bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of immunoglobulin G subclasses of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody in sera from patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis with different thyroid functional status
Authors: Xie L-D , Gao Y , Li M-R , Lu G-Z , Guo X-H
Published: October 2008

The mechanism of disease progression in Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is still unclear. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb), a diagnostic hallmark of HT, is principally of the immunoglobulin G (IgG) isotype, and it appears to be a response to thyroid injury. The aim of our study was to evaluate the distribution of IgG subclasses of TPOAb in sera from patients with HT with different thyroid functional status. Sera from 168 patients with newly diagnosed HT were collected and divided into three groups according to thyroid function: patients with hypothyroidism (n = 66), subclinical hypothyroidism (n = 60) and euthyroidism (n = 42). Antigen-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the distribution of TPOAb IgG subclasses. The prevalence of TPOAb IgG subclasses in all patients’ sera with HT was IgG1 70·2%, IgG2 35·1%, IgG3 19·6% and IgG4 66·1% respectively. The prevalence of IgG2 in sera from patients with hypothyroidism (51·5%) was significantly higher than that of subclinical hypothyroidism (33·3%) (P < 0·05), and the latter was also significantly higher than that of euthyroidism (11·9%) (P < 0·05). The positive percentage of IgG2 subclass in sera from patients with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher than that of euthyroidism (P < 0·05), the prevalence and positive percentage of IgG4 subclass in sera from patients with hypothyroidism and subclinical hypothyroidism was significantly higher than that of euthyroidism respectively (P < 0·05). The predominant TPOAb IgG subclasses in sera from patients with HT were IgG1 and IgG4. Patients with high levels of TPOAb IgG2, IgG4 subclasses might be at high risk of developing overt hypothyroidism.
Overexpression of interleukin-12 and T helper 1 predominance in lupus nephritis
Authors: Tucci M , Lombardi L , Richards H B , Dammacco F , Silvestris F
Published: October 2008

Imbalance of cytokine homeostasis is a prominent feature of both experimental and human systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Because interleukin (IL)-12 promotes interferon (IFN)-γ production leading to polarization of peripheral cells toward a T helper (Th) 1 phenotype, we investigated its role in lupus nephritis (LN). Soluble Th1 and Th2 cytokines were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in sera and urines of SLE patients and controls. Th1/Th2 peripheral lymphocyte polarization was determined by flow cytometry. Glomerular accumulation of IL-12 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry, whereas urinary IL-12 was evaluated by ELISA. Higher serum IL-12 levels in SLE were associated with LN, whereas IL-4 was unrelated to the renal damage. Peripheral cells from LN patients showed a Th1 phenotype with a high IFN-γ expression that paralleled the severity of renal damage. IL-12 was present within glomerular mononuclear cells in classes IV and V LN, and its accumulation was correlated strongly with urinary levels. IL-12 overexpression in SLE may contribute to the development of LN. Both serum and urinary IL-12 elevation reflect its glomerular production and parallel Th1 polarization of peripheral T cells and high IFN-γ production. In SLE patients, IL-12 measurement may thus be predictive of the development of LN.
Effect of proteolytic activity ofEpicoccum purpurascensmajor allergen, Epi p 1 in allergic inflammation
Authors: Kukreja N , Sridhara S , Singh B P , Arora N
Published: October 2008

Enzymes play an important role in inducing airway inflammation, but knowledge is limited to few proteins. This study was carried out to assess the role of Epi p 1, a serine protease of Epicoccum purpurascens, in inducing allergy and inflammation in a murine model. Balb/c mice were sensitized with Epi p 1 active protease (EAP) or Epicoccum extract. Subsequently, Epi p 1 sensitized mice were boosted on day 14 with EAP or inactivated protease (EIAP). Three intranasal challenges were given and mice were killed to obtain blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), spleen and lung tissues. Cellular airways infiltration, immunoglobulin E (Ig)E titres and cytokine levels in BALF and splenocyte culture supernatant were compared. Mice immunized with EAP had higher Epi p 1-specific serum IgE and IgG1 than EIAP immunized mice (P < 0·01). There was a twofold difference in the number of eosinophils in BALF of EAP mice and EIAP mice (P < 0·01). A similar trend was recorded for eosinophil peroxidase activity (P < 0·05), indicating the role of proteolytic activity in inducing inflammation. Further, lung histology revealed increased leucocyte infiltration and airway narrowing, with higher inflammation scores in the EAP group than in the EIAP group. The lungs of EAP mice showed increased mucus and goblet cell metaplasia. Interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-5 levels were higher in BALF and splenocyte culture supernatant of EAP mice than in EIAP mice (P < 0·05), indicating a T helper 2 response. Proteolytic activity of Epi p 1 plays an important role in inducing allergic inflammation. The enzymatically inactive form may be investigated for immunotherapy.
Serum thymus and activation regulated chemokine levels post-lung transplantation as a predictor for the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome
Authors: Paantjens A W M , Kwakkel-van Erp J M , van Ginkel W G J , van Kessel D A , van den Bosch J M M , van de Graaf E A , Otten H G
Published: October 2008

