bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of thromboembolic events among 8,860 patients with thalassaemia major and intermedia in the Mediterranean area and Iran
Authors: Taher Ali , Isma’eel Hussain , Mehio Ghassan , Bignamini Daniela , Kattamis Antonis , Rachmilewitz Eliezer , Cappellini Maria 
Published: September 2006

SummaryBeta-thalassaemia isa congenital haemolytic anaemia characterized by partial (intermedia, TI) or complete (major, TM) deficiency in the production of β-globin chains.The primary aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of thromboembolic events in patients with β-thalassaemia.To achieve this,a multiple-choice questionnaire was sent to 56 tertiary referral centres in eight countries (Lebanon, Italy, Israel, Greece, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Iran), requesting specific information on patients who had experienced a thromboembolic event.The study demonstrated that thromboembolic events occurred ina clinically relevant proportion (1.65%) of 8,860 thalassaemia patients (TI – 24.7% or TM – 75.3%) from the Mediterranean and Iran. Thromboembolism occurred 4.38 times more frequently in TI thanTM (p<0.001), with more venous events occurring inTI and more arterial events occurring in TM.Thrombosis in thalassaemia was also more common in females, splenectomized patients and those with profound anaemia (haemoglobin <9 g/dl). Due to the increased risk of thromboembolic events, the rationale for splenectomy should perhaps be re-assessed and the role of transfusion therapy for the prophylaxis of thrombosis, among other complications, be evaluated prospectively.
Genetic variations of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene are related to increased levels of C-reactive protein and macrophage-colony stimulating-factor in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Ikonomidis Ignatios , Tsibida Maria , Protogerou Athanasios , Papada Aggeliki , Papapanagiotou Aggeliki , Revela Ioanna , Papamichael Christos , Kalofoutis Anastasios , Kremastinos Dimitrios , Lekakis John 
Published: September 2006

SummaryIt was the objective of this study to investigate the relation between nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene polymorphisms, vascular inflammation, endothelial function, and atherosclerosis. We examined the effects of a variable nucleotide tandem repeats (VNTR ) in intron 4, G894T in exon 7 and T-786C at the promoter region of NOS3 on i) C-reactive protein (CRP) and macrophage-colony stimulating-factor (MCSF), and ii) augmentation index (AI) measured by pulse-wave analysis, flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery, intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid and femoral artery using ultrasonography and ankle-brachial index (ABI) in 122 patients with chronic coronary artery disease (CAD) who underwent coronary angiography. MCSF and CRP were increased in patients with T-786C (77/122) or VNTR (40/122) allele compared to those without (F=10.8, p=0.002 and F=3.8, p=0.04 for T-786C and F=3.65, p=0.04 and F=3.2 p=0.049 for VNTR), even after adjustment for traditional risk factors and medication. Patients with combination of VNTR and T-786C (31/122) had higher MCSF or CRP than patients with one or none of these alleles (p<0.05). Among patients with T-786C, those with MCSF>262 pg/ml or CRP>3.2 mg/l (n=33/77) had a higher femoral and carotid IMT and number of plaques in the peripheral arteries than those with lower values of these inflammatory indices (p<0.05). Patients with MCSF >262 pg/ml had also lower FMD and higher Gensini score than those with lower MCSF (p<0.05).The intron 4-VNTR and T-786C mutation of NOS3 gene enhance the inflammatory process in patients with chronic CAD.
COX-2 inhibitors and cardiovascular risk
Authors: Marwali Muhammad , Mehta Jawahar 
Published: September 2006

