bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among older adults receiving home delivered meals
Authors: Sirey Jo Anne , Bruce Martha L. , Carpenter Mae , Booker Diane , Reid M. Carrington , Newell Kerry‐Ann , Alexopoulos George S. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveHomebound older adults may be vulnerable to the deleterious impact of untreated depression. Yet because these elders are difficult to reach, there is little data on the rates of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among this group. The objective of this study is to document the rates of depression and correlates among a population of homebound elders.MethodsUsing a community based participatory research partnership, we implemented a routine screening for depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among older recipients of Westchester County's home meal program. Older adults enrolled in the home delivered meal program were administered the Physician Health Questionnaire–9 (PHQ‐9), and questions to assess pain, falls, alcohol abuse and perceived emotional distress.ResultsIn our sample of 403 meal recipients, 12.2% of older adults reported clinically significant depression (PHQ‐9 > 9) and 13.4% reported suicidal thoughts. One‐third of recipients with significant depressive symptoms were currently taking an antidepressant. Almost one‐third of older adults who endorsed suicide ideation did not report clinically significant depressive symptoms. Among men, suicidal thoughts were associated with chronic pain and greater depression severity, whereas pain was not a predictor of suicidal thoughts among women.ConclusionMore than one in nine elders suffer from depression; most are untreated with one‐third undertreated. Through partnerships between public agencies that provide age related services and academic investigators there is an opportunity for improved detection of unmet mental health needs. Future research should explore innovative models to improve access to mental health services once unmet need is detected. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determinants of burden in those who care for someone with dementia
Authors: Campbell P. , Wright J. , Oyebode J. , Job D. , Crome P. , Bentham P. , Jones L. , Lendon C. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectivesCaregiver burden is a key measure in caregiver research and is frequently used as a baseline measure in intervention studies. Previous research has found numerous factors associated with caregiver burden such as the relationship quality between carer and patient, the patient's cognitive ability, behavioural and psychological symptoms displayed by the patient, caregiver gender, adverse life events to name a few. Many studies have investigated these factors singularly however current thought suggests a multi‐factorial role and inter‐dependence of these factors. Based on this it was decided to investigate factors associated with caregiver burden using a multiple regression analysis in order to ascertain the predictive quality of these factors of caregiver burden.MethodCross‐sectional study using validated measures of a patient's cognitive ability, ability to carry out day‐to‐day tasks and behavioural and psychological symptoms. Caregiver outcomes used are caregiver burden, relationship quality, caregiver confidence, experience of adverse life events, neuroticism, age and gender. Interviews and questionnaires were carried out on 74 patients diagnosed with dementia and their main caregivers from the Midlands of England.ResultsMultiple regression analysis showed that caregiver overload, carer‐patient relationship quality, the experience of adverse life events, caregiver gender, caregivers' level of neuroticism, caregiver role captivity and the level of caregiver confidence accounted for over 80% of the variance in caregiver burden.ConclusionThese results confirm previous correlational research on caregiver burden. Furthermore, due to the use of multiple regression analysis the findings also show factors that are clear predictors of caregiver burden and we offer possible suggestions from these findings on future clinical practice interventions on caregiver burden. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Harm reduction among at‐risk elderly drinkers: a site‐specific analysis from the multi‐site Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for Elderly (PRISM‐E) study
Authors: Lee Heather Sophia , Mericle Amy A. , Ayalon Liat , Areán Patricia A. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the efficacy of a harm‐reduction based intervention to enhance access to treatment and clinical outcomes among elderly at‐risk drinkers.DesignA site‐specific secondary data analysis of Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for Elders study (PRISM‐E).ParticipantsThirty‐four at‐risk drinkers age 65 or older who were randomized into one of two treatment conditions: an integrated care condition which incorporated a harm‐reduction based approach to treatment and an enhanced referral condition.MeasuresAccess to subsequent services and clinical outcomes were examined 6 months post index‐interview date. Clinical outcomes included changes in the number of drinks in the week prior to assessment, changes in the number of binges in the past 3 months prior to assessment, and changes in scores on the Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test‐Geriatric Version (SMAST‐G).ResultsAt‐risk drinkers in the integrated care condition were more likely to access treatment than at‐risk drinkers assigned to the enhanced referral condition (93% vs 35%; χ2 = 11.38, df = 1, p = 0.001). Among those who received treatment, there were no differences in the total amount of treatment visits or in the number of brief alcohol interventions received among at‐risk drinkers in the two conditions. However, those in integrated care condition received services sooner than those in the referral condition. Those in the integrated care condition showed a significant decrease in the number of drinks in the past week and in the number of binge drinking episodes in the past 3 months while there were no significant changes in these outcomes among the at‐risk drinkers in the enhanced referral condition.ConclusionsAt‐risk drinkers in the integrated care condition were more likely to access treatment and decrease harmful drinking behaviors than those in the enhanced referral condition. Implications for future research and treatment are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bringing the bedside to the bench, and then to the community: a prospectus for intervention research in late‐life anxiety disorders
Authors: Lenze Eric J. , Wetherell Julie Loebach 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackgroundAnxiety disorders are highly prevalent in elderly persons, and they are associated with functional impairment, poorer quality of life, and adverse long‐term consequences such as cognitive decline. Intervention research in late‐life anxiety disorders (LLAD) lags behind where it ought to be. Research in cognitive neuroscience, aging, and stress intersects in LLAD and provides the opportunity to develop innovative interventions to prevent chronic anxiety and its consequences in this age group.MethodsThis paper evaluates gaps in the evidence base for treatment of LLAD and synthesizes recent research in cognitive neuroscience, basic behavioral science, stress, and aging.ResultsWe examine three intervention issues in LLAD: (1) prevention; (2) acute treatment; and (3) pre‐empting adverse consequences. We propose combining randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with mechanistic biobehavioral methodologies as an optimal approach for developing novel, optimized, and personalized treatments. Additionally, we examine three barriers in the field of LLAD research: (1) How do we measure anxiety?; (2) How do we raise awareness?; (3) How will we ensure our research is applicable to underserved populations (particularly minority groups)?ConclusionsThis prospectus outlines approaches for intervention research that can reduce the morbidity of LLAD. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A pilot randomised controlled trial of a brief cognitive behavioural group intervention to reduce recurrence rates in late life depression
Authors: Wilkinson Philip , Alder Nicola , Juszczak Edmund , Matthews Helen , Merritt Claire , Montgomery Harriet , Howard Robert , Macdonald Alastair , Jacoby Robin 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo standardise the delivery of a brief group cognitive behaviour therapy intervention (CBT‐G). To apply the intervention in a research setting and to estimate its effect on recurrence rates in recently depressed older adults, in preparation for a definitive study.MethodA CBT‐G therapy manual was produced and the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale (CTS‐R) modified to assess therapy delivery. Forty‐five adults aged 60 and over who had met ICD‐10 criteria for major depression in the previous year and were still taking antidepressant medication were randomly allocated to CBT‐G/antidepressant combination or antidepressant alone. Depression severity was measured at baseline, randomisation and 6 and 12 months after start of CBT‐G using the Montgomery Åsberg Rating Scale for Depression (MADRS).Results and conclusionOne‐year recurrence rates on the MADRS were encouragingly lower in participants receiving CBT‐G [5/18 (27.8%)] compared with controls [8/18 (44.4%)] although this did not achieve statistical significance (adjusted RR 0.70 [95% CI 0.26–1.94]). In contrast, overall scores on the secondary outcome measure, the Beck Depression Inventory, increased in participants receiving CBT‐G. The CBT‐G manual was successfully implemented and therapy delivery achieved an overall satisfactory level of competence. We believe that evaluation of this promising intervention in a full‐scale trial is warranted. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regenerate: assessing the feasibility of a strength‐training program to enhance the physical and mental health of chronic post stroke patients with depression
Authors: Sims J. , Galea M. , Taylor N. , Dodd K. , Jespersen S. , Joubert L. , Joubert J. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractObjectiveThe Regenerate pilot study explored whether a 10‐week, community‐based progressive resistance training (PRT) program could reduce depressive symptoms in depressed chronic stroke survivors.MethodsParticipants were screened for depressive status using the PHQ‐9 and confirmed by psychiatric assessment. Eligible people (n = 45) were randomised to PRT or a waiting‐list comparison group. The PRT program included two high intensity sessions/week for 10 weeks at a community‐based gymnasium. Depressive status, physical and mental health and quality of life were measured at baseline, 10 weeks and 6 months. Muscle strength was assessed using 1 repetition maximum (1‐RM) for upper and lower limbs.ResultsThe participants' median age was 69 years: 27 were male. The intervention group had lower depression scores than the comparison group at all time points. At 6‐month follow‐up, there was a trend for PRT participants to be more likely to be no longer depressed than the comparison group, but the difference was not significant after adjusting for baseline scores. There were modest improvements in health and wellbeing over time, but many scores were lower than reported in non‐depressed people. Intervention participants demonstrated significant improvements in strength. Program adherence was good: on average 75% of the 10‐week program was completed.ConclusionsThe intervention appeared to be feasible within a community‐based setting. To optimize stroke recovery and improve the quality of life of stroke survivors, health professionals should continue to focus on helping survivors' mental health recovery as well their physical rehabilitation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Koy Susanne , Plaschke Jens , Luksch Hella , Friedrich Katrin , Kuhlisch Eberhard , Eckelt Uwe , Martinez Ramon 
Published: July 2008

