bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Family burden and social network in schizophrenia vs. physical diseases: preliminary results from an Italian national study
Authors: Magliano L. , Fiorillo A. , De Rosa C. , Maj M. ,   the National Mental Health Project Working Group
Published: January 2006

Objective:  To compare burden and social network in families of patients with schizophrenia or physical diseases.Method:  A total of 709 relatives of patients with schizophrenia and 646 relatives of patients with physical diseases were recruited in 169 specialized units located in 30 randomly selected Italian geographical areas.Results:  In both groups, the consequences of caregiving most frequently reported as present were constraints in social activities, negative effects on family life and a feeling of loss. Objective burden was similar in the two groups, while subjective burden was higher in schizophrenia. Social support was lower among relatives of patients with schizophrenia than among those of the other group.Conclusion:  These results highlight the need to provide families of those with long‐term diseases with supportive interventions, aiming to: i) manage relatives’ psychological reactions to patient's illness; ii) provide information on patient's disease; iii) reinforce relatives’ social network, especially in the case of schizophrenia.
The Australian experience of deinstitutionalization: interaction of Australian culture with the development and reform of its mental health services
Authors: Rosen A. 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  To describe the Australian experience of deinstitutionalization of the Australian National Mental Health Strategy in the context of the history of mental health services in Australia, and of Australian culture.Method:  The development of Australian Mental Health Services is described with reference to developments in both psychiatric intervention research and Australian culture. The effects and achievements of national mental health reforms are described and critically examined.Results:  The relationship in Australia between the development of mental health services and the development of Australian society includes the stories of colonization, gold rushes, suppression of indigenous peoples’ rights, incarceration of mentally ill people, and incompatible state service systems. Mental health services required reform to provide consistent services and support for full citizenship and rights for such individuals who are still on the margins of society. Recent national developments in service models and service system research have been driven by the Australian National Mental Health Strategy. The translation of national policy into state/territory mental health service systems has led to a ‘natural’ experiment between states. Differing funding and implementation strategies between states have developed services with particular strengths and limitations.Conclusion:  The effects of competition for limited resources between core mental health service delivery and the shift to a population‐based public health approach (to prevention of mental illness and promotion of mental health), leaves our services vulnerable to doing neither particularly well. The recent loss of momentum of these reforms, due to failure of governments to continue to drive and fund them adequately, is causing the erosion of their considerable achievements.
Intravenous melphalan, thalidomide and prednisone in refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma
Authors: Palumbo Antonio , Avonto Ilaria , Bruno Benedetto , Ambrosini Maria Teresa , Bringhen Sara , Cavallo Federica , Falco Patrizia , Boccadoro Mario 
Published: January 2006

Abstract: Objectives: Thalidomide combined with conventional chemotherapies including oral melphalan shows significant anti‐myeloma activity. To address this issue, feasibility and efficacy of a three drug combination consisting of intravenous (i.v.) melphalan, thalidomide and prednisone [M(i.v.)PT] was evaluated in advanced myeloma patients. Patients and methods: Twenty‐four advanced myeloma patients were treated with multiple cycles of a regimen consisting of low dose i.v. melphalan (20 mg/m2) at d 1, thalidomide at the dose of 50–100 mg/d given continuously and oral prednisone at the planned dose of 50 mg/d every other day. Intravenous melphalan was administered every fourth month. Median time from diagnosis was 40 months (range: 8–144 months). Fifteen patients (66%) had previously been treated with a combination of thalidomide and dexamethasone or with thalidomide alone. Results: Overall, on an intent‐to treat basis, 14 patients responded: three achieved near complete remission (nCR), seven achieved partial response (PR), four minimal response (MR). Six patients showed stable disease (SD) and four‐disease progression. Interestingly, of five patients who had previously progressed while on thalidomide and prednisone, one reached nCR, two PR and one MR. After a median follow up of 14 months, median progression free survival was 9 months. Response duration was longer than that induced by the previous line of treatment in eight patients (33%). Thalidomide‐associated toxicity mainly consisted of constipation, tingling and sedation. Conclusions: M(i.v.)PT is an effective regimen, which can overcome resistance to thalidomide plus prednisone in advanced myeloma with acceptable toxicity.
