bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Political Connectedness and Firm Performance: Evidence from Germany
Authors: Niessen Alexandra , Ruenzi Stefan 
Published: August 2009

Abstract
This paper investigates politically connected firms in Germany. With the introduction of a new transparency law in 2007, information on additional income sources for all members of the German parliament became publicly available. We find that members of the conservative party (CDU/CSU) and the liberal party (FDP) are more likely to work for firms than members of left-wing parties (SPD and The Left) or the green party (Alliance 90/The Greens). Politically connected firms are larger, less risky and have lower market valuations than unconnected firms. They also have fewer growth opportunities, but slightly better accounting performance. On the stock market, connected firms significantly outperformed unconnected firms in 2006, i.e. before the publication of the data on political connections. Differences in stock market performance were much smaller in 2007.
Three‐dimensional volume rendering of the ankle based on magnetic resonance images enables the generation of images comparable to real anatomy
Authors: Anastasi Giuseppe , Cutroneo Giuseppina , Bruschetta Daniele , Trimarchi Fabio , Ielitro Giuseppe , Cammaroto Simona , Duca Antonio , Bramanti Placido , Favaloro Angelo , Vaccarino Gianluigi , Milardi Demetrio 
Published: August 2009

SummaryWe have applied high‐quality medical imaging techniques to study the structure of the human ankle. Direct volume rendering, using specific algorithms, transforms conventional two‐dimensional (2D) magnetic resonance image (MRI) series into 3D volume datasets. This tool allows high‐definition visualization of single or multiple structures for diagnostic, research, and teaching purposes. No other image reformatting technique so accurately highlights each anatomic relationship and preserves soft tissue definition. Here, we used this method to study the structure of the human ankle to analyze tendon–bone–muscle relationships. We compared ankle MRI and computerized tomography (CT) images from 17 healthy volunteers, aged 18–30 years (mean 23 years). An additional subject had a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon. The MRI images demonstrated superiority in overall quality of detail compared to the CT images. The MRI series accurately rendered soft tissue and bone in simultaneous image acquisition, whereas CT required several window‐reformatting algorithms, with loss of image data quality. We obtained high‐quality digital images of the human ankle that were sufficiently accurate for surgical and clinical intervention planning, as well as for teaching human anatomy. Our approach demonstrates that complex anatomical structures such as the ankle, which is rich in articular facets and ligaments, can be easily studied non‐invasively using MRI data.
Medical and non‐medical direct costs of chronic low back pain in patients consulting primary care physicians in France
Authors: Depont Fanny , Hunsche Elke , Abouelfath Abdelilah , Diatta Thierno , Addra Isabelle , Grelaud Angela , Lagnaoui Rajaa , Molimard Mathieu , Moore Nicholas 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA retrospective, observational, cohort study in primary care. To determine the total direct medical and non‐medical cost of chronic low back pain (LBP) in France and its associated factors. Chronic LBP affects 5–10% of the population its burden in France is unknown. Ninety‐eight randomly selected general practitioners included 796 adult patients with chronic LBP between October 2001 and December 2002. Direct costs due to physician visits, investigations, medications, hospitalizations, and other medical and non‐medical resource use were collected for the 6 months prior to study visit. Costs both reimbursed and not by the French health insurance system were considered. Quality of life (QoL) and disease severity were measured using Short Form (SF)‐8 and Roland‐Morris disability questionnaire (RMDQ), respectively. Costs were updated to represent 2007 prices. Men represented 50.6% of the 796 patients, mean age was 53 ± 11.3 years, and the duration of LBP was more than 1 year in 80.9% of patients. The total mean cost per patient over six months was 715.6€ (95% CI: 644.2–797.8). Of these costs, 22.9% related to care provided by physiotherapists and allied specialists, 19.5% to medications, 17.4% to hospitalizations, 9.6% to investigations, and 12.5% to physician fees. In multivariate analysis, the factors associated with the cost of chronic LBP were disease severity (RMDQ score) and age of the patients. LBP is a disease that is both common and costly.
