bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Long-Lasting Mode Water Vortex in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Reverdin Gilles , Gascard Jean-Claude , Le Cann Bernard , Prieur Louis , Assenbaum Michel , Lherminier Pascale 
Published: October 2008

Abstract
An anticyclonic mode water vortex and its environment were investigated from November 2000 to September 2001 in the northeast Atlantic (near 43.5°N, 15°–19°W) with neutrally buoyant drifting floats, moored current meters, satellite altimetric sea surface height, and several hydrological surveys and sections. These observations reveal a coherent inner core (∼30 km in diameter) made of very oxygenated northeast Atlantic central waters (11°–12.7°C and 35.5–35.7 on the 1978 practical salinity scale) from 150 m down to about 750-m depth. The core presents high relative vorticity (up to approximately −0.5 times the Coriolis frequency f ) within at least 10 km of its center, near 400–700 m. Peak velocity along the core rim is located deeper than 600 m bordering the deepest and densest (σθ = 27.175 kg m−3) northeast Atlantic mode water found during the Programme Océan Multidisciplinaire Méso Echelle (POMME) project. This water likely originates north of 47°N, where it could have been in contact with the sea surface in early 1999. Below the core, large near-inertial internal waves are found. At least during spring and summer 2001, the core was embedded in a much larger anticyclonic eddy that extends to 100 km from its center, with azimuthal velocity decreasing from the sea surface to 1500 m. This eddy does not trap floats for a long time and is associated with a sea level anomaly on the order of 10 cm. From January through August 2001, both the core and the larger eddy moved anticyclonically around a shallow part of the Azores–Biscay ridge. The core trajectory also exhibits smaller anticyclonic loops on shorter time scales, suggesting that at least at times it is not located at the center of the larger eddy.
Significance of Close Surveillance of Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease
Authors: Barrows Robin Joyce , Krumsdorf Ulrike , Zankl Alexandra , Katus Hugo , Tiefenbacher Christiane Pia 
Published: October 2008

Background. Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) indicates generalized atherosclerosis but is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Methods. Data were collected from patients with PAD from the Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany. The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and medication were documented. Results. Atherogenic risk factors, cardiovascular disease, and cerebrovascular disease were highly prevalent. By continuous care at the university clinic, in addition to family medicine treatment, the use of platelet inhibitors, antihypertensives, and lipid-lowering therapy was increased. Ankle—brachial index and walking distance improved. Conclusion. Long-term treatment at the university clinic had positive effects on atherogenic risk factors. The regular use of secondary preventive medication was improved. Still, this patient population remained undertreated and showed a high incidence of vascular event rates and a need for vascular interventions. This study implies the importance of both specialists and general practitioners in the care of these individuals.
A Comparison between a Retrograde Interference Screw, Suture Button, and Combined Fixation on the Tibial Side in an All-Inside Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Walsh Michael P. , Wijdicks Coen A. , Parker Josh B. , Hapa Onur , LaPrade Robert F. 
Published: October 2008

