bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficiency and Demutualization: Evidence From the U.S. Life Insurance Industry in the 1980s and 1990s
Authors: Jeng Vivian , Lai Gene C. , McNamara Michael J. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractThis article examines the efficiency changes of U.S. life insurers before and after demutualization in the 1980s and 1990s. We use two frontier approaches (the value‐added approach and the financial intermediary approach) to measure the efficiency changes. In addition, we use Malmquist indices to investigate the efficiency and productivity change of converted life insurers over time. The results using the value‐added approach indicate that demutualized life insurers improve their efficiency before demutualization. On the other hand, the evidence using the financial intermediary approach shows the efficiency of the demutualized life insurers relative to mutual control insurers deteriorates before demutualization and improves after conversion. The difference in the results between the two approaches is due to the fact that the financial intermediary approach considers financial conditions. The results of both approaches suggest that there is no efficiency improvement after demutualization relative to stock control insurers. There is, however, efficiency improvement relative to mutual control insurers when the financial intermediary approach is used.
Reduction of Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements After Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Similar Efficacy of Tranexamic Acid and Aprotinin in Aspirin‐treated Patients
Authors: Bernet Franziska , Carrel Thierry , Marbet German , Skarvan Karl , Stulz Peter 
Published: August 2007

Abstract Background: In patients with coronary artery disease, continuation of aspirin may reduce the incidence of unstable angina and preoperative myocardial infarction before surgery, but the risk of perioperative bleeding may be increased. Methods: The efficacy of aprotinin and tranexamic acid (TXA) was examined in a prospective, randomized, double‐blind trial involving 56 patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting and who received aspirin 100 mg/day until the day of the operation. Group I received high‐dose aprotinin whereas group II received 10 g of tranexamic acid (TXA) over 20 minutes before sternotomy. Heparinization during cardiopul‐monary bypass was controlled with HDTT (high‐dose thrombin time) to eliminate interference of aprotinin on ACT (celite activated clotting time). Postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements were registered during the first 24 hours. Results: The demographics, coagulation, and intraoperative parameters were similar in both groups. Postoperative blood loss (aprotinin 840 mL /24 hours, TXA 880 mL/24 hours, p = 0.481). and transfusion requirements (2.18 units/patient in the aprotinin group, 2.11 units/patient in the TXA group) were not remarkably different between the two regimen protocols. No perioperative myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular event, or other thrombotic events were observed. Conclusions: In this trial, we were not able to demonstrate any difference in postoperative bleeding in patients pre‐treated with aspirin after high‐dose aprotinin or TXA. From a practical point of view, TXA is safe, less expensive than aprotinin, and easy to handle, and can be recommended in patients pre‐treated with aspirin to improve postoperative hemostasis.
Detection and Localization of an Intracardiac Bullet and Pellet by Echocardiography
Authors: SARMA RADHA J. , PRAKASH RAVI , MANDAL ASHIS K. , FLEMING ARTHUR W. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryWe found echocardiography to be useful for detecting and precisely localizing intracardiac bullets and pellets. The characteristic reverberations produced by these metallic objects are of diagnostic value in patients with such penetrating missile injuries.
Echocardiography and the Evolution of Cardiac Imaging
Authors: SKORTON DAVID J. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryImaging techniques are among the most commonly used diagnostic approaches to patients with heart and vascular diseases. Recently, sophisticated new methods of imaging the heart, great vessels, and pulmonary and peripheral vasculature have rapidly evolved. This evolution has occurred due to technological developments, research imperatives, and clinical needs. Current cardiac imaging methods give superb information on cardiac structure and function. The newer approaches to imaging promise to supply additional information on myocardial perfusion, metabolism, and tissue characteristics. The explosion of research and development in cardiac imaging gives the clinician and investigator a wealth of choices for evaluation of the heart. This wide array of choices requires that practicing physicians and echocardiogra‐phers develop a broad perspective on the relative efficacy, costs, and drawbacks associated with each of the diagnostic imaging procedures.
Doppler Echocardiographic Quantification of Stenotic Valvular Lesions
Authors: RICHARDS KENT L. 
Published: August 2007

