bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a set of activities to evaluate the arm and hand function in children with obstetric brachial plexus lesion
Authors: Boeschoten K H , Folmer K B , van der Lee J H , Nollet F 
Published: February 2007

Objective: To develop an observational instrument that can be used to evaluate the quality of arm and hand skills in daily functional activities in children with obstetric brachial plexus lesion (OBPL). A set of functional activities was constructed and standardized, and the intra-observer reliability of the assessment of this set of activities was studied. Setting: Department of Occupational Therapy and Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, VU University Medical Centre. Subjects: Twenty-six children with OBPL in the age range of 4 -6 years. Interventions: The children were asked to perform 47 bimanual activities, which were recorded on videotape. Main measures: The videotapes were scored twice by the same occupational therapist. Results: The percentage of agreement in scoring ‘hand-use’, ‘speed’ and ‘assistance’ was over 80% for a substantial number of activities, indicating a strong agreement. However, in scoring ‘deviations in movements and body posture’ the percentage of agreement was insufficient in most activities. Conclusions: This set of activities has good potential for assessment of the performance of functional activities in children with OBPL. This study, however, showed a number of difficulties in observing and scoring the activities that have to be considered when developing a standardized video observation.
Profile of cytokine gene polymorphisms in Iranian multiple sclerosis patients
Authors: Amirzargar A , Khosravi F , Dianat S , Hushmand F , Maryousef P , Foroushani Ar , Lotfi J , Nikbin B 
Published: February 2007

Background Cytokine gene polymorphisms have been extensively studied in association with different diseases. The role of cytokine gene polymorphisms in multiple sclerosis (MS), as a chronic immune-mediated neurodegenerative disease, has been previously reported. Materials and methods DNA samples were collected from 44 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and 140 unrelated healthy subjects. All participants in this study were matched for ethnicity. Cytokine gene SNPs were determined using the PCR-SSP method. Results and discussion We found no significant differences between MS patients and controls in most of the studied cytokine genes. Remarkable results were obtained for IL-2 GG —330 genotype (P = 0.06), IL-6 C —174 allele (P = 0.06), CG and GG genotypes (P < 0.001), and GG (P = 0.02) and CG (P < 0.001) haplotypes, and TNF-α A —238 allele (P < 0.001), GG (P = 0.003) and GA (P < 0.001) haplotypes. These results suggest that polymorphic variations of these pro-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in susceptibility to MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 253–255. http://msj.sagepub.com
Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings in relapsing neuromyelitis optica
Authors: Cabrera-Gómez José A , Quevedo-Sotolongo L , González-Quevedo A , Lima S , Real-González Y , Cristófol-Corominas M , Romero-García K , Ugarte-Sánchez C , Jordán-González J , Nuez Je González De La , Lahera J García , Tellez R , Pedroso-Ibañez I , Roca R Rodríguez , Cabrera-Núñez Ay 
Published: February 2007

Background Some studies showed abnormalities in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of relapsing neuromyelitis optica (R-NMO) from 12 to 46%. These abnormalities are described as compatible/non-compatible with multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective To describe the abnormal brain MRI lesions in R-NMO with imaging studies conducted with more sensitive white matter change techniques. Methods Thirty patients with R-NMO were selected. All MRI brain studies were performed with a 1.5-T Siemens MRI system according to the Standardized MR Imaging Protocol for Multiple Sclerosis from the Consortium of MS Centers Consensus Guidelines. Results Brain MRI images were evaluated in 29 R-NMO cases because in one case the MRI images were not appropriate for the study. Of these 29 brain MRI studies, 19 cases (65.5%) had at least one or more lesions (1–57) and 10 were negative (34.4%). Brain MRI findings in 19 cases were characterized in T2/fluid-attenuated inversion-recovery (FLAIR) by the presence of subcortical/deep white matter lesions in 16 (84.2%) cases (1–50), most of them < 3 mm and without juxtacortical localization. Periventricular lesions were observed in 13 (68.4%) cases, but morphologically they were not oval, ovoid or perpendicularly orientated. Infratentorial lesions, all >3 mm, were observed in 4 (21.05%) cases without cerebellar involvement. T1 studies demonstrated absence of hypointense regions. Optic nerve enhancement was observed in 6/19 patients (31.5%). None of the brain MRI abnormalities observed were compatible with Barkhof et al. criteria of MS. Conclusions This study, based on a Cuban patient population, with long duration of disease, good sample size and detailed characterization by MRI, demonstrated the brain MRI pattern of R-NMO patients, which is different from MS. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 186–192. http://msj.sagepub.com
Ginkgo biloba for the improvement of cognitive performance in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lovera J. , Bagert B. , Smoot K. , Morris C.D. , Frank R. , Bogardus K. , Wild K. , Oken B. , Whitham R. , Bourdette D. 
Published: February 2007

