bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competition between Employed and Unemployed Job Applicants: Swedish Evidence*
Authors: Eriksson Stefan , Lagerström Jonas 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe use the Swedish Applicant Database to investigate empirically whether being unemployed per se reduces the probability of getting contacted by a firm. All searchers looking for a new job are invited to submit their personal details to this database over the internet. Since we have access to exactly the same information as the firms, we can minimize the problems associated with unobserved heterogeneity. Our results show that an unemployed applicant faces a lower contact probability than an otherwise identical employed applicant, thus supporting the notion that firms view employment status as a signal of productivity.
Systematic review: Vaginal vault smears after hysterectomy for reasons other than malignancy: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Stokes‐Lampard H , Wilson S , Waddell C , Ryan A , Holder R , Kehoe S 
Published: November 2006

Background  Vaginal vault smears are used to detect persisting neoplasia of the lower genital tract after hysterectomy. Recent data suggest both widespread use and uncertain evidence of their effectiveness.Objectives  To identify and synthesise evidence on the use and effectiveness of vaginal vault smears and to assess the quality.Search strategy  ‘vault smear’ OR ‘vaginal vault smear’ OR ‘cervical vault smear’ OR (‘Hysterectomy’) AND (‘Follow up’ OR ‘Smear’).Selection criteria  Primary research, women who had a hysterectomy and were followed up by vault cytology.Data collection and analysis  Systematic search (eight electronic databases), supplemented by contact with experts and review of bibliographies. Two independent reviewers determined eligibility/validity and extracted data concerning test performance characteristics. Quality was assessed according to the established criteria.Results  Of 441 unique references, only 19 were suitable. Quality of studies varied considerably and few were of ‘high’ methodological quality. Studies were geographically diverse, and were published over more than 40 years in 16 journals. From the higher scoring papers, there were 11 659 hysterectomies [6546, benign; 76, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) I/CIN II; 5037, CIN III]. Proportions of abnormal vault smears and abnormal biopsies during follow up increased with worsening histology at hysterectomy (P < 0.0001 and P= 0.0001). There was only one report of vaginal cancer subsequent to hysterectomy for CIN and insufficient data to allow for reliable meta‐analysis.Conclusions  Vault smears cause anxiety, consume resources and their value is largely unproven. Inconsistency of study design and limited methodological quality means that the value of vault smears could not be established. High‐quality research is required to ensure that the guidelines are evidence based.
Women’s experience of decision making about mode of delivery after a previous caesarean section: the role of health professionals and information about health risks
Authors: Emmett CL , Shaw ARG , Montgomery AA , Murphy DJ ,   DiAMOND study group
Published: November 2006

Objective To explore women’s experiences of decision making about mode of delivery after previous caesarean section.Design A qualitative interview study.Setting Two city maternity units in southwest England and Eastern Scotland.Sample Twenty‐one women who had recently delivered a baby and whose previous child was delivered by caesarean section.Methods Semi‐structured interviews analysed using the framework approach.Main outcome measures Women’s views on the influence of uncertainty on decision making, issues concerning information provision and decision‐making roles.Results Experiences of decision making varied considerably. Some women were certain about choosing either vaginal birth after caesarean or repeat elective caesarean section, others were very uncertain and for some this uncertainty persisted after the birth. Information was most commonly provided by hospital doctors (mainly consultants) and more often related to procedural issues rather than possible health risks and benefits. Women felt they had to actively seek information rather than it being provided routinely. Most women were able to make their own decision about mode of delivery. Health professionals generally took a supportive role whichever mode of delivery was chosen. Although many women were comfortable with this approach, some felt they would have liked more guidance.Conclusion On the whole, women experienced having control over the decision about planned mode of delivery. For many, making this decision was difficult and for some it was the cause of prolonged anxiety. Women were often making the decision without being provided with comprehensive and specific information about possible health risks and benefits. We are currently conducting a randomised controlled trial to investigate whether access to a decision aid is beneficial to women in this situation.
Late termination of pregnancy: law, policy and decision making in four English fetal medicine units
Authors: Statham H , Solomou W , Green J 
Published: November 2006

