bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Interactions Among scribbler, Atrophin and groucho in Drosophila Uncover Links in Transcriptional Repression
Authors: Wehn Amy , Campbell Gerard 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
In eukaryotes, the ability of DNA-binding proteins to act as transcriptional repressors often requires that they recruit accessory proteins, known as corepressors, which provide the activity responsible for silencing transcription. Several of these factors have been identified, including the Groucho (Gro) and Atrophin (Atro) proteins in Drosophila. Here we demonstrate strong genetic interactions between gro and Atro and also with mutations in a third gene, scribbler (sbb), which encodes a nuclear protein of unknown function. We show that mutations in Atro and Sbb have similar phenotypes, including upregulation of the same genes in imaginal discs, which suggests that Sbb cooperates with Atro to provide repressive activity. Comparison of gro and Atro/sbb mutant phenotypes suggests that they do not function together, but instead that they may interact with the same transcription factors, including Engrailed and C15, to provide these proteins with maximal repressive activity.
Solvent and temperature gradients in separation of synthetic oxyethylene‐oxypropylene block (co)polymers using high‐temperature liquid chromatography
Authors: Welerowicz Tomasz , Jandera Pavel , Novotná Kateřina , Buszewski Boguslaw 
Published: April 2006

AbstractChromatographic behavior of synthetic block (co)oligomer samples (EO)n(PO)m(EO)n and (PO)n(EO)m(PO)n with different distribution of propylene oxide (PO) and ethylene oxide (EO) monomer units was investigated on three types of stationary phases on zirconium dioxide support: Zr‐PS (polystyrene), Zr‐carbon, and Zr‐carbon C18. The effects of the distribution and sequence of the oxyethylene and oxypropylene monomer units on the chromatographic retention depend on the type of the stationary phase, but are strongly affected by the organic modifier (methanol or ACN) in aqueous–organic mobile phase. Special attention was focused on the influence of the mobile‐phase composition on the separation according to the EO and PO distribution. Zirconia‐based columns are stable at elevated temperatures and can be used in high‐temperature LC (HTLC); hence, we investigated the temperature effects on the chromatographic behavior up to 90°C. The applications of solvent and temperature gradients were compared on the zirconia stationary phases in the RP mode.
Perceived benefits of word prediction intervention on written productivity in children with spina bifida and hydrocephalus
Authors: Tam Cynthia , Reid Denise , Naumann Stephen , O'Keefe Bernard 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWord prediction has been commonly used as a tool to enhance written productivity. However, the effectiveness of word prediction as a strategy to meet this targeted outcome has not been established. Using a single‐subject alternating treatments design, this study evaluated the effect of word prediction on written productivity from the users' perspectives. Three girls and one boy aged 10–12 with spina bifida and hydrocephalus participated in the study over a period of 20 days. The Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) was used to measure changes in perception of written productivity. Analysis of individual participant data showed that participants perceived word prediction to have the potential to influence written productivity on some writing tasks. Quantitative analysis using a randomization test did not reveal any significant changes in COPM scores after using word prediction. The varied abilities of the participants in the study and the small sample size may be the reasons why statistical analysis did not show any changes. The limitations of this study included use of a copy task, lack of a supporting measure to COPM and limited generalizability. Further studies with a larger sample are necessary to explore the skills required for successful use of word prediction and the impact of word prediction on specific tasks. Copyright © 2002 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Outcomes after head injury: level of agreement between subjects and their informants
Authors: Ocampo S. , Dawson D. , Colantonio Angela 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThis study examined the extent and nature of agreement between the responses of 42 young adults with traumatic brain injury and their informants (family members or friends) on selected outcome measures. A telephone interview was conducted approximately five years post injury with items measuring quality of life, impairment, disability and handicap. Levels of agreement were analysed using kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients. In general, agreement was higher on objective, observable items from all outcome measures such as physical function and productivity. However, there was some disagreement on these items as well as more substantial disagreement on subjective items, so clinicians are cautioned against substituting informant responses for those of TBI clients. These results were similar for mild, more moderate and severely injured clients. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
