bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
International Human Rights, Religious Pluralism and the Future of Chieftaincy in Ghana
Authors: Atiemo Abamfo 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA revolutionary development that resulted from Africa's experience of colonialism was the emergence of the nation-state made up of previously separate ethnic states. By the end of the colonial period the rulers of these ethnic states — the chiefs — had lost most of their real political and judicial powers to the political leaders of the new nation-states. But in spite of the loss of effective political power the chiefs continued to wield moral influence over members of their ethnic groups. The limited reach of the nation-state in the post-colonial era has also meant a dependence on the chiefs, in many cases, for aspects of local governance. This, for example, is the case of Ghana. However, in the modern context of religious pluralism the intimate bond between the chiefs and the traditional religion exacerbates tension in situations of conflict between people's loyalty to the traditional state and their religious commitment. In some cases, chiefs invoke customary laws in attempt to enforce sanctions against individuals who refuse to observe certain customary practices for religious reasons. But this has implications for the human rights of citizens. This article discusses the implications of this situation for the future of chieftaincy as well as prospects for the protection of the human rights of citizens who for religious reasons choose to stay away from certain communal customary practices.
Antipsychotic prescribing quality and ethnicity — a study of hospitalized patients in south east London
Authors: Connolly Anne , Rogers Paul , Taylor David 
Published: February 2007

