bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Irregular Rhythm Adversely Influences Calcium Handling in Ventricular Myocardium
Authors: Ling Liang-han , Khammy Ouda , Byrne Melissa , Amirahmadi Fatemah , Foster Anna , Li Gefeng , Zhang Linda , Remedios Cris dos , Chen Chen , Kaye David M. 
Published: September 2012

Background—
Despite adequate rate control, the combination of atrial fibrillation with heart failure (HF) has been shown, in a number of studies, to hasten HF progression. In this context, we aimed to test the hypothesis that an irregular ventricular rhythm causes an alteration in ventricular cardiomyocyte excitation–contraction coupling which contributes to the progression of HF.

Methods and Results—

We investigated the effects of electrical field stimulation (average frequency 2 Hz) in an irregular versus regular drive train pattern on the expression of calcium-handling genes and proteins in rat ventricular myocytes. The effect of rhythm on intracellular calcium transients was examined using Fura-2AM fluorescence spectroscopy. In conjunction, calcium-handling protein expression was examined in left ventricular samples obtained from end-stage HF patients, in patients with either persistent atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm. Compared with regularly paced ventricular cardiomyocytes, in cells paced irregularly for 24 hours, there was a significant reduction in the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium (Ca
2+
) ATPase together with reduced serine-16 phosphorylation of phospholamban. These findings were accompanied by a 59% reduction (
P
<0.01) in the peak Ca2+ transient in irregulary paced myocytes compared with those with regular pacing. Consistent with these observations, we observed a 54% (
P
<0.05) decrease in sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca
2+
ATPase protein expression and an 85% (
P
<0.01) reduction in the extent of phosphorylation of phospholamban in the left ventricular myocardium of HF patients in atrial fibrillation compared with those in sinus rhythm.

Conclusions—
Together, these data demonstrate that ventricular rhythmicity contributes significantly to excitation–contraction coupling by altering the expression and activity of key calcium-handling proteins. These data suggest that control of rhythm may be of benefit in patients with HF.
Randomised controlled trial of group cognitive behaviour therapy versus brief intervention for depression in cardiac patients
Authors: Turner Alyna , Hambridge John , Baker Amanda , Bowman Jenny , McElduff Patrick 
Published: September 2012

Objective: To determine whether a six-session group cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programme results in a greater reduction in depression symptoms than a brief intervention alone in cardiac patients with clinically significant symptoms of depression. Method: Fifty-seven community dwelling cardiac patients scoring >13 on the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) received a single-session brief intervention. They were then block randomised to either six sessions of group CBT ( n = 25) or no further intervention (BI; n = 32). All were re-assessed at 2, 6 and 12 months. Differences between treatment groups in the primary (BDI-II) and secondary [rates of depression; anxiety symptoms, as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A)] outcomes were examined using generalised linear mixed models with a random intercept term for the individual. Results: Significant improvements were seen for the total group from baseline to 12 months on BDI-II and HADS-A scores. However, no differences were found between the CBT and BI conditions on change in BDI-II score, rates of major depressive episode or HADS-A score. Post hoc analysis on the total group found 12-month symptom non-remission was associated with higher baseline BDI-II score ( p = 0.03), more visits to health professionals 12 months prior to baseline ( p = 0.05) and a greater likelihood of either drinking alcohol over recommended levels or smoking at baseline ( p = 0.01). Conclusions: Group CBT of up to six sessions did not result in greater reductions in depression or anxiety symptoms compared with a single-session brief intervention. Further work should focus on the efficacy and role of brief interventions, and addressing smoking and alcohol misuse in cardiac patients with depression.
Cases of organophosphate poisoning treated with high-dose of atropine in an intensive care unit and the novel treatment approaches
Authors: Karakus Ali , Celik Muhammet Murat , Karcioglu Murat , Tuzcu Kasim , Erden Ersin Sukru , Zeren Cem 
Published: September 2012

