bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Injecting nation: achieving control of hepatitis C in Australia
Authors: WODAK ALEX 
Published: October 2005

AbstractSince Australia banned heroin in 1953 consumption of illicit drugs, deaths, crime and corruption related to drugs have steadily increased. Injecting drug use (IDU) in Australia is now a significant public health problem linked each year to approximately 500 overdose deaths and more than 6000 hepatitis C infections. At least 85% of prevalent and incident hepatitis C cases in Australia are injecting drug users (IDUs) with annual incidence estimated at 15%. Although poorly documented, increasing numbers of patients with end‐stage liver disease from hepatitis C now appear to present in Australia. This reflects a heroin‐injecting epidemic commencing a quarter of a century ago, the close association between drug injecting and hepatitis C and the long delay between hepatitis C infection and complications. The overall health and economic burden of hepatitis C may soon exceed HIV. Control is far more difficult to achieve for hepatitis C than HIV because of much higher baseline prevalence levels and far greater infectiousness by blood to blood spread. Transmission appears to follow minimal breaches of infection control guidelines. Hepatitis C has not yet become a priority public health issue in Australia. No national prevention strategy has been proposed. Prevention strategies (such as needle exchange or methadone) which controlled HIV among IDUs should be expanded, with the expectation of some useful reduction of spread but without achieving control of hepatitis C. Other options for control must be considered. Eradicating illicit drug use in Australia is unachievable. Virtually eradicating injecting drug use by facilitating a switch to non‐injecting routes of administration (NIROA) is achievable (although difficult) and this could control hepatitis C. NIROA will have the probable additional benefit of reducing drug overdose deaths. NIROA has begun recently to replace injecting in several countries without government intervention. Powerful cultural, pharmacological and economic factors strongly reinforce drug injecting. Economic impediments to NIROA could be reduced by drug policy reform. Facilitating a switch to NIROA carries some risk of increased discrimination directed against an already marginalized population. A major obstacle to harm reduction is the common assumption that any relaxation of drug policy invariably leads to increased consumption. Switching the predominant route of administration of illicit drugs from IDU to NIROA should be the major focus of national efforts to control hepatitis C and overdose deaths in Australia.
Deaths in the first two weeks of maintenance treatment in NSW in 1994: identifying cases of iatrogenic methadone toxicity
Authors: CAPLEHORN JOHN R. M. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractA study was undertaken to estimate the frequency of iatrogenic methadone toxicity in the first 2 weeks of maintenance treatment in NSW. Cases were identified from a list of all 1994 methadone‐associated deaths using data on methadone patients held by the NSW and Queensland Health Departments. The likely causes of death were determined from data collected from coronial files. A forensic toxicologist experienced in the area gave an independent opinion. Of the 14 deaths in the first 2 weeks of maintenance, at least 10 were primarily caused by the toxic effects of methadone prescribed by NSW doctors. The rate of fatal iatrogenic methadone toxicity was 2.2 per thousand admissions to maintenance. Victims of fatal iatrogenic toxicity often displayed signs of methadone intoxication in the days before their death. They invariably died several hours after taking the fatal dose, usually after seeming to go to sleep. Often friends or family were concerned about their welfare, were unable to rouse them from their “sleep” and frequently reported the deceased was “snoring” loudly for some time before their demise. The author recommends that patients entering methadone maintenance should be informed of the risks and should be required to give written consent to treatment. To prevent fatal methadone toxicity, patients should receive daily medical assessment during the first 1–2 weeks of maintenance.
Treatment needs of women with alcohol and other drug problems: experiences and views of Australian treatment personnel
Authors: SWIFT WENDY , COPELAND JAN 
Published: October 2005

AbstractOne hundred treatment personnel completed a structured interview as part of an Australian national study of the treatment needs of women with alcohol and other drug problems. The aim of the survey was to ascertain personnel's experiences of, and beliefs about providing services to women. Respondents had a broad range of qualifications and experience, and were generally supportive of provision of gender‐sensitive services to women. The interview addressed a number of issues, including: barriers to treatment access, ability to provide gender‐sensitive services, appropriateness of women‐only services, and addressing sexual abuse issues. It is concluded that while many agencies attempted to provide appropriate services for women, many experienced difficulties, such as a lack of resources and funding. There is a continuing need for research into the best method of service delivery for women.
Development of a questionnaire to examine the role of counsellors working with school students and their families with alcohol or other drug‐related problems
Authors: GROVE JILLIAN C. , BUSH ROBERT A. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe Role Perception Questionnaire (RPQ) was developed to measure the perceptions of school‐based counsellors who work with students or their families with alcohol, tobacco or other drug‐related problems. The Alcohol and Alcohol Problems Perception Questionnaire (AAPPQ) was used as a guide in developing the RPQ. This paper addresses the conceptual development, factor structure and internal reliability of this new questionnaire. Content and face validity were examined using expertise from the field. Statistical analysis of the 47 items resulted in the identification of four factors (sub‐scales) described as Role Adequacy, Role Support, Role Perception and Role Definition. Recommendations are made for further development of the questionnaire and its use as a tool for assessing training needs for those who work with young people in schools.
Effects of genetically modified herbicide-tolerant cropping systems on weed seedbanks in two years of following crops
Authors: Firbank L.G , Rothery P , May M.J , Clark S.J , Scott R.J , Stuart R.C , Boffey C.W.H , Brooks D.R , Champion G.T , Haughton A.J , Hawes C , Heard M.S , Dewar A.M , Perry J.N , Squire G.R 
Published: October 2005

