bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dopamine transporter 3'UTR VNTR genotype is a marker of performance on executive function tasks in children with ADHD
Authors: Karama Sherif , Grizenko Natalie , Sonuga-Barke Edmund , Doyle Alysa , Biederman Joseph , Mbekou Valentin , Polotskaia Anna , Ter-Stepanian Marina , De Guzman Rosherrie , Bellingham Johanne , Sengupta Sarojini , Joober Ridha 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Background
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder from both clinical and pathogenic viewpoints. Executive function deficits are considered among the most important pathogenic pathways leading to ADHD and may index part of the heterogeneity in this disorder.

Methods
To investigate the relationship between the dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) 3'-UTR VNTR genotypes and executive function in children with ADHD, 196 children diagnosed with ADHD were sequentially recruited, genotyped, and tested using a battery of three neuropsychological tests aimed at assessing the different aspects of executive functioning.

Results
Taking into account a correction for multiple comparisons, the main finding of this study is a significant genotype effect on performances on the Tower of London (F = 6.902, p = 0.009) and on the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Third Edition (WISC-III) Freedom From Distractibility Index (F = 7.125, p = 0.008), as well as strong trends on Self Ordered Pointing Task error scores (F = 4,996 p = 0.026) and WISC-III Digit Span performance (F = 6.28, p = 0.023). Children with the 9/10 genotype exhibited, on average, a poorer performance on all four measures compared to children with the 10/10 genotype. No effect of genotype on Wisconsin Card Sorting Test measures of performance was detected.

