bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reduced apoptosis of memory T-cells in the inner airway wall of mild and severe asthma
Authors: Lamb J. P. , James A. , Carroll N. , Siena L. , Elliot J. , Vignola† A. M. 
Published: July 2005

Effector memory T-cells (CD45RO+) may provide pro-inflammatory signals that contribute to the persistent airway inflammation that is characteristic of asthma, and reduced apoptosis of these cells may prolong their effects.The present authors compared apoptosis of CD45RO+ T-cells in the inner airway wall in nonfatal asthma (n = 7), fatal asthma (n = 7) and control (n = 8) cases. Apoptotic cells were identified using both the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dNTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) technique and cell morphology.The percentage of CD45RO+ T-cells that were apoptotic was significantly greater in control cases compared with nonfatal and fatal cases of asthma, respectively, in small (42±19, 16±9, 7±6%), medium (40±12, 15±11, 12±8%) and large airways (42±15, 23±18, 18±12%). The reduction in the percentage of apoptotic CD45RO+ cells in the cases of asthma was observed in both blood vessels and the interstitium in large airways.In conclusion, these data suggest that reduced apoptosis may prolong the active life of effector memory T-cells in the airways. It is possible that survival signals may be received before cells migrate into the interstitium of the inner airway wall.
A commercial line probe assay for the rapid detection of rifampicin resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Morgan Maureen , Kalantri Shriprakash , Flores Laura , Pai Madhukar 
Published: July 2005

AbstractBackgroundMycobacterium tuberculosisis a leading cause of death worldwide. In multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) infectiousness is frequently prolonged, jeopardizing efforts to control TB. The conventional tuberculosis drug susceptibility tests are sensitive and specific, but they are not rapid. The INNO-LiPA Rif. TB®(LiPA) is a commercial line probe assay designed to rapidly detect rifampicin resistance, a marker of MDR-TB. Although LiPA has shown promising results, its overall accuracy has not been systematically evaluated.MethodsWe did a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the accuracy of LiPA for the detection of rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis among culture isolates and clinical specimens. We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, BIOSIS, and Google Scholar, and contacted authors, experts and the manufacturer. Fifteen studies met our inclusion criteria. Of these, 11 studies used culture isolates, one used clinical specimens, and three used both. We used a summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve and Q* index to perform meta-analysis and summarize diagnostic accuracy.ResultsTwelve of 14 studies that applied LiPA to isolates had sensitivity greater than 95%, and 12 of 14 had specificity of 100%. The four studies that applied LiPA directly to clinical specimens had 100% specificity, and sensitivity that ranged between 80% and 100%. The SROC curve had an area of 0.99 and Q* of 0.97.ConclusionLiPA is a highly sensitive and specific test for the detection of rifampicin resistance in culture isolates. The test appears to have relatively lower sensitivity when used directly on clinical specimens. More evidence is needed before LiPA can be used to detect MDR-TB among populations at risk in clinical practice.
Agricultural, domestic and handicraft folk uses of plants in the Tyrrhenian sector of Basilicata (Italy)
Authors: Salerno Giovanni , Guarrera Paolo Maria , Caneva Giulia 
Published: July 2005

Abstract

Background
Research was carried out into agricultural and domestic-handicraft uses in folk traditions in the Tyrrhenian sector of the Basilicata region (southern Italy), as it is typically representative of ethnobotanical applications in the Mediterranean area. From the point of view of furnishing a botanical support for the study of local "material culture" data was collected through field interviews of 49 informants, most of whom were farmers.

Results
The taxa cited are 60, belonging to 32 botanical families, of which 18 are employed for agricultural uses and 51 for domestic-handicraft folk uses. Data show a diffuse use of plants for many purposes, both in agricultural (present uses 14%; past uses 1%) and for domestic-handicraft use (present uses 40%; past uses 45%); most of the latter are now in decline.

