bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrial Fibrillation Is Associated with Decreased Cardiac Sympathetic Response to Isometric Exercise in CHF in Comparison to Sinus Rhythm
Authors: GOULD PAUL A. , ESLER MURRAY D. , KAYE DAVID M. 
Published: August 2008

Background: The presence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in congestive heart failure (CHF) is accompanied by increased mortality, although the exact mechanism is unclear. In previous studies, we have demonstrated cardiac baroreceptor abnormalities in association with AF and CHF. In this study, we sought to examine the effect of cardiac rhythm on the cardiac sympathetic response to exercise in CHF.
Methods: In 13 CHF patients (six AF, seven SR, left ventricular ejection fraction 31 ± 2%, age 61 ± 1 years), we measured the hemodynamic and cardiac sympathetic response isometric handgrip (IHG) exercise.
Results: At baseline the groups were well matched. Baseline hemodynamics and cardiac sympathetic activity did not significantly differ between the cohorts. In response to IHG exercise, both groups demonstrated significant hemodynamic responses. In conjunction, the sinus rhythm (SR) group demonstrated a significant increase in cardiac sympathetic response to exercise (P = 0.04) while in contrast the AF group did not (P = 0.6).
Conclusion: In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the combination of AF and CHF is accompanied by a marked attenuation of the cardiac sympathetic response to acute hemodynamic stress. This implies AF is associated with a further impairment of baroreceptor response in CHF compared to SR. These findings present possible insights to the associated increased mortality and pathogenesis of AF with CHF.
Cryoablation for Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in Young Patients: Predictors of Recurrence
Authors: CHANANI NIKHIL K. , CHIESA NANCY A. , DUBIN ANNE M. , AVASARALA KISHOR , VAN HARE GEORGE F. , COLLINS KATHRYN K. 
Published: August 2008

Background: Recurrence rates of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) after cryoablation continue to remain high despite excellent initial success rates. Our objective was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of cryoablation for AVNRT with the 4‐mm and 6‐mm tip cryoablation catheters in a young population and to elicit predictors of arrhythmia recurrence.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent cryoablation for AVNRT at the UCSF/Stanford Pediatric Arrhythmia Center from January 2004 to February 2007.
Results: One hundred fifty‐four patients (age 13.7 years (3.2–24.4)) underwent cryoablation for AVNRT of which 144 patients had inducible AVNRT (123 sustained and 21 nonsustained) and 10 had presumed AVNRT. Initial success was achieved in 95% (146/154), with no difference between the 4‐mm (93%) and 6‐mm (98%) cryoablation catheter tips (P = 0.15). There was no permanent atrioventricular (AV) block. Transient third‐degree AV block occurred in nine patients (6%), with no difference between the 4‐mm (4%) and 6‐mm (9%) tip (P = 0.13). AVNRT recurrence was documented in 14% in a median time of 2.5 months (0.25–20). Recurrences were lower with the 6‐mm (9%) versus the 4‐mm (18%) tip, but this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.16). With univariate analysis, a longer fluoroscopy time was the only significant factor associated with recurrence. Multivariate analysis failed to identify any significant predictor of AVNRT recurrence.
Conclusion: Outcomes of cryoablation for AVNRT continue to be good without the complication of AV block. We could not identify any specific parameter associated with AVNRT recurrence. Further improvements in cryoablation technique will be necessary to reduce recurrences.