Conclusion
Results are compatible with the view that SLC6A3 genotype may modulate components of executive function performance in children with ADHD.
Soy isoflavones, estrogen therapy, and breast cancer risk: analysis and commentary
Authors: Messina Mark J , Wood Charles E 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThere has been considerable investigation of the potential for soyfoods to reduce risk of cancer, and in particular cancer of the breast. Most interest in this relationship is because soyfoods are essentially a unique dietary source of isoflavones, compounds which bind to estrogen receptors and exhibit weak estrogen-like effects under certain experimental conditions. In recent years the relationship between soyfoods and breast cancer has become controversial because of concerns – based mostly on in vitro and rodent data – that isoflavones may stimulate the growth of existing estrogen-sensitive breast tumors. This controversy carries considerable public health significance because of the increasing popularity of soyfoods and the commercial availability of isoflavone supplements. In this analysis and commentary we attempt to outline current concerns regarding the estrogen-like effects of isoflavones in the breast focusing primarily on the clinical trial data and place these concerns in the context of recent evidence regarding estrogen therapy use in postmenopausal women. Overall, there is little clinical evidence to suggest that isoflavones will increase breast cancer risk in healthy women or worsen the prognosis of breast cancer patients. Although relatively limited research has been conducted, and the clinical trials often involved small numbers of subjects, there is no evidence that isoflavone intake increases breast tissue density in pre- or postmenopausal women or increases breast cell proliferation in postmenopausal women with or without a history of breast cancer. The epidemiologic data are generally consistent with the clinical data, showing no indication of increased risk. Furthermore, these clinical and epidemiologic data are consistent with what appears to be a low overall breast cancer risk associated with pharmacologic unopposed estrogen exposure in postmenopausal women. While more research is required to definitively allay concerns, the existing data should provide some degree of assurance that isoflavone exposure at levels consistent with historical Asian soyfood intake does not result in adverse stimulatory effects on breast tissue.
Acute hemorrhagic demyelination in a murine model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Pirko Istvan , Suidan Georgette L , Rodriguez Moses , Johnson Aaron J 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Acute hemorrhagic leukoencephalomyelitis (AHLE) is a rare neurological condition characterized by the development of acute hemorrhagic demyelination and high mortality. The pathomechanism of AHLE, as well as potential therapeutic approaches, have remained elusive due to the lack of suitable animal models. We report the first murine model of AHLE using a variation of the Theiler's Murine Encephalitis Virus (TMEV) MS model. During acute TMEV infection, C57BL/6 mice do not normally undergo demyelination. However, when 7 day TMEV infected C57BL/6 mice are intravenously administered the immunodominant CD8 T cell peptide, VP2121–130, animals develop characteristics of human AHLE based on pathologic, MRI and clinical features including microhemorrhages, increased blood-brain barrier permeability, and demyelination. The animals also develop severe disability as assessed using the rotarod assay. This study demonstrates the development of hemorrhagic demyelination in TMEV infected C57BL/6 mice within 24 hours of inducing this condition through intravenous administration of CD8 T cell restricted peptide. This study is also the first demonstration of rapid demyelination in a TMEV resistant non-demyelinating strain without transgenic alterations or pharmacologically induced immunosuppression.
A community resource for high-throughput quantitative RT-PCR analysis of transcription factor gene expression in Medicago truncatula
Authors: Kakar Klementina , Wandrey Maren , Czechowski Tomasz , Gaertner Tanja , Scheible Wolf-Rüdiger , Stitt Mark , Torres-Jerez Ivone , Xiao Yongli , Redman Julia C , Wu Hank C , Cheung Foo , Town Christopher D , Udvardi Michael K 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundMedicago truncatulais a model legume species that is currently the focus of an international genome sequencing effort. Although several different oligonucleotide and cDNA arrays have been produced for genome-wide transcript analysis of this species, intrinsic limitations in the sensitivity of hybridization-based technologies mean that transcripts of genes expressed at low-levels cannot be measured accurately with these tools. Amongst such genes are many encoding transcription factors (TFs), which are arguably the most important class of regulatory proteins. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) is the most sensitive method currently available for transcript quantification, and one that can be scaled up to analyze transcripts of thousands of genes in parallel. Thus, qRT-PCR is an ideal method to tackle the problem of TF transcript quantification in Medicago and other plants.ResultsWe established a bioinformatics pipeline to identify putative TF genes inMedicago truncatulaand to design gene-specific oligonucleotide primers for qRT-PCR analysis of TF transcripts. We validated the efficacy and gene-specificity of over 1000 TF primer pairs and utilized these to identify sets of organ-enhanced TF genes that may play important roles in organ development or differentiation in this species. This community resource will be developed further as more genome sequence becomes available, with the ultimate goal of producing validated, gene-specific primers for all Medicago TF genes.ConclusionHigh-throughput qRT-PCR using a 384-well plate format enables rapid, flexible, and sensitive quantification of all predicted Medicago transcription factor mRNAs. This resource has been utilized recently by several groups in Europe, Australia, and the USA, and we expect that it will become the 'gold-standard' for TF transcript profiling inMedicago truncatula.
The renal metallothionein expression profile is altered in human lupus nephritis
Authors: Faurschou Mikkel , Penkowa Milena , Andersen Claus Bøgelund , Starklint Henrik , Jacobsen Søren 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Metallothionein (MT) isoforms I + II are polypeptides with potent antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. In healthy kidneys, MT-I+II have been described as intracellular proteins of proximal tubular cells. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the renal MT-I+II expression profile is altered during lupus nephritis.

Methods
Immunohistochemistry was performed on renal biopsies from 37 patients with lupus nephritis. Four specimens of healthy renal tissue served as controls. Clinicopathological correlation studies and renal survival analyses were performed by means of standard statistical methods.

Results
Proximal tubules displaying epithelial cell MT-I+II depletion in combination with luminal MT-I+II expression were observed in 31 out of 37 of the lupus nephritis specimens, but not in any of the control sections (P = 0.006). The tubular MT score, defined as the median number of proximal tubules displaying this MT expression pattern per high-power microscope field (40× magnification), was positively correlated to the creatinine clearance in the lupus nephritis cohort (P = 0.01). Furthermore, a tubular MT score below the median value of the cohort emerged as a significant predictor of a poor renal outcome in renal survival analyses. Thus, patients with a tubular MT score < 1.0 had a 6.2-times higher risk of developing end-stage renal disease than patients with a tubular MT score ≥ 1.0 (P = 0.03).

