bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Classification of Tropical Oceanic Precipitation using High-Altitude Aircraft Microwave and Electric Field Measurements
Authors: Hood Robbie E. , Cecil Daniel J. , LaFontaine Frank J. , Blakeslee Richard J. , Mach Douglas M. , Heymsfield Gerald M. , Marks Frank D. , Zipser Edward J. , Goodman Michael 
Published: January 2006

Abstract
During the 1998 and 2001 hurricane seasons of the western Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico, the Advanced Microwave Precipitation Radiometer (AMPR), the ER-2 Doppler (EDOP) radar, and the Lightning Instrument Package (LIP) were flown aboard the NASA ER-2 high-altitude aircraft as part of the Third Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-3) and the Fourth Convection and Moisture Experiment (CAMEX-4). Several hurricanes, tropical storms, and other precipitation systems were sampled during these experiments. An oceanic rainfall screening technique has been developed using AMPR passive microwave observations of these systems collected at frequencies of 10.7, 19.35, 37.1, and 85.5 GHz. This technique combines the information content of the four AMPR frequencies regarding the gross vertical structure of hydrometeors into an intuitive and easily executable precipitation mapping format. The results have been verified using vertical profiles of EDOP reflectivity and lower-altitude horizontal reflectivity scans collected by the NOAA WP-3D Orion radar. Matching the rainfall classification results with coincident electric field information collected by the LIP readily identifies convective rain regions within the precipitation fields. This technique shows promise as a real-time research and analysis tool for monitoring vertical updraft strength and convective intensity from airborne platforms such as remotely operated or uninhabited aerial vehicles. The technique is analyzed and discussed for a wide variety of precipitation types using the 26 August 1998 observations of Hurricane Bonnie near landfall.
Stable COPD: predicting benefit from high-dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment
Authors: Leigh R. , Pizzichini M. M. M. , Morris M. M. , Maltais F. , Hargreave F. E. , Pizzichini E. 
Published: January 2006

The role of inhaled corticosteroids in the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains controversial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether sputum eosinophilia (defined as eosinophils ≥3%) predicts clinical benefit from inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with smoking-related clinically stable moderate-to-severe COPD.Forty consecutive patients with effort dyspnoea (mean age 67 yrs; 52 pack-yr smoking history; post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) <60% predicted, consistent with moderate-to-severe smoking-related chronic airflow limitation) were enrolled. Subjects were treated with inhaled placebo followed by inhaled budesonide (Pulmicort Turbuhaler® 1,600 µg·day−1), each given for 4 weeks. While the treatment was single-blind (subject level), sputum cell counts before and after treatment interventions were double-blind, thus removing bias. Outcome variables included spirometry, quality-of-life assessment and 6-min walk test.Sputum eosinophilia was present in 38% of subjects. In these, budesonide treatment normalised the eosinophil counts and, in comparison to placebo treatment, resulted in clinically significant improvement in the dyspnoea domain of the disease-specific chronic respiratory questionnaire (0.8versus0.3) and a small but statistically significant improvement in post-bronchodilator spirometry (FEV1100 mLversus0 mL; p<0.05).In conclusion, sputum eosinophilia predicts short-term clinical benefit from high-dose inhaled corticosteroid treatment in patients with stable moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Noninvasive detection of expiratory flow limitation in COPD patients during nasal CPAP
Authors: Dellacà R. L. , Rotger M. , Aliverti A. , Navajas D. , Pedotti A. , Farré R. 
Published: January 2006

The difference between mean inspiratory and expiratory respiratory reactance (ΔX̄rs) measured with forced oscillation technique (FOT) at 5 Hz allows the detection of expiratory flow limitation (EFL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients breathing spontaneously. This aim of this study was to evaluate whether this approach can be applied to COPD patients during noninvasive pressure support.ΔX̄rswas measured in seven COPD patients subjected to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at 0, 4, 8 and 12 cmH2O in sitting and supine positions. Simultaneous recording of oesophageal pressure and the Mead and Whittenberger (M–W) method provided a reference for scoring each breath as flow-limited (FL), non-flow-limited (NFL) or indeterminate (I). For each patient, six consecutive breaths were analysed for each posture and CPAP level.According to M–W scoring, 47 breaths were FL, 166 NFL and 51 I. EFL scoring using FOT coincided with M–W in 94.8% of the breaths. In the four patients who were FL in at least one condition, ΔX̄rswas reduced with increasing CPAP.These data suggest that the forced oscillation technique may be useful in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients on nasal pressure support by identifying continuous positive airway pressure levels that support breathing without increasing lung volume, which in turn increase the work of breathing and reduce muscle effectiveness and efficiency.
Alveolar nitric oxideversusmeasures of peripheral airway dysfunction in severe asthma
Authors: van Veen I. H. , Sterk P. J. , Schot R. , Gauw S. A. , Rabe K. F. , Bel E. H. 
Published: January 2006

