bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of eliminating the global illicit cigarette trade on health and revenue
Authors: Joossens Luk , Merriman David , Ross Hana , Raw Martin
Published: July 2010

Aims The purpose of this study was to update global estimates of the illicit cigarette trade, based on recent data, and estimate how many lives could be saved by eliminating it and how much revenue governments would gain.

Data sources and methods Our estimates of illicit market share are based on formal and informal sources. Our method for estimating the effect of eliminating the illicit trade on tobacco related deaths is based on Westet al. with some minor modifications, and involves calculating the size of the illicit cigarette trade; the effect of eliminating it on the price of cigarettes and thus on consumption; the revenue governments are losing because of it; and the number of tobacco‐related premature deaths that would be avoided if this illicit trade were eliminated.

Results According to available estimates, the size of the illicit trade varies between countries from 1% to about 40–50% of the market, 11.6% globally, 16.8% in low‐income and 9.8% in high‐income countries. The total lost revenue is about $40.5 billion a year. If this illicit trade were eliminated governments would gain at least $31.3 billion a year, and from 2030 onwards more than 164 000 premature deaths a year would be avoided, the vast majority in middle‐ and low‐income countries.

Conclusions The burden of deaths and lost revenue caused by the illicit cigarette trade falls disproportionately on low‐ and middle‐income countries. Eliminating this trade would avoid millions of premature deaths, and recover billions of dollars for governments.
Increasing prevalence of coeliac disease over time
Authors: LOHI S. , MUSTALAHTI K. , KAUKINEN K. , LAURILA K. , COLLIN P. , RISSANEN H. , LOHI O. , BRAVI E. , GASPARIN M. , REUNANEN A. , MÄKI M.
Published: July 2010

Background  The number of coeliac disease diagnoses has increased in the recent past and according to screening studies, the total prevalence of the disorder is around 1%.

Aim  To establish whether the increased number of coeliac disease cases reflects a true rise in disease frequency.

Methods  The total prevalence of coeliac disease was determined in two population‐based samples representing the Finnish adult population in 1978–80 and 2000–01 and comprising 8000 and 8028 individuals, respectively. Both clinically–diagnosed coeliac disease patients and previously unrecognized cases identified by serum endomysial antibodies were taken into account.

Results  Only two (clinical prevalence of 0.03%) patients had been diagnosed on clinical grounds in 1978–80, in contrast to 32 (0.52%) in 2000–01. The prevalence of earlier unrecognized cases increased statistically significantly from 1.03% to 1.47% during the same period. This yields a total prevalence of coeliac disease of 1.05% in 1978–80 and 1.99% in 2000–01.

Conclusions  The total prevalence of coeliac disease seems to have doubled in Finland during the last two decades, and the increase cannot be attributed to the better detection rate. The environmental factors responsible for the increasing prevalence of the disorder are issues for further studies.
Cola beverage and delayed elimination of methotrexate
Authors: Santucci Raoul , Levêque Dominique , Herbrecht Raoul
Published: July 2010

AIMS

To report a case of severe delayed methotrexate elimination attributable to consumption of a cola beverage.

METHODS

To investigate unexplained low urinary pH in a lymphoma patient treated with high‐dose methotrexate.

RESULTS

Unexpected urinary acidity, despite administration of large amounts of sodium bicarbonate, could be attributed to repeated consumption of a cola beverage. It resulted in a delayed elimination of methotrexate and acute renal failure. Discontinuation of cola drinks, increase in calcium folinate rescue and in sodium bicarbonate allowed satisfactory elimination of methotrexate on day 12 after infusion and recovery from renal impairment without other severe toxicity. No other cause of delay in methotrexate elimination could be identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Cola beverages have a low pH due to their phosphoric acid content that is excreted by renal route. We recommend patients receiving high dose methotrexate abstain from any cola drink within 24 h before and during methotrexate administration and until complete elimination of the drug.
The effects of kisspeptin‐54 on blood pressure in humans and plasma kisspeptin concentrations in hypertensive diseases of pregnancy
Authors: Nijher Gurjinder M. K. , Chaudhri Owais B. , Ramachandran Radha , Murphy Kevin G. , Zac‐Varghese Sagen E. K. , Fowler Alexis , Chinthapalli Krishna , Patterson Michael , Thompson Emily L. , Williamson Catherine , Kumar Sailesh , Ghatei Mohammad A. , Bloom Stephen R. , Dhillo Waljit S.
Published: July 2010

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Kisspeptin potently stimulates gonadotrophin release in humans and therefore represents a potential therapy for disorders of reproduction. However, ex vivo studies on human tissue suggest that kisspeptin has vasoconstrictive effects. Thus it is important to determine the effects of kisspeptin on blood pressure and heart rate in humans. Furthermore, plasma kisspeptin concentrations increase markedly in pregnancy but it is currently not known if concentrations are altered in hypertensive diseases of pregnancy.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• This study demonstrates that states of elevated kisspeptin are not associated with changes in blood pressure or heart rate in humans. Neither are hypertensive diseases of pregnancy associated with altered circulating kisspeptin. This has implications for the future use of kisspeptin as a therapy.