How routine facilitates wellbeing in older women
Authors: Ludwig Ferol Menks 
Published: April 2006

AbstractA qualitative research design using grounded theory methodology was employed to explore how seven Caucasian women, free of major functional impairments, used routine to influence their wellbeing. Of particular interest was the meaning and purpose of routine to them. Data were collected via in‐depth interviews, autobiography, observations, and researcher generated memos. Data analysis was concurrent and reflexive with data collection and comprised concept development, modification, and integration. A theoretical model was developed that describes the primary conditions and processes through which routine was used to maximize wellbeing in these participants. Routines were linked with the following nine adaptive outcomes for these participants: to meet obligations; maintain activity level; maintain health; anticipate or look forward to things; maintain control; balance work, rest and play; accomplish and achieve; feel good about self; and provide continuity. Findings underscore the importance of helping older adults to continue to thread past themes of meaning into their current life contexts and occupations. Routine had the benefit of providing a time anchor for these participants that increased their likelihood of doing an occupation especially if others were and remained involved in the routine. Copyright © 1997 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
Clinical efficacy of low power laser therapy in osteoarthritis
Authors: Marks Ray , De Palma Frank 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackground and PurposeOf the various physical interventions used to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA), a common degenerative joint disease causing considerable pain and disability, low power laser therapy has been reported to be extremely successful in Russia and Eastern Europe.MethodAlthough the overall number of studies was small, this literature review and analysis highlights the relevant controlled clinical trials and related basic research in English‐language publications. This review indicates that, despite their shortcomings, the six studies analysed did report post‐treatment improvements in a variety of osteoarthritic problems, including pain, mobility, tenderness and function, with few adverse effects. Possible mechanisms documented for the observed results included peripheral nerve stimulation, resolution of inflammation, enhanced chondrocyte proliferation and increased matrix synthesis.ConclusionNot all studies were affirmative and few detailed how reliable their measurements were. Clearly, much more work is needed in this area. Copyright © 1999 Whurr Publishers Ltd.
The role of education in biostatistical consulting
Authors: Deutsch Reena , Hurwitz Shelley , Janosky Janine , Oster Robert 
Published: April 2006

AbstractMedical students, residents, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty commonly consult with biostatistical experts about study design and data analysis when conducting clinical research. The role of biostatistical training during these consultations is examined, and characterizations of the connections between biostatistical consultation and education are reviewed. The presence and kinds of teaching efforts during biostatistical consults at four academic research institutions over various periods of time between 1999 and 2005 (237 consultations in total) were recorded and are described. By site, 67, 70, 78, and 100 per cent of the consulting sessions included biostatistical training, with an overall 78 per cent (95 per cent CI: 73–83 per cent) of consultations including an educational component when all consultations were combined. Training covered a wide range of biostatistical topics. Seventy‐five per cent of the consultations with faculty (120/161), 79 per cent with fellows and residents (31/39), and 100 per cent with medical students (10/10) included some degree of instruction in study design or statistical analysis topics. Results show that both the need and the opportunity exist for specialized biostatistical instruction during one‐on‐one sessions between a consulting biostatistician and physicians, medical students, and research staff. Academic researchers are ideally positioned to absorb this kind of training when they initiate a request for assistance with their own research project. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abdominal Visceral Lesions in von Hippel‐Lindau Disease: Incidence and Clinical Behavior of Pancreatic and Adrenal Lesions at a Single Center