The main reason for mortality after lung transplantation is the bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS), which represents chronic rejection. As soluble CD30, which is produced mainly by activated T helper 2 (Th2) cells, was shown to be related to development of BOS, we aimed to investigate the relation between development of BOS and Th2 chemoattractant thymus and activation regulated chemokine (TARC/CCL17). In 54 patients we measured serum TARC levels prior to transplantation by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and in 44 of these patients sera were analysed at months 1, 2 and 3 after lung transplantation. In addition, longitudinal measurements were performed in sera from eight healthy controls and 14 patients, the latter taken over a period of 2 years post-transplantation from seven patients developing BOS plus seven clinically matched BOS-free patients. Median serum TARC levels post-transplantation of patients who developed BOS were significantly lower than those of the matched BOS-free patients (P = 0·05). A receiver operating characteristics analysis (area under the curve 0·77), together with a Kaplan–Meyer analysis, showed that serum TARC levels below 325 pg/ml in the first month post-transplantation can predict development of BOS post-transplantation (P = 0·001). In contrast, pretransplant serum TARC levels were not significantly different between patients developing BOS, BOS-free patients or healthy controls. In conclusion, pretransplantation serum TARC levels do not predict the development of BOS post-transplantation, but measurement of the serum TARC levels in the first month directly after transplantation can provide us with a tool to identify the group at risk of developing BOS.
Impaired dendritic cell maturation and cytokine production in patients with chronic mucocutanous candidiasis with or without APECED
Authors: Ryan K R , Hong M , Arkwright P D , Gennery A R , Costigan C , Dominguez M , Denning D , McConnell V , Cant A J , Abinun M , Spickett G P , Lilic D
Published: October 2008

Patients with chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) suffer persistent infections with the yeast Candida. CMC includes patients with autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene mutations who have autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), and patients without known mutations. CMC patients have dysregulated cytokine production, and dendritic cells (DCs), as central orchestrators, may underlie pathogenic disease mechanisms. In 29 patients with CMC (13 with APECED) and controls, we generated monocyte-derived DCs, stimulated them with Candida albicans, Toll-like receptor-2/6 ligand and lipopolysaccharide to assess cytokine production [interleukin (IL)-12p70, IL-23, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-2, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-6, transforming growth factor-β, IL-10, IL-5, IL-13] and cell-surface maturation marker expression (CD83, CD86, human leucocyte antigen D-related). In both APECED and non-APECED CMC patients, we demonstrate impairment of DC function as evidenced by altered cytokine expression profiles and DC maturation/activation: (1) both groups over-produce IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-13 and demonstrate impaired DC maturation. (2) Only non-APECED patients showed markedly decreased Candida-stimulated production of IL-23 and markedly increased production of IL-6, suggesting impairment of the IL-6/IL-23/T helper type 17 axis. (3) In contrast, only APECED patients showed DC hyperactivation, which may underlie altered T cell responsiveness, autoimmunity and impaired response to Candida. We demonstrate different pathogenic mechanisms on the same immune response pathway underlying increased susceptibility to Candida infection in these patients.
Initial growth deceleration during GnRH analogue therapy for precocious puberty
Authors: Mouat Frances , Hofman Paul L. , Jefferies Craig , Gunn Alistair Jan , Cutfield Wayne S.
Published: October 2008

Objectives  To compare the efficacy of goserelin and leuprolide on initial deceleration of growth and weight gain during the first 12 months of GnRH analogue treatment for precocious puberty.

Design  Retrospective cohort analysis.

Patients  Forty children with precocious puberty treated with either goserelin or leuprolide (33 females, mean age 7·3 and 7·7 years, respectively, at the start of treatment).

Measurements  The primary outcomes were baseline‐to‐6‐months and 6‐months‐to‐12‐months change in height standard deviation score (SDS) and body mass index (BMI). Relative tall stature was calculated as the difference between height SDS and mid‐parental height (MPH) SDS at baseline.

Results  Goserelin and leuprolide were associated with similar suppression of serum LH during the first 12 months of treatment (P = 0·62). Greater relative tall stature was strongly associated with more advanced bone age, greater BMI SDS and with greater reduction in height SDS in the first 6 months. Adjusted for relative tall stature, goserelin therapy was associated with significantly greater suppression of growth than leuprolide (P = 0·025) in the first 6 months of treatment, with no subsequent change in the second 6 months. A similar, significant increase in BMI was seen with both analogues.

Conclusions  Both GnRH analogues were associated with effective biochemical suppression of puberty; however, goserelin was more effective at reducing linear growth during the first 6 months. Relative tall stature was a major determinant of the initial response to treatment.
Breastfeeding and maternal and infant iodine nutrition
Authors: Azizi Fereidoun , Smyth Peter
Published: October 2008

Objective  The aim of this review is to explore information available regarding iodine secretion in milk, both mothers and infants iodine nutrition during breastfeeding and to make recommendations for appropriate iodine supplementation during lactation.

