bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
C‐reactive protein, diastolic dysfunction, and risk of heart failure in patients with coronary disease: Heart and Soul Study
Authors: Williams Eric S. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Ali Sadia , Na Bee Ya , Schiller Nelson B. , Whooley Mary A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackground:High‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (CRP) is an inflammatory marker that predicts coronary heart disease (CHD) and, in recent studies, incident heart failure (HF). Whether the association of inflammation with incident HF is explained by worse baseline left ventricular dysfunction or by underlying CHD is unknown.Methods and results:Serum CRP was measured in a cohort of 985 outpatients with established CHD from the Heart and Soul Study. During 3 years of follow‐up, 15% of the participants with elevated CRP levels (>3mg/L) were hospitalised for HF, compared with 7% of those with CRP ≤3 mg/L. In multivariate analysis, elevated CRP was associated with HF after adjustment for traditional risk factors, baseline CHD severity and interim MI (adjusted HR 2.1, 95% CI, 1.2–3.6; p=0.009). However, elevated CRP was no longer associated with HF after further adjustment for the presence of diastolic dysfunction on echocardiography (adjusted HR 1.6, 95% CI, 0.8–3.2; p=0.1).Conclusions:Among outpatients with stable CHD, elevated CRP levels predict hospitalisation for heart failure, independent of baseline heart failure, medication use, CHD severity, and subsequent MI events. This relationship appears to be at least partly explained by abnormal diastolic function in patients with elevated CRP levels.
Chronotropic incompetence, beta‐blockers, and functional capacity in advanced congestive heart failure: Time to pace?
Authors: Jorde Ulrich P. , Vittorio Timothy J. , Kasper Michael E. , Arezzi Emma , Colombo Paolo C. , Goldsmith Rochelle L. , Ahuja Kartikya , Tseng Chi‐Hong , Haas Francois , Hirsh David S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackground:Chronotropic incompetence (CI) is often seen in subjects with chronic congestive heart failure (CHF). The prevalence of CI, its mechanisms and association with beta‐blocker use as well as exercise capacity have not been clearly defined.Methods and results:Cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance testing data for 278 consecutive patients with systolic CHF was analyzed. CI, defined as the inability to reach 80% of maximally predicted heart rate was present in 128 of 278 subjects (46%). The prevalence of CI was highest in those with most impaired exercise capacity (72, 48, and 24% for subjects with a VO2 of <14.0, 14.0–20.0, and >20.0ml/kg/min respectively; p=0.001). While subjects with CI had lower peak exercise heart rate (114 vs. 152 bpm), and lower peak VO2 (15.4 vs. 19.9 ml/kg/min), they were equally likely to be on chronic beta‐blocker therapy (74% vs. 71%; p=0.51).Heart rate and norepinephrine (NE) levels were measured during exercise in a separate cohort of 24 subjects with CHF. There was no difference in beta‐blocker dose between subjects with and without CI, however, exercise induced NE release and Chronotropic Responsiveness Index, a measure of post‐synaptic beta‐receptor sensitivity to NE, were lower in subjects with CI (1687±911 vs. 2593±1451pg/ml p=0.08; CRI 12.7±5.7 vs. 22.1±4.7, p=0.002).Conclusions:CI occurs in >70% of subjects with advanced systolic CHF irrespective of beta‐blocker use and is associated with a trend toward impaired NE release, post‐synaptic beta‐receptor desensitization and reduced exercise capacity.
Number of pain sites is associated with demographic, lifestyle, and health‐related factors in the general population
Authors: Kamaleri Yusman , Natvig Bård , Ihlebaek Camilla M. , Benth Jurate Saltyte , Bruusgaard Dag 
Published: December 2007

