bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A brief behavioural treatment of chronic post-traumatic stress disorder in earthquake survivors: results from an open clinical trial
Authors: BAŞOĞLU M. , LIVANOU M. , ŞALCIOĞLU E. , KALENDER D. 
Published: May 2003

Background. Natural disasters such as earthquakes affect large numbers of people. Given the extent of the mental health problem following earthquakes, brief, effective and cost-effective treatment interventions are urgently needed. The present study examined whether cognitive-behavioural treatment could be shortened to a minimum number of sessions without undermining its effectiveness in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).Method. The study participants (N=231) were consecutive referrals to five project sites in the earthquake region in Turkey a mean of 13 months after the disaster. A modified behavioural treatment (BT) was used, which involved self-exposure instructions based on an enhancement of ‘sense of control’ rather than a habituation rationale and minimal cognitive interventions. The duration of treatment was variable, involving as many sessions as required for clinical improvement. Survival analysis was used to explore the minimum number of sessions required for clinical improvement, and multiple regression analysis to examine the predictors of outcome.Results. The survivors received a mean of 4·3 sessions. Significant treatment effects and clinically meaningful effect sizes were noted on all measures. The treatment improved all PTSD and depression symptoms. The cumulative proportion of improved cases was 76% after one session and 88% after two sessions. No baseline variable predicted treatment outcome.Conclusions. The modified BT appears to be promising as an effective one- or two-session intervention for earthquake survivors. It may be particularly useful in large-scale disasters as a cost-effective treatment that can be relatively easily disseminated to mass populations. Further research is needed to clarify the possible role of a treatment focus on sense of control in rapid recovery from traumatic stress.
Antidepressants for the treatment of depression in people with schizophrenia: a systematic review
Authors: WHITEHEAD C. , MOSS S. , CARDNO A. , LEWIS G. 
Published: May 2003

Background. Depression is common in people with schizophrenia and is associated with substantial morbidity and an increased risk of suicide. Our aim was to review systematically all the randomized controlled trials that have investigated the clinical effectiveness of antidepressant medication in the treatment of depression in people who also suffer with schizophrenia.Method. Electronic searches of ClinPsych, the Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Register of Trials, EMBASE and Medline were completed. Reference lists from identified articles were hand searched.Results. Eleven small studies were identified and all randomized fewer than 30 subjects to each group. We could only perform analyses on a subset of the trials. For five trials (aggregate N=209) the proportion improved in the antidepressant group was 26% (95% CI 10% to 42%) higher than in the placebo group. In six studies (aggregate N=267) the standardized mean difference on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression at the end of the trial was −0·27 (95% CI −0·7 to 0·2). There was no evidence that antidepressant treatment given during the stable phase of illness led to a deterioration of psychotic symptoms in the included trials.Conclusions. The literature reviewed was, overall, of poor quality and only a small number of trials could contribute towards the meta-analysis. The results provide weak evidence for the effectiveness of antidepressants in those with schizophrenia and depression and could be explained by publication bias. We need further research to determine the best approach towards treating depression in people with schizophrenia.
Public penance in Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Bedingfield Brad 
Published: May 2003

