bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influenza vaccination and mortality: prospective cohort study of the elderly in a large geographical area
Authors: Örtqvist Å. , Granath F. , Askling J. , Hedlund J. 
Published: May 2007

The 50% reduced overall mortality previously associated with influenza vaccination among the elderly was based on studies neither fully taking into account systematic differences between individuals who accept or decline vaccination nor encompassing the entire general population.A population-based prospective cohort study was performed in Stockholm County (Sweden), including all persons aged ≥65 yrs (n = ∼260,000), over three influenza seasons: 1998/1999, 1999/2000 and 2000/2001. The relative risks of mortality among vaccinatedversusunvaccinated individuals were estimated using Cox's proportional hazards regression adjusted for, and stratified by, demographic factors and comorbid conditions during the three seasons and the respective following off-seasons.Influenza vaccination was associated with an unadjusted reduction in all-cause mortality during the three seasons of 50, 46 and 42%, respectively, which decreased to 14, 19 and 1%, respectively, following adjustment for confounders and differences in mortality between vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals following the influenza season. The numbers needed to treat to prevent one death, during the three seasons, were 297, 158 and 743, respectively.Vaccination remains the most important measure for prevention of influenza complications in elderly people, although the effectiveness in reducing all-cause mortality in elderly persons is lower than previously thought.
Hepatopulmonary syndrome following portopulmonary hypertension
Authors: Ioachimescu O. C. , Mehta A. C. , Stoller J. K. 
Published: May 2007

Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) are distinct clinical entities that may accompany liver disease.While PPHTN and HPS have been infrequently described as occurring in the same patient, to the present authors’ knowledge, the order of occurrence has always been the initial onset of HPS, with pulmonary hypertension developing either concurrently or subsequently. In some instances, liver transplantation has been undertaken for HPS, followed by resolution of the HPS and subsequent development of pulmonary hypertension.The current case study presents a patient with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis in whom PPTHN developed initially, followed 2 yrs later by the development of the HPS.The current authors speculate that progressive imbalance in favour of endogenous vasodilators over vasoconstrictive factors led to normalisation of the pulmonary artery pressures.
First months of employment and new onset of rhinitis in adolescents
Authors: Riu E. , Dressel H. , Windstetter D. , Weinmayr G. , Weiland S. , Vogelberg C. , Leupold W. , von Mutius E. , Nowak D. , Radon K. 
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence of rhinitis in adolescents, taking into account the duration and type of employment in holiday and vocational jobs, and to study latency until development of symptoms.Participants of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC)-II study in Munich and Dresden (Germany), who were enrolled in 1995, were re-contacted by a postal questionnaire in 2002 (aged 16–18 yrs). The questionnaire focused on allergic rhinitis, type and duration of all jobs, and potential confounders. All jobs held for ≥8 h·week−1and ≥1 month were coded and occupational exposure was assigned by a job-exposure matrix.Out of the 3,785 participants, 964 reported an employment history. The median (25th–75th percentile) duration of employment was 10 (1–16) months. After adjusting for potential confounders, those working in high-risk occupations (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–2.1) had an increased risk for new onset of rhinitis, especially those exposed to low molecular weight agents (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1–2.8). The incidence of rhinitis was highest among those currently employed in a high-risk job for <10 months.Teenagers who start working in high-risk occupations have a higher incidence of rhinitis compared with those not working. This increased risk might occur early on during employment.
Dailyversusweekly azithromycin in cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: McCormack J. , Bell S. , Senini S. , Walmsley K. , Patel K. , Wainwright C. , Serisier D. , Harris M. , Bowler S. 
Published: May 2007

Four randomised, placebo-controlled trials have previously documented the clinical benefits of azithromycin (AZM) in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The present study examined whether the beneficial effect of AZM is equivalent when administered daily or weekly.A double-blind, randomised study was carried out in 208 CF patients aged 6–58 yrs who were assigned to AZM either 250 mg daily (n = 103) or 1,200 mg weekly (n = 105) for 6 months, with assessments at baseline and at 1, 3, 6 and 7 months. Patients were taken from five adult and children CF centres in South-east Queensland, Australia.Equivalence was demonstrated between the two groups (dailyversusweekly) with respect to improvements in lung function (forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity), C-reactive protein, days spent in hospital, admission rates and nutrition (body mass index, z-scores) using 95% confidence intervals with a tolerance interval of ±10%.In patients aged <18 yrs the daily group had significantly better improvements in z-scores for height and weight after 6 months. In children, a nutritional advantage for daily administration was found. Gastro-intestinal adverse effects were more common with weekly therapy. Apart from these findings, daily and weekly administered azithromycin demonstrated similar outcomes for cystic fibrosis patients.
Severe exacerbations predict excess lung function decline in asthma
Authors: Bai T. R. , Vonk J. M. , Postma D. S. , Boezen H. M. 
Published: May 2007