Design  MEDLINE was queried for studies between 1960 and 2007 that included lactation and breastfeeding with iodine and iodine deficiency. Studies were selected if they studied (i) Secretion of iodine in breast milk; (ii) breastfeeding and iodine nutrition; (iii) factors affecting maternal iodine metabolism and (iv) recommendations for iodine supplementation during breastfeeding.

Results  Thirty‐six articles met the selection criteria. The iodine content of breast milk varies with dietary iodine intake, being lowest in areas of iodine deficiency with high prevalence of goitre. Milk iodine levels are correspondingly higher when programs of iodine prophylaxis such as salt iodization or administration of iodized oil have been introduced. The small iodine pool of the neonatal thyroid turns over very rapidly and is highly sensitive to variations in dietary iodine intake. Expression of the sodium iodide symporter is up‐regulated in the lactating mammary gland which results in preferential uptake of iodide. In areas of iodine sufficiency breast milk iodine concentration should be in the range of 100–150 µg/dl. Studies from France, Germany, Belgium, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Denmark, Thailand and Zaire have shown breast milk concentrations of < 100 µg/l. Adequate levels of iodine in breast milk have been reported from Iran, China, USA and some parts of Europe.

Conclusions  Adequate concentration of iodine in breast milk is essential to provide for optimal neonatal thyroid hormone stores and to prevent impaired neurological development in breast‐fed neonates. In many countries of the world, low iodine content of the breast milk indicates less than optimum maternal and infant iodine nutrition. The current WHO/ICCIDD/UNICEF recommendation for daily iodine intake (250 µg for lactating mothers) has been selected to ensure that iodine deficiency dose not occur in the postpartum period and that the iodine content of the milk is sufficient for the infant's iodine requirement.
Angiotensin inhibition stimulates PPARγ and the release of visfatin
Authors: Storka A. , Vojtassakova E. , Mueller M. , Kapiotis S. , Haider D. G. , Jungbauer A. , Wolzt M.
Published: October 2008

Background  Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐I) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) exhibit beneficial antidiabetic effects in patients with type 2 diabetes independent of their blood pressure‐lowering effects. Some antidiabetic properties of ARB and ACE‐I might by exerted by activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). However, it is not clear whether this action is drug specific.

Materials and methods  The binding affinity of telmisartan, valsartan, lisinopril, rosiglitazone and angiotensin II to PPARγ was assessed in a cell‐free assay system. PPARγ signalling was studied in isolated skeletal muscle cells using Western blot analysis of phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT) and phosphorylated insulin like growth factor‐1 receptor (pILGF‐1R). Further, the ability of the drugs under study to stimulate the release of the adipocytokine visfatin was investigated in isolated human adipocytes, skeletal muscle cells, and umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC).

Results  The binding affinity to PPARγ was highest for telmisartan with a half‐maximal effective concentration of 463 nM, followed by lisinopril (2·9 µM) and valsartan (6·2 µM). In skeletal muscle cells phosphorylation of ILGF‐1R was 2‐fold increased after incubation with telmisartan or valsartan and 1·7‐fold with lisinopril. pAKT expression was enhanced after incubation with telmisartan, valsartan and with lisinopril. The release of visfatin from adipocytes was 1·6‐fold increased after treatment with lisinopril and about 2·0‐fold increased with telmisartan and valsartan. Similar results were obtained in skeletal muscle cells and HUVEC.

Conclusions  Our data confirm agonism of telmisartan, valsartan and lisinopril on PPARγ. Pharmacokinetic differences may explain different potencies of PPARγ stimulation by drugs acting on the renin‐angiotensin system in clinical settings.
Contrasting patterns of population structure in the montane caddisflies Hydropsyche tenuis and Drusus discolor in the Central European highlands
Authors: LEHRIAN STEPHANIE , PAULS STEFFEN U. , HAASE PETER
Published: October 2008

1. In this study, we compared mitochondrial sequence data (cytochrome oxidase I) to infer the population structure of the two montane caddisflies Hydropsyche tenuis and Drusus discolor. The two species are contrasting examples of montane aquatic insects with insular distributions: D. discolor is restricted to altitudes above 600 m, H. tenuis is limited to the same mountain ranges in Central Europe but inhabits lower altitudes.

2. In particular, we ask whether these two species with similar regional distributions show similar patterns of population structure and haplotype diversity, and whether any differences can be attributed to population history and/or autecology.

3. To determine the population structure of both species, we applied conventional population genetics analyses to mitochondrial sequence data. We collected and sampled 121 specimens of H. tenuis from 29 sites in 10 different regions of the Central European highlands and 138 individuals of D. discolor from 40 sites in 11 different regions.

4. Nine unique haplotypes were identified for H. tenuis and 34 for D. discolor. There were eight variable positions in H. tenuis and 41 in D. discolor. The maximum difference between haplotypes was 0.8% (4 bp) for H. tenuis and 4.2% (21 bp) for D. discolor. We observed haplotype overlap between geographic regions for both species. Analysis of molecular variance showed that two‐thirds of the total variance in H. tenuis was found among regions while in D. discolor, a larger portion of variance was found within regions and populations due to a higher number of haplotypes observed within regions. Mantel test showed a significant relationship between genetic and geographic distance in D. discolor, but no significant relationship in H. tenuis.

