bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetics of engraftment in patients with hematologic malignancies given allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation after nonmyeloablative conditioning
Authors: Baron Frédéric , Baker Jennifer E. , Storb Rainer , Gooley Theodore A. , Sandmaier Brenda M. , Maris Michael B. , Maloney David G. , Heimfeld Shelly , Oparin Dmitrij , Zellmer Eustacia , Radich Jerald P. , Grumet F. Carl , Blume Karl G. , Chauncey Thomas R. , Little Marie-Térèse 
Published: June 2004

Abstract
We analyzed the kinetics of donor engraftment among various peripheral blood cell subpopulations and their relationship to outcomes among 120 patients with hematologic malignancies given hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) after nonmyeloablative conditioning consisting of 2 Gy total body irradiation (TBI) with or without added fludarabine. While patients rapidly developed high degrees of donor engraftment, most remained mixed donor/host chimeras for up to 180 days after HCT. Patients given preceding chemotherapies and those given granulocyte colony-stimulating factor–mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cell (G-PBMC) grafts had the highest degrees of donor chimerism. Low donor T-cell (P = .003) and natural killer (NK) cell (P = .004) chimerism levels on day 14 were associated with increased probabilities of graft rejection. High T-cell chimerism on day 28 was associated with an increased probability of acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (P = .02). Of 93 patients with measurable malignant disease at transplantation, 41 achieved complete remissions a median of 199 days after HCT; 19 of the 41 were mixed T-cell chimeras when complete remissions were achieved. Earlier establishment of donor NK-cell chimerism was associated with improved progression-free survival (P = .02). Measuring the levels of peripheral blood cell subset donor chimerisms provided useful information on HCT outcomes and might allow early therapeutic interventions to prevent graft rejection or disease progression.
Molecular interactions involved in HOXB4-induced activation of HSC self-renewal
Authors: Beslu Nathalie , Krosl Jana , Laurin Mélanie , Mayotte Nadine , Humphries Keith R. , Sauvageau Guy 
Published: June 2004

AbstractHOXB4 overexpression induces unique in vivo and in vitro expansion of hemopoietic stem cells (HSCs) without causing leukemia. Very little is known about the molecular basis underlying HOXB4-induced HSC self-renewal. We now report the in vitro proliferation and in vivo expansion capacity of primary bone marrow (BM) cells engineered to overexpress selected HOXB4 point mutants lacking either the capacity to directly bind DNA (HOXB4(A)), or to cooperate with members of the PBX family (HOXB4(W→G)) in DNA binding. The DNA binding–incompetent HOXB4 mutant failed to enhance the proliferation activity of transduced BM populations in vitro and HSC expansion in vivo. In contrast, the HOXB4(W→G) mutant conferred a pronounced in vitro proliferation advantage to the transduced BM populations, and dramatically enhanced their in vivo regenerative potential. We also demonstrate a correlation between HOXB4 protein levels and in vitro proliferative capacity of primary BM cells. Our observations thus suggest that the capacity of HOXB4 to induce HSC expansions is DNA-binding dependent and does not require direct HOX/PBX interaction, and sets the stage for identifying HOXB4-dependent targets involved in HSC expansion.
Fluoxetine therapy in depersonalisation disorder: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: Simeon Daphne , Guralnik Orna , Schmeidler James , Knutelska Margaret 
Published: June 2004

BackgroundDespite anecdotal reports that serotonin reuptake inhibitors may improve depersonalisation, there is no proven efficacious treatment for depersonalisation disorder.AimsTo investigate the efficacy of fluoxetine in the treatment of depersonalisation disorder.MethodFifty-four people who met DSM-IV criteria for depersonalisation disorder were recruited through newspaper advertisements, and 50 were randomised to a 10-week, double-blind trial of fluoxetine 10–60 mg/day or placebo. Primary outcome measures were the Dissociative Experiences Scale-epersonalisation Factor, the Depersonalization Severity Scale and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-1) scale.ResultsIntention-to-treat analysis revealed that fluoxetine (mean dosage 48 mg/day) was not superior to placebo except for a clinically minimal but statistically significantly greater improvement in CGI-I score in the fluoxetine group prior to covarying for anxiety and depression (2.9 v. 3.6). Depersonalisation was significantly more likely to improve if comorbid anxiety disorder improved.ConclusionsFluoxetine was not efficacious in treating depersonalisation disorder, despite the commonly reported clinical use of serotonin reuptake inhibitors for this condition.
Psychotherapy alone and combined with pharmacotherapy in the treatment of depression
Authors: De Jonghe Frans , Hendricksen Mariëlle , Van Aalst Gerda , Kool Simone , Peen Vjaap , Van Rien , Van Den Eijnden Ellen , Dekker Jack 
Published: June 2004