SummaryThe individual performing quantitative measurements of valve stenosis must always be vigilant of the most common errors made in assessing stenotic lesions:1. Underestimation of pressure gradients across stenotic valves can lead to false‐negative diagnoses. A Doppler angle greater than 25 degrees or the failure to insonate the high‐velocity region are common causes.2. Over‐ and underestimation of pressure gradients is possible when angle correction is used.3. Mistaken sample volume position (such as detection of high‐velocity mitral regurgitation when assessing aortic stenosis) can lead to overestimation of stenotic pressure gradients.4. Improper instrument settings can lead to inaccurate velocity measurements.We have entered an area in which Doppler and imaging echocardiography are capable of producing accurate hemodynamic data on patients with stenotic valve lesions. Such data can be used to make surgical decisions or to avoid further, sometimes more definitive, diagnostic tests. We must use care to assure that the measurements that we report are appropriate and accurate. It is appropriate to integrate the Doppler and imaging echocardiographic data with information obtained from history, physical exam, ECG, and chest roentgenogram to provide the most accurate assessment of the severity of the valve lesion(s). It is also important to interpret the quality of a study and report the likelihood that the study is complete and the results are highly accurate or that the study was difficult and may be incomplete.
Spontaneous Left Ventricular Contrast Echoes in a Patient with Aortic Regurgitation
Authors: HUMBERT VERNON H. , KADIRESAN VENKATESH N. 
Published: August 2007

We describe a patient with chronic aortic regurgitation and moderately severe left ventricular dysfunction whose echocardiographic study revealed striking clouds of smokelike blood billowing in discrete puffs from the area of the mitral inflow tract toward the cardiac apex early in each diastole. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY, Volume 8, May 1991)We have described a case in which spontaneous contrast echoes developed consistently in the left ventricular inflow tract, swirled quickly to the cardiac apex, and were rapidly ejected through the aortic valve during the following systole in a patient with chronic aortic regurgitation. Although we cannot completely exclude transmitral passage of stagnant left atrial blood as the cause of this phenomenon, we believe that the spontaneous contrast echoes seen may have originated from precise direction of the regurgitant jet directly against the anterior mitral leaflet with slightly higher amplitude fluttering than commonly seen in this situation, resulting in sufficient fluid agitation adjacent the leaflet to create local mi‐crocavitations. This mechanism has previously been documented to occur in an in vitro model. The rarity with which this phenomenon occurs in the setting of a common clinical entity suggests that a critical interplay of multiple factors, some as yet unidentified, is necessary for its generation.
An Unusual Complication During a Transesophageal Echocardiographic Procedure in a Patient with Left Ventricular Pseudoaneurysm
Authors: SASTRY B.K.S. , KRISHNA REDDY N. , VENKATESHWAR REDDY G. , RATNAKER K.S. , JAISHANKAR S. , RAJU B.S. 
Published: August 2007

Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is a safe semiinvasive procedure with almost negligible mortality. We report a death during TEE procedure in a patient with unsuspected left ventricular pseudoaneurysm.transesophageal echocardiography, pseudoaneurysm
Color Flow Doppler in the Diagnosis of Double‐Chambered Right Ventricle:
Authors: III C. OSBORNE SHULER , WIENECKE MATTHEW M. , FYFE DEREK A. 
Published: August 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the demographic and echocardiographic data of patients diagnosed with double‐chambered right ventricle and attempt to explain a perceived rise in the incidence. Definition: Double‐chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a division of the right ventricle into two chambers by a hypertrophied muscle bundle. Methods: The medical records of patients diagnosed withDCRV were reviewed, and demographic, echocardiographic, and catheterization data were tabulated. Annual incidence of DCRV, based on year of birth, was compared to yearly detection rate, based on year of DCRV diagnosis. To evaluate the influence of color flow Doppler on the frequency of diagnosis of DCRV, demographics of patients born prior to September 1986 (when utilization of color Doppler began in our institution) were compared to those born after that date. Results: Despite an unchanged annual incidence of DCRV, yearly detection rate of this lesion rose significantly following the introduction of color flow Doppler to our institution (September 1986). DCRV was diagnosed earlier and was accompanied by earlier catheterization, which also showed lower right ventricular body gradients after September 1986. Associated anomalies, both cardiac and noncardiac, in our population differed from those reported in previous series. Conclusion: This study infers that the advent of color flow Doppler significantly enhanced the diagnosis of DCRV in our pediatric patients and led to a perceived rise in incidence.double‐chambered right ventricle, anomalous right ventricular muscle bundles
Quadricuspid Aortic Valve Diagnosed by Multiplane Transesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: PATEL JAYANT N. , OSMAN KHIDIR , NANDA NAVIN C. , HENDERSON BRIAN , SANYAL RAJAT S. , FINCH D. 
Published: August 2007

