bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The NT‐proBNP assay identifies very elderly nursing home residents suffering from pre‐clinical heart failure
Authors: Valle Roberto , Aspromonte Nadia , Barro Sabrina , Canali Cristina , Carbonieri Emanuele , Ceci Vincenzo , Chinellato Maura , Gallo Giovanni , Giovinazzo Prospero , Ricci Roberto , Milani Loredano 
Published: December 2004

BackgroundLittle is known about the prevalence of heart failure among very old people, although hospitalisation rates for chronic heart failure are very high. Recently, brain natriuretic peptides have emerged as important diagnostic and prognostic serum markers for congestive heart failure.AimsThe main purpose of our study was to determine whether there is a cut‐off for NT‐proBNP for detecting the echocardiographic features of left ventricular systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction and clinical heart failure among old people living in nursing homes. Secondarily, we investigated the medium‐term prognostic power of the neurohormone levels.MethodsWe screened 101 old people (80% females, aged 84±9 years) from two nursing homes. We prospectively evaluated whether we could effectively stratify patients using a combination of (1) restrictive clinical criteria, (2) NT‐proBNP measurements (Elecsys System, Roche Diagnostics) and (3) echocardiography for all patients.ResultsForty‐two percent of the subjects had left ventricular dysfunction: 11% systolic, 23% diastolic and 8% both systolic and diastolic. The mean NT‐proBNP concentration was 2806±7028 pg/ml in the 42 patients with left ventricular systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction, compared with 365±456 pg/ml in the 59 patients with normal left ventricular function (p<0.01, Z=−4.8 Mann–Whitney U test). The neurohormone proved to be a good predictor of events within 6 months [area under the receiver‐operated curve (ROC)=0.79].ConclusionsBlood NT‐proBNP concentrations can play an important role in stratifying old people into left ventricular dysfunction risk groups. The neurohormone is an independent marker for death or admission for heart failure in the medium term.
Family caregiving and congestive heart failure. Review and analysis
Authors: Molloy Gerard J. , Johnston Derek W. , Witham Miles D. 
Published: December 2004

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that discharge planning and post‐discharge support for CHF patients can contribute greatly to the medical management of heart failure (CHF) in the community and that the quality of the CHF patient's close personal relationships can influence outcome in CHF. However, there has been little research on the impact of CHF on the family or the role of the family in the management of the condition. In this paper, we provide a review and analysis of studies that have explicitly investigated these issues in the informal carers of CHF patients.Results of the reviewSixteen papers were identified that examined the role and/or impact of informal caregiving for CHF patients. Our main findings were: demands specific to CHF caregiving were identified, e.g., monitoring complex medical and self‐care regimen, disturbed sleep and frequent hospitalisation of patients. Relatively high levels of emotional distress were identified in CHF caregivers. Few studies explicitly investigated the role of informal carers in the management of CHF. Studies were limited in number, scope and quality.ConclusionCaring for a family member with CHF can affect the well‐being of those responsible for care, which may have consequences for the CHF patient's health. Further studies are needed to clarify these issues and to examine the role of informal caregivers in the management of CHF in the community.
Prognostic significance of new atrial fibrillation and its relation to heart failure following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Asanin Milika , Perunicic Jovan , Mrdovic Igor , Matic Mihailo , Vujisic‐Tesic Bosiljka , Arandjelovic Aleksandra , Vasiljevic Zorana , Ostojic Miodrag 
Published: December 2004

BackgroundNew‐onset atrial fibrillation (AF) after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) frequently occurs in association with postinfarction complications, particularly with heart failure (HF).AimsTo evaluate whether postinfarction HF is associated with the subsequent development of AF and whether AF independently predicts poorer prognosis.Methods and resultsWe examined 650 patients with AMI and compared patients with AF (n=320) to those without (n=330). AF patients were classified as either early AF (n=208)—patients who developed AF within 24 h of symptom onset or late AF (n=112)—patients who had AF thereafter. We compared outcomes between these groups, adjusting for differences in baseline characteristics and postinfarction HF. Heart failure was the most important predictor of AF. In most patients, AF occurred secondary to HF. AF patients had poorer outcomes, including higher in‐hospital and 7‐year mortality. After multivariate adjustment, overall, AF was not an independent predictor of in‐hospital [odds ratio (OR)=0.70) and 7‐year [relative risk (RR)=1.14] mortality, but late AF remained an independent predictor of 7‐year (RR=2.48, 95% confidence interval, 1.26–4.87) mortality.ConclusionsHeart failure mostly preceded the occurrence of new‐onset atrial fibrillation after acute myocardial infarction, but only late atrial fibrillation was independently related to long‐term mortality.
