bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms in the very old living alone: prevalence, incidence and risk factors
Authors: Wilson Kenneth , Mottram Patricia , Sixsmith Andrew 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackgroundLiving alone is one of many risk factors associated with depression. This project is nested within the ENABLE‐AGE project designed to explore the relationship between housing environment and health in the very old living alone in their own homes.AimOur aim is to describe the prevalence, incidence and associated risk factors of clinically significant depressive symptoms in this population with particular emphasis on the role of the home environment.MethodWe conducted a one year follow up of 376 subjects aged between 80 and 90 years old. Data collected included variables concerned with housing, social circumstances, physical health and psychological well being.ResultsA prevalence rate of 21% and an annual incidence of 12.4% (Geriatric Depression Score of five or more) were found. Risk factors associated with prevalence depression include not living close to friends and family ((OR 2.540, CI; 1.442, 4.466), poor satisfaction with living accommodation (OR; 0.840, CI; 0.735, 0.961) and poor satisfaction with finances (OR; 0.841, CI; 0.735, 0.961). Subsequent development of clinically significant depressive symptoms was associated with base line increased scores in depression (OR; 1.68, CI; 1.206, 2.341).ConclusionsThese results are consistent with findings in the general population of similar age with the exception of considerably higher prevalence and incidence rates. However, we were unable to demonstrate that housing related variables were significant risk factors in terms of incidence cases.Clinical ImplicationsOlder people living alone are particularly vulnerable to depression and may benefit from targeted screening and development of appropriate care pathways. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of perceived forgetfulness on quality of life in older adults; a qualitative review
Authors: Mol Martine , Carpay Margot , Ramakers Inez , Rozendaal Nico , Verhey Frans , Jolles Jelle 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBackgroundApproximately 50% of older individuals perceive themselves as being forgetful.ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to get an overview of previous research on the relation between perceived forgetfulness (in the absence of objective memory deficit) and quality of life in older individuals. Findings in previous research might be a starting point for further research and possible future interventions.MethodsScientific papers that investigated the relation between subjective memory complaints and quality of life were searched. Two independent raters scored the articles on their methodology. The methodological quality was taken into account when conclusions were drawn.ResultsThe literature search resulted in 682 articles, of which five studies met the inclusion criteria. Although the five studies differed in their methodology, the findings of the methodologically adequate studies show a relation between memory complaints and a diminished quality of life in the elderly.ConclusionsThe negative impact that subjective memory complaints can have on quality of life makes it important to acknowledge forgetfulness as a serious issue in the life of older individuals. However, more research is needed to explore the relationship between subjective memory complaints and quality of life, also with regard to the influence of depression and objective memory performance. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The challenge of measuring quality of care at health centre level in Africa: the example of Tsholotsho health district in Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe
Authors: Van Eygen Luk , Van Lerberghe Veerle , Blaise Pierre , Woelk Godfrey , Criel Bart 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThis study is on the evaluation of quality of health care within first line health services in rural Zimbabwe. It took place between 2001 and 2002, and consisted of a cross‐sectional survey designed to compare the quality of health care on offer at a newly created health centre with that provided by the district hospital's outpatient department. The hypothesis to be tested was that the health centre offered better quality of care. A comprehensive quality of care evaluation framework was designed. The concept of patient enablement was incorporated into the study's assessment of health care delivery outcomes. The results did not provide conclusive evidence that the care offered at the health centre was better than the care on offer at the hospital OPD. The reasons for these unexpected findings are discussed in depth. They are related to the limited understanding amongst local health workers of the organisational changes introduced by the District Health Executive (DHE), together with a (European) cultural bias in the quality of care model under test. An important lesson of this study is that the notion of enablement, notwithstanding the need to put into context the tools used to measure it, was considered by the DHE as relevant in the organisation and evaluation of health care. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The risk of pancreatic cancer in patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer disease
