bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Scottish suicide rates during the Second World War
Authors: Henderson Rob , Stark Cameron , Humphry Roger W , Selvaraj Sivasubramaniam 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
It is believed that total reported suicide rates tend to decrease during wartime. However, analysis of suicide rates during recent conflicts suggests a more complex picture, with increases in some age groups and changes in method choice. As few age and gender specific analyses of more distant conflicts have been conducted, it is not clear if these findings reflect a change in the epidemiology of suicide in wartime. Therefore, we examined suicide rates in Scotland before, during and after the Second World War to see if similar features were present.

Methods
Data on deaths in Scotland recorded as suicide during the period 1931 – 1952, and population estimates for each of these years, were obtained from the General Register Office for Scotland. Using computer spreadsheets, suicide rates by gender, age and method were calculated. Forward stepwise logistic regression was used to assess the effect of gender, war and year on suicide rates using SAS V8.2.

Results
The all-age suicide rate among both men and women declined during the period studied. However, when this long-term decline is taken into account, the likelihood of suicide during the Second World War was higher than during both the pre-War and post-War periods. Suicide rates among men aged 15–24 years rose during the Second World War, peaking at 148 per million (41 deaths) during 1942 before declining to 39 per million (10 deaths) by 1945, while the rate among men aged 25–34 years reached 199 per million (43 deaths) during 1943 before falling to 66 per million (23 deaths) by 1946. This was accompanied by an increase in male suicides attributable to firearms and explosives during the War years which decreased following its conclusion.

Conclusion
All age male and female suicide rates decreased in Scotland during World War II. However, once the general background decrease in suicide rates over the whole period is accounted for, the likelihood of suicide among the entire Scottish population during the Second World War was elevated. The overall decrease in suicide rates concealed large increases in younger male age groups during the War years, and an increase in male suicides recorded as due to the use of firearms. We conclude that the effects of war on younger people, reported in recent conflicts in Central Europe, were also seen in Scotland during the Second World War. The results support the findings of studies of recent conflicts which have found a heterogeneous picture with respect to age specific suicide rates during wartime.
Development of a taxonomy to describe massage treatments for musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Sherman Karen J , Dixon Marian W , Thompson Diana , Cherkin Daniel C 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
One of the challenges in conducting research in the field of massage and bodywork is the lack of consistent terminology for describing the treatments given by massage therapists. The objective of this study was to develop a taxonomy to describe what massage therapists actually do when giving a massage to patients with musculoskeletal pain.

Methods
After conducting a review of the massage treatment literature for musculoskeletal pain, a list of candidate techniques was generated for possible inclusion in the taxonomy. This list was modified after discussions with a senior massage therapist educator and seven experienced massage therapists participating in a study of massage for neck pain.

Results
The taxonomy was conceptualized as a three level classification system, principal goals of treatment, styles, and techniques. Four categories described the principal goal of treatment (i.e., relaxation massage, clinical massage, movement re-education and energy work). Each principal goal of treatment could be met using a number of different styles, with each style consisting of a number of specific techniques. A total of 36 distinct techniques were identified and described, many of which could be included in multiple styles.

Conclusion
A new classification system is presented whereby practitioners using different styles of massage can describe the techniques they employ using consistent terminology. This system could help facilitate standardized reporting of massage interventions.
Histopathological evaluation of ocular microsporidiosis by different stains
Authors: Joseph Joveeta , Vemuganti Geeta K , Garg Prashant , Sharma Savitri 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
There is limited data on comparing stains in the detection of microsporidia in corneal biopsies. Hence we wanted to evaluate various stains for their ability to detect microsporidia in corneal tissue sections.

Methods
Four cases diagnosed with microsporidiosis on Hematoxylin and Eosin and Periodic Acid Schiff's stained sections of the corneal button between January 2002 and December 2004, were included. Further sections were prospectively stained with calcofluor white, Gram, Giemsa, Masson's trichrome, acridine orange, Gomori's methenamine silver, Gram's chromotrope and modified acid fast stain. The stained sections were analyzed for the spore characteristics in terms of size, shape, color contrast, cell wall morphology, waist band in cytoplasm and ease of detection.