Background Effective soft tissue graft fixation to the tibial tunnel in all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions has been reported to be a problem and may lead to retrograde pullout at ultimate load testing. Hypothesis A combined retrograde bioabsorbable screw and cortical-cancellous suture button suspension apparatus would gain stiffness from the button and strength from the screw, thus providing for a larger pullout ultimate load, yield load, and stiffness when compared with either fixation alone in an all-inside anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Study Design Controlled laboratory study. Methods Eighteen porcine tibias (average bone mineral density of 1.46, measured by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scan) and 18 bovine extensor tendon allografts were divided into 3 groups retrograde bioabsorbable screw fixation, cortical-cancellous suture button suspension apparatus fixation, and combined fixation in the tibia, with 6 specimens per group. They were biomechanically tested with cyclic (500 cycles, 50-250 N, 1 Hz) and load-to-failure (20 mm/min) parameters. Results During cyclic testing, the retrograde screw—only group had a larger cyclic displacement (2.98 ± 2.28 mm) than the suture button with retrograde screw combination group (1.40 ± 0.34 mm). The combination fixation group also produced a higher cyclic stiffness (161.93 ± 61.81 N/mm) than the retrograde screw—only group (91.59 ± 43.26 N/mm). In load-to-failure testing, the retrograde screw with suture button combination group withstood significantly higher initial failure forces (873.87 ± 148.74 N) than the retrograde screw—only (558.44 ± 126.33 N) and suture button—only (121.76 ± 40.57 N) groups. Additionally, ultimate loads were also significantly higher for the combination group (1027 ± 157.11 N) than either the retrograde screw group (679.00 ± 109.44 N) or the suture button group (161.00 ± 29.27 N). The retrograde screw with suture button combination group showed significantly higher pullout stiffness (152.50 ± 46.37 N/mm) than either the retrograde screw—only group (78.31 ± 12.85 N/mm) or the suture button—only group (25.79 ± 9.30 N/mm). Conclusion Soft tissue grafts fixed with a combination of a retrograde screw and a suture button were able to withstand higher initial failure and ultimate failure loads and were also stiffer than grafts fixed with either a retrograde screw or a suture button alone. Clinical Relevance These findings may prove useful in providing additional stability when using an all-inside technique in a difficult case, or in a patient with poor bone stock, and may also be useful as an alternative to more commonly used tibial tunnel soft tissue fixation techniques.
Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy is Safe and Effective in the Treatment of Chronic Recalcitrant Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Gerdesmeyer Ludger , Frey Carol , Vester Johannes , Maier Markus , Lowell Weil , Weil Lowell , Russlies Martin , Stienstra John , Scurran Barry , Fedder Keith , Diehl Peter , Lohrer Heinz , Henne Mark , Gollwitzer Hans 
Published: October 2008

Background Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy is an effective treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis that can be administered to outpatients without anesthesia but has not yet been evaluated in controlled trials. Hypothesis There is no difference in effectiveness between radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy and placebo in the treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis. Study Design Randomized, controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods Three interventions of radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy (0.16 mJ/mm2; 2000 impulses) compared with placebo were studied in 245 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis. Primary endpoints were changes in visual analog scale composite score from baseline to 12 weeks’ follow-up, overall success rates, and success rates of the single visual analog scale scores (heel pain at first steps in the morning, during daily activities, during standardized pressure force). Secondary endpoints were single changes in visual analog scale scores, success rates, Roles and Maudsley score, SF-36, and patients’ and investigators’ global judgment of effectiveness 12 weeks and 12 months after extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Results Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy proved significantly superior to placebo with a reduction of the visual analog scale composite score of 72.1% compared with 44.7% ( P = .0220), and an overall success rate of 61.0% compared with 42.2% in the placebo group ( P = .0020) at 12 weeks. Superiority was even more pronounced at 12 months, and all secondary outcome measures supported radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy to be significantly superior to placebo ( P < .025, 1-sided). No relevant side effects were observed. Conclusion Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy significantly improves pain, function, and quality of life compared with placebo in patients with recalcitrant plantar fasciitis.
Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 gene variation and risk of asthma
Authors: Hong X. , Zhou H. , Tsai H-J. , Wang X. , Liu X. , Wang B. , Xu X. , Xu X. 
Published: October 2008

Although it has been recognised that genetics plays an important role in the development of asthma, important causal loci remain to be identified. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of known and novel candidate genes with asthma.Two independent samples, including 170 asthmatic cases and 347 controls in the initial sample, and 202 asthmatic cases and 332 controls in the confirmation sample, were recruited from the same region of China. Functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; n = 129) from 105 genes were genotyped using MassARRAY technology, and 119 SNPs were used for the subsequent analysis.In the initial sample, three SNPs, rs320995 in the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 gene, rs1047266 in the tumour necrosis factor receptor superfamily, member 10b, gene and rs40401 in the interleukin-3 gene, were associated with risk of asthma. Notably, under the recessive genetic model, subjects without the thymidine allele in SNP rs320995 had a 3.1 times higher risk of asthma, which remained significant after accounting for multiple testing. This association was replicated in the confirmation sample and validated by meta-analysis. Further, sex-specific analysis was performed, but no sex difference was found.The present study provided coherent evidence that cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 gene variation is associated with risk of asthma.
MMP expression and abnormal lung permeability are important determinants of outcome in IPF
Authors: McKeown S. , Richter A. G. , O'Kane C. , McAuley D. F. , Thickett D. R. 
Published: October 2008

