bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The A2A‐adenosine receptor: a GPCR with unique features?
Authors: Zezula J , Freissmuth M 
Published: February 2008

The A2A‐adenosine receptor is a prototypical Gs‐coupled receptor. However, the A2A‐receptor has several structural and functional characteristics that make it unique. In contrast to the classical model of collision coupling described for the β‐adrenergic receptors, the A2A‐receptor couples to adenylyl cyclase by restricted collision coupling and forms a tight complex with Gs. The mechanistic basis for this is not clear; restricted collision coupling may arise from the interaction of the receptor with additional proteins or due to the fact that G protein‐coupling is confined to specialized membrane microdomains. The A2A‐receptor has a long C‐terminus (of >120 residues), which is for the most part dispensable for coupling to Gs. It was originally viewed as the docking site for kinases and the β‐arrestin family to initiate receptor desensitization and endocytosis. The A2A‐receptor is, however, fairly resistant to agonist‐induced internalization. Recently, the C‐terminus has also been appreciated as a binding site for several additional ‘accessory’ proteins. Established interaction partners include α‐actinin, ARNO, USP4 and translin‐associated protein‐X. In addition, the A2A‐receptor has also been reported to form a heteromeric complex with the D2‐dopamine receptor and the metabotropic glutamate receptor‐5. It is clear that (i) this list cannot be exhaustive and (ii) that all these proteins cannot bind simultaneously to the receptor. There must be rules of engagement, which allow the receptor to elicit different biological responses, which depend on the cellular context and the nature of the concomitant signal(s). Thus, the receptor may function as a coincidence detector and a signal integrator.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 153, S184–S190; doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707674; published online 4 February 2008
Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Homeless Adults in Sydney
Authors: Taylor Kathryn M. , Sharpe Louise 
Published: February 2008

Objective: International studies indicate high prevalence rates of post-traumatic stress disorder within homeless populations. In Australia, studies indicate high rates of trauma among homeless adults, yet post-traumatic stress disorder has not been investigated in homeless Australian adults. The primary aim of this project was to determine the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder among homeless adults in Sydney. Further, another aim of the study was to determine whether the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder preceded the first episode of homelessness or was a consequence of homelessness. Method: The sample consisted of 70 homeless men and women aged 18–73 years, who were randomly sampled through eight homeless services. A computer-assisted face-to-face structured clinical interview was conducted with each participant. Lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was determined via the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Results: The majority of the sample had experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime (98%). Indeed, the mean number of traumas per person was six. The 12 month prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder was higher among homeless adults in Sydney in comparison to the Australian general population (41% vs 1.5%). But 79% of the sample had a lifetime prevalence of post-traumatic stress. In 59% of cases, the onset of post-traumatic stress disorder preceded the age of the first reported homeless episode. Conclusions: Homeless adults in Sydney frequently experience trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. The study found that trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder more often precede homelessness, but re-victimization is common. These findings highlight the high mental health needs among homeless people and have implications for services for homeless people.
How Will Information About the Genetic Risk of Mental Disorders Impact on Stigma?
Authors: Spriggs Merle , Olsson Craig A. , Hall Wayne 
Published: February 2008

Objectives: To suggest ways of testing hypotheses about the impact that information on genetic risk may have on the social stigma of mental disorders and to analyse the implications of these hypotheses for genetic screening for mental disorders. Method: Literature review and critical analysis and synthesis. Results: An optimistic view is that information on the genetic risk for mental disorders will reduce blame and social stigma experienced by individuals living with mental disorder. A more pessimists view is that genetic risk information and the use of predictive genetic testing will lead to earlier stigmatization of those at risk of mental disorders. Research is identified that is needed to provide a better understanding of the implications of predictive genetic testing for the stigmatization of different mental health disorders. Conclusions: It is essential that research on the genetics of mental disorders is accompanied by social science research on the ways in which genetic findings influence the lives of those who are tested.
Reliability of Post-Mortem Psychiatric Diagnosis for Neuroscience Research
Authors: Sundqvist Nina , Garrick Therese , Bishop Ian , Harper Clive 
Published: February 2008

