G protein coupled receptor transcripts in human immune cells and platelets.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are encoded by nonabundant mRNAs, and it is difficult to detect them reliably with the highly parallel methods that are in general use. Because of this, we developed and validated a sensitive, specific, semi-quantitative method for detecting these transcripts. We have used the method to profile GPCR transcripts in white blood cells (WBCs)-B, CD4, CD8, NK, and dendritic cells; monocytes, and macrophage-like monocytes treated with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor-as well as platelets.

The utility of the irritability scale in Huntington's disease patients with evidence of irritability or aggression.

Introduction: Irritability, a common neuropsychiatric symptom in Huntington's disease (HD), lacks a standardized measurement. The Irritability Scale (IS), tailored for HD, has patient and informant versions, but variable interrater agreement has been reported frequently in previous studies. To enhance the clinical utility of the IS, this study aimed to identify the most reliable components estimating the underlying construct and develop a shortened version for time-limited contexts.

Considerations beyond spine pain: do different co-occurring lower body joint pains differentially influence physical function and quality of life ratings?

Background: Patients seeking medical care for back pain often have coexisting painful joints and the effects of different combinations and number of coexisting pain sites (hip, knee, foot/ankle) to back pain on physical function domains and quality of life rating are not yet established. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in functional outcomes and QOL among individuals with back pain who have concurrent additional pain sites or no pain sites.

Methods: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI) cohort were used for this cross-sectional analysis.

Cues to care: Chronic disease diagnosis in young adult trauma patients.

Background: Prevention of chronic disease necessitates early diagnosis and intervention. In young adults, a trauma admission may be an early contact with the health care system, representing an opportunity for screening and intervention. This study estimates the prevalence of previously diagnosed disease and undiagnosed disease (UD)-diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, and alcohol and substance use-in a young adult trauma population.