bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary hypertension in COPD
Authors: Chaouat A. , Naeije R. , Weitzenblum E. 
Published: October 2008

Mild-to-moderate pulmonary hypertension is a common complication of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); such a complication is associated with increased risks of exacerbation and decreased survival. Pulmonary hypertension usually worsens during exercise, sleep and exacerbation. Pulmonary vascular remodelling in COPD is the main cause of increase in pulmonary artery pressure and is thought to result from the combined effects of hypoxia, inflammation and loss of capillaries in severe emphysema.A small proportion of COPD patients may present with “out-of-proportion” pulmonary hypertension, defined by a mean pulmonary artery pressure >35–40 mmHg (normal is no more than 20 mmHg) and a relatively preserved lung function (with low to normal arterial carbon dioxide tension) that cannot explain prominent dyspnoea and fatigue. The prevalence of out-of-proportion pulmonary hypertension in COPD is estimated to be very close to the prevalence of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.Cor pulmonale, defined as right ventricular hypertrophy and dilatation secondary to pulmonary hypertension caused by respiratory disorders, is common. More studies are needed to define the contribution of cor pulmonale to decreased exercise capacity in COPD. These studies should include improved imaging techniques and biomarkers, such as the B-type natriuretic peptide and exercise testing protocols with gas exchange measurements.The effects of drugs used in pulmonary arterial hypertension should be tested in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with severe pulmonary hypertension. In the meantime, the treatment of cor pulmonale in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease continues to rest on supplemental oxygen and a variety of measures aimed at the relief of airway obstruction.
Pediatric campylobacteriosis in northern Taiwan from 2003 to 2005
Authors: Yang Ji-Rong , Wu Ho-Sheng , Chiang Chuen-Sheue , Mu Jung-Jung 
Published: October 2008

AbstractBackgroundThere has been a marked increase in the incidence of, and concern regarding, humanCampylobacter jejuniandC. coliinfections worldwide during the last decade. As the highest infectious disease control apparatus in Taiwan, we aimed to describe the character ofCampylobacterisolates from infected children, as well as basic information about the patients, from December 2003 to February 2005.MethodsA total of 894 fecal specimens were collected by several clinics and hospitals from children who had diarrhea, followed by plating onto selective media. Drug susceptibility test of the isolates from these specimens were conducted by disc diffusion method and their serotypes were also studied using commercial antisera made in Japan.ResultsThe isolation rate ofCampylobacterduring these 15 months was 6.8% and was higher in winter (11.1%) than in other seasons.C. jejuniwas the most prevalent (95.1%) species in northern Taiwan, comparable to other developed countries. Among the 61Campylobacterisolates, most were resistant to tetracycline (93.4%), nalidixic acid (91.8%), ciprofloxacin (90.2%), and ampicillin (85.5%). Erythromycin-resistant isolates represented 3.3% of all isolates, suggesting that this drug may be the first choice for treatment. The serotypes of the 61 isolates were demonstrated and only 41.4% were typable.ConclusionIn this study, the Taiwan CDC provided an epidemiological analysis ofCampylobacterinfection, including the isolation rate, age, seasonal distribution, antimicrobial drug susceptibility patterns, and serotypes of the isolates from pediatric patients in northern Taiwan from 2003 to 2005.
The effect of a single blood meal on the phenotypic expression of insecticide resistance in the major malaria vector Anopheles funestus
Authors: Spillings Belinda L , Coetzee Maureen , Koekemoer Lizette L , Brooke Basil D 
Published: October 2008

Abstract

Background

Anopheles funestus is a major malaria vector in southern Africa. Vector control relies on the use of insecticide chemicals to significantly reduce the number of malaria vectors by targeting that portion of the female population that takes blood meals and subsequently rests indoors. It has been suggested that the intake of a blood meal may assist female mosquitoes to tolerate higher doses of insecticide through vigour tolerance. It is hypothesized that during the process of blood digestion, detoxification mechanisms required for the neutralizing of harmful components in the blood meal may also confer an increased ability to tolerate insecticide intoxication through increased enzyme regulation.

