Showing papers by "University at Buffalo published in 2006"
Ohio State University1, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center2, University of Cincinnati3, University of Iowa4, University of California, Davis5, University of Alabama at Birmingham6, University of Arizona7, University of Washington8, Rush University Medical Center9, Wake Forest University10, University of Nevada, Reno11, University of Texas at San Antonio12, Kaiser Permanente13, University of Pittsburgh14, University of California, Los Angeles15, Stony Brook University16, Baylor College of Medicine17, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill18, Wayne State University19, Howard University20, George Washington University21, University of California, Irvine22, University of Tennessee Health Science Center23, Medical College of Wisconsin24, University of California, San Diego25, Rutgers University26, University of Florida27, National Institutes of Health28, Harvard University29, University of Minnesota30, University of Massachusetts Boston31, University of Miami32, Emory University33, University of Wisconsin-Madison34, Stanford University35, Northwestern University36, University at Buffalo37, Brown University38, Yeshiva University39
TL;DR: Among healthy postmenopausal women, calcium with vitamin D supplementation resulted in a small but significant improvement in hip bone density, did not significantly reduce hip fracture, and increased the risk of kidney stones.
Abstract: Background The efficacy of calcium with vitamin D supplementation for preventing hip and other fractures in healthy postmenopausal women remains equivocal. Methods We recruited 36,282 postmenopausal women, 50 to 79 years of age, who were already enrolled in a Women's Health Initiative (WHI) clinical trial. We randomly assigned participants to receive 1000 mg of elemental calcium as calcium carbonate with 400 IU of vitamin D3 daily or placebo. Fractures were ascertained for an average follow-up period of 7.0 years. Bone density was measured at three WHI centers. Results Hip bone density was 1.06 percent higher in the calcium plus vitamin D group than in the placebo group (P<0.01). Intention-to-treat analysis indicated that participants receiving calcium plus vitamin D supplementation had a hazard ratio of 0.88 for hip fracture (95 percent confidence interval, 0.72 to 1.08), 0.90 for clinical spine fracture (0.74 to 1.10), and 0.96 for total fractures (0.91 to 1.02). The risk of renal calculi increased with...
1,765 citations
TL;DR: The most striking feature of the USA300 genome is the horizontal acquisition of a novel mobile genetic element that encodes an arginine deiminase pathway and an oligopeptide permease system that could contribute to growth and survival of USA300.
1,507 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors identify the key challenges facing strategic human resource management (SHRM) going forward and discuss several new directions in both the scholarship and practice of SHRM.
1,368 citations
TL;DR: Natalizumab added to interferon beta-1a was significantly more effective in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis, and additional research is needed to elucidate the benefits and risks of this combination treatment.
Abstract: Background Interferon beta is used to modify the course of relapsing multiple sclerosis. Despite interferon beta therapy, many patients have relapses. Natalizumab, an α 4 integrin antagonist, appeared to be safe and effective alone and when added to interferon beta-1a in preliminary studies. Methods We randomly assigned 1171 patients who, despite interferon beta-1a therapy, had had at least one relapse during the 12-month period before randomization to receive continued interferon beta-1a in combination with 300 mg of natalizumab (589 patients) or placebo (582 patients) intravenously every 4 weeks for up to 116 weeks. The primary end points were the rate of clinical relapse at 1 year and the cumulative probability of disability progression sustained for 12 weeks, as measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, at 2 years. Results Combination therapy resulted in a 24 percent reduction in the relative risk of sustained disability progression (hazard ratio, 0.76; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.61 to 0.96; P = 0.02). Kaplan–Meier estimates of the cumulative probability of progression at two years were 23 percent with combination therapy and 29 percent with interferon beta-1a alone. Combination therapy was associated with a lower annualized rate of relapse over a two-year period than was interferon beta-1a alone (0.34 vs. 0.75, P<0.001) and with fewer new or enlarging lesions on T 2 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging (0.9 vs. 5.4, P<0.001). Adverse events associated with combination therapy were anxiety, pharyngitis, sinus congestion, and peripheral edema. Two cases of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, one of which was fatal, were diagnosed in natalizumab-treated patients. Conclusions Natalizumab added to interferon beta-1a was significantly more effective than interferon beta-1a alone in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis. Additional research is needed to elucidate the benefits and risks of this combination treatment. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00030966.)
1,251 citations
TL;DR: There is strong evidence that the chitin, glucans and glycoproteins are covalently cross‐linked together and that the cross‐linking is a dynamic process that occurs extracellularly.
