bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Confronting publication bias: A cohort design for meta‐analysis
Authors: Simes Robert John
Published: April 2007

In evaluating therapies, clinical investigators often need to rely on the published clinical trial literature which may be biased in favour of studies with positive or ‘encouraging’ results and this may lead to erroneous conclusions of therapeutic effectiveness. The problem of publication bias can be magnified when the evaluation is based on a pooled analysis of clinical trial results, since in this case even small differences between treatment groups may reach statistical significance.

In this paper a model is developed for pooling the results of clinical trials which is free from publication bias. It is proposed that an international registry of all clinical trials be established with the objectives and endpoints of each trial clearly defined in the register. In this way for each therapeutic issue researchers can select a cohort of clinical trials independently from the trial results.

The approach is illustrated using the International Cancer Research Data Bank (ICRDB) registry of cancer clinical trials to evaluate the effect of chemotherapy on survival in advanced ovarian cancer. In this example, the conclusions based on a pooled analysis of registered trials have important differences from a more traditional review of the published trials. Implications of the results and problems in implementing the model are discussed.
The role of overviews in cancer therapeutics
Authors: Simon Richard
Published: April 2007

The implications of pooling based overviews for the design and conduct of cancer clinical trials are discussed. Because the results of overviews may be highly publicized and disruptive to ongoing trials, the timing of overviews should be carefully considered. Pooling based overviews can be valuable supplements to major clinical trials if the trials are themselves quite similar in design and quality. Such overviews may be essential for addressing subset questions based on results from such trials. Pooling based overviews are not, however, satisfactory alternatives to major clinical trials. Pooled results of many small dissimilar studies may be misleading with regard to the efficacy of treatments contributing to the average. For toxic cancer treatments, the assumption that unexpected qualitative interactions are unlikely does not provide a satisfactory justification for pooling results of trials that are dissimilar in design or quality of conduct.
Sample size requirements for reliability studies
Authors: Donner Allan , Eliasziw Michael
Published: April 2007

This paper provides exact power contours to guide the planning of reliability studies, where the parameter of interest is the coefficient of intraclass correlation p derived from a one‐way analysis of variance model. The contours display the required numbers of subjects k and number of repeated measurements n that provide 80 per cent power for testing Ho:ρ ⩽ ρo versus H1: ρ > ρo at the 5 per cent level of significance for selected values of po. We discuss the design considerations of these results.
Models for temporal variation in cancer rates. I: Age–period and age–cohort models
Authors: Clayton D. , Schifflers E.
Published: April 2007

A main concern of descriptive epidemiologists is the presentation and interpretation of temporal variations in cancer rates. In its simplest form, this problem is that of the analysis of a set of rates arranged in a two‐way table by age group and calendar period. We review the modern approach to the analysis of such data which justifies traditional methods of age standardization in terms of the multiplicative risk model. We discuss the use of this model when the temporal variations are due to purely secular (period) influences and when they are attributable to generational (cohort) influences. Finally we demonstrate the serious difficulties which attend the interpretation of regular trends. The methods described are illustrated by examples for incidence rates of bladder cancer in Birmingham, U.K., mortality from bladder cancer in Italy, and mortality from lung cancer in Belgium.
Some methodological problems in the assessment of complementary therapy
Authors: Anthony Honor M.
Published: April 2007

The increased interest of the public and the medical profession in complementary forms of therapy introduces an urgent need for proper assessment of efficacy. This growth in popularity suggests that complementary therapies are effective in some circumstances, but without objective assessment neither the public nor the medical profession can be sure. Rigorous scientific assessment is required, but the nature of complementary therapy is such that double‐blind randomized controlled trials, as usually conducted, are rarely applicable, and alternative approaches are needed. At its best, complementary therapy is designed individually for each patient, and few treatments can readily be applied ‘blind’. These are the main problems in trial design but complementary therapists are also aware of the importance of body‐mind interactions: they see the ‘placebo effect’ as an integral part of treatment which needs investigation, and they question the validity of clinical trials in which the patient's will is not fully engaged through lack of information, and of those not asking the patients if they feel better. The problems are examined and alternative approaches suggested. The paper raises the question of whether they are only problems for complementary medicine.
The analysis of data from 2 × 2 cross‐over trials with baseline measurements
Authors: Kenward Michael G. , Jones Byron
Published: April 2007

An account is given of the analysis of data from 2 × 2 cross‐over trials which include baseline measurements. We show that most of the previously proposed methods can be incorporated into a general framework of least‐squares estimation with a simple linear model. A simple analysis based on ordinary least‐squares estimators is described which can be used with either two‐sample t‐tests and confidence intervals or with the corresponding non‐parametric procedures. It is shown how the use of generalized least‐squares estimators is equivalent to the use of covariance adjustment. These methods require no assumptions about the covariance structure of the measurements from each subject. The results of assessing the covariance structure present in examples of data from a number of trials are summarized. These results suggest that previously proposed simple covariance structures are unlikely to be appropriate in general.
Confirmatory analysis of survival data using left truncation of the life times of primary survivors
Authors: Keiding Niels , Bayer Thomas , Watt‐Boolsen Steen
Published: April 2007

