bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pathogenesis and vertical transmission of a transplacental rat cytomegalovirus
Authors: Loh Hwei-San , Mohd-Lila Mohd-Azmi , Abdul-Rahman Sheikh-Omar , Kiew Lik-Jun 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackgroundCytomegalovirus (CMV) congenital infection is the major viral cause of well-documented birth defects in human. Because CMV is species-specific, the main obstacle to developing animal models for congenital infection is the difference in placental architecture, which preludes virus transmission across the placenta. The rat placenta, resembling histologically to that of human, could therefore facilitate the study of CMV congenital infection in human.ResultsIn this report, we present clear evidences of the transplacental property of a new rat CMV (RCMV), namely ALL-03, which had been isolated from placenta and uterus of the house rat. Our study signifies the detection of infectious virus, virus particles, viral protein and DNA as well as immune response to demonstrate a natural model of acute CMV infection including the immunocompetent and immunocompromised host associated with or without pregnancy. It is characterized by a full range of CMV related clinical signs; lesions and anatomical virus distribution to uterus, placenta, embryo, fetus, neonate, lung, kidney, spleen, liver and salivary gland of the infected rats in addition to the virus-specific seroconversion. The preference of the virus for different organs mimics the situation in immunocompromised man. Most interestingly, the placenta was observed to be involved in the maternofetal infection and hence confirmed the hypothesis that the RCMV strain ALL-03 is capable to cross the placenta and infect the offsprings congenitally.ConclusionThe maternal viremia leading to uterine infection which subsequently infecting to the fetus through the placenta is the most likely phenomenon of CMV vertical transmission in our study.
Preoperative calculation of risk for prolonged intensive care unit stay following coronary artery bypass grafting
Authors: Ghotkar Sanjay V , Grayson Antony D , Fabri Brian M , Dihmis Walid C , Pullan D Mark 
Published: June 2006

Abstract

Objective
Patients who have prolonged stay in intensive care unit (ICU) are associated with adverse outcomes. Such patients have cost implications and can lead to shortage of ICU beds. We aimed to develop a preoperative risk prediction tool for prolonged ICU stay following coronary artery surgery (CABG).

Methods
5,186 patients who underwent CABG between 1st April 1997 and 31st March 2002 were analysed in a development dataset. Logistic regression was used with forward stepwise technique to identify preoperative risk factors for prolonged ICU stay; defined as patients staying longer than 3 days on ICU. Variables examined included presentation history, co-morbidities, catheter and demographic details. The use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) was also recorded. The prediction tool was tested on validation dataset (1197 CABG patients between 1st April 2003 and 31st March 2004). The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was calculated to assess the performance of the prediction tool.

Results
475(9.2%) patients had a prolonged ICU stay in the development dataset. Variables identified as risk factors for a prolonged ICU stay included renal dysfunction, unstable angina, poor ejection fraction, peripheral vascular disease, obesity, increasing age, smoking, diabetes, priority, hypercholesterolaemia, hypertension, and use of CPB. In the validation dataset, 8.1% patients had a prolonged ICU stay compared to 8.7% expected. The ROC curve for the development and validation datasets was 0.72 and 0.74 respectively.

Conclusion
A prediction tool has been developed which is reliable and valid. The tool is being piloted at our institution to aid resource management.
Case report: Acute unintentional carbachol intoxication
Authors: Schulz Martin , Graefe Thomas , Stuby Klaus , Andresen Hilke , Kupfermann Nikolai , Schmoldt Achim 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Introduction
Intoxications with carbachol, a muscarinic cholinergic receptor agonist are rare. We report an interesting case investigating a (near) fatal poisoning.

Methods
The son of an 84-year-old male discovered a newspaper report stating clinical success with plant extracts in Alzheimer's disease. The mode of action was said to be comparable to that of the synthetic compound 'carbamylcholin'; that is, carbachol. He bought 25 g of carbachol as pure substance in a pharmacy, and the father was administered 400 to 500 mg. Carbachol concentrations in serum and urine on day 1 and 2 of hospital admission were analysed by HPLC-mass spectrometry.

