bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yeyi Clicks: Acoustic Description and Analysis
Authors: Fulop Sean A. , Ladefoged Peter , Liu Fang , Vossen Rainer 
Published: March 2004

AbstractYeyi has the largest known inventory of click sounds in the Bantu language family. It is now entering a moribund state, and this paper documents a variety of acoustic and distributional details of the clicks found in the speech of 13 Yeyi speakers by presenting sound inventories, spectrograms, palatograms, and related acoustic data. The durations of the closure and release phases of the clicks were measured, and an analysis demonstrates that the two duration measures together are statistically able to distinguish the dental, alveolar, palatal, and lateral clicks from one another. A second quantitative study examines the discriminability of the four click places using solely the anterior burst power spectra, as parametrized using the first four spectral moments. The places of articulation are found to be moderately well classified by this means. The patterns of interspeaker variation affecting the clicks are also documented, and these are found to accord rather well with the classification errors made by the optimal classifier using the anterior burst spectra.
Direct Detection and Quantification of Transition Metal Ions in Human Atherosclerotic Plaques: Evidence for the Presence of Elevated Levels of Iron and Copper
Authors: Stadler Nadina , Lindner Robyn A. , Davies Michael J. 
Published: March 2004

Objective—The involvement of transition metals in atherosclerosis is controversial. Some epidemiological studies have reported a relationship between iron (Fe) and cardiovascular disease, whereas others have not. Experimental studies have reported elevated levels of iron and copper (Cu) in diseased human arteries but have often used methods that release metal ions from proteins.Methods and Results—In this study, we have used the minimally invasive technique of electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICPMS) to quantify iron and copper in ex vivo healthy human arteries and carotid lesions. The EPR spectra detected are characteristic of nonheme Fe(III) complexes. Statistically elevated levels of iron were detected in the intima of lesions compared with healthy controls (0.370 versus 0.022 nmol/mg tissue for EPR, 0.525 versus 0.168 nmol/mg tissue by ICPMS,P<0.05 in each cases). Elevated levels of copper were also detected (7.51 versus 2.01 pmol/mg tissue, lesion versus healthy control, respectively,P<0.05). Iron levels did not correlate with the gender or age of the donor, or tissue protein or calcium levels, but cholesterol levels correlated positively with iron accumulation, as measured by EPR.Conclusions—These data support the hypothesis that iron accumulates in human lesions and may contribute to disease progression.
Human bone marrow stromal cells inhibit allogeneic T-cell responses by indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase–mediated tryptophan degradation
Authors: Meisel Roland , Zibert Andree , Laryea Maurice , Göbel Ulrich , Däubener Walter , Dilloo Dagmar 
Published: March 2004

Abstract
Marrow stromal cells (MSCs) inhibit allogeneic T-cell responses, yet the molecular mechanism mediating this immunosuppressive effect of MSCs remains controversial. Recently, expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which is induced by interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and catalyzes the conversion from tryptophan to kynurenine, has been identified as a T-cell inhibitory effector pathway in professional antigen-presenting cells. Here we show that human MSCs express IDO protein and exhibit functional IDO activity upon stimulation with IFN-γ. MSCs inhibit allogeneic T-cell responses in mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLRs). Concomitantly, IDO activity resulting in tryptophan depletion and kynurenine production is detected in MSC/MLR coculture supernatants. Addition of tryptophan significantly restores allogeneic T-cell proliferation, thus identifying IDO-mediated tryptophan catabolism as a novel T-cell inhibitory effector mechanism in human MSCs. As IDO-mediated T-cell inhibition depends on MSC activation, modulation of IDO activity might alter the immunosuppressive properties of MSCs in different therapeutic applications. (Blood. 2004;103:4619-4621)
The utility of the Stroke Aphasia Depression Questionnaire (SADQ) in a stroke rehabilitation unit
Authors: Leeds L , Meara R J , Hobson J P 
Published: March 2004

Objective: To determine the utility of an observer-based rating scale to detect depression in patients without aphasia. Design: Correlation analysis between the Stroke Aphasia Depression Questionnaire, shortened version (SADQ-10) and a validated self-rating measure of depression, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The sensitivity and specificity of the SADQ-10 were also calculated. Setting: Stroke rehabilitation unit. Subjects: Sixty-fivestroke patients without significant aphasia undergoing rehabilitation. Interventions: All patients were assessed with the GDS-15 and the SADQ-10. Results: The SADQ-10 at a cut-point of 14 out of 30 had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 77% to detect depression. This measure demonstrated good internal consistency but showed only a modest correlation with the GDS-15 ( r = 0.40, p < 0.001). Conclusion: In the population under study the SADQ-10 did not appear to be a valid measure of depression compared with the GDS and, therefore, may not be suitable for use in patients without significant aphasia.
Disability evaluation in chronic fatigue syndrome: associations between exercise capacity and activity limitations/participation restrictions
Authors: Nijs J , De Meirleir K , Wolfs S , Duquet W 
Published: March 2004