Objective: The validity of post-mortem human brain research relies upon accurate clinical and psychopathological diagnosis. Current literature indicates few instances where standardized diagnostic assessment tools such as the Diagnostic Instrument for Brain Studies have been utilized. The primary aim of the present study was to investigate the degree of concordance between predominant ante-mortem psychiatric diagnoses indicated in medical records, and post-mortem diagnoses derived through structured diagnostic instruments such as the Diagnostic Instrument for Brain Studies and the Item Group Checklist of the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. Methods: Fifty-eight subjects from the New South Wales Tissue Resource Centre, assigned a clinical psychiatric diagnosis after death, were included in the study. The predominant ante-mortem diagnosis of each case was compared to the corresponding post-mortem diagnosis obtained through structured case reviews to which either the Diagnostic Instrument for Brain Studies (from 2001) or the Item Group Checklist of Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (before 2001) were applied. Results: Comparison of ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnoses produced an overall kappa coefficient of 0.66. Kappa coefficients for the schizophrenia cohort were 0.61, 0.35 for the schizoaffective cohort, 0.95 for the major depressive disorder cohort and 0.70 for the bipolar disorder cohort. Conclusions: There was moderate–excellent inter-rater reliability for most cohorts in this sample. There was sufficient disagreement, however, particularly for the schizoaffective cohort, to suggest the value of applying a standardized and structured assessment approach to psychiatric diagnosis. A standardized approach would likely enhance both the accuracy of diagnosis and the prospective validity of tissue-based research. The present study also highlights the importance of accurate and detailed medical record keeping at a symptom-based level across all mental health professions. In the absence of clear and adequate symptom-based detail, the reliability of both ante-mortem and post-mortem diagnosis may be compromised.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids as a Treatment for Perinatal Depression: Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Rees Anne-Marie , Austin Marie-Paule , Parker Gordon B. 
Published: February 2008

Objective: Epidemiological, biological marker and treatment studies, as well as neuroscientific theories, indicate a possible link between omega-3 fatty acids and perinatal depression (PND). Hence the aim of the present study was to assess whether omega-3 fatty acid treatment is superior to placebo in the treatment of PND. Method: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial was undertaken. Women with major depression during the perinatal period received either fish oil or placebo for six weeks. Changes in depression scores were recorded weekly. Results: A total of 26 subjects were recruited and there was no significant difference in depression scores between those receiving fish oil and those receiving the placebo. Conclusions: This is formally a negative study, suggesting that there is no benefit for omega-3 fatty acids over placebo in treating PND. The reason could be that the study was underpowered due to recruitment difficulties and therefore we suggest that it may be unwise to interpret this result as conclusive. Omega-3 is a natural product that is a safe and well-tolerated treatment. Further research is therefore needed in this area to establish whether omega-3 fatty acids are an effective treatment for PND.
Quality of Housing Among Patients of an Area Mental Health Service
Authors: Grigg Margaret , Judd Fiona , Komiti Angela , Ryan Lisa 
Published: February 2008