Exploratory Study of Tegaserod for Dyspepsia in Women Receiving PPIs for Heartburn
Authors: Vakil Nimish , Kianifard Farid , Bottoli Ivan 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTBackground and Aims.  Tegaserod is a selective serotonin receptor (5‐HT4) agonist that relieves dysmotility symptoms associated with constipation. Here we explore its effects on functional dyspepsia symptoms and heartburn during continued proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment.Methods.  In this multicenter pilot study, following a 2‐week screening/baseline period, women with functional dyspepsia and persisting heartburn treated with PPIs received add‐on open‐label tegaserod 6 mg twice daily (bid) for 4 weeks. Treatment responders were then randomized 1:1 to continue double‐blind tegaserod or placebo therapy for 6 weeks. Efficacy variables included the proportion of days with satisfactory relief of dyspepsia symptoms (early satiety, postprandial fullness and bloating) as well as the change in individual symptom severity scores for these three cardinal dyspepsia symptoms. Health‐related quality of life was evaluated using a validated questionnaire, the Nepean Dyspepsia Index. Adverse events (AEs) were monitored.Results.  Of 101 women enrolled, 71 completed open‐label treatment, and 70 responders were randomized to double‐blind treatment. The proportion of days with satisfactory relief of dyspepsia symptoms (least squares mean, LSM) increased with tegaserod and placebo, to 0.69 and 0.62, respectively at study end (P = 0.366). Similarly, both groups showed improvements in the composite daily symptom severity score (overall LSM change from baseline of 1.55 and 1.57, P = 0.934), and the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (overall LSM change of −39.0 and −37.8, P = 0.537). Tegaserod was well tolerated. Diarrhea was the most common AE (8.1% tegaserod, 0% placebo). There were no serious AEs or deaths.Conclusions.  A significant treatment effect was not demonstrated in this study using a treatment‐withdrawal methodology. In future studies of functional dyspepsia patients with heartburn, a more rigorous parallel‐group study design should be considered.
The effectiveness of buying easements as a conservation strategy
Authors: Armsworth Paul R. , Sanchirico James N. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractEasements offer an increasingly popular approach to habitat conservation. We use first principle economic models to examine the effectiveness of easements for protecting biodiversity from development. We compare buying reserves, buying easements, and a preacquisition strategy, in which properties are purchased outright before being sold on with an easement attached. The effectiveness of easements depends on the value of open land for biodiversity and the information available regarding landowners' valuations of low impact land uses. Easements are particularly effective where there are alternative land parcels available to developers and when landowners' values for continuing with biodiversity friendly production methods are relatively uniform. Buying reserves outright is the best approach when land supply is exhausted and developers have little option but to rely on land of conservation concern. Preacquisition can broaden the set of ecological and economic conditions for which an easement‐based approach is advantageous when faced with high initial uncertainty about private land values.
Enhancement of Human Antigen-Specific Memory T-Cell Responses by Interleukin-7 May Improve Accuracy in Diagnosing Tuberculosis
Authors: Feske Marsha , Nudelman Rodolfo J. , Medina Miguel , Lew Justin , Singh Manisha , Couturier Jacob , Graviss Edward A. , Lewis Dorothy E. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACTChildren and immunocompromised adults are at an increased risk of tuberculosis (TB), but diagnosis is more challenging. Recently developed gamma interferon (IFN-γ) release assays provide increased sensitivity and specificity for diagnosis of latent TB, but their use is not FDA approved in immunocompromised or pediatric populations. Both populations have reduced numbers of T cells, which are major producers of IFN-γ. Interleukin 7 (IL-7), a survival cytokine, stabilizes IFN-γ message and increases protein production. IL-7 was added to antigen-stimulated lymphocytes to improve IFN-γ responses as measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. Antigens used were tetanus toxoid (n= 10), p24 (from human immunodeficiency virus [HIV],n= 9), and TB peptides (n= 15). Keyhole limpet hemocyanin was used as a negative control, and phytohemagglutinin was the positive control. IL-7 improved antigen-specific responses to all antigens tested including tetanus toxoid, HIV type 1 p24, and TB peptides (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) with up to a 14-fold increase (mean = 3.8), as measured by ELISA. Increased IFN-γ responses from controls, HIV-positive patients, and TB patients were statistically significant, withPvalues of <0.05, 0.01, and 0.05, respectively. ELISPOT assay results confirmed ELISA findings (Pvalues of <0.01, 0.02, and 0.03, respectively), with a strong correlation between the two tests (R2= 0.82 to 0.99). Based on average background levels, IL-7 increased detection of IFN-γ by 39% compared to the level with antigen alone. Increased production of IFN-γ induced by IL-7 improves sensitivity of ELISA and ELISPOT assays for all antigens tested. Further enhancement of IFN-γ-based assays might improve TB diagnosis in those populations at highest risk for TB.