Conclusion
60 data look uncommon or typical of the places studied. Some domestic-handicraft folk uses are typical of southern Italy (e.g. the use of Ampelodesmos mauritanicus for making ties, ropes, torches, baskets or that of Acer neapolitanum for several uses). Other uses (e.g. that of Inula viscosa and Calamintha nepeta for peculiar brooms, and of Origanum heracleoticum for dyeing wool red) are previously unpublished.
A guide to cost-effectiveness acceptability curves
Authors: Fenwick Elisabeth , Byford Sarah 
Published: July 2005

SummaryUse of cost-effectiveness acceptability curves, as a method for summarising information on uncertainty cost-effectiveness, has become widespread within applied studies. This includes several studies in the mental health field. This editorial uses examples from recent papers to illustrate how cost effectiveness acceptability curves are constructed, what they represent and how they should be interpreted.
Changes and predictors of change in objective and subjective quality of life
Authors: Ruggeri Mirella , Nosè Michela , Bonetto Chiara , Cristofalo Doriana , Lasalvia Antonio , Salvi Giovanni , Stefani Benedetta , Malchiodi Francesca , Tansella Michele 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundThere is little knowledge of the predictors of objective and subjective quality of life.AimsTo describe changes at 2 and 6 years in objective and subjective quality of life in 261 individuals attending a community mental health service and to identify predictors of change in each life domain.MethodProspective study of demographic, diagnostic and service utilisation characteristics, psychopathology, functioning, disability, self-esteem, affect balance and service satisfaction.ResultsFemale gender, unmarried status, older age, less education and greater disability predicted a worsening of objective quality of life over time, but explain a small amount of variance. The variance in subjective quality of life was higher (>40%). Greater clinician-rated anxiety and depressive symptoms had a negative effect on satisfaction with health and general well-being. Psychological status, self-esteem and satisfaction with service were the most important predictors in almost all subjective domains; these variables should be important targets for treatment.ConclusionsThis study is the first to provide information to enable clinicians to make prognostic judgements about quality of life and plan effective therapeutic strategies to improve quality of life.
Perceived functioning, well-being and psychiatric symptoms in patients with stable schizophrenia treated with long-acting risperidone for 1 year
Authors: Fleischhacker W. Wolfgang , Rabinowitz Jonathan , Kemmler Georg , Eerdekens Mariëlle , Mehnert Angelika 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundThe extent to which antipsychotics improve patients' well-being is uncertain.AimsTo examine psychopathology and patient-rated functioning and well-being in patients treated with risperidone.MethodIn a 1-year, open-label, international multicentre trial of long-acting risperidone in 615 stable adult patients with schizophrenia, self-rated functioning and well-being were measured every 3 months using the Short Form 36-item questionnaire (SF–36). Psychopathology was quantified using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS).ResultsSignificant improvements were found on the SF–36 mental component summary score and vitality and social functioning scales. PANSS and mental component summary scores were moderately correlated.ConclusionsPatient-reported functioning and well-being appear to differ from investigator-rated psychotic symptoms. Patient-rated well-being should be assessed with symptoms to help measure treatment outcomes.
Effect of switching antipsychotics on antiparkinsonian medication use in schizophrenia
Authors: Park Sylvia , Ross-Degnan Dennis , Adams Alyce S. , Sabin James , Kanavos Panos , Soumerai Stephen B. 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundThe extent to which atypical antipsychotics have a lower incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms than typical antipsychotics has not been well-evaluated in community practice.AimsTo examine the effects of switching antipsychotics on antiparkinsonian medication use among individuals with schizophrenia in UK general practices.MethodWe included those switched from typical to atypical antipsychotics (n=209) or from one typical antipsychotic to another (n=261) from 1994 to 1998.ResultsAntiparkinsonian drug prescribing dropped by 9.2% after switching to atypical antipsychotics (P< 0.0001). Switching to olanzapine decreased the rate by 19.2% (P < 0.0001), but switching to risperidone had no impact. After switching from one typical antipsychotic to another, antiparkinsonian drug prescribing increased by 12.9% (P< 0.0001).ConclusionsReduction in antiparkinsonian medication use after switching to atypical antipsychotics was substantial in community practice but not as large as in randomised controlled trials. The rate of reduction varied according to the type of medication.
Roles of psychiatrists and other professionals in mental healthcare
Authors: Hutschemaekers Giel , Tiemens Bea , Kaasenbrood Ad 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundProfessional boundaries between psychiatrists and other mental health professionals are difficult to set. Empirical evidence for the distribution of diagnostic and treatment tasks among professionals is lacking.AimsThis study examines the ‘collective sense of the profession’ about the relationship between patient characteristics and the contribution of tasks by disciplines.MethodAn adapted RAND appropriateness method was used. Eighty-six professionals judged 77 case descriptions of psychiatric patients on the contribution to diagnostic and treatment tasks of eight selected disciplines.ResultsIn two multi-level models the variance explained by the judges' characteristics was 3.7% for diagnostic tasks and 4.5% for treatment tasks. The variance explained by the patient characteristics was zero for diagnostic and 0.5% for treatment tasks. The variance explained by the indicated disciplines was 36.8% for diagnostic and 12.6% for treatment tasks.ConclusionsThe collective sense of the profession on the contribution of psychiatrists to mental healthcare is unambiguous but not related to patient characteristics. It seems to be based on an apriori ranking order of disciplines.
Distress in Parkinson's disease: Contributions of disease factors and metacognitive style
Authors: Allott Rory , Wells Adrian , Morrison Anthony P. , Walker Richard 
Published: July 2005

