bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A proteomic study of the effects of ramipril on post‐infarction left ventricular remodelling in the rabbit
Authors: Chen Ching‐Yi , Lee Bai‐Chin , Hsu Hsiu‐Ching , Lin Hung‐Ju , Chao Chia‐Lun , Lin Yen‐Hung , Ho Yi‐Lwun , Chen Ming‐Fong 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:In this study, we used a proteomic approach to investigate the potential proteins regulated by ramipril in post‐infarction left ventricular remodelling in the rabbit.Methods and results:Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in male New Zealand White rabbits (2.5–3 kg) by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. Two months later, the rabbits were either left untreated (MI group) or were treated daily for one month with 0.1 mg/kg wt of ramipril (ramipril group), then sacrificed. One month of ramipril treatment resulted in a significant improvement in the LV ejection fraction (LVEF) and a decrease in hydroxyproline content. The protein profiles of LV tissue showed that ramipril caused upregulation of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and heart‐type fatty acid binding‐protein (h‐FABP) and downregulation of HSP27 and cyclophilin A. Ramipril treatment caused an increase in catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and SOD activity in the LV tissue. Oxidized glutathione levels and the GSSG/GSH ratio in the heart tissue were lower in the ramipril group than in the MI group.Conclusions:Ramipril increased antioxidative protein expression and enzyme activity, which could partly explain the role of ramipril in attenuating LV remodelling. In addition, the present study identifies several potential protein targets which may help to explain the mechanism by which ramipril exerts its effect in post‐infarction LV remodelling in the rabbit.
A roadmap to disentangle the molecular etiology of schizophrenia
Authors: Falkai Peter , Mike Owen , Inez Myin-Germeys , Paul Harrison , Andras Bilkei-Gorzo , Sophia Frangou ,   MEOS Consortium
Published: June 2008

AbstractSchizophrenia is a severe mental disorder striking mainly young adults and leading to life-long disability in a substantial portion of the sufferers. On the other hand, substantial knowledge about its etiology and pathogenesis is still lacking. Therefore the European Science Foundation (ESF) sponsored a meeting of a panel of European experts on schizophrenia research to discuss the state of art and future perspectives of key topics in this area. The fields covered genetics, epidemiology, animal models, molecular neuropathology and imaging. This was a first step to establish a network of European groups dedicated to Schizophrenia research. The coming calls of the frame work program will be used to strengthen this network in order to achieve substantial progress in understanding and treating this devastating illness.
Impact of the WHO depression guideline on patient care by psychiatrists: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Linden Michel , Westram Anja , Schmidt Lutz G. , Haag Clemenz 
Published: June 2008

