bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fitness and abdominal obesity are independently associated with cardiovascular risk
Authors: Ekblom‐Bak E. , Hellenius M.‐L. , Ekblom Ö. , Engström L.‐M. , Ekblom B. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract.Objectives.  To examine the relationship between cardiovascular fitness (VO2max) and abdominal obesity (waist circumference) and individual cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, as well as a clustered risk factor profile, and to study the impact of gender, age and smoking on these relationships.Design.  Cross‐sectional.Setting.  Astrand Laboratory of Work Physiology, Swedish School of Sport and Health Sciences, Stockholm, Sweden.Subjects.  Men (n = 781) and women (n = 890) from two random population‐based samples of Swedish women and men aged 20 to 65 years.Main outcomes.  Odds ratios.Results.  Each unit of higher fitness was associated with a decrease in all individual risk factors ranging from 2% to 4% independent of waist circumference, each unit of higher waist circumference was associated with an increased risk ranging from 2% to 5% independent of fitness. For clustering of three or more of the risk factors, each unit of fitness was associated with a 5% decrease in risk and each unit of waist circumference with a 5% increase in risk. The clustered risk was higher in unfit participants who were older or smoked daily, regardless of waist circumference. Obese participants were at higher risk if they were men or older, regardless of fitness level. However, neither a higher fitness level nor lean status reduced the risk associated with smoking.Conclusions.  Higher fitness and lower waist circumference are each independently associated to a similar extent with a lower CVD risk. Simultaneous evaluation of both fitness and abdominal obesity status in clinical practice is important.
Comparison of midregional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic   peptide in the diagnosis of heart failure
Authors: Potocki M. , Breidthardt T. , Reichlin T. , Hartwiger S. , Morgenthaler N. G. , Bergmann A. , Noveanu M. , Freidank H. , Taegtmeyer A. B. , Wetzel K. , Boldanova T. , Stelzig C. , Bingisser R. , Christ M. , Mueller C. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract.Objectives.  The concentration of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in the circulation is approximately 10‐ to 50‐ fold higher than B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP). We sought to compare the accuracy of midregional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (MRproANP) measured with a novel sandwich immunoassay with N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) in the diagnosis of heart failure.Design.  The diagnosis of heart failure was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists using all available clinical data (including BNP levels) in 287 consecutive patients presenting with dyspnoea to the emergency department (ED). MRproANP and NTproBNP levels were determined at presentation in a blinded fashion.Results.  Heart failure was the adjudicated final diagnosis in 154 patients (54%). Median MRproANP was significantly higher in patients with heart failure as compared to patients with other causes of dyspnoea (400 vs. 92 pmol L−1, P < 0.001). The diagnostic accuracy of MRproANP was very high with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92 and was comparable with that of NTproBNP (0.92, P = 0.791). Moreover, MRproANP provided incremental diagnostic information to BNP and NTproBNP in patients presenting with BNP levels in the grey zone between 100 and 500 pg mL−1.Conclusion.  Midregional pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide is as accurate in the diagnosis of heart failure as NTproBNP. MRproANP seems to provide incremental information on top of BNP or NT‐proBNP in some subgroups and should be further investigated in other studies.
Validating the Mental Health Assessment Protocols (MHAPs) in the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health (RAI‐MH)
Authors: MARTIN L. , HIRDES J. P. , MORRIS J. N. , MONTAGUE P. , RABINOWITZ T. , FRIES B. E. 
Published: June 2009

Accessible summary

The Mental Health Assessment Protocols (MHAPs) embedded in the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health assessment instrument are valid measures, though more complex triggering algorithms capable of differentiating individuals based on outcomes could enhance their clinical relevance to care planning.
All but one of the 27 MHAPs had sensitivity rates above 80%, and the specificity was over 80% for 74% of the MHAPs.
The use of the MHAPs available in compatible instrumentation for community‐based mental health settings would be useful for enhancing continuity of care.