A number of studies have shown qualitative and quantitative differences in prescribing of antipsychotics according to patient ethnicity. Black patients tend, for example, to be prescribed higher doses of antipsychotics than whites. Few studies have controlled for other factors which may influence prescribing practice and confound results. This study sought to determine whether or not ethnicity was associated with antipsychotic polypharmacy, high dosage and antipsychotic costs before and after adjustment for potential confounding. We approached inpatients on acute general psychiatry wards at the Maudsley, Bethlem and Lambeth hospitals in south east London. Prescription details were noted. Subjects were interviewed and social and clinical details were recorded. In all, data on 23 potential confounders were collected. A total of 210 patients were approached of whom 153 agreed to take part. Of the 23 potential confounders, only use of English as a first language and duration of illness differed significantly between blacks and whites. Categorical findings were adjusted for these factors and other potential confounders such as age and gender. Total antipsychotic daily dose was 82.2% of licensed maximum in blacks, and 77.2% in whites ( p=0.48). Antipsychotic polypharmacy was seen in 23.2% of blacks and 16.9% of whites (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.11; 95% CI, 0.45-2.75). High dose (> 100% of maximum dose) antipsychotic regimens were prescribed to 15.9% of blacks and 16.9% of whites (adjusted OR, 0.71: 95% CI, 0.27–1.90). Mean monthly cost of treatment was significantly higher in blacks than whites (£182.79 vs £143.08; p=0.02; adjusted OR (> £150/month), 2.45: 95% CI, 1.19–5.08). Prescribing quality was similar for blacks and whites. Black ethnicity was associated with significantly higher mean monthly medication costs.
The adaptor protein Lad associates with the G protein β subunit and mediates chemokine-dependent T-cell migration
Authors: Park Dongsu , Park Inyoung , Lee Deogwon , Choi Young Bong , Lee Hyunsook , Yun Yungdae 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLck-interacting adaptor protein/Rlk/Itk-binding protein (Lad/RIBP) was previously identified as an adaptor protein involved in TCR-mediated T-cell activation. To elucidate the functions of Lad further, we here performed yeast 2-hybrid screening using Lad as bait and discovered that the G protein β subunit (Gβ) is a Lad-binding partner. Since the most well-known G protein–coupled receptor in T cells is the chemokine receptor, we investigated whether Lad is involved in chemokine signaling. We found that, upon chemokine treatment, Lad associated with Gβ in Jurkat T cells. Furthermore, ectopic expression of dominant-negative Lad or the reduction of endogenous Lad expression by siRNA impaired the chemokine-induced migration of T cells, indicating that Lad is required for chemokine-induced T-cell migration. Subsequent investigation of the signaling pathways revealed that, in response to chemokine, Lad associated with the tyrosine kinases Lck and Zap-70 and that Lad was essential for the activation of Zap-70. Moreover, Lad was required for the chemokine-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion molecules that included Pyk2 and paxillin. Taken together, these data show that, upon chemokine stimulation, Lad acts as an adaptor protein that links the G protein β subunit to the tyrosine kinases Lck and Zap-70, thereby mediating T-cell migration.
Fatal hemorrhage in mice lacking γ-glutamyl carboxylase
Authors: Zhu Aihua , Sun Hongmin , Raymond Richard M. , Furie Barbara C. , Furie Bruce , Bronstein Mila , Kaufman Randal J. , Westrick Randal , Ginsburg David 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe carboxylation of glutamic acid residues to γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla) by the vitamin K–dependent γ-glutamyl carboxylase (γ-carboxylase) is an essential posttranslational modification required for the biological activity of a number of proteins, including proteins involved in blood coagulation and its regulation. Heterozygous mice carrying a null mutation at the γ-carboxylase (Ggcx) gene exhibit normal development and survival with no evidence of hemorrhage and normal functional activity of the vitamin K–dependent clotting factors IX, X, and prothrombin. Analysis of a Ggcx+/− intercross revealed a partial developmental block with only 50% of expected Ggcx−/− offspring surviving to term, with the latter animals dying uniformly at birth of massive intra-abdominal hemorrhage. This phenotype closely resembles the partial midembryonic loss and postnatal hemorrhage previously reported for both prothrombin- and factor V (F5)–deficient mice. These data exclude the existence of a redundant carboxylase pathway and suggest that functionally critical substrates for γ-carboxylation, at least in the developing embryo and neonate, are primarily restricted to components of the blood coagulation cascade.
The Women's international study of long-duration oestrogen after menopause (WISDOM): a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Vickers Madge R , Martin Jeannett , Meade Tom W ,   the WISDOM study team
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
At the time of feasibility work and final design of the trial there was no randomised control trial evidence for the long-term risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Observational studies had suggested that long term use of estrogen was likely to be associated, amongst other things, with reduced risks of osteoporosis and ischaemic heart disease and increased risks of breast and endometrial cancer. Concomitant use of progestogens had been shown to protect against endometrial cancer, but there were few data showing how progestogen might affect estrogen actions on other conditions. Disease specific risks from observational studies suggested that, overall, long-term HRT was likely to be beneficial. Several studies showed that mortality from all causes was lower in HRT users than in non-users. Some secondary cardiovascular prevention trials were ongoing but evidence was also required for a range of outcomes in healthy women. The WISDOM trial was designed to compare combined estrogen and progestogen versus placebo, and estrogen alone versus combined estrogen and progestogen. During the development of WISDOM the Women's Health Initiative trial was designed, funded and started in the US.

Design
Randomised, placebo, controlled, trial.

Methods
The trial was set in general practices in the UK (384), Australia (94), and New Zealand (24). In these practices 284175 women aged 50–69 years were registered with 226282 potentially eligible. We sought to randomise 22300 postmenopausal women aged 50 – 69 and treat for ten years. The interventions were: conjugated equine estrogens, 0.625 mg orally daily; conjugated equine estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5/5.0 mg orally daily; matched placebo. Primary outcome measures were: major cardiovascular disease, osteoporotic fractures, breast cancer and dementia. Secondary outcomes were: other cancers, all cause death, venous thromboembolism and cerebro-vascular disease.

Results
The trial was prematurely closed during recruitment following publication of early results from the Women's Health Initiative. At the time of closure, 56583 had been screened, 8980 entered run-in, and 5694 (26% of target of 22,300) randomised. Those women randomised had received a mean of one year of therapy, mean age was 62.8 years and total follow-up time was 6491 person years.