AIMS

To investigate (i) if kisspeptin administration alters heart rate (HR) or blood pressure (BP) in healthy male and female volunteers, (ii) whether circulating plasma kisspeptin concentrations in healthy pregnant women and women with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy correlate with BP and (iii) whether women with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy have altered plasma kisspeptin concentrations.

METHODS

We have previously reported the effects of administration of kisspeptin‐54 on gonadotrophin secretion in healthy male and female volunteers. In these studies, cardiovascular parameters were not a primary endpoint. However, data were also collected on BP and HR for 4 h post administration of kisspeptin‐54. Blood samples were taken from 105 women in the third trimester of pregnancy (27 women with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and 78 controls). Samples were assayed for plasma kisspeptin immunoreactivity (IR).

RESULTS

Administration of kisspeptin was not associated with significant changes in HR or BP in healthy men or women. There was no significant correlation between plasma kisspeptin concentration and BP in healthy pregnant women or in those with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy. No significant differences in plasma kisspeptin‐IR concentrations were observed between women with hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and normotensive pregnant controls, plasma kisspeptin concentrations ± SE: controls 2878 ± 157 pmol l−1; pregnancy‐induced hypertension 2696 ± 299 pmol l−1 (95% CI vs. controls −514, 878 pmol l−1); pre‐eclampsia 3519 ± 357 (95% CI vs. controls −1644, 362 pmol l−1).

CONCLUSIONS

Elevation of plasma kisspeptin‐IR is not associated with an alteration in BP in humans.
Economic evaluation of immunoglobulin replacement in patients with primary antibody deficiencies
Authors: Beauté J , Levy P , Millet V , Debré M , Dudoit Y , Le Mignot L , Tajahmady A , Thomas C , Suarez F , Pellier I , Hermine O , Aladjidi N , Mahlaoui N , Fischer A
Published: July 2010

Lifelong immunoglobulin replacement is the standard, expensive therapy for severe primary antibody deficiencies. This treatment can be administrated either by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) or subcutaneous infusions (SCIG) and delivered at home or in an out-patient setting. This study aims to determine whether SCIG is cost-effective compared with IVIG from a French social insurance perspective. Because both methods of administration provide similar efficacies, a cost-minimization analysis was performed. First, costs were calculated through a simulation testing different hypothesis on costs drivers. Secondly, costs were estimated on the basis of field data collected by a questionnaire completed by a population of patients suffering from agammaglobulinaemia and hyper-immunoglobulin (Ig)M syndrome. Patients' satisfaction was also documented. Results of the simulation showed that direct medical costs ranged from €19 484 for home-based IVIG to €25 583 for hospital-based IVIG, with home-based SCIG in between at €24 952 per year. Estimations made from field data were found to be different, with significantly higher costs for IVIG. This result was explained mainly by a higher immunoglobulin mean dose prescribed for IVIG. While the theoretical model showed very little difference between SCIG and hospital-based IVIG costs, SCIG appears to be 25% less expensive with field data because of lower doses used in SCIG patients. The reality of the dose difference between both routes of administration needs to be confirmed by further and more specific studies.
The other side of immunoglobulin G: suppressor of inflammation
Authors: Aschermann S , Lux A , Baerenwaldt A , Biburger M , Nimmerjahn F
Published: July 2010

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) molecules can have two completely opposite functions. On one hand, they induce proinflammatory responses and recruit innate immune effector cells during infection with pathogenic microorganisms or autoimmune disease. On the other hand, intravenous infusion of high doses of pooled IgG molecules from thousands of donors [intravenous IG (IVIG) therapy] represents an efficient anti-inflammatory treatment for many autoimmune diseases. Whereas our understanding of the mechanism of the proinflammatory activity of IgG is quite advanced, we are only at the very beginning to comprehend how the anti-inflammatory activity comes about and what cellular and molecular players are involved in this activity. This review will summarize our current knowledge and focus upon the two major models of either IVIG-mediated competition for IgG-triggered effector functions or IVIG-mediated adjustment of cellular activation thresholds used to explain the mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity.
Developing combination immunotherapies for type 1 diabetes: recommendations from the ITN–JDRF Type 1 Diabetes Combination Therapy Assessment Group
Authors: Matthews J B , Staeva T P , Bernstein P L , Peakman M , Von Herrath M
Published: July 2010

Like many other complex human disorders of unknown aetiology, autoimmune-mediated type 1 diabetes may ultimately be controlled via a therapeutic approach that combines multiple agents, each with differing modes of action. The numerous advantages of such a strategy include the ability to minimize toxicities and realize synergies to enhance and prolong efficacy. The recognition that combinations might offer far-reaching benefits, at a time when few single agents have yet proved themselves in well-powered trials, represents a significant challenge to our ability to conceive and implement rational treatment designs. As a first step in this process, the Immune Tolerance Network, in collaboration with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, convened a Type 1 Diabetes Combination Therapy Assessment Group, the recommendations of which are discussed in this Perspective paper.
Psychosocial effects on siblings of children with autism and mental retardation: a population‐based study
Authors: BÅGENHOLM A. , GILLBERG C.
Published: July 2010