Organophosphate poisoning is a life-threatening condition, which is being responsible for the symptoms due to cholinergic effects. Clinical status and blood levels of cholinesterase are used its diagnosis. While atropine and pralidoxime (PAM) appear as essential medications, hemofiltration treatments and lipid solutions have been widely studied in recent years. In this study, the importance of high-dose atropine therapy and early intervention and novel treatment approaches are discussed. Records of a total of 25 patients treated for organophosphate poisoning in the intensive care unit (ICU) between April 2007 and December 2011 were evaluated retrospectively. Of the 25 patients, 14 (56%) were male and 11 (44%) were female with a mean age of 34.8 ± 17.66 years (range: 14–77 years). The patients were most frequently admitted in June ( n = 4) and July ( n = 4) (16%). Of the 25 patients, 22 patients (88%) were poisoned by oral intake, two (8%) by inhalation, and one (4%) by dermal route. Of them, 20 patients (80%) took organophosphates intentionally for suicidal purposes, while five (20%) cases poisoned due to accidental exposure. The scores of Glasgow Coma Scale of nine patients (36%) were below 8 point upon admission to hospital. The highest dose of atropine given was 100 mg intravenously on admission and 100 mg/h/day during follow-up. The total dose given was 11.6 g/12 days. A total of 11 patients (44%) were on mechanical ventilation for a mean duration of 5.73 ± 4.83 days. The mean duration of ICU stay was 6.52 ± 4.80 days. Of all, 23 patients (92%) were discharged in good clinical condition and one patient (4%) was referred to another hospital. This study suggests that atropine can be administered until secretions disappear and intensive care should be exerted in follow-up of these patients. In addition, in case of necessity for high doses, sufficient amounts of atropine and PAM should be available in hospitals.
Audit of Domperidone Use as a Galactogogue at an Australian Tertiary Teaching Hospital
Authors: Grzeskowiak Luke E. , Lim Sze Wen , Thomas Alicia E. , Ritchie Usha , Gordon Andrea L. 
Published: September 2012

Background: Domperidone is often used to promote lactation among women who have difficulty breastfeeding. Objective: To examine prescribing and dispensing practices of domperidone at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH), Adelaide. Methods: A retrospective audit of domperidone dispensing among women with singleton pregnancies who delivered at the WCH between January 2000 and July 2010 was undertaken. Women dispensed domperidone were identified using WCH pharmacy dispensing records. Maternal and infant clinical data were obtained from the WCH Perinatal Statistics Collection. An audit of paper-based medical records was undertaken for a random sample of 261 mother-child pairs to collect prescribing and additional clinical data. Results: From 2000 to 2010, 1605 women were dispensed domperidone. There was a steady increase in the percentage of women dispensed domperidone, from < 0.5% in 2000 to > 5% of total WCH pregnancies in 2010. Among women dispensed domperidone, the percentage of women who received > 1 dispensing remained consistent (20%) over time, as did the median number of days (12) from delivery to first dispensing. Multiparous women were more likely to receive domperidone within 3 days following delivery compared to primiparous women (8% vs 4%; P < .01). Most women (80%) received directions to take domperidone according to a standard tapering dosing regimen over 12 days. Notably, 60% of women had no documentation of being assessed by a lactation consultant. Conclusion: From 2000 to 2010, there was a considerable increase in domperidone dispensing. With a lack of clinical evidence to guide use, current practice appears to be based on anecdotal evidence.
Potentiating patient participation: the ‘Homeward Bound’ psychoeducation programme for depression in old age
Authors: O’ Dwyer Sarah , Burke David , Malusa Linda 
Published: September 2012

Objectives: The aims of this paper are to briefly describe the need for psychoeducation for older adults with depression, the nature of the existing resources, the need for an alternative resource and the development and context of the St. Vincent’s Hospital Psychogeriatrics Mental Health Service (SVHMHS) ‘Homeward Bound’ psychoeducation programme using an education-workbook for older adults with depression and their carers. Conclusions: ‘Homeward Bound’ is a psychoeducation programme designed for older adults with depression and their carers to actively engage in a collaborative process that will improve patient adherence, hasten recovery, maximize carer support and enhance patient outcomes and satisfaction. We believe this can be achieved by utilizing the education-workbook designed by the SVHMHS multidisciplinary team.
Diagnostic processes in mental health: GPs and psychiatrists reading from the same book but on a different page
Authors: Lampe Lisa , Shadbolt Narelle , Starcevic Vladan , Boyce Philip , Brakoulias Vlasios , Hitching Rita , Viswasam Kirupamani , Walter Garry , Malhi Gin 
Published: September 2012