Authors: Luo Juhua , Nordenvall Caroline , Nyrén Olof , Adami Hans‐Olov , Permert Johan , Ye Weimin 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAlthough Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) seropositivity is linked to an excess risk of pancreatic cancer, the biologic mechanism is unknown. Gastric ulcer is primarily associated with corpus colonization of H. pylori, atrophic gastritis and formation of N‐nitrosamines. Duodenal ulcer is a marker of antral colonization, hyperacidity and uninhibited secretin release. We estimated relative risks for pancreatic cancer among patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer, based on a register‐based retrospective cohort study with 88,338 patients hospitalized for gastric ulcer and 70,516 patients for duodenal ulcer recorded in the Swedish Inpatient Register between 1965 and 2003. Following operation, the 14,887 patients who underwent gastric resection and 8,205 with vagotomy were analyzed separately. Multiple record‐linkages allowed complete follow‐up and identification of all incident cases of pancreatic cancer until December 31, 2003. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) estimated relative risks. During years 3–38 of follow‐up, we observed a 20% excess risk (95% confidence interval [CI] 10–40%) for pancreatic cancer among unoperated gastric ulcer patients. The excess increased to 50% (95% CI 10–110%) 15 years after first hospitalization (p for trend = 0.03). SIR was 2.1 (95% CI 1.4–3.1) 20 years after gastric resection. Unoperated duodenal ulcer was not associated with pancreatic cancer risk, nor was vagotomy. Our results lend indirect support to the nitrosamine hypothesis, but not to the hyperacidity hypothesis in the etiology of pancreatic cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of the mitotic checkpoint gene MAD2L2 has prognostic significance in colon cancer
Authors: Rimkus Caroline , Friederichs Jan , Rosenberg Robert , Holzmann Bernhard , Siewert Jörg‐Rüdiger , Janssen Klaus‐Peter 
Published: October 2006

AbstractAneuploidy and genetic instability are a hallmark of colorectal cancer and other solid tumors, and they are thought to enhance tumor progression. The gene MAD2L2 (mitotic arrest deficient 2‐like 2) encodes the spindle checkpoint protein MAD2L2 (or MAD2B), a key component of a surveillance system that delays anaphase until all chromosomes are correctly oriented. Defects in this mitotic checkpoint are known to contribute to genetic instability, i.e., numerical and structural aberrations of chromosomes. We have previously identified MAD2L2 as significantly upregulated in locally restricted colorectal tumors by gene expression profiling. So far, MAD2L2 has not been reported to play a major role in human cancer in contrast to its homologue MAD2. To address this question, 118 histologically confirmed colorectal lesions were analyzed by quantitative real‐time PCR for expression of MAD2L2, and compared to normal colon tissue from 11 patients. Twenty‐five out of 118 tumor samples (21%) showed MAD2L2 overexpression of 3‐fold or more compared to normal colon, and the fraction of overexpressing tumors increased with tumor stage. Correspondingly, protein levels of MAD2L2 were found to be significantly upregulated in tumors as compared to matched normal tissue. Tumors with upregulated MAD2L2 expression had significantly higher numbers of aberrant mitotic figures (anaphase bridges), an indication of chromosomal instability. Elevated expression of MAD2L2 was significantly correlated with reduced patient survival. By multivariate analysis, MAD2L2 expression was retained as an independent prognostic parameter for patient survival. Thus, our results demonstrate that overexpression of MAD2L2 correlates with bad prognosis in colorectal cancer. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cell death induced by N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide in human epidermal keratinocytes is modulated by TGF‐β and diminishes during the progression of squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Davies Maria , Paterson Ian C. , Ganapathy Anu , Prime Stephen S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIt has been demonstrated that the chemopreventive agent N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4‐HPR) induces apoptotic cell death, but recent data has suggested that late stage/recurrent tumours lose their response to 4‐HPR‐induced cell death by mechanisms that are unknown. Our study investigated the ability of 4‐HPR to induce cell death in keratinocyte cell lines that represent different stages of carcinogenesis and the role of TGF‐β signalling in the induction of cell death by 4‐HPR. We show that treatment of the immortalised keratinocyte cell line HaCaT with 10−5 M 4‐HPR induced cell death by apoptosis and caused an accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. Using a genetically related series of human skin keratinocytes derived from HaCaT that reflect tumour progression and metastasis in vivo, we demonstrate that 4‐HPR‐induced cell death and apoptosis is attenuated in the more aggressive tumour cell lines but that a reduced level of response is retained. Response to TGF‐β‐induced growth inhibition was also reduced in the more aggressive cell lines. Treatment of HaCaT cells with 4‐HPR induced TGF‐β2 expression and an increase in the amount of active TGF‐β in the culture medium. The inhibition of TGF‐β signalling attenuated 4‐HPR‐induced apoptosis and both TGF‐β1 and TGF‐β2 potentiated 4‐HPR‐induced apoptosis and enhanced 4‐HPR‐induced growth inhibition. Our results demonstrate that loss of response to 4‐HPR correlates with a loss of response to the growth inhibitory effects of TGF‐β and that adjuvant therapies that upregulate TGF‐β may enhance the chemopreventive effects of 4‐HPR. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible role of calcium in the cardiovascular effects of prolonged administration of gamma‐hch (lindane) in rats
Authors: Anand M. , Meera P. , Kumar R. , Gupta G. S. D. , Tripathi O. , Srimal R. C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractGamma‐HCH (lindane) administered for long durations is reported to cause toxic cardiovascular effects. Present study was carried out to assess the changes in cardiovascular activity and cellular calcium homeostatic mechanisms in rats administered 3 mg kg−1 day−1 of gamma‐HCH p.o. for 6 weeks. The changes in electrocardiogram were marked by a decrease in R–R interval and the amplitude of the P wave by 53% and 50%, respectively. The amplitude of R and T waves was increased by 65% and 58%, respectively. Calcium‐45 influx was increased in atrial trabeculae (33%) and in papillary muscle (10%). The plasma calcium concentration was increased (32%) and Ca, K‐ATPase activity in heart was decreased (50%). It is suggested on the basis of these findings that cellular calcium homeostatic mechanisms are involved in the cardiovascular effects of gamma‐HCH administered chronically in rats.
Inhalation exposure to jp‐8 jet fuel alters pulmonary function and substance p levels in fischer 344 rats
Authors: Pfaff John , Parton Kathleen , Clark Lantz R. , Chen Huizhong , Hays Allison M. , Witten Mark L. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractIn a simulated military flightline exposure protocol, Fischer 344 rats (F344) were used to investigate the pulmonary effects of JP‐8 jet fuel inhalation. Exposures were nose only and for 1 h daily. Groups were exposed for 7 days (7D) or 28 days (28D). Each exposure group had a matched longitudinal control group (LC7 and LC28). Exposure concentrations of 520 mg m−3 caused an increase in dynamic compliance after 7 days of exposure, but compliance changes were not seen with continued exposure (28D, 495 mg m−3). Pulmonary resistance was increased in both 7‐ and 28‐day JP‐8‐exposed groups. Changes in pulmonary function were accompanied by a decrease in substance P concentrations from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). No significant change was observed in BALF levels of 6‐keto‐PGF1α, the stable metabolite of prostacyclin, which is a marker of endothelial cell function. The JP‐8‐exposed rats gained significantly less weight during the study period than the LC7 and LC28 groups, and the lungs of the 7D group were heavier by wet lung/body weight ratio (WtL/WtB). Alveolar clearance of technetium‐labelled diethylenetriamine pentaacetate ([99mTc]DTPA) was increased in jet fuel‐exposed groups. Light microscopy showed no pathological evidence of lung injury. Recovery from the early pulmonary effects of JP‐8 inhalation occurred with continued exposure, as seen by recovery of pulmonary compliance and WtL/WtB.
Comparative developmental toxicity of butyltin trichloride, dibutyltin dichloride and tributyltin chloride in rats
Authors: Ema Makoto , Kurosaka Reiko , Amano Hiro , Ogawa Yoshiyuki 
Published: October 2006

AbstractButyltin trichloride (BT), dibutyltin dichloride (DBT) and tributyltin chloride (TBT) were compared for their developmental toxicity including teratogenic potential following administration during the susceptible period for the teratogenesis of DBT. Pregnant rats were given either BT at a dose of 1000, 1500 or 2000 mg kg−1, DBT at a dose of 10 or 15 mg kg−1 or TBT at a dose of 40 or 80 mg kg−1 by gastric intubation on days 7 and 8 of pregnancy. Although maternal toxicity occurred, as evidenced by a significantly increased maternal lethality at 1500 and 2000 mg kg−1 and decreased maternal weight gain at 1000 and 1500 mg kg−1, no significant increase in the incidences of postimplantation loss and malformed fetuses were observed after treatment with BT. Treatment with DBT resulted in a significantly lower maternal weight gain, lower fetal weight and higher postimplantation embryolethality. A significantly and markedly increased incidence of fetuses with malformations, such as exencephaly, cleft jaw, cleft lip, ankyloglossia, club foot, deformity of the vertebral column in the cervical and thoracic regions and of the ribs and ano‐ or microphthalmia, was observed in both groups treated with DBT. While treatment with TBT at 40 and 80 mg kg−1 caused a significantly decreased maternal weight gain and increased postimplantation embryolethality, no significantly increased incidence of malformed fetuses occurred. It could be concluded that BT, DBT and TBT are different in the susceptibility and spectrum of developmental toxicity.