Abstract: The fungal cell wall is a dynamic structure that protects the cell from changes in osmotic pressure and other environmental stresses, while allowing the fungal cell to interact with its environment. The structure and biosynthesis of a fungal cell wall is unique to the fungi, and is therefore an excellent target for the development of anti-fungal drugs. The structure of the fungal cell wall and the drugs that target its biosynthesis are reviewed. Based on studies in a number of fungi, the cell wall has been shown to be primarily composed of chitin, glucans, mannans and glycoproteins. The biosynthesis of the various components of the fungal cell wall and the importance of the components in the formation of a functional cell wall, as revealed through mutational analyses, are discussed. There is strong evidence that the chitin, glucans and glycoproteins are covalently cross-linked together and that the cross-linking is a dynamic process that occurs extracellularly.
1,038 citations
Memorial Hospital of South Bend1, Howard University2, Northwestern University3, George Washington University4, Harvard University5, Stanford University6, Yeshiva University7, University of Pittsburgh8, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center9, University of California, San Diego10, Rutgers University11, University of Alabama at Birmingham12, University of Florida13, University of Minnesota14, Ohio State University15, University of Massachusetts Medical School16, University of Miami17, Emory University18, University of California, Davis19, National Institutes of Health20, University of Wisconsin-Madison21, University of Iowa22, Kaiser Permanente23, University at Buffalo24, Wake Forest University25, Brown University26, Pfizer27, University of Arizona28, Rush University Medical Center29, University of Nevada, Reno30, University of Texas at San Antonio31, University of California, Los Angeles32, University of Cincinnati33, Stony Brook University34, Baylor College of Medicine35, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill36, Wayne State University37, University of California, Irvine38, University of Tennessee Health Science Center39, Medical College of Wisconsin40
TL;DR: A dietary intervention that reduced total fat intake and increased intakes of vegetables, fruits, and grains did not significantly reduce the risk of CHD, stroke, or CVD in postmenopausal women and achieved only modest effects on CVD risk factors, suggesting that more focused diet and lifestyle interventions may be needed to improve risk factors and reduce CVDrisk.
Abstract: ContextMultiple epidemiologic studies and some trials have linked diet with cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention, but long-term intervention data are needed.ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that a dietary intervention, intended to be low in fat and high in vegetables, fruits, and grains to reduce cancer, would reduce CVD risk.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsRandomized controlled trial of 48 835 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years, of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities, who participated in the Women's Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial. Women were randomly assigned to an intervention (19 541 [40%]) or comparison group (29 294 [60%]) in a free-living setting. Study enrollment occurred between 1993 and 1998 in 40 US clinical centers; mean follow-up in this analysis was 8.1 years.InterventionIntensive behavior modification in group and individual sessions designed to reduce total fat intake to 20% of calories and increase intakes of vegetables/fruits to 5 servings/d and grains to at least 6 servings/d. The comparison group received diet-related education materials.Main Outcome MeasuresFatal and nonfatal coronary heart disease (CHD), fatal and nonfatal stroke, and CVD (composite of CHD and stroke).ResultsBy year 6, mean fat intake decreased by 8.2% of energy intake in the intervention vs the comparison group, with small decreases in saturated (2.9%), monounsaturated (3.3%), and polyunsaturated (1.5%) fat; increases occurred in intakes of vegetables/fruits (1.1 servings/d) and grains (0.5 serving/d). Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, diastolic blood pressure, and factor VIIc levels were significantly reduced by 3.55 mg/dL, 0.31 mm Hg, and 4.29%, respectively; levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, and insulin did not significantly differ in the intervention vs comparison groups. The numbers who developed CHD, stroke, and CVD (annualized incidence rates) were 1000 (0.63%), 434 (0.28%), and 1357 (0.86%) in the intervention and 1549 (0.65%), 642 (0.27%), and 2088 (0.88%) in the comparison group. The diet had no significant effects on incidence of CHD (hazard ratio [HR], 0.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.06), stroke (HR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.90-1.15), or CVD (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.92-1.05). Excluding participants with baseline CVD (3.4%), the HRs (95% CIs) for CHD and stroke were 0.94 (0.86-1.02) and 1.02 (0.90-1.17), respectively. Trends toward greater reductions in CHD risk were observed in those with lower intakes of saturated fat or trans fat or higher intakes of vegetables/fruits.ConclusionsOver a mean of 8.1 years, a dietary intervention that reduced total fat intake and increased intakes of vegetables, fruits, and grains did not significantly reduce the risk of CHD, stroke, or CVD in postmenopausal women and achieved only modest effects on CVD risk factors, suggesting that more focused diet and lifestyle interventions may be needed to improve risk factors and reduce CVD risk.Clinical Trials RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00000611
1,000 citations
University at Buffalo1, Medical College of Wisconsin2, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center3, Memorial Hospital of Rhode Island4, Pfizer5, University of Nevada, Reno6, University of Miami7, University of Minnesota8, University of Massachusetts Medical School9, Emory University10, National Institutes of Health11, University of California, Davis12, Yeshiva University13, University of Wisconsin-Madison14, Stanford University15, Northwestern University16, University of Iowa17, Kaiser Permanente18, University of Arizona19, University of Washington20, Rush University Medical Center21, Wake Forest University22, University of Texas at San Antonio23, University of California, Los Angeles24, University of California, San Diego25, University of Cincinnati26, Baylor College of Medicine27, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill28, Wayne State University29, Howard University30, George Washington University31, University of California, Irvine32, Ohio State University33, University of Tennessee Health Science Center34, University of Pittsburgh35, Stony Brook University36, Rutgers University37, University of Alabama at Birmingham38, University of Florida39, Harvard University40
TL;DR: Daily supplementation of calcium with vitamin D for seven years had no effect on the incidence of colorectal cancer among postmenopausal women, and the long latency associated with the development of colorescopy cancer, along with the seven-year duration of the trial, may have contributed to this null finding.
