bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bayesian modelling and ROC analysis to predict placebo responders using clinical score measured in the initial weeks of treatment in depression trials
Authors: Gomeni Roberto , Merlo‐Pich Emilio 
Published: November 2006

What is already known about this subject • In major depressive disorder an appreciable percentage (40%) of patients in antidepressant trials will have a placebo response.• In these trials, early changes (i.e. within the first 4 weeks) of the clinical score scale (e.g. HAMD‐17) are associated with response at end‐point.• Unpredictable placebo response is one of the major reasons for clinical trial failure in the evaluation of antidepressant drugs. What this study adds • Provides a model to describe the time course of individual and population placebo response.• Provides a methodology to forecast the individual probability to be placebo responder based on early HAMD‐17 measurements with an assessment of the prognostic power.• Provides a methodological framework to implement a population enrichment strategy in the design of clinical trials for the assessment of novel antidepressant drugs.Aims  To develop a probabilistic and longitudinal model describing the time course of Hamilton's Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD‐17) total score in patients with major depressive disorders treated with placebo and to develop predictive models to estimate the response at end‐point given HAMD‐17 measurements at weeks 2 and 4.Methods  Patients (n = 691) from seven clinical trials were analysed in WinBUGS using a Bayesian approach. The whole dataset was randomly split in a learning (359 patients for model definition) and a test dataset (332 patients for assessment of model predictive performance). The analysis of the learning dataset assumed uninformative priors, whereas the analysis of the test dataset used the posterior parameter estimates of the learning dataset as priors. ROC curve analysis estimated the optimal sensitivity/specificity cut‐off between false‐negative and false‐positive rates and determined the prognostic allocation rule for patients to responder and nonresponder groups.Results  A Weibull/linear model accurately described the population and individual HAMD‐17 time course. The total area under the ROC curve, ranging from 0.76 (logistic model with data at week 2) to 0.86 (longitudinal model with data at week 4), provided a measure of the prognostic discriminatory power of early HAMD‐17 measures using the two models. The best placebo‐responder classification score (86.32% true and 13.68% false positive) was associated with the longitudinal model with HAMD‐17 measures at week 4.Conclusion  Results showed the relevance of the Bayesian approach to predict HAMD‐17 score at study end and to classify a patient as a placebo responder given the uncertainty in parameters derived from historical data and early HAMD‐17 measurements.
Role of FGF1, FGF2 and FGF7 in the development of the pancreas from control and streptozotocin‐treated hamsters
Authors: Inchovska M. , Ogneva V. , Martinova Y. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract.  Although progress has been made with respect to the growth and transcription factors implicated in pancreatic development, many questions remain unsolved. It has been established that during embryonic life, both endocrine and acinar cells are derived from pancreatic epithelial precursor cells. Growth factors control the proliferation of precursor cells and their ability to differentiate into mature cells, both in pre‐natal and in early post‐natal life. Pancreatic development during the early post‐natal period is an area of great interest for many scientists. In this study we have examined the structure characteristics, functional and proliferative activity of control and diabetic hamster pancreatic ductal, exocrine and β cells, following treatment with FGFs 1, 2 and 7 in vitro. Light and electron microscopic studies indicated active synthetic processes in these cells under the influence of the investigated FGFs. In our experimental model of diabetes, the labelling index of the cells was significantly higher than in corresponding control groups of hamsters. We established that FGF2 at a concentration of 10 ng/l was responsible for the most prominent effect on ductal cells and β cells in the diabetic groups. FGF1 at a concentration of 10 ng/l displayed the highest stimulatory effect on exocrine cells in the diabetic groups at post‐natal day 10. Taken together these data strongly suggest that FGF1 and FGF2 induce proliferation of pancreatic epithelial cells during the early post‐natal period whereas FGF7 is not strictly specific for pancreatic cell proliferation.
Study of selected quality and agronomic characteristics and their interrelationship in Kabuli‐type chickpea genotypes (Cicer arietinum L.)
Authors: Khattak Amal Badshah , Khattak Gul Sanat Shah , Mahmood Zahid , Bibi Nizakat , Ihsanullah Ihsanullah 
Published: November 2006

