bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Smooth muscle cell matrix metalloproteinases in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Lepetit H. , Eddahibi S. , Fadel E. , Frisdal E. , Munaut C. , Noel A. , Humbert M. , Adnot S. , D'Ortho M-P. , Lafuma C. 
Published: April 2005

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) results from persistent vasoconstriction, smooth muscle growth and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling of pulmonary arteries (PAs). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are matrix-degrading enzymes involved in ECM turnover, and in smooth muscle cell (SMC) and endothelial cell migration and proliferation. MMP expression and activity are increased in experimental PAH. Therefore, this study investigated whether similar changes occur in idiopathic PAH (IPAH; formerly known as primary pulmonary hypertension).Bothin situandin vitrostudies were performed on PAs from patients undergoing lung transplantation for IPAH and from patients treated by lobectomy for localised lung cancer, who served as controls.In IPAH, MMP–tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) imbalance was found in cultured PA-SMCs, with increased TIMP-1 and decreased MMP-3. MMP-2 activity was markedly elevated as a result of increases in both total MMP-2 and proportion of active MMP-2.In situzymography and immunolocalisation showed that MMP-2 was associated with SMCs and elastic fibres, and also confirmed the MMP-3–TIMP-1 imbalance.In conclusion, the findings of this study were consistent with a role for the matrix metalloproteinase–tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase system in pulmonary vascular remodelling in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. The matrix metalloproteinase–tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase imbalance may lead to matrix accumulation, and increased matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity may contribute to smooth muscle cell migration and proliferation. Whether these abnormalities are potential therapeutic targets deserves further investigation.
Effects of chronic widespread pain on the health status and quality of life of women after breast cancer surgery
Authors: Burckhardt Carol S , Jones Kim D 
Published: April 2005

AbstractBackgroundMost research and treatment of post-breast cancer chronic pain has focused on local or regional pain problems in the operated area. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare and contrast the pain characteristics, symptom impact, health status, and quality of life of post-breast cancer surgery women with regional chronic pain versus those with widespread chronic pain.MethodsA cross-sectional, descriptive design compared two groups of women with chronic pain that began after surgery: regional pain (n = 11) and widespread pain (n = 12). Demographics, characteristics of the surgery, as well as standardized questionnaires that measured pain (Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ-SF)), disease impact (Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FACT-B)), health status (Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-36)) and quality of life (Quality of Life Scale (QOLS)) were gathered.ResultsThere were no significant differences between the groups on any demographic or type of surgery variable. A majority of both groups described their pain as aching, tender, and sharp on the MPQ-SF. On the BPI, intensity of pain and pain interference were significantly higher in the widespread pain group. Differences between the two groups reached statistical significance on the FIQ total score as well as the FACT-B physical well-being, emotional well-being and breast concerns subscales. The SF-36 physical function, physical role, and body pain subscales were significantly lower in the widespread pain group. QOLS scores were lower in the widespread pain group, but did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionThis preliminary work suggests that the women in this study who experienced widespread pain after breast cancer surgery had significantly more severity of pain, pain impact and lower physical health status than those with regional pain.
Promoting research use in speech and language therapy: a cluster randomized controlled trial to compare the clinical effectiveness and costs of two training strategies
Authors: Pennington Lindsay , Roddam Hazel , Burton Christopher , Russell Ian , Russell Daphne 
Published: April 2005

Objective: To evaluate the clinical and cost effectiveness of two training strategies to promote the use of research evidence in speech and language therapy (SLT) management of poststroke dysphagia. Design: Pragmatic, cluster randomized trial. Setting: Seventeen SLT departments in north-west England. Participants: Two SLTs from each department received training and cascaded information across their department. Process of care was measured from the notes of 708 patients with acute poststroke dysphagia across eight departments allocated to training strategy A, and 762 patients across nine departments in strategy B. Interventions: Strategy A: training on the critical appraisal of published research papers and practice guidelines. Strategy B: strategy A plus training on management of change in clinical practice. Main outcome measures: Pre-and post-training adherence to practice guidelines in poststroke dysphagia management, based on a review of case notes. Incremental cost of increased adherence to clinical guidelines. Results: Departments' practice differed in adherence to guidelines. Departments changed following training ( F=2.22, df 16, 1436, p=0.004). The effect of training strategy on clinical practice was not significant. Strategy B departments engaged in more activities relating to research use following training than strategy A. Total costs of training averaged £2001, t2892, $3886 (SD £502, t726, $975) for strategy A and £3366, t4866, $6537 (SD £2121, t3066, $4119) for strategy B. Conclusions: Training in research implementation in addition to critical appraisal and guideline introduction is associated with increased dissemination activities and awareness of research information, but not with changes in clinical practice within six months of training. The department in which SLTs work influences their use of research. The process of poststroke dysphagia management can be measured using a tool developed from practice guidelines.
Anaesthesia Care of Older Patients as Experienced by Nurse Anaesthetists
Authors: Mauleon Annika Larsson , Palo-Bengtsson Liisa , Ekman Sirkka-Liisa 
Published: April 2005