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) degrade all of the extracellular matrix components of the intersititium and may play a role in abnormal alveolar permeability, which is a feature of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The aims of the present study were to evaluate MMP protein levels in patients with IPF and determine any relationship to treatment and markers of permeability.In total, 20 patients with IPF and eight normal controls underwent bronchoalveolar lavage. MMP, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were related to clinical outcome and protein permeability index.MMP-3, -7, -8 and -9 were elevated in IPF lavage fluid and levels remained high despite treatment. Levels of MMP-3, -7, -8 and -9, VEGF and protein permeability index were higher in those who died early during follow-up. VEGF, and MMP-8 and -9 levels were higher in those with a rapidly declining lung function over 1 yr. Levels of MMP-3, -7, -8 and -9 correlated with an increased permeability index.Matrix metalloproteinase levels were elevated in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients and were not modulated by current standard treatment. Matrix metalloproteinase production through an interaction with the known vascular permogen, vascular endothelial growth factor, was potentially associated with abnormal capillary permeability and may have potentiated the neo-angiogenesis seen in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. The changes were greatest in those who died or progressed during follow-up, suggesting that drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor or matrix metalloproteinase activity warrant assessment as novel therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Reciprocal regulation of iNOS and PARP-1 during allergen-induced eosinophilia
Authors: Naura A. S. , Datta R. , Hans C. P. , Zerfaoui M. , Rezk B. M. , Errami Y. , Oumouna M. , Matrougui K. , Boulares A. H. 
Published: October 2008

Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition was recently shown to exert no effect on allergen challenge in human asthma, raising serious concerns about the role of the protein in the disease. The present study investigated the role of iNOS in ovalbumin-induced eosinophilia from the perspective of its relationship with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) and oxidative DNA damage.A mouse model of ovalbumin-induced eosinophilia was used to conduct the studies.iNOS-associated protein nitration and tissue damage were partially responsible for allergen-induced eosinophilia. iNOS expression was required for oxidative DNA damage and PARP-1 activation upon allergen challenge. PARP-1 was required for iNOS expression and protein nitration, and this requirement was connected to nuclear factor-κB. PARP-1 was an important substrate for iNOS-associated by-products after ovalbumin-challenge. PARP-1 nitration blocked its poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity. Interleukin-5 re-establishment in ovalbumin-exposed PARP-1-/-mice reversed eosinophilia and partial mucus production without a reversal of iNOS expression, concomitant protein nitration or associated DNA damage.The present results demonstrate a reciprocal relationship between inducible nitric oxide synthase and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 and suggest that expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase may be dispensable for eosinophilia after interleukin-5 production. Inducible nitric oxide synthase may be required for oxidative DNA damage and full manifestation of mucus production. Such dispensability may explain, in part, the reported ineffectiveness of inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibition in preventing allergen-induced inflammation in humans.
Mechanisms of heteroresistance to isoniazid and rifampin ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Authors: Hofmann-Thiel S. , van Ingen J. , Feldmann K. , Turaev L. , Uzakova G. T. , Murmusaeva G. , van Soolingen D. , Hoffmann H. 
Published: October 2008