In survival analysis, as in other branches of applied statistics, confirmatory analysis is often requested before an initial finding can be cleared of suspicion of being due just to mass significance. This paper points out that the special temporal structure of the classical clinical trial with staggered entry allows re‐use of the initial survivors by left‐truncating their remaining survival times. This procedure can often save a considerable amount of calendar time. The procedure is illustrated by data from the Danish Breast Cancer Cooperative Group.
Some points on the use of ‘independent Bayes’ to diagnose acute abdominal pain
Authors: Crichton Nicola J. , Fryer John G. , Spicer Clive C.
Published: April 2007

This paper outlines some of the difficulties encountered when using independent Bayes as a statistical decision aid for acute abdominal pain. Methods of reducing the resultant problems are suggested. Restriction of the number of facets in the system reduces violation of the simplifying assumption of symptom independence without adversely affecting efficiency. Introduction of a realistic utility structure is investigated as is the potential transportability of the decision aid. Generalizations of the results are discussed and potential uses of medical decision aids are considered.
The parameters of death: A consideration of the quantity of information in a life table using a polynomial representation of the survivorship curve
Authors: Anson Jon
Published: April 2007

How much unique information is contained in any life table? The logarithmic survivorship (lx) columns of 360 empirical life tables were fitted by a weighted fifth degree polynomial, and it is shown that six parameters are adequate to reproduce these curves almost flawlessly. However, these parameters are highly intercorrelated, so that a two‐dimensional representation would be adequate to express the similarities and differences among life tables. It is thus concluded that a life table contains but two unique pieces of information, these being the level of mortality in the population which it represents, and the relative shape of the underlying mortality curve.
Exposure—response relationship for a dichotomized response when the continuous underlying variable is not measured
Authors: Irwig L. M. , Groeneveld H. T.
Published: April 2007

Radiological assessment of pneumoconiosis is an example of a dichotomized variable, namely one that is analysed as a binary response but in fact has an underlying continuum, which in this case is not measurable. Estimates of exposure—response relationships vary greatly for different observers of a dichotomized response variable because of random error of measurement and differences in the threshold implicitly chosen by each observer for categorizing cases. We present a method of using the biserial correlation coefficient and normal distribution theory to estimate exposure—response relationships at any required threshold for each observer. Exposure—response relationships can also be corrected for random observational error using the reliability coefficient, calculated as the tetrachoric correlation between repeat observations by readers.
Correspondence analysis and logistic modelling: Complementary use in the analysis of a health survey among nurses
Authors: Leclerc A. , Luce D. , Lert F. , Chastang J. F. , Logeay P.
Published: April 2007

Logistic or other modelling approaches are often appropriate for studying epidemiological data. However, health surveys may be more complex. With numerous variables, there is a need for exploratory analysis. Parsimonious description of the data is also a useful complement to modelling. Correspondence analysis may be useful in such exploratory phases. An example of the complementary use of the two approaches is presented in the context of a health survey among nurses, which focused on the relationship between shift and night work, and declared health problems.
A statistical methodology for postmarketing surveillance of adverse drug reaction reports
Authors: Norwood Paula K. , Sampson Allan R.
Published: April 2007

This paper presents a statistically optimal exact hypothesis testing procedure for detecting changes in sales adjusted adverse drug reaction (ADR) rates between historical and current periods, with a computer program that implements this test appended. We provide discussions and illustrations on how to monitor ADR rates for product lines that consist of several pharmacologically equivalent dosage forms.
Modelling the 1985 influenza epidemic in France
Authors: Flahault A. , Letrait S. , Blin P. , Hazout S. , Ménarés J. , Valleron A. J.
Published: April 2007

The Rvachev—Baroyan—Longini model is a space—time predictive model of the spread of influenza epidemics. It has been applied to 128 cities of the USSR, and more recently, to forecasting the spread of the pandemic of 1968–1969 throughout 52 large cities. It is a deterministic, mass‐action, space and time continuous model.

The model has been applied to the simulation of the influenza epidemic of 1984–1985 in the 22 French Metropolitan districts and results are presented. Estimates of the parameters of the model were made using the French Communicable Diseases Network data. These parameters are the contact rate, a, (estimate = 0.55) which is the number of people with whom an infectious individual will make contact daily sufficient to pass infection and the infectious period, 1/b, estimated as 2.49 days. The mean annual railroad passenger traffic from district i to district j varies from 0 to 1,991,000 persons depending on the districts. The computer spread of the epidemic is presented on weekly maps. Results are also presented on district charts, giving the size of district epidemics and the time of peak of the epidemic. The precision of the computer fittings was judged satisfactory by the calculated size of peak differing from the real one by less than 100 per cent, in 17 out of 18 districts, and by the calculated time of peak differing from the observed by less than two weeks in 14 out of 18 districts. Although precision could be improved with more detailed information about passenger traffic, the French use of the model has been satisfactory.
Toward greater understanding of market orientation and the resource‐based view
Authors: Ketchen David J. , Hult G. Tomas M. , Slater Stanley F.
Published: April 2007

