bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing rural health care professionals’ access to continuing professional education
Authors: Curran Vernon R. , Fleet Lisa , Kirby Fran 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectives: The purposes of this study were to explore the perceived barriers and challenges to continuing professional education (CPE) access for Canadian health care professionals and to identify best practices for improving access to CPE.Design: Key informant interviews and Web‐based online surveys were conducted.Participants: Key informant interviews were conducted with national CPE accreditation bodies and health professional associations. An online survey was distributed to health professional education programs, as well as provincial professional associations, licensing and professional regulatory bodies.Main outcome measures: The perceived barriers and challenges to CPE access for Canadian health care professionals and best practices for improving access to CPE.Results and conclusions: Geographic isolation and poor technological and telecommunications infrastructure were identified as key barriers to CPE delivery and access. Financial factors, such as funding to support travel or cost of attendance, were also identified as major challenges. Tele‐education programming was identified as a best practice approach to improve CPE access, as were regional CPE activities and self‐directed learning programs. Employer‐sponsored initiatives, including staff coverage or locum support, remuneration for time off and paid travel expenses for CPE participation were also identified as best practice approaches.
Caregivers’ inability to identify childhood adiposity: A cross‐sectional survey of rural children and their caregivers’ attitudes
Authors: Fisher Louise , Fraser John , Alexander Christian 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjectives:  To determine the prevalence of overweight and obese children in north‐western New South Wales and to assess caregivers’ ability to detect adiposity in their children. Design:  A cross‐sectional survey using a standardised caregiver questionnaire and anthropometric measurements of school children attending 10 primary schools selected by stratified random sampling. Subjects:  A total of 598 eligible school children aged between five and eight years. Measurements:  Body mass index for children; caregivers’ assessment of their children's dietary intake, physical activity and adiposity by questionnaire. Results:  A total of 348 caregivers responded to the survey, yielding a response rate of 58.2%. Significantly more caregivers of boys (200) than girls (144) chose to participate (χ

2
= 8.3, d.f. = 1, P < 0.01). The vast majority of caregivers (87%) consented to their children being measured. Body mass index measurements revealed the following: more than three quarters of boys (82%) and girls (77%) were of normal weight. Of boys and girls 13% were overweight. Twice as many girls (6%) than boys (3%) were obese. In total, 31% of caregivers underestimated the weight of their children. This proportion of caregivers underestimating the correct weight category of their children almost doubled to 56% of caregivers of overweight children. Proportionately more caregivers of overweight boys underestimated their children's weight than caregivers of girls (67% compared with 44%).Conclusion:  Health promotional activities need to address, as a matter of priority, caregivers’ ability to accurately assess the correct weight category of their children.
Exploration of self‐identified education needs of alcohol and other drug workers
Authors: Grootjans John , Hunt Harold , Cresswell Sophi , Robinson Tracy 
Published: March 2006

AbstractObjective:  It is well established that people who work with clients who are dependent on substances need to be well equipped to deal with challenging and complex situations. Our research explores the experience of alcohol and other drug workers (AODW) in order to identify how successful Australia's teaching institutions are at preparing AODWs to meet this challenge. Design:  Interviews were conducted to ascertain the perceived gaps in existing training programs and the perceived training needs of AODW. Using a qualitative research approach in‐depth interviews were conducted with more than 20 counsellors working in six AODW rehabilitation centres in regional New South Wales. Results:  There was a perception among all workers that their training had been inadequate and that the preparation for employment in AODW settings had not meet the felt needs of grass‐roots workers leaving them to learn through experience. Conclusion:  Considering the recommendations of both national and state policies on AODWs in Australia there is an urgent need to develop courses relevant to the needs of workers as suggested by respondents to this research.