The probands of this study were 60 children and young adults between 5 and 20 years of age, 20 of whom had siblings with autism, 20 of whom had siblings with mental retardation, and 20 of whom had siblings who were free of handicap. The three proband groups were matched for gender, birth order and socioeconomic status. The children were questioned about their sibling relationships and about particular problems they faced concerning their handicapped brothers or sisters and about problems concerning themselves. Parents were interviewed about the healthy child's behaviour and social adjustment. Mothers completed the Eysenck Personality Inventory concerning themselves. Siblings of handicapped children and especially siblings of children with autism were more concerned about the future. They also felt lonely more often and many of them had peer problems. They often regarded their handicapped siblings as a burden. They tended to have only one sibling. Siblings often did not know why their handicapped brother or sister was different from other children. There were more behaviour disturbances in the siblings of handicapped children and mothers with a child with autism reported more ‘stressful events’. There were no differences as regards the personality of the mothers and the self‐concept of the children between the three groups.
Transillumination by light‐emitting diode facilitates peripheral venous cannulations in infants and small children
Authors: HOSOKAWA K. , KATO H. , KISHI C. , KATO Y. , SHIME N.
Published: July 2010

Background: Transillumination facilitates the visualization of peripheral veins in infants and children. The clinical usefulness of light‐emitting diode (LED)‐powered devices has not been thoroughly studied.

Methods: We randomly assigned 136 infants and children weighing <15 kg, undergoing general anesthesia, to red LED‐powered transillumination (TM group, n=67) vs. the usual method (UM group, n=69) of peripheral venous cannulations. Venous puncture was performed following anesthesia induction with sevoflurane and nitrous oxide. The primary and secondary study endpoints were the rate of successful cannulations at initial attempt, and the duration of insertion attempts, respectively.

Results: The median score of the estimated cannulation difficulty before attempted puncture was similar in both groups. The success rates at first attempt were 75% and 61% (NS) and mean±SD times to successful venous access were 47±34 and 68±66 s (NS) in the TM and UM groups, respectively. The cannulation procedures were completed significantly earlier in the TM group than in the UM group (hazard ratio, 1.59; 95% confidence interval, 1.03–2.47; P=0.03). In the subgroup of infants and children <2 years old, venous cannulation was successful at first attempt in 73% and 49% in the TM group (n=44) and in the UM group (n=47), respectively (P=0.03).

Conclusions: LED‐powered transillumination devices facilitated peripheral venous cannulations in small infants and children.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Little evidence for Cope’s rule from Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of extant mammals
Authors: MONROE M. J. , BOKMA F.
Published: July 2010

According to Cope’s rule, lineages tend to evolve towards larger body size, possibly because of selective advantages of being large. The status of Cope’s ‘rule’ remains controversial as it is supported in some but not all large‐scale fossil studies. Here, we test for Cope’s rule by Bayesian analyses of average body masses of 3253 extant mammal species on a dated phylogenetic tree. The data favour a model that does not assume Cope’s rule. When Cope’s rule is assumed, the best estimate of its strength is an average ancestor‐descendant increase in body size of only 0.4%, which sharply contrasts with the 9% bias estimated from fossil mammals. Thus, we find no evidence for Cope’s rule from extant mammals, in agreement with earlier analyses of existing species, which also did not find support for Cope’s rule.
Immunosuppression with mycophenolate mofetil attenuates the development of hypertension and albuminuria in deoxycorticosterone acetate‐salt hypertensive rats
Authors: Boesen Erika I , Williams Douglas L , Pollock Jennifer S , Pollock David M
Published: July 2010

1. The interplay between the immune and renin–angiotensin systems is emerging as a crucial factor in the development and progression of hypertension. The aim of the present study was to determine the involvement of immune cells in the hypertension and renal injury produced by a non‐angiotensin II‐dependent form of hypertension, namely deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)‐salt‐induced hypertension, in rats.

2. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats underwent uninephrectomy and received either a sustained‐release pellet of DOCA s.c. and 0.9% NaCl (saline) to drink for 21 days or a placebo pellet and water to drink for 21 days. Additional groups of DOCA‐salt‐ and placebo‐treated rats were treated concurrently with the immune suppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF; 30 mg/kg per day). Rats were placed in metabolic cages for 24 h urine collection prior to and at weekly intervals during the 21 day experimental period.

3. Mycophenolate mofetil significantly attenuated the development of hypertension in DOCA‐salt rats compared with untreated DOCA‐salt hypertensive rats (mean arterial pressure by telemetry on Day 18 146 ± 7 vs 180 ± 3 mmHg, respectively; P < 0.001), as well as proteinuria (87 ± 27 vs 305 ± 63 mg/day, respectively, on Day 21) and albuminuria (51 ± 15 vs 247 ± 73 mg/day, respectively, on Day 21). Creatinine clearance was better preserved in MMF‐treated DOCA‐salt rats compared with untreated DOCA‐salt rats (0.74 ± 0.07 vs 0.49 ± 0.09 mL/min, respectively; P < 0.05), but was still significantly reduced compared with that in the placebo group (1.15 ± 0.12 mL/min; P < 0.05). Finally, MMF treatment significantly attenuated the DOCA‐salt‐induced rise in renal cortical T‐lymphocyte and macrophage infiltration (P < 0.05).

