The latent structure of post-traumatic stress disorder: tests of invariance by gender and trauma type

BACKGROUND

Measurement invariance of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM-IV) post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) criterion symptoms was tested by gender and trauma type, assaultive and non-assaultive.

METHOD

Analysis was conducted using latent class analysis (LCA), based on findings that the three-class LCA model from Breslau et al. (Archives of General Psychiatry 2005, 62, 1343-1351) fits the data across the four groups best. The classes represent three levels of PTSD-related disturbance: no disturbance, intermediate disturbance and pervasive disturbance, with the last one approximating the DSM-IV PTSD diagnosis.

RESULTS

Analysis of measurement invariance showed that, with respect to gender, there was no evidence of differential symptom reporting within the same disturbance class. DSM-IV symptom indicators represent the latent structure of PTSD equally in males and females. We found that more female than male victims of assaultive violence experienced pervasive disturbance. In the absence of measurement variability associated with gender, the finding is likely to reflect a gender difference in susceptibility. The analysis of measurement invariance detected evidence of variability associated with trauma type. Victims of assaultive violence in the pervasive disturbance class report more severe distress (especially emotional numbing) than do victims of non-assaultive violence in the same class.

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of measurement bias associated with type of trauma raises questions about the applicability of a single definition for PTSD associated with assaultive violence and PTSD associated with traumatic events of lesser magnitude.

Alteplase for the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke: NICE technology appraisal guidance

This NICE technology appraisal guidance considers the clinical and cost effectiveness of the use of alteplase for acute ischaemic stroke.

A suprachoroidal electrical retinal stimulator design for long-term animal experiments and in vivo assessment of its feasibility and biocompatibility in rabbits

This article reports on a retinal stimulation system for long-term use in animal electrical stimulation experiments. The presented system consisted of an implantable stimulator which provided continuous electrical stimulation, and an external component which provided preset stimulation patterns and power to the implanted stimulator via a paired radio frequency (RF) coil. A rechargeable internal battery and a parameter memory component were introduced to the implanted retinal stimulator. As a result, the external component was not necessary during the stimulation mode. The inductive coil pair was used to pass the parameter data and to recharge the battery. A switch circuit was used to separate the stimulation mode from the battery recharging mode. The implantable stimulator was implemented with IC chips and the electronics, except for the stimulation electrodes, were hermetically packaged in a biocompatible metal case. A polyimide-based gold electrode array was used. Surgical implantation into rabbits was performed to verify the functionality and safety of this newly designed system. The electrodes were implanted in the suprachoroidal space. Evoked cortical potentials were recorded during electrical stimulation of the retina. Long-term follow-up using OCT showed no chorioretinal abnormality after implantation of the electrodes.

Computed tomography-based tissue-engineered scaffolds in craniomaxillofacial surgery

INTRODUCTION

Tissue engineering provides an alternative modality allowing for decreased morbidity of donor site grafting and decreased rejection of less compatible alloplastic tissues.

METHODS

Using image-based design and computer software, a precisely sized and shaped scaffold for osseous tissue regeneration can be created via selective laser sintering. Polycaprolactone has been used to create a condylar ramus unit (CRU) scaffold for application in temporomandibular joint reconstruction in a Yucatan minipig animal model. Following sacrifice, micro-computed tomography and histology was used to demonstrate the efficacy of this particular scaffold design.

RESULTS

A proof-of-concept surgery has demonstrated cartilaginous tissue regeneration along the articulating surface with exuberant osseous tissue formation. Bone volumes and tissue mineral density at both the 1 and 3 month time points demonstrated significant new bone growth interior and exterior to the scaffold.

CONCLUSION

Computationally designed scaffolds can support masticatory function in a large animal model as well as both osseous and cartilage regeneration. Our group is continuing to evaluate multiple implant designs in both young and mature Yucatan minipig animals.

Phylogenic analysis of the SLA-1 gene variants observed from Korean Jeju pig (Brief Report)

Abstract. The Swine Leukocyte Antigen (SLA) class I consists of SLA-1, SLA-2, and SLA-3 genes (CHARON et al., 2000) that are expressed on the surface of most nucleated cells. Pig organs mainly from miniature pigs have been used in studies on xenotransplantation (SMITH et al., 2005). It is important to understand genetic variations of the SLA-1 gene considering the SLA-mediated immune responses. Collecting information on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and alleles of SLA-1 and their phylogenic relationships is important regarding future uses of the Korean Jeju Pig (KJP) in xenotransplantation.