Therapeutic effects of 10 mg/day rabeprazole administration on reflux esophagitis was not influenced by the CYP2C19 polymorphism
Authors: Ariizumi Ken , Ohara Shuichi , Koike Tomoyuki , Inomata Yoshifumi , Iijima Katsunori , Sekine Hitoshi , Noguchi Mitsunori , Sugiyama Koichi , Eda Yoshiki , Kayaba Shoichi , Kawamura Msashi , Shimosegawa Tooru 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:  The acid suppressive effects of omeprazole (OPZ) and lansoprazole (LPZ) are influenced by the CYP2C19 polymorphism. On the other hand, some investigators have reported that acid suppressive effect of rabeprazole (RPZ) was not significantly affected by CYP2C19. The present study was designed to investigate whether the CYP2C19 genotype is related to the healing of reflux esophagitis (RE) in treatment with RPZ 10 mg.Methods:  One hundred and three Japanese patients with RE were treated with daily oral administration of 10 mg RPZ. At 4 and 8 weeks after the start of treatment, healing of RE was evaluated endoscopically. The CYP2C19 genotype was investigated before the treatment.Results:  At 4 weeks after the start of treatment, the healing rates for homo‐extensive metabolizer, hetero‐extensive metabolizer, and poor metabolizer patients were 86.1% (31/36), 92.0% (46/50), and 82.4% (14/17), respectively, and at 8 weeks after the start of treatment, the healing rates were 86.1% (31/36), 92.0% (46/50), and 82.4% (14/17), respectively. There were no significant differences in the healing rate of RE among the three genotypes at either 4 or 8 weeks after the start of treatment.Conclusions:  The therapeutic effects of 10 mg/day RPZ administration on RE may be uninfluenced by the CYP2C19 polymorphism.
Changing prevalence, clinical features, and outcome of acute hepatitis in Spain (1982–2003)
Authors: Del Olmo Juan A , Ornia Elena , Serra Miguel A , Garcia‐Torres Maria‐Luisa , Escudero Amparo , Rodriguez Felicidad , Rodrigo José M 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:  Diagnostic and preventive measures have contributed to a change in the epidemiology of acute hepatitis. The purpose of the present paper was to assess the changing prevalence of acute hepatitis from 1982 to 2003.Methods:  Trends in the epidemiology, clinical findings, and outcome of acute viral hepatitis from 1982 to 2003 were examined. A total of 548 episodes of acute hepatitis diagnosed between 1982 and 2003, the clinical course of which was monitored up to the year 2003, were included. Annual changes as well as for the intervals 1982–1992 and 1993–2003 were compared.Results:  Severe infections occurred in 1.3% of cases, with a mortality of 0.6%, with progression into chronicity in 25.1%. The annual incidences of acute hepatitis and the comparative intervals 1982–1992 and 1993–2003 showed a decline of parenterally –B, delta and C virus‐ transmitted infections, unchanged number of cases of acute hepatitis A, an increase in the number of cases of drug‐induced hepatitis, increase in median ages, and a decrease in the proportion of hepatitis in injecting drug users. Ages of patients with hepatitis A tended to increase.Conclusions:  A decline of parenterally transmitted acute hepatitis was documented throughout a 22‐year period, while the number of cases of hepatitis A was unchanged and that of drug‐induced hepatitis increased. Evaluation of the current targeted hepatitis A vaccination approach and adequate pharmacovigilance measures are required in the near future.
