bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological modulation by celecoxib of cachexia associated with experimental arthritis and atherosclerosis in rabbits
Authors: Romero FI , Martínez‐Calatrava MJ , Sánchez‐Pernaute O , Gualillo O , Largo R , Herrero‐Beaumont G 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs improve inflammatory cachexia in several conditions. Thus, we have explored inhibition of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in an experimental model of rheumatoid cachexia in rabbits.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Chronic arthritis was induced in immunized rabbits by repeated intra‐articular injections of ovalbumin. To increase the degree of systemic inflammation and also to induce atherosclerotic lesions, the animals were fed a hyperlipidaemic diet (2% cholesterol and 6% peanut oil) and were given an endothelial injury of the femoral artery. Rabbits were randomized to receive the COX‐2 inhibitor celecoxib (10 mg·kg−1·day−1) or no treatment. After 4 weeks, sera, peripheral mononuclear cells and vessel specimens were collected.KEY RESULTS Inhibition of COX‐2 by celecoxib modulated the systemic inflammatory response and increased total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Celecoxib also minimized weight loss and prevented serum albumin fall. At a vascular level, celecoxib reduced COX‐2 protein in the femoral arterial wall, but did not modify size or the macrophage infiltration of femoral lesions nor the percentage of rabbits with spontaneous aortic plaques.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Our animal model induced a severe inflammatory cachexia, comparable to that of persistently active rheumatoid arthritis. The inhibition of COX‐2 by celecoxib improves this state, suggesting that COX products play an important role in its development, without affecting the development or the progression of vascular lesions. Overall, these results suggest that celecoxib might be considered as a new therapeutic tool for the treatment of rheumatoid cachexia.
KAI1 gene suppresses invasion and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma MHCC97‐H cells in vitro and in animal models
Authors: Yang Jian‐min , Peng Zhi‐hong , Si Sui‐hai , Liu Wei‐wen , Luo Yuan‐hui , Ye Zai‐yuan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground: Downregulation of KAI1 gene expression has been found in many types of cancer cells and is closely related to cancer invasion and metastasis. This study was aimed at investigating the effects and possible underlying mechanisms of KAI1 gene on invasion and metastasis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods: The invasive ability, visco‐elastic properties and cell adhesion forces were analysed in different HCC cells originating from the MHCC97‐H cell line transfected with either the sense or the antisense KAI1 expression plasmid. Tumuorigenicity, metastatic abilities, extracellular matrix (ECM) and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) expression were also evaluated in the nude mouse models of the xenografted and orthotopic liver cancer cells.Results: Compared with their parental cells, in the HCC cells transfected with the sense KAI1 gene, the invasive ability in vitro was significantly decreased (P<0.01); the cellular elastic coefficients K1, K2 and μ were significantly higher (P<0.05); the cells adhesion forces to fibronectin were significantly lower (P<0.01). The sense KAI1 gene transfection into the cancer cells also inhibited their invasion and lung metastasis in the orthotopic liver cancer nude mice. However, the opposite changes were observed in the HCC cells transfected with the antisense KAI1 gene. KAI1 gene transfection also affected ECM and ICAM‐1 expression in the transplanted liver cancer.Conclusion: The KAI1 gene plays an important role in the invasion and metastasis of human HCC and its upregulation in HCC cells suppresses their invasive and metastatic abilities. KAI1 gene functioned as a metastasis inhibitor by regulating the HCC cell biophysical behaviours including aggregation, adhesion, motility and visco‐elastic properties.
Migraine‐Induced Stroke With Risk Factors—Involving Two Cerebral Artery Territories
Authors: Li Sheng‐Yun , Guo Xiu‐Hai , Wu Jian , Jia Jian‐Ping 
Published: July 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1203‐1214)A patient with migraine‐induced stroke with risk factors involving both anterior cerebral artery and posterior cerebral artery territory was presented. To better explain the symptom, the mechanisms of the migraine‐induced stroke with risk factors were assessed and a hypothesis was raised.
A Practice Guide for Continuous Opioid Therapy for Refractory Daily Headache: Patient Selection, Physician Requirements, and Treatment Monitoring
Authors: Saper Joel R. , Lake Alvin E. , Bain Philip A. , Stillman Mark J. , Rothrock John F. , Mathew Ninan T. , Hamel Robert L. , Moriarty Maureen , Tietjen Gretchen E. 
Published: July 2010

