bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cholinergic responses of ileal longitudinal muscle under short‐lasting exposure to cupric ions
Authors: Nachev Ch. , Ivancheva Chr. , Apostolova M. D. , Radomirov R.
Published: February 2008

1 The effect of short‐term exposure to cupric ions (Cu2+) on electric field‐stimulated (EFS) or agonist‐induced contractions of guinea‐pig isolated ileum was studied.

2 EFS elicited tetrodotoxin‐ and atropine‐sensitive contractions that were concentration dependently inhibited by Cu2+ (IC50 = 14.7 ± 4.2 μm). Maximal inhibition (90.4 ± 3.1% of baseline contractions) was attained with 30 μm Cu2+.

3 Carbachol induced concentration‐dependent contractions (EC50 = 0.021 ± 0.004 μm) that were inhibited by 0.3 μm atropine to a non‐competitive manner (decreased maximal response, EC50 value = 0.26 ± 0.04 μm, Ke = 0.026 μm). Cu2+ (15 μm) potentiated contractions induced by carbachol, such that the maximum response was increased by 30.3 ± 10.4%.

4 Histamine induced concentration‐dependent contractions of the longitudinal muscle (EC50 = 0.11 ± 0.03 μm). Dyphenhydramine (0.1 μm) decreased the maximum response to histamine and shifted the curve to the right (EC50 value = 4.71 ± 0.35 μm, Ke = 0.0024 μm). Cu2+ (15 μm) caused a rightward shift of the histamine concentration–response curve (EC50 = 0.61 ± 0.1 μm) without changing the maximum response. Serotonin induced concentration‐dependent contractions at concentrations higher than 10 nM (EC50 value of 0.34 ± 0.12 μm) were not significantly affected by 15 μm Cu2+.

5 Our results suggest that in ileal longitudinal muscle, Cu2+ inhibits cholinergic neurotransmission but also facilitates postsynaptic muscarinic receptor responses.
Peripheral administration of CDP‐choline, phosphocholine or choline increases plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations
Authors: Cansev M. , Ilcol Y. O. , Yilmaz M. S. , Hamurtekin E. , Ulus I. H.
Published: February 2008

1Intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 200–600 μmol/kg of cytidine‐5′‐diphosphocholine (CDP‐choline) increased plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations dose‐ and time‐dependently.

2CDP‐choline treatment caused several‐fold increases in plasma concentrations of CDP‐choline and its metabolites phosphocholine, choline, cytidine monophosphate (CMP) and cytidine.

3Equivalent doses (200–600 μmol/kg; i.p.) of phosphocholine or choline, but not CMP or cytidine, increased plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline dose‐dependently.

4CDP‐choline, phosphocholine and choline (600 μmol/kg; i.p.) augmented the increases in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline in response to graded haemorrhage.

5The increases in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline induced by i.p. 600 μmol/kg of CDP‐choline, phosphocholine or choline were abolished by pre‐treatment with hexamethonium (15 mg/kg; i.p.), but not atropine (2 mg/kg; i.p.).

6At 320–32 000 μmconcentrations, choline, but not CDP‐choline or phosphocholine, evoked catecholamine secretion from perfused adrenal gland. Choline (3200 μm)‐induced catecholamine secretion was attenuated by the presence of 1 μmof hexamethonium or mecamylamine, but not atropine, in the perfusion medium.

7Intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of choline (0.5–1.5 μmol) also increased plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline dose‐ and time‐dependently. Pre‐treatment with mecamylamine (50 μg; i.c.v.) or hexamethonium (15 mg/kg; i.p.), but not atropine (10 μg; i.c.v.), prevented i.c.v. choline (1.5 μmol)‐induced elevations in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline.

8It is concluded that i.p. administration of CDP‐choline or its cholinergic metabolites phosphocholine and choline increases plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations by enhancing nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission in the sympatho‐adrenal system. Central choline also activates the sympatho‐adrenal system by increasing central nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission.
A bibliography of applications of operational research in West Africa
Authors: Smith David K.
Published: February 2008

There is considerable interest in the potential for using operational research (O.R.) in developing countries. One sign of this is the formation of new societies for O.R. scientists in countries and regions where no such society had existed. Since 2003, such societies have been formed in several parts of Africa. This paper focuses on West Africa, and presents a bibliography of papers relating to applications of O.R. in the nations of this part of the continent. The paper describes the way in which the bibliography was collated and discusses the overall picture that the list of papers presents of the state of O.R. in the 18 countries that are considered.
A three‐phase methodology for developing or evaluating bank networks
Authors: Alexandris George , Dimopoulou Maria , Giannikos Ioannis
Published: February 2008

One basic characteristic of modern society, besides the fast spread of information, is the increased use of banking services in order to fulfil consumer needs. Apart from their income, modern consumers rely to an increasing extent on banking services and money transactions as well, in order to buy consumer products and cover their financial needs. Thus the new standards of the ‘consumer society’ significantly affect the role and the importance of banking services. The end of the monopoly era characterized by increased competition leads banks to modify their strategies, to provide more and better services, to reorganize their structure and expand or merge their networks. In this context we propose a three‐phase methodology for developing and/or evaluating banking networks. The above methodology calculates an ‘attractiveness index’ for each area, and combines geographic information systems with demand covering models so as to propose the best network structure.
Food security problems in sub‐Saharan Africa: Operations Research as a tool of analysis
Authors: Schweigman Caspar
Published: February 2008