In a sermon for Ash Wednesday, after general exhortations to prayer, church-going,
and almsgiving during Lent, Wulfstan discusses what is to be done with
those guilty of ‘high’ sins:And sume men syndon eac Þe nyde sculan of cyricgemanan Þas halgan tid
ascadene mid rihte weorðan for healican synnan, ealswa adam wearð of engla
gemanan Þa ða he forworðe Þa myclan myrhðe Þe he on wunode ær ðam Þe he
syngode … Leofan men, on Wodnesdæg, Þe byð caput ieiunii, bisceopas ascadað
on manegum stowan ut of cyrican for heora agenan Þearfe Þa ðe healice on
openlican synnan hy sylfe forgyltan. And eft on Ðunresdæg ær Eastran hy geinniað
into cyrican Þa ðe geornlice Þæt Lencten heora synna betað, swa swa hym man
wissað; Þonne absolutionem bisceopas ofer hy rædað [agus] for hi Þingiað [agus] mid Þam
heora synna Þurh Godes mildheortnesse myclum gelyhtað. And Þæt is Þearflic gewuna,
ac we his ne gymað swa wel swa we scoldan on ðisse Þeode, [agus] hit wære mycel Þearf Þæt
hit man georne on gewunan hæfde.
Visual perception during phacoemulsification cataract surgery under topical and regional anaesthesia
Authors: Tranos Paris G. , Wickremasinghe Sanjeewa S. , Sinclair Neil , Foster Paul J. , Asaria Riaz , Harris Martin L. , Little Brian C. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract.Purpose:  To compare the subjective visual experiences of patients during phacoemulsification and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation using regional and topical anaesthesia.Design:  A prospective, cohort, questionnaire‐based study.Methods:  The study cohort consisted of 247 patients without pre‐existing ocular pathology who underwent routine phacoemulsification and IOL implantation. The mean age of the subjects was 75.4 ± 9.4 years and 34.5% of them had a history of cataract surgery. Three different methods of local anaesthesia were used: 66 (26.7%) of the patients were given topical anaesthesia (TA); 74 (30.0%) were given sub‐Tenon's anaesthesia (SA), and 107(43.3%) were given peribulbar anaesthesia (PA). The patients were interviewed immediately after surgery by theatre staff using a standardized questionnaire that investigated their intraoperative visual experiences.Results:  There was no significant difference between the three methods of anaesthesia regarding light perception during the surgery. However, patients undergoing surgery under TA experienced brighter light intensity levels (78.3%) than those given SA (50.0%) and PA (55.7%) (p = 0.02). A total of 69.6% of subjects who received TA reported visual perception of colours during surgery, as opposed to 56.8% of SA recipients and 49.0% of PA recipients (p = 0.02). In addition, patients under TA were more aware of surgical instruments (26.1%) than those under SA (10.8%) and PA (15.9%) (p = 0.08). The vast majority of patients in all three groups found the visual experience to be non‐frightening. There were no associations between intraoperative visual impression and age or sex. Although not statistically significant (p = 0.06), prior cataract surgery appeared to alleviate some of the anxiety associated with the visual experience.Conclusion:  Patients undergoing regional and topical anaesthesia experience a wide variety of visual sensations during surgery. The differences in visual impressions between the groups may reflect the varying degrees of optic nerve blockade that result from the different anaesthetics.
Long‐term effectiveness of risperidone and olanzapine in resistant or intolerant schizophrenic patients. A mirror study
Authors: Søholm B. , Lublin H. 
Published: May 2003

Objective:  To evaluate the long‐term effectiveness of the second generation antipsychotics, risperidone and olanzapine on hospitalization, clinical response, and adherence to therapy after switching from conventional antipsychotics or clozapine in a naturalistic setting of schizophrenic patients.Method:  Data were registered for periods of identical duration before and after switching.Results:  Fifty‐seven patients were included. Mean study period was 3.1 ± 0.2 years. Mean number of in‐patient days after switching declined by 78% of the level before switching (P=0.0002). There was no significant differences in ratio responders/non‐responders between the subgroups. The number of patients with extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) was significantly reduced after switching. However, intolerable weight gain led to a lack of adherence to therapy in 18% of the olanzapine‐treated patients.Conclusion:  Long‐term treatment with the second generation antipsychotics, risperidone and olanzapine significantly improved the clinical outcome. However, weight gain may be a significant reason for discontinuation of treatment and reducing the long‐term adherence to therapy.
The use of the hypoglycaemic clamp in the assessment of pituitary function
Authors: Semakula Crispin , Damberg Gregory , Kendall David , Seaquist Elizabeth R. 
Published: May 2003