Results
Minutes after oral administration, the patient developed nausea, sweating and hypotension, and finally collapsed. Bradycardia, cholinergic symptoms and asystole occurred. Initial cardiopulmonary resuscitation and immediate treatment with adrenaline (epinephrine), atropine and furosemide was successful. On hospital admission, blood pressure of the intubated, bradyarrhythmic patient was 100/65 mmHg. Further signs were hyperhidrosis, hypersalivation, bronchorrhoea, and severe miosis; the electrocardiographic finding was atrio-ventricular dissociation. High doses of atropine (up to 50 mg per 24 hours), adrenaline and dopamine were necessary. The patient was extubated 1 week later. However, increased dyspnoea and bronchospasm necessitated reintubation. Respiratory insufficiency was further worsened by Proteus mirabilis infection and severe bronchoconstriction. One week later, the patient was again extubated and 3 days later was transferred to a peripheral ward. On the next day he died, probably as a result of heart failure. Serum samples from the first and second days contained 3.6 and 1.9 mg/l carbachol, respectively. The corresponding urine concentrations amounted to 374 and 554 mg/l.

Conclusion
This case started with a media report in a popular newspaper, initiated by published, peer-reviewed research on herbals, and involved human failure in a case history, medical examination and clinical treatment. For the first time, an analytical method for the determination of carbachol in plasma and urine has been developed. The analysed carbachol concentration exceeded the supposed serum level resulting from a therapeutic dose by a factor of 130 to 260. Especially in old patients, intensivists should consider intoxications (with cholinergics) as a cause of acute cardiovascular failure.
Brain volume in first-episode schizophrenia
Authors: Steen R. Grant , Mull Courtney , Mcclure Robert , Hamer Robert M. , Lieberman Jeffrey A. 
Published: June 2006

BackgroundStudies of people with schizophrenia assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) usually include patients with first-episode and chronic disease, yet brain abnormalities may be limited to those with chronic schizophrenia.AimsTo determine whether patients with a first episode of schizophrenia have characteristic brain abnormalities.MethodSystematic review and meta-analysis of 66 papers comparing brain volume in patients with a first psychotic episode with volume in healthy controls.ResultsAtotal of 52 cross-sectional studies included 1424 patients with a first psychotic episode; 16 longitudinal studies included 465 such patients. Meta-analysis suggests that whole brain and hippocampal volume are reduced (bothP< 0.0001) and that ventricular volume is increased (P< 0.0001) in these patients relative to healthy controls.ConclusionsAverage volumetric changes are close to the limit of detection by MRI methods. It remains to be determined whether schizophrenia is a neurodegenerative process that begins at about the time of symptom onset, or whether it is better characterised as a neurodevelopmental process that produces abnormal brain volumes at an early age.
Hospital morbidity and alcohol consumption in less severe psychiatric disorder: 7-year outcomes
Authors: Tait Robert J. , Hulse Gary K. 
Published: June 2006

BackgroundSubstance use by people with severe psychiatric morbidity is associated with negative outcomes.AimsTo assess in adults with less severe psychiatric morbidity the relationship between alcohol consumption and subsequent 7-year hospital admissions, and the development and recurrence of alcohol use disorders.MethodFollow-up data were assembled via a population-based hospital record-linkage system.ResultsBaseline alcohol use groups were: dependent (n=31), harmful (n=114), moderate (n=621) and abstinent (n=249). The moderate but not the abstinent group had fewer mental health admissions and a longer time to first admission than the harmful and dependent groups. Both the moderate and the abstinent groups had longer times to ‘all-cause’ admissions than the dependent group. Many of those with alcohol use disorders at baseline relapsed (66%) but few (14%) developed a first-time alcohol use disorder.ConclusionsOverall, moderate alcohol consumption among those with less severe psychiatric morbidity was not associated with more mental health admissions; those with alcohol dependence had poorer health outcomes than the remaining categories.
Economic cost of severe antisocial behaviour in children - and who pays it
Authors: Romeo Renee , Knapp Martin , Scott Stephen 
Published: June 2006