Conclusion
Lupus nephritis is associated with significant alterations in renal MT-I+II expression. Our data indicate that important prognostic information can be deduced from the renal MT-I+II expression profile in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with nephritis.
Danaparoid sodium attenuates the increase in inflammatory cytokines and preserves organ function in endotoxemic rats
Authors: Iba Toshiaki , Miyasho Taku 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Introduction
Anticoagulant therapy attracts much attention for the treatment of severe sepsis since recent studies have revealed that some anticoagulants have the ability to regulate the inflammatory response. The purpose of this study was to examine whether danaparoid sodium (DA) is effective for the treatment of organ dysfunction in sepsis.

Methods
Sixty-four Wistar rats were intravenously injected with 5.0 mg/kg of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and then divided into two groups: the DA group and the control group (n = 32 each). The DA group was injected intravenously with 400 U/kg of DA immediately after LPS injection, whereas the control group received saline. Blood samples were drawn at 1, 6, 12, and 24 hours after LPS injection, and organ damage markers and coagulation markers were measured. In the other series, 10 rats treated with LPS were divided into DA and control groups (n = 5 each). Blood samples were collected at 1, 3, and 6 hours after LPS injection and served for the cytokine measurements.

Results
The elevation of the organ damage markers, such as alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase, was significantly suppressed in the DA group. Coagulation markers, such as AT activity and fibrinogen levels, were maintained better in the DA group at 6 hours. The elevation of proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1, and IL-6 was significantly suppressed in the DA group. On the other hand, there was no significant difference in anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-4 and IL-10.

Conclusion
DA preserves the organ dysfunction in LPS-challenged rats. Although the mechanism is not fully elucidated, not only the improvement of coagulation disorder but also the regulation of circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines may play a role in the mechanism.
Lenalidomide Monotherapy in Relapsed or Refractory Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Authors: Wiernik Peter H. , Lossos Izidore S. , Tuscano Joseph M. , Justice Glen , Vose Julie M. , Cole Craig E. , Lam Wendy , McBride Kyle , Wride Kenton , Pietronigro Dennis , Takeshita Kenichi , Ervin-Haynes Annette , Zeldis Jerome B. , Habermann Thomas M. 
Published: July 2008

Purpose The major cause of death in aggressive lymphoma is relapse or nonresponse to initial therapy. Lenalidomide has activity in a variety of hematologic malignancies, including non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We report the results of a phase II, single-arm, multicenter trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of lenalidomide oral monotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL. Patients and Methods Patients were treated with oral lenalidomide 25 mg once daily on days 1 to 21, every 28 days, for 52 weeks, until disease progression or intolerance. The primary end point was response; secondary end points included duration of response, progression-free survival (PFS), and safety. Results Forty-nine patients with a median age of 65 years received lenalidomide in this study. The most common histology was diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (53%), and patients had received a median of four prior treatment regimens for NHL. An objective response rate of 35% was observed in 49 treated patients, including a 12% rate of complete response/unconfirmed complete response. Responses were observed in each aggressive histologic subtype tested (diffuse large B-cell, follicular center grade 3, mantle cell, and transformed lymphomas). Of patients with stable disease or partial response at first assessment, 25% improved with continued treatment. Estimated median duration of response was 6.2 months, and median PFS was 4.0 months. The most common grade 4 adverse events were neutropenia (8.2%) and thrombocytopenia (8.2%); the most common grade 3 adverse events were neutropenia (24.5%), leukopenia (14.3%), and thrombocytopenia (12.2%). Conclusion Oral lenalidomide monotherapy is active in relapsed or refractory aggressive NHL, with manageable side effects.
Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation for Myeloid Sarcoma: A Retrospective Study From the SFGM-TC
Authors: Chevallier Patrice , Mohty Mohamad , Lioure Bruno , Michel Gerard , Contentin Nathalie , Deconinck Eric , Bordigoni Pierre , Vernant Jean-Paul , Hunault Mathilde , Vigouroux Stéphane , Blaise Didier , Tabrizi Reza , Buzyn Agnes , Socie Gerard , Michallet Mauricette , Volteau Christelle , Harousseau Jean-Luc 
Published: July 2008