Apoptosis of oral epithelial cells in oral lichen planus caused by upregulation of BMP‐4
Authors: Kim S.‐G. , Chae C.‐H. , Cho B.‐O. , Kim H.‐N. , Kim H.‐J. , Kim I.‐S. , Choi J.‐Y. 
Published: January 2006

Background:  Bone morphogenic protein (BMP‐4) is a member of transforming growth factor (TGF‐β) family and involved in various functions including apoptosis during neural ectoderm development. The objective of this study is to determine whether BMP‐4 is involved in apoptosis, one characteristic, of human oral lichen planus (OLP).Methods:  Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization for BMP‐4 were carried out in OLP (n = 21) and normal human oral mucosa (NOM, n = 31). Five tissue samples from NOM and OLP were underwent reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). In vitro organ culture of oral mucosa was carried out with beads soaked with various concentration of BMP‐4 (0.1, 1, and 10 μg/ml). The samples from in vitro organ culture were undergone haematoxylin and eosin staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase‐mediated dUTP‐biotin nick end‐labelling technique (TUNEL) assay, and immunohistochemical study with p53, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐1, and MMP‐3. Involucrin expression was determined by western blot analysis after treatment with BMP‐4 or TGF‐β1 on human oral keratinocytes.Results:  In immunohistochemical analysis, expression of BMP‐4 was higher in OLP than NOM. BMP‐4 mRNA expression was also detected in epithelial cells of both NOM and OLP together with underlying T‐lymphocytes by in situ hybridization and RT‐PCR. In oral mucosa organ culture, BMP‐4 soaked beads induced apoptosis of epithelial cells. Acantolysis combined with apoptosis in oral epithelium was observed at 1 μg/ml of BMP‐4 beads and it was due in part to the induction of p53 and MMP‐1. Even MMP‐3 induction was found in lower concentration of BMP‐4 (0.1 and 1 μg/ml). Moreover, the expression of MMP‐1 and MMP‐3 was also observed in OLP. Recombinant BMP‐4 or TGF‐β1 increased involucrin expression in human oral keratinocytes cell line.Conclusions:  Expression of BMP‐4 of epithelial cells was higher in OLP than NOM. High concentration of BMP‐4 caused an apoptosis of oral epithelial cells in oral mucosa organ culture. Therefore, over‐expression of BMP‐4 is one causing factor for apoptosis of oral epithelial cells through upregulation of p53, MMP1 and MMP3 in OLP.
Influence of proinflammatory cytokines on Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans specific IgG responses
Authors: Tanaka S. , Fakher M. , Barbour S. E. , Schenkein H. A. , Tew J. G. 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  High levels of serum anti‐Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans immunoglobulin G (IgG) correlate with reduced extent and severity of periodontal disease and the present study was undertaken to begin testing the hypothesis that proinflammatory cytokines are important in the induction of optimal anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans IgG responses.Background:  Studies with pokeweed mitogen indicate that interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α) and IL‐1β are necessary for optimal IgG1 and IgG2 production and that prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) selectively promote IgG2, which is a major component of the anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans response in vivo. The pokeweed mitogen results suggest that these proinflammatory cytokines would also be necessary for optimal production of IgG specific for A. actinomycetemcomitans.Methods:  Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from A. actinomycetemcomitans‐seropositive subjects with localized aggressive periodontitis were stimulated with A. actinomycetemcomitans in immune complexes capable of binding follicular dendritic cells that participate in the induction of recall responses in vivo. Cultures were manipulated with anti‐IL‐1α, anti‐IL‐1β, anti‐IFN‐γ, anti‐IL‐12, anti‐CD21, indomethacin, and PGE2. Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans specific IgG production was monitored by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results:  Addition of follicular dendritic cells to peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultures resulted in follicular dendritic cell‐lymphocyte clusters and increased anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans IgG responses (3–40‐fold increases) compared with controls lacking follicular dendritic cells. Anti‐IL‐1α, anti‐IL‐1β, anti‐IFN‐γ, anti‐IL‐12, anti‐CD21 and indomethacin suppressed anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans IgG production by half or more. PGE2 restored IgG responses suppressed by indomethacin.Conclusions:  The cytokines IL‐1α, IL‐1β, IFN‐γ, IL‐12, and PGE2 were all necessary for optimal production of human anti‐A. actinomycetemcomitans and the need for proinflammatory cytokines including the T helper 1 (Th1) cytokines is consistent with a response with a significant IgG2 component.
