bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perioperative Outcome and Long‐Term Mortality for Heart Failure Patients Undergoing Intermediate‐ and High‐Risk Noncardiac Surgery: Impact of Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Healy Kirsten O. , Waksmonski Carol A. , Altman Robert K. , Stetson Peter D. , Reyentovich Alex , Maurer Mathew S. 
Published: November 2009

The impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on outcome in patients with heart failure (HF) undergoing noncardiac surgery has not been extensively evaluated. In this study, 174 patients (mean age, 75±12 years, 47% male, mean LVEF (47%±18%) underwent intermediate‐ or high‐risk noncardiac surgery. Patients were stratified by LVEF, and adverse perioperative complications were identified and compared. Adverse perioperative events occurred in 53 patients (30.5%), including 14 (8.1%) deaths within 30 days, 26 (14.9%) myocardial infarctions, and 44 (25.3%) HF exacerbations. Among the factors associated with adverse perioperative outcomes in the first 30 days were advanced age (>80 years), diabetes, and a severely decreased LVEF (<30%). Long‐term mortality was high, and Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that LVEF was an independent risk factor for long‐term mortality.Congest Heart Fail. 2010;16:45–49. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Who should swing the stethoscope? An audit of baseline physical examination and blood monitoring on new patients accepted by an early intervention in psychosis team
Authors: Crabb Jim , McAllister Mark , Blair Alison 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim: It has been established that patients with severe mental illness are at increased risk of physical illness and that physical health screening should be performed when an individual experiences a first episode of psychosis. The aim of the audit was to examine how physical health screening was achieved in the real world of an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) service in Scotland. Of particular interest was considering if primary or secondary care were more effective in providing specific physical health assessment for those presenting to the service.Methods: A case note audit was performed.Results: The audit shows that physical examination and blood tests were being completed in the majority of service users under the care of the Esteem service. However, an unacceptably high number were not undergoing sufficient initial screening for metabolic syndrome or having baseline monitoring prior to commencing antipsychotic medication.Conclusions: Our results suggest that relying on primary care to provide physical health screening was not an effective approach in a population experiencing first‐episode psychosis. Having a psychiatrist motivated to perform physical health screening within the EIP team may help to improve the uptake of physical health screening. Strategies to improve physical health screening in EIP services are discussed.
From bench to bedside: translating new research from genetics and neuroimaging into treatment development for early‐onset schizophrenia
Authors: Kumra Sanjiv , Asarnow Robert , Grace Anthony , Keshavan Matcheri , McClellan Jon , Sikich Linmarie , Wagner Ann 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective: Children and adolescents with schizophrenia share a similar pattern of phenomenological, genetic and cognitive abnormalities to adults with schizophrenia. However, an early‐onset of schizophrenia (EOS) (prior to 18 years of age) is associated with a higher frequency of risk indicators associated with schizophrenia (e.g. developmental delays and familial spectrum disorders) and a worse long‐term outcome. This overview examines recent research on the neurobiological alterations, possible causes, developmental trajectory and treatment of EOS and attempts to identify gaps in the field.Method: The authors provide a selective review of major findings from genetics, neuroimaging and treatment studies of pediatric schizophrenia that were presented at a workshop sponsored by the National Institute of Mental Health. These data are synthesized in conjunction with preclinical studies into a model of the pathophysiology of EOS.Results: EOS is associated with a high frequency of cytogenetic abnormalities (e.g. velocardiofacial syndrome, sex chromosome anomalies) and other rare denovo chromosomal aberrations. Brain imaging research in adolescents with EOS has revealed a progressive loss of cortical grey matter post‐onset of psychosis and subtle abnormalities in white matter microstructure. Although EOS patients are more likely to be treatment‐refractory than their adult counterparts, there are substantial data that this subgroup is particularly responsive to clozapine.Conclusions: Genetic or environmental factors operating during adolescence that reduce frontal capacity might contribute to an EOS in susceptible individuals. Additional longitudinal studies of adolescents with schizophrenia are needed to better understand the relationship between structural changes in fronto‐limbic regions, stress responsivity, and cognitive and neurochemical development.