Methods
Bottle bioassays using a range of concentrations of the pyrethroid insecticide permethrin were performed on pyrethroid susceptible and resistant laboratory strains of An. funestus in order to detect differences in insecticide susceptibility following a single blood meal. Based on these results, a discriminating dosage was identified (double the lowest dosage that resulted in 100% mortality of the susceptible strain). Blood-fed and unfed females drawn from the resistant strain of An. funestus were then assayed against this discriminating dose, and the percentage mortality for each sample was scored and compared.

Results
In the insecticide dose response assays neither the fully susceptible nor the resistant strain of An. funestus showed any significant difference in insecticide susceptibility following a blood meal, regardless of the stage of blood meal digestion. A significant increase in the level of resistance was however detected in the resistant An. funestus strain following a single blood meal, based on exposure to a discriminating dose of permethrin.

Conclusion
The fully susceptible An. funestus strain did not show any significant alteration in susceptibility to insecticide following a blood meal suggesting that vigour tolerance through increased body mass (and increased dilution of internalized insecticide) does not play a significant role in tolerance to insecticide intoxication. The increase in insecticide tolerance in the pyrethroid resistant strain of An. funestus following a blood meal suggests that insecticide detoxification mechanisms involved in insecticide resistance are stimulated by the presence of a blood meal prior to insecticide exposure, leading to enhanced expression of the resistance phenotype. This finding may be significant in terms of the methods used to control indoor resting populations of An. funestus if the mass killing effect of insecticide application proves increasingly inadequate against blood-feeding females already carrying the insecticide resistance phenotype.
Relationship between service ecology, special observation and self-harm during acute in-patient care: City-128 study
Authors: Bowers Len , Whittington Richard , Nolan Peter , Parkin David , Curtis Sarah , Bhui Kamaldeep , Hackney Diane , Allan Teresa , Simpson Alan 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundSpecial observation (the allocation of nurses to watch over nominated patients) is one means by which psychiatric services endeavour to keep in-patients safe from harm. The practice is both contentious and of unknown efficacy.AimsTo assess the relationship between special observation and self-harm rates, by ward, while controlling for potential confounding variables.MethodA multivariate cross-sectional study collecting data on self-harm, special observation, other conflict and containment, physical environment, patient and staff factors for a 6-month period on 136 acute-admission psychiatric wards.ResultsConstant special observation was not associated with self-harm rates, but intermittent observation was associated with reduced self-harm, as were levels of qualified nursing staff and more intense programmes of patient activities.ConclusionsCertain features of nursing deployment and activity may serve to protect patients. The efficacy of constant special observation remains open to question.
Efficacy and safety of pregabalin in elderly people with generalised anxiety disorder
Authors: Montgomery Stuart , Chatamra Krai , Pauer Lynne , Whalen Ed , Baldinetti Francesca 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundPregabalin is a novel compound that has been shown to have efficacy in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder and is licensed for the treatment of the disorder in the European Union.AimsThe current study was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of pregabalin, an α2δ-ligand, in the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder in people 65 years and older.MethodThis was a double-blind, randomised (2:1), placebo-controlled, 8-week trial of pregabalin, in flexible doses of 150–600 mg/day, in the treatment of DSM–IV generalised anxiety disorder with a baseline Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HRSA) total score ⩾20. The primary outcome was end-point (week 8 or last visit, with last observation carried forward (LOCF)) change in HRSA total score.ResultsA total of 273 patients (women, 78%; mean age, 72 years (s.d.=6); mean baseline HRSA total score, 26 (s.d.=4.6)) were randomised and received study treatment. On the primary intent-to-treat LOCF analysis, pregabalin was associated with a 2-point greater reduction in HRSA total score than placebo (12.87 v. 10.7; P<0.05). In a post hoc repeated measures mixed-effect model analysis, pregabalin was associated with significantly greater improvement than placebo in the HRSA total score from week 2 (–9.8 (s.d.=0.6) v. −7.2 (s.d.=0.8); P=0.0052) through week 8 (–14.4 (s.d.=0.6) v. −11.6 (s.d.=0.8); P=0.0070). Significant improvement was observed in the pregabalin group on both the HRSA psychic and somatic anxiety factors. There was a significantly greater decrease from baseline in mean Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score with pregabalin compared with placebo (–5.48 (s.d.=0.46) v. −4.02 (s.d.=0.59); P=0.041). Pregabalin was well-tolerated, with almost all adverse events in the mild-to-moderate range, and self-limiting (median duration of 4–16 days). Discontinuations due to adverse events were similar for pregabalin (10.7%) and placebo (9.4%).ConclusionsPregabalin, in doses of 150–600 mg/day, was a safe and effective treatment of generalised anxiety disorder in patients 65 years and older. The anxiolytic efficacy of pregabalin had an early onset (by 2 weeks) and significantly improved both psychic and somatic symptoms of anxiety.
Time course of regional brain activation associated with onset of auditory/verbal hallucinations
Authors: Hoffman Ralph E. , Anderson Adam W. , Varanko Maxine , Gore John C. , Hampson Michelle 
Published: October 2008

