bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stability of caregiver‐reported manual ability and gross motor function classifications of cerebral palsy
Authors: IMMS CHRISTINE , CARLIN JOHN , ELIASSON ANN‐CHRISTIN 
Published: May 2009

Aim To examine the stability of caregiver‐reported classifications of function of children with cerebral palsy (CP) measured 12 months apart.Method Participants were 86 children (50 males, 36 females) with CP of all motor types and severities who were recruited into a population‐based longitudinal study. Children were aged 11 years 8 months (SD 6mo) on the first assessment and 12 years 8 months (SD 6mo) on the second assessment. Data were gathered through a postal survey. Caregivers reported on the Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), and other demographic characteristics. The percentage absolute agreement and the intraclass coefficient correlation (ICC) equivalent of the weighted kappa were calculated to assess consistency between assessments for the MACS and GMFCS. We also examined associations between changes in classification and background variables.Results Fifty‐eight caregivers (67%) classified their child at the same MACS level on both assessments (ICC 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.95), whereas 79% did so with the GMFCS (ICC 0.95; 95% CI 0.92–0.96). The evidence suggests that caregivers who were not born in Australia or who spoke a language other than English in the home were more likely to classify their child differently on the MACS at the second assessment, although this was not evident for the GMFCS.Interpretation Caregiver‐reported MACS and GMFCS levels were generally stable over 12 months.
Psychopathic traits moderate the interaction between cognitive and affective processing
Authors: Dvorak‐Bertsch Jeremy D. , Curtin John J. , Rubinstein Tal J. , Newman Joseph P. 
Published: May 2009

AbstractCognitive‐attentional factors may moderate emotion deficits associated with psychopathy (Newman & Lorenz, 2003). This study examined the role of these factors in moderating fear‐potentiated startle (FPS) as a function of Fearless Dominance and Impulsive Antisociality—personality dimensions with links to psychopathy. University students performed a task that required them to focus on a (a) threat dimension under low working memory load, (b) threat‐irrelevant dimension under low load, or (c) threat‐irrelevant dimension under high load. Attentional focus, but not working memory load, moderated the relationship between Fearless Dominance and FPS. Fearless Dominance was negatively correlated with FPS only when attention was directed away from the threat. There were no significant findings for Impulsive Antisociality. Results provide evidence that reduced fear response associated with psychopathy may result from an attentional mechanism.
Why do you sigh? Sigh rate during induced stress and relief
Authors: Vlemincx Elke , Van Diest Ilse , De Peuter Steven , Bresseleers Johan , Bogaerts Katleen , Fannes Stien , Li Wan , Van Den Bergh Omer 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWhereas sighing appears to function as a physiological resetter, the psychological function of sighing is largely unknown. Sighing has been suggested to occur both during stress and negative emotions, such as panic and pain, and during positive emotions, such as relaxation and relief. In three experiments, sigh rate was investigated during short imposed states of stress and relief. Stress was induced by exposure to a loud noise stressor or by anticipation of it. Relief was induced by the end of the stressor or the anticipation that no stressor would follow. Breathing parameters were recorded continuously by means of the LifeShirt System. Results consistently showed that more sighing occurred during conditions of relief compared to conditions of stress.
The art therapy large group as a teaching method for the institutional and political aspects of professional training
Authors: Skaife Sally E. , Jones Kevin 
Published: May 2009

AbstractThis paper discusses a unique experiential teaching method in the context of training for art psychotherapists and raises issues relevant to teaching for all workers in health and social care. The art therapy large experiential group of all the students and all the staff (80+), which is held six times a year on the 2‐year full‐time/3‐year part‐time programme, is identified with three educational components: learning about art therapy processes, learning about the educational process of becoming a professional, and learning about institutional and political issues relevant for the work‐place. This educational method engages the unconscious dynamics of both students and staff and brings this together, through creative activity, with a critical engagement in social and political issues. The group has implications for all health workers in its attention to non‐verbal communication, activity as a means to learning and agency in institutional issues in the work‐place. The paper brings together a case example in which students were able to process the impact of a nationwide, union strike in the university, with relevant literature from large group theory, small art therapy group theory and performance art. Discussion is given to the process by which the art therapy large group meets its learning objectives.
How Much Choice Is Too Much? The Case of the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
Authors: Hanoch Yaniv , Rice Thomas , Cummings Janet , Wood Stacey 
Published: May 2009