Objective: To explore the clinical reasoning processes underpinning diagnostic and management decision-making in treating patients presenting with psychological distress in general practice. Method: Practising GPs were invited to attend small-group workshops in which two case histories were presented. Discussion was GP-facilitated and recorded for thematic analysis. GPs provided demographic data, completed personality and attitudinal questionnaires, and answered a series of multiple-choice questions embedded in the cases. Results: GPs recognize the possibility of psychiatric disorders early in the clinical reasoning process, but are cautious about applying definitive diagnoses. GPs perceive that patients may be resistant to a psychiatric diagnosis and instead emphasize the need to build rapport and explore and exclude physical comorbidities. GPs see patients with a broad spectrum of distress, illness and impairment, in whom the initial presentation of psychological symptoms is often poorly differentiated and somatically focused, requiring elucidation over time. GPs therefore adopt a longitudinal strategy for diagnosis rather than investing heavily in cross-sectional assessment. Conclusion: GPs appear cognizant of possible psychiatric disorders and management strategies, but employ diagnostic strategies and decision-making processes that, in addition to experience and expertise, likely reflect key differences between the primary care and specialist practice settings.
Use of ultra-brief pulse electroconvulsive therapy to treat severe postnatal mood disorder
Authors: Levy Yael , Austin Marie-Paule , Halliday Graeme 
Published: September 2012

Objective: To describe the use of ultra-brief electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in three postnatal women with severe, treatment resistant depression. The indications and evidence for the use of ECT in the treatment of postnatal depression are discussed. Method: We present a case series and review relevant literature. Results: Three patients with severe episodes of depression postnatally, not responding to medication, presented to a private mother-baby inpatient unit. All three patients had significant suicidal ideation and two underwent involuntary treatment in public hospitals during the course of their presenting illnesses. They were treated with right unilateral ultra-brief ECT and a range of medications. All women began to respond within 3–6 treatments and no significant cognitive side effects were observed. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that right unilateral ultra-brief ECT is a useful treatment modality for severe and treatment resistant depression in the postnatal period. ECT is a useful option in women who have experienced significant medication side effects, or for those whose severity of illness necessitates rapid symptom resolution. Ultra-brief ECT caused minimal clinically observable side effects, which may assist mothers to resume care of their infants more rapidly.
Prevalence of parents within an adult mental health service: Census results 2008–2011
Authors: Howe Deb , Batchelor Samantha , Bochynska Kataryzna 
Published: September 2012

Objective: The objective of this article is to determine the prevalence of parents of children (aged 0–17 years) within a mental health service system and gather contextual data regarding this population. Method: The study uses a census approach. The Census is conducted annually across Central Coast Adult Mental Health Services, NSW, Australia. All five community mental health teams and four acute inpatient units within the service participate, with each team completing Census forms for active clients identified as parents on Census day. The Census form collects data on parents and children including demographic data, parental diagnosis, parental contact and risk factors. Results: Consecutive data shows 25–28% of active clients are parents. Annually, at least 400 children are identified; approximately 60% reside permanently with their parent with a mental illness. Conclusions: The Census is a valuable tool to determine the prevalence of parenthood. Moreover, it collects contextual data on this population. Data show an emerging relationship between parental diagnosis and parental contact. A picture of level of risk across the system has also been highlighted. Results add to the evidence regarding parental mental illness and circumstances of these families. The data clearly articulate a large need for interventions for children of parents with a mental illness (COPMI) within this population, given the high proportion of children who permanently reside with their parent with a mental illness.
Pilot study of a sensory room in an acute inpatient psychiatric unit
Authors: Novak Theresa , Scanlan Justin , McCaul Damien , MacDonald Nathan , Clarke Timothy 
Published: September 2012