Abstract: Background Higher intake of calcium and vitamin D has been associated with a reduced risk of colorectal cancer in epidemiologic studies and polyp recurrence in polyp-prevention trials. However, randomized-trial evidence that calcium with vitamin D supplementation is beneficial in the primary prevention of colorectal cancer is lacking. Methods We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 36,282 postmenopausal women from 40 Women’s Health Initiative centers: 18,176 women received 500 mg of elemental calcium as calcium carbonate with 200 IU of vitamin D3 twice daily (1000 mg of elemental calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D3) and 18,106 received a matching placebo for an average of 7.0 years. The incidence of pathologically confirmed colorectal cancer was the designated secondary outcome. Baseline levels of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D were assessed in a nested case–control study. Results The incidence of invasive colorectal cancer did not differ significantly between women assigned to calcium plus vitamin D supplementation and those assigned to placebo (168 and 154 cases; hazard ratio, 1.08; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.86 to 1.34; P = 0.51), and the tumor characteristics were similar in the two groups. The frequency of colorectal-cancer screening and abdominal symptoms was similar in the two groups. There were no significant treatment interactions with baseline characteristics. Conclusions Daily supplementation of calcium with vitamin D for seven years had no effect on the incidence of colorectal cancer among postmenopausal women. The long latency associated with the development of colorectal cancer, along with the seven-year duration of the trial, may have contributed to this null finding. Ongoing follow-up will assess the longer-term effect of this intervention. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00000611.)
970 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a meta-analysis of 37 studies of teams in natural contexts suggests that teams with densely configured networks outperform teams with less densely configured network structures in terms of team effectiveness.
Abstract: How do members’ and leaders’ social network structures help or hinder team effectiveness? A meta-analysis of 37 studies of teams in natural contexts suggests that teams with densely configured inte...
865 citations
TL;DR: Interventions are discussed that target the prevention of noise-induced hair cell death: the use of antioxidants to scavenge and eliminate the damaging ROS, pharmacological interventions to limit the damage resulting from ROS, and new techniques aimed at interrupting the apoptotic biochemical cascade that results in the death of irreplaceable hair cells.
Abstract: Modern research has provided new insights into the biological mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss, and with these new insights comes hope for possible prevention or treatment. Underlying the classic set of cochlear pathologies that occur as a result of noise exposure are increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a significant role in noise-induced hair cell death. Both necrotic and apoptotic cell death have been identified in the cochlea. Included in the current review is a brief review of ROS, along with a description of sources of cochlear ROS generation and how ROS can damage cochlear tissue. The pathways of necrotic and apoptotic cell death are also reviewed. Interventions are discussed that target the prevention of noise-induced hair cell death: the use of antioxidants to scavenge and eliminate the damaging ROS, pharmacological interventions to limit the damage resulting from ROS, and new techniques aimed at interrupting the apoptotic biochemical cascade that results in the death of irreplaceable hair cells.
