bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The NIDA Methamphetamine Clinical Trials Group: a strategy to increase clinical trials research capacity
Authors: Elkashef Ahmed , Rawson Richard A. , Smith Edwina , Pearce Valerie , Flammino Frank , Campbell Jan , Donovick Roger , Gorodetzky Charles , Haning William , Mawhinney Joseph , McCann Michael , Weis Dennis , Williams Lorie , Ling Walter , Vocci Frank 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTAims  In order to increase the number of investigative teams and sites conducting research on pharmacological treatments for methamphetamine use disorders, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) established an infrastructure of clinical sites in areas where methamphetamine addiction is prevalent. This multi‐site infrastructure would serve to run multiple Phases II and III protocols effectively and expeditiously.Methods  NIDA collaborated with investigators from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) to set up the Methamphetamine Clinical Trials Group (MCTG). This paper describes the development process, as well as data from a test trial to assess the capability of research‐naive sites to recruit research participants and conduct study procedures according to research protocol. Subsequent trials are also described.Results  A total of 151 candidates signed consent; 65 individuals were enrolled and 35 (53.8%) completed the 12 weeks' behavioral trial. Self‐reported substance use report (SUR) showed comparable use of methamphetamine across sites with the individual site means ranging from 59% (site 5) to 80% (site 3). Drug use as measured by urinalysis was greatly reduced at week 13 compared to the baseline measure; the average rate of methamphetamine‐free urine samples across all participants in sites at week 13 was 53%. The highest percentage of methamphetamine‐free samples was 85% at site 5; the lowest was at site 1 (40%). Addiction severity index (ASI) composite scores at baseline and protocol completion for all participants demonstrated improvement in all categories over time, except for the medical composite score. The largest composite score reduction in baseline‐protocol completion was in the drug domain (0.23 versus 0.15). The changes in the ASI scores from baseline to week 13 were consistent across all five sites.Conclusions  Outcomes of the behavioral trial indicated that the MCTG recruited well; collected study data accurately and reliably; and created a vehicle that can assess promising pharmacotherapies for methamphetamine addiction treatment medications. The MCTG strategy appears to be a feasible approach to increase NIDA's capacity to conduct clinical trials to evaluate potential pharmacotherapies for methamphetamine addiction.
Spatial dynamics of an invasive bird species assessed using robust design occupancy analysis: the case of the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) in France
Authors: Eraud Cyril , Boutin Jean‐Marie , Roux Denis , Faivre Bruno 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim The study of the spatial dynamics of invasive species is a key issue in invasion ecology. While mathematical models are useful for predicting the extent of population expansions, they are not suitable for measuring and characterizing spatial patterns of invasion unless the probability of detection is homogeneous across the distribution range. Here, we apply recently developed statistical approaches incorporating detection uncertainty to characterize the spatial dynamics of an invasive bird species, the Eurasian collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto).Location France.Methods Data on presence/absence of doves were recorded from 1996 to 2004 over 1045 grid cells (28 × 20 km) covering the entire country. Each grid cell included five point counts spaced along a route, which was visited twice a year, allowing for an estimation of detection probability. Each route was assigned to one of six geographical regions. We used robust design occupancy analysis to assess spatial and temporal variation in parameters related to the spatial dynamics of the species. These parameters included occupancy rate, colonization and local extinction probabilities. Our inference approach was based on the selection of the most parsimonious model among competitive models parametrized with conditional probabilities.Results The probability of detecting the presence of doves on a given route was high. However, we found evidence to incorporate detection uncertainty in inference processes about spatial dynamics, since detection probability was neither perfect (i.e. it was < 1), nor constant over space and time. Results showed a clear positive trend in occupancy rate over the study period, increasing from 55% in 1996 to 76% in 2004. In addition, occupancy rate differed among regions (range: 37–79%) and further analysis showed that colonization probability by region was positively related to occupancy rate. Finally, local extinction probability was lower than colonization probability and showed a tendency to decrease over the study period.Main conclusions Our results emphasize the importance of estimating detection probabilities in order to draw proper inferences about the spatial and temporal dynamics of the invasion pattern of the collared dove. In contrast to the perceived spatial dynamics from national atlas surveys, we provide evidence that the range of this species is currently increasing in France. Other results, such as regional specificity in colonization probabilities and time variation in local extinction are consistent with expectations from invasion and metapopulation theory.