AbstractBackground.Microsatellite instability (MSI) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has been reported with a wide range of frequencies. The aim of our study was to disclose the frequency and basis of MSI in HNSCC and to correlate MSI and findings on loss of heterozygosity (LOH) with the clinical data.Methods.We analyzed MSI and LOH in 91 tumors. All tumors presenting instability were analyzed for the expression of mismatch repair genes (MMR) proteins.Results.Low‐level microsatellite instability (MSI‐L) was seen in 7.7% of the HNSCC. None of the MSI‐L tumors had aberrant MMR protein expression. LOH rates up to 57% were identified for different regions on chromosome 3p. For the marker D10S197, we found a significant correlation between LOH and tumor stage IV.Conclusion.Our results indicate that MMR gene inactivation is rare among primary HNSCC. In contrast, the MSI‐L phenotype plays a role in a small subset of tumors. LOH on chromosome arm 3p and 10p12 seems to be involved in tumorigenesis and progression HNSCC, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 30: 1105–1113, 2008
Interpretation of positive transcription-mediated amplification test results from polymerase chain reaction–negative samples obtained after treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Morishima Chihiro , Morgan Timothy R. , Everhart James E. , Wright Elizabeth C. , Apodaca Minjun C. , Gretch David R. , Shiffman Mitchell L. , Everson Gregory T. , Lindsay Karen L. , Lee William M. , Lok Anna S. F. , Dienstag Jules L. , Ghany Marc G. , Curto Teresa M. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

