bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Therapies for Crohn's Disease: Focus on Immunomodulators and Antibiotics
Authors: Wilhelm Sheila M , Taylor Jason D , Osiecki Lisa L , Kale-Pradhan Pramodini B 
Published: September 2006

Objective: To review the literature on novel immunomodulators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)- and interleukin (IL)-related agents, 6-thioguanine (6-TG), tacrolimus, and leflunomide, and antibiotics such as ornidazole, rifaximin, and ciprofloxacin for the treatment of Crohn's disease. Data Sources: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–January 2006) using the terms Crohn's disease, novel therapies, immunomodulators, and antibiotics. Article references were hand-searched for additional relevant articles and abstracts. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All articles in English identified from the data sources were evaluated. Studies including greater than 5 patients with primarly adult populations were included in the review. Data Synthesis: There are a number of new TNF-α and IL-related agents that may be useful for management of Crohn's disease. They include CDP 571, CDP 870, etanercept, onercept, thalidomide, IL-10, and IL-11. Several studies have shown that CDP 571 decreases the Crohn's Disease Activity Index score and is promising, especially in patients with refractory disease. 6-TG, tacrolimus, and leflunomide are among other immunomodulators that appear to have a role in refractory/severe disease. Finally, ornidazole, rifaximin, and ciprofloxacin are antimicrobials that may be used in patients who have failed other therapies or as adjunctive therapies. Conclusions: A number of new treatment modalities are being investigated for Crohn's disease. Many of them are promising, and some of these agents may be considered in treatment-refractory patients in the future. However, some of the agents reviewed here are not available in the US. Future studies need to be double-blinded and placebo- or other treatment-controlled in a more homogeneous patient population.
Use of Non-Aspirin Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs and the Risk of Cardiovascular Events
Authors: Cheng Judy WM 
Published: September 2006

Objective: To review published evidence on the use of nonselective, non-aspirin nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NANSAIDs) and the risks of cardiovascular events and examine the justification for Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in recommending that a cardiovascular risk warning statement be included in all NANSAIDs' product information inserts. Data Sources: Peer-reviewed articles in MEDLINE (1966–August 2006) and Current Contents were identified using the key words NSAID, naproxen, ibuprofen, heart diseases, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular events. Citations from available articles and related FDA Web sites were reviewed for additional references. Study Selection and Data Extraction: No randomized, placebo-controlled studies have been published evaluating this subject. Epidemiologic evidence published in English was examined. Sixteen relevant studies were identified (5 cohort, 3 nested case–control, 8 case–control). Data Synthesis: Six of the 16 studies demonstrated increased risk for one or more NANSAIDs (rate or ORs varied from 1.13 to 3.08). Five studies demonstrated cardioprotective effect for one or more NANSAIDs used (rate or ORs varied from 0.48 to 0.84). None of the other studies demonstrated an association between use of NANSAIDs and risk of cardiovascular events. Conclusions: After adjustment of baseline risk factors for cardiovascular events, epidemiologic studies demonstrated conflicting results regarding the risk of cardiovascular events with long-term use of nonselective NANSAIDs. However, considering the large number of patients consuming NANSAIDs and the potential public health impact, until data from long-term, randomized, controlled trials become available, the FDA's recommendation that a warning statement be included in all nonselective NANSAIDs product package inserts is justified.
Cilomilast: Orally Active Selective Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitor for Treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Martina Shaunta' D , Ismail Maha S , Vesta Kimi S 
Published: September 2006

Objective: To review available literature evaluating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of cilomilast, a selective phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4) inhibitor. Data Sources: Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966–May 2006), Current Contents Clinical Medicine (1998–May 2006), and The Cochrane Library Database (1st quarter 2006) using the terms cilomilast, Ariflo, and SB 207 499. Reference lists from retrieved articles and information from the manufacturer were manually reviewed. Study Selection and Data Extraction: All clinical trials evaluating cilomilast and published in English were included in this review. In addition, articles evaluating the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety of cilomilast in humans were reviewed. Data Synthesis: Cilomilast is a second-generation PDE4 inhibitor with antiinflammatory effects that target bronchoconstriction, mucus hypersecretion, and airway remodeling associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Selective PDE4 inhibition is proposed to maximize the antiinflammatory effects of PDE inhibition while minimizing the adverse effects of nonselective agents. To date, 4 clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy of cilomilast and demonstrated improvement in lung function (forced expiratory volume in 1 second) and quality of life and reduction in the occurrence of COPD exacerbations compared with placebo. Cilomilast is generally well tolerated, with adverse effects being overall mild and self-limiting. Conclusions: COPD is a progressive disease, and available treatment options provide limited efficacy. Given its unique mechanism of action and improved adverse effect profile compared with previous agents, cilomilast may have a promising role for the management of COPD.