(Headache 2010;50:1175‐1193)Objectives.— To provide a guide to the use and limitations of continuous opioid therapy (COT, or daily scheduled opioids) for refractory daily headache, based on the best available evidence and expert clinical experience.Background.— There has been a dramatic increase in opioid administration over the past 25 years, with limited evidence of efficacy for either pain reduction or increased function, and increasing evidence of adverse effects, including headache chronification. To date, there has been no consensus on headache‐specific guidelines for selecting patients for COT, physician requirements, and treatment monitoring.Methods.— A multidisciplinary committee of physicians and allied health professionals with extensive experience and expertise in the administration of opioids to headache patients, undertook a review of the available evidence from the research and clinical literature (using the PubMed database for articles through December 2009) to develop headache‐specific treatment recommendations. This guide reflects the opinions of its authors and is not an official document of the American Headache Society.Results.— The guide identifies factors that would qualify or disqualify the use of COT, including, determination of intractability prior to initiating COT, requisite experience of the prescriber, and requirements for a formal monitoring system to assess appropriate use, safety, efficacy, and functional impact. An appendix reviews the available evidence for efficacy of COT in chronic headache and noncancer pain, paradoxical effects (opioid‐induced hyperalgesia, medication overuse headache, opioid‐related reduction in triptan and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug efficacy), other adverse effects (nausea and constipation, insomnia and sleep apnea, respiratory depression and sudden cardiac death, reductions in sex hormones, issues during pregnancy, neurocognitive functioning), and issues related to comorbid psychiatric disorders.Conclusions.— Only a select and very limited group (estimate of 10‐20%) of refractory headache patients who meet criteria for COT respond with convincing headache reduction and functional improvement over the long‐term. Conservative and empirically based guidelines will help identify those patients for whom a COT trial may be appropriate, while protecting their welfare and safety.
Analysis of cutoffs for screening sensitized blood donors for HLA alloantibodies using a cytometric microbead assay
Authors: Makar Robert S. , Saidman Susan L. , Stowell Christopher P. , Lee Hang , Powers Amy 
Published: July 2010

BACKGROUND: Cytometric‐based microbead assays for HLA alloantibodies may be effective tools for transfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) risk reduction. However, the optimal cutoff for donor screening is unclear.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To optimize the screening test cutoff in sensitized donors, sera were screened with a cytometric microbead assay. Confirmatory testing was performed on samples with a normalized background (NBG) ratio of 2.4 or more.RESULTS: Sera with a NBG of 2.4 to 9.9 had positive predictive values (PPVs) of 78.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67.8%‐86.0%) and 71.1% (95% CI, 56.5%‐82.4%) for Class I and II antibodies, respectively. Sera with a NBG of 10 or more had PPVs of 98.9% (95% CI, 93.3%‐100%) and 99.1 (95% CIs, 94.7%‐100%) for Class I and II, respectively. The percent panel‐reactive antibody (PRA) of confirmed HLA alloantibodies from sera with a NBG of 2.4 to 9.9 was 29.3 ± 17% (mean ± standard deviation) for Class I and 22.3 ± 16.7% for Class II, but for antibodies from sera with a NBG of 10 or more the PRAs were 65.3 ± 24.0 and 64.1 ± 25.2% for Class I and II, respectively (p < 0.00001). Serial dilution studies comparing the screening test with antiglobulin‐enhanced lymphocytotoxicity suggested that NBG correlated with antibody titer. In our center, deferral for prior pregnancy or transfusion would result in loss of 28.8% of apheresis platelet (PLT) donors. Using the screening test at a cutoff of 2.4 or more or 10 or more would reduce the fraction of donors lost to 12.7 or 8.0%, respectively.CONCLUSIONS: A screening cutoff of 10 or more predicts HLA alloimmunization in sensitized donors and is associated with higher PRAs and titers. Implementation of this cutoff may reduce TRALI risk while limiting unnecessary deferral of PLT donors.
Syndication in Venture Capital Financing
Authors: Deli Daniel N. , Santhanakrishnan Mukunthan 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe examine syndication in venture capital (VC) investments between 1980 and 2005. We argue that VC firms syndicate investments to mitigate human capital and financial constraints within individual VC firms and to reduce uncertainty about firm value. Our results are consistent with those arguments. We find that syndication is more likely for firms in the earliest stage of development and firms in the last stage of development as private firms (when human capital investments are greatest), for firms requiring the largest amounts of financial capital, and for firms with greater growth opportunities (those that are most difficult to value).
Bond Market Access, Credit Quality, and Capital Structure: Canadian Evidence
Authors: Mittoo Usha R. , Zhang Zhou 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe examine the impact of bond market access (measured by having a credit rating) on leverage for Canadian high credit quality (HQ) and low credit quality (LQ) firms, and find that the leverage impact is more pronounced for LQ firms. The results are similar for U.S. firms. Our results are confirmed when we control for the firm's credit quality, examine the change in leverage around rating initiation, and account for the issue size effect. A similar leverage impact for Canadian and U.S. LQ firms suggests that the Canada‐U.S. bond market integration has mitigated the financial constraints for Canadian LQ firms.
Debt Maturity, Credit Risk, and Information Asymmetry: The Case of Municipal Bonds
Authors: Daniels Kenneth , Diro Ejara Demissew , Vijayakumar Jayaraman 
Published: July 2010