AbstractBackgroundScientific literature reviews aim to summarize the state of knowledge and published empirical evidence. In contrast, medical guidelines are intervention tools that aim to improve physician behaviour and patient outcome. They can have positive effects, but they can also have negative effects. Their effects must be tested by research.MethodsIn a randomized controlled trial, 103 psychiatrists in private practice were either provided with the WHO depression guideline only (information group), or provided with the WHO depression guideline and trained for one day in this guideline (intervention group), or left uninformed (control group). They then treated a total of 497 patients according to individual clinical considerations and the needs of the patients. Observation of routine treatment lasted 12 weeks. Physicians and patients documented the course of illness and treatment, including the patient–physician interaction.ResultsPsychiatrists in the intervention group saw more psychosocial stressors in their patients, prescribed higher dosages of medication, had fewer drop-outs, and rated treatment outcome as better. The ratings of patient–physician interactions indicated more strain in their relationships.ConclusionsThe results show both positive and negative effects of guideline exposure, but only in the training group and not in the information group. Guidelines should be empirically tested before being called “evidence based”. Every guideline should also explain how it can or must be implemented in order to become effective.
TAAR6variation effect on clinic presentation and outcome in a sample of schizophrenic in-patients: An open label study
Authors: Pae Chi-Un , Drago Antonio , Kim Jung-Jin , Patkar Ashwin A. , Jun Tae-Youn , Lee Chul , Mandelli Laura , De Ronchi Diana , Paik In-Ho , Serretti Alessandro 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe recently reported an association betweenTAAR6(trace amine associated receptor 6 gene) variations and schizophrenia (SZ). We now report an association of a set ofTAAR6variations and clinical presentation and outcome in a sample of 240 SZ Korean patients. Patients were selected by a Structured Clinical Interview, DSM-IV Axis I disorders – Clinical Version (SCID-CV). Other psychiatric or neurologic disorders, as well as medical diseases, were exclusion criteria. To assess symptom severity, patients were administered the CGI scale and the PANSS at baseline and at the moment of discharge, 1 month later on average.TAAR6variations rs6903874, rs7452939, rs8192625 and rs4305745 were investigated; rs6903874, rs7452939 and rs8192625 entered the statistical investigation after LD analysis. Rs8192625 G/G homozygosis was found to be significantly associated both with a worse clinical presentation at PANSS total and positive scores and with a shorter period of illness before hospitalization. No haplotype significant findings were found. The present study stands for a role of theTAAR6in the clinical presentation of SZ. Moreover, our results show that this genetic effect may be counteracted by a correct treatment. Haplotype analysis was not informative in our sample, probably also because of the incomplete SNPs' coverage of the gene we performed. Further studies in this direction are warranted.
Specificity of Arl2/Arl3 signaling is mediated by a ternary Arl3‐effector‐GAP complex
Authors: Veltel Stefan , Kravchenko Aleksandra , Ismail Shehab , Wittinghofer Alfred 
Published: June 2008

MINT‐6602303:

ARL2 (uniprotkb:P36404) binds (MI:0407) to HRG4 (uniprotkb:Q13432) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐6602333:

ARL3 (uniprotkb:P36405) binds (MI:0407) to CoD (uniprotkb:Q9BTW9) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐6602347, MINT‐6602369:

RP2 (uniprotkb:O75695), ARL3 (uniprotkb:P36405) and HRG4 (uniprotkb:Q13432) physically interact (MI:0218) by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (MI:0053)
MINT‐6602195:

PDE delta (uniprotkb:O43924) and ARL2 (uniprotkb:P36404) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (MI:0053)
MINT‐6602213:

BART (uniprotkb:Q8WZ55) and ARL2 (uniprotkb:P36404) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (MI:0053)
MINT‐6602239:

ARL3 (uniprotkb:P36405) and BART (uniprotkb:Q8WZ55) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (MI:0053)
MINT‐6602322:

ARL2 (uniprotkb:P36404) binds (MI:0407) to CoD (uniprotkb:Q9BTW9) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐6602258:

RP2 (uniprotkb:Q8IWN7) and ARL3 (uniprotkb:P36405) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (MI:0053)
MINT‐6602233:

ARL3 (uniprotkb:P36405) and HRG4 (uniprotkb:Q13432) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (MI:0053)
MINT‐6602360:

HRG4 (uniprotkb:Q13432), ARL3 (uniprotkb:P36405) and RP2 (uniprotkb:O75695) physically interact (MI:0218) by molecular sieving (MI:0071)
MINT‐6602297:

ARL2 (uniprotkb:P36404) binds (MI:0407) to PDE delta (uniprotkb:O43924) by pull down (MI:0096)
MINT‐6602227:

ARL3 (uniprotkb:P36405) and PDE delta (uniprotkb:O43924) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (MI:0053)
MINT‐6602204:

HRG4 (uniprotkb:Q13432) and ARL2 (uniprotkb:P36404) bind (MI:0407) by fluorescence polarization spectroscopy (MI:0053)
Stria vascularis and vestibular dark cells: characterisation of main structures responsible for inner-ear homeostasis, and their pathophysiological relations
Authors: Ciuman R R 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe regulation of inner-ear fluid homeostasis, with its parameters volume, concentration, osmolarity and pressure, is the basis for adequate response to stimulation. Many structures are involved in the complex process of inner-ear homeostasis. The stria vascularis and vestibular dark cells are the two main structures responsible for endolymph secretion, and possess many similarities. The characteristics of these structures are the basis for regulation of inner-ear homeostasis, while impaired function is related to various diseases. Their distinct morphology and function are described, and related to current knowledge of associated inner-ear diseases. Further research on the distinct function and regulation of these structures is necessary in order to develop future clinical interventions.
Giant petrous carotid aneurysm: persistent epistaxis despite internal carotid artery ligation
Authors: Singh H , Thomas J , Hoe W L E , Sethi D S 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:We report a rare case of giant petrous carotid aneurysm.Method:Case report and a review of the literature regarding treatment options for such aneurysms.Results:A 30-year-old man presented with epistaxis, headaches and visual disturbance. Definitive diagnosis was achieved by non-invasive imaging techniques, including magnetic resonance angiography and carotid angiography. Carotid angiography demonstrated a giant petrous carotid aneurysm effacing the petrous apex. The aneurysm was obliterated by internal carotid artery ligation, following successful tolerance of the balloon occlusion test. However, despite internal carotid artery ligation, this patient continued to have minor episodes of epistaxis.Conclusion:Some aneurysms are too large to be treated with endovascular occlusion techniques; in such cases, ligation of the parent vessel is indicated. However, our patient continued to experience persistent, mild epistaxis despite internal carotid artery ligation, as a result of the reperfusion phenomenon.
High frequency of heterozygosity in GJB2 mutations among patients with non-syndromic hearing loss
Authors: Khandelwal G , Bhalla S , Khullar M , Panda N K 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To determine the prevalence of GJB2 mutations among subjects with congenital, non-syndromic, sensorineural hearing loss, within a north Indian population.Materials and methods:This was a case–control study in which the frequencies of the three most prevalent GJB2 mutations (35delG, W24X and 167delT) were studied. Polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism assays were performed to detect these mutations. The entire coding region of the GJB2 gene was sequenced in all patients, and also in any of their family members who showed GJB2 mutations.Results:The 35delG mutation was found to be the most prevalent mutation (21 per cent), followed by the W24X mutation (7 per cent). This is the first report of the 35delG mutation in an Indian population. One patient was a compound heterozygote for 35delG/W24X. The 167delT mutation was not observed in any patient.Conclusions:These findings challenge the classical view that the W24X variant of the GJB2 gene represents a single ‘founder’ mutation.
Prevention of aspiration following recurrent dislodgement of voice prosthesis: a patient's innovation
Authors: Masaany M , Marina M B , Asma A , Sani A 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:To demonstrate a simple, practical, cheap method of preventing potentially fatal aspiration of a dislodged voice prosthesis; this method was developed by a laryngectomised patient.Case report:A patient diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx underwent total laryngectomy. Upon completion of radiotherapy, a tracheoesophageal fistula was created and a voice prosthesis inserted to enable voice restoration. Unfortunately, the patient presented subsequently with repeated episodes of dislodgement and an episode of potentially fatal aspiration of the voice prosthesis, despite various measures taken by the surgeons to overcome the problem. The patient subsequently developed a method enabling him to retrieve the voice prosthesis himself should it become dislodged. He attached a ring to the prosthesis, which was larger in diameter than the tracheal stoma, thus preventing ingestion or recurrence of aspiration.Conclusion:To our knowledge, this is the first report in the world literature of this form of innovation, created by a laryngectomised patient, to overcome the problem of aspiration or ingestion of a dislodged voice prosthesis.
Rehabilitation after acute vestibular disorders
Authors: Teggi R , Caldirola D , Fabiano B , Recanati P , Bussi M 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:To assess the efficacy of rehabilitation for dizzy patients after recent acute vestibular disturbance.Methods:Forty patients recently hospitalised for an acute episode of rotational vertigo which lasted days were randomly divided into two groups. The first group (20 patients; group R) underwent active rehabilitation, while the second group (20 patients; group C) were told only to ‘perform their daily activities’. Group R subjects underwent a total of 10 sessions of rehabilitation, including exercises on a stabilometric platform, point de mire and a series of five exercises repeated five times daily. All patients performed static stabilometry (posturography), undertook the dynamic gait index test, and completed a dizziness handicap questionnaire and a visual analogue scale for anxiety, at baseline and on completion.Results:At 25 days, the rehabilitated patients obtained better results for all recorded outcomes, compared with the control group. The greatest difference in the rehabilitated subjects, compared with the control group, was for the dynamic gait index test; however, this difference was not statistically significant. The visual analogue scale anxiety score was statistically significantly more reduced in rehabilitated patients compared with control patients. Control patients maintained a higher visual dependence for postural control.Conclusions:These results would appear to support the effectiveness of a supervised exercise programme for patients following acute onset of vestibular disturbance. A correlation was found in both groups between dynamic gait index results and anxiety. In our experience, a rehabilitation programme seems to reduce dependence on visual cues for postural control.