Relationships Between Beliefs about Medications and Nonadherence to Prescribed Chronic Medications
Authors: Phatak Hemant M , Thomas Joseph 
Published: September 2006

Background: Medication beliefs of patients with a specific medical condition have been associated with nonadherence to drugs used to treat that condition. However, associations between medication beliefs and nonadherence of individuals on chronic, multiple medications have not been studied. Objective: To investigate associations between patients' medication beliefs and nonadherence to chronic drug therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional, self-administered survey of patients waiting to see pharmacists at an outpatient pharmacy in a primary care clinic was conducted. Participants' medication beliefs were assessed using the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and nonadherence was assessed using the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. Pearson correlation analysis was used to assess bivariate associations between medication beliefs and nonadherence. Regression was used to assess relative strength of associations between various medication beliefs and nonadherence and also to assess the significance of the interactions between those beliefs and nonadherence. Results: There were positive bivariate associations between specific concerns about medications (p < 0.001), perceived general harmful effects of medications (p < 0.001), and perceived overprescribing of medications by physicians (p < 0.001) and medication nonadherence. When relative strength of associations between each medication belief and nonadherence was assessed, while controlling for other medication beliefs, specific–necessity (p = 0.02) and specific–concerns (p = 0.01) exhibited significant negative and positive associations with nonadherence, respectively. All two-way interactions between variables in the model were insignificant. A model consisting of age, total number of drugs used, and medication beliefs, that is, specific–necessity, specific–concerns, general–overuse, and general–harm, accounted for 26.5% of variance. Medication beliefs alone explained 22.4% of variation in nonadherence to chronic drug therapy. Conclusions: Patients' medication beliefs explained a significant portion of variation in medication nonadherence.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Escitalopram Compared with Paroxetine in Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder in the United Kingdom
Authors: J⊘rgensen Tine Rikke , Stein Dan J , Despiegel Nicolas , Drost Pieter B , Hemels Michiel EH , Baldwin David S 
Published: September 2006

Background: Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is associated with substantial economic burden. Objective: To assess, from a societal perspective, the cost-effectiveness of escitalopram and paroxetine in the treatment of GAD in the UK. Method: A decision analytic model with a 9 month time horizon was adapted to the UK setting. Model inputs included drug- and nondrug-specific probabilities from head-to-head trial data, published literature, and expert opinion. Main outcome measures were success (response after 12 wk of treatment and no relapse during the following 24 wk) and costs. Resource use was based on National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance for GAD patient management, and estimated unit costs came from standard national sources. Human capital approach was used to estimate costs of absence from work. The analysis was performed from the societal perspective. Results: Escitalopram-treated patients were associated with 14.4% higher first-line treatment success and significantly lower discontinuation rates due to adverse events than were those treated with paroxetine. Treatment with escitalopram yielded lower expected costs with greater effectiveness compared with paroxetine. These clinical advantages led to less sick leave and resource use as a result of lower switch rates and use of secondary care. Total expected 9 month costs were £1408 ($2560 US) lower for escitalopram-treated patients than for paroxetine-treated patients. Sensitivity analyses on key parameters demonstrated robustness of the model. Conclusions: Escitalopram appears to be cost-effective compared with paroxetine in the treatment of GAD in the UK.
A Sequence-Tagged Linkage Map ofBrassica rapa
Authors: Kim Jung Sun , Chung Tae Young , King Graham J , Jin Mina , Yang Tae-Jin , Jin Yong-Moon , Kim Ho-Il , Park Beom-Seok 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA detailed genetic linkage map of Brassica rapa has been constructed containing 545 sequence-tagged loci covering 1287 cM, with an average mapping interval of 2.4 cM. The loci were identified using a combination of 520 RFLP and 25 PCR-based markers. RFLP probes were derived from 359 B. rapa EST clones and amplification products of 11 B. rapa and 26 Arabidopsis. Including 21 SSR markers provided anchors to previously published linkage maps for B. rapa and B. napus and is followed as the referenced mapping of R1–R10. The sequence-tagged markers allowed interpretation of the pattern of chromosome duplications within the B. rapa genome and comparison with Arabidopsis. A total of 62 EST markers showing a single RFLP band were mapped through 10 linkage groups, indicating that these can be valuable anchoring markers for chromosome-based genome sequencing of B. rapa. Other RFLP probes gave rise to 2–5 loci, inferring that B. rapa genome duplication is a general phenomenon through 10 chromosomes. The map includes five loci of FLC paralogues, which represent the previously reported BrFLC-1, -2, -3, and -5 and additionally identified BrFLC3 paralogues derived from local segmental duplication on R3.