Opioid system blockade decreases collagenase activity and improves liver injury in a rat model of cholestasis
Authors: Kiani Samira , Ebrahimkhani Mohammad R , Shariftabrizi Ahmad , Doratotaj Behzad , Payabvash Seyedmehdi , Riazi Kiarash , Dehghani Mehdi , Honar Hooman , Karoon Alaleh , Amanlou Massoud , Tavangar Seyed M , Dehpour Ahmad R 
Published: March 2006

AbstractBackground:  Following bile duct ligation (BDL) endogenous opioids accumulate in plasma and play a role in the pathophysiology and manifestation of cholestasis. Evidence of centrally mediated induction of liver injury by exogenous opioid agonist administration, prompts the question of whether opioid receptor blockade by naltrexone can affect cholestasis‐induced liver injury.Methods:  Cholestasis was induced by BDL and cholestatic and sham‐operated rats received either naltrexone or saline for 7 consecutive days. On the 7th day, liver samples were collected for determining matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) activity, S‐adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S‐adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) content and blood samples were obtained for measuring plasma nitrite/nitrate and liver enzyme activities.Results:  Naltrexone‐treated BDL animals had a significant reduction in plasma enzyme activity and nitrite/nitrate level. Liver SAM : SAH ratio and SAM level improved by naltrexone treatment in cholestatic animals compared to saline‐treated BDL ones. Naltrexone treatment in BDL rats led to a decrease in the level of liver MMP‐2 activity, which had already increased during cholestasis.Conclusion:  Opioid receptor blockade improved the degree of liver injury in cholestasis, as assessed by plasma enzyme and liver MMP‐2 activities. The beneficial effect of naltrexone may be due to its ability to increase liver SAM level and restore the SAM : SAH ratio.
Comparative aspects of cerebral cortical development
Authors: Molnár Zoltán , Métin Christine , Stoykova Anastassia , Tarabykin Victor , Price David J. , Francis Fiona , Meyer Gundela , Dehay Colette , Kennedy Henry 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis review aims to provide examples of how both comparative and genetic analyses contribute to our understanding of the rules for cortical development and evolution. Genetic studies have helped us to realize the evolutionary rules of telencephalic organization in vertebrates. The control of the establishment of conserved telencephalic subdivisions and the formation of boundaries between these subdivisions has been examined and the very specific alterations at the striatocortical junction have been revealed. Comparative studies and genetic analyses both demonstrate the differential origin and migratory pattern of the two basic neuron types of the cerebral cortex. GABAergic interneurons are mostly generated in the subpallium and a common mechanism governs their migration to the dorsal cortex in both mammals and sauropsids. The pyramidal neurons are generated within the cortical germinal zone and migrate radially, the earliest generated cell layers comprising preplate cells. Reelin‐positive Cajal–Retzius cells are a general feature of all vertebrates studied so far; however, there is a considerable amplification of the Reelin signalling with cortical complexity, which might have contributed to the establishment of the basic mammalian pattern of cortical development. Based on numerous recent observations we shall present the argument that specialization of the mitotic compartments may constitute a major drive behind the evolution of the mammalian cortex. Comparative developmental studies have revealed distinct features in the early compartments of the developing macaque brain, drawing our attention to the limitations of some of the current model systems for understanding human developmental abnormalities of the cortex. Comparative and genetic aspects of cortical development both reveal the workings of evolution.
Recent progress in understanding the role of Reelin in radial neuronal migration, with specific emphasis on the dentate gyrus
Authors: Förster Eckart , Jossin Yves , Zhao Shanting , Chai Xuejun , Frotscher Michael , Goffinet André M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractTen years following identification of Reelin as the product of the gene mutated in reeler mice, the signalling pathway activated by Reelin is being progressively unravelled with the identification of lipoprotein receptors as reelin receptors, of the Dab1 adapter and of some other proximal components in target cells. However, we are still a long way from understanding the action of this complex protein during brain development and maturation. The present review is organized in two parts. First, we summarize our present understanding of Reelin signalling. Then, we review critically some cell biological mechanisms for the action of Reelin based on recent studies on the development of the dentate gyrus, which has proved an extremely useful and tractable model system.