AbstractUsing a system of equations approach, this paper empirically tests the impact of credit quality, asset maturity, and other issuer and issue characteristics on the maturity of municipal bonds. We find that under conditions of lower information asymmetry that prevails in the municipal sector, higher‐rated bonds have longer maturities than low‐rated bonds. This result differs from that observed in the corporate sector. Overall, our results support the asset maturity hypothesis. In addition, our analysis finds that fundamentals matter. Issue features that provide additional protection or convenience to the investor tend to increase debt maturity.
Earnings Management Surrounding New Debt Issues
Authors: Liu Yixin , Ning Yixi , Davidson III Wallace N. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe examine whether firms manage earnings before issuing bonds to achieve a lower cost of borrowing. We find significant income‐increasing earnings management prior to bond offerings. We also find that firms that manage earnings upward issue debt at a lower cost, after controlling for various bond issuer and issue characteristics. Our results are consistent with studies that report earnings management around equity issuance. The results indicate that, like equity holders, bondholders fail to see through the inflated earnings numbers in pricing new debt.
SEO Cycles
Authors: Howe John S. , Zhang Shaorong 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPublic equity offerings by seasoned firms (SEOs) exhibit similar but less volatile cycles than initial public offerings (IPOs) of newly public firms. Our paper provides a comprehensive examination of the factors that cause variation in the number of firms issuing SEOs. Specifically, we use four factors from studies of IPOs as potential determinants of SEO cycles. We find that whether tested separately or collectively, only the demand for capital and market timing hypotheses receive strong empirical support in explaining SEO volume. Investor sentiment is not an important factor in explaining SEO volume, nor is information asymmetry.
Corporate Hedging Policy and Equity Mispricing
Authors: Lin J. Barry , Pantzalis Christos , Park Jung Chul 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe show that firms’ use of derivatives is negatively associated with stock mispricing. This result is consistent with the notion that hedging improves the transparency and predictability of firms’ cash flows resulting in less misvaluation. Furthermore, we show that the negative relationship between mispricing and hedging is particularly strong when market value is below fundamental value, which is consistent with prior evidence that hedging has a positive impact on firm valuation. Finally, we provide evidence that a “spread‐out” hedging policy that entails the use of a variety of derivative contracts can be more effective in reducing mispricing.
Restructuring Using Operating Asset Exchanges: Issues and Evidence
Authors: Campbell Kaysia , Owers James E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThis study examines restructuring in which a firm divests an operating asset in exchange for another operating asset. Since liquidity, capital structure, and distributional issues are not immediately associated with tax‐free asset‐for‐asset exchanges, they are well suited for examining the competing hypotheses related to divestitures. We find that the abnormal returns associated with asset exchanges are generally smaller than those associated with other divestiture restructurings except when indications of value are provided. Our analysis identifies positive valuation effects for firms undertaking focus‐enhancing exchanges, but a dominating consideration is whether the value of the units traded is indicated.
What are the Capital Structure Determinants for Tax‐Exempt Organizations?
Authors: Peter Smith Geoffrey 
Published: July 2010