For many years, the author has been involved in teaching and research in the use of Operations Research as a tool of analysis to study food security problems in sub‐Saharan Africa, in particular, grass root problems of poor farmers. The paper presents an introduction to the way Operations Research methods have been applied in case studies and research projects, and discusses in retrospect the author's views on the strengths and limitations of the application of Operations Research. The paper has in particular been written for people who are not familiar with applications of Operations Research in agriculture, and are interested to learn about its potential usefulness in practice. The retrospective part is largely based on food security studies in e.g. Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Bénin, Togo and Eritrea and on participation in several interdisciplinary research programmes in Africa.
Towards a shared systems model of stakeholders in environmental conflict
Authors: Elias Arun Abraham
Published: February 2008

Developing a shared mental model of stakeholders in conflict is a challenge in environmental conflict management. In this paper, we describe the development of a shared systems model of stakeholders in environmental conflict in the Transmission Gully project, a large‐scale transport infrastructure project in the Wellington region of New Zealand. Selected stakeholders of this project partook in generating this shared model, in the form of a causal loop diagram. This model was then analysed qualitatively to provide different insights into potential system behaviours.
Linking Inbreeding Effects in Captive Populations with Fitness in the Wild: Release of Replicated Drosophila melanogaster Lines under Different Temperatures
Authors: KRISTENSEN TORSTEN N. , LOESCHCKE VOLKER , HOFFMANN ARY A.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Inbreeding effects have been detected in captive populations of threatened species, but the extent to which these effects translate into fitness under field conditions is mostly unknown. We address this issue by comparing the performance of replicated noninbred and inbred Drosophila lines under field and laboratory conditions. We asked whether environment‐dependent effects of inbreeding can be demonstrated for a field‐fitness component in Drosophila, the ability of flies to locate resources, and associated the results with results on effects of inbreeding investigated in the laboratory. Inbreeding effects were evident when releases were undertaken under warm conditions, but not under cold conditions, which illustrates the environment‐dependent nature of inbreeding depression. Inbreeding effects were much stronger in the field at warm temperatures than in laboratory stress tests, particularly for females. Effects of inbreeding based on performance in traditional inbreeding assays (viability, productivity) or from laboratory stress tests poorly predicted performance in the field. Inbreeding effects on resource location in the field can be strongly deleterious under some thermal conditions and involve traits not easily measured under laboratory conditions. More generally, inbreeding effects measured in captive populations may not necessarily predict their field performance, and programs to purge captive populations of deleterious alleles may not necessarily lead to fitness benefits in the wild.
Suitability of Golf Course Ponds for Amphibian Metamorphosis When Bullfrogs Are Removed
Authors: BOONE MICHELLE D. , SEMLITSCH RAYMOND D. , MOSBY CORY
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Managing areas designed for human recreation so that they are compatible with natural amphibian populations can reduce the negative impacts of habitat destruction. We examined the potential for amphibians to complete larval development in golf course ponds in the presence or absence of overwintered bullfrog tadpoles (Rana catesbeiana), which are frequently found in permanent, human‐made ponds. We reared larval American toads (Bufo americanus), southern leopard frogs (R. sphenocephala), and spotted salamanders (Ambystoma maculatum) with 0 or 5 overwintered bullfrog tadpoles in field enclosures located in ponds on golf courses or in experimental wetlands at a reference site. Survival to metamorphosis of American toads, southern leopard frogs, and spotted salamanders was greater in ponds on golf courses than at reference sites. We attributed this increased survival to low abundance of insect predators in golf course ponds. The presence of overwintered bullfrogs, however, reduced the survival of American toads, southern leopard frogs, and spotted salamanders reared in golf course ponds, indicating that the suitability of the aquatic habitats for these species partly depended on the biotic community present. Our results suggest that ponds in human recreational areas should be managed by maintaining intermediate hydroperiods, which will reduce the presence of bullfrog tadpoles and predators, such as fish, and which may allow native amphibian assemblages to flourish.
Relationships between Human Disturbance and Wildlife Land Use in Urban Habitat Fragments
Authors: MARKOVCHICK‐NICHOLLS LISA , REGAN HELEN M. , DEUTSCHMAN DOUGLAS H. , WIDYANATA ASTRID , MARTIN BARRY , NOREKE LANI , ANN HUNT TIMOTHY
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Habitat remnants in urbanized areas typically conserve biodiversity and serve the recreation and urban open‐space needs of human populations. Nevertheless, these goals can be in conflict if human activity negatively affects wildlife. Hence, when considering habitat remnants as conservation refuges it is crucial to understand how human activities and land uses affect wildlife use of those and adjacent areas. We used tracking data (animal tracks and den or bed sites) on 10 animal species and information on human activity and environmental factors associated with anthropogenic disturbance in 12 habitat fragments across San Diego County, California, to examine the relationships among habitat fragment characteristics, human activity, and wildlife presence. There were no significant correlations of species presence and abundance with percent plant cover for all species or with different land‐use intensities for all species, except the opossum (Didelphis virginiana), which preferred areas with intensive development. Woodrats (Neotoma spp.) and cougars (Puma concolor) were associated significantly and positively and significantly and negatively, respectively, with the presence and prominence of utilities. Woodrats were also negatively associated with the presence of horses. Raccoons (Procyon lotor) and coyotes (Canis latrans) were associated significantly and negatively and significantly and positively, respectively, with plant bulk and permanence. Cougars and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) were negatively associated with the presence of roads. Roadrunners (Geococcyx californianus) were positively associated with litter. The only species that had no significant correlations with any of the environmental variables were black‐tailed jackrabbits (Lepus californicus) and mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Bobcat tracks were observed more often than gray foxes in the study area and bobcats correlated significantly only with water availability, contrasting with results from other studies. Our results appear to indicate that maintenance of habitat fragments in urban areas is of conservation benefit to some animal species, despite human activity and disturbance, as long as the fragments are large.
Climate Change, Elevational Range Shifts, and Bird Extinctions
Authors: SEKERCIOGLU CAGAN H. , SCHNEIDER STEPHEN H. , FAY JOHN P. , LOARIE SCOTT R.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Limitations imposed on species ranges by the climatic, ecological, and physiological effects of elevation are important determinants of extinction risk. We modeled the effects of elevational limits on the extinction risk of landbirds, 87% of all bird species. Elevational limitation of range size explained 97% of the variation in the probability of being in a World Conservation Union category of extinction risk. Our model that combined elevational ranges, four Millennium Assessment habitat‐loss scenarios, and an intermediate estimate of surface warming of 2.8° C, projected a best guess of 400–550 landbird extinctions, and that approximately 2150 additional species would be at risk of extinction by 2100. For Western Hemisphere landbirds, intermediate extinction estimates based on climate‐induced changes in actual distributions ranged from 1.3% (1.1° C warming) to 30.0% (6.4° C warming) of these species. Worldwide, every degree of warming projected a nonlinear increase in bird extinctions of about 100–500 species. Only 21% of the species predicted to become extinct in our scenarios are currently considered threatened with extinction. Different habitat‐loss and surface‐warming scenarios predicted substantially different futures for landbird species. To improve the precision of climate‐induced extinction estimates, there is an urgent need for high‐resolution measurements of shifts in the elevational ranges of species. Given the accelerating influence of climate change on species distributions and conservation, using elevational limits in a tested, standardized, and robust manner can improve conservation assessments of terrestrial species and will help identify species that are most vulnerable to global climate change. Our climate‐induced extinction estimates are broadly similar to those of bird species at risk from other factors, but these estimates largely involve different sets of species.
Elemental Conservation Units: Communicating Extinction Risk without Dictating Targets for Protection
Authors: WOOD CHRIS C. , GROSS MART R.
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Conservation biologists mostly agree on the need to identify and protect biodiversity below the species level but have not yet resolved the best approach. We addressed 2 issues relevant to this debate. First, we distinguished between the abstract goal of preserving the maximum amount of unique biodiversity and the pragmatic goal of minimizing the loss of ecological goods and services given that further loss of biodiversity seems inevitable. Second, we distinguished between the scientific task of assessing extinction risk and the normative task of choosing targets for protection. We propose that scientific advice on extinction risk be given at the smallest meaningful scale: the elemental conservation unit (ECU). An ECU is a demographically isolated population whose probability of extinction over the time scale of interest (say 100 years) is not substantially affected by natural immigration from other populations. Within this time frame, the loss of an ECU would be irreversible without human intervention. Society's decision to protect an ECU ought to reflect human values that have social, economic, and political dimensions. Scientists can best inform this decision by providing advice about the probability that an ECU will be lost and the ecological and evolutionary consequences of that loss in a form that can be integrated into landscape planning. The ECU approach provides maximum flexibility to decision makers and ensures that the scientific task of assessing extinction risk informs, but remains distinct from, the normative social challenge of setting conservation targets.
Severity of the Effects of Invasive Rats on Seabirds: A Global Review
Authors: JONES HOLLY P. , TERSHY BERNIE R. , ZAVALETA ERIKA S. , CROLL DONALD A. , KEITT BRADFORD S. , FINKELSTEIN MYRA E. , HOWALD GREGG R.
Published: February 2008