4. These data indicate that immune cells play a deleterious role in both the hypertension and renal injury associated with DOCA‐salt hypertension.
Pre‐activation of retinoid signaling facilitates neuronal differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Bi Yang , Gong Min , Zhang Xiaojuan , Zhang Xuan , Jiang Wei , Zhang Yun , Chen Jie , Liu Youxue , He Tong‐Chuan , Li Tingyu
Published: July 2010

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into neurons in an appropriate cellular environment. Retinoid signaling pathway is required in neural development. However, the effect and mechanism through retinoid signaling regulates neuronal differentiation of MSCs are still poorly understood. Here, we report that all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) pre‐induction improved neuronal differentiation of rat MSCs. We found that, when MSCs were exposed to different concentrations of ATRA (0.01–100 μmol/L) for 24 h and then cultured with modified neuronal induction medium (MNM), 1 μmol/L ATRA pre‐induction significantly improved neuronal differentiation efficiency and neural‐cell survival. Compared with MNM alone induced neural‐like cells, ATRA/MNM induced cells expressed higher levels of Nestin, neuron specific enolase (NSE), microtubule‐associated protein‐2 (MAP‐2), but lower levels of CD68, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor(GDNF), also exhibited higher resting membrane potential and intracellular calcium concentration, supporting that ATRA pre‐induction promotes maturation and function of derived neurons but not neuroglia cells from MSCs. Endogenous retinoid X receptors (RXR) RXRα and RXRγ (and to a lesser extent, RXRβ) were weakly expressed in MSCs. But the expression of RARα and RARγ was readily detectable, whereas RARβ was undetectable. However, at 24 h after ATRA treatment, the expression of RARβ, not RARα or RARγ, increased significantly. We further found the subnuclear redistribution of RARβ in differentiated neurons, suggesting that RARβ may function as a major mediator of retinoid signaling during neuronal differentiation from MSCs. ATRA treatment upregulated the expression of Vimentin and Stra13, while it downregulated the expression of Brachyury in MSCs. Thus, our results demonstrate that pre‐activation of retinoid signaling by ATRA facilitates neuronal differentiation of MSCs.
Rectus abdominis muscle endometriosis: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Giannella Luca , La Marca Antonio , Ternelli Giliana , Menozzi Glennis
Published: July 2010

The abdominal wall is an uncommon site of extrapelvic endometriosis, which usually develops in a previous surgical scar and it should be considered in the differential diagnosis of any abdominal swelling. Endometriosis involving the rectus abdominis muscle is a very rare event and its rarity explains the incomplete nature of the reports in the literature. Up to the present, 18 cases with lesions contained entirely within the rectus abdominis muscle were clearly documented in medical literature with only four cases as a primary location. We report a case, which came to our observation, of primary endometriosis of the rectus abdominis muscle. The patient underwent only surgery without any medical treatment. Currently, the patient is in follow up for four years with no recovery of the disease. In our experience, surgery is the treatment of choice and it is decisive. We reviewed the literature and summarized all reported cases.
Biological effects of distension media in bipolar versus monopolar resectoscopic myomectomy: A randomized trial
Authors: Darwish Atef M. , Hassan Zein Z. , Attia Alaa M. , Abdelraheem Sherif S. , Ahmed Yahya M.
Published: July 2010

Aim:  To estimate the effect of 0.9% saline during bipolar resectoscopy and 1.5% glycine during monopolar resectoscopy on hemodynamic, biochemical and hematological parameters.

Material & Methods:  A prospective randomized study in a tertiary care university hospital and comprising of 155 patients scheduled for hysteroscopic myomectomy. They were subjected to bipolar resectoscopic myomectomy utilizing 0.9% saline in group A, and monopolar resectoscopic myomectomy utilizing 1.5% glycine in group B. Perioperative measurements of hemodynamic, hematological, and biochemical changes in all cases were reported. Likewise, intrauterine pressure throughout the different procedures was recorded. Main outcome measures: intraoperative difference with regards to fluid volume and subsequent systemic changes specially osmolarity.

Results:  A significant increase of central venous pressure, end diastolic volume, end diastolic index, stroke volume, stroke index, cardiac output, cardiac index, postoperative prothrombin time and postoperative partial thromboplastin time in both groups with positive correlations between the absorbed fluid volume and these measurements in both groups. Moreover, there was a significant decrease in systemic vascular resistance, postoperative hemoglobin concentration, postoperative hematocrit value ratio, postoperative platelet count and postoperative prothrombin concentration in both groups and there were negative correlations between the absorptive fluid volume and these measurements in both groups. There were significant decrease in serum sodium concentration and postoperative serum osmolarity in glycine group (B) with negative correlations between the absorptive fluid volume and both serum sodium concentration and serum osmolarity in glycine group (B).