SummaryEven though non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely used for a long time, the search continues for anti-inflammatory drugs with few side-effects. COX-2 inhibitors are currently most debated, because they have less gastrointestinal side effects but have been linked to increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, presumably related to thrombotic events. This has brought about the withdrawal of rofecoxib and other COX-2 inhibitors from the market. Although the results of several large studies with prospective, randomized design and meta-analysis of different trials have led to the demise of many popular COX-2 inhibitors, yet the conclusion seems to be rather simplistic. This review presents evidence from basic biology and clinical studies with the expectation that a balanced position, particularly in relation to increase in cardiovascular events, may be elucidated.
Transcription-based COX-2 inhibition: A therapeutic strategy
Authors: Wu Kenneth 
Published: September 2006

SummaryPotent selective cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors are effective in controlling inflammatory disorders but are associated with cardiovascular complications. Their clinical use has been severely limited. We propose that transcription-based inhibition of COX-2 expression represents a therapeutic strategy that may circumvent the undesired complications of COX-2 inhibitors. Reported data from several laboratories including ours have identified C/EBPβ as a key transactivator mediating COX-2 transcriptional activation induced by diverse pro-inflammatory mediators. Results from our recent work show that sodium salicylate at pharmacological concentrations inhibits C/EBPβ binding to COX-2 promoter by direct inhibition of p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK). RSK phosphorylates C/EBPβ and stimulates its binding to enhancer elements. We propose that RSK1/2 is a potential target for screening drugs with novel anti-inflammatory and anti-neoplastic therapeutic potentials.
Prognostic value of D-dimer in patients with pulmonary embolism
Authors: Roy Pierre-Marie , Guy Meyer , Cornuz Jacques , Sanchez Olivier , Perrier Arnaud , Aujesky Drahomir 
Published: September 2006

SummaryD-dimer levels appear to be associated with the extent of the thromboembolic burden in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).We therefore hypothesized that D-dimer levels at admission would be associated with prospective risk of mortality in patients with PE. We used data from 366 patients diagnosed with PE at four hospital emergency departments. A highly sensitive D-dimer test was prospectively performed at admission. The outcome was overall mortality within three months. We divided patients into quartiles on the basis of their D-dimer levels and compared mortality rates by quartile. We estimated sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values for mortality in the first and fourth quartile. Overall mortality was 5.2%. Patients who died had higher median D-dimer levels than patients who survived (4578 versus 2946 µg/l; P=0.005). Mortality increased with increasing D-dimer levels, rising from 1.1% in the first quartile (<1500 µg/l) to 9.1% in the fourth quartile (>5500 µg/l) (P=0.049). Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of D-dimer levels <1500 µg/l to predict mortality were 95%, 26%, 7%, and 99%, respectively. Patients with PE who have D-dimer levels below 1500 µg/l havea very low mortality. Further studies must assess whether D-dimer, alone or combined with other prognostic instruments for PE, can be used to identify low-risk patients with PE who are potential candidates for outpatient treatment or an abbreviated hospital stay.
Does a coxib-associated thrombotic risk limit the clinical use of the compounds as analgesic, antiinflammatory drugs?
Authors: Hohlfeld Thomas , Harder Sebastian , Weber Artur-Aron 
Published: September 2006

SummaryThe issue of the risk-benefit assessment of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors, as compared to traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (tNSAIDs), is far from being resolved. These compounds need to be carefully re-evaluated in order to avoid hasty conclusions, as it happened when COX-2 inhibitors were introduced into clinical practice. Several arguments support the concept, that COX-2 inhibitors remain a valuable therapeutic option at least for selected patients.
Selective COX-2 inhibitors and risk of thromboembolic events – regulatory aspects
Authors: Broich Karl , Heim Hans-Karl 
Published: September 2006