Connor's commentary offers a series of thoughtful comments on the ideas presented in Hult, Ketchen, and Slater (2005). We focus on two of his contentions in our response. First, we argue that the theory underlying our study—the resource‐based view—is not tautological. This is because resources and performance are not directly related. Instead, realizing the potential value of resources depends on those resources being exploited through a firm's strategic actions. Second, we disagree with Connor's contention that market‐oriented and customer‐led firms lie along a continuum. We propose a richer conceptualization centered on a two‐by‐two matrix that contains market‐oriented firms, customer‐led firms, and two additional types. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SECCOX, a novel x‐ray characterization bench for Bragg crystals and x‐rays optics
Authors: Caillaud T. , Manson M. , Desenne D. , Goze B. , Rivet A. , Derouineau Ph.
Published: April 2007

Laser programs require the use of a large number of calibrated x‐ray crystals implemented inside spectrometers and microscopes used in diagnostics. In this context, a new apparatus was designed in collaboration with CELIA laboratory, Saint‐Gobain Crystals and Detectors and CEA to characterize x‐ray Bragg crystals. Station d'Etude et de Caractérisation des Cristaux pour les Optiques X (SECCOX) is based on a micrometric x‐ray source and an automated spectrometer equipped with a CCD camera. Properties such as homogeneity, resolution, radius of curvature and reflectivity are measured to guarantee diagnostic performance in laser‐plasma physics experiments. We will present the experimental device, techniques and results of the calibration obtained. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mid‐term Results of Stapled Hemorrhoidopexy for Third‐ and Fourth‐degree Hemorrhoids—Correlation with the Histological Features of the Resected Tissue
Authors: Ohana Gil , Myslovaty Boris , Ariche Arie , Dreznik Zeev , Koren Rumelia , Rath‐Wolfson Lea
Published: April 2007

Background

Stapled hemorrhoidopexy is used to remove a circumferential strip of mucosa and submucosa about 4 cm above the dentate line, in order to restore the correct anatomical relationships of the anal canal structures. We evaluated the histological features of the resected tissue obtained after stapled hemorrhoidopexy with correlation to the short‐term and mid‐term results.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 234 cases of stapled hemorrhoidopexy. Data concerning postoperative bleeding, anal pain, incontinence, stenosis, and recurrence of hemorrhoids were collected from hospital and outpatient clinic records. Histologic slides were examined for the type of epithelium, presence of muscle fibers, nerve endings, and degree of vascular ectasia.

Results

Some 52% of the biopsies revealed on the surface a combination of glandular with squamous epithelium, meaning a stapling line at the level of the transitional zone/dentate line. Smooth muscle fibers were more frequent as the stapling line approached the level of the dentate line/transitional zone (p = 0.0028). Internal sphincter fibers were present in 36% of the cases, yet there were no cases of anal incontinence. Inclusion of merely squamous epithelium in the resected tissue correlated with severe postoperative pain persisting one week after surgery (p < 0.0001), whereas the concurrent presence of squamous and glandular epithelium correlated only with severe pain on the first postoperative day (p = 0.018). Nerve endings were more frequent in patients with anal pain one week after surgery (p = 0.02). The rate of recurrence of symptoms was 3%, which did not correlate with any of the histological parameters tested.

Conclusions

Though stapled hemorrhoidopexy is performed according to well‐established technical guidelines, it is too difficult to be standardized.
Antihyperalgesic and analgesic properties of the N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist neramexane in a human surrogate model of neurogenic hyperalgesia
Authors: Klein Thomas , Magerl Walter , Hanschmann Angelika , Althaus Michael , Treede Rolf‐Detlef
Published: April 2007

NMDA‐receptors are a major target in the prevention and treatment of hyperalgesic pain states in neuropathic pain. However, previous studies revealed equivocal results depending on study design and efficacy parameters.

We tested the analgesic (generalized reduction of generation and processing of nociceptive signalling) and anti‐hyperalgesic (prevention of central sensitization) properties of the NMDA‐receptor antagonist neramexane and the potassium channel opener flupirtine in the intradermal capsaicin injection model. Furthermore, we tested the effect on pain summation (wind up). Eighteen healthy subjects received either a single dose of neramexane (40mg p.o.), flupirtine (100mg) or placebo in a double‐blind, randomized, cross‐over study.

Pain evoked by intradermal capsaicin injection as well as pain evoked by pinpricks was significantly reduced by neramexane (−22% to −30% vs. placebo) in the non‐sensitized skin indicating a marked analgesic effect. Moreover, dynamic mechanical allodynia (pain to light touch) was also significantly attenuated by neramexane (−28% vs. placebo). However, static secondary hyperalgesia to pinprick stimuli after capsaicin injection was not significantly reduced (−9% vs. placebo). Flupirtine showed no analgesic or anti‐hyperalgesic effect. Mechanically‐evoked wind up of pain sensation was not affected by any treatment.

