bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tea catechins improve left ventricular dysfunction, suppress myocardial inflammation and fibrosis, and alter cytokine expression in rat autoimmune myocarditis
Authors: Suzuki Jun‐ichi , Ogawa Masahito , Futamatsu Hideki , Kosuge Hisanori , Sagesaka Yuko M. , Isobe Mitsuaki 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBackground:Myocarditis is a clinically serious disease. Tea catechins have been shown to reduce inflammation; however the effects of catechins on the development of myocarditis have not been well studied.Aims:To clarify the role of catechins, using an experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) model.Methods and results:Lewis rats were immunized with porcine cardiac myosin to establish EAM. Tea catechins were administered orally from day 0 to day 21 (Group A, n=12), from day 14 to day 21 (Group B, n=8), or saline (Group C, n=9) daily. Rats were killed on day 21. Echocardiograms indicated that Group A showed significantly improved cardiac function compared to Group C. Pathologically, non‐treated EAM hearts showed severe myocardial cell infiltration and fibrosis; however Group A showed significantly less area. Immunohistochemistry revealed enhanced expression of NF‐κB and ICAM‐1 in non‐treated EAM hearts, which was suppressed by catechin administration in Group A. mRNA levels of TNF‐α were decreased and Th2 cytokines were markedly enhanced in Group A compared with the control group. Late catechin administration (Group B) showed limited effects on EAM.Conclusion:The catechins suppressed ventricular remodelling in EAM; thus catechin treatment might be a promising option for the prevention of EAM myocarditis.
A scale to screen for DSM-IV Axis I disorders in psychiatric out-patients: performance of the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire
Authors: ZIMMERMAN M. , CHELMINSKI I. 
Published: July 2006

Background. The Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) is a reliable and valid self-report scale designed to screen for the most common DSM-IV Axis I disorders encountered in out-patient mental health settings. The present report is the second large-scale validation study of the PDSQ in psychiatric out-patients. Because some of the sizes of the diagnostic groups in the initial report were modest, it is important to determine whether the recommended cut-off scores to screen for psychiatric disorders remained the same in a replication study.Method. Six hundred and seventy psychiatric out-patients presenting for treatment were evaluated with a semi-structured diagnostic interview after completing the PDSQ.Results. Based on receiver operating curve analysis, the PDSQ performed as well in the replication sample as in the initial validation study. For nine of the 13 PDSQ subscales the recommended cut-off score in the replication study was the same as in the initial study. After combining the data from the two studies (n=1300) the mean sensitivity across the 13 PDSQ subscales was 87% and the mean negative predictive value was 97%.Conclusions. The PDSQ is a diagnostic aid designed to improve the efficiency of conducting initial diagnostic evaluations. From a clinical perspective it is important that a screening tool have good sensitivity so that most cases are detected, and high negative predictive value so that most non-cases on the measure are indeed non-cases. The results of this second large validation study indicate that most of the PDSQ subscales achieved this goal.
The Rules of Engagement: Developing Cross-Border Petroleum Deposits in the North Sea and the Caribbean
Authors: Cameron Peter D 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe current international law applicable to the cooperative development of petroleum resources imposes few procedural requirements on States. In the event of a failure to agree, they may choose to make further efforts at developing cooperative arrangements, or go ahead independently anddevelop the resource. Recent bilateral agreements in the North Sea and the Caribbean seek to move beyond the cooperation established under bilateral delimitation treaties. They indicate a willingness to design innovative legal frameworks in which different, sometimes diverging interests may be managed. Nonetheless, early experience suggests that, in the event of a breakdown, unilateral action may follow.
The ecology of Biomphalaria sudanica in Lake Ziway, Ethiopia
Authors: Erko Berhanu , Balcha Fekede , Kifle Demeke 
Published: July 2006

AbstractA longitudinal study was made over a period of 24 months from January 2001 to December 2002 in Lake Ziway, Ethiopia, to elucidate factors influencing changes in the population density of Biomphalaria sudanica and to identify seasons of peak transmission of Schistosoma mansoni. Between January 2001 and December 2002, bimonthly visits were made to the lake to collect data on snail population density and schistosome infection in snails, vegetation and lake water level. Water samples were collected during the dry and rainy seasons and chemical analyses were made for major cations, anions, electrical conductivity, total hardness and pH using standard methods for the examination of water and wastewater. The seasonal fluctuation in the population density of B. sudanica was found to be highly associated with rainfall, water level of the lake and vegetation availability and abundance. Water chemical analysis showed that major cations and anions were all within the range reported for other African freshwaters. Both malacological and meteorological data show that snail population density in Lake Ziway peaks at the end of the long rainy season (June–August), coinciding with a seasonal transmission peak of schistosomiasis.