Assay for 5′ Noncoding Region Analysis of All Human Rhinovirus Prototype Strains
Authors: Kiang David , Kalra Ishmeet , Yagi Shigeo , Louie Janice K. , Boushey Homer , Boothby John , Schnurr David P. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
Increasing recognition of the association of rhinovirus with severe lower respiratory tract illnesses has clarified the need to understand the relationship between specific serotypes of rhinovirus and their clinical consequences. To accomplish this, a specific and sensitive assay to detect and serotype rhinovirus directly from clinical specimens is needed. Traditional methods of serotyping using culture and serum neutralization are time-consuming, limited to certain reference laboratories, and complicated by the existence of over 100 serotypes of human rhinoviruses (HRVs). Accordingly, we have developed a sequence-based assay that targets a 390-bp fragment accounting for approximately two-thirds of the 5′ noncoding region (NCR). Our goal was to develop an assay permitting amplification of target sequences directly from clinical specimens and distinction among all 101 prototype strains of rhinoviruses. We determined the sequences of all 101 prototype strains of HRV in this region to enable differentiation of virus genotypes in both viral isolates and clinical specimens. We evaluated this assay in a total of 101 clinical viral isolates and 24 clinical specimens and compared our findings to genotyping results using a different region of the HRV genome (the VP4-VP2 region). Five specimens associated with severe respiratory disease in children did not correlate with any known serotype of rhinovirus and were found to belong to a novel genogroup of rhinovirus, genogroup C. Isolates were also found that corresponded to the genogroup A2 variant identified in New York and Australia and two other novel group A clusters (GAC1 and GAC2).
Engineered Intermonomeric Disulfide Bonds in the Globular Domain of Newcastle Disease Virus Hemagglutinin-Neuraminidase Protein: Implications for the Mechanism of Fusion Promotion
Authors: Mahon Paul J. , Mirza Anne M. , Musich Thomas A. , Iorio Ronald M. 
Published: August 2008

ABSTRACT
The promotion of membrane fusion by Newcastle disease virus (NDV) requires an interaction between the viral hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and fusion (F) proteins, although the mechanism by which this interaction regulates fusion is not clear. The NDV HN protein exists as a tetramer composed of a pair of dimers. Based on X-ray crystallographic studies of the NDV HN globular domain (S. Crennell et al., Nat. Struct. Biol. 7:1068-1074, 2000), it was proposed that the protein undergoes a significant conformational change from an initial structure having minimal intermonomeric contacts to a structure with a much more extensive dimer interface. This conformational change was predicted to be integral to fusion promotion with the minimal interface form required to maintain F in its prefusion state until HN binds receptors. However, no evidence for such a conformational change exists for any other paramyxovirus attachment protein. To test the NDV model, we have engineered a pair of intermonomeric disulfide bonds across the dimer interface in the globular domain of an otherwise non-disulfide-linked NDV HN protein by the introduction of cysteine substitutions for residues T216 and D230. The disulfide-linked dimer is formed both intracellularly and in the absence of receptor binding and is efficiently expressed at the cell surface. The disulfide bonds preclude formation of the minimal interface form of the protein and yet enhance both receptor-binding activity at 37°C and fusion promotion. These results confirm that neither the minimal interface form of HN nor the proposed drastic conformational change in the protein is required for fusion.
