bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive remediation in schizophrenia: efficacy and effectiveness in patients with early versus long‐term course of illness
Authors: Bowie Christopher R. , Grossman Michael , Gupta Maya , Oyewumi L. Kola , Harvey Philip D. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractAimWe examined the efficacy and effectiveness (transfer to functional competence and everyday functioning) of cognitive remediation in early‐course (within 5 years of first episode) and long‐term (more than 15 years of illness) schizophrenia.MethodsTreatment lasted 12 weeks and included computerized exercises, strategic monitoring and methods to transfer cognition to behaviour. Assessments included a standard battery of neurocognition, performance‐based measures of social and adaptive competence, and case manager ratings of real‐world functional behaviour. Changes from baseline to post‐treatment were examined with repeated measures analysis of variance and estimated premorbid intelligence and total months in hospital as covariates.ResultsThe early‐course group had larger improvements in measures of processing speed and executive functions, as well as larger improvements in adaptive competence and real‐world work skills. Duration of illness was inversely associated with improvement in neurocognition and real‐world work skills.ConclusionsTreatment of cognitive impairments is feasible in both early‐course and chronic schizophrenia, but the clinical meaningfulness and generalization to functioning appear to be more substantial when delivered early. Cognitive remediation should be considered a tool for early intervention in schizophrenia.
Manganese‐induced parkinsonism in methcathinone abusers: bio‐markers of exposure and follow‐up
Authors: Sikk K. , Haldre S. , Aquilonius S.‐M. , Asser A. , Paris M. , Roose Ä. , Petterson J. , Eriksson S.‐L. , Bergquist J. , Taba P. 
Published: January 2013

Background and purposeMethcathinone abuse is a new cause of manganism. The psychostimulant is prepared from pseudoephedrine using potassium permanganate as an oxidant. We describe the clinical, biological, neuroimaging characteristics and follow‐up results in a large Estonian cohort of intravenous methcathinone users.MethodsDuring 2006–2012 we studied 38 methcathinone abusers with a mean age of 33 years. Subjects were rated by the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr (HY), and Schwab and England (SE) rating scales. Twenty‐four cases were reassessed 9–70 (20 ± 15) months after the initial evaluation. Manganese (Mn) in plasma and hair was analysed by inductively coupled plasma‐atom emission spectrometry. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed in 11, and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) with iodobenzamide (IBZM) in eight subjects.ResultsThe average total UPDRS score was 43 ± 21. The most severely affected domains in UPDRS Part III were speech and postural stability, the least affected domain was resting tremor. At follow‐up there was worsening of HY and SE rating scales. Subjects had a higher mean level of Mn in hair (2.9 ± 3.8 ppm) than controls (0.82 ± 1.02 ppm), P = 0.02. Plasma Mn concentrations were higher (11.5 ± 6.2 ppb) in active than in former users (5.6 ± 1.8 ppb), P = 0.006. Active methcathinone users had increased MRI T1‐signal intensity in the globus pallidus, substantia nigra and periaquaductal gray matter. IBZM‐SPECT showed normal symmetric tracer uptake in striatum.ConclusionMethcathinone abusers develop a distinctive hypokinetic syndrome. Though the biomarkers of Mn exposure are characteristic only of recent abuse, the syndrome is not reversible.
Applicability of the new ILAE classification for epilepsies (2010) in persons with epilepsy at a tertiary care center in India
Authors: Uttam Ashwani K. , Joshi Rupa , Dwivedi Rekha , Prasad Kameshwar , Padma Madakasira V. , Bhatia Rohit , Singh Mamta B. , Tripathi Manjari 
Published: January 2013