770 citations
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center1, Kaiser Permanente2, University of California, Los Angeles3, University of Pittsburgh4, University of Massachusetts Medical School5, University of Minnesota6, University of Florida7, Harvard University8, University of Miami9, Ohio State University10, Emory University11, University of California, Davis12, National Institutes of Health13, University of Wisconsin-Madison14, University of Alabama at Birmingham15, Stanford University16, University of Arizona17, Northwestern University18, Wake Forest University19, University at Buffalo20, University of Iowa21, Yeshiva University22, Howard University23, Pfizer24, Brown University25, University of Washington26, Rush University Medical Center27, University of Nevada, Reno28, University of Texas at San Antonio29, University of Cincinnati30, Baylor College of Medicine31, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill32, Wayne State University33, George Washington University34, University of California, Irvine35, University of Tennessee Health Science Center36, Medical College of Wisconsin37, Stony Brook University38, University of California, San Diego39, Rutgers University40
TL;DR: Among postmenopausal women, a low-fat dietary pattern did not result in a statistically significant reduction in invasive breast cancer risk over an 8.1-year average follow-up period, and the nonsignificant trends observed indicate that longer, planned, nonintervention follow- up may yield a more definitive comparison.
Abstract: ContextThe hypothesis that a low-fat dietary pattern can reduce breast cancer risk has existed for decades but has never been tested in a controlled intervention trial.ObjectiveTo assess the effects of undertaking a low-fat dietary pattern on breast cancer incidence.Design and SettingA randomized, controlled, primary prevention trial conducted at 40 US clinical centers from 1993 to 2005.ParticipantsA total of 48 835 postmenopausal women, aged 50 to 79 years, without prior breast cancer, including 18.6% of minority race/ethnicity, were enrolled.InterventionsWomen were randomly assigned to the dietary modification intervention group (40% [n = 19 541]) or the comparison group (60% [n = 29 294]). The intervention was designed to promote dietary change with the goals of reducing intake of total fat to 20% of energy and increasing consumption of vegetables and fruit to at least 5 servings daily and grains to at least 6 servings daily. Comparison group participants were not asked to make dietary changes.Main Outcome MeasureInvasive breast cancer incidence.ResultsDietary fat intake was significantly lower in the dietary modification intervention group compared with the comparison group. The difference between groups in change from baseline for percentage of energy from fat varied from 10.7% at year 1 to 8.1% at year 6. Vegetable and fruit consumption was higher in the intervention group by at least 1 serving per day and a smaller, more transient difference was found for grain consumption. The number of women who developed invasive breast cancer (annualized incidence rate) over the 8.1-year average follow-up period was 655 (0.42%) in the intervention group and 1072 (0.45%) in the comparison group (hazard ratio, 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.83-1.01 for the comparison between the 2 groups). Secondary analyses suggest a lower hazard ratio among adherent women, provide greater evidence of risk reduction among women having a high-fat diet at baseline, and suggest a dietary effect that varies by hormone receptor characteristics of the tumor.ConclusionsAmong postmenopausal women, a low-fat dietary pattern did not result in a statistically significant reduction in invasive breast cancer risk over an 8.1-year average follow-up period. However, the nonsignificant trends observed suggesting reduced risk associated with a low-fat dietary pattern indicate that longer, planned, nonintervention follow-up may yield a more definitive comparison.Clinical Trials RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00000611
740 citations
TL;DR: Motor proficiency is positively associated with physical activity and inversely associated with sedentary activity in children, but there may be a threshold of motor proficiency above which children may be the most physically active.
Abstract: OBJECTIVES. Youth with better motor abilities may find it easier to be physically active and may be more likely to engage in physical activity compared with peers with poorer motor competence. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between motor proficiency and physical activity in 8- to 10-year-old children. Self-efficacy toward physical activity was also assessed. METHODS. Sixty-five children (34 girls and 31 boys) were studied. Children9s physical activity was assessed by the Manufacturing Technologies Incorporated/Computer Science and Applications Incorporated model 7164 accelerometer, and their motor proficiency was determined by the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency. The Children9s Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity scale measured children9s self-perceptions of adequacy in performing and desire to participate in physical activities. RESULTS. Children9s motor proficiency was positively associated with activity counts and percentage of time in moderate and moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity and inversely related to percentage of time in sedentary activity. Children in the greatest quartile of motor proficiency were the most physically active compared with children with lower levels of motor proficiency who had similar levels of physical activity. Children with greater standardized BMI were less physically active, more sedentary, and had poorer motor proficiency compared with children with a lower standardized BMI. Children9s Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity scores were positively associated with Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency standard score for boys. Children9s motor proficiency explained an additional 8.7% of the variance in physical activity in multiple linear regression after controlling for factors that may influence physical activity. CONCLUSIONS. Motor proficiency is positively associated with physical activity and inversely associated with sedentary activity in children, but there may be a threshold of motor proficiency above which children may be the most physically active. Children9s motor proficiency may be an appropriate target for increasing physical activity in youth.
