bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fire behaviour of timber surfaces with perforations
Authors: Frangi Andrea , Fontana Mario , Schleifer Vanessa 
Published: July 2004

AbstractTimber surfaces with perforations are unfavourable from a fire design point of view, since the perforations increase the surface area exposed to fire and facilitate an increased penetration of heat into the burning zone. This can lead to an increased burning rate in comparison with heavy timber surfaces. In order to enlarge the theoretical and experimental background of the fire behaviour of timber surfaces with perforations, a series of fire tests was performed on timber assemblies made of hollow core elements with acoustic perforations and sound absorbers placed behind the perforated acoustic layer. This type of element is commonly used to improve ceiling sound absorption.The first part of the paper describes the results of the fire tests, in the second part a simplified calculation model for the burning rate is presented and compared with the test results. The model takes into account two different charring phases, before and after the perforated acoustic layer is completely charred. Good agreement between the test results and prediction of the calculation model is observed. Further the fire tests clearly showed that the charring rate during the first phase is mainly influenced by the size and the position of the perforations as well as the thickness of the perforated acoustic layer. A correlation between the charring rate and these parameters is also presented and compared with the test results. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A counseling intervention for caregivers: effect on neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Senanarong Vorapun , Jamjumras Piyanuch , Harmphadungkit Kamolthip , Klubwongs Mayuree , Udomphanthurak Suthipol , Poungvarin Niphon , Vannasaeng Sathit , Cummings Jeffrey L. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundIn Thailand, family caregivers have an important role in delivering care to patients with dementia. Most patients with dementia in Thailand and also in Western societies live in the community. Training caregivers may improve care of dementia patients.ObjectiveWe performed a treatment study of a six‐month caregiver intervention with group counseling and support with provision of techniques to cope with non‐cognitive symptoms of patients with dementia. We hypothesized that this caregiver intervention with group counseling and support would reduce behavioral and neuropsychiatric symptoms in the demented patients.Subjects and methodsWe conducted a parallel group intervention study. A manual for group counseling and support was developed focusing on education regarding dementia, behavioral analysis and intervention, and environmental adaptation. Fifty nonprofessional caregivers—25 from the control group and 25 from the study group—of patients with dementia from the memory clinic at Siriraj Hospital were alternately assigned to each group as they presented to the clinic if they met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate. The Thai Mental State Examination (TMSE) was used to assess dementia severity. Forty‐five minute counseling sessions were conducted every 6–8 weeks for 6 months and assessments were conducted at 3 months and 6 months. The primary outcome measure was the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI).ResultsA paired samples analysis of the NPI scores demonstrated a significant change of the total NPI scores at the end of six month from baseline in the intervention group (P = 0.045). Change from baseline of the comparison group was not significant. There was a trend towards improvement of the TMSE scores between the two groups at month six (p = 0.061). The result favored the treatment group.ConclusionThis study provided evidence of the utility of a non‐pharmacologic intervention using group counseling in an out‐patient setting for caregivers of patients with dementia. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The utility of the Visual Analogue Scale for the assessment of depressive mood in cognitively impaired patients
Authors: Kertzman Semion , Aladjem Zoya , Milo Ron , Ben‐Nahum Zeev , Birger Moshe , Grinspan Haim , Weizman Abraham , Kotler Moshe 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundEarly detection of depression in elderly demented patients may assist in adequate treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of Visual Analogue Scale for depression among demented and mild cognitively impaired elderly patients.Methods157 Patients, aged from 65 to 92 years, in a memory clinic were divided into two groups according to scores on the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE): Demented group (62 patients) with MMSE scores from 16 to 23, and Mild Cognitively Impaired group (MCI‐95 patients) with MMSE scores from 24 to 29. Subjects were diagnosed for depression according to DSM‐IV criteria, using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and a comprehensive clinical evaluation. All were administered a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for depression.ResultsIn the demented group, 25 subjects were diagnosed as depressive. In the MCI group, 46 subjects were diagnosed as depressive. Mean VAS scores for the demented and MCI groups were similar, both for depressive and non‐depressive patients. Correlations between VAS scores with HDRS scores and with the clinical diagnosis were high, although somewhat lower for the demented group. Analyzing data with ROC curve technique yielded significantly different ROC curves. Optimal cutoff point for the demented group was VAS value of 60, and 50 for the MCI group.ConclusionsVAS seems to be a useful tool for evaluation of depression among cognitively impaired patients. Severity of cognitive decline in the elderly may influence the cutoff points on VAS for detecting depression. Further large‐scale studies are needed to substantiate our observation. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brain perfusion correlates of the apathy inventory dimensions of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Benoit M. , Clairet S. , Koulibaly P. M. , Darcourt J. , Robert P. H. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundApathy is defined as a lack of motivation in behavior, cognition and affect. This syndrome is frequent in various neuropsychiatric diseases but little is known about its pathophysiology.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the metabolic correlates of the behavioral, cognitive and emotional, aspects of apathy in Alzheimer's disease (AD).Method<Thirty AD patients were included. Lack of initiative, lack of interest and of emotional blunting were assessed with the Apathy Inventory (IA), a tool designed to provide a separate assessment of the behavioral, cognitive and emotional, aspects of apathy. Brain perfusion was measured by 99mTc‐labeled bicisate (ECD) single photon emission tomography.ResultsThe Statistical Parametric Mapping software provides negative correlation between IA total score and brain perfusion in left and right superior orbito‐frontal gyrus, and to a lesser extent in left middle frontal gyrus (BA10). Lack of initiative score was negatively correlated with perfusion in right anterior cingulate cortex. Lack of interest score was negatively correlated with perfusion in right middle orbitofrontal gyrus). Emotional blunting score correlated negatively with in left superior dorsolateral prefrontal cortex activity.ConclusionThese results underline that the cognitive, behavioral and affective components of motivation are mediated by different fronto‐sub‐cortical circuits and are differently lateralized. In particular, left prefrontal hypoperfusion is involved in emotional blunting, as it was often demonstrated in depressive disorders. These distinct components of apathy may be targeted by different therapeutic means, in which dopaminergic enhancement might play a major role. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characteristics of the GPCOG, a screening tool for cognitive impairment
Authors: Brodaty Henry , Kemp Nicola M. , Low Lee‐Fay 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundEarly dementia diagnosis is aided by the use of brief screening tests; scores can be biased by patient and informant characteristics such as age, gender and education.ObjectiveTo assess whether the General Practitioner's Assessment of Cognition (GPCOG), a brief screening tool for detecting cognitive impairment comprising a patient cognitive test and questions to an informant, is biased by patient and informant characteristics.DesignSixty‐seven general practitioners recruited consecutive patients (with informants). Patients were subsequently assessed by a research psychologist, and DSM‐IV diagnoses assigned following a case‐conference.SettingPrimary Care.SubjectsTwo hundred and eighty three home‐dwelling individuals, 11.3% of whom were aged 50–74 years with suspected memory problems and the rest aged 75 or more.MethodsThe GPCOG, Cambridge Mental Disorder of the Elderly Examination cognitive scale (CAMCOG), Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and the SF‐12 Health Survey (SF‐12) were administered and demographic data were collected and consensus DSM‐IV diagnoses of dementia made. Relationships between patient and informant characteristics and the GPCOG measure were examined using Pearson correlations and linear regression analyses.ResultsThere were correlations in GPCOG‐patient scores with age, education and depression scores but on regression analysis only age was associated with the GPCOG‐patient section. The GPCOG‐informant section was free of bias.ConclusionsThe GPCOG has advantages for use in primary care and is free of many biases common in other scales. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A longitudinal study of Alzheimer's disease: rates of cognitive and functional decline
Authors: Suh Guk‐Hee , Ju Young‐Su , Yeon Byeong Kil , Shah Ajit 
Published: July 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo measure rates of decline in cognition and function in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and to investigate their accelerating risk factors in Korea.MethodsThis study presents longitudinal data on a community‐based sample of 107 patients with AD, followed at 6 months and 12 months. The cognitive subscale of the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS‐cog), the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Disability Assessment for Dementia Scale (DAD) were given. Mixed model analyses were conducted using the following independent variables: times of repeated assessment (0, 6 or 12 months), severity of dementia assessed by the Functional Assessment Staging (FAST) and individual indicators as covariates.ResultsAverage annual rates of decline in the MMSE, the ADAS‐cog and the DAD were 2.3, 11.4 and 15.1 points, respectively. Neither gender, duration of formal education, nor duration of AD since onset was significant predictors of cognitive and functional decline. Patterns of functional decline in total DAD, instrumental ADLs, planning and organization and performance subscale are linear as MMSE score declines, while those of the basic ADLs and the initiation are curvilinear.ConclusionThis naturalistic observational study measured rates of cognitive and functional decline in AD, and can provide reference data for further longitudinal studies or clinical trials. Further study will be necessary to determine whether linear or curvilinear pattern in functional decline is due to progression of AD itself or statistical artifact. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Telephone word‐list recall tested in the rural aging and memory study: two parallel versions for the TICS‐M
