bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk of myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death associated with inhaled corticosteroids in COPD
Authors: Loke Y. K. , Kwok C. S. , Singh S. 
Published: November 2009

The effect of long-term inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) use on myocardial infarction (MI) and cardiovascular (CV) death in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) remains uncertain.We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, ISI, regulatory documents and manufacturers' trial registries for long-term (>24 weeks duration) randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled observational studies reporting on CV outcomes or death with ICS use in COPD. A fixed effects model was used to calculate the relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs.23 RCTs with 24–160 weeks of follow-up were included. In the RCTs, ICS were not associated with a significantly reduced risk of MI (RR 0.95, 95% CI 0.73–1.23; p = 0.68, I2 = 0%), CV death (RR 1.02; 95% CI 0.81–1.27; p = 0.89, I2 = 0%), or mortality (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.86–1.07; p = 0.43, I2 = 0%). In the observational studies, ICS use was associated with a significant reduction in CV death (two studies: RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.72–0, 86; p <0.0001, I2 = 44%) and mortality (11 studies: RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.75–0.80; p<0.001, I2 = 33%). Publication biasviafunnel plot asymmetry was noted for mortality in the observational studies (Egger test, p = 0.05).We conclude that while observational studies suggest that ICS may potentially confer CV or mortality benefit, RCTs failed to show any significant effect of ICS therapy on MI or CV death. These conflicting findings need to be clarified through further research.
Biologic lung volume reduction therapy for advanced homogeneous emphysema
Authors: Refaely Y. , Dransfield M. , Kramer M.R. , Gotfried M. , Leeds W. , Mclennan G. , Tewari S. , Krasna M. , Criner G.J. 
Published: November 2009

This report summarises phase 2 trial results of biologic lung volume reduction (BioLVR) for treatment of advanced homogeneous emphysema.BioLVR therapy was administered bronchoscopically to 25 patients with homogeneous emphysema in an open-labelled study. Eight patients received low dose (LD) treatment with 10 mL per site at eight subsegments; 17 received high dose (HD) treatment with 20 mL per site at eight subsegments. Safety was assessed in terms of medical complications during 6-month follow-up. Efficacy was assessed in terms of change from baseline in gas trapping, spirometry, diffusing capacity, exercise capacity, dyspnoea and health-related quality of life.There were no deaths or serious medical complications during the study. A statistically significant reduction in gas trapping was observed at 3-month follow-up among HD patients, but not LD patients. At 6 months, changes from baseline in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (-8.0±13.93%versus+13.8±20.26%), forced vital capacity (-3.9±9.41%versus+9.0±13.01%), residual volume/total lung capacity ratio (-1.4±13.82%versus-5.4±12.14%), dyspnoea scores (-0.4±1.27versus-0.8±0.73 units) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire total domain scores (-4.9±8.3 Uversus-12.2±12.38 units) were better with HD than with LD therapy.BioLVR therapy with 20 mL per site at eight subsegmental sites may be a safe and effective therapy in patients with advanced homogeneous emphysema.
Venous thromboemboli and exacerbations of COPD
Authors: Gunen H. , Gulbas G. , In E. , Yetkin O. , Hacievliyagil S. S. 
Published: November 2009

The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of and risk factors for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).COPD patients hospitalised with an exacerbation were included consecutively. Symptoms, signs and clinical, haematological and epidemiological parameters on admission were noted. All patients underwent computed tomographic angiography and ultrasonographic examination for deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE). Wells and Geneva scores were calculated. Patients were followed-up for 1 yr in order to determine mortality.Deep vein thrombosis and PE were detected in 14 and 18 patients, respectively. The prevalence of VTE was three times higher in patients with an exacerbation of unknown origin than in patients with an exacerbation of known origin (p = 0.016). Of patients with VTE, 20 (95%) had high D-dimer levels. The negative predictive value of D-dimer testing was 0.98. Although the moderate- and high-risk categories of both the Wells and Geneva methods covered all PE patients, the Wells method identified 49% less potential patients for PE investigation. Mortality at 1 yr was higher (61.9%versus31.8%) in VTE patients (p = 0.013).VTE is a common problem in COPD patients hospitalised with an exacerbation, leading to high long-term mortality. D-dimer levels and the Wells criteria can be used to determine whether or not these patients are assessed for a thromboembolic event.
