bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Psychometric properties of DSM assessments of illicit drug abuse and dependence: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC)
Authors: LYNSKEY M. T. , AGRAWAL A. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBackgroundDSM-IV criteria for illicit drug abuse and dependence are largely based on criteria developed for alcohol use disorders and there is a lack of research evidence on the psychometric properties of these symptoms when applied to illicit drugs.MethodThis study utilizes data on abuse/dependence criteria for cannabis, cocaine, stimulants, sedatives, tranquilizers, opiates, hallucinogens and inhalants from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC, n=43 093). Analyses included factor analysis to explore the dimensionality of illicit drug abuse and dependence criteria, calculation of item difficulty and discrimination within an item response framework and a descriptive analysis of ‘diagnostic orphans’: individuals meeting criteria for 1–2 dependence symptoms but not abuse. Rates of psychiatric disorders were compared across groups.ResultsResults favor a uni-dimensional construct for abuse/dependence on each of the eight drug classes. Factor loadings, item difficulty and discrimination were remarkably consistent across drug categories. For each drug category, between 29% and 51% of all individuals meeting criteria for at least one symptom did not receive a formal diagnosis of either abuse or dependence and were therefore classified as ‘orphans’. Mean rates of disorder in these individuals suggested that illicit drug use disorders may be more adequately described along a spectrum of severity.ConclusionsWhile there were remarkable similarities across categories of illicit drugs, consideration of item difficulty suggested that some alterations to DSM regarding the relevant severity of specific abuse and dependence criteria may be warranted.
Psychological distress, physical illness and risk of myocardial infarction in the Caerphilly study
Authors: RASUL F. , STANSFELD S. A. , DAVEY SMITH G. , SHLOMO Y. BEN , GALLACHER J. 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBackgroundStudies have found associations between psychological distress (PD) and increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). However, it is not clear whether the relationship reflects the subtle influence of pre-existing illness on both PD and MI. This study examines the association between PD and MI in a prospective epidemiological study of 1864 middle-aged men to examine if the association is explained by existing illness.MethodThis study was a prospective cohort study modelling the association between PD, measured using the 30-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and non-fatal myocardial infarction (NFMI) and fatal/non-fatal myocardial infarction (FNFMI).The relationship was modelled in a series of logistic regression models adjusted for age, then cigarette smoking, then social position, and finally for all sociodemographic characteristics, coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, and baseline CHD.ResultsPD was associated with a 70% and 68% increased risk of NFMI and FNFMI in fully adjusted analysis. However, PD was not associated with an increased risk of NFMI and FNFMI in analyses excluding those with baseline CHD. Further, being psychologically distressed and physically ill was associated with a greater than twofold risk of NFMI and FNFMI, 2·37 (95% CI 1·33–4·20) and 2·33 (95% CI 1·32–4·12) respectively.ConclusionsThis study suggests that PD is a moderator of the increased risk of MI associated with existing physical illness. PD in men who are physically ill is a marker of an underlying chronic physical illness. The prospective association of PD with MI is not independent of baseline physical illness.
Serious psychiatric outcome of subjects prenatally exposed to diethylstilboestrol in the E3N cohort study
Authors: VERDOUX HELENE , ROPERS JACQUES , COSTAGLIOLA DOMINIQUE , CLAVEL-CHAPELON FRANÇOISE , PAOLETTI XAVIER 
Published: April 2007

ABSTRACTBackgroundPrenatal exposure to diethylstilboestrol (DES) may induce neurodevelopmental disturbances potentially mediating an increased risk of psychiatric disorders in exposed subjects. Most findings of an increased prevalence of psychiatric disorders in men and women prenatally exposed to DES are not easy to interpret because of selection biases.MethodInformation on hormonal treatment during pregnancy and on offspring's medical outcome was collected from women participating in the Etude Epidemiologique de femmes de la Mutuelle Générale de l'Education Nationale (E3N) prospective cohort who completed consecutive postal questionnaires on a range of medical events since 1990. Information on hormonal treatment during pregnancy was collected in 1992 and on offspring's medical outcome in 2004. The psychiatric outcome of subjects prenatally exposed to DES was compared to that of their unexposed siblings.ResultsA total of 1352 mothers with DES treatment for at least one pregnancy provided information on 1680 exposed children and 1447 unexposed siblings. After adjustment for duration of follow-up, educational level, history of obstetric complication, prenatal exposure to progestagen drugs or other hormones and parental history of psychiatric hospitalization, no association was found between prenatal exposure to DES and occurrence of strictly defined serious psychiatric outcome (suicide or psychiatric hospitalization) [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0·8, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·5–1·2], or of broadly defined serious psychiatric outcome (same events plus psychiatric or psychological consultation) (adjusted OR 1·0, 95% CI 0·8–1·2).ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the impact of prenatal DES exposure on foetal brain development, if any, is unlikely to increase the risk of serious psychiatric disorders.