An Observational and Modeling Study of Characteristics of Urban Heat Island and Boundary Layer Structures in Beijing
Authors: Miao Shiguang , Chen Fei , LeMone Margaret A. , Tewari Mukul , Li Qingchun , Wang Yingchun 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
In this paper, the characteristics of urban heat island (UHI) and boundary layer structures in the Beijing area, China, are analyzed using conventional and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observations. The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with a single-layer urban canopy model (UCM) is used to simulate these urban weather features for comparison with observations. WRF is also used to test the sensitivity of model simulations to different urban land use scenarios and urban building structures to investigate the impacts of urbanization on surface weather and boundary layer structures. Results show that the coupled WRF/Noah/UCM modeling system seems to be able to reproduce the following observed features reasonably well: 1) the diurnal variation of UHI intensity; 2) the spatial distribution of UHI in Beijing; 3) the diurnal variation of wind speed and direction, and interactions between mountain–valley circulations and UHI; 4) small-scale boundary layer convective rolls and cells; and 5) the nocturnal boundary layer lower-level jet. The statistical analyses reveal that urban canopy variables (e.g., temperature, wind speed) from WRF/Noah/UCM compare better with surface observations than the conventional variables (e.g., 2-m temperature, 10-m wind speed). Both observations and the model show that the airflow over Beijing is dominated by mountain–valley flows that are modified by urban–rural circulations. Sensitivity tests imply that the presence or absence of urban surfaces significantly impacts the formation of horizontal convective rolls (HCRs), and the details in urban structures seem to have less pronounced but not negligible effects on HCRs.
Comparison of Precipitation Datasets over the Tropical South American and African Continents
Authors: Negrón Juárez Robinson I. , Li Wenhong , Fu Rong , Fernandes Katia , de Oliveira Cardoso Andrea 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
Six rainfall datasets are compared over the Amazon basin, Northeast Brazil, and the Congo basin. These datasets include three gauge-only precipitation products from the Climate Prediction Center (CPC), Global Precipitation Climatology Center (GPCC), and Brazilian Weather Forecast and Climate Studies Center (CLMNLS), and three combined gauge and satellite precipitation datasets from the CPC Merged Analysis of Precipitation (CMAP), Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP), and Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) product. The pattern of the annual precipitation is consistently represented by these data, despite the differences in methods and periods of averaging. Quantitatively, the differences in annual precipitation among these datasets are 5% more than the Amazon domain (0°–15°S, 50°–70°W), 22% more than Northeast Brazil (5°–10°S, 35°–45°W), and 11% more than the Congo domain (5°N–10°S, 15°–30°E). Over the Amazon domain the rainfall variation is well correlated between CPC, TRMM, GPCP, and GPCC (r 2 &gt; 0.9) except for the northwestern Amazon, whereas CMAP and CLMNLS were different from these four datasets. Over the Congo basin, the coefficient of determination between these rainfall datasets is generally below 0.7. The empirical orthogonal functions analysis suggests large discrepancies in interannual and decadal variations of rainfall among these datasets, especially for the Congo basin and for the South American region after 1998. In general, CMAP, GPCC, TRMM, and GPCP significantly agree over the tropical areas in South America.
Association of killer cell immunoglobulin–like receptor genotypes with vascular arterial events and anticardiolipin antibodies in patients with lupus
Authors: Toloza SMA , Pellett FJ , Chandran V , Ibanez D , Urowitz MB , Gladman DD 
Published: August 2008

To determine whether killer cell immunologlobulin–like receptor (KIR) genotypes are associated with vasculitis, vascular arterial events or anticardiolipin (aCL) antibodies in patients with lupus. A total of 304 patients followed prospectively at the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic were assessed for the occurrence of vasculitis and vascular arterial events. Molecular HLA-C and KIR (presence or absence of KIR2DL1, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DS1 and 2DS2) genotyping were performed. Chi-square and logistic regression were used to analyse association between KIR genes and vascular arterial events and aCL antibodies. In patients with vascular arterial events, there was a significant increase in KIR2DS2 (60% vs 45%, P = 0.02) and in KIR2DL2 (62% vs 47%, P = 0.01) compared with patients without events. There was no increase in activating KIR genotypes in patients with vasculitis. In patients with aCL antibodies, significant increases were seen in KIR2DS2 (54% vs 41%, P = 0.03) and KIR2DL2 (58% vs 41%, P = 0.003), but KIR2DL3 was decreased (87% vs 95%, P = 0.03). Logistic regression confirmed independent association of KIR2DS2 with vascular arterial events. We found an increase in KIR2DS2 in lupus patients with vascular arterial events, but not in patients with vasculitis.
Educación para la salud con personas mayores: descripc de una experiencia
Authors: Pino Juste Margarita R. 
