bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
INDIVIDUAL EQUITY RETURN DATA FROM THOMSON DATASTREAM: HANDLE WITH CARE!
Authors: Ince Ozgur S. , Porter R. Burt 
Published: November 2006

AbstractWe compare individual U.S. equity return data from Thomson Datastream (TDS) with similar data from the Center for Research in Security Prices (CRSP) to evaluate TDS for use in studies involving large numbers of individual equities in markets outside the United States. We document important issues of coverage, classification, and data integrity and find that naive use of TDS data can have a large impact on economic inferences. We show that after careful screening of the TDS data, inferences drawn from TDS data are similar to those drawn from CRSP. We illustrate the importance of the screens we develop using U.S. TDS data by applying the screens to TDS data from four European equity markets.
Helicobacter felis Infection Causes an Acute Iron Deficiency in Nonpregnant and Pregnant Mice
Authors: Gøbel Rikke , Symonds Erin L. , Kritas Stawatiki , Butler Ross N , Tran Coung Duy 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground  The role of Helicobacter pylori infection in iron deficiency during pregnancy is limited. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between Helicobacter infection and levels of iron stores in pregnant mice.Materials and Methods  Female C57BL/6 mice were either inoculated with 108 H. pylori, Helicobacter felis or water. In the nonpregnant study, 15 mice from each group were sacrificed after 4 and 20 weeks of infection. In the pregnancy study, after 6 weeks of infection all female mice were mated and approximately 2 weeks after mating, half of the pregnant mice (n = 9/group) from each group were sacrificed. The remaining mice were allowed to give birth, and approximately 4 weeks after birth, mice were asphyxiated with CO2, followed by heart puncture, and killed by cervical dislocation. Serum ferritin and iron were determined with a micro‐particle enzyme immunoassay method and by a timed‐endpoint method.Results  Serum iron levels in mice infected with H. felis were significantly (p < .05) lowered compared to control (24%) and H. pylori (27%)‐infected mice at 4 weeks of infection. Serum iron in the control, H. pylori and H. felis groups were significantly (p < .05) elevated at 20 weeks by 39, 26 and 77%, respectively, compared to 4 weeks of infection. H. felis‐infected mice had a significantly (p < .05) decreased serum ferritin level during pregnancy (61%) compared to H. pylori‐infected mice.Conclusion  These results suggest that H. felis but not H. pylori infection causes an acute iron deficiency in normal and pregnant mice.
Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori vacA, cagA, cagE, iceA, babA2 Genotypes and Correlation with Clinical Outcome in Turkish Patients with Dyspepsia
Authors: Erzin Y. , Koksal V. , Altun S. , Dobrucali A. , Aslan M. , Erdamar S. , Dirican A. , Kocazeybek B. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  Distinct virulence factors of Helicobacter pylori have been associated with clinical outcome of the infection; however, considerable variations have been reported from different geographic regions and data on genotypes of Turkish H. pylori isolates are sparse.Aim:  To determine the prevalence of specific genotypes of H. pylori in Turkish patients with dyspepsia.Materials and Methods:   Ninety‐three H. pylori‐positive patients [30 with non‐ulcer dyspepsia (NUD), 30 with duodenal ulcer (DU), and 33 with gastric cancer (GC)] who were admitted to our endoscopy unit due to dyspepsia were enrolled in the study. H. pylori infection was confirmed in all patients by histology and rapid urease test (RUT). The presence of vacA alleles, cagA, cagE, iceA, and babA2 genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Chi‐squared test and Fisher's exact test were used for statistical comparisons and multivariate regression analysis was performed to find out independent predictors of different clinical outcomes.Results:  Turkish strains examined predominantly possessed the vacA s1,m2 (48.4%) and s1,m1 (40.7%) genotypes. The vacA s1a genotype was detected in 66.7, 96.4, and 87.9% of isolates from patients with NUD, DU, and GC, respectively, and its presence was significantly associated with that of DU (p = .004), GC (p = .043), and cagA gene (p = .021). None of the cases was found to harbor the s1c genotype.The frequencies of the cagA and cagE genes among studied isolates were 73.6 and 59.3%, respectively. The cagA gene was significantly associated with the presence of DU (p = .004) and GC (p = .003), and the cagE gene, too, was significantly associated with the presence of DU (p = .002) and GC (p = .000).All H. pylori isolates possessed the iceA gene. In all, 68 isolates (74.7%) were positive for iceA1 and 23 (25.3%) for iceA2. The frequency of icea1 gene was significantly higher in cases with GC (85%) than in cases with NUD (60%) (p = .026).The frequency of babA2 gene was 23.3, 46.4, and 87.9% in isolates of patients with NUD, DU, and GC, respectively. When compared to cases with NUD (p = .000) and DU (p = .000), the presence of babA2 gene was significantly higher in cases with GC.Multivariate regression analysis disclosed cagE (p = .006) and vacA s1a (p = .027) genotypes to be independent predictors of DU and babA2 (p = .000) and cagE (p = .013) genotypes to be independent predictors of GC.Conclusions:  H. pylori vacA s1a, cagA, cagE genotypes have significant relations with the presence of DU and GC, and iceA1, babA2 with GC in Turkish patients with dyspepsia, whereas cagE and vacA s1a genotypes are independent predictors of DU, and babA2 and cagE genotypes are independent predictors of GC.
Alaska Sentinel Surveillance for Antimicrobial Resistance in Helicobacter pylori Isolates from Alaska Native Persons, 1999–2003
Authors: Bruce Michael G. , Bruden Dana L. , McMahon Brian J. , Hennessy Thomas W. , Reasonover Alisa , Morris Julie , Hurlburt Debby A. , Peters Helen , Sacco Frank , Martinez Patrick , Swenson Michael , Berg Douglas E. , Parks Debra , Parkinson Alan J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractBackground:  Previous studies in Alaska have demonstrated elevated proportions of antimicrobial resistance among Helicobacter pylori isolates.Materials and Methods:  We analyzed H. pylori data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s sentinel surveillance in Alaska from July 1999 to June 2003 to determine the proportion of culture‐positive biopsies from Alaska Native persons undergoing routine upper‐endoscopy, and the susceptibility of H. pylori isolates to metronidazole [minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of > 8 g metronidazole/mL), clarithromycin (MIC ≥ 1), tetracycline (MIC ≥ 2) and amoxicillin (MIC ≥ 1)] using agar dilution.Results:  Nine‐hundred sixty‐four biopsy specimens were obtained from 687 participants; 352 (51%) patients tested culture positive. Mean age of both culture‐positive and culture‐negative patients was 51 years. Metronidazole resistance was demonstrated in isolates from 155 (44%) persons, clarithromycin resistance from 108 (31%) persons, amoxicillin resistance from 8 (2%) persons, and 0 for tetracycline resistance. Metronidazole and clarithromycin resistance varied by geographic region. Female patients were more likely than male subjects to show metronidazole resistance (p < .01) and clarithromycin resistance (p = .05).Conclusions:  Resistance to metronidazole and clarithromycin is more common among H. pylori isolates from Alaska Native persons when compared with those from elsewhere in the USA.
Reversal of Left Ventricular Dysfunction Following Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: GENTLESK PHILIP J. , SAUER WILLIAM H. , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , LIN DAVID , DIXIT SANJAY , PA‐C ERICA ZADO , CALLANS DAVID , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS E. 
Published: November 2006