Objectives To determine if Ginkgo biloba (GB) improves the cognitive performance of subjects with multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of GB, 120 mg twice a day or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary outcomes were: the long delay free recall from the California Verbal Learning Test-II; the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test; the Controlled Oral Word Association Test; the Symbol Digit Modalities Test; Useful Field of View Test; and the color-word interference condition from the Stroop Color and Word Test. Results On completion, the GB group (n=20) was 4.5 seconds (95% confidence interval (CI) (7.6, 0.9), P=0.015) faster than the placebo group (n=18) on the color-word interference condition of the Stroop test. Subjects who were more impaired at baseline experienced more improvement with GB (treatment*baseline interaction, F=8.10, P=0.008). We found no differences on the other neuropsychological tests. Subjects on GB reported fewer cognitive difficulties in the Retrospective Memory Scale of the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire than subjects on placebo (1.5 points, 95% CI (2.6, 0.3), P=0.016). No serious drug related side-effects occurred and GB did not alter platelet function assays. Conclusion Overall, GB did not show a statistically significant improvement in cognitive function. A treatment effect trend, limited to the Stroop test, suggests that GB may have an effect on cognitive domains assessed by this test, such as susceptibility to interference and mental flexibility. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 376-385. http://msj.sagepub.com
Correlations between Epstein-Barr virus antibody levels and risk factors for multiple sclerosis in healthy individuals
Authors: Nielsen T.R. , Pedersen M. , Rostgaard K. , Frisch M. , Hjalgrim H. 
Published: February 2007

Background Female gender, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DR2, tobacco smoking and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are established risk factors for multiple sclerosis (MS). Their possible interaction however, has been sparsely studied. Objectives To investigate possible associations between EBV antibody levels and a range of other recognized MS risk factors. Design, setting and study population Cross-sectional study undertaken in Denmark based on 517 healthy individuals selected from the Danish population. Methods We measured change in mean log (anti-Epstein-Barr viral capsid antigen (VCA) immune globulin G) using linear regression. Results Anti-Epstein-Barr VCA immune globulin G levels were positively correlated with female gender and HLA DR2. Furthermore, current smoking and cumulative tobacco consumption were positively associated with EBV antibody levels. Conclusion The association between Epstein-Barr VCA antibody levels and non-viral MS risk factors support the view that EBV is critically involved in the etiology of MS. These non-viral MS risk factors may be linked with MS risk through EBV-specific immune responses. Multiple Sclerosis 2007; 13: 420-423. http://msj.sagepub.com
Spatial and sex-specific dissection of the Anopheles gambiae midgut transcriptome
Authors: Warr Emma , Aguilar Ruth , Dong Yuemei , Mahairaki Vassiliki , Dimopoulos George 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
The midgut of hematophagous insects, such as disease transmitting mosquitoes, carries out a variety of essential functions that mostly relate to blood feeding. The midgut of the female malaria vector mosquito Anopheles gambiae is a major site of interactions between the parasite and the vector. Distinct compartments and cell types of the midgut tissue carry out specific functions and vector borne pathogens interact and infect different parts of the midgut.