Alveolar nitric oxide (NO) is a measure of peripheral airway inflammation in asthma, potentially associated with disease severity. The relationship between alveolar NO and physiological tests of peripheral airway (dys)function has not been investigated. The present authors hypothesised that peripheral airway inflammation and dysfunction are inter-related and associated with asthma severity.Alveolar NO was compared between 17 patients with mild-to-moderate asthma and 14 patients with severe asthma and related to total lung capacity (TLC), residual volume (RV)/TLC, thoracic gas volume (FRC), slope of the single breath nitrogen washout curve (dN2), closing capacity (CC)/TLC and fall in forced vital capacity at the provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in forced expiratory volume in one second. In patients with severe asthma, strong correlations were found between alveolar NO and RV/TLC % pred, FRC % pred, dN2, and CC/TLC. Patients with oral steroid-dependent asthma had higher alveolar NO levels (2.7 ppb) compared with the other patients with severe (0.6 ppb) and mild-to-moderate asthma (0.3 ppb).The present authors conclude that alveolar nitric oxide is closely related to parameters of peripheral airway dysfunction in patients with severe asthma, and that oral steroid-dependent asthmatics have more peripheral airway disease than nonsteroid-dependent asthmatics. This suggests that patients on chronic oral steroid treatment have more extensive disease and require additional anti-inflammatory treatment to better target the peripheral airways.
Angiotensin II blockers in obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Andreas S. , Herrmann-Lingen C. , Raupach T. , Lüthje L. , Fabricius J. A. , Hruska N. , Körber W. , Büchner B. , Criée C-P. , Hasenfuß G. , Calverley P. 
Published: January 2006

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the sympathetic nervous system, as well as the renin–angiotensin system, is activated with possible negative systemic effects on skeletal muscles. Angiotensin II type-1 receptor blockers inhibit the sympathetic and renin–angiotensin systems and might improve skeletal and respiratory muscle strength in patients in whom these systems are activated.The effects of the angiotensin receptor blocker irbesartan given over 4 months was evaluated in 60 patients with COPD and a forced expiratory volume in one second of <50% of the predicted value and without obvious cardiovascular disease that would necessitate the administration of an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker.Irbesartan was well tolerated, but did not exert a significant effect on the primary end-point maximum inspiratory pressure. Spirometric results were not affected, but total lung capacity was reduced. Irbesartan led to a significant decrease in haematocrit (46.4±3.6 to 43.9±4.3%versus47.5±2.4 to 48.7±3.0% with placebo).In conclusion, respiratory muscle strength in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients was not influenced by angiotensin II receptor blockade. However, the changes in haematocrit and total lung capacity following irbesartan raise the possibility that well-known cardiovascular drugs can produce unanticipated beneficial effects in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Schizophrenia, neuroleptic medication and mortality
Authors: Joukamaa Matti , Heliövaara Markku , Knekt Paul , Aromaa Arpo , Raitasalo Raimo , Lehtinen Ville 
Published: January 2006