Heteroresistance ofMycobacterium tuberculosis(MTB) is defined as the coexistence of susceptible and resistant organisms to anti-tuberculosis (TB) drugs in the same patient. Heteroresistance of MTB is considered a preliminary stage to full resistance. To date, no mechanism causing heteroresistance of MTB has been proven.Clinical specimens and cultures from 35 TB patients from Tashkent, Uzbekistan, were analysed using the Genotype MTBDR assay (Hain Lifescience, Nehren, Germany), which is designed to detect genetic mutations associated with resistance to rifampin and isoniazid. Cases of heteroresistance were further subjected to genotyping using mycobacterial interspersed repetitive unit-variable-number tandem repeat typing, spoligotyping and IS6110fingerprinting.Heteroresistance to rifampin and/or isoniazid was found in seven cases (20%). In five of them, heteroresistance was caused by two different strains and in two by a single strain of the Beijing genotype. The latter cases had a history of relapse of their TB.For the first time, two different mechanisms of heteroresistance in tuberculosis have been proven using a stepwise molecular-biological approach: 1) superinfection with two different strains, which is of interest for clinical infection control practitioners; and 2) splitting of a single strain into susceptible and resistant organisms. The latter mechanism is most likely to be related to poor treatment quality and could serve as a quality marker for tuberculosis therapy programmes in the future.
Prognostic and aetiological factors in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Condliffe R. , Kiely D. G. , Gibbs J. S. R. , Corris P. A. , Peacock A. J. , Jenkins D. P. , Goldsmith K. , Coghlan J. G. , Pepke-Zaba J. 
Published: October 2008

Several prognostic variables have previously been identified in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Specific medical conditions have also been associated with the development and prognosis of CTEPH. Using a national registry, the current authors have assessed the prognostic value of a larger number of variables and have also attempted to validate the clinical importance of previously identified aetiological factors.Baseline information for all 469 CTEPH patients diagnosed in the UK pulmonary hypertension service between January 2001 and June 2006 was collected from hospital records.Although univariate analysis confirmed the prognostic importance of pulmonary resistance, in multivariate analysis gas transfer and exercise capacity predicted pulmonary endarterectomy perioperative mortality. Cardiac index and exercise capacity independently predicted outcome in patients with nonoperable disease. Previous splenectomy was noted in 6.7% of patients, being significantly more common in patients with nonoperable than operable disease (13.7versus3.6%). Medical risk factors were not found to predict mortality.In a large national cohort, predictors of outcome in patients with both operable and nonoperable chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension have been identified. These may be useful in planning treatment. The aetiological importance of previously identified medical risk factors has been confirmed, although the current authors were unable to validate their prognostic strength.
Recurrence of tuberculosis in a low-incidence setting
Authors: Dobler C. C. , Crawford A. B. H. , Jelfs P. J. , Gilbert G. L. , Marks G. B. 
Published: October 2008

Recurrence of active tuberculosis following treatment of an initial disease episode can occur due to endogenous re-activation or exogenous re-infection.Cases of recurrent tuberculosis in the Australian state of New South Wales between 1994 and 2006 were identified by data linkage analysis with confirmatory review of case notes. Patients with more than one culture-positive disease episode during that time period who had completed treatment for the initial disease episode were included. Genotyping ofMycobacterium tuberculosiswas used to determine whether recurrence was likely to be due to re-activation or re-infection.There were 5,723 tuberculosis notifications between 1994 and 2006, 3,731 of which were culture-positive. Fifteen (0.4%) patients had recurrent culture-positive disease over a mean 5.7 yrs of follow-up (crude annual incidence 71 per 100,000 population). Recurrent tuberculosis was attributable to re-activation (indistinguishable strains) in 11 (73%) cases and to re-infection (different strains) in four (27%).In a low-incidence setting of tuberculosis, a control programme incorporating directly observed therapy for active disease resulted in a very low rate of recurrent tuberculosis over a long period of follow-up. Re-infection is less likely than re-activation, but still contributes significantly to the number of cases with recurrent disease.
Computed tomographic emphysema distribution: relationship to clinical features in a cohort of smokers
Authors: Mair G. , Miller J. J. , McAllister D. , Maclay J. , Connell M. , Murchison J. T. , MacNee W. 
Published: October 2008