This article analyses problem situations in the context of anaesthesia care. It considers what it means for nurse anaesthetists to be in problematic situations in the anaesthesia care of older patients. Benner’s interpretive phenomenological approach proved useful for this purpose. Paradigm cases are used to aid the analysis of individual nurses’ experiences. Thirty narrated problematic anaesthesia care situations derived from seven interviews were studied. These show that experienced nurse anaesthetists perceive anaesthesia care as problematic and highly demanding when involving older patients. To be in problematic anaesthesia care situations means becoming morally distressed, which arises from the experience or from being prevented from acting according to one’s legal and moral duty of care. An important issue that emerged from this study was the need for an ethical forum to discuss and articulate moral issues, so that moral stress of the kind experienced by these nurse anaesthetists can be dealt with and hopefully reduced.
Regional volume deviations of brain structure in schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder
Authors: McDonald Colm , Bullmore Ed , Sham Pak , Chitnis Xavier , Suckling John , Maccabe James , Walshe Muriel , Murray Robin M. 
Published: April 2005

BackgroundIt is unclear whether schizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder are associated with similar deviations of brain morphometry.AimsTo assess volumetric abnormalities of grey and white matter throughout the entire brain in individuals with schizophrenia or with bipolar disorder compared with the same control group.MethodBrain scans were obtained by magnetic resonance imaging from 25 people with schizophrenia, 37 with bipolar disorder who had experienced psychotic symptoms and 52 healthy volunteers. Regional deviation in grey and white matter volume was assessed using computational morphometry.ResultsIndividuals with schizophrenia had distributed grey matter deficit predominantly involving the fronto-temporal neocortex, medial temporal lobe, insula, thalamus and cerebellum, whereas those with bipolar disorder had no significant regions of grey matter abnormality. Both groups had anatomically overlapping white matter deficits in regions normally occupied by major longitudinal and interhemispheric tracts.ConclusionsSchizophrenia and psychotic bipolar disorder are associated with distinct grey matter deficits but anatomically coincident white matter abnormalities.
Pathogenesis of schizophrenia: a psychopathological perspective
Authors: Owens D. G. Cunningham , Miller Patrick , Lawrie Stephen M. , Johnstone Eve C. 
Published: April 2005

BackgroundDespite interest in early treatment of schizophrenia, premorbid and prodromal symptomatology remain poorly delineated.AimsTo compare pre-illness symptomatology in patients at high risk of schizophrenia who progress to illness with that of high-risk subjects who remain well and with normal controls.MethodUsing Present State Examination (PSE) data, symptomatic scales were devised from participants of the Northwick Park Study of first-episode schizophrenia and scores were compared on the first and last PSEs of participants of the Edinburgh High Risk Study.ResultsAt entry, when still well, high-risk individuals who subsequently became ill (mean time to diagnosis 929 days; s.e.=138 days) scored significantly higher on ‘situational anxiety’, ‘nervous tension’, ‘depression’, ‘changed perception’ and ‘hallucinations' than those remaining well and normal controls, who did not differ. With illness onset, affective symptomatology remained high but essentially stable.ConclusionsIn genetically predisposed individuals, affective and perceptual disorders are prominent before any behavioural or subjective change that usually characterises the shift to schizophrenic prodrome or active illness.
Care staff training in detection of depression in residential homes for the elderly
Authors: Eisses A. M. H. , Kluiter H. , Jongenelis K. , Pot A. M. , Beekman A. T. F. , Ormel J. 
Published: April 2005

BackgroundMany people with depression in residential care homes for the elderly do not receive treatment because their depression remains undetected.AimsTo determine the effects of staff training on the detection, treatment and outcome of depression in residents often homes.MethodWe conducted a randomised controlled trial in ten residential homes. The intervention consisted of a training programme for staff and collaborative evaluation by staff and a mental health specialist of residents with possible depression.ResultsRecognition of depression increased more in homes where staff received the training than in the control homes. Treatment rates also increased compared with control homes, but the increase was not significant. Residents with depressive symptoms had a more favourable course when staff had received training. Moreover, the prevalence of depressive symptoms decreased, but the decrease was not significant.ConclusionsTraining of care staff results in the increased detection of depression in the elderly, a trend towards more treatment and better outcomes.
Distinctive neurocognitive effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and electroconvulsive therapy in major depression
Authors: Schulze-Rauschenbach Svenja C. , Harms Uta , Schlaepfer Thomas E. , Maier Wolfgang , Falkai Peter , Wagner Michael 
Published: April 2005

