bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computed tomographic estimation of lung dimensions throughout the growth period
Authors: de Jong P. A. , Long F. R. , Wong J. C. , Merkus P. J. , Tiddens H. A. , Hogg J. C. , Coxson H. O. 
Published: February 2006

The aim of the current study was to use computed tomography (CT) to estimate airway wall and lumen, and arterial and parenchyma dimensions in children throughout the growth period, and to provide normative data to study alterations caused by pulmonary disease.Clinical CT scans reported as normal that were performed in children for nonpulmonary and noncardiac reasons were analysed for lung weight, gas volume, lung expansion, lung surface/volume ratio, airway wall area, airway lumen area, airway lumen perimeter, arterial area and airway surface length/area ratio.The age range of the 50 subjects was 0–17.2 yrs. The data showed only little increase in lung expansion throughout childhood (n = 32). There was substantial variability in lung expansion between subjects. Airway wall and lumen and arterial area were exponentially associated with subjects' height (n = 50). Airway surface length/area ratio was linearly associated to alveolar surface/volume ratio.The data from the current study provide normative computed tomography estimates of airway wall and lumen, and arterial and parenchyma dimensions throughout the growth period that may be useful for the study of alterations in disease.
Exhaled nitric oxide is not reduced in infants with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Franklin P. J. , Hall G. L. , Moeller A. , Horak F. , Brennan S. , Stick S. M. 
Published: February 2006

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been reported to be reduced in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. However, data from young children are conflicting and it is not clear whether this is a primary feature of the disease or a secondary response. The present study compared FeNObetween CF and healthy infants using a validated single-breath technique.A total of 23 healthy infants (11 females; mean age 40.1 weeks) and 18 infants with CF (nine females; 64.9 weeks) underwent tests of lung function and FeNO. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was collected from all CF infants 2–5 days after lung function testing.There was no significant difference in FeNObetween the CF and healthy infants (geometric mean: 23.1 parts per billion (ppb) and 17.0 ppb, respectively). There was an inverse relationship between age and FeNOin the CF patients, but not in the healthy group. Within the CF group, there was no association between FeNOand any marker of airway inflammation measured in the BAL.Exhaled nitric oxide is not reduced in cystic fibrosis infants, but does decrease with age. The current data indicate that FeNOis not a good marker of airway inflammation in cystic fibrosis.
CpG-C ISS-ODN activation of blood-derived B cells from healthy and chronic immunodeficiency virus-infected macaques
Authors: Teleshova N , Kenney J , Williams V , Van Nest G , Marshall J , Lifson J D , Sivin I , Dufour J , Bohm R , Gettie A , Pope M 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Cytosine-phosphate-guanine class C (CpG-C) immunostimulatory sequence oligodeoxynucleotides (ISS-ODNs) activate human B cells and dendritic cells (DCs), properties that suggest potential use as a novel adjuvant to enhance vaccine efficacy. After demonstrating that the CpG-C ISS-ODN C274 activates macaque DCs, we examined in vitro activation of macaque B cells by C274 as a prelude to evaluation of this molecule as an adjuvant in the testing of candidate human immunodeficiency virus vaccines in the rhesus macaque-simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) model. C274 induced macaque CD20+ B cells to proliferate more strongly than CD40 ligand or CpG-B ISS-ODN. C274 enhanced B cell survival; increased viability was most evident after 3–7 days of culture. Increased expression of CD40, CD80, and CD86 by B cells was apparent within 24 h of exposure to C274 and persisted for up to 1 week. C274-stimulated, B cell-enriched and peripheral blood mononuclear cell suspensions from naïve and immunodeficiency virus-infected monkeys secreted several cytokines [e.g., interleukin (IL)-3, IL-6, IL-12, interferon-α] and chemokines [e.g., monocyte chemoattractant protein-1/CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), macrophage-inflammatory protein-1α/CCL3, IL-8/CXC chemokine ligand 8]. In comparison, exposure of macaque B cells to SIV had minimal impact on surface phenotype, despite inducing cytokine and chemokine production in cells from infected and uninfected animals. These observations emphasize the need to identify strategies to optimally boost immune function, as immunodeficiency viruses themselves only partially activate B cells and DCs. The ability of C274 to stimulate B cells and DCs in healthy and infected monkeys suggests its possible use as a broad-acting adjuvant to be applied in the rhesus macaque model for the development of preventative and therapeutic vaccines.
