bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of computerized cognitive rehabilitation training on symptomatological, neuropsychological and work function in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Lee Woo Kyeong 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionThere has been plenty of interest in cognitive rehabilitation for schizophrenia here in Korea since the year 2000. But the efficacy studies of cognitive remediation intervention are still deficient. The primary purpose of this study was to develop a computer‐assisted cognitive remediation program and conduct a clinical trial in a group of schizophrenic patients.MethodsSixty patients with schizophrenia were randomly assigned to a computerized cognitive rehabilitation (Cog‐trainer) group plus usual rehabilitation (UR) or to a usual rehabilitation (UR) group only. Clinical, neuropsychological and functional outcome variables were assessed at baseline and after intervention. The Cog‐trainer group received 20 sessions of computerized cognitive remediation training over 3 months. This training program consists of 10 units, with each unit being divided into three stages: (i) practice; (ii) application; and (iii) advanced.ResultsCompared to the UR group, the Cog‐trainer exhibited a significant improvement in attention, concentration and working memory. The Cog‐trainer group also showed improvement in the work quality subscale of the work behavior inventory. However, there were no significant benefits of computerized cognitive remediation where symptoms were concerned.DiscussionThese results indicate that computerized cognitive rehabilitation training can contribute to an improvement in the cognitive function of people with schizophrenia. The changes in cognitive outcomes can also contribute to improvement in job functioning. Further study of generalization to other functional outcome measures will be necessary. Long‐term follow‐up studies are needed to confirm the maintenance of such improvements.
Academic psychiatry across the Pacific: Challenges and opportunities for the Pacific‐Rim College of Psychiatrists
Authors: Kua Ee Heok 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThere is cautious optimism that the economic growth around the Pacific‐Rim, will stir opportunities to redress the mental health resource deficiencies and inequity of access to services. Many psychiatric services are without psychiatrists and the primary care doctor or nurse is the key mental health professional. One of the challenges is a paucity of training opportunities and a dearth of trainers. Primary care psychiatry training should be the focus of educational programs. Collaboration in research has been gathering momentum in recent years. The Research in East Asia of Psychotropic Prescription (REAP) includes a consortium of eight countries in Asia. More recently, there have been workshops organized for leadership training of young psychiatrists. The Pacific‐Rim College of Psychiatrists and Asia‐Pacific Psychiatry journal can be a platform for education and research. The myriad cultures and wide expertise across the Pacific‐Rim will make collaboration more exciting and challenging.
Screening for postnatal depression in Chinese‐speaking women using the Hong Kong translated version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Authors: Chen Helen , Bautista Dianne , Ch'ng Ying Chia , Li Wenyun , Chan Edwin , Rush A.John 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) may not be a uniformly valid postnatal depression (PND) screen across populations. We evaluated the performance of a Chinese translation of 10‐item (HK‐EPDS) and six‐item (HK‐EPDS‐6) versions in post‐partum women in Singapore.MethodsChinese‐speaking post‐partum obstetric clinic patients were recruited for this study. They completed the HK‐EPDS, from which we derived the six‐item HK‐EPDS‐6. All women were clinically assessed for PND based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition–Text Revision criteria. Receiver–operator curve (ROC) analyses and likelihood ratio computations informed scale cutoff choices. Clinical fitness was judged by thresholds for internal consistency [α ≥ 0.70] and for diagnostic performance by true‐positive rate (>85%), false‐positive rate (≤10%), positive likelihood ratio (>1), negative likelihood ratio (<0.2), area under the ROC curve (AUC, ≥90%) and effect size (≥0.80).ResultsBased on clinical interview, prevalence of PND was 6.2% in 487 post‐partum women. HK‐EPDS internal consistency was 0.84. At 13 or more cutoff, the true‐positive rate was 86.7%, false‐positive rate 3.3%, positive likelihood ratio 26.4, negative likelihood ratio 0.14, AUC 94.4% and effect size 0.81. For the HK‐EPDS‐6, internal consistency was 0.76. At 8 or more cutoff, we found a true‐positive rate of 86.7%, false‐positive rate 6.6%, positive likelihood ratio 13.2, negative likelihood ration 0.14, AUC 92.9% and effect size 0.98.DiscussionThe HK‐EPDS (cutoff ≥13) and HK‐EPDS6 (cutoff ≥8) are fit for PND screening for general population post‐partum women. The brief six‐item version appears to be clinically suitable for quick screening in Chinese speaking women.
