bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A qualitative study of an integrated maternity, drugs and social care service for drug-using women
Authors: Hall Jennifer L , van Teijlingen Edwin R 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
The care of drug-using pregnant women is a growing health and social care concern in many countries. A specialist clinic was established offering multidisciplinary care and advice to pregnant drug users in and around Aberdeen (UK) in 1997. The majority of women stabilise and reduce their drug use. By determining the needs and views of the women more appropriate services and prevention strategies may be developed. There has been little research conducted in this area and none in Scotland.

Methods
This is a qualitative study that aimed to gain an understanding of the experiences of women drug users, seeking and receiving prenatal care and drug services from a specialist clinic. Twelve women participated in semi-structured one-to-one interviews.

Results
The women preferred the multidisciplinary clinic (one-stop shop) to traditional prenatal care centred within General Practice. The relationships of the clients to the range of Clinic professionals and in hospital were explored as well as attitudes to Clinic care. The study participants attributed success in reducing their drug use to the combination of different aspects of care of the multi-agency clinic, especially the high level prenatal support. It is this arrangement of all aspects of care together that seem to produce better outcomes for mother and child than single care elements delivered separately. Some women reported that their pregnancy encouraged them to rapidly detoxify due to the guilt experienced. The most important aspects of the Clinic care were found to be non-judgemental attitude of staff, consistent staff, high level of support, reliable information and multi-agency integrated care.

Conclusion
There is an impetus for women drug users to change lifestyle during pregnancy. The study highlighted a need for women to have access to reliable information on the effects of drugs on the baby.
Further research is required to determine whether positive outcomes related to clinic attendance in the prenatal period are sustained in the postnatal period. Early referral to a specialist clinic is of benefit to the women, as they reported to receive more appropriate care, especially in relation to their drug use. A greater awareness of needs of the pregnant drug user could help the design of more effective prevention strategies.
Health Research Profile to assess the capacity of low and middle income countries for equity-oriented research
Authors: Tugwell P , Sitthi-Amorn C , Hatcher-Roberts J , Neufeld V , Makara P , Munoz F , Czerny P , Robinson V , Nuyens Y , Okello D 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
The Commission on Health Research for Development concluded that "for the most vulnerable people, the benefits of research offer a potential for change that has gone largely untapped." This project was designed to assess low and middle income country capacity and commitment for equity-oriented research.

Methods
A multi-disciplinary team with coordinators from each of four regions (Asia, Latin America, Africa and Central and Eastern Europe) developed a questionnaire through consensus meetings using a mini-Delphi technique. Indicators were selected based on their quality, validity, comprehensiveness, feasibility and relevance to equity. Indicators represented five categories that form the Health Research Profile (HRP): 1) Research priorities; 2) Resources (amount spent on research); 3) Production of knowledge (capacity); 4) Packaging of knowledge and 5) Evidence of research impact on policy and equity. We surveyed three countries from each region.

Results
Most countries reported explicit national health research priorities. Of these, half included specific research priorities to address inequities in health. Data on financing were lacking for most countries due to inadequate centralized collection of this information. The five main components of HRP showed a gradient where countries scoring lower on the Human Development Index (HDI) had a lower capacity to conduct research to meet local health research needs. Packaging such as peer-reviewed journals and policy forums were reported by two thirds of the countries. Seven out of 12 countries demonstrated impact of health research on policies and reported engagement of stakeholders in this process.

Conclusion
Only one out of 12 countries indicated there was research on all fronts of the equity debate. Knowledge sharing and management is needed to strengthen within-country capacity for research and implementation to reduce inequities in health. We recommend that all countries (and external agencies) should invest more in building a certain minimum level of national capacity for equity-oriented research.
No difference in stroke knowledge between Korean adherents to traditional and western medicine – the AGE study: an epidemiological study
Authors: Park Moon Ho , Jo Sangmee Ahn , Jo Inho , Kim Eunkyung , Eun Su-Yong , Han Changsu , Park Min Kyu 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Effective stroke intervention and risk reduction depend on the general public's awareness and knowledge of stroke. In Korea, where both traditional Oriental medicine and Western medicine are practiced, estimates of the general public's awareness and knowledge of stroke are poor. The present study sought to describe the inception cohort of the Ansan Geriatric Study (AGE study) and to determine baseline stroke awareness and preferred medical treatment for stroke in this Korean sample.