The usefulness of multiplane transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of quadricuspid aortic valve is described.quadricuspid aortic valve, multiplane transesophageal echocardiography
Predictors of Functional Performance in Community‐Dwelling People with COPD
Authors: Wall Mary Patricia 
Published: August 2007

Purpose

: To identify physiologic, well‐being, and coping resource predictors of functional performance in community‐dwelling people with COPD.
Design

: A cross‐sectional, correlational design was used with a convenience sample of 119 people who received care in a private pulmonary medicine practice.
Methods

: Participants were recruited in person, completed the study instruments at home, and returned the instruments to the researcher by mail. Pulmonary function test results were obtained from medical records. Univariate, bivariate, and multiple regression analyses were performed.
Findings

: Several bivariate correlations were robust, particularly among the well‐being and coping resource variables, but none were large enough to indicate multicollinearity. Four proposed predictors (depression, severity of pulmonary disease, age, and gender) explained 46.3% of the variance in functional performance.
Conclusions

: Functional performance was influenced by both physiologic and negative well‐being factors. Because of the potential influence of depression on adherence to medical regimen, attention to both physical and mental health is necessary for maintaining optimal health and functioning in these chronically ill people.
Bone loss in the ovariectomized baboonPapio ursinus: densitometry, histomorphometry and biochemistry
Authors: Mas I. Dal , Biscardi A. , Schnitzler C. M. , Ripamonti U. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractTo develop a non‐human primate model of systemic bone loss after ovariectomy, 24 ovariectomized (OVX) and eight control (non‐OVX) female baboonsPapio ursinuswere investigated over a period of 48 months using bone mineral density (BMD), iliac crest bone histomorphometry, bone turnover markers, and variables of calcium metabolism. Lumbar spine (L1–L4) BMD measured by dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) decreased in OVX animals in the first 12 months (−7.6%) and showed a slow trend towards recovery after 24 months. Controls showed a slow increase in spinal BMD over 4 years (+9.7%). Total hip BMD decreased slowly up to 48 months in all animals (OVX −12.6%versuscontrols −10%); this indicated that OVX had a limited effect on total hip BMD. Forearm BMD did not change. The significant decrease in trabecular bone volume (TBV) of the iliac crest from baseline to 12 months was followed by some recovery. Microarchitectural deterioration of trabecular bone in OVX animals was demonstrated by a decline in trabecular number and an increase in trabecular spacing. These changes were also evident on sections of whole vertebrae, proximal femora and iliac crests. Changes in iliac TBV reflected spinal but not hip BMD changes in the OVX animals. Static and dynamic histomorphometric variables indicated that bone turnover was increased for 36 months following OVX. Controls showed no changes in histomorphometric variables. Bone specific alkaline phosphatase (ALPs) in OVX animals remained elevated throughout the study; osteocalcin (OC) was significantly elevated only at 6 and 12 months, and deoxypyridinoline (Pyr‐D) was elevated at 12 months but declined after 24 months. ALPs was thus more sensitive to the long‐term effects of OVX than were OC or Pyr‐D. Controls showed no changes in bone turnover markers. This study showed consistent deleterious changes in lumbar BMD, bone histomorphometry with microarchitectural deterioration together with altered biochemical markers of bone turnover in the first 12 months after OVX. Since these changes resemble those in post‐menopausal women, the non‐human primatePapio ursinusis suitable for the study of bone loss in post‐menopausal women.
Macropinocytosis: searching for an endocytic identity and role in the uptake of cell penetrating peptides
Authors: Jones Arwyn Tomos 
Published: August 2007

Introduction
Membrane ruffling and the formation of the macropinosome
Rabs and macropinocytosis
The fate of the macropinosome on the endocytic pathway
A role for nexins in macropinosome sorting
Cell penetrating peptides as vectors for drug delivery
The case for and against macropinocytosis
Conclusions