TL;DR: The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS), a recommended battery based on the findings of an international conference held in 2001, and conclude that it is a valid approach to routine NP assessment of MS patients.
Abstract: Cognitive impairment occurs in roughly 50% of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). It is well known that processing speed and episodic memory deficits are the most common neuropsychological (NP) sequelae in this illness. Consensus has emerged about the specific tests that prove most helpful for routine monitoring of MS associated cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS), a recommended battery based on the findings of an international conference held in 2001. We tested 291 MS patients and 56 healthy controls. Frequencies of impairment paralleled those reported in previous work for both individual cognitive domains and general impairment. All tests were impaired in the MS group, and distinguished relapsing-remitting (RR) from secondary progressive (SP) course. Principle components analysis showed a distinct episodic memory component. Most of the MACFIMS tests discriminated disabled from employed patients. However, in regression models accounting for all NP tests, those emphasizing verbal memory and executive function were most predictive of vocational status. We conclude that the MACFIMS is a valid approach to routine NP assessment of MS patients. Future work is planned to determine its psychometric properties in a longitudinal study.
TL;DR: The widely cited mean prevalence of PPD-10-15% is not representative of the actual global prevalence and magnitude of the problem, due to the wide range of reports.
University of Washington1, University of Tennessee Health Science Center2, University of Arizona3, Rutgers University4, University of Iowa5, Rush University Medical Center6, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center7, Pfizer8, Brown University9, University of Nevada, Reno10, University of Texas at San Antonio11, Kaiser Permanente12, University of California, Los Angeles13, University of Cincinnati14, Baylor College of Medicine15, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill16, Wayne State University17, Howard University18, George Washington University19, University of California, Irvine20, Ohio State University21, Medical College of Wisconsin22, University of Pittsburgh23, Stony Brook University24, University of California, San Diego25, University of Alabama at Birmingham26, Harvard University27, University of Minnesota28, Yeshiva University29, University of Massachusetts Medical School30, University of Miami31, University of Florida32, Emory University33, University of California, Davis34, National Institutes of Health35, University of Wisconsin-Madison36, Stanford University37, Northwestern University38, Wake Forest University39, University at Buffalo40
TL;DR: A low-fat dietary pattern intervention did not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women during 8.1 years of follow-up, and secondary analyses suggested potential interactions with baseline aspirin use and combined estrogen-progestin use status.
Abstract: ContextObservational studies and polyp recurrence trials are not conclusive regarding the effects of a low-fat dietary pattern on risk of colorectal cancer, necessitating a primary prevention trial.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a low-fat eating pattern on risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThe Women’s Health Initiative Dietary Modification Trial, a randomized controlled trial conducted in 48 835 postmenopausal women aged 50 to 79 years recruited between 1993 and 1998 from 40 clinical centers throughout the United States.InterventionsParticipants were randomly assigned to the dietary modification intervention (n = 19 541; 40%) or the comparison group (n = 29 294; 60%).The intensive behavioral modification program aimed to motivate and support reductions in dietary fat, to increase consumption of vegetables and fruits, and to increase grain servings by using group sessions, self-monitoring techniques, and other tailored and targeted strategies. Women in the comparison group continued their usual eating pattern.Main Outcome MeasureInvasive colorectal cancer incidence.ResultsA total of 480 incident cases of invasive colorectal cancer occurred during a mean follow-up of 8.1 (SD, 1.7) years. Intervention group participants significantly reduced their percentage of energy from fat by 10.7% more than did the comparison group at 1 year, and this difference between groups was mostly maintained (8.1% at year 6). Statistically significant increases in vegetable, fruit, and grain servings were also made. Despite these dietary changes, there was no evidence that the intervention reduced the risk of invasive colorectal cancer during the follow-up period. There were 201 women with invasive colorectal cancer (0.13% per year) in the intervention group and 279 (0.12% per year) in the comparison group (hazard ratio, 1.08; 95% confidence interval, 0.90-1.29). Secondary analyses suggested potential interactions with baseline aspirin use and combined estrogen-progestin use status (P = .01 for each). Colorectal examination rates, although not protocol defined, were comparable between the intervention and comparison groups. Similar results were seen in analyses adjusting for adherence to the intervention.ConclusionIn this study, a low-fat dietary pattern intervention did not reduce the risk of colorectal cancer in postmenopausal women during 8.1 years of follow-up.Clinical Trials RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00000611
TL;DR: A brief parent and teacher rating scale for assessing impairment was developed and studied using attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as an exemplar disorder and was highly effective in discriminating between children with and without ADHD.