Identifying the most efficient items from the Mini‐Mental State Examination for cognitive function assessment in older Taiwanese patients
Authors: Lou Meei‐Fang , Dai Yu‐Tzu , Huang Guey‐Shiun , Yu Po‐Jui 
Published: February 2007

Aims.  The purpose of the study was to identify the most efficient items from the Mini‐Mental State Examination for assessment of cognitive function.Background.  The Mini‐Mental State Examination is the most frequently used cognitive screening instrument. However, the Mini‐Mental State Examination has been criticized for insensitivity to mild cognitive dysfunction, limited memory assessment and variability in level of difficulty of the individual items.Method.  This study used secondary data analysis. Item response theory two‐parameter model was used to analyse the data from the admission assessment of mental status by the Mini‐Mental State Examination for 801 patients.Results.  By using item response analysis, 16 items were selected from the original 30‐item Mini‐Mental State Examination. The 16 items included mainly the measures of orientation, recall and attention and calculation. The internal consistency of the 16‐item Mini‐Mental State Examination was 0·84. The proposed new cut‐off point for the 16‐item Mini‐Mental State Examination was 11. The correct classification rate was 0·94, the sensitivity was 100% and the specificity was 97·4%, when compared with the original 30‐item Mini‐Mental State Examination from the cut‐off point of 24. This new cut‐off point was determined for the purpose of over‐identifying patients at risk so as to ensure early detection of and prevention from the onset of cognitive disturbance.Conclusion.  Only a few items are needed to describe the subject's cognitive status. Using item response theory analysis, the study found that the Mini‐Mental State Examination could be simplified.Relevance to clinical practice.  Deleting the items with less variation makes this assessment tool not only shorter, easier to administer and less strenuous for respondents, but also enables one to maintain validity as a cognitive function test for clinical setting.
Design and construction of a new temperature‐controlled chamber for light and confocal microscopy under monitored conditions: biological application for plant samples
Authors: BUCHNER O. , LÜTZ C. , HOLZINGER A. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryA new light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber (LM–TCC) has been constructed. The special feature of the light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber is the Peltier‐element temperature control of a specimen holder for biological samples, with a volume capacity of 1 mL. This system has marked advantages when compared to other approaches for temperature‐controlled microscopy. It works in a temperature range of −10°C to +95°C with an accuracy of ±0.1°C in the stationary phase. The light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber allows rapid temperature shift rates. A maximum heating rate of 12.9°C min−1 and a maximum cooling rate of 6.0°C min−1 are achieved with minimized overshoots (≤1.9°C). This machinery operates at low cost and external coolants are not required. Especially with samples absorbing irradiation strongly, temperature control during microscopy is necessary to avoid overheating of samples. For example, leaf segments of Ficaria verna exposed to 4500 μmol photons m−2 s−1 in a standard microscopic preparation show a temperature increase (δT) of 18.0°C, whereas in the light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber this is reduced to 4°C. The kinetics of microscope‐light induced δT are described and infrared thermography demonstrates the dissipation of the temperature. Chloroplasts of the cold adapted plant Ranunculus glacialis show the tendency to form stroma‐filled protrusions in relation to the exposure temperature. The relative number of chloroplasts with protrusions is reduced at 5°C when compared to 25°C. This effect is reversible. The new light microscope–temperature‐controlled chamber will be useful in a wide range of biological applications where a rapid change of temperature during microscopic observations is necessary or has to be avoided allowing a simulation of ecologically relevant temperature scenarios.
PRECLINICAL STUDY: Evidence for the role of dopamine D3receptors in oral operant alcohol self‐administration and reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior in mice
Authors: Heidbreder Christian A. , Andreoli Michela , Marcon Cristina , Hutcheson Daniel M. , Gardner Eliot L. , Ashby Charles R. 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTThe present study examined the effects of the acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of the selective dopamine (DA) D3receptor antagonist SB‐277011A (10, 20 or 30 mg/kg i.p.) on the oral operant self‐administration of alcohol in male C57BL/6N mice. These effects were compared with those of naltrexone (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg i.p.) and acamprosate (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg i.p.). Compared with vehicle, the acute administration of SB‐277011A (10 or 20 mg/kg) did not significantly alter the operant self‐administration of alcohol, whereas the 30 mg/kg dose significantly reduced alcohol intake (g/kg), the number of reinforcers, and the number of active lever presses. The oral self‐administration of alcohol was not significantly altered by the acute administration of either naltrexone or acamprosate, compared with vehicle‐treated mice. SB‐277011A, naltrexone and acamprosate were also tested in a model of drug/cue‐triggered reinstatement of alcohol‐seeking behavior. In this model, neither naltrexone (2 mg/kg) nor acamprosate (400 mg/kg) prevented relapse to alcohol‐seeking behavior. In contrast, SB‐277011A significantly reduced reinstatement of alcohol seeking in a dose‐dependent manner. Provided these results can be extrapolated to humans, they suggest that selective DA D3receptor antagonists may be useful in the pharmacotherapeutic management of alcohol intake and prevention of relapse to alcohol‐seeking behavior.
