bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Public attitudes towards people with mental illness in England
and Scotland, 1994–2003
Authors: Mehta Nisha , Kassam Aliya , Leese Morven , Butler Georgia , Thornicroft Graham 
Published: February 2009

BackgroundUnderstanding trends in public attitudes towards people with mental
illness informs the assessment of ongoing severity of stigma and
evaluation of anti-stigma campaigns.AimsTo analyse trends in public attitudes towards people with mental illness
in England and Scotland using Department of Health Attitudes to Mental
Illness Surveys, 1994–2003.MethodWe analysed trends in attitudes for 2000 respondents in each survey year
(6000 respondents in 1996 and 1997) using quota sampling methods and the
adapted Community Attitudes Toward the Mentally Ill scale.ResultsComparing 2000 and 2003, there was significant deterioration for 17/25
items in England and for 4/25 items in Scotland. Neither country showed
significant improvements in items between 2000 and 2003.ConclusionsPublic attitudes towards people with mental illness in England and
Scotland became less positive during 1994–2003, especially in 2000–2003,
and to a greater extent in England. The results are consistent with early
positive effects for the ‘see me’ anti-stigma campaign in Scotland.
Mental health and employment: much work still to be
done
Authors: Harvey Samuel B. , Henderson Max , Lelliott Paul , Hotopf Matthew 
Published: February 2009

SummaryMental illness is now the leading cause of both sickness absence and
incapacity benefits in most high-income countries. The rising economic and
social costs make health and work an increasing priority for policy makers.
We discuss the findings from Dame Carol Black's recent review of the health
of Britain's working-age population and examine how her recommendations may
impact and challenge mental health services.
Staff attitudes to smoking and the smoking ban
Authors: Praveen Kudlur Thyarappa , Kudlur Swamy Nirvana Chandrappa , Hanabe Rudresh Paramishiyaiah , Egbewunmi Adeyemi Tiwalade 
Published: February 2009

Aims and MethodOur aim was to explore attitudes of in-patient mental health staff to smoking and the smoking ban. A questionnaire was distributed to staff (n=450) working at National Health Service psychiatric units in three different locations.ResultsWe obtained 308 responses, at a response rate of 68.4%. Staff were generally less permissive towards smoking in mental health units when compared with previous studies. However, most (78.9%) feared that service users' states would deteriorate if they were not allowed to smoke.Clinical ImplicationsWe found small but noticeable change in staff attitudes following initial reforms in smoking policy. However, there is a need for further significant change in staff attitudes to facilitate implementation of a total smoking ban from July 2008.
Is psychoeducation routinely provided in the UK? Survey of community mental health teams
Authors: Getachew Henok , Dimic Sara , Priebe Stefan 
Published: February 2009

Aims and MethodThe study aimed to assess the current provision of psychoeducation programmes for patients with mental illness in the UK. A postal questionnaire was sent randomly to 100 community mental health teams regarding the delivery and characteristics of psychoeducation programmes. Non-responders were contacted via telephone after 8 weeks.ResultsThe response rate was 87%. Eight services provided group psychoeducation, 40 provided individual psychoeducation within the care programme approach, and 39 did not provide any psychoeducation programme.Clinical ImplicationsPatients with mental illnesses have limited access to psychoeducation in routine care. Group programmes should perhaps be more widely implemented as a relatively low-cost intervention.
Cocaine use and dependence in clients attending a drug treatment centre in Dublin
Authors: Thula Mpho Abel 
Published: February 2009

Aims and MethodTo assess the number of cocaine-dependent clients attending a typical addiction clinic, using urine drug testing for screening and a structured clinical interview for diagnostic assessment.ResultsOf the 419 clients whose urine records were analysed, 38 were regular users of cocaine (9.1%), with at least half of their urine samples positive for cocaine in a 12-week period; 84.2% of these regular users of cocaine satisfied the criteria for cocaine dependence (7.7% of the total number of those attending the clinic).Clinical ImplicationsPublicly funded addiction treatment centres in Ireland are mostly designed for the treatment of opiate addiction. There is, however, a significant problem of concomitant cocaine dependence in these centres. Increased availability of psychological/behavioural treatment programmes with proven efficacy in cocaine addiction may help improve overall treatment outcome.
Self-harm in first-episode psychosis
Authors: Patel Kamlesh , Upthegrove Rachel 
Published: February 2009