Spinal cord stimulation in sympathetically maintained complex regional pain syndrome type I with severe disability. A prospective clinical study
Authors: Harke Henning , Gretenkort Peter , Ladleif Hans Ulrich , Rahman Salah 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackground and purpose: In this prospective trial we assessed the long‐term effect of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) on the improvement of functional status in complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS I).Methods: A prerequisite for eligibility to SCS treatment was the responsiveness of patients to sympathetic nerve block. In 29 patients with chronic sympathetically maintained CRPS I, the efficacy of SCS on deep pain, allodynia and functional disability was determined. Pain intensity was estimated during SCS free intervals of 45 min (inactivation test) every 3 months and compared with that under SCS treatment.Results: On SCS treatment, both deep pain and allodynia could be permanently reduced from 10 to 0–2 on a 10 cm visual analogue scale (VAS) (p < 0.01). During the inactivation tests, reoccurrence of pain up to 8 VAS (quartiles 6–8) was measured. Considerable impairments in daily living activities, objectified by the pain disability index, were also restored (p < 0.01). After a follow‐up period of 35.6 − 21 months, 12 of 16 patients with affected upper limb showed significant increase of the fist grip strength from 0 to 0.35 (quartiles 0.1‐0.5) kg compared with 0.9 (quartiles 0.7‐1.1) kg on the unaffected side (p < 0.01). Eight of ten patients with lower limb disability resumed walking without crutches. Previous pain medication could be significantly reduced (p < 0.01).Conclusions: As a result of permanent pain relief under long‐term SCS combined with physiotherapy, the functional status and the quality of life could be significantly improved in sympathetically maintained CRPS I.
Stability of Thought Disorder Index among high-risk and low-risk adoptees in the Finnish adoptive family study of schizophrenia
Authors: Metsänen M. , Wahlberg K.-E , Saarento O. , Hakko H. , Tarvainen T. , Koistinen P. , Tienari P. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate whether thought disorders are stable, trait-like features specific to subjects who have a genetic liability to schizophrenia or a psychiatric disorder. The thought disorders of adoptees genetically at high risk (HR) or low risk (LR) for schizophrenia from the Finnish adoptive family study of schizophrenia were evaluated twice at a mean interval of 11 years, using the sum of the Thought Disorder Index (TDI) scores on the Rorschach (TDR). At the initial assessment, the mean TDR scores of women were significantly higher than those of men, while no association between genetic risk and psychiatric status or their interactions with the TDR scores at baseline were found. The main finding was that the initial TDR scores statistically significantly predicted the TDR scores at follow-up, thus indicating the stability of thought disorder over time. However, neither genetic or psychiatric status nor gender or any interaction between these variables associated with TDR at follow-up.
Perceptions of Indian women regarding menstruation
Authors: Bhatt R. , Bhatt M. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractAlthough menstruation is still considered a natural event by women in India, perceptions about menstruation are changing. We report on our study of 1150 urban and 850 rural women. The urban women included high school and college students, professional women, and housewives. A 10‐point questionnaire was pretested in a clinic setting and then administered to the study group. The responses show that 80% of high school and college students and professional women wish to have infrequent menses or no menses at all. In contrast, 70% of rural women prefer to have monthly menses. The authors wish to initiate a debate on this issue among health care providers and women's groups.