Objective. To study the impact of the number of choices and age on measures of performance in choosing a Medicare prescription drug plan.Data Source/Study Setting. One hundred ninty‐two healthy individuals age 18 and older, half age 65 or older, in Claremont, California.Study Design. Participants were randomly assigned to 3, 10, or 20 hypothetical drug plans and asked four factual questions. Statistical models controlled for experimental group, age, gender, race, education, income, marital status, and health status.Primary Findings. Older age and greater number of plans were significantly associated with fewer correct answers. Although older adults were less likely to identify the plan that minimized total annual cost, they were more likely to state that they were “very confident” they chose the correct plan.Conclusions. The results raise concerns about the difficulties that older adults may have in navigating the wide range of drug plan choices available.
A critical cysteine residue in monoacylglycerol lipase is targeted by a new class of isothiazolinone‐based enzyme inhibitors
Authors: King AR , Lodola A , Carmi C , Fu J , Mor M , Piomelli D 
Published: May 2009

Background and purpose:  Monoacylglycerol lipase (MGL) is a presynaptic serine hydrolase that inactivates the endocannabinoid neurotransmitter, 2‐arachidonoyl‐sn‐glycerol. Recent studies suggest that cysteine residues proximal to the enzyme active site are important for MGL function. In the present study, we characterize the role of cysteines in MGL function and identify a series of cysteine‐reactive agents that inhibit MGL activity with nanomolar potencies by interacting with cysteine residue 208.Experimental approach:  A series of cysteine traps were screened for the ability to inhibit MGL in vitro. Rapid dilution assays were performed to determine reversibility of inhibition. Molecular modelling and site‐directed mutagenesis were utilized to identify cysteine residues targeted by the inhibitors.Key results:  The screening revealed that 2‐octyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (octhilinone) inhibited purified rat recombinant MGL (IC50= 88 ± 12 nM) through a partially reversible mechanism. Initial structure–activity relationship studies showed that substitution of the n‐octyl group of octhilinone with a more lipophilic oleoyl group increased inhibitor potency (IC50= 43 ± 8 nM), while substitution with a methyl group produced the opposite effect (IC50= 239 ± 68 nM). The inhibitory potency of octhilinone was selectively decreased by mutating cysteine 208 in MGL to glycine (IC50; wild‐type, 151 ± 17 nM; C208G, 722 ± 74 nM), but not by mutation of other cysteine residues (C32, C55, C201, C208 and C242).Conclusions and implications:  The results indicated that cysteine 208 plays an important role in MGL function and identified a novel class of isothiazolinone‐based MGL inhibitors with nanomolar potency in vitro.
Alcohol Exposure Impairs Myeloid Dendritic Cell Function in Rhesus Macaques
Authors: Siggins Robert W. , Bagby Gregory J. , Molina Patricia , Dufour Jason , Nelson Steve , Zhang Ping 
Published: May 2009

