Electronic media use, reading, and academic distractibility in college youth.

Activities that require focused attention, such as reading, are declining among American youth, while activities that depend on multitasking, such as instant messaging (IMing), are increasing. We hypothesized that more time spent IMing would relate to greater difficulty in concentrating on less externally stimulating tasks (e.g.

Phase 3 safety comparisons for 1.0% azithromycin in polymeric mucoadhesive eye drops versus 0.3% tobramycin eye drops for bacterial conjunctivitis.

Purpose: To compare the safety and tolerability of 1.0% azithromycin in a polymeric mucoadhesive delivery system with 0.3% tobramycin ophthalmic solution for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis.

Burden of illness among commercially insured patients with Alzheimer's disease.

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the direct costs of care for patients newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD) by using retrospective healthcare claims data.

Methods: Patients aged 65 years or older with >or=1 claims containing a listed diagnosis of AD between January 1999 and November 2003 were selected. The first observed AD claim was deemed the index date.

Variations in free radical scavenging capacity and antiproliferative activity among different genotypes of autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata).

Fruit from six genotypes of autumn olive (Elaeagnus umbellata Thunb.) ('Brilliant Rose', 'Delightful', 'Jewel', Natural 1, Natural 2, and 'Sweet Tart') were evaluated for antioxidant capacity and anti-cancer properties. Based on data from electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements, autumn olive contained potent free radical scavenging activities for hydroxyl (*OH) and superoxide (O2*-) radicals.

A randomized trial assessing the clinical efficacy and microbial eradication of 1% azithromycin ophthalmic solution vs tobramycin in adult and pediatric subjects with bacterial conjunctivitis.

Objective: The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of an ophthalmic formulation of 1% azithromycin in DuraSite((R)) (AzaSite, InSite Vision, Alameda CA, USA) and demonstrate equivalence with 0.3% tobramycin ophthalmic solution, USP, for the treatment of bacterial conjunctivitis as defined by the resolution of clinical signs and the eradication of pathogens.

Design: Prospective, randomized, active-controlled, double-masked, phase 3 trial conducted at 47 US sites between 6 August 2004 and 6 October 2005.

Assessment and treatment of problem behavior occasioned by interruption of free-operant behavior.

The current study describes the assessment and treatment of the problem behavior of 3 individuals with autism for whom initial functional analysis results were inconclusive. Subsequent analyses revealed that the interruption of free-operant behavior using "do" requests (Study 1) as well as "do" and "don't" requests (Study 2) occasioned problem behavior. Initially, treatment involved differential and noncontingent reinforcement without interruption.

Antioxidant activity of Vaccinium stamineum: exhibition of anticancer capability in human lung and leukemia cells.

Fruit of deerberry [Vaccinium stamineum L.] were evaluated for their antioxidant capacity and anticancer properties in JB6 P (+) mouse epidermal cells, human lung and leukemia cells. Deerberries contain potent free radical scavenging activities.

N-terminal Pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, vascular disease risk, and cholesterol reduction among 20,536 patients in the MRC/BHF heart protection study.

Objectives: We sought to assess the ability of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (N-BNP) to predict vascular events in high-risk people and to test whether statins benefit people with high levels of N-BNP.

Background: The predictive value of N-BNP for occlusive vascular events and the effects of statins in people with high N-BNP levels are uncertain.

Methods: A total of 20,536 people were assigned randomly to simvastatin 40 mg daily or placebo for an average of 5 years.

CSRDB: a small RNA integrated database and browser resource for cereals.

Plant small RNAs (smRNAs), which include microRNAs (miRNAs), short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) and trans-acting siRNAs (ta-siRNAs), are emerging as significant components of epigenetic processes and of gene networks involved in development and in homeostasis. Here we present a bioinformatics resource for cereal crops, the Cereal Small RNA Database (CSRDB), consisting of large-scale datasets of maize and rice smRNA sequences generated by high-throughput pyrosequencing. The smRNA sequences have been mapped to the rice genome and to the available maize genome sequence and these results are presented in two genome browser datasets using the Generic Genome Browser.

Medical costs associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the United States during the first two years of treatment.

Objectives: To determine the direct costs of medical care associated with aggressive and indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) in the United States; to show how costs for aggressive NHL change over time by examining costs related to initial, secondary and palliative treatment phases; and to evaluate the economic consequences of treatment failure in aggressive NHL.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis of 1999 - 2000 direct costs in newly diagnosed NHL patients and controls (subjects without any cancer) was conducted using the MarketScan medical and drug claims database of large employers across the United States. Treatment failure analysis was conducted for aggressive NHL patients, and was defined by the need for secondary treatment or palliative care after initial therapy.

Transcranial Doppler ultrasonography in adults with sickle cell disease.

Background: Transcranial Doppler (TCD) is used to select children with sickle cell disease (SCD) for primary stroke prevention using regular blood transfusion. Whether it can also identify high stroke risk in adults with SCD is not known.

Methods: The authors examined 112 adult patients from two convenience population samples with SCD and 53 healthy control subjects to compare velocities in adults to those reported in children with SCD and to evaluate the influence of age and hematocrit on TCD.

Inhibition of choroidal neovascularization by adenovirus-mediated delivery of short hairpin RNAs targeting VEGF as a potential therapy for AMD.

Purpose: Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is the leading cause of blindness in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Several lines of evidence implicate increased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) from patients with AMD. Current approaches to attenuate VEGF or its receptors, including the use of small interfering (si)RNA, show significant promise, but still have limited efficacy and require repeat administrations, using procedures associated with multiple complications.

Intensified platinum therapy is an ineffective strategy for improving outcome in pediatric patients with advanced hepatoblastoma.