Measurement of ocular torsion using digital fundus image

Computer-based objective measurement of the ocular cyclotorsion using digital fundus photograph was developed. Color digital fundus photographs acquired with the field angle of 60 degrees , 1520 x 1080 in resolution were analyzed. Optic disc and macula were segmented by the program developed on MATLAB, which executed the serial analysis of the Otsu threshold, labeling, Canny edge. The angle between the horizontal line that bisects the optic disc and the line connecting the center of optic disc and macula was measured and compared with the torsion determined by the specialist. Optic disc and macula were segmented and the mean of the calculated angle was 3.02+/-1.24 degrees . The mean of the torsion determined by the specialist was 3.13+/-1.98 degrees and there was no difference between the two. The measurement of the cyclotorsion using computer program showed good coincidence with that of the specialist and it can be a good candidate as a tool helping precise diagnosis and the objective evaluation of the disease for the physicians.

Phase I trial of neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy with S-1 and weekly irinotecan in locally advanced rectal cancer

14543

Background: S-1 is a novel, orally administered 5-FU analogue and is known of radiosensitizer. The aim of this study was to establish the feasibility and efficacy of S-1 in combination with weekly irionotecan with concurrent pelvic radiotherapy (RT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer. Methods: Clinical stage T3–4 or N+(on MRI) rectal adenocarcinoma patients received weekly irinotecan 40mg/m2(day1,8,15,22,29) and S-1 at dose levels of 40, 50, 60 and 70mg/m2 (5days a week from day 1 to 38) according to phase I methodology. Concurrently conventional RT was given at daily fractions of 1.8 Gy on 5 days a week for a total dose of 50.4 (45 + 5.4)Gy. Surgery was performed 4–8 weeks following completion of chemoradiation. Results: A total 16 patients (10M/7F, median age 46 years, ECOG PS0–1) were enrolled between August 2005 and July 2006. One pt withdrew the consent during CCRT. Dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) occurred at 50mg/m2 of S-1 in one of six pts (G4 cerebral infarction). At dose of 60, 70mg/m2 of S-1, no DLT occurred. G3/4 toxicties were rare. Fifthteen pts underwent surgery and R0 resection was achieved in 13 pts. Four pts (25.0%) had a pathological complete response. Conclusions: The recommended dose (RD) for further study is S-1 70mg/m2 with irinotecan and radiotherapy. Neoadjuvant S-1/irinotecan/RT is feasible and well tolerated. Phase II trial is being conducted.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Post-treatment [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography as a prognostic tool for progression-free survival in epithelial ovarian cancer

16029

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate response to therapy using post-treatment molecular imaging with [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG), and to compare the response with outcome in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Methods: This was a retrospective medical record review of 179 patients with EOC. All patients underwent post-treatment whole-body positron emission tomography (PET) imaging scan with [18F] FDG from August 1998 to April 2005. Patients were treated with surgical staging procedure followed by platinum-based combination chemotherapy at least 3 cycles. Post-treatment whole-body FDG-PET was performed 1 to 7 months (median, 3 months) after completion of treatment. Results: One hundred fourteen patients showed no abnormal FDG uptake while 65 patients had abnormal FDG uptake at the scan. One hundred thirteen patients experienced recurrence or metastasis during follow-up. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 44 (range 2–83) months, and 5-year PFS rate was 34.3%. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of [18F] FDG PET images in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer recurrence or metastases were 46.1%, 82.8%, 59.2%, 82.8%, and 46.1%, respectively. A Cox proportional hazards model of survival outcome indicated that abnormal post-treatment FDG uptake (persistent or new) was the most significant prognostic factor for developing metastatic disease and death from EOC (hazard ratio, 0.432; 95% CI 0.296 to 0.630; P <.0001). However, there was no relation between the maximal standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and the PFS. Conclusion: Post-treatment abnormal FDG uptake (persistent or new) detected by whole-body PET measures tumor response and might be predictive of poor prognostic ourtcome from EOC.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Phase III trial of ixabepilone plus capecitabine compared to capecitabine alone in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) previously treated or resistant to an anthracycline and resistant to taxanes