Topical management of anterior epistaxis: a national survey
Authors: Kara N , Spinou C , Gardiner Q 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIntroduction:The use of nasal creams and ointments in the conservative management of anterior epistaxis is well documented and supported. This study set out to obtain a national opinion, in order to establish current practice.Design:A survey of all Scotland-based otolaryngology clinicians was conducted. Participants were asked which topical treatment they used in their practice, how often and for how long they advocated its use, and how they advised their patients to apply it.Results:The overall response rate was 91 per cent. We discuss and compare the varying responses for the questions posed, and discuss the possible reasons for these in greater detail.Conclusions:This study demonstrates a high degree of variation in this practice, arising from a lack of concrete evidence and influenced by anecdotal experience and personal preferences. Definitive comparative studies are required if a ‘gold standard’ topical approach for the management of anterior epistaxis is to emerge.
Non-sphenopalatine dominant arterial supply of the nasal cavity: an unusual anatomical variation
Authors: Biswas D , Ross S K , Sama A , Thomas A 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:We present a rare and clinically relevant anomaly of the sphenopalatine artery in relation to its blood supply of the nasal mucosa, with implications for the management of epistaxis.Method:Case report and review of the world literature, using Medline through Pub Med (1950–2005), EMBASE (1980–2005) and Ovid (1958–2005), searching for papers using a combination of terms including ‘spheno-palatine artery’, ‘anterior ethmoidal artery’ and ‘epistaxis’.Results:In the presented case of refractory epistaxis, endoscopic and subsequent endovascular management failed to identify a significant supply from the sphenopalatine arteries bilaterally. The main supply was found to be from the anterior ethmoidal arteries.Conclusion:After a detailed search, the authors failed to locate any similar case in the English literature.
Congenital cholesteatoma of occipital bone or intradiploic epidermoid cyst? One and the same disease
Authors: Clark M P A , Pretorius P M , Beaumont D , Milford C A 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective:We report an extremely rare case of congenital cholesteatoma affecting the occipital bone.Methods:We present a case report, plus a review of the world literature on similar lesions.Results:This case report describes the presentation and treatment of a congenital cholesteatoma arising in an apparently unique location within the occipital bone, with no effect on middle-ear structure or function. The different imaging characteristics of this lesion are described and illustrated. The discussion centres on the differentiation of this lesion from intradiploic epidermoid cysts, more commonly described in the neurosurgical literature. The possible methods of pathogenesis are discussed, along with treatment suggestions.Conclusion:Congenital cholesteatomas and intradiploic epidermoid cysts are indistinguishable both histologically and radiologically, and would appear to be the same disease.
Impact of oxygen concentration and laser power on occurrence of intraluminal fires during shared-airway surgery: an investigation
Authors: Dhar V , Young K , Nouraei S A R , Sandhu G S , Tatla T , Farrell R , Vaughan D 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:Airway fires pose a risk during laser microlaryngoscopy, and neurosurgical cotton patties, used to prevent tissue injury from stray laser beams, are a potential ignition source. Using a configuration approximating clinical practice, we experimentally assessed the relative impact of changing different ‘fire triad’ components on the occurrence of airway fires, in order to better inform patient care.Methods:The relative effects of wet vs dry neurosurgical patties, oxygen concentration and laser power setting on the patty ignition time were studied in a cadaveric porcine model. Data were analysed using t-test and two-way analysis of variance.Results:Dry patties ignited after 2.3 ± 1.2 seconds (average ± standard deviation) of continuous 5 W laser fire at 50 per cent oxygen concentration, compared with 63.9 ± 27.8 seconds for wet patties under the same laser and oxygen settings (p < 0.0001). There was a statistically significant reduction in the time to patty ignition when laser power settings were increased from 5 to 7.5 W, but no further reductions occurred when the power was further increased to 10 W (p < 0.05; Tukey test for multiple comparisons; two-way analysis of variance). There was no significant reduction in the time to ignition between oxygen concentrations of 50 and 75 per cent, but the time to ignition fell significantly when the oxygen concentration was further increased to 100 per cent.Conclusion:We suggest that surgical patties should always be soaked and should be used for relatively short periods, in order to prevent drying. If at all possible clinically, prolonged laser use at high power settings and ventilation with 100 per cent oxygen should be avoided.
Diagnostic delays in vestibular schwannoma
Authors: Teppo H , Heikkinen J , Laitakari K , Alho O-P 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives:The literature on delays in vestibular schwannoma diagnosis is from the era before the routine use of magnetic resonance imaging. We evaluated such diagnostic delays and their impact on tumour size and on pre- and post-treatment morbidity, in a relatively recent patient series.Study design:Retrospective review.Methods:A two-centre study was conducted, including 91 consecutive vestibular schwannoma patients diagnosed between 1992 and 2006. Data on the presenting symptom and the initial medical visit were obtained from primary care records completed at the time of the initial visit; data on the tumour and the clinical course were obtained from review of the hospital chart. Data on diagnostic delays were available for 59 patients.Results:The median patient, professional and total diagnostic delays were three, four and 14 months, respectively. Unilateral hearing loss as the presenting symptom predicted an lengthened total diagnostic delay. Diagnostic delay had no impact on the tumour size at time of diagnosis or on the pre- and post-treatment morbidity.Conclusions:Delays in the diagnosis of vestibular schwannoma have shortened since the introduction of magnetic resonance imaging. Longer diagnostic delays do not seem to have significant consequences.
Patterns of admission to acute psychiatric in-patient facilities: a national survey in Italy
Authors: Preti A. , Rucci P. , Santone G. , Picardi A. , Miglio R. , Bracco R. , Norcio B. , de Girolamo G. 
Published: June 2008