Takeover bids, unconditional offer price and investor protection
Authors: de la Bruslerie Hubert , Deffains‐Crapsky Catherine 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn this paper, we develop a contingent claim analysis on shareholders' right to sell unconditionally their shares at the acquisition bid price during a takeover bid procedure. Compared with a situation without any guarantee, this regulation brings about wealth transfer towards outside shareholders. Why, in an apparently irrational way, do outside shareholders, who may benefit from a price guarantee, not systematically sell their shares? That question emphasizes the outside shareholders' behavior. Using a real option valuation model to evaluate the price guarantee opportunity, we show that an equal treatment rule between controlling and outside shareholders may lead outside shareholders to sell their shares.
MRI and Muscle Signal Intensities in Alcoholics Compared With Control Subjects
Authors: Bigliocchi Marco , Lo Mele Luigi , Stasolla Alessandro , Kharrub Zaher , Riley Edward P. , Ceccanti Mauro , Attilia Maria L. , Giacomelli Stefano , Masciangelo Raffaele , Marini Mario 
Published: December 2004

Objective: To evaluate by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) the difference in muscle signal intensities between alcoholics and control subjects.Methods: Thirty‐four healthy subjects and 46 alcohol‐dependent individuals were assessed. MRI was carried out using a low‐field magnet (0.2 Tesla) and a limb‐dedicated coil. The presence of muscle changes was evaluated by measuring signal intensities at the medial (MG) and lateral heads of the gastrocnemius muscle by T1‐/T2‐weighted and gradient‐echo short tau inversion recovery sequences. The mean signal intensities of the two sample groups were compared by ANCOVA with age as a covariate. In the alcohol‐dependent group, correlations between signal intensities and plasma levels of muscular and hepatic enzymes, in addition to years of high‐risk consumption and lifetime dose of ethanol consumed, were assessed. The mean signal intensities were also compared with the different degrees of pain by ANOVA.Results: Compared with healthy subjects, the alcohol‐dependent group had mean higher signal intensities in both gastrocnemius heads in all sequences. The difference in the MG in T2‐weighted sequences was significant (F= 48.28, p < 0.01). A modest correlation between the years of high‐risk consumption and the signal intensity was found in T2‐weighted sequences in the MG (r= 0.288, p= 0.057), whereas a correlation with the lifetime dose consumed was not found. Significant correlations between signal intensities and plasma levels of muscular and hepatic enzymes were not found. There were also no significant group differences on different degrees of pain.Conclusion: MRI was shown to be a sensitive, well‐tolerated, and inexpensive procedure capable of detecting changes in signal intensities in the muscles of alcoholics. This technique could be included among other diagnostic tools for alcoholic myopathy with further improvements and if the signal alterations can be corroborated by biopsy evidence.