AbstractResearch on widespread pain often relies upon case definitions bounded by duration limits or “cut‐offs.” In clinical reality, however, there are no natural cut‐off points between localized and widespread pain. Rather, pain is best represented by a continuum of “widespreadness” from localized pain to pain spread across the body. The objective of this paper was to describe the number of pain sites (NPS) reported in a population study and its association with demographic, lifestyle, and health‐related factors. Using a cross‐sectional design, the Standardized Nordic Questionnaire was used to measure musculoskeletal pain among seven age groups in Ullensaker, Norway (n=2926). Results showed that women reported a higher mean NPS than men. A higher NPS was also found for individuals who were separated or divorced, undergoing rehabilitation, or who had a disability pension. Additionally, greater NPS was reported by smokers, individuals with less physical activity, and a higher BMI. A strong linear relationship was found between NPS and reduction in overall health, sleep quality, and psychological health. Results from a multivariate linear regression analysis showed that overall health, sleep quality, and gender demonstrated the strongest associations with increasing NPS, accounting for 31.4% of the variance. Our study indicates that the straightforward and simple method of counting the NPS could be important in managing the complex problem of musculoskeletal pain.
A descriptive case-register study of delusional disorder
Authors: de Portugal Enrique , González Nieves , Haro Josep M. , Autonell Jaume , Cervilla Jorge A. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractObjectiveA few empirically based studies' data on delusional disorder (DD) exist. We aim to describe sociodemographic and clinical correlates of DD and to identify clinical profiles associated to DD and its subtypes.MethodsThis is a case-register study based on all those subjects attending community mental health services within a geographically well-defined area. Four hundred and sixty-seven patients had been diagnosed as DD cases at psychiatric services serving a catchment area of some 607,494 inhabitants living in South Barcelona (Spain) during a three-year period (2001–2003). A thorough systematic review of computerised medical records was used to establish DSM-IV diagnosis, rendering a valid sample of 370 patients who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for DD. Independent variables gathered include sociodemographic data, family and personal psychiatric history, and comorbid diagnoses on all DSM-IV axes (including GAF). We used descriptive and univariate statistical methods to explore sample frequencies and correlates across DD types.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 55 years and the sample had a mean GAF score of 51 suggesting a poor functionality; 56.5% of the patients were female. The most frequent DD types were persecutory (48%), jealous (11%), mixed (11%) and somatic (5%), whilst 23% qualified for the NOS type. Most frequent symptoms identified were self-reference (40%), irritability (30%), depressive mood (20%) and aggressiveness (15%). Hallucinations were present in 16% of the patients (6% tactile; 4% olfactory). Nearly 9% had a family history of schizophrenia (higher among those with the jealous subtype) and 42% had a comorbid axis II diagnosis (mostly paranoid personality disorder). Depression was significantly more frequent among the persecutory and jealous types. Finally, global functioning was significantly better among jealous and mixed types and worse amongst erotomanic and grandiose cases (p = 0.008).ConclusionsIn the absence of other similar empirical data, this modest study provides unique empirical evidence of some clinical and risk correlates of DD and its subtypes.
Finding of abnormal scanning behavior in the Span of Apprehension task in schizophrenia but diagnostic non-specificity of sum scores
Authors: Koelkebeck Katja , Ohrmann Patricia , Pedersen Anya , Hetzel Guenter , Arolt Volker , Suslow Thomas 
Published: December 2007

AbstractDeficits in the Span of Apprehension (SOA) task have been discussed controversially as a trait marker of schizophrenia. The task was administered to 47 schizophrenia and 48 depressed patients as well as to 46 controls. Results indicate a non-specificity of the SOA sum scores but differential abnormalities in spatial visual processing.
Electroencephalography and event‐related potentials as biomarkers of mild cognitive impairment and mild Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Jackson Colleen E. , Snyder Peter J. 
Published: December 2007

BackgroundSuccessful early detection of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease demands the identification of biomarkers capable of distinguishing individuals with prodromal or early cognitive impairment from healthy aging adults. Many laboratories are engaged in the discovery and validation of a wide array of potential genetic, proteomic, cognitive, and other types of biomarkers.MethodsThis review focuses on the application of quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and event‐related potential (ERP) technologies as markers of prodromal impairment and early disease progression. It is the aim of this review to critically assess where this field currently stands, as well as future directions for EEG biomarker development.ResultsAs a neuroimaging tool that is relatively inexpensive, potentially portable, and capable of providing high‐density spatial mapping, qEEG offers a noninvasive, rapid, and replicable method for assessing age‐related and disease‐related neurophysiologic change.ConclusionsAs different signature changes associated with particular stages of disease burden are identified and validated, we anticipate expanded application of qEEG as a reliable and sensitive biomarker(s) of MCI and early Alzheimer's disease.
One‐week dose titration of extended release galantamine in patients with Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Scharre Douglas W. , Shiovitz Thomas , Zhu Young , Amatniek Joan 
Published: December 2007