BackgroundThe relative efficacy of psychotherapy and combined therapy in the treatment of depression is still a matter of debate.AimsTo investigate whether combined therapy has advantages over psychotherapy alone.MethodA 6-month randomised clinical trial compared Short Psychodynamic Supportive Psychotherapy (n= 106) with combined therapy (n=85) in ambulatory patients with mild or moderate major depressive disorder diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria. Antidepressants were prescribed according to a protocol providing four successive steps in case of intolerance or inefficacy: venlafaxine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, nortriptyline and nortriptyline plus lithium. Efficacy was assessed using the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Clinical Global Impression of Severity and of Improvement, and the depression sub-scale of the Symptom Checklist.ResultsThe advantages of combining antidepressants with psychotherapy were equivocal. Neither the treating clinicians nor the independent observers were able to ascertain them, but the patients experienced them clearly.ConclusionsThe advantages of combining antidepressants with psychotherapy are equivocal.
Pituitary volume in psychosis
Authors: Pariante Carmine M. , Vassilopoulou Konstantina , Velakoulis Dennis , Phillips Lisa , Soulsby Bridget , Wood Stephen J. , Brewer Warrick , Smith Deidrej. , Dazzan Paola , Yung Alison R. , Zervas Ioannis M. , Christodoulou George N. , Murray Robin , McGorry Patrick D. , Pantelis Christos 
Published: June 2004

BackgroundPatients with psychosis have activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis during the acute phase of the psychosis. Whether this has any morphological consequences for the pituitary gland is currently unknown.AimsTo examine pituitary volume variation in people at different stages of psychotic disorder.MethodPituitary volume was measured using 1.5 mm, coronal magnetic resonance images in 24 people with first-episode psychosis, 51 with established schizophrenia and 59 healthy controls.ResultsCompared with the control group, the people with first-episode psychosis had pituitary volumes that were 10% larger, whereas those with established schizophrenia had pituitary volumes that were 17% smaller. In both of the groups with psychosis, there was no difference in pituitary volume between those receiving typical antipsychotic drugs and those receiving atypical antipsychotics.ConclusionsThe first episode of a psychosis is associated with a larger pituitary volume, which we suggest is due to activation of the HPA axis. The smaller pituitary volume in the group with established schizophrenia could be the consequence of repeated episodes of HPA axis hyperactivity.
Cost-effectiveness of computerised cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety and depression in primary care: Randomised controlled trial
Authors: McCrone Paul , Knapp Martin , Proudfoot Judith , Ryden Clash , Cavanagh Kate , Shapiro David A. , Ilson Sophie , Gray Jeffrey A. , Goldberg David , Mann Anthony , Marks Isaac , Everitt Brian , Tylee Andre 
Published: June 2004

BackgroundCognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is effective for treating anxiety and depression in primary care, but there is a shortage of therapists. Computer-delivered treatment may be a viable alternative.AimsTo assess the cost-effectiveness of computer-delivered CBT.MethodA sample of people with depression or anxiety were randomised to usual care (n= 128) or computer-delivered CBT (n= 146). Costs were available for 123 and 138 participants, respectively. Costs and depression scores were combined using the net benefit approach.ResultsService costs were £40 (90% CI-£28 to £148) higher over 8 months for computer-delivered CBT. Lost-employment costs were £407 (90% CI £196 to £586) less for this group. Valuing a 1-unit improvement on the Beck Depression Inventory at £40, there is an 81% chance that computer-delivered CBT is cost-effective, and it revealed a highly competitive cost per quality-adjusted life year.ConclusionsComputer-delivered CBT has a high probability of being cost-effective, even if a modest value is placed on unit improvements in depression.
Rapid tranquillisation of violent or agitated patients in a psychiatric emergency setting
Authors: Alexander Jacob , Tharyan Prathap , Adams Clive , John Thomas , Mol Carina , Philip Joncy 
Published: June 2004