AbstractI study the determinants of capital structure in the absence of tax incentives. I find that debt use is positively related to asset tangibility, growth, and size, and negatively related to age, liquidity, and profitability. Tax‐exempt sector‐specific findings indicate that debt is also positively related to the efficacy of state laws against the misuse of assets and to the percentage of decision makers that are paid and negatively related to decision‐maker compensation and to charitable contributions. Religious organizations most commonly borrow from internal sources, those in education use tax‐exempt bonds, while human services organizations use mortgages and notes payable.
Political Risk and Purchases of Privatized State‐Owned Enterprises
Authors: Glambosky Mina C. , Gleason Kimberly C. , Madura Jeff 
Published: July 2010

AbstractWe assess the valuation effects and risk for acquirers of privatized state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). The valuation effects of purchasers are positive and significant; they increase for purchasers that have recent high performance, better access to capital, and have engaged in larger acquisitions. The acquirer valuation effects are lower when the selling government is more corrupt, more bureaucratic, and a weaker financial performer. Acquirer's total and unsystematic risk increases, indicating that purchasers of SOEs realize diversification benefits. Systematic risk increases for purchasers when the government is characterized by high political risk.
Atypical Electrocardiographic Features of Cavotricuspid Isthmus‐Dependent Atrial Flutter Occurring during Left Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: Chyou Janice Y. , Hickey Kathleen , Diamond Laurence , Whang William , Dizon Jose , Garan Hasan , Biviano Angelo 
Published: July 2010

Background: Patients who have undergone percutaneous catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) may develop cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI)‐dependent atrial flutter (AFL), which can occur either spontaneously during left atrial (LA) ablation for AF or by induction from sinus rhythm during the procedure. The electrocardiographic (ECG) characteristics of CTI‐dependent AFL occurring during LA ablation have not been described. The purpose of this study was to describe the ECG features of CTI‐dependent AFL occurring during percutaneous LA catheter ablation for AF. Methods and Results: Of 223 patients presenting for first AF ablation at our institution between May 2004 and February 2008, 20 patients (9%) developed CTI‐dependent AFL during LA ablation for AF. CTI‐dependent AFL developed spontaneously in 4 patients (20%) and was induced in 16 patients (80%). Among these 20 patients, 3 (15%) had typical ECG patterns and 17 (85%) had atypical ECG patterns. Flutter waves in the inferior leads were biphasic in 10 patients (50%), downward in 3 patients (15%), positive in 3 patients (15%), and not fitting the above classifications in 4 patients (20%). There was no statistically significant association between AFL pattern and LA size, left ventricular ejection fraction, total ablation time, duration of prior AF, or type of prior AF. Conclusion: A majority of patients with CTI‐dependent AFL occurring during LA ablation have atypical ECG patterns. Biphasic flutter waves in the inferior leads are common ECG features, occurring in one‐half of patients. Right atrial CTI‐dependent AFL should be suspected even if the ECG appearance is atypical. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):200–208
Is Rhythm‐Control Superior to Rate‐Control in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Diastolic Heart Failure?
Authors: Kong Melissa H. , Shaw Linda K. , O’Connor Christopher , Califf Robert M. , Blazing Michael A. , Al‐Khatib Sana M. 
Published: July 2010

Background: Although no clinical trial data exist on the optimal management of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with diastolic heart failure, it has been hypothesized that rhythm‐control is more advantageous than rate‐control due to the dependence of these patients’ left ventricular filling on atrial contraction. We aimed to determine whether patients with AF and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (EF) survive longer with rhythm versus rate‐control strategy. Methods: The Duke Cardiovascular Disease Database was queried to identify patients with EF > 50%, heart failure symptoms and AF between January 1,1995 and June 30, 2005. We compared baseline characteristics and survival of patients managed with rate‐ versus rhythm‐control strategies. Using a 60‐day landmark view, Kaplan‐Meier curves were generated and results were adjusted for baseline differences using Cox proportional hazards modeling. Results: Three hundred eighty‐two patients met the inclusion criteria (285 treated with rate‐control and 97 treated with rhythm‐control). The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year survival rates were 93.2%, 69.3%, and 56.8%, respectively in rate‐controlled patients and 94.8%, 78.0%, and 59.9%, respectively in rhythm‐controlled patients (P > 0.10). After adjustments for baseline differences, no significant difference in mortality was detected (hazard ratio for rhythm‐control vs rate‐control = 0.696, 95% CI 0.453–1.07, P = 0.098). Conclusions: Based on our observational data, rhythm‐control seems to offer no survival advantage over rate‐control in patients with heart failure and preserved EF. Randomized clinical trials are needed to verify these findings and examine the effect of each strategy on stroke risk, heart failure decompensation, and quality of life. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):209–217
A Bizarre Electrocardiographic Pattern Due to Chronic Lithium Therapy
Authors: Kayrak Mehmet , Duman Cetin , Gul Enes Elvin , Sonmez Osman , Kaya Zeynettin , Arı Hatem 
Published: July 2010