Do the letters F, A and S represent Indonesian letter fluency stimuli?
Authors: Hendrawan Donny , Hatta Takeshi , Ohira Hideki 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIntroductionThe letters F, A and S, originally used in the English letter fluency stimuli test, have been frequently adopted to assess executive function in many languages. However, few studies reported the significance of FAS testing employed in different languages. The current study explored whether FAS could be widely applied to the Indonesian language.MethodsA total of 211 undergraduate students from state and private universities who participated in this study were randomly assigned into four groups. Each group was exposed to six different letter fluency stimuli. The total number of words the participants produced for each letter stimulus were averaged and ranked to determine the degree of difficulty in generating words. Furthermore, the normal distribution and equal ratio comparison were examined to verify the representative letter fluency stimuli. In addition, the effect of sex and university affiliation on letter fluency performance was also analyzed.ResultsThe letters A and S were among the easiest letters used to generate words; however, the letter F was regarded as a difficult stimulus. Furthermore, only the number of words beginning the letter S was distributed according to a normal curve. The number of words starting with the letters F and A were not normally distributed. Although sex difference was not associated with letter fluency performance, difference in university affiliation showed a significant effect on performance.DiscussionOur findings suggest that consideration of several stimuli factors is required to accurately measure performance in the letter fluency task in a specific language.
β‐Cyclodextrin‐complexed (−)‐linalool produces antinociceptive effect superior to that of (−)‐linalool in experimental pain protocols
Authors: Quintans‐Júnior Lucindo J. , Barreto Rosana S. S. , Menezes Paula P. , Almeida Jackson R. G. S. , Viana Ana Flávia S. C. , Oliveira Rita C. M. , Oliveira Aldeídia P. , Gelain Daniel P. , de Lucca Júnior Waldecy , Araújo Adriano A. S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMany plants produce (−)‐linalool, a plant‐derived monoterpene alcohol, including members of the Lamiaceae (mints) and Lauraceae family (laurels, cinnamon, rosewood). The anti‐inflammatory and analgesic effects of (−)‐linalool have been widely suggested for various studies. Poor chemical stability and short half‐life restrain the clinical applications of some essential oil and monoterpenes, including (−)‐linalool. However, β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) has been used to increase solubility and stability of lipophilic compounds and also to improve the pharmacological effects. In this study, the antinociceptive effect of (−)‐linalool and (−)‐linalool/β‐CD was examined using the acetic acid writhing reflex, formalin and hotplate tests in rodents. (−)‐Linalool and (−)‐linalool/β‐CD demonstrated strong antinociceptive activity in all the chemical‐ and heat‐induced mice models (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001). These findings imply the involvement of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. In peritonitis induced by carrageenan, isolated monoterpene or β‐CD complex also reduced total leucocyte migration and TNF‐α levels in peritoneal fluid. The inclusion complexes, (−)‐linalool/β‐CD, revealed that the antinociceptive effect was significantly (p < 0.01) improved when compared with (−)‐linalool alone. Such results were unlikely to be provoked by any motor abnormality. Together, our results suggest that β‐CD might represent an important tool for improvement of analgesic and anti‐inflammatory profiles of (−)‐linalool and other water‐insoluble compounds, such as lipophilic monoterpenes or essential oils.