Background: Evaluation of ventricular rate control in atrial fibrillation (AF) can be difficult, and the presence of an AF‐induced ventricular cardiomyopathy due to intermittent poor rate control or other causes may be underestimated. The outcome with AF ablation in patients with a decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) may provide insight into this important clinical issue. Objective: To determine the effect of pulmonary vein isolation on LVEF in patients with AF and decreased LVEF (≤50%). Methods: Ablation consisted of proximal isolation of arrhythmogenic pulmonary veins (PVs) and elimination of non‐PV triggers. LVEF was determined within 24 hours after ablation and again at up to 6 months follow‐up. Transtelephonic monitoring was performed routinely for 2–3 weeks prior to ablation, at 6 weeks, and 6 months post and with symptoms following ablation. AF control was defined as freedom from AF or marked (>90%) reduction in AF burden on or off previously ineffective antiarrhythmic medication. Results: AF ablation was performed in 366 patients and 67 (18%) patients had decreased LV function with a mean LVEF of 42 ± 9%. An average of 3.4 ± 0.9 PVs were isolated. AF control in the depressed LVEF group compared favorably with the normal EF group (86% vs. 87% P = NS), although more redo procedures were required (1.6 ± 0.8 vs 1.3 ± 0.6 procedures; P ≤ 0.05). Only 15 of 67 patients (22%) with decreased LVEF had shown tachycardia (>100 bpm) on repeated preablation ECG recordings during AF. In the decreased LVEF group, the LVEF increased from 42 ± 9% to 56 ± 8% (P < 0.001) after ablation. Conclusions: Patients with AF and decreased LVEF undergoing AF ablation have similar success to patients with normal LVEF and have improvement in LVEF after ablation. These results suggest the presence of a reversible AF‐induced ventricular cardiomyopathy in many patients with AF and depressed LV function. The presence of under‐recognized and reversible cardiomyopathy even when tachycardia is not persistent is important to recognize.
Electroanatomic Remodeling of the Left Atrium in Patients Undergoing Repeat Pulmonary Vein Ablation: Mechanistic Insights and Implications for Ablation
Authors: MESAS CÉZAR EUMANN , AUGELLO GIUSEPPE , EDWARD LANG CHRISTOPHER CHARLES , GUGLIOTTA FILIPPO , VICEDOMINI GABRIELE , SORA NICOLETA , De PAOLA ANGELO AMATO VINCENZO , PAPPONE CARLO 
Published: November 2006