Authors: Delman Keith A. , Shapiro Suzanne E. , Jonasch Eric W. , Lee Jeffrey E. , Curley Steven A. , Evans Douglas B. , Perrier Nancy D. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractIntroductionVon Hippel‐Lindau disease (VHL) is a dominantly inherited multi‐system syndrome. Although pheochromocytoma is the hallmark endocrine neoplasm, pancreatic lesions occur frequently, and their management can be complex. This report describes 26 patients from a single institution with pancreatic or adrenal lesions (or both) in the background of VHL.MethodsWe reviewed records for all patients treated for adrenal (type 2 VHL) or pancreatic manifestations of VHL at our institution from 1990 to 2004.ResultsForty patients with VHL were identified from 24 pedigrees; 26 (65%) had adrenal or pancreatic involvement (or both). Seven patients had isolated pheochromocytomas, 16 had isolated pancreatic lesions, and 3 had both. Of the 10 patients with pheochromocytomas, 4 had bilateral adrenal involvement. All but three pheochromocytomas were diagnosed in patients aged 40 years or younger. Of the 19 patients with pancreatic lesions, 8 had cystic lesions, 8 had neuroendocrine tumors, and 3 had both. Of 11 patients with neuroendocrine tumors, 4 had metastases (3 hepatic, 1 nodal). No patient with cystic pancreatic lesions developed carcinoma.ConclusionsVHL should be familiar to the endocrine surgeon because of the high incidence (65% in our series) of visceral endocrine lesions (pancreas 40%, adrenal gland 18%, both 7%). As seen in other hereditary endocrinopathy syndromes, pheochromocytomas are frequently bilateral; therefore,close follow‐up of the contralateral gland in young patients with a unilateral lesion is critical. Cystic lesions of the pancreas may be closely monitored, whereas neuroendocrine tumors should be removed because of the risk of metastasis. Pancreatic pathology is not uncommon in VHL patients with pheochromocytoma and should be sought during the preoperative assessment.
Laparoscopic and Retroperitoneoscopic Treatment of Pheochromocytomas and Retroperitoneal Paragangliomas: Results of 161 Tumors in 126 Patients
Authors: Walz Martin K. , Alesina Piero F. , Wenger Frank A. , Koch J. Albrecht , Neumann Hartmut P. H. , Petersenn Stephan , Schmid Kurt W. , Mann Klaus 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundLaparoscopic and retroperitoneoscopic excisions of pheochromocytomas and retroperitoneal paragangliomas are challenging surgical procedures because of extensive intraoperative catecholamine release, extreme vascularization, and demanding localization.MaterialsIn a prospective clinical study 161 chromaffine neoplasias (134 pheochromocytomas, 27 paragangliomas) were removed endoscopically in 126 patients (67 males, 59 females, age 41.7 ± 16.4 years; 130 operations). Six patients showed multiple (2–5) tumors. Tumor size ranged from 0.5 to 12 cm (mean 3.5 ± 1.9 cm). Forty‐two patients suffered from hereditary diseases. Twenty‐four patients had bilateral adrenal diseases; in 14 patients pheochromocytomas were removed on both sides synchroneously. Ten neoplasias were local or loco‐regional recurrences (7 pheochromocytomas, 3 paragangliomas). The laparoscopic route was chosen in 16 operations; the retroperitoneoscopic technique was performed in 128 others. Partial adrenalectomies were performed in 57 operations (in all but one of the patients with bilateral disease). High‐dosage α‐blockade with phenoxybenzamine was routinely used.Results and DiscussionConversion to open surgery occurred once. Perioperative complications were minor (17%); mortality was zero. Operating time for unilateral retroperitoneoscopically removed primary pheochromocytomas (n = 113) was 82 ± 49 minutes (range: 20–300 minutes) and depended on tumor size (< 3 cm vs. ≥ 3 cm; P < 0.05) and gender (P < 0.001), but not on extent of resection (partial vs. total, P = 0.266). Operating time for paragangliomas ranged from 55 to 600 minutes. Median blood loss was 20 ml. Median duration of postoperative hospitalization was 4 days. In 22 of 24 patients with bilateral disease, complete preservation of cortical function was achieved. Locoregional and/or distant metastatic recurrence were found in 5 patients.ConclusionsEndoscopic removal of solitary, bilateral, multiple, and recurrent pheochromocytomas and retroperitoneal paragangliomas is feasible and safe, but surgeons need extensive experience in minimally invasive techniques, as well as in endocrine surgery.
