bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of soft tissue calcifications in patients with SLE and effects of alfacarcidol
Authors: Okada J , Nomura M , Shirataka M , Kondo H 
Published: November 2006

Objective: To clarify the prevalence and etiology of ectopic calcification in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), especially under the active vitamin D3 administrations and to reveal the risk factors of ectopic calcification. Methods: Sixty patients with SLE, excluding the patients on dialysis were studied. We examined radiographs of hands, forearms, upper and lower extremities, and pelvises of all patients to evaluate ectopic calcification. Results: The prevalence of ectopic calcification in SLE was 40% (24 out of 60 patients), found in 6.7% (4 patients) in peripheral arteries, 33.3% (20 patients) in periarticular area and 16.7% (10 patients) in other soft tissues. The incidence of lupus nephritis and nephrotic syndrome were significantly higher (respectively: P = 0.0144 and P = 0.0348) in the calcification-positive than negative group. Total protein levels (7.04 0.6 g =dl) of patients in the calcification-positive group were decreased significantly (P = 0.0056) compared with 7.48 0.55 g =dl in the negative group. However, other biochemical parameters were not significantly different between the two groups. Sixty-three percent of the SLE patients with ectopic calcification received alfacarcidol, which is significantly (P = 0.0007) higher than the 19% in patients without calcification. Conclusion: It is suggested that the alfacarcidol therapy and lupus nephritis could increase the risk of ectopic calcification in SLE patients.
Mild presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus in elderly patients assessed by SLEDAI
Authors: Formiga F , Moga I , Pac M , Mitjavila F , Rivera A , Pujol R 
Published: November 2006

Objective: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) predominantly affects young patients. SLE starting in later life has a clinical presentation different than in younger patients. We have used the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) to explore the relationship between age of onset and disease activity. Methods: We selected all patients controlled in our hospital at the moment of clinical diagnosis of SLE (100 patients; 85 females and 15 males). They were classified in two groups: those with early onset (<50 y) and those with late onset (>50 y) based on their age at the moment of clinical diagnosis of SLE. Results: In 12 patients the onset of SLE was > 50 y (10 females and two males; mean age 59 y). The early onset patients had significantly higher SLEDAI values at the presentation and during the first year of disease with respect to elderly patients. Antibodies to DNA and hypocomplementemia were detected more often in younger patients. Conclusion: Our results confirm using SLEDAI, that the lupus of the elderly patients is a distinct clinical subgroup with a milder course of disease.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Volumetric Analysis of the Putamen in Children With ADHD
Authors: Wellington Tasha McMahon , Semrud-Clikeman Margaret , Gregory Amanda Louise , Murphy Jennifer Mary , Lancaster Jack Lynn 
Published: November 2006

Objective: Volumetric differences in the putamen of boys with ADHD combined subtype with psychopathic traits and controls are investigated. Method: The putamen in 24 archival magnetic resonance imaging scans of 12 boys in residential treatment with symptoms of ADHD and psychopathic traits and 12 community control boys are analyzed using Display software. Results: There are no differences found in the total, left, and right putamen volumes across the ADHD or control group. A significant reversal of asymmetry across groups is found; children with ADHD more frequently have a smaller left putamen than right. In contrast, the control group more frequently has a smaller right than left putamen. Conclusion: A reversal of symmetry in the putamen (as found in the caudate) may relate to ADHD symptomology as well as to psychopathic traits.
Case Series: Evaluation of a Behavioral Sleep Intervention for Three Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyssomnia
Authors: Mullane Jennifer , Corkum Penny 
Published: November 2006