OBJECTIVEThe standard dynamic test used to diagnose hypopituitarism is the insulin tolerance test (ITT), in which insulin‐induced secretion of ACTH, GH and cortisol is measured. However, because of differences in insulin sensitivity some patients fail achieve sufficient hypoglycaemia to assess pituitary function and colleagues experience severe hypoglycaemia and are at risk for cardiac dysrhythmia, seizure or coma. This risk may be particularly pertinent in the evaluation of older adults. We hypothesized that the hypoglycaemic clamp may be useful in assessing pituitary function in some patients.PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTSTwenty‐one normal subjects (14 old [50–76 years] and 7 young [18–36 years]) and 7 hypopituitary subjects were studied. A clamp study was performed in which insulin infusion was given at 2 mU/kg/min and increased to 4 mU/kg/min if the target glucose concentration was not reached after 40 min. Dextrose was infused as needed to clamp the plasma glucose concentration at 2.2 mmol/l for 30 min. On a separate day, 7 young controls also underwent an ITT in which 0.15 U/kg insulin was administered as a bolus intravenous injection at time 0. In both studies, baseline values were taken at ‐ 10, ‐ 5 and 0 min. Samples were then collected every 5 min for plasma glucose and every 10 min for insulin, ACTH, cortisol and GH.RESULTSACTH and GH secretion during each test were similar in younger controls (P = NS) but cortisol secretion was lower during ITT (P < 0.01 vs. clamp). Hypopituitary subjects had significantly less ACTH, cortisol and GH secretion than controls of all ages (P < 0.001 for all). Peak GH secretion was significantly lower in the old controls than in young controls (22 ± 12 vs. 48 ± 26 mU/l, respectively; P < 0.01) but significantly higher than the hypopituitary subjects (2 ± 2 mu/l; P < 0.001).CONCLUSIONThese data demonstrate that the hypoglycaemic clamp can be used in the assessment of pituitary function and suggest that this technique may be particularly beneficial in the evaluation of GH deficiency in older adults who may not tolerate the ITT.
Safety of Blood Products Derived from Plasma Pools: The Positive Impact of Anti‐HCV Screening on the Quality of Such Products
Authors: Cardoso Marcia da Silva , Koerner Klaus , Epple Silke , Kubanek Bernhard 
Published: May 2003

AbstractAnti‐HCV screening of volunteer blood donors was introduced by the Red Cross Blood Service of Baden‐Württemberg (over 400,000 donations/year) in June 1990. At that time, donors were tested with a first‐generation screening test, which was able to detect antibodies to a single recombinant HCV antigen: c100‐3. Test performance was neither very sensitive nor specific [1]. The anti‐HCV prevalence observed then was 0.53%. The second generation of screening tests relied on the detection of antibodies to three HCV recombinant antigens c100‐3, c22‐3 and c33c showing improved sensitivity and specificity [2]. It was implemented in Baden‐Württemberg in November of 1991. Anti‐HCV prevalence reached 0.47% after the implementation of this test. Finally, since June 1994 all blood donations are screened with the third generation of antibody tests, which includes the recombinant antigen NS5 and some biochemical modifications on the c33c antigen. The present anti‐HCV prevalence in this population is 0.23%.
Reactivation of Recipient Antibody to Blood Cell Antigens Soon After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation
Authors: Wernet Dorothee , Schnaidt Martina , Northoff Hinnak 
Published: May 2003

AbstractReactivation of recipient antibody to HLA and red blood cell antigens is described in 8 patients after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. These IgG antibodies can be detected between day 10 and day 40 after transplantation and, in 1 patient, can be shown to be antigen‐independent. We hypothesize that, induced by graft recognition of recipient antigens, antigen‐independent activation of sensitized recipient B cells takes place leading to transient antibody production.
Identification of a New Plasma α(1,3)Fucosyltransferase (FUT6) Allele Requires an Extended Genotyping Strategy
Authors: Larson Göran , Börjeson Cecilia , Elmgren Anders , Kernholt Annika , Henry Steve , Fletcher Anne , Aziz Auda , Mollicone Rosella , Oriol Rafael 
Published: May 2003