Authors: Hogervorst Eva , Bandelow Stephan , Hart John , Henderson Victor W. 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundParallel versions of memory tasks are useful in clinical and research settings to reduce practice effects engendered by multiple administrations. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of three parallel versions of ten‐item word list recall tasks administered by telephone.MethodsA population based telephone survey of middle‐aged and elderly residents of Bradley County, Arkansas was carried out as part of the Rural Aging and Memory Study (RAMS). Participants in the study were 1845 persons aged 40 to 95 years. Word lists included that used in the telephone interview of cognitive status (TICS) as a criterion standard and two newly developed lists.ResultsThe mean age of participants was 61.05 (SD 12.44) years; 39.5% were over age 65. 78% of the participants had completed high school, 66% were women and 21% were African‐American. There was no difference in demographic characteristics between groups receiving different word list versions, and performances on the three versions were equivalent for both immediate (mean 4.22, SD 1.53) and delayed (mean 2.35 SD 1.75) recall trials. The total memory score (immediate+delayed recall) was negatively associated with older age (beta = −0.41, 95%CI=−0.11 to −0.04), lower education (beta = 0.24, 95%CI = 0.36 to 0.51), male gender (beta = −0.18, 95%CI = −1.39 to −0.90) and African‐American race (beta = −0.15, 95%CI = −1.41 to −0.82).ConclusionsThe two RAMS word recall lists and the TICS word recall list can be used interchangeably in telephone assessment of memory of middle‐aged and elderly persons. This finding is important for future studies where parallel versions of a word‐list memory task are needed. (250 words). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of agitation in elderly patients with dementia: correlations between informant rating and direct observation
Authors: Cohen‐Mansfield Jiska , Libin Alexander 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundAssessment of behavior problems in elderly persons with dementia is important for understanding and managing those behaviors. The most common method for assessing agitation is the use of informant ratings; however, these ratings may be affected by staff bias, inaccurate or insufficient memory, or stress. An alternative method is direct observation, which is more objective, but very costly and necessitates time sampling, thereby limiting the period covered by the assessment. To date, little research attention has been given to the degree to which these two methods converge.MethodsIn the present study, 175 elderly persons with dementia who manifested problem behaviors were recruited from 11 nursing home facilities in Maryland. The average age for the participants was 87 years; 78% were female. Two methods were employed for assessing agitation: the Agitated Behaviors Mapping Instrument (ABMI), which is based upon direct observations, and the Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI), which is a frequency rating scale completed by a formal caregiver. The ABMI and CMAI contain some identical items for tapping behavior problems.ResultsData analysis revealed significant Pearson correlations between identical items on the two assessment instruments, as well as significant correlations of summary measures based on these different instruments, demonstrating a strong convergence between informant ratings and direct observations.ConclusionsInformant ratings can achieve moderate agreement with direct observation when valid instruments and informants are used. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lifetime urban/rural residence, social support and late‐life depression in Korea
Authors: Kim Jae‐Min , Stewart Robert , Shin Il‐Seon , Yoon Jin‐Sang , Lee Hyung‐Yung 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundPopulation ageing and rural–urban migration are accelerating in many non‐Western nations. This study aimed to investigate: (i) the association between lifetime urban/rural residence and late‐life depression in Korea and (ii) modification of associations between depression and social support by lifetime residence.Methods1204 urban/rural residents aged 65+were interviewed and GMS‐AGECAT diagnoses made. Previous areas of residence were recorded and social support deficits quantified.ResultsDepression was present in 9% and 21% of the rural and urban samples respectively. For the urban sample, depression was not associated with earlier urban/rural residence. Social support deficits were most strongly associated with depression in people with a lifetime rural residence, followed by urban residents with a rural birthplace.ConclusionsPrevalence rates of depression were increased in the urban sample regardless of previous urban/rural residence. Reduced social support was particularly strongly associated with depression in people with a rural upbringing. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficacy and safety of long‐acting risperidone in elderly patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder
Authors: Lasser Robert A. , Bossie Cynthia A. , Zhu Young , Gharabawi Georges , Eerdekens Mariëlle , Davidson Michael 
Published: July 2004

AbstractBackgroundElderly patients are often an underserved population in terms of optimizing treatment outcomes. Long‐acting risperidone, the first long‐acting injectable atypical antipsychotic, can improve outcomes through continuous medication delivery.ObjectiveTo assess the efficacy and safety of long‐acting injectable risperidone in elderly patients with psychotic disorders.MethodsThis is a subanalysis of 57 patients aged ≥65 years enrolled in an open‐label study of long‐acting risperidone that included 725 symptomatically stable patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Patients were assigned to receive 25, 50, or 75 mg of long‐acting risperidone every 2 weeks for up to 50 weeks.ResultsFifty‐seven elderly patients (mean ± SE age, 70.9 ± 0.7 years) were enrolled. Mean Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total scores improved significantly throughout the study and at endpoint (p < 0.001). The PANSS factor scores (positive symptoms, negative symptoms, disorganized thoughts, uncontrolled hostility/excitement, and anxiety/depression) also significantly improved (p < 0.01). Clinical improvement (≥20% reduction in PANSS total scores) was achieved by 49% of these stable patients, and 55% improved on the Clinical Global Impressions scale. Severity of movement disorders (Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale scores) was reduced significantly. Adverse events reported in >10% of patients were insomnia (14%), constipation (12%), and bronchitis (12%).ConclusionsLong‐acting risperidone was associated with significant symptom improvements in stable elderly patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Treatment was well tolerated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Long–Term Outcomes of Patients With Compensated Hepatitis C Virus-Related Cirrhosis and History of Parenteral Exposure in the United States
Authors: Hu Ke-Qin , Tong Myron J. 