Purpose This retrospective multicenter study assessed the outcome of 51 patients with myeloid sarcoma (MS) who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (alloHSCT). Patients and Methods Most patients had MS presenting in conjunction with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or after AML. Six patients had isolated MS. The median time between diagnosis and alloHSCT was 8 months (range, 2.8 to 67). Forty patients were in complete remission (CR) at time of alloHSCT. Results With a median follow-up of 33 (range, 1 to 182) months, the Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival were 47% (95% CI, 33% to 61%) and 36% (95% CI, 24% to 50%) at 5 years. Twenty patients (39%) relapsed at a median of 204 (range, 35 to 1151) days after alloHSCT, with relapse being the major cause of death. In a Cox multivariate analysis, age ≥ 15 years and remission status at time of alloHSCT (CR v other) were associated with improved OS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.27; 95% CI, 0.12 to 0.65; P = .003; and HR, 0.22; 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.57; P = .002, respectively). Conclusion We conclude that first-line alloHSCT performed early in the course of MS is a valid therapeutic option.
Two Mass-Spectrometric Techniques for Quantifying Serine Enantiomers and Glycine in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Potential Confounders and Age-Dependent Ranges
Authors: Fuchs Sabine A , de Sain-van der Velden Monique G M , de Barse Martina M J , Roeleveld Martin W , Hendriks Margriet , Dorland Lambertus , Klomp Leo W J , Berger Ruud , de Koning Tom J 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground: The recent discovery and specific functions of d-amino acids in humans are bound to lead to the revelation of d-amino acid abnormalities in human disorders. Therefore, high-throughput analysis techniques are warranted to determine d-amino acids in biological fluids in a routine laboratory setting.Methods: We developed 2 chromatographic techniques, a nonchiral derivatization with chiral (chirasil-l-val column) separation in a GC-MS system and a chiral derivatization with Marfey’s reagent and LC- MS analysis. We validated the techniques for d-serine, l-serine, and glycine determination in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), evaluated several confounders, and determined age-dependent human concentration ranges.Results: Quantification limits for d-serine, l-serine, and glycine in cerebrospinal fluid were 0.14, 0.44, and 0.14 μmol/L, respectively, for GC-MS and 0.20, 0.41, and 0.14 μmol/L for LC-MS. Within-run imprecision was &lt;3% for both methods, and between-run imprecision was &lt;13%. Comparison of both techniques with Deming regression yielded coefficients of 0.90 (d-serine), 0.92 (l-serine), and 0.96 (glycine). Sample collection, handling, and transport is uncomplicated—there is no rostrocaudal CSF gradient, no effect of storage at 4 °C for 1 week before storage at −80 °C, and no effect of up to 3 freeze/thaw cycles. Conversely, contamination with erythrocytes increased d-serine, l-serine, and glycine concentrations. CSF concentrations for 145 apparently healthy controls demonstrated markedly and specifically increased (5 to 9 times) d-serine concentrations during early central nervous system development.Conclusions: These 2 clinically applicable analysis techniques will help to unravel pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic issues for disorders associated with central nervous system abnormalities, NMDA-receptor dysfunction, and other pathology associated with d-amino acids.
Coffee Consumption and Circulating B-Vitamins in Healthy Middle-Aged Men and Women
Authors: Ulvik Arve , Vollset Stein Emil , Hoff Geir , Ueland Per Magne 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground: Coffee consumption has been associated with several risk factors for coronary heart disease, including increased cholesterol, increased blood pressure, and increased plasma total homocysteine (tHcy). tHcy is determined by several B-vitamins. However, reports about the association between coffee intake and B-vitamin status are few.Methods: We measured plasma B-vitamins and tHcy in a cohort of 10 601 healthy, middle-aged Norwegian men and women. Information about lifestyle factors, including coffee consumption, smoking, alcohol use, height, and weight, was obtained by interview.Results: Coffee consumption was dose-dependently associated with reduced plasma B-vitamin concentrations. Compared with coffee abstainers, individuals drinking ≥4 cups/day had 11.7% (P &lt; 0.001), 14.1% (P &lt; 0.001), and 5.5% (P = 0.01) lower plasma concentrations of folate, pyridoxal phosphate, and riboflavin, respectively, and the mean tHcy concentration was 6.8% (P &lt; 0.001) higher. Quantile regression analysis showed essentially no difference in B-vitamin concentrations between coffee consumption categories at low vitamin concentrations but a progressive increase in the difference at higher concentrations. This pattern of differences (effect profile) was found independently of smoking status, alcohol intake, and sex. The decrease in folate explained approximately half of the increase in tHcy.Conclusions: Coffee consumption was associated with reduced circulating B-vitamin concentrations. The observed effect profiles indicated that coffee consumption preferentially affected the upper, but not the lower, part of the B-vitamin concentration distributions. We hypothesize that coffee consumption may increase the loss of surplus B-vitamins by excretion in urine.
Risk Management and Injury Prevention: Competencies, Behaviours, and Attitudes to Safety in the Construction Industry
Authors: Biggs Herbert C. , Sheahan Vaughn L. , Dingsdag Donald P. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractOriginally presented at the National Injury Management and Prevention Conference: Transition and Change, on April 27, 2006, which was held at the Hyatt Regency, Adelaide, South Australia. Reprinted with the permission of the authors.Work in the Australian construction industry is fraught with risk and the potential for serious harm. The industry is consistently placed within the three most hazardous industries to work along with other industries such as mining and transport (National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 2003). In the 2001 to 2002 period, construction work killed 39 people and injured 13,250 more. Hence, more effort is required to reduce the injury rate and maximise the value of the rehabilitation/back-to-work process.
Managing Workplace Stress: Psychosocial Hazard Risk Profiles in Public and Private Sector Australia
Authors: D'Aleo Nina , Stebbins Peter , Lowe Roger , Lees Danielle , Ham David 
Published: July 2008