Background:  Alcohol intoxication suppresses both the innate and adaptive immunities. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the major cell type bridging the innate and acquired immune responses. At the present time, the effects of alcohol on DC development in hematopoietic tissues and the functional activities of DCs are incompletely elucidated. This study investigated the impact of chronic alcohol exposure on the alteration of hematopoietic precursor cell and DC populations in the bone marrow and peripheral blood of rhesus macaques.Methods:  Rhesus macaques were administered alcohol or isocaloric sucrose daily for a period of 3 months through surgically implanted gastric catheters. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and bone marrow cells (BMCs) were isolated for flow cytometric analysis after 3 months. Monocytes were cultured with human IL‐4 (10 ng/ml) and GM‐CSF (50 ng/ml) in the absence and presence of alcohol (50 mM). On day 6 of the culture, a cocktail of stimulants including IL‐1β (18 ng), IL‐6 (1800 U), TNF‐α (18 ng), and PGE2 (1.8 μg) were added to the designated wells for transformation of immature dendritic cells (iDCs) to mature myeloid DCs. The cells were analyzed on day 8 by flow cytometry for expression of DC costimulatory molecule expression.Results:  EtOH‐treated animals had significantly lower numbers of myeloid DCs (lineage‐HLA‐DR+CD11c+CD123−) in both the PBMCs and BMCs compared to controls (5,654 ± 1,273/106 vs. 2,353 ± 660/106 PBMCs and 503 ± 34 vs. 195 ± 44/106 BMCs). Under culture conditions, the number of lineage‐HLA‐DR+CD83+ cells was low in control wells (0.38 ± 0.08%). Alcohol inhibited the increase in the number of lineage‐HLA‐DR+CD83+ cells in iDC wells (2.30 ± 0.79% vs. 5.73 ± 1.40%). Alcohol also inhibited the increase in the number of lineage‐HLA‐DR+CD83+ cells in mature DC wells (1.23 ± 0.15% vs. 4.13 ± 0.62%).Conclusions:  Chronic EtOH decreases the bone marrow and circulating pools of myeloid DCs. Additionally, EtOH suppresses costimulatory molecule CD83 expression during DC transformation, which may attenuate the ability of DCs to initiate T‐cell expansion.
Beer But Not Wine, Hard Liquors, or Pure Ethanol Stimulates Amylase Secretion of Rat Pancreatic Acinar Cells In Vitro
Authors: Gerloff Andreas , Singer Manfred V. , Feick Peter 
Published: May 2009

Background:  In contrast to pure ethanol, the effect of alcoholic beverages on the exocrine pancreas is greatly unknown. Besides ethanol, alcoholic beverages contain numerous nonalcoholic constituents which might have pathophysiological effects on the pancreas. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether some commonly used alcoholic beverages and pure ethanol influence the main function of rat pancreatic acinar cells, i.e., enzyme output in vitro.Methods:  Rat pancreatic AR4‐2J cells were differentiated by dexamethasone treatment for 72 hours and freshly isolated pancreatic acini were prepared from Sprague–Dawley rats using collagenase digestion. After incubation of cells in the absence or presence of 1 to 10% (v/v) beer (containing 4.7% v/v ethanol), 10% (v/v) wine (containing 10.5 to 12.5% v/v ethanol), 10% (v/v) hard liquor (such as whisky, rum, and gin), or of the corresponding ethanol concentrations (4.03 to 80.6 mM) for 60 minutes, protein secretion was measured using amylase activity assay.Results:  Incubation of AR4‐2J cells with beer caused a dose‐dependent stimulation of basal amylase secretion that was significant at doses of beer above 0.5% (v/v). Stimulation with 10% (v/v) beer induced 92.7 ± 25.2% of maximal amylase release in response to the most effective cholecystokinin (CCK) concentration (100 nM). In contrast, ethanol (up to 80.6 mM) did neither stimulate nor inhibit basal amylase release. Lactate dehydrogenase measurement after treatment of AR4‐2J cells with beer for 24 hours indicated that the increase of amylase release was not due to cell membrane damage. Wine and hard liquor had no effect on basal amylase secretion neither diluted to the ethanol concentration of beer nor undiluted. In freshly isolated rat pancreatic acinar cells beer dose‐dependently stimulated amylase secretion in a similar manner as in AR4‐2J cells.Conclusions:  Our data demonstrate that beer dose‐dependently increases amylase output. Since neither ethanol nor the other alcoholic beverages tested caused stimulation of amylase release, our findings indicate that nonalcoholic constituents specific for beer are responsible for this increase. These as yet unknown compounds have to be identified and considered in further studies of ethanol‐induced pathological and functional changes of the pancreas.
The Relationships of the Level of Response to Alcohol and Additional Characteristics to Alcohol Use Disorders Across Adulthood: A Discrete‐Time Survival Analysis
Authors: Trim Ryan S. , Schuckit Marc A. , Smith Tom L. 
Published: May 2009