Aims and MethodSuicide in schizophrenia remains frequent. One of the best predictors of suicide, previous self-harm, is increasing in young people. the aim of this case-note review was to investigate the frequency of a history of self-harm for individuals presenting to psychiatric services with a first episode of psychosis in our local area and study their demographic characteristics.ResultsA history of self-harm was found in 32% of the cohort. the predominant method of self-harm was self-laceration. In univariate analyses, age and gender were significant predictors of self-harming behaviour.Clinical ImplicationsThe rate of self-harm among those with first-episode psychosis is high. Efforts to reduce the rate of completed suicide in psychotic illness need to focus on this risk, which often predates contact with psychiatric services. This emphasises again the need for early detection and intervention in psychotic illness.
Use of 5-α-Reductase Inhibitors for Prostate Cancer Chemoprevention: American Society of Clinical Oncology/American Urological Association 2008 Clinical Practice Guideline
Authors: Kramer Barnett S. , Hagerty Karen L. , Justman Stewart , Somerfield Mark R. , Albertsen Peter C. , Blot William J. , Ballentine Carter H. , Costantino Joseph P. , Epstein Jonathan I. , Godley Paul A. , Harris Russell P. , Wilt Timothy J. , Wittes Janet , Zon Robin , Schellhammer Paul 
Published: February 2009