Severe asthma exacerbations are periods of intense airway inflammation that have been hypothesised to contribute to structural changes in the airways. If so, accelerated lung function decline over time should be more prevalent in adult patients with asthma who have frequent exacerbations than those without, but to date this has not been demonstrated.A cohort study was performed in order to investigate the effect of severe exacerbations on the progression of airway obstruction in 93 nonsmoking asthmatics with moderate-to-severe disease prior to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids. Subjects were followed for ≥5 yrs (median follow-up 11 yrs).In total, 56 (60.2%) subjects experienced at least one severe exacerbation (median rate 0.10·yr−1). Oral corticosteroid use and more severe airway obstruction at baseline were associated with a higher exacerbation rate. Independent of these variables, asthma patients with frequent exacerbations had a significantly larger annual decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1; median difference (95% confidence interval) 16.9 (1.5–32.2) mL·yr−1). Exacerbation rate significantly predicted an excess decline in FEV1, such that one severe exacerbation per year was associated with a 30.2 mL greater annual decline in FEV1.These data support the hypothesis that exacerbations, indicating intermittent periods of worsening airway inflammation, are associated with excess lung function decline in asthma.
BDNF promotes target innervation of Xenopus mandibular trigeminal axons in vivo
Authors: Huang Jeffrey K , Dorey Karel , Ishibashi Shoko , Amaya Enrique 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Background
Trigeminal nerves consist of ophthalmic, maxillary, and mandibular branches that project to distinct regions of the facial epidermis. In Xenopus embryos, the mandibular branch of the trigeminal nerve extends toward and innervates the cement gland in the anterior facial epithelium. The cement gland has previously been proposed to provide a short-range chemoattractive signal to promote target innervation by mandibular trigeminal axons. Brain derived neurotrophic factor, BDNF is known to stimulate axon outgrowth and branching. The goal of this study is to determine whether BDNF functions as the proposed target recognition signal in the Xenopus cement gland.

Results
We found that the cement gland is enriched in BDNF mRNA transcripts compared to the other neurotrophins NT3 and NT4 during mandibular trigeminal nerve innervation. BDNF knockdown in Xenopus embryos or specifically in cement glands resulted in the failure of mandibular trigeminal axons to arborise or grow into the cement gland. BDNF expressed ectodermal grafts, when positioned in place of the cement gland, promoted local trigeminal axon arborisation in vivo.

Conclusion
BDNF is necessary locally to promote end stage target innervation of trigeminal axons in vivo, suggesting that BDNF functions as a short-range signal that stimulates mandibular trigeminal axon arborisation and growth into the cement gland.
NGF-mediated transcriptional targets of p53 in PC12 neuronal differentiation
Authors: Brynczka Christopher , Labhart Paul , Merrick B Alex 
Published: May 2007

Abstract

Background
p53 is recognized as a critical regulator of the cell cycle and apoptosis. Mounting evidence also suggests a role for p53 in differentiation of cells including neuronal precursors. We studied the transcriptional role of p53 during nerve growth factor-induced differentiation of the PC12 line into neuron-like cells. We hypothesized that p53 contributed to PC12 differentiation through the regulation of gene targets distinct from its known transcriptional targets for apoptosis or DNA repair.

Results
Using a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation cloning technique, we identified and validated 14 novel p53-regulated genes following NGF treatment. The data show p53 protein was transcriptionally activated and contributed to NGF-mediated neurite outgrowth during differentiation of PC12 cells. Furthermore, we describe stimulus-specific regulation of a subset of these target genes by p53. The most salient differentiation-relevant target genes included wnt7b involved in dendritic extension and the tfcp2l4/grhl3 grainyhead homolog implicated in ectodermal development. Additional targets included brk, sdk2, sesn3, txnl2, dusp5, pon3, lect1, pkcbpb15 and other genes.