AbstractThe present research examined the perceptions of Australian employees on dimensions of workplace stress. The sample included 664 male (n= 234) and female (n= 430) workers from the public (n= 559) and private (n= 105) sectors. Participants completed the Health and Safety Executive Indicator Tool as a measure of workplace stress. Results indicated that private sector employees rated their employers as being more effective in managing workplace stress, while employees in both sectors rated their employers as less effective in managing Job Content stressors than Job Context stressors. Compared with normative benchmarks, employees overall also reported risks of stress associated with Relationships and Role. Implications of these findings and suggestions for future research were discussed.
Measurement of mycophenolic acid in plasma or serum by a commercial enzyme inhibition technique in comparison with a high performance liquid chromatography method
Authors: Bunch Dustin R. , Wang Sihe 
Published: July 2008

Abstract: Mycophenolic acid (MPA) is the primary active metabolite of the immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) is commonly used for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of MPA but requires batched runs. Recently, an enzyme inhibition assay (EIA) was approved for MPA TDM on random-access platforms using either serum or EDTA plasma. We evaluated the EIA on a Roche Integra 400 using serum and heparinized plasma in comparison with a validated HPLC method.: Heparinized plasma from leftover clinical samples on which MPA was ordered along with paired serum samples, drawn at the same time for other clinical tests, were used for the method comparison.: The EIA was linear from 3.1 to 44.0 μmol/L with an accuracy of 93.9%–107.1%. The intra- and inter-day variations were 0.5%–2.7% and 1.6%–2.1%, respectively. The limit of detection was 0.8 μmol/L and the limit of quantification was 3.1 μmol/L. The method showed a mean bias of 0.6 μmol/L (7.6%) in serum samples (3.1–34.1 μmol/L) vs. the HPLC method using paired plasma (n=229). Heparinized plasma (n=114) vs. serum showed a mean bias of –0.1 μmol/L (–1.6%) by the EIA.: The random-access EIA on Integra 400 is acceptable for clinical MPA TDM in either serum or heparinized plasma.Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1281–4.
The Paradox of Thailand's 1997 “People's Constitution”: Be Careful What You Wish For
Authors: Kuhonta Erik Martinez 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Thailand's adoption of a new constitution in 1997 was meant to advance far-reaching reforms in the country's democratic development. A decade later, it is clear that these constitutional reforms failed. The Constitution unintentionally consolidated Prime Minister Thaksin's grip on power and indirectly precipitated the conditions for the 2006 coup. This article argues that the drafters' search for a more stable democratic government helped produce an electoral authoritarian regime that triggered the military to intervene.