Genotoxicity and twenty‐eight‐day subchronic toxicity studies on tertiary amyl methyl ether
Authors: Daughtrey Wayne C. , Bird Michael G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractTertiary amyl methyl ether (TAME) is an oxygenate with a potential role as a component in reformulated gasolines. The genotoxic potential of TAME was assessed in an Ames assay and a mouse micronucleus assay. The Ames assay was carried out using five standard salmonella strains and doses ranging from 100 to 10000 μg per plate. Tertiary amyl methyl ether was not mutagenic in any of the strains, either with or without metabolic activation. In the micronucleus assay, mice were given a single intraperitoneal injection of TAME at doses of 0.15, 0.375 or 0.75 g kg−1. Bone marrow samples were collected and evaluated for micronucleus formation at 24, 48 and 72 h after dosing. No elevation in micronucleus frequency was observed at any dose or at any of the collection times. Thus, TAME was not clastogenic to mouse bone marrow under the conditions of this study. Preliminary test data indicated that the acute oral LD50 for TAME in Sprague‐Dawley rats was ca. 2.1 g kg−1. In the 28‐day subchronic study, Sprague‐Dawley rats of both sexes were dosed orally with vehicle, 0.125, 0.5 or 1.0 g kg−1 day−1 TAME in corn oil at a dose volume of 2 ml/kg−1. Dosing continued 7 days a week for a period of 28 days. Deaths of two out of 10 animals in the high‐dose group (1 g kg−1 day−1) appeared to be compound related. Food consumption and body weights were reduced in the high‐dose male group relative to controls; otherwise, clinical observations were minimal. Dose‐related increases in adrenal and kidney weights were observed but no histopathological changes were evident in any of the tissues examined. It is concluded that while some evidence of toxicity was observed at the highest dose, TAME is of low oral toxicity following repeated dosing. The no‐observed‐effect level (NOEL) for this study was 0.125 g kg−1 day−1 and the no‐observed‐adverse‐effect level (NOAEL) was 0.5 g kg−1 day−1.
Effect of prenatal and postnatal exposure to lead on kidney function in male and female rats
Authors: Vyskocil A. , Cizkova M. , Tejnorova I. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of 5 months' exposure to 0.5% lead acetate in drinking water on the kidney function of developing rats was studied. In both sexes, lead exposure produced a significant elevation of the kidney weight and after 3 months' treatment both male and female rats showed signs of tubular impairment. In male rats increased β2‐microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase excretion was observed. Lysozyme was increased after 5 months of exposure. No changes were observed in total proteins and albumin excretion. Female rats showed a significantly increased excretion of β2‐microglobulin from 3 months onwards, while lactate dehydrogenase increased only at the end of 3 months and total proteins after 5 months of exposure. No changes were observed in lysozyme and albumin excretion. Thus, the results suggest that lead exposure produces changes in the renal tubular function of developing rat. There is no sex difference in the nephrotoxicity of lead. Comparison with our previous studies suggests that exposure to lead starting at weaning is more renotoxic than exposure starting 2 months later. However, prenatal exposure might also have been a contributory factor.
Nephrotoxicity of ifosfamide in rats
Authors: Springate James E. , van Liew Judith B. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractRenal proximal tubule cell injury is an important side effect of the chemotherapeutic agent ifosfamide in humans. We investigated the effect of this medication on kidney function in rats. Animals received either 40 or 80 mg kg−1 ifosfamide intraperitoneally daily for 3 days every 3 weeks for a total of four treatment courses. Ifosfamide‐treated rats had significantly lower body weight and hematocrit than sterile water‐treated control rats. Animals receiving 40 mg kg−1 ifosfamide developed isolated phosphaturia after their fourth and final treatment course. Rats receiving 80 mg kg−1 ifosfamide had low‐grade glucosuria, phosphaturia and proteinuria throughout the study. Urine flow rate, creatinine clearance, urinary sodium and potassium excretion and kidney glutathione and malondialdehyde content were not affected by ifosfamide at either dose. These findings indicate that ifosfamide produces abnormalities in rat renal function resembling subclinical Fanconi syndrome.