SummaryPurposeTo test the applicability of the new International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) 2010 classification for epilepsies and to compare it with the ILAE 1989 classification and the ILAE 2001 diagnostic scheme in developing countries with limited resources such as India.MethodsProspective data of 500 consecutive patients with epilepsy, presenting in neurology department of All India Institute of Medical Sciences, was collected from January 2011 to June 2012 and analyzed according to the three systems proposed by ILAE in 1989, 2001, and 2010.Key FindingsAll 500 patients could be classified in the ILAE 1989 classification system, but only 413 in the ILAE 2001 diagnostic scheme (in axes 3 and 4) and 420 in the ILAE 2010 classification system. Leading categories were localization‐related epilepsies, symptomatic focal epilepsies, perinatal insult, and epilepsies attributed to structural and metabolic cause in ILAE 1989, 2001 axis 3, 2001 axis 4, and 2010 systems, respectively. The ILAE 1989 classification system could categorize significantly greater numbers of patients compared to the 2001 and 2010 systems, whereas the latter two remained similar.SignificanceA large group of patients remained unclassified in the new classification system despite our tremendous gain in knowledge through improved imaging, genomics, and molecular biology, and so on, which could be attributed to lack of availability of facilities in developing countries. Dichotomy of localization‐related and generalized epilepsy still makes for a fundamental and pragmatic working diagnosis and guides the physician about the extent of investigations and treatment especially in “epilepsies of unknown cause.”
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy is safe and effective for the treatment of infective endocarditis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Htin A. K. F. , Friedman N. D. , Hughes A. , O'Brien D. P. , Huffam S. , Redden A.‐M. , Athan E. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBackgroundOutpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy has been shown to be efficacious, safe and cost‐effective for a variety of infections. The data from managing infective endocarditis (IE) with hospital in the home (HITH) are limited. We evaluated the safety and outcomes of patients with IE treated with HITH at our centre.AimsTo evaluate the safety, efficacy and 1‐year outcomes of patients with IE treated under HITH at our centre over 9 years.MethodA retrospective analysis of the clinical outcomes of all cases of IE treated with HITH at a tertiary referral centre was undertaken for patients treated between June 2002 and July 2011 (9 years). Outcome measures included clinical cure, readmission rate, relapses and 1‐year mortality.ResultsSixty‐eight cases of IE were treated with HITH over the study period, including 29 native valve infections, 24 prosthetic valve infections, 12 pacemaker lead infections, 1 defibrillator lead infection, 1 myocardial wall infection and 1 aortic graft infection. Thirteen cases had valve replacement surgery and 12 cases had removal of infected pacemaker leads. Staphylococcus aureus (18 cases), Coagulase‐negative staphylococcus (10 cases) and viridians‐group streptococcus (18 cases) were the most common pathogens. Median duration of antimicrobial therapy with HITH was 24 days (range 4 to 42 days). There were three readmissions during antimicrobial therapy with HITH. Two patients relapsed. There were two deaths and one patient was lost to follow up. One‐year survival was 96% (65/68).ConclusionOutpatient antimicrobial therapy with HITH is safe and effective in carefully selected cases of IE.
Cigarette smoke increases BLT2 receptor functions in bronchial epithelial cells: in vitro and ex vivo evidence
Authors: Pace Elisabetta , Ferraro Maria , Vincenzo Serena Di , Bruno Andreina , Giarratano Antonino , Scafidi Valeria , Lipari Luana , Benedetto Denise Valentina Di , Sciarrino Serafina , Gjomarkaj Mark 
Published: January 2013

SummaryLeukotriene B4 (LTB4) is a neutrophil chemotactic molecule with important involvement in the inflammatory responses of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Airway epithelium is emerging as a regulator of innate immune responses to a variety of insults including cigarette smoke, the major risk factor for COPD. In this study we have explored whether cigarette smoke extracts (CSE) or soluble mediators present in distal lung fluid samples (mini‐bronchoalveolar lavages) from smokers alter the expression of the LTB4 receptor 2 (BLT2) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐α (PPAR‐α) in bronchial epithelial cells. We also evaluated the effects of CSE on the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM‐1) and on the binding of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT‐1) to ICAM‐1 promoter as well as the adhesiveness of neutrophils to bronchial epithelial cells. CSE and mini‐bronchoalveolar lavages from smokers increased BLT2 and ICAM‐1 expression as well as the adhesiveness of neutrophils to bronchial epithelial cells and decreased PPAR‐α expression. CSE induced the activation of STAT‐1 and its binding to ICAM‐1 promoter. These findings suggest that, in bronchial epithelial cells, CSE promote a prevalent induction of pro‐inflammatory BLT2 receptors and activate mechanisms leading to increased neutrophil adhesion, a mechanism that contributes to airway neutrophilia and to tissue damage.
Violence against rural older women: Promoting community awareness and action
Authors: Roberto Karen A , Brossoie Nancy , McPherson Marya C , Pulsifer Mary Beth , Brown Patricia N 
Published: January 2013