5. Our analyses show that, despite their very similar overall distribution pattern in Europe, the two species exhibit distinct population structures, which may reflect differences in phylogeographic history, dispersal capabilities, habitat specifity or within‐region geographic occurrence.
Caenorhabditis elegans Rab escort protein (REP‐1) differently regulates each Rab protein function and localization in a tissue‐dependent manner
Authors: Tanaka Daisuke , Kameyama Kimihiko , Okamoto Harumasa , Doi Motomichi
Published: October 2008

Rab proteins play a critical role in intracellular vesicle trafficking and require post‐translational modification by adding lipids at the C‐terminus for proper functions. This modification is preceded by the formation of a trimeric protein complex with the Rab escort protein (REP) and the Rab geranylgeranyltransferase (RabGGTase). However, the genetic hierarchy among these proteins and the tissue‐specificity of each protein function are not yet clearly understood. Here we identified the Caenorhabditis elegans rep‐1 gene and found that a rep‐1 mutant showed a mild defect in synaptic transmission and defecation behaviors. Genetic analyses using the exocytic Rab mutants rab‐3 or rab‐27 suggested that rep‐1 functions only in the RAB‐27 pathway, and not in the RAB‐3 pathway, for synaptic transmission at neuromuscular junctions. However, the disruption of REP‐1 did not cause defecation defects compared to severe defects in either RAB‐27 or RabGGTase disruption, suggesting that REP‐1 is not essential for RAB‐27 signaling in defection. Some Rab proteins did not physically interact with REP‐1, and localization of these Rab proteins was not severely affected by REP‐1 disruption. These findings suggest that REP‐1 functions are required in specific Rab pathways and in specific tissues, and that some Rab proteins are functionally prenylated without REP‐1.
Quantitative imaging of the Permo‐Mesozoic complex and its basement by frequency domain waveform tomography of wide‐aperture seismic data from the Polish Basin
Authors: Malinowski Michal , Operto Stéphane
Published: October 2008

In this study we present the workflow and results of 2D frequency domain waveform tomography applied to the global‐offset seismic data acquired in central Poland along a 50‐km long profile during the GRUNDY 2003 experiment. The waveform tomography method allows full exploitation of the wide‐aperture content of these data and produces in a semi‐automatic way both the detailed P‐wave velocity model and the structural image (i.e., perturbations in respect to the starting model). Thirteen frequencies ranging from 4 to 16 Hz were inverted sequentially, gradually introducing higher wavenumbers and more details into the velocity models. Although the data were characterised by relatively large shot spacings (1.5 km), we obtained clear images both of the Mesozoic and Permian sedimentary cover. Velocity patterns indicated facies changes within the Jurassic and Zechstein strata. A high velocity layer (ca. 5500 m/s) was found near the base of Triassic (Scythian), which made the imaging of a deeper layer difficult. Nevertheless, we were able to delineate the base of the Permian (i.e., base of the Rotliegend), which was not possible to derive from conventional common‐depth‐point processing, as well as some deeper events, attributed to the Carboniferous. The sub‐Permian events formed a syn‐form which favoured our previous interpretation of a depression filled with Upper Carboniferous molasse. The validity of the waveform tomography‐derived model was confirmed by well‐log data. Forward ray‐tracing modelling and synthetic seismograms calculations provided another justification for the key structures present in the waveform tomography model.
Investigation into the use of 2D elastic waveform inversion from look‐ahead walk‐away VSP surveys
Authors: Roberts Mark A. , Singh Satish , Hornby Brian E.
Published: October 2008

Pore pressure in sediments beneath salt in the Gulf of Mexico varies widely creating a potentially dangerous and difficult drilling challenge. Estimating elastic parameters of sediments beneath salt is key to the prediction of pore pressure and reducing the drilling risk in exiting the base of the salt. In this paper we investigate the ability of 2D waveform inversion to recover the elastic parameters in the sedimentary layer beneath the salt from a walk‐away VSP (vertical seismic profile) carried out with the receivers in the salt, with the objective of estimating pore pressure at the base of the salt (to be estimated using traditional methods). We propose an effective method for performing the inversion and apply this method to a blind test of a large and realistic synthetic dataset. To facilitate the design of a VSP survey suitable to this type of inversion we also present an analysis into the effects of the receiver array receiver spacing. It is shown that the resulting velocity estimates are sufficiently accurate to predict the pore pressure within the limits required for drilling.
Elastic full waveform inversion of multi‐component OBC seismic data
Authors: Sears T.J. , Singh S.C. , Barton P.J.
Published: October 2008