The results suggests that in a human surrogate model of neurogenic hyperalgesia a single low‐dose of neramexane had a marked analgesic effect in the sensitized and in the non‐sensitized state and thus may be a useful drug to treat the enhanced pain sensitivity in neuropathic pain patients. Its efficacy may be based on analgesia rather than anti‐hyperalgesia or anti‐windup. In contrast, flupirtine showed neither an analgesic nor an anti‐hyperalgesic effect at a dose used for the treatment of postoperative pain.
Disruption of α‐mannosidase processing induces non‐canonical hybrid‐type glycosylation
Authors: Crispin Max , Aricescu A. Radu , Chang Veronica T. , Jones E. Yvonne , Stuart David I. , Dwek Raymond A. , Davis Simon J. , Harvey David J.
Published: April 2007

Golgi α‐mannosidase II is essential for the efficient formation of complex‐type glycosylation. Here, we demonstrate that the disruption of Golgi α‐mannosidase II activity by swainsonine in human embryonic kidney cells is capable of inducing a novel class of hybrid‐type glycosylation containing a partially processed mannose moiety. The discovery of ‘Man6‐based’ hybrid‐type glycans reveals a broader in vivo specificity of N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase I, further defines the arm‐specific tolerance of core α1‐6 fucosyltransferase to terminal α1‐2 mannose residues, and suggests that disruption of Golgi α‐mannosidase II activity is capable of inducing potentially ‘non‐self’ structures.
Infection of human hepatocyte chimeric mouse with genetically engineered hepatitis C virus and its susceptibility to interferon
Authors: Hiraga Nobuhiko , Imamura Michio , Tsuge Masataka , Noguchi Chiemi , Takahashi Shoichi , Iwao Eiji , Fujimoto Yoshifumi , Abe Hiromi , Maekawa Toshiro , Ochi Hidenori , Tateno Chise , Yoshizato Katsutoshi , Sakai Akihito , Sakai Yoshio , Honda Masao , Kaneko Shuichi , Wakita Takaji , Chayama Kazuaki
Published: April 2007

We developed a reverse genetics system of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1a and 2a using infectious clones and human hepatocyte chimeric mice. We inoculated cell culture‐produced genotype 2a (JFH‐1) HCV intravenously. We also injected genotype 1a CV‐H77C clone RNA intrahepatically. Mice inoculated with HCV by both procedures developed measurable and transmissible viremia. Interferon (IFN) alpha treatment resulted in greater reduction of genotype 2a HCV levels than genotype 1a, as seen in clinical practice. Genetically engineered HCV infection system should be useful for analysis of the mechanisms of resistance of HCV to IFN and other drugs.
Triphlorethol‐A induces heme oxygenase‐1 via activation of ERK and NF‐E2 related factor 2 transcription factor
Authors: Kang Kyoung Ah , Lee Kyoung Hwa , Park Jae Woo , Lee Nam Ho , Na Hye Kyung , Surh Young Joon , You Ho Jin , Chung Myung Hee , Hyun Jin Won
Published: April 2007

Triphlorethol‐A, phlorotannin found inEcklonia cava, induced heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) expression at mRNA and protein levels, leading to increased HO‐1 activity. Transcription factor NF‐E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) regulates antioxidant response element (ARE) of phase 2 detoxifying and antioxidant enzymes. Triphlorethol‐A increased nuclear translocation, ARE binding, and transcriptional activity of Nrf2. Triphlorethol‐A exhibited activation of ERK and U0126, inhibitor of ERK kinase, suppressed triphlorethol‐A induced activation of Nrf2, finally decreased HO‐1 protein level. Taken together, these data suggest that triphlorethol‐A augments cellular antioxidant defense capacity through induction of HO‐1 via ERK‐Nrf2‐ARE signaling pathway, thereby protecting cells from oxidative stress.
Keratinocyte transcriptional regulation of the human c‐Myc promoter occurs via a novel Lef/Tcf binding element distinct from neoplastic cells
Authors: Kolly Carine , Zakher Antony , Strauss Christian , Suter Maja M. , Müller Eliane J.
Published: April 2007

The proto‐oncogene c‐Myc is involved in early neoplastic transformations. Two consensus Lef/Tcf binding elements (TBE) were found to be prerequisite for transcriptional transactivation by the armadillo proteins β‐catenin and plakoglobin (PG) together with Tcf4 in human neoplastic cells. In epidermal keratinocytes, c‐Myc was reported to be repressed by Lef‐1 and PG. Using reporter gene assays, here we demonstrate that deletion of the two consensus TBE fails to abrogate transcriptional regulation by Lef‐1/PG in wildtype and β‐catenin−/− keratinocytes, while it reduces transcription in pre‐neoplastic PG−/− keratinocytes. We identified a TBE sequence variant downstream of the major transcriptional initiation site that binds Lef‐1 in vitro and in vivo, and its mutation compromised transcriptional regulation by Lef‐1/PG. Collectively, this study demonstrates that the two consensus TBE's reported in neoplastic cells are dispensable for c‐Myc regulation in normal keratinocytes, which instead use a novel TBE sequence variant. This unprecedented finding may have important implications for armadillo target genes involved in carcinogenesis.
Expression of adiponectin in choroidal tissue and inhibition of laser induced choroidal neovascularization by adiponectin
Authors: Bora Puran S. , Kaliappan Sankaranarayanan , Lyzogubov Valeriy V. , Tytarenko Ruslana G. , Thotakura Sushma , Viswanathan Tito , Bora Nalini S.
Published: April 2007