Objective: In an attempt to examine whether impairments in cardiorespiratory fitness are associated with daily functioning in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), this study addresses the correlations between exercise capacity and activity limitations/participation restrictions. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: An outpatient tertiary care, chronic fatigue clinic at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Belgium. Subjects: Seventy-seven patients fulfilling the 1994 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definition for CFS. Interventions: All patients filled in the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Activities and Participation Questionnaire (CFS-APQ) and performed a maximal exercise stress test on a bicycle ergometer. Heart rate was monitored continuously by use of an electrocardiograph. Metabolic and ventilatory parameters were measured through spirometry. Results: A statistically significant correlation between the score obtained with the CFS-APQ and the body weight-adjusted peak oxygen uptake (Spearman rho = -0.32; p = 0.005), functional aerobic impairment (rho = 0.33; p = 0.004), workload/body weight (rho = -0.30; p = 0.009), exercise duration (rho = -0.30; p = 0.008), and the percentage of target heart rate achieved (rho = -0.33; p = 0.004) was observed. The correlations between the remaining exercise capacity parameters and the scores obtained with the CFS-APQ all indicated a trend towards association (0.01< p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest a moderate association between exercise capacity and activity limitations/participation restrictions in patients with CFS. The observed correlations lack strength to predict activity limitations/ participation restriction based on exercise capacity parameters. Disability evaluation in CFS should therefore encompass both exercise capacity testing and measurements at the activity/participation dimension.
The impact of somatosensory function on activity performance and length of hospital stay in geriatric patients with stroke
Authors: Sommerfeld Disa Kathryn , von Arbin Magnus H 
Published: March 2004

Objective: To investigate in geriatric patients with stroke the relationship between somatosensory function, activity performance and the length of stay (LOS) in either hospital or nursing home. Design: Survey. Setting: Stroke unit and geriatric rehabilitation unit. Subjects: One hundred and fifteen consecutive patients with acute stroke ≥65 years old. Main outcome measures: Clinically assessed somatosensory function, activity of daily living according to the Barthel Index (BI) (0–100 points), mobility according to the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) (0–15 points) and LOS. Results: Ten days after stroke onset, the patients with normal ( n = 46), impaired ( n = 31) and nonassessable ( n = 38) somatosensory function scored 85, 40 and 0 points respectively on the BI, and 8.5, 2 and 0 points respectively on the RMI. Forty-one of 46 patients (89%) with normal somatosensory function were discharged home within three months, compared with 10 of 31 patients (32%) with impaired somatosensory function and three of 38 patients (8%) who were nonassessable. These between-group differences were statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Multiple regression, to adjust for the impact of age, social situation and bladder function on outcome still proved a statistically significant ( p < 0.001) predictive value of normal somatosensory function. Conclusions: Normal somatosensory function is related to high activity levels and short LOS more often than somatosensory impairment is related to activity limitations and long LOS.
Young adults with acquired brain injury in nursing homes in Glasgow
Authors: McMillan T M , Laurie M 
Published: March 2004

Objective:Tosurvey the characteristics, level of disability and services received by young adults with acquired brain injury(ABI)resident in nursing home sin Greater Glasgow. Design:Telephone survey of 75nursinghomesfollowedby a questionnaire survey and review of medication cardexes. Included were all peopleunder65 years with ABI resident in nursing home sin Greater Glasgow between 1February2000and31January 2001. Setting: Twenty-eight nursing home sin Greater Glasgow, Scotland(population 0.9million). Subjects: Young adults (16–64)withABI. Main out come measures: Structured questionnaire, Barthel Index, Office of Population Census Survey (OPCS)Disability Form, review of medication cardexe. Results: Information was obtainedon all cases identified in 75 nursing homes. There were92peoplewith ABIin 28nursinghomes;43/92werein threehomes. Only 42 had inpatient rehabilitation preadmission. Severe disability (OPCS categories 7–10)was foundin54cases andminimal/minor disability (OPCS categories 1–2)in 18.Thirty-two exhibited challenging behaviour, nine of these were physically violent. Homes were staffed by unqualifiedassistants, supervised by nurses. No home itself offered rehabilitation, but some had accessed an NHS physical disability community team (28/92cases) orothercommunityteams (5/92). Proactive medical review was uncommon. Medication had been reviewed since admission in a minority (21/92). Most had regular visits from relatives. Conclusions: There is awide range of disability in nursing home residents in Greater Glasgow. Proactive, routine review of medical, rehabilitation and medication needs is rare, as is rehabilitation preand post discharge. This is serious given the likely hood of reduced intellectual and/or physical capacity in
Outreach nurse support after stroke: a descriptive study on patients' and carers' needs, and applied nursing interventions
Authors: Boter Han , Rinkel Gabriël JE , de Haan Rob J 
Published: March 2004