Cardiotoxicity that results from lithium overdose is uncommon and electrocardiographic (ECG) changes are rarely reported. However, some authors have specifically reported the occurrence of ischemic ECG changes due to a lithium overdose. This article describes a case that is demonstrating ECG changes that mimic inferior myocardial infarction during the course of chronic lithium treatment and showing QTc prolongation in this patient. The patients’ ECG changes were partially recovered after hemodialysis. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):289–292
Repeatability of Sleep Apnea Detection in 48‐Hour Holter ECG Monitoring
Authors: Uznańska Barbara , Trzos Ewa , Rechciński Tomasz , Kasprzak Jarosław D. , Kurpesa Małgorzata 
Published: July 2010

Background: There is a significant relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cardiovascular diseases. Reliability of new methods evaluating apnea in Holter ECG monitoring is still the matter of investigators’ studies. Methods: In 48‐hour Holter ECG monitoring recordings of 63 patients, we assessed repeatability, comparing the results from both sleep periods. Results: We found good repeatability in evaluation of apnea‐hypopnea index value. There was moderate agreement in three categories, that is, normal or bordeline or apneic assignment. Assignment to “healthy” (normal and borderline) or apneic subgroup during consecutive sleep periods showed high repeatability. Conclusions: Holter ECG monitoring is a repetitive method of preliminary diagnosis in patients evaluated for sleep apnea syndrome. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):218–222
Heart Rate Turbulence for Prediction of Heart Transplantation and Mortality in Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Sredniawa Beata , Cebula Sylwia , Kowalczyk Jacek , Batchvarov Velislav N. , Musialik‐Lydka Agata , Sliwinska Anna , Wozniak Aleksandra , Zakliczynski Michal , Zembala Marian , Kalarus Zbigniew 
Published: July 2010

Background: Previous studies have shown conflicting results about the value of heart rate turbulence (HRT) for risk stratification of patients (pts) with chronic heart failure (CHF). We prospectively evaluated the relation between HRT and progression toward end‐stage heart failure or all‐cause mortality in patients with CHF. Methods: HRT was assessed from 24‐hour Holter recordings in 110 pts with CHF (54 in NYHA class II, 56 in class III–IV; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 30%± 10%) on optimal pharmacotherapy and quantified as turbulence onset (TO,%), turbulence slope (TS, ms/RR interval), and turbulence timing (beginning of RR sequence for calculation of TS, TT). TO ≥ 0%, TS ≤ 2.5 ms/RR, and TT >10 were considered abnormal. End point was development of end‐stage CHF requiring heart transplantation (OHT) or all‐cause mortality. Results: During a follow‐up of 5.8 ± 1.3 years, 24 pts died and 10 required OHT. TO, TS, TT, and both (TO and TS) were abnormal in 35%, 50%, 30%, and 25% of all patients, respectively. Patients with at least one relatively preserved HRT parameter (TO, TS, or TT) (n = 98) had 5‐year event‐free rate of 83% compared to 33% of those in whom all three parameters were abnormal (n = 12). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the most powerful predictor of end point events was heart rate variability (SDNN < 70 ms, hazard ratio (HR) 9.41, P < 0.001), followed by LVEF ≤ 35% (HR 6.23), TT ≥ 10 (HR 3.14), and TO ≥ 0 (HR 2.54, P < 0.05). Conclusion: In patients with CHF on optimal pharmacotherapy, HRT can help to predict those at risk for progression toward OHT or death of all causes. Ann Noninvasive Electrocardiol 2010;15(3):230–237