bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twelve‐month course of depressive symptoms in older medical inpatients
Authors: McCusker Jane , Cole Martin , Ciampi Antonio , Latimer Eric , Windholz Sylvia , Elie Michel , Belzile Eric 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundThe study aimed: (1) to describe the 12‐month course of depressive symptoms among medical inpatients aged 65 +, and (2) to investigate predictors of a more severe course that could be identified easily by non‐psychiatric staff.MethodsPatients were recruited at two Montreal hospitals. Inclusion criteria were: aged 65 +, admitted to medical service, at most mild cognitive impairment. Patients were screened for major and minor depression (DSM‐IV criteria). All depressed patients and a random sample of non‐depressed patients were invited to participate in the prospective study. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was administered at admission, 3, 6, and 12 months. Individual patient trajectories of depressive symptoms over time were grouped using hierarchical clustering into three patient groups with a minimal, mild, and moderate/severe course of symptoms, respectively. The baseline predictors of a more severe clinical course were identified using ordinal logistic regression.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐two patients completed baseline and one or more follow‐up interviews. Baseline patient characteristics that independently predicted a more severe symptom course included higher initial HAMD score, depressive core symptoms lasting 6 months or more, and female sex.ConclusionThe 12‐month course of depression symptoms in this medically ill older sample was generally stable. Patients who will experience a more severe course can be identified by non‐psychiatric staff at admission to hospital. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for generalized anxiety disorder in geriatric primary care patients
Authors: Wetherell Julie Loebach , Birchler Georgia D. , Ramsdell Joe , Unützer Jürgen 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo compare two brief screening measures as tools for detecting generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among older primary care patients.MethodsReceiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 (BSI‐18) against GAD diagnoses obtained from a structured diagnostic interview.ResultsThe HADS Anxiety subscale was the only measure that distinguished individuals with and without GAD. A cutpoint greater than or equal to 8 on the HADS Anxiety subscale resulted in a sensitivity of 0.967 and a specificity of 0.667 for detecting GAD.ConclusionsThe HADS Anxiety subscale appears to show some advantages over the BSI‐18 Anxiety subscale as a brief, self‐report measure of anxiety symptoms among older medical patients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of older adults with co‐morbid personality disorder and depression: a dialectical behavior therapy approach
Authors: Lynch Thomas R. , Cheavens Jennifer S. , Cukrowicz Kelly C. , Thorp Steven R. , Bronner Leslie , Beyer John 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and SignificanceThe treatment of personality disorders in older adults, particularly those co‐morbid with other Axis I disorders (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder), is an understudied clinical phenomenon. It has also been demonstrated that personality disorders in older adults complicate treatment of other psychopathology, as well as result in heightened interpersonal disturbance and emotional distress.MethodsTwo studies utilizing standard Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to treat depression and personality disorders in older adults are reviewed. Study 1 examined 34 chronically depressed individuals aged 60 and older who were randomly assigned to receive 28 weeks of antidepressant medication plus clinical management, either alone (MED) or with the addition of DBT skills‐training and scheduled telephone coaching sessions (MED + DBT). Study 2 had two phases of treatment: Phase I: 8‐week open‐trial of antidepressant medication (n = 65); Phase II: 24‐week randomized trial of DBT + MED versus MED alone for those who prospectively failed to respond to the Phase I medication trial (n = 37).ResultsStudy 1 demonstrated that 71% of MED + DBT patients were in remission at post‐treatment, in contrast to 47% of MED patients. This became a significant difference at the 6‐month follow‐up; where 75% of MED + DBT‐D patients were in remission compared with only 31% of MED patients. Study 2 showed that after 8 weeks of treatment with antidepressant medication alone (Phase 1) only 14% of the sample had at least a 50% reduction in HAM‐D scores. Phase II results showed on average, the DBT + MED group reached depression remission by the post‐group assessment and maintained these gains while the MED group did not reach remission, until the follow‐up assessment. Results demonstrated superiority of DBT + MED compared to MED alone on Interpersonal Sensitivity and Interpersonal Aggression at post‐treatment and 6‐month follow‐up.ConclusionResults from these two treatment development studies indicate that applying standard DBT for the treatment of co‐morbid MDD or MDD + PD in older adults is feasible, acceptable, and has clinical promise. Modifications to standard DBT and an overview of a new treatment manual for this population are summarized. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effect of community based daycare on mental health and quality of life of elderly in rural south India: a community intervention study