BackgroundOur purpose was to assess the safety and tolerability of extended‐release galantamine (GAL‐ER), using a 1‐week dose titration in Alzheimer's patients.MethodsAn open‐label, 12‐week, multicenter study was performed (n = 82). Results were compared with findings from a placebo‐controlled trial using a 4‐week titration of GAL‐ER and immediate‐release galantamine. The primary analysis compared incidences of adverse events (AEs).ResultsAlthough not statistically significant, more patients in the 1‐week titration study experienced an AE. More patients with a 1‐week titration had at least one prespecified gastrointestinal (GI) AE. These findings correlated with a higher baseline incidence of GI disturbances. Four patients experienced serious AEs; no deaths occurred. Mean Mini‐Mental State Examination scores improved by 1.8 and 1.9 points at weeks 4 and 12, respectively.ConclusionsA 1‐week titration of GAL‐ER was generally safe and well tolerated, with a potential risk of more GI side effects. A 1‐week titration may permit dosing flexibility and promote increased adherence to medication regimens.
Debatable questions of Boreal Triassic stratigraphy: boundary between middle and upper series
Authors: Konstantinov A.G. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Various opinions on the position of the Middle/Upper Triassic boundary have been concisely reviewed. The lower boundary of the Carnian Stage is accepted at the base of the Trachyceras aon Zone. The recentmost data on biostratigraphy of boundary beds of the Ladinian and Carnian Stages of the Southern Alps, Himalayas, British Columbia, northeastern Asia, Svalbard, and Arctic Canada have been considered and critically analyzed. Using sections of British Columbia with mixed Boreal and Tethyan fauna of Ammonoidea, we compared biostratigraphic schemes of the Middle/Upper Triassic boundary interval of the Boreal and Tethyan regions. On the basis of correlations and paleontological data, the lower boundary of the Carnian Stage in Northeastern Asia is suggested to be drawn at the base of the ammonoid “Protrachyceras” omkutchanicum Zone and its equivalents in other Boreal regions.
Tectonic evolution of the western margin of the Ordos Basin (Central China)
Authors: Rongxi Li , Youzhu Li 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
The western half of the Ordos Basin lies in the north of Central China, on the western margin of the North Chinese Platform. In the southwest and south it borders the Qilian and Qinling folded systems. Their frontal northeastern flank is thrust over the Paleozoic nappe of the Ordos Basin and consists of a series of large parallel linear folds separated by thrusts. The basement of the basin is made up of deformed metamorphic rocks of tentatively Late Proterozoic age. Carbonate and terrigenous intracratonic facies accumulated on the Ordos block from Early Cambrian through Middle Ordovician. From Middle Ordovician through Middle Carboniferous, the western edge of the block was uplifted as a land as a result of Caledonian tectonic movement and underwent denudation for about 150 Myr. In the Late Paleozoic, a series of coal-bearing formations was deposited. In the Triassic, the Ordos Basin became filled with fluviolacustrine delta facies. Thrusts and folds on the southwestern margin of the basin formed in the Mesozoic and were intensified by Himalayan tectonic movements.
Glacial deposits and “watershed pebbles” in the Western Baikal area
Authors: Akulov N.I. , Agafonov B.P. , Rubtsova M.N. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Results of the activity of Quaternary glaciations in the western Baikal area are considered based on new factual material. Also, the problem of the formation of “watershed pebbles” in the area is discussed. Data indicating the fluvioglacial origin of the pebbles are reported. Special attention is given to the composition, lithology, and stratigraphy of glacial deposits and their geomorphologic position in the study area, which is one of the most hardly accessible and interesting regions in East Siberia in terms of both the geology of Quaternary deposits and archaeology. Results of spore-and-pollen analyses and archaeological evidence are reported.
Mercury in soils and plants in the area of Lake Bol’shoe Yarovoe (Altai Territory)
Authors: Malikova I.N. , Ustinov M.T. , Anoshin G.N. , Badmaeva Zh.O. , Malikov Yu.I. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
We examined mercury distribution in soils and plants of the catchment area of Lake Bol’shoe Yarovoe with the Altaikhimprom chemical industrial complex situated on its shore. Data on mercury contents show a considerable mercury flow into the environment, though the industrial complex and its waste do not pose serious threat. The revealed pollution in the immediate vicinity of the industrial complex, including that due to atmospheric transport, as well as the elevated content of mercury in hydrochloric and alkaline extracts suggest its intense migration from the waste. Therefore, it is necessary to make up an inventory of the industrial-complex waste and perform a detailed study of the lake ecosystem as a model unit.
High-temperature conductance of chromite and host dunite-harzburgite ophiolites in the Urals: a comparative study
Authors: Bakhterev V.V. 
Published: December 2007