Conclusions:  The use of bipolar resectoscope utilizing 0.9% saline as a distention media is not associated with hyponatremia or hyposmolarity unlike monopolar resectoscope utilizing 1.5% glycine distending media in cases with submucous myoma of considerable size.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery and reconstruction of the vagina in a patient with stage II primary vaginal squamous carcinoma
Authors: Lv Lin , Sun Yang , Liu Hui , Lou Jiangyan , Peng Zhilan
Published: July 2010

Primary vaginal carcinoma is a rare gynecologic cancer. Radiotherapy is the standard treatment for patients affected by International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage II vaginal cancer. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery has been shown to be a valid therapeutic strategy in patients with cervical cancer; however, there is little information concerning the feasibility of neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery in patients with invasive vaginal carcinoma. We report the first case of stage II vaginal carcinoma with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by radical surgery combined with vaginal reconstruction using bilateral pudendal thigh fasciocutaneous flaps. The patient was free of disease with a satisfactory sexual life after 30 months.
Crack‐healing behaviour and resultant high‐temperature fatigue strength of machined Si3N4/SiC composite ceramic
Authors: JUNG Y.‐S. , GUO Y. , NAKAO W. , TAKAHASHI K. , ANDO K. , SAITO S.
Published: July 2010

The crack‐healing behaviour of machining cracks in Si3N4/20 wt% SiC composite was investigated. The machining cracks were introduced by a heavy machining process, during the creation of a semicircular groove. The machined specimens were healed at various temperatures and times in air. The optimized crack‐healing condition of the machined specimens was found to be a temperature of 1673 K and a time of 10 h. The specimens healed by this condition exhibited almost the same strength as the smooth specimens healed. Moreover, the bending strengths and the fatigue limits of the machined specimens healed were systematically investigated at temperatures from room temperature to 1673 K. The machined specimens healed at the optimized condition exhibited an almost constant bending strength (∼700 MPa) up to 1673 K. Also, the specimens exhibited considerably high cyclic and static fatigue limits at temperatures from 1073 to 1573 K. These results demonstrated that the crack‐healing could be an effective method for improving the structural integrity and reducing machining costs of the Si3N4/SiC composite ceramic.
Potential therapeutic uses for ezetimibe beyond lowering LDL‐c to decrease cardiovascular events
Authors: Ahmed M. H. , Byrne C. D.
Published: July 2010

Ezetimibe is a relatively new drug that inhibits the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine. It is a low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐C) lowering medication that acts directly on the intestine by inhibiting Niemann‐Pick C1 Like1 (NPC1L1). Recently, results of the ARBITER 6–HALTS trial (Arterial Biology for the Investigation of the Treatment Effects of Reducing Cholesterol 6–HDL and LDL Treatment Strategies) and the ENHANCE trial (Ezetimibe and Simvastatin in Hypercholesterolemia Enhances Atherosclerosis Regression) showed that ezetimibe had no effect on atherosclerosis despite producing a marked decrease in LDL‐C. Recent studies show a potential benefit of ezetimibe in treating insulin resistance, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), gallstones and dyslipidaemia associated with chronic renal failure and organ transplantation. All of these conditions are known to be associated with an increase in risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and further studies are needed to assess the potential benefits of ezetimibe in these therapeutics areas.
Components of primary care interventions to treat childhood overweight and obesity: a systematic review of effect
Authors: Sargent G. M. , Pilotto L. S. , Baur L. A.
Published: July 2010

The primary care setting presents an opportunity for intervention of overweight and obese children but is in need of a feasible model‐of‐care with demonstrated effectiveness. The aims were to (i) identify controlled interventions that treated childhood overweight or obesity in either a primary care setting or with the involvement of a primary healthcare professional and (ii) examine components of those interventions associated with effective outcomes in order to inform future intervention trials in primary care settings. Major health and medicine databases were searched: MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Reviews, CENTRAL, DARE, PsychINFO and ERIC. Articles were excluded if they described primary prevention interventions, involved surgical or pharmacological treatment, were published before 1990 or not published in English. Twenty‐two papers describing 17 studies were included. Twelve studies reported at least one significant intervention effect. Comparison of these 12 interventions provides evidence for: training for health professionals before intervention delivery; behaviour change options (including healthy diet, activity and sedentary behaviour); effecting behaviour change via a combination of counselling, education, written resources, support and motivation; and tailoring intensity according to whether behavioural, anthropometric or metabolic changes are the priority. These components are practicable to future intervention studies in primary care.
Thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke in Austria: data from the Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis in Stroke (SITS) register
Authors: Topakian R. , Brainin M. , Eckhardt R. , Kiechl S. , Ahmed N. , Ferrari J. , Iglseder B. , Wahlgren N. G. , Lang W. , Fazekas F. , Willeit J. , Aichner F. T. ,   for the SITS‐Austria group
Published: July 2010

Background:  We aimed at determining the safety and efficacy of IV alteplase in Austrian versus non‐Austrian centres as documented in the Internet‐based registers Safe Implementation of Thrombolysis for Stroke – MOnitoring STudy (SITS‐MOST) and – International Stroke Thrombolysis Register (SITS‐ISTR).

Methods:  We analysed patient data entered in the registers SITS‐MOST and SITS‐ISTR in the period December 2002 to 15 November 2007.

Results:  Compared to the non‐Austrian cohort (n = 15153), the Austrian cohort (n = 896) was slightly older [median, interquartile range (IQR): 70, 60–77 years vs. 69, 60–76 years, P = 0.05] and included more women (44.6% vs. 41.0%, P = 0.03). Austrian patients had a significantly shorter stroke onset‐to‐treatment time (OTT; median, IQR: 135, 105–160 min vs. 145, 115–170 min, P < 0.0005). Symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhages were observed in 1.6% of Austrian and 1.7% of non‐Austrian patients (P = 0.82). At 3 months, 50.8% of Austrian and 53.0% of non‐Austrian patients were independent (P = 0.23), but death was less frequent in Austrian patients (12.1% vs. 14.9%, P = 0.03). Multivariate analyses adjusted for demographic and baseline characteristics confirmed lower mortality at 3 months in the Austrian cohort (odds ratio 0.81, 95% confidence intervals 0.71–0.92, P = 0.001). Longer OTT was associated with increased mortality at 3 months, with a hazard ratio of 1.02 (95% CI 1.01–1.03; P = 0.005) for each 10‐min increase in OTT.