Effect of dosing vehicle on the toxicity and metabolism of unsaturated aliphatic nitriles
Authors: Farooqui Mohammed Y. H. , Ybarra Benjamin , Piper John , Tamez Angel 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe effect of dosing vehicle on toxicity and metabolism of unsaturated aliphatic nitriles was investigated in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Five unsaturated aliphatic nitriles—acrylonitrile, methacrylonitrile, allylnitrile, crotononitrile and fumaronitrile—were prepared in five different dosing vehicles—saline, corn oil, safflower oil, mineral oil, olive oil and Tween‐20. Groups of six male rats were given 0.5 LD50 doses of the nitriles by gavage and they were observed for 12 h for cholinomimetic and central nervous system effects. Cyanide and glutathione levels were determined in blood and various organs at 1, 3 and 6 h after nitrile administration and thiocyanate levels were determined at 6 h after nitrite administration. The results indicate that all the vehicles studied potentiated the toxicity of all the nitriles compared to nitriles administered in saline and significantly increased their metabolism to cyanide and thiocyanate and nitrile‐induced depletion of glutathione in rats. This behavior of vehicles illustrates the difficulty of identifying suitable vehicles for administration of lipophilic compounds in toxicology studies.
Fluoride accumulation and toxicity in laboratory populations of wild small mammals and white mice
Authors: Boulton Iain C. , Cooke John A. , Johnson Michael S. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA laboratory experiment was conducted to compare the toxicological response and metabolism of inorganic fluoride by three species of wild mammals and laboratory white mice (Mus musculus L.). The experimental populations of the wild species—the short‐tailed field vole (Microtus agrestis L.), the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus L.) and the wood mouse (Apodemus sylvaticus L.)—were laboratory reared from wild stock, and all test animals were exposed to 0, 40 or 80 μg F ml−1 in their drinking water for up to 84 days. The 40 and 80 μg F ml−1 treatments induced premature mortalities in M. agrestis and C. glareolus only. Differential intakes, absorption and retention of fluoride were evident between M. musculus and M. agrestis, the two species subject to cage studies of fluoride metabolism budgets. Interspecific variation in accumulation of fluoride with time was also evident between all four species as regards the femur, molars and incisors. Severe dental lesions were apparent in species surviving the 80 μg ml−1 treatment for 84 days. Overall, however, there were few clear differences in inherent species sensitivity to fluoride, the interspecific variation in metabolism and accumulation rates being attributable mainly to variation in intake.
Hematological profile of the euthymic hairless guinea pig following sulfur mustard vesicant exposure
Authors: Gold Mark B. , Scharf Bruce A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractSulfur mustard (HD) is a potent vesicating agent of military importance, with known radiomimetic properties. The euthymic hairless guinea pig (EHGP) (Cavia porcellus) is emerging as the animal model of choice for cutaneous HD study. With elucidation of the systemic effects, we may better utilize this animal for all HD toxicity work. To this end, studies were conducted to determine the definitive median lethal dose (MLD) of subcutaneously applied sulfur mustard (HD) in the EHGP, and to correlate the induced hematological changes. Eight groups of two animals each were dosed at 0.3 log intervals from an extrapolated expected dose, deriving a tentative mean around which five groups of six animals each were dosed at 0.1 log intervals, resulting in a definitive MLD of 48.17 mg kg−1. Sulfur mustard was then administered to seven groups of six animals each at a dose of 30 mg kg−1 and hematology performed. Significant leukocyte count suppression was found to occur on days 4, 5 and 6, following a leukocyte elevation on day 1 after exposure. Serum potassium levels were found to be elevated all 7 days after HD exposure. Establishing the MLD for subcutaneously applied HD and the pattern of induced leukocyte suppression allows for more definitive evaluation of successful toxicity counter‐measures.