Results
A microarray based global gene expression approach was used to compare transcript abundance in the four major female midgut compartments (cardia, anterior, anterior part of posterior and posterior part of posterior midgut) and between the male and female Anopheles gambiae midgut. Major differences between the female and male midgut gene expression relate to digestive processes and immunity. Each compartment has a distinct gene function profile with the posterior midgut expressing digestive enzyme genes and the cardia and anterior midgut expressing high levels of antimicrobial peptide and other immune gene transcripts. Interestingly, the cardia expressed several known anti-Plasmodium factors. A parallel peptidomic analysis of the cardia identified known mosquito antimicrobial peptides as well as several putative short secreted peptides that are likely to represent novel antimicrobial factors.

Conclusion
The A. gambiae sex specific midgut and female midgut compartment specific transcriptomes correlates with their known functions. The significantly greater functional diversity of the female midgut relate to hematophagy that is associated with digestion and nutrition uptake as well as exposes it to a variety of pathogens, and promotes growth of its endogenous microbial flora. The strikingly high proportion of immunity related factors in the cardia tissue most likely serves the function to increase sterility of ingested sugar and blood. A detailed characterization of the functional specificities of the female mosquito midgut and its various compartments can greatly contribute to our understanding of its role in disease transmission and generate the necessary tools for the development of malaria control strategies.
Treatment of social phobia: randomised trial of
internet-delivered cognitive-behavioural therapy with telephone
support
Authors: Carlbring Per , Gunnarsdóttir Magdalena , Hedensjö Linda , Andersson Gerhard , Ekselius Lisa , Furmark Tomas 
Published: February 2007

BackgroundAlthough effective therapies for social phobia exist, many individuals
refrain from seeking treatment owing to the embarrassment associated with
help-seeking. Internet-based cognitive-behavioural self-help can be an
alternative, but adherence is a problem.AimsTo evaluate a 9-week programme of internet-based therapy designed to
increase treatment adherence by the addition of short weekly telephone
calls, nine in all, with a total duration of 95 min.MethodIn a randomised controlled trial the effects of internet-based cognitive–
behavioural therapy in the treatment group (n=29) were
compared with a waiting-list control group (n=28).ResultsCompared with the control group the treated participants experienced
greater reductions on measures of general and social anxiety avoidance
and depression. Adherence to treatment was high, with 93% finishing the
complete treatment package. One year later all improvements were
maintained.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence to support the use of internet-based
treatment supplemented by short, weekly telephone calls.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with recurrent
self-harm
Authors: Hallahan Brian , Hibbeln Joseph R. , Davis John M. , Garland Malcolm R. 
Published: February 2007

BackgroundTrials have demonstrated benefits of long-chain omega-3 essential fatty
acid (n-3 EFA) supplementation in a variety of psychiatric disorders.AimsTo assess the efficacy of n-3 EFAs in improving psychological well-being
in patients with recurrent self-harm.MethodPatients (n=49) presenting after an act of repeated
self-harm were randomised to receive 1.2 g eicosapentaenoic acid plus 0.9
g decosahexaenoic acid (n=22) or placebo
(n=27) for 12 weeks in addition to standard
psychiatric care. Six psychological domains were measured at baseline and
end point.ResultsAt 12 weeks, the n-3 EFA group had significantly greater improvements in
scores for depression, suicidality and daily stresses. Scores for
impulsivity aggression and hostility did not differ.ConclusionsSupplementation achieved substantial reductions in surrogate markers of
suicidal behaviour and improvements in well-being. Larger studies are
warranted to determine if insufficient dietary intake of n-3 EFAs is a
reversible risk factor for self-harm.
Reducing emotional distress in people caring for patients
receiving specialist palliative care
Authors: Walsh Kiri , Jones Louise , Tookman Adrian , Mason Christina , McLoughlin Joanne , Blizard Robert , King Michael 
Published: February 2007