Abstract:  Invasive rats are some of the largest contributors to seabird extinction and endangerment worldwide. We conducted a meta‐analysis of studies on seabird–rat interactions to examine which seabird phylogenetic, morphological, behavioral, and life history characteristics affect their susceptibility to invasive rats and to identify which rat species have had the largest impact on seabird mortality. We examined 94 manuscripts that demonstrated rat effects on seabirds. All studies combined resulted in 115 independent rat–seabird interactions on 61 islands or island chains with 75 species of seabirds in 10 families affected. Seabirds in the family Hydrobatidae and other small, burrow‐nesting seabirds were most affected by invasive rats. Laridae and other large, ground‐nesting seabirds were the least vulnerable to rats. Of the 3 species of invasive rats, Rattus rattus had the largest mean impact on seabirds followed by R. norvegicus and R. exulans; nevertheless, these differences were not statistically significant. Our findings should help managers and conservation practitioners prioritize selection of islands for rat eradication based on seabird life history traits, develop testable hypotheses for seabird response to rat eradication, provide justification for rat eradication campaigns, and identify suitable levels of response and prevention measures to rat invasion. Assessment of the effects of rats on seabirds can be improved by data derived from additional experimental studies, with emphasis on understudied seabird families such as Sulidae, Phalacrocoracidae, Spheniscidae, Fregatidae, Pelecanoididae, Phaethontidae, and Diomedeidae and evaluation of rat impacts in tropical regions.
Implementing Ecosystem Management in Public Agencies: Lessons from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the Forest Service
Authors: KOONTZ TOMAS M. , BODINE JENNIFER
Published: February 2008