BackgroundStudies have compared electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) with regard to clinical efficacy in the treatment of depression, but no study has yet addressed the differential impact on cognition.AimsTo compare the neurocognitive effects of unilateral ECT and rTMS.MethodThirty patients with treatment-refractory non-psychotic major depression received an average of ten treatments with either unilateral ECT or left prefrontal rTMS and were assessed for objective and subjective cognitive impairments before and about a week after treatment.ResultsTreatment response was comparable (46% of the ECT group and 44% of the rTMS group showed a reduction of 50% or more in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression scores). In patients treated with rTMS, cognitive performance remained constant or improved and memory complaints alleviated, whereas in the ECT group memory recall deficits emerged and memory complaints remained.ConclusionsIn contrastto unilateral ECT, rTMS has no adverse memory effects.
Misdiagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder following severe traumatic brain injury
Authors: Sumpter Ruth E. , McMillan Tom M. 
Published: April 2005

BackgroundThe incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after traumatic brain injury is unclear. One issue involves the validity of diagnosis using self-report questionnaires.AimsTo compare PTSD ‘caseness' arising from questionnaire self-report and structured interview.MethodParticipants (n=34) with traumatic brain injury were recruited. Screening measures and self-report questionnaires were administered, followed by the structured interview.ResultsUsing questionnaires, 59% fulfilled criteria for PTSD on the Post-traumatic Diagnostic Scale and 44% on the Impact of Events Scale, whereas using structured interview (Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale) only 3% were ‘cases'. This discrepancy may arise from confusions between effects of PTSD and traumatic brain injury.ConclusionsAfter traumatic brain injury, PTSD self-report measures might be used for screening but not diagnosis.
Psychological investigation of the structure of paranoia in a non-clinical population
Authors: Freeman Daniel , Garety Philippa A. , Bebbington Paul E. , Smith Benjamin , Rollinson Rebecca , Fowler David , Kuipers Elizabeth , Ray Katarzyna , Dunn Graham 
Published: April 2005

BackgroundPrevious studies of paranoia have assessed only limited numbers of paranoid thoughts, and have not considered the experience from a multidimensional perspective or examined the relationship between different suspicious thoughts.AimsTo assess a wide range of paranoid thoughts multidimensionally and examine their distribution, to identify the associated coping strategies and to examine social–cognitive processes and paranoia.MethodSix questionnaire assessments were completed by 1202 individuals using the internet.ResultsParanoid thoughts occurred regularly in approximately a third of the group. Increasing endorsement of paranoid thoughts was characterised by the recruitment of rarer and odder ideas. Higher levels of paranoia were associated with emotional and avoidant coping, less use of rational and detached coping, negative attitudes to emotional expression, submissive behaviours and lower social rank.ConclusionsSuspiciousness is common and there may be a hierarchical arrangement of such thoughts that builds on common emotional concerns.
A survey of ward round practice
Authors: Hodgson Richard , Jamal A. , Gayathri B. 
Published: April 2005

Aims and MethodA postal questionnaire was sent to consultant psychiatrists in the West Midlands to establish their current ward round practice. This questionnaire addressed ward round etiquette, practical issues and educational function. Consultants received only one mailing.ResultsA total of 96 (out of 139) consultants replied (69% response rate). The majority of consultants saw patients on the ward round (97%) and all consultants introduced both themselves and team members to the patient; 72% explained the purpose of the ward round. A median of seven professionals attended the ward round with psychology (6.5%) and pharmacy services (0%) being underrepresented. When consultants added comments, the recurrent themes were that ward rounds were an effective use of professional time but were often daunting for patients.Clinical ImplicationsOur results indicate some uniformity in the conduct of ward rounds. The lack of representation at ward rounds for certain professional groups may adversely affect the range of opinions and therapies for patients. Changes could be made to incorporate the views of users, which would make ward rounds more productive for users and professionals.
Shadowing consultant psychiatrists: the need for change
Authors: Egerton Judi , Swann Alan , Foley Barry 
Published: April 2005

Aims and MethodTo explore the role of the consultant psychiatrist using an observational approach. Five consultant psychiatrists were shadowed by a trained observer. Observations were subjected to a qualitative analysis based on a grounded theory approach.ResultsSix themes emerged as being significant; these were administration and secretarial support; training aspects of the role; clinical activity; the referral process; supervision, support and continuing professional development; and organisational systems.Clinical ImplicationsThe results indicated significant difficulties in the role of the consultant psychiatrist and the need for change. Any change in this role would have an effect on the roles of other professionals and on the whole system in which they work.
Minimum Vehicle Fleet Size Under Time-Window Constraints at a Container Terminal
Authors: Vis Iris F. A. , de Koster René (M.) B. M. , Savelsbergh Martin W. P. 
Published: April 2005