High response rate and acceptable toxicity of a combination of rituximab, vinorelbine, ifosfamide, mitoxantrone and prednisone for the treatment of diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma in first relapse: results of the R‐NIMP GOELAMS study
Authors: Gyan Emmanuel , Damotte Diane , Courby Stéphane , Sénécal Delphine , Quittet Philippe , Schmidt‐Tanguy Aline , Banos Anne , Le Gouill Steven , Lamy Thierry , Fontan Jean , Maisonneuve Hervé , Alexis Magda , Dreyfus Francois , Tournilhac Olivier , Laribi Kamel , Solal‐Céligny Philippe , Arakelyan Nina , Cartron Guillaume , Gressin Remy ,   the GOELAMS Group
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe optimal management of relapsed diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is not standardized. The Groupe Ouest Est des Leucémies et aAutres Maladies du Sang developed a combination of vinorelbine, ifosfamide, mitoxantrone and prednisone (NIMP) for the treatment of relapsed DLBCL, and assessed its efficacy and safety in association with rituximab (R). This multicentric phase II study included 50 patients with DLBCL in first relapse, aged 18–75 years. Patients received rituximab 375 mg/m² day 1, ifosfamide 1000 mg/m² days 1–5, vinorelbine 25 mg/m² days 1 and 15, mitoxantrone 10 mg/m² day 1, and prednisone 1 mg/kg days 1–5, every 28 days for three cycles. Responding patients underwent autologous transplantation or received three additional R‐NIMP cycles. All patients were evaluable for toxicity and 49 for response. Centralized pathology review confirmed DLBCL in all cases. Toxicities were mainly haematological with infectious events needing hospitalization in nine cases. Two toxic deaths were observed. After three cycles, 22 patients (44%) achieved complete response/unconfirmed complete response, 11 achieved partial response (24%), 2 had stable disease and 13 progressed. The non‐germinal centre B immunophenotype was associated with shorter progression‐free survival. in conclusion, the R‐NIMP regimen displayed significant activity in relapsed DLBCL, with acceptable toxicity and should be considered a candidate for combination with new agents.
Immune checkpoint blockade immunotherapy to activate anti‐tumour T‐cell immunity
Authors: Ramsay Alan G. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe tumour microenvironment plays a dual role in cancer: it can promote tumour progression by establishing pro‐tumour survival conditions but can also suppress tumour progression by killing cancer cells or inhibiting their outgrowth. These dynamically interconnected processes are under intense investigation to better understand cancer pathophysiology and allow identification of new therapeutic approaches. The ability of cancer cells to evade anti‐tumour T‐cell activity in the microenvironment has recently been accepted as a hallmark of cancer progression. This review will highlight the most promising therapeutic approach aimed at activating anti‐tumour T‐cell immunity in the cancer microenvironment: blocking inhibitory immune regulatory proteins (immune checkpoint ligands and receptors). There is emerging evidence that haematological tumours co‐opt immune checkpoints as a major immune resistance mechanism. Pre‐clinical findings indicate that targeted therapies and blockade of immune checkpoints could be combined to promote therapeutic synergy and long‐term anti‐tumour immunity to improve clinical outcomes for cancer patients.
Coagulation and metastasis: what does the experimental literature tell us?
Authors: Gil‐Bernabé Ana M. , Lucotti Serena , Muschel Ruth J. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryInhibition of coagulation greatly limits cancer metastasis in many experimental models. Cancer cells trigger coagulation, through expression of tissue factor or P‐selectin ligands that have correlated with worse prognosis in human clinical studies. Cancer cells also affect coagulation through expression of thrombin and release of microparticles that augment coagulation. In the cancer‐bearing host, coagulation facilitates tumour progression through release of platelet granule contents, inhibition of Natural Killer cells and recruitment of macrophages. We are revisiting this literature in the light of recent studies in which treatment of clinical cohorts with anticoagulant drugs led to diminished metastasis.