Objective  UK abortion law allows terminations for fetal abnormality without gestational limit. This study aimed to understand the decision‐making experiences of fetal medicine professionals working within this legal framework.Design  Qualitative study using semistructured interviews.Setting  Four English fetal medicine units.Sample  Fifteen doctors and midwives working in fetal medicine units and the Director of a related voluntary sector group.Methods  Thematic analysis of transcribed interviews.Main outcome measures  Attitudes to abortion legislation; how decisions are made about the offer of late abortion and feticide.Results  Fetal medicine specialists acknowledged the difficulties of ensuring that they worked within the law and within their own ethical frameworks when making decisions about offering terminations after viability. Practice regarding which abnormalities meet the legal criteria appeared to be governed largely by consensus between colleagues within their own and other units and in discussion with other specialists. Study participants reported individual differences about abnormalities where they personally would not wish to be involved in a termination, and also noted a shift in general attitudes over time as to conditions that meet the legal criteria. A proscribed list was believed to be both unworkable, given the variability in diagnoses and unhelpful, leading to reduced patient care.Conclusions  Research is needed to monitor attitudes to, and interpretation of, UK abortion legislation, which permits termination after a late diagnosis of fetal abnormality without gestational limit. If attitudes are changing, it is important to understand why, and what the consequences will be for parents and for health professionals.
The social and educational impacts of the first national Down Syndrome support group in the UAE
Authors: Gaad Eman 
Published: November 2006

Although there is a fairly extensive literature on social and educational inclusion of individuals with Down Syndrome (DS) in many countries, very little is produced on the life and education of such individuals in the United Arab Emirates. There is an apparent lack of societal interest in the quality of lives of people with DS. The condition of DS is nearly a taboo subject in this part of the world. With only a handful of pupils with DS included in regular schools, and with many myths and misconceptions surrounding the syndrome and individuals, particularly children with the syndrome, the first ever national support group for individuals with DS, their families and their carers was formed in late 2004 in the United Arab Emirates. This paper examines and evaluates the social and educational impact of the support group. The study particularly focuses on the role of such group in promoting social inclusion and inclusion of pupils with DS in regular schools in the UAE. Members (mainly parents of individuals with DS) of the newly‐established group participated in two interviews six months apart and the researcher observed group meetings, recorded activities and events over the same period. Views of individuals with DS on the effects and the activities of the group were also gathered through semi‐structured interviews.Participants reported significant benefits from participating in the group, particularly in the areas of promoting social acceptance for individuals with DS. The study found that the group also helped in eliminating and correcting some of the myths surrounding the syndrome and played a role in promoting social and educational inclusion of such individuals. The study ends with a discussion of the findings and recommendations for future practice.
Role of protein kinase C‐dependent A‐kinase anchoring proteins in lysophosphatidic acid‐induced cAMP signaling in human diploid fibroblasts
Authors: Rhim Ji‐Heon , Jang Ik‐Soon , Yeo Eui‐Ju , Song Kye‐Yong , Park Sang Chul 
Published: November 2006

SummaryPreviously, we reported that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA)‐induced adenosine 3′,5′‐cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) production by human diploid fibroblasts depends on the age of the fibroblasts. In this study, we examined the role of A‐kinase anchoring proteins (AKAP) in the regulation of LPA‐stimulated cAMP production in senescent fibroblasts. We found that levels of protein kinase C (PKC)‐dependent AKAPs, such as Gravin and AKAP79, were elevated in senescent cells. Co‐immunoprecipitation experiments revealed that Gravin and AKAP79 do not associate with adenylyl cyclase type 2 (AC2) but bind to AC4/6, which interacts with calcium‐dependent PKCs α/β both in young and senescent fibroblasts. When the expression of Gravin and AKAP79 was blocked by small interference RNA transfection, the basal level of cAMP was greatly reduced and the cAMP status after LPA treatment was also reversed. Protein kinase A showed a similar pattern in terms of its basal activity and LPA‐dependent modulation. These data suggest that Gravin and to a lesser extent, AKAP79, may play important roles in maintaining the basal AC activity and in coupling the AC systems to inhibitory signals such as Giα in young cells, and to stimulatory signals such as PKCs in senescent cells. This study also demonstrates that Gravin is especially important for the long‐term activation of PKC by LPA in senescent cells. We conclude that LPA‐dependent increased level of cAMP in senescent human diploid fibroblasts is associated with increases in Gravin levels resulting in its increased binding with and activation of calcium‐dependent PKC α/β and AC4/6.
Stress, social rank and leukocyte telomere length
Authors: Lansdorp Peter M. 
Published: November 2006