Coexistence between colorectal cancer/adenoma and coronary artery disease: results from 1382 patients
Authors: CHAN A. O. O. , LAM K. F. , TONG T. , SIU D. C. W. , JIM M. H. , HUI W. M. , LAI K. C. , YUEN M. F. , LAM S. K. , WONG B. C. Y. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackgroundCommon risk factors exist in colorectal neoplasia (cancer or adenoma) and coronary artery disease.AimTo investigate in a retrospective study if there is coexistence of the two events in patients ≥50 years.MethodsComputer data on colonoscopies performed on symptomatic patients, the corresponding medical record and colonic histology in 1997–2000 were retrieved. History of coronary artery disease was recorded. To adjust for the factors of age and sex, bivariate logistic regression analysis was used to test for coexistence.Results1382 patients were recruited. Colorectal neoplasia and history of coronary artery disease were present in 27% (373) and 12% (167) of patients, respectively. The mean age of patients was older in colorectal neoplasia+ (75 ± 11 vs. 69 ± 13 years, P < 0.0001) and in coronary artery disease+ (79 ± 9 vs. 69 ± 12 years, P < 0.0001) patients. Male was the predominant sex in colorectal neoplasia+: 33% vs. 22% (P < 0.0001), but not in coronary artery disease+ (P = 0.29). Colorectal neoplasia+ patients were more likely to have coronary artery disease+ [21.2% (79/373) vs. 8.8% (89/1098) (P < 0.0001)]. Bivariate logistic regression analysis showed strong association between the two events (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.0).ConclusionThere is strong coexistence of colorectal neoplasia and coronary artery disease, probably due to exposure to common risk factors.
Immunoglobulin A autoantibodies against transglutaminase 2 in the small intestinal mucosa predict forthcoming coeliac disease
Authors: SALMI T. T. , COLLIN P. , JÄRVINEN O. , HAIMILA K. , PARTANEN J. , LAURILA K. , KORPONAY‐SZABO I. R. , HUHTALA H. , REUNALA T. , MÄKI M. , KAUKINEN K. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackgroundReliable markers of early developing coeliac diseases are needed. Coeliac autoantibodies in the serum or Marsh I inflammation may be indicators of subsequent coeliac disease.AimTo investigate whether determination of intestinal transglutaminase 2‐targeted autoantibody deposits would detect early developing coeliac disease better than previous methods.MethodsThe study investigated patients previously excluded for coeliac disease: 25 had positive serum coeliac autoantibodies (endomysial), 25 antibody‐negative had Marsh I, and 25 antibody‐negative had Marsh 0 finding. Seven (median) years after baseline investigation, new coeliac cases were recorded, and small bowel biopsy was offered to the rest of the patients. Serum and intestinal coeliac autoantibodies and intraepithelial lymphocytes were assessed as indicators of developing coeliac disease.ResultsSeventeen patients had developed coeliac disease: 13 in the autoantibody‐positive group, three in the Marsh I group and one in the Marsh 0 group. At baseline, intestinal coeliac autoantibody deposits had a sensitivity and specificity of 93% and 93% in detecting subsequent coeliac disease, CD3+ 59% and 57%, γδ+ 76% and 60%, and villous tip intraepithelial lymphocytes 88% and 71%, respectively.ConclusionsEndomysial antibodies with normal histology indicates early developing coeliac disease. Transglutaminase 2‐targeted intestinal autoantibody deposits proved the best predictor of subsequent coeliac disease.