SummaryThe time course of brain activation prior to onset of auditory/ verbal hallucinations was characterised using functional magnetic resonance imaging in six dextral patients with schizophrenia. Composite maps of pre-hallucination periods revealed activation in the left anterior insula and in the right middle temporal gyrus, partially replicating two previous case reports, as well as deactivation in the anterior cingulate and parahippocampal gyri. These findings may reflect brain events that trigger or increase vulnerability to auditory/verbal hallucinations.
Longitudinal MRI study in schizophrenia patients and their healthy siblings
Authors: Brans Rachel G. H. , van Haren Neeltje E. M. , van Baal G. Caroline M. , Staal Wouter G. , Schnack Hugo G. , Kahn René S. , Pol Hilleke E. Hulshoff 
Published: October 2008

SummaryTo investigate whether genetic and/or disease-related factors are involved in progressive structural brain changes in schizophrenia, magnetic resonance imaging scans with a 5-year scan interval were acquired in patients, their same-gender siblings and matched healthy controls. Structural equation modelling was applied to assess disease and familial effects. Whole brain and cerebral grey matter volumes decreased excessively in patients compared with their siblings and the controls, suggesting that the progressive brain loss in schizophrenia may be related to the disease process.
Suicide rates in people of South Asian origin in England and Wales: 1993–2003
Authors: McKenzie Kwame , Bhui Kamaldeep , Nanchahal Kiran , Blizard Bob 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundLow rates of suicide in older men and high rates in young women have been reported in the South Asian diaspora worldwide. Calculating such suicide rates in the UK is difficult because ethnicity is not recorded on death certificates.AimsTo calculate the South Asian origin population suicide rates and to assess changes over time using new technology.MethodSuicide rates in England and Wales were calculated using the South Asian Name and Group Recognition Algorithm (SANGRA) computer software.ResultsThe age-standardised suicide rate for men of South Asian origin was lower than other men in England and Wales, and the rate for women of South Asian origin was marginally raised. In aggregated data for 1999–2003 the age-specific suicide rate in young women of South Asian origin was lower than that for women in England and Wales. The suicide rate in those over 65 years was double that of England and Wales.ConclusionsOlder, rather than younger, women of South Asian origin seem to be an at-risk group. Further research should investigate the reasons for these changes and whether these patterns are true for all South Asian origin groups.
Effects of cannabis use on outcomes of psychotic disorders: systematic review
Authors: Zammit Stanley , Moore Theresa H. M. , Lingford-Hughes Anne , Barnes Thomas R. E. , Jones Peter B. , Burke Margaret , Lewis Glyn 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundIt is unclear if research findings support clinical opinion that cannabis use leads to worse outcomes in people with psychosis, or whether this impression is confounded by other factors.AimsTo systematically review the evidence pertaining to whether cannabis affects outcome of psychotic disorders.MethodWe searched 10 relevant databases (to November 2006), reference lists of included studies and contacted experts. We included 13 longitudinal studies from 15 303 references. Data extraction and quality assessment were conducted independently and in duplicate.ResultsCannabis use was consistently associated with increased relapse and non-adherence. Associations with other outcome measures were more disparate. Few studies adjusted for baseline illness severity, and most made no adjustment for alcohol, or other potentially important confounders. Adjusting for even a few confounders often resulted in substantial attenuation of results.ConclusionsConfidence that most associations reported were specifically due to cannabis is low. Despite clinical opinion, it remains important to establish whether cannabis is harmful, what outcomes are particularly susceptible, and how such effects are mediated. Studies to examine this further are eminently feasible.
Involving patients in decisions during psychiatric consultations
Authors: Goss Claudia , Moretti Francesca , Mazzi Maria Angela , Del Piccolo Lidia , Rimondini Michela , Zimmermann Christa 
Published: October 2008