SummaryBlood leukocytes are a heterogeneous mixture of cell types whose telomere lengths differ greatly, reflecting variation in stem cell turnover and recruitment, expansion and replacement of more mature cell types as well as variable telomere loss and telomere repair. These differences in cell and telomere length dynamics, together with the evidence that telomere length is influenced strongly by genetic polymorphisms, greatly complicate the interpretation of claims that socio‐economic status modulates the rate of telomere attrition.
THE USE OF ACQUISITIONS AND JOINT VENTURES BY U.S. BANKS EXPANDING ABROAD
Authors: Gleason Kimberly C. , Mathur Ike , Wiggins Roy A. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe examine international bank expansions, which are classified as banking (scale related) or nonbanking (complementary) moves into developed or developing markets. The market responds favorably to expansions through joint ventures by U.S. banks, and insignificantly to expansions through acquisitions. Accounting and operating performances (for joint venture banks) and long‐period holding returns (for acquisitions) show improvement in the two years following the announcement. Systematic risk declines for the sample overall, for acquisitions, and for expansions into developing countries. In general, scale or developing expansions are better pursued through acquisitions, whereas complementary or developed expansions are best pursued through joint ventures.
Development and Evaluation of a DNA Vaccine Based on Helicobacter pylori urease B: Failure to Prevent Experimental Infection in the Mouse Model
Authors: Zavala‐Spinetti Livania , Breslin Mary B. , Correa Hernán , Bégué Rodolfo E. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  The development of a vaccine against Helicobacter pylori has become a priority to prevent major morbidity and mortality associated with this infection. Our goal was to prepare and evaluate a DNA vaccine based on the urease B gene (ureB).Methods:  The ureB gene of H. pylori was amplified and cloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pcDNA3.1/TOPO. Plasmid DNA was purified from transformed Escherichia coli cells and used to immunize mice by the intragastric, intramuscular, intrarectal (40 µg each) and intranasal (16 µg) route, three doses every 2 weeks, with CpG oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) as adjuvant. Four weeks after the third dose, animals were orally challenged with Helicobacter felis and were sacrificed 6 weeks later. The stomach was stained to detect the presence of infection.Results:  Despite in vitro confirmation of successful cloning and functionality of the ureB gene with expression of a protein morphologically and antigenically identical to urease B, the DNA vaccine did not perform well in vivo. Immunization of mice produced a weak immune response. Overall, intrarectal and intranasal administration seemed more immunogenic than other routes. Protection against challenge was modest and nonsignificant, and slightly better on animals immunized by the intramuscular and intranasal route.Conclusion:  A DNA vaccine based on H. pylori urease B was poorly immunogenic and nonprotective at the conditions evaluated. Higher doses, better adjuvants or a prime‐boost approach may circumvent these limitations.
Helicobacter pylori Infection: Further Evidence for the Role of Feco‐Oral Transmission
Authors: De Schryver Antoon , Van Winckel Myriam , Cornelis Kathleen , Moens Guido , Devlies Gery , De Backer Guy 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori infection is recognized as a major cause of chronic digestive diseases with a major public health impact, yet the knowledge of transmission pathways is limited. We studied the transmission in employees taking care of institutionalized persons with mental disabilities with a documented high prevalence of H. pylori.Materials and methods:  Six hundred and seventy‐one health‐care workers were screened for H. pylori serology. For each employee, information was collected on age, sex, father's and mother's education level, number of household members and number of children sleeping in the same bedroom during childhood, as well as lifestyle factors such as smoking and tropical journeys and occupational exposure data such as type of contact with inhabitants (changing napkins with stools, washing inhabitants, feeding inhabitants, personal contact) and seniority in the institution.Results:  Seroprevalence for H. pylori increased significantly with age. In univariate analysis, risk factors for H. pylori positivity were (age‐adjusted): father's education, mean length of employment, smoking, contact with fecal materials of inhabitants, washing and feeding of inhabitants.Controlling for confounders, in multiple logistic regression analysis, only fecal contact remained as a significant risk factor for H. pylori infection.Conclusions:  In health‐care workers caring for a population with a high prevalence of H. pylori infection, there is an association with fecal transmission. This, however, does not rule out the possibility of other ways of transmission.
The Influence of Helicobacter pylori Infection on the Prevalence of Endoscopic Erosive Esophagitis
Authors: Unal Selahattin , Karakan Tarkan , Dogan Ibrahim , Cindoruk Mehmet , Dumlu Sukru 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjectives:  This study aimed to determine the frequency of endoscopic esophagitis and Helicobacter pylori infection in a large Turkish population over a 6‐year period.Methods:  We studied a consecutive series of 14,380 patients who had been newly referred for diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy from 2000 to 2006. The mean age value was 45 ± 10 (18–89) years. All endoscopic findings were retrospectively evaluated. Two antral and two corpus biopsies were taken from patients for rapid urease test. Endoscopic esophagitis was defined as the presence of erosions and/or ulceration. The relationship between erosive esophagitis and various relevant factors was analyzed.Results:  The overall prevalence of endoscopic esophagitis was 7.8% (95% CI, 6.9–8.1). The prevalence of positive rapid urease test was 49% (95% CI, 38–53) in patients with esophagitis and 85% (95% CI, 70–96) in patients without esophagitis (p < .001). From 2000 to 2006, the frequency of endoscopic esophagitis and the rate of positive rapid urease test remained unchanged. After adjusting for the effects of mean age, male gender, and percentage of hiatal hernia, there was a 0.785% risk reduction in esophagitis with every 1% increase in the rate of positive rapid urease test result.Conclusions:  The frequency of endoscopic esophagitis is significantly lower in patients with a positive rapid urease test result. This negative correlation with H. pylori infection reflects a protective effect of H. pylori from endoscopic esophagitis in a Turkish population and deserves further investigation.
Incidence and Predictors of Very Late Recurrence of Atrial Fibrillation After Ablation
Authors: MAINIGI SUMEET K. , SAUER WILLIAM H. , COOPER JOSHUA M. , DIXIT SANJAY , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , CALLANS DAVID J. , RUSSO ANDREA M. , VERDINO RALPH J. , LIN DAVID , ZADO ERICA S. , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. 
Published: November 2006