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of adiponectin (APN) in a mouse model of laser induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV). We have shown by immunohistochemistry that the expression of APN, adiponectin receptor 1, adiponectin receptor 2 and T cadherin gradually increased from day 1 to day 7 post‐laser in laser treated mice compared to controls. Recombinant APN (rAPN) was injected intraperitoneally (i.p., 25 μg/mouse) or intravitreally (2 μg/eye) in lasered mice. Another set of lasered mice received APN peptide via i.p. (75 μg/mouse) or intravitreal (30 μg/eye) route. Control mice received a similar treatment with PBS, control protein or control peptide after laser treatment. We found that in the i.p. and intravitreal injection of rAPN resulted in 78% and 68% inhibition respectively in the size of CNV complex compared to control mice. Similar results were observed when APN peptide was injected intravitreally or i.p. Treatment with rAPN or the peptide resulted in decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor. Thus, APN inhibited choroidal angiogenesis and may have therapeutic implications in the treatment of wet age related macular degeneration.
Electrostatic contributions to protein stability and folding energy
Authors: Roca Maite , Messer Benjamin , Warshel Arieh
Published: April 2007

The ability to predict the thermal stability of proteins based on their corresponding sequence is a problem of great fundamental and practical importance. Here we report an approach for calculating the electrostatic contribution to protein stability based on the use of the semimacroscopic protein dipole Langevin dipole (PDLD/S) in its linear response approximation version for self‐energy with a dielectric constant, () and an effective dielectric for charge–charge interactions (). The method is applied to the test cases of ubiquitin, lipase, dihydrofolate reductase and cold shock proteins with series of and . It is found that the optimal values of these dielectric constants lead to very promising results, both for the relative stability and the absolute folding energy. Consideration of the specific values of the optimal dielectric constants leads to an exciting conceptual description of the reorganization effect during the folding process. Although this description should be examined by further microscopic studies, the practical use of the current approach seems to offer a powerful tool for protein design and for studies of the energetics of protein folding.
Human brain myelination and amyloid beta deposition in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Bartzokis George , Lu Po H. , Mintz Jim
Published: April 2007

We hypothesized that myelin breakdown in vulnerable late‐myelinating regions releases oligodendrocyte‐ and myelin‐associated iron that promotes amyloid beta (Aβ) oligomerization, its associated toxicity, and the deposition of oligomerized Aβ and iron in neuritic plaques observed in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The model was tested by using published maps of cortical myelination from 1901 and recent in vivo imaging maps of Aβ deposits in humans. The data show that in AD, radiolabeled ligands detect Aβ deposition in a distribution that matches the map of late‐myelinating regions. Furthermore, the strikingly lower ability of this imaging ligand to bind Aβ in animal models is consistent with the much lower levels of myelin and associated iron levels in rodents when compared with humans. The hypotheses derived from the “myelin model” are testable with current imaging methods and have important implications for therapeutic interventions that should be expanded to include novel targets such as oligodendrocytes, myelin, and brain iron.
An estimate of the total worldwide societal costs of dementia in 2005
Authors: Wimo Anders , Winblad Bengt , Jönsson Linus
Published: April 2007

Background

The aim of this report was to estimate the worldwide cost of dementia in 2005 from a societal viewpoint.

Methods

Costs were estimated by combining prevalence estimates, country and region specific data on Gross Domestic Product per person, and average wage with results from previously published cost‐of‐illness studies in different countries. Direct medical and nonmedical costs as well as costs for informal care were included.

Results

The total worldwide societal cost of dementia, on the basis of a dementia population of 29.3 million persons, was estimated to be US$315.4 billion in 2005, including US$105 billion for informal care (33%). Seventy‐seven percent of the total costs occurred in the more developed regions, with 46% of the prevalence.

Conclusions

Worldwide costs for dementia are enormous, and informal care constitutes a major cost component, in particular in less developed regions. The health economics of dementia is a highly relevant area for further research.
The Memory and Aging Telephone Screen: Development and preliminary validation
Authors: Rabin Laura A. , Saykin Andrew J. , Wishart Heather A. , Nutter‐Upham Katherine E. , Flashman Laura A. , Pare Nadia , Santulli Robert B.
Published: April 2007

Background

Telephone interviews are widely used in geriatric settings to identify eligible research participants and to perform brief follow‐up assessments of cognition. This article reports on the development and validation of the Memory and Aging Telephone Screen (MATS), a structured interview for older adults with mild cognitive impairment and/or significant memory complaints. We also developed three alternate forms of the MATS objective memory test to reduce practice effects engendered by multiple administrations.

Methods

Participants were enrolled in a longitudinal study that included 120 older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment, subjective cognitive complaints but without deficit on neuropsychological tests, and demographically matched healthy controls. An additional 15 patients with mild probable Alzheimer's disease completed the alternative forms study. All participants received the original MATS version, and a subset (n = 90) later received two of three alternate forms.