Introduction: There is limited information describing late changes in the electroanatomic characteristics of the left atrium (LA) associated with recurrence after an anatomical circumferential pulmonary vein ablation (CPVA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods and Results: Forty‐seven patients (57 ± 8 years) undergoing a repeat ablation after CPVA were included. Using an electroanatomic mapping system, we measured the bipolar voltage by averaging points in the pulmonary vein (PV)‐LA junction and four other LA sites. Conduction velocity and AF cycle length (AFCL) were also measured and the results are compared with the first procedure. After an initial decrease observed at the end of the first procedure, voltage and conduction velocity returned to intermediate values in all LA sites, with lower voltage at the LIPV antrum (P = 0.004), and lower conduction velocity across the LIPV and RSPV (P < 0.001). Conduction gaps were more prevalent at the septal aspect of the right PV encircling lines (85%), between the left atrial appendage (LAA) and the LSPV (70%) and lines at the posterior wall (71%). There was a nonsignificant increase in AFCL, with a more widespread distribution of organized electrograms (32.4% vs 46.6%). Conclusion: Recurrence after CPVA is associated with a reverse process of voltage and conduction velocity increase across ablated areas, especially the PV‐LA junction, and is related to the presence of conduction gaps, which are distributed mostly at the septal aspect of the lines encircling the right PVs and at the LAA‐LSPV area. Organization of atrial electrograms seen during AF ablation is maintained at a repeat procedure.
The Managed Ventricular Pacing™ Versus VVI 40 Pacing (MVP) Trial: Clinical Background, Rationale, Design, and Implementation
Authors: SWEENEY MICHAEL O. , ELLENBOGEN KENNETH A. , MILLER ELAINE HOGAN , SHERFESEE LOU , SHELDON TODD , WHELLAN DAVID 
Published: November 2006

Background: Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) reduce mortality among appropriately selected patients who have had or are at risk for life‐threatening ventricular arrhythmia. Right ventricular apical (RVA) pacing has been implicated in worsening heart failure and death. The optimal pacemaker mode for bradycardia support while minimizing unnecessary and potentially harmful RVA pacing has not been determined. Methods: The Managed Ventricular pacing vs. VVI 40 Pacing Trial (MVP) is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, single‐blind, parallel, controlled clinical trial designed to establish whether atrial‐based dual‐chamber managed ventricular pacing mode (MVP™) is equivalent or superior to back‐up only ventricular pacing (VVI 40) among patients with standard indications for ICD therapy and no indication for bradycardia pacing. The MVP Trial is designed with 80% power to detect a 10% reduction in the primary endpoint of new or worsening heart failure or all‐cause mortality in the MVP™‐treated group.Approximately 1,000 patients at 80 centers in the United States, Canada, Western Europe, and Israel will be randomized to MVP™ or VVI 40 pacing after successful implantation of a dual‐chamber ICD. Heart failure therapies will be optimized in accordance with evidence‐based guidelines. Prespecified secondary endpoints will include ventricular arrhythmias, atrial fibrillation, new indication for bradycardia pacing, health‐related quality of life, and cost effectiveness. Enrollment began in October 2004 and concluded in April 2006. The study will be terminated upon recommendation of the Data Monitoring Committee or when the last patient enrolled and surviving has reached a minimum 2 years of follow‐up. Conclusion: The MVP Trial will meet the clinical need for carefully designed prospective studies to define the benefits of atrial‐based dual‐chamber minimal ventricular pacing versus single‐chamber ventricular pacing in conventional ICD patients.
Biological maturity and injury in elite youth football
Authors: Le Gall F. , Carling C. , Reilly T. 
Published: November 2006