A Protocol for Better Design, Application, and Communication of Population Viability Analyses
Authors: PE'ER GUY , MATSINOS YIANNIS G. , JOHST KARIN , FRANZ KAMILA W. , TURLURE CAMILLE , RADCHUK VIKTORIIA , MALINOWSKA AGNIESZKA H. , CURTIS JANELLE M.R. , NAUJOKAITIS‐LEWIS ILONA , WINTLE BRENDAN A. , HENLE KLAUS 
Published: May 2013

AbstractPopulation viability analyses (PVAs) contribute to conservation theory, policy, and management. Most PVAs focus on single species within a given landscape and address a specific problem. This specificity often is reflected in the organization of published PVA descriptions. Many lack structure, making them difficult to understand, assess, repeat, or use for drawing generalizations across PVA studies. In an assessment comparing published PVAs and existing guidelines, we found that model selection was rarely justified; important parameters remained neglected or their implementation was described vaguely; limited details were given on parameter ranges, sensitivity analysis, and scenarios; and results were often reported too inconsistently to enable repeatability and comparability. Although many guidelines exist on how to design and implement reliable PVAs and standards exist for documenting and communicating ecological models in general, there is a lack of organized guidelines for designing, applying, and communicating PVAs that account for their diversity of structures and contents. To fill this gap, we integrated published guidelines and recommendations for PVA design and application, protocols for documenting ecological models in general and individual‐based models in particular, and our collective experience in developing, applying, and reviewing PVAs. We devised a comprehensive protocol for the design, application, and communication of PVAs (DAC‐PVA), which has 3 primary elements. The first defines what a useful PVA is; the second element provides a workflow for the design and application of a useful PVA and highlights important aspects that need to be considered during these processes; and the third element focuses on communication of PVAs to ensure clarity, comprehensiveness, repeatability, and comparability. Thereby, DAC‐PVA should strengthen the credibility and relevance of PVAs for policy and management, and improve the capacity to generalize PVA findings across studies.
A novel biomarker‐based analysis reliably predicts nodal metastases in anal carcinoma: preliminary evidence of therapeutic impact
Authors: Mistrangelo M. , Senetta R. , Racca P. , Castellano I. , Chiusa L. , Bellò M. , Ricardi U. , Morino M. , Cassoni P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimRoutine prophylactic inguinal irradiation in anal cancer may cause significant toxicity associated with overtreatment bias. The aim of this study was to determine the risk of regional node metastases in anal carcinoma by identifying predictive molecular biomarkers.MethodClinicohistopathological data from 50 pretreatment anal carcinoma biopsies were collected. Immunohistochemical analyses with antibodies against Ki67, p53, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) andYKL‐40 were performed. Statistical correlations between biomarkers and clinicopathological features and outcomes were studied. Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed in a subset of 36 patients.ResultsAll patients had undergone synchronous radiochemotherapy; tumour recurrence had developed in 26%, and 16% had died.YKL‐40 tumour expression correlated with lymph node metastasis, whereas no inguinal node metastases were found in any of the (14%) patients presenting with aYKL‐40/EGFR‐negative tumour.YKL‐40 expression and node metastasis were both significantly associated with shorter overall and disease‐free survival. Tumour grade significantly correlated with disease‐free survival only.HIV, tumour histological type, Ki67, p53 andEGFRwere not associated with outcome.ConclusionYKL‐40 expression in anal carcinoma is correlated with a poor outcome and can predict lymph node metastases. The combined absence ofYKL‐40 andEGFRexpression in a first biopsy of anal carcinoma reliably selects a subset of patients without inguinal metastases. Such patients could be spared sentinel lymph node biopsy and/or inguinal radiotherapy.
Helicobacter pylori infection and normal colorectal mucosa–adenomatous polyp–adenocarcinoma sequence: a meta‐analysis of 27 case–control studies
Authors: Wang F. , Sun M. Y. , Shi S. L. , Lv Z. S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimThe study aimed to determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with colorectal adenocarcinoma and to quantify the extent of the risk.MethodA literature search was performed to identify studies published between 1995 and 2012 for relevant risk estimates. Fixed and random effect meta‐analytical techniques were conducted for colorectal adenocarcinoma and adenomatous polyp.ResultsTwenty‐seven case‐controlled studies involving 3450 adenocarcinoma patients, 1304 adenomatous polyp patients and more than 4000 controls were included. Helicobacter pylori was associated with an increased risk of colorectal adenocarcinoma and adenomatous polyp [odds ratio (OR) 1.24, 95% CI 1.12–1.37, P = 0.66; OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.53–2.28, P = 0.81]. There was a significant association between the CagA‐positive strain and adenocarcinoma risk (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.08–1.37, P = 0.05). In addition, there was an increased risk of tubular adenoma and villous adenoma formation (OR 3.06, 95% CI 1.98–4.73, P = 0.14; OR 2.05, 95% CI 0.84–4.97, P = 0.86).ConclusionThe meta‐analysis suggests a promoting effect of Helicobacter pylori on the risk of adenocarcinoma. It also suggests that Helicobacter infection might have its influence at the start of the adenomatous polyp disease sequence.