Results
All sections showed microsporidial spores as 3 – 5 μm, oval bodies. 1% acid fast, Gram's chromotrope and GMS stains provided a reliable diagnosis of microsporidia as diagnostic waist band could be identified and good contrast helped distinguish the spores from inflammatory debris.

Conclusion
Considering the ease of performance, cost effectiveness and rapidity of the technique, 1% acid fast stain and Gram's chromotrope stain are ideal for the detection of microsporidia.
Cost-effectiveness of primary offer of IVF vs. primary offer of IUI followed by IVF (for IUI failures) in couples with unexplained or mild male factor subfertility
Authors: Pashayan Nora , Lyratzopoulos Georgios , Mathur Raj 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
In unexplained and mild male factor subfertility, both intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) are indicated as first line treatments. Because the success rate of IUI is low, many couples failing IUI subsequently require IVF treatment. In practice, it is therefore important to examine the comparative outcomes (live birth-producing pregnancy), costs, and cost-effectiveness of primary offer of IVF, compared with primary offer of IUI followed by IVF for couples failing IUI.

Methods
Mathematical modelling was used to estimate comparative clinical and cost effectiveness of either primary offer of one full IVF cycle (including frozen cycles when applicable) or "IUI + IVF" (defined as primary IUI followed by IVF for IUI failures) to a hypothetical cohort of subfertile couples who are eligible for both treatment strategies. Data used in calculations were derived from the published peer-reviewed literature as well as activity data of local infertility units.

Results
Cost-effectiveness ratios for IVF, "unstimulated-IUI (U-IUI) + IVF", and "stimulated IUI (S-IUI) + IVF" were £12,600, £13,100 and £15,100 per live birth-producing pregnancy respectively. For a hypothetical cohort of 100 couples with unexplained or mild male factor subfertility, compared with primary offer of IVF, 6 cycles of "U-IUI + IVF" or of "S-IUI + IVF" would cost an additional £174,200 and £438,000, representing an opportunity cost of 54 and 136 additional IVF cycles and 14 to 35 live birth-producing pregnancies respectively.

Conclusion
For couples with unexplained and mild male factor subfertility, primary offer of a full IVF cycle is less costly and more cost-effective than providing IUI (of any modality) followed by IVF.
Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract WS®5570 compared to placebo in patients with major depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial [ISRCTN77277298]
Authors: Kasper Siegfried , Anghelescu Ion-George , Szegedi Armin , Dienel Angelika , Kieser Meinhard 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
The aim of the current study was to assess the antidepressant efficacy and safety of Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) extract WS® 5570 at doses of 600 mg/day in a single dose and 1200 mg/day in two doses.

Methods
The participants in this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial were male and female adult out-patients with an episode of mild or moderate major depressive episode (single or recurrent episode, DSM-IV criteria). As specified by the relevant guideline, the study was preceded by a medication-free run-in phase. For the 6-week treatment, 332 patients were randomized: 123 to WS® 5570 600 mg/day, 127 to WS® 5570 1200 mg/day, and 82 to placebo. The primary outcome measure was the change in total score on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D, 17-item version) between baseline and endpoint. Additional measures included the number of responders, the number of patients in remission, and several other standard rating scales. Efficacy and safety were assessed after 2 and 6 weeks. The design included an interim analysis performed after randomization with the option of early termination.