Duration of antibiotic therapy in hospitalised patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Aliberti S. , Blasi F. , Zanaboni A.M. , Peyrani P. , Tarsia P. , Gaito S. , Ramirez J.A. 
Published: November 2009

Recent guidelines suggest that duration of antibiotic therapy for hospitalized patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) can be reduced by individualising treatment based on patient's clinical response. However, the degree of application of this principle in clinical practice is unknown.Duration of therapy was analysed in patients identified from the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization database and evaluated with respect to severity of the disease on admission and time to clinical stability (TCS).Among the 2,003 patients enrolled, mean duration of total antibiotic therapy was 11 days. Neither the pneumonia severity index (r2= 0.005) nor the CRB-65 (r2= 0.004) scores were related to total duration of therapy. Duration of intravenous antibiotic therapy was related to TCS (r2= 0.198). Conversely, TCS was not related to duration of either oral (r2= 0.014) or total (r2= 0.02) antibiotic therapy. Neither TCS nor other characteristics were found to be significantly associated with duration of total therapy by logistic regression analysis (r2<0.09).The individualised approach suggested by recent guidelines has not been adopted in current clinical practice. Duration of therapy is not influenced by either the severity of disease at the time of hospitalisation or the clinical response to therapy.
Response to Rv2628 latency antigen associates with cured tuberculosis and remote infection
Authors: Goletti D. , Butera O. , Vanini V. , Lauria F.N. , Lange C. , Franken K.L.M.C. , Angeletti C. , Ottenhoff T.H.M. , Girardi E. 
Published: November 2009

Interferon-γ release assays based on region of difference 1 antigens have improved diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). However, these tests cannot discriminate between recently acquired infection (higher risk of progression to active tuberculosis) and remote LTBI. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the T-cell interferon-γ responses toMycobacteriumtuberculosisDosR-regulon-encoded antigens (latency antigens) compared with QuantiFERON TB-Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) in subjects at different stages of tuberculosis.A total of 16 individuals with remote LTBI and 23 with recent infection were studied; 15 controls unexposed toM. tuberculosisand 50 patients with active tuberculosis and 45 with cured tuberculosis were also analysed.The results indicated that subjects with remote LTBI showed significantly higher whole-blood interferon-γ responses toM. tuberculosislatency antigen Rv2628 than did individuals with recent infection, active tuberculosis and controls (p<0.003), whereas no significant differences between these groups were found for other latency antigens tested (Rv2626c, Rv2627c, Rv2031c and Rv2032). The proportion of responders to Rv2628 was five-fold higher among QFT-GIT-positive-individuals with remote infection than among those with recently acquired infection.These data suggest that responses toM. tuberculosislatency antigen Rv2628 may associate with immune-mediated protection against tuberculosis. In contact-tracing investigations, these preliminary data may differentiate recent (positive QFT-GIT results without responses to Rv2628) from remote infection (positive to both tests).