BackgroundPatient involvement in the decision-making process is a key element for good clinical practice. Few data are available on patient involvement in psychiatry.AimsTo assess in a psychiatric out-patient context how psychiatrists involve patients in therapeutic decisions and to determine the extent to which patient and psychiatrist characteristics contribute to patient involvement.MethodEighty transcripts from audiotaped first out-patient consultations, conducted by 16 psychiatrists, were rated with the OPTION (observing patient involvement) scale. Interrater reliability indices were obtained for 30 randomly selected interviews. Associations between OPTION scores and some clinical and socio-demographic variables were tested usingt-test, ANOVA and Pearson's correlation coefficient where appropriate. The distribution of scores for each psychiatrist was assessed by intracluster correlation coefficients.ResultsInterrater reliability and internal consistency of the OPTION scale in the psychiatric setting were satisfactory. The total score and the ratings for the single OPTION items showed a skewed distribution, with a prevalence of scores in the low range of abilities, corresponding to minimal attempts to involve patients or a minimal skill level.ConclusionsThe OPTION scale proves to be a reliable instrument to assess patient involvement in a psychiatric setting. Psychiatrists showed poor patient involvement abilities parallel to previous findings in psychiatry and primary care. They need to be encouraged to share treatment decisions with their patients and to apply patient involvement skills. Further research is needed to establish which patient variables and clinical settings in psychiatry are more amenable to shared decisions, and how participation of psychiatric patients in treatment decisions will affect the outcome.
Digit symbol coding and general cognitive ability in schizophrenia: worth another look?
Authors: Dickinson Dwight 
Published: October 2008

SummaryFor decades, schizophrenia researchers have sought to map specific aspects of cognitive performance onto specific neurobiological systems in hopes of dividing broad cognition and neurobiology into more tractable components. Recent findings from studies using neuropsychological test batteries, in combination with emerging neurobiological evidence, argue for a complementary focus on more generalised cognitive and biological dimensions.
Early intervention in psychosis service and psychiatric admissions
Authors: Dodgson Guy , Crebbin Kathleen , Pickering Caroline , Mitford Emma , Brabban Alison , Paxton Roger 
Published: October 2008

Aims and MethodTo investigate the effects of a standard National Health Service early intervention in psychosis service on bed days and engagement with services. We conducted a naturalistic before-and-after study comparing outcomes of individuals who received treatment from the service (n=75) with outcomes of individuals who presented to mental health services before the early intervention service was established and received treatment as usual (n=114).ResultsPeople treated by the early intervention in psychosis service had significantly fewer admissions (P < 0.001), readmissions (P < 0.001), total bed days (P < 0.01) and better engagement with services (P < 0.05).Clinical ImplicationsAn early intervention in psychosis service compliant with current British mental health policy led to reduced use of psychiatric bed days confirming recent findings elsewhere. This leads to major financial savings, easily justifying the initial cost of investment in the service.
Treatment adherence and the care programme approach in individuals with eating disorders
Authors: Schmidt Martin , Morgan John F. , Yousaf Farida 
Published: October 2008

Aims and MethodTo examine service-level variables predicting treatment adherence in a specialist eating disorder unit. We analysed a sample of 157 individuals consecutively referred to the unit over an 18-month period. Associations were determined using odds ratios.ResultsIndividuals with a formal care programme at the point of referral were more likely to stay in treatment. Treatment adherence was not predicted by illness severity or waiting time. Follow-up by a dietician and acceptance of referral to a support group predicted better treatment outcomes.Clinical ImplicationsAlthough the standard care programme approach may be relinquished in the UK, we recommend that this approach or its equivalent be used in specialist eating disorder services to improve treatment adherence.
Taking the path less trodden: UK psychiatrists working in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: McColl Helen , Sheriff Rebecca Syed , Hanlon Charlotte 
Published: October 2008

