bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance of anemia and its correction in the management of severe congestive heart failure
Authors: Silverberg Donald S. , Wexler Dov , Iaina Adrian 
Published: December 2002

AbstractAbout half of all the patients with CHF are anemic (they have a hemoglobin of <12 g%). The prevalence and severity of this anemia increase with increasing severity of the CHF. The anemia is caused by a combination of poor nutrition, associated renal insufficiency causing inappropriately low Erythropoietin (EPO) levels, bone marrow depression and EPO resistance caused by excessive TNF alpha and other factors, gastrointestinal blood loss caused by aspirin, ACE inhibitors, EPO loss in the urine with proteinuria, and hemodilution caused by the excessive plasma volume. Studies have shown that the anemia is an independent risk factor for death in CHF, almost doubling the mortality rate. Correction of the anemia with subcutaneous EPO and IV iron improves cardiac function and functional capacity, helps prevent the progression of renal failure, markedly reduces hospitalization and diuretic doses, and improves self assessed quality of life. This so‐called Cardio Renal Anemia Syndrome is very common in CHF. Its successful treatment demands close cooperation between cardiologists and nephrologists.
Comparison of the antagonistic effects of different angiotensin II receptor blockers in human coronary arteries
Authors: Pantev Emil , Stenman Emelie , Wackenfors Angelica , Edvinsson Lars , Malmsjö Malin 
Published: December 2002

AbstractBackground:Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a potent vasoconstrictor and a deleterious factor in cardiovascular pathophysiology. Ang II receptor blockers (ARBs) have recently been introduced into clinical practice for treatment of hypertension and congestive heart failure.Aims:This study was undertaken to evaluate the inhibitory effects of ARBs on vasoconstriction in humans.Methods:Vasomotor tone was analyzed in endothelium denuded, human coronary artery (HCA) segments. Ang II type 1 (AT1) and type 2 (AT2) receptor mRNA expression was examined by reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).Results:Ang II was a potent vasoconstrictor (pEC50=7.7). At 1 nM of the AT1 receptor antagonists, candesartan and valsartan, the maximum contraction was depressed to 57 and 50% of Ang II, respectively, indicating insurmountability. Although generally considered surmountable, the presence of 100 nM losartan elicited a depression of the Ang II response to 32%. Its active metabolite, EXP 3174 (1 nM), abolished the Ang II contraction. The AT1 receptor antagonists had the following order of blocking effect; EXP 3174>candesartan=valsartan>losartan. The AT2 receptor antagonist, PD 123319 (100 nM) significantly attenuated the Ang II contraction (Emax=62% of Ang II). RT‐PCR of HCA smooth muscle cells demonstrated expression of both AT1 and AT2 receptor mRNA.Conclusions:Ang II contraction in HCA is mediated mainly by AT1 but also involves AT2 receptors. The active metabolite of losartan, EXP 3174, is the most efficacious AT1 receptor antagonist in HCA.
Combination of HBIG and lamivudine-resistant mutations: A formula for trouble?
Authors: Fontana Robert J. , Lok Anna S.F. 
Published: December 2002

Abstract

Background & Aims:
Lamivudine has become a main therapeutic option for treating hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Although drug resistance develops, the clinical course after selection of antiviral-resistant HBV mutants seems to be benign. However, we observed a severe clinical course of hepatitis B infection in several liver transplant recipients after the emergence of lamivudine resistance. This was associated with high viral load in the blood.

Methods:
In this report, we characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying drug-dependent enhanced replication of particular lamivudine-resistant HBV mutants selected in these patients, which were associated with sudden onset of liver failure.

Results:
The clinical course was characterized by a sudden rise in serum bilirubin, prothrombin time, and transaminase. HBV sequence analysis of these patients revealed both mutations in the “a-determinant” of the envelope and the YMDD (tyrosine, methionine, aspartate, aspartate) motif (domain C) of the polymerase protein. Transfection experiments with replication competent vectors indicated that the “a-determinant” changes were not associated with resistance, whereas mutations in the YMDD motif conferred resistance to lamivudine. More importantly, combinations of mutations in the “a-determinant” and the YMDD motif in patients with a severe hepatitis were not only resistant to lamivudine treatment, but showed enhanced replication in vitro in the presence of lamivudine. This observation was confirmed in separate laboratories.