The comparison of the effects of anesthetic doses of ketamine, propofol, and etomidate on ischemia–reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle
Authors: Ergün Yusuf , Darendeli Sacide , İmrek Seçil , Kilinç Metin , Öksüz Hafize 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe fact that a considerable amount of clinical conditions suffering from ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI) occur under general anesthesia has triggered researchers to focus on the effects of anesthetic drugs on IRI. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare the use of different anesthetic drugs in a skeletal IRI model. Tourniquet IRI method was performed and two experimental groups were established as sham‐control and IRI group. Rats in each group were anesthetized either with thiopental, ketamine, propofol or etomidate. Malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were measured in skeletal muscle via a spectrophotometer. Zinc, iron, copper, and selenium were evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. In rats anesthetized with thiopental (40 mg/kg, i.p.), malondialdehyde values in IRI group were higher and glutathion peroxidase levels were lower compared to sham‐control group. However, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were identical. On the other hand, while the level of zinc in IRI group attenuated, no differences in iron and copper values were determined. Rats anesthetized with ketamine (60 mg/kg), propofol (100 mg/kg), or etomidate (20 mg/kg) did not show increased malondialdehyde levels in comparison with control levels. While the drugs did not cause a distinction in the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathion peroxidase, iron, and copper, zinc was in a lower level in IRI group compared to sham‐control. In conclusion, ketamine, propofol, and etomidate, with anesthetic doses, denoted efficacious effects on IRI; hence the drugs might be preferred in certain operations with the risk of IRI.
Protective effect of p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide in lethal acute liver failure induced by lipopolysaccharide and d‐galactosamine in mice
Authors: Wilhelm E.A. , Jesse C.R. , Nogueira C.W. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractOrganoselenium compounds display important antioxidant activity and many biological activities interesting from pharmacological point of view. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide, a disubstituted diaryl diselenide, on acute liver injury induced by d‐galactosamine (d‐GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. The animals received p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide (10, 50 and 100 mg/kg; per oral, p.o.) and 1 h after d‐GalN (500 mg/kg) and LPS (50 μg/kg) were administered by intraperitoneal route (i.p.). Twenty‐four hours after LPS/d‐GalN exposure the animals were euthanized to the biochemical and histological analysis. Pretreatment with p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide (50 and 100 mg/kg; p.o.) protected against the increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity induced by LPS/d‐GalN exposure in mice. p‐Methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide at the doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg protected against the increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity induced by LPS/d‐GalN exposure. In this study, no alteration in ascorbic acid levels was observed in livers of mice exposed to LPS/d‐GalN. Glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activity was stimulated by LPS/d‐GalN exposure and p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide, at all doses, protected against this alteration. p‐Methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide was effective in ameliorating inhibition of catalase activity induced by LPS/d‐GalN exposure. Histological data showed that sections of livers from LPS/d‐GalN‐treated mice presented massive hemorrhage, inflammatory cells and necrosis. p‐Methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide significantly attenuated LPS/d‐GalN‐induced hepatic histopathological alterations. Based on the results, we suggest the hepatoprotective effect of p‐methoxyl‐diphenyl diselenide on acute liver injury induced by LPS/d‐GalN exposure in mice.