Conclusion
Within the PC12 neuronal context, putative p53-occupied genomic loci spanned the entire Rattus norvegicus genome upon NGF treatment. We conclude that receptor-mediated p53 transcriptional activity is involved in PC12 differentiation and may suggest a contributory role for p53 in neuronal development.
Translational control of recombinant human acetylcholinesterase accumulation in plants
Authors: Geyer Brian C , Fletcher Samuel P , Griffin Tagan A , Lopker Michael J , Soreq Hermona , Mor Tsafrir S 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundCodon usage differences are known to regulate the levels of gene expression in a species-specific manner, with the primary factors often cited to be mRNA processing and accumulation. We have challenged this conclusion by expressing the human acetylcholinesterase coding sequence in transgenic plants in its native GC-rich sequence and compared to a matched sequence with (dicotyledonous) plant-optimized codon usage and a lower GC content.ResultsWe demonstrate a 5 to 10 fold increase in accumulation levels of the "synaptic" splice variant of human acetylcholinesterase inNicotiana benthamianaplants expressing the optimized gene as compared to the native human sequence. Both transient expression assays and stable transformants demonstrated conspicuously increased accumulation levels. Importantly, we find that the increase is not a result of increased levels of acetylcholinesterase mRNA, but rather its facilitated translation, possibly due to the reduced energy required to unfold the sequence-optimized mRNA.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that codon usage differences may regulate gene expression at different levels and anticipate translational control of acetylcholinesterase gene expression in its native mammalian host as well.
Promoting contraceptive use among unmarried female migrants in one factory in Shanghai: a pilot workplace intervention
Authors: Qian Xu , Smith Helen , Huang Wenyuan , Zhang Jie , Huang Ying , Garner Paul 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
Background
In urban China, more single women are becoming pregnant and resorting to induced abortion, despite the wide availability of temporary methods of contraception. We developed and piloted a workplace-based intervention to promote contraceptive use in unmarried female migrants working in privately owned factories.

Methods
Quasi-experimental design. In consultation with clients, we developed a workplace based intervention to promote contraception use in unmarried female migrants in a privately owned factory. We then implemented this in one factory, using a controlled before-and-after design. The intervention included lectures, bespoke information leaflets, and support to the factory doctors in providing a contraceptive service.

Results
598 women participated: most were under 25, migrants to the city, with high school education. Twenty percent were lost when staff were made redundant, and implementation was logistically complicated. All women attended the initial lecture, and just over half the second lecture. Most reported reading the educational material provided (73%), but very few women reported using the free family planning services offered at the factory clinic (5%) or the Family Planning Institute (3%). At baseline, 90% (N = 539) stated that contraceptives were required if having sex before marriage; of those reporting sex in the last three months, the majority reporting using contraceptives (78%, 62/79) but condom use was low (44%, 35/79).
Qualitative data showed that the reading material seemed to be popular and young women expressed a need for more specific reproductive health information, particularly on HIV/AIDS. Women wanted services with some privacy and anonymity, and views on the factory service were mixed.

Conclusion
Implementing a complex intervention with a hard to reach population through a factory in China, using a quasi-experimental design, is not easy. Further research should focus on the specific needs and service preferences of this population and these should be considered in any policy reform so that contraceptive use may be encouraged among young urban migrant workers.
Oral Pirfenidone in patients with chronic fibrosis resulting from radiotherapy: a pilot study
Authors: Simone Nicole L , Soule Benjamin P , Gerber Lynn , Augustine Elizabeth , Smith Sharon , Altemus Rosemary M , Mitchell James B , Camphausen Kevin A 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackgroundFibrosis is a common side effect after treatment with ionizing radiation. Several methods to ameliorate debilitating fibrosis have been employed but without consistent results. The goal of this pilot study is to determine if Pirfenidone, a novel regulator of cytokine gene expression, has the potential to ameliorate established radiation-induced fibrosis.MethodsOpen label, prospective pilot study of 800 mg three times/day, orally administered Pirfenidone was administered to enrolled patients who were had completed radiation therapy and who had established radiation-induced fibrosis. Range of motion (ROM) was assessed using standard measures, and subjective measures of pain, fatigue, disability and global health were measured every three months.ResultsSeven patients were enrolled of whom 3 had ROM assessments of 1 site and 2 had ROM assessments of 2 sites. Of these assessments, 6 revealed increased ROM during drug intervention while 1 revealed a decreased ROM. There was an overall improvement in the mental composite score of the SF36 while physical composite score was decreased and the vitality score was unchanged. Two patients were removed from the study because of syncopal episodes.ConclusionSeveral patients experienced improved function of at least 25% and reported subjective improvement. Pirfenidone may benefit patients with radiation-induced fibrosis and is worthy of a larger well controlled trial.
Perceived stigma and depression among caregivers of patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Perlick Deborah A. , Miklowitz David J. , Link Bruce G. , Struening Elmer , Kaczynski Richard , Gonzalez Jodi , Manning Lauren N. , Wolff Nancy , Rosenheck Robert A. 
Published: May 2007