Background:  A low level of response (LR) to alcohol has been shown to relate to a higher risk for alcohol use disorders (AUDs). However, no previous research has examined the association between LR and the development of AUDs in the context of additional robust risk factors for AUDs. This study evaluated whether LR and other related characteristics predicted the occurrence of AUDs across adulthood using discrete‐time survival analysis (DTSA).Methods:  A total of 297 probands from the San Diego Prospective Study reported on the LR to alcohol, a family history (FH) of AUDs, the typical drinking quantity, the age of drinking onset, the body mass index and the age at the baseline (T1) assessment. Alcohol use disorders (AUDs) were evaluated at the 10‐year (T10), T15, T20, and T25 follow‐ups.Results:  A low LR to alcohol predicted AUD occurrence over the course of adulthood even after controlling for the effects of other robust risk factors. Interaction effects revealed that the impact of FH on AUDs was only observed for subjects with high T1 drinking levels, and probands with high T1 drinking were at high risk for AUDs regardless of their age of onset.Conclusions:  The findings illustrate that LR is a unique risk factor for AUDs across adulthood, and not simply a reflection of a broader range of risk factors. The continued investigation of how LR is related to AUD onset later in life will help inform treatment providers about this high‐risk population, and future longitudinal evaluations will utilize DTSA to assess rates of AUD remission as well as the onset of drinking outcomes in adolescent samples.
Allergic contact dermatitis from fragrance components in specific topical pharmaceutical products in Belgium
Authors: Nardelli Andrea , D’Hooghe Ellen , Drieghe Jacques , Dooms Marc , Goossens An 
Published: May 2009

Objectives:  To determine which topical pharmaceutical products marketed in Belgium contain fragrances and to examine the nature of the fragrance allergens in specific pharmaceutical products having caused iatrogenic contact dermatitis.Methods:  All topical pharmaceutical products marketed in Belgium, that is 3820 products, were examined as to their fragrance content as labelled. Data of 18 960 patients investigated for contact allergy between 1978 and 2008 were retrieved from our database, including information on the nature of the topical pharmaceutical products used, the results of patch tests, and the sensitization sources.Results:  Three hundred and seventy (10%) of 3280 of the topical pharmaceutical products were found to contain a total of 66 fragrance substances. Among 3378 patients suffering from iatrogenic allergic contact dermatitis, 127 were found to react to 48 specific products, for which 38 different fragrance substances gave relevant positive reactions. Women were more affected than men, and legs, hands, and face were the most commonly affected body sites.Conclusions:  Fragrances, the presence of which is in most cases unnecessary, do contribute to iatrogenic allergic contact dermatitis. Moreover, sensitized patients have difficulties in avoiding their specific allergens because standardized labelling of the ingredients in pharmaceutical products is lacking.
Photopatch testing with an extended series of photoallergens: a 5‐year study
Authors: Cardoso JoséCarlos , Canelas Maria Miguel , Gonçalo Margarida , Figueiredo Américo 
Published: May 2009

Objective:  We conducted a retrospective study (2003–07) evaluating the results of photopatch tests (PPTs) performed with an extended series with the objective of determining the main photoallergens in our region and whether they would be detected by a recently recommended baseline PPT series.Materials and methods:  83 patients (58 females/25 males, mean age 54.8 years) were tested with a photoallergen series, and among these, 30 were also tested with a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) series, irradiated at D2 with 5 J/cm2 ultraviolet A (UVA).Results:  Thirty‐six of 83 patients (43.3%) had at least one positive reaction, with 21 (25.3%) reacting in the photoallergen series. The main relevant reactions were as follows: 10 to ultraviolet filters (benzophenone‐3 and benzophenone‐4, 3 patients each), 7 to promethazine, and 2 to chlorpromazine. Twenty of 30 patients tested (70%) had a relevant positive PPT to an NSAID, 9 to piroxicam because of systemic photosensitivity, 8 to benzydamine from a topical gel or oral solution, and 2 to ketoprofen.Conclusions:  Our results are discordant with most recently published studies because of the particularities of the population studied and to regional prescribing habits. Therefore, apart from the recommended baseline series of photoallergens, other substances must be tested according to regional peculiarities.
The Effect of Metformin in Overweight Patients with Type 1 Diabetes and Poor Metabolic Control
Authors: Jacobsen Iben Brock , Henriksen Jan Erik , Beck‐Nielsen Henning 
Published: May 2009

