bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevated Saliva Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Levels During Acute Migraine Predict Therapeutic Response to Rizatriptan
Authors: Cady Roger K. , Vause Carrie V. , Ho Tony W. , Bigal Marcelo E. , Durham Paul L. 
Published: September 2009

Objectives.— (1) To measure calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) levels in the saliva of individuals with migraine during the premonitory period, mild headache, moderate to severe headache, and post‐resolution phases as compared with baseline (interictal) CGRP levels. (2) To correlate response to rizatriptan administered during moderate headache with levels of CGRP levels measured in saliva.Background.— CGRP is implicated in the underlying pathophysiology of migraine. To date no study has measured changes of saliva CGRP through the clinical evolution of a migraine attack and correlated saliva CGRP levels to clinical response to therapy.Methods.— Data were summarized using tables and descriptive statistics. Statistical analysis was performed with the non‐parametric signed‐rank test using Minitab15 statistical software. Results of statistical analyses were considered significant at P < .05. Responding subjects were defined as those who were symptom free at the time of the last collected saliva sample and did not have to rescue. Non‐responding subjects were defined as those who rescued with an additional dose of rizatriptan or another medication or who were not symptom free at the end of the collection period.Results.— Statistically significant elevations of CGRP were noted in the premonitory, mild headache, and moderate to severe headache phase of the migraine compared with baseline (interictal) levels. A better therapeutic response to rizatriptan was observed in subjects with elevated saliva CGRP levels. Successful treatment with rizatriptan correlated with saliva CGRP levels returning to near baseline levels. In the rizatriptan non‐responder group, no significant change in saliva CGRP levels was found at any phase of the migraine attack.Conclusions.— Elevation of saliva CGRP is predictive of responsiveness to rizatriptan. In the rizatriptan responsive population, CGRP levels are elevated beginning with the premonitory period and throughout mild and moderate/severe headache. Successful response to rizatriptan correlated with return of saliva CGRP levels to near baseline (interictal) values.
The Relationship Between Short‐Term Mortality and Quality of Care for Hip Fracture: A Meta‐Analysis of Clinical Pathways for Hip Fracture
Authors: Neuman Mark D. , Archan Sylvia , Karlawish Jason H. , Schwartz J. Sanford , Fleisher Lee A. 
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between use of clinical pathways for hip fracture and changes in the rates of five inpatient complications and short‐term mortality.DESIGN: Meta‐analysis of published studies examining clinical pathways for hip fracture, identified through systematic searches of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) and hand searches of selected article bibliographies.SETTING: Observational and interventional studies of clinical pathways for hip fracture examining rates of deep venous thrombosis, pressure ulcer, surgical site infection, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and inpatient or 30‐day mortality.PARTICIPANTS: Two reviewers.MEASUREMENTS: Reviewers independently assessed eligibility and quality of studies and extracted data for outcomes of interest.RESULTS: Meta‐analysis of nine studies (4,637 patients) demonstrated lower odds of deep venous thrombosis (odds ratio (OR)=0.33, 95% CI=0.14–0.75), pressure ulcer (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.30–0.75), surgical site infection (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.25–0.89), and urinary tract infection (OR=0.71, 95% CI=0.52–0.98) in patients managed according to clinical pathways than in those receiving usual care. Statistically significant differences were not observed in the odds of pneumonia (OR=1.01, 95% CI=0.67–1.53) or in a combined outcome of in‐hospital or 30‐day mortality (OR=0.86, 95% CI=0.66–1.13).CONCLUSION: An association was observed between clinical pathway use and lower odds of four common complications of hospitalization after hip fracture; only a small, statistically insignificant association was observed between pathway use and changes in short‐term mortality, suggesting that assessments of hospital quality based on short‐term mortality may not reflect important improvements in patient outcomes that hospitals may achieve using clinical pathways.
Prediction of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Older Men Infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Clinical Factors and Value of the Six‐Minute Walk Distance
Authors: Oursler Krisann K. , Katzel Leslie I. , Smith Barbara A. , Scott Wayne B. , Russ David W. , Sorkin John D. 
Published: September 2009