Discussion
The WISDOM experience leads to some simple messages. The larger a trial is the more simple it needs to be to ensure cost effective and timely delivery. When a trial is very costly and beyond the resources of one country, funders and investigators should make every effort to develop international collaboration with joint funding.
Willing to wait?: The influence of patient wait time on satisfaction with primary care
Authors: Anderson Roger T , Camacho Fabian T , Balkrishnan Rajesh 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Background
This study examined the relationship between patient waiting time and willingness to return for care and patient satisfaction ratings with primary care physicians.

Methods
Cross-sectional survey data on a convenience sample of 5,030 patients who rated their physicians on a web-based survey developed to collect detailed information on patient experiences with health care. The survey included self-reported information on wait times, time spent with doctor, and patient satisfaction.

Results
Longer waiting times were associated with lower patient satisfaction (p < 0.05), however, time spent with the physician was the strongest predictor of patient satisfaction. The decrement in satisfaction associated with long waiting times is substantially reduced with increased time spent with the physician (5 minutes or more). Importantly, the combination of long waiting time to see the doctor and having a short doctor visit is associated with very low overall patient satisfaction.

Conclusion
The time spent with the physician is a stronger predictor of patient satisfaction than is the time spent in the waiting room. These results suggest that shortening patient waiting times at the expense of time spent with the patient to improve patient satisfaction scores would be counter-productive.
What did the public think of health services reform in Bangladesh? Three national community-based surveys 1999–2003
Authors: Cockcroft Anne , Andersson Neil , Milne Deborah , Hossain Md Zakir , Karim Enamul 
Published: February 2007

Abstract

Background
Supported by development partners, the Government of Bangladesh carried out a comprehensive reform of health services in Bangladesh between 1998 and 2003, intended to make services more responsive to public needs: the Health and Population Sector Programme (HPSP). They commissioned a series of surveys of the public, as part of evaluation of the HPSP. This article uses the survey findings to examine the changes in public opinions, use and experience of health services in the period of the HPSP.

Methods
We carried out three household surveys (1999, 2000 and 2003) of a stratified random sample of 217 rural sites and 30 urban sites. Each site comprised 100–120 contiguous households. Each survey included interviews with 25,000 household respondents and managers of health facilities serving the sites, and gender-stratified focus groups in each site. We measured: household ratings of government health services; reported use of services in the preceding month; unmet need for health care; user reports of waiting times, payments, explanations of condition, availability of prescribed medicines, and satisfaction with service providers.

Results
Public rating of government health services as "good" fell from 37% to 10% and the proportion using government treatment services fell from 13% to 10%. Unmet need increased from 3% to 9% of households. The proportion of visits to government facilities fell from 17% to 13%, while the proportion to unqualified practitioners rose from 52% to 60%. Satisfaction with service providers' behaviour dropped from 66% to 56%. Users were more satisfied when waiting time was shorter, prescribed medicines were available, and they received explanations of their condition.

Conclusion
Services have retracted despite increased investment and the public now prefer unqualified practitioners over government services. Public opinion of government health services has deteriorated and the reforms have not specifically helped the poorest people. User satisfaction could be increased if government doctors improved their interaction with patients and if waiting times were reduced by better management of facilities.
Primary histiocytic sarcoma arising in the head and neck with predominant spindle cell component
Authors: Alexiev Borislav A , Sailey Charles J , McClure Shawn A , Ord Robert A , Zhao XF , Papadimitriou John C 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
This is the first case report of Histiocytic Sarcoma (HS) with predominant spindle cell component occurring in the head and neck region of a 41-year-old man. The tumor was composed of sheets of large round to oval cells with pleomorphic vesicular nuclei, prominent nucleoli and abundant eosinophilic cytoplasm. Multinucleated forms, numerous mitoses, and tumor necrosis were also noted. Sheets, fascicles, and whorls of spindle cells with spindled to ovoid vesicular nuclei, small to medium-sized distinct nucleoli, and eosinophilic cytoplasm were frequently observed. Immunohistochemical staining in the tumor cells was positive for CD163, CD68, lysozyme, CD45, and NSE. Focal expression of CD4 and S-100 was also noted. Electron microscopy demonstrated an abundance of lysosomes in the cytoplasm of tumor cells. Chromosome study revealed a 57–80 hyperdiploid [7]/46, XY [13] karyotype, including 3 to 4 copies of various chromosomes. The immunohistochemical and ultrastructural findings confirmed the diagnosis of HS.
Monitoring weight and blood glucose in in-patients: how helpful is a protocol?
Authors: Runcie Olga , Boilson Marie , Hamilton Ross 
Published: February 2007