A comparison of early psychosis treatment services using consensus and evidence‐based performance measures: moving towards setting standards
Authors: Addington Donald , Norman Ross , Adair Carol E. , Manchanda Rahul , McKenzie Emily , Mitchell Beth , Pryce Cathy 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjective: This study used data from two Canadian early psychosis programs to assess the feasibility of using common performance measures and to assess the extent to which each program meets suggested standards for early intervention.Methods: Data were extracted from administrative databases and supplemented by health records for 332 individuals admitted to two services in order to calculate values for 19 performance indicators for January 2000 to January 2004. Inter‐rater reliability was established for data abstraction.Results: The two samples had similar demographic and clinical profiles. There were no statistically significant differences in 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year admission rates (year 1: 27% vs. 30%, P = 0.625; year 2: 31% vs. 38%, P = 0.248; year 3: 35% vs. 42%, P = 0.260), duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) (24 vs. 28 weeks; P = 0.844) and positive symptom remission at 1 year (72% vs. 78%; P = 0.285). There were statistically significant differences between the two services in mean wait time (18 vs. 13 days; P = 0.045), proportion of patients on second‐generation anti‐psychotics at 1 year (75% vs. 89%; P = 0.002), and proportion of patients adherent to antipsychotic medication for a minimum of 12 months (76% vs. 83%; P = 0.007).Conclusion: The data provides useful information on the feasibility of implementing key performance measures across early psychosis programs to assess the extent to which they are meeting standards for such services.
Predictors of therapeutic alliance in early psychosis
Authors: Bourdeau Geneviève , Théroux Laurence , Lecomte Tania 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAim: To increase our understanding of the therapeutic alliance formation in clients with early psychosis by examining the predictive value of three major factors: symptoms; insight; and global functioning.Methods: One hundred fifty individuals with early psychosis were recruited from various clinical settings. The measures used were the Working Alliance Inventory, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, the Insight Scale and the Client Assessment of Strengths Interests and Goals.Results: Multiple linear regressions were performed and revealed a model including insight, friends, leisure, medication side effects and quality of life explaining 22% of the variance.Conclusion: The variables included in the model are coherent with the literature on alliance. However, other variables contributing to the establishment of the therapeutic alliance remain to be identified in future research on treatment of early psychosis.
Can targeted early intervention improve functional recovery in psychosis? A historical control evaluation of the effectiveness of different models of early intervention service provision in Norfolk 1998–2007
Authors: Fowler David , Hodgekins Jo , Howells Lawrence , Millward Melanie , Ivins Annabel , Taylor Gavin , Hackmann Corinna , Hill Katherine , Bishop Nick , Macmillan Iain 
Published: November 2009

AbstractAims: This paper assesses the impact of different models of early intervention (EI) service provision on functional recovery and inpatient hospital admission. The study compares the outcome of a comprehensive EI team with a partial model (community mental health team (CMHT) plus specialist support) and traditional care (generic CMHT) over a 10‐year period.Methods: The design is in comparison with historical control. The study compares the functional recovery outcomes of three cohorts from the same geographical area over the period 1998–2007. The primary outcomes were partial and full functional recovery defined with respect to readily identifiable UK benefit system thresholds and psychiatric inpatient admission days at 1 and 2 years post‐referral.Results: Only 15% of individuals made a full or partial functional recovery at 2 years under the care of a traditional generic CMHT in 1998. In 2007, 52% of the cases were making a full or partial functional recovery under the care of the comprehensive EI team. A large reduction in inpatient admissions was associated with the EI strategy.Conclusions: The implementation of comprehensive EI teams can have a major impact in improving functional recovery outcomes in psychosis and reducing inpatient admissions. Partial implementation using limited funding of specialist workers in collaboration with traditional care appeared to have a more limited effect on these recovery dimensions. The implementation of targeted EI in psychosis strategies can result in substantive functional benefits.
Nonstationary extreme value analysis of annual maximum water levels for designing coastal structures on the German North Sea coastline
Authors: Mudersbach C. , Jensen J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIn this paper, a nonstationary extreme value analysis approach is introduced in order to determine coastal design water levels for future time horizons. The nonstationary statistical approach is based on the generalized extreme value (GEV) distribution and an L‐moment parameter estimation. It is shown that to derive future design water levels, a parametric approach is required for the extrapolation of the time‐dependent parameters. The results are compared with common stationary methods. In addition, some definitions and methods for testing on stationarity or nonstationarity are discussed. All the methods introduced are applied to the annual maximum water levels from 1849 to 2007 at the German North Sea gauge at Cuxhaven. The nonstationary results for the year 2007 are in the range of NN+507 cm (NN: German reference datum), and for the time horizon, 2100 the results vary from NN+542 to NN+546 cm for the 100‐year event. The results show that the nonstationary GEV approach is suitable for determining coastal design water levels.
Opportunities for achieving biodiversity conservation through REDD
Authors: Harvey Celia A. , Dickson Barney , Kormos Cyril 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe United Nations climate negotiations on reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation (REDD) provide a rare opportunity for conservation of tropical forests and biodiversity. Here, we explore the implications of REDD design and implementation options on biodiversity conservation and ways to link REDD with biodiversity conservation. From both a mitigation and biodiversity perspective, the most important immediate steps are to ensure that REDD is included in the new global climate agreement and maximizes the area of tropical forest conserved. It may also be possible to include guidelines or incentives within a REDD framework or in national implementation to channel funding to areas of high biodiversity. However, if the immediate steps above are not taken first, REDD will reach neither its mitigation nor its biodiversity conservation potential.