Authors: Jacob Mini Elizabeth , Abraham Vinod Joseph , Abraham Sulochana , Jacob K. S. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundSustainable cost‐effective interventions to improve psychiatric morbidity and quality of life among the elderly have not been systematically evaluated in developing countries.MethodThe most vulnerable elderly living in Pennathur, Vellore district, India, in terms of socioeconomic status and social supports, were invited to participate in a day‐care program. Baseline assessments were done using the Mini Mental Status Examination, the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule and the World Health Organisation Quality of Life‐ Bref. Follow‐up assessment was done at 3 months on subjects who took part and those who refused.Results and conclusionsForty‐one (16.4%) were invited to take part. Twenty subjects took part in the program while 21 refused. There was a significant reduction in psychiatric morbidity and improvement in quality of life scores at 3 months for subjects who attended the program. The improvement in quality of life persisted after adjusting for gender, socioeconomic status and baseline scores. Costing of the program suggests sustainability. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Subjectively reported sleep quality and excessive daytime somnolence in Parkinson's disease with and without dementia, dementia with Lewy bodies and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Boddy Frauke , Rowan Elise N , Lett Debbie , O'Brien John T , McKeith Ian G , Burn David J 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectiveWe compared subjective sleep quality and excessive daytime somnolence (EDS) in controls, Parkinson's disease with (PDD) and without dementia (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). We investigated whether sleep dysfunction and EDS associate with motor phenotype in PD, PDD and DLB.MethodAssessments included the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).ResultsEDS was more frequent in PD, DLB and PDD patients than in AD. PDD, PD and DLB patients also had worse sleep quality when compared with AD and controls. Baseline postural instability‐gait difficulty (PIGD) motor phenotype in PDD was associated with a higher ESS score and frequency of EDS, but this association was lost at two years. PSQI scores did not differ between PIGD dominant and non‐dominant PD, PDD and DLB patients.ConclusionEDS and poor sleep quality are greater in PD, PDD and DLB, compared with AD. The dissociation of EDS and motor phenotype suggests their pathophysiology is anatomically and/or temporally distinct. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reverse Thermal Gelation of Aliphatically Modified Biodegradable Triblock Copolymers
Authors: Jo Seongbong , Kim Jin , Kim Sung Wan 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: A simple aliphatic modification demonstrated how to turn a water‐soluble biodegradable triblock copolymer synthesized from PEG, L‐lactide, and ε‐caprolactone into a thermoreversible polymer of which aqueous solution underwent a sol‐to‐gel phase transition upon a mild temperature rise. Thermogelling behavior of the aliphatically modified polymer was dependent on the degree of aliphatic modification and polymer concentration. When the polymer solutions were subcutaneously injected into rats, immediate depot formation has been observed. The polymeric gel depots have lasted for two weeks in vivo. This aliphatically modified thermogelling polymer can find applications in drug delivery.Aliphatically modified biodegradable triblock copolymer and its thermal gelation.magnified imageAliphatically modified biodegradable triblock copolymer and its thermal gelation.
Effects of Thermoresponsive Coacervation on the Hydrolytic Degradation of Amphipathic Poly(γ‐glutamate)s
Authors: Shimokuri Taiki , Kaneko Tatsuo , Akashi Mitsuru 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSummary: Hydrolytic properties of thermoresponsive biopolymers with amphiphilic structures, γ‐PGA‐P, were investigated. Hydrolysis was monitored in terms of molecular weight changes using GPC and spectroscopic measurements. The hydrolytic degradation of γ‐PGA‐P was controlled by a change in the degree of propyl group conversion, reaction temperature, and/or reaction pH. The degradation was classified as the rapid elimination of propyl side chains and the moderate cleavage of peptide linkages in the backbone. Furthermore, hydrophobic environments established by the thermoresponsive coacervation of γ‐PGA‐P60 solutions inhibited hydrolytic degradation reactions. Inversely, hydrolytic degradations increased coacervation temperatures. Kinetic studies of hydrolytic reactions suggest that the degradation rate of γ‐PGA‐P60 solutions can be controlled by their thermoresponsivity. The hydrolysis reported here represents the first degradation rate controlled by thermoresponsive coacervation.A schematic illustration of the hydrolytic mechanism of γ‐PGA‐P60.magnified imageA schematic illustration of the hydrolytic mechanism of γ‐PGA‐P60.