Objective: To describe the number and types of problems mentioned by successfully contacted home-dwelling stroke patients and their carers, and nursing interventions applied. Design: In this multicentre quantitative study in the Netherlands, stroke patients and carers received outreach nurse support consisting of three telephone contacts and one home visit within six months after discharge. Standardized checklists describing a wide range of potential problems were used to record problems and interventions. Subjects: A sample of 173 patients admitted for a stroke and discharged home, and 148 carers. Results: Of 173 patients, 166 (96%) were contacted and 162 mentioned in total 1419 problems. Physical problems were mentioned most frequently (92%; 153/166), followed by emotional problems (60%; 99/166). The proportion of patients with problems decreased from 94% (142/151) at the first contact to 74% (108/145) at the last contact. Of 148 carers, 118 (80%) were contacted and 84 mentioned 266 problems. ‘Psychosocial burden’ was mentioned most frequently (45%; 53/118). Proportions of carers with problems were 56% (54/96) at the first contact and 37% (26/70) at the last contact. Of 864 interventions to patients, stroke nurses most frequently applied ‘supportive listening’ (55%; 471/864) and ‘reassuring or encouraging’ (12%; 107/864), and of 258 interventions to carers 45% (115/258) were ‘supportive listening’ and 17% (43/258) ‘informing’. Conclusions: Almost all patients and most carers were contacted. Though the number of needs decreased during the consecutive contacts, many patients and carers still raised problems during the last contact. Nurses most frequently applied the intervention ‘supportive listening’.
Perceived causes of change in function and quality of life for people with long duration spinal cord injury
Authors: Price Glenda L , Kendall Melissa , Amsters Delena I , Pershouse Kiley J 
Published: March 2004

Objective: To determine those factors perceived to change or threaten function and quality of life among individuals with long duration spinal cord injury. Design: Retrospective self-report using telephone-administered questionnaire. Setting: Queensland, Australia. Subjects: Eighty-four community-resident persons with spinal cord injury. Main outcome measures: Functional Independence Measure, Delighted-Terrible Scale, Perceived Causes of Change Inventory. Results: Pain and loss of strength were perceived to have caused change in function in 11.9% and 14.3% of participants respectively while these same factors were perceived to have caused change in quality of life in 19.0% and 17.9% of participants respectively. Even when measurable change had not occurred, pain and loss of strength were perceived threats to function in 45.2% and 44.0% of participants respectively, while these same factors were perceived threats to quality of life in 10.7% and 11.9% of individuals respectively. Emotional issues such as stress, depression, family functioning, financial status and employment were also perceived causes of change in quality of life. Conclusions: The ability of participants to identify the perceived causes of change in function and quality of life may have implications for preventative health care if these individuals are encouraged to seek assistance when these factors first become apparent.
Functional outcome of patients with proximal upper limb deficiency–acquired and congenital
Authors: Datta Dipak , Selvarajah Kanther , Davey Nicola 
Published: March 2004

Objective: To investigate the functional outcome of patients with proximal upper limb deficiency – acquired and congenital (elbow disarticulation, transhumeral, shoulder disarticulation and forequarter level). Design: Cohort observational study. Subjects: All proximal upper limb amputees and patients with congenital upper limb absence currently registered with the Sheffeld Mobility and Specialised Rehabilitation Centre. Methods: A self-administered postal questionnaire and medical records were used to collect data. The questionnaire obtained information about demographic details, dominancy of the amputated arm and independence and participation in activities of daily living (ADL), domestic and recreational activities. The prevalence of pain in the phantom limb and stump, and information regarding the remaining arm was also obtained. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate the psychological state of the subjects. Results: Trauma was the commonest cause of proximal upper limb loss (71.25%). Transhumeral amputation was the predominant level (78.75%). Although 73.2% returned to work following amputation, 66.6% had to change job. Overall rejection rate of prosthesis was 33.75%. Twenty-five per cent of patients found the prosthesis beneficial for driving and a small proportion used the prosthesis for employment and recreational activities, but the vast majority used the prosthesis primarily for cosmesis. Pain in the phantom limb was reported in 60% of our patients but there was no significant correlation between this and depression. Symptoms of overuse injury in the nonamputated limb were higher than expected in the normal population. Conclusion: As many as 33.75% of patients with proximal upper limb deficiency rejected their prostheses and many who continue to wear them do not find them useful in ADL and employment, etc. It is vital that rehabilitation programmes should focus on both prosthetic and nonprosthetic training to achieve maximal independence.
Spina bifida at the sacral level: more than minor gait disturbances
Authors: Schoenmakers M AGC , Gulmans V AM , Gooskens R HJM , Helders P JM 
Published: March 2004

