bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Potential Causes of Higher Mortality in Elderly Users of Conventional and Atypical Antipsychotic Medications
Authors: Setoguchi Soko , Wang Philip S. , Alan Brookhart M. , Canning Claire F , Kaci Liljana , Schneeweiss Sebastian 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential mechanisms through which conventional antipsychotic medication (APM) might act, the specific causes of death in elderly patients newly started on conventional APM were compared with those of patients taking atypical APM.DESIGN: Cohort study.SETTING: Community.PARTICIPANTS: All British Columbia residents aged 65 and older who initiated a conventional or atypical APM between 1996 and 2004.MEASUREMENTS: Cox proportional hazards models were used to compare risks of developing a specific cause of death within 180 days of APM initiation. Potential confounders were adjusted for using traditional multivariable, propensity‐score, and instrumental‐variable adjustments.RESULTS: The study cohort included 12,882 initiators of conventional APM and 24,359 initiators of atypical APM. Of 3,821 total deaths within the first 180 day of use, cardiovascular (CV) deaths accounted for 49% of deaths. Initiators of conventional APM had a significantly higher adjusted risk of all CV death (hazard ratio (HR)=1.23, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.10–1.36) and out‐of‐hospital CV death (HR=1.36, 95% CI=1.19–1.56) than initiators of atypical APM. Initiators of conventional APM also had a higher risk of death due to respiratory diseases, nervous system diseases, and other causes.CONCLUSION: These data suggest that greater risk of CV deaths might explain approximately half of the excess mortality in initiators of conventional APM. The risk of death due to respiratory causes was also significantly higher in conventional APM use.
Association Between Cognitive Function and Periodontal Disease in Older Adults
Authors: Yu Yau‐Hua , Kuo Hsu‐Ko 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association between cognitive function and periodontal disease in noninstitutionalized older adults.DESIGN: Population‐based cross‐sectional study.SETTING: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001 to 2002.PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred three dentate participants aged 60 and older who completed the periodontal examination and cognitive function test.MEASUREMENTS: Periodontal examination, including assessment of probing depth and attachment loss, was performed. Periodontal disease was defined as at least 10% of sites with clinical attachment loss of more than 4 mm and at least 10% sites with probing depth greater than 3 mm. Cognitive function was measured using the 2‐minute Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST).RESULTS: Higher cognitive function was associated with lower odds of periodontal disease. After controlling for demographics, educational level, body mass index, chronic diseases, health behaviors, bleeding on probing, and probing sites, the odds ratio for periodontal disease was 0.69 (95% confidence interval=0.51–0.94) for each standard deviation (SD) increase in the DSST score. Each SD increase in DSST score was associated with a 31% less likelihood of periodontal disease. Mean DSST scores for participants with and without periodontal disease were 42.2 and 45.5 (P=.02), respectively.CONCLUSION: Higher cognitive function was associated with lower odds of periodontal disease in noninstitutionalized older adults.
Short‐Term Mortality in Relation to Age and Comorbidity in Older Adults with Community‐Acquired Bacteremia: A Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Søgaard Mette , Schønheyder Henrik C. , Riis Anders , Sørensen Henrik T. , Nørgaard Mette 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To assess 30‐day mortality from bacteremia in relation to age and comorbidity and the association between age and mortality with increasing comorbidity.DESIGN: Population‐based cohort study.SETTING: North Jutland County, Denmark.PARTICIPANTS: Adults in medical wards with community‐acquired bacteremia, 1995 to 2004.MEASUREMENTS: Smoothed mortality curves and computed mortality rate ratios (MRRs) using Cox regression analysis.RESULTS: Two thousand eight hundred fifty‐one patients, 851 aged 15 to 64, 1,092 aged 65 to 79, and 909 aged 80 and older were included. Mortality increased linearly with age. Compared with patients younger than 65, adjusted MRRs in patients aged 65 to 79 and 80 and older were 1.5 (95% confidence interval (CI)=1.2–2.0) and 1.8 (95% CI=1.4–2.3), respectively. Mortality also increased with level of comorbidity. Compared with patients with low comorbidity, adjusted MRRs in patients with medium and high comorbidity were 1.5 (95% CI=1.2–1.8) and 1.7 (95% CI=1.4–2.2), respectively. Regardless of the level of comorbidity, MRRs were consistently higher in older than in younger patients.CONCLUSION: Older age and greater comorbidity predicted mortality, and increasing age‐related comorbidity did not explain the effect of age.