Suppression of MIP-1β transcription in human T cells is regulated by inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER)
Authors: Barabitskaja Oxana , Foulke James S , Pati Shibani , Bodor Josef , Reitz Marvin S 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
Local production of macrophage inflammatory protein-1β (MIP-1β), a β-chemokine that blocks human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) entry into CD4+ CC chemokine receptor 5+ target cells, may be a significant factor in resistance to HIV-1 infection and control of local viral spread. The mechanisms governing MIP-1β expression in T cells, however, are not well understood. Our results suggest that MIP-1β RNA expression in T cells is dynamically regulated by transcriptional factors of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responsive element (CRE)-binding (CREB)/modulator family. Transient transfection of primary human T cells with 5′ deletion and site-specific mutants of the human MIP-1β promoter identified an activated protein-1 (AP-1)/CRE-like motif at position –74 to –65 base pairs, relative to the TATA box as a vital cis-acting element and a binding site for inducible cAMP early repressor (ICER). Ectopic expression of ICER or induction of endogenous ICER with the cAMP agonists forskolin and prostaglandin E2 resulted in the formation of ICER-containing complexes, including an ICER:CREB heterodimer to the AP-1/CRE-like site and inhibition of MIP-1β promoter activity. Our data characterize an important binding site for the dominant-negative regulator ICER in the MIP-1β promoter and suggest that dynamic changes in the relative levels of ICER and CREB play a crucial role in cAMP-mediated attenuation of MIP-1β transcription in human T cells.
The sensitivity of three commonly used outcome measures to detect change amongst patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation following stroke
Authors: English C K , Hillier S L , Stiller K , Warden-Flood A 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To investigate the sensitivity of three commonly used functional outcome measures to detect change over time in subjects receiving inpatient rehabilitation post stroke. Design: Subjects were assessed within one week of admission and one week of discharge from an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Several parameters of sensitivity were calculated, including floor and ceiling effects, the percentage of subjects showing no change and the effect size of the change between admission and discharge. Setting: The medical rehabilitation ward of an inpatient rehabilitation facility. Subjects: Seventy-eight subjects receiving inpatient rehabilitation following a first or recurrent stroke. Measures: Five-metre walk, comfortable pace (gait speed), the Berg Balance Scale and the Motor Assessment Scale. Results: Sixty-one subjects had complete admission and discharge data. Gait speed and the Berg Balance Scale were both sensitive to change and demonstrated large effect sizes. The Motor Assessment Scale item five also showed a large effect size and was able to detect change amongst lower functioning subjects. The other items of the Motor Assessment Scale were less useful, in particular, the effect sizes for upper extremity change scores were small ( d=0.36–0.5) and the majority of subjects (44.3–63.9%) showed no change over time on these measures. Conclusion: Gait speed, the Berg Balance Scale and the Motor Assessment Scale item five were sensitive to change over time in this sample.
Health problems and health-related quality of life in people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Forbes Angus , While Alison , Mathes Lucia , Griffiths Peter 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To explore the interrelationship between a number of common multiple sclerosis-related problems and health-related quality of life independent of the effect of physical disease impact. Design: A cross-sectional postal survey. Setting: The study was conducted in seven treatment centres within England. Subjects: Nine hundred and twenty-nine people with multiple sclerosis. Measures: The severity of the multiple sclerosis problems (fatigue, pain, urinary incontinence, bowel, depression, pressure ulcers, sexual and employment problems) was assessed using 5-point self-report ordinal scales. Disease impact was measured using the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale-29. Health-related quality of life was measured using the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF-36). The relationship between the problems, disease impact and health-related quality of life was determined using multivariate analysis of covariance. Results: Seventy four per cent of the sample experienced four or more of the selected problems. The extent and severity of problems increased with the level of disease impact (P B=0.001). Fatigue, pain, employment, depression and relationship problems were all found to have negative effect on the SF-36 scales independent to the effect of disease impact. SF-36 scores were most compromised in patients experiencing multiple problems. The data suggest an interdependent relationship between depression, fatigue and pain. Conclusion: The data suggest that many multiple sclerosis complications negatively affect health-related quality of life, independent of the effect of overall disease impact.