1006

Background: Patients with MBC who have progressed after anthracyclines and taxanes have limited treatment options. Ixabepilone, a novel epothilone B analog, is active in resistant breast cancer. Methods: In this large multinational phase III trial, patients with MBC who were anthracycline pretreated and met predefined resistance criteria to taxanes were randomized to ixabepilone (40mg/m2 IV over 3h Q3w) + capecitabine (1,000mg/m2 PO BID Q14d) or capecitabine (1,250mg/m2 PO BID Q14d). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS); secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), safety, and overall survival (available after 2007). Response and progression were assessed by an independent review committee (IRC) and the investigators (INV). Results: 752 patients were randomized. Median age was 53; 84% had visceral disease, 48% and 43% had 1 and =2 prior metastatic regimens. Median of 5 and 4 cycles of ixabepilone + capecitabine and capecitabine were administered. Ixabepilone + capecitabine was superior to capecitabine. Significant benefit was consistently maintained across predefined subgroups, including HER2-/ER- /PR- and HER2+. *Primary analysis of PFS; hazard ratio= 0.75. Grade (G) 3/4 adverse events included neuropathy (ixabepilone + capecitabine 23% vs capecitabine 0%), hand-foot syndrome (18% vs 17%), and fatigue (9% vs 3%). Neuropathy was cumulative and reversible (median time to resolution of G3/4 to baseline/G1 was 6 weeks). G3 and 4 neutropenia were reported in 32% and 36% vs 9% and 2%, respectively; febrile neutropenia was 5% with ixabepilone + capecitabine. Toxic death rate was 3% vs 1%. Patients with liver dysfunction were at greater risk. Conclusions: Ixabepilone + capecitabine has superior efficacy to capecitabine across endpoints and has a manageable safety profile in this heavily pretreated population. It offers a new potential option for patients with MBC.

[Table: see text]

No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Sunitinib as second-line treatment for advanced gastric cancer: preliminary results from a phase II study

4603

Background: Sunitinib malate (SU) is an oral, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor of VEGFRs, PDGFRs, KIT, RET, and FLT3, approved internationally for the treatment of advanced RCC and imatinib-resistant or -intolerant GIST. We investigated the safety and activity of SU monotherapy in pts with previously-treated gastric cancer. Preliminary results from this open-label, multicenter, phase II study are reported. Methods: Eligibility criteria included measurable stage IV disease; 1 prior chemotherapy regimen; and ECOG PS =1. Pts took SU 50 mg/day for 4 wks followed by 2 wks off treatment in 6-wk cycles. A Simon 2-stage design was used with a target accrual of 38 pts in the first stage, expanding to 63 pts if =2 partial responses (PRs) were observed. The primary endpoint was RECIST-defined objective response rate. Secondary endpoints included duration of response and safety. Pharmacokinetic (PK) Ctrough parameters were also monitored. Results: As of Sept 15 2006, 38 evaluable pts (median age 56 years [range 29–78]; 2–3 metastatic sites [63%]; prior treatment with 5-FU ± platinum [P] [24%], capecitabine ± P [13%], TS-1 ± P [26%], other [37%]) have received a median of 2 SU cycles (range 1–3). Of 21 pts evaluable for efficacy, 1 PR has been confirmed and 8 pts had stable disease (SD), 4 with SD for =2 cycles. The most commonly reported AEs were typically grade 1/2 in severity and included stomatitis, skin discoloration, fatigue, anorexia, diarrhea, hand-foot syndrome (HFS), nausea and vomiting. Grade 3/4 toxicities included HFS (10.5%), fatigue (7.9%), anorexia (7.9%) and mucosal inflammation (5.3%). Grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities included neutropenia (29%), thrombocytopenia (29%) and anemia (11%). 7 pts experienced serious SU- related AEs requiring dose modifications in 3 pts and treatment discontinuation in 1 pt. Preliminary PK investigations indicate that concentrations seen in gastric pts are similar to those seen in other pts treated with SU. Conclusions: These initial findings show that SU is generally well tolerated and may have single-agent antitumor activity in pre-treated gastric cancer pts. Further trials with SU in combination with standard chemotherapy regimens are planned.

No significant financial relationships to disclose.