Sometimes the Result Is Not the Answer: The Truths and the Lies That Come From Using the Complementation Test
Authors: Hawley R Scott , Gilliland William D 
Published: September 2006

Abstract
It is standard genetic practice to determine whether or not two independently obtained mutants define the same or different genes by performing the complementation test. While the complementation test is highly effective and accurate in most cases, there are a number of instances in which the complementation test provides misleading answers, either as a result of the failure of two mutations that are located in different genes to complement each other or by exhibiting complementation between two mutations that lie within the same gene. We are primarily concerned here with those cases in which two mutations lie in different genes, but nonetheless fail to complement each other. This phenomenon is often referred to as second-site noncomplementation (SSNC). The discovery of SSNC led to a large number of screens designed to search for genes that encode interacting proteins. However, screens for dominant enhancer mutations of semidominant alleles of a given gene have proved far more effective at identifying interacting genes whose products interact physically or functionally with the initial gene of interest than have SSNC-based screens.
Prognostic value of initial magnetic resonance imaging growth rates for World Health Organization grade II gliomas
Authors: Pallud Johan , Mandonnet Emmanuel , Duffau Hugues , Kujas Michèle , Guillevin Rémy , Galanaud Damien , Taillandier Luc , Capelle Laurent 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA consecutive series of 143 unselected adult patients with histologically proved World Health Organization grade II gliomas was reviewed to assess the prognostic value of growth rates of mean tumor diameters on successive magnetic resonance images before treatment. There is an inverse correlation between growth rates and survival (p < 0.001; median survival at 5.16 years for a growth rate of 8mm/year or more; median survival >15.0 years for a growth rate <8mm/year). Thus, individual magnetic resonance imaging tumor growth rates should be incorporated in the planning of the initial therapeutic strategy of grade II gliomas. Ann Neurol 2006;60:380–383
Characteristics of frontotemporal dementia patients with a Progranulin mutation
Authors: Huey Edward D. , Grafman Jordan , Wassermann Eric M. , Pietrini Pietro , Tierney Michael C. , Ghetti Bernardino , Spina Salvatore , Baker Matt , Hutton Mike , Elder Joshua W. , Berger Stephen L. , Heflin Kyle A. , Hardy John , Momeni Parastoo 
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjectiveMutations in the Progranulin gene (PGRN) recently have been discovered to be associated with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) linked to 17q21 without identified MAPT mutations. The range of mutations of PGRN that can result in the FTD phenotype and the clinical presentation of patients with PGRN mutations have yet to be determined.MethodsIn this study, we examined 84 FTD patients from families not known previously to have illness linked to chromosome 17 for identified PGRN and MAPT mutations and sequenced the coding exons and the flanking intronic regions of PGRN. We compared the prevalence, clinical characteristics, magnetic resonance imaging and 18‐fluoro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography results, and neuropsychological testing of patients with the PGRN R493X mutation with those patients without identified PGRN mutations.ResultsWe discovered a new PGRN mutation (R493X) resulting in a stop codon in two patients. This was the only PGRN mutation identified in our sample. The patients with the PGRN R493X mutation had a rapid illness course and had predominant right‐sided atrophy and hypometabolism on magnetic resonance imaging and 18‐fluoro‐deoxyglucose positron emission tomography. The affected father of one of the patients with the PGRN R493X mutation showed frontal and temporal atrophy without neurofibrillary tangles on neuropathological examination.InterpretationKnown PGRN and MAPT mutations were rare and of similar prevalence in our sample (2 compared with 1/84). The patients with the PGRN R493X mutation had a clinical presentation comparable with other behavior‐predominant FTD patients. The neuropathology of an affected family member of a patient with the PGRN R493X mutation appears not to be Alzheimer's disease. Ann Neurol 2006;60:374–380This article includes supplementary materials available via the Internet at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0364‐5134/suppmat
Excision and transposition of piggyBac transposable element in tobacco budworm embryos
Authors: Ren Xiaoxia , Han Zhaojun , Miller Thomas A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe TTAA‐specific lepidopteran transposon piggyBac has already proved useful as a gene‐transfer vector for efficient transformation of a wide variety of insects. Transposable element excision and transposition assays are useful indicators of an element's ability to be mobilized in vivo and, thus, potentially serve as a transforming vector. Here, we report that this transposon is capable of excision and transposition in tobacco budworm embryos with relatively low frequency. Arch Insect Biochem Physiol 63:49–56, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anthropogenic warming of central England temperature
Authors: Karoly David J. , Stott Peter A. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe variability of central England temperature (CET) at inter annual, decadal and 50‐year time scales, as simulated by the HadCM3 model, agrees well with its observed variability over the period 1700–1900. The observed warming in annual‐mean CET of about 1.0 °C since 1950 is very unlikely to be due to natural climate variations and is consistent with the response to anthropogenic (ANT) forcing, demonstrating a significant human influence on this warming. © Crown Copyright 2006. Reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