Introduction: Radiofrequency catheter ablation can effectively treat patients with refractory atrial fibrillation (AF). Very late AF recurrence (≥12 months post‐ablation) is uncommon and may represent a unique patient cohort. Methods and Results: A nested case‐control study was performed in the cohort who underwent AF ablation at the University of Pennsylvania to characterize patients who develop very late AF recurrence after ablation. The procedure consisted of isolation of pulmonary veins (PVs) demonstrating triggers and elimination of non‐PV triggers initiating AF. Twenty‐seven (7.9%) patients with very late recurrence were compared to 219 patients without recurrence and ≥12 months of follow‐up. The mean age was 54.6 ± 11.3 years and 79% were men. Very late recurrence patients more likely weighed >200 lbs (70% vs 55%, P = 0.01); during initial ablation had fewer PVs isolated (2.8 ± 1.1 vs 3.3 ± 1.0, P = 0.03); and were less likely to have right inferior PV isolation (37% vs 61%, P = 0.02), less likely to have isolation of all PVs (30% vs 56%, P = 0.01), and more likely to have non‐PV triggers (30% vs 11% OR 3.4(95% CI, 1.3–8.7), P = 0.01). PV reconnectivity and new triggers were found in the majority of patients with very late recurrence of AF who underwent repeat ablation. Conclusion: Very late recurrence of AF more likely occurred in patients >200 lbs who demonstrated non‐PV triggers and did not undergo right inferior PV isolation. The majority of patients undergoing repeat ablation for very late recurrence demonstrated PV reconnectivity and new non‐PV and PV triggers not observed during the initial ablation.
Newly Detected Atrial Fibrillation Following Dual Chamber Pacemaker Implantation
Authors: CHEUNG JIM W. , KEATING RICHARD J. , STEIN KENNETH M. , MARKOWITZ STEVEN M. , IWAI SEI , SHAH BINDI K. , LERMAN BRUCE B. , MITTAL SUNEET 
Published: November 2006