The infaunal community in experimentally seeded low and high density Manila clam (Tapes philippinarum) beds in a Po River Delta lagoon (Italy)
Authors: Mantovani S. , Castaldelli G. , Rossi R. , Fano E.A. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract
The Sacca di Goro is a shallow, brackish, eutrophic coastal lagoon in the southernmost part of the Po River Delta (northern Adriatic Sea, Italy). It is heavily exploited for rearing the Manila clam (Tapes philippinarum), mean annual production since 1986 being 10 000 t. Commercial cultivation of bivalves can exert severe impact on a local environment, especially on the invertebrate community, reducing species richness and abundance. An in situ experiment was conducted from March 2003 to February 2004 to examine the effect of clam cultivation on the macrobenthic community. Replicated sites within an area licensed for clam farming were seeded with low (500 m−2) and high (1500 m−2) clam densities; the surrounding unseeded areas were used as a control. There were only weak effects of clam presence and density on macrobenthic community abundance and functional group composition. The main determinants regulating the macrobenthic community were seasonal variations in other biota, particularly proliferation of the invasive mussel, Musculista senhousia, in August, which in turn caused a significant increase in the biomass of surface deposit-feeders and the subsequent development of Ulva rigida beds in September.
Potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia in identical twins
Authors: Gatz Margaret , Mortimer James A. , Fratiglioni Laura , Johansson Boo , Berg Stig , Reynolds Chandra A. , Pedersen Nancy L. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to test nongenetic factors that might explain discordance for dementia in monozygotic twin pairs. Risk factors included education, engaged lifestyle in midlife, and early life circumstances indexed by tooth loss, short adult height, and parental social class.MethodsData are from the HARMONY study, including members of the Swedish Twin Registry age 65 and older and alive in 1998, who were screened and assessed clinically for dementia. Analyses included a case‐control design to evaluate the risk factors and a co‐twin control design that permits testing nongenetic risk factors while controlling for genetic influences. Case‐control analyses included 310 dementia cases and 3,063 nondemented controls. There were 106 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for dementia. Risk factors were assessed independently by the Swedish Twin Registry three decades previously.ResultsCase‐control findings showed that history of tooth loss before age 35 and low educational attainment were significant risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, with short adult height also contributing to risk for total dementia. In co‐twin control analyses, only history of tooth loss before age 35 was a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's disease, whereas low educational attainment also contributed to risk for total dementia and lack of physical exercise to risk for non‐Alzheimer's dementias.ConclusionsPotentially modifiable risk factors from early and midlife, with a cumulative detrimental effect on the brain, contribute to risk of dementia. Based on the association with tooth loss, further investigation of inflammatory load as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease is warranted.
Do cholinergic therapies have disease‐modifying effects in Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Sabbagh Marwan N. , Farlow Martin R. , Relkin Normal , Beach Thomas G. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe most widely studied and used therapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are based on improving cholinergic function in the central nervous system. The acetylcholine‐esterase inhibitors (ChEIs) tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine, and galantamine are all approved, and the latter three are widely used for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate AD. Recent research has found that these drugs may act by a variety of other mechanisms including inhibition of butylcholinesterase, regulation of nicotinic receptors, decreasing amyloid precursor protein (APP) and Aβ production, and regulation of tau phosphorylation that may influence disease progression. There is also emerging evidence from clinical trials that the ChEIs may delay cognitive and functional progression. Other cholinergic drugs such as muscarinic agonists have been explored, and although they are not approved, there is robust preclinical evidence for a beneficial, perhaps disease‐modifying effect. This review summarizes evidence suggesting that these drugs may do more than improve symptoms; they may delay biological progression of the disease.