BackgroundCaring for relatives with advanced cancer may cause psychological and
physical ill health.AimsTo evaluate the effectiveness of increased support for distressed,
informal carers of patients receiving palliative care.MethodThe sample was composed of 271 informal carers who scored over 5 on the
28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28). The intervention comprised
six weekly visits by a trained advisor. Primary outcome was carer
distress (GHQ-28) at 4-week, 9-week and 12-week follow-up. Secondary
outcomes were carer strain and quality of life, satisfaction with care,
and bereavement outcome.ResultsScores on the GHQ-28 fell below the threshold of 5/6 in a third of
participants in each trial arm at any follow-up point. Mean scores in the
intervention group were lower at all time points but these differences
were not significant. No difference was observed in secondary outcomes.
Carers receiving the intervention reported qualitative benefit.ConclusionsThe intervention might have been too brief, and ongoing help might have
had accruing benefits. Alternatively, informal carers of patients with
cancer may already receive considerable input and the advisor's help gave
little additional advantage; or caring for a dying relative is extremely
stressful and no amount of support is going to make it much better.
Duplex Ultrasound in the Emergency Department for the Diagnostic Management of Clinically Suspected Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Magazzini Simone , Vanni Simone , Toccafondi Simone , Paladini Barbara , Zanobetti Maurizio , Giannazzo Giuseppe , Federico Roberto , Grifoni Stefano 
Published: February 2007

Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy and safety of an emergency duplex ultrasound (EDUS) evaluation performed by emergency physicians in the emergency department. Methods: Consecutive adult patients suspected of having their first episode of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) presenting to the emergency department were included in the study. All examinations were performed by emergency physicians trained with a 30‐hour ultrasound course. Based on EDUS findings, patients were classified into one of three groups: normal, abnormal, and uncertain. Patients with abnormal and uncertain findings were initially treated as having a DVT. Patients with normal EDUS findings were discharged from the emergency department without anticoagulant therapy. A formal duplex ultrasound evaluation was repeated by a radiologist in all patients within 24–48 hours. Patients with normal findings on duplex ultrasound evaluation were followed up for symptomatic venous thromboembolism for up to one month. Results: A total of 399 patients were studied. The EDUS findings were normal in 301 (75%), abnormal in 90 (23%), and uncertain in eight (2%). All abnormal test results were confirmed by the formal duplex ultrasound evaluation, and three patients (0.8%) with uncertain findings on EDUS examination were subsequently diagnosed as having a distal DVT (positive predictive value, 95% [95% confidence interval, 92% to 95%]; negative predictive value, 100% [95% confidence interval = 99% to 100%]). No patients with normal findings on EDUS examination died or experienced venous thromboembolism at the one‐month follow‐up. Conclusions: EDUS examination yielded a high negative predictive value and good positive predictive value, allowing rapid discharge and avoiding improper anticoagulant treatment.
Ambulatory Care: Efficacy and Safety of Oral Phenylephrine: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hatton Randy C , Winterstein Almut G , McKelvey Russell P , Shuster Jonathan , Hendeles Leslie 
Published: February 2007