BackgroundThere is an excess of death from natural causes among people with schizophrenia.AimsSchizophrenia and its treatment with neuroleptics were studied for their prediction of mortality in a representative population sample of 7217 Finns aged ⩾30 years.MethodA comprehensive health examination was carried out at baseline. Schizophrenia was determined using the Present State Examination and previous medical records.ResultsDuring a 17-year follow-up, 39 of the 99 people with schizophrenia died. Adjusted for age and gender, the relative mortality risk between those with schizophrenia and others was 2.84 (95% CI 2.06–3.90), and was2.25 (95%CI1.61–3.15) after further adjusting for somatic diseases, blood pressure, cholesterol, body mass index, smoking, exercise, alcohol intake and education. The number of neuroleptics used at the time of the baseline survey showed a graded relation to mortality. Adjusted for age, gender, somatic diseases and other potential risk factors for premature death, the relative risk was 2.50 (95% CI1.46–4.30) per increment of one neuroleptic.ConclusionsThere is an urgent need to ascertain whether the high mortality in schizophrenia is attributable to the disorder itself or the antipsychotic medication.
Cannabis use and mental health in secondary school children
Authors: Monshouwer Karin , Van Dorsselaer Saskia , Verdurmen Jacqueline , Ter Bogt Tom , De Graaf Ron , Vollebergh Wilma 
Published: January 2006

BackgroundCannabis use is associated with mental health problems, and young people in particular are at risk.AimsTo investigate the association between cannabis use and mental health in adolescence.MethodData from 5551 adolescents aged 12–16 years were drawn from the Dutch Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children school survey, carried out as part of the international 2001 World Health Organization project.ResultsAfter adjusting for confounding factors, cannabis use was linked to externalising problems (delinquent and aggressive behaviour) but not to internalising problems (withdrawn behaviour, somatic complaints and depression). An increasing frequency of use resulted in stronger links. No significant gender or age by cannabis interaction effects were found.ConclusionsIn a country with a liberal drug policy like The Netherlands, cannabis use is associated with aggression and delinquency, just as in other countries. Cannabis use was not associated with internalising problems. Alcohol use and regular smoking were strong confounding factors.
Brain white-matter hyperintensities and treatment outcome in
major depressive disorder
Authors: Iosifescu Dan V. , Renshaw Perry F. , Lyoo In Kyoon , Lee Ho Kyu , Perlis Roy H. , Papakostas George I. , Nierenberg Andrew A. , Fava Maurizio 
Published: January 2006

BackgroundAn increased incidence of brain white-matter hyperintensities has been
described in major depressive disorder, but the impact of such
hyperintensities on treatment outcome is still controversial.AimsTo investigate the relationship of brain white-matter hyperintensities
with cardiovascular risk factors and with treatment outcome in younger
people with major depressive disorder.MethodWe assessed brain white-matter hyperintensities and cardiovascular risk
factors in 84 people with major depressive disorder prior to initiating
antidepressanttreatment. We also assessed hyperintensities in 35 matched
controls.ResultsWe found no significant difference in the prevalence of white-matter
hyperintensities between the depression and the control groups.
Left-hemisphere subcortical hyperintensities correlated with lower rates
of treatment response. We found no correlation between global
hyperintensity measures and clinical outcome. Brain white-matter
hyperintensities correlated with hypertension and age and with total
cardiovascular risk score.ConclusionsSubcortical white-matter hyperintensities in the left hemisphere (but not
in other brain areas) may be associated with poor response to
antidepressant treatment in major depression.
Influence of carer expressed emotion and affect on relapse in
non-affective psychosis
Authors: Kuipers E. , Bebbington P. , Dunn G. , Fowler D. , Freeman D. , Watson P. , Hardy A. , Garety P. 
Published: January 2006

BackgroundHigh expressed emotion in carers predicts relapse in psychosis, but it is
not known why this is so. In our cognitive model of psychosis, we
postulated that the effect is mediated through affective changes.AimsTo investigate the relationships between carer expressed emotion,
patients' symptoms and carer characteristics during a recent relapse of
psychosis.MethodA total of 86 patients and carers were investigated in a cross-sectional
design.ResultsPatients whose carers showed high expressed emotion had significantly
higher levels of anxiety and depression, but not more psychotic symptoms
or lower self-esteem. Linear regression showed that carers' critical
comments predicted anxiety in patients. Critical comments were related to
low carer self-esteem and avoidant coping strategies. Low carer
self-esteem was also related to carer depression, stress and carer
‘burden’, and to low patient self-esteem.ConclusionsOur hypothesis was partially supported. Carer criticism was associated
with patient anxiety, low carer self-esteem and poor carer coping
strategies. Family interventions should focus on improving these after a
relapse of symptoms of psychosis.
Intellectual asymmetry and genetic liability in first-degree
relatives of probands with schizophrenia
Authors: Kravariti Eugenia , Toulopoulou Timothea , Mapua-Filbey Francesca , Schulze Katja , Walshe Muriel , Sham Pak , Murray Robin M. , McDonald Colm 
Published: January 2006