SummaryIn the 1990s, the pharmaceutical industry developed selective COX-2 inhibitors (coxibs) as alternatives to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), with the expectation of similar analgetic and anti-inflammatory efficacy but a reduced risk of adverse gastrointestinal (GI) effects. Marketing authorisation (MA) was granted for rofecoxib and celecoxib as first representatives of this new pharmacological class at the end of the 1990s in the EU. In the following years MAs were granted for the ´second generation` coxibs etoricoxib, parecoxib/valdecoxib and lumiracoxib. However, data from large clinical ´outcome studies` as well as epidemiological data raised concerns about the cardiovascular (CV) safety of the coxibs. In consequence, two comprehensive review processes (referrals) were initiated by the European Medicines Agency (EMEA).As a result, in the EU the use of coxibs has been contraindicated in patients with established coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease and peripheral arterial disease and a number of warning statements concerning CV, GI and skin toxicity have been introduced in the coxib product informations. This article provides a description of the regulatory actions taken and discusses some specific aspects of the past and future regulatory assessment of coxibs.
The APPLE project: An investigation of the barriers and promoters of healthy eating and physical activity in New Zealand children aged 5-12 years
Authors: Williden Micalla , Taylor Rachael W , McAuley Kirsten A , Simpson Jean C , Oakley Maggie , Mann Jim I 
Published: September 2006

Objective To use the Analysis Grid for Environments Linked to Obesity (ANGELO) framework to determine the barriers and promoters of healthy eating and physical activity in children aged 5-12 years, as a basis for the development of a pilot community-based programme for preventing obesity in children (APPLE project: A Pilot Programme for Lifestyle and Exercise). Methods Semi-structured interviews were held with nine community stakeholders including doctors, school staff and food outlet operators. This information was used to develop a telephone-administered questionnaire to 101 parents of children in the intervention communities. Finally, structured interviews were undertaken with intervention school principals (n=4) regarding the school environment pertaining to physical activity and healthy eating. Results Major barriers to physical activity identified included lack of facilities, coaches and equipment. Work commitments prevented 40 per cent of parents being physically active with their children. Shared transport would increase opportunities for activity. Socio-cultural influences included family support for sport, lack of initiative to instigate activities and preference for more sedentary options; 70 per cent of parents thought their child preferred TV or computers over sport/games. Cost prevented one-third of children being involved in activity and 45 per cent of parents buying healthier foods. Political barriers to healthy eating included the absence of parental rules regarding purchasing less healthy food options, using treat foods to coerce children to behave and the lack of fruit and vegetable advertising. Over two-thirds of parents thought banning particular foods would have a positive effect on eating habits. One third of parents said their children didn’t like healthy foods and 25 per cent thought it did not matter what their child ate as long as they were growing properly. Conclusions The ANGELO framework used in this assessment identified potential environmental barriers to healthy eating and physical activity in children and provides the basis for an obesity prevention programme in youngsters aged 5-12 years.
Assessment of the undergraduate medical education environment in a large UK medical school
Authors: Dunne Fidelma , McAleer Sean , Roff Susan 
Published: September 2006

Objective To assess the undergraduate educational environment in a large UK medical school. Method Prospective study using the already validated Dundee Ready Education Environment (DREEM) questionnaire ( Appendix 1). Setting A large UK medical school. Participants All medical students enrolled in the academic year 2002/2003. Main outcome measures Perception of the overall educational environment. In addition the impact of year of study and gender were examined. Results The DREEM questionnaire consisting of 50 items scored on a 0-4 Likert scale was completed by 749 medical students (55 per cent) in the academic year 2002/2003. The mean total score was 124 (out of a maximum of 200) indicating relative satisfaction with the perceived environment. There were no individual areas of excellence (that is no item scored >3.5). Some items scored consistently badly indicating cause for concern, for example lack of a support system for stressed students, school time-tabling, feedback from teachers and memorisation of facts. Clinical students perceived the environment to be significantly more positive than preclinical students (127 v 119, p<0.05). Female students perceived the environment to be significantly more positive compared to male students (126 v 123, p<0.05). Conclusions This tool identified areas of concern within a large UK medical school. Further use of the DREEM as a monitoring tool would be useful to re-evaluate the environment following appropriate intervention.
Sexual harassment in a residential occupation: The experiences of women seafarers
Authors: Thomas Michelle A 
Published: September 2006