Head‐to‐head comparison of retropubic, perineal and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Schmeller Nikolaus , Keller Hansjörg , Janetschek Günter 
Published: February 2007

Objective:  As more patients are diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early stage, it is becoming increasingly important to refine the technique of surgical excision. For this purpose we have generated objective data comparing three different surgical approaches used by three experienced surgeons.Methods:  We prospectively compared three contemporary personal series of 50 consecutive radical prostatectomy (RP) patients. The health‐related quality of life was evaluated preoperatively and in months 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24.Results:  Considering in turn the patients undergoing retropubic, perineal and laparoscopic RP, the median procedure time was 2 h and 27 min, 1 h and 50 min and 4 h, with a transfusion rate of 2, 0 and 8%, respectively. In the perineal group there were more wound infections. Median catheter drainage was 7, 10 and 7 days and zero, 13 and one patients needed reinsertion of a catheter. Early continence varied considerably, with 57.4, 11.4 and 6.3% of patients pad‐free after 1 month, but there were no differences in social continence (zero or one pad) with 97.8, 97.8 and 91.9% after 2 years. The Litwin score for incontinence (preoperative minus postoperative) was −24, −41 and −63% after 1 month and −13, +3 and −29% after 2 years. Twenty‐nine, five and 15 patients had a preoperative five‐item version of International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF‐5) score of ≥17 points and a nerve‐sparing procedure. After 2 years, 48.1, 0 and 0% had an IIEF‐5 score of ≥17 points without the use of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors, but when including patients using inhibitors there were no significant differences.Conclusions:  A comparison of morbidity, short‐term convalescence and long‐term side‐effects of different surgical techniques is strongly biased by both the preoperative status of patients and the skill of the surgeons. Overall, we found some differences in the short‐term results (e.g. early continence) and comparable long‐term results.
Tumour budding at invasive margins and outcome in colorectal cancer
Authors: Kanazawa H. , Mitomi H. , Nishiyama Y. , Kishimoto I. , Fukui N. , Nakamura T. , Watanabe M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjective  Tumour budding, defined as small clusters of undifferentiated cancer cells at invasive margins, has been shown to reflect biologic aggressiveness of colorectal cancers. We therefore examined the prognostic significance of tumour budding in patients with colorectal carcinoma, particularly focusing on comparisons with other clinicopathological findings.Method  Tumour budding was investigated in surgically resected specimens from 159 patients with colorectal carcinoma. With haematoxylin and eosin stained slides containing the entire invasive margin, the degree of tumour budding was classified into three grades: mild, <1/3 of the entire invasive margin; moderate, 1/3–2/3; marked, >2/3.Results  Mild tumour budding was found in 54 (34%) cases, moderate in 59 (37%) cases and marked in 46 (29%) cases. The degree of budding was linked with poor tumour differentiation, lymph node metastasis and advanced TNM stage (P < 0.001). In univariate analysis, patients with marked tumour budding [5‐year cancer‐related survival (CRS)/recurrence‐free survival (RFS), 39%/53%] had significantly worse survival [CRS, hazard ratio (HR), 4.561; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.265–9.184; P < 0.001; RFS, HR, 3.240; 95% CI, 1.430–7.342; P = 0.005] than those with mild (5‐year CRS/RFS, 80%/82%) or moderate (63%/66%) budding. In the Cox regression model, marked tumour budding (HR, 3.137; 95% CI, 1.517–6.487; P = 0.002) and advanced tumour stage (stage III, HR, 3.226; 95% CI, 1.475–7.053; P = 0.003; stage IV, HR, 24.443; 95% CI, 10.843–55.100; P < 0.001) proved to be an independent predictor of short CRS.Conclusion  Tumour budding is a practical and significant histological index for identification of high malignant potential and poor outcome in patients with colorectal carcinoma.
Workaholism, Burnout, and Work Engagement: Three of a Kind or Three Different Kinds of Employee Well‐being?
Authors: Schaufeli Wilmar B. , Taris Toon W. , Van Rhenen Willem 
Published: February 2007

The present study investigated in a sample of 587 telecom managers whether workaholism, burnout, and work engagement—the supposed antipode of burnout—can be distinguished empirically. These three concepts were measured with existing, validated multi‐dimensional questionnaires. Structural equation modeling revealed that a slightly modified version of the hypothesised model that assumed three distinct yet correlated constructs—burnout, engagement, and workaholism—fitted the data best. Multiple regression analyses revealed that these three concepts retained unique hypothesised patterns of relationships with variables from five clusters representing (1) long working hours, (2) job characteristics, (3) work outcomes, (4) quality of social relationships, and (5) perceived health, respectively. In sum, our analyses provided converging evidence that workaholism, burnout, and engagement are three different kinds of employee well‐being rather than three of a kind.La présente étude examine auprès d’un échantillon de 587 cadres des télécommunications la question de savoir si l’addiction au travail, le burnout et l’engagement au travail—supposé l’inverse du burnout—peuvent être distingués empiriquement. Ces trois concepts sont mesurés à partir de questionnaires multi‐dimensionnels existants et validés. La modélisation d’équation structurale indique qu’une version légèrement modifiée du modèle testé selon lequel le burnout, l’engagement au travail et l’addiction au travail sont trois formes distinctes bien que corrélées du bien‐être, rend mieux compte des résultats. Des analyses de régression multiples montrent que ces trois concepts renvoient à des modèles de relations supposés uniques entre les variables des cinq groupes suivants: 1) le nombre d’heures travaillées, 2) les caractéristiques du travail, 3) les résultats du travail, 4) la qualité des relations sociales et 5) la santé perçue. En conclusion, les analyses montrent de façon convergente que l’addiction au travail, le burnout et l’engagement au travail sont trois formes différentes de bien‐être des employés plutôt que trois facettes du bien‐être.