BackgroundA proper understanding of patterns of care represents a crucial step in improving clinical decision making and enhancing service provision. Only a few studies, however, have explored global patterns of psychiatric admissions nationwide, and none have been undertaken in Italy.MethodSociodemographic, clinical and treatment-related information was collected for 1577 patients admitted to 130 public and 36 private in-patient facilities in Italy during an index period in the year 2004. All patients were also rated using the 24-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and the Personal and Social Performance (PSP) rating scales.ResultsNon-affective psychoses (36%) were the most common diagnoses and accounted to a large extent for compulsory admissions. Private facilities were more likely to admit patients with organic mental disorders and substance abuse/dependence and less likely to admit patients with non-affective psychoses. Overall, 77.8% of patients had been receiving treatment by a mental health professional in the month prior to admission. In 54% of cases, the admission was solicited by patients' family members. The main factors preceding admission were impairment in work or social functioning, social withdrawal, and conflict with family members. Agitation, delusions and/or hallucinations, and the presence of multiple problems were associated with compulsory admissions, whereas depressive and anxiety symptoms were associated with voluntary admissions.ConclusionsIn a mixed, public–private psychiatric care system, like the Italian one, public and private facilities admit patients with widely different clinical characteristics and needs. Family support represents an important resource for most patients, and interventions specifically addressed to relieving family burden are warranted.