Objective This paper reports women seafarers’ experiences of sexual harassment.Design Data reported in this paper were collected as part of a larger study exploring company policies and practices relating to women seafarers and the experiences of women seafarers themselves.Setting Data reported here was collected with women from seven countries worldwide.Method Thirty-three in-depth interviews and two focus groups were conducted with women seafarers working in the cargo sector of the shipping industry.Results Sexual harassment is commonly experienced by women working on board cargo vessels. The residential and isolated nature of the ship can both increase opportunities for sexual harassment to occur and amplify the negative consequences of sexual harassment.Conclusion Shipping companies should develop and implement high profile policies on sexual harassment. Further research should be undertaken on sexual harassment in other residential occupational groups.
Pentecostal and Postmodernist Hermeneutics: Acritique of Three Conceits
Authors: Lewis B. , Poirier John 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA great number of Pentecostal academics have embraced a postmodernist paradigm for reading the Bible. This article reveals fatal flaws in three prominent arguments favoring a postmodernist hermeneutic: (1) that the postmodernist worldview is supported by quantum physics, (2) that the author's intention (for various reasons) is irrelevant, and (3) that the concept of truth and the unattainability of a purely objective viewpoint are obstacles for the historical-critical project. These arguments are examined as they appear within Pentecostal writings.
Journeying into the Heart of God: Rediscovering Spirit-Christology and its Soteriological Ramifications in Korean Culture
Authors: Han Sang-Ehil 
Published: September 2006

AbstractAn enduring problem in Christian theology has been the so-called `double-edged' crisis1 (i.e. the crisis of identity and relevance) that has to do with the particularity of Jesus Christ and his final significance to our ultimate concern, salvation. As a modest attempt to engage issues emerging from this broad line of questioning, this study takes a close look at the theological merits of Spirit Christology and notes how they yield helpful insights to deal with some critical aspects about human salvation. When juxtaposed in a complementary relationship with Logos Christology, Spirit Christology helps present a holistic paradigm of human salvation embodied in the messianic way of life in Jesus Christ. Reading pneumatologically the entire macro-narrative of Jesus Christ—his birth, life, passion, resurrection, ascension and promised return—reveals a holistic vision of God's salvation for humanity inasmuch as it represents God's own purposeful journey into the concrete reality of the human condition to recapitulate all that was lost in humanity. Theological reflections provided here should also have in view their adequacy to engage complex realities of life particularized in a given culture. For this reason, this study analyses han as a dominant cultural ethos in Korea that addresses the profundity of human brokenness distinctively engraved in its historical narratives. A careful study of han then unveils a theological need for a larger soteriology that the theological construct of Spirit Christology seems to answer in the direction of the Wesleyan-Pentecostal tradition. Salvation entails living in the Spirit wherein love functions as the ruling affection that constantly nurtures and governs one's head (orthodoxy), heart (orthopathy), and hands (orthopraxy). It takes on a distinctive formation process through which one journeys into the very heart of God.
Justice Deprived, Justice Demanded: Afropentecostalisms and the Task of World Pentecostal Theology Today
Authors: Yong Amos 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBy and large, Pentecostal theology has proceeded with little attention to black Pentecostalism except as `objects' of historical or sociological analysis. But what does Afropentecostalism—black Pentecostalism in its global contexts—have to contribute to the formulation of a world Pentecostal theology for the twenty-first century? The works of Frank Chikane in South Africa, Robert Beckford in Britain, and Cheryl Sanders in North America are discussed and analyzed as points of entry into the theology of Afropentecostal churches. This essay assumes that the future of world Pentecostal theology cannot ignore the important contributions of Afropentecostal theological traditions.
NT-proBNP reflects right ventricular structure and function in pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Gan C. T. , McCann G. P. , Marcus J. T. , van Wolferen S. A. , Twisk J. W. , Boonstra A. , Postmus P. E. , Vonk-Noordegraaf A. 
Published: September 2006