Conclusions:  The implementation of intravenous alteplase for acute stroke has been safe and efficacious in Austrian centres. OTT and mortality were significantly lower in Austrian patients compared to non‐Austrian SITS centres.
Goal‐directed arm movements in children with fetal alcohol syndrome: a kinematic approach
Authors: Domellöf E. , Fagard J. , Jacquet A.‐Y. , Rönnqvist L.
Published: July 2010

Background:  Although many studies have documented deficits in general motor functioning in children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), few have employed detailed measurements to explore the specific nature of such disabilities. This pilot study explores whether three‐dimensional (3D) kinematic analysis may generate increased knowledge of the effect of intrauterine alcohol exposure on motor control processes by detecting atypical upper‐limb movement pattern specificity in children with FAS relative to typically developing (TD) children.

Methods:  Left and right arm and head movements during a sequential unimanual goal‐directed precision task in a sample of children with FAS and in TD children were registered by an optoelectronic tracking system (ProReflex, Qualisys Inc.).

Results:  Children with FAS demonstrated evidently poorer task performance compared with TD children. Additionally, analyses of arm movement kinematics revealed atypical spatio‐temporal organization in the children with FAS. In general, they exhibited longer arm movement trajectories at both the proximal and distal level, faster velocities at the proximal level but slower at the distal level, and more segmented distal movements. Children with FAS also showed atypically augmented and fast head movements during the task performance.

Conclusions:  Findings indicate neuromotor deficits and developmental delay in goal‐directed arm movements because of prenatal alcohol exposure. It is suggested that 3D kinematic analysis is a valid technique for furthering the understanding of motor control processes in children with FAS/fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. A combination with relevant neuroimaging techniques in future studies would enable a more clear‐cut interpretation of how atypical movement patterns relate to underlying brain abnormalities.
Expression of stem cell markers nestin and cytokeratin 15 and 19 in cutaneous malignancies
Authors: Abbas O , Bhawan J
Published: July 2010

Background  Emerging evidence is implicating stem cells in the pathogenesis of different cutaneous neoplasms. The immunohistochemical use of stem cell markers has facilitated stem cell identification. While few studies have examined the expression of cytokertatin (CK)15 and cytokeratin (CK)19 in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), only rarely have nestin expression been examined in these two malignancies. Furthermore, stem cell marker expression, to the best of our knowledge, has not been examined in Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).

Methods  In this study, we examined the expression of stem cell markers CK15, CK19 and nestin in 51 overall cases (11 cases of MCC and 20 cases each of BCC and SCC) retrieved from the pathology files of Skin Pathology Laboratory, Boston University School of Medicine.

Results  Cytokeratin 15 immunoreactivity was observed in 30% of BCC cases and only a single (5%) SCC case, while all MCC cases were negative. While 60% of BCC cases and 30% of SCC cases stained positively with CK19, all MCC cases showed positive immunostaining in a dot‐like pattern. While negative in BCC and MCC, nestin expression was interestingly seen in 45% of SCC cases.

Conclusions  Our study described the expression profiles of stem cell markers CK15, CK19 and nestin in BCC, SCC and MCC. In addition to confirming results of the previous reports, our study also showed positive nestin expression in around half of SCC cases, which adds this malignancy to the cutaneous tumours that have been so far reported to exhibit nestin expression.
Energy advice service as perceived by Swedish homeowners
Authors: Mahapatra Krushna , Nair Gireesh , Gustavsson Leif
Published: July 2010

External actors can influence potential adopters to adopt energy efficiency measures. In Sweden municipality energy advisers are one such actor group who provides energy advice and information to the end users. The success of energy advice service for improvement of energy efficiency of detached houses depends on homeowners' perception towards it. In this context, we conducted a national survey of about 3000 owners of detached houses through stratified random sampling method in the summer of 2008. We found that majority of owners of detached houses consider energy advisers as an important source of information. Furthermore, many homeowners who contacted energy advisers for advice had implemented the suggestions. However, only a few homeowners had contacted an energy adviser. Our findings suggest that it is beneficial to continue the energy advice service, but more efforts are needed to increase homeowners' awareness of and satisfaction with such services.
The effect of heat treatment and starter culture on colour intensity and sensory properties of Kulek cheese
Authors: AYDEMIR OGUZ , DERVISOGLU MUHAMMET
Published: July 2010