BackgroundThe pharmacological management of violence in people with psychiatric disorders is under-researched.AimsTo compare interventions commonly used for controlling agitation or violence in people with serious psychiatric disorders.MethodWe randomised 200 people to receive intramuscular lorazepam (4 mg) or intramuscular haloperidol (10 mg) plus promethazine (25–50 mg mix).ResultsAt blinded assessments 4 h later (99.5% follow-up), equal numbers in both groups (96%) were tranquil or asleep. However, 76% given the haloperidol-promethazine mix were asleep compared with 45% of those allocated lorazepam (RR=2.29, 95% CI 1.59–3.39; NNT=3.2, 95% CI 2.3–5.4). The haloperidol-promethazine mix produced a faster onset of tranquillisation/sedation and more clinical improvement over the first 2 h. Neither intervention differed significantly in the need for additional intervention or physical restraints, numbers absconding, or adverse effects.ConclusionsBoth interventions are effective for controlling violent/agitated behaviour. If speed of sedation is required, the haloperidol-promethazine combination has advantages over lorazepam.
Evaluation of a partial hospitalisation programme: good news and bad
Authors: Tacchi Mary Jane , Joseph Suresh , Scott Jan 
Published: June 2004

Aims and MethodTo evaluate a 50-place partial hospitalisation programme during its first year of operation. Data were recorded for consecutive referrals to the programme. Its effects on the admission unit were also assessed.ResultsThe unit received over 200 referrals over 12 months, and more than 60% were for individuals who might otherwise have been admitted. The programme was associated with reductions in number and duration of hospital admissions and in bed occupancy rate; however, the proportion of urgent referrals to the programme doubled over the year, and after 12 months the occupancy rate was 96%.Clinical ImplicationsThe programme was well received by clients and well used by clinicians. Although it initially reduced the pressure on in-patient services, the problems confronting the programme at the end of the evaluation mirrored those of in-patient units.
Drug Use Patterns in Young German Women and Association with Mental Disorders
Authors: Hach Isabel , Rentsch Anke , Ruhl Uwe E , Becker Eni S , Türke Veneta , Margraf Jürgen , Kirch Wilhelm 
Published: June 2004

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of data about drug use patterns in young women. Mental disorders may influence those drug use patterns. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate drug use patterns (prescribed drugs, self-medication) in general and in relation to the prevalence rates of mental disorders in young German women. METHODS: A total of 2064 women (18–24 y old), obtained in a random clustered sample, were asked about their actual and former medication use. Moreover, a structured psychological interview (Diagnostic Interview for Mental Disorders) was conducted with each woman to evaluate the prevalence of mental disorders (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition). RESULTS: Oral contraceptives (55.9%), thyroid preparations (7.1%), respiratory system drugs (9.4%), and nervous system drugs (8%) were the most commonly used medications. Only 10% of the women with one or more mental disorders used psychotropic medication. As expected, women with mental disorders were significantly more likely to use antidepressants and psycholeptic agents (ie, sedatives/hypnotics, antipsychotics) than were women without any mental disorder. However, there were no significant differences in use of pain medication. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate an apparently inadequate supply of drugs acting on the nervous system for women with mental disorders in Germany. Further studies on different age and gender groups are needed. It is important to evaluate the prevalence of diseases and drug use at the same time so as to identify deficits in drug therapy and optimize prescription and self-medication use.
Distribution and Speciation of Metals in Surface Sediments of Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy)
Authors: Buccolieri Alessandro , Buccolieri Giovanni , Cardellicchio Nicola , DELL'ATTI Angelo , Di Leo Antonella , Maci Antonella , Petronio Bianca Maria 
Published: June 2004