Delayed discharge from rehabilitation after brain injury
Authors: Worthington Andrew D , Oldham J Barrie 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To investigate the extent of, and factors contributing to, delayed discharges for younger adults in rehabilitation. Method: Survey of patients discharged and awaiting discharge in a six-month period in five centres across England operated by a leading independent sector provider. Discharge was classified as delayed if a person had been waiting more than 30 days for transfer. Results: One in three beds was occupied by a delayed discharge (median delay > seven months). Common reasons were absence of a suitable placement (41%) and failure to obtain funding for postdischarge support (31%). Delays were also associated with poor indoor mobility and additional physical/mental health problems. We estimated earlier discharge would have resulted in overall cost savings of almost £490 000. Conclusion: Delayed discharge remains a significant obstacle to the development of cost-effective care pathways for younger adults. Our study suggests that health and social services are not exploiting the UK government's legislation for flexible partnership working in this area.
The Physical Performance Test as a predictor of frequent fallers: a prospective community-based cohort study
Authors: Delbaere Kim , Van den Noortgate Nele , Bourgois Jan , Vanderstraeten Guy , Tine Willems , Cambier Dirk 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To construct a risk model in order to identify elderly individuals at risk of frequent falling. Design: Prospective community-based cohort study over 12 months. Setting: Baseline measures were performed at a local community centre. Subjects: Two hundred and sixty-three community-dwelling elderly people (mean age 72 years). Measurements: A variety of variables were evaluated, including medical, psychological, sensory, physical and postural control measurements. Fall incidence was monitored retrospectively and during one-year follow-up. Results: Logistic regression analysis showed that polypharmacia was the most prominent medical fall predictor with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.29 (P =0.005), poor visual acuity the best sensory predictor (OR=0.84; P =0.009) and general fear of falling the most crucial psychological predictor (OR=3.25; P B=0.001). Increased postural sway in near-tandem stance with eyes open was selected as the best balance predictor for falls (OR=5.60; P =0.010), followed by delayed anteroposterior movement velocity during rhythmic weight shifts (OR=0.42; P =0.004). The best physical predictor was a low score on the Physical Performance Test (OR=4.16; P <0.001), followed by decreased maximal handgrip strength (OR=0.87; P <0.001) and increased timed chair-stands (OR=1.13; P <0.003). Step-by-step regression analysis revealed a risk model for the prediction of future falls, as a combination of the Physical Performance Test and maximal handgrip strength. Conclusion: This study confirms the multicausality of falls, since medical, psychological, sensory, postural control as well as physical variables provides a predictive value. The composed fall risk model was mainly physically oriented.
Assessing adherence to the evidence base in the management of poststroke dysphagia
Authors: Burton Christopher , Pennington Lindsay , Roddam Hazel , Russell Ian , Russell Daphne , Krawczyk Karen , Smith Hilary A 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To evaluate the reliability and responsiveness to change of an audit tool to assess adherence to evidence of effectiveness in the speech and language therapy (SLT) management of poststroke dysphagia. Design: The tool was used to review SLT practice as part of a randomized study of different education strategies. Medical records were audited before and after delivery of the trial intervention. Setting: Seventeen SLT departments in the north-west of England participated in the study. Subjects: The assessment tool was used to assess the medical records of 753 patients before and 717 patients after delivery of the trial intervention across the 17 departments. A target of 10 records per department per month was sought, using systematic sampling with a random start. Analysis: Inter- and intra-rater reliability were explored, together with the tool's internal consistency and responsiveness to change. Results: The assessment tool had high face validity, although internal consistency was low ( ra=0.37). Composite scores on the tool were however responsive to differences between SLT departments. Both inter- and intra-rater reliability ranged from ‘substantial’ to ‘near perfect’ across all items. Conclusions: The audit tool has high face validity and measurement reliability. The use of a composite adherence score should, however, proceed with caution as internal consistency is low.