Results
After 6 weeks of treatment, mean ± standard deviation decreases in HAM-D total scores of 11.6 ± 6.4, 10.8 ± 7.3, and 6.0 ± 8.1 points were observed for the WS® 5570 600 mg/day, 1200 mg/day and placebo groups, respectively (endpoint analysis). Secondary measures of treatment efficacy also showed that both WS® 5570 groups were statistically superior to placebo. Significantly more patients in the WS® 5570 treatment groups than in the placebo group showed treatment response and remission. WS® 5570 was consistently more effective than placebo in patients with either less severe or more severe baseline impairment. The number of patients who experienced remission was higher in the WS® 5570 1200 mg/day group than the WS® 5570 600 mg/day group. The incidence of adverse events was low in all groups. The adverse event profile was consistent with the known profile for Hypericum extract preparations.

Conclusion

Hypericum perforatum extract WS® 5570 at doses of 600 mg/day (once daily) and 1200 mg/day (600 mg twice daily) were found to be safe and more effective than placebo, with comparable efficacy of the WS® 5570 groups for the treatment of mild to moderate major depression.
Prevalence and outcomes of delirium in community and non-acute care settings in people without dementia: a report from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging
Authors: Andrew Melissa K , Freter Susan H , Rockwood Kenneth 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundWhile delirium is common among older adults in acute care hospitals, its prevalence in other settings has been less well studied. We examined delirium prevalence and outcomes in a large cohort of older Canadians living outside of acute care.MethodsIn this secondary analysis of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging, the prevalence of clinically diagnosed delirium was estimated and five-year survival was compared with that of individuals with dementia of graded severity.ResultsDelirium was very uncommon (prevalence <0.5%) and was associated with reduced survival, similar to that of moderate-to-severe dementia.ConclusionIn this cohort of older Canadians, delirium in non-demented people was associated with very low 5-year survival, at levels comparable with advanced dementia. Although it is common in hospital, delirium is uncommon among older adults in their usual place of residence, suggesting that it is a potent stimulus to seek medical care.
Protection of rabbits against enteropathogenic Escherichia coli(EPEC) using an intimin null mutant
Authors: Stakenborg Tim , Vandekerchove Dominique , Mariën Jonas , Laevens Hans , Imberechts Hein , Peeters Johan 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Diarrhea and mortality resulting from infections with enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) are of major economic importance in the rabbit meat industry. There is a growing need for an effective vaccine to cope with these problems and to reduce the use of antibiotics. EPEC are characterized by an attaching and effacing virulence mechanism. This is partly mediated by the intimate binding between an adhesin, called intimin, and a translocated receptor (Tir) of prokaryote origin. We constructed an intimin deletion mutant of the rabbit EPEC (REPEC) wild-type strain 97/241.6 (bio-/serogroup 3-/O15) and examined its protective capacity.

Results
After verifying its complete loss of virulence, we used the attenuated strain in vaccination-challenge experiments in which complete protection against a homologous, but virulent, strain was observed. The attenuated strain was able to persist in the intestinal lumen, where it elicited an immune response against EPEC-related virulence proteins, as was shown using an EspB-specific ELISA. Despite the priming of an immune response and the generation of specific antibodies, the intimin mutant was not able to fully protect rabbits against challenges with REPEC strains of other bio-/serogroups.

Conclusion
These data indicate that protection against REPEC infections is at least partly bio-/serogroup dependent and a multivalent vaccine may be needed for protection against the full range of REPEC types. Such a combination vaccine may be developed using intimin null mutants, as the latter were clearly shown to be safe and effective against homologous infections.
Healing of bronchopleural fistula using a modified Dumon stent: a case report
Authors: Ferraroli Giorgio Maria , Testori Alberto , Cioffi Ugo , De Simone Matilde , Alloisio Marco , Galliera Maurizio , Ciulla Michele M , Ravasi Gianni 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Brochopleural fistula following lung resection is a therapeuric challenge for thoracic surgeons.

Case presentation
We describe a case of late bronchopleural fistula after right extrapleural pneumonectomy for malignant mesothelioma. Bronchoscopic attempts to repair it were unsuccessful.