Conclusions:
Severe and fatal hepatitis B infection can occur during lamivudine therapy and may be associated with certain HBV mutants selected during sequential nucleoside and HBIg treatment. The lamivudine-enhanced replication shown by these mutants suggests that continuation of therapy with lamivudine could be deleterious in some patients.
Mobilizing for pedestrian safety: an experiment in community action
Authors: Bergman A B , Gray B , Moffat J M , Simpson E S , Rivara F P 
Published: December 2002

In contrast to the steady reduction in mortality and morbidity from collisions involving motor vehicle occupants, relatively little progress has been made in controlling motor vehicle/pedestrian collisions. Engineering modifications are the most effective means of reducing such collisions, but mainly because of their cost, and public apathy about pedestrian safety, are too rarely employed.A modest experiment in community action was undertaken by attempting to induce the authorities of 10 small cities to apply for state funds to create a single model pedestrian refuge in their respective communities. Our hope was that this model would later lead to more widespread improvements. The key elements of the campaign were organizing local pedestrian safety task forces, compiling local pedestrian injury statistics, and publicizing the stories of pedestrian injury victims.At the conclusion of the planning process, all 10 target communities submitted grant applications and all 10 received full grant funding. Five projects were completed as planned, two are under construction, and the plans for three were abandoned.Pedestrian safety is not an issue that captures public attention. To make progress, goals must be modest, and a dedicated constituency must be developed. “Victim advocacy” is a vital part of this process. Progress in injury control requires concerted community action.
Motor vehicle and fall related deaths among older Americans 1990–98: sex, race, and ethnic disparities
Authors: Stevens J A , Dellinger A M 
Published: December 2002

Objectives:To examine differences in motor vehicle and fall related death rates among older adults by sex, race, and ethnicity.Methods:Annual mortality tapes for 1990–98 provided demographic data including race and ethnicity, date, and cause of death. Trend analyses were conducted using Poisson regression.Results:From 1990–98, overall motor vehicle related death rates remained stable while death rates from unintentional falls increased. Motor vehicle and fall related death rates were higher among men. Motor vehicle related death rates were higher among people of color while fall related death rates were higher among whites. Among whites, fall death rates increased significantly during the study period, with an annual relative increase of 3.6% for men and 3.2% for women.Conclusions:The risk of death from motor vehicle and fall related injuries among older adults differed by sex, race and ethnicity, results obscured by simple age and sex specific death rates. This study found important patterns and disparities in these death rates by race and ethnicity useful for identifying high risk groups and guiding prevention strategies.
Assessing community child passenger safety efforts in three Northwest Tribes
Authors: Smith M L , Berger L R 
Published: December 2002

Objective:To identify strengths and weaknesses in community based child passenger safety programs by developing a scoring instrument and conducting observations of child restraint use in three Native American communities.Setting:The three communities are autonomous Tribal reservations in the Pacific Northwest. Their per capita incomes and rates of unemployment are comparable.Methods:In each community, 100 children under 5 years old were observed for car seat use. A six item community assessment tool (100 points maximum) awarded points for such items as the type (primary or secondary) and enforcement of child restraint laws; availability of car seats from distribution programs; extent of educational programs; and access to data on vehicle injuries.Results:For children from birth to 4 years, the car seat use rate ranged from 12%–21%. Rates for infants (71%–80%) far exceeded rates for 1–4 year old children (5%–14%). Community scores ranged from 0 to 31.5 points. There was no correlation between scores and observed car seat use. One reason was the total lack of enforcement of restraint laws.Conclusions:A community assessment tool can highlight weaknesses in child passenger efforts. Linking such a tool with an objective measure of impact can be applied to other injury problems, such as fire safety or domestic violence. The very process of creating and implementing a community assessment can enhance agency collaboration and publicize evidence based “best practices” for injury prevention. Further study is needed to address methodologic issues and to examine crash and medical data in relation to community child passenger safety scores.
Childhood injury prevention practices by parents in Mexico
Authors: Mock C , Arreola Rissa C , Trevino Perez R , Almazan Saavedra V , Enrique Zozaya J , Gonzalez Solis R , Simpson K , Hernandez Torre M 
Published: December 2002