The Siemens VERSANT® transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) assay is extremely sensitive for the detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in serum. Eleven of 180 subjects in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) Trial who achieved polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-defined sustained virological response (SVR) at week 72 also had TMA-positive results from the same blood draw; six were positive on repeat testing. We report the follow-up on these 11 patients, and the reproducibility of TMA test results from PCR-negative samples in relationship to antiviral treatment outcome. Peginterferon and ribavirin treatment was initiated in 1145 prior interferon nonresponders with advanced hepatic fibrosis. Treatment was continued for 48 weeks if patients had undetectable HCV RNA by PCR at treatment week 20. Frozen serum samples from weeks 12, 20, 24, 48, and 72 were subsequently tested by TMA. Nine of the 11 patients returned for testing (median, 30 months after the week 72 visit), and all had undetectable HCV RNA by TMA and PCR. Among 759 PCR-negative samples obtained during treatment that were tested twice by TMA, 17% overall exhibited consistently positive results, and 21% exhibited inconsistently positive results. SVR was more likely if TMA was consistently negative than if consistently or inconsistently positive. With continued treatment, patients with inconsistently positive TMA results were more likely to become TMA-negative than TMA-positive (

P

< 0.0001).

Conclusion:

In PCR-negative samples, positive TMA results may indicate the presence of low levels of HCV RNA. However, because patients with positive TMA results may achieve SVR, management decisions during therapy should not be based on a single positive TMA test result. (Hepatology 2008.)
Fatty acid synthase is up-regulated during hepatitis C virus infection and regulates hepatitis C virus entry and production
Authors: Yang Wei , Hood Brian L. , Chadwick Sara L. , Liu Shufeng , Watkins Simon C. , Luo Guangxiang , Conrads Thomas P. , Wang Tianyi 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major human pathogen that causes serious illness, including acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Using a mass spectrometry–based proteomics approach, we have identified 175 proteins from a cell culture supernatant fraction containing the HCV genotype 2a (JFH1) virus, among which fatty acid synthase (FASN), the multifunctional enzyme catalyzing the

de novo

synthesis of fatty acids, was confirmed to be highly enriched. Subsequent studies showed that FASN expression increased in the human hepatoma cell line, Huh7, or its derivative, upon HCV infection. Blocking FASN activity by C75, a pharmacological FASN inhibitor, led to decreased HCV production. Reduction of FASN by RNA interference suppressed viral replication in both replicon and infection systems. Remarkably, FASN appeared to be selectively required for the expression of claudin-1, a tight junction protein that was recently identified as an entry coreceptor for HCV, but not for the expression of another HCV coreceptor, CD81. The decrease in Claudin-1 expression resulting from FASN inhibition was accompanied by a decrease in transepithelial electric resistance of Huh7 cells, implying a reduction in the relative tightness of the cell monolayer. Consequently, the entry of human immunodeficiency virus–HCV pseudotypes was significantly inhibited in C75-treated Huh7 cells.