OBJECTIVES: To investigate factors related to cardiorespiratory fitness in older human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐infected patients and to explore the utility of 6‐minute walk distance (6‐MWD) in measuring fitness.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study in clinic‐based cohort.SETTING: Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland.PARTICIPANTS: Forty‐three HIV‐infected men, median age 57 (range 50–82), without recent acquired immunodeficiency syndrome–related illness and receiving antiretroviral (ARV) therapy.MEASUREMENTS: Peak oxygen utilization (VO2peak) according to treadmill graded exercise testing, 6‐MWD, grip strength, quadriceps maximum voluntary isometric contraction, cross‐sectional area, muscle quality, and muscle adiposity.RESULTS: There was a moderate correlation between VO2peak (mean ± SD; 18.4 ± 5.6 mL/kg per minute) and 6‐MWD (514 ± 91 m) (r=0.60, P<.001). VO2peak was lower in subjects with hypertension (16%, P<.01) and moderate anemia (hemoglobin 10–13 gm/dL; 15%, P=.09) than in subjects without these conditions. CD4 cell count (median 356 cells/mL, range 20–1,401) and HIV‐1 viral load (84% nondetectable) were not related to VO2peak. Among muscle parameters, only grip strength was an independent predictor of VO2peak. Estimation of VO2peak using linear regression, including age, 6‐MWD, grip strength, and hypertension as independent variables, explained 61% of the variance in VO2peak.CONCLUSION: Non‐AIDS‐related comorbidity predicts cardiorespiratory fitness in older HIV‐infected men receiving ARV therapy. The 6‐MWD is a valuable measure of fitness in this patient population, but a larger study with diverse subjects is needed.
Frailty Correlated Default
Authors: DUFFIE DARRELL , ECKNER ANDREAS , HOREL GUILLAUME , SAITA LEANDRO 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTThe probability of extreme default losses on portfolios of U.S. corporate debt is much greater than would be estimated under the standard assumption that default correlation arises only from exposure to observable risk factors. At the high confidence levels at which bank loan portfolio and collateralized debt obligation (CDO) default losses are typically measured for economic capital and rating purposes, conventionally based loss estimates are downward biased by a full order of magnitude on test portfolios. Our estimates are based on U.S. public nonfinancial firms between 1979 and 2004. We find strong evidence for the presence of common latent factors, even when controlling for observable factors that provide the most accurate available model of firm‐by‐firm default probabilities.
Do Hedge Fund Managers Misreport Returns? Evidence from the Pooled Distribution
Authors: BOLLEN NICOLAS P.B. , POOL VERONIKA K. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTWe find a significant discontinuity in the pooled distribution of monthly hedge fund returns: The number of small gains far exceeds the number of small losses. The discontinuity is present in live and defunct funds, and funds of all ages, suggesting that it is not caused by database biases. The discontinuity is absent in the 3 months culminating in an audit, suggesting it is not attributable to skillful loss avoidance. The discontinuity disappears when using bimonthly returns, indicating a reversal in fund performance following small gains. This result suggests that the discontinuity is caused at least in part by temporarily overstated returns.
Reduced Fluoroscopy During Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Benefits of Robotic Guided Navigation
Authors: STEVEN DANIEL , SERVATIUS HELGE , ROSTOCK THOMAS , HOFFMANN BORIS , DREWITZ IMKE , MÜLLERLEILE KAI , SULTAN ARIAN , AYDIN MUHAMMET ALI , MEINERTZ THOMAS , WILLEMS STEPHAN 
Published: September 2009

Reduced Fluoroscopy in PVI Using RN. Background: Recently, a nonmagnetic robotic navigation system (RN, Hansen‐Sensei™) has been introduced for remote catheter manipulation. Objective: To investigate the influence of RN combined with intuitive 3‐dimensional mapping on the fluoroscopy exposure to operator and patient during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) in a prospective randomized trial. Methods: Sixty patients were randomly assigned to undergo PVI either using a RN guided (group 1; n = 30, 20 male, 62 ± 7.7 years) or conventional ablation approach (group 2; n = 30, 14 male, 61 ± 7.6 years). A 3‐dimensional mapping system (NavX™) was used in both groups. Results: Electrical disconnection of the ipsilateral pulmonary veins (PVs) was achieved in all patients. Use of RN significantly lowered the overall fluoroscopy time (9 ± 3.4 vs 22 ± 6.5 minutes; P < 0.001) and reduced the operator's fluoroscopy exposure (7 ± 2.1 vs 22 ± 6.5 minutes; P < 0.001). The difference in fluoroscopy duration between both groups was most pronounced during the ablation part of the procedure (3 ± 2.4 vs 17 ± 6.3 minutes; P < 0.001). The overall procedure duration tended to be prolonged using RN without reaching statistical significance (156 ± 44.4 vs 134 ± 12 minutes, P = 0.099). No difference regarding outcome was found during a midterm follow‐up of 6 months (AF freedom group 1 = 73% vs 77% in group 2 [P = 0.345]). Conclusion: The use of RN for PVI seems to be effective and significantly reduces overall fluoroscopy time and operator's fluoroscopy exposure without affecting mid‐term outcome after 6‐month follow‐up. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 6–12, January 2010)
Optimized Measurement of Activation Rate at Left Atrial Sites with Complex Fractionated Electrograms During Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: CIACCIO EDWARD J. , BIVIANO ANGELO B. , WHANG WILLIAM , WIT ANDREW L. , COROMILAS JAMES , GARAN HASAN 
Published: September 2009

Local Activation Rate in Atrial Fibrillation.