Shoulder subluxation after stroke: relationships with pain and motor recovery
Authors: Paci Matteo , Nannetti Luca , Taiti Piero , Baccini Marco , Pasquini Jacopo , Rinaldi Lucio 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground and Purpose. Glenohumeral subluxation (GHS) is a frequent complication in patients with post‐stroke hemiplegia, but its role in functional recovery is still unclear. The aim of the present investigation was to understand the relationship of GHS with shoulder pain and arm motor recovery. Method. A case–control study design was used. A sample of 107 hemiplegic adults with recent stroke (less than 30 days from onset) was differentiated into two groups according to the presence of GHS. Motor recovery was assessed using the upper extremity part of the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment Scale and the presence of shoulder pain was recorded at admission (T1), at discharge (T2) and at follow‐up, 30–40 days after discharge (T3). Results. GHS was present in 52 patients (48.6%) and correlated significantly to shoulder pain at T1, at T2 and at T3 (p < 0.001). Moreover, GHS at admission accounted for nearly 50% of shoulder pain at T3 (adjusted R2 = 0.458; p < 0.001). The presence of GHS was independently associated with the upper extremity score of the Fugl‐Meyer Assessment Scale at follow‐up (adjusted R2 = 0.766; p < 0.001). Conclusions. GHS is a factor associated with shoulder pain development and with arm motor recovery and should be treated in the acute stage of hemiplegia. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Surface hydrophobic groups, stability, and flip‐flopping in lattice proteins
Authors: Rashin Alexander A. , Rashin Abraham H. L. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractTwo‐dimensional lattice protein models were studied in two approximations of the conformational equilibrium to elucidate the role of surface hydrophobic groups in their stabilities. We demonstrate that stability of any compactly folded sequence is determined by its ability to “flip‐flop” (refold) into alternative compact structures. The degree of stability required for folded sequences determines the average numbers of surface hydrophobic groups in stable lattice structures which are in good agreement with ratios of core to surface hydrophobic groups in real proteins. However, the average destabilization of the native structure per surface hydrophobic group is small (0–0.25 kcal/mol), often disagrees with the free energies derived from the ratios of core to surface hydrophobic groups in the same structures, and has a combinatorial entropic nature independent of the strength of structure stabilizing interactions. This suggests that the free energies derived from the core to surface ratios of hydrophobic groups in real proteins have little to do with folding thermodynamics. On average, sequences with highly stable native structures are the least hydrophobic. The results suggest that in designing novel stable proteins hydrophobic groups on the surface should be avoided to reduce the possibility of flip‐flopping. The average stability of highly designable structures is never higher than that of some low designability structures, contrary to the accepted view. In the equilibrium approximation with alternative compact and partially unfolded structures, the requirement of high stability selects a unique 5 × 5 structure formed by only a few sequences, suggesting much stronger sequence selectivity than commonly thought. Proteins 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relative tolerance of mesostable and thermostable protein homologs to extensive mutation
Authors: Besenmatter Werner , Kast Peter , Hilvert Donald 
Published: November 2006