SummaryIntellectual asymmetry with superiority of verbal skills to spatial skills
frequently characterises patients with schizophrenia, but it is unclear
whether this pattern also reflects genetic susceptibility to the disorder.
We examined the association of a continuous measure of genetic liability to
schizophrenia with Verbal-Spatial Contrast IQ (an index of intellectual
asymmetry) in 108 first-degree relatives without psychosis of probands with
schizophrenia. Higher genetic liability was significantly associated with
greater intellectual asymmetry in favour of verbal skills. Intellectual
asymmetry with a relative superiority of verbal skills to spatial skills
represents a putative endophenotype of schizophrenia.
Employment status and occupational care planning for people using mental health services
Authors: Bertram Mark , Howard Louise 
Published: January 2006

Aims and MethodThe aim of the study was to identify the employment rates of people using local mental health services and examine any evidence in care plans for vocational or occupational interventions. We investigated case notes retrospectively.ResultsA total of 297 case notes were examined: 88% of the patients were unemployed, but there was evidence of documentation relating to vocational needs in only 18% of out-patients; 8% in patients of community mental health teams; and 39% in acute wards; 8% of patients were engaged in work schemes; 10% of patients were in education; and 9% were engaged in vocational interventions with their care coordinator; the latter was less likely if the patient was from a Black or minority ethnic group (OR=2.44, 95% CI 0.18–1.05).Clinical ImplicationsDespite high rates of unemployment, patients with psychiatric disorders are not referred for vocational interventions. Growing professional awareness of vocational possibilities for patients with severe mental illness should mean that many patients could return to competitive employment and return to mainstream society.
A career in child and adolescent psychiatry? Survey of trainees' views
Authors: Lamb Graeme , Evans Navina , Baillie David 
Published: January 2006

Aims and MethodThe aim of the study was to elicit the views of senior house officers in psychiatry across London regarding the factors that influence their decision whether to pursue a career in child and adolescent psychiatry. Postal questionnaires were sent to a random sample of all senior house officers on London psychiatry training schemes.ResultsOf the respondents who recalled being taught child psychiatry at medical school, 91% found it interesting and 73% found it useful. Of those who recalled having such teaching during psychiatric training, 90% found it interesting and 85% found it useful. However, this had no significant impact upon subsequent career choice. Experience of working as a senior house officer in child psychiatry did influence future career intentions. Trainees who identified such placements as providing good clinical experience or job satisfaction were significantly more likely to consider the specialty for a future career.Clinical ImplicationsConsultants and managers should create and maintain senior house officer posts that will encourage trainees to perceive the specialty as a future career.
Mechanisms of Hypertension Associated With BAY 43-9006
Authors: Veronese Maria Luisa , Mosenkis Ari , Flaherty Keith T. , Gallagher Maryann , Stevenson James P. , Townsend Raymond R. , O'Dwyer Peter J. 
Published: January 2006

Purpose BAY 43-9006 (sorafenib) is an inhibitor of Raf kinase, the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2, and angiogenesis in tumor xenografts. The current study investigated the incidence, severity, and mechanism of blood pressure (BP) elevation in patients treated with BAY 43-9006. Patients and Methods Twenty patients received BAY 43-9006 400 mg orally twice daily. BP and heart rate were measured at baseline and then every 3 weeks for 18 weeks. VEGF, catecholamines, endothelin I, urotensin II, renin, and aldosterone were measured at baseline and after 3 weeks of therapy. We assessed vascular stiffness at baseline, after 3 to 6 weeks of therapy, and again after 9 to 10 months of therapy. Results Fifteen (75%) of 20 patients experienced an increase of ≥ 10 mmHg in systolic BP (SBP), and 12 (60%) of 20 patients experienced an increase of ≥ 20 mmHg in SBP compared with their baseline value, with a mean change of 20.6 mmHg (P < .0001) after 3 weeks of therapy. There were no statistically significant changes in humoral factors, although there was a statistically significant inverse relationship between decreases in catecholamines and increases in SBP, suggesting a secondary response to BP elevation. Measures of vascular stiffness increased significantly during the period of observation. Conclusion Treatment with BAY 43-9006 is associated with a significant and sustained increase in BP. The lack of significant change in circulating factors suggests that these humoral factors had little role in the increase in BP.
Adding Gemcitabine to Paclitaxel/Carboplatin Combination Increases Survival in Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: Results of a Phase II-III Study
Authors: Paccagnella Adriano , Oniga Francesco , Bearz Alessandra , Favaretto Adolfo , Clerici Maurizia , Barbieri Fausto , Riccardi Alberto , Chella Antonio , Tirelli Umberto , Ceresoli Giovanni , Tumolo Salvatore , Ridolfi Ruggero , Biason Rita , Nicoletto Maria Ornella , Belloni Paolo , Veglia Fabrizio , Ghi Maria Grazia 
Published: January 2006