Aims and MethodFollowing a survey in 2001, a protocol for monitoring weight and blood glucose of psychiatric in-patients receiving antipsychotic drugs was developed. The effect of this protocol was investigated by comparing 61 admissions in 2004 with the 2001 in-patients.ResultsNo significant improvement in recording of admission weight or blood glucose was observed. Ongoing monitoring of weight after admission was significantly more common. For only 29% of patients studied in 2004 was there complete adherence to the protocol.Clinical ImplicationsIn spite of the availability of a protocol and education, the results suggest that monitoring of weight and blood glucose is still haphazard for psychiatric in-patients. The implications for out-patient monitoring are discussed.
Plasma Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) Values and Cortisol Response to 250 and 1 μg ACTH Stimulation in Patients with Hyperthyroidism before and after Carbimazole Therapy: Case-Control Comparative Study
Authors: Mishra Sunil Kumar , Gupta Nandita , Goswami Ravinder 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Context: Although the production and metabolic clearance rate of cortisol is increased during thyrotoxic state, the net effect on adrenocortical reserves is not clear.
Objective: We assessed circulating ACTH levels, cortisol binding globulin (CBG), and adrenocortical reserves in hyperthyroid patients (before and after carbimazole therapy) and healthy controls.
Design and Setting: This was a case-control investigative study in a tertiary care setting.
Patients and Methods: Plasma ACTH and free cortisol index (FCI; serum cortisol/CBG) were measured in 49 consecutive patients with hyperthyroidism and 50 controls. ACTH1–24 stimulation tests (250 and 1 μg) were carried out in the first 29 patients and 15 controls. Peak FCI less than the mean −3 sd of healthy controls was considered subnormal. ACTH1–24 stimulation tests were repeated in 24 patients in the euthyroid state.
Results: The mean basal plasma ACTH and FCI were higher and CBG was lower in thyrotoxic patients in comparison with controls. The peak cortisol was less than 18 μg/dl in 10 of 29 and 14 of 29 on 250 and 1 μg ACTH1–24 stimulation. Peak FCI was subnormal only in three of 27 (11.1%) and two of 21 (7.4%) on 250 and 1 μg ACTH1–24 stimulation, respectively. The mean plasma ACTH, basal FCI, and subnormal peak FCI (two of the three) normalized after euthyroidism. Plasma ACTH and FCI did not correlate with severity of thyrotoxicosis.
Conclusions: Up to 11% of thyrotoxics have subnormal peak FCI on ACTH1–24 stimulation. Such changes occur despite high basal plasma ACTH and FCI. Use of FCI, rather than total cortisol, is required for the interpretation of cortisol values in thyrotoxicosis due to the variation in CBG.
Experimental Study on a Model of a Commercial Windpumping Rotor
Authors: Sarkis Nicolas , Pinilla Alvaro E. 
Published: February 2007

This paper describes the experimental determination of performance and torque characteristics of the Jober commercial low-solidity, fast-running wind rotor for direct driven wind-pumping applications. A scale model of the Jober wind rotor is tested at different blade setting angles to determine the best configuration. The optimal configuration lies within a range of blade pitch angles between 45° and 30°. The performance of the rotor is also compared to a newly designed, more aerodynamic rotor based on the theory of wind rotors. It is shown that an aerodynamic design for the rotor can be used in water pumping applications, which shows improved performance when compared to the original commercial design. The overall wind-to-water conversion efficiency is analyzed theoretically and the results show that there is a substantial improvement in the newly designed rotor configuration as compared to the actual configuration of the Jober windpump.
Criterion validity of the French version of Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) in a hospital department of internal medicine
Authors: Carballeira Yolanda , Dumont Patricia , Borgacci Sandro , Rentsch Denis , de Tonnac Nicolas , Archinard Marc , Andreoli Antonio 
Published: February 2007