Purpose: The INT-0098 Intergroup Liver Tumor Study demonstrated no statistically significant differences in event-free and overall survival between patients randomized to treatment with either cisplatin + fluorouracil + vincristine (C5V) or cisplatin + doxorubicin. Results from this and other therapeutic trials suggested that cisplatin was the most active agent against hepatoblastoma. To increase the platinum dose-intensity, a novel regimen was developed alternating carboplatin and cisplatin (CC) every 2 weeks.

Utilization and cost of health care services associated with primary malignant brain tumors in the United States.

Objectives: To evaluate the economic burden of primary malignant brain tumors in a commercially insured population in the United States, and to identify the primary drivers of health care resource use and cost.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was performed using a 1998-2000 database containing inpatient, outpatient, and pharmacy claims for employees, their dependents, and early retirees of over 50 large US employers with wide geographic distribution. Patients were followed from first brain tumor diagnosis until death, termination of health benefits coverage, or study end.

Understanding diabetes medications from the perspective of patients with type 2 diabetes: prerequisite to medication concordance.

Purpose: The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore diabetes medication experiences of patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods: Study participants were recruited through newspaper advertisements and letters from primary and specialty clinics in Indianapolis, Indiana. The same professional facilitator conducted 18 focus groups (7 male, 11 female) at a Veteran Affairs facility in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Cyanidin-3-glucoside, a natural product derived from blackberry, exhibits chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity.

Epidemiological data suggest that consumption of fruits and vegetables has been associated with a lower incidence of cancer. Cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G), a compound found in blackberry and other food products, was shown to possess chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic activity in the present study. In cultured JB6 cells, C3G was able to scavenge ultraviolet B-induced *OH and O2-* radicals.

Burden of pancreatic cancer and disease progression: economic analysis in the US.

Objectives: The few studies that have estimated the costs of pancreatic cancer were limited by small sample sizes, geography or patient age range. Using a large nationwide claims database, this study examines the cost of pancreatic cancer beginning with initial diagnosis and the additional costs when disease progresses.

Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using a claims database of 3 million individuals covered by large US employers.

Validation of a new symptom impact questionnaire for mild to moderate cognitive impairment.

Background: Patient-reported outcomes assessment enhances the understanding of disease impact in a range of disorders. At mild levels of cognitive impairment the patient perspective on functioning, behavior and symptoms can be particularly valuable for syndrome characterization when clinical and neuropsychological findings are limited. We have evaluated the psychometric performance of the 55-item Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cognitive Impairment (PROCOG), a new patient-reported measure, to measure mild to moderate cognitive impairment symptoms and their impact from the perspective of patients with dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Impact of cognitive impairment on mild dementia patients and mild cognitive impairment patients and their informants.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify key aspects of the impact of cognitive impairment on patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild probable Alzheimer disease (AD) and their informants, and identify overlap and differences between the groups.

Methods: Structured focus group discussions were conducted with MCI patients, AD patients, MCI informants, and AD informants. Participants were recruited from memory clinics in the U.

Black raspberry extracts inhibit benzo(a)pyrene diol-epoxide-induced activator protein 1 activation and VEGF transcription by targeting the phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway.

Previous studies have shown that freeze-dried black raspberry extract fractions inhibit benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]-induced transformation of Syrian hamster embryo cells and benzo(a)pyrene diol-epoxide [B(a)PDE]-induced activator protein-1 (AP-1) activity in mouse epidermal Cl 41 cells. The phosphotidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3K)/Akt pathway is critical for B(a)PDE-induced AP-1 activation in mouse epidermal Cl 41 cells. In the present study, we determined the potential involvement of PI-3K and its downstream kinases on the inhibition of AP-1 activation by black raspberry fractions, RO-FOO3, RO-FOO4, RO-ME, and RO-DM.

Alkali metal complexes of sterically hindered mono- and di-carbanions containing Si-O bonds.

The oxygen-bridged, silicon-substituted alkane {(Me3Si)2CH(SiMe2)}2O (1) may be prepared by the reaction of {(Me3Si)2CH}Li with ClSiMe2OSiMe2Cl in refluxing THF. Similarly, the alkane {(Me3Si)(Me2MeOSi)CH(SiMe2CH2)}2 (2) is readily accessible from the reaction between {(Me3Si)(Me2MeOSi)CH}Li and ClSiMe2CH2CH2SiMe2Cl under the same conditions. Compound 1 reacts with two equivalents of MeK to give the polymeric complex [[{(Me3Si)2C(SiMe2)}2O]K2(OEt2)]infinity [5(OEt2)] after recrystallisation.

Outcomes of children with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma after treatment stratified by MYCN status and tumor cell ploidy.

Purpose: The goal of Pediatric Oncology Group 9243 was to improve outcomes for children with intermediate-risk neuroblastoma (NB).

Patients And Methods: Patients were assigned to treatments on the basis of age, tumor MYCN status, and tumor cell ploidy. Children in the less intensive arm A received cyclophosphamide/doxorubicin and surgery.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome after bone marrow transplantation: clinical characteristics and outcome in children.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We retrospectively studied the medical records of 293 children who underwent allogeneic bone marrow transplantation at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital between 1992 and 1999 to describe the clinical course of and to identify risk factors for transplant-associated HUS.

Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance: a review of the epidemiological and trial evidence for their role in cardiovascular risk.

People with diabetes mellitus are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is a higher prevalence of recognized risk factors, such as hypertension and abnormal blood lipids, in the diabetic population and this may account for some of the increase in risk. However, the epidemiological evidence suggests that hyperglycemia per se is itself a risk factor for CVD, with no evidence of a lower threshold below which risk does not continue to fall.