Patient Ethnicity and the Identification of Anxiety in Elderly Primary Care Patients
Authors: Kim Yeowon A. , Morales Knashawn H. , Bogner Hillary R. 
Published: August 2008

OBJECTIVES: To examine the role of ethnicity and primary care physician (PCP) identification of anxiety in older adults.DESIGN: A cross‐sectional survey conducted between 2001 and 2003.SETTING: Primary care offices in the Baltimore, Maryland, area.PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 330 adults aged 65 and older from Maryland primary care practices with complete information on psychological status and physician assessments.MEASUREMENTS: PCPs were asked to rate anxiety on a Likert scale. Patient interviews included measures of psychological status and patient use of psychotropic medications.RESULTS: Older black patients were less likely than older white patients to be identified as anxious (unadjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.18–0.64) and less likely to be taking psychotropic medications (unadjusted OR=0.40, 95% CI=0.20–0.81). In multivariate models that controlled for potentially influential characteristics including depression and anxiety symptoms, the association between identification (OR=0.30, 95% CI=0.15–0.61) with patient ethnicity remained significantly unchanged.CONCLUSION: PCPs were less likely to identify older black Americans as anxious than white patients. An understanding of the role of ethnicity in the identification of anxiety is important for the screening and management of anxiety in elderly people.
Quantitative assessment of the kinetics of growth factors release from platelet gel
Authors: Su Chen Y. , Kuo Ya P. , Nieh Heng‐Lu , Tseng Yu H. , Burnouf Thierry 
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: The time course of the release of growth factors from platelet (PLT) gels has not been thoroughly studied and should be elucidated for a better standardization of the clinical use of these products.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Release of PLT‐derived growth factor‐AB (PDGF‐AB), transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) was determined 5, 60, 120, and 300 minutes after PLT gel formation. Control experiments where PLT gel was removed and, afterward, exogenous thrombin was added, were also performed. Protein profiles of the PLT concentrates and of the releasates were determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE).RESULTS: Mean PDGF‐AB, TGF‐β1, EGF, and VEGF concentration increased to 76, 114, 3.7, and 0.8 ng per mL, respectively, in the presence of the PLT gel, but remained at approximately 28, 30, 0.28, and 0.34 ng per mL, respectively, when the PLT gel was removed after formation. IGF‐1 content remained unchanged (approx. 80 ng/mL). SDS‐PAGE analysis showed that several PLT proteins disappear during PLT gel formation and that the protein patterns of the releasates were undistinguishable at the different time points.CONCLUSION: There is a gradual and fast release of PDGF‐AB, TGF‐β1, EGF, and VEGF from PLT gel for at least 60 to 300 minutes after gel formation, whereas the IGF releasate concentration remains unchanged. This study may provide useful information to improve clinical applications of PLT gels and to design improved blood‐derived biomaterials with controlled release of growth factors.
Characteristics of the Cavotricuspid Isthmus in Predicting Recurrent Conduction in the Long‐Term Follow‐Up
Authors: LO LI‐WEI , TAI CHING‐TAI , LIN YENN‐JIANG , CHANG SHIH‐LIN , WONGCHAROEN WANWARANG , TUAN TA‐CHUAN , UDYAVAR AMEYA R. , HU YU‐FENG , UENG KUO‐CHANG , TSAI WEN‐CHIN , CHANG CHIEN‐JUNG , TSAO HSUAN‐MING , HIGA SATOSHI , CHEN SHIH‐ANN 
Published: August 2008

Background:
The characteristics of cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and flutter that may predict recurrence of flutter is not known. We aimed to investigate the CTI characteristics in patients who underwent a second ablation procedure for recurrent AF after previous combined pulmonary vein (PV) and CTI ablation.
Methods:
Among 196 consecutive patients with drug‐refractory symptomatic AF who underwent PV isolation and CTI ablation with bidirectional isthmus block, 49 patients (age 50 ± 12 years, 43 males) had recurrent AF and received a second procedure 291 ± 241 days after the first procedure. Right atrial angiography for the evaluation of the CTI morphology, and the biatrial contact bipolar electrograms were obtained before both procedures.