AbstractFor persons with mental illness and addictions, comprehensive assessment of their strengths, preferences and needs is central to person‐centred care planning. In this study, the validity of the Mental Health Assessment Protocols (MHAPs) embedded in the Resident Assessment Instrument Mental Health instrument (the mandated assessment system for Ontario adult inpatient psychiatry) is examined, and triggering rates are compared in inpatient and community‐based mental health settings. The sample is based on adults admitted to a psychiatric facility (n = 963) and to community mental health programmes (n = 1505) participating in the study. An international panel of mental health experts further evaluated study results. Among the 27 MHAPs, all but one had sensitivity rates above 80%, and the specificity was over 80% for 74% of the MHAPs. The expert panel found that the MHAPs worked well and could be used to support mental health care. The present study found that the MHAPs are valid measures, though more complex triggering algorithms capable of differentiating individuals based on outcomes were suggested to enhance their clinical relevance to care planning. Further, the use of compatible instrumentation in community‐based mental health settings was promoted to enhance continuity of care.
Correlations between Terasaki’s HLA class II epitopes and HLAMatchmaker‐defined eplets on HLA‐DR and ‐DQ antigens
Authors: Marrari M. , Duquesnoy R. J. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHuman leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II‐specific antibodies increase the risk of transplant failure, and their characterization must consider epitopes rather than antigens. There are two strategies to determine HLA epitope structure. Terasaki’s group has analyzed antibody reactivity patterns with single antigen panels with a computer program based on shared amino acid residues of reactive alleles. HLAMatchmaker is a theoretical algorithm that predicts HLA epitopes on the HLA molecular surface from stereochemical modeling of epitope–paratope interfaces of antigen–antibody complexes. Our epitope repertoire is based on so‐called ‘eplets’ representing 3‐Å patches of at least one polymorphic residue on the molecular surface. This report describes how 49 of 53 Terasaki’s HLA‐DR epitopes correspond to HLAMatchmaker‐defined eplets. Most of them are equivalent to single eplets (n = 33) or two or more possible eplets (n = 10), but six had corresponding eplet pairs. There were 10 cases whereby eplets have permissible residue combinations, and in 5 cases, we found that eplet specificity might be influenced by nearby hidden residues. We could assign corresponding eplets to 17 of 18 Terasaki’s HLA‐DQ epitopes. This study demonstrates how the HLAMatchmaker interpretation of amino acid residues shared between antibody‐reactive antigens can increase our understanding of the structural basis of HLA epitopes.
HLA‐B*15 subtypes in Burmese population by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Kongmaroeng C. , Romphruk A. , Ruangwerayut R. , Paupairoj C. , Leelayuwat C. , Inoko H. , Romphruk A. 
Published: June 2009

AbstractHuman leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*15 encompasses an increasing number of subtypes of more than 150. Frequency studies and a strong genetic association between HLA subtypes and susceptibility to drug hypersensitivity have been reported in different ethnic populations. To identify HLA‐B*15 subtypes in Burmese using sequence‐based typing (SBT) method, we selected 65 HLA‐B*15‐positive samples from 170 unrelated healthy Burmese who were genotyped HLA‐B* by polymerase chain reaction with the sequence‐specific primer method. The frequency of HLA‐B*15 in Burmese was found to be 38.2%. By the SBT method, results showed 10 alleles of HLA‐B*15 subtypes. Four common alleles, B*1502 (45.2%), B*1532 (16.4%), B*1525 (12.3%), and B*1501 (8.2%), were found in 82.1% of HLA‐B*15‐positive Burmese. Whereas the B*1501 was the highest in the Caucasians, Koreans, and Japanese, the highest frequency of HLA‐B*15 alleles in Burmese was B*1502 (45.2%) that is similar to the frequency found in northeastern Thais and Vietnamese. This study is the first report of HLA‐B*15 subtypes in Burmese. These results will provide the basic data in the further study in transplantations, genetic association with diseases, and drug hypersensitivity.
Phosphoglucomutase (PGM) Type Determination by Agar Gel Electrophoresis
Authors: Monn E. 
Published: June 2009