Objectives: The aims of the present study were to (i) assess the quality of housing for patients receiving treatment from an area mental health service; (ii) compare estimates of quality of housing using two different methods: housing type versus housing characteristics; (iii) determine whether either method for assessing quality is more useful that a combination; and (iv) examine the relationship between housing quality and case manager's assessment of the impact of the housing on the patient's mental disorder. Methods: A survey was developed that included the demographics of the patient; housing type; living arrangements; housing characteristics as assessed by the patient's case manager; and an overall assessment by the case manager of the impact that the housing has on the patient's mental disorder. Case managers were asked to complete the housing survey on all patients they saw in the community during a 2 week period in 2003. The social worker for the inpatient unit completed the survey for all patients admitted to the inpatient unit over a 3 month period. Results: Surveys were completed for a total of 362 patients. Just under 10% of patients were identified as homeless in that the person either had no housing or was living in a shelter or accommodation frequently associated with homeless persons. Almost half of the patients in the sample had housing that was either not affordable, not secure, not safe or not appropriate to their needs, that is, their housing met at least one of a range of criteria defining poor-quality housing. Sixty-one patients (16.9%) had housing that was considered by their case managers to have a substantial negative impact on their mental illness. Conclusions: Almost half of the patients treated by an area mental health service appeared to have poor-quality housing. Housing characteristics identified a higher proportion of people with poor-quality housing than did housing type. Case managers’ assessments generally failed to identify a potential negative impact of poor quality housing on the person's mental disorder.
Identifying the Ultra-High Risk (Prodromal) Population: Evaluation of Training Workshops with Mental Health Services
Authors: Nelson Barnaby , Simmons Magenta B. , Yung Alison R. , Buckby Joe A. , O'Dwyer Lisa , Francey Shona M. , Leicester Steven , Bapat Swagata , McGorry Patrick D. 
Published: February 2008

Objective: Recent years have witnessed widespread interest in the early phase of psychotic disorders. The most widely used approach to identify individuals in the prodromal phase is the ultra-high risk (UHR) approach, which combines known trait and state risk factors for psychotic disorder. The Personal Assessment and Crisis Evaluvation Clinic introduced the Comprehensive Assessment of At Risk Mental States (CAARMS) in order to assess UHR status. A training DVD and manual in the use of the CAARMS was recently developed in order to assist with UHR identification. The current paper reports the outcome of a series of training workshops with mental health professionals based around this DVD. The research aim was to investigate whether the training workshops assisted mental health professionals in their confidence and ability to accurately identify UHR cases and distinguish these from non-UHR and first-episode psychosis (FEP) cases. Method: A total of 137 mental health workers participated in the training sessions across eight training sites. The training sessions consisted of four modules: theoretical background; rating written vignettes for UHR, non-UHR or FEP status; viewing and discussing the CAARMS Training DVD; and re-rating matched written vignettes for UHR, non-UHR or FEP status. Results: Participants’ confidence in identifying UHR cases and in using the CAARMS increased as a result of the workshop. Participants’ ability to correctly identify UHR-positive cases did not improve as a result of the workshop. This may have been the result of a ceiling effect due to the baseline ability to identify UHR-positive cases being high. But there was a trend for participants’ ability to correctly identify UHR-negative cases to improve as a result of the workshop. Conclusions: UHR training workshops are a valuable means of increasing mental health workers’ confidence in identifying UHR patients. Future UHR training programmes with experienced mental health professionals should pay particular attention to the correct identification of UHR-negative cases.
Epidemiology of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Veterans With Spinal Cord Injury and Disorder
Authors: Evans Charlesnika T. , LaVela Sherri L. , Weaver Frances M. , Priebe Michael , Sandford Paul , Niemiec Pamela , Miskevics Scott , Parada Jorge P. 
Published: February 2008

