bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scales to assess psychosis in Parkinson's disease: Critique and recommendations
Authors: Fernandez Hubert H. , Aarsland Dag , Fénelon Gilles , Friedman Joseph H. , Marsh Laura , Tröster Alexander I. , Poewe Werner , Rascol Olivier , Sampaio Cristina , Stebbins Glenn T. , Goetz Christopher G. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractPsychotic symptoms are a frequent occurrence in Parkinson's disease (PD), affecting up to 50% of patients. The Movement Disorder Society established a Task Force on Rating Scales in PD, and this critique applies to published, peer‐reviewed rating psychosis scales used in PD psychosis studies. Twelve psychosis scales/questionnaires were reviewed. None of the reviewed scales adequately captured the entire phenomenology of PD psychosis. While the Task Force has labeled some scales as “recommended” or “suggested” based on the fulfilling‐defined criteria, none of the current scales contained all the basic content, mechanistic and psychometric properties needed to capture PD psychotic phenomena and to measure clinical response over time. Different scales may be better for some settings versus others. Since one scale may not be able to serve all needs, a scale used to measure clinical response and change over time [such as the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGIS)] may need to be combined with another scale better at cataloging specific features [such as the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) or Schedule for Assessment of Positive Symptoms (SAPS)]. At the present time, for clinical trials on PD psychosis assessing new treatments, the following are recommended primary outcome scales: NPI (for the cognitively impaired PD population or when a caregiver is required), SAPS, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), or Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) (for the cognitively intact PD population or when the patient is the sole informant). The CGIS is suggested as a secondary outcome scale to measure change and response to treatment over time. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Altered dorsal premotor–motor interhemispheric pathway activity in focal arm dystonia
Authors: Koch Giacomo , Schneider Susanne , Bäumer Tobias , Franca Michele , Münchau Alexander , Cheeran Binith , Fernandez del Olmo Miguel , Cordivari Carla , Rounis Elisabeth , Caltagirone Carlo , Bhatia Kailash , Rothwell John C. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractGiven the possible role of dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) in the pathophysiology of dystonia, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) methods to study PMd and PMd–primary motor cortex (M1) interactions in patients with focal arm dystonia. Here, we tested the connectivity between left PMd and right M1 as well as the intracortical excitability of PMd in 11 right‐handed patients with focal arm/hand dystonia and nine age‐matched healthy controls. The results showed that excitability of the inhibitory connection between PMd and M1 was reduced in patients, but there was no significant difference to healthy subjects in the excitability of the facilitatory connection. A triple stimulation technique in which pairs of TMS pulses are given over PMd and their interaction measured in terms of the effect on the baseline PMd‐M1 connection failed to reveal the usual pattern of interaction between the pairs of PMd stimuli. Indeed, the results in patients were similar to those seen in a group of young healthy subjects after the excitability of PMd had been changed by pretreatment with high‐frequency rTMS. We suggest that reduced transcallosal inhibition from the PMd may be involved in the altered pattern of abnormal muscle contractions of agonists and antagonists (overflow). © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
A mouse model of a human multiple GIST family with KIT‐Asp820Tyr mutation generated by a knock‐in strategy
Authors: Nakai N , Ishikawa T , Nishitani A , Liu N‐N , Shincho M , Hao H , Isozaki K , Kanda T , Nishida T , Fujimoto J , Hirota S 
Published: December 2007

AbstractSeveral families exhibiting multiple gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) and germline c‐kit gene mutations at exons 8, 11, 13, or 17 have been reported. These patients also exhibit diffuse hyperplasia of the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) as a pre‐existing lesion of multiple GISTs. We generated a mouse model of a family with germline c‐kit gene mutation at exon 17, and compared the phenotypes between the mice and humans. The mouse counterpart (KIT‐Asp818Tyr) of the human KIT‐Asp820Tyr mutation was transmitted into germline by a knock‐in strategy. Mating of male and female heterozygotes (KIT‐Asp818Tyr/+) resulted in the generation of homozygotes (KIT‐Asp818Tyr/KIT‐Asp818Tyr). Histological examination revealed that all heterozygotes had both a small KIT‐positive mesenchymal tumour at the caecum, consistent with GIST, and KIT‐positive diffuse spindle‐shaped cell proliferation in the distal oesophagus, stomach, proximal duodenum, and colon consistent with ICC hyperplasia. All homozygotes exhibited a larger caecal tumour and more prominent spindle‐shaped cell proliferation compared with the heterozygous mice, and they usually died within 10 weeks after birth, likely due to ileus. The small intestine of both genotypes showed no apparent morphological abnormality, and autonomous contraction of the ileal segments appeared normal. Western blotting demonstrated that the caecal tumours expressed phosphorylated KIT, MAPK, Stat1, and Stat5. These mutant mice are considered to be useful for further investigation of the mechanism of GIST development as a result of ICC hyperplasia and for assessment of the in vivo effects of drugs against molecular targets. Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating the impact of educational interventions on use of antithrombotics in Australia