Published: August 2008

En este artículo se describe una experiencia llevada a cabo con pacientes mayores de 65 años en centros de Atención Primaria de salud situados en el medio rural. Los objetivos planteados en el programa tienen como meta facilitar la consecución de hábitos saludables, conocer la sintomatología y tratamiento de las enfermedades más comunes en la vejez y como consecuencia conseguir una optimización de los recursos sanitarios. La elección de los contenidos se ha realizado teniendo en cuenta las necesidades detectadas en el historial clínico del paciente, en las valoraciones geriátricas realizadas por los médicos y en las entrevistas realizadas por las educadoras para definir las características sociosanitarias de la población. Así como la edad y del nivel socio-cultural de los participantes. Para la evaluación de la experiencia se utilizaron diferentes técnicas como escalas, cuestionarios, entrevistas, observación, discusiones en grupo y registro de datos y se tuvo en cuenta la cobertura del programa, su desarrollo y el índice de impacto del mismo. La asistencia al curso ha sido regular y el 92 % de los pacientes ha asistido a todas las sesiones y ha participado activamente. El personal sanitario manifestó que a raíz de la experiencia, la comunicación médico-paciente se hizo más fluida y se detecta una mayor comprensión de la información que los médicos ofrecen al usuario. Además se ha constatado la escasa formación de las personas mayores en temáticas de salud. Las temáticas que consideraron más importantes fueron el ejercicio físico, la estimulación cognitiva y la alimentación adecuada. Igualmente, se ha detectado una mejora del estado de ánimo, una mayor autonomía y una menor dependencia de los familiares para actividades de la vida diaria. Los propios mayores revelan al médico la experiencia vivida como un auténtico aprendizaje, así como su deseo de continuar en otras ediciones del programa. (Promot Educ 2008;15(3): 58-62)
Improved arthritic knee health in a pilot RCT of phytotherapy
Authors: Hamblin Louise , Laird Alex , Parkes Edward , Walker Ann F. 
Published: August 2008

Although practitioner-prescribed `western' herbal medicine (phytotherapy) is a popular complementary therapy in the UK, no clinical studies have been reported on patient-orientated outcomes. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the effects of phytotherapy on symptoms of osteoarthritis of the knee. A previous study of Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association,1 acted as a model in the development of the protocol of this investigation. Twenty adults, previously diagnosed with osteoarthritis of the knee, were recruited from two Inner London GP practices into this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study carried out in a primary-care setting. All subjects were seen in consultation three times by a herbal practitioner who was blinded to the randomization coding. Each subject was prescribed treatment and given lifestyle advice according to usual practice: continuation of conventional medication where applicable, healthy-eating advice and nutrient supplementation. Individualized herbal medicine was prescribed for each patient, but only dispensed for those randomized to active treatment — the remainder were supplied with a placebo. At baseline and outcome (after ten weeks of treatment), subjects completed a food frequency questionnaire and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) knee health and Measure Yourself Outcome Profile (MYMOP) wellbeing questionnaires. Subjects completing the study per protocol (n = 14) reported an increased intake of wholegrain foods ( p = 0.045) and oily fish ( p = 0.039) compared to baseline, but no increase in fruit and vegetables and dairy products intakes. There was no difference in the primary outcome measure of knee health assessed as the difference in the mean response (baseline-week 10) in WOMAC score between the two treatment groups. However, there was, compared with baseline, improvement in the active group ( n = 9) for the mean WOMAC stiffness sub-score at week 5 ( p = 0.035) and week 10 ( p = 0.060) but not in the placebo group ( n = 5). Furthermore, for the active, but not the placebo group, the mean WOMAC total and sub-scores all showed clinically significant improvement (≥ 20%) in knee symptoms at weeks 5 and 10 compared with baseline. Moreover, the mean MYMOP symptom 2 sub-score, mostly relating to osteoarthritis (OA), showed significant improvement at week 5 ( p = 0.02) and week 10 ( p = 0.008) compared with baseline for the active, but not for the placebo group. This pilot study showed that herbal medicine prescribed for the individual by a herbal practitioner resulted in improvement of symptoms of OA of the knee.