The Farm Scale Evaluations (FSEs) showed that genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) cropping systems could influence farmland biodiversity because of their effects on weed biomass and seed production. Recently published results for winter oilseed rape showed that a switch to GMHT crops significantly affected weed seedbanks for at least 2 years after the crops were sown, potentially causing longer-term effects on other taxa. Here, we seek evidence for similar medium-term effects on weed seedbanks following spring-sown GMHT crops, using newly available data from the FSEs.
Weed seedbanks following GMHT maize were significantly higher than following conventional varieties for both the first and second years, while by contrast, seedbanks following GMHT spring oilseed rape were significantly lower over this period. Seedbanks following GMHT beet were smaller than following conventional crops in the first year after the crops had been sown, but this difference was much reduced by the second year for reasons that are not clear. These new data provide important empirical evidence for longer-term effects of GMHT cropping on farmland biodiversity.
A community‐oriented primary care nursing model in an international setting that emphasizes partnerships
Authors: Sloand Elizabeth , Groves Sara 
Published: October 2005

PurposeTo present an interdisciplinary, community‐oriented primary care nursing model that effectively draws upon the strengths of advanced practice nurses (APNs), both nurse practitioners and community health nurses.Data sourcesArticles in professional nursing journals, international data sources, and the clinical experiences of the authors, both domestic and international.ConclusionsThe model, developed domestically, was utilized successfully by APNs internationally in a medical mission endeavor in rural Haiti. Many partners, domestic and Haitian, worked as an interdisciplinary team to deliver quality health care to an impoverished population. Graduate nursing students participated in the program, which offered opportunities and challenges for both novice and expert nurses.Implications for practiceNurse practitioners, community health nurses, and nursing faculty members can use this model to enhance their professional practice. They can learn that clients can be optimally cared for whether the community served is domestic or international. Nursing faculty can teach graduate nursing students about the value of partnerships and collaboration.
Osteoporosis risk and interest in strength training in men receiving androgen ablation therapy for locally advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Ott Carol , Fulton MelissaK. 
Published: October 2005

PurposeThe overall purpose of this preliminary study to a clinical trial is to explore the feasibility of recruiting men receiving androgen ablation therapy (AAT) for locally advanced prostate cancer to a future strength training study for the prevention of osteoporosis. The threefold specific purpose of this comparative and correlational study is to (a) describe the prevalence of risk factors for osteoporosis, (b) compare functional status and symptom distress between those interested and not interested in a future strength training study, and (c) examine relationships among self‐efficacy for strength training, functional status, symptom distress, years since cancer diagnosis, and cumulative dose of AAT in this at‐risk population.MethodData were obtained from 40 Caucasian men (mean age = 75.8 years) with locally advanced prostate cancer, capable of self‐care, and receiving AAT. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaires (QLQ) EORTC QLQ‐C30 and EORTC QLQ‐PR25 (prostate cancer specific) were used to measure functional status and symptom distress. A 6‐item, investigator‐developed questionnaire was used to measure self‐efficacy for learning and overcoming barriers to strength training.ConclusionsThe majority of these men had multiple risk factors for osteoporosis, in addition to receiving AAT, and had not completed bone mineral density (BMD) testing. A high percentage (67.5%) expressed interest in a future strength training protocol for osteoporosis prevention; functional status and symptom distress did not appear to influence this interest. Several aspects of functional status and symptom distress were significantly related to self‐efficacy for learning and overcoming barriers to strength training. Years since cancer diagnosis and cumulative dose of AAT were not significantly related to self‐efficacy for strength training, but age was related. This study informs a planned future experimental study by establishing the recruitment potential and the decreased likelihood of symptom distress interfering with self‐efficacy for participation in strength training.Implications for practiceAdvanced practice nurses should complete assessments for osteoporosis risk factors, monitor height loss, order BMD testing and bone enhancing medications, and discuss lifestyle modifications including strength training to improve bone health in men receiving AAT for prostate cancer.
Macrophage activation switching: an asset for the resolution of inflammation
Authors: Porcheray F , Viaud S , Rimaniol A-C , Léone C , Samah B , Dereuddre-Bosquet N , Dormont D , Gras G 
Published: October 2005