SummaryResearch has suggested that the high levels of depression and anxiety observed in Parkinson's disease are a primary consequence of its pathophysiology. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that a psychological factor, metacognitive style, is significantly associated with distress, independent of previously identified disease-related risk factors. Distress, metacognitive style and disease factors were assessed in 44 people with a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. People with a specific metacognitive style had an increased vulnerability to distress over and above previously identified disease factors; this suggests future directions for the development of psychological interventions.
Clinical detection of schizophrenia-prone individuals
Authors: Parnas Josef 
Published: July 2005

SummaryIssues that undermine the early detection of schizophrenia include an inadequate grasp of the construct validity of the concept of schizophrenia, insufficient conceptualisation of psychosis and of the illness onset, and a general lack of a theoretical framework for psychopathology. Subjective experience is emphasised as a potentially promising domain for future research.
Effect of an early detection programme on duration of untreated psychosis
Authors: Friis Svein , Vaglum Per , Haahr Ulrik , Johannessen Jan Olav , Larsen Tor K. , Melle Ingrid , Opjordsmoen Stein , Rund Bj⊘rn Risovd , Simonsen Erik , Mcglashan Thomas H. 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundIt is unclear whether an early detection programme increases or decreases the number of patients with a long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), and whether these differ from other patients with a long DUP.AimsTo investigate whether the number and characteristics of patients with a long DUP in the early detection programme differ from those with along DUP in the non-earlydetection programme.MethodWe compared the number and characteristics of patients with a DUP $2 years in an early detection area and a non-early detection area.ResultsThe early detection programme recruited slightly fewer patients with a long DUP than the non-early detection programme. The patients in the early detection programme had lower PANSS scores, but more frequently had a deteriorating course of premorbid social functioning.ConclusionsAn early detection programme does not seem to drain a pool of previously undetected patients with a long DUP. The patients in the early detection programme seem to have a lower symptom level at baseline and to have had a deteriorating premorbid social course.
Expressed emotion as an adaptation to loss
Authors: Patterson Paul , Birchwood Max , Cochrane Ray 
Published: July 2005

BackgroundThe factors influencing the development of expressed emotion (EE) are still unclear. Understanding the carer and patient appraisals operating during the initial adaptation to psychosis may help to clarify the early ontogenesis of EE.MethodFifty patients and key carers were followed-up over 9 months and their appraisals of loss and burden were measured in relation to the evolution of high emotional overinvolvement (EOI) and critical (CC) relationships.ResultsThe appraisal of loss was linked to high EOI but not high CC relationships at baseline. Loss reduced by 9-month follow-up in those changing from high EOI to high CC or low EE. Subjective burden of carers was linked to loss but not to EE status. Patients' and relatives' appraisals of loss were strongly correlated, particularly in high EOI relationships. Longer duration of untreated psychosis was associated with high CC.ConclusionsThe results are consistent with Bowlby's attachment theory, where EOI and coercive criticism maybe understood as adaptive reactions to perceived loss. Implications for family intervention in first-episode psychosis and the prevention of high EE are discussed.
The Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas: Development of a Functional Atlas of Nuclear Receptors
Authors: Margolis Ronald N. , Evans Ronald M. , O’Malley Bert W. ,   and the NURSA Atlas Consortium
Published: July 2005