Conclusion
The use of a modified Y Dumon stent associated with glue apposition on the bronchial stump allowed us to close the fistula without the need of any surgical repair.
The association of mammographic density with ductal carcinoma in situof the breast: the Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Gill Jasmeet K , Maskarinec Gertraud , Pagano Ian , Kolonel Laurence N 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Introduction
It is well established that women with high mammographic density are at greater risk for breast cancer than are women with low breast density. However, little research has been done on mammographic density and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) of the breast, which is thought to be a precursor lesion to some invasive breast cancers.

Method
We conducted a nested case-control study within the Multiethnic Cohort, and compared the mammographic densities of 482 patients with invasive breast cancer and 119 with breast DCIS cases versus those of 667 cancer-free control subjects. A reader blinded to disease status performed computer-assisted density assessment. For women with more than one mammogram, mean density values were computed. Polytomous logistic regression models were used to compute adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for two measurements of mammographic density: percentage density and dense area.

Results
Mammographic density was associated with invasive breast cancer and breast DCIS. For the highest category of percentage breast density (≥50%) as compared with the lowest (<10%), the OR was 3.58 (95% CI 2.26–5.66) for invasive breast cancer and 2.86 (1.38–5.94) for breast DCIS. Similarly, for the highest category of dense area (≥45 cm2) as compared with the lowest (<15 cm2), the OR was 2.92 (95% CI 2.01–4.25) for invasive breast cancer and 2.59 (1.39–4.82) for breast DCIS. Trend tests were significant for invasive breast cancer (P for trend < 0.0001) and breast DCIS (P for trend < 0.001) for both percentage density and dense area.