Elastic full waveform inversion of seismic reflection data represents a data‐driven form of analysis leading to quantification of sub‐surface parameters in depth. In previous studies attention has been given to P‐wave data recorded in the marine environment, using either acoustic or elastic inversion schemes. In this paper we exploit both P‐waves and mode‐converted S‐waves in the marine environment in the inversion for both P‐ and S‐wave velocities by using wide‐angle, multi‐component, ocean‐bottom cable seismic data. An elastic waveform inversion scheme operating in the time domain was used, allowing accurate modelling of the full wavefield, including the elastic amplitude variation with offset response of reflected arrivals and mode‐converted events. A series of one‐ and two‐dimensional synthetic examples are presented, demonstrating the ability to invert for and thereby to quantify both P‐ and S‐wave velocities for different velocity models. In particular, for more realistic low velocity models, including a typically soft seabed, an effective strategy for inversion is proposed to exploit both P‐ and mode‐converted PS‐waves. Whilst P‐wave events are exploited for inversion for P‐wave velocity, examples show the contribution of both P‐ and PS‐waves to the successful recovery of S‐wave velocity.
Feasibility study for an anisotropic full waveform inversion of cross‐well seismic data
Authors: Barnes Christophe , Charara Marwan , Tsuchiya Terumitsu
Published: October 2008

Anisotropy is often observed due to the thin layering or aligned micro‐structures, like small fractures. At the scale of cross‐well tomography, the anisotropic effects cannot be neglected. In this paper, we propose a method of full‐wave inversion for transversely isotropic media and we test its robustness against structured noisy data.

Optimization inversion techniques based on a least‐square formalism are used. In this framework, analytical expressions of the misfit function gradient, based on the adjoint technique in the time domain, allow one to solve the inverse problem with a high number of parameters and for a completely heterogeneous medium.

The wave propagation equation for transversely isotropic media with vertical symmetry axis is solved using the finite difference method on the cylindrical system of coordinates. This system allows one to model the 3D propagation in a 2D medium with a revolution symmetry. In case of approximately horizontal layering, this approximation is sufficient.

The full‐wave inversion method is applied to a crosswell synthetic 2‐component (radial and vertical) dataset generated using a 2D model with three different anisotropic regions. Complex noise has been added to these synthetic observed data. This noise is Gaussian and has the same amplitude f−k spectrum as the data. Part of the noise is localized as a coda of arrivals, the other part is not localized. Five parameter fields are estimated, (vertical) P‐wave velocity, (vertical) S‐wave velocity, volumetric mass and the Thomsen anisotropic parameters epsilon and delta. Horizontal exponential correlations have been used. The results show that the full‐wave inversion of cross‐well data is relatively robust for high‐level noise even for second‐order parameters such as Thomsen epsilon and delta anisotropic parameters.
Velocity analysis based on data correlation
Authors: Van Leeuwen T. , Mulder W.A.
Published: October 2008

Several methods exist to automatically obtain a velocity model from seismic data via optimization. Migration velocity analysis relies on an imaging condition and seeks the velocity model that optimally focuses the migrated image. This approach has been proven to be very successful. However, most migration methods use simplified physics to make them computationally feasible and herein lies the restriction of migration velocity analysis. Waveform inversion methods use the full wave equation to model the observed data and more complicated physics can be incorporated. Unfortunately, due to the band‐limited nature of the data, the resulting inverse problem is highly nonlinear. Simply fitting the data in a least‐squares sense by using a gradient‐based optimization method is sometimes problematic. In this paper, we propose a novel method that measures the amount of focusing in the data domain rather than the image domain. As a first test of the method, we include some examples for 1D velocity models and the convolutional model.
Exploring some issues in acoustic full waveform inversion
Authors: Mulder W.A. , Plessix R.‐E.
Published: October 2008

The least‐squares error measures the difference between observed and modelled seismic data. Because it suffers from local minima, a good initial velocity model is required to avoid convergence to the wrong model when using a gradient‐based minimization method. If a data set mainly contains reflection events, it is difficult to update the velocity model with the least‐squares error because the minimization method easily ends up in the nearest local minimum without ever reaching the global minimum.

Several authors observed that the model could be updated by diving waves, requiring a wide‐angle or large‐offset data set. This full waveform tomography is limited to a maximum depth. Here, we use a linear velocity model to obtain estimates for the maximum depth. In addition, we investigate how frequencies should be selected if the seismic data are modelled in the frequency domain. In the presence of noise, the condition to avoid local minima requires more frequencies than needed for sufficient spectral coverage.

We also considered acoustic inversion of a synthetic marine data set created by an elastic time‐domain finite‐difference code. This allowed us to validate the estimates made for the linear velocity model. The acoustic approximation leads to a number of problems when using long‐offset data. Nevertheless, we obtained reasonable results. The use of a variable density in the acoustic inversion helped to match the data at the expense of accuracy in the inversion result for the density.
Two‐dimensional waveform inversion of multi‐component data in acoustic‐elastic coupled media
Authors: Choi Yunseok , Min Dong‐Joo , Shin Changsoo
Published: October 2008