Abstract: Assessing impairment is an explicit component of current psychiatric diagnostic systems. A brief parent and teacher rating scale for assessing impairment was developed and studied using attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as an exemplar disorder. The psychometric properties of the Impairment Rating Scale (IRS) were measured in 4 samples. Two included ADHD and matched comparison children and the other 2 a school sample. Overall, IRS ratings exhibited very good temporal stability. They correlated with other impairment ratings and behavioral measures and displayed evidence of convergent and discriminant validity. The IRS was highly effective in discriminating between children with and without ADHD. Evidence that the parent and teacher IRS accounted for unique variance beyond ratings of ADHD symptoms is also presented. The scale is brief, practical, and in the public domain. The results of the studies and implications for the assessment of impairment are discussed.
University of Pennsylvania1, Ain Shams University2, Mayo Clinic3, University at Buffalo4, Case Western Reserve University5, Harvard University6, Duke University7, National Institutes of Health8, McGill University9, Indiana University10, Wayne State University11, Louisiana State University12, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center13, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai14
TL;DR: In this review, the evidence underlying a wide variety of IGIV uses is evaluated and specific recommendations on the basis of these data are made.
Abstract: Human immunoglobulin prepared for intravenous administration (IGIV) has a number of important uses in the treatment of disease. Some of these are in diseases for which acceptable treatment alternatives do not exist. In this review we have evaluated the evidence underlying a wide variety of IGIV uses and make specific recommendations on the basis of these data. Given the potential risks and inherent scarcity of IGIV, careful consideration of the indications for and administration of IGIV is warranted.
TL;DR: The data show that mfrn functions as the principal mitochondrial iron importer essential for haem biosynthesis in vertebrate erythroblasts.
Abstract: Iron has a fundamental role in many metabolic processes, including electron transport, deoxyribonucleotide synthesis, oxygen transport and many essential redox reactions involving haemoproteins and Fe-S cluster proteins. Defective iron homeostasis results in either iron deficiency or iron overload. Precise regulation of iron transport in mitochondria is essential for haem biosynthesis, haemoglobin production and Fe-S cluster protein assembly during red cell development. Here we describe a zebrafish mutant, frascati (frs), that shows profound hypochromic anaemia and erythroid maturation arrest owing to defects in mitochondrial iron uptake. Through positional cloning, we show that the gene mutated in the frs mutant is a member of the vertebrate mitochondrial solute carrier family (SLC25) that we call mitoferrin (mfrn). mfrn is highly expressed in fetal and adult haematopoietic tissues of zebrafish and mouse. Erythroblasts generated from murine embryonic stem cells null for Mfrn (also known as Slc25a37) show maturation arrest with severely impaired incorporation of 55Fe into haem. Disruption of the yeast mfrn orthologues, MRS3 and MRS4, causes defects in iron metabolism and mitochondrial Fe-S cluster biogenesis. Murine Mfrn rescues the defects in frs zebrafish, and zebrafish mfrn complements the yeast mutant, indicating that the function of the gene may be highly conserved. Our data show that mfrn functions as the principal mitochondrial iron importer essential for haem biosynthesis in vertebrate erythroblasts.
TL;DR: The development and initial validation of a measure designed to capture a broad range of alcohol-related consequences experienced by male and female college students is described, which may serve as an aid in both the description of and intervention for heavy drinking in college.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: A substantial proportion of U.S. college students drink alcoholic beverages and report significant deleterious effects. The present study describes the development and initial validation of a measure designed to capture a broad range of alcohol-related consequences experienced by male and female college students. METHOD: College students (N=340, 176 women) completed a self-report questionnaire battery consisting of information about demographic characteristics, drinking behaviors, and drinking consequences. Drinking consequences were assessed with a composite measure based on the Drinker Inventory of Consequences, the Young Adult Alcohol Problem Screening Test (YAAPST) and items developed by the researchers. To assess concurrent validity, a subset of the total sample (n=126) also completed the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI). RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses supported an eight-factor solution (Social-Interpersonal Consequences, Impaired Control, Self-Perception, Self-Care, Risk Behaviors, Academic/Occupational Consequences, Physical Dependence, and Blackout Drinking), with all factors loading on a single, higher-order factor. YAACQ total scores correlated with alcohol quantity and frequency, and the RAPI. Gender comparisons suggest that the YAACQ assesses constructs of interest equally well for women and men. CONCLUSIONS: These results offer preliminary support for this measure. Research and clinical applications include the potential to predict future problems by specific type of consequence and to offer detailed feedback about drinking consequences to students as part of a preventive intervention. As such, the YAACQ may serve as an aid in both the description of and intervention for heavy drinking in college.