Authors: Mandryk John A. , Wai Angela , Mackson Judith M. , Patterson Craig , Bhasale Alice , Weekes Lynn M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPurposeThe National Prescribing Service (NPS) aims to improve prescribing and use of medicines consistent with evidence‐based best practice. In particular, specific educational programmes were commenced in 2003 to improve general practitioner (GP) prescribing of antithrombotics. This report assesses the impact of these multiple educational interventions in terms of changes in prescribing rates.MethodsMonthly prescribing data (July 1996–December 2005) were obtained from a national claims database, and yearly data (2001–2006) from a GP–patient encounter database. The target group was all GPs in Australia and interventions were active (voluntary) and passive (mail‐outs). Responses to the interventions were measured by changes in the mean number of antithrombotic prescriptions (for ticlopidine, clopidogrel, warfarin and dipyridamole) per 1000 consultations for each GP each month. These data were analysed using seasonally adjusted piecewise linear dynamic regression. The data from the GP–patient encounter database were reported as mean prescribing rates per 100 GP encounters.ResultsNPS interventions either had an effect in the expected direction or had no discernable impact. Prescribing appeared to have decreased for dipyridamole, clopidogrel and ticlopidine, although the decline was only statistically significant for dipyridamole. Prescribing of warfarin continued to rise steadily despite NPS efforts.ConclusionsThe NPS antithrombotics programme appears to have had modest success, but such evaluations raise questions about whether a focus on outcomes at a national level is appropriate, given likely concealment of effects at local levels. Lessons learned should be applied in the evaluation of other programmes aimed at influencing prescribing. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new oxidation state of aniline pentamer observed in water‐soluble electroactive oligoaniline‐chitosan polymer
Authors: Hu Jun , Huang Lihong , Zhuang Xiuli , Chen Xuesi , Wei Yen , Jing Xiabin 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA novel water‐soluble electroactive polymer, aniline pentamer crosslinked chitosan (Pentamer‐c‐Chi), was prepared by condensation polymerization of the terminal carboxyl groups in aniline pentamer with the amino side groups in chitosan in aqueous solution. The carboxyl groups were activated by N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) and N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC). The electrochemical behavior of anilinepentamer in this kind of crosslinked polymer was studied in acidic aqueous solution by means of cyclic voltammetry (CV), UV–vis, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. There were three reversible redox peaks in the CV of Pentamer‐c‐Chi. A new emeraldine oxidization state in the form of radical cations was proposed, which was associated with the new absorption band at 370 nm in the UV–vis spectra. The ESR of the aqueous solution of Pentamer‐c‐Chi showed a single Lorentzian shaped signal, which suggested the existence of radical cations. The new redox state was pH dependent and appeared only at pH < 3. The stability of radical cations could be attributed to the hydrogen bonds between radical cations, water, and chitosan. Morphological structure of the Pentamer‐c‐Chi can be adjusted by varying the content of aniline pentamer. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 1124–1135, 2008
The counsellees' view of an unclassified variant in BRCA1/2: recall, interpretation, and impact on life
Authors: Vos Joël , Otten Wilma , van Asperen Christi , Jansen Anna , Menko Fred , Tibben Aad 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjective: Unclassified variants (UVs, variants of uncertain clinical significance) are found in 13% of all BRCA1/2 mutation analyses. Little is known about the counsellees' recall and interpretation of a UV, and its psychosocial/medical impact.Method: Retrospective semi‐structured interviews with open questions and five‐point Likert scales were carried out in 24 counsellees who received a UV result 3 years before (sd=1.9).Results: Sixty‐seven percent (16/24) recalled the UV result as a non‐informative DNA result; 29% recalled a pathogenic result. However, 79% of all counsellees interpreted the UV result as a genetic predisposition for cancer. Variations in recall and interpretation were unexplained by demographics, cancer history of themselves and relatives, and communication aspects of UV disclosure. Sixty‐seven percent perceived genetic counselling as completed, whereas 71% expected to receive new DNA information. Although most counsellees reported that UV disclosure had changed their lives in general little, one in three counsellees reported large changes in specific life domains, especially in surveillance behavior and medical decisions. Ten out of 19 participants who interpreted the UV as pathogenic had undergone preventive surgery against none of the 5 counsellees who interpreted the UV as non‐informative.Conclusion: Counsellors and researchers need to address discrepancies between the counsellees' factual recall and their subjective interpretation of non‐informative BRCA1/2‐test results. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rural and urban breast cancer patients: health locus of control and psychological adjustment