A digital SLR or intra‐oral camera: preference for acquisition within an image analysis system for measurement of disclosed dental plaque area within clinical trials
Authors: Smith R. N. , Rawlinson A. , Lath D. L. , Brook A.H. 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:  The aim of this investigation was to compare the accuracy and reproducibility of images acquired from two types of camera (digital SLR camera, Kodak DCS410, KJP, UK and an intra‐oral camera, Schick Technologies, UK) for application within an imaging system used for the quantification of disclosed dental plaque.Methods:  Subjects refrained from brushing their teeth for 24 h. Their teeth were then disclosed with Erythrosin FDC Red 3 and duplicate sets of images were obtained by each examiner of the upper central and lateral incisors. Images were then saved and measured for dental plaque area. These data were used to calculate reliability.Results:  No statistically significant bias in the measurements of plaque area was found. The reliability results showed the method was reliable. However, the image analysis system incorporating the 35 mm SRL camera was more reliable for both operators, as demonstrated by their intra‐operator results. This was also collaborated by the inter‐operator results.Conclusion:  In this investigation the digital SLR camera combined with the image analysis system and frame permitted greater reliability of dental plaque surface area measurements than the digital intra‐oral camera. This conclusion was derived both from the reliability data and from the perceived ease of use and flexibility of both camera types. When combined with the use of the custom‐made frame, the images using the digital SLR camera were highly reproducible, confirming the systems application within clinical trials.
Oral lesions in elderly population: a biopsy survey using 2250 histopathological records
Authors: Corrêa Luciana , Frigerio Maria Luiza Moreira Arantes , de Sousa Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado , Novelli Moacyr Domingos 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  To perform an oral biopsy survey focused on the incidence of oral lesions in Brazilian elderly patients.Methods:  A total of 17 329 oral biopsy records were analysed and divided into two age groups: elderly patients, ≥60 years old; and non‐elderly patients, <60 years old. Information about sex, race, age and histopathological diagnosis (categorised in non‐neoplastic and neoplastic lesions) was collected. Differences of diagnosis incidence were tested by comparison between two proportions (binomial test).Results:  The incidence of epithelial malignant neoplasms and pre‐malignant lesions in the elderly group was higher than non‐elderly group, as well as autoimmune diseases and salivary gland tumours. The three most prevalent lesions in the elderly group were inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia, squamous cell carcinoma, and fibroma.Conclusion:  The distribution of oral diseases using biopsies allows greater accuracy in data about oral health of elderly patients, especially when considering malignant and pre‐malignant lesions.
The effect of denture quality attributes on satisfaction and eating difficulties
Authors: Anastassiadou Vassiliki , Robin Heath M. 