Dietary intake and a food-frequency instrument to evaluate a nutrition intervention for the Apache in Arizona
Authors: Sharma Sangita , Cao Xia , Gittelsohn Joel , Anliker Jean , Ethelbah Becky , Caballero Benjamin 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo demonstrate how dietary data collected from 24-hour dietary recalls were incorporated into the development of a quantitative food-frequency questionnaire (QFFQ) for the Apache in Arizona.DesignA cross-sectional study was first conducted using 24-hour dietary recalls to identify foods for inclusion on a QFFQ that would be used to evaluate a nutrition intervention.SettingThe White Mountain and San Carlos Apache reservations in East-central Arizona.SubjectsThe 24-hour dietary recalls were collected from a random sample of 53 adults (34 women and 19 men).ResultsA QFFQ was developed that included all foods reported by two or more respondents, plus traditional and seasonal foods. Portion size was assessed using familiar household units and culturally appropriate food models. The final instrument contains 155 foods. Frequency of consumption is assessed using eight categories ranking from ‘never or less than once a month’ to ‘2 or more times a day’. Nutrient intakes and the five major food sources of energy, fat and sugar are presented.ConclusionThe QFFQ developed is complete and up-to-date for assessing usual food and nutrient intake for the Apache in Arizona. The instrument will be used to evaluate a food store-based nutrition intervention to reduce risk of chronic diseases.
Human rights obligations of non-state actors in conflict situations
Authors: Clapham Andrew 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe threat to human rights posed by non-state actors is of increasing concern. The author addresses the international obligations of belligerents, national liberation movements and insurgent entities, looks at the growing demands that such armed groups respect human rights norms and considers some of the options for holding private military companies accountable with regard to human rights abuses. The argument developed throughout this article is that all sorts of non-state actors are increasingly expected to comply with principles of international human rights law.
Private military companies: their status under international humanitarian law and its impact on their regulation
Authors: Cameron Lindsey 
Published: April 2007

AbstractStates are increasingly hiring private military companies to act in zones where armed conflicts are occurring. The predominant feeling in the international community is that it would be best to regulate such companies. Cognizant of much confusion as to the status of the employees of private military companies under international humanitarian law, this article explains the laws on mercenaries, combatants and civilians and explores how private military companies' employees may fall into any of those categories. It demonstrates that the concept of mercenarism is unhelpful for regulating these companies and that it is unlikely that many of the employees of these companies can be considered to have combatant status. The article considers possible consequences of private military companies' employees having the status of civilians under international humanitarian law and their potential impact on regulating these companies effectively.
Corporate actors: the legal status of mercenaries in armed conflict
Authors: Fallah Katherine 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCorporate actors are taking on an increasingly significant role in the prosecution of modern warfare. Traditionally, an analysis of the law applicable to corporate actors in armed conflict commences with inquiry into the law as it applies to mercenaries. As such, the rise of the private military industry invites a reconsideration of the conventional approach to mercenaries under international law. This article critically surveys the conventional law as it applies to mercenaries, and considers the extent to which corporate actors might meet the legal definitions of a “mercenary”. It demonstrates that even mercenaries receive protection under international humanitarian law.