Objective: The authors conducted a preliminary evaluation of a behavioral sleep intervention for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyssomnia delivered via distance treatment. Method: Three children (1 male, 2 females; aged 6-10 years) with ADHD and dyssomnia participated in a 5-week manualized intervention. Using a non-concurrent multiple baseline design, the children were randomly assigned to a 1-, 2-, or 3-week baseline and then received the 5-week intervention. Sleep problems were assessed daily by both objective and subjective measures. Measures of problematic nighttime behaviors and daytime ADHD symptoms were also obtained weekly. Results: After 5 weeks, a clinically significant decrease was found in the severity of the children’s dyssomnia. No changes in ADHD symptoms were noted. Gains were generally maintained at the 3-month follow-up. Parents perceived the intervention as being “helpful” to “very helpful.” Conclusion: Based on the initial data, this intervention shows promise as an effective and feasible treatment.
A Controlled Study of Autonomic Nervous System Function in Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Treated With Stimulant Medications
Authors: Schubiner Howard , Hassunizadeh Bischan , Kaczynski Richard 
Published: November 2006

Objective: Despite the fact that autonomic nervous system (ANS) abnormalities are commonly found in adults and predict increased cardiovascular mortality, no studies have assessed ANS function in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) taking stimulants. Method: This pilot study evaluated ANS function in adults with ADHD in comparison with an age- and gender-matched control group. Results: The authors found that 4% of the control group had some abnormalities in the ANS in comparison with 24% of the ADHD group. Conclusion: Because the control group had higher levels of exercise fitness, and the level of abnormalities in the ADHD group was comparable with that of the general population, the significance of these findings is unknown. In addition, we did not determine if ANS abnormalities were present in individuals with ADHD who were not on stimulant medications. Further research is warranted to determine if there is any association between ADHD and stimulant use and ANS abnormalities.
Does ADHD in Adults Affect the Relative Accuracy of Metamemory Judgments?
Authors: Knouse Laura E. , Paradise Matthew J. , Dunlosky John 
Published: November 2006

Objective: Prior research suggests that individuals with ADHD overestimate their performance across domains despite performing more poorly in these domains. The authors introduce measures of accuracy from the larger realm of judgment and decision making—namely, relative accuracy and calibration—to the study of self-evaluative judgment accuracy in adults with ADHD. Method: Twenty-eight adults with ADHD and 28 matched controls participate in a computer-administered paired-associate learning task and predict their future recall using immediate and delayed judgments of learning (JOLs). Retrospective confidence judgments are also collected. Results: Groups perform equally in terms of judgment magnitude and absolute judgment accuracy as measured by discrepancy scores and calibration curves. Both groups benefit equally from making their JOL at a delay, and the group with ADHD show higher relative accuracy for delayed judgments. Conclusion: Results suggest that under certain circumstances, adults with ADHD can make accurate judgments about their future memory.
Effects of Coexisting Disorders on Cognition and Behavior in Children With ADHD
Authors: Crawford Susan G. , Kaplan Bonnie J. , Dewey Deborah 
Published: November 2006

Objective: To determine whether the presence of coexisting disorders affects memory, visual-motor skills, and daily functioning in children with ADHD. Method: Eighty-four boys and 18 girls (8 to 16 years old) participate in this study. Twenty children meet criteria for ADHD alone, 42 children for ADHD plus one other disorder, and 40 children for ADHD plus at least two other disorders (reading disability, developmental coordination disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression). Children are assessed on memory and visual-motor skills. Parents complete measures of daily functioning. Results: No significant group differences emerge for age, socioeconomic status, or IQ. Poorer performance on tests of memory and visual-motor skills, more prevalent behavioral problems, and more impairment in everyday functioning are associated with a higher number of coexisting disorders in children with ADHD. Conclusion: The presence of coexisting disorders has a significant influence on cognition and behavior of children with ADHD.
Children Should Be Seen and Heard
Authors: Klimkeit Ester , Graham Claire , Lee Paul , Morling Megan , Russo Diana , Tonge Bruce 
Published: November 2006