The aim of the current study was to investigate whether alterations in N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) reflect changes in right ventricular structure and function in pulmonary hypertension patients during treatment.The study consisted of 30 pulmonary hypertension patients; 15 newly diagnosed and 15 on long-term treatment. NT-proBNP, right heart catheterisation and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging measurements were performed, at baseline and follow-up.There were no significant differences between newly diagnosed patients and those on treatment at baseline or follow-up with respect to NT-proBNP, haemodynamics and right ventricular parameters. Relative changes in NT-proBNP during treatment were correlated to the relative changes in right ventricular end-diastolic volume index (r = 0.59), right ventricular mass index (r = 0.62) and right ventricular ejection fraction (r =  −0.81).N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide measurements reflect changes in magnetic resonance imaging-measured right ventricular structure and function in pulmonary hypertension patients. An increase in N-terminal pro brain natriuretic peptide over time reflects right ventricular dilatation concomitant to hypertrophy and deterioration of systolic function.
Use of silicone stents for the management of post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis
Authors: Ryu Y. J. , Kim H. , Yu C. M. , Choi J. C. , Kwon Y. S. , Kwon O. J. 
Published: September 2006

The role of bronchoscopic management in post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis is not well defined. To investigate the role of bronchoscopic intervention, including silicone stenting, in the management of post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis, the current retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral hospital.Under rigid bronchoscopy, 80 patients underwent ballooning, neodymium-yttrium aluminium garnet laser resection and/or bougienation as first-line methods of airway dilatation between January 2000 and December 2003 inclusive, and were followed for a median of 41 months.Silicone stents were required in 75 out of 80 (94%) patients to maintain airway patency. Bronchoscopic intervention provided immediate symptomatic relief and improved lung function in 88% of the patients. After airway stabilisation, stents were removed successfully in 49 out of 75 (65%) patients at a median of 14 months post-insertion. Three patients out of 75 (4%) eventually underwent surgical management. Acute complications included: excessive bleeding (n = 1); pneumothorax (n = 5); and pneumomediastinum without mortality (n = 2). Stent-related late complications, such as migration (51%), granuloma formation (49%), mucostasis (19%) and re-stenosis (40%), were controllable during a median follow-up of 41 months.In conclusion, bronchoscopic intervention, including silicone stenting, could be a useful and safe method for treating post-tuberculosis tracheobronchial stenosis.
IL18andIL18R1polymorphisms, lung CT and fibrosis: a longitudinal study in coal miners
Authors: Nadif R. , Mintz M. , Marzec J. , Jedlicka A. , Kauffmann F. , Kleeberger S. R. 
Published: September 2006

It has been suggested that interleukin (IL)-18 plays a role in the development of inflammatory and fibrosing lung diseases.Associations of polymorphisms in the genes coding for IL-18 (IL18/G-656T, C-607A, G-137C, T113G, C127T) and its receptor (IL18R1/C-69T) with coal workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP) were studied in 200 miners who were examined in 1990, 1994 and 1999. Coal-dust exposure was assessed according to job history and ambient measures. The main health outcome was lung computed tomography (CT) score in 1990. Internal coherence was assessed by studying CT score in 1994, 4-yr change in CT score and CWP incidence and prevalence.CT score in 1990 was a good predictor of radiographic grade in 1999 and, therefore, an appropriate subclinical quantitative trait. TheIL18-137C allele was associated with lower CT score in 1990 and 1994 (1.24versus1.69 and 1.57versus2.46, respectively), slower progression of CT score between 1990 and 1994 and lower pneumoconiosis prevalence in 1999 relative to the G allele (0.33versus0.77 and 8.2versus19.6%, respectively). Smoking- or dust-adjustment, and stratification onIL18R1genotype and adjustment for haplotype effects did not change the conclusions.In conclusion, the results of the present study suggest a role forIL18in reducing the development of this fibrosing lung disease.