Objective: The use of sensory rooms (also known as comfort rooms) to reduce seclusion rates has generated a great deal of interest. This study examined the outcomes associated with the introduction of a sensory room in an acute inpatient psychiatric unit. Method: Consumers rated distress and staff rated a variety of disturbed behaviours before and after each use of the room. Items used during each episode were recorded. Results: Use of the room was associated with significant reductions in distress and improvements in a range of disturbed behaviours. Those individuals who used the weighted blanket reported significantly greater reductions in distress and clinician-rated anxiety than those who did not. No changes were noted in rates of seclusion or aggression. Conclusions: The sensory room was an effective intervention to ameliorate distress and disturbed behaviour, although this did not translate into reductions in overall rates of seclusion or aggression. Weighted blankets appear to be particularly useful.
Bioactive compounds and phenolic-linked functionality of powdered tropical fruit residues
Authors: Correia Roberta TP , Borges Kátia C , Medeiros Maria F , Genovese Maria I 
Published: September 2012

Tropical fruit residues consisting of seeds, peels and residual pulp generated as by-products of fruit processing industry were investigated for bioactive compounds, the in vitro antioxidant capacity as well as alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibitory activities. Cyanidin, quercetin, ellagic acid (EA) and proanthocyanidins were found in acerola, jambolan, pitanga and cajá-umbu residue powders. Acerola powder had the highest phenolic content (8839.33 mg catechin equivalents (CE)/100 g) and also high-ascorbic acid (AA) concentration (2748.03 mg/100 g), followed by jambolan and pitanga. The greatest 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition was observed for jambolan (436.76 mmol Trolox eq/g) followed by pitanga (206.68 mmol Trolox eq/g) and acerola (192.60 mmol Trolox eq/g), while acerola had the highest ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay result (7.87 mmol Trolox eq/g). All fruit powders exhibited enzymatic inhibition against alpha-amylase (IC50 ranging from 3.40 to 49.5 mg CE/mL) and alpha-glucosidase (IC50 ranging from 1.15 to 2.37 mg CE/mL). Therefore, acerola, jambolan and pitanga dried residues are promising natural ingredients for food and nutraceutical manufacturers, due to their rich bioactive compound content.
Changes in human gut flora with age: an Indian familial study
Authors: Marathe Nachiket , Shetty Sudarshan , Lanjekar Vikram , Ranade Dilip , Shouche Yogesh 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
The gut micro flora plays vital role in health status of the host. The majority of microbes residing in the gut have a profound influence on human physiology and nutrition. Different human ethnic groups vary in genetic makeup as well as the environmental conditions they live in. The gut flora changes with genetic makeup and environmental factors and hence it is necessary to understand the composition of gut flora of different ethnic groups. Indian population is different in physiology from western population (YY paradox) and thus the gut flora in Indian population is likely to differ from the extensively studied gut flora in western population. In this study we have investigated the gut flora of two Indian families, each with three individuals belonging to successive generations and living under the same roof.

Results
Denaturation gradient gel electrophoresis analysis showed age-dependant variation in gut microflora amongst the individuals within a family. Different bacterial genera were dominant in the individual of varying age in clone library analysis. Obligate anaerobes isolated from individuals within a family showed age related differences in isolation pattern, with 27% (6 out of 22) of the isolates being potential novel species based on 16S rRNA gene sequence. In qPCR a consistent decrease in Firmicutes number and increase in Bacteroidetes number with increasing age was observed in our subjects, this pattern of change in Firmicutes / Bacteroidetes ratio with age is different than previously reported in European population.