Astrocytes promote neurogenesis from oligodendrocyte precursor cells
Authors: Gaughwin P. M. , Caldwell M. A. , Anderson J. M. , Schwiening C. J. , Fawcett J. W. , Compston D. A. S. , Chandran S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) has until recently been regarded as a lineage‐restricted precursor cell. Considerable interest has been generated by reports suggesting that OPCs may possess a wider differentiation potential than previously assumed and thus be considered a multipotential stem cell. This study examined the neuronal differentiation potential of rat, postnatal cortical OPCs in response to extracellular cues in vitro and in vivo. OPCs did not exhibit intrinsic neuronal potential and were restricted to oligodendrocyte lineage potential following treatment with the neural precursor mitogen fibroblast growth factor 2. In contrast, a postnatal hippocampal astrocyte‐derived signal(s) is sufficient to induce functional neuronal differentiation of cortical OPCs in vitro in population and single cell studies. Co‐treatment with Noggin, a bone morphogenetic protein antagonist, did not attenuate neuronal differentiation. Following transplantation to the adult rat hippocampus, cortical OPCs expressed doublecortin, a neuroblast‐associated marker. The present findings show that hippocampal, astrocyte‐derived signals can induce the neuronal differentiation of OPCs through a Noggin‐independent mechanism.
Cell and molecular mechanisms involved in the migration of cortical interneurons
Authors: Métin Christine , Baudoin Jean‐Pierre , Rakić Sonja , Parnavelas John G. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSince the discovery that the vast majority of the GABA‐containing interneurons of the cerebral cortex arise in the subpallium, considerable effort has been put into the description of the precise origin of these neurons in subdivisions of the ganglionic eminence and in the migratory routes they follow on their way to the developing cortex. More recently, studies have focused on the molecular and cellular mechanisms that guide their migration. Investigations of the molecular mechanisms involved have demonstrated important roles for numerous transcription factors, motogenic factors and guidance molecules. Here, we review results of very recent analyses of the underlying cellular mechanisms and specifically of the movement of the nucleus, cytoplasmic components and neuritic processes during interneuron migration.
Long‐term neuronal replacement in adult rat hippocampus after status epilepticus despite chronic inflammation
Authors: Bonde Sara , Ekdahl Christine T. , Lindvall Olle 
Published: March 2006

AbstractDentate gyrus (DG) neurogenesis is transiently increased during the first weeks after status epilepticus (SE). Survival of the new neurons is initially compromised by an acute inflammatory response, but the long‐term fate of the remaining ones in the post‐SE environment is unknown. Here adult rats were subjected to 2 h electrically evoked self‐sustained SE and perfused after 5 weeks or 6 months. Rats exhibited partial or generalized SE followed by spontaneous behavioural seizures and abnormal electroencephalographic activity during 6 months. Numbers of activated microglia in the dentate subgranular zone (SGZ)‐granule cell layer (GCL) and in the hilus declined after 5 weeks, but were still elevated at 6 months after SE, with no differences between the milder partial and the more severe generalized SE. At 6 months, partial and generalized SE rats showed a seven‐fold increase in the number of mature SGZ–GCL neurons formed during the first 2 weeks along with aberrant neurons in the hilus. Total numbers of mature neurons in SGZ–GCL were unaltered, indicating that SE‐generated neurons replaced dead granule cells. Neuroblast formation had returned to normal levels in SGZ–GCL but generation of aberrant neurons in the hilus was still ongoing at 6 months. Our data indicate that long‐term impairment of neurogenesis, as reported previously after kainic acid‐induced SE, is not a general feature of chronic epilepsy. We have found that a substantial proportion of the mature granule cells at 6 months are generated during the first 2 weeks after SE and survive despite chronic inflammation, and that SE triggers continuous production of aberrant hilar neurons.