Abstract: Ecosystem management was formally adopted over a decade ago by many U.S. natural resource agencies, including the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. This approach calls for management based on stakeholder collaboration; interagency cooperation; integration of scientific, social, and economic information; preservation of ecological processes; and adaptive management. Results of previous studies indicate differences in the extent to which particular components of ecosystem management would be implemented within the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management and suggest a number of barriers thought to impede implementation. Drawing on survey and interview data from agency personnel and stakeholders, we compared levels of ecosystem‐management implementation in the Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management and identified the most important barriers to implementation. Agency personnel perceived similarly high levels of implementation on many ecosystem‐management components, whereas stakeholders perceived lower levels. Agencies were most challenged by implementation of preservation of ecological processes, adaptive management, and integration of social and economic information, whereas the most significant barriers to implementation were political, cultural, and legal.
The Prescription of Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Tzamaloukas Antonios H. , Raj Dominic S. C. , Onime Aideloje , Servilla Karen S. , VanderJagt Dorothy J. , Murata Glen H.
Published: February 2008

In addition to the maintenance of normal extracellular electrolyte composition, the prescription of continuous peritoneal dialysis (CPD) should address four other specific issues: (i) prevention of uremia by achievement of adequate clearance of azotemic substances, (ii) prevention of progressive expansion of the extracellular volume by adequate peritoneal ultrafiltration, (iii) prevention of loss of residual renal function, and (iv) prevention of deterioration of the peritoneal membrane structure and function. Urea clearance, in the form of Kt/VUrea, is the index of removal of azotemic substances proposed by current guidelines. The target total (renal plus peritoneal) Kt/VUrea is ≥1.7 weekly. To provide the desired peritoneal Kt/VUrea (Kpt/VUrea), the prescription of peritoneal dialysis must provide a daily drain volume (Dv) defined by the clearance equations as Dv = V × (Kpt/VUrea)/(D/PUrea), where V is body water obtained from published anthropometric formulas, Kpt/VUrea = (1.7 − renal Kt/VUrea)/7 and D/PUrea is the dialysate‐to‐plasma urea concentration ratio at the dwell time prescribed. Computer programs obtain the relevant D/PUrea values from formal studies of peritoneal transport. In the absence of these studies (for example, at initiation of CPD), D/PUrea values can be obtained from published studies with similar dwell times. Body size, indicated by V, is the major determinant of the Kpt/VUrea limit provided by a given CPD schedule. Other obstacles to achievement of adequate urea clearance are created by poor patient compliance, inaccuracies of the anthropometric formulas estimating V, and mechanical complications of CPD that lead to retention of dialysate in the body. The main requirements for the prescription of adequate ultrafiltration are knowledge of the individual peritoneal transport characteristics, monitoring of urinary volume, and restriction of dietary sodium intake. Excessive dietary sodium intake is the major cause of extracellular volume expansion in CPD. Ideally, sodium intake should be kept at the level of total (peritoneal plus renal) sodium removal. Preventing the loss of residual renal function involves avoidance of nephrotoxic influences in the form of medications, radiocontrast agents, urinary obstruction and infection, and possibly other influences, such an elevated calcium–phosphorus product and anemia. Use of the lowest dialysate dextrose concentration that will allow adequate ultrafiltration is currently the most widespread practical measure of prevention of peritoneal membrane deterioration. Formulation of biocompatible dialysate is a major ongoing research effort and may greatly enhance the success of CPD in the future.
Eosinophilic Peritonitis Following Air Entrapment During Peritoneoscopic Insertion of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Fourtounas Costas , Dousdampanis Periklis , Hardalias Andreas , Liatsikos Evangelos , Vlachojannis Jannis G.
Published: February 2008

Eosinophilic peritonitis following peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion is an infrequent but important complication. While allergic reaction to catheter material has been noted to be a culprit, air infusion into the abdominal cavity has also been highlighted to be a cause of this complication. In this article, we report two patients with end‐stage renal disease where air entrapment in the peritoneal cavity during a peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion resulted in eosinophilic peritonitis. The complication resolved with the reabsorption of entrapped intraperitoneal air and treatment with ketotifen. Peritonitis observed in the postoperative period during the peritoneoscopic insertion of a peritoneal dialysis catheter could be the result of air entrapment. Such patients might not require antibiotic therapy or catheter removal. Reabsorption of entrapped air and treatment with ketotifen might be all that is required.
Upper Limit of Serum Ferritin: Misinterpretation of the 2006 KDOQI Anemia Guidelines
Authors: Fishbane Steven
Published: February 2008

