriptive statistics were used to summarize PGI responses. RESULTS Mean age of the 143 participants (52 hip OA; 91 knee OA) was 69.5 years (47-92 years); 60.8% were female and 93.7% Caucasian. Participants described two distinct types of pain - a dull, aching pain, which became more constant over time, punctuated increasingly with short episodes of a more intense, often unpredictable, emotionally draining pain. The latter, but not the former, resulted in significant avoidance of social and recreational activities. From PGI responses, distressing pain features were: the pain itself (particularly intense and unpredictable pain) and the pain's impact on mobility, mood and sleep. CONCLUSIONS Two distinct pain types were identified. Intermittent intense pain, particularly when unpredictable, had the greatest impact on quality of life.
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Phillips M, Flynn M, McFarlin B, Stewart L, Timmerman K, Ji H. Resistive Exercise Blunts LPS-stimulated TNF-α and Il-1β. Int J Sports Med 2008; 29:102-9. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-965115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Stewart L, Chapple J, Hughes AR, Poustie V, Reilly JJ. Parents' journey through treatment for their child's obesity: a qualitative study. Arch Dis Child 2008; 93:35-9. [PMID: 17916586 DOI: 10.1136/adc.2007.125146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment for childhood obesity is characterised by patient non-attendance and drop-out, and widespread failure to achieve weight maintenance. Qualitative methods may improve our understanding of patient perceptions and so improve treatment for childhood obesity. AIM To provide insight into the perceptions of parents of obese children as they "journey" from pre-treatment to end of treatment. METHODS We used purposive sampling and studied 17 parents of children (mean (SD) age 8.4 (2.1) years) attending 6-month outpatient treatments for obesity (BMI>98th percentile). Parent's perceptions were explored by in-depth interviews, analysed using Framework methods. RESULTS Parents were characterised as being unaware of their child's weight, in denial or actively seeking treatment. Parents were consistently motivated to enter treatment due to perceived benefits to their child's self-esteem or quality of life, and weight outcomes appeared typically less important. During treatment parents felt there was a lack of support for lifestyle changes outside the clinic, and noted that members of the extended family often undermined or failed to support lifestyle changes. Parents generally felt that treatment should have continued beyond 6 months and that it had provided benefits to their child's well-being, self-esteem and quality of life, and this is what motivated many to remain engaged with treatment. DISCUSSION This study may help inform future treatments for childhood obesity by providing insights into the aspects of treatment of greatest importance to parents. Future treatments may need to consider providing greater support for lifestyle changes within the extended family, and may need to focus more on psycho-social outcomes.
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Rolland E, Le Pechoux C, Curran W, Furuse K, Fournel P, Uitterhoeve L, Clamon G, Ulutin H, Stewart L, Auperin A. Concomitant Radio-chemotherapy (CT-RT) versus Sequential CT-RT In Locally Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): A Meta-Analysis Using Individual Patient Data (IPD) From Randomised Clinical Trials (RCTs). Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2007.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Nollert P, Ward L, Duncan N, Stewart L, Mixon M. The matrix maker: a liquid handling robot for high-throughput protein crystallization. Acta Crystallogr A 2007. [DOI: 10.1107/s010876730709753x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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Stewart L, Alton H, Desai M, van Mourik I. 195 The Stewart Ultrasound Score (SUSS): a new tool for quantitative assessment of CFLD. J Cyst Fibros 2007. [DOI: 10.1016/s1569-1993(07)60178-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been suggested that a time-lag bias exists whereby research studies with striking results are more likely to be stopped earlier than originally planned, published quicker, or both. If time-lag bias exists, new interventions might be mistakenly assumed to be effective. OBJECTIVES To study the extent to which time to publication of a clinical trial is influenced by the significance of its result. SEARCH STRATEGY Studies were identified by searching the Cochrane Methodology Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2005), MEDLINE (1966 to May 2005), EMBASE (1980 to May 2005), Science Citation Index (June 2005) and by handsearching journals and conference abstracts. SELECTION CRITERIA Studies were eligible if they contained analyses of any aspect of the time to publication of clinical trials and tracked the publication of a cohort of clinical trials. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data extraction was performed independently by two authors. Data were extracted on the median time from the date the trial started to the date of publication. Data were also extracted on source of trials under investigation; source of funding; area of health care; means by which the publication status of these trials were sought; and methodological quality of the empirical study. MAIN RESULTS Two studies with a total of 196 trials met the inclusion criteria. In both studies just over half of all trials had been published in full. Trials with positive results (i.e. statistically significant in favour of the experimental arm) were published in approximately 4 to 5 years. Trials with null or negative results (i.e. not statistically significant or statistically significant in favour of the control arm) were published after about 6 to 8 years. One study suggested that this difference could, in part, be attributed to the length of time taken to publish the results of a trial once follow up has been completed. This study showed that trials with null or negative findings took, on average, just over a year longer to be published than those with positive results. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Our review shows that trials with positive results are published sooner than other trials. This has important implications for the timing of the initiation and updating of a review, especially if there is an association between the inclusion of a trial in a review and its publication status. It is of particular concern when one considers reviews containing only a small number of studies.
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