No association between occupational exposure to ELF magnetic field and urinary 6‐sulfatoximelatonin in workers
Authors: Gobba Fabriziomaria , Bravo Giulia , Scaringi Meri , Roccatto Luigi 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA suppression in melatonin secretion is one of the mechanisms proposed to explain the possible adverse effects of extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF‐MF), but the results of research are inconclusive. This study investigated the effect of occupational ELF‐MF exposure on 6‐sulfatoximelatonin (6‐OHMS). Exposure was monitored for three complete work shifts in 59 workers using personal exposure meters. Environmental exposure was also evaluated. Urinary 6‐OHMS in morning samples, an indicator of night‐time melatonin production, was measured. Urine was collected twice on Friday and the following Monday. Workers were classified according to ELF exposure as low exposed (≤0.2 µT) or higher exposed (>0.2 µT): 6‐OHMS did not differ between groups (P > .05) in either Friday or Monday urine samples. In addition, 6‐OHMS was not related to exposure under multivariate analysis. The ratio between 6‐OHMS in Monday versus Friday samples was also calculated to test the hypothesis of a possible variation in pineal function after 2 days, interruption of occupational ELF‐MF exposure: again no exposure‐related difference was observed. Our results do not support the hypothesis that occupational exposure to ELF‐MF significantly influences melatonin secretion. Bioelectromagnetics 27:667–673, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of information and 50 Hz magnetic fields on cognitive performance and reported symptoms
Authors: Nevelsteen Sophie , Legros Jean‐Jacques , Crasson Marion 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the role of expectancies and beliefs about the potential effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) (what the subject thought the effect was going to be) and the effects of 50 Hz magnetic fields (400 µTrms) acute exposure on cognitive performance, the reporting of physical symptoms and some psychological and physiological parameters. Seventy‐four healthy male volunteers aged between 40 and 60 years of age were randomly assigned to one of five groups, which differed in (1) the type of information they were given concerning the expected magnetic field effect on performance in cognitive tests (positive = enhancement of the performance; negative = impairment of the performance; neutral) and (2) the type of exposure (real or sham). Three groups were sham exposed with positive (group+), negative (group−) and neutral information (group+/−); one group was really exposed with neutral information (group expo) and one group was not exposed, though they wore the helmet, and did not receive any field‐related information (control group). All the volunteers, except the control group, were led to believe that they would be exposed to a magnetic field of 400 µTrms. The experimental design respected a double blind procedure and the experimental session involved three steps (pre‐testing, exposure, and post‐testing). Various measurements were taken, including cognitive performance, psychological parameters such as mood, vigilance, and reporting of symptoms. Physiological parameters such as blood pressure and pulse rate were also recorded. The information given did not significantly modify beliefs. No significant difference was found among the five groups depending on the type of information and the type of exposure in cognitive performance, psychological and physiological parameters. In the context of the study, with our population, the type of information given failed to induce expected changes in parameters measured. Our results do not support the hypothesis that an acute exposure to extremely low frequency magnetic fields (50 Hz, 400 µTrms) affects the parameters measured. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A pilot investigation of the effect of extremely low frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields on humans' heart rate variability
Authors: Baldi Emilio , Baldi Claudio , Lithgow Brian J. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe question whether pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) can affect the heart rhythm is still controversial. This study investigates the effects on the cardiocirculatory system of ELF‐PEMFs. It is a follow‐up to an investigation made of the possible therapeutic effect ELF‐PEMFs, using a commercially available magneto therapeutic unit, had on soft tissue injury repair in humans. Modulation of heart rate (HR) or heart rate variability (HRV) can be detected from changes in periodicity of the R‐R interval and/or from changes in the numbers of heart‐beat/min (bpm), however, R‐R interval analysis gives only a quantitative insight into HRV. A qualitative understanding of HRV can be obtained considering the power spectral density (PSD) of the R‐R intervals Fourier transform. In this study PSD is the investigative tool used, more specifically the low frequency (LF) PSD and high frequency (HF) PSD ratio (LF/HF) which is an indicator of sympatho‐vagal balance. To obtain the PSD value, variations of the R‐R time intervals were evaluated from a continuously recorded ECG. The results show a HR variation in all the subjects when they are exposed to the same ELF‐PEMF. This variation can be detected by observing the change in the sympatho‐vagal equilibrium, which is an indicator of modulation of heart activity. Variation of the LF/HF PSD ratio mainly occurs at transition times from exposure to nonexposure, or vice versa. Also of interest are the results obtained during the exposure of one subject to a range of different ELF‐PEMFs. This pilot study suggests that a full investigation into the effect of ELF‐PEMFs on the cardiovascular system is justified. Bioelectromagnetics. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.