Business goes to war: private military/security companies and international humanitarian law
Authors: Gillard Emanuela-Chiara 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRecent years have witnessed an increase in the number of private military and security companies (PMCs/PSCs) operating in situations of armed conflict, as well as a change in the nature of their activities, which are now increasingly close to the heart of military operations and which often put them in close proximity to persons protected by international humanitarian law. It is often asserted that there is a vacuum in the law when it comes to their operations. In situations of armed conflict, however, there is a body of law that regulates both the activities of the staff of PMCs/PSCs and the responsibilities of the states that hire them. Moreover, other states also have a role to play in promoting respect for international humanitarian law by such companies. This article examines the key legal issues raised by PMCs/PSCs operating in situations of armed conflict, including the status of the staff of these companies and their responsibilities under international humanitarian law; the responsibilities of the states that hire them; and those of the states in whose territory PMCs/PSCs are incorporated or operate.
Prenatal Organophosphate Metabolite and Organochlorine Levels and Performance on the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale in a Multiethnic Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Engel Stephanie M. , Berkowitz Gertrud S. , Barr Dana B. , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Siskind Jodi , Meisel Stefanie J. , Wetmur James G. , Wolff Mary S. 
Published: April 2007

Abstract
Prenatal exposures to organophosphate pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls have been associated with abnormal neonatal behavior and/or primitive reflexes. In 1998–2002, the Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center (New York City) investigated the effects of indoor pesticide use and exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls on pregnancy outcome and child neurodevelopment in an inner-city multiethnic cohort. The Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale was administered before hospital discharge (n = 311). Maternal urine samples were analyzed for six dialkylphosphate metabolites and malathion dicarboxylic acid. A random subset of maternal peripheral blood samples from the entire cohort (n = 194) was analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls and 1,1′-dichloro-2,2′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene. Malathion dicarboxylic acid levels above the limit of detection were associated with a 2.24-fold increase in the number of abnormal reflexes (95% confidence interval: 1.55, 3.24). Likewise, higher levels of total diethylphosphates and total dialkylphosphates were associated with an increase in abnormal reflexes, as was total dimethylphosphates after paraoxonase expression was considered. No adverse associations were found with polychlorinated biphenyl or 1,1′-dichloro-2,2′-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene levels and any behavior. The authors uncovered additional evidence that prenatal levels of organophosphate pesticide metabolites are associated with anomalies in primitive reflexes, which are a critical marker of neurologic integrity.
Regulation of angiogenesis in the bone marrow of myelodysplastic syndromes transforming to overt leukaemia
Authors: Keith Tamara , Araki Yuko , Ohyagi Masaki , Hasegawa Maki , Yamamoto Kouhei , Kurata Morito , Nakagawa Yasunori , Suzuki Kenshi , Kitagawa Masanobu 
Published: April 2007

SummaryTo investigate the regulatory mechanisms of angiogenesis in the development of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and its progression to overt leukaemia (OL), bone marrow samples from control, paired samples from MDS patients before and after transformation to OL (MDS → OL) and de novo acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) were analysed. Immunohistochemical staining showed a significant increase of bone marrow microvascular density (MVD) in MDS and de novo AML compared with controls. Surprisingly, in MDS, MVD significantly decreased upon transformation to OL, which was also significantly lower than the MVD of de novo AML. This evidence was strengthened by the pattern of angiogenic mediator gene expression, confirming the importance of various angiogenic mediators including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and the angiopoietin family of mediators (Ang‐1 and Ang‐2) as well as the receptors for angiogenic mediators, such as VEGF receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and the tyrosine kinase receptor, TIE2. By contrast, the anti‐angiogenic mediator, transforming growth factor‐β (TGFβ) exhibited significantly higher expression in the bone marrow of MDS → OL, indicating the importance of this cytokine as the suppressive factor of angiogenesis in MDS. These findings indicate that the bone marrow microenvironment in MDS → OL and de novo AML differs remarkably, suggesting the different efficacy of anti‐angiogenic therapy between de novo AML and leukaemia secondary to MDS.