PurposeTo develop an evidence-based guideline on the use of 5-α-reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs) for prostate cancer chemoprevention.MethodsThe American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Health Services Committee (HSC), ASCO Cancer Prevention Committee, and the American Urological Association Practice Guidelines Committee jointly convened a Panel of experts, who used the results from a systematic review of the literature to develop evidence-based recommendations on the use of 5-ARIs for prostate cancer chemoprevention.ResultsThe systematic review completed for this guideline identified 15 randomized clinical trials that met the inclusion criteria, nine of which reported prostate cancer period prevalence.ConclusionAsymptomatic men with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) ≤ 3.0 ng/mL who are regularly screened with PSA or are anticipating undergoing annual PSA screening for early detection of prostate cancer may benefit from a discussion of both the benefits of 5-ARIs for 7 years for the prevention of prostate cancer and the potential risks (including the possibility of high-grade prostate cancer). Men who are taking 5-ARIs for benign conditions such as lower urinary tract [obstructive] symptoms (LUTS) may benefit from a similar discussion, understanding that the improvement of LUTS relief should be weighed with the potential risks of high-grade prostate cancer from 5-ARIs (although the majority of the Panel members judged the latter risk to be unlikely). A reduction of approximately 50% in PSA by 12 months is expected in men taking a 5-ARI; however, because these changes in PSA may vary across men, and within individual men over time, the Panel cannot recommend a specific cut point to trigger a biopsy for men taking a 5-ARI. No specific cut point or change in PSA has been prospectively validated in men taking a 5-ARI.
Ammonia transport in cultured gill epithelium of freshwater rainbow trout: the importance of Rhesus glycoproteins and the presence of an apical Na+/NH4+ exchange complex
Authors: Tsui T. K. N. , Hung C. Y. C. , Nawata C. M. , Wilson J. M. , Wright P. A. , Wood C. M. 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYThe mechanisms of ammonia excretion at fish gills have been studied for decades but details remain unclear, with continuing debate on the relative importance of non-ionic NH3 or ionic NH4+permeation by various mechanisms. The presence of an apical Na+/NH4+ exchanger has also been controversial. The present study utilized an in vitro cultured gill epithelium (double seeded insert, DSI) of freshwater rainbow trout as a model to investigate these issues. The relationship between basolateral ammonia concentration and efflux to apical freshwater was curvilinear, indicative of a saturable carrier-mediated component (Km=66 μmol l–1) superimposed on a large diffusive linear component. Pre-exposure to elevated ammonia (2000 μmol l–1) and cortisol (1000 ng ml–1) had synergistic effects on the ammonia permeability of DSI, with significantly increased Na+influx and positive correlations between ammonia efflux and Na+uptake. This increase in ammonia permeability was bidirectional. It could not be explained by changes in paracellular permeability as measured by[3H]PEG-4000 flux. The mRNA expressions of Rhbg, Rhcg2,H+-ATPase and Na+/H+ exchanger-2 (NHE-2) were up-regulated in DSI pre-exposed to ammonia and cortisol, CA-2 mRNA was down-regulated, and transepithelial potential became more negative. Bafilomycin (1 μmol l–1), phenamil (10 μmol l–1) and 5-(N,N-hexamethylene)amiloride (HMA, 10μmol l–1) applied to the apical solution significantly inhibited ammonia efflux, indicating that H+-ATPase, Na+channel and NHE-2 pathways on the apical surface were involved in ammonia excretion. Apical amiloride (100 μmol l–1) was similarly effective, while basolateral HMA was ineffective. Pre-treatment with apical freshwater low in [Na+] caused increases in both Rhcg2 mRNA expression and ammonia efflux without change in paracellular permeability. These data suggest that Rhesus glycoproteins are important for ammonia transport in the freshwater trout gill, and may help to explain in vivo data where plasma ammonia stabilized at 50% below water levels during exposure to high environmental ammonia (∼2300 μmol l–1). We propose an apical`Na+/NH4+ exchange complex' consisting of several membrane transporters, while affirming the importance of non-ionic NH3 diffusion in ammonia excretion across freshwater fish gills.
Yolk androgens and the development of avian immunity: an experiment in jackdaws (Corvus monedula)
Authors: Sandell Maria I. , Tobler Michael , Hasselquist Dennis 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYMaternally derived androgens have been shown to influence offspring phenotype in various ways. In birds, the benefits of prenatal androgen exposure, such as increased competitiveness and accelerated growth in nestlings, have been suggested to be balanced by costs, such as reduced immune function. In this study, we used an integrative approach to examine the influence of yolk androgens on the development of immune function in jackdaw(Corvus monedula) nestlings. Specifically, we tested whether the effects of yolk androgens on offspring immunity may extend over the first few days of life and be detectable even after several weeks. We manipulated yolk androgen concentrations in jackdaw eggs and estimated immune responsiveness by challenging the young with different pathogens at different stages of the nestling period. Six-day-old chicks hatched from eggs with elevated yolk androgen levels had lower pre-challenge antibody titres against lipopolysaccharide (LPS) than control chicks. However, antibody titres against LPS did not differ between treatment groups eight days after a challenge with LPS. During the late nestling phase, both humoral (towards diphtheria/tetanus antigens) and cell-mediated (towards phytohaemagglutinin) immune responsiveness were lower in chicks from yolk androgen-treated eggs compared with control chicks. Our experimental study on jackdaw chicks shows that elevated yolk androgen levels result in a general immunosuppression in offspring; this conclusion was based on results for several immunological tests of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity conducted at 1–2 and 3–4 weeks of age.