Background: Oral phenylephrine is used as a decongestant, yet there has been no previously published systematic review supporting its efficacy and safety. Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of oral phenylephrine as a nonprescription decongestant. Methods: MEDLINE, the Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, EMBASE International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and the Federal Register were searched for-English and non–English-language studies published through January 2007 that measured the effects of oral phenylephrine on nasal airway resistance (NAR) in patients with nasal congestion. The retrieved studies were supplemented with information from our personal files and by hand searches of the references in any of the studies. Additionally, a Web of Science Search was conducted using the Cited Reference function for all published clinical trials identified. Studies included in the analysis were randomized, placebo-controlled trials; studies of combination products were excluded. Two investigators independently extracted data on NAR, self-reported decongestant effects, and cardiovascular effects (ie, heart rate, blood pressure) from each of the included studies. Meta-analyses were performed for NAR and cardiovascular effects using a random effects model. Subjective decongestant effects were summarized. Results: Based on 8 unpublished studies that included 138 patients, phenylephrine 10 mg did not affect NAR more than placebo; the mean maximal difference in relative change from baseline between phenylephrine and placebo was 10.1% (95% CI −3.8% to 23.9%). Eight unpublished studies on phenylephrine 25 mg showed a significant reduction of maximal NAR compared with placebo of 27.6% (95% CI 17.5% to 37.7%). There was significant heterogeneity among the studies included in this analysis, which was partially attributable to different laboratories and methods used. Patient-re ported decongestion was not consistently better for any phenylephrine dose compared with placebo, and NAR was a more sensitive measurement of efficacy. Phenylephrine showed no consistent effect on heart rate or blood pressure for doses of 25 mg or less. Conclusions: There is insufficient evidence that oral phenylephrine is effective for nonprescription use as a decongestant. The Food and Drug Administration should require additional studies to show the safety and efficacy of phenylephrine.
Use of Otolith Microstructure to Discriminate Stocks of Juvenile Central Valley, California, Fall‐Run Chinook Salmon
Authors: Volkoff Martha C. , Titus Robert G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractWe examined the utility of otolith microstructure analysis as a means of discriminating among stocks and between rearing types of juvenile fall‐run Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha in California's Central Valley. Otolith samples were collected from 11 geographically discrete stocks of fall‐run Chinook salmon of river and hatchery rearing types over 2 years. Six measured otolith attributes and three statistics derived from these measurements served as dependent variables in a multifactor analysis of variance of paired river and hatchery stocks. Morphometrics that demonstrated no significant interaction between year and stock or rearing type were used as predictors in discriminant function analyses; 32% of samples were correctly classified by stock and 80% were correctly classified by rearing type. Measures of otolith size at fry emergence were the best predictors for distinguishing among both stocks and rearing types with discriminant function analysis. We hypothesize that observed differences in otolith size at emergence among stocks and rearing types reflect differential responses in development of Chinook salmon embryos reared under different temperature regimes. Although classification success among stocks was rather limited, results for correctly classifying fall‐run Chinook salmon by rearing type were encouraging. We suggest that observed differences in otolith microstructure between rearing types be augmented with thermal marking in Central Valley hatcheries to provide a fully reliable tool for determining the proportionate contribution of natural and hatchery production to spawner populations. This information alone would greatly advance stock management of Central Valley fall‐run Chinook salmon.
Migration Timing, Growth, and Estimated Parr‐to‐Smolt Survival Rates of Wild Snake River Spring–Summer Chinook Salmon from the Salmon River Basin, Idaho, to the Lower Snake River
Authors: Achord Stephen , Zabel Richard W. , Sandford Benjamin P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSurvival, growth, and juvenile migration timing are key life history traits for at‐risk salmon populations. To estimate these traits in threatened wild Snake River spring–summer Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha, we tagged fish as parr in 3–17 natal streams per year from 1991 to 2003. We injected passive integrated transponder tags into parr collected from streams within the Salmon River basin in Idaho. Each spring, after the previous summer's tagging, fish were detected as smolts in the juvenile fish bypass systems of lower Snake River dams. Estimated parr‐to‐smolt survival to Lower Granite Dam (excluding migration year 1992) ranged from 3% to 48% for individual populations and from 8% to 25% (yearly average = 16%) for all streams combined. From 1998 to 2004, estimated parr‐to‐smolt survival declined from 25% to 8%, in part because of parr density‐dependent effects. Overall annual average growth rates from tagging to detection at Little Goose Dam ranged from 39.7 to 43.3 mm during 2001–2004, and significant differences in growth were observed among sites and years. Growth of individuals was positively related to elapsed time between tagging and recapture and negatively related to fork length at tagging. Annual migration timing distributions for fish populations from the different streams varied highly within and between years. Timing of the 10th to 90th percentile passing Lower Granite Dam ranged from 20 to 45 d for the combined wild populations (average = 38 d). Median passage date was negatively related to autumn temperature, spring temperature, and March river flow, and was positively related to elevation of the tagging site. Baseline data generated by this project provide a foundation for understanding the biocomplexity of these populations, which is critical to effective recovery efforts for these threatened wild fish stocks.