Computed tomography (CT) scanning allows precise assessment of both the extent and distribution of emphysema. There has been little work on the relationship between the distribution of emphysema and clinical features of the disease. The current study investigated the association between clinical features and distribution of emphysema.A total of 129 patients with smoking-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underwent CT assessment of the extent and distribution of their emphysema (core/rind and upper/lower zone predominance).Emphysema was found predominantly in the upper/core zone and this distribution was related to the extent of disease. Core predominance was associated with lower forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio and body mass index (BMI); and with higher BODE (BMI, airflow obstruction, dyspnoea and exercise capacity) index and Medical Research Council dyspnoea score. Upper-zone predominance was associated with female sex and an increased total St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire score. Using multiple linear regression age, sex and whole lung emphysema severity were independently associated with core/rind distribution, while sex and whole lung emphysema severity were independently related to upper/lower distribution.Distribution of emphysema related best to clinical features when divided into core/rind predominance. However, the effects were not independent of the extent of emphysema. Increased age and female sex were related to disease distribution independent of emphysema severity. These findings may be related to differences in development of emphysema.
Assessing response to treatment of exacerbations of bronchiectasis in adults
Authors: Murray M. P. , Turnbull K. , MacQuarrie S. , Hill A. T. 
Published: October 2008

The present study aimed to assess the effect of intravenous antibiotic therapy on clinical and laboratory end-points in exacerbations of noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and to determine whether the outcomes were influenced by the pathogenic organism isolated.A prospective cohort study was conducted from November 2006 to March 2008 of exacerbations requiring intravenous antibiotics. End-points included 24-h sputum volume, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), incremental shuttle walk test, qualitative sputum microbiology, white cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein (CRP) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Exacerbations due toPseudomonas aeruginosawere compared with exacerbations due to other potential pathogenic organisms.In total, 32 exacerbations were studied. Following 14 days of intravenous antibiotics, all outcomes significantly improved independent of a pathogenic organism, except FEV1and FVC. The most responsive markers were: 24-h sputum volume (reduced in all patients and 80% had ≥50% reduction); sputum bacterial clearance (78.1%); CRP (≥75% reduction in 62.5%) and SGRQ (≥4 unit improvement in 89.7%). CRP, 24-h sputum volume and SGRQ improved independent of microbial clearance.In the current study, 24-h sputum volume, microbial clearance, C-reactive protein and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire were the most useful parameters to assess response to treatment of exacerbations of bronchiectasis. Outcomes were similar independent of the pathogenic organism with the exception of forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity.
The role of neutropenia on outcomes of cancer patients with community-acquired pneumonia
Authors: Aliberti S. , Myers J. A. , Peyrani P. , Blasi F. , Menendez R. , Rossi P. , Cosentini R. , Lopardo G. , de Vedia L. , Ramirez J. A. 
Published: October 2008

Although the presence of neutropenia may predispose cancer patients to develop community-acquired pneumonia, the role of neutropenia on their outcomes has not been investigated. The purpose of the present study was to compare clinical outcomes of cancer community-acquired pneumonia patients with and without neutropenia.Patients with cancer, identified in the Community-Acquired Pneumonia Organization database, were divided into two groups according to the type of cancer and the presence of neutropenia: patients with solid cancer without neutropeniaversusthose with functional or absolute neutropenia. Among the 3,106 community-acquired pneumonia patients enrolled, 135 had cancer without neutropenia and 75 had cancer with neutropenia.No significant difference was found between patients with and without neutropenia regarding mean time to clinical stability (5.4±2.7versus4.9±2.7 days, respectively), mean length of hospital stay (9.2±7.7versus9.9±9.6 days) and in-hospital mortality (18versus15%, respectively). Using a multiple logistic regression model, neutropenia was not associated with mortality in cancer patients when adjusting for significant covariates (odds ratio 1.30).Lack of neutropenia, during the initial evaluation of a cancer community-acquired pneumonia patient, should not be considered an indicator of better clinical outcome.