From cells to coastlines: how can we use physiology to forecast the impacts of climate change?
Authors: Helmuth Brian 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYThe interdisciplinary fields of conservation physiology, macrophysiology,and mechanistic ecological forecasting have recently emerged as means of integrating detailed physiological responses to the broader questions of ecological and evolutionary responses to global climate change. Bridging the gap between large-scale records of weather and climate (as measured by remote sensing platforms, buoys and ground-based weather stations) and the physical world as experienced by organisms (niche-level measurements) requires a mechanistic understanding of how `environmental signals' (parameters such as air, surface and water temperature, food availability, water flow) are translated into signals at the scale of the organism or cell (e.g. body temperature, food capture, hydrodynamic force, aerobic capacity). Predicting the impacts of how changing environments affect populations and ecosystems further mandates an understanding of how organisms `filter' these signals via their physiological response (e.g. whether they respond to high or low frequencies, whether there is a time lag in response, etc.) and must be placed within the context of adult movement and the dispersal of larvae and gametes. Recent studies have shown that patterns of physiological stress in nature are far more complex in space and time than previously assumed and challenge the long-held paradigm that patterns of biogeographic distribution can be based on simple environmental gradients. An integrative, systems-based approach can provide an understanding of the roles of environmental and physiological variability in driving ecological responses and can offer considerable insight and predictive capacity to researchers, resource managers and policy makers involved in planning for the current and future effects of climate change.
Locomotor–feeding coupling during prey capture in a lizard(Gerrhosaurus major): effects of prehension mode
Authors: Montuelle Stéphane J. , Herrel Anthony , Libourel Paul-Antoine , Reveret Lionel , Bels Vincent L. 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYIn tetrapods, feeding behaviour in general, and prey capture in particular,involves two anatomical systems: the feeding system and the locomotor system. Although the kinematics associated with the movements of each system have been investigated in detail independently, the actual integration between the two systems has received less attention. Recently, the independence of the movements of the jaw and locomotor systems was reported during tongue-based prey capture in an iguanian lizard (Anolis carolinensis), suggesting a decoupling between the two systems. Jaw prehension, on the other hand, can be expected to be dependent on the movements of the locomotor system to a greater degree. To test for the presence of functional coupling and integration between the jaw and locomotor systems, we used the cordyliform lizard Gerrhosaurus major as a model species because it uses both tongue and jaw prehension. Based on a 3-D kinematic analysis of the movements of the jaws, the head, the neck and the forelimbs during the approach and capture of prey, we demonstrate significant correlations between the movements of the trophic and the locomotor systems. However, this integration differs between prehension modes in the degree and the nature of the coupling. In contrast to our expectations and previous data for A. carolinensis,our data indicate a coupling between feeding and locomotor systems during tongue prehension. We suggest that the functional integration between the two systems while using the tongue may be a consequence of the relatively slow nature of tongue prehension in this species.
Dual roles of glucose in the freeze-tolerant earthwormDendrobaena octaedra: cryoprotection and fuel for metabolism
Authors: Calderon Sofia , Holmstrup Martin , Westh Peter , Overgaard Johannes 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARYEctothermic animals inhabiting the subarctic and temperate regions have evolved strategies to deal with periods of continuous frost during winter. The earthworm Dendrobaena octaedra is freeze tolerant and accumulates large concentrations of glucose upon freezing. The present study investigates the roles of glucose accumulation for long-term freeze tolerance in worms kept frozen at –2°C for 47 days. During this period, worms were sampled periodically for determination of survival and for measurements of glucose,glycogen, lactate, alanine and succinate. In addition we performed calorimetric measurements to assess metabolic rate of frozen and unfrozen worms. Long-term freezing was associated with a gradual depletion of glucose and worms that succumbed during this period were always characterised by low glucose and glycogen levels. The anaerobic waste products lactate and alanine increased slightly whereas succinate levels remained constant. However, it is argued that other waste products (particularly propionate) could be the primary end product of a continued anaerobic metabolism. Calorimetric measures of the metabolic rate of frozen worms were in accord with values calculated from the reduction in glucose assuming that most (∼90%) glucose was metabolised anaerobically. Both estimates of metabolic rate demonstrated a 10-fold metabolic depression associated with freezing. Thus, in addition to the suspected role of glucose as cryoprotectant, the present study demonstrates that glucose accumulation is vital to ensure substrate for long-term anaerobic metabolism in frozen worms. On the basis of the estimated metabolite levels, we calculate that the combined effect of metabolic depression and large glucose stores enables a projected 3 months survival of freezing at –2°C of the `average' D. octaedra. Such conditions are very likely to occur in the northern distribution ranges of this stress-tolerant earthworm.
Roles of PER immunoreactive neurons in circadian rhythms and photoperiodism in the blow fly, Protophormia terraenovae
Authors: Shiga Sakiko , Numata Hideharu 
Published: February 2009