Results:
In the second procedure, 11 (group 1) of the 49 patients demonstrated recovered CTI conduction. Compared with the patients without CTI conduction (group 2, n = 38), group 1 patients had a higher frequency of a pouch‐type anatomy (82% vs 13%, P < 0.001), longer CTI (34.0 ± 8.6 vs 25.5 ± 7.5 mm, P = 0.01), longer ablation time, and larger number of radiofrequency applications; furthermore, the preablation bipolar voltage decreased along both the CTI and ablation line in group 2, whereas it remained similar in group 1 in the second procedure.
Conclusions:
A high (22%) percentage of CTIs exhibited recurrent conduction in the long‐term follow‐up. The CTIs with recurrent conduction had a higher incidence of a pouch and longer length compared with those without recurrent conduction.
Subcutaneous Bioimpedance Recording: Assessment of a Method for Hemodynamic Monitoring by Implanted Devices
Authors: VENUGOPAL DEVIPRASAD , PATTERSON ROBERT , JHANJEE RAJAT , McKNITE SCOTT , LURIE KEITH G. , BELALCAZAR ANDRES , BENDITT DAVID G. 
Published: August 2008

Background:
Diagnostic evaluation of patients with suspected symptomatic arrhythmias is limited by inability to assess the hemodynamic impact of a detected rhythm.
Objective:
To address this limitation, we utilized closely spaced subcutaneous electrodes, small enough to incorporate within an implantable monitor, to detect blood flow‐induced pectoral muscle bioimpedance (Z) changes in a swine model of hemorrhage‐induced hypotension.
Methods:
In seven anesthetized and ventilated adult pigs, small ring electrodes (current electrodes 5 cm apart; voltage electrodes 3.5 cm apart) were positioned on the left pectoral muscle. Z signals (Biopac® system) and invasive arterial blood pressures were recorded. Hypotension was induced by hemorrhage (50% blood volume reduction). Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and pulse pressure (PP) with corresponding pulse Z (ΔZ) and base Z (Zo) were measured. A longitudinal mixed model with a first‐order autoregressive error structure was used to test for associations (change in ΔZ vs change in MAP and change in ΔZ vs change in PP) taking into account within pig correlation.
Results:
During bleeding‐induced hypotension, Zo increased. Changes of ΔZ correlated with both a change in MAP (coefficient = 1.17, P < 0.0001) and change in PP (coefficient = 0.98, P < 0.0001). A change in ΔZ of 1–2 orders of magnitude corresponded to an approximate 40–70% drop in MAP and PP in a porcine model in which the baseline MAP was 69–70 mmHg.
Conclusion:
Our findings suggest that closely spaced subcutaneous electrodes identify changes in local tissue/vascular bioimpedance that correlate well with direct invasive measures of induced hypotension in a porcine model.
Low absolute lymphocyte count is a poor prognostic marker in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma and suggests patients’ survival benefit from rituximab
Authors: Oki Yasuhiro , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Kato Harumi , Kuwatsuka Yachiyo , Taji Hirofumi , Kagami Yoshitoyo , Morishima Yasuo 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives:  To evaluate the prognostic value of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC) at diagnosis in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL).Methods:  In a large cohort of patients with DLBCL treated with CHOP (n = 119) or RCHOP (n = 102) in our institution, we evaluated the prognostic value of ALC at diagnosis with regards to treatment response, overall (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS). Use of rituximab, all International Prognostic Index (IPI) determinants, β2microglobulin level, presence of B symptoms or bulky disease, and ALC were evaluated.Results:  Low ALC (<1.0 × 109/L) was associated with advanced stage, performance status ≥2, elevated lactate dehydrogenase, number of extranodal involvement ≥2, B symptoms, elevated β2microglobulin and higher IPI risk group. Low ALC was associated with lower CR rate by univariate analysis (odds ratio = 3.29, P = 0.024) but not by multivariate analysis. By univariate analysis using Cox proportional hazard model, low ALC was associated with shorter OS [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.89, P < 0.001] and PFS (HR = 2.91, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that low ALC was associated with shorter OS (HR = 2.51, P = 0.003) and PFS (HR = 2.72, P < 0.001), independent of above‐mentioned parameters. Subclass analyses revealed that the use of rituximab improves OS in patients with low ALC (HR = 0.42, P = 0.05) but not in those with high ALC (HR = 0.83, P = 0.71). This observation was most obvious in patients with higher IPI score.Conclusion:  Low ALC is a poor prognostic marker in patients with DLBCL and suggests patients’ survival benefit from rituximab.