SummaryThis study investigates the associations between perceived stigma, depressive symptoms and coping among caregivers of people with bipolar disorder. Caregivers of 500 people with DSM–IV bipolar disorder responded to measures of these constructs at study entry Patients' clinical and functional status were evaluated within 30 days of the caregiver assessment. Perceived stigma was positively associated with caregiver depressive symptoms, controlling for patient status and socio-demographic factors. Social support and avoidance coping accounted for 63% of the relationship between caregiver stigma and depression. Results suggest that caregivers' perceptions of stigma may negatively affect their mental health by reducing their coping effectiveness.
Comparison of outcomes following after-care from forensic and general adult psychiatric services
Authors: Coid Jeremy W. , Hickey Nicole , Yang Min 
Published: May 2007

BackgroundForensic psychiatry services are expanding in England and Wales but require support from general services for patient after-care.AimsTo compare outcomes following community after-care from forensic or general adult psychiatry services.MethodAn observational comparison was made of case management following discharge from medium security in seven pre-reorganisation health regions of England and Wales, by forensic services (n=409) and general adult services (n=652). Criminal convictions, hospital readmissions and deaths were compared over a mean follow-up period of 6.2 years, adjusting for difference in case mix.ResultsForensic services did not supervise more high-risk patients in the community. Neither service was superior in outcome. More patients managed by general services died from natural causes.ConclusionsNeither service was superior on measures of subsequent offending or hospitalisation. Specialist forensic after-care conveyed no added benefit. Case management may have been the same in both services.
Randomised controlled trial of interpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive–behavioural therapy for depression
Authors: Luty Suzanne E. , Carter Janet D. , McKenzie Janice M. , Rae Alma M. , Frampton Christopher M. A. , Mulder Roger T. , Joyce Peter R. 
Published: May 2007

BackgroundInterpersonal psychotherapy and cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) are established as effective treatments for major depression. Controversy remains regarding their effectiveness for severe and melancholic depression.AimsTo compare the efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy and CBT in people receiving out-patient treatment for depression and to explore response in severe depression (Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score above 30), and in melancholic depression.MethodRandomised clinical trial of 177 patients with a principal Axis I diagnosis of major depressive disorder receiving 16 weeks of therapy comprising 8–19 sessions. Primary outcome was improvement in MADRS score from baseline to end of treatment.ResultsThere was no difference between the two psychotherapies in the sample as a whole, but CBT was more effective than interpersonal psychotherapy in severe depression, and the response was comparable with that for mild and moder-ate depression. Melancholia did not predict poor response to either psychotherapy.ConclusionsBoth therapies are equally effective for depression but CBT maybe preferred in severe depression.
Explanations for the increase in mental health problems in UK reserve forces who have served in Iraq
Authors: Browne Tess , Hull Lisa , Horn Oded , Jones Margaret , Murphy Dominic , Fear Nicola T. , Greenberg Neil , French Claire , Rona Roberto J. , Wessely Simon , Hotopf Matthew 
Published: May 2007

BackgroundDeployment to the 2003 Iraq War was associated with ill health in reserve armed forces personnel.AimsTo investigate reasons for the excess of ill health in reservists.MethodUK personnel who were deployed to the 2003 Iraq War completed a health survey about experiences on deployment to Iraq. Health status was measured using self-report of common mental disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fatigue, physical symptoms and well-being.ResultsReservists were older and of higher rank than the regular forces. They reported higher exposure to traumatic experiences, lower unit cohesion, more problems adjusting to homecoming and lower marital satisfaction. Most health outcomes could be explained by role, experience of traumatic events or unit cohesion in theatre. PTSD symptoms were the one exception and were paradoxically most powerfully affected by differences in problems at home rather than events in Iraq.ConclusionsThe increased ill-health of reservists appears to be due to experiences on deployment and difficulties with homecoming.
Rhodium-catalyzed Selective Cross-coupling of Internal Alkynes with a Terminal Silylacetylene
Authors: Katagiri Takashi , Tsurugi Hayato , Funayama Atsushi , Satoh Tetsuya , Miura Masahiro 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
The cross-coupling of a number of internal arylalkynes with a representative terminal alkyne, tert-butyldimethylsilylacetylene, proceeds regio- and stereoselectively in the presence of a rhodium catalyst to produce the corresponding enyne compounds with good yield.
Syntheses and Photophysical Properties of Boomerang-shaped Bis(dehydrobenzo[12]annulene) and Trapezoid-shaped Tris(dehydrobenzo[12]annulene)
Authors: Tahara Kazukuni , Yoshimura Takashi , Ohno Mariko , Sonoda Motohiro , Tobe Yoshito 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A boomerang-shaped bis(dehydrobenzo[12]annulene) and a trapezoid-shaped tris(dehydrobenzo[12]annulene) were synthesized, and their ground- and excited-state properties were investigated.