SUMMARY
Several hypothetical models suggest that the circadian clock system is involved in the photoperiodic clock mechanisms in insects. However, there is no evidence for this at a neuronal level. In the present study, whether circadian clock neurons were involved in photoperiodism was examined by surgical ablation of small area in the brain and by immunocytochemical analysis in the blow fly Protophormia terraenovae. Five types of PER-immunoreactive cells, dorsal lateral neurons (LNd), large ventral lateral neurons (l-LNv), small ventral lateral neurons(s-LNv), lateral dorsal neurons (DNl) and medial dorsal neurons (DNm) were found, corresponding to period-expressing neurons in Drosophila melanogaster. Four l-LNvs and four s-LNvs were bilaterally double-labelled with antisera against pigment-dispersing factor (PDF) and PER. When the anterior base of the medulla in the optic lobe, where PDF-immunoreactive somata (l-LNv and s-LNv) are located, was bilaterally ablated, 55% of flies showed arrhythmic or obscure activity patterns under constant darkness. Percentages of flies exhibiting a rhythmic activity pattern decreased along with the number of small PDF-immunoreactive somata (i.e. s-Lnv). When regions containing small PDF somata (s-LNv)were bilaterally ablated, flies did not discriminate photoperiod, and diapause incidences were 48% under long-day and 55% under short-day conditions. The results suggest that circadian clock neurons, s-LNvs, driving behavioural rhythms might also be involved in photoperiodism, and that circadian behavioural rhythms and photoperiodism share neural elements in their underlying mechanisms.
Next-Generation Sequencing: From Basic Research to Diagnostics
Authors: Voelkerding Karl V , Dames Shale A , Durtschi Jacob D 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground: For the past 30 years, the Sanger method has been the dominant approach and gold standard for DNA sequencing. The commercial launch of the first massively parallel pyrosequencing platform in 2005 ushered in the new era of high-throughput genomic analysis now referred to as next-generation sequencing (NGS).Content: This review describes fundamental principles of commercially available NGS platforms. Although the platforms differ in their engineering configurations and sequencing chemistries, they share a technical paradigm in that sequencing of spatially separated, clonally amplified DNA templates or single DNA molecules is performed in a flow cell in a massively parallel manner. Through iterative cycles of polymerase-mediated nucleotide extensions or, in one approach, through successive oligonucleotide ligations, sequence outputs in the range of hundreds of megabases to gigabases are now obtained routinely. Highlighted in this review are the impact of NGS on basic research, bioinformatics considerations, and translation of this technology into clinical diagnostics. Also presented is a view into future technologies, including real-time single-molecule DNA sequencing and nanopore-based sequencing.Summary: In the relatively short time frame since 2005, NGS has fundamentally altered genomics research and allowed investigators to conduct experiments that were previously not technically feasible or affordable. The various technologies that constitute this new paradigm continue to evolve, and further improvements in technology robustness and process streamlining will pave the path for translation into clinical diagnostics.
The MIQE Guidelines: Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments
Authors: Bustin Stephen A , Benes Vladimir , Garson Jeremy A , Hellemans Jan , Huggett Jim , Kubista Mikael , Mueller Reinhold , Nolan Tania , Pfaffl Michael W , Shipley Gregory L , Vandesompele Jo , Wittwer Carl T 
Published: February 2009

AbstractBackground: Currently, a lack of consensus exists on how best to perform and interpret quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) experiments. The problem is exacerbated by a lack of sufficient experimental detail in many publications, which impedes a reader’s ability to evaluate critically the quality of the results presented or to repeat the experiments.Content: The Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Real-Time PCR Experiments (MIQE) guidelines target the reliability of results to help ensure the integrity of the scientific literature, promote consistency between laboratories, and increase experimental transparency. MIQE is a set of guidelines that describe the minimum information necessary for evaluating qPCR experiments. Included is a checklist to accompany the initial submission of a manuscript to the publisher. By providing all relevant experimental conditions and assay characteristics, reviewers can assess the validity of the protocols used. Full disclosure of all reagents, sequences, and analysis methods is necessary to enable other investigators to reproduce results. MIQE details should be published either in abbreviated form or as an online supplement.Summary: Following these guidelines will encourage better experimental practice, allowing more reliable and unequivocal interpretation of qPCR results.