Introduction: Pacemaker (PPM)‐detected atrial high‐rate episodes (AHREs) of even 5‐minute duration may identify patients at increased risk for stroke and death. In this study, we sought to determine the incidence of newly detected atrial fibrillation (AF defined as an AHRE ≥5 minutes) in patients following dual‐chamber PPM implantation and to define the clinical predictors of developing AF. Methods and Results: We evaluated 262 patients (142 male; age 74 ± 12 years) without documented AF who underwent PPM implantation for sinus node dysfunction (n = 122) or atrioventricular block (n = 140). Information regarding patient demographics, cardiovascular diseases, and medication history was obtained. The cumulative percentages of ventricular pacing as well as the frequency, duration, and time to first episode of an AHRE were also determined. During follow‐up of 596 ± 344 days, an AHRE ≥5 minutes was detected in 77 (29%) patients. Of these, 47 (61%) patients had an AHRE ≥1 hour, 22 (29%) patients had an AHRE ≥1 day, and 12 (16%) patients had an AHRE ≥1 week. An AHRE ≥5 minutes was seen in 24% and 34% of patients at 1 year and 2 years, respectively. Among patients with sinus node dysfunction, ≥50% cumulative ventricular pacing was the only significant predictor of an AHRE ≥5 minutes (HR 2.2; CI 1.0–4.7; P = 0.04). Conclusions: Within 1 year of PPM implantation, AF is detected in 24% of patients without history of AF. In patients with sinus node dysfunction, ≥50% cumulative right ventricular pacing is associated with a 2‐fold increase in risk of developing AF.
Characteristics of Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation: Trends Over a Seven‐Year Period 1999–2005
Authors: GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , CALLANS DAVID , DIXIT SANJAY , LIN DAVID , COOPER JOSHUA , RUSSO ANDREA M , VERDINO RALPH , WEINER MARK , ZADO ERICA , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. 
Published: November 2006

Background: Catheter ablation procedures for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) have dramatically increased since triggers of AF were first described in 1998. Objective: We explored changes in patient characteristics in patients referred for catheter ablation of AF over a seven‐year period from 1999 through 2005. Methods: Patient characteristics were examined for all patients undergoing AF ablation from 1999 through 2005 at the University of Pennsylvania Health System (UPHS). The gender of patients undergoing ablation was also compared with outpatients seen at UPHS with a primary diagnosis of AF. Results: From 1999 to 2005 the number of patients undergoing ablation has increased steadily, from 29 patients in 1999 to 265 patients in 2005 (P < 0.01). Patients have become older (47 to 56 years; P < 0.01), with more persistent or permanent AF (17% to 45%; P < 0.01), larger left atrial size (4.0 to 4.4 cm; P < 0.01), and fewer antiarrhythmic drugs used prior to ablation (3.9 to 2.0 drugs; P < 0.01). Patients undergoing ablation have been predominantly male, with a significantly higher male prevalence than patients seen in the UPHS outpatient primary care clinic with AF (77% vs 59% male; P < 0.001). Conclusions: Patients undergoing AF ablation from 1999 to 2005 are older, with larger left atrial size, more persistent/permanent AF, and fewer prior antiarrhythmic agents used. Compared with the gender‐specific rates of AF in the population, the majority of patients referred for ablation are men, suggesting a referral bias against this invasive procedure for women. These findings are important for interpreting the outcome of ablation in the current era, and for designing prospective randomized trials.