SummaryImpact of genotype on quality, agronomic characteristics and their interrelationship in Kabuli‐type chickpea was investigated to provide significant feedback to breeder for selection/evolution of the most suitable varieties. Seven genotypes were studied for seventeen physical, chemical and agronomic characteristics. The effect of Kabuli‐type chickpea genotype on the physicochemical parameters, cooking time and agronomic characteristics were significant. Maximum seed size and volume were recorded for CC98/99 (0.32 g and 0.26 mL seed−1, respectively), density and swelling index for the genotype FLIP97‐179C (having minimum seed size and volume), while the rest of the genotypes were statistically the same. Weight, volume after hydration, hydration capacity and swelling capacity followed the same pattern. Maximum moisture, protein and mineral concentration were noted in CC98/99. Seed protein concentration for the remaining genotypes was statistically non‐significant from one another. Longer period was taken by CM 2000 for flowering and maturity (130 and 181 days, respectively). Minimum time to flowering and maturity was taken by CC98/99. Genotype CC 98/99 outyielded all other genotypes (2107 kg ha−1). Seed size and seed volume were strongly and positively correlated with protein content, weight after hydration, volume after hydration, hydration and swelling capacities (r = 0.83–1.0). Strong correlation was also noted among different agronomic characters.
Time trends in population cholesterol levels 1986–2004: influence of lipid‐lowering drugs, obesity, smoking and educational level. The northern Sweden MONICA study
Authors: ELIASSON M. , JANLERT U. , JANSSON J.‐H. , STEGMAYR B. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract.Objectives.  To explore time trends in population total cholesterol.Design and setting.  Five population‐based cross‐sectional surveys, 1986–2004 in the northern Sweden MONICA study included 8827 men and women.Results.  Age‐adjusted cholesterol level declined in men, 25–64 years old, from 6.38 to 5.78 mmol L−1 and in women from 6.32 to 5.51 mmol L−1. Between 1994 and 2004, subjects 65–74 years old were included, and their levels also decreased, in men from 6.35 to 5.76 mmol L−1 and in women from 7.11 to 6.24 mmol L−1. The decrease was continuous over surveys and age groups, except in young and middle‐aged men where no further decline was found after 1999. Cohorts born 1920–1939 showed decreased cholesterol over the period, whilst no change was noted for those born thereafter. In 2004, one‐fourth of men and one‐third of women 25–74 years achieved levels below 5.0 mmol L−1. Subjects with low educational level, body mass index ≥25 or smokers all had higher cholesterol levels which persisted during the 18‐year period. In 2004, the 9% who used lipid‐lowering drugs are estimated to contribute, at most, to 0.13 mmol L−1 lower cholesterol in the population.Conclusion.  Large decreases in cholesterol levels occurred in the 18‐year period. Less smoking may contribute to, and increasing obesity attenuate, this trend whilst lipid‐lowering drugs have had little effect until recently. Socio‐economic inequalities persist.
Transboundary Animal Diseases in Pakistan
Authors: Zahur A. B. , Irshad H. , Hussain M. , Anjum R. , Khan M. Q. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryTransboundary animal diseases (TADs) are highly contagious and have the potential to spread very rapidly irrespective of the national borders, causing serious economic losses. These diseases cause high morbidity and mortality in susceptible animal populations. Furthermore, the extent of their consequences may significantly affect the food security and national economics. In Pakistan, the main TADs include rinderpest, peste des petits ruminants, foot and mouth disease and avian influenza. In the present paper the status of these diseases in Pakistan is discussed.
Expression and promoter analysis of Xenopus DMRT1 and functional characterization of the transactivation property of its protein
Authors: Yoshimoto Shin , Okada Ema , Oishi Takafumi , Numagami Ruriko , Umemoto Hirohito , Tamura Kei , Kanda Hiromi , Shiba Tadayoshi , Takamatsu Nobuhiko , Ito Michihiko 
Published: November 2006