Personal view: crystalloid transfusion in acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage: is it beneficial? An historical perspective
Authors: DUGGAN J. M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe conventional management of acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage mandates early repletion of blood volume with crystalloids and blood, as part of the initial management, where there is evidence of hypovolaemia. Meanwhile there is a major trend towards a restrained use of fluid to raise blood pressure to near normal for the bleeding patient in trauma and similar emergencies. This divergence of view requires analysis.An Ovid/MEDLINE, Google and extensive literature search focused on the resuscitation and transfusion of bleeding trauma patients was performed. In addition to clear evidence from animal experiments that early restoration of blood volume perpetuates bleeding, there is considerable evidence in humans – both in war and civilian life – that rapid crystalloid infusion is harmful. I also report a personal series of benefit from restricted transfusion in acute upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in humans.Given the lack of evidence of benefit for rapid blood volume repletion in acute gastrointestinal haemorrhage, there is need for controlled studies of the most appropriate approach to crystalloid transfusion in acute gastrointestinal bleeding.
Serum levels of soluble CD163 correlate with the inflammatory process in coeliac disease
Authors: DALY A. , WALSH C. , FEIGHERY C. , O'SHEA U. , JACKSON J. , WHELAN A. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryBackgoundIn coeliac disease, following the introduction of a gluten‐free diet, monitoring mucosal disease activity requires repeated small intestinal biopsies. If a test measuring a circulating inflammatory marker was available, this would be clinically valuable.AimTo determine if levels of soluble CD163, a scavenger receptor shed by tissue macrophages, correlated with the inflammatory lesion in coeliac disease.MethodsSerum samples were collected from 131 patients with untreated coeliac disease, 40 patients with treated coeliac disease, 92 non‐coeliac disease control subjects and 131 healthy controls. A capture enzyme linked immunosorbance assay was established to measure levels of soluble CD163 in sera. The extent of the histological lesion in coeliac biopsies was assessed using a Marsh grading system.ResultsLevels of CD163 in untreated coeliac subjects were significantly elevated when compared with the treated coeliac patients, the disease control group and the healthy control subjects (P < 0.0001 in each instance). Moreover, coeliac patients with the most marked histological lesion (Marsh 3) had significantly higher levels of soluble CD163 than patients with Marsh grade 2 lesions (P < 0.0004), with grade 1 lesions (P < 0.0001) and grade 0 lesions (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsMeasurement of soluble CD163 may be a useful method of monitoring the inflammatory lesion in coeliac disease.
The effects of human CYP2C8 genotype and fluvoxamine on the pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone in healthy subjects
Authors: Pedersen Rasmus S. , Damkier Per , Brosen Kim 
Published: July 2006

AimsTo determine the effect ofCYP2C8genotype and of fluvoxamine on the pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone.MethodsTwenty‐three healthy subjects with the following genotypes were included in a two‐phase, open‐label, cross‐over trial:CYP2C8*3/ *3(n = 3),CYP2C8*1/ *3(n = 10) andCYP2C8*1/ *1(n = 10). In Phase A, the subjects were given 4 mg rosiglitazone as a single oral dose. In Phase B, the subjects were treated with multiple oral doses of 50 mg fluvoxamine maleate for 3 days prior to the single oral administration of 4 mg rosiglitazone. Plasma concentrations of rosiglitazone and relative amounts ofN‐desmethylrosiglitazone were measured in both phases for 24 h after drug administration.ResultsThe pharmacokinetics of rosiglitazone andN‐desmethylrosiglitazone were not significantly different between theCYP2C8genotypic groups. Fluvoxamine caused a statistically significant (P = 0.0066) increase in the AUC0–∞of rosiglitazone, with a geometric mean ratio of 1.21 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.39]. The elimination half‐life (t1/2) was also significantly higher (P = 0.0203) with a geometric mean ratio of 1.38 [95% CI 1.06–1.79]. The coadministration of fluvoxamine had no influence on the pharmacokinetics ofN‐desmethylrosiglitazone.ConclusionThe importance of theCYP2C8*3mutation in thein vivometabolism of rosiglitazone could not be confirmed. Fluvoxamine increased the AUC0–∞andt1/2of rosiglitazone moderately and hence may be a weak inhibitor of CYP2C8.