Objective: The belief that children with externalizing disorders have difficulties with self-awareness raises the question of whether children with externalizing disorders are good informants of their own behavior. Method: This study investigates how children with ADHD rate their behaviors compared to children without ADHD on a new rating scale (the Self-Evaluation Scale for Children). Results: Preliminary results indicate that this rating scale has acceptable reliability and validity. Furthermore, children with ADHD are found to provide useful information about their feelings and behaviors. Compared to children without ADHD, children with ADHD report more disorganized, disruptive, and impulsive behaviors; poorer self-perception; and poorer social and communication skills. They do not report any less interest in school activities nor more anxiety than the children without ADHD. Conclusion: These findings suggest that children with ADHD are more self-aware than previously thought, and this information should inform our clinical and research practice.
A phase 2 study of the farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib in poor-risk and elderly patients with previously untreated acute myelogenous leukemia
Authors: Lancet Jeffrey E. , Gojo Ivana , Gotlib Jason , Feldman Eric J. , Greer Jacqueline , Liesveld Jane L. , Bruzek Laura M. , Morris Lawrence , Park Youn , Adjei Alex A. , Kaufmann Scott H. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Greenberg Peter L. , Wright John J. , Karp Judith E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractOutcomes for older adults with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) are poor due to both disease and host-related factors. In this phase 2 study, we tested the oral farnesyltransferase inhibitor tipifarnib in 158 older adults with previously untreated, poor-risk AML. The median age was 74 years, and a majority of patients had antecedent myelodysplastic syndrome. Complete remission (CR) was achieved in 22 patients (14%); partial remission or hematologic improvement occurred in 15 patients, for an overall response rate of 23%. The median duration of CR was 7.3 months and the median survival of complete responders was 18 months. Adverse karyotype, age 75 years or older, and poor performance status correlated negatively with survival. Early death in the absence of progressive disease was rare, and drug-related nonhematologic serious adverse events were observed in 74 patients (47%). Inhibition of farnesylation of the surrogate protein HDJ-2 occurred in the large majority of marrow samples tested. Baseline levels of phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase and AKT did not correlate with clinical response. Tipifarnib is active and well tolerated in older adults with poor-risk AML and may impart a survival advantage in those patients who experience a clinical response.
Facilitating matched pairing and expression of TCR chains introduced into human T cells
Authors: Kuball Jürgen , Dossett Michelle L. , Wolfl Matthias , Ho William Y. , Voss Ralf-Holger , Fowler Carla , Greenberg Philip D. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractAdoptive transfer of T lymphocytes is a promising treatment for a variety of malignancies but often not feasible due to difficulties generating T cells that are reactive with the targeted antigen from patients. To facilitate rapid generation of cells for therapy, T cells can be programmed with genes encoding the α and β chains of an antigen-specific T-cell receptor (TCR). However, such exogenous α and β chains can potentially assemble as pairs not only with each other but also with endogenous TCR α and β chains, thereby generating αβTCR pairs of unknown specificity as well as reducing the number of exogenous matched αβTCR pairs at the cell surface. We demonstrate that introducing cysteines into the constant region of the α and β chains can promote preferential pairing with each other, increase total surface expression of the introduced TCR chains, and reduce mismatching with endogenous TCR chains. This approach should improve both the efficacy and safety of ongoing efforts to use TCR transfer as a strategy to generate tumor-reactive T cells.
A GMCSF and IL-15 fusokine leads to paradoxical immunosuppression in vivo via asymmetrical JAK/STAT signaling through the IL-15 receptor complex
Authors: Rafei Moutih , Wu Jian Hui , Annabi Borhane , Lejeune Laurence , François Moïra , Galipeau Jacques 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe hypothesized that a granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GMCSF) and interleukin 15 (IL-15) fusokine (GIFT15) would possess greater immune-stimulatory properties than their combined use. Unexpectedly, tumor cells engineered to secrete GIFT15 protein led to suppression of natural killer (NK) and NKT-cell recruitment in vivo, suggesting an unanticipated immune-suppressive effect. We found GIFT15 to have pleiotropic effects on an array of immune-competent cells. Among these, macrophages treated with GIFT15 secrete de novo the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2); activated matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2); transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β); as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). We show that the GIFT15 fusokine has increased affinity for the α chain component of the IL-15R, leading to aberrant signaling through the β chain manifested by the hyperphosphorylation of STAT3 both in macrophages and splenocytes. Suppression of common γ chain–mediated STAT5 phosphorylation and blockade of the IL-15–dependent IFN-γ response in mouse splenocytes were also observed. We tested GIFT15 as an immunosuppressor and demonstrated that it allowed engraftment of allogeneic B16F0 and human xenograft U87GM glioma cells in immunocompetent mice. Thus, GIFT15 defines a new class of fusokine that mediates proangiogenic and immunosuppressive effects via aberrant signaling by the IL-15R in lymphomyeloid cells.
Thrombospondin-1 limits ischemic tissue survival by inhibiting nitric oxide–mediated vascular smooth muscle relaxation
Authors: Isenberg Jeff S. , Hyodo Fuminori , Matsumoto Ken-Ichiro , Romeo Martin J. , Abu-Asab Mones , Tsokos Maria , Kuppusamy Periannan , Wink David A. , Krishna Murali C. , Roberts David D. 
Published: November 2006