Published: January 2006

Objectives:  The development of a measure, with complimentary normative and perceived needs, for the investigation of functional impairment of individual patients and the investigation of the physical causative bases of impairment.Subjects:  A consecutive sample of 119 complete denture (CD) wearers attending a Greek department of prosthetic dentistry took part in the study. All subjects presented with some complaint(s) of their dentures.Method:  Functional assessment of dentures (FAD) criteria and structured questionnaires were used covering denture satisfaction (DS) and food difficulties with CDs. The questions used a five‐point Likert scale.Results:  The results showed that there were statistically significant associations between satisfaction from dentures and eating specified foods. Statistically significant associations were also found between denture qualities and movement of upper dentures and difficulty eating specified foods, but not with an open question on the difficulty of eating unspecified foods.Conclusions:  This study successfully validated a suitable model for the combined evaluation of denture quality with clear diagnostic criteria and closed questions on DS and perceived difficulties when eating specified foods. This could predict the need for treatment, monitor the impact of care and provide a feasible measure to meet the need of everyday clinical situations.
In vitro biocompatibility of denture relining materials
Authors: Dahl Jon E. , Frangou‐Polyzois Mary J. , Polyzois Gregory L. 
Published: January 2006

Objective:  The aim of the present study was to evaluate the in vitro biocompatibility of denture relining materials using cell culture tests and a test for irritation mechanisms.Background:  Denture relining materials contain non‐reacted constituents that may leach out during use inducing local toxic or irritative effects.Materials and methods:  One chemically cured, four visible light cured and five dual‐cured products were included. Cured test specimens were used for the filter diffusion test, and extracts of cured specimens were applied in the MTT and the irritation test using the hen's egg test‐chorioallantoic membrane (HET‐CAM) method.Results:  Five of the tested materials were slightly or moderately cytotoxic in the filter diffusion test, and one product coated with a liner induced severe toxicity. Cell cultures incubated for 24 hour with the test samples were more damaged than those incubated for 2 hour. In the MTT test, extracts of nine of the 11 products induced cytotoxicity. No extracts showed irritation, whereas the coating and two bonding agents tested were strong irritants.Conclusion:  Most of the tested materials contained water soluble, toxic substances that leach out of the products and that some time was needed to obtain cytotoxic amounts of the leachables. Many dental materials elicit cytotoxic response, but this does not necessarily reflect the long‐term risk for adverse effects as the oral mucosa is generally more resistant to toxic substances than a cell culture.
QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS AND STORAGE STABILITY OF CHICKEN PATTIES FORMULATED WITH FINGER MILLET FLOUR (ELEUSINE CORACANA)
Authors: NAVEENA B.M. , MUTHUKUMAR M. , SEN A.R. , BABJI Y. , MURTHY T.R.K. 
Published: January 2006

ABSTRACT In this study, the effect of different levels of ragi or finger millet (Eleusine coracana) flour (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%) on chemical composition, cooking characteristics, instrumental color and sensory properties of chicken patties was evaluated. Incorporation of ragi flour (RF) had no significant effect on fat or protein content of cooked patties. However, RF significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the shrinkage from 6.01 to 4.75%. Patties formulated with RF had the smallest reduction in diameter and thickness. The use of RF reduced the pH of cooked patty from 6.68 to 6.57. RF incorporation at all levels resulted in lower (P < 0.05) Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) values compared with control. Chicken patties formulated with RF had acceptable sensory scores. On the basis of physicochemical and sensory characteristics, incorporation of RF up to 5% was optimal. Storage stability of chicken patties formulated with 0 (control) and 5% RF was examined during 21 days of refrigerated storage (4 ± 1C). The pH and the thiobarbituric acid value values increased (P < 0.05) from 6.58 to 6.68 and from 0.41 to 0.72, respectively, during storage. Aerobic plate counts increased (P < 0.05) from 2.97 to 5.32 and from 2.98 to 5.39 for control and ragi patties, respectively. Hunter L* and redness values did not change (P > 0.05) during storage, whereas b* values generally decreased with increasing storage. All sensory attributes declined (P < 0.05) as storage time increased.