In order to account for the effects of elastic wave propagation in marine seismic data, we develop a waveform inversion algorithm for acoustic‐elastic media based on a frequency‐domain finite‐element modelling technique. In our algorithm we minimize residuals using the conjugate gradient method, which back‐propagates the errors using reverse time migration without directly computing the partial derivative wavefields. Unlike a purely acoustic or purely elastic inversion algorithm, the Green's function matrix for our acoustic‐elastic algorithm is asymmetric. We are nonetheless able to achieve computational efficiency using modern numerical methods. Numerical examples show that our coupled inversion algorithm produces better velocity models than a purely acoustic inversion algorithm in a wide variety of cases, including both single‐ and multi‐component data and low‐cut filtered data. We also show that our algorithm performs at least equally well on real field data gathered in the Korean continental shelf.
Psychiatric service use and psychiatric disorders in adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Bhaumik S. , Tyrer F. C. , McGrother C. , Ganghadaran S. K.
Published: October 2008

Background  UK policies aim to facilitate access to general psychiatric services for adults with intellectual disability (ID). If this is to be achieved, it is important to have a clear idea of the characteristics and proportion of people with ID who currently access specialist psychiatric services and the nature and extent of psychiatric disorders in this population.

Methods  A cross‐sectional study was carried out on all adults with ID using specialist services in Leicestershire and Rutland, UK, between 2001 and 2006. Characteristics of individuals seen by psychiatric services and the nature and prevalence of psychiatric disorders were investigated.

Results  Of 2711 adults identified, 1244 (45.9%) accessed specialist psychiatric services at least once during the study period. Individuals attending psychiatric services were more likely to be older and to live in residential settings; they were less likely to be south Asian or to have mild/moderate ID. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders among the total study population was 33.8%; the most common disorders were behaviour disorder (19.8%) and autistic spectrum disorders (8.8%). Epilepsy was highly prevalent (60.8%) among those attending psychiatric services without a mental health diagnosis. Behaviour disorders and autistic spectrum disorders were more common in men and in adults with severe/profound ID, whereas schizophrenia and organic disorders were more common in women and in adults with mild/moderate ID. Depression was also more common in women with ID.

Conclusions  Psychiatric disorders and specialist health problems are common among adults with ID and the profile of psychiatric disorders differs from that found in general psychiatry. Close collaboration between general and specialist service providers is needed if the current move towards use of general psychiatric services in this population is to be achieved. The measures should include a clear care pathway for people with ID and mental health problems to facilitate the smooth transfer of patients between specialist and generic mental health services and arrangements for joint working where input from both services is required. The commissioning framework for such processes should be in place with appropriate pooling of resources.
Impact of environmental factors on community participation of persons with an intellectual disability: a systematic review
Authors: Verdonschot M. M. L. , De Witte L. P. , Reichrath E. , Buntinx W. H. E. , Curfs L. M. G.
Published: October 2008

Study Design A systematic review of the literature.

Objectives To describe which environmental factors have an impact on community participation of persons with an intellectual disability.

Methods A systematic literature search was conducted for the period of 1996–2006 in Pubmed, CINAHL and PSYCINFO. Search terms were derived from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Three investigators assessed the relevance of the studies identified using predefined selection criteria. Aspects of community participation included were: domestic life; interpersonal interactions and relationships; major life areas; community, civic and social life. Environmental factors included were: products and technology; natural environment and human‐made changes to environment; support and relationships; attitudes; services, systems and policies.

Results Out of 236 initial hits, 9 quantitative studies and 2 qualitative studies met the predefined selection criteria and were included in the study. Various research instruments were used in the studies and only one study used a conceptual framework. The review allowed the identification of a number of environmental factors positively affecting participation: opportunities to make choices; variety and stimulation of the environment of facilities; opportunities for resident involvement in policy making; small residential facilities; opportunities for autonomy; vocational services; social support; family involvement; assistive technology; and positive staff attitudes. A number of identified environmental factors negatively affecting participation are: lack of transport and not feeling accepted.

Discussion It can be concluded that little has been published about the impact of environmental factors on community participation. Many studies do not clearly define the concept of community participation. Research on the impact of environmental factors on community participation so far seems not to be based on a theoretical framework. Most studies focused on the impact of services on community participation in general.
Validation of the verbal and social interaction questionnaire: nurses' focus in the nurse–patient relationship in forensic nursing care
Authors: RASK M. , BRUNT D. , FRIDLUND B.
Published: October 2008

There is a need to develop a questionnaire that measures nurses' verbal and social interactions (VSI) with their patients from the nurses' perspective as well as from the patients' perspective in the psychiatric and especially in the forensic psychiatric field. The major aim of the present study was to determine the construct validity and the internal consistency reliability of the VSI questionnaire. The study had a methodological and developmental design and was carried out in four steps: construction of the items, face validity, data collection and data analysis. The number of items was reduced from 50 to 21. The factor analysis of the final 21 items resulted in three quite distinct factors, namely, ‘inviting the patient to establish a relationship’, ‘showing interest in the patients' feelings, experiences and behaviour’ and ‘helping the patients to establish structure and routines in their everyday life’. The results showed satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of content validity, construct validity and the internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire.
A researcher's journey for clarity: clarifying liability and indemnity issues when carers take on a role in medicines management
Authors: CROWLEY J. , DAVIS A.
Published: October 2008