The purpose of the present study was to investigate injury according to biological maturity in elite under‐14 youth football players based at the National Football Institute, France. Over 10 seasons, injury incidence, severity and distribution were compared in 233 players classed according to individual biological maturity determined by skeletal age into three cohorts as early, normal and late maturers.A non‐significant higher injury incidence was found in early and normal maturers compared with late maturers. In contrast, the latter group sustained a significantly higher incidence of major injuries compared with early maturers (0.3 vs 0.6 vs 0.9, P=0.039). A significantly higher incidence of osteochrondoses was reported in normal and late maturers (0.3 vs 0.7 vs 0.9, P=0.014), whereas tendinopathy incidence was greater in early and normal maturers (0.06 vs 0.08 vs 0.02, P=0.033). Early maturers incurred the highest incidence of groin strains and re‐injuries (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between groups in the seasonal disposition of injury.Biological maturity status did not significantly affect overall injury incidence in elite French youth football players, although there were differences between maturity groups when patterns of injury location, type, severity and re‐injury were analyzed.
Association of Risk Factors and Medical Comorbidities with Male Sexual Dysfunctions
Authors: El-Sakka Ahmed I. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Conventionally, little attention has been given to the association of risk factors and medical comorbidities with male sexual dysfunctions. Although that association has been recently shown in many studies, it is not yet well investigated in the Saudi community.

Aim
To investigate the association of risk factors and medical comorbidities with male sexual dysfunctions in the Saudi community.

Methods
A total of 1,464 male patients with a clinical diagnosis of sexual dysfunctions were enrolled in this study. All patients were assessed for sexual functions using different domains of the International Index for Erectile Function. Patients were also interviewed for sociodemographic data, medical history, and risk factors for erectile dysfunction (ED). Routine laboratory investigations, plus total testosterone and prolactin assessments, were offered to all patients. Assessments of penile vasculature using Doppler ultrasonography and rigidometer were performed.

Results
A total of 92.6% of the patients had ED, 50.8% had premature ejaculation (PE), and 7.6% had low sexual desire. There was a significant association between increased age and increased severity of ED. In total, 20% had psychogenic cause, whereas 80% had organic cause of ED. Of the patients, 10.2% had mild, 41% had moderate, and 48.8% had severe ED. There were significant associations between endocrinopathy and both low sexual desire and PE (P &lt;0.05). There were significant associations between increased severity of ED and presence of diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, and psychological disorders. There were significant associations between increased severity of ED and increased values of end diastolic velocity, decreased values of peak systolic velocity, resistive index, rigidometer, and decreased response to intracavernosal injection (P &lt;0.001).

Conclusion
This study provides an assessment of the association of risk factors and medical comorbidities with male sexual dysfunctions in ambulatory service in this community.
Dorsal Vein Injuries Observed During Penile Exploration for Suspected Penile Fracture
Authors: Bar-Yosef Yuval , Greenstein Alexander , Beri Avi , Lidawi Ghalib , Matzkin Haim , Chen Juza 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Penile fracture is a rare injury, bearing potential impairment of erectile function if not treated. Patients with clinical presentation of a penile fracture commonly undergo early surgical exploration with the intention to repair a tunica albuginea tear.

Aim
We present a group of men who presented with a penile hematoma following trauma to the erect penis. Exploration revealed an intact tunica albuginea and a dorsal vein tear.

Methods
Eighteen men (mean age 38 years, range 20–55) presented with suspected penile fracture during an 8-year period. One man presented twice. Two of the patients were managed expectantly and the remaining 16 patients underwent 17 immediate surgical explorations. Explorations were performed under general anesthesia, using a circumferential subcoronal incision and degloving of the penile skin. The tunica albuginea of both penile sides as well as the penile urethra were examined for injuries.