A Two‐Tiered Approach to Reactive Transport: Application to Sr Mobility Under Variable pH
Authors: Toran Laura , Bryant Steve , Saunders James , Wheeler Mary F. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractOne benefit of a coupled geochemistry/transport approach is that interactions between chemical constituents that can change the mobility of species (such as pH) can be treated explicitly, rather than lumping all of the geochemistry into a single term (i.e., the retardation factor). A two‐tiered approach to modeling coupled geochemistry/transport is presented here, which allows a comparison of the results of different methods as well as better efficiency in modeling time. The codes ParSSim, a coupled transport code for supercomputers, and PHREEQC, an advective geochemistry code, were used to model Sr mobility under varying pH. The problem was based on liquid low level radioactive waste that was disposed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Oak Ridge, Tennessee) in a highly alkaline solution to try to enhance precipitation and sorption. Interactions with carbonate rock and ground water lowered the pH and led to mobilization of radionuclides such as 90Sr. Simulation of contaminant migration in this mixing environment requires a coupled geochemistry and transport model. The interplay between propagation of a pH front (which was retarded) and propagation of the Sr front leads to a fast‐moving pulse of Sr as well as a strongly retarded front of Sr. This behavior could not have been predicted by a geochemistry or a transport code alone.
A Measurement System to Determine Water Flux and Solute Transport Through Fractures in the Unsaturated Zone
Authors: Dahan Ofer , Nativ Ronit , Adar Eilon , Berkowitz Brian 
Published: January 2006

AbstractA new methodology was developed for the in situ investigation of flow and transport processes through undisturbed, discrete fractures in the vadose zone. The experimental setup and technical means were designed for a scale of several meters, larger than any conceivable laboratory experiment. The setup consists of four components: (1) a 25 cm diameter horizontal borehole is core‐drilled along a vertical, discrete fracture plane, exposing the fracture at the borehole ceiling; (2) compartmental ponds are installed along the traced fracture on the horizontal part of the outcrop. Each compartment (25 cm long) is connected to a separate feeding source, which can be tagged by a different tracer, and the water head is electronically controlled. Thus, each segment of the exposed fracture could be subjected to a different flux with a specific tracer under a constant hydraulic head; (3) a compartmental sampler, divided into 20 cm long cells, is installed beneath the compartmental ponds in the horizontal borehole. The effluent draining from a particular fracture segment is collected by individual cells of the sampler; (4) the percolating fluids accumulating in the various sampler cells are frequently drained by a collection system into individual sampling vessels.This experimental setup was field‐tested with untagged water in preliminary experiments in fractured chalk. It can provide unique and important information about flowpath distributions along a natural fracture, and about the chemical evolution of the solutions percolating through the fractures.
Determination of Variances for Maximum and Minimum Transmissivities of Anisotropic Aquifers from Multiple Well Pumping Test Data
Authors: Kern John W. , Dobson Carl W. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAn extension of the least squares method given by Neuman et al. (1984) for estimating aquifer parameters is presented, and statistical tests for anisotropy are derived. Methods are also given to construct variance formulas for the principal axes of trans‐missivity and confidence intervals for the angles of orientation. The techniques developed here treat each monitoring well as the experimental unit, in contrast to inverse modeling methods which treat each time step for each well as the experimental unit. We argue that the latter is a form of pseudo‐replication in that the number of time steps may be arbitrarily selected.The example aquifer test data used by Neuman et al. (1984) are analyzed. The maximum transmissiviy was found to have a magnitude of 8.60 ± 5.30 m2/day oriented N29.6°W ± 11.3° at the 95% confidence level with a ratio of anisotropy of 1.91 ± 0.39. Both statistical tests indicated anisotropy. Results from a multiple well pumping test from the Powder River Basin, Wyoming, are also analyzed. The maximum transmissivity was found to have a magnitude of 230 m2/day ± 84.4 m2/day oriented N51.7°W ± 5.3° at the 95% confidence level with a ratio of anisotropy of 2.12 ± 0.48. Both statistical tests indicated anisotropy.The methods given in this paper can be performed with standard statistical software packages and spreadsheets. A program that uses Matlab® software is available from the authors to perform the necessary calculations at ftp2.wyoming.com/pub/users/FTP/west‐inc/groundwater/adapl.zip.