Summary. Good separation of the PGM components of human erythrocytes is obtained by starch gel electrophoresis, which, however, is a relatively complicated, labourious, timeconsuming and expensive method.By the present agar gel technique the PGM components can be separated at room temperature. The method requires a small amount of blood, a relative short duration of electrophoresis and is cheaper and more simple than the original starch gel method.The three common PGM phenotypes are easily demonstrated by the agar method. The patterns of two rare variant types are shown. Probably, most of the rare PGM phenotypes can be detected by the agar method.It may be concluded that the agar gel method is advantageous to the starch gel method for practical PGM type determinations.
Red Blood Cell Transfusions for Total Hip Replacement in a Regional Hospital: A Six‐Year Analysis
Authors: Biesma Douwe H. , van Iperen Charlotte E. , Kraaijenhagen Rob J. , Marx Joannes J. M. , van, De Wiel Harry B. M. , van, De Wiel Albert 
Published: June 2009

AbstractTo evaluate changes in the need for homologous blood and to assess the impact of autologous blood transfusion, red cell transfusions in unilateral total hip replacement surgery, performed electively in the period 1986–1991, were studied in a regional hospital. Transfusion data, perioperative blood loss and postoperative haemoglobin concentration of 495 patients were analysed. From 1986 to 1991, the percentage of patients not transfused with homologous blood increased from 18.5 to 45.5%. After the introduction of an autologous blood transfusion programme in 1987, 116 of 430 patients (27.0%) donated autologous blood. No increase in the percentage of autologous donors was observed during the study. Most common reasons for nonparticipation were the patient's age, doctors' underordering and logistic limitations. 81.9% of autologous donors had total hip replacement surgery without homologous transfusions. Mean blood loss reduced significantly from 1,373 ± 781 ml in 1986 to 958 ± 582 ml in 1991 (p < 0.001). Transfusion requirement in the nonautologous patients fell from 2.6 ± 1.8 units in 1986 to 1.4 ± 1.4 units per patient in 1989 and increased thereafter to 2.2 ± 2.1 units in 1991 (p < 0.01) and showed a strong correlation with blood loss (r = 0.58; p < 0.001). No changes in postoperative haemoglobin concentration were observed throughout the study. In conclusion, collection of autologous blood is effective, albeit still underutilized, to reduce homologous blood requirement. The close correlation between blood loss and transfusion requirement accentuates the role of surgical practice in the reduction of homologous transfusions.
Effect of vitamin C on oxidative liver injury due to isoniazid in rats
Authors: Ergul Yakup , Erkan Tulay , Uzun Hafize , Genc Habibe , Altug Tuncay , Erginoz Ethem 
Published: June 2009