Formation of (FeCl3)@phenylazomethine dendrimer (DPA): Fine control of the release and encapsulation of Fe ions in dendrimers
Authors: Yamamoto Kimihisa , Nakajima Reina , Ochi Yousuke , Tsuruta Masanori , Higuchi Masayoshi , Hida Akira , Onoe Jun 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Phenylazomethine dendrimers (DPAs) act as a strong coordination site for metal ion assembly. DPA G4 is regarded as a molecular capsule having 30 metal-assembling sites with a 2.7 nm diameter. We have reported the radial stepwise complexation with Sn2+ ions in the dendrimers, which means the location and number of metal ions can be controlled. Therefore, DPA G4 should realize a ferritin-like redox nanocapsule with precise control of the number of Fe ions. On the other hand, the Fe ion is a typical paramagnetic molecule. For creating an advanced memory with a high density, ferritin is one of the candidates for use as a magnetic quantum dot. Many attempts to use biomaterials, for example, ferritins and chapero-nins, as metal storage capsules have been demonstrated. Some research groups fabricate a device by assembling ferritins on a plate using their rigid and uniform structure. The attempts to use dendrimers have also been demonstrated. We now describe the successful attempt to control the "encapsulation and release" of iron ions in a dendrimer in order to mimic a ferritin through the redox reaction. Furthermore, the assembling structures of (FeCl3)
n
@DPA on a plate were first observed by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) as a dendrimer complex, which shows that a highly oriented film is formed on a plate only by solvent casting.
Income inequality and self-rated health status: Evidence from the european community household panel
Authors: Hildebrand Vincent , Van Kerm Philippe 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
We examine the effect of income inequality on individualś self-rated health status in a pooled sample of 11 countries, using longitudinal data from the European Community Household Panel survey. Taking advantage of the longitudinal and cross-national nature of our data, and carefully modeling the self-reported health information, we avoid several of the pitfalls suffered by earlier studies on this topic. We calculate income inequality indices measured at two standard levels of geography (NUTS-0 and NUTS-1) and find consistent evidence that income inequality is negatively related to self-rated health status in the European Union for both men and women, particularly when measured at national level. However, despite its statistical significance, the magnitude of the impact of inequality on health is very small.
The effect of sexual abstinence on females' educational attainment
Authors: Sabia Joseph J. , Rees Daniel I. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
A number of studies have shown that teenagers who abstain from sex are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college than their sexually active peers. However, it is unclear whether this association represents a causal relationship or can be explained by unmeasured heterogeneity. We employ a variety of statistical techniques to distinguish between these hypotheses, using data on females from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Our results provide evidence that delaying first intercourse leads to an increased likelihood of graduating from high school. This relationship appears to be strongest among respondents in the bottom third of the ability distribution. Controlling for fertility reduces, but does not eliminate, the estimated effect of delaying intercourse.
What explains the rural-urban gap in infant mortality: Household or community characteristics?
Authors: Van De Poel Ellen , O'donnell Owen , Van Doorslaer Eddy 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
The rural-urban gap in infant mortality rates is explained by using a new decomposition method that permits identification of the contribution of unobserved heterogeneity at the household and the community level. Using Demographic and Health Survey data for six Francophone countries in Central and West sub-Saharan Africa, we find that differences in the distributions of factors that determine mortality-not differences in their effects-explain almost the entire gap. Higher infant mortality rates in rural areas mainly derive from the rural disadvantage in household characteristics, both observed and unobserved, which explain two-thirds of the gap. Among the observed characteristics, environmental factors-a safe source of drinking water, electricity, and quality of housing materials-are the most important contributors. Community characteristics explain less than onequarter of the gap, with about two-thirds of this coming from community unobserved heterogeneity and one-third from the existence of a health facility within the community. The effect of disadvantageous environmental conditions-such as limited electricity and water supply-derives both from a lack of community-level infrastructure and from the inability of some households to exploit it when available. Policy needs to operate at both the community and household levels to correct such deficiencies.
Cohabitation and family formation in Japan
Authors: Raymo James M. , Iwasawa Miho , Bumpass Larry 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThis article documents the prevalence, duration, and marital outcomes of cohabiting unions in Japan. It then examines the correlates of cohabitation experiences and also describes differences in the family-formation trajectories of women who have and have not cohabited. Cohabitation has increased rapidly among recent cohorts of women, and cohabiting unions in Japan tend to be relatively short in duration and are almost as likely to dissolve as to result in marriage. Life table analyses demonstrate that the cumulative probabilities of marriage and parenthood within marriage are roughly similar for women who did and those who did not cohabit. The most notable difference is in the pathways to family formation, with women who cohabited more likely both to marry subsequent to pregnancy and to delay childbearing within marriage. Taken as a whole, these results suggest that cohabiting unions in Japan are best viewed as an emerging prelude to marriage rather than as an alternative to marriage or singlehood. We conclude with speculation about the likelihood of further increases in cohabitation in Japan and the potential implications for marriage and fertility.