TL;DR: A user independent fully automatic system for real time recognition of facial actions from the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) automatically detects frontal faces in the video stream and coded each frame with respect to 20 Action units.
Abstract: Spontaneous facial expressions differ from posed expressions in both which muscles are moved, and in the dynamics of the movement. Advances in the field of automatic facial expression measurement will require development and assessment on spontaneous behavior. Here we present preliminary results on a task of facial action detection in spontaneous facial expressions. We employ a user independent fully automatic system for real time recognition of facial actions from the Facial Action Coding System (FACS). The system automatically detects frontal faces in the video stream and coded each frame with respect to 20 Action units. The approach applies machine learning methods such as support vector machines and AdaBoost, to texture-based image representations. The output margin for the learned classifiers predicts action unit intensity. Frame-by-frame intensity measurements will enable investigations into facial expression dynamics which were previously intractable by human coding.
TL;DR: NFI genes are identified, which are induced throughout the spinal cord ventricular zone (VZ) concomitantly with the induction of GLAST, an early marker of gliogenesis, and NFIA links the abrogation of neurogenesis to a generic program of gl iogenesis, in both astrocyte and oligodendrocytes VZ progenitors.
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TL;DR: The authors found that Box-Jenkins time series models consistently produce better forecasts than martingale and submartingale earnings models; but Value Line Investment Survey consistently makes significantly better earnings forecasts than the Box-jenkins models.
Abstract: If both producers and consumers demand forecasts based solely on their forecasting ability, then the equilibrium employment of analysts, a higher cost factor than time series models, implies that analysts must produce better forecasts than time series models. Past studies of comparative earnings forecast accuracy have concluded otherwise. Using nonparametric statistics that provide proper yet powerful tests, we find that Box-Jenkins time series models consistently produce better forecasts than martingale and submartingale earnings models; but Value Line Investment Survey consistently makes significantly better earnings forecasts than the Box-Jenkins models.
Durham University1, University of Helsinki2, University of Wisconsin-Madison3, University of Rochester4, University of Catania5, Weizmann Institute of Science6, University of Warsaw7, University of Southampton8, CERN9, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory10, Indian Institute of Science11, University of Montpellier12, Spanish National Research Council13, University of Zurich14, ETH Zurich15, Stanford University16, Northwestern University17, University of Pittsburgh18, Carleton University19, University of Hamburg20, Moscow State University21, University of Florida22, Paul Scherrer Institute23, University of Würzburg24, Imperial College London25, Florida State University26, University of Florence27, University of Bonn28, University at Buffalo29, RWTH Aachen University30, University of Sheffield31, University of California, Irvine32, Laboratoire d'Annecy-le-Vieux de physique des particules33, Brookhaven National Laboratory34, Argonne National Laboratory35, University of Bergen36, University of Mainz37, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services38, Lancaster University39, University of California, Santa Cruz40, University of Copenhagen41, University of Tokyo42, Austrian Academy of Sciences43, University of Manchester44, University College London45, University of Edinburgh46, University of California, Davis47, University of California, Berkeley48, University of Glasgow49, University of Barcelona50, Max Planck Society51, University of Chicago52, University of Turin53, Royal Holloway, University of London54, Kobe University55, University of Oslo56, Kyoto University57
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors discuss the possible interplay between the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and the International e(+)e(-) Linear Collider (ILC) in testing the Standard Model and in discovering and determining the origin of new physics.
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TL;DR: In this paper, the authors suggest that the anomalous returns of insider trades are explained by the size and price/earnings ratio effects and that these factors reduce outsider profits by one-half.
Abstract: It is not surprising that corporate insiders earn profits from trading their stocks, but it is surprising that outsiders can earn abnormal returns by mimicking the insider trades using publically available information. We suggest that these anomalous returns are explained by the size and price/earnings ratio effects. Controlling for these factors reduces outsider profits by one-half. The additional assumption of 2 percent transactions costs makes outsider profits zero or negative. Measured insider profits are also greatly reduced by controlling for size and price/earnings effects. Insider profits are a modest 3 percent per annum after deducting a 2 perecnt transactions costs fee.
TL;DR: Findings indicate that several conventional wastewater management practices are not effective in the complete removal of antibiotics, and their discharges have a large potential to affect the aquatic environment.
TL;DR: Neighborhoods with increased proximity between homes and a greater proportion of park area are associated with greater physical activity in young children.
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TL;DR: This article found that insider buying climbs as stocks change from growth to value categories, and insider buying is also greater after lower stock returns and lower after high stock returns, consistent with a version of overreaction which says that prices of value stocks tend to lie below fundamental values.