Elevated serum concentrations of activated hepatocyte growth factor activator in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Wader K. F. , Fagerli U. M. , Holt R. U. , Stordal B. , Børset M. , Sundan A. , Waage A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives:  Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a potential key factor in multiple myeloma. Conversion of pro‐HGF to its active form is a critical limiting step for its biological effects. We aimed to examine the levels of the most potent activator, the hepatocyte growth factor activator (HGFA), in serum and bone marrow plasma of patients with multiple myeloma.Methods:  The activated form of HGFA was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in serum (n = 49) and bone marrow plasma (n = 16) from multiple myeloma patients, and in serum from healthy controls (n = 24).Results:  The median concentrations of activated HGFA in myeloma and control sera were 39.7 (range 6.2–450.0) and 17.6 ng/mL (range 4.8–280.6), respectively. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.037). The median concentration of activated HGFA in bone marrow plasma was 6.1 ng/mL (range 3.5–30.0).Conclusion:  We here show for the first time that the activated form of HGFA is present at high levels in serum and bone marrow of myeloma patients, thus providing a necessary prerequisite for the activation of HGF.
Survival and outcome of blastoid variant myeloma following treatment with the novel thalidomide containing regime DT‐PACE
Authors: Srikanth Muralikrishnan , Davies Faith E. , Wu Ping , Jenner Matthew W. , Ethell Mark E. , Potter Michael N. , Shaw Bronwen E. , Saso Radovan M. , Dines Sharon , Morgan Gareth J. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBlastoid morphology is a rare presenting feature of myeloma which is frequently seen in patients with extramedullary myeloma and is associated with poor clinical outcome. Cell cycle active agents can be effective as treatment for aggressive myeloma and their activity enhanced by using them in combination with the anti‐angiogenic agent thalidomide. DT‐PACE is an example of such a regimen which we have used to treat 26 relapsed and or refractory patients with extramedullary/blastoid myeloma. The overall response rate (complete response/PR) was 59%, but despite these initial good responses, patients had a short progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). A subgroup of patients who proceeded to autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) have a trend towards a better PFS and OS when compared with the group receiving chemotherapy alone (PFS = 10 vs. 3 months P = 0.273 and OS 10 vs. 7 months P = 0.235). Interestingly of the group who received ASCT consolidation three patients remain alive beyond 18 months. In conclusion, the clinical outcome of this group of cases is poor even when treated with the intensive regimen DT‐PACE; however, a subgroup can do well if DT‐PACE is consolidated by ASCT.
Heart rate and blood pressure control in infants exposed to maternal cigarette smoking
Authors: Viskari‐Lähdeoja S , Hytinantti T , Andersson S , Kirjavainen T 
Published: August 2008

AbstractAim: Exposure to maternal cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Foetal and postnatal smoke‐exposure may alter cardiovascular control in infants. We studied heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) responses in smoke‐exposed infants.Methods: Eleven infants exposed to maternal cigarette smoking were studied at the age of 12 ± 2.1 (range 10–16) weeks. Twenty healthy, age‐matched infants from non‐smoking families served as controls. During confirmed slow‐wave sleep (NREM3), 3–5 sec side motion and 45 sec 45° head‐up tilt tests were performed.Results: Control infants showed consistent biphasic HR and BP responses to side motion, with an initial 2–5% increase followed by a 2% decrease (p < 0.0001). In smoke‐exposed infants, the initial HR (p = 0.009) and BP responses (p < 0.0001) were markedly reduced, and the subsequent decrease in BP was more prominent (systolic blood pressure, SBP, p = 0.005; diastolic blood pressure, DBP, p = 0.03). No differences were observed between the groups in tilt test results, HR variability or HR responses to spontaneous arousals.Conclusion: Maternal cigarette smoking may alter vestibulo‐mediated cardiovascular control in early infancy. This may contribute to increased SIDS risk.
A Universe Devoid of Sentient Beings?