BackgroundPersistent antisocial behaviour is the most common mental health problem in childhood and has widespread effects, yet little is known about what it costs.AimsTo identify the costs incurred by children with antisocial behaviour in the UK, and who pays these costs.MethodEighty children aged 3–8 years referred to mental health services were studied using the Client Service Receipt Inventory for Childhood.ResultsThe mean annual total cost was $ 5960 (median 4597, range 48–19 940). The services used were mainly the National Health Service, education and voluntary agencies, but the greatest cost burden, $4637, was borne by the family Higher cost was predicted by more severe behaviour and being male.ConclusionsThe annual cost of severe antisocial behaviour in childhood in the UK is substantial and widespread, involving several agencies, but the burden falls most heavily on the family Wider uptake of evidence-based interventions is likely to lead to considerable economic benefits in the short term, and probably even more in the long term.
Mental health needs of young offenders in custody and in the community
Authors: Chitsabesan Prathiba , Kroll Leo , Bailey Sue , Kenning Cassandra , Sneider Stephanie , MacDonald Wendy , Theodosiou Louise 
Published: June 2006

BackgroundResearch has revealed high levels of mental health needs in young offenders but many studies have been small, focusing on specific populations.AimsTo evaluate the mental health and psychosocial needs of a nationally representative sample of juvenile offenders in England and Wales, including female offenders and those from Black and minority ethnic groups.MethodA cross-sectional survey of 301 young offenders, 151 in custody and 150 in the community, was conducted in six geographically representative areas across England and Wales. Each young person was interviewed to obtain demographic information, mental health and social needs, and psychometric data.ResultsYoung offenders were found to have high levels of needs in a number of different areas including mental health (31%), education/work (36%) and social relationships (48%). Young offenders in the community had significantly more needs than those in secure care and needs were often unmet. One in five young offenders was also identified as having a learning disability (IQ < 70).ConclusionsNeeds for young offenders were high but often unmet. This emphasises the importance of structured needs assessment within custody and community settings in conjunction with a care programme approach that improves continuity of care.
Impact of psychological trauma on the development of psychotic symptoms: relationship with psychosis proneness
Authors: Spauwen Janneke , Krabbendam Lydia , Lieb Roselind , Wittchen Hans-Ulrich , Van Os Jim 
Published: June 2006

BackgroundThe reported link between psychological trauma and onset of psychosis remains controversial.AimsTo examine associations between self-reported psychological trauma and psychotic symptoms as a function of prior evidence of vulnerability to psychosis (psychosis proneness).MethodAt baseline, 2524 adolescents aged 14–24 years provided self-reports on psychological trauma and psychosis proneness, and at follow-up (on average 42 months later) participants were interviewed for presence of psychotic symptoms.ResultsSelf-reported trauma was associated with psychotic symptoms, in particular at more severe levels (adjusted OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.16–3.08) and following trauma associated with intense fear, helplessness or horror. The risk difference between those with and without self-reported trauma at baseline was 7% in the group with baseline psychosis proneness, but only 1.8% in those without (adjusted test for difference between these two effect sizes: χ2=4.6, P=0.032).ConclusionsExposure to psychological trauma may increase the risk of psychotic symptoms in people vulnerable to psychosis.
Self-reported psychotic symptoms in the general population
Authors: Wiles Nicola J. , Zammit Stanley , Bebbington Paul , Singleton Nicola , Meltzer Howard , Lewis Glyn 
Published: June 2006

BackgroundScarce longitudinal data exist on the occurrence of psychotic symptoms in the general population.AimsTo estimate the incidence of, and risk factors for, self-reported psychotic symptoms in Great Britain.MethodData from the 18-month follow-up of a national survey were used. Incident cases were those who endorsed one or more items on the Psychosis Screening Questionnaire at follow-up, but not at baseline. The association between factors recorded at baseline and incident self-reported symptoms was examined.ResultsAt follow-up, 4.4% of the general population reported incident psychotic symptoms. Six factors were independently associated with incident symptoms: living in a rural area; having a small primary support group; more adverse life events; smoking tobacco; neurotic symptoms; and engaging in a harmful pattern of drinking.ConclusionsA small but not insignificant percentage of the population of Great Britain reported incident psychotic symptoms over 18 months. The risk factors for psychotic symptoms showed some similarities with risk factors for schizophrenia, but there were also some striking differences. The relationship between such risk factors and the factors that perpetuate psychotic symptoms remains to be ascertained.
Chromosomal abnormalities and psychosis
Authors: Muir Walter J. , Pickard Benjamin S. , Blackwood Douglas H. R. 
Published: June 2006