Results

The MATS was sensitive to group differences, and the alternate forms were equivalent. MATS objective memory test scores showed adequate stability during a period of 1 year and were moderately correlated with scores on a widely used list‐learning test (California Verbal Learning Test, Second Edition).

Conclusions

The MATS, a repeatable telephone screen that includes objective and subjective memory assessments, is useful for detecting individuals in the preclinical and early stages of dementia. Results encourage use of the MATS as a reliable and valid cognitive screening tool in research and clinical settings. Longitudinal assessments are being performed to investigate the predictive validity of the MATS for cognitive progression in mild cognitive impairment.
Successful treatment of cervical spinal epidural empyema secondary to grass awn migration in a cat
Authors: Granger Nicolas , Hidalgo Antoine , Leperlier Dimitri , Gnirs Kirsten , Thibaud Jean-Laurent , Delisle Françoise , Blot Stéphane
Published: April 2007

Spinal epidural empyema (SEE) represents a severe pyogenic infection of the epidural space. Clinical signs of the disease are non-specific – increased body temperature, intense neck pain, neurological signs of a transverse myelopathy – and can lead to severe and permanent neurological deficits. This report describes the diagnosis and successful surgical treatment of cervical SEE secondary to grass awn migration in a cat. Although it is uncommon, this disease should be suspected in cats with progressive myelopathy. Early diagnosis and emergency surgery combined with antibiotic therapy are required to allow a complete recovery.
Time trends and risk factors for diabetes mellitus in cats presented to veterinary teaching hospitals
Authors: Prahl Annalisa , Guptill Lynn , Glickman Nita W , Tetrick Mark , Glickman Larry T
Published: April 2007

Veterinary Medical Data Base records of cats with diabetes mellitus (DM) from 1970 through 1999 were reviewed to identify trends in hospital prevalence of DM and potential host risk factors. Hospital prevalence increased from eight cases per 10,000 in 1970 to 124 per 10,000 in 1999 ( P < 0.001). Case fatality percent at first visit decreased from 40% to 10% ( P < 0.001). Hospital prevalence increased in all age groups ( P < 0.002). There was no apparent seasonal pattern in hospital prevalence. Significant risk factors included male gender, increasing age for both genders ( P < 0.001), increasing weight for males ( P < 0.001), and mixed vs pure breed for females ( P = 0.006).
FAMILY PLANNING IN RURAL ADANA, TURKEY
Authors: YOLDASCAN ELÇIN , OYA M.
Published: April 2007

This study of family planning in rural Adana, Turkey, collected data from 519 women aged between 16 and 55. Questionnaires were distributed in different districts during February 2006. The results showed that 81·3% of women used a contraceptive method. The IUD was the most widely used modern contraceptive method. There is a decrease in the average number of births per woman as the educational level of women increases.
Genistein fromFlemingia vestita(Fabaceae) enhances NO and its mediator (cGMP) production in a cestode parasite,Raillietina echinobothrida
Authors: DAS B. , TANDON V. , SAHA N.
Published: April 2007

Cyclic GMP (cGMP) is responsible for various cellular functions including signal pathways and it acts as a mediator for nitric oxide (NO). In order to evaluate the anthelmintic efficacy of the plant-derived isoflavones, the crude peel extract ofFlemingia vestitaand pure genistein were tested with respect to the activity of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), NO efflux and the cGMP concentration inRallietina echinobothrida, the cestode parasite of domestic fowl. For comparison, the parasites were also treated with genistein (the major isoflavone present in the crude peel extract), sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a known NO donor, and praziquantel (PZQ), the reference drug. At the time of onset of paralysis in the parasite, the activity of NOS showed a significant increase (35–46%) and a 2-fold increase of NO efflux into the incubation medium in the treated worms in comparison to the respective controls. The cGMP concentration in the parasite tissue increased by 46–84% in the treated test worms in comparison to the controls. The results show that the isoflavones, genistein in particular, from the crude peel extract ofF. vestitainfluence the cGMP concentration in the parasite tissue, which plays a major role in the downstream signal pathways.
Impact of sowing, canopy cover and litter on seedling dynamics of two Polylepis species at upper tree lines in central Ecuador
Authors: Cierjacks Arne , Iglesias Juan Enrique , Wesche Karsten , Hensen Isabell
Published: April 2007

Failure of reproduction is hypothesized as being a main reason for the formation of upper tree lines but there is, as yet, little supportive evidence of such. This study investigates the effects of experimental sowing, canopy cover and litter depth on seedling emergence and survival of Polylepis incana and Polylepis pauta at the upper distribution limit of the species in the Páramo de Papallacta, central Ecuador. We established 18 study plots located in the interior, at the edge and at the exterior of closed forests at the upper tree line and analysed seedling dynamics for 1 y following experimental sowing with four different litter treatments. For both species, seedling numbers were significantly higher in the forest interior than outside, and higher in the treatments with the litter layer removed. In P. pauta, sowing significantly increased seedling number, which was more pronounced within and at the edge of the forest than outside. In contrast, there was no impact of sowing on seedling emergence in P. incana. First-year seedling survival and mean growth rate per month were low in both species. Log-linear models did not reveal significant interactions between survival and canopy cover or litter removal. Our data show that seedling recruitment is limited at the upper tree line – presumably due to extreme climatic conditions – which indicates the importance of constraints in sexual regeneration for tree-line formation in central Ecuador.
The genetic diversity of Myrciaria floribunda (Myrtaceae) in Atlantic Forest fragments of different sizes
Authors: Franceschinelli Edivani Villaron , Vasconcelos Giuliana Mara Patrício , Landau Elena Charlotte , Ono Kátia Yukari , Santos Flávio Antonio Maes
Published: April 2007