Objectives. Depressive disorders are overrepresented among the patients admitted to non‐psychiatric units in general hospitals. However, the majority of depressed patients fail to be identified within this care setting. Since a self‐administered questionnaire (Patient Health Questionnaire, PHQ‐9) has given encouraging results in English and Spanish, new research should test its criterion validity in a French‐speaking environment.Design. The study included 292 patients admitted to the internal medicine units of the University Hospitals of Geneva. Each patient filled the PHQ‐9; 212 patients also underwent a blinded DSM‐IV diagnostic assessment by a psychiatrist.Methods. In order to assess the validity of PHQ‐9 against the gold standard of the psychiatrist's DSM‐IV diagnosis, we calculated overall accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and Cohen kappa coefficients. We also studied the relationship between the PHQ‐9 diagnostic and the severity of depression. Finally, analysis focused on the presence of a diagnosis of depression.Results. Within the framework of the study, PHQ‐9 showed an acceptable level of specificity. However, its sensitivity in detecting major depression was low (about 50% of false‐negative results). As regards the overall presence of depressive disorders, this instrument performed hardly any better (35% of false negatives). Other characteristics of the population under investigation may have affected the data.Conclusions. The French version of PHQ‐9 demonstrated low sensitivity as compared with psychiatrist‐established diagnosis of DSM‐IV A criterion and major depressive episode.
The Cardiff Study of All Wales and North West of England Twins (CaStANET): A Longitudinal Research Program of Child and Adolescent Development
Authors: Bree Marianne B. M. van den , Rice Frances , Fowler Tom A. , Shelton Katherine H. , Lifford Kate J. , Scourfield Jane , Harold Gordon T. , Thapar Anita 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe study of twins and their families provides a highly useful tool for disentangling the genetic and environmental origins of traits. The Cardiff Study of All Wales and North West of England Twins (CaStANET) has followed children and adolescents over time into early adulthood, assessing a wide range of aspects of behavior and psychopathology using self-, parent and teacher reports. Four main waves of data collection have taken place to date, which have provided a wealth of information on the contributions of genetic and environmental risk factors to the psychological health of young people. This article first describes the CaStANET register and subsequently presents some of the findings that have emerged from this resource, with a focus on depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct problems and prosocial behavior. We describe in somewhat more detail the 4th wave of data collection, which has recently been completed and has provided us with extensive information on substance use and problem use as well as associated risk factors in the twins and their families, including longitudinal data on conduct problems and the relations between family members. Because of the wealth of data already collected and the opportunity for genetically informative analyses over time, CaStANET provides a valuable resource for understanding the complexities of the psychological development of young people.
The Early Growth and Development Study: A Prospective Adoption Design
Authors: Leve Leslie D. , Neiderhiser Jenae M. , Ge Xiaojia , Scaramella Laura V. , Conger Rand D. , Reid John B. , Shaw Daniel S. , Reiss David 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe Early Growth and Development Study is a prospective adoption study of birth parents, adoptive parents, and adopted children (N = 359 triads) that was initiated in 2003. The primary study aims are to examine how family processes mediate or moderate the expression of genetic influences in order to aid in the identification of specific family processes that could serve as malleable targets for intervention. Participants in the study are recruited through adoption agencies located throughout the United States, following the birth of a child. Assessments occur at 6-month intervals until the child reaches 3 years of age. Data collection includes the following primary constructs: infant and toddler temperament, social behavior, and health; birth and adoptive parent personality characteristics, psychopathology, competence, stress, and substance use; adoptive parenting and marital relations; and prenatal exposure to drugs and maternal stress. Preliminary analyses suggest the representativeness of the sample and minimal confounding effects of current trends in adoption practices, including openness and selective placement. Future plans are described.