Abstract: Insider transactions are not random across growth and value stocks. We find that insider buying climbs as stocks change from growth to value categories. Insider buying is also greater after lower stock returns, and lower after high stock returns. These findings are consistent with a version of overreaction which says that prices of value stocks tend to lie below fundamental values, and prices of growth stocks tend to lie above fundamental values.
TL;DR: This paper conceptualize and demonstrate an integrated analytical method for using both qualitative and quantitative data through geographic information systems (GIS) and ethnography and uses Knigge's work on community gardens in Buffalo, New York to provide a substantive example of the proposed methods.
Abstract: Our purpose in this paper is to conceptualize and demonstrate an integrated analytical method for using both qualitative and quantitative data through geographic information systems (GIS) and ethnography. We acknowledge that the use of both types of data has been possible in GIS for some time, particularly for representation purposes. However, a recursive integration of different forms of data at the analysis level has been less explored and minimally theorized. Drawing on recent work in critical GIS and feminist perspectives, we suggest that visualization offers a strong technique for this effort but we approach it from the analytical base of grounded theory. Thus, we present an example of how grounded theory and visualization might be used together to construct an integrated analysis strategy that is both iterative and reflexive, both contextual and conceptual. We use Knigge's work on community gardens in Buffalo, New York, to provide a substantive example of the proposed methods.
TL;DR: The results provide direct evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin by PBMC, which are mediated by the inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α via modulation of NF-κβ1 and Iκβ.
Abstract: The flavonoids comprise a large class of low-molecular-weight plant metabolites ubiquitously distributed in food plants. These dietary antioxidants exert significant antitumor, antiallergic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The molecular mechanisms of their biological effects remain to be clearly understood. We investigated the anti-inflammatory potentials of a safe, common dietary flavonoid component, quercetin, for its ability to modulate the production and gene expression of the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Our results showed that quercetin significantly inhibited TNF-α production and gene expression in a dose-dependent manner. Our results provide direct evidence of the anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin by PBMC, which are mediated by the inhibition of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α via modulation of NF-κβ1 and Iκβ.
Wayne State University1, Yeshiva University2, University of Tennessee Health Science Center3, Memorial Hospital of South Bend4, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center5, National Institutes of Health6, University at Buffalo7, Baylor College of Medicine8, Harvard University9, University of California, San Diego10, Wake Forest University11, University of Iowa12
TL;DR: CEE increases the risk of ischemic stroke in generally healthy postmenopausal women and in women with prior or current use of statins or aspirin and there was no convincing evidence to suggest that CEE had an effect on therisk of hemorrhagic stroke.
Abstract: Background— The Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Estrogen Alone trial assessed the balance of benefits and risks of hormone use in healthy postmenopausal women. The trial was stopped prematurely because there was no benefit for coronary heart disease and an increased risk of stroke. This report provides a thorough analysis of the stroke finding using the final results from the completed trial database. Methods and Results— The WHI Estrogen Alone hormone trial is a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial in 10 739 women aged 50 to 79 years who were given daily conjugated equine estrogen (CEE; 0.625 mg; n=5310) or placebo (n=5429). During an average follow-up of 7.1 years, there were 168 strokes in the CEE group and 127 in the placebo group; 80.3% of strokes were ischemic. For all stroke the intention-to-treat hazard ratio [HR] (95% CI) for CEE versus placebo was 1.37 (1.09 to 1.73). The HR (95% CI) was 1.55 (1.19 to 2.01) for ischemic stroke and 0.64 (0.35, 1.18) for hemorrh...
TL;DR: Test the hypothesis that bacterial colonization is associated with airway inflammation in stable COPD, and the “colonization” of the tracheobronchial tree could serve as an inflammatory stimulus, independent of current tobacco smoke exposure.
Abstract: Rationale: Inflammation is now recognized as an integral part of the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In contrast to the sterile airways of normal lungs, bacterial pathogens are often isolated from the airways in stable COPD. This “colonization” of the tracheobronchial tree, currently believed to be innocuous, could serve as an inflammatory stimulus, independent of current tobacco smoke exposure.Objective: To test the hypothesis that bacterial colonization is associated with airway inflammation in stable COPD.Methods: Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed in three groups of subjects: 26 ex-smokers with stable COPD (COPD), 20 ex-smokers without COPD (ex-smokers), and 15 healthy nonsmokers (nonsmokers). Quantitative bacterial cultures, cell counts, chemokine, cytokine, proteinase/antiproteinase, and endotoxin levels in the BAL fluid were compared.Results: Potentially pathogenic bacteria were recovered at ⩾ 100 cfu/ml in 34.6% of COPD, 0% of ex-smokers, and...