Intravenous iron treatment in hemodialysis patients improves response to recombinant human erythropoietin and facilitates achievement of targets for hemoglobin and hematocrit. Excessive treatment, however, could expose patients to risks related to iron overload and oxidative stress. Therefore, international treatment guidelines generally recommend that intravenous (i.v.) iron be discontinued when serum ferritin is >500–1000 ng/ml. In the current review, relevant issues that inform decisions as to what levels of serum ferritin should be used as the upper limit for treatment are considered. A conclusion is reached that the current published literature is inadequate for developing evidence‐based guidelines on this issue. Instead, clinical judgment is critical to properly weigh risks and benefits of i.v. iron treatment, and to determine whether iron treatment is appropriate for a given patient with higher levels of iron tests.
Ethanol Metabolism in Male American Indians and Whites
Authors: Farris John J. , Jones Ben Morgan
Published: February 2008

Ethanol metabolism rates were investigated in a group of 17 male American Indians and a group of 17 male whites of similar age, education, weight, and drinking history. A moderate dose of alcohol (0.52 g/kg) was administered orally to each subject, and blood alcohol levels were determined by breath analysis. The American Indian group demonstrated a significantly faster rate of alcohol metabolism than the white group. The peak blood alcohol level was significantly higher for the American Indians than for the whites, and the American Indian group demonstrated a significantly faster absorption rate than the white group.
Identification of an Isoquinoline Alkaloid after Chronic Exposure to Ethanol
Authors: Hamilton Murray G. , Blum Kenneth , Hirst Maurice
Published: February 2008

A rapid and simple method for extraction of biogenic amines from small tissue samples was used to examine striata from ethanol‐treated mice for TIQs. The results indicate that chronic ethanol administration can induce the formation of MSAL in striatal tissue.
Naturalistic Observations of Newborns: Effects of Maternal Alcohol Intake
Authors: Landesman‐Dwyer Sharon , Keller L. Susanne , Streissguth Ann Pytkowicz
Published: February 2008

This article deals with the question of whether offspring of social drinkers would show, to a lesser degree, some of the behavioral characteristics of infants with fetal alcohol syndrome. Another question concerned individual differences in “temperament.”
Hyperprolactinemia and Thyrotropin‐Releasing Factor (TRH) Responses in Men with Alcoholic Liver Disease
Authors: Thiel David H. Van , McClain Craig J. , Elson Michael K. , McMillin Michael J.
Published: February 2008

Prolactin responses to provocative thyrotropin‐releasing factor (TRH) stimulation were evaluated in 43 chronic alcoholic men and 11 normal volunteers. The alcoholic men were divided into groups for analysis based on the presence or absence of gynecomastia and the histologic appearance of their livers as determined by percutaneous liver biopsy. Compared to the normal volunteers, alcoholics with reversible liver disease (fatty liver) had reduced basal prolactin levels and exaggerated TRH responses. In contrast, alcoholics with cirrhosis and gynecomastia had markedly elevated basal prolactin levels and reduced responses to TRH. The results of this study combined with previously reported findings in cirrhotic men provide a basis for a possible explanation for the signs of feminization frequently found in alcoholic men.
Effects of Acute Alcohol Administration on Reproductive Endocrinology in the Male Rat
Authors: Cicero Theodore J. , Bernstein David , Badger Thomas M.
Published: February 2008

The results of the current studies further document that acute alcohol administration markedly disrupts the function of the HPG in the male. Our results indicate that alcohol depresses serum testosterone levels and, thereby, produces clinical symptoms associated with hypoandrogenization. Moreover, our studies suggest that acute alcohol administration also affects the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis by reducing serum LH levels—an effect that may represent the primary action of alcohol on the HPG.
Moving the Treatment of Alcoholism into the Medical Mainstream
Authors: Noel Ray , Colombo Theodore J.
Published: February 2008

This demonstration program for the treatment of alcoholism is based on the premise that alcoholism is a disease and that the primary care physician should play the central role in the overall management of alcoholism. The context of the Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) encourages the physician to assume responsibility for the care of the alcoholic and serves as the appropriate setting for the coordination of all modalities required.
Effects of Chronic Ethanol Treatment on Rat Liver Mitochondrial Protein Synthesis
Authors: Bernstein Jerome D. , Penniall Ralph
Published: February 2008

Chronic ethanol treatment of male Sprague‐Dawley rats resulted in a 50% decrease in the rate of incorporation of precursor leucine into isolated mitochondria. This decrease is manifest in a decreased labeling of three polypeptides of inner mitochondrial membranes that are the major products of in vitro mitochondrial protein synthesis under the conditions employed. Immunoprecipitation of cytochrome‐c oxidase revealed that these three polypeptides are subunits 1, 2, and 3 of cytochrome‐c oxidase and have apparent molecular weights of 33,000, 25,000, and 20,000. Sixty percent of the total incorporated radioactivity is associated with these polypeptides. A decrease in the contents of subunit 2 and of a second polypeptide with an apparent molecular weight of 22,000 was also noted as an effect of chronic ethanol treatment.
Drinking Behavior, Remission, and Relapse: The Rand Report Revisited
Authors: Paredes Alfonso , Gregory Dick , Rundell O. H. , Williams Harold L.
Published: February 2008