SummaryUK-based psychiatrists have the opportunity to work in low- and middle-income countries. the political climate is supportive, as evidenced by the recent Crisp report on ‘Global Health Partnerships: the UK Contribution to Health in Developing Countries’, and the Royal College of Psychiatrists volunteer scheme. However, many psychiatrists are unaware of ways in which they might contribute. In this article, we give examples of the diverse ways in which UK-based psychiatrists are already engaged in collaborative work overseas. We discuss some of the mutual benefits that such partnerships can bring and highlight the under-recognised benefits to the UK, both to the individual and to the National Health Service.
Prescribing safely in elderly psychiatric wards: survey of possible drug interactions
Authors: Vasudev Akshya , Harrison Richard 
Published: October 2008

Aims and MethodA cross-sectional survey of patient drug prescriptions on two elderly psychiatric wards was carried out to estimate the potential of drug–drug interactions. Two standardised databases, British National Formulary (BNF; British Medical Association & Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2007) and Upto Date (www.uptodate.com/), were employed.ResultsA majority (96%) of drug prescriptions in our study could potentially cause drug–drug interactions. Most patients were on multiple drugs (on average eight drugs per patient). There was poor concordance between the two databases: BNF picked up fewer cases of potential drug–drug interactions than Upto Date (43 v. 152 instances) and they also estimated the potential for hazardousness differently.Clinical ImplicationsPolypharmacy is common in elderly psychiatric patients and this increases the possibility of a drug–drug interaction. Estimating the risk of interactions depends on a sound knowledge in therapeutics and/or referring to a standardised source of information. the results of this study question the concordance of two well-referenced databases.
Invited commentary on … Patient information on schizophrenia on the internet
Authors: Shiers David , French Paul 
Published: October 2008

‘An honest tale speeds best, being plainly told.’William Shakespeare, King Richard IIIWilliam Shakespeare and a few well chosen words … 400 years on, the vellum may have been replaced by a computer screen but Kalk & Pothier remind us that simple messages plainly told still work best.
Epigenetic Regulation of E-Cadherin Controls Endometrial Receptivity
Authors: Rahnama Fahimeh , Thompson Bridget , Steiner Michael , Shafiei Farhad , Lobie Peter E. , Mitchell Murray D. 
Published: October 2008

Key to the success of human reproduction is the capacity of an embryo to attach and implant into the endometrial wall after which a nutrient supply is established through placentation. Herein, we have examined the potential epigenetic regulation of uterine receptivity by use of the receptive RL95-2 and nonreceptive AN3-CA endometrial epithelial carcinoma cell lines. Using an in vitro model of embryo implantation, we demonstrate that inhibition of DNA methylation by 5′-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (AZA), resulted in the nonreceptive AN3-CA cell line becoming receptive to BeWo cell spheroid attachment. Examination of components of the adherens junction complex revealed that AZA specifically increased the expression of E-cadherin and plakoglobin at the mRNA and protein levels in AN3-CA cells, and E-cadherin protein expression was found to localize to sites of intercellular contact. Forced expression of E-cadherin in AN3-CA cells significantly enhanced receptivity. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated depletion of the individual DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) molecules did not induce E-cadherin expression in AN3-CA cells; however, concomitant siRNA-mediated depletion of both DNMT3A and DNMT3B induced the expression of E-cadherin. Furthermore, E-cadherin expression was significantly increased after the concomitant siRNA-mediated depletion of DNMT-1, -3A, and -3B in AN3-CA cells. Therefore, we have provided evidence that E-cadherin plays an important role in uterine receptivity and that E-cadherin expression is epigenetically regulated in AN3-CA cells, suppressed by the combined actions of DNMT-1, -3A, and -3B.
Inhibition of DNA methylation increases both E-cadherin expression and receptivity in an endometrial cell line, suggesting that endometrial receptivity in human pregnancy is epigenetically regulated.