The effect of the heat treatment on colour intensity and sensory properties of Kulek cheese made from raw milk with (RS) or without starter culture (R) and heated milk with starter culture (HS) was investigated during ripening. Colour L, a and b values of Kulek cheeses were determined for both interior and surface. The values for cheese R were 82.4 and 74.5 for L, −5.2 and −5.5 for a, 31.0 and 34.7 for b interior and surface respectively. The equivalents for RS cheese were 82.8 and 75.7 for L, −4.8 and −5.0 for a, 31.0 and 34.0 for b. The values for HS cheese were 88.9 and 88.4 for L and −3.3 and −3.3 for a, 22.8 and 24.2 for b. L values (lightness) were the highest in cheeses made from heated milk while b and negative a values were the highest in cheeses made from raw milk. Aroma scores of raw and heat‐treated milk cheeses made with starter were not significantly different. The panelists scored cheeses made from raw milk without starter as the best in body and texture.
Effects of a Novel Cognition‐Enhancing Agent on Fetal Ethanol‐Induced Learning Deficits
Authors: Savage Daniel D. , Rosenberg Martina J. , Wolff Christina R. , Akers Katherine G. , El‐Emawy Ahmed , Staples Miranda C. , Varaschin Rafael K. , Wright Carrie A. , Seidel Jessica L. , Caldwell Kevin K. , Hamilton Derek A.
Published: July 2010

Background:  Drinking during pregnancy has been associated with learning disabilities in affected offspring. At present, there are no clinically effective pharmacotherapeutic interventions for these learning deficits. Here, we examined the effects of ABT‐239, a histamine H3 receptor antagonist, on fetal ethanol‐induced fear conditioning and spatial memory deficits.

Methods and Results:  Long‐Evans rat dams stably consumed a mean of 2.82 g ethanol/kg during a 4‐hour period each day during pregnancy. This voluntary drinking pattern produced a mean peak serum ethanol level of 84 mg/dl. Maternal weight gain, litter size and birth weights were not different between the ethanol‐consuming and control groups. Female adult offspring from the control and fetal alcohol‐exposed (FAE) groups received saline or 1 mg ABT‐239/kg 30 minutes prior to fear conditioning training. Three days later, freezing time to the context was significantly reduced in saline‐treated FAE rats compared to control. Freezing time in ABT‐239‐treated FAE rats was not different than that in controls. In the spatial navigation study, adult male offspring received a single injection of saline or ABT‐239 30 minutes prior to 12 training trials on a fixed platform version of the Morris Water Task. All rats reached the same performance asymptote on Trials 9 to 12 on Day 1. However, 4 days later, first‐trial retention of platform location was significantly worse in the saline‐treated FAE rats compared control offspring. Retention by ABT‐239‐treated FAE rats was similar to that by controls. ABT‐239’s effect on spatial memory retention in FAE rats was dose dependent.

Conclusions:  These results suggest that ABT‐239 administered prior to training can improve retention of acquired information by FAE offspring on more challenging versions of hippocampal‐sensitive learning tasks. Further, the differential effects of ABT‐239 in FAE offspring compared to controls raises questions about the impact of fetal ethanol exposure on histaminergic neurotransmission in affected offspring.
Implementation of NIAAA College Drinking Task Force Recommendations: How Are Colleges Doing 6 Years Later?
Authors: Nelson Toben F. , Toomey Traci L. , Lenk Kathleen M. , Erickson Darin J. , Winters Ken C.
Published: July 2010

Background:  In 2002, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) College Drinking Task Force issued recommendations to reduce heavy drinking by college students, but little is known about implementation of these recommendations. Current discussion about best strategies to reduce student drinking has focused more on lowering the minimum legal drinking age as advocated by a group of college and university presidents called the Amethyst Initiative than the NIAAA recommendations.

Methods:  A nationally representative survey of administrators was conducted at 351 4‐year colleges in the United States to ascertain familiarity with and progress toward implementation of NIAAA recommendations. Implementation was compared by enrollment size, public or private status, and whether the school president signed the Amethyst Initiative.

Results:  Administrators at most colleges were familiar with NIAAA recommendations, although more than 1 in 5 (22%) were not. Nearly all colleges use educational programs to address student drinking (98%). Half the colleges (50%) offered intervention programs with documented efficacy for students at high risk for alcohol problems. Few colleges reported that empirically supported, community‐based alcohol control strategies including conducting compliance checks to monitor illegal alcohol sales (33%), instituting mandatory responsible beverage service (RBS) training (15%), restricting alcohol outlet density (7%), or increasing the price of alcohol (2%) were operating in their community. Less than half the colleges with RBS training and compliance checks in their communities actively participated in these interventions. Large colleges were more likely to have RBS training and compliance checks, but no differences in implementation were found across public/private status or whether the college president signed the Amethyst Initiative.

Conclusions:  Many colleges offer empirically supported programs for high‐risk drinkers, but few have implemented other strategies recommended by NIAAA to address student drinking. Opportunities exist to reduce student drinking through implementation of existing, empirically based strategies.
A Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Study With Quetiapine as Adjunct Therapy With Lithium or Divalproex in Bipolar I Patients With Coexisting Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Stedman Mary , Pettinati Helen M. , Brown E. Sherwood , Kotz Margaret , Calabrese Joseph R. , Raines Shane
Published: July 2010

Background:  This study evaluated the efficacy of quetiapine versus placebo as an adjunct to lithium or divalproex in reducing alcohol consumption in patients with bipolar I disorder and coexisting alcohol dependence.