Conclusion
The similar strength of association for mammographic density with breast DCIS and invasive breast cancer supports the hypothesis that both diseases may have a common etiology.
Up-regulation of ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways by hepatitis C virus E2 envelope protein in human T lymphoma cell line
Authors: Zhao Lan-Juan , Zhang Xiao-Lian , Zhao Ping , Cao Jie , Cao Ming-Mei , Zhu Shi-Ying , Liu Hou-Qi , Qi Zhong-Tian 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection correlates with human immune disorders characterized by abnormal activation and proliferation of lymphocytes. Interaction of HCV major envelope protein E2 with susceptible cells occurs at an early stage of the viral infection. HCV tropism for susceptible cells may elicit cellular signaling events implicated in the viral pathogenicity, and E2 protein is known to be responsible for the tropism. We documented previously that HCV E2 protein was capable of activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in human hepatoma Huh-7 cells. Here, ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were investigated in human T lymphoma cell line Molt-4 in response to HCV E2 protein. Binding of HCV E2 protein to Molt-4 cells was detectable, and such interaction was a determinant for recognition and delivery of the E2 signal to intracellular pathways. Activation of ERK and p38 MAPK was specifically induced following the HCV E2-cell interaction. CD81 and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), proposed cellular receptors for HCV, were expressed naturally on Molt-4 cells. CD81 and LDLR were shown to mediate HCV E2-induced activation of ERK and p38 MAPK. In CD81-deficient U937 cells, levels of ERK and p38 MAPK activation and cell proliferation induced by HCV E2 protein were lower than those in Molt-4 cells. Furthermore, cell proliferation and secretion of interferon-γ and interleukin-10 by Molt-4 cells were promoted by HCV E2 protein. Therefore, ERK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways were up-regulated by HCV E2 protein without synergetic stimulation, which was accompanied by alterations of cell behavior.
Differential effects of statins on relevant functions of human monocyte-derived dendritic cells
Authors: Tao Jianming , Segal Brahm H , Eppolito Cheryl , Li Qingsheng , Dennis Carly G , Youn Richard , Shrikant Protul A 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Invasive aspergillosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the severely immunocompromised. The paucity of information about the mechanisms by which Aspergillus-derived factors regulate antigen-specific T cell responses in vivo poses a significant hurdle for devising effective immunization strategies to treat or prevent aspergillosis. By monitoring adoptively transferred T cell receptor transgenic, naive CD4+ (OT-II) and CD8+ (OT-I) T cells specific for distinct peptides of a nominal antigen, chicken ovalbumin (OVA), we demonstrate that sensitization with Aspergillus fumigatus (Af) extract plus OVA protein considerably enhances OT-I and OT-II T cell activation, which results in clonal expansion, primarily as a result of increased proliferation. The sensitization provided by Af extract promotes OT-I expansion accompanied by differentiation into interferon-γ-producing cytotoxic cells. It is surprising that no effector differentiation of the induced OT-II response was observed. Moreover, the Af extract-induced OT-I and OT-II T cell expansion was transient, as considerable contraction in the numbers of detectable OT-I and OT-II T cells was evidenced by Day 10. In agreement with these observations, sensitization with Af extract plus OVA marginally promoted host immunity against an OVA-expressing thymoma (E.G7) challenge, and the protection was enhanced by resensitization with Af extract and OVA. Our results demonstrate the ability of Af extract to differentially regulate antigen-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses, resulting in limited augmentation of host immunity. This information suggests that strategies to target CD4+ T cell effector maturation may promote host immunity to Aspergillus and unexpectedly demonstrates the use for Af extract as a CD8+ T cell adjuvant.
Passively acquired membrane proteins alter the functional capacity of bovine polymorphonuclear cells
Authors: Whale Tyler A , Wilson Heather L , Tikoo Suresh K , Babiuk Lorne A , Griebel Philip J 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
We have previously shown that bovine polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) have an impressive capacity to passively acquire membrane lipids and proteins from apoptotic cells. The present study used confocal microscopy to analyze the interaction between PMNs and a variety of donor cells, and assays were used to determine if passively acquired membrane proteins altered PMN biology. Confocal microscopy revealed that direct cell–cell contact and microparticles shed by donor cells may be a source of passively acquired membranes and integral membrae proteins, which then integrate into the PMN plasma membrane. Donor cells expressing green fluorescent protein in their cytoplasm were also used to demonstrate the transfer of cytoplasmic proteins from donor cells to PMNs. The functional consequences of passive membrane protein acquisition by PMNs were then investigated using two distinct systems. First, PMNs were incubated with membranes isolated from an adenovirus-permissive cell line, and this passive transfer of cell membranes significantly increased adenovirus infection of PMNs. Second, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules were passively transferred from ovine B cells to bovine PMNs, and PMNs with ovine MHC class II on their surface were able to induce a proliferative response and increased cytokine gene expression in alloreactive bovine T cell lines. In conclusion, passively acquired membrane proteins integrated into the plasma membrane of bovine PMNs and altered the functional capacity of these cells.
Paneth cells: leukocyte-like mediators of innate immunity in the intestine
Authors: Keshav Satish 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Paneth cells are secretory intestinal epithelial cells located at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn in the small intestine. They display prominent cytoplasmic granules, containing antibacterial proteins such as lysozyme, secretory phospholipase A2 type IIA, and α-defensins, which are released into the intestinal lumen in response to a range of stimuli. In this, they resemble circulating leukocytes, which also elaborate and secrete lysozyme and α-defensins as part of an antibacterial defense function, and the resemblance is sustained at other levels. The cells also strongly and specifically express the NOD2 gene product, one of an emerging family of critical, intracellular mediators of innate immune responses, which is also highly expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and they express RNA for tumor necrosis factor α, a major myelomonocytic cell-derived cytokine, which has a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease (CD). Thus, these cells, which are derived from the pluripotent intestinal epithelial stem-cell lineage, are sessile, resident host-defense cells, which may share with leukocytes the beneficial function of secreting antimicrobial peptides, aswell as the potentially harmful capacity for promoting inflammation and tissue damage. Paneth cells are most abundant in the distal small intestine, which is the region most frequently affected by CD, and there is great interest in the potential role of these cells in this condition. This brief review summarizes current knowledge and speculates on how the study of these fascinating cells might be advanced.