Conclusion
There is change in gut flora with age amongst the individuals within a family. The isolation of high percent of novel bacterial species and the pattern of change in Firmicutes /Bacteroidetes ratio with age suggests that the composition of gut flora in Indian individuals may be different than the western population. Thus, further extensive study is needed to define the gut flora in Indian population.
Effects of sleep deprivation on central auditory processing
Authors: Liberalesso Paulo Breno Noronha , D’Andrea Karlin Fabianne Klagenberg , Cordeiro Mara L , Zeigelboim Bianca Simone , Marques Jair Mendes , Jurkiewicz Ari Leon 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Sleep deprivation is extremely common in contemporary society, and is considered to be a frequent cause of behavioral disorders, mood, alertness, and cognitive performance. Although the impacts of sleep deprivation have been studied extensively in various experimental paradigms, very few studies have addressed the impact of sleep deprivation on central auditory processing (CAP). Therefore, we examined the impact of sleep deprivation on CAP, for which there is sparse information. In the present study, thirty healthy adult volunteers (17 females and 13 males, aged 30.75 ± 7.14 years) were subjected to a pure tone audiometry test, a speech recognition threshold test, a speech recognition task, the Staggered Spondaic Word Test (SSWT), and the Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT). Baseline (BSL) performance was compared to performance after 24 hours of being sleep deprived (24hSD) using the Student’s t test.

Results
Mean RGDT score was elevated in the 24hSD condition (8.0 ± 2.9 ms) relative to the BSL condition for the whole cohort (6.4 ± 2.8 ms; p = 0.0005), for males (p = 0.0066), and for females (p = 0.0208). Sleep deprivation reduced SSWT scores for the whole cohort in both ears [(right: BSL, 98.4 % ± 1.8 % vs. SD, 94.2 % ± 6.3 %. p = 0.0005)(left: BSL, 96.7 % ± 3.1 % vs. SD, 92.1 % ± 6.1 %, p < 0.0001)]. These effects were evident within both gender subgroups [(right: males, p = 0.0080; females, p = 0.0143)(left: males, p = 0.0076; females: p = 0.0010).

Conclusion
Sleep deprivation impairs RGDT and SSWT performance. These findings confirm that sleep deprivation has central effects that may impair performance in other areas of life.
Integrating genome annotation and QTL position to identify candidate genes for productivity, architecture and water-use efficiency in Populus spp
Authors: Monclus Romain , Leplé Jean-Charles , Bastien Catherine , Bert Pierre-François , Villar Marc , Marron Nicolas , Brignolas Franck , Jorge Véronique 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Hybrid poplars species are candidates for biomass production but breeding efforts are needed to combine productivity and water use efficiency in improved cultivars. The understanding of the genetic architecture of growth in poplar by a Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) approach can help us to elucidate the molecular basis of such integrative traits but identifying candidate genes underlying these QTLs remains difficult. Nevertheless, the increase of genomic information together with the accessibility to a reference genome sequence (Populus trichocarpa Nisqually-1) allow to bridge QTL information on genetic maps and physical location of candidate genes on the genome. The objective of the study is to identify QTLs controlling productivity, architecture and leaf traits in a P. deltoides x P. trichocarpa F1 progeny and to identify candidate genes underlying QTLs based on the anchoring of genetic maps on the genome and the gene ontology information linked to genome annotation. The strategy to explore genome annotation was to use Gene Ontology enrichment tools to test if some functional categories are statistically over-represented in QTL regions.

Results
Four leaf traits and 7 growth traits were measured on 330 F1 P. deltoides x P. trichocarpa progeny. A total of 77 QTLs controlling 11 traits were identified explaining from 1.8 to 17.2% of the variation of traits. For 58 QTLs, confidence intervals could be projected on the genome. An extended functional annotation was built based on data retrieved from the plant genome database Phytozome and from an inference of function using homology between Populus and the model plant Arabidopsis. Genes located within QTL confidence intervals were retrieved and enrichments in gene ontology (GO) terms were determined using different methods. Significant enrichments were found for all traits. Particularly relevant biological processes GO terms were identified for QTLs controlling number of sylleptic branches: intervals were enriched in GO terms of biological process like ‘ripening’ and ‘adventitious roots development’.

Conclusion
Beyond the simple identification of QTLs, this study is the first to use a global approach of GO terms enrichment analysis to fully explore gene function under QTLs confidence intervals in plants. This global approach may lead to identification of new candidate genes for traits of interest.