Objective:Scientifically based injury prevention efforts have not been widely implemented in Latin America. This study was undertaken to evaluate the baseline knowledge and practices of childhood safety on the part of parents in Monterrey, Mexico and in so doing provide information on which to base subsequent injury prevention efforts.Methods:Interviews were carried out with parents from three socioeconomic strata (upper, middle, lower). Questionnaires were based on Spanish language materials developed by The Injury Prevention Program (TIPP) of the American Academy of Pediatrics.Results:Data were obtained from parents of 1123 children. Overall safety scores (percent safe responses) increased with increasing socioeconomic status. The differences among the socioeconomic groups were most pronounced for transportation and less pronounced for household and recreational safety. The differences were most notable for activities that required a safety related device such as a car seat, seat belt, helmet, or smoke detector. Appropriate use of such devices declined from 47% (upper socioeconomic group) to 25% (middle) to 15% (lower).Conclusions:Considerable differences in the knowledge and especially the practice of childhood safety exist among parents in different socioeconomic levels in Mexico. Future injury prevention efforts need to address these and especially the availability, cost, and utilization of specific highly effective safety devices.
Association of rates of household handgun ownership, lifetime major depression, and serious suicidal thoughts with rates of suicide across US census regions
Authors: Hemenway D , Miller M 
Published: December 2002

Objective:Cross sectional studies in the United States often find a significant positive association between levels of household firearm ownership and suicide rates. This study investigates whether the association can be explained by differences in levels of mental health.Methods:The relationship between household handgun ownership and overall suicide rates across United States regions after accounting for two mental health variables—lifetime prevalence of major depression and serious suicidal thoughts—were examined. Analyses also add another control variable (urbanization, education, unemployment, or alcohol consumption). Data on mental health variables come from the National Comorbidity Study, conducted in the early 1990s. Data on household handgun ownership come from the General Social Surveys.Results:Across the nine regions for the early 1990s (n = 9), household handgun ownership rates are positively correlated with the suicide rate (r= 0.59) and are not correlated with either the lifetime prevalence of major depression or suicidal thoughts. After controlling for major depression and suicidal thoughts (and any of the four additional control variables), handgun ownership rates remain significantly associated with the overall suicide rate.Conclusions:In United States regions with higher levels of household handgun ownership, there are higher suicide rates. This relationship cannot be explained by differences in the prevalence of two mental health indicators—lifetime rates of either major depression or suicidal thoughts.
New Zealand bicycle helmet law—do the costs outweigh the benefits?
Authors: Taylor M , Scuffham P 
Published: December 2002

Objectives:This paper examines the cost effectiveness of the compulsory bicycle helmet wearing law (HWL) introduced in New Zealand on 1 January 1994. The societal perspective of costs is used for the purchase of helmets and the value of injuries averted. This is augmented with healthcare costs averted from reduced head injuries.Methods:Three age groups were examined: cyclists aged 5–12 years, 13–18 years, and ≥19 years. The number of head and non-head injuries averted were obtained from epidemiological studies. Estimates of the numbers of cyclists and the costs of helmets are used to derive the total spending on new bicycle helmets. Healthcare costs were obtained from national hospitalisation database, and the value of injuries averted was obtained directly from a willingness-to-pay survey undertaken by the Land Transport Safety Authority. Cost effectiveness ratios, benefit:cost ratios, and the value of net benefits were estimated.Results:The net benefit (benefit:cost ratios) of the HWL for the 5–12, 13–18, and ≥19 year age groups was $0.3m (2.6), −$0.2m (0.8), and −$1.5m (0.7) (in NZ $, 2000 prices; NZ $1.00 = US $0.47 = UK £0.31 approx). These results were most sensitive to the cost and life of helmets, helmet wearing rates before the HWL, and the effectiveness of helmets in preventing head injuries.Conclusions:The HWL was cost saving in the youngest age group but large costs from the law were imposed on adult (≥19 years) cyclists.
Potential public health importance of the oven ready chip: Table 1
Authors: Rowland D , Roberts I 
Published: December 2002