Evaluation of physical therapy in parkinsonian patients with freezing of gait: a pilot study
Authors: Brichetto G , Pelosin E , Marchese R , Abbruzzese G 
Published: January 2006

Objective: Freezing of gait is a frequently disabling symptom in Parkinson's disease, poorly responding to dopaminergic treatment. We investigated the short-term effectiveness of a rehabilitation protocol in parkinsonian patients with freezing of gait. Design: Prospective, uncontrolled pilot study with open label design. Setting: Outpatient service for rehabilitation of neurological disorders. Subjects: Twelve patients (8 male, 4 female; aged 59-78 years; Hoehn-Yahr stage: 2-3; mean disease duration: 14.29±SD 4.1 years). Interventions: Patients attended three (45 min) sessions every week, over a six-week period, of physical therapy focused to improve balance, postural control and walking, and to learn new strategies for overcoming freezing of gait. Main outcome measures: Patients were evaluated before (T0), at the end (T1), and one month after (T2) rehabilitation by means of clinical rating scales (Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-Motor Section; Freezing of Gait Questionnaire; Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Score) and gait parameters (number of strides, stride length and velocity) during a standardized walking test. Results: The scores of Freezing of Gait Questionnaire and of Parkinson Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (but not of the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale-Motor Section) were significantly improved after treatment (T1). Gait parameters were significantly improved at T1 and T2. Conclusions: We showed the potential short-term efficacy of a rehabilitative approach to freezing of gait in Parkinson's disease. The positive outcome was documented by clinical rating scales and objective gait evaluation. The rapid reversibility of the clinical benefit suggests that further studies are needed to better define the optimal frequency and duration of treatment.
How relevant are exercise capacity measures for evaluating treatment effects in chronic fatigue syndrome? Results from a prospective, multidisciplinary outcome study
Authors: Pardaens K , Haagdorens L , Van Wambeke P , Van den Broeck A , Van Houdenhove B 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To evaluate the outcome of a multidisciplinary treatment programme for patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, including health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychosocial variables, and exercise capacity measures. Design: A six-month prospective outcome study. Setting: University outpatient rehabilitation clinic; group setting. Subjects: One hundred and sixteen women fulfilling chronic fatigue syndrome criteria. Interventions: Cognitive behaviourally and graded exercise-based strategies; emphasis on adaptive lifestyle changes. Measures: Short Form General Health Survey (SF-36); Symptom Checklist (SCL-90); Causal Attribution List (CAL); Self-Efficacy Scale (SE); maximum progressive bicycle ergometer test with respiratory gas analysis; and isokinetic leg strength test, before and after treatment. Results: The total group significantly improved on nearly all reported HRQoL/ psychosocial variables. Changes in exercise capacity measures were rather modest and did not correlate or only weakly correlated with HRQoL/psychosocial variables. Subgroup analyses indicated that less fit patients improved significantly more on exercise capacity measures than their more fit counterparts. Patients who were fitter at baseline scored better on pretreatment HRQoL/psychosocial variables, but both subgroups improved similarly on these variables. Conclusions: Health-related quality of life and psychosocial functioning in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome improves after a six-month cognitive behaviourally and graded exercise-based multidisciplinary treatment programme. Increase in exercise capacity measures is not a necessary condition for reported improvements, except for less fit patients.