Abstract
The Nuclear Receptor Signaling Atlas (NURSA) was developed by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH); the aim of NURSA is to utilize classical approaches to validate existing hypotheses and exploit new and emerging technologies to formulate and test new hypotheses that might elucidate the program of nuclear receptor (NR) structure, function, and role in disease. The means for carrying out this ambitious program required development of interactions among investigators and the combined application of new high-throughput technologies and existing approaches to allow for both mechanistic studies and accrual of large datasets in a discovery-based research effort, all leading to advances with implications for the missions of the NIDDK, NIA, and NCI. A team-based multidisciplinary approach has allowed for both objectives to proceed simultaneously, tied together via a central bioinformatics resource and one web-accessible venue (www.nursa.org). The ultimate goals for the NURSA consortium are to: 1) establish the mechanistic principles of NR function, 2) characterize NR-coregulator complex formation and regulation, 3) map protein-protein interactions for coregulators, 4) identify candidate downstream target genes of NR action, 5) identify target tissue expression of NRs, 6) understand the regulation of NR expression and, 7) integrate existing and emerging information through NURSA bioinformatics tools.
Incidence and Remission Rates of Overweight Among Children Aged 5 to 13 Years in a District-Wide School Surveillance System
Authors: Kim Juhee , Must Aviva , Fitzmaurice Garrett M. , Gillman Matthew W. , Chomitz Virginia , Kramer Ellen , McGowan Robert , Peterson Karen E. 
Published: July 2005

Objectives. To monitor annual changes in weight status, we determined incidence and remission rates of overweight among school-aged children with longitudinal school-based surveillance. Methods. We estimated 1-year changes in weight status among students enrolled in public schools in Cambridge, Mass. Physical education teachers measured height and weight annually. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were estimated via multivariate logistic regression, accounting for repeated observations of individual children across years. Results. The 1-year incidence of overweight was 4%, and the remission rate was 15%. Among overweight children, 85% remained overweight at a 1-year follow-up, while 18% of children at risk for overweight became overweight. Overweight incidence rates were higher among children aged 7 and 8 years than among those aged 11 to 13 years (boys: OR=1.68; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.14, 2.47; girls: OR=1.86; 95% CI=1.25, 2.77). Conclusions. Both incidence and remission rates were higher among younger children. Children who were at risk for overweight were more likely to change their weight status than those who were already overweight. Our results support targeting overweight prevention efforts toward younger children and children at risk for overweight.
Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Detroit Partnership: Improving Diabetes-Related Outcomes Among African American and Latino Adults
Authors: Two Feathers Jacqueline , Kieffer Edith C. , Palmisano Gloria , Anderson Mike , Sinco Brandy , Janz Nancy , Heisler Michele , Spencer Mike , Guzman Ricardo , Thompson Janice , Wisdom Kimberlydawn , James Sherman A. 
Published: July 2005