AbstractBackground: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different doses of vitamin C on oxidative liver injury due to isoniazid (INH) in rats.Methods: Rats were divided into four subgroups, each containing 10 rats. Group 1 was the control group; group 2, INH 50 mg/kg per day; group 3, INH 50 mg/kg per day + low‐dose vitamin C (100 mg/kg per day); group 4, INH 50 mg/kg per day + high‐dose vitamin C (1000 mg/kg per day). INH and vitamin C were administered into their stomachs through an oral tube. After 21 days, measurements were made in both serum and homogenized liver tissues. The levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other biochemical variables were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐px) and vitamin C were measured using commercial kits.Results: Aspartate amino transferase and alanine aminotransferase in group 2 were higher than those in groups 1, 3 and 4 (P< 0.008 for both). Serum and tissue levels of MDA in group 2 were higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P< 0.008 for both). There was no difference in the SOD levels between the four groups (P= 0.095). Erythrocyte and tissue GSH in group 2 were higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P< 0.008 for both). Interestingly, erythrocyte and tissue GSH in group 4 were lower than those in group 1 (P< 0.008 for both). Erythrocyte level of GSH‐px in group 2 was higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P< 0.008 for both).Conclusions: INH‐induced liver injury is associated with oxidative stress, and co‐administration of low‐dose vitamin C may reduce this damage effectively in a rat model. The antioxidant effect of high‐dose vitamin C does not seem more potent compared to the low dose.
Mode of cytotoxic action of nephrotoxic agents: oxidative stress and glutathione‐dependent enzyme
Authors: Louie Brandon , Rajamahanty Srinivas , Pyo Paul , Choudhury Muhammad , Konno Sensuke 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVETo investigate the cytotoxic action of nephrotoxic agents using an in vitro renal cell model, focusing on the cellular oxidative status and a specific glutathione (GSH)‐dependent enzyme, glyoxalase I (Gly‐I).MATERIALS AND METHODSRenal proximal tubular LLC‐PK1 cells were exposed to mercuric chloride, glycerol, cisplatin, gentamicin and cyclosporin A, and cell number/viability were determined. Oxidative stress was assessed by lipid peroxidation (LPO) assay, and Gly‐I activity was measured by enzymatic method on a spectrophotometer.RESULTSBoth mercuric chloride (30 µm) and glycerol (2.5%) were highly toxic to LLC‐PK1 cells, inducing >90% cell death within 24 h. The remaining agents led to slightly >50% growth inhibition at 72 h. The LPO levels at 3 h in cells exposed to mercuric chloride or glycerol were ≈2.5 times higher than that in controls. N‐acetylcysteine (NAC), a potent antioxidant and precursor for GSH, almost completely (>95%) prevented renal cell death from mercuric chloride or glycerol. Gly‐I activity was dependent on NAC and closely associated with cell viability. A ≈65% loss in Gly‐I activity by mercuric chloride/glycerol led to >90% cell death, while restoring a basal activity of Gly‐I with NAC was accompanied by complete cell viability.CONCLUSIONSThe cytotoxic action of nephrotoxic agents appears to be triggered by oxidative stress, leading to Gly‐I inactivation. As Gly‐I plays a key role in cellular detoxification, its inactivation under oxidative stress probably becomes fatal to cells. However, cytoprotection provided with NAC is significant and might have implications in preventing renal cell injury mediated through nephrotoxic agents.
Outcomes for patients with high‐grade prostate cancer treated with a combination of brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy and hormonal therapy
Authors: Stock Richard G. , Cesaretti Jamie A. , Hall Simon J. , Stone Nelson N. 
Published: June 2009

OBJECTIVETo assess the outcomes for patients with Gleason score 8–10 prostate cancer treated with brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and hormonal therapy (HT).PATIENTS AND METHODSIn all, 181 patients with Gleason scores 8–10 prostate cancer were treated from 1994 to 2006 with a 103Pd implant (prescription dose 100 Gy), 45 Gy of EBRT and 9 months of HT. The median (range) follow‐up was 65 (24–150) months; freedom from biochemical failure (FBF) rates were calculated using the Phoenix definition.RESULTSThe 8‐year actuarial FBF, freedom from distant metastases, prostate‐cancer specific survival and overall survival were 73%, 80%, 87% and 79%, respectively. The pretreatment prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) level significantly affected FBF, with 8‐year rates of 72%, 82% and 58% for patients with PSA level of ≤10, >10–20 and >20 ng/mL, respectively (P = 0.006). The PSA level had no significant effect on rates of distant metastases. The Gleason score had the most significant affect on FBF in a multivariate analysis, and was the only factor to significantly affect rates of distant metastases; the 8‐year FBF rates were 84%, 55% and 30% for scores of 8, 9 and 10, respectively (P = 0.003). The corresponding freedom from distant metastases and prostate‐cancer specific survival rates were 86%, 76%, 30% (P < 0.001) and 92%, 80%, 62.5% (P = 0.003), respectively.CONCLUSIONSThe 8‐year outcomes after this regimen showed favourable biochemical and distant control, as well disease‐specific survival rates for patients with Gleason scores of 8–10. This treatment approach should be considered as a viable option for this subset of patients with high‐risk disease.
Mixed Repertoire of an Indian Labor Movement, 1990–2006*
Authors: NAIR MANJUSHA 
Published: June 2009

