bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of inflammatory attacks in the classical type hyper‐IgD syndrome on immunoglobulin D, cholesterol and parameters of the acute phase response
Authors: Simon A. , Bijzet J. , Voorbij H. A. M. , Mantovani A. , Van Der Meer J. W. M. , Drenth J. P. H. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract.Background.  Classical type hyper‐immunoglobulin D (IgD) syndrome (HIDS) is an hereditary auto‐inflammatory disorder, characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, lymphadenopathy, abdominal distress and a high serum concentration of IgD. It is caused by mevalonate kinase deficiency.Objective.  To further characterize the acute phase response during fever attacks in HIDS in order to improve diagnosis.Subjects.  Twenty‐two mevalonate kinase‐deficient HIDS patients.Methods.  Blood samples were drawn during and in between febrile attacks, and concentrations ofC‐reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, procalcitonin, pentraxin 3, IgD and cholesterol in several lipoprotein fractions were determined.Results.  The marked acute phase response at the time of a fever attack in classical type HIDS is reflected by a rise in CRP accompanied by a moderate but statistically significant rise in procalcitonin and pentraxin 3. In only two of 22 patients, procalcitonin concentration rose above 2 ng mL−1 during fever attack, compatible with the noninfectious nature of these attacks. Ferritin does not reach the high concentrations found in adult‐onset Still's disease. Despite the defect in mevalonate kinase, a component of cholesterol metabolism, serum cholesterol did not change during attacks. IgD concentration is elevated regardless of disease activity, although there is appreciable variation during life. Its role in HIDS remains unclear.Conclusion.  The combination of high CRP concentration plus procalcitonin concentration <2 ng mL−1 in a symptomatic HIDS patient might indicate a febrile attack without (bacterial) infection; this observation warrants further investigation for its usefulness as a marker in clinical practice.
Low birth weight in combination with catch‐up growth predicts the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome in men at late middle age: the Atherosclerosis and Insulin Resistance study
Authors: Fagerberg B. , Bondjers L. , Nilsson P. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract.Objectives.  To study the combined effects of a low birth weight and a pronounced weight increase up to early adulthood on the presence of cardiovascular risk factors constituting the metabolic syndrome in late middle age.Design and setting.  A structured sample of 396 men, 58 years old from the general population. Birth weight and weight at 18 years were obtained from medical records and registers.Main outcome measures.  Body mass index (BMI), waist : hip ratio (WHR), blood pressure, serum concentrations of insulin, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL particle size at age 58 years.Results.  The ratio between weight at age 18 years and birth weight correlated with a number of characteristics at age 58 years: BMI (r = 0.24, P < 0.001), WHR (r = 0.24, P < 0.001), diastolic blood pressure (r = 0.13, P < 0.05), insulin (r = 0.14, P < 0.01), triglycerides (r = 0.10, P < 0.05), HDL cholesterol (r = −0.13, P < 0.01) and LDL particle size (r = −0.17, P < 0.05). The metabolic syndrome, according to current definitions, were more common at the age of 58 years in the third tertile of the weight at 18/birth ratio, than in the other tertiles (P = 0.008).Conclusions.  The interaction between a low birth weight and an accelerated catch‐up growth to early adulthood is associated with the occurrence of the metabolic syndrome in the late middle age. These findings are in accord with the concept that the effects of genes are conditioned by fetal growth, and that the effects of a small body size at birth are conditioned by growth during childhood and by environmental factors in childhood and adult life.
Prospects of genetic research of mild cognitive impairment
Authors: van Duijn C. M. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract.Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common problem in the elderly. Genetic research may yield valuable clues to improve the diagnostic and prognostic tools for MCI. As the majority of patients progress into Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other forms of dementia, the genetics of MCI cannot be separated from the genetics of AD and dementia in general. Follow‐up studies of carriers of mutations underlying AD may yield valuable clues for the development of new diagnostic tools for MCI. In particular, large‐scale studies of carriers of the apolipoprotein E 4 allele may still be of interest. Our knowledge of the genes involved in MCI is still very limited. In addition, we need powerful and carefully designed candidate gene studies aiming to discover new genes involved in the risk and progression of MCI. Although the genetics of MCI will be difficult to disentangle, there is ample opportunity to improve research of the genes involved.