SummaryMacrophages play a central role in inflammation and host defence against microorganisms, but they also participate actively in the resolution of inflammation after alternative activation. However, it is not known whether the resolution of inflammation requires alternative activation of new resting monocytes/macrophages or if proinflammatory activated macrophages have the capacity to switch their activation towards anti-inflammation. In order to answer this question, we first characterized differential human macrophage activation phenotypes. We found that CD163 and CD206 exhibited mutually exclusive induction patterns after stimulation by a panel of anti-inflammatory molecules, whereas CCL18 showed a third, overlapping, pattern. Hence, alternative activation is not a single process, but provides a variety of different cell populations. The capacity of macrophages to switch from one activation state to another was then assessed by determining the reversibility of CD163 and CD206 expression and of CCL18 and CCL3 production. We found that every activation state was rapidly and fully reversible, suggesting that a given cell may participate sequentially in both the induction and the resolution of inflammation. These findings may provide new insight into the inflammatory process as well as new fields of investigation for immunotherapy in the fields of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Protein kinase-A-dependent osteoprotegerin production on interleukin-1 stimulation in human gingival fibroblasts is distinct from periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Hormdee D , Nagasawa T , Kiji M , Yashiro R , Kobayashi H , Koshy G , Noguchi K , Nitta H , Ishikawa I 
Published: October 2005

SummaryPeriodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is characterized by increased expression of interleukin (IL)-1 and other inflammatory mediators resulting in extensive osteoclast formation and bone loss. Expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) and its decoy receptor, osteoprotegerin (OPG), by osteoblasts is important to regulate osteoclast differentiation. The aim of the present study was to investigate the regulatory effects of IL-1 on RANKL and OPG production by mesenchymal fibroblasts in periodontal tissue. Human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDL) were stimulated with IL-1α with or without protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX), protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) inhibitor. In some experiments, the cultured cells were directly stimulated with either PKA or PKC activators. In HGF, IL-1α-stimulated OPG mRNA expression was high and could be reduced by CHX. PKA inhibitor completely abrogated IL-1α-induced OPG mRNA expression and OPG production. Endogenous PGE2 further enhanced IL-1α-induced OPG production in HGF. In PDL, RANKL mRNA expression was greatly augmented by IL-1α. IL-1α induced OPG mRNA expression and protein production. PKC inhibitor partially reduced IL-1α-induced OPG production and PKC activator enhanced OPG production in PDL. The IL-1α-stimulated OPG mRNA expression in HGF was greater than PDL. These results provide new evidence for the possible osteoclastogenesis-inhibitory function of HGF through PKA activity pathway. PDL utilized PKC for OPG production. Thus, we emphasize that HGF and PDL have different characteristics of host defence mechanism against inflammatory process.
Early environmental factors and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Edwards C J , Cooper C 
Published: October 2005

Summary
The precise cause of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains uncertain. In recent years there has been extensive investment in pursuing genes important in RA. However, estimates suggest that the risk of developing RA is at most 50% determined by genes. There has been limited success defining the environmental factors important in developing RA. We hypothesize that this lack of success may be due to a concentration on the time around disease onset. There is evidence of production of the autoantibodies rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) and increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) years before RA becomes clinically apparent. In addition, early life events including intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) may have long lasting effects on immune function. We review the evidence that the early environment through effects on growth and infectious exposure may influence the likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases such as RA.
Protective effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) in an experimental model of pemphigus vulgaris
Authors: Mimouni D , Blank M , Ashkenazi L , Milner Y , Frusic-Zlotkin M , Anhalt G J , David M , Shoenfeld Y 
Published: October 2005