The doublesex and mab‐3‐related transcription factor 1 (DMRT1) is involved in testis formation in a variety of vertebrates. In the teleost fish, Medaka, DMY/DMRT1Y on the Y chromosome, a duplicate of the autosomal DMRT1 gene, is characterized as a sex‐determining gene. We report here the characterization of the Xenopus DMRT1 genes. Reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis revealed that X. laevis DMRT1 was expressed throughout the embryo during early development and was restricted to the primordial gonads after embryogenesis. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization analysis of the gene confirmed its specific expression in the primordial gonads. To study the transcriptional control of DMRT1 gene expression, we isolated the predicted promoter region of X. tropicalis DMRT1 using databases for this species. Analysis of transgenic tadpoles with a green fluorescence protein (GFP) reporter showed that approximately 3 kb of the 5′‐flanking sequence of the DMRT1 gene was implicated in DMRT1 expression in the primordial gonads. We also showed that the C‐terminal region of DMRT1 functioned as a transactivation domain in cultured cells, by a luciferase reporter assay using fusion proteins with the DNA‐binding domain of GAL4. These findings suggest that DMRT1 functions as an activator of one or more genes involved in sex determination or gonadal differentiation.
Clinical study of complicated urinary tract infection using ‘The UTI Criteria (Draft Fourth Edition)’: Measurement methods for pyuria
Authors: ARAKAWA SOICHI , NAKANO YUZO , MIURA TETSUYA , SHIGEMURA KATSUMI , TANAKA KAZUSHI , FUJISAWA MASATO 
Published: November 2006

Objective: To evaluate the influences the change of the measurement method of pyuria from conventional centrifuged sediment to microchamber uncentrifuged urine for the results of evaluation of antimicrobial agents in clinical study against complicated urinary tract infections. From the viewpoint of international harmonization of judgement criteria, the recent method for counting white blood cells (WBC) in urine has changed from using uncentrifuged urine to using a microchamber in all countries.Methods: Targeted diseases were non‐catheterized complicated urinary tract infection, and cefcapene pivoxil hydrochloride or levofloxacin were used as antimicrobial drug. Pyuria was examined using the counting chamber method, a quantitative method using uncentrifuged urine with a microchamber, and the sedimentation method.Results: Overall clinical efficacy in early evaluation by the two methods in measuring pyuria was evaluated as different in eight patients (7.3%). It was rated excellent in 63 (52.9%), moderate in 32 patients (26.9%) and poor in 24 (20.2%) with an efficacy rate of 79.8% using the counting chamber method, and excellent in 68 (57.1%), moderate in 27 (22.7%) and poor in 24 (20.2%) with an efficacy rate of 79.8% using the conventional sedimentation methodConclusion: No significant difference was seen between the two methods of WBC count in urine.
Comparison of two‐port and four‐port irradiation in the bladder preservation therapy for locally invasive bladder cancer
Authors: SAWADA YOSHITOMO , TAKEUCHI YASUHARU , IWASAWA TOSHIHISA , KURODA KANAMI , MATSUSHIMA MASAHIRO , NAGAMOTO MASASHI , WAKAYAMA MEGUMI 
Published: November 2006