Brain Catalase Activity Inhibition as Well as Opioid Receptor Antagonism Increases Ethanol‐Induced HPA Axis Activation
Authors: Pastor Raúl , Sanchis‐Segura Carles , Aragon Carlos M.G. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Growing evidence indicates that brain catalase activity is involved in the psychopharmacological actions of ethanol. Recent data suggest that participation of this enzymatic system in some ethanol effects could be mediated by the endogenous opioid system. The present study assessed whether brain catalase has a role in ethanol‐induced activation of the HPA axis, a neuroendocrine system modulated by the endogenous opioid neurotransmission.Methods: Swiss male mice received an intraperitoneal injection of the catalase inhibitor 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole (AT; 0–1 g/kg), and 0 to 20 hr after this administration, animals received an ethanol (0–4 g/kg; intraperitoneally) challenge. Thirty, 60, or 120 min after ethanol administration, plasma corticosterone levels were determined immunoenzymatically. In addition, we tested the effects of 45 mg/kg of cyanamide (another catalase inhibitor) and 0 to 2 mg/kg of naltrexone (nonselective opioid receptor antagonist) on ethanol‐induced enhancement in plasma corticosterone values.Results: The present study revealed that AT boosts ethanol‐induced increase in plasma corticosterone levels in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. However, it did not affect corticosterone values when measured after administration of saline, cocaine (4 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), or morphine (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). The catalase inhibitor cyanamide (45 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) also increased ethanol‐related plasma corticosterone levels. These effects of AT and cyanamide on ethanol‐induced corticosterone values were observed under treatment conditions that decreased significantly brain catalase activity. Indeed, a significant correlation between effects of catalase manipulations on both variables was found. Finally, we found that the administration of naltrexone enhanced the levels of plasma corticosterone after the administration of saline or ethanol.Conclusions: This study shows that the inhibition of brain catalase increases ethanol‐induced plasma corticosterone levels. Results are discussed together with previous findings suggesting a putative linkage between brain ethanol metabolism and the endogenous opioid system to explain some of the neuroendocrine effects of ethanol.
Mismatch Negativity: No Difference Between Treatment‐Naive Alcoholics and Controls
Authors: Fein George , McGillivray Shannon , Finn Peter 
Published: December 2004

Background: Several studies have examined the mismatch negativity (MMN) evoked potential as a measure of a brain inhibitory deficit in alcoholics or those at risk for alcoholism. This study examined MMN in actively drinking treatment‐naive alcohol‐dependent individuals. This study examined the association of MMN with risk factors for alcoholism, postalcohol withdrawal hyperexcitability, and alcohol use variables.Methods: Electroencephalograms were gathered on 84 subjects (42 controls and 42 treatment‐naive alcohol‐dependent individuals) during a nonattending MMN experiment. Alcoholism family history density, the number of externalizing disorder symptoms, and psychological indices of deviance proneness served as measures of risk factors associated with the vulnerability to alcoholism. Alcohol use variables were used as measures of alcoholism severity.Results: There were no differences in the MMN integral, amplitude, or latency between control and treatment‐naive alcohol‐dependent subjects. There also were no significant associations of MMN measures with any of the measures of alcoholism vulnerability, with any of the alcohol use variables, or with the prevalence or severity of symptoms of postalcohol withdrawal hyperexcitability.Conclusions: Although there is a strong association between alcohol abuse and symptoms of disinhibition and deviance proneness, the MMN response does not offer any direct physiological evidence of this phenomenon.
Microarray Analysis of Ethanol‐Treated Cortical Neurons Reveals Disruption of Genes Related to the Ubiquitin‐Proteasome Pathway and Protein Synthesis
Authors: Gutala Ramana , Wang Ju , Kadapakkam Sheila , Hwang Yoon , Ticku Maharaj , Li Ming D. 
Published: December 2004

Background: Chronic ethanol abuse results in deleterious behavioral responses such as tolerance, dependence, reinforcement, sensitization, and craving. The objective of this research was to identify transcripts that are differentially regulated in ethanol‐treated cortical neurons compared with controls by using a pathway‐focused complementary DNA microarray.Methods: Cortical neurons were isolated from postconception day 14 C57BL/6 mouse fetuses and cultured according to a standard protocol. The cortical neuronal cells were treated with 100 mM ethanol for five consecutive days with a change of media every day. A homeostatic pathway‐focused microarray consisting of 638 sequence‐verified genes was used to measure transcripts differentially regulated in four ethanol‐treated cortical neuron samples and four control samples. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to verify the mRNA expression levels of genes of interest detected from the microarray experiments.Results: We identified 56 down‐regulated and 10 up‐regulated genes in ethanol‐treated cortical neurons relative to untreated controls at a 5% false‐discovery rate. The expression of many genes involved in ubiquitin‐proteasome and protein synthesis was decreased by ethanol, including ubiquitin B, ubiquitin‐like 3, ubiquitin‐conjugating enzyme E3A, 20S proteasome α‐ and β‐subunits, and members of the ribosomal proteins. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of heat shock proteins, myristoylated alanine‐rich protein kinase C substrate, phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10, and FK506 binding protein rapamycin‐associated protein (FKBP) (mTOR) was also decreased in ethanol‐treated cortical neurons. Quantitative real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction analysis of genes involved in the ubiquitin‐proteasome cascade revealed a down‐regulation of these genes, thereby corroborating our microarray results.Conclusions: Our results indicate that chronic ethanol treatment of cortical neurons resulted in decreased mRNA expression of genes involving the ubiquitin‐proteasome pathway and ribosomal proteins together with mTOR expression leading to disruption of protein degradation mechanism and impairment of protein synthesis machinery.