A client attending a depot clinic in a mental health setting requested that her husband be enabled to give her injection. This request was followed up in a practice development project. Following the success of the project, the local National Health Service (NHS) Mental Health Trust supported a research project to explore the issues raised further. The Local Research Ethics Committee raised a question around carer liability. This question led to a 2‐year liaison with the NHS Litigation Authority, the local NHS Trust's legal team, Royal College of Nursing and others. The journey clarified that liability for a carer was covered under the Third Party Liability Scheme, where the carer came under the umbrella of being an ‘authorised voluntary worker’. While the experience delayed the research project, it was a significant learning opportunity in the NHS ethical approval system.
A replication study of the City nurse intervention: reducing conflict and containment on three acute psychiatric wards
Authors: BOWERS L. , FLOOD C. , BRENNAN G. , ALLAN T.
Published: October 2008

Conflict and containment on acute inpatient psychiatric wards pose a threat to patient and staff safety, and it is desirable to minimize the frequency of these events. Research has indicated that certain staff attitudes and behaviours might serve to accomplish this, namely, positive appreciation, emotional regulation and effective structure. A previous test of an intervention based on these principles, on two wards, showed a good outcome. In this study, we tested the same intervention on three further wards. Two ‘City nurses’ were employed to work with three acute wards, assisting with the implementation of changes according to the working model of conflict and containment generation. Evaluation was via before‐and‐after measures, with parallel data collected from five control wards. While simple before‐and‐after analysis of the two experimental wards showed significant reductions in conflict and containment, when a comparison with controls was conducted, with control for patient occupancy and clustering of results by ward, no effect of the intervention was found. The results were therefore ambiguous, and neither confirm nor contradict the efficacy of the intervention. A further intervention study may need to be conducted with a larger sample size to achieve adequate statistical power.
Mood and smoking in schizophrenia
Authors: MARTIN C. R. , ALLAN R. , FLEMING M. , ATKINSON J.
Published: October 2008

There have been few investigations into the relationship of smoking to the presentation of anxiety and depression in clients with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia. Using a survey design, the current study sought to determine if there was a significant difference between smoking and non‐smoking clients in this clinical group on self‐report measures of anxiety and depression. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depression. One hundred clients (male = 74) with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia completed the HADS. No significant difference was observed in anxiety and depression scores as a function of smoking status. A logistic regression analysis revealed that gender was a significant predictor of smoking status. The notion that smoking behaviour and mood state are associated with schizophrenia was not supported. However, a high proportion of the cohort were smokers (69%), and male gender was a significant predictive factor in smoking status. Further research in this area is recommended in order to develop strategies which reduce this current level of smoking in clients with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia.
A literature review to assess the reliability and validity of measures appropriate for use in research to evaluate the efficacy of a brief harm reduction strategy in reducing cannabis use among people with schizophrenia in acute inpatient settings
Authors: LAKER C. J.
Published: October 2008

There is a growing body of evidence looking at the effects of cannabis use on those with schizophrenia with concerning results. This has led to the development of a number of interventions that are intended to improve outcomes for this client group. However, the methodological quality of some dual diagnosis research has been questioned in reviews for using outcome measures that are not tested as reliable and valid in the population for which they are intended for use. This literature review assesses the self‐report measures that have been reliability and validity tested in populations of people with schizophrenia who use cannabis and reports on their appropriateness for use in further research studies. An overview of the most appropriate biochemical tests for cannabis is also given.
The smoking‐room as psychiatric patients' sanctuary: a place for resistance
Authors: SKORPEN A. , ANDERSSEN N. , OEYE C. , BJELLAND A. K.
Published: October 2008

This article investigates the significance of the smoking‐room for psychiatric patients: for their everyday interactions, activities and perceptions of what is meaningful, also for their positioning as agents concerning their own and fellow patients' illnesses and problems. A social constructionist perspective is used as well as concepts anchored in a phenomenology of architecture and local place. This article is a part of ethnographic study of the daily life within a psychiatric ward using participant observation and conversations and interviews with psychiatric inpatient and staff in a psychiatric hospital. Important themes from our analysis were ‘smoking‐room as patients’‘panopticon’, ‘smoking‐room as the patients' sanctuary’ and ‘patient‐led treatment’. We discuss these themes within a framework of seeing the smoking‐room as an arena for patient and staff resistance. Patients' resistance is analysed as attempts to maintain their civil status identity and feelings of dignity in an otherwise powerless situation.
Psychiatric nurses’ attitudes to antipsychotic depots in Hong Kong and comparison with London
Authors: PATEL M. X. , YEUNG F. K. K. , HADDAD P. M. , DAVID A. S.
Published: October 2008