CSF biomarkers for mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Blennow K. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract.A correct clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) early in the course of the disease is of importance to initiate symptomatic treatment with acetylcholine esterase inhibitors, and will be even more important when disease‐arresting drugs, such as β‐sheet breakers or γ‐secretase inhibitors, will reach the clinic. However, there is no clinical method to determine if a patient with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has incipient AD, i.e. will progress to AD with dementia, or have a benign form of MCI without progression. Thus, there is a great clinical need for diagnostic biomarkers to identify incipient AD in MCI cases. Three cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers; total‐tau (T‐τ), phospho‐tau (P‐τ) and the 42 amino acid form of β‐amyloid (Aβ42) have been evaluated in numerous scientific papers. These CSF markers have high sensitivity to differentiate early and incipient AD from normal ageing, depression, alcohol dementia and Parkinson's disease, but lower specificity against other dementias, such as frontotemporal and Lewy body dementia. However, if the CSF biomarkers are used in the right clinical context, i.e. together with the cumulative information from the clinical examination, standard laboratory tests and brain‐imaging techniques [single photon emission tomography (SPECT) and magnetic resonance tomography (MRT) scans], they may have a role in the clinical evaluation of MCI cases.
Mild cognitive impairment – beyond controversies, towards a consensus: report of the International Working Group on Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Winblad B. , Palmer K. , Kivipelto M. , Jelic V. , Fratiglioni L. , Wahlund L.‐O. , Nordberg A. , Bäckman L. , Albert M. , Almkvist O. , Arai H. , Basun H. , Blennow K. , De Leon M. , DeCarli C. , Erkinjuntti T. , Giacobini E. , Graff C. , Hardy J. , Jack C. , Jorm A. , Ritchie K. , Van Duijn C. , Visser P. , Petersen R.C. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract.The First Key Symposium was held in Stockholm, Sweden, 2–5 September 2003. The aim of the symposium was to integrate clinical and epidemiological perspectives on the topic of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). A multidisciplinary, international group of experts discussed the current status and future directions of MCI, with regard to clinical presentation, cognitive and functional assessment, and the role of neuroimaging, biomarkers and genetics. Agreement on new perspectives, as well as recommendations for management and future research were discussed by the international working group. The specific recommendations for the general MCI criteria include the following: (i) the person is neither normal nor demented; (ii) there is evidence of cognitive deterioration shown by either objectively measured decline over time and/or subjective report of decline by self and/or informant in conjunction with objective cognitive deficits; and (iii) activities of daily living are preserved and complex instrumental functions are either intact or minimally impaired.
Mild cognitive impairment as a diagnostic entity
Authors: Petersen R. C. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract.The concept of cognitive impairment intervening between normal ageing and very early dementia has been in the literature for many years. Recently, the construct of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been proposed to designate an early, but abnormal, state of cognitive impairment. MCI has generated a great deal of research from both clinical and research perspectives. Numerous epidemiological studies have documented the accelerated rate of progression to dementia and Alzheimer's disease (AD) in MCI subjects and certain predictor variables appear valid. However, there has been controversy regarding the precise definition of the concept and its implementation in various clinical settings. Clinical subtypes of MCI have been proposed to broaden the concept and include prodromal forms of a variety of dementias. It is suggested that the diagnosis of MCI can be made in a fashion similar to the clinical diagnoses of dementia and AD. An algorithm is presented to assist the clinician in identifying subjects and subclassifying them into the various types of MCI. By refining the criteria for MCI, clinical trials can be designed with appropriate inclusion and exclusion restrictions to allow for the investigation of therapeutics tailored for specific targets and populations.
Choice, participation and accountability: assessing the potential impact of legislation promoting patient and public involvement in health in the UK*
Authors: Sang Bob 
Published: August 2004

AbstractRecent legislation enabling increased patient and public involvement in health decision‐making will increasingly interact with the maturing independent patient movement to open up accountability systems across healthcare. Lay people will develop new roles, building on learning from the independent advocacy sector, self management, and wider active participation. Inevitably, this means a profound cultural challenge for healthcare organizations, and for citizens, as they begin to understand the implications of the new policies, including patient choice.