Ultrasonic evidence of placental calcification at 36 weeks' gestation: maternal and fetal outcomes
Authors: McKenna Daniel , Tharmaratnam Suresh , Mahsud Samina , Dornan James 
Published: December 2004

Background.  To determine the significance of an inappropriately mature placenta on ultrasound examination (Grannum classification), in a low‐risk obstetric population. Scans were performed at 36 weeks' gestation. The study group comprised patients demonstrating a grade III placenta, and the control group comprised patients not demonstrating a grade III placenta.Methods.  A total of 1802 low‐risk patients were scanned using serial directed real‐time ultrasound at 36 weeks' gestation to determine placental maturity.Results.  The incidence of a grade III placenta at 36 weeks' gestation was 3.8% (68/1802). A grade III placenta was associated with young maternal age and cigarette smoking, p < 0.01. The incidence of proteinuric pregnancy‐induced hypertension in the study and control groups was 7.4% (5/68) and 1.56% (27/1734), respectively, p < 0.01. The proportion of infants with a weight less than the 10th centile at birth in the study and control groups was 17.6% (12/68) and 5.6% (97/1734), respectively, p < 0.01.Conclusions.  Ultrasound detection of a grade III placenta at 36 weeks' gestation in a low‐risk population helps to identify the “at‐risk” pregnancy. It helps to predict subsequent development of proteinuric pregnancy‐induced hypertension and may help in identifying the growth‐restricted baby.
Arms and the Man: World War I and the Rise of the Welfare State
Authors: Dudley Leonard , Witt Ulrich 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYWhy did peacetime government shares of total spending double in a number of Western economies between 1910 and 1938? The widely separated dates for the introduction of universal manhood suffrage and the evidence of a rise in protection during the inter‐war period indicate that neither democracy nor globalization can explain this development. This paper reexamines two other explanations, namely, (1) a shift in the demand for public goods and (2) a war‐induced willingness to share with one's fellow citizens. By introducing into Schelling's (1978) Multi‐Person Dilemma a learning game whose payoffs change endogenously, we provide theoretical explanations for this transformation. We then test the resulting propositions with data on public spending as a share of GNP for the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Germany and Denmark, from the 1870s to the 1930s. In each case, we find no unit root but a break in trend, a result shown to favor explanation (2) over (1).
The Political Economy of Privatization: Empirical Evidence from Transition Economies
Authors: Opper Sonja 
Published: December 2004

SUMMARYThis paper provides systematic evidence for both the cross‐country and sector‐independent validation of political‐economic theories used to explain changes in national property rights arrangements. A political‐economic model for privatization will be developed and then tested on progress in large‐scale and small‐scale privatizations in 14 Central and Eastern European transition economies between 1994 and 2000. It will be proven that divergent levels of progress in large‐scale privatization can be explained to a large extent by the structural and financial constraints on political decision‐makers and varying national interest group constellations. Small‐scale privatization is not significantly determined by political constraints and interest group pressure. This finding supports the assumption that the relative merits of different theories to explain changes in property rights arrangements depend crucially on the specific conditions of initial property arrangements.