Main Outcome Measures
Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for etiology, symptoms, signs of physical examination, and information on findings of surgical exploration. Data on erectile function, medical treatment for erectile dysfunction, and penile curvature were obtained during follow-up.

Results
In nine of the 17 procedures the tunica albuginea was intact and the only pathological finding was a ruptured dorsal vein. One procedure was negative for both tunical and vascular injury. A tunical tear was detected in the remaining seven procedures. At a mean follow-up of 40 months (range 4–91), five patients required medical treatment for erectile dysfunction, including the two who were managed expectantly, two with a tunical tear, and one with a venous tear.

Conclusions
Dorsal vein tears may mimic penile fracture. Suggestive findings following trauma to the erect penis prompted exploration for suspected tunica albuginea tear. In less than half of the men was the diagnosis of penile fracture established and treated at surgery.
Corporoscopic Excavation of the Fibrosed Corpora Cavernosa for Penile Prosethesis Implantation: Optical Corporotomy and Trans-Corporeal Resection, Shaeer’s Technique
Authors: Shaeer Osama , Shaeer Ahmed 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Implantation of a penile prosthesis in cases of neglected or resistant ischemic priapism, or delayed re-implantation following prosthesis infection and extraction, is usually a difficult and risky procedure due to fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa. Among the common complications are perforation of the urethra, tunica albuginea, and infection. The complications are usually due to the use of blind force against resistance.

Aim
We propose the techniques of Trans-Corporeal Resection and Optical Corporotomy as adjuvant measures for excavating the fibrosed corpora cavernosa under vision, without the use of force against resistance.

Methods
Six patients with diffuse fibrosis of the corpora cavernosa were operated on. The instruments and technique are the same as for optical urethrotomy and transurethral resection. Optical Corporotomy was started with, where the corpora are incised from within. After establishment of a satisfactory passage, Trans-Corporeal Resection followed to scrape the fibrous tissue. Implantation of penile prosthesis was completed as usual. The procedure was performed through 1.5 cm incision in the tunica albuginea.

Main Outcome Measures
Length, girth, and straightness in the erect position, as well as the incidence of complications.

Results
Operative time was an average of 90 minutes. No difficulty was encountered during the procedure. No complications were noted through 1 year of follow-up.

Conclusion
Optical Corporotomy and Trans-Corporeal Resection allow for force-free, visually monitored excavation of the fibrosed corpora cavernosa, aiming at safer penile prosthesis implantation.
Biofilm Formation byStreptococcus pneumoniae: Role of Choline, Extracellular DNA, and Capsular Polysaccharide in Microbial Accretion
Authors: Moscoso Miriam , García Ernesto , López Rubens 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTStreptococcus pneumoniaecolonizes the human upper respiratory tract, and this asymptomatic colonization is known to precede pneumococcal disease. In this report, chemically defined and semisynthetic media were used to identify the initial steps of biofilm formation by pneumococcus during growth on abiotic surfaces such as polystyrene or glass. Unencapsulated pneumococci adhered to abiotic surfaces and formed a three-dimensional structure about 25 μm deep, as observed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and low-temperature scanning electron microscopy. Choline residues of cell wall teichoic acids were found to play a fundamental role in pneumococcal biofilm development. The role in biofilm formation of choline-binding proteins, which anchor to the teichoic acids of the cell envelope, was determined using unambiguously characterized mutants. The results showed that LytA amidase, LytC lysozyme, LytB glucosaminidase, CbpA adhesin, PcpA putative adhesin, and PspA (pneumococcal surface protein A) mutants had a decreased capacity to form biofilms, whereas no such reduction was observed in Pce phosphocholinesterase or CbpD putative amidase mutants. Moreover, encapsulated, clinical pneumococcal isolates were impaired in their capacity to form biofilms. In addition, a role for extracellular DNA and proteins in the establishment ofS. pneumoniaebiofilms was demonstrated. Taken together, these observations provide information on conditions that favor the sessile mode of growth byS. pneumoniae. The experimental approach described here should facilitate the study of bacterial genes that are required for biofilm formation. Those results, in turn, may provide insight into strategies to prevent pneumococcal colonization of its human host.