Feedback from community pharmacy users on the contribution of community pharmacy to improving the public's health: a systematic review of the peer reviewed and non‐peer reviewed literature 1990–2002
Authors: Anderson Claire , Blenkinsopp Alison , Armstrong Miriam 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective  To systematically review feedback from pharmacy users on their perceptions and experiences of health‐related advice and services provided from community pharmacies.Methods  The focus of the review was community pharmacy activities in relation to promoting health and well‐being, preventing ill‐health and maintaining health. Searches were conducted for peer‐reviewed (international) and non‐peer‐reviewed (UK) research. Electronic databases searched included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts; hand searches of key journals and conference abstracts, key informants. Key informants in the UK were contacted to identify unpublished studies. The inclusion period was 1990 onwards.Data extraction and synthesis  Data were abstracted into a matrix by one author with a sample checked by a second. The Health Development Agency's Evidence Base 2000 standards and the evidence categories used by the Department of Health in the National Service Frameworks were applied to each item.Main results  Seven peer reviewed papers and 13 non‐peer reviewed reports were identified for inclusion in the review. Consumer usage of pharmacies is almost universal with prescription supplies and purchase of over the counter medicines predominating. Evidence shows that not only is usage low for general health advice, but that pharmacists are perceived as ‘drugs experts’ rather than experts on health and illness. Emergency hormonal contraception and head lice management schemes have been well received. There is a need to consider privacy and confidentiality surrounding advice giving.Conclusions  Users of community pharmacy‐based health development initiatives express a high level of satisfaction. If community pharmacies are to be used to their full extent, then actions to extending the public's awareness and acceptance of the pharmacist's role in giving advice will be crucial. Further research will be needed to measure any change in premises development on the public's perception of the level of privacy in pharmacies.
What does it mean to involve consumers successfully in NHS research? A consensus study
Authors: Telford Rosemary , Boote Jonathan D. , Cooper Cindy L. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective  To obtain consensus on the principles and indicators of successful consumer involvement in NHS research.Design  Consensus methods were used. An expert workshop, employing the nominal group technique was used to generate potential principles and indicators. A two‐round postal Delphi process was used to obtain consensus on the principles and indicators.Setting and participants  Participants were drawn from health, social care, universities and consumer organizations. A purposive sampling strategy was used to identify people who had experience and/or knowledge of consumer involvement in NHS research. Six researchers and seven consumers participated in an expert workshop. Ninety‐six people completed both rounds of the Delphi process.Main outcome measures  Consensus on principles and indicators of successful consumer involvement in NHS research.Results  Eight principles were developed through an expert workshop and Delphi process, and rated as both clear and valid. Consensus was reached on at least one clear and valid indicator by which to measure each principle.Conclusions  Consensus has been obtained on eight principles of successful consumer involvement in NHS research. They may help commissioners, researchers and consumers to deepen their understanding of this issue, and can be used to guide good practice.
Perceptions around concordance – focus groups and semi‐structured interviews conducted with consumers, pharmacists and general practitioners
Authors: Bajramovic Jasmina , Emmerton Lynne , Tett Susan E. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractBackground  Achieving concordance by identifying beliefs about illness, treatment and medicine‐taking should impact positively on behaviour and consumer satisfaction with respect to treatment, and health outcomes may be improved.Objective  To explore, in the Australian context, beliefs and expectations of general practitioners (GPs), consumers and pharmacists in relation to concordance to allow further exploration of the implementation of principles of concordance in Australia.Design  Qualitative analysis of focus group and semi‐structured interview data.Setting and participants  Focus groups were held with seven consumers and nine pharmacists and, in‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were held with 10 GPs between February and May 2003, in Brisbane (Australia).Results  This explorative study identified a variety of issues. Consumers expressed the need for more input from health professionals – being given more information on their treatments and conditions, more time spent in discussion, and establishing a system where harmonious relationships between health professionals could take place, which would result in a more consumer‐friendly health care system. The main issues voiced by the pharmacists were about the idea of organizing the health care system in a way that would accommodate more quality information sharing between all partners. GPs’ issues included better and unlimited information‐sharing, having more time to promote quality in health care and receiving remuneration for increased verbal contact with other health care professionals. Suggestions were made about ways to achieve concordance by improved information‐sharing and shared decision‐making.Conclusion  The data from this study will lead to the development of models to explore and attempt to incorporate principles of concordance in Australian pharmacy and medical practice.