Objectives. We sought to determine the effects of a community-based, culturally tailored diabetes lifestyle intervention on risk factors for diabetes complications among African Americans and Latinos with type 2 diabetes. Methods. One hundred fifty-one African American and Latino adults with diabetes were recruited from 3 health care systems in Detroit, Michigan, to participate in the Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Detroit Partnership diabetes lifestyle intervention. The curriculum, delivered by trained community residents, was aimed at improving dietary, physical activity, and diabetes self-care behaviors. Baseline and postintervention levels of diabetes-specific quality-of-life, diet, physical activity, self-care knowledge and behaviors, and hemoglobin A1C were assessed. Results. There were statistically significant improvements in postintervention dietary knowledge and behaviors and physical activity knowledge. A statistically significant improvement in A1C level was achieved among REACH Detroit program participants (P<.0001) compared with a group of patients with diabetes in the same health care system in which no significant changes were observed (P=.160). Conclusions. A culturally tailored diabetes lifestyle intervention delivered by trained community residents produced significant improvement in dietary and diabetes self-care related knowledge and behaviors as well as important metabolic improvements.
Nanostructured Composite Materials with Improved Deformation Behavior
Authors: Eckert J. , Kühn U. , Das J. , Scudino S. , Radtke N. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe recent progress in the development of nanostructured composites is described for Zr‐base multicomponent alloys as a typical example for such materials. These advanced composite materials are attractive candidates for structural as well as functional applications. The combination of high strength with high elastic strain of fully nanocrystalline and glassy alloys renders them quite unique in comparison to conventional (micro‐)crystalline materials. However, one major drawback for their use in engineering applications is the often limited macroscopic plastic deformability, despite the fact that some of these alloys show perfectly elastic‐plastic deformation behavior. To improve the room temperature ductility of either fully nanocrystalline or amorphous alloys, the concept of developing a heterogeneous microstructure combining a glassy or nanostructured matrix with second‐phase particles with a different length‐scale, has recently been employed. This review describes the composition dependent metastable phase formation in the Zr‐(Ti/Nb)‐Cu‐Ni‐Al alloy system, which in turn alters the mechanical properties of the alloys. We emphasize the possibilities to manipulate such composite microstructures in favor of either strength or ductility, or a combination of both, and also discuss the acquired ability to synthesize such in‐situ high‐strength composite microstructures in bulk form through inexpensive processing routes.
Cover Picture: Thermal Conductivity Imaging of Thermal Barrier Coatings (Adv. Eng. Mater. 7/2005)
Authors: Zheng X. , Cahill D. G. , Zhao J.‐C. 
Published: July 2005

AbstractThe cover shows a SEM backscattered electron image of a cross‐sectional thermal barrier coating (TBC) system on the bottom and its correspondent thermal conductivity image on the top. The thermal conductivity image was collected using a novel time‐domain thermoreflectance technique with a femtosecond laser and it reveals the conductivity variation in the TBC system, especially in the bond coat. The thermal conductivity value of each point/pixel has an accuracy of 8 % and a spatial resolution of ∼ 3 mm. More on thermal condcutivity imaging can be found in the article by J.‐C. Zhao et al. on page 622.
Molecular and phenotypic characterization of ring chromosome 22
Authors: Jeffries Aaron R , Curran Sarah , Elmslie Frances , Sharma Ajay , Wenger Sharon , Hummel Marybeth , Powell John 
Published: July 2005

AbstractWe performed a phenotype study of 35 individuals (19 males, 16 females) with ring chromosome 22 or r(22) with a mean age of 10 years. In common with other studies, a phenotype of moderate‐to‐profound learning difficulties and delay or absence of speech affected all individuals with the exception of the case with the smallest deletion. Autistic traits were significantly associated with r(22), as shown by an autism screening questionnaire. Mild and variable dysmorphic features, predominantly craniofacial and distal limb, were observed. Internal organ involvement was uncommon. Even though ring chromosomes are reportedly associated with growth abnormalities, only 2 out of 24 individuals showed evidence of growth failure, while 2 showed accelerated growth. Chromosome 22 long arm deletions, as determined by hemizygosity for informative microsatellite markers, varied from <67 kb to 10.2 Mb in size (or <0.15 to 21% of total chromosome length), with no significant differences in the parental origin of the ring chromosome. Few phenotypic features correlated with deletion size suggesting a critical gene, or genes, of major effect lies close to the telomere. Loss of the SHANK3/PROSAP2 gene has been proposed to be responsible for the main neurological developmental deficits observed in 22q13 monosomies. This study supports this candidate gene by identifying a phenotypically normal r(22) individual whose ring chromosome does not disrupt SHANK3. All other r(22) individuals were hemizygous for SHANK3, and we propose it to be a candidate gene for autism or abnormal brain development. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.