Aim: To ascertain therapeutic effectiveness and adverse reactions with radiochemotherapy for locally invasive bladder cancer, comparison was made between two‐port and four‐port irradiation with intravenous cisplatin administration.Methods: In 86 patients who were diagnosed with locally invasive bladder cancer on the basis of imaging and biopsy findings, transurethral tumor resection was carried out initially to minimize tumor volume, and then radiochemotherapy was done. From 1985 to 1997, bilateral two‐port irradiation was carried out, and after 1998, four‐port irradiation was done. In regards to chemotherapy, cisplatin was administered intravenously. Therapeutic effects were assessed 1 month after the end of therapy.Results: Fifty‐five patients underwent two‐port irradiation; complete response (CR) was achieved in 26 and partial response (PR) in 29 patients. Thirty‐one patients underwent four‐port irradiation; CR was achieved in 20 patients and PR in 11 patients. The cause‐specific 5‐year survival rate did not differ significantly between two‐port and four‐port irradiation (74%vs 79%), but there was a significant difference of survival between CR and PR patients. In the two‐port irradiation group, 5‐year bladder preservation rate was 89% in CR patients and 52% in PR patients. In the four‐port irradiation group, 5‐year bladder preservation rate was 90% in CR patients and 46% in PR patients. Of the various adverse reactions, no significant differences in leukopenia, thrombocytopenia or bladder symptoms were observed between two‐port and four‐port irradiation, but the incidence and severity of loss of appetite, nausea and/or vomiting, diarrhea and dermatitis were significantly greater for two‐port irradiation.Conclusion: Radiochemotherapy are considered to be modest effective in the bladder preservation therapy for locally invasive bladder cancer. The four‐port irradiation shows less adverse reactions than two‐port irradiation.
PRIZE FOR BEST PAPER VOLUME 28
Authors: Kida K. , Sato M. , Kitamura K. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractFlaking failure caused by surface cracks of silicon nitride ceramic bearings has been investigated from the viewpoint of the ring crack model. However, the relation between surface and subsurface cracks under rolling contact fatigue is not fully understood. In this investigation subsurface cracks branching from an initial surface crack were observed in detail, and the process of flaking failure was investigated. The specimens were observed prior to the separation of the surface layers and it was found that the initial surface cracks grew vertically to the surfaces and did not curve as predicted by the ring crack model. Subsurface cracks branched from the single surface cracks and grew in a direction parallel to the surface. They grew in both the same and opposite directions to the ball movement, with small upward and downward branches. These subsurface cracks grew prior to the semi‐circular surface cracks. From these observations it was concluded that the flaking failures are not caused directly by surface cracks, but by subsurface cracks that branch from them.
Community Organizing and Employee Representation
Authors: Osterman Paul 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe decline in the scope and power of American unions has led to a search for new strategies and new organizational forms to better succeed in representing the interests of employees in the labour market. This paper examines the role of community‐based organizations of the sort that proved so powerful during the Civil Rights Movement. The subject of the paper is a strong national network of community organizations that is neighbourhood‐based and draws heavily on churches and other community institutions. The organizations are put together in neighbourhoods, yet they also wield power at the city and state levels. The paper describes the organizations and examines and assesses their labour market policies. The second part of the paper takes up organizational issues and, in particular, describes how the structure and culture of these organizations enable them to avoid some of the organizational perils that have befallen unions and other social movement organizations. The paper concludes by comparing these organizations with traditional unions and by discussing their prospects for growth as well as their limitations.
Union Voice Effects in Mexico
Authors: Fairris David 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThis paper utilizes establishment survey data from Mexico to explore the impact of union voice on fringe benefits, turnover, job training and productivity. Mexican unions have a significant effect on these outcome measures for workers and firms. Unions increase both the value of fringe benefits per worker and the ratio of fringe benefits to total compensation, increase job training and raise productivity per worker. However, contrary to the broader literature on union voice effects, unionized establishments in Mexico appear to possess greater worker turnover.
The Role of Training in Improving Community Care Staff Awareness of Mental Health Problems in People with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Costello Helen , Bouras Nick , Davis Hilton 
Published: November 2006

Background  Care staff play a key role in identifying individuals with intellectual disabilities and additional mental health problems. Yet, few receive training in mental health, and evidence about the effectiveness of training is scant.Materials and Methods  A pre–post study is reported, using a mental health screen and a self‐report questionnaire to examine staff awareness of mental health problems and to measure whether training improved knowledge of psychopathology, attitudes towards mental health services and referral decisions.Results  Prior to training, deficits in awareness were evident. The Psychiatric Assessment Schedule for Adults with a Developmental Disability (PAS‐ADD) Checklist detected significant psychopathology in approximately one‐third of the individuals judged to have no mental health problems according to staff. Four months after the delivery of training, significant improvements in knowledge, attitudes and referral decisions were observed.Conclusion  Brief training interventions may improve awareness of mental health problems, but further research is needed to understand the referral process and to demonstrate the role of training in influencing actual staff behaviour.
An Open‐Label Study of Risperidone in the Improvement of Quality of Life and Treatment of Symptoms of Violent and Self‐Injurious Behaviour in Adults with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Read Stephen G. , Rendall Maureen 
Published: November 2006