Authors: Moonan Lawrence 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn his published Gifford Lectures, Professor Michael Dummett asks ‘what would it be for there to be a universe devoid of sentient beings? What would be the difference between God's creating a material universe, in the whole of which there never was any creature able to experience it [‘a unidead’, in Moonan's shorthand], and His creating nothing at all? … What difference would its existing make?’ He answers: ‘there would surely be no difference…’ and ‘unless there are sentient and rational observers, it would not be possible for either observation or inference to occur’. (Thought and Reality, 97.)Some theists might find this a disconcerting restriction on divine power; and if in addition realist, might put it down to a refusal of realism for the range of language in question. In this article, however, I presuppose a coherent realism for the range, and argue that Dummett's contentions can hold for realisms too, and ought not to disconcert serious theists. What is crucial is not (just) whether you are prepared to understand your assertions in an ‘anti-realist’ rather than a realist manner, but whether or not you are prepared to use ‘God’ to stand for something not finite in any way, if there is any, and for nothing else in extra-mental reality. Dummett's Giffords are metaphysically serious: where it would matter if there were no God.
Carbon Monoxide‐induced Stomatal Closure Involves Generation of Hydrogen Peroxide in Vicia faba Guard Cells
Authors: She Xiao‐Ping , Song Xi‐Gui 
Published: August 2008

Abstract Here the regulatory role of CO during stomatal movement in Vicia faba L. was surveyed. Results indicated that, like hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), CO donor Hematin induced stomatal closure in dose‐ and time‐dependent manners. These responses were also proven by the addition of gaseous CO aqueous solution with different concentrations, showing the first time that CO and H2O2 exhibit the similar regulation role in the stomatal movement. Moreover, our data showed that ascorbic acid (ASA, an important reducing substrate for H2O2 removal) and diphenylene iodonium (DPI, an inhibitor of the H2O2‐generating enzyme NADPH oxidase) not only reversed stomatal closure by CO, but also suppressed the H2O2 fluorescence induced by CO, implying that CO induced‐stomatal closure probably involves H2O2 signal. Additionally, the CO/NO scavenger hemoglobin (Hb) and CO specific synthetic inhibitor ZnPPIX, ASA and DPI reversed the darkness‐induced stomatal closure and H2O2 fluorescence. These results show that, perhaps like H2O2, the levels of CO in guard cells of V. faba are higher in the dark than in light, HO‐1 and NADPH oxidase are the enzyme systems responsible for generating endogenous CO and H2O2 in darkness respectively, and that CO is involved in darkness‐induced H2O2 synthesis in V. faba guard cells.
Possible Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Enzymes in Desiccation Sensitivity of Antiaris toxicaria Seeds and Axes
Authors: Cheng Hong‐Yan , Song Song‐Quan 
Published: August 2008

Abstract The relationships among desiccation sensitivities of Antiaris toxicaria seeds and axes, changes in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and dehydroascorbate reductase, (DHAR), production rate of superoxide radical (·O2−), and the contents of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and thiobarbituric acid (TBA)‐reactive substance were studied. Desiccation tolerance of seeds and axes decreased with dehydration. Desiccation tolerance of axes was higher than that of seeds, and that of epicotyls was higher than radicles. Activities of SOD, CAT and DHAR of seeds increased during the initial phase of dehydration, and then decreased with further dehydration, whereas activities of APX and GR decreased with dehydration. These five enzyme activities of axes, however, increased during the initial phase of dehydration, and then decreased with further dehydration. The rate of superoxide radical production, and the contents of H2O2 and TBA‐reactive products of seeds and axes gradually increased with dehydration. These results show that the A. toxicaria seed is a typical recalcitrant seed. Loss of desiccation tolerance in seeds and axes was correlated with the increase in ·O2− production rate, content of H2O2 and TBA‐reactive products, and the decline of antioxidant enzyme activities of seeds and axes.
The puzzling origin of the 6Li plateau
Authors: Evoli Carmelo , Salvadori Stefania , Ferrara Andrea 
Published: August 2008

Abstract
We discuss the 6Li abundance evolution within a hierarchical model of Galaxy formation which correctly reproduces the [Fe/H] distribution of metal-poor halo stars. Contrary to previous findings, we find that neither the level (6Li/H = 6 × 10−12) nor the flatness of the 6Li distribution with [Fe/H] can be reproduced under the most favourable conditions by any model in which 6Li production is tied to a (data-constrained) Galactic star formation rate via cosmic ray spallation. Thus, the origin of the plateau might be due to some other early mechanism unrelated to star formation.