AbstractConcentrations of metals (Al, Fe, Ti, Ni, Mn, Cr, Zn, Cu, Pb) were determined in surface sediments from Taranto gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy) in order to assess the distribution and the bioavailability of metals. Total metal content and speciation of Fe, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb were determined. Sediment cores were also sampled in some stations of particular interest. The analytical results show that metals distribution does not show significant variations in relation to depth. Metal distribution in the Taranto gulf is mainly influenced by industrial wastes from Taranto town, by rivers of the Basilicata region and by prevailing anticlockwise marine currents. These factors cause an accumulation of metals in the sediments near to the coasts of Calabria. The statistical analysis, effected by HCA and PCA methods, can be considered a good starting point in order to classify sediment samples and to locate accumulation areas. Metal speciation shows that Fe, Ni and Zn are present in sediments mainly as sulphides, Mn is present principally in an ionexchange form or bound to carbonate, while Cu and Pb are mainly present in the fraction bounds to humic acids.
The Role of Organic Matter on Metal Toxicity and Bio‐Availability
Authors: Calace Nicoletta , Petronio Bianca Maria 
Published: June 2004

AbstractA short review concerning the role of organic matter on metal toxicity and bio‐availability in aqueous systems is carried out. The complexity of the issue derives both from the high number of natural and anthropogenic organic compounds and from the variability of their structures. In fact, the binding capacity and affinity is dependent on the number and type of ligands, on their position in the structures, on the ligand/metal ratio. It is also necessary to develop analytical protocol in order to carry out speciation studies of organic carbon and of metals bound to organic compounds, and at the same time to characterise the nature of the complexes.
Bioavailability, Bioaccumulation and Tolerance of Chromium: Consequences in the Food Chain of Freshwater Ecosystems
Authors: Gorbi Gessica , Invidia Marion , Zanni Corrado , Torelli Anna , Corradi Maria Grazia 
Published: June 2004

AbstractMany abiotic and biotic factors can influence the partitioning equilibrium of heavy metals, thus influencing metal impact on aquatic environments. Unicellular algal species release soluble organic substances able to complex metals. In our laboratory a Cr‐tolerant strain was selected and isolated from a wild type strain of Scenedesmus acutus. The exudates released by the two strains counteracted the growth inhibition caused by Cr(VI) and the exudates of the Cr‐tolerant strain were more effective. On the contrary, the exudates did not reduce chromium toxicity to the cladoceran Daphnia magna. The reduction of chromium effect on algae seems the consequence of an algae‐specific interaction among Cr(VI), exudates and algal cells. Chromium uptake resulted to be energy‐dependent since bioaccumulation rate in subdued light condition was lower than at high light intensity. The effect of Cr(VI) on algae changed depending on metabolism of the cells and in particular it seemed to be related to the bioaccumulation rate. Tolerance in the selected strain could not be ascribed to a lower uptake of chromium. The difference in sensitivity to chromium between the two strains was exploited to evaluate if tolerance acquired by algae could have consequences for Daphnia. After treatment with Cr(VI), the two strains of S. acutus were used as food source for D. magna. The results indicate that chromium is accumulated by algae in a form not available for daphnids and that Cr tolerance acquired by the algae can be of some advantage to the consumer organism.
Study of the Distribution of Trace Elements in Six Species of Marine Organisms of the Ligurian Sea (North‐Western Mediterranean) — Comparison with Previous Findings
Authors: Capelli Renzo , Drava Giuliana , Siccardi Camilla , De Pellegrini Rodolfo , Minganti Vincenzo 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThis paper presents the results of the determination of several trace elements (total and organic mercury, selenium, cadmium, lead, copper, manganese and zinc) in six species of marine organisms (Nephrops norvegicus, Engraulis encrasicolus, Mullus barbatus, Mullus surmuletus, Merluccius merluccius, and Sarda sarda), sampled in the Ligurian Sea (North‐West Mediterranean) during a three‐year period, from 1998 to 2000. The species analysed (388 samples) are the same studied in previous investigations in the same area (260 samples), so that a comparison with previous data measured in 1977‐1986 was possible, in order to evaluate the variation of the marine environment in that area with respect to that period. Biological parameters of the specimens (length and weight of the individuals, and also sex for N. norvegicus) were taken into account in order to make possible the comparison between old and new data. No appreciable variation occurred in the levels of the trace elements analysed during the period 1998‐2000, while the comparison with the data collected about 25 years ago showed a decrease of all the elements except for selenium.
Adsorption of Organic Compounds onto Activated Carbons from Recycled Vegetables Biomass
Authors: Mameli Anna , Cincotti Alberto , Lai Nicola , Crisafulli Carmelo , Sciré Salvatore , Cao Giacomo 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe removal of organic species from aqueous solution by activated carbons is investigated. The latter ones are prepared from olive husks and almond shells. A wide range of surface area values are obtained varying temperature and duration of both carbonization and activation steps. The adsorption isotherm of phenol, catechol and 2, 6‐dichlorophenol involving the activated carbons prepared are obtained at 25 °C. The corresponding behavior is quantitatively correlated using classical isotherm, whose parameters are estimated by fitting the equilibrium data. A two component isotherm (phenol / 2, 6‐dichlorophenol) is determined in order to test activated carbon behavior during competitive adsorption.
Comparing Some Operational Approaches to the Limit of Detection
Authors: Desimoni Elio , Brunetti Barbara , Cattaneo Raffaella 
Published: June 2004