Aspirin in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease: an update of the APTC meta‐analysis
Authors: Lièvre Michel , Cucherat Michel 
Published: August 2009

AbstractWe updated the 2002 Antiplatelet Trialists’ Collaboration meta‐analysis of antiplatelet therapy to assess the effects of aspirin alone in the secondary prevention of different types of thrombotic arterial disease. Results of randomized, placebo‐controlled trials of aspirin in patients with confirmed cardiovascular disease were abstracted and synthesized by the Mantel–Haenszel method. We defined three cardiovascular disease groups according to the qualifying disease at entry: coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular disease (CRVD), and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Results are given as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Compared with placebo, aspirin decreased significantly the risk of all‐cause death in CAD and CRVD (OR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.75–0.86 and 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.98, respectively), and of vascular events in CAD, CRVD, and PAD (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.67–0.76, 0.87, 95% CI 0.82–0.93, and 0.50, 95% CI 0.29–0.88, respectively). The risk of non‐fatal stroke was decreased in the CAD, CRVD, and PAD (OR = 0.64, 95% CI 0.50–0.83, 0.81, 95% CI 0.74–0.89, and 0.26, 95% CI 0.07–0.94, respectively). The risk of non‐fatal myocardial infarction was decreased significantly in the CAD and CRVD (OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.53–0.67, and 0.63, 95% CI 0.48–0.84, respectively), but not in the PAD (OR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.15–1.25). Aspirin nearly doubled the risk of major bleeds (OR = 1.87, 95% CI 1.51–2.32 for all clinical conditions). This meta‐analysis confirms that aspirin decreases the risk of thrombotic events in patients with confirmed disease of the coronary, cerebrovascular, or peripheral artery beds.
Increasing longevity through caloric restriction or rapamycin feeding in mammals: common mechanisms for common outcomes?
Authors: Cox Lynne S. , Mattison Julie A. 
Published: August 2009

SummarySignificant extension of lifespan in important mammalian species is bound to attract the attention not only of the aging research community, but also the media and the wider public. Two recent papers published by Harrison et al. (2009) in Nature and by Colman et al. (2009) in Science report increased longevity of mice fed with rapamycin and of rhesus monkeys undergoing caloric restriction, respectively. These papers have generated considerable debate in the aging community. Here we assess what is new about these findings, how they fit with our knowledge of lifespan extension from other studies and what prospects this new work holds out for improvements in human longevity and human health span.
African Americans show increased risk for pressure ulcers: A retrospective analysis of acute care hospitals in America
Authors: Fogerty Mary , Guy Jeffrey , Barbul Adrian , Nanney Lillian B. , Abumrad Naji N. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTIn an earlier study, we reported a significantly increased risk of pressure ulcer hospital discharge diagnoses in African Americans, higher age groups, and those with certain medical conditions. The objectives of the present study were to: (a) investigate the demographics associated with a higher odds ratio (OR) in African Americans and (b) determine whether African Americans have different rates of medical risk factors. The 2003 Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was queried. Patients with pressure ulcers were identified by discharge diagnoses using ICD‐9 codes 707.0–707.09. Discharge diagnosis was examined using the agency for healthcare research and quality clinical classifications software (CCS). The present study used identified CCS discharge diagnoses present in at least 5% of all patients, with an OR>2. African Americans exhibited a higher incidence of an OR>2 for 28 identified CCS risk factors for pressure ulcers. The pressure ulcer diagnoses tended to occur at younger ages in African Americans. No significant differences were noted in African Americans with pressure ulcers when a subanalysis was conducted by zip code income quartile, region of the country, or teaching status of the hospital. Hospitalized African Americans exhibit an age‐dependent, higher prevalence of pressure ulcers compared with Caucasians. Socioeconomic factors tracked within the Nationwide Inpatient Sample do not provide an explanation for this phenomenon.
Loss of viability and induction of apoptosis in human keratinocytes exposed to Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in vitro
Authors: Kirker Kelly R. , Secor Patrick R. , James Garth A. , Fleckman Philip , Olerud John E. , Stewart Philip S. 