AimTo identify opportunities and challenges in promoting community support for rural older women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV).MethodsUsing community‐based participatory research principles, we engaged in an academic–community partnership to analyse the research literature, estimate IPV incidence and prevalence, ascertain professional and older IPV victim perspectives through focus groups and interviews, and develop a collaborative community response plan. This study took place from 2008 to 2010 in the USA.ResultsIPV in late life is underreported by victims and often unrecognised by the academic and service community. Professionals, while agreeable to collaborating to support older IPV victims, sought coordination and leadership from domestic violence agencies. Older victims stressed the need for improved professional sensitivity to their unique needs and more service options.ConclusionsThe insights generated during this project produced a framework on which rural communities can build to address the hidden and growing problem of late life IPV.
Multicenter Spanish study of spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in normal children
Authors: Barrio‐Barrio Jesús , Noval Susana , Galdós Marta , Ruiz‐Canela Miguel , Bonet Elvira , Capote María , Lopez Maialen 
Published: January 2013

Abstract.Purpose:  To compile a multicenter normative database of retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) and macular thicknesses and macular volume values in healthy Caucasian children 4–17 years using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT). To analyse variations in the OCT measurements as a function of age, sex, refraction, and axial length (AL).Methods:  An observational, multicenter and cross‐sectional study among 301 healthy Caucasian children recruited at three Spanish centres was performed. To compile the database, each child underwent a dilated eye examination and a cycloplegic refraction, five AL measurements (IOL Master; Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA, USA), five OCT scans with Cirrus OCT: three peripapillary RNFL scans (Optic Disc Cube 200X200 protocol) and two macular scans (Macular Cube 512X128 protocol). One eye of each subject was selected randomly for analysis.Results:  Two hundred eighty‐three children (117 boys, 41.34%; 166 girls, 58.66%) were included in this study. The mean age of the children was 9.58 ± 3.12 years (range, 4–17). The mean SE was +0.63 ± 1.65 D; (range, −4.88 to +5.25). The mean AL was 22.94 ± 1.10 mm (range, 20.10–26.27). The mean global RNFL thickness was 97.40 ± 9.0 μm (range, 77–121.7 μm). Multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation between the RNFL and spherical equivalent (SE) (p = 0.014). The mean central macular thickness was 253.85 ± 19.76 μm, the average thickness 283.62 ± 14.08 μm, and the mean macular volume 10.22 ± 0.49 μm3. Multivariate analysis showed a positive correlation between central macular thickness and age (p < 0.001). Boys had a significantly thicker central macula than girls (p < 0.001).Conclusions:  Normative paediatric SD‐OCT data might facilitate use of SD‐OCT for assessing childhood ophthalmic diseases. This study provides a multicenter paediatric normative database of SD‐OCT peripapillary RNFL and macular data.
A New Tetrahymena (Ciliophora, Oligohymenophorea) from Groundwater of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Quintela‐Alonso Pablo , Nitsche Frank , Wylezich Claudia , Arndt Hartmut , Foissner Wilhelm 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe identification of species within the genus Tetrahymena is known to be difficult due to their essentially identical morphology, the occurrence of cryptic and sibling species and the phenotypic plasticity associated with the polymorphic life cycle of some species. We have combined morphology and molecular biology to describe Tetrahymena aquasubterranea n. sp. from groundwater of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa. The phylogenetic analysis compares the cox1 gene sequence of T. aquasubterranea with the cox1 gene sequences of other Tetrahymena species and uses the interior‐branch test to improve the resolution of the evolutionary relationships. This showed a considerable genetic divergence of T. aquasubterranea to its next relative, T. farlyi, of 9.2% (the average cox1 divergence among bona fide species of Tetrahymena is ~ 10%). Moreover, the analysis also suggested a sister relationship between T. aquasubterranea and a big clade comprising T. farleyi, T. tropicalis, T. furgasoni and T. mobilis. The morphological data available for these species show that they share with T. aquasubterranea a pyriformis‐like life style and at least two of them, T. farleyi and T. mobilis, a similar type II silverline pattern consisting of primary and secondary meridians. Tetrahymena aquasubterranea exhibits a biphasic life cycle with trophonts and theronts, is amicronucleate, and feeds on bacteria.
Evolution and function of MADS‐box genes involved in orchid floral development
Authors: TSAI Wen‐Chieh , PAN Zhao‐Jun , HSIAO Yu‐Yun , CHEN Li‐Jun , LIU Zhong‐Jian 
Published: January 2013