Background:Chip pan fires are responsible for 25% of fire related injury in the UK, despite government strategies to encourage safer frying. To establish the feasibility of promoting oven ready chips (fries), the residents in a materially deprived ward of London were surveyed.Sample frame:1073 of 2145 households participating in a randomised controlled trial.Results:Approximately half of those surveyed deep fry, mostly chips, fish, and meat. Ownership of ovens and microwaves was high (99% and 80% respectively). Reasons for deep frying included taste (50%), speed (32%), and tradition (25%).Conclusions:Improving the quality of oven baked alternatives may encourage consumers to change to safer and healthier cooking methods, with potentially important repercussions for public health.
Traps for the unwary in estimating person based injury incidence using hospital discharge data
Authors: Langley J , Stephenson S , Cryer C , Borman B 
Published: December 2002

Background:Injuries resulting in admission to hospital provide an important basis for determining priorities, emerging issues, and trends in injury. There are, however, a number of important issues to be considered in estimating person based injury incidence using such data. Failure to consider these could result in significant overestimates of incidence and incorrect conclusions about trends.Aim:To demonstrate the degree to which estimates of the incidence of person based injury requiring hospital inpatient treatment vary depending on how one operationally defines an injury, and whether or not day patients, readmissions, and injury due to medical procedures are included.Method:The source of data for this study was New Zealand’s National Minimum Dataset. The primary analyses were of a dataset of all 1989–98 discharges from public hospital who had an external cause of injury and poisoning code assigned to them.Results:The results show that estimates of the incidence of person based injury vary significantly depending on how one operationally defines an injury, and whether day patients, readmissions, and injury due to medical procedures are included. Moreover the effects vary significantly by pathology and over time.Conclusions:(1) Those using New Zealand hospital discharge data for determining the incidence of injury should: (a) select cases which meet the following criteria: principal diagnosis injury only cases, patients with day stay of one day or more, and first admissions only, (b) note in their reporting that the measure is an estimate and could be as high as a 3% overestimate. (2) Other countries with similar data should investigate the merit of adopting a similar approach. (3) That the International Collaborative Effort on Injury Statistics review all diagnoses withinInternational Classification of Diseases9th and 10th revisions with a view to reaching consensus on an operational definition of an injury.
Shaw GM, Lammer EJ, Huiping Z, Wang Baker M, Neri E, Finnell RH. 2002. Maternal preconceptual vitamin use, genetic variation of infant reduced folate carrier (A80G), and risk of spina bifida. Am J Med Genet 108:1–6.
Authors: Shaw Gary M. , Lammer Edward J. , Zhu Huiping , Baker Mei Wang , Neri Eric , Finnell Richard H. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe original article to which this Erratum refers was published in American Journal of Medical Genetics (2002) 108(1) 1–6
Could cognitive vulnerability identify high‐risk subjects for schizophrenia?
Authors: Sarfati Yves , Hardy‐Baylé Marie‐Christine 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThis review puts into questions the possible role of cognitive vulnerability markers in prediction and prevention of schizophrenia. Until recently, none of the identified cognitive anomalies has been proved to be definitive. However, as new promising candidates are emerging (DS‐CPT, CPT‐IP, P suppression, Saccadic Eye Movements), the predictive value of these trait–type anomalies may be criticized regarding four issues, which are discussed: technical, metrological, theoritical, and clinical. As things stand, the existence of a cognitive vulnerability marker, which testify to a permanant pathological trait, does not constitute a suffisant factor to identify and treat subjects who are at risk for schizophenia. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Caruncle abnormalities in the oculo‐auriculo‐vertebral spectrum
Authors: Nijhawan Navdeep , Morad Yair , Seigel‐Bartelt Jacqueline , Levin Alex V. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractGoldenhar syndrome (GS) is a congenital disorder believed to be caused by the defective development of the first and second brachial arches and the first brachial clefts during the fourth through eighth weeks of embryologic development. It is characterized by epibulbar dermoids and/or lipodermoids, preauricular tags, pretragal fistulas, hemifacial microsomia, and vertebral anomalies. Other ocular and nonocular symptoms have also been described. To our knowledge there are only three previous reports of abnormal caruncles in GS. We have reviewed our experience with a consecutive series of seven GS patients with caruncular malformations. Caruncular abnormalities included dysplatic and/or bilobed caruncles (two cases), ectopic caruncles (three bilateral cases and one unilateral case), and ectopic plus dysplastic caruncles (one case). Our experience suggests that the incidence of caruncular malformations in GS anomalies is higher than previously reported. This may be clinically important in differentiating GS from other first‐ and second‐arch syndromes. Additionally, linking abnormalities in the first and second months of gestation that cause the typical stigmata of GS with malformation of the caruncles, which normally develop in the third month of gestation, could provide clues to the pathogenesis of GS. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spondylometaphyseal dysplasia, east‐African Type: A new form of early, severe SMD with rounded vertebrae
Authors: Verloes Alain , Lepage Philippe , Baumann Clarisse , Maroteaux Pierre , Merrer Martine Le 
Published: December 2002