AbstractThis article analyzes the protest repertoire of an Indian labor movement between 1990 and 2006. Chhattisgarh Liberation Front led a seventeen year struggle against the industrialists and state in central India for the recognition of contract workers' entitlements. During this long contentious history, the movement deployed disruptive repertoire, ranging from relatively legitimate “wild‐cat strikes” (illegal stoppage of work) to extreme physical attacks, against the industrialists, and non‐disruptive repertoire, ranging from disciplined participation in court‐cases to mass martyr day celebrations, against the state. The mixed repertoire points at the two distinct capacities in which the movement was acting, as a radical trade union against the industrialists and a social movement in relation to the state. The finding suggests that the CMM participants perceived the state as holding genuine power, and their relation to it as citizens, and perceived the industrialists, despite their being indigenous capitalists, as adversaries.
Models of Labour Services and Estimates of Australian Productivity
Authors: Dixon Robert , Freebairn John 
Published: May 2009

Abstract This paper examines the manner in which labour services are modelled in the aggregate production function, concentrating on the specification of the relationship between the number of persons employed and average hours worked. We argue that, given the presence of quasi‐fixed costs of employment, hours of work and the number of employees cannot be perfect substitutes. We then show that estimates using total hours worked as the measure of labour input implicitly assumes that they are perfect substitutes and this false assumption results, inter alia, in biased estimates of the rate of labour and multifactor productivity growth in Australia.
Who's Getting Caught? An Analysis of the Australian Medicare Safety Net
Authors: Van Gool Kees , Savage Elizabeth , Viney Rosalie , Haas Marion , Anderson Rob 
Published: May 2009

Abstract  The Medicare Safety Net (MSN) was introduced in March 2004 to provide financial relief for those who incur high out‐of‐pocket costs from medical services. The policy has the potential to improve equity. This study examines: (i) how the health and income profiles of small areas influence MSN expenditure; and (ii) the distribution of expenditure by medical service type. The results indicate that MSN expenditure is positively related to income and that patients who use private obstetricians and assisted reproductive services are the greatest beneficiaries. The MSN has possibly created greater inequities in Australia's health‐care financing arrangements.
The Case for Gender‐Sensitive Superannuation Plan Design
Authors: Basu Anup K. , Drew Michael E. 
Published: May 2009

Abstract A key feature of superannuation plan design is the assumption that members have long and continuous periods of employment over which contributions are made. This heroic design feature has led to debate on the adequacy of superannuation plans for those with interrupted employment, particularly the adverse impacts this has on the retirement income prospects of women. This paper employs non‐parametric stochastic simulation to investigate two possible solutions to gender inequality in superannuation, higher contribution rates and more aggressive asset allocation. Our results suggest that while both these strategies in isolation are effective in reducing the current gender disparity in superannuation outcomes, they demand significant changes to current arrangements when employed individually to address the problem. A combined approach is found to be more powerful in ensuring a more equitable superannuation outcome for women, as it nullifies the relative disadvantage of interrupted employment with only modest changes to contribution rates and asset allocation.
The Dynamics of Public Housing Tenure in Australia
Authors: Whelan Stephen 
Published: May 2009

Abstract The analysis in this paper presents evidence on the behaviour of tenants in public housing in Australia. Using a unique administrative dataset for West Australia, we identify the nature of spells in public housing and the determinants of the length of those spells. Our results indicate that lone parents and single individuals experience longer spells in public housing compared with couple households. We find that an increase in the market rent of a property in the order of $100 per month reduces the hazard out of public housing by between 17 per cent (lone parents) and 10 per cent (couples).
Reflection on Microeconomic Policy Frameworks in Australia, and a Suggestion about Fairness
Authors: Pincus Jonathan 
Published: May 2009

Abstract For economists, the main test of a microeconomic policy change is its effect on efficiency: gains minus losses, equally weighted. However, it is standard economics that individuals value losses more than gains. Moreover, imposing large, uncompensated and uninsurable policy‐induced losses would be widely regarded as unfair, when they are merely collateral damage from policy action. The article argues the case for adjusting the calculation of efficiency to take account of this ‘unfairness’ and discusses how it could be done. The context is the relatively recent acceptance in Australia of competition, if planned and regulated, as being generally socially beneficial.