SummaryThe search for susceptibility genes for schizophrenia and severe affective disorder has been enhanced by the study of cytogenetic abnormalities that disrupt genes directly. One such gene is DISCI and there is increasing evidence that it may be an important modulator of risk of psychosis.
Survey of psychotherapy experience and interest among psychiatric specialist registrars
Authors: Pretorius Werner , Goldbeck Rainer 
Published: June 2006

Aims and MethodA postal survey was conducted to determine what proportion of psychiatric specialist registrars working in Scotland (n=119, excluding those specialising in psychotherapy) met the requirements for experience in psychotherapy. Since 2004, this has been a compulsory part of eligibility criteria for the MRCPsych part II examination.ResultsTwo-thirds of those surveyed responded. One-third of respondents met the Royal College of Psychiatrists' requirements for psychotherapy experience. Half the respondents reported competence in at least one modality of psychotherapy. Four-fifths of respondents were interested in gaining further experience and training, two-thirds in developing a special interest and one-quarter in dual training, in at least one modality of College psychotherapy. There was no significant association between adherence to the requirements and self-perceived competence, qualification or the wish to gain further training and experience in psychotherapy.Clinical ImplicationsThe majority of trainees, even those interested in psychotherapy, still fail to meet College requirements. Many trainees would appreciate an opportunity to gain greater depth of psychotherapy experience, in addition to gaining broad experience of various aspects of psychotherapy as required by the College.
EQUAL-quant: An International External Quality Assessment Scheme for Real-Time PCR
Authors: Ramsden Simon C , Daly Sarah , Geilenkeuser Wolf-Jochen , Duncan Graeme , Hermitte Fabienne , Marubini Ettore , Neumaier Michael , Orlando Claudio , Palicka Vladimir , Paradiso Angelo , Pazzagli Mario , Pizzamiglio Sara , Verderio Paolo 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Background: Quantitative gene expression analysis by real-time PCR is important in several diagnostic areas, such as the detection of minimum residual disease in leukemia and the prognostic assessment of cancer patients. To address quality assurance in this technically challenging area, the European Union (EU) has funded the EQUAL project to develop methodologic external quality assessment (EQA) relevant to diagnostic and research laboratories among the EU member states. We report here the results of the EQUAL-quant program, which assesses standards in the use of TaqMan™ probes, one of the most widely used assays in the implementation of real-time PCR.
Methods: The EQUAL-quant reagent set was developed to assess the technical execution of a standard TaqMan assay, including RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and real-time PCR quantification of target DNA copy number.
Results: The multidisciplinary EQA scheme included 137 participating laboratories from 29 countries. We demonstrated significant differences in performance among laboratories, with 20% of laboratories reporting at least one result lacking in precision and/or accuracy according to the statistical procedures described. No differences in performance were observed for the &gt;10 different testing platforms used by the study participants.
Conclusions: This EQA scheme demonstrated both the requirement and demand for external assessment of technical standards in real-time PCR. The reagent design and the statistical tools developed within this project will provide a benchmark for defining acceptable working standards in this emerging technology.
Functional analysis of amino acid residues at the dimerisation interface of KpnI DNA methyltransferase
Authors: Bheemanaik Shivakumara , Bujnicki Janusz M. , Nagaraja Valakunja , Rao Desirazu N. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractKpnI DNA-(N6-adenine) methyltransferase (M.KpnI) recognises the sequence 5′-GGTACC-3′ and transfers the methyl group fromS-adenosyl-L-methionine (AdoMet) to the N6 position of the adenine residue in each strand. Earlier studies have shown that M.KpnI exists as a dimer in solution, unlike most other MTases. To address the importance of dimerisation for enzyme function, a three-dimensional model of M.KpnI was obtained based on protein fold-recognition analysis, using the crystal structures of M.RsrI and M.MboIIA as templates. Residues I146, I161 and Y167, the side chains of which are present in the putative dimerisation interface in the model, were targeted for site-directed mutagenesis. Methylation andin vitrorestriction assays showed that the mutant MTases are catalytically inactive. Mutation at the I146 position resulted in complete disruption of the dimer. The replacement of I146 led to drastically reduced DNA and cofactor binding. Substitution of I161 resulted in weakening of the interaction between monomers, leading to both monomeric and dimeric species. Steady-state fluorescence measurements showed that the wild-type KpnI MTase induces structural distortion in bound DNA, while the mutant MTases do not. The results establish that monomeric MTase is catalytically inactive and that dimerisation is an essential event for M.KpnI to catalyse the methyl transfer reaction.