Methods
A total of 2,767 subjects selected randomly from the Ansan Geriatric Study in South Korea were questioned about stroke. Their answers were compared with their sociodemographic data and other variables.

Results
Only 44.8% of participants correctly identified stroke as a vascular disease in the human brain. Sudden numbness or weakness was the most frequently identified stroke warning sign (60.2%). Hypertension (66.7%) and mental stress (62.2%) were most frequently identified as stroke risk factors. The contributions of diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease to stroke were underestimated; they were identified as risk factors by 28.3% and 18.6% of participants, respectively. The predictors for poor knowledge of stroke warning signs and risk factors were similar irrespective of preference for Western or Oriental medical treatment, and included those with lower levels of education and inaccurate definition of stroke. Television and radio (40.3%) were the most frequent sources of stroke information for both groups.

Conclusion
This study shows that knowledge of stroke is similar among Koreans with preferences for either Western or Oriental medical treatment and that misunderstandings about stroke are common among the Korean elderly. In order to prevent and manage stroke effectively, public health education regarding basic concepts of stroke is necessary. This should target those with a lower level of education and a misunderstanding of the definition of stroke.
Two years of psychogeriatric consultations in a nursing home: reasons for referral compared to psychiatrists' assessment
Authors: Callegari Camilla MT , Menchetti Marco , Croci Giovanni , Beraldo Scilla , Costantini Chiara , Baranzini Federico 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundIn spite of the high prevalence of psychiatric disorders among elderly residents in nursing homes, only a small number of patients in need of specialist care are referred to a psychiatric consultant. The aim of this research was to evaluate the consultation activity and the appropriateness of referral to psychiatric assessment.MethodsData were collected and analysed on consultation carried out over a two-year period in a RSA (Residenza Socio-Assistenziale) in Northern-Italy. Data were catalogued with reference to: patients, consultation, diagnosis and recommended medications. Statistical correlation analysis by means of Spearman test and signification test was carried out.ResultsResidents referred to psychiatric consultation at least once were 112 (14.5% of all residents). Reason for referral were: depression (17.2%), delusions and hallucinations (14%), agitation (34.8%), aggressive behaviour (23.5%) and disturbances of sleep (6.8%). Most frequent diagnoses were organic, including symptomatic, mental disorders (33.9%), mood disorders (22.3%) and schizophrenia, schizotypal and delusional syndromes (18.8%). No psychiatric diagnosis was found only in 1.8% of cases, thus confirming high sensibility of referring physicians.A statistically significant correlation was found when comparing referrals for depression or delusions and allucinations or sleep disturbances and diagnostic confirmation of such symptoms by specialistic assessment (respectively 49.8%, 52.7% and 19.6%).Correlation between psychotic symptoms and the consequent prescription of antipsychotic drugs had a significant if somewhat modest value (24%) while correlation between depression symptoms and prescription of antidepressant drugs was more noticeable (66.5%).ConclusionMain reason for referral to psychiatric consultation resulted to be the presence of agitation, a non-specific symptom often difficult to attribute. Data concerning depression confirm tendency to underestimating this diagnosis in the elderly. Furthermore, symptomatic reasons for referral did not always correspond to subsequent diagnostic definitions by psychiatric consultants, therefore demonstrating modest predictive power.
Aortic distensibility measured by pulse-wave velocity is not modified in patients with Chagas' disease
Authors: Villacorta Humberto , Bortolotto Luiz Aparecido , Arteaga Edmundo , Mady Charles 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background
Experimental studies demonstrate that infection with trypanosoma cruzi causes vasculitis. The inflammatory lesion process could hypothetically lead to decreased distensibility of large and small arteries in advanced Chagas' disease. We tested this hypothesis.