AbstractScreening the FUT6 gene of 40 Swedish individuals, originally selected for genotyping of FUT3, revealed an unexpected high frequency of mutations. Four were originally typed as homozygous for the enzyme lethal mutation G739A by TaqαI restriction pattern, but only one lacked plasma α(1,3)fucosyltransferase activity. Cloning and sequencing of FUT6 from 2 of them revealed a new allele, without the G739A mutation, but with two new point mutations C738T and G977A. Segregation of this allele was confirmed in Swedish and Indonesian families. Since G739A and C738T mutations are only one nucleotide apart and induce the same modification of TaqαI cleavage, a new screening strategy for FUT6 was adopted. The homozygous inactivating G739A mutation was for the first time identified in Caucasian and Polynesian individuals, both lacking plasma enzyme activity. The mutation C370T was present in 25 of the 40 Swedish individuals and the inactivating mutation C945A was not found at all. These findings stress the dangers of transferring restriction enzyme genotype strategies from one population to another and of inferring phenotypes from genotypes without phenotyping and/or performing confirmatory cloning and sequencing.
Heterogeneity of the Human H Blood Group α (1,2) Fucosyltransferase Gene among Para‐Bombay Individuals
Authors: Yu Lung‐Chih , Yang Yun‐Hsin , Broadberry Richard E. , Chen Yee‐Hsiung , Lin Marie 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: The para‐Bombay phenotype has a relatively high frequency of about 1 in 8,000 Taiwanese. Studies were carried out on eight healthy and unrelated Taiwanese with the para‐Bombay phenotype to cast light on its immunogenetic basis. Materials and methods: Blood and saliva samples were tested with standard hemagglutination techniques. Salivary ABH substances were determined by hemagglutination inhibition. PCR techniques were used to amplify the coding region of the H genes. Results: Five different h alleles, designated as h1, h2, h3, h4 and h5, were identified in the Taiwanese with the para‐Bombay phenotype. The h1 allele loses one of the three AG repeats located at the nucleotides 547–552 of the H gene, whereas two of the three T repeats located at the nucleotides 880–882 are deleted in the h2 allele. The h3 allele contains a C658 to T missense mutation, whereas two missense mutations, C35 to T and A980 to C were identified in the h4 allele. A T460 to C missense is present in the h5allele. The h5 allele was identified in an individual whose red blood cells contain blood group A antigen but not H antigen, and thus may be considered a weak variant of the H gene. Conclusions: So far no biologic relevance of the H antigen has been discovered, and its deficiency does not seem to produce any deleterious effects. There may be better understanding of the evolutionary basis for the polymorphisms at these loci after systematic study of different ethnic populations.
In vitro Functional Activity of IgG1 and IgG3 Polyclonal and Monoclonal anti‐D
Authors: Kumpel B. M. 
Published: May 2003

Abstract Background and objectives: IgG anti‐D is generally restricted to IgG1 and IgG3; it mediates red cell destruction through interactions with IgG Fc receptors (FcγR) on effector cells. The relative ability of these two IgG subclasses of anti‐D to mediate haemolysis in vitro by monocytes and K cells was investigated. Materials and methods: Anti‐D was affinity purified from 5 preparations of prophylactic anti‐D immunoglobulin, and IgG subclasses quantified by ELISA; mean levels were 86.5% IgG1, 1.4% IgG2, 11.6% IgG3 and 0.4% IgG4. IgG1 and IgG3 polyclonal anti‐D were further purified separately from some of the anti‐D by removal of either IgG3 using magnetic beads coated with anti‐IgG3, or of IgG1 using protein A. These preparations were compared with monoclonal anti‐D (BRAD‐3 and BRAD‐5) for their ability to lyse red cells in antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) assays. Results: Monocyte‐mediated lysis of red cells coated with IgG3 anti‐D was approximately twice that of cells coated with IgG1 anti‐D at similar sensitization levels, and anti‐D preparations containing 10% or more IgG3 gave similar lysis. By contrast, in the K cell ADCC, IgG1 anti‐D was 2–4 times more haemolytic than IgG3 anti‐D. Polyclonal IgG1 and IgG3 anti‐D promoted about 20% more lysis than BRAD‐5 (IgG1) and BRAD‐3 (IgG3), respectively, in the K cell ADCC, although no difference was observed between polyclonal and monoclonal anti‐D in the monocyte ADCC. Conclusions: These experiments demonstrated a functional dichotomy between these two subclasses of anti‐D; IgG3‐coated red cells were lysed preferentially by monocytes mediated predominantly through FcγRI interactions, whereas haemolysis of IgG1‐sensitized cells was mediated mainly by FcγRIII on K cells.
Estimation of the proportion of body fat in mice from the proportion of body water
Authors: Terpstra A. H. M. 
Published: May 2003