Utilizing the Armor, Polich, and Stambul 1976 criteria, the clinical course of patients from 26 treatment programs was studied, with relapse analyses differing from the data reported by Armor et al. The overall rate of remission at 6 mo follow‐up was considerably lower (54%) in this study. The data suggest that those alcoholics who chose to reduce their drinking, as an option, experienced a substantial risk of relapse.
Young Alcoholics in Treatment: Their Characteristics and Recovery Rates at Follow‐Up
Authors: Smart Reginald G.
Published: February 2008

Reporting data on characteristics of young alcoholics, treatment and recovery, and comparisons made with older alcoholics in similiar treatment, this study Indicates the differences and similarities, as well as pointing up the need to investigate the types of treatment most needed in this section of the population.
Varied Cardiac Abnormalities in Alcoholics
Authors: Regan Timothy J. , Ettinger Philip O.
Published: February 2008

The toxic effects of acute or chronic use of alcohol on cerebral and hepatic function have long been recognized, but it has been thought that the heart was not similarly affected. This study reexamines this traditional thought and Indicates that ethyl alcohol may have chronic toxic effects on the cardiovascular system.
Cross‐Tolerance to Effect of Ethanol and Temperature in Aplysia: Preliminary Observations
Authors: Traynor M. Elaine , Schlapfer W. T. , Woodson P. B. J. , Barondes S. H.
Published: February 2008

Reporting an unexpected finding, this article suggests a bidirectional cross‐tolerance between ethanol‐tolerant and temperature‐adapted preparations may be a widespread phenomenon. Further investigation of these findings may provide useful insight into the nature of the specific membrane changes in alcohol tolerance.
Physicians Treated for Alcoholism: A Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Goby Marshall J. , Bradley Nelson J. , Bespalec Dale A.
Published: February 2008

Studying alcoholism and chemical dependency among members of the medical profession, the authors discovered that, despite the special problems associated with alcoholic physicians, the number responding to treatment and showing improvement is high, and the overall results are encouraging.
Genetics and Alcoholism Simulacra
Authors: McClearn Gerald E.
Published: February 2008

The author explores the role of genetic techniques in developing simulacra for eventual use as models in alcoholism research.
INTRODUCTION Neurotransmitter Function and Alcoholism
Authors: Tabakoff Boris
Published: February 2008

Studies of neurotransmitter function within the central nervous system (CNS) of ethanol‐treated animals and animals tolerant to and physiologically dependent on ethanol have formed a major theme of many current studies on the etiology of alcoholism. This symposium, dedicated to the memory of Michael J. Walsh, brought together a number of individuals who have used a variety of techniques to gain insight into the interaction of ethanol with various neurotransmitter systems and have attempted to elucidate how such interactions may result in aberrant drinking behavior and the development of tolerance to and dependence on ethanol.
Effect of Prior Narcotic Addiction on Response to Treatment of Alcoholism
Authors: Gordis Enoch , Sereny George
Published: February 2008

We studied the effect of prior narcotic addiction on response to treatment of alcoholism. Patients in the Elmhurst Alcoholism Treatment Program are offered medical care, counseling, disulfiram, and close affiliation with Alcoholics Anonymous. We compared 85 alcoholics who had a history of narcotic use with a control group of 85 alcoholics matched for age, sex, and race who had never used narcotics. Among controls, 30 (35%) became abstinent from alcohol for at least half the time that they were known to us. Of the former narcotic users, only 8 (9%) became abstinent for at least half the time they were known to us. Former narcotic users did poorly in alcoholism treatment, whether or not they had ever been treated with methadone maintenance. Alcohol use. often heavy, began before heroin use in at least half the narcotic group. We conclude that a history of narcotic use reduces markedly the chance of success in conventional alcoholism treatment, and that alcoholism and narcotic addiction develop independently.
Effect of Ethanol on Endogenous Rhythms of Growth Hormone Secretion
Authors: Redmond Geoffrey P.
Published: February 2008

Studies in man on the effect of ethanol on growth hormone (GH) release have been inconclusive. In order to investigate the effect of ethanol on spontaneous episodic secretion of GH, rats were implanted with chronic carotid catheters to permit frequent sampling in unanesthetized rats. Secretion during the 3 hr before (0–180 min) and after (181–360 min) ethanol or saline was assessed by means of samples drawn every 15 min. Secretion patterns after saline or ethanol 0.5 and 2 g/kg were indistinguishable, but ethanol in doses of 3 and 4 g/kg abolished rat GH (rGH) secretion in a majority of animals. Mean rGH after saline injection for the period 181–360 min was 62 ± 9 ng/ml. When ethanol was given, mean rGH values for this time period were 0.5 g/kg, 63 ± 6 ng/ml; 2.0 g/kg, 47 ± 7 ng/ml; 3 g/kg. 28 ± 3 ng/ml; and 4 g/kg, 23 ± 2 ng/ml. Differences were not statistically significant between saline and 0.5 or 2 g/kg ethanol, but were significant (p < 0.01) for 3 or 4 g/kg ethanol. Thus, a single dose of ethanol can abolish spontaneous rGH secretion, but it must be a high dose. The effect of chronic ethanol administration remains to be investigated.
Twenty‐Four‐Hour Fluid Intake and Renal Handling of Electrolytes after Various Doses of Ethanol
Authors: Sargent William Q. , Simpson John R. , Beard James D.
Published: February 2008