Authors: Bettencourt B. Ann , Talley Amelia E. , Molix Lisa , Schlegel Rebecca , Westgate Steven J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjective: This study examines the moderating influence of rural residence on the associations between health locus of control (HLC) beliefs and psychological well‐being.Method: Two hundred and twenty‐four breast cancer patients were surveyed.Results: The results revealed that rurality interacted with HLC beliefs in predicting psychological adjustment. The pattern indicated that, whereas endorsing external forms of locus of control can be detrimental to the psychological well‐being of urban breast cancer patients, the same is not true for rural breast cancer patients. For rural breast cancer patients, powerful others locus of control was beneficial for and chance locus of control was unrelated to well‐being.Conclusions: Implications for future research and medical care are discussed. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A simple and fuzzy method to align and compare druggable ligand‐binding sites
Authors: Schalon Claire , Surgand Jean‐Sébastien , Kellenberger Esther , Rognan Didier 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA novel method to measure distances between druggable protein cavities is presented. Starting from user‐defined ligand binding sites, eight topological and physicochemical properties are projected from cavity‐lining protein residues to an 80 triangle‐discretised sphere placed at the centre of the binding site, thus defining a cavity fingerprint. Representing binding site properties onto a discretised sphere presents many advantages: (i) a normalised distance between binding sites of different sizes may be easily derived by summing up the normalised differences between the 8 computed descriptors; (ii) a structural alignment of two proteins is simply done by systematically rotating/translating one mobile sphere around one immobile reference; (iii) a certain degree of fuzziness in the comparison is reached by projecting global amino acid properties (e.g., charge, size, functional groups count, distance to the site centre) independently of local rotameric/tautomeric states of cavity‐lining residues. The method was implemented in a new program (SiteAlign) and tested in a number of various scenarios: measuring the distance between 376 related active site pairs, computing the cross‐similarity of members of a protein family, predicting the targets of ligands with various promiscuity levels. The proposed method is robust enough to detect local similarity among active sites of different sizes, to discriminate between protein subfamilies and to recover the known targets of promiscuous ligands by virtual screening. Proteins 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Membrane structure and interactions of a short Lycotoxin I analogue
Authors: Adão R. , Seixas R. , Gomes P. , Pessoa J. Costa , Bastos M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractLycotoxin I and Lycotoxin II are natural anti‐microbial peptides that were identified in the venom of the Wolf Spider Lycosa carolinensis. These peptides were found to be potent growth inhibitors for bacteria (Escherichia coli) and yeast (Candida glabrata) at micromolar concentrations. Recently, shortened analogues of LycoI and LycoII have been reported to have decreased haemolytic effects. A shorter Lyco‐I analogue studied, LycoI 1–15 (H‐IWLTALKFLGKHAAK‐NH2), was active only above 10 µM, but was also the least haemolytic.On the basis of these findings, we became interested in obtaining a deeper insight into the membrane activity of LycoI 1–15, as this peptide may represent the first major step for the future development of selective, i.e. non‐haemolytic, Lycotoxin‐based antibiotics.The interaction of this peptide with liposomes of different composition was studied by microcalorimetry [differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)] and CD. The results obtained from the calorimetric and spectroscopic techniques were jointly discussed in an attempt to further understand the interaction of this peptide with model membranes. Copyright © 2007 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of pinhole density in ultrathin diamond‐like carbon films