Cl‐IB‐MECA inhibits human erythropoiesis
Authors: Bhanu Natarajan V. , Aerbajinai Wulin , Gantt Nicole M. , Jackson Edwin K. , Goh Sung‐Ho , Terry Lee Y. , Miller Jeffery L. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryCandidate drugs are being sought for the suppression of human erythropoiesis. Cl‐IB‐MECA [2‐chloro‐N6‐(3‐iodobenzyl)‐adenosine‐5′‐N‐methyluronamide] is a derivative of adenosine that inhibits the growth of leukaemic cell lines. To determine the effects of Cl‐IB‐MECA upon erythropoiesis, studies were performed by using an ex vivo culture system of primary human CD34+ cells. Cl‐IB‐MECA suppressed erythroblast growth and maturation at doses ≥50 μmol/l through a mechanism of cell cycle inhibition and accumulation of cells in the G1/G0 phase. These findings demonstrate that Cl‐IB‐MECA inhibits human erythropoiesis, and suggest that further consideration of this drug is warranted for patients with erythrocytosis or polycythemia syndromes.
Iron deprivation blocks multilineage haematopoietic differentiation by inhibiting induction of p21(WAF1/CIP1)
Authors: Alcantara Orlando , Boldt David H. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryIron is required for the differentiation of HL‐60 cells along the monocyte lineage in vitro, reflecting a requirement for iron in the transcriptional induction of the p21(WAF1/CIP1) gene. To determine if the same requirement holds true for differentiation in other cell lineages and for primary human CD34+ bone marrow precursor cells, we induced granulocyte differentiation by treating HL‐60 cells with dimethyl sulphoxide, and erythroid or megakaryocytic differentiation by treating K562 cells with butyrate or phorbol myristate acetate, respectively. Nitro blue tetrazolium reduction, expression of haem, or expression of CD41 was used to assess granulocytic, erythroid, or megakaryocytic differentiation respectively. Purified CD34+ cells were cultured with granulocyte/macrophage‐colony stimulating factor and stem cell factor to induce myelomonocytic differentiation. Iron deprivation was induced by desferrioxamine. p21(WAF1/CIP1) antisense oligonucleotides were used to inhibit p21 expression. Iron deprivation blocked p21 induction as judged by real‐time polymerase chain reaction assays. In addition, both iron deprivation and p21 antisense blocked CD34+ cell differentiation. These observations were not explained by induction of widespread apoptosis under conditions of iron deprivation. We concluded that both iron and functional p21(WAF1/CIP1) are required for in vitro differentiation of human haematopoietic precursors along multiple cell lineages.
Prognostic value of serum free light chain ratio at diagnosis in multiple myeloma
Authors: Kyrtsonis Marie‐Christine , Vassilakopoulos Theodoros P. , Kafasi Nicoletta , Sachanas Sotirios , Tzenou Tatiana , Papadogiannis Argiroula , Galanis Zacharoula , Kalpadakis Christina , Dimou Maria , Kyriakou Elias , Angelopoulou Maria K. , Dimopoulou Maria N. , Siakantaris Marina P. , Dimitriadou Evangelia M. , Kokoris Styliani I. , Panayiotidis Panayiotis , Pangalis Gerassimos A. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryThe prognostic value of baseline serum free light chain ratio (sFLCR) was investigated in 94 multiple myeloma (MM) patients. sFLCR was calculated as κ/λ or λ/κ, depending on the patients’ dominating monoclonal light chain. Median baseline sFLCR was 3·57 in κ‐MM patients, 45·09 in λ‐MM. ‘High’ sFLCR (≥ the observed median value for κ‐ and λ‐MM respectively) correlated with elevated serum creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase, extensive marrow infiltration and light chain type MM. The 5‐year disease‐specific survival was 82% and 30% in patients with sFLCR lower than and equal or greater than the median, respectively (P = 0·0001). sFLCR was an independent prognostic factor.