Methods and results
We evaluated carotid-femoral pulse-wave velocity (PWV) in 53 Chagas' disease patients compared with 31 healthy volunteers (control group). The 53 patients were classified into 3 groups: 1) 16 with indeterminate form of Chagas' disease; 2) 18 with Chagas' disease, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and normal systolic function; 3) 19 with Chagas' disease, systolic dysfunction, and mild-to-moderate congestive heart failure. No difference was noted between the 4 groups regarding carotid-femoral PWV (8.4 ± 1.1 vs 8.2 ± 1.5 vs 8.2 ± 1.4 vs 8.7 ± 1.6 m/s, P = 0.6) or pulse pressure (39.5 ± 7.6 vs 39.3 ± 8.1 vs 39.5 ± 7.4 vs 39.7 ± 6.9 mm Hg, P = 0.9). A positive, significant, similar correlation occurred between PWV and age in patients with Chagas' disease (r = 0.42, P = 0.002), in controls (r = 0.48, P = 0.006), and also between PWV and systolic blood pressure in both groups (patients with Chagas' disease, r = 0.38, P = 0.005; healthy subjects, r = 0.36, P = 0.043).

Conclusion
Carotid femoral pulse-wave velocity is not modified in patients with Chagas' disease, suggesting that elastic properties of large arteries are not affected in this disorder.
Neuromuscular organization and aminergic modulation of contractions in the Drosophila ovary
Authors: Middleton C Adam , Nongthomba Upendra , Parry Katherine , Sweeney Sean T , Sparrow John C , Elliott Christopher JH 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Background

The processes by which eggs develop in the insect ovary are well characterized. Despite a large number of Drosophila mutants that cannot lay eggs, the way that the egg is moved along the reproductive tract from ovary to uterus is less well understood. We remedy this with an integrative study on the reproductive tract muscles (anatomy, innervation, contractions, aminergic modulation) in female flies.

Results

Each ovary, consisting of 15–20 ovarioles, is surrounded by a contractile meshwork, the peritoneal sheath. Individual ovarioles are contained within a contractile epithelial sheath. Both sheaths contain striated muscle fibres. The oviduct and uterine walls contain a circular striated muscle layer. No longitudinal muscle fibres are seen.
Neurons that innervate the peritoneal sheath and lateral oviduct have many varicosities and terminate in swellings just outside the muscles of the peritoneal sheath. They all express tyrosine decarboxylase (required for tyramine and octopamine synthesis) and Drosophila vesicular monoamine transporter (DVMAT). No fibres innervate the ovarioles. The common oviduct and uterus are innervated by two classes of neurons, one with similar morphology to those of the peritoneal sheath and another with repeated branches and axon endings similar to type I neuromuscular junctions.
In isolated genital tracts from 3- and 7-day old flies, each ovariole contracts irregularly (12.5 ± 6.4 contractions/minute; mean ± 95% confidence interval). Peritoneal sheath contractions (5.7 ± 1.6 contractions/minute) move over the ovary, from tip to base or vice versa, propagating down the oviduct. Rhythmical spermathecal rotations (1.5 ± 0.29 contractions/minute) also occur. Each genital tract organ exhibits its own endogenous myogenic rhythm.
The amplitude of contractions of the peritoneal sheath increase in octopamine (100 nM, 81% P < 0.02) but 1 μM tyramine has no effect. Neither affects the frequency of peritoneal sheath contractions.