A systematic review of the research on communication between patients and health care professionals about medicines: the consequences for concordance
Authors: Stevenson Fiona A. , Cox Kate , Britten Nicky , Dundar Yenal 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectives  We draw on a systematic review of research on two‐way communication between patients and health practitioners about medicines in order to determine the extent to which concordance is, or is not, being put into practice.Data sources  Six electronic databases were searched using the following categories of search terms: health care professionals, patients/consumers, medicine‐taking/prescribing and communication. Articles were also identified from handsearches of journals, article reference lists and the Concordance website.Review methods  Studies published between 1991 and 2000 were included. Studies were not excluded on the basis of design, methods or language employed. Abstracts of identified articles were assessed by at least two reviewers and the full articles were assessed by one reviewer and checked by at least one other reviewer. Data on the design, analysis and relevant findings were extracted.Results  A total of 11 801 abstracts were reviewed and 470 full articles were retrieved. Of the 134 articles subsequently included, 116 were descriptive studies. All but 10 of the papers were written in English. There were mixed findings about the extent to which patients feel that their beliefs, experience and preferences about medicines can be shared. Doctors tend to dominate discussions in consultations, although patient participation is associated with positive outcomes. Health care professionals’ behaviour can impede as well as enhance patient involvement.Conclusions  There is little research that examines fundamental issues for concordance such as whether an exchange of views takes place. It is possible that interventions are needed to facilitate the development of concordance in practice.
Reasons underpinning patients' preferences for various angina treatments
Authors: Lambert Nigel , Rowe Gene , Bowling Ann , Ebrahim Shah , Laurence Michael , Dalrymple Jamie , Thomson Richard 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective  To elicit patients’ preferences for the treatment of angina.Design  Angina patients were interviewed in order to elicit their personal reasons underlying preferences for various treatment options. Interviews followed a general repertory grid technique, in which seven treatment options were presented to patients in triads. Treatments considered ranged from medication to invasive revascularization therapies, with a ‘no treatment’ option.Setting  Two general practices in Norwich, Norfolk.Subjects  Twenty‐one patients with diagnosed angina, which was both mild and stable.Main outcome measures  Treatment preferences verbalized by patients during interview, and the underlying reasons for these.Results  Attitudes voiced towards the range of treatments for angina were diverse; 27 different reasons underlying patients’ preferences were identified. Patients’ preferences were largely justified by reasons associated with the conditional effectiveness or otherwise of treatments. When presented with treatment triads, medication (drug) treatments were over 2.5 times more likely to be chosen as a most preferred option than invasive or surgical treatments. Although surgical treatments were generally considered to be ‘effective’, it was perceived that they were more appropriate for situations when the condition became life‐threatening. There were occasions, however, when preferences were driven by other reasons, such as a desire to avoid surgery because it was perceived negatively as ‘invasive’ and ‘frightening’. Drug treatments were viewed as ‘quick’, ‘easy’ and reversible. Personal experiences of the effectiveness or otherwise of treatments were frequently cited as reasons for stated preferences. However, patients often commented that they would prefer the doctor to make the decision about their treatment.Conclusions  Patients choices among treatments was largely driven by perceptions of their effectiveness or otherwise. Although surgery was perceived as ‘effective’ it was also seen as conditionally so, dependent upon severity of the condition – which is not necessarily the case, as the risks of adverse events and surgical complications increase for emergency cases. As such, access to better information about the effectiveness and timeliness of interventions is needed. Although respondents held anxieties about treatment, particularly invasive or surgical treatments, fewer choices were driven by emotional and lifestyle factors unrelated to ‘effectiveness’, such as fear or ease of treatment.
Management strategies for gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: BAK YOUNG‐TAE 
Published: August 2004

Abstract  In the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), the most effective treatment option is the use of proton pump inhibitor (PPI), which minimizes the effect of gastric acid on the distal esophagus. Both the step‐up and step‐down treatment strategies have advantages and disadvantages. Most physicians would like to choose the step‐down therapy rather than the step‐up therapy. The ‘No‐step’ PPI therapy (i.e. continuous PPI therapy) is another relevant option. After an initial remission, long‐term PPI therapy is an appropriate form of maintenance therapy in many patients.As a treatment plan for non‐erosive reflux disease, a standard dose of PPI for 4–8 weeks followed by either the step‐down strategy or the on‐demand treatment strategy is acceptable. When treating erosive esophagitis, PPI is better than H2 receptor blockers in healing mucosal breaks and relieving symptoms. Long‐term maintenance PPI therapy is reported to be very effective in maintaining the remission of reflux esophagitis for up to 5 years. On‐demand PPI is also another good option for a maintenance therapy in erosive esophagitis. In Barrett's esophagus, symptoms seem to be well‐controlled with PPIs. Unfortunately, however, PPIs have no effect on the shortening of Barrett's esophagus or in preventing the progression to dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.In summary, after reviewing existing guidelines a rather simple guideline on the management of GERD is suggested – PPI should be given for 4–8 weeks followed by either on‐demand or maintenance PPI therapy according to the clinical severity.