The effects of single ethanol doses on fluid and electrolyte metabolism were studied in 31 male mongrel dogs. The animals were given either 0.75 g/kg. 1.50 g/kg. or 2.25 g/kg of a 25% (v/v) ethanol solution or isovolumetric quantities of water. Fluid intake, urine output, and electrolyte {Na, K, CI, Mg) excretions were measured at 0–3, 3–8, and 8–24 hr. During the ascending portion of the plasma ethanol curve (0–3 hr) there was a diuresis and renal magnesium loss in the two highest dosage ethanol groups. During the initial portion of the descending plasma ethanol curve (3–8 hr), each ethanol group had a significant elevation in voluntary intake. At 8–24 hr, renal retention of sodium, potassium, and chloride was found in the 1.5 and 2.25 g/kg groups, and magnesium excretion was also reduced in the 2.25 g/kg group. Over the 0–24 hr, none of the ethanol groups showed fluid loss, while the 2.25 g/kg ethanol group had significant retention of water. The administration of the 2.25 g/kg ethanol dose also resulted in 24–hr retention of sodium and potassium.
Acute Effect of Ethanol on Membranes of the Endoplasmic Reticulum and on Protein Synthesis in Rat Liver
Authors: Murty Challakonda N. , Verney Ethel , Sidransky Herschel
Published: February 2008

The acute effect of ethanol on the membranes of hepatic endoplasmic reticulum, on the in vitro protein‐synthetic activities of hepatic free and membrane‐bound polyribosomes and on the plasma proteins of rats fasted overnight was investigated. Ethanol (0.75 g/100 g body weight) was tube‐fed as a 50% (v/v) solution in saline 3 hr before sacrifice. Hepatic endoplasmic reticulum membranes from control and ethanol‐treated rats were compared using the following techniques: (1) lactoperoxidase‐catalyzed radioiodination of proteins and sodium dodecylsulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and (2) measurement of 14C‐choline incorporation into membranes. Hepatic microsomal membranes from ethanol‐treated rats incorporated in vitro less 12BI into total proteins (as well as into the 55,000 molecular weight proteins) and incorporated in vivo less 14C‐choline into microsomal membranes than membranes of control rats. Ethanol administration inhibited in vivo incorporation of “C‐leucine or 14C‐phenylalanine into liver protein and plasma albumin and globulin. The data also indicate that an acute dose of ethanol reduced the in vitro protein‐synthetic activity of hepatic membrane‐bound polyribosomes, while free polyribosomes were relatively unaffected.
The Aversive Effect of Acetaldehyde on Alcohol Drinking Behavior in the Rat
Authors: Eriksson C. J. Peter
Published: February 2008

There are a number of indications suggesting that acetaldehyde (AcH) is one factor affecting the alcohol drinking behavior in laboratory animals. In the present study, the voluntary alcohol consumption in a free‐choice situation was recorded in 17 female Spraque‐Dawley rats fed with two different diets. The first diet (commercial Astra‐Ewos, Sweden) caused significantly (p < 0.001) higher blood AcH concentrations after oral alcohol administration and lower alcohol preferences (alcohol intake as percentage of total fluid intake) than the other diet (prepared at the Alko laboratories). With the Alko diet, the individual preference values correlated negatively with the blood AcH concentrations (p < 0.01) and positively with the liver aldehyde dehydrogenase activities (p < 0.05). Hepatic alcohol oxidation rate was found to correlate positively with the AcH concentrations from perfused livers (p < 0.05) and negatively with the alcohol preferences (p < 0.05, Alko diet). The results are discussed considering a possible biphasic relation between the AcH metabolism and alcohol drinking behavior.
Schedule Induction and Overindulgence
Authors: Falk John L. , Tang Maisy
Published: February 2008

An animal model of human alcoholism is presented in which animals maintain chronic overdrinking to the extent that they develop severe physical dependence. They can be induced to overdrink ethanol in situations where an alternative fluid is present as well, so that the overindulgence is elective. The environmental conditions that produce this result also can induce the overingestion of other subtances, aggression, and hyperactivity. It would appear, then, that many kinds of seemingly excessive, maladaptive behavior in animals and humans can have similar environmental sources. Alcoholism may be viewed within a context of environmental conditions that can produce a variety of excesses.
Ethanol: A Gonadal Toxin in the Mature Rat of Both Sexes
Authors: Gavaler Judith S. , Thiel David H. Van , Lester Roger
Published: February 2008