Background:
Complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) have become targets for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF). Frequency components of AF signals have also become important markers for identifying potential mechanisms of AF, yet inaccuracies exist, particularly in standard dominant frequency (SDF) calculations especially at CFAE sites. We developed new methodology to improve accuracy of AF rate determinations at such recording sites.
Objective:
To develop optimal methods for estimating activation rates in paroxysmal and persistent AF.
Methods:
Electrograms were obtained from one right atrial, coronary sinus, and 6 left atrial (LA) endocardial regions manifesting CFAEs in paroxysmal (N = 7) and persistent (N = 7) AF patients. SDF was measured from 8.4 s intervals and compared to (1) optimized DF (ODF) calculated by optimizing the filter coefficients which maximized dominant frequency power, (2) autocorrelation (AC), with the rate estimated as the inverse of the signal phase shift generating the largest autocorrelation coefficient, and (3) ensemble average (EA), with the rate estimated by summing successive signal segments and selecting segment length yielding maximum power. Rate measurements were compared between groups, at baseline and with additive interference, having similar frequency content to the electrograms, to test the robustness of the different methods.
Results:
From pooled data (N = 168 recording sites), a significantly higher LA dominant frequency was found in persistent versus paroxysmal patients using each method (P < 0.001), with a mean value for all methods of 6.23 ± 0.08 Hz versus 5.32 ± 0.10 Hz, respectively. At the highest additive interference level, the rate measurement error was significantly greater in SDF as compared with EA (P = 0.010) and ODF (P = 0.035), and at all interference levels SDF had the largest error of any method.
Conclusions:
SDF appears less robust to additive interference, compared to the ODF and EA methods of estimating the activation rate at CFAE sites in this small group of patients. Use of optimized filter coefficients for DF measurement, or use of correlative methods such as EA, that reinforce the signal rather than filtering the noise, may improve calculation of activation rates. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 133‐143, February 2010)
Ex vivo expansion and lentiviral transduction of Macaca nemestrina CD4+ T cells
Authors: Muñoz Nina M. , Trobridge Grant D. , Kiem Hans‐Peter 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground  Macaca nemestrina is a nonhuman primate used as a model in preclinical studies of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and adoptive transfer of T cells. Adoptive T cell transfer studies typically require ex vivo expansion of substantial numbers of T cells prior to their reinfusion into the subject.Methods  Pigtailed macaque peripheral blood CD4+ cells were expanded using CD3 and CD28 antibody‐coated beads. These cells were transformed using Herpesvirus saimiri and were also transduced with HIV‐1 based lentiviral vectors.Results  We report an efficient method for the ex vivo expansion of CD4+ T cells from Macaca nemestrina peripheral blood. With this protocol, primary CD4+ T cells can be expanded between 300‐ to 6000‐fold during 24‐day period and can be efficiently transduced with lentiviral vectors. Furthermore, these T cells can be transformed by Herpesvirus saimiri and maintained in culture for several months. The transformed T cell lines can be productively infected with the simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) strain SIVmac239.Conclusions  We have established methods for the expansion and transformation of primary M. nemestrina CD4+ T cells and demonstrated the utility of these methods for several applications.
Lung Imaging in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Hughes D. , Tiddens H. , Wild J.M. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryManagement of CF patients currently relies on clinical status, lung function tests, sputum cultures and scoring systems based on chest X‐ray (CXR). None of these tests give adequate information about regional lung function or are sensitive enough to demonstrate subtle changes that may aid in assessing early lung disease status, planning therapy or evaluating response to treatment. There is increasing evidence from recent studies with CT and MRI that current routine measures of lung physiology, (spirometry) and structure (CXR), may not accurately reflect disease progression nor identify early stages of lung disease, often remaining within a normal range even when significant and irreversible pulmonary damage has already occurred. Thus accurate, non‐invasive, regional methods of diagnosis and follow up of CF patients based upon imaging endpoints are highly desirable. In this paper, state of the art methods of imaging signs of lung disease in the CF lung are reviewed with discussions on the technical advances in CT, proton and hyperpolarised gas MRI with example images from groups active in the area of CF lung imaging.
Is there a relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and erosive reflux disease in children?
Authors: Emiroglu Halil Haldun , Sokucu Semra , Suoglu Ozlem Durmaz , Gulluoglu Mine , Gokce Selim 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAim:  The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and erosive reflux disease in children.Methods:  A total of 206 children [mean age 8.4 ± 4.9 (0.16–18) years] who underwent diagnostic upper endoscopy were tested for H. pylori infection between 2002 and 2005 and the relationship between H. pylori infection and gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease was investigated retrospectively. Endoscopic and histopathological findings were examined retrospectively. When reflux‐related oesophageal damage was identified as a result of the histological examination of endoscopic biopsy samples collected from distal oesophagus, the patients were diagnosed with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and divided into two groups: those with macroscopic erosions or ulceration constituted the erosive oesophagitis group; those without constituted the non‐erosive reflux disease group.Results:  Prevalence of H. pylori infection was 31.3% in the patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and 36.7% in the control group (p > 0.05). Prevalence of erosive oesophagitis was found to be 23.8% in the patients with H. pylori infection and 41.3% in those without (p > 0.05).Conclusion:  No negative significant association was found between the prevalence of H. pylori infection and erosive oesophagitis. Presence of H. pylori infection did not influence the severity of oesophagitis either.
The Relationship between Testosterone and Sexual Function in Depressed and Healthy Men
Authors: Rizvi Sakina J. , Kennedy Sidney H. , Ravindran Lakshmi N. , Giacobbe Peter , Eisfeld Beata S. , Mancini Debra , McIntyre Roger S. 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Aim
Men with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) report high rates of sexual dysfunction, as do healthy males with low levels of testosterone. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effects of depression and low testosterone across various domains of sexual function.