Methods:  Male and female outpatients (21 to 60 years) with a history of bipolar I disorder and alcohol dependence were included in this 12‐week, placebo‐controlled study. Patients treated with lithium or divalproex (ongoing or assigned at screening) were randomized to receive quetiapine (dosed up to 400 mg/d over 7 days, followed by 300 to 800 mg/d flexible dosing until study end) or placebo. The primary outcome measure was the change in the proportion of heavy drinking days from baseline to Week 12 (as derived from the Timeline Followback method). Secondary outcome measures included time to the first consecutive 2 weeks of abstinence, changes from baseline to Week 12 in the proportion of nondrinking days, mean number of standardized drinks per day, and Clinical Global Impressions‐Severity of Illness score.

Results:  Of 362 enrolled patients (mean 38.6 years), 176 were randomized to receive quetiapine and 186 to placebo. The mean proportion of heavy drinking days at baseline was 0.66 in the quetiapine group and 0.67 in the placebo group. At Week 12, the mean change in the proportion of heavy drinking days was −0.36 with quetiapine and −0.36 with placebo (p = 0.93). No statistically significant differences in any of the secondary outcome measures were noted between the quetiapine and placebo groups. The incidence of adverse events was consistent with the previously known tolerability profile of quetiapine.

Conclusions:  The efficacy of quetiapine in the treatment of bipolar disorder is already well established. In this study, however, quetiapine added to lithium or divalproex did not result in significantly greater improvement compared with placebo in measures of alcohol use and dependence in patients with bipolar I disorder and alcohol dependence.
U.S. Health‐care Reform: The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act
Authors: Harrington Scott E.
Published: July 2010

Abstract

This short article provides an overview of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which was approved by the U.S. Congress and signed by President Barack Obama in March 2010, with an emphasis on provisions related to the expansion of health insurance. It highlights key provisions concerning coverage expansion, insurance market reforms, and the projected costs and financing of the legislation.
Toward Surface‐Enhanced Raman Imaging of Latent Fingerprints*
Authors: Connatser R. Maggie , Prokes Sharka M. , Glembocki Orest J. , Schuler Rebecca L. , Gardner Charles W. , Lewis Samuel A. , Lewis Linda A.
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  Exposure to light or heat, or simply a dearth of fingerprint material, renders some latent fingerprints undetectable using conventional methods. We begin to address such elusive fingerprints using detection targeting photo‐ and thermally stable fingerprint constituents: surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). SERS can give descriptive vibrational spectra of amino acids, among other robust fingerprint constituents, and good sensitivity can be attained by improving metal‐dielectric nanoparticle substrates. With SERS chemical imaging, vibrational bands’ intensities recreate a visual of fingerprint topography. The impact of nanoparticle synthesis route, dispersal methodology–deposition solvent, and laser wavelength are discussed, as are data from enhanced vibrational spectra of fingerprint components. SERS and Raman chemical images of fingerprints and realistic contaminants are shown. To our knowledge, this represents the first SERS imaging of fingerprints. In conclusion, this work progresses toward the ultimate goal of vibrationally detecting latent prints that would otherwise remain undetected using traditional development methods.
Homicide, Psychopathy, and Aging—A Nationwide Register‐based Case‐comparison Study of Homicide Offenders Aged 60 Years or Older*
Authors: Putkonen Hanna , Weizmann‐Henelius Ghitta , Repo‐Tiihonen Eila , Lindberg Nina , Saarela Tuula , Eronen Markku , Häkkänen‐Nyholm Helinä
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  With populations aging there have been some concerns on elderly offending. We compared elderly homicide offenders with a younger comparison group with special emphasis on psychopathy. We analyzed nationwide register‐based material on all homicide offenders aged 60 or older who were in a forensic psychiatric examination in Finland 1995–2004 and their gender‐matched comparison group of younger homicide offenders. The offenders 60 years or older were diagnosed less often than the younger ones with drug dependence and personality disorders and more often with dementia and physical illnesses. The mean Psychopathy Checklist—Revised total scores as well as factor and facet scores were lower in the 60 or older age group. The group 60 years or older had significantly lower scores on eight individual items of social deviance. The interpersonal/affective factor 1 scores did not differ. Understanding the possible underlying phenomena of violent behavior may provide help for developing services for the elderly.
Patterns of Ecchymoses Caused by Manner of Death and Collateral Injuries Sustained in Bruising Incidents: Decedent Injuries, Profiles, Comparisons, and Clinicopathologic Significance
Authors: Carson Henry J.
Published: July 2010

Abstract:  We investigated how ecchymoses could be used to predict other injuries, or help establish the cause of death. Ecchymoses, fractures, lacerations, abrasions, and other data were recorded. Eleven percent of decedents had ecchymoses. Motor vehicle accident by car (MVA‐C) was the most common cause of ecchymoses and showed the most collateral injuries. Decedents of natural causes were more likely to have ecchymoses without collateral injuries. There appeared to be two groups of decedents with ecchymoses: one group is younger, comprised of victims of MVA‐C and homicides, with more injuries related to ecchymoses than others; another is an older group of victims of other accidents, natural causes, and suicide. There were no indeterminate causes of death among decedents with ecchymoses. Therefore, ecchymoses may be a surrogate marker to direct the pathologist to continue to seek a cause of death should be seen, even if the case, otherwise, appears to be indeterminate.