Fluctuating prostate‐specific antigen levels in patients with initial negative biopsy: should we be reassured?
Authors: Celhay Olivier , De La Taille Alexandre , Salomon Laurent , Doré Bertrand , Irani Jacques 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVETo evaluate whether the risk of having a positive repeat prostate biopsy is lower in patients with fluctuating prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels than in patients with a steady or steadily increasing PSA level.PATIENTS AND METHODSFiles were extracted from the 2000–2003 databases of two teaching hospitals; 191 patients who had a first negative biopsy followed by one or more sets of biopsies and at least two PSA measurements were included. A ‘fluctuating PSA level’ in a patient was defined as a PSA series including at least one PSA value lower than the one immediately preceding it.RESULTSThe median PSA level at the first biopsy was 7 ng/mL, while that for the second, third and fourth biopsies were 8.0, 8.0 and 8.7 ng/mL, respectively. The median time between the first and second, and the second and third PSA tests was 290 and 317 days, respectively. Prostate cancer was eventually detected in 53 men (27.7%) in whom 39 it was at the first repeat biopsy. Among the 79 patients with a fluctuating PSA level, 17 (22%) had prostate cancer, vs 36 (32%) among the 112 with a ‘steady’ PSA level; the difference was not significant (P = 0.14). When considering the 53 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, the 17 with a fluctuating PSA level and the 36 others had no significant difference in age, T stage, first PSA level and Gleason score.CONCLUSIONIn the present study, by contrast with the common and unfounded view, the risk of having a positive repeat prostate biopsy was no lower in men with a fluctuating PSA level than in those with a steady or steadily increasing PSA level. The practical and economical implications warrant further studies to confirm these findings.
THE ILLIBERALITY OF ‘LIBERAL EUGENICS’
Authors: Fox Dov 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis essay evaluates the moral logic of ‘liberal eugenics’: the ideal of genetic control which leaves decisions about what sort of people to produce in the hands of individual parents, absent government intervention. I argue that liberal eugenics cannot be justified on the basis of the underlying liberal theory which inspires it. I introduce an alternative to Rawls's social primary goods that might be called natural primary goods: hereditable mental and physical capacities and dispositions that are valued across a range of projects and pursuits. I suggest that reproductive genetic biotechnologies like embryo selection, cellular surgery, and genetic engineering, which aim to enhance ‘general purpose’ traits in offspring are less like childrearing practices a liberal government leaves to the discretion of parents than like practices the state makes compulsory. I argue that if the liberal commitment to autonomy is important enough for the state to mandate childrearing practices such as health care and basic education, that very same interest is important enough for the state to mandate safe, effective, and functionally integrated genetic practices that act on analogous all‐purpose traits such as resistance to disease and general cognitive functioning. I conclude that the liberal case for compulsory eugenics is a reductio against liberal theory.
Labelling genetically modified food products: consumers’ concern in the United Kingdom
Authors: Rimal Arbindra , Moon Wanki , Balasubramanian Siva 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAn online survey method was used to collect data regarding the concern and attitude of UK consumers towards genetically modified (GM) food labelling. Questionnaires were sent to 9000 participants of the online panel via emails, and 2568 consumers completed the online survey. The response rate was 29%. This study found that more than 75% of the consumers questioned were concerned about the labelling of food products with GM ingredients. Eight perceived risks and benefits of agro‐biotechnology were identified to be associated with consumers’ attitude towards GM food labelling. Among them, three were perceived benefits, such as reduced use of chemicals in crop production, improved nutritional content, and increased yields. The five perceived risks were health risks, environmental risks, moral considerations, image of multinational corporations as the primary beneficiaries of biotechnology, and growing control of multinational corporations over farming. While all five perceived risks from GM food played a statistically significant role in shaping the overall attitude towards GM labelling, improved nutritional content due to application of biotechnology was the only benefit that was statistically significant. Age of the respondents was the only demographic variable playing a statistically significant role in shaping the attitude of respondents towards GM food labelling. Older respondents were more likely to be concerned about the existing GM labelling practices than younger respondents.