Abstract
The nitric oxide (NO)/cGMP pathway, by relaxing vascular smooth muscle cells, is a major physiologic regulator of tissue perfusion. We now identify thrombospondin-1 as a potent antagonist of NO for regulating F-actin assembly and myosin light chain phosphorylation in vascular smooth muscle cells. Thrombospondin-1 prevents NO-mediated relaxation of precontracted vascular smooth muscle cells in a collagen matrix. Functional magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that an NO-mediated increase in skeletal muscle perfusion was enhanced in thrombospondin-1–null relative to wild-type mice, implicating endogenous thrombospondin-1 as a physiologic antagonist of NO-mediated vasodilation. Using a random myocutaneous flap model for ischemic injury, tissue survival was significantly enhanced in thrombospondin-1–null mice. Improved flap survival correlated with increased recovery of oxygen levels in the ischemic tissue of thrombospondin-1–null mice as measured by electron paramagnetic resonance oximetry. These findings demonstrate an important antag-onistic relation between NO/cGMP signaling and thrombospondin-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells to regulate vascular tone and tissue perfusion.
Novel metaheuristic for parameter estimation in nonlinear dynamic biological systems
Authors: Rodriguez-Fernandez Maria , Egea Jose A , Banga Julio R 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
We consider the problem of parameter estimation (model calibration) in nonlinear dynamic models of biological systems. Due to the frequent ill-conditioning and multi-modality of many of these problems, traditional local methods usually fail (unless initialized with very good guesses of the parameter vector). In order to surmount these difficulties, global optimization (GO) methods have been suggested as robust alternatives. Currently, deterministic GO methods can not solve problems of realistic size within this class in reasonable computation times. In contrast, certain types of stochastic GO methods have shown promising results, although the computational cost remains large. Rodriguez-Fernandez and coworkers have presented hybrid stochastic-deterministic GO methods which could reduce computation time by one order of magnitude while guaranteeing robustness. Our goal here was to further reduce the computational effort without loosing robustness.

Results
We have developed a new procedure based on the scatter search methodology for nonlinear optimization of dynamic models of arbitrary (or even unknown) structure (i.e. black-box models). In this contribution, we describe and apply this novel metaheuristic, inspired by recent developments in the field of operations research, to a set of complex identification problems and we make a critical comparison with respect to the previous (above mentioned) successful methods.

Conclusion
Robust and efficient methods for parameter estimation are of key importance in systems biology and related areas. The new metaheuristic presented in this paper aims to ensure the proper solution of these problems by adopting a global optimization approach, while keeping the computational effort under reasonable values. This new metaheuristic was applied to a set of three challenging parameter estimation problems of nonlinear dynamic biological systems, outperforming very significantly all the methods previously used for these benchmark problems.
Machine learning techniques in disease forecasting: a case study on rice blast prediction
Authors: Kaundal Rakesh , Kapoor Amar S , Raghava Gajendra PS 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Diverse modeling approaches viz. neural networks and multiple regression have been followed to date for disease prediction in plant populations. However, due to their inability to predict value of unknown data points and longer training times, there is need for exploiting new prediction softwares for better understanding of plant-pathogen-environment relationships. Further, there is no online tool available which can help the plant researchers or farmers in timely application of control measures. This paper introduces a new prediction approach based on support vector machines for developing weather-based prediction models of plant diseases.