AbstractSpondylometaphyseal dysplasias (SMD) are a heterogeneous group of bone dysplasias characterized by vertebral and metaphyseal changes of various severities. We report two unrelated patients of east African origin with a skeletal disorder consisting of 1) severe metaphyseal dysplasia of early onset, sparing hand bones, with bracket‐shaped metaphyses; 2) dysplastic pelvis with irregular iliac rim; and 3) oval‐shaped vertebral bodies. Contrasting with most types of SMD, the spinal dysplasia is limited to mild changes in the vertebral body shape that tend to soften with time, whereas the iliac rims have a striking lacy appearance. Except for the most common types (Kozlowski type and Schmidt type), most of the literature on SMD deals with single case reports, without longitudinal data, for which molecular definition is still lacking and classification remains unclear. These two patients could belongs to the A4 group in the classification of Maroteaux and Spranger [1991: Pediatr Radiol 2l:293–297], and illustrate the difficulties of a clinical classification of SMD. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ectodermal dysplasia with acanthosis nigricans (Lelis syndrome)
Authors: Steiner Carlos Eduardo , Cintra Maria Letícia , Marques‐de‐Faria Antonia Paula 
Published: December 2002

AbstractA 31‐year‐old male patient with ectodermal dysplasia and acanthosis nigricans is described. Clinical findings included hypotrichosis, hypohidrosis, palmoplantar hyperkeratosis, nail dystrophy, early onset loss of permanent dentition, mental retardation, and acanthosis nigricans. The findings suggest the diagnosis of Lelis syndrome, as described on the basis of seven unrelated cases. A review concerning this condition is also presented. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prediction and prevention of transition to psychosis in young people at incipient risk for schizophrenia
Authors: Phillips Lisa J. , Yung Alison R. , Yuen Hok Pan , Pantelis Christos , McGorry Patrick D. 
Published: December 2002

AbstractThe treatment of psychotic disorders, particularly schizophrenia, had been viewed with pessimism until a recent shift in focus from established or chronic illness to earlier phases of illness around the onset highlighted opportunities for enhanced recovery. Associated with this change in focus of research and clinical efforts has been the recognition that the biological and social changes underpinning the development of psychotic disorders may already be active in the pre‐psychotic or prodromal phase. It has therefore been suggested that efforts toward the prevention of psychotic disorders should focus on the emerging illness. This article provides a review of work that has been conducted at the PACE Clinic in Melbourne, Australia since 1994. This clinical research program was established to develop strategies for the identification of young people at high risk of developing a psychotic disorder within a short period of time‐ primarily by virtue of recent mental state changes. Additionally, biological and psychological processes that have been proposed to underlie the development of illness have been investigated and potential preventive interventions have been evaluated. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.