A diet containing 5% ethanol, accounting for 36% of the total calories or a similar diet in which dextrimaltose was isocalorically substituted for ethanol, was fed to sexually mature adult male and female rats to determine whether alcohol feeding of such animals could produce gonadal failure as it does in weanling animals. After 4 mo of such feeding, alcohol‐fed animals of both sexes, when compared to isocalorically fed controls, demonstrated gonadal atrophy. Such atrophy was manifested by loss of ovarian (p < 0.05) and testicular (p < 0.01) mass, reduced sex steroid levels [progesterone in females and testosterone in males (both p < 0.05)], and atrophy of sex steroid responsive tissues. Such atrophy in the female rats studied was manifested by macroscopic and histologic evidence of loss of estrogen effect, while in the male only histologic evidence for loss of androgen stimulation could be demonstrated. In both male and female animals fed alcohol plasma luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were not increased as would be expected in the presence of such gonadal failure. In contrast, follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly increased (p < 0.01) in all alcohol‐fed animals when compared to isocalorically fed sex‐matched controls. These findings confirm and extend our prior studies that demonstrate that alcohol is a gonadal toxin. Moreover, they demonstrate that alcohol feeding to sexually mature animals is associated with a central hypothalamic‐pituitary defect in LH but not FSH secretion, as has been shown to exist previously in humans. Thus, alcohol is capable of producing gonadal injury in animals and presumably in man after, as well as before, puberty if ingested in sufficient quantities over a long enough interval.
The Effect of Ethanol and Acetaldehyde on DNA Synthesis in Growing Cells and on Fetal Development in the Rat
Authors: Dreosti Ivor E. , Ballard F. John , Belling G. Bryan , Record Ian R. , Manuel Susan J. , Hetzel Basil S.
Published: February 2008

Incorporation of3H‐thymidine into DNA was significantly diminished by treatment with ethanol and acetaldehyde in regenerating rat liver, rat ceils in culture, and rat fetal tissues. Reduced incorporation was especially marked in the fetal central nervous system and was observed with both compounds at levels similar to those reported to occur in human alcoholics. The reduced incorporation of3H‐thymidine into fetal DNA, together with the increased fetal mortality observed in dams treated specifically with acetaldehyde during pregnancy, suggests that acetaldehyde is implicated in the mechanism of teratogenesis associated with the fetal alcohol syndrome.
Practical Benefit‐Cost Analysis for Alcoholism Programs
Authors: Rundell O. H. , Jones R. K. , Gregory Dick
Published: February 2008

Benefit‐cost analysis is an economic evaluation methodology which can readily be applied to the analysis of small individual alcoholism programs as well as to large alcoholism service delivery systems. Computational examples are given using information routinely collected at intake and follow‐up by the Oklahoma management information system. Only minor modifications are required for programs using NIAAA's National Alcoholism Program Information System (NAPIS). Suggestions are made for improving the validity of the benefit estimates. The potential information gain through the use of benefit‐cost analysis is demonstrated in worked examples.
Altered Development of Brain by Neonatal Ethanol Exposure: Zinc Levels during and after Exposure
Authors: Samson Herman H. , Diaz Jaime
Published: February 2008

Neonatal rats, exposed to ethanol by use of an artificial rearing technique during the first postnatal week, have been shown to have a 20% reduction in brain weight compared to littermate controls. The mechanisms responsible for this deficit remain to be determined. One hypothesis, which has been suggested that could be responsible for the microcephaly observed in the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is that human alcoholics have decreased serum zinc levels. It is well documented that zinc deficiency in rats results in microcephaly. Thus, ethanol administered in the diet could result in lowered zinc levels in serum and brain, and hence be the underlying factor for the brain growth deficiency reported.

In these studies, serum and brain zinc levels were determined for animals exposed to ethanol using the artificial rearing procedure, and for their littermate controls, artificially reared on the same formula without ethanol. No differences at any time were found in either serum or brain zinc levels. This would suggest that zinc availability could not account for the effects found on brain growth.
Alcoholic Liver Diseases in Portugal. Clinical and Laboratory Picture, Mortality, and Survival
Authors: Alves Patricia S. , Correia J. Pinto , D'Água ConĹeigäTo Borda , Portugal Luísa , Capaz V. , Rodrigues Madalena L. , Rodrigues H. L.
Published: February 2008

Six main types of histopathoiogical changes were found in 463 patients with chronic alcoholism admitted during the 10‐year period from 1966 to 1975: group I, normal liver in 2.6%; group II, fatty liver in 8.4%; group III, acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH) in 7.6%; group IV, cirrhosis with or without steatosis in 68.7%; group V, cirrhosis with AAH in 12.8%; group VI, liver cell carcinoma (LCC) in 1.9% (all of the latter patients were also included in group IV). Seventy‐three % were males and 27% were females. Females tended to be older than males.

Cirrhosis was found in 68% of the group between 21 and 30 yr and in 85% between 51 and 60 yr. Normal histology or steatosis was less frequent after the age of 50 yr. Ascites and jaundice were more frequent in patients with AAH than in patients with steatosis. The majority of patients had SGOT under 100 karmen units/ml; SGPT was normal in 80% of patients with cirrhosis and higher than 100 karmen units/ml in 10%. SGPT was higher than SGOT in only 11.9% of the patients. Mortality was 46.7% according to the follow‐up until 1978. Survival was 38.4% at the end of the first year and decreased very slowly afterwards to 32.8% in males and 11.5% in females after a 5‐yr period.
In Utero Alcohol Exposure and Developmental Delay of Response Inhibition
Authors: Abel Ernest L.
Published: February 2008

Offspring of rats fed liquid alcohol diet during pregnancy exhibited age‐related Increased activity and deficits in passive avoidance learning and response perseveration which were not age‐related. Alcohol‐exposed offspring also elicited less maternal responsiveness from nontreated dams than did pair‐fed controls. The results suggest that in utero alcohol exposure produces a developmental delay in ontogeny of response inhibition mechanisms underlying activity, but not passive avoidance learning or spontaneous alternation.