The genetic diversity of Myrciaria floribunda, a common Atlantic Forest tree, was investigated in six populations located in two small fragments (10 and 18 ha), two medium-sized fragments (36 and 44 ha) and one large fragment (3003 ha). Two populations occur in the large fragment. It is expected that smaller fragments should have lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding. Distances between fragments varied from 0.66 to 10 km. On average 32 young trees smaller than 20 cm basal girth were sampled in each population. Allozyme electrophoresis was carried out, and six loci were scored. The effective number of alleles was lower for populations of the two small fragments (1.46 and 1.51) and higher for populations of the large (1.62 and 1.71) and medium ones (1.69 and 1.84). Small fragments showed lower values of expected and observed heterozygosities than large and medium fragments. Most of the genetic variability occurs within populations, and there was a moderate genetic variation among them ($\hat{\theta}_p$ = 0.097). Our findings show a tendency of lower genetic diversity within small and isolated fragments and higher genetic differentiation among them. But, few correlations between genetic diversity indices and fragment features (size and isolation) were significant.
Semi-analytic geometry with R-functions
Authors: Shapiro Vadim
Published: April 2007

V. L. Rvachev called R-functions ‘logically charged functions’ because they encode complete logical information within the standard setting of real analysis. He invented them in the 1960s as a means for unifying logic, geometry, and analysis within a common computational framework – in an effort to develop a new computationally effective language for modelling and solving boundary value problems. Over the last forty years, R-functions have been accepted as a valuable tool in computer graphics, geometric modelling, computational physics, and in many areas of engineering design, analysis, and optimization. Yet, many elements of the theory of R-functions continue to be rediscovered in different application areas and special situations. The purpose of this survey is to expose the key ideas and concepts behind the theory of R-functions, explain the utility of R-functions in a broad range of applications, and to discuss selected algorithmic issues arising in connection with their use.
Cancer International Research Group (CIRG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Cancer International Research Group (CIRG). Clinical trials include:

A multicenter phase III randomized trial comparing docetaxel in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (TAC) versus doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel (A → CT) as adjuvant treatment of operable breast cancer her2neu-negative patients with positive axillary lymph nodes.CIRG 005

Multicenter phase III randomized trial comparing doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel (AC→T) with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel and trastuzumab (AC→TH) and with docetaxel, carboplatin and trastuzumab (TCH) in the adjuvant treatment of node-positive and high-risk node-negative patients with operable breast cancer containing the her2neu alteration. BCIRG 006.

A multicenter phase III randomized trial comparing docetaxel (Taxotere) and trastuzumab (Herceptin) with docetaxel (Taxotere), platinum salt (cisplatin or carboplatin) and trastuzumab (Herceptin) as first line chemotherapy for patients with advanced breast cancer containing the her2neu alteration. BCIRG 007
Italian Oncology Group for Clinical Research (GOIRC)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a list of recent or ongoing clinical trials that the Italian Oncology Group for Clinical Research (GOIRC) participate in with other clinical trials groups, if applicable.
Gruppo Oncologico Nord Ovest – Mammella Intergruppo (GONO MIG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Gruppo Oncologico Nord Ovest – Mammella Intergruppo (GONO MIG). Clinical trials include:

Standard CEF versus accelerated CEF as adjuvant chemotherapy in node-positive or high-risk node-negative (T > 2 cm, age <35 years, G3, negative hormone receptors or high TL1 or S-phase) breast cancer. A phase III randomized trial. MIG-1

Epirubicin plus paclitaxel versus cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and 5-fluorouracil as adjuvant chemotherapy in node-positive breast cancer patients. A phase III randomized study. MIG-5

A phase III randomized study of sequential epidoxorubicin plus cyclophosp-amide followed by docetaxel (EC D) versus a combination of 5-fluorouracil, epidoxorubicin and cyclophosp-amide (FEC) as adjuvant treatment of node-negative early breast cancer patients.

A phase III randomized study of EC followed by paclitaxel versus FEC followed by paclitaxel, all given either every 3 or 2 weeks supported by pegfilgrastim, for node-positive breast cancer patients.

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced menopause by temporary ovarian suppression with triptorelin versus control in young breast cancer patients. A randomized phase III multicenter study.

Letrozole adjuvant therapy duration (lead) study: standard versus long treatment. A phase III trial in post-menopausal women with early breast cancer.
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Radiation therapy Oncology group (RTOG). Clinical trials include:

RTOG 9804: Phase III trial of observation ± tamoxifen versus RT ± tamoxifen for good risk duct carcinoma in-situ(DCIS) of the female breast.