Subcellular localisation of human inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate 3-kinase C: species-specific use of alternative export sites for nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling indicates divergent roles of the catalytic and N-terminal domains
Authors: Nalaskowski Marcus M. , Windhorst Sabine , Stockebrand Malte C. , Mayr Georg W. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
The three isoforms of human Ins(1,4,5)P3 3-kinase (IP3K) show remarkable differences in their intracellular targeting. Whereas predominant targeting to the cytoskeleton and endoplasmic reticulum has been shown for IP3K-A and IP3K-B, rat IP3K-C shuttles actively between the nucleus and cytoplasm. In the present study we examined the expression and intracellular localisation of endogenous IP3K-C in different mammalian cell lines using an isoform-specific antibody. In addition, human IP3K-C, showing remarkable differences to its rat homologue in the N-terminal targeting domain, was tagged with EGFP and used to examine active transport mechanisms into and out of the nucleus. We found both a nuclear import activity residing in its N-terminal domain and a nuclear export activity sensitive to treatment with leptomycin B. Different from the rat isoform, an exportin 1-dependent nuclear export site of the human enzyme resides outside the N-terminal targeting domain in the catalytic enzyme domain. A phylogenetic survey of vertebrate IP3K sequences indicates that in each of the three isoforms a nuclear export signal has evolved in the catalytic domain either de novo (IP3K-A) or as a substitute for an earlier evolved corresponding N-terminal signal (IP3K-B and IP3K-C). In higher vertebrates, and in particular in primates, re-export of nuclear IP3K activity may be guaranteed by the mechanism discovered.
Development and Prediction of Hyperactive Symptoms From 2 to 7 Years in a Population-Based Sample
Authors: Romano Elisa , Tremblay Richard E. , Farhat Abdeljelil , Côté Sylvana 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVES. Children with hyperactive symptoms are often referred to mental health services. Given the frequency and persistent nature of hyperactivity, it is important to better understand its developmental course. This study identified the different developmental trajectories of hyperactive symptoms from 2 to 7 years and tested early predictors of high-level and persistent hyperactivity. These data may lead to earlier detection of at-risk children and to more effective interventions that take into account developmental considerations.PARTICIPANTS. Four data-collection cycles of a nationwide survey of Canadian children were used to track the early development of hyperactivity. Children were 0 to 23 months at the first cycle in 1994 and 6 to 7 years at the fourth cycle in 2000.OUTCOME MEASURES. Hyperactivity data were gathered from mothers on a biennial basis beginning when children were 24 months old. Information on potential prenatal and postnatal predictors was gathered from mothers at the first cycle.DESIGN. Group-based semiparametric mixture modeling was used to estimate developmental trajectories, and logistic-regression analysis identified predictors of hyperactivity.RESULTS. Four trajectories of hyperactive symptoms were identified: very low, low, moderate, and high. Statistically significant predictors for high and persistent hyperactivity, after controlling for all other factors, were maternal prenatal smoking, child male gender, maternal depression, and hostile parenting.CONCLUSIONS. For the majority of children, the frequency of hyperactive symptoms decreased or remained low from 2 to 7 years. However, 7 children in 100 were classified as having high initial levels of hyperactive symptoms that persisted over time. Several prenatal and early postnatal risk factors identified these children, although additional variables will need to be identified to accurately predict high and persistent hyperactivity. Findings suggest that preventive interventions could target high-risk families during pregnancy and early childhood.