AbstractOrchids are known for their beauty and complexity of flower and ecological strategies. The evolution in orchid floral morphology, structure, and physiological properties has held the fascination of botanists for centuries, from Darwin through to the present. In floral studies, MADS‐box genes contributing to the now famous ABCDE model of floral organ identity control have dominated conceptual thinking. The sophisticated orchid floral organization offers an opportunity to discover new variant genes and different levels of complexity to the ABCDE model. Recently, several remarkable research reports on orchid MADS‐box genes, especially B‐class MADS‐box genes, have revealed the evolutionary track and important functions on orchid floral development. Diversification and fixation of both paleoAP3 gene sequences and expression profiles might be explained by subfunctionalization and even neofunctionalization. Knowledge about MADS‐box genes encoding ABCDE functions in orchids will give insights into the highly evolved floral morphogenetic networks of orchids.
Erectile Dysfunction Precedes and is Associated with Severity of Coronary Artery Disease among Asian Indians
Authors: Kumar Jatinder , Bhatia Tanuj , Kapoor Aditya , Ranjan Priyadarshi , Srivastava Aneesh , Sinha Archana , Kumar Sudeep , Garg Naveen , Tewari Satyendra , Kapoor Rakesh , Goel Pravin K. 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) and coronary artery disease (CAD) often share common risk factors, and there is growing evidence that ED might serve as a clinical marker for cardiovascular disease. Despite rising trends of CAD in Asian Indians, limited data are available on the prevalence of ED and its correlation with CAD severity in such patients.

Aim
To study the prevalence of ED in Asian Indian patients undergoing coronary angiography and to assess if the severity of ED correlates with angiographic severity of CAD.

Methods
In all patients undergoing coronary angiography, ED was assessed using the International Index of Erectile Function-5 questionnaire.

Main Outcome Measures and Results
Among 175 male patients, ED was present in 70%; patients with ED had a higher incidence of multivessel CAD (80% vs. 36%, P 0.001), diffuse CAD (81% vs. 34%, P 0.001), and higher number of mean coronary vessels involved compared with those without ED. Those with severe ED had higher prevalence of multivessel CAD and higher number of mean coronary vessels involved compared with those with milder grades of ED. Onset of symptoms of ED preceded symptoms of CAD by a mean of 24.6 months in 84% of patients. The presence of severe ED was associated with a 21-fold higher risk of having triple-vessel disease (odds ratio [OR] 21.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.41–141.09, P = 0.001) and an 18-fold higher risk of having diffuse angiographic CAD (OR 17.91, 95% CI 3.11–111.09, P = 0.001).