Published: August 2009

ABSTRACTBacteria colonizing chronic wounds are believed to exist as polymicrobial, biofilm communities; however, there are few studies demonstrating the role of biofilms in chronic wound pathogenesis. This study establishes a novel method for studying the effect of biofilms on the cell types involved in wound healing. Cocultures of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms and human keratinocytes (HK) were created by initially growing S. aureus biofilms on tissue culture inserts then transferring the inserts to existing HK cultures. Biofilm‐conditioned medium (BCM) was prepared by culturing the insert‐supported biofilm in cell culture medium. As a control planktonic‐conditioned medium (PCM) was also prepared. Biofilm, BCM, and PCM were used in migration, cell viability, and apoptosis assays. Changes in HK morphology were followed by brightfield and confocal microscopy. After only 3 hours exposure to BCM, but not PCM, HK formed dendrite‐like extensions and displayed reduced viability. After 9 hours, there was an increase in apoptosis (p≤0.0004). At 24 hours, biofilm‐, BCM‐, and PCM‐exposed HK all exhibited reduced scratch closure (p≤0.0001). The results demonstrated that soluble products of both S. aureus planktonic cells and biofilms inhibit scratch closure. Furthermore, S. aureus biofilms significantly reduced HK viability and significantly increased HK apoptosis compared with planktonic S. aureus.
Deformation microstructures of olivine in peridotite from Spitsbergen, Svalbard and implications for seismic anisotropy
Authors: JUNG H. , MO W. , CHOI S. H. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractTo understand the deformation mechanism and seismic anisotropy in the uppermost mantle beneath Spitsbergen, Svalbard, in the Arctic, the deformation microstructures of olivine in the peridotite of Spitsbergen were studied. Seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle can be explained mainly by the lattice‐preferred orientation (LPO) of olivine. The LPOs of the olivine in the peridotites were determined using electron backscattered diffraction patterns. Eight specimens out of 10 showed that the [100] axis of the olivine was aligned subparallel to the lineation and that the (010) plane was subparallel to the foliation, showing a type A LPO. In the other two specimens the [100] axis of olivine was aligned subparallel to the lineation and both the [010] and [001] axes were distributed in a girdle nearly perpendicular to the lineation, showing a type D LPO. The dislocation density of the olivine in the samples showing a type D LPO was higher than that in the samples showing a type A LPO. The result of an Fourier transformation infrared study showed that both the types A and D samples were dry. These observations were in good agreement with a previous experimental study (Tectonophysics, 421, 2006, 1): samples showing a type D LPO for olivine were observed at a high stress condition and samples showing both types A and D LPO were deformed under dry condition. Observations of both strong LPOs and dislocations of olivine indicate that the peridotites studied were deformed by dislocation creep. The seismic anisotropy calculated from the LPOs of the olivine could be used to explain the seismic anisotropy of P‐ and S‐waves in the lithospheric mantle beneath Spitsbergen, Svalbard.
Benign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes
Authors: Donald Shields W. , Carter Snead III Orlando 
Published: August 2009

SummaryBenign epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (BECTS) is a common disorder in childhood. After a brief overview of BECTS, a review of the data in favor of treatment with anticonvulsant medications is followed by the data indicating that treatment is not indicated. Some children appear to have cognitive consequences from BECTS. The parents and children with BECTS require a full discussion of the pros and cons of treatment, but based on data available at this time, it is concluded that treatment is generally not indicated for most patients. Future research may lead to changes in the recommendations.
Tonic and atonic seizures: What’s next—VNS or callosotomy?
Authors: Rosenfeld William E. , Roberts David W. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryMedically intractable tonic and atonic seizures may be responsive to either vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) or corpus callosum section. VNS has been shown to be effective and is associated with very low morbidity. Callosotomy is a more ambitious procedure, with a higher risk of complications but greater likelihood of seizure improvement.
Use of a new antiepileptic drug or an old one as first drug for treatment of absence epilepsy
Authors: Penovich Patricia E. , James Willmore L. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryTreatment of absence epilepsy requires understanding the efficacy and side effects of several drugs, one of which first became available more than 50 years ago. Methods for drug development and procedures for evaluating their safety and efficacy over that time have changed dramatically. Observational studies of the efficacy of ethosuximide, a drug developed in the 1950s, reported complete seizure control in 40–60% of patients. Valproic acid, a drug with a broad spectrum of effect, showed robust efficacy as well for control of absence seizures. Because side effects limit use in some patients, newer drugs were evaluated in patients with absence seizures. Of drugs becoming available in the last 15 years, lamotrigine has some effect in absence seizures. Although older and newer drugs presently are used without the rigorous underpinnings of the highest quality of evidence, our analysis found that ethosuximide, valproate, and lamotrigine are effective in the treatment of absence seizures, with ethosuximide quite possibly being the first drug of choice.