Immigration, crime, and incarceration in early twentieth-century America
Authors: Moehling Carolyn , Piehl Anne Morrison 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe major government commissions on immigration and crime in the early twentieth century relied on evidence that suffered from aggregation bias and the absence of accurate population data, which led them to present partial and sometimes misleading views of the immigrant-native criminality comparison. With improved data and methods, we find that in 1904, prison commitment rates for more serious crimes were quite similar by nativity for all ages except ages 18 and 19, for which the commitment rate for immigrants was higher than for the native-born. By 1930, immigrants were less likely than natives to be committed to prisons at all ages 20 and older, but this advantage disappears when one looks at commitments for violent offenses. The time series pattern reflects a growing gap between natives and immigrants at older ages, one that was driven by sharp increases in the commitment rates of the native-born, while commitment rates for the foreign-born were remarkably stable.
Mortality attributable to obesity among middle-aged adults in the United States
Authors: Mehta Neil K. , Chang Virginia W. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Obesity is considered a major cause of premature mortality and a potential threat to the longstanding secular decline in mortality in the United States. We measure relative and attributable risks associated with obesity among middle-aged adults using data from the Health and Retirement Study (1992–2004). Although class II/III obesity (BMI _ 35.0 kg/m2) increases mortality by 40% in females and 62% in males compared with normal BMI (BMI = 18.5-24.9), class I obesity (BMI = 30.0-34.9) and being overweight (BMI = 25.0-29.9) are not associated with excess mortality. With respect to attributable mortality, class II/III obesity (BMI _ 35.0) is responsible for approximately 4% of deaths among females and 3% of deaths among males. Obesity is often compared with cigarette smoking as a major source of avoidable mortality. Smoking-attributable mortality is much larger in this cohort: about 36% in females and 50% in males. Results are robust to confounding by preexisting diseases, multiple dimensions of socioeconomic status (SES), smoking, and other correlates. These findings challenge the viewpoint that obesity will stem the long-term secular decline in U.S. mortality.
Understanding links between adolescent health and educational attainment
Authors: Jackson Margot I. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe educational and economic consequences of poor health during childhood and adolescence have become increasingly clear, with a resurgence of evidence leading researchers to reconsider the potentially significant contribution of early-life health to population welfare both within and across generations. Meaningful relationships between early-life health and educational attainment raise important questions about how health may influence educational success in young adulthood and beyond, as well as for whom its influence is strongest. Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, I examine how adolescentś health and social status act together to create educational disparities in young adulthood, focusing on two questions in particular. First, does the link between adolescent health and educational attainment vary across socioeconomic and racial/ethnic groups? Second, what academic factors explain the connection between adolescent health and educational attainment? The findings suggest that poorer health in adolescence is strongly negatively related to educational attainment, net of both observed confounders and unobserved, time-invariant characteristics within households. The reduction in attainment is particularly large for non-Hispanic white adolescents, suggesting that the negative educational consequences of poor health are not limited to only the most socially disadvantaged adolescents. Finally, I find that the link between adolescent health and educational attainment is explained by academic factors related to educational participation and, most importantly, academic performance, rather than by reduced educational expectations. These findings add complexity to our understanding of how the educational consequences of poor health apply across the social hierarchy, as well as why poor health may lead adolescents to complete less schooling.
Intranasal infusion of clotrimazole for the treatment of nasal aspergillosis in two cats
Authors: Furrow Eva , Groman Reid P. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Case Description—2 cats (13 and 11 years old) were evaluated to determine the cause of nasal discharge of varying duration (4 days and 5 months, respectively).