Background  We examined the benefits of risperidone, including quality of life (QoL), in the treatment of violent and self‐injurious behaviour in adults with moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability.Methods  Twenty‐four participants received open‐label, oral, flexible‐dose risperidone of 0.5–6 mg/day for 12 weeks. Efficacy was measured primarily using the Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (ABC) and secondarily using validated measures of depression, autism, QoL and global condition. Safety and tolerability were also assessed.Results  Total ABC significantly improved from baseline by week 1. This improvement was maintained throughout the study (final visit, P < 0.001). Secondary efficacy measures were also improved with risperidone, including QoL measures (final visit: home life, P < 0.001; activity, P = 0.002; skills, P = 0.014). Risperidone was generally well tolerated, with no unexpected adverse events.Conclusions  In this open‐label trial, risperidone was efficacious and well tolerated for managing violent and self‐injurious behaviour and improving QoL in adults with moderate, severe or profound intellectual disability.
Enhancement of cerebral blood flow and cognitive performance following pharmacological blood pressure elevation in chronic hypotension
Authors: Duschek Stefan , Hadjamu Miriam , Schandry Rainer 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPrevious research has demonstrated reduced cognitive performance and diminished cerebral blood flow in the case of chronic hypotension. We investigated whether these deficits can be reduced by pharmacological blood pressure elevation. Effects of the sympathomimetic midodrine were examined in 50 hypotensive individuals based on a randomized, placebo‐controlled double‐blind design. A paper–pencil test assessing performance in selective attention was presented. By means of transcranial Doppler sonography, blood flow velocities were recorded in both middle cerebral arteries at rest and during the execution of a cued reaction time task. The administration of midodrine led to an increase in blood flow velocities at rest as well as enhanced attentional performance. The degree of rise in flow velocities was positively correlated with performance enhancement. The increase in flow velocities observed during the execution of the reaction time task was stronger following drug administration.
Hispanic Intermarriage, Identification, and U.S. Latino Population Change*
Authors: Lee Sharon M. , Edmonston Barry 
Published: November 2006

Objective.This article examines the neglected role of Hispanic intermarriage and identification on Hispanic population change and Hispanic ethnicity.Methods.A trend analysis of Census data produced rates of Hispanic intermarriage and identification as Hispanic by children of intermarried Hispanics. These rates are applied to a projection model of Hispanic population change to 2025.Results.Hispanic intermarriage has been fairly stable and high, at about 14 percent. Almost two‐thirds of children of intermarried Hispanics are identified as Hispanic. The Hispanic population in 2025 is larger by almost 1 million when Hispanic intermarriage and identification rates are included in population projections.Conclusions.Failure to consider Hispanic intermarriage and identification may lead to erroneous conclusions about components of Hispanic population growth. Intermarriage and the propensity of “part‐Hispanics” to identify as Hispanic will be significant contributors to future Hispanic population growth, with implications for the meaning of Hispanic ethnicity and ethnic‐based public policies.
Health Insurance and Health‐Care Utilization of U.S.‐Born Mexican‐American Children*
Authors: Hamilton Erin R. , Hummer Robert A. , You Xiuhong H. , Padilla Yolanda C. 
Published: November 2006

Objectives. We document and model health insurance coverage and health‐care utilization of very young, U.S.‐born Mexican‐American children relative to their non‐Hispanic white and black counterparts.Methods. We use data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study and multivariate regression methods.Results. Based on descriptive and multivariate analyses, the findings show that compared to non‐Hispanic white children, Mexican‐American children have lower rates of health insurance coverage and less health‐care utilization. Mexican‐American children born in the United States to foreign‐born mothers utilize health care the least and are much more likely to be fully uninsured compared to other children.Conclusion. The early health advantage of Mexican‐origin children at birth runs the risk of being compromised by the time they reach age three as a result of poor access to healthcare. Greater health insurance coverage for Mexican‐American children and, in particular, Mexican‐American children of immigrants is needed.