Dopamine efflux in the rat striatum evoked by electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus: potential mechanism of action in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Lee Kendall H. , Blaha Charles D. , Harris Brent T. , Cooper Shannon , Hitti Frederick L. , Leiter James C. , Roberts David W. , Kim Uhnoh 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe precise mechanism whereby continuous high‐frequency electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus ameliorates motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease is unknown. We examined the effects of high‐frequency stimulation of regions dorsal to and within the subthalamic nucleus on dopamine efflux in the striatum of urethane‐anaesthetized rats using constant potential amperometry. Complementary extracellular electrophysiological studies determined the activity of subthalamic nucleus neurons in response to similar electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus. High‐frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus increased action potential firing in the subthalamic nucleus only during the initial stimulation period and was followed by a cessation of firing over the remainder of stimulation. Electrical stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus with 15 pulses elicited stimulus‐time‐locked increases in striatal dopamine efflux with maximal peak effects occurring at 50 Hz frequency and 300 µA intensity. Extended subthalamic nucleus stimulation (1000 pulses at 50 Hz; 300 µA) elicited a similar peak increase in striatal dopamine efflux that was followed by a relatively lower steady‐state elevation in extracellular dopamine over the course of stimulation. In contrast, extended stimulation immediately adjacent and dorsal to the subthalamic nucleus resulted in an 11‐fold greater increase in dopamine efflux that remained elevated over the course of the stimulation. Immunohistochemical staining for tyrosine hydroxylase revealed catecholaminergic fibers running immediately dorsal to and through the subthalamic nucleus. Taken together, these results suggest that enhanced dopamine release within the basal ganglia may be an important mechanism whereby high‐frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus improves motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Cutaneous myospherulosis and membranous lipodystrophy: extensive presentation in a patient with severe steroid‐induced dermal atrophy
Authors: Flagothier C , Piérard GE , Quatresooz P 
Published: March 2006

AbstractMyospherulosis is a rare disorder that may develop in various organs including the skin. It is characterized by a typical histological presentation resulting from the interaction between erythrocytes and lipids. We present a case of cutaneous myospherulosis associated with membranous lipodystrophy. The lesions were supervening on severe steroid‐induced skin atrophy upon which ointments had been applied.
Hemodynamic profile, compensation deficit, and ambulatory blood pressure
Authors: Ottaviani Cristina , Shapiro David , Goldstein Iris B. , James Jack E. , Weiss Robert 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis study hypothesized that physiologically grounded patterns of hemodynamic profile and compensation deficit would be superior to traditional blood pressure reactivity in the prediction of daily‐life blood pressure. Impedance cardiography‐derived measures and beat‐to‐beat blood pressure were monitored continuously in 45 subjects during baseline and four tasks. Ambulatory blood pressure measures were obtained combining data from one work day and one off day. The mediating effects of gender and family history of hypertension were considered. Only gender was significantly associated with hemodynamic profile. Regression analysis indicated that typical reactivity measures failed to predict everyday life blood pressure. After controlling for gender and baseline blood pressure, hemodynamic patterns during specific tasks proved to be strong predictors, overcoming limitations of previous reactivity models in predicting real‐life blood pressure.
Expressive suppression during an acoustic startle
Authors: Hagemann Tim , Levenson Robert W. , Gross James J. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that inhibiting negative or positive emotion‐expressive behavior leads to increased sympathetic activation. Inhibiting facial behavior while in an affectively neutral state has no such physiological consequences. This suggests that there may be something special about inhibiting emotion‐expressive behavior. To test the boundary conditions of the suppression effect, acoustic startles were delivered to 252 participants in three experimental groups. Participants in one group received unanticipated startles. Participants in the other two groups were told that after a 20‐s countdown a loud noise would occur; participants in one of these groups were further told to inhibit their expressive behavior. Results indicated that startle suppression increased sympathetic activation. These findings extend prior work on emotion suppression, and suggest that inhibiting other biologically based responses also may be physiologically taxing.
Relatedness proportion effects on masked associative priming: An ERP study
Authors: Grossi Giordana 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe effect of relatedness proportion (the percentage of related words in a list) on associative priming was investigated in two masked priming experiments. In Experiment 1, subjects were randomly assigned to either a high (80%) or low (20%) relatedness proportion condition and performed a lexical decision task. Semantically related and unrelated primes were briefly flashed (50 ms) before the targets and were preceded by a mask that prevented their overt identification. In Experiment 2, subjects were tested in both relatedness proportion conditions in a categorization task; the N400, an electrophysiological index of lexical and semantic priming, was measured in trials that did not require a button press. Behavioral and electrophysiological priming effects were observed in both high and low relatedness proportion conditions. The observed priming effects were not modulated by relatedness proportion. The results are discussed in terms of current theories of associative priming.