Clinical Findings—Computed tomography revealed marked turbinate destruction and soft tissue densities in the nasal passages. Histologic examination of nasal specimens revealed chronic active inflammation and branching fungal hyphae consistent with Aspergillus spp. Fungal culture of nasal specimens resulted in growth of Aspergillus spp. Testing yielded negative results for antibodies against Aspergillus spp.
Treatment and Outcome—Both cats were anesthetized and treated with a 1-hour intranasal infusion of clotrimazole. Recovery from the procedure was uncomplicated, and both cats had complete resolution of clinical signs.
Clinical Relevance—Little information is available on the treatment of nasal aspergillosis in cats, and the prognosis for affected animals is considered poor. The procedure for local intranasal infusion of clotrimazole in 2 cats was described here. Results and follow-up monitoring for both cats suggested that this may be a safe, effective, and durable treatment for cats with nasal aspergillosis.
Analgesic effects of butorphanol tartrate and phenylbutazone administered alone and in combination in young horses undergoing routine castration
Authors: Sanz Macarena G. , Sellon Debra C. , Cary Julie A. , Hines Melissa T. , Farnsworth Kelly D. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Objective—To compare the analgesic efficacy of administration of butorphanol tartrate, phenylbutazone, or both drugs in combination in colts undergoing routine castration.
Design—Randomized controlled clinical trial.
Animals—36 client-owned colts.
Procedures—Horses received treatment with butorphanol alone (0.05 mg/kg [0.023 mg/lb], IM, prior to surgery and then q 4 h for 24 hours), phenylbutazone alone (4.4 mg/kg [2.0 mg/lb], IV, prior to surgery and then 2.2 mg/kg [1.0 mg/lb], PO, q 12 h for 3 days), or butorphanol and phenylbutazone at the aforementioned dosages (12 horses/group). For single-drug–treated horses, appropriate placebos were administered to balance treatment protocols among groups. All horses were anesthetized, and lidocaine hydrochloride was injected into each testis. Physical and physiological variables, plasma cortisol concentration, body weight, and water consumption were assessed before and at intervals after surgery, and induction of and recovery from anesthesia were subjectively characterized. Observers assessed signs of pain by use of a visual analogue scale and a numerical rating scale.
Results—Significant changes in gastrointestinal sounds, fecal output, and plasma cortisol concentrations were evident in each treatment group over time, compared with preoperative values. At any time point, assessed variables and signs of pain did not differ significantly among groups, although the duration of recumbency after surgery was longest for the butorphanol-phenylbutazone–treated horses.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—With intratesticular injections of lidocaine, administration of butorphanol to anesthetized young horses undergoing routine castration had the same apparent analgesic effect as phenylbutazone treatment. Combined butorphanolphenylbutazone treatment was not apparently superior to either drug used alone.
Buccal mucosal urethroplasty for treatment of recurrent hemospermia in a stallion
Authors: Hackett Eileen S. , Bruemmer Jason , Hendrickson Dean A. , McCue Patrick M. 
Published: November 2009

Abstract
Case Description—An 11-year-old Quarter Horse stallion was admitted for intermittent hemospermia of 4 years' duration.
Clinical Findings—A linear vertical defect had been detected endoscopically following multiple episodes of hemospermia on the caudodorsal convex surface of the urethra at the level of the ischial arch.
Treatment and Outcome—When sexual rest alone did not result in complete healing of the urethral defect, a subischial urethrotomy and buccal mucosal urethroplasty were performed. The surgical site healed without complication. Four months of sexual rest was recommended after surgery. Repeat endoscopy at 4 months allowed inspection of the urethral graft site. Following endoscopic examination, resumption of semen collection was recommended on the basis of the apparent healing at the urethral defect site. Hemospermia did not reoccur following surgical repair.
Clinical Relevance—Buccal mucosal urethroplasty resulted in a favorable outcome in a stallion with recurrent hemospermia. Buccal mucosal urethroplasty may be a useful surgical option in stallions that have hemospermia secondary to a urethral defect and do not heal with sexual rest alone.