AbstractMacropinocytosis defines a series of events initiated by extensive plasma membrane reorganization or ruffling to form an external macropinocytic structure that is then enclosed and internalized. The process is constitutive in some organisms and cell types but in others it is only pronounced after growth factor stimulation. Internalized macropinosomes share many features with phagosomes and both are distinguished from other forms of pinocytic vesicles by their large size, morphological heterogeneity and lack of coat structures. A paucity of information is available on other distinguishing features for macropinocytosis such as specific marker proteins and drugs that interfere with its mechanism over other endocytic processes. This has hampered efforts to characterize the dynamics of this pathway and to identify regulatory proteins that are expressed in order to allow it to proceed. Upon internalization, macropinosomes acquire regulatory proteins common to other endocytic pathways, suggesting that their identities as unique structures are short‐lived. There is however less consensus regarding the overall fate of the macropinosome cargo or its limiting membrane and processes such as fusion, tubulation, recycling and regulated exocytosis have all been implicated in shaping the macropinosome and directing cargo traffic. Macropinocytosis has also been implicated in the internalization of cell penetrating peptides that are of significant interest to researchers aiming to utilize their translocation abilities to deliver therapeutic entities such as genes and proteins into cells. This review focuses on recent findings on the regulation of macropinocytosis, the intracellular fate of the macropinosome and discusses evidence for the role of this pathway as a mechanism of entry for cell penetrating peptides.
Physiological polyamines: simple primordial stress molecules
Authors: Rhee H. J. , Kim Eui‐Jin , Lee J. K. 
Published: August 2007

IntroductionMetabolism and transport of physiological polyaminesAre physiological polyamines stress molecules?Roles of physiological polyamines in oxidative stress responsePhysiological polyamine‐mediated acid stress responsePhysiological polyamines in osmotic stress responsePhysiological polyamines in neuronal stress responsePhysiological polyamines in other stress responsesDivergent roles of physiological polyamines in adapting to pathogen‐host interactionConclusionsAbstractPhysiological polyamines are ubiquitous polycations with pleiotropic biochemical activities, including regulation of gene expression, cell proliferation and modulation of cell signalling. Reports that the polyamines with cytoprotective activities were induced by diverse stresses raised the hypothesis that physiological polyamines may play a role in inducing stress response. In a wide range of organisms, physiological polyamines were not only induced by diverse stresses, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), heat, ultraviolet (UV) and psychiatric stress but were able to confer beneficial effects for survival. Recent biochemical and genetic evidences show that polyamines can function as an ROS scavenger, acid tolerance factor and chemical chaperone, and positive regulators for expression of stress response genes which may explain their protective functions against diverse stresses. Taken together, these data suggest that physiological polyamines can function as primordial stress molecules in bacteria, plants and mammals, and may play an essential role in regulation of pathogen‐host interactions.
Regulation of raft‐dependent endocytosis
Authors: Lajoie P. , Nabi I.R. 
Published: August 2007

Introduction
Raft‐dependent endocytosis encompasses various pathways
Cav1 and the regulation of raft‐dependent endocytosis
Signaling and raft‐dependent endocytosis
Conclusion