Psychiatric nurses’ attitudes to depots have only been explored in the UK. We conducted a cross‐sectional attitudinal study for Hong Kong psychiatric nurses and also conducted international comparisons for nurses’ views about depots. A pre‐existing UK questionnaire on clinicians’ attitudes and knowledge regarding depots was updated for the present study. Participants were 98 psychiatric nurses who attended an academic meeting. The majority of respondents had positive views regarding their role in depot administration; most reported that they had sufficient training (84%). However, many did not feel involved in treatment decision making (60%) and other negative views were expressed including: (1) most patients always prefer to have oral (vs. depot) (80%); and (2) force is sometimes required when administering a depot (40%). Interestingly, most reported that patients’ friends and family were more accepting of depot (vs. oral) (69%). When compared with a former sample of London community psychiatric nurses, Hong Kong nurses had less favourable patient‐focussed attitudes (mean 56% vs. 60%, P = 0.051) and depot‐specific attitudes regarding depots (mean 63% vs. 69%, P < 0.001). In conclusion, therefore, international variation exists and encompasses clinical practice aspects for both the patient and the depot formulation per se. Our participants wanted more involvement in treatment decision making.
Do nurses working in adult psychiatry take into consideration the support network of families affected by parental mental disorder?
Authors: KORHONEN T. , VEHVILÄINEN‐JULKUNEN K. , PIETILÄ A.
Published: October 2008

The aim of this study was to gain information about registered and practical mental health nurses’ activities concerning support network of families affected by parental mental illness. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire distributed to all 608 practical and registered mental health nurses working in adult psychiatric units in five Finnish university hospitals. A total of 311 nurses returned completed questionnaires (response rate 51%). Sixty per cent (n = 222) of registered nurses and 36% (n = 88) of practical mental health nurses responded. Information about family relationships and socio‐economic situation was gathered regularly by all nurses. The nurses’ individual characteristics, such as being a parent, further family education and use of family‐centred care, were significantly related to their activeness in discussing the family's support network with the parents. Discussing family relationships and families support networks forms part of patient care in adult psychiatric nursing with families with dependent children (under 18 years of age). Nurses can work directly with the parents to aid them to strengthen their support network for themselves and their children.
On‐treatment monitoring of adefovir therapy in chronic hepatitis B: virologic response can be assessed at 24 weeks
Authors: Reijnders J. G. P. , Leemans W. F. , Hansen B. E. , Pas S. D. , De Man R. A. , Schutten M. , Janssen H. L. A.
Published: October 2008

Summary. Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who will and those who will not respond to adefovir (ADV) monotherapy need to be identified at an early stage in order to adjust treatment and prevent future development of antiviral resistance. In a single‐centre cohort study, we investigated 76 CHB patients [50% hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive] treated with long‐term ADV monotherapy. During a median follow‐up of 122 (24–185) weeks, 42 (55%) patients achieved virologic response (VR), defined as HBV‐DNA levels <103copies/mL, and 10 patients (13%) developed genotypic ADV resistance. Independent baseline predictors of VR were HBeAg negativity [hazard ratio (HR) 2.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24–7.19;P = 0.02], high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.05–1.18;P = 0.001), and low HBV‐DNA levels (HR 0.56; 95% CI 0.41–0.75;P < 0.001). HBV‐DNA at week 24 demonstrated a higher predictive value for VR than HBV‐DNA at week 48. Important predictors of genotypic resistance were presence of cirrhosis (HR 6.54; 95% CI 1.39–30.9;P = 0.018), and not achieving VR during treatment (HR 6.60; 95% CI 1.35–32.4;P = 0.008). Patients without VR at week 24 already demonstrated a trend towards the emergence of ADV resistance (P = 0.07). HBV‐DNA at week 24 was a better on‐treatment predictor of VR than HBV‐DNA at week 48, and ADV‐resistant mutations developed more frequently in patients without VR at week 24. Therefore, our study suggests that virologic response to ADV therapy can be assessed at 24 weeks, instead of the generally recommended 48 weeks.
Intracellular levels of hepatitis B virus DNA and pregenomic RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of chronically infected patients
Authors: Lu L. , Zhang H.‐Y. , Yueng Y.‐H. , Cheung K.‐F. , Luk J. M. , Wang F.‐S. , Lau G. K. K.
Published: October 2008

Summary.  It remains uncertain whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) can be detected in the serum or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. We examined HBV cccDNA and pgRNA in the serum and PBMC, and investigated the effect of lamivudine therapy on the viral loads in the PBMC of CHB patients. Paired serum and PBMC samples from 50 treatment‐naïve CHB patients [25 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive and 25 HBeAg negative] were quantified for total HBV DNA, cccDNA and pgRNA by real time polymerase chain reaction. HBV cccDNA and pgRNA were below the lower detection limit in all serum samples, and in 84% of PBMC. HBV DNA (r = 0.889, P < 0.001) and pgRNA (r = 0.696, P < 0.001) in PBMC correlated with the HBV DNA in serum. In the longitudinal study, 30 patients treated with lamivudine therapy for a median duration of 34 weeks (range 12–48 weeks) were examined. The median HBV DNA reduction in PBMC before and after treatment was 1.318 (range −0.471 to 3.846) log units, which was significantly lower than serum HBV DNA reduction [3.371 (range −0.883 to 9.454) log units, P < 0.05]. HBV cccDNA and pgRNA were undetectable in the serum of CHB patients. HBV viral loads in PBMC correlated with serum HBV DNA. Lamivudine therapy had less effect on the HBV viral loads in PBMC compared with the serum viral loads.