SummaryUncontrolled studies have found intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) to be effective in the treatment of pemphigus vulgaris (PV). The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of IVIG in preventing IgG autoantibodies binding to desmoglein-3 and blister formation using a controlled experimental design. The ability of IVIG to affect the binding of IgG affinity purified from two patients with PV to desmoglein-3 in comparison to IgG from one donor, was conducted by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The specificity was confirmed by competition assay. We assessed the effect of IVIG on the induction of experimental-PV in CD1 newborn mice by subcutaneous subjection of IgG affinity purified from two patients with PV. The treatment was conducted by subcutaneous administration of IVIG together with IgG from the pemphigus patients or appropriate control. The skin of the newborns was examined 24–48 h later for blisters, and samples of the affected areas were analysed by immunohistochemistry. IVIG as a whole molecule and its F(ab)2 portion inhibited the binding of anti-desmoglein-3 antibody to recombinant desmoglein-3 in a dose-dependent manner. The specificity was confirmed by competition assays. In-vivo, IVIG and its F(ab)2 portion prevented blister formation in the newborn mice. Cutaneous lesions were noted only in the groups of newborn mice who were injected with IgG fractions from the PV patients. Immunopathological evaluation revealed that IVIG prevented the formation of acanthylosis with IgG deposition in the intercellular spaces. These results point to the efficacy of IVIG in the prevention of blister formation in an experimental PV model.
C : N : P stoichiometry of dominant riparian trees and arthropods along the Middle Rio Grande
Authors: TIBBETS TERESA M. , MOLLES MANUEL C. 
Published: October 2005

Summary1. We examined the role of flooding on the leaf nutrient content of riparian trees by comparing the carbon : nitrogen : phosphorus (C : N : P) ratio of leaves and litter of Rio Grande cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. wislizenii) in flood and non‐flood sites along the Middle Rio Grande, NM, U.S.A. The leaf C : N : P ratio was also examined for two non‐native trees, saltcedar (Tamarix chinensis) and Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia), and six species of dominant riparian arthropods.2. Living leaves and leaf litter of cottonwoods at flood sites had a significantly lower leaf N : P ratio and higher %P compared with leaves and litter at non‐flood sites. A non‐flood site downstream from wastewater effluent had a significantly lower litter C : N ratio than all other sites, suggesting N fertilisation through ground water. The non‐native trees, saltcedar and Russian olive, had higher mean leaf N content, N : P ratio, and lower C : N ratio compared with cottonwoods across study sites.3. Riparian arthropods ranged from 5.2 to 7.1 for C : N ratio, 56–216 for C : P ratio, and 8.9–34 for N : P ratio. C content ranged from 25 to 52% of dry mass, N content from 4.7 to 10.8%, and P content from 0.59 to 1.2%. Differences in stoichiometry between high C : nutrient leaf litter and low C : nutrient invertebrates suggests possible food‐quality constraints for detritivores.4. These results suggest that spatial and temporal variation in the C : N : P ratio of cottonwood leaves and leaf litter is influenced by surface and subsurface hydrologic connection within the floodplain. Reach‐scale variation in the elemental composition of riparian organic matter inputs may have important implications for decomposition, nutrient cycling, and food webs in river floodplain systems.
Genetic divergence of three freshwater isopod species from southern New Zealand
Authors: McGaughran Angela , Hogg Ian D. , Stevens Mark I. , Lindsay Chadderton W. , Winterbourn Michael J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractAim  We examined the biogeography of three freshwater isopod species (Austridotea annectens, A. lacustris, A. benhami), and tested the hypotheses that genetic differences would: (1) exist between geographic locations; and (2) correspond to known geological events (e.g. appearance of islands leading to the availability of habitat).Location  Southern New Zealand, including South Island, Stewart Island, Campbell Island and Chatham Islands.Methods  We examined specimens throughout the known species range from 12 populations of A. lacustris, five populations of A. annectens, and three populations of A. benhami, using mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome c oxidase I) sequence analyses.Results  We resolved three main clades corresponding to the three species, with 16% sequence divergence between A. annectens and A. benhami, and 31% divergence between these species and A. lacustris. Divergence within A. benhami was < 2.0%. However, divergence within A. lacustris reached up to 10% with four main groupings: (1) Chatham Islands; (2) Campbell Island; (3) Fiordland; and (4) east coast South Island and Stewart Island. Divergence within A. annectens reached up to 4.4%, with two main groupings: (1) Chatham Islands and (2) east coast South Island and Stewart Island. Patterns of genetic divergence were most likely the result of geographical isolation among A. lacustris and A. annectens populations. In particular, the divergence of A. lacustris and A. annectens on Chatham Islands may correspond to the availability of this habitat c. 4 Ma, whereas the divergence of A. lacustris on the much older Campbell Island and in Fiordland may indicate either a rare founder event or a change in ocean circulation that resulted in their isolation from a once more widespread gene pool.Main conclusions  The three New Zealand species of Austridotea are genetically distinct, with up to 31% divergence between species. Genetic variability was highest between populations of the two most widely distributed species, and divergence was greatest on islands distant from mainland New Zealand and in the discrete Fiordland region. The magnitude of genetic divergence of isopods on the Auckland and Chatham Islands is consistent with these populations having been founded in the Pliocene via oceanic dispersal from mainland New Zealand.