NSABP B-39/RTOG 0413: A randomized phase III study of conventional whole breast irradiation (WBI) versus partial breast irradiation (PBI) for women with stage 0, I, or II breast cancer.

A phase II trial to evaluate three dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3D-RT) confined to the region of the lumpectomy cavity for stage I and II breast carcinoma.
Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) – Breast Cancer Project Group
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) – Breast Cancer Project Group. Clinical trials include:

Randomized phase III trial of Herceptin followed by chemotherapy plus Herceptin versus the combination of Herceptin and chemotherapy as palliative treatment in patients with HER2-overexpressing advanced/metastatic breast cancer. Protocol SAKK 22/99

Trastuzumab monotherapy followed by the combination of trastuzumab and letrozole in post-menopausal women with ER-positive, HER-2 positive advanced breast cancer resistant to a nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor. A multicenter two-step phase II trial Protocol SAKK 23/03

Phase I–II trial of capecitabine and vinorelbine in elderly patients ( 65 years) with metastatic breast cancer with and without bone involvement. Protocol SAKK 25/99

Phase I/II trial of capecitabine with weekly paclitaxel for advanced breast cancer. Protocol SAKK 26/00
Scandinavian Breast Group (SBG)
Authors:   The Breast International Group
Published: April 2007

This section provides current contact details and a summary of recent or ongoing clinical trials being coordinated by Scandinavian Breast Group (SBG). Clinical trials include:

High-dose chemotherapy + autologous stem cell transplantation compared with dose escalating chemotherapy in breast cancer with poor prognosis ≥ 8 positive lymph nodes or ≥ 5 lymph nodes combined with R-combined with either G II–III or high S-phase. A randomized study. SBG 9401

Standard CEF-60 versus tailored CEF in high-risk primary breast cancer. SBG CEF-60, SBG 2000-1

HABITS – Hormonal replacement therapy after breast cancer diagnosis – is it safe? BIG 03-97

A phase II study continuing into a randomized phase III study comparison of safety, feasibility and efficacy of: dose dense and tailored and dose escalated epirubicin + cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel (dEC→T) or dose dense epirubicin + cyclophosphamide followed by docetaxel (EC→T) or docetaxel + doxorubicin + cyclophosphamide (TAC) in lymph node positive breast cancer patients. SBG 2004-1 STUDY
Crystallization of stretched network chains in cross-linked natural rubber
Authors: Tosaka Masatoshi , Senoo Kazunobu , Kohjiya Shinzo , Ikeda Yuko
Published: April 2007

Relatively fast kinetics of strain-induced crystallization (SIC) of cross-linked samples with various network-chain densities (ν) of natural rubber and its synthetic analog was examined by the fast time-resolved wide angle x-ray diffraction and simultaneous tensile measurements. The lateral crystallite size was almost unchanged with elapsed time, though the crystallization proceeded considerably during the period. The rate of SIC was faster for the samples having the higher ν during the first tens of seconds. While the development of SIC obviously depends on ν, progress of relative stress relaxation with time was almost independent of ν. The different dependence of the experimental results on ν was explained by assuming coexistence of stretched and relaxed network chains. During SIC at a fixed strain ratio, the intensity of crystalline reflections increased without reducing the intensity of anisotropic amorphous halo on the equator. Accordingly, rather relaxed chains that had shown the off-equatorial scattering were thought to be consumed for the crystal growth.
Use of a macroscopic model for describing the effects of porosity on shock wave propagation
Authors: Arrigoni M. , Boustie M. , de Resseguier T. , Pons F. , He H. L. , Seaman L. , Bolis C. , Berthe L. , Barradas S. , Jeandin M.
Published: April 2007

Materials are manufactured by sintering involve porosity. Some material processes, like laser peening, consist in applying shocks onto the surface of a porous material surface to induce permanent densification that will increase its resistance to corrosion and wear. An estimation of the residual compaction and stresses within the material after treatment requires a good knowledge of shock wave propagation in such media. To investigate the effects of porosity on this propagation, we have performed velocity interferometer system for any reflectors measurements on laser shock-loaded samples of sintered steels with 10%−28% porosity. The records do not agree with the predictions of a simple P−α model from the literature. Hence, a formulation of the compaction process is proposed to improve the correlation between experimental and simulated velocity profile.
New fast beam profile monitor for electron-positron colliders
Authors: Bogomyagkov A. V. , Gurko V. F. , Zhuravlev A. N. , Zubarev P. V. , Kiselev V. A. , Meshkov O. I. , Muchnoi N. Yu. , Selivanov A. N. , Smaluk V. V. , Khilchenko A. D.
Published: April 2007

A new fast beam profile monitor has been developed at the Budker Institute of Nuclear Physics. This monitor is based on the Hamamatsu multianode photomultiplier with 16 anode strips and provides turn-by-turn measurement of the transverse beam profile. The device is equipped with an internal memory, which has enough capacity to store 131 072 samples of the beam profile. The dynamic range of the beam profile monitor allows us to study turn-by-turn beam dynamics within the bunch charge range from 1 pC up to 10 nC. Using this instrument, we have investigated at the VEPP-4M electron-positron collider a number of beam dynamics effects which cannot be observed by other beam diagnostics tools.