Second transplant with two unrelated cord blood units for early graft failure after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Fernandes Juliana , Rocha Vanderson , Robin Marie , De Latour Régis Peffault , Traineau Richard , Devergie Agnès , Ribaud Patricia , Réa Delphine , Larghero Jérôme , Gluckman Eliane , Socié Gérard 
Published: April 2007

AbstractGraft failure (GF) can be a fatal complication following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We report four patients who developed early GF after unrelated HSCT and who subsequently received a double unrelated cord blood transplant (dUCBT) after reduced‐intensity conditioning, at a median 15 d after the decision to perform a second transplant. Neutrophil recovery was observed in all four patients between day +15 and +31 with full donor chimaerism of one unit. Acute GVHD grades II–IV was observed in three patients. Three are alive, between 12 and 25 months after dUCBT. In conclusion, dUCBT is a promising procedure to treat early GF.
Interleukin‐10 gene polymorphism influences the prognosis of T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphomas
Authors: Lee Je‐Jung , Kim Dong Hwan , Lee Nan Young , Sohn Sang Kyun , Kim Jong Gwang , Kim Hyeoung‐Joon , Do Young Rok , Park Yeon Hee 
Published: April 2007

SummaryInterleukin‐10 (IL‐10) is one of the cytokines implicated in the pathogenesis of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in which it acts as auto/paracrine growth factor for lymphoma growth. T‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a heterogeneous disease, the biological basis of which is not fully understood. Some evidence suggests that IL‐10 might be associated with the progression of T‐cell NHLs and that IL‐10 may be involved in a rescue effect, protecting T cells from apoptotic cell death associated with upregulated bcl‐2 expression. The current study evaluated the impact of IL‐10 gene (IL10) polymorphism on the response to chemotherapy and survival in T‐cell NHL. IL10 polymorphisms were determined in 108 patients with T‐cell NHL. The response to chemotherapy was not dependent on IL10 polymorphism, while survival differed significantly according to IL10 polymorphism. The group with ATA haplotype showed superior overall survival (61·2 ± 5·9% vs. 21·2 ± 11·7%, P = 0·001) and failure‐free survival (35·0 ± 5·7% vs. 13·2 ± 8·7%, P = 0·001) compared to those without ATA haplotype. The ATA haplotype was identified as a favourable prognostic factor compared to non‐ATA haplotype (P = 0·037, hazard ratio 2·1), together with international prognostic index (IPI) in a multivariate model for overall survival. In conclusion, IL10 polymorphism may affect the survival of T‐cell NHL patients.
The Asp727Glu polymorphism in the TSH receptor is associated with insulin resistance in healthy elderly men
Authors: Peeters Robin P. , Van Der Deure Wendy M. , Van Den Beld Annewieke W. , Van Toor Hans , Lamberts Steven W. J. , Janssen Joop A. M. J. L. , Uitterlinden André G. , Visser Theo J. 
Published: April 2007

SummaryBackground  Variations in thyroid function within the normal range are associated with differences in metabolism and body composition. For instance, TSH is positively associated with body mass index (BMI). This could be due to alterations in thyroid hormone activity, or to direct effects of TSH, as the TSH receptor (TSHR) is also expressed in adipose tissue. The TSHR‐Asp727Glu polymorphism is associated with lower serum TSH levels in vivo. In this study, we analysed whether serum thyroid parameters and the TSHR‐Asp727Glu polymorphism were associated with glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. In addition, we analysed the Thr92Ala polymorphism in the type 2 deiodinase (D2), which was recently associated with insulin resistance.Methods  Genotypes were determined in a population of 349 elderly men (age 77·7 ± 3·5 years), for whom serum thyroid parameters and data on insulin resistance, such as fasting blood glucose, serum insulin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) values, were available.Results  In nondiabetic, euthyroid subjects, TSH was positively associated with leptin levels, whereas FT4 and rT3 were significantly negatively correlated with insulin and HOMA. Carriers of the TSHR‐Glu727 allele had a significantly higher glucose (P = 0·01), insulin (P = 0·001), glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) (P = 0·002), HOMA (P = 0·001) and leptin (P = 0·008). The D2‐Ala92 allele showed a trend towards higher levels of insulin (P = 0·07) and a higher HOMA (P = 0·09).Conclusion  In this population of nondiabetic elderly men, serum thyroid parameters and the TSHR‐Asp727Glu polymorphism were associated with relative insulin resistance. Our study suggests that genetic variation in TSHR plays a role in insulin resistance and thereby influences glucose metabolism.