Comparison of effects of Cyriax physiotherapy, a supervised exercise programme and polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron light) for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis
Authors: Stasinopoulos Dimitrios , Stasinopoulos Ioannis 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Cyriax physiotherapy, a supervised exercise programme, and polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron light) in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Design: Controlled clinical trial. Setting: Rheumatology and rehabilitation centre. Subjects: This study was carried out with 75 patients who had lateral epicondylitis. They were allocated to three groups by sequential allocation. Interventions: Group A ( n=25) was treated with Cyriax physiotherapy. A supervised exercise programme was given to group B ( n=25). Group C ( n=25) received polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron light). All patients received three treatments per week for four weeks. Outcomes: Pain was evaluated using a visual analogue scale and function using a visual analogue scale and pain-free grip strength at the end of the four-week course of treatment (week 4), one month (week 8), three months (week 16) and six months (week 28) after the end of treatment. Results: The supervised exercise programme produced the largest effect in the reduction of pain and in the improvement of function at the end of the treatment ( P<0.05) and at any of the follow-up time points ( P<0.05). Conclusion: The supervised exercise programme should be the first treatment option for therapists when they manage lateral epicondylitis patients. If this is not possible, Cyriax physiotherapy and polarized polychromatic non-coherent light (Bioptron light) may be suitable.
Effects of visual and auditory cues on gait initiation in people with Parkinson's disease
Authors: Jiang Ying , Norman Kathleen E 
Published: January 2006

Objective: To evaluate the effects of auditory and visual cues on gait initiation in people with Parkinson's disease. Subjects: Fourteen subjects with Parkinson's disease were recruited from community support groups, seven of whom reported having experienced freezing when walking. Design and setting: This study was a repeated measures analysis of gait initiation performance during a single visit to a university-based motion laboratory. Following baseline trials, auditory and visual cue conditions were presented in random order. The auditory cues were rhythmic sounds with an interval matching the subject's average step time. The visual cues were high-contrast transverse lines on the floor adjusted for the subject's first step length and overall height. Main measures: Kinematic recordings enabled calculation of the timing and length of steps as well as overall velocity. The timing and magnitude of weight shift and push-off force were obtained from a force platform. Results: The magnitudes of first and second step lengths, of push-off force and of overall gait velocity were significantly greater in the visual cue condition than in the baseline condition, whereas there was no significant effect of auditory cue on these measures. Neither cue had any significant effect on the timing of key events in gait initiation. Conclusions: Transverse line visual cues enable people with Parkinson's disease to begin walking with longer steps, greater push-off force and higher velocity. Auditory cues that others have shown to improve aspects of gait in people with Parkinson's disease do not appear to have any systematic effect on the first two steps of gait initiation.
Effects of single-dose methylphenidate on cognitive performance in patients with traumatic brain injury: a double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Kim Yun-Hee , Ko Myoung-Hwan , Na Seung-Yong , Park Se-Hun , Kim Kee-Won 
Published: January 2006

Objectives: To determine the effect of a single dose of methylphenidate on the cognitive performance of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), and particularly on working memory and visuospatial attention. Design: A double-blind placebo-controlled study. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group taking methylphenidate and a control group taking a placebo. Setting: The Department of Rehabilitation Medicine of a university hospital. Subjects: Eighteen subjects with TBI (16 male and two female) were enrolled. Interventions: The patients were given 20 mg methylphenidate or a placebo. Cognitive assessments were performed at three times: before the medication as a baseline, 2 h after medication and at follow-up (48 h later). Main measures: Cognitive assessments consisted of working memory tasks and endogenous visuospatial attention tasks designed using SuperLabPro 2.0 software. Response accuracy and reaction time were measured. Results: There were significant improvements in response accuracy in the methylphenidate group compared with the placebo group for both the working memory and visuospatial attention tasks. A significant decrease in the reaction time was also observed in the methylphenidate group only for the working memory task. Conclusions: The administration of single-dose methylphenidate has an effect in improving cognitive functioning following a TBI. The effects were most prominent regarding the reaction time of the working memory.