Objective.To describe the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in veterans with spinal cord injury and disorder (SCI&D).Design.Retrospective medical record review.Setting.Midwestern Department of Veterans Affairs spinal cord injury center.Participants.A total of 226 patients with SCI&D hospitalized at least once during a 2-year period (October 1, 2001, through September 30, 2003).Results.A total of 549 hospitalizations were included in the analysis (mean duration of hospitalization, 33.7 days); an HAI occurred during 182 (33.2%) of these hospitalizations. A total of 657 HAIs occurred during 18,517 patient-days in the hospital (incidence rate, 35.5 HAIs per 1,000 patient-days). Almost half of the 226 patients had at least 1 HAI; the mean number of HAIs among these patients was 6.0 HAIs per patient. The most common HAIs were urinary tract infection (164 [25.0%] of the 657 HAIs; incidence rate, 8.9 cases per 1,000 patient-days), bloodstream infection (111 [16.9%]; incidence rate, 6.0 cases per 1,000 patient-days), and bone and joint infection (103 [15.7%]; incidence rate, 5.6 cases per 1,000 patient-days). The most common culture isolates were gram-positive bacteria (1,082 [45.6%] of 2,307 isolates), including Staphylococcus aureus, and gram-negative bacteria (1,033 [43.6%] of isolates), including Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Multivariate regression demonstrated that predictors of HAI were longer length of hospital stay (P = .002), community-acquired infection (P = .007), and use of a urinary invasive device (P = .01) or respiratory invasive device (P = .04).Conclusions.The overall incidence of HAIs in persons with SCI&D was higher than that reported for other populations, confirming the increased risk of HAI in persons with spinal cord injury. The increased risk associated with longer length of stay and with community-acquired infection suggests that strategies are needed to reduce the duration of hospitalization and to effectively treat community-acquired infection, to decrease infection rates. There is significant room for improvement in reducing the incidence of HAIs in this population.
Molecular and Descriptive Epidemiology of Multidrug-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in Hospitalized Infants
Authors: Anderson Brian , Nicholas Sarah , Sprague Bruce , Campos Joseph , Short Billie , Singh Nalini 
Published: February 2008

Objective.To investigate the epidemiology of multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDRE) in hospitalized infants.Methods.From 2000 through 2005, active surveillance cultures for MDRE were performed for patients admitted to a 40-bed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that provides care for critically ill infants 6 months of age or younger. MDRE epidemiology and the genetic relatedness of MDRE strains determined by repetitive-sequence polymerase chain reaction were analyzed.Results.Active surveillance cultures revealed that 759 (23%) of 3,370 NICU infants (or approximately 1 in 5) developed MDRE colonization or infection and that 613 (72%) of the 853 isolates with epidemiologic data available were healthcare acquired. MDRE colonization occurred more frequently (in 653 infants [86%]) than did MDRE infection (in 106 [14%]). Of the 653 infants with MDRE colonization, 119 (18%) eventually became infected, with 29 (4%) acquiring sterile site infections. The most commonly isolated organisms were the Enterobacter species, accounting for 612 (71%) of the 862 isolates. Molecular epidemiologic analysis revealed that genetic-relatedness clustering (related clusters defined as having a genetic similarity coefficient greater than 95%) varied depending on microbial species. Clustering was detected for 36 (78%) of the 46 Enterobacter aerogenes isolates, 22 (45%) of the 49 Enterobacter cloacae isolates, and 13 (59%) of the 22 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates.Conclusion.Hospitalized infants are at significant risk of acquiring MDRE, specifically Enterobacter species, at the study institution. Active surveillance cultures identified colonized patients who likely contributed to the institutional reservoir of MDRE. Molecular epidemiologic studies suggest that both patient-to-patient transmission and de novo acquisition of resistance play a role in the acquisition of these organisms, and that the clinical significance of such acquisition varies by species. The high percentage of E. aerogenes isolates that demonstrated genetic clustering suggests that monitoring the prevalence of this organism could serve as a useful measure of compliance with infection control procedures.
Asian copepods on the move: recent invasions in the Columbia–Snake River system, USA
Authors: Cordell Jeffery R. , Bollens Stephen M. , Draheim Robyn , Sytsma Mark 
Published: February 2008