Abstract
Electrical resistance measurements, thin-section, chemical, thermal differential, and thermal gravity analyses have been applied to study samples of chromite and the host serpentinite from the Podenny and Kurman deposits in the Alapaevsk ophiolite and from the Piany Bor and southern deposits in the Klyuchevskoi ophiolite. Samples from the four sites exhibit similar patterns of activation energy E0) vs. resistance coefficient (log R0). The E0–log R0 points of samples collected away from ore fields align along a straight line corresponding to the log R0 = a – bE0 relationship typical of nonmineralized rocks, with the a and b coefficients as in alpine ultramafics. The samples of mineralized rocks depart from the basic line, the departure increasing as they approach the orebody. Though having similar patterns, the E0–log R0 fields of the samples from different sites show no overlap. The revealed features may be useful as implicit diagnostic criteria for ophiolite-hosted chromite mineralization.
Results From a Hypothesis Generating Case-Control Study: Herpes Family Viruses and Schizophrenia Among Military Personnel
Authors: Niebuhr David W. , Millikan Amy M. , Yolken Robert , Li Yuanzhang , Weber Natalya S. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractBackground: Herpes family viruses can cause central nervous system inflammatory changes that can present with symptoms indistinguishable from schizophrenia and therefore are of interest in schizophrenia research. Most existing studies of herpes viruses have used small populations and postdiagnosis specimens. As part of a larger research program, we conducted a hypothesis-generating case-control study of selected herpes virus antibodies among individuals discharged from the US military with schizophrenia and pre- and postdiagnosis sera. Methods: Cases (n = 180) were servicemembers hospitalized and discharged from military service with schizophrenia. Controls, 3:1 matched on several factors, were members not discharged. The military routinely collects and stores members' serum specimens. We used microplate enzyme immunoassay to measure immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels to 6 herpes viruses in pre- and postdiagnosis specimens. Conditional logistic regression was used, and the measure of association was the hazard ratio (HR). Results: Overall, we found a significant association between human herpes virus type 6 and schizophrenia, with an HR of 1.17 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.04, 1.32). Women and blacks had significant negative associations with herpes simplex virus type 2 and cytomegalovirus; among blacks, there was a significant positive association with herpes simplex virus type 1. Among men, there was a HHV-6 temporal effect with an HR of 1.41 (95% CI = 1.02, 1.96) for sera drawn 6–12 months before diagnosis. Discussion: Findings from previous studies of herpes family viruses and schizophrenia have been inconsistent. Our study is based on a larger population than most previous studies and used serum specimens collected before onset of illness. This study adds to the body of knowledge and provides testable hypotheses for follow-on studies.
Total knee replacement with and without patellar resurfacing
Authors: Smith A. J. , Wood D. J. , Li M.-G. 
Published: December 2007