Objective: To investigate functional outcome in two groups of children with sacral level paralysis: myelomeningocele (MMC) versus lipomyelomeningocele (LMMC). Additionally both groups were compared with each other and when possible with reference values. Design: Cross-sectional study by means of (1) clinical assessment, and (2) disability measurement. Setting: Spina bifida outpatient clinic at a university hospital in the Netherlands. Subjects: Sample of 30 children with MMC and 14 with LMMC. Mean age (SD) 6.0 (4.9) and 8.4 (4.9) years respectively. Main measures: Muscle strength, ambulation level, motor performance (Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) and Movement Assessment Battery for Children), and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI). Results: The majority of patients in both groups were normal ambulant, 14/21 (67%) in MMC and 9/14 (64%) in LMMC. Ambulation was strongly associated with muscle strength of hip abductors (odds ratio (OR): 13.5, 95% condfidence interval (CI) 2.5–73.7), and ankle dorsal-flexor muscles (OR: 110, 95% CI 8.9–135.9). No significant differences were found in lesion and ambulation level. Muscle strength and motor performance were significantly lower in the MMC group than in the LMMC group ( p <0.05). PEDI scores were comparable in both groups. Most problems were noted in mobility skills and caregiver assistance in self-care, especially regarding bladder and bowel management. Conclusions: Gross motor and functional problems were seen in both groups. The MMC group showed more muscle weakness and motor problems. However, in both groups caregiver assistance was needed for a prolonged period, especially regarding bladder and bowel management. These dindings need special attention, particularly in children who attend regular schools.
Avoiding pitfalls of correlation coefficients in the assessment of measurement instruments in rehabilitation research
Authors: Weatherall Mark , McPherson Kathryn , Taylor William , Simpson Russell 
Published: March 2004

Objective: To provide a practical guide on how to avoid the pitfalls of correlated correlation coefficients when comparing multiple instruments in rehabilitation research. Design: An observational study comparing a number of instruments measuring quality of life (QoL) compared with an external criterion. Subjects: Sixty-eight patients admitted to a rheumatology ward for intensive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Patients completed three new (QoL) instruments and an established instrument before and after intensive treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Main outcome measures: Correlation coefficients together with their confidence intervals and a test for the difference between a set of correlated correlation coefficients for the change in the EuroQoL Quality of Life scale (EuroQoL), the World Health Organization Quality Of Life-Abbreviated version (WHOQoL-BREF) and the Quality of Life Profile (QLP) against the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Results: Although the range of correlation between the new instruments and the external criterion was between -0.37 and -0.59 and suggested that one new instrument was far more responsive than the others,; an omnibus test for an overall difference could find no difference in responsiveness. Conclusions: It is conceptually simple to use correlation coefficients to assess the properties of multiple instruments measured on the same subjects to find a ‘best’ instrument. However, proper interpretation of results when correlated correlation coefficients are calculated is complex. We recommend analysis includes: (a) that simple plots of the pairs of analysed variables are shown, (b) that simple linear model-fitting statistics, e.g., the R-squared statistic, accompany the plots, (c) that confidence intervals are presented for correlation coefficients, (d) that an omnibus statistical test for the difference between correlated correlation coefficients is presented, and (e) that normal model assumptions are tested.
Evaluation of the Modifid Jebsen Test of Hand Function and the University of Maryland Arm Questionnaire for Stroke
Authors: Bovend'Eerdt T JH , Dawes H , Johansen-Berg H , Wade D T 
Published: March 2004

Objective: To examine the concurrent validity and test–retest reliability of the Modified Jebsen Test of Hand Function (MJT) and the University of Maryland Arm Questionnaire for Stroke (UMAQS). Design: Individuals with acquired neurological disorders were retested within an average of 9.6 days after the first assessment. Setting: Individuals were recruited from two specialist rehabilitation units, members of the Multiple Sclerosis Society and Headway Group. Subjects: Twenty-six individuals with acquired neurological disorders; stroke (12), MS (7), head injury (4), tumour (3) with moderate to high functioning upper limbs were recruited for this study. Main outcome measures: Arm function was assessed using the MJT, the UMAQS, the Nine Hole Peg Test (NHPT) and grip strength, calculating the ratio between affected and unaffected arm. Results: The MJT showed good concurrent validity. Pearson's correlation with the NHPT was 0.86 and 0.88, on T1 and T2 respectively. The UMAQS showed no significant correlation with grip strength, the NHPT and the MJT. Test–retest reliability of the MJT was high with a correlation of 0.95, and 95% limits of agreement of 0.02 ± 0.14. Correlations over time of the dominant hand/nondominant hand of the UMAQS were 0.72 and 0.83, with limits of agreement of -2.92 ± 13.28 and 1.73 ± 11.53. Conclusions: The present study supports the use of the MJT as a measure of gross functional dexterity. More information is needed to evaluate the UMAQS.