AbstractEvolvability, designability, and plasticity of a protein are properties that are important to protein engineers, but difficult to quantify. Here, we directly compare homologous AroQ chorismate mutases from the thermophile Methanococcus jannaschii and the mesophile Escherichia coli with respect to their capacity to accommodate extensive mutation. The N‐terminal helix comprising about 40% of these proteins was randomized at the genetic level using a binary pattern of hydrophobic and hydrophilic residues based on the respective wild‐type sequences. Catalytically active library members were identified by a survival‐selection assay in a chorismate mutase‐deficient E. coli strain. Functional variants were found ∼∼10‐times more frequently with the thermostable protein compared to its mesostable counterpart. Moreover, detailed sequence analysis revealed that functional M. jannaschii enzyme variants contained a smaller number of conserved residues and tolerated greater variability at individual sequence positions. Our results thus highlight the greater robustness of the thermostable protein with respect to amino acid substitution, while identifying specific sites important for constructing active enzymes. Overall, they support the notion that redesign projects will benefit from using a thermostable starting structure, even at very high mutational loads. Proteins 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nitrite anions induce nitrosative deamination of peptides and proteins
Authors: Deng Haiteng 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn the present study, reactions of sodium nitrite with proteins/peptides were characterized with mass spectrometry. The reaction generates two major products: replacement of the amino group by a hydroxyl group and formation of an alkene derivative by loss of a NH3 group at the N‐terminus and the side chain of lysine residues of proteins/peptides. The reaction proceeds rapidly in weak acidic solution and at 37°C in the presence of a millimolar concentration of nitrite, demonstrating that nitrite induces nitrosative deamination in proteins and peptides. The facile nitrite‐induced modification of amino groups of protein/peptides changes the chemical nature of proteins and may have various applications in peptide synthesis, analytical chemistry, and protein engineering. It also provides information to enhance our understanding of functions of nitrite ions in biology and food preservation. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multidisciplinary Approach to the Management of Breast Cancer in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Wai‐Fan , Cheung Polly Suk‐Yee , Epstein Richard J. , Mak Joyce 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIntroductionTreatment of breast cancer has become more complex and sophisticated in recent years, and a multidisciplinary team approach to management is now recommended worldwide. The present study reviews the applicability of the multidisciplinary approach to the management of patients with breast cancer in a private hospital.MethodsBetween September 2003 and April 2005, a total of 579 consecutive patients undergoing breast cancer surgery were studied. Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy or who had metastatic disease at presentation were excluded. Demographic and operative details, pathology, and recommended adjuvant therapy were discussed in the weekly multidisciplinary breast conference involving breast surgeons, pathologists, and radiation and medical oncologists.ResultsThe mean age was 48.6 years. A self‐discovered breast lump (80%) was the most common presentation, whereas screening mammography accounted for only 12.2%. The accuracy of preoperative mammography, ultrasonography, fine‐needle aspiration cytology, and core biopsy were 66.5%, 80.7%, 89.4%, and 98.9%, respectively. Mastectomy was performed in 49.3% of patients, of whom 22.0% underwent immediate reconstruction. Eighty‐five percent of patients underwent concomitant axillary surgery, comprising either sentinel node biopsy (49.9%), sentinel node biopsy followed by axillary dissection (38.7%), or axillary dissection alone (11.4%). The mean size of invasive tumors was 2.3 cm, and lymph node metastases were detected in 40% of patients; stage 0, I, II, and III disease was present in 14.2%, 34%, 44.5%, and 7.2% of patients, respectively. Adjuvant hormonal therapy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were recommended in 62.4%, 51.2%, and 64.9% of patients, respectively.ConclusionsBreast cancer in Hong Kong most often presents as a breast lump discovered by self‐examination. The role of screening mammogram has to be reevaluated. Multidisciplinary teamwork is essential for optimizing decision‐making about adjuvant treatment interventions in such patients.