Statin use and the risk of Alzheimer's disease: The MIRAGE Study
Authors: Green Robert C. , McNagny Sally E. , Jayakumar Parimala , Cupples L. Adrienne , Benke Kelly , Farrer Lindsay A. ,   MIRAGE Study Group
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine the association between statin use before the onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD) symptoms and risk of having AD, and to explore the potential impact of APOE genotype and race on this association.MethodsData were collected through standardized, validated questionnaires from 895 subjects with probable or definite AD by research criteria, and 1,483 of their nondemented relatives in this family‐based, case‐control study of AD patients and their relatives enrolled at 15 research centers from 1996 through 2002. To minimize temporal and prescription biases, exposure to statin use within each family was ignored in the one year before the first appearance of AD symptoms in that family's affected member. Associations were estimated using generalized estimating equations for a logistic model, adjusting for age, sex, race, education, history of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, smoking and APOE genotype.ResultsStatin use was associated with lowered odds of having AD (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.61; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38 to 0.98). Nonstatin cholesterol‐lowering medications were not associated significantly with lowered odds of having had AD (adjusted OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.61 to 5.0).ConclusionsStatin medications were associated with lowered risk of AD in this population. Neither African‐American race, nor the presence of the APOE ϵ4 allele modified the statin‐AD association.
Utility of the telephone interview for cognitive status for enrollment in clinical trials
Authors: Yaari Roy , Fleisher Adam S. , Gamst Anthony C. , Bagwell Victor P. , Thal Leon J. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS‐m) assesses cognitive status via the telephone and has been used to recruit for clinical trials by screening for amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). The utility of screening for aMCI has not been validated, and it is unknown which questions best predict aMCI.MethodsThe Alzheimer's Disease Cooperative Study (ADCS) used the TICS‐m to recruit for an aMCI clinical trial. If telephone respondents screened positive for aMCI on the TICS‐m, they were referred to a clinical site where they were assessed for the operational criteria of aMCI. Univariate analyses identified the TICS‐m questions that best predicted aMCI, creating a final model using forward stepwise logistic regression.ResultsOf 52,722 calls, 16,312 were screened for trial entry. Of these, 4,883 received the TICS‐m. The 2,431 that screened positive for aMCI were referred to a clinic, and 527 arrived for clinical assessment. Of these, 266 met operational criteria for aMCI. The positive predictive value of the TICS‐m in this population is 50.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 46.2% to 54.8%). The final model included 5 variables: (1) 10‐word list delayed recall (p < 0.001), (2) day of month (p = 0.002), (3) season (p = 0.009), (4) last name of current president (p = 0.020), and (5) month (p = 0.036). This model has a predictive accuracy of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.51 to 0.71) which is similar to the entire TICS‐m. The predictive accuracy of the 10‐word list delayed recall alone was 0.63 (95% CI, 0.54 to 0.72).ConclusionThe TICS‐m is not optimally efficient for recruitment of subjects for aMCI clinical trials. The 10‐word delayed recall has a predictive accuracy similar to that of the entire TICS‐m.
Should older adults be screened for dementia?
Authors: Ashford J. Wesson , Borson Soo , O'Hara Ruth , Dash Paul , Frank Lori , Robert Philippe , Shankle William R. , Tierney Mary C. , Brodaty Henry , Schmitt Frederick A. , Kraemer Helena C. , Buschke Herman 
Published: April 2006

AbstractThe question of whether to screen for dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been discussed in many forums throughout the world. Generally, medical advisory groups and policy‐making groups have recognized the importance of early diagnosis but have uniformly avoided making recommendations to screen at‐risk populations. This presentation reflects the support for reconsidering the importance of screening individuals at risk or above a certain age. In this statement, the majority of the authors support the consideration of dementia risk factors in individuals at age 50, with routine yearly screening after 75. Other authors remain concerned that the benefits of treatments of early disease do not yet support a general screening recommendation. These statements are made to encourage progress toward the development of a consensus regarding the widespread institution of screening policy. Accordingly, members of the worldwide scientific community are invited to add their perspective by contributing short commentaries (1500 words) on this subject.