Conclusion

The muscle fibres of the reproductive tract are circular and have complex bursting myogenic rhythms under octopaminergic neuromodulation. We propose a new model of tissue-specific actions of octopamine, in which strengthening of peritoneal sheath contractions, coupled with relaxation of the oviduct, eases ovulation. This model accounts for reduced ovulation in flies with mutations in the octopaminergic system.
Sortilin, SorCS1b, and SorLA Vps10p sorting receptors, are novel γ-secretase substrates
Authors: Nyborg Andrew C , Ladd Thomas B , Zwizinski Craig W , Lah James J , Golde Todd E 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe mammalian Vps10p sorting receptor family is a group of 5 type I membrane homologs (Sortilin, SorLA, and SorCS1-3). These receptors bind various cargo proteins via their luminal Vps10p domains and have been shown to mediate a variety of intracellular sorting and trafficking functions. These proteins are highly expressed in the brain. SorLA has been shown to be down regulated in Alzheimer's disease brains, interact with ApoE, and modulate Aβ production. Sortilin has been shown to be part of proNGF mediated death signaling that results from a complex of Sortilin, p75NTRand proNGF. We have investigated and provide evidence for γ-secretase cleavage of this family of proteins.ResultsWe provide evidence that these receptors are substrates for presenilin dependent γ-secretase cleavage. γ-Secretase cleavage of these sorting receptors is inhibited by γ-secretase inhibitors and does not occur in PS1/PS2 knockout cells. Like most γ-secretase substrates, we find that ectodomain shedding precedes γ-secretase cleavage. The ectodomain cleavage is inhibited by a metalloprotease inhibitor and activated by PMA suggesting that it is mediated by an α-secretase like cleavage.ConclusionThese data indicate that the α- and γ-secretase cleavages of the mammalian Vps10p sorting receptors occur in a fashion analogous to other known γ-secretase substrates, and could possibly regulate the biological functions of these proteins.
Genetic regulators of myelopoiesis and leukemic signaling identified by gene profiling and linear modeling
Authors: Brown Anna L , Wilkinson Christopher R , Waterman Scott R , Kok Chung H , Salerno Diana G , Diakiw Sonya M , Reynolds Brenton , Scott Hamish S , Tsykin Anna , Glonek Gary F , Goodall Gregory J , Solomon Patty J , Gonda Thomas J , D’Andrea Richard J 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Mechanisms controlling the balance between proliferation and self-renewal versus growth suppression and differentiation during normal and leukemic myelopoiesis are not understood. We have used the bi-potent FDB1 myeloid cell line model, which is responsive to myelopoietic cytokines and activated mutants of the granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor, having differential signaling and leukemogenic activity. This model is suited to large-scale gene-profiling, and we have used a factorial time-course design to generate a substantial and powerful data set. Linear modeling was used to identify gene-expression changes associated with continued proliferation, differentiation, or leukemic receptor signaling. We focused on the changing transcription factor profile, defined a set of novel genes with potential to regulate myeloid growth and differentiation, and demonstrated that the FDB1 cell line model is responsive to forced expression of oncogenes identified in this study. We also identified gene-expression changes associated specifically with the leukemic GM-CSF receptor mutant, V449E. Signaling from this receptor mutant down-regulates CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) target genes and generates changes characteristic of a specific acute myeloid leukemia signature, defined previously by gene-expression profiling and associated with C/EBPα mutations.
The central role of adrenomedullin in host defense
Authors: Zudaire Enrique , Portal-Núñez Sergio , Cuttitta Frank 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Thirteen years after the isolation of adrenomedullin (AM) from a human pheochromocytoma, the literature is awash with reports describing its implication in countless physiological and disease mechanisms ranging from vasodilatation to cancer promotion. A growing body of evidence illustrates AM as a pivotal component in normal physiology and disease with marked beneficial effects in the host defense mechanism. Exogenous administration of AM as well as its ectopic overexpression and the use of drugs, which potentiates its activity, are promising strategies for treatment of septic shock and several other pathogen-related disorders. Although major progress toward this end has been achieved over the past few years, our further understanding of the pleiotropic mechanisms involved with AM as a protective peptide is paramount to maximize its clinical application.