Published: July 2004

It is well known that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may progress to cirrhosis and is linked to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previous studies have shown that compensated HCV–cirrhosis is related to a certain morbidity and mortality in European patients, but little is known in regard to the clinical outcomes of a similar group of patients in the United States. This study investigated this category of patients in terms of the incidence of decompensation, development of HCC, mortality, and the predictive risk factors for morbidity and mortality. The potential effects of interferon (IFN) therapy on outcomes of the disease also were assessed. A total of 112 patients with compensated HCV–cirrhosis and a documented history of either intravenous drug abuse (IVDA) or transfusion were consecutively enrolled. The mean follow–up interval was 4.5 (2–7.7) years. The cumulative probabilities for decompensation and development of HCC were 22.2% and 10.1% in 5 years, with an estimated yearly incidence of 4.4% and 2.0%, respectively. The cumulative survival probability was 82.8% from entry and 51.1% from decompensation in 5 years, with estimated yearly events of mortality and liver transplantation of 3.4% and 9.8%, respectively. It was found that age at entry and initial exposure, initial levels of albumin, platelet count, and prothrombin time (PT) were predictive risk factors for developing decompensation, whereas age at entry and initial exposure, history of transfusion, lower initial levels of albumin, platelet count, and viral load were predictive risk factors for events of mortality and liver transplantation. The incidence of decompensation was significantly lower in patients treated with IFN, but age may have played a contributory role. In contrast, neither HCC development nor mortality was significantly altered by IFN therapy. In conclusion, our study indicated that patients with compensated HCV–cirrhosis in the United States progressed slowly and experienced eventual morbidity and mortality. Once decompensation develops, the disease will be more progressive and result in even higher mortality. Further studies will be required to determine the efficacy of IFN on clinical outcomes in this group of patients.(Hepatology 1999;29:1311–1316.)
Increased Angiogenesis in Portal Hypertensive Rats: Role of Nitric Oxide
Authors: Sumanovski Lazar T. , Battegay Edouard , Stumm Michael , van der Kooij Maaike , Sieber Cornel C. 
Published: July 2004

Systemic and especially splanchnic arterial vasodilation accompany chronic portal hypertension. Different soluble mediators causing this vasodilation have been proposed, the strongest evidence being for nitric oxide (NO). No data exist if structural vascular changes may partly account for this vasodilatory state. Here, we developed a new in vivo quantitative angiogenesis assay in the abdominal cavity and determined if: 1) portal hypertensive rats show increased angiogenesis; and 2) angiogenesis is altered by inhibiting NO formation. Portal hypertension was induced by partial portal vein ligation (PVL). Sham–operated rats served as controls (CON). During the index operation (day 0), a teflon ring filled with collagen I (Vitrogen 100) was sutured in the mesenteric cavity. After 16 days, rings were explanted, embedded in paraffin, and ingrown vessels counted using a morphometry system. The role of NO was tested by adding an antagonist of NO formation (N
ω–nitro–l–arginine [NNA], 3.3 mg/kg/d) into the drinking water. The mean number of ingrown vessels per implant was significantly higher in PVL rats compared with CON rats, i.e., 1,453 ± 187 versus 888 ± 116, respectively (P < .05; N = 5 per group). NNA significantly (P < .01) inhibited angiogenesis in PVL (202 ± 124; N = 5) and in CON (174 ± 25; N = 6) rats, respectively. In contrast, the β–adrenergic blocker, propranolol, did not prevent angiogenesis either in PVL or CON rats in a separate set of experiments (data not shown). The conclusions drawn from this study are that: 1) rats with portal hypertension show increased angiogenesis; and 2) inhibition of NO formation significantly prevents angiogenesis in both PVL and CON rats. Therefore, splanchnic vasodilation in chronic portal hypertension may also be a result of structural changes.
(Hepatology 1999;29:1044–1049.)