AbstractThe limit of detection is one of the fundamental metrological characteristics of any chemical measurement systems but, even now, it is a highly controversial matter because of the existing differences in terminology, formulations and understanding. Even when limiting the analysis to those operational approaches that, because of their simplicity, are often suggested by the guidelines of some international bodies, the available approaches can return appreciably different estimates. In this paper, the matter is critically reconsidered, and the different approaches compared with the aid of some case studies.
Zero‐Crossing Second Derivative Spectrophotometry for Simultaneous Determination of Palladium and Nickel Using 1‐(2‐Pyridylazo)‐2‐Naphthol in Mixed Micellar Solutions
Authors: Eskandari Habibollah 
Published: June 2004

Abstract1‐(2‐Pyridylazo)‐2‐naphthol (PAN) has been used for the simultaneous determination of nickel and palladium at trace levels. PAN complexes of nickel and palladium in the pH 1.98 form red and green colored complexes, respectively, which are soluble in aqueous 4:1 Triton X‐100 to sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) micellar media with total detergent concentration of 3.2 %. Under optimum conditions, calibration graphs for the simultaneous determination by second derivative spectrophotometry were obtained. Zero crossing second derivative spectrophotometry at 668 and 572 nm, respectively for palladium and nickel was used for the simultaneous determination. The method is able to determine palladium to nickel ratio 70:1 to 1:6 (Wt/Wt), accurately. Accuracy and reproducibility of the determination method on the known various amounts of palladium and nickel in their binary mixtures were tested. Effects of diverse ions on the determination of palladium and nickel to investigate selectivity of the method also were studied.
Inhibition of Acidic Corrosion of Carbon Steel by some Mono and Bis Azo Dyes Based on 1, 5 Dihydroxynaphihalene
Authors: Abdallah Metwally , Moustafa Moustafa E. 
Published: June 2004

AbstractInhibition of the corrosion of carbon steel in hydrochloric acid solution by some mono‐ and bis‐azo dyes based on 1, 5‐dihydroxynaphthalene was studied in relation to the concentration of inhibitors using weight loss and potentiostatic polarization techniques. The percentage inhibition efficiency calculated from two methods is in a good agreement with each other. The inhibition mechanism of the additives was ascribed to the formation of complex compound adsorbed on the metal surface. The adsorption process follows Freundlich adsorption isotherm. The formation of the complex compound was studied by conductometric and potentiometric titrations. The stability constants of the Fe‐complexes were determined using the latter technique and related to the inhibition efficiency.