Conclusion:

As far as we know, this is the first line of evidence that demonstrates that HCV infection directly induces FASN expression, and thus suggests a possible mechanism by which HCV infection alters the cellular lipid profile and causes diseases such as steatosis. (Hepatology 2008.)
Performance parameters of the diagnostic scoring systems for autoimmune hepatitis
Authors: Czaja Albert J. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

The diagnostic criteria for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) have been codified by an international panel, and a revision of the original scoring system based on 12 clinical components has been promulgated. A simplified scoring system has been proposed recently that is based on four clinical components. The goals of this study were to compare the performance parameters of the revised original and the simplified scoring systems and to determine the prowess of each as a diagnostic instrument. Diagnostic scores were determined using each scoring system in 435 patients with diverse chronic liver diseases, including 153 individuals with AIH by codified clinical criteria. The sensitivity, specificity, and predictability of each scoring system for the pretreatment diagnosis of AIH were determined. The revised original scoring system had greater sensitivity for the diagnosis than the simplified scoring system (100% versus 95%), and seven patients diagnosed as AIH using the revised original system were nondiagnostic by the simplified system (5%). The revised original scoring system also ascribed a diagnosis of AIH to 20 of 21 patients with cryptogenic chronic hepatitis, whereas only five patients were similarly classified by the simplified system (95% versus 24%). The simplified system had greater specificity (90% versus 73%) and predictability (92% versus 82%) for AIH than the revised original system, and it more commonly excluded the diagnosis in other diseases with concurrent immune features (83% versus 64%).

Conclusion:

The revised original scoring system performs better in patients with few or atypical features of AIH, and the simplified system is better at excluding the diagnosis in diseases with concurrent immune manifestations. Each system has attributes that can be exploited. (Hepatology 2008.)
Prediction of clinical outcomes in primary biliary cirrhosis by serum enhanced liver fibrosis assay
Authors: Mayo Marlyn J. , Parkes Julie , Adams-Huet Beverley , Combes Burton , Mills A. S. , Markin Rodney S. , Rubin Raphael , Wheeler Donald , Contos Melissa , West A. B. , Saldana Sandra , Getachew Yonas , Butsch Robert , Luketic Velimir , Peters Marion , Di Bisceglie Adrian , Bass Nathan , Lake John , Boyer Thomas , Martinez Enrique , Boyer James , Garcia-Tsao Guadalupe , Barnes David , Rosenberg William M. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract

Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is sometimes diagnosed based on a positive antimitochondrial antibody in the appropriate clinical setting without a liver biopsy. Although a liver biopsy can assess the extent of liver fibrosis and provide prognostic information, serum fibrosis markers avoid biopsy complications and sampling error and provide results as a continuous variable, which may be more precise than categorical histological stages. The current study was undertaken to evaluate serum fibrosis markers as predictors of clinical progression in a large cohort of PBC patients. Serial liver biopsy specimens and serum samples were collected every 2 years in 161 PBC subjects for a median of 7.3 years. Clinical progression was defined as development of one or more of the following events: varices, variceal bleed, ascites, encephalopathy, liver transplantation, or liver-related death. Serum hyaluronic acid, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1, and procollagen III aminopeptide were measured and entered into the previously validated enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) algorithm. The ability of ELF, histological fibrosis, bilirubin, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and Mayo Risk Score to differentiate between individuals who would experience a clinical event from those who would not was evaluated at different time points. Event-free survival was significantly lower in those with high baseline ELF. Each 1-point increase in ELF was associated with a threefold increase in future complications. The prognostic performance of all tests was similar when performed close to the time of the first event. However, at earlier times in the disease process (4 and 6 years before the first event), the prognostic performance of ELF was significantly better than MELD or Mayo R score.

Conclusion:

The ELF algorithm is a highly accurate noninvasive measure of PBC disease severity that provides useful long-term prognostic information. (Hepatology 2008.)
A new look at economic convergence in Europe: a common factor approach
Authors: Becker Bettina , Hall Stephen G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe propose a common factor approach to analyse convergence, which we implement using principal components analysis. We show that this method provides a useful new way of approaching the convergence debate. We apply this technique to a data set of monthly exchange rates of the 12 member countries of the European Monetary Union (EMU) over 1970–2001. Our empirical results neatly capture the convergence patterns related to the various regimes from Bretton Woods towards EMU. The UK's Pound Sterling has been on a gradual convergence path to the Euro, although convergence is less progressed than it was for the EMU countries by 1999. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pricing caps and floors with the extended CIR model
Authors: Mannolini Antonio , Mari Carlo , Renò Roberto 
Published: July 2008

AbstractWe use the extended CIR model to value interest rate caps and floors. The extension allows arbitrary initial term structure, in the spirit of Hull and White, a crucial feature since we show that the pricing of the considered contingent claims improves dramatically after taking into account the big stake of market information contained in the yield curve. We compute model prices of at the money caps using only yield curve data, and we compare prices with those obtained when other well‐known short‐rate models are used, including the extended Vasicek model. With respect to natural benchmarks, we find a significant decrease in the pricing error for longer maturity caps when our model is used. These results witness that when a better specification of the dynamics of spot rate is provided, a satisfactory pricing of caps and floors is possible using only the information available in the bond market. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.