Shelter from the storm? Use and misuse of coastal vegetation bioshields for managing natural disasters
Authors: Feagin Rusty A. , Mukherjee Nibedita , Shanker Kartik , Baird Andrew H. , Cinner Joshua , Kerr Alexander M. , Koedam Nico , Sridhar Aarthi , Arthur Rohan , Jayatissa L.P. , Lo Seen Danny , Menon Manju , Rodriguez Sudarshan , Shamsuddoha Md. , Dahdouh‐Guebas Farid 
Published: November 2009

AbstractVegetated coastal ecosystems provide goods and services to billions of people. In the aftermath of a series of recent natural disasters, including the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Hurricane Katrina and Cyclone Nargis, coastal vegetation has been widely promoted for the purpose of reducing the impact of large storm surges and tsunami. In this paper, we review the use of coastal vegetation as a “bioshield” against these extreme events. Our objective is to alter bioshield policy and reduce the long‐term negative consequences for biodiversity and human capital. We begin with an overview of the scientific literature, in particular focusing on studies published since the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 and discuss the science of wave attenuation by vegetation. We then explore case studies from the Indian subcontinent and evaluate the detrimental impacts bioshield plantations can have upon native ecosystems, drawing a distinction between coastal restoration and the introduction of exotic species in inappropriate locations. Finally, we place bioshield policies into a political context, and outline a new direction for coastal vegetation policy and research.
Block Copolymers Have Differing Adjuvant Effects on the Primary Immune Response Elicited by Genetic Immunization and on Further Induced Allergy
Authors: Adel-Patient Karine , Pothelune Laetitia , Ah-Leung Sandrine , Wal Jean-Michel , Créminon Christophe , Chatel Jean-Marc 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTBlock copolymers were recently used to promote gene delivery in various tissues. Using a plasmid encoding a food allergen, bovine β-lactoglobulin (BLG), we studied the effects of block copolymers on gene expression levels and primary immune response and on further induced allergy. Block copolymers (i.e., Tetronic 304, 908, and 1107) and various quantities of DNA were injected into the tibialis muscles of BALB/c mice. The BLG levels in injected muscle and the BLG-specific induced immune response were analyzed after injection. DNA-immunized mice were further experimentally sensitized with BLG, and the effects of block copolymer and DNA doses on allergic sensitization and elicitation were compared. Tetronic 304 induced a 12-fold increase in BLG production, while Tetronic 1107 increased the duration of BLG expression. Different Th1 primary specific immune responses were observed, either strong humoral and cellular (304), only cellular (1107), or weak cellular and humoral (908) responses. After BLG sensitization, increased BLG-specific IgG2a production was observed in all groups of mice independently of the presence and nature of the block copolymer. Increased BLG-specific IgG1 production was also detected after sensitization, except with Tetronic 1107. Compared with naked DNA, Tetronic 304 was the only block polymer that decreased BLG-specific IgE concentrations. However, after allergen challenge, Tetronic 1107 was the only block copolymer to reduce eosinophils and Th2 cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Tetronic 304 amplified local inflammation. Each block copolymer elicited a different immune response, although always Th1 specific, in BALB/c mice.
Removal of Species Constraints in Antibody Detection
Authors: Basile Alison Jane , Biggerstaff Brad J. , Kosoy Olga L. , Junna Shilpa R. , Panella Nicholas A. , Powers Ann M. , Stark Lillian M. , Nemeth Nicole M. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Serum antibodies from myriad species, particularly birds, can provide key information regarding the transmission and the expansion of the territory of emerging pathogens. Expedient antibody analysis is constrained by a lack of species-specific reagents, a deficiency potentially highlighted by the recent swine-origin influenza A virus (H1N1) outbreak. Available methodologies present difficulties that discourage thorough serologic monitoring of potential disease vectors or hosts. Rapid high-throughput procedures that combined serum amine labeling
via
biotinylation, contaminant removal, and microsphere-based immunoassays for antibodies to three arboviruses were developed. Agent-specific adaptations of this simple format should facilitate expanded surveillance and diagnostic capabilities regarding pathogens of human and veterinary importance.