Results
Six significant weather variables were selected as predictor variables. Two series of models (cross-location and cross-year) were developed and validated using a five-fold cross validation procedure. For cross-year models, the conventional multiple regression (REG) approach achieved an average correlation coefficient (r) of 0.50, which increased to 0.60 and percent mean absolute error (%MAE) decreased from 65.42 to 52.24 when back-propagation neural network (BPNN) was used. With generalized regression neural network (GRNN), the r increased to 0.70 and %MAE also improved to 46.30, which further increased to r = 0.77 and %MAE = 36.66 when support vector machine (SVM) based method was used. Similarly, cross-location validation achieved r = 0.48, 0.56 and 0.66 using REG, BPNN and GRNN respectively, with their corresponding %MAE as 77.54, 66.11 and 58.26. The SVM-based method outperformed all the three approaches by further increasing r to 0.74 with improvement in %MAE to 44.12. Overall, this SVM-based prediction approach will open new vistas in the area of forecasting plant diseases of various crops.

Conclusion
Our case study demonstrated that SVM is better than existing machine learning techniques and conventional REG approaches in forecasting plant diseases. In this direction, we have also developed a SVM-based web server for rice blast prediction, a first of its kind worldwide, which can help the plant science community and farmers in their decision making process. The server is freely available at http://www.imtech.res.in/raghava/rbpred/.
Effects of brain polarization on reaction times and pinch force in chronic stroke
Authors: Hummel Friedhelm C , Voller Bernhard , Celnik Pablo , Floel Agnes , Giraux Pascal , Gerloff Christian , Cohen Leonardo G 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Previous studies showed that anodal transcranial DC stimulation (tDCS) applied to the primary motor cortex of the affected hemisphere (M1affected hemisphere) after subcortical stroke transiently improves performance of complex tasks that mimic activities of daily living (ADL). It is not known if relatively simpler motor tasks are similarly affected. Here we tested the effects of tDCS on pinch force (PF) and simple reaction time (RT) tasks in patients with chronic stroke in a double-blind cross-over Sham-controlled experimental design.

Results
Anodal tDCS shortened reaction times and improved pinch force in the paretic hand relative to Sham stimulation, an effect present in patients with higher impairment.

Conclusion
tDCS of M1affected hemisphere can modulate performance of motor tasks simpler than those previously studied, a finding that could potentially benefit patients with relatively higher impairment levels.
GP-initiated preconception counselling in a randomised controlled trial does not induce anxiety
Authors: de Jong-Potjer LC , Elsinga J , le Cessie S , van der Pal-de Bruin KM , Neven A Knuistingh , Buitendijk SE , Assendelft WJJ 
Published: November 2006

Abstract

Background
Preconception counselling (PCC) can reduce adverse pregnancy outcome by addressing risk factors prior to pregnancy. This study explores whether anxiety is induced in women either by the offer of PCC or by participation with GP-initiated PCC.

Methods
Randomised trial of usual care versus GP-initiated PCC for women aged 18–40, in 54 GP practices in the Netherlands. Women completed the six-item Spielberger State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before PCC (STAI-1) and after (STAI-2). After pregnancy women completed a STAI focusing on the first trimester of pregnancy (STAI-3).

Results
The mean STAI-1-score (n = 466) was 36.4 (95% CI 35.4 – 37.3). Following PCC there was an average decrease of 3.6 points in anxiety-levels (95% CI, 2.4 – 4.8). Mean scores of the STAI-3 were 38.5 (95% CI 37.7 – 39.3) in the control group (n = 1090) and 38.7 (95% CI 37.9 – 39.5) in the intervention group (n = 1186).

Conclusion
PCC from one's own GP reduced anxiety after participation, without leading to an increase in anxiety among the intervention group during pregnancy. We therefore conclude that GPs can offer PCC to the general population without fear of causing anxiety.
Trial Registration: ISRCTN53942912