Active Management of Protected Areas Enhances Metapopulation Expansion Under Climate Change
Authors: Lawson Callum R. , Bennie Jonathan J. , Thomas Chris D. , Hodgson Jenny A. , Wilson Robert J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThere is a need to adapt biodiversity conservation to climate change, but few empirical studies are available to guide decision‐making. Existing networks of protected areas (PAs) have been preferentially colonized during species’ range expansions, but this could be due to their original habitat quality and/or to ongoing management activity. Here, we examine how PA status and active conservation management have influenced the range expansion of a butterfly Hesperia comma through fragmented landscapes. PAs under active conservation management were over three times more likely to be colonized than unprotected, unmanaged sites of the same basic vegetation type. Conservation action also increased the survival rate of existing populations inside and outside of PAs. We conclude that PAs facilitate range expansions by preventing habitat degradation and encouraging active conservation that improves habitat quality, and that conservation interventions on nondesignated sites also have a role to play in adapting conservation to climate change.
Does Aconitum septentrionale chemically protect floral rewards to the advantage of specialist bumblebees?
Authors: GOSSELIN MATTHIAS , MICHEZ DENIS , VANDERPLANCK MARYSE , ROELANTS DOROTHÉE , GLAUSER GAETAN , RASMONT PIERRE 
Published: May 2013

Chemical protection of plants against herbivory is a well‐studied phenomenon. However, chemical protection of floral rewards remains relatively unexplored. As with herbivore–plant interactions, toxic rewards may impact generalist and specialist foragers in different ways.
This study focuses on the toxic plant Aconitum septentrionale (Ranunculaceae). This plant is visited by specialist and generalist bumblebees. Alkaloid concentrations and profiles for the different parts of A. septentrionale were analysed to detect a potential chemical toxicity of floral rewards. In the same way, sequestration of alkaloids was tested on a pollen specialist species Bombus consobrinus and a generalist species Bombus wurflenii.
A liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was developed to discriminate 16 major compounds in the plant. These alkaloids were present in all parts of the plant, but in different ratios. The concentration was high in the roots but also in pollen, providing evidence of chemical protection of this reward. By contrast, nectar had the lowest concentration of alkaloids. Only six alkaloids were detected in B. consobrinus tissues, at trace levels. For the generalist bumblebee B. wurflenii, no traces of alkaloids were detected.
Lappaconitine was the major alkaloid compound in pollen, nectar and B. consobrinus tissues. Low accumulation of alkaloids in B. consobrinus tissues could be an ecological advantage for this specialist species in terms of pathogen and predatory avoidance.
Both female castes contribute to colony emigration in the polygynous ant Mystrium oberthueri
Authors: BOUCHET DIANE C. , PEETERS CHRISTIAN , FISHER BRIAN L. , MOLET MATHIEU 
Published: May 2013

Nest emigrations are perilous for social insect colonies. Outside their nests, adults and brood are exposed to dangers. The behavioural mechanisms of emigration are thus likely to be under strong selective pressures.
Most studies on emigration have focused on monogynous species where survival of the queen is paramount, but emigration processes are largely unknown for species having several queens per colony.
In colonies of Mystrium oberthueri Forel, members of the morphological queen caste are as numerous as workers, although only a few of them mate and reproduce (polygyny). All queens perform intranidal tasks, such as brood care. Accordingly, we expected them to participate actively in emigration and to be less well protected.
Using four colonies, we studied the dynamics of 16 emigrations with a special focus on individual behavioural profile.
Workers were more involved than non‐reproductive queens in recruitment and brood transport. Reproductive queens and young ants preferentially walked directly to the new nest without carrying brood. A chemical trail was probably used. The physiological status of individuals had more impact on their behavioural profile than their morphological caste.
This highly organized emigration process may underpin dependent colony foundation, as both involve the coordinated movement of nestmates.