We have examined the differences in clinical outcome of total knee replacement (TKR) with and without patellar resurfacing in a prospective, randomised study of 181 osteoarthritic knees in 142 patients using the Profix total knee system which has a femoral component with features considered to be anatomical and a domed patellar implant. The procedures were carried out between February 1998 and November 2002. A total of 159 TKRs in 142 patients were available for review at a mean of four years (3 to 7). The patients and the clinical evaluator were blinded in this prospective study. Evaluation was undertaken annually by an independent observer using the knee pain scale and the Knee Society clinical rating system. Specific evaluation of anterior knee pain, stair-climbing and rising from a seated to a standing position was also undertaken. No benefit was shown of TKR with patellar resurfacing over that without resurfacing with respect to any of the measured outcomes. In 22 of 73 knees (30.1%) with and 18 of 86 knees (20.9%) without patellar resurfacing there was some degree of anterior knee pain (p = 0.183). No revisions related to the patellofemoral joint were performed in either group. Only one TKR in each group underwent a re-operation related to the patellofemoral joint. A significant association between knee flexion contracture and anterior knee pain was observed in those knees with patellar resurfacing (p = 0.006).
The incidence and treatment of rocker bottom deformity as a complication of the conservative treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot
Authors: Koureas G. , Rampal V. , Mascard E. , Seringe R. , Wicart P. 
Published: December 2007

Rocker bottom deformity may occur during the conservative treatment of idiopathic congenital clubfoot. Between 1975 and 1996, we treated 715 patients (1120 clubfeet) conservatively. A total of 23 patients (36 feet; 3.2%) developed a rocker bottom deformity. It is these patients that we have studied. The pathoanatomy of the rocker bottom deformity is characterised by a plantar convexity appearing between three and six months of age with the hindfoot equinus position remaining constant. The convexity initially involves the medial column, radiologically identified by the talo-first metatarsal angle and secondly by the lateral column, revealed radiologically as the calcaneo-fifth metatarsal angle. The apex of the deformity is usually at the midtrasal with a dorsal calcaneocuboid subluxation. Ideal management of clubfoot deformity should avoid this complication, with adequate manipulation and splinting and early Achilles’ percutaneous tenotomy if plantar convexity occurs. Adequate soft-tissue release provides satisfactory correction for rocker bottom deformity. However, this deformity requires more extensive and complex procedures than the standard surgical treatment of clubfoot. The need for lateral radiographs to ensure that the rocker bottom deformity is recognised early, is demonstrated.
Quantification of stem-cement interfacial gaps
Authors: Scheerlinck T. , Vandenbussche P. , Noble P. C. 
Published: December 2007

Interfacial defects between the cement mantle and a hip implant may arise from constrained shrinkage of the cement or from air introduced during insertion of the stem. Shrinkage-induced interfacial porosity consists of small pores randomly located around the stem, whereas introduced interfacial gaps are large, individual and less uniformly distributed areas of stem-cement separation. Using a validated CT-based technique, we investigated the extent, morphology and distribution of interfacial gaps for two types of stem, the Charnley-Kerboul and the Lubinus SPII, and for two techniques of implantation, line-to-line and undersized.The interfacial gaps were variable and involved a mean of 6.43% (sd 8.99) of the surface of the stem. Neither the type of implant nor the technique of implantation had a significant effect on the regions of the gaps, which occurred more often over the flat areas of the implant than along the corners of the stems, and were more common proximally than distally for Charnley-Kerboul stems cemented line-to-line. Interfacial defects could have a major effect on the stability and survival of the implant.
Use of an ‘internal proximal femoral replacement’ with distal fixation in revision arthroplasty of the hip
Authors: Jaiswal P. K. , Jagiello J. , David L. A. , Blunn G. , Carrington R. W. J. , Skinner J. A. , Cannon S. R. , Briggs T. W. R. 
Published: December 2007

We have managed 27 patients (16 women and 11 men) with a mean age of 68.4 years (50 to 84), with failed total hip replacement and severe proximal femoral bone loss by revision using a distal fix/proximal wrap prosthesis. The mean follow-up was for 55.3 months (25 to 126). The mean number of previous operations was 2.2 (1 to 4). The mean Oxford hip score decreased from 46.2 (38 to 60) to 28.5 (17 to 42) (paired t-test, p < 0.001) and the mean Harris Hip score increased from 30.4 (3 to 57.7) to 71.7 (44 to 99.7) (paired t-test, p < 0.001). There were two dislocations, and in three patients we failed to eradicate previous infection. None required revision of the femoral stem. This technique allows instant distal fixation while promoting biological integration and restoration of bone stock. In the short term, the functional outcome is encouraging and the complication rates acceptable in this difficult group of patients.