The effect of laparoscopy on the IGF system in patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis
Authors: Bariceviç Ivona , Jones David R. , Malenkoviç Vesna , Nediç Olgica 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObjective  IGFs and IGF binding proteins in the circulation are subject to modulation by a number of catabolic states including inflammation, trauma and surgery. We sought to determine the impact of laparoscopy on the IGF system in patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis.Design  The components of the IGF system, cortisol, glucose and insulin concentration in both the serum and urine of patients were compared to those from a healthy group of subjects. An additional comparison was made between pre‐ and post‐laparoscopically assisted patients.Patients  Thirty patients diagnosed with acute cholecystitis and 81 matched controls were included in the study.Measurements  Radioimmunoassays were used to determine the IGF‐I, IGF‐II, insulin and cortisol concentrations. The concentration of IGFBP‐3 was measured using an immunoradiometric assay. The GOD‐PAP method was used to determine the glucose concentration. Gel filtration chromatography was performed to calculate the IGF binary/ternary complex ratio. The amount of sialic acid in IGFBP‐3 was determined by affinity chromatography. The presence of IGFBPs in serum was determined by both immunoblotting and ligandblotting.Results  The concentrations of circulating IGF‐I, IGF‐II and IGFBP‐3 were significantly reduced in pre‐operative patients compared to healthy subjects. No further reductions were observed post‐laparoscopy. Immunoblotting and ligandblotting demonstrated a decreased amount of IGFBP‐3 in both pre‐ and post‐operative patients compared to healthy subjects. Increased levels of IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐1 were observed in pre‐operative patients compared to healthy subjects, but laparoscopy did not cause further elevation. No alteration in the IGF binary/ternary complex ratio was witnessed between any of the study groups. A significant increase in the sialic acid content of IGFBP‐3 was seen in both patient groups when compared to healthy subjects. The level of urinary cortisol was significantly increased in post‐operative patients, whereas the urinary IGF‐I concentration was decreased compared to healthy subjects.Conclusions  Our results indicate that acute cholecystitis causes several significant changes in the circulating IGF system. Laparoscopy, however, does not aggravate such changes, but elevates urinary cortisol.
Temporal changes in replicated experimental stream fish assemblages: predictable or not?
Authors: MATTHEWS WILLIAMJ. , MARSH‐MATTHEWS E. 
Published: July 2006

Summary 1. Natural aquatic communities or habitats cannot be fully replicated in the wild, so little is known about how initially identical communities might change over time, or the extent to which observed changes in community structure are caused by internal factors (such as interspecific interactions or traits of individual species) versus factors external to the local community (such as abiotic disturbances or invasions of new species).2. We quantified changes in seven initially identical fish assemblages, in habitats that were as similar as possible, in seminatural artificial streams in a 388‐day trial (May 1998 to May 1999), and compared the change to that in fish assemblages in small pools of a natural stream during a year. The experimental design excluded floods, droughts, immigration or emigration. The experimental fish communities diverged significantly in composition and exhibited dissimilar trajectories in multivariate species space. Divergence among the assemblages increased from May through August, but not thereafter.3. Differences among the experimental assemblages were influenced by differences that developed during the year in algae cover and in potential predation (due to differential survival of sunfish among units).4. In the natural stream, fish assemblages in small pools changed more than those in the experimental units, suggesting that in natural assemblages external factors exacerbated temporal variation.5. Our finding that initially identical assemblages, isolated from most external factors, would diverge in the structure of fish assemblages over time suggests a lack of strong internal, deterministic controls in the assemblages, and that idiosyncratic or stochastic components (chance encounters among species; vagaries in changes in the local habitat) even within habitat patches can play an important role in assemblage structure in natural systems.
Essential role of neutrophils in anti‐type II collagen antibody and lipopolysaccharide‐induced arthritis
Authors: Tanaka Daisuke , Kagari Takashi , Doi Hiromi , Shimozato Takaichi 
Published: July 2006

SummaryIn mice arthritis model induced by anti‐type II collagen (CII) antibodies and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), most of cells that infiltrated into the joint space were neutrophils. To investigate the role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of arthritis, we depleted the neutrophils in vivo by injection of the antibody against Gr‐1 expressed mainly on neutrophils. The neutrophil depletion completely inhibited the arthritis development. Furthermore, neutrophil depletion in mice that had already developed arthritis ameliorated the disease. These results showed that neutrophils are indispensable not only for the development, but also for the maintenance of arthritis. Next, we tried to develop arthritis in C5‐deficient mice to investigate the involvement of C5a, one of chemotactic factors for neutrophils. C5‐deficient mice showed significant reduction in arthritis development in comparison with wild type mice. Injection of pertussis toxin (Ptx) into the mice, which inhibits the signals from the inhibitory G‐protein coupled‐receptors including the C5a receptor, suppressed the development of arthritis. Furthermore, Ptx also ameliorated the arthritis when injected into mice that had already developed the disease. These results suggest the important role of chemotactic factors involving C5a and inhibitory G‐protein (Gi)‐coupled receptors not only in the development, but also in the maintenance of arthritis.