Purpose Paclitaxel/carboplatin (PC) is one of the reference combinations in the treatment of non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). No triplet novel agent combination has until now shown superiority over a two-drug combination for advanced NSCLC. We therefore conducted a clinical trial to test if paclitaxel/carboplatin/gemcitabine (PCG) increases overall survival (OS) and response rate (RR) over PC. Methods Stage IIIB patients not suitable for radical radiation treatment and stage IV chemotherapy-naive patients with measurable disease and performance status of 0 to 2 were randomly assigned to PC arm (paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 and carboplatin area under the concentration-time curve 6 day 1/q21 days) or the PCG arm (paclitaxel 200 mg/m2 and carboplatin area under the concentration-time curve 6 day 1, and gemcitabine 1,000 mg/m2 days 1 and 8 every 21 days). Results A total of 324 patients were randomly assigned to the two arms. The RR for PC arm and PCG arm were 20.2% and 46% (P < .0001). The median time to the progression was 5.1 months in the PC group and 7.6 months in the PCG group (P = .012; hazard ratio [HR] 1.34; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.72). Median OS was 8.3 months and 10.8 months (P = .032; HR 1.309; 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.67) in favor of the PCG arm. One-year survival was 34% (PC arm) and 45% (PCG arm; P = .032). Only hematologic toxicity (neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anemia) was significantly increased in the PCG arm and the experimental arm required more platelet and red blood cell transfusions, and more granulocyte colony-stimulating factor usage. No toxic/early deaths were observed. Conclusion The PCG regimen offers a significant survival advantage over PC in advanced NSCLC, making PCG a treatment option for advanced NSCLC patients.
[18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography Is More Sensitive Than Skeletal Scintigraphy for Detecting Bone Metastasis in Endemic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma at Initial Staging
Authors: Liu Feng-Yuan , Chang Joseph T. , Wang Hung-Ming , Liao Chun-Ta , Kang Chung-Jan , Ng Shu-Kung , Chan Sheng-Chieh , Yen Tzu-Chen 
Published: January 2006

Purpose Bone metastasis occurs frequently in patients with endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The main objective of this study is to evaluate positron emission tomography (PET) using fluorine-18–labeled fluorodeoxyglucose ([18F]FDG) and conventional skeletal scintigraphy (SS) for detecting bone metastasis at initial staging. Auxiliary objectives are to identify risk factors for bone metastasis and features associated with poor survival in patients with bone metastasis. Patients and Methods Patients with endemic NPC before initiation of treatment were enrolled. PET and SS were performed at initial staging and compared using McNemar's paired-sample test. Bone metastasis was considered to be present if there was any reliable evidence identified within 1 year after primary diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression and Cox's proportional hazards models were used for auxiliary objectives. Results Thirty (15%) of 202 eligible patients were found to have bone metastasis. [18F]FDG PET was found to be more sensitive than SS in the patient-based analysis (P = .006) and in the region-based analysis at the spine (P = .001). Advanced N stage was the only significant risk factor (P < .0001), and the coexistence of hepatic metastasis was a prognosticator of poor survival (P = .017). The survival was not significantly better for patients with bone metastasis undetected at primary staging than for those with initially detectable bone metastasis (P = .620). Conclusion [18F]FDG PET is more sensitive than SS for detecting bone metastasis in endemic NPC at initial staging, whereas SS can be considered as supplementary in this setting.