Methods
Untreated depressed males (N=44) and age-matched healthy controls (N=50) had blood samples drawn to determine morning levels of total testosterone (TT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT). In addition, questionnaires regarding depressive symptoms as well as sexual function were administered.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual function outcomes were measured using the Sex Effects (SexFX) Scale and depression severity was assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 item (HAMD-17).

Results
Using TT criteria, 27.9% of men were categorically defined as hypogonadal compared to 19.3% using BT criteria. Within both TT and BT hypogonadal groups, men with MDD had lower scores on all domains of sexual function compared to healthy controls with hypogonadism. Testosterone levels interacted with MDD status to affect orgasm and desire, although not arousal. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that depression status was the main factor influencing sexual function. Hypogonadal status was not a predictor of sexual function in this sample, although age did play a minor role in the domain of arousal.

Conclusion
While testosterone levels appear to influence sexual function, specifically orgasm, the presence of MDD appears to be a stronger factor and has high predictive value for sexual outcomes.
Sexual Functions and Depressive Symptoms After Photodynamic Therapy for Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus in Postmenopausal Women from the Upper Silesian Region of Poland
Authors: Skrzypulec Violetta , Olejek Anita , Drosdzol Agnieszka , Nowosielski Krzysztof , Kozak-Darmas Iwona , Wloch Stanislaw 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although lichen sclerosus (LS) may affect women’s physical functioning, mood, and quality of life, restricting their physical activities, sexual, and non-sexual contacts, there are limited data on the sexual functioning of women diagnosed with LS.

Aims
The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of photodynamic therapy for vulvar LS on sexual functions and depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women from the Upper Silesian Region of Poland.

Methods
A total of 65 women aged 50–70 visiting an outpatient clinic for assessment of vulvar dermatoses were screened for the clinical trial. Finally, 37 women who met all the inclusion/exclusion criteria were included in the study. All the subjects were treated by topical laser therapy (photodynamic therapy). Sexual functions and depressive symptoms were assessed before and after the therapy using Female Sexual Function Index and Beck Depression Inventory, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures
Sexual behaviors, sexual functions, and depressive symptoms in females after photodynamic therapy for vulvar LS.

Results
The total FSFI score was significantly lower after the treatment of vulvar LS as compared with the baseline (median 24.6 vs. 15.9). However, the prevalence of clinically significant FSD was stable throughout the medical intervention except lubrication disorders (higher prevalence after the treatment: 40% vs. 68.57%). Although the scores of BDI at the baseline dropped significantly after the photodynamic therapy (median 12.0 and 9.0, respectively), there were no significant differences in the prevalence of depressive symptoms (48.65% vs. 45.94%).

Conclusions
Topical laser therapy for vulvar LS has a good clinical outcome, especially in the context of no major negative effects on sexual functioning and the positive impact on the severity of depressive symptoms in postmenopausal women. However, patients should be informed about the possible lubrication disorders following the treatment.
The Geopolitics of Disease
Authors: Ingram Alan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis article reflects on the increasing use of the term geopolitics in discussions of disease. It notes that although the term geopolitics has been used increasingly often, its precise meaning has not received sustained attention. Neither has it been conceptualized in relation to the extensive literature in critical geopolitics. To lay the groundwork for a more considered understanding of geopolitics in relation to disease, the article elaborates upon the senses in which geopolitics has been invoked in recent literature and links them with themes in critical geopolitics. It identifies three intersecting themes, in connection with which issues of geopolitics have been raised: the spatialization of governance, biopolitics and transnational political economies. In discussing these themes, the article identifies a number of questions and avenues for further research. Overall, it argues that there is considerable scope to investigate further the ways in which disease becomes geopolitical. In conclusion, the article raises a series of questions that may serve to connect research on the geopolitics of disease with debates taking place in and around critical geopolitics and geography more generally.