Should enzyme‐inducing antiepileptic drugs be considered first‐line agents?
Authors: Mintzer Scott , Mattson Richard T. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryDespite the introduction of a host of new antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) over the last 20 years, the older agents, which are potent inducers of the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system, remain the AEDs most commonly prescribed throughout the world. At the same time, data have gradually and continuously emerged regarding the possible adverse consequences of CYP450 induction, such that it is now appropriate to pose the question of whether the inducing drugs should still be considered first‐line agents for the treatment of focal epilepsy. In this article we review the evidence suggesting that these drugs may have many detrimental metabolic effects, along with the data concerning their relative efficacy compared to the newer, noninducing AEDs. We conclude that longer and better‐powered studies are needed to truly establish whether the newer AEDs are equivalent in efficacy to the older, inducing agents. Pending this, however, the extant data are sufficiently concerning to suggest that it may be prudent to start with noninducing AEDs unless there is a clear indication for one of the inducing drugs.
Treatment algorithms in refractory partial epilepsy
Authors: Jobst Barbara C. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryAn algorithm is a “step‐by‐step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end....in a finite number of steps.” (Merriam‐Webster, 2009). Medical algorithms are decision trees to help with diagnostic and therapeutic decisions. For the treatment of epilepsy there is no generally accepted treatment algorithm, as individual epilepsy centers follow different diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines. This article presents two algorithms to guide decisions in the treatment of refractory partial epilepsy. The treatment algorithm describes a stepwise diagnostic and therapeutic approach to intractable medial temporal and neocortical epilepsy. The surgical algorithm guides decisions in the surgical treatment of neocortical epilepsy.
Refractory seizures: Try additional antiepileptic drugs (after two have failed) or go directly to early surgery evaluation?
Authors: Kwan Patrick , Sperling Michael R. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryThe goal of antiepileptic therapy is to achieve long‐term seizure freedom with minimal or no adverse effects. Current evidence suggests that in many patients who have failed two appropriate antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) because of lack of efficacy, the chance of subsequent seizure freedom with further drug manipulation is low (reports ranging from as little as a few percent to nearly one‐fourth of patients). Achieving this may require repeated drug manipulations. Surgery, in appropriately selected candidates, may render up to 70% of patients seizure‐free when temporal resection is done, although frontal resection may have only a 25% yield. Both courses of actions (further drug trials and surgery) are associated with a plethora of potential adverse outcomes. Therefore, it is recommended that such patients be promptly referred to an epilepsy center for a comprehensive review of the diagnosis and management, which may include initial evaluation for surgery. Because presurgical evaluation and surgery itself may entail discomfort and risk, the decision to offer surgical treatment requires individual risk–benefit analysis that includes an assessment of possible success with additional trials of medication.
Rational polytherapy
Authors: French Jacqueline A. , Faught Edward 
Published: August 2009

SummaryMonotherapy has been considered the gold standard for drug treatment of epilepsy. However, there is renewed interest in polytherapy because of the advent of new drugs with fewer drug interactions and novel mechanisms of action, and the realization that most patients with refractory epilepsy are eventually treated with drug combinations. Careful consideration must be given to drug additions and conversions; it may be less risky to add a drug than to convert from one monotherapy to another in patients with frequent or severe seizures. Rational choice of drug combinations is, at present, based more on avoidance of pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic side effects than on evidence for supra‐additive efficacy. There are indications that combinations of two sodium‐channel blocking agents are less effective than combinations of drugs with different primary mechanisms of action, and some human studies suggest that lamotrigine and valproate may be synergistic for efficacy. However, more animal and human research is needed, with attention to the effects of various combinations on both toxicity and seizure control.