Authors: Herrera‐Gomez A. , Aguirre‐Tostado F. S. , Sun Y. , Contreras‐Guerrero R. , Wallace R. M. , Hisao Y. , Flint E. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe percentage of uncovered area in ultrathin diamond‐like carbon (DLC) films on Si(001) wafers, which assesses the pinhole density of the carbon films, was quantified through angle‐resolved X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The uncovered areas of the silicon substrate are oxidized upon contact with air, so the photoelectron signal from Si+4 could be used for this quantification. The pinhole density exhibited a strong dependence with the growing conditions of the carbon film, even for films of similar thickness. The detection limit of the technique is set by the photoelectron signal noise level, and by the accuracy in the accounting of the background signal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aberrant right subclavian artery at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation in chromosomally normal and abnormal fetuses
Authors: Borenstein M. , Cavoretto P. , Allan L. , Huggon I. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo establish the feasibility of examining the subclavian artery at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation, and to determine the prevalence of aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) in chromosomally normal and chromosomally abnormal fetuses.MethodsFetal echocardiography was performed prospectively in 516 patients before chorionic villus sampling at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks of gestation. Transabdominal sonography was carried out, and color flow mapping was used to identify the right subclavian artery and determine whether this was normal or aberrant (ARSA). Second‐trimester fetal echocardiography was also carried out in a subgroup of 183 fetuses.ResultsThe median gestational age was 12 weeks and the median crown–rump length was 68 mm. Successful assessment of the right subclavian artery was achieved in 425/516 (82.4%) cases and the rate of failure to do so was significantly associated with decreasing fetal crown–rump length (r = 0.174, P < 0.001) and increasing maternal body mass index (r = 0.275, P < 0.001). An ARSA was observed in 2/353 (0.6%) fetuses with a normal karyotype, in 4/51 (7.8%) cases with trisomy 21 and in 2/20 (10.0%) with other chromosomal defects. In a subgroup of 183 fetuses examined in both the first and second trimester there were three cases of ARSA observed at both scans and an additional case in which ARSA was detected only at the second scan.ConclusionsAssessment of the position of the right subclavian artery is feasible at the 11 + 0 to 13 + 6‐week scan and ARSA is more common in chromosomally abnormal than normal fetuses. However, ARSA in the first trimester is unlikely to be a useful marker of trisomy 21. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doppler assessment of the aortic isthmus and perinatal outcome in preterm fetuses with severe intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: Del Río M. , Martínez J. M. , Figueras F. , Bennasar M. , Olivella A. , Palacio M. , Coll O. , Puerto B. , Gratacós E. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the characteristics and association with perinatal outcome of the aortic isthmus (AoI) circulation as assessed by Doppler imaging in preterm growth‐restricted fetuses with placental insufficiency.MethodsThis was a prospective cross‐sectional study. Fifty‐one fetuses with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and either an umbilical artery (UA) pulsatility index (PI) > 95th centile or a cerebroplacental ratio < 5th centile were examined at 24–36 weeks' gestation. AoI impedance indices (PI and resistance index) and absolute velocities (peak systolic (PSV), end‐diastolic and time‐averaged maximum (TAMXV) velocities), were measured in all cases and compared with reference ranges by gestational age. Furthermore, fetuses were stratified into two groups according to the direction of the diastolic blood flow in the AoI: those with antegrade flow (n = 41) and those with retrograde flow (n = 10). Clinical surveillance was based on gestational age and Doppler assessment of the UA, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus (DV). Adverse perinatal outcome was defined as stillbirth, neonatal death and severe morbidity (respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, Grade III/IV intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and a neonatal intensive care unit stay > 14 days).ResultsAdverse perinatal outcome was significantly associated with an increased AoI‐PI (area under the curve 0.77; 95% CI, 0.63–0.92; P < 0.005). A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between retrograde blood flow in the AoI and adverse perinatal outcome, the overall perinatal mortality being higher in the retrograde group (70% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.001). In 4/5 (80%) fetuses the reversal of flow in the AoI preceded that in the DV by 24–48 h. AoI‐PSV and AoI‐TAMXV were < 5th centile in 40/51 (78%) and 48/51 (94%) cases, respectively, whereas AoI‐PI was > 95th centile in 21/51 (41%) cases.ConclusionsRetrograde flow in the AoI in growth‐restricted fetuses correlates strongly with adverse perinatal outcome. Absolute velocities in the AoI are decreased in growth‐restricted fetuses. The data suggest a potential role for Doppler imaging of the AoI in the clinical surveillance of fetuses with severe IUGR, which should be confirmed in larger prospective studies. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is hydrops fetalis a manifestation of fetal pulmonary edema caused by impaired lymphatic drainage?