Conclusion
Asian Indians with angiographic CAD frequently have ED; symptoms of ED precede that of CAD in most patients. Incidence of multivessel and diffuse CAD is significantly more common in patients with ED. It is important for physicians to be aware of the close relationship between the two conditions so that patients with ED can have optimal risk stratification for concomitant CAD whenever required.
Psychometric Properties of the Iranian Version of the Sexual Quality of Life Scale among Women
Authors: Pakpour Amir H. , Zeidi Isa Mohammadi , Saffari Mohsen , Burri Andrea 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACTIntroductionFemale sexual dysfunction has a known impact on the quality of life.AimThe purpose of this study was the translation and validation of an Iranian version of the Sexual Quality of Life questionnaire-Female (SQOL-F) in Iranian women.MethodsA population sample of N = 2,675 women aged 17–67 years from Qazvin City of Iran and two clinical population samples (women with sexual dysfunctions N = 295 and women with type 2 diabetes N = 449) participated in the study. A self-constructed demographic questionnaire, the SQOL-F, the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) were used for data collection.Main Outcome MeasuresInternal consistency and test–retest reliability were examined. Correlations between the SQOL-F, SF-36, and FSFI were assessed with convergent validity. Furthermore, known-groups comparison analysis was conducted to compare differences in SQOL-F scores between healthy women and those with sexual problems and diabetes. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed the factor structure of the SQOL-F.ResultsCronbach's alpha ranged from 0.84 to 0.98. Significant correlations between the SQOL-F, SF-36, and FSFI scores were found (ranging from r = 0.4 to r = 0.72). The SQOL-F scores were significantly different between women with and without a clinical condition (P &lt; 0.05). A unifactorial model provided the best fit to the data.ConclusionThe questionnaire represents a suitable measure to assess sexuality-related quality of life to sexual function in healthy women, as well as in women suffering from a chronic medical condition. Application of the scale to other clinical samples needs to be further explored.
Gender Identity Disorder and Eating Disorders: Similarities and Differences in Terms of Body Uneasiness
Authors: Bandini Elisa , Fisher Alessandra Daphne , Castellini Giovanni , Lo Sauro Carolina , Lelli Lorenzo , Meriggiola Maria Cristina , Casale Helen , Benni Laura , Ferruccio Naika , Faravelli Carlo , Dettore Davide , Maggi Mario , Ricca Valdo 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Subjects with gender identity disorder (GID) have been reported to be highly dissatisfied with their body, and it has been suggested that the body is their primary source of suffering.

Aims
To evaluate quality and intensity of body uneasiness in GID subjects, comparing them with a sample of eating disorder patients and a control group. To detect similarities and differences between subgroups of GID subjects, on the basis of genotypic sex and transitional stage.

Methods
Fifty male-to-female (MtF) GID (25 without and 25 with genital reassignment surgery performed), 50 female-to-male (FtM) GID (28 without and 22 with genital reassignment surgery performed), 88 eating disorder subjects (26 anorexia nervosa, 26 bulimia nervosa, and 36 binge eating disorder), and 107 healthy subjects were evaluated.

Main Outcome Measures
Subjects were studied by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90), and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT).

Results
GID and controls reported lower psychiatric comorbidity and lower SCL-90 General Severity Index (GSI) scores than eating disorder subjects. GID MtF without genital reassignment surgery showed the highest BUT values, whereas GID FtM without genital reassignment surgery and eating disorder subjects showed higher values compared with both GID MtF and FtM who underwent genital reassignment surgery and controls. Considering BUT subscales, a different pattern of body uneasiness was observed in GID and eating disorder subjects. GID MtF and FtM without genital reassignment surgery showed the highest BUT GSI/SCL-90 GSI ratio compared with all the eating disorder groups.

Conclusions
GID and eating disorders are characterized by a severe body uneasiness, which represents the core of distress in both conditions. Different dimensions of body uneasiness seem to be involved in GID subsamples, depending on reassignment stage and genotypic sex. In eating disorder subjects body uneasiness is primarily linked to general psychopathology, whereas in GID such a relationship is lacking.