Adjuvant Effects for Oral Immunization Provided by RecombinantLactobacillus caseiSecreting Biologically Active Murine Interleukin-1β
Authors: Kajikawa Akinobu , Masuda Kazuya , Katoh Mitsunori , Igimi Shizunobu 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACTVaccine delivery systems using lactic acid bacteria are under development, but their efficiency is insufficient. Autologous cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β), are potential adjuvants for mucosal vaccines and can be provided by recombinant lactic acid bacteria. The aim of this study was the construction and evaluation of recombinantLactobacillus caseiproducing IL-1β as an adjuvant delivery agent. The recombinant strain was constructed using an expression/secretion vector plasmid, including a mature IL-1β gene from mouse. The biological activity of the cytokine was confirmed by IL-8 production from Caco-2 cells. In response to the recombinantL. caseisecreting IL-1β, expression of IL-6 was detectedin vivousing a ligated-intestinal-loop assay. The release of IL-6 from Peyer's patch cells was also detectedin vitro. Intragastric immunization with heat-killedSalmonella entericaserovar Enteritidis (SE) in combination with IL-1β-secreting lactobacilli resulted in relatively high SE-specific antibody production. In this study, it was demonstrated that recombinantL. caseisecreting bioactive murine IL-1β provided adjuvant effects for intragastric immunization.
Evaluation of a Whole-Blood Cytokine Release Assay for Use in Measuring Endotoxin Activity of Group B
Neisseria meningitidis
Vaccines Made from Lipid A Acylation Mutants
Authors: Stoddard Mark B. , Pinto Valerian , Keiser Paul B. , Zollinger Wendell 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

Bacterial endotoxin interacts with the human immune system via complex immunological pathways. The evaluation of endotoxicity is important in the development of safe vaccines and immunomodulatory therapeutics. The
Limulus
amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay is generally accepted by the FDA for use for the quantification of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while the rabbit pyrogen test (RPT) is used to estimate pyrogenicity during early development and production. Other
in vitro
assays, such as cytokine release assays with human whole blood (WB) or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), have also been used and may better estimate the human immunological response to products containing novel LPS molecules. In this study, WB and PBMC interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) release assays were used to estimate the endotoxic activities of purified LPS and native outer membrane vesicle (NOMV) vaccines derived from wild-type (hexa-acylated lipid A) and genetically detoxified (penta- and tetra-acylated lipid A) group B
Neisseria meningitidis
. A method for quantification of the differences in endotoxicity observed in the WB and PBMC assays is elucidated. The LAL assay was shown to be relatively insensitive to lipid A variations, and the RPT was less sensitive than the cytokine release assay with WB. The IL-6 and TNF-α assays with WB but not the assays with PBMCs distinguished between vaccines containing LPS from penta- and tetra-acylated strains. The high degree of sensitivity of the WB system to LPS variations and the presumed relevance of the use of human tissues to predict toxicity in humans suggest that this assay may be particularly well suited for the safety evaluation of vaccines and therapeutics containing acylation variants of LPS.
Identification of Western Equine Encephalitis Virus Structural Proteins That Confer Protection after DNA Vaccination
Authors: Gauci Penelope J. , Wu Josh Q. H. , Rayner George A. , Barabé Nicole D. , Nagata Leslie P. , Proll David F. 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT
DNA vaccines encoding different portions of the structural proteins of western equine encephalitis virus were tested for the efficacy of their protection in a 100% lethal mouse model of the virus. The 6K-E1 structural protein encoded by the DNA vaccine conferred complete protection against challenge with the homologous strain and limited protection against challenge with a heterologous strain.
Asymptomatic
Leishmania infantum
Infection in an Area of Northwestern Italy (Piedmont Region) Where Such Infections Are Traditionally Nonendemic
Authors: Biglino Alberto , Bolla Cesare , Concialdi Erika , Trisciuoglio Anna , Romano Angelo , Ferroglio Ezio 
Published: November 2009

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of
Leishmania infantum
-specific antibodies and asymptomatic infection was assessed in a randomized sample of 526 healthy adults from a continental area of Northwestern Italy where
L. infantum
is not endemic and where autochthonous cases of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) were recently reported.
L. infantum
-specific antibodies were detected by Western blotting (WB) in 39 subjects (7.41%), while
L. infantum
kinetoplast DNA was amplified from buffy coat in 21 out of 39 WB-positive subjects, confirming asymptomatic infection in 53.8% of seropositives. Risk factors significantly associated with WB positivity were uninterrupted residence since childhood in a local rural environment (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7 to 7.3), daily contact with animals though not exclusively with dogs (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.3 to 10.7), older age (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 1.2 to 4.5), and agricultural/other outdoor activities (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 0.99 to 3.7.) Logistic regression analysis showed that uninterrupted residence in a local rural environment and an age of >65 years were the only independent predictors of seropositivity assessed by WB. Follow-up at 24 months did not show evidence of VL in either seropositive or PCR-positive subjects. The detection of a high seroprevalence rate, confirmed as asymptomatic infection by PCR in more than half of the cases, among healthy residents in a continental area of northwestern Italy makes local
L. infantum
transmission very likely. In a region where VL is considered nonendemic, these findings warrant further epidemiological investigations as well as interventions with respect to both the canine reservoir and vectors, given the possible risks for immunosuppressed patients.