Tripterine inhibits the expression of adhesion molecules in activated endothelial cells
Authors: Zhang Deng-hai , Marconi Anthony , Xu Li-min , Yang Chun-xin , Sun Guo-wu , Feng Xiao-ling , Ling Chang-quan , Qin Wan-zhang , Uzan Georges , d’Alessio Patrizia 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Cell adhesion molecules (CAM) expressed by vascular endothelium in response to cytokine stimulation play a key role in leukocyte adhesion to endothelium during the inflammatory response. Tripterine, a chemical compound of the Chinese plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f, displays anti-inflammatory properties in several animal models. However, mechanisms of its action are poorly understood. In the present study, we show that in inflammatory conditions, mimicked by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) stimulation, pretreatment for 6 h with tripterine at nontoxic concentrations of 20–200 nM inhibits the expression of E-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule (CAM)-1 (VCAM-1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) in a dose-dependent manner. Tripterine (200 nM) almost completely inhibits expression of VCAM-1 [50% inhibitory concentration (IC50)=52 nM] and ICAM-1 (IC50=51 nM) and 73% of E-selectin (IC50=94 nM). This inhibition effect is prominent, compared with that of dexamethasone, ibuprofen, methotrexate, or probucol, which revealed a much weaker inhibition at doses as high as 1 mM. Effects on endothelial CAM of other proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β and interferon-γ, were also inhibited significantly by tripterine. Moreover, significant inhibition was equally observable in postincubation experiments. In addition, tripterine inhibited adhesion of human monocytes and T lymphocytes to TNF-α-stimulated HUVEC. Finally, tripterine inhibited TNF-α-driven CAM mRNA transcription and nuclear factor-κB nuclear (NF-κB) translocation. Hence, we describe a new mechanism of tripterine’s anti-inflammatory action obtained at nanomolar concentrations, owing to the negative regulation of cytokine-induced adhesion molecule expression and adhesiveness in human endothelium.
Release of surface-expressed lactoferrin from polymorphonuclear neutrophils after contact with CD4+T cells and its modulation on Th1/Th2 cytokine production
Authors: Li Ko-Jen , Lu Ming-Chi , Hsieh Song-Chou , Wu Cheng-Han , Yu Hsin-Su , Tsai Chang-Youh , Yu Chia-Li 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
It is conceivable that a membrane component(s) is transferred from antigen-presenting cells to T cells after antigenic stimulation. However, it is not clear whether a certain membrane component(s) is transferred from polymorphonuclear neturophils (PMN) to T cells for immunomodulation. In the presence study, we cocultured two of the three autologous cells—PMN, CD4+T, and red blood cells (RBC)—homotypically or heterotypically for 1 h. Spontaneous membrane exchange between autologous PMN-PMN and PMN-CD4+T but not between CD4+T-CD4+T or RBC-CD4+T was observed with a confocal microscope. Loss of membrane exchange between two paraformaldehyde-fixed cells suggests that mutual membrane exchange is via cell–cell contact. Different combinations of cellular enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for measuring the binding between fixed cells and biotinylated cell lysates showed the same tendency. To identify the molecule(s) mediating PMN-CD4+T binding, we compared the banding of biotinylated PMN lysates and the banding of plain PMN lysate probed by biotinylated CD4+T lysate in 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. We found that a 75- to 80-kDa surface-expressed molecule on PMN exists constantly to mediate PMN-CD4+T binding. Peptide analysis disclosed that the molecule had 99.8% identity with lactoferrin (LF). The expression of LF on system lupus erythematosis (SLE)-PMN is less than normal PMN. PMN-CD4+T coculture increased LF expression on CD4+T. Normal PMN and human milk-derived LF suppressed interferon-γ (IFN-γ) but enhanced interleukin (IL)-10 production of anti-CD3+anti-CD28-activated, normal CD4+T. In contrast, coculture of SLE-PMN and autologous CD4+T suppressed IFN-γ and IL-10 production. These results suggest that the surface-expressed LF released from PMN after contact with autologous CD4+T modulated its T helper cell type 1 (Th1)/Th2 cytokine production. Decreased LF expression on SLE-PMN abnormally modulates Th1/Th2 production by CD4+T cells.