Authors: Williams I. A. , Kleinman C. S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractHydrops fetalis is the final common hemodynamic pathway for a variety of fetal cardiovascular pathologies, including high‐output states associated with fetal anemia or arteriovenous fistulas, and abnormalities of both cardiac structure and rhythm. Hydrops fetalis secondary to cardiovascular decompensation is usually accompanied by increases in fetal systemic venous pressure as evidenced by alterations in venous Doppler blood flow velocities. We present two cases of severe fetal aortic stenosis with left ventricular fibroelastosis and mitral regurgitation, and in‐utero closure or stenosis of the foramen ovale, with severe hydrops fetalis, despite normal systemic venous Doppler flow profiles. These cases have led us to reconsider the presumed etiology of cardiovascular‐based hydrops fetalis in fetuses with severely impaired left ventricular pump function and secondary mitral regurgitation. We hypothesize that raised pulmonary venous pressure, with only mildly increased central venous pressure, may impact negatively on pulmonary lymphatic flow, decrease serum oncotic pressure, increase venous hydrostatic pressure, and lead to hydrops fetalis. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of Secondary Bonds on the Network Assembly and Property in Lead(II) 3‐Sulfobenzoate Coordination Polymer
Authors: Miao Xiao‐He , Zhu Long‐Guan 
Published: December 2007

AbstractA unique 3‐D PbII coordination polymer containing ligands 1,2‐bis(4‐pyridyl)ethylene (bpe) and 3‐sulfobenzoate (3‐sb), [Pb(3‐sb)(bpe)0.5]n (1) has been synthesized by hydrothermal reaction and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, TGA, 1H NMR, powder X‐ray analysis, and fluorescent spectrum. The single‐crystal X‐ray analysis shows that eight coordination bonds can be divided as five primary bonds and three secondary bonds. The secondary bonds largely enhance the solid stability and provide a high‐dimensional network assembly. The complex also displays strong fluorescent property.
The Oxidation of Metals with Liebig Acids
Authors: Meyer Gerd 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIn Liebig's definition, an acid is a compound which contains one or more hydrogen atoms which may be substituted by metal atoms. Hence, reactions of Liebig acids in substance, excluding water or any other solvent, with non‐noble metals yield salts and release hydrogen. In this sense, not only the classical mineral acids such as sulfuric or nitric acid, respectively, are Liebig acids. Rather, there is a large variety of organic compounds with, for example, HO‐ or HN‐functions with acid constants that allow for substitution of the hydrogen atoms by a metal atom. Simple covalent hydrides like water and ammonia or even methane may also act as Liebig acids with conditions properly chosen. The ammonium ion, (NH4)+, represents a special case as it is available in a large variety of salts and may react as an acid/oxidant or as a (base)/reductant and is also a pseudo alkali‐metal cation. The versatility of the ammonium ion is reviewed with special emphasis to its ability to function as a Liebig acid, i.e., reactions of, especially, ammonium halides with non‐noble metals.