Effect of Glucocorticoid Pretreatment on Oxidative Liver Injury and Survival in Jaundiced Rats with Endotoxin Cholangitis
Authors: Lee Chi Wei , Chuang Jiin Haur , Wang Pei Wen , Chang Nyuk Kong , Wang Hsiu Chuan , Huang Chao Cheng , Tiao Mao Meng , Lo Sing Kai 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIntroductionBiliary tract infection is associated with high mortality. This study investigated the effect of glucocorticoid pretreatment on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cholangitis.MethodsRats undergoing either sham operation or ligation of the extrahepatic bile duct (BDL) for 2 weeks were randomly assigned to receive intravenous injections of dexamethasone (DX) or normal saline (NS) prior to infusing LPS into the biliary tract. The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα), chemokines monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) and macrophage inflammatory protein‐2 (MIP‐2) as well as liver mRNA expression of MCP‐1 and MIP‐2 were determined. Infiltration of monocytes, Kupffer cells, and neutrophils in rat liver were studied with immunohistochemistry. Oxidative liver injury was measured by the malondialdehyde (MDA) content.ResultsDexamethasone pretreatment resulted in significantly decreased plasma levels of TNFα at 1 hour, MCP‐1 and MIP‐2 at 2 and 3 hours, and decreased liver MCP‐1 mRNA expression at 3 hours following LPS infusion in BDL‐DX rats than in BDL‐NS rats. The number of inflammatory cells in the liver was significantly different between sham‐ and BDL‐treated rats but was not affected by DX pretreatment. Pretreatment with DX resulted in significantly decreased liver MDA contents in the BDL‐DX group than that in the BDL‐NS group. Jaundiced rats pretreated with 5 mg DX prior to infusion of 1 g of LPS were 6.8 times more likely to survive than those that were not pretreated.ConclusionsPretreatment of jaundiced, LPS‐treated rats with a supraphysiological dose of dexamethasone may rescue their lives by suppression of chemokine expression and alleviation of oxidative liver injury.
Analysis of NF‐κB Nuclear Translocation in PMN‐neutrophils of Major Trauma Patients in the Early Post‐traumatic Period: A Pilot Study
Authors: Stegmaier Julia , Kirchhoff Chlodwig , Kanz Karl‐Georg , Mayer Verena , Landes Juergen , Euler Ekkehard , Mutschler Wolf , Biberthaler Peter 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackgroundPost‐traumatic inflammation is connected to polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN)‐dysfunction characterized by reduced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB during the post‐traumatic period. However, the dynamic of NF‐κB translocation in PMN of major trauma patients remains unclear. Hence, the aim of this pilot study was to analyze NF‐κB in PMN from multiply injured patients immediately after trauma.Patients and MethodsBlood samples of major trauma patients (ISS > 16) were drawn on admission within 90 minutes after trauma and at 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours after trauma. Neutrophilic NF‐κB‐translocation was analyzed by EMSA and quantified by densitometry as (arbitrary units). In addition, PMN of healthy volunteers were analyzed either in their native state (–control) or after LPS stimulation (+control).ResultsTwelve patients (NISS: 34 ± 10 [mean ± SEM]) were enrolled. NF‐κB translocation was significantly increased in trauma patients on admission and after 6 hours. Interestingly, a second activity peak was present after 24 hours. In patients who later died, NF‐κB activity was significantly elevated initially, to be rapidly diminished after 6 hours, while it increased in the survivors group. After 24 hours NF‐κB activity increased significantly in the survivors group, to become reduced in both groups at a later time.ConclusionsWithin this pilot study, the dynamic of NF‐κB translocation in PMN of multiply injured patients immmediately after trauma was analyzed for the first time. Enabled by closely matched sequential blood sampling strictly standardized to the traumatic event, an essential biphasic increase of neutrophilic signal transduction could be investigated in the very early post‐traumatic period, which preceded the downregulation of the innate immune system.
Anakinra is safe and effective in controlling hyperimmunoglobulinaemia D syndrome‐associated febrile crisis
Authors: Cailliez M. , Garaix F. , Rousset‐Rouvière C. , Bruno D. , Kone‐Paut I. , Sarles J. , Chabrol B. , Tsimaratos M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryHyper‐IgD and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS) is a hereditary autoinflammatory syndrome, characterized by recurrent inflammatory attacks. Treatment of HIDS is difficult. Recently, the IL‐1ra analogue anakinra was reported to be successful in aborting the IgD inflammatory attacks in a vaccination model. We report a clinical case of spectacular reduction of febrile attacks in a severe HIDS patient.