AbstractRaft‐dependent endocytosis is in large part defined as the cholesterol‐sensitive, clathrin‐independent internalization of ligands and receptors from the plasma membrane. It encompasses the endocytosis of caveo‐lae, smooth plasmalemmal vesicles that form a subdomain of cholesterol and sphingolipid‐rich lipid rafts and that are enriched for caveolin‐1. While sharing common mechanisms, like cholesterol sensitivity, raft endocytic routes show differential regulation by various cellular components including caveolin‐1, dynamin‐2 and regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. Dynamin‐dependent raft pathways, mediated by caveolae and morphologically equivalent non‐caveolin vesicular intermediates, are referred to as caveolae/raft‐dependent endocytosis. In contrast, dynamin‐independent raft pathways are mediated by non‐caveolar intermediates. Raft‐dependent endocytosis is regulated by tyrosine kinase inhibitors and, through the regulation of the internalization of various ligands, receptors and effectors, is also a determinant of cellular signaling. In this review, we characterize and discuss the regulation of raft‐dependent endocytic pathways and the role of key regulators such as caveolin‐1.
HANDWRITING CHANGES AND RESPONSE TO DRUGS—A CONTROLLED STUDY
Authors: ANGUS J. W. S. , SIMPSON G. M. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYA controlled study of the relationship between the therapeutic response to a neuroleptic drug and the handwriting changes which it produces is described. Patients whose handwriting had changed as described by Haase improved to a greater extent than those whose handwriting had not changed, but received much larger doses of the drug. Patients treated according to the psychiatrist's judgment received larger doses than those which produced handwriting changes, but in retrospect the optimum dose corresponded closely to the dose producing handwriting changes. These findings are discussed.
CONTROLLED STUDIES OF ANTIPARKINSONISM AGENTS IN THE TREATMENT OF DRUG‐INDUCED EXTRAPYRAMIDAL SYMPTOMS
Authors: SIMPSON G. M. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYA series of four experiments designed to assess the effect of antiparkin‐sonism drugs on phenothiazine produced parkinsonism are described. It was difficult to distinguish the effects of the active drug from placebo when intravenous injections were employed, but using handwriting as an indication it was possible to distinguish the oral administration of Benztropine Mesylate from a placebo. The results are discussed and it is concluded that trials of intravenous preparations in the treatment of parkinsonism are likely to be invalid.
BOOKS
Authors: Forssman Hans , Wallin Leif , Svendsen B. Borup , Tolstrup Kai 
Published: August 2007

Theilgaard, A., J. Nielsen, A. Sørensen, A. Frøland & G. Johnsen: A Psychological‐Psychiatric Study of Patients with Klinefelter's Syndrome Russell, G. F. M., & H. J. Wallon (eds.): The Training of Psychiatrists. Brit. J. Psychiat. Annell, Anna‐Lisa: Elementär Barnpsykiatri. 3rd revised edition.
BOOKS
Authors: Lukianowicz Narcyr , Nystrup Jsrgen , Wergeland Hi. , Smith Donald F. 
Published: August 2007

Hartrnann, K.: Theoretische und empirische Beitrage zur Venvahrlosungsforschung.Mathis, 7. L., C. M. Pierce & V. Pishkin: Basic psychiatry, a primer of concepts and terminology in programmed form.Kanner, L.: Child psychiatry, Fourth edition. Charles C. Thomas, SpringfieldMolitz, S.:].‐dopa and behaviour. North‐Holland Publishing Company
A COMPARISON BETWEEN DIAZEPAM AND HALOPERIDOL IN ANXIETY STATES
Authors: Fyrö B. , Beck‐Friis J. , Sjöstrand I.‐G. 
Published: August 2007

A double‐blind cross‐over comparison of diazepam, haloperidol and placebo was carried out in 51 out‐patients with neurotic anxiety‐tension states. Each drug was given for 1 week: diazepam 15 mg and haloperidol 1 mg per day. Both drugs were significantly better than placebo.Thirty‐three of the patients had anxiety without obvious precipitating factors. In this group, diazepam was significantly better than haloperidol in eight of 15 items, but there was no difference with regard to subjective side effects. Eighteen patients had anxiety resulting from recognizable factors. In this group, no significant difference in therapeutic effect was seen, although haloperidol gave fewer side effects.
CAN SELF‐RATING REPLACE DOCTOR'S RATING IN EVALUATING ANTI‐DEPRESSIVE TREATMENT?
Authors: Arfwidsson L. , D'Elia G. , Laurell B. , Ottosson J.‐O. , Perris C. , Persson G. 
Published: August 2007

Sixteen depressive out‐patients with endogenous or mixed endogenous‐psychogenic depression were rated before and during antidepressive drug treatment using the Zung self‐rating scale, the Cronholm‐Ottosson depression scale and a global rating. The scores displayed a parallel course, but the correlations between them were only moderate, and between the score differences were still lower. When levels of significance of score differences and global ratings were used as measures of treatment effects, the self‐ratings were least sensitive. The study gives no support for a replacement of the doctor's rating scale with self‐rating according to Zung.Even when the correlations are higher, they should not without reservation be taken as evidence of validity of the self‐rating, since they may be spuriously inflated. Estimation of reliability of selfrating presents difficulties, and psychotic symptoms cannot be properly evaluated. Seeing depressive illness as a hypothetical construct, self‐rating may be used as an additional indicator, but it cannot replace doctor's ratings.