Abstract
Cordell, J. R., Bollens, S. M., Draheim, R., and Sytsma, M. 2008. Asian copepods on the move: recent invasions in the Columbia–Snake River system, USA. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 753–758. Nine Asian copepod species have been introduced into the Northeast Pacific, seven of which are largely confined to the San Francisco estuary. However, several of these copepods recently invaded the Columbia–Snake River system in Washington state, USA. In addition to the calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus inopinus, which appeared in the 1980s, the Columbia River now has populations of the calanoids Pseudodiaptomus forbesi and Sinocalanus doerrii, and the cyclopoid copepod Limnoithona tetraspina. Sampling in the Columbia–Snake River system in 2005 and 2006 indicated that (i) newer invaders may have displaced the previously introduced P. inopinus; (ii) P. forbesi had moved upstream into the first five reservoirs in the system; (iii) the other species occurred only in the tidal regions of the lower river; (iv) P. forbesi dominates the late summer holoplankton in the lower river and estuary; and (v) P. forbesi is relatively rare, and the holoplankton is dominated by native species in upstream free-flowing segments of the Columbia River and in reservoirs of the Snake River. Zooplankton samples from ships in Puget Sound suggest that ballast water from California is a major source of the introduced copepods and that the Columbia River itself may be a new source of ballast-introduced copepods.
Estimating heroin epidemics with data of patients in methadone maintenance treatment, collected during a single treatment day
Authors: Nordt Carlos , Stohler Rudolf 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAims  Effects of differing drug policies are difficult to evaluate, because time trends in the spread of heroin use, the most problematic illicit drug world‐wide, are unknown in almost all countries. We aimed to develop a simple method to estimate these dynamics with data that can be gathered from patients in substitution treatment within a single day.Design  We tested the assumption that being in substitution treatment on any day depends solely upon individual time since onset of regular heroin use (following a ‘general inclusion function’). We used data from the case register for substitution treatments in the canton of Zurich (1992–2004), comprising 9518 patients, to model a ‘general inclusion function’. Applying this function, we calculated 30 incidence curves for heroin dependence, each with data of one of 30 randomly chosen treatment days between 1992 and 2004.Findings  Incidence modelling led to 30 similar curves, and therefore our hypothesis was corroborated. Additionally, our approach also revealed a restricted access to substitution treatment in the early 1990s and a decline in demand due to the introduction of heroin‐assisted treatment from 1994 onwards.Conclusions  In the canton of Zurich, the probability of being in substitution treatment can be described by a ‘general inclusion function’, and therefore dynamics of heroin epidemics can be estimated based on data of a single treatment day. Adaptation of our function to areas with a more restricted access to substitution treatment may permit these estimations also in other regions or countries. Thus, our approach facilitates the urgently needed assessment of the effects of different drug policies.
Paradoxical increase of positive answers to the Cut‐down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye‐opener (CAGE) questionnaire during a period of decreasing alcohol consumption: results from two population‐based surveys in Île‐de‐France, 1991 and 2005
Authors: Messiah Antoine , Encrenaz Gaëlle , Sapinho David , Gilbert Fabien , Carmona Elodie , Kovess‐Masféty Viviane 
Published: February 2008

ABSTRACTAims  To describe trends of responses to the Cut‐down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye‐opener (CAGE) questionnaire during a period of declining alcohol consumption, in a country with no temperance history.Design  Two random‐sample surveys, conducted in 1991 and 2005, respectively.Setting  The adult population of Ile‐de‐France.Participants  A total of 1183 subjects in 1991 and 5382 subjects in 2005.Measurements  Responses to CAGE questions, obtained by face‐to‐face interviews in 1991 and by telephone in 2005. Results were standardized on the 2005 population structure.Findings  The proportion of subjects giving at least two positive answers has increased by 4.2 times; the biggest increase was observed for the Guilt question (4.8 times) and the smallest for the Eye‐opener question (2.6 times). Several increases were higher for women than for men: 12.9 times versus 3.3 times for two or more positive answers, 9.8 times versus 3.8 times for the Guilt question. Increases did not vary consistently by age.Conclusion  These paradoxical trends do not support the use of CAGE in general population surveys. They confirm previous reports suggesting that CAGE was sensitive to community temperance level. They might reflect the emergence of a temperance movement in France, with stronger impact among women. This movement might be responsible for the fall in alcohol consumption.