Patient satisfaction with psychiatric inpatient care
Authors: Kuosmanen Lauri , Hätönen Heli , Jyrkinen Anna Riitta , Katajisto Jouko , Välimäki Maritta 
Published: July 2006

Aim.  This paper reports a study of psychiatric inpatient satisfaction with care in one Finnish psychiatric hospital, and explores the factors associated with satisfaction.Background.  Patient satisfaction is a central indicator for healthcare quality. Previous literature has shown that psychiatric inpatients are quite satisfied with their care in general, but have reported dissatisfaction in the areas of information access and compulsory care. Changes in the structure of Finnish mental health services due to dehospitalization have increased interest in exploring psychiatric patients’ treatment experiences and general satisfaction.Method.  Data were collected in inpatient settings using a self‐rating patient satisfaction questionnaire. A total of 316 patients leaving the study units during a 1‐year period (May 2000–April 2001) was recruited. The response rate was 61% (n = 313).Findings.  In general, patients were quite satisfied with their care. Of seven different satisfaction areas, they were most satisfied with staff–patient relationships, and reported most dissatisfaction in the areas of information, restrictions, compulsory care and ward atmosphere/physical milieu. Younger and female patients were less satisfied with staff–patient relationships than older patients and men. manova (five factors, main effects and two‐way interactions in the model) showed that male patients with occasional symptoms or symptoms persisting for less than a month were more satisfied with staff than were women. Further, when symptoms persisted for a month or up to 1 year or more, women were more satisfied with staff than men.Conclusion.  General patient satisfaction in psychiatric hospital care was good. However, more innovative methods for improvement in the areas of dissatisfaction need to be developed. Special attention should be paid to collaboration with young adults (18–24 years) and female patients with mental health problems of short duration.
Preparing nurses to prescribe medicines for patients with dermatological conditions
Authors: Courtenay Molly , Carey Nicola , Burke Joanna 
Published: July 2006

Background.  From Spring 2006, independent extended nurse prescribers in the United Kingdom will be able to prescribe any licensed medicines except controlled drugs. Supplementary nurse prescribers are currently able to prescribe any medication. No other country in the world has such extended prescribing rights for nurses. Aspects of prescribing viewed positively by nurses include continuity of care, increased satisfaction, and the belief that patients receive improved information about prescriptions. There is some evidence, however, that nurses feel ill‐prepared to prescribe due to poor understanding of pharmacology, physical assessment and diagnosis.Aim.  This paper reports a study assessing the extent to which independent extended supplementary nurse prescribers feel prepared to prescribe medicines for patients with dermatological conditions.Methods.  A convenience sample of 1187 qualified independent extended supplementary nurse prescribers was sent a postal questionnaire. A total of 868 completed questionnaires was returned, and 638 of these nurses prescribed medicines for skin conditions. The data were collected in 2005.Results.  A total of 605 (94·8%) participants used independent extended prescribing and 234 (36·7%) supplementary prescribing. The majority were highly experienced and worked in primary care. In general, their prescribing programme had met their needs when prescribing medicines for patients with dermatological conditions. However, the needs of those who had undertaken a diploma‐level module in dermatology and/or dermatology study days, and those working in both primary and secondary care, were met to a statistically significantly greater extent during the programme than for those nurses without this preparation, or those working in either primary or secondary care.Conclusion.  Independent extended supplementary prescribing has extended the role that nurses in the United Kingdom are able to play in the management of skin disease. Specialist dermatology training is a prerequisite for nurses adopting this role. Further evaluative work on patient‐focused outcomes, i.e. accessibility and convenience of care, and satisfaction with quality of care, is required.