Products can be transported in containers from one port to another. At a container terminal these containers are transshipped from one mode of transportation to another. Cranes remove containers from a ship and put them at a certain time (i.e., release time) into a buffer area with limited capacity. A vehicle lifts a container from the buffer area before the buffer area is full (i.e., in due time) and transports the container from the buffer area to the storage area. At the storage area the container is placed in another buffer area. The advantage of using these buffer areas is the resultant decoupling of the unloading and transportation processes. We study the case in which each container has a time window [release time, due time] in which the transportation should start. The objective is to minimize the vehicle fleet size such that the transportation of each container starts within its time window. No literature has been found studying this relevant problem. We have developed an integer linear programming model to solve the problem of determining vehicle requirements under time-window constraints. We use simulation to validate the estimates of the vehicle fleet size by the analytical model. We test the ability of the model under various conditions. From these numerical experiments we conclude that the results of the analytical model are close to the results of the simulation model. Furthermore, we conclude that the analytical model performs well in the context of a container terminal.
A Dynamic Kernel Logit Model for the Analysis of Longitudinal Discrete Choice Data: Properties and Computational Assessment
Authors: Srinivasan Karthik K. , Mahmassani Hani S. 
Published: April 2005

This paper focuses on the application of the kernel logit formulation to model dynamic discrete choice data. A dynamic kernel logit (DKL) formulation with normal errors is presented to model unordered discrete choice panel data. Investigating the theoretical foundations of the kernel logit model, it is demonstrated that the mixed logit error structure converges in distribution asymptotically to a suitable multivariate normal error structure. This result provides support for both cross-sectional kernel logit (CKL) and DKL models with normal errors. The calibration, identification, and specification issues associated with the latter model are also discussed. The performance of the proposed DKL model is assessed from the perspective of computational efficiency and estimate accuracy relative to the multinomial probit (MNP) model using a series of numerical experiments. Complexity analysis reveals that the DKL has a lower computational complexity than the MNP frequency simulator, which has an exponential complexity. Thus, for choice situations with a large number of alternatives (J) in each time period, and/or large number of time periods (T), the DKL model is faster than the corresponding MNP by more than an order of magnitude. This is also confirmed by computational experiments conducted using 32 synthetic data sets. The computational performance of the DKL relative to MNP appears to be the result of a trade-off between the number of Monte-Carlo draws required, and the computational cost of each draw. With fewer than 25 alternatives (JT), the results suggest that it is more advantageous to use the probit model (MNP) compared to the DKL. There appears to be little advantage in applying the kernel logit formulation relative to the MNP to cross-sectional data with a few alternatives. Regarding computational accuracy, the numerical results suggest that the parameter estimates of both models (MNP and DKL) are comparable and close to the true values from which the data sets were generated. However, both DKL and MNP formulations may lead to the maximization of a nonconcave objective function, resulting in flat log-likelihood functions, and identification problems.
Genotyping the Hemophilia Inversion Hotspot by Use of Inverse PCR
Authors: Rossetti Liliana Carmen , Radic Claudia Pamela , Larripa Irene Beatriz , De Brasi Carlos Daniel 
Published: April 2005

Abstract
Background: Factor VIII intron 22 inversions (Inv22) cause 40%–45% of severe cases of hemophilia A in all human populations. Currently, Inv22 can be analyzed either by Southern blotting or by rapid long-distance-PCR–based approaches. We describe an alternative method using inverse-PCR (I-PCR).
Methods: I-PCR involved 3 steps: (a) BclI restriction; (b) self-ligation of restriction fragments, providing BclI rings; and (c) standard multiplex-PCR analysis. PCR was achieved by use of a set of 3 primers that yielded a 487-bp amplicon for the nonrearranged intragenic allele and a 559-bp amplicon for the Inv22 allele. Specific primer sites were targeted by masking relevant regions for human repeats and low-complexity DNA. Inv22 I-PCR was applied to samples from 16 individuals (8 women and 8 men) representing 24 X chromosomes previously genotyped by Southern blotting. Additionally, we evaluated the sensitivity and the ability to assess eventual Inv22 carrier mosaicisms by experiments using artificial DNA mixtures (Inv22 + no-Inv22 male samples).
Results: Results for previously genotyped samples agreed with results of Southern blot analyses. As expected, cell composition of the artificial mosaic was linearly reflected by the relative intensities of Inv22 signals. I-PCR was estimated to detect Inv22-positive cells at concentrations as low as ∼5%.
Conclusion: The proposed technique provides a rapid tool for Inv22 genotyping.