SummaryWe compared the proportion of body fat in mice as measured by chemical analysis with that estimated from the proportion of body water. First, we measured the proportion of fat by chemical analysis in 78 mice that had a proportion of body fat in the range from approximately 5 to 20%. Then, we constructed a regression line that described the relationship between the proportion of body water and the proportion of body fat by using data from several other published studies in mice (% body fat = −1.20 × % body water + 88.07, r = 0.9597, sy.x = 2.75, p < 0.001). With this regression line, we estimated the proportion of body fat from the proportion of body water that was measured by drying the carcasses at 60 °C for 3 days. Body fat data obtained from this regression line were similar to those obtained by chemical analysis. Thus, these results suggest that reliable values for the proportion of body fat can be derived from the proportion of body water and this method provides a tool to rapidly measure the proportion of body fat in mice.
Milia en plaque
Authors: Ergin Şeniz , Başak Pınar , Sari Aliye 
Published: May 2003

AbstractMilia en plaque is a rarely reported entity which is usually appearing in the auricular region. We describe a well‐defined, U‐shaped milia en plaque arizing in the infraorbital area, and emphasize that it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of xanthalesma.
Primary cutaneous CD30‐positive large cell lymphoma
Authors: Freitas Isabel Cristina , Vieira Raquel , Afonso Ana , Pacheco Assis , Nunes Prates 
Published: May 2003

AbstractPrimary cutaneous CD30‐positive large cell lymphoma is a recently described entity, recognized by immunohistochemical criteria. Spontaneous regression may occur and although relapses are frequent, most patients have a favourable prognosis. We describe a 83‐year‐old woman with a large ulcerated tumour on her right forearm, with 2 months evolution. Histological and immunohistochemical examination revealed a CD30‐positive large cell lymphoma. Systemic involvement was not detected. The tumour regressed spontaneously. Cutaneous relapses occurred one year later, all with spontaneous regression. After a 2‐year follow‐up period, the patient is well, without concurrent extracutaneous disease. This case is in keeping with other reports of spontaneous regression and favourable outcome of this type of cutaneous lymphoma.
Factors influencing pain outcome in herpes zoster: an observational study with valaciclovir
Authors: Decroix J , Partsch H , Gonzalez R , Mobacken H , Goh Cl , Walsh Jb , Shukla S , Naisbett B ,   on behalf of the Valaciclovir International Zoster Assessment Group (VIZA)
Published: May 2003

Abstract Aim of the study An observational study with valaciclovir was conducted to assess clinical outcome in herpes zoster, especially pain and associated neurological signs and symptoms in relation to a series of demographic and disease characteristics discernible at presentation. The safety and acceptability of valaciclovir for treatment of zoster was assessed in a wide variety of primary care and clinic referral settings. Methods In total, 1897 immunocompetent adults with clinically diagnosed, localized acute herpes zoster were enrolled in this international, open‐label study of valaciclovir. All subjects received treatment with oral valaciclovir (1000 mg three times daily) for 7 days from entry to the study and were asked to record the presence of zoster‐associated pain and abnormal sensations throughout treatment and 6 months’ follow‐up. They were seen frequently in clinic to verify subjective assessments and for evaluation of rash healing. Safety and tolerability were assessed by adverse event monitoring. Results Overall, 1191 subjects (63%) were aged ≥ 50 years, and 203 (11%) had ophthalmic zoster. Cessation of zoster‐associated pain was significantly faster in the younger age group; median times to loss of zoster‐associated pain were 23 days and 9 days in the ≥ 50 and < 50 years age groups, respectively. Similarly, abnormal sensations resolved significantly more rapidly in the younger subjects; the median duration of abnormal sensations was 31 days in the ≥ 50 year olds and 16 days in those aged < 50 years. In cases of ophthalmic zoster, the rate of pain resolution was not different from those with zoster in other dermatomes (median duration of pain 18 vs. 16 days). However, abnormal sensations persisted significantly longer in subjects with ophthalmic zoster than in those with zoster at other sites (47 vs. 22 days). In addition to advancing age, subjects suffering moderate to severe prodromal pain or acute pain during the rash phase were at significantly greater risk of zoster‐associated pain and abnormal sensations persisting for longer. Subjects with concomitant neurological disorders were also more likely to develop prolonged abnormal sensations. Valaciclovir treatment was well tolerated, and adverse events were rare and generally mild. Conclusion This study confirmed the prognostic importance of advancing age and the intensity of prodromal or acute pain as risk factors for prolonged zoster‐associated pain and persisting abnormal sensations in the affected dermatome. Ophthalmic zoster and pre‐existing neurological disorders are also identified as highly significant risk factors for prolonged abnormal sensations in herpes zoster.