Abstract:  Metformin as adjunct to intensive insulin therapy may improve glucose metabolism and thereby prevent the development of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 1 diabetes. Double‐blinded intervention with 2000 mg metformin or placebo daily in 24 type 1 diabetic patients as adjunct to intensive insulin therapy. Primary endpoint was HbA1c, while secondary endpoints were body weight, frequency of hypoglycaemia, blood pressure, lipids, insulin dosage and self‐monitored blood glucose profiles were measured. After 24 weeks, no difference in HbA1c was seen between the metformin and placebo groups (−0.5 ± 0.3 vs. −0.2 ± 0.2%, P = 0.26. Δ mean ± S.E.M). Mean diurnal blood glucose profiles showed no statistical significant difference between the groups. The total daily insulin dose (IU) was significantly reduced in the metformin group compared to placebo after 24 weeks (−5.9 ± 2.2 vs. 2.9 ± 1.7, P = 0.004. Δ mean ± S.E.M). An increase in the frequency of hypoglycaemia was seen in the metformin group (0.7 ± 0.9 vs. 0.3 ± 0.5 events patient−1 week−1, P = 0.005), and a reduction in body weight was found using metformin compared to placebo (−3.0 ± 1.0 vs. 0.8 ± 1.1, P = 0.02. Δ mean ± S.E.M). Lipids and blood pressure did not differ significantly after intervention. Metformin, as adjunct to intensive insulin therapy, was associated with a reduction in the total daily insulin dose and a significant weight loss in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
Planning a Social Activity to Improve Psychological Well‐being and Quality of Life of Hemodialysis Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sertoz Ozen Onen , Ascı Gulay , Toz Fatma , Duman Soner , Elbi Hayriye , Ok Ercan 
Published: May 2009

AbstractWe aimed to investigate the impact of social activity on anxiety‐depression, self‐esteem and quality of life in hemodialysis patients. Ninety‐one patients were recruited to the current study. Of these, 31 patients wanted to take part in a theater play, while 60 patients (group C) did not. Thirty‐one patients were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (N = 15) started activities immediately and group B (N = 16) was assigned to a waiting list to be included in the activity of theater acting four months later. Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Rosenberg Self‐esteem Scale and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale short form (WHOQOL‐BREF) were used to compare psychological parameters and quality of life of the groups before and after the social activity. The patients who were younger, more literate, and wealthier, had longer disease duration, and who were feeling physically and psychologically well, were willing to participate in social activity. The impact of social activity was evaluated between group A and C. After the social activity, there were significant differences in terms of depression (P = 0.008), self‐esteem (P = 0.003), and physical (P = 0.04) and psychological (P = 0.05) sub‐dimensions of quality of life between the groups. The depression score of the patients in group A decreased while their self‐esteem increased, but the increase in the physical and psychological sub‐dimension scores of quality of life scale did not reach statistical significance. This pilot study showed that social activity primarily improved depression and self‐esteem in hemodialysis patients.
Enhancing the dietary management of general practice patients through collaborative care: perspectives of general practitioners and dietitians
Authors: POMEROY Sylvia E.M. , WORSLEY Anthony 
Published: May 2009

AbstractAim:  To describe how general practitioners and dietitians view their role in the dietary management of cardiac patients and to provide insights on how to facilitate collaborative care.Methods:  Two studies were conducted in Victoria (Australia) 2005–2006. Study One: semi‐structured interviews with general practitioners. Study Two: cross‐sectional quantitative surveys of general practitioners and dietitians. Study One: texts were analysed using the grounded theory approach. Study Two: frequency analysis was conducted and chi‐squared test for independence was used to explore the impact of age, sex and consultation time on the role and reporting scales.Results:  Study One: Themes arising from the interviews with 30 general practitioners showed their involvement in dietary management fell into three broad roles: ‘Influencing’, ‘Coordinator’ of referrals and dietary ‘Educator’. They described dietetic education as a process that included dietary assessment, education, application of behavioural change techniques and reporting back to general practitioners. Study Two: Respondents were 248 general practitioners (30% response) and 180 dietitians (60% response). General practitioners' counselling consisted mostly of advocating for dietary change, coordinating dietetic referrals and reinforcing dietitians' recommendations. General practitioners considered dietary education as the role of dietitians. Dietitians reported a much broader role in the management of patients with some overlap with general practitioners' roles.Conclusions:  The findings indicate the need: (i) for more structured reporting to ensure general practitioners receive appropriate information to enable them to reinforce dietetic counselling and recommendations; and (ii) to streamline the communication process in order to expedite dietitians' reports to general practitioners.