bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Dumbledore Hypothesis of Cognitive Aging
Authors: Stine-Morrow Elizabeth A.L.
Published: November 2007

Cognitive aging is often characterized as a process in which two competing forces determine individual development: a genetically driven senescence process that engenders declines in mental mechanics; and an accumulation of life experience that augments cultural, pragmatic, and knowledge-based competence. The considerable variability in the level and rate of change in complex intellectual activities (e.g., language understanding) is often accounted for in terms of individual differences in abilities associated with these forces. I argue that choice in how effort is allocated may be an essential determinant of cognitive change over the life span—both directly, in the form of attentional engagement, and indirectly, as it sculpts neural substrates that give rise to component abilities.
For Better and For Worse
Authors: Belsky Jay , Bakermans-Kranenburg Marian J. , van IJzendoorn Marinus H.
Published: November 2007

Evidence that adverse rearing environments exert negative effects particularly on children presumed “vulnerable” for temperamental or genetic reasons may actually reflect something else: heightened susceptibility to the negative effects of risky environments and to the beneficial effects of supportive environments. Building on Belsky's (1997 , 2005 ) evolutionary-inspired proposition that some children are more affected—both for better and for worse—by their rearing experiences than are others, we consider recent work on child vulnerability, including that involving measured genes, along with evidence showing that putatively vulnerable children are especially susceptible to both positive and negative rearing effects. We also consider methodological issues and unanswered questions in the differential-susceptibility equation.
Evaluating the Theory-of-Mind Hypothesis of Autism
Authors: Tager-Flusberg Helen
Published: November 2007

Two decades ago, the theory-of-mind hypothesis of autism was introduced by Baron-Cohen and his colleagues; this theory provided a unified cognitive explanation for the key social and communication symptoms in that disorder. I evaluate the theory-of-mind hypothesis in light of studies that have addressed several key questions: Do children with autism develop theory-of-mind concepts? How can we explain why some children with autism pass theory-of-mind tasks? Do deficits in theory of mind account for the major impairments that characterize autistic disorder? Current research supports the view that autism involves delays and deficits not only in the development of a theory of mind but also in additional aspects of social-affective information processing that extend beyond the traditional boundaries of theory of mind.
Psychology and Experimental Economics
Authors: Ariely Dan , Norton Michael I.
Published: November 2007

Experimental economics and social psychology share an interest in a widening subset of topics, relying on similar lab-based methods to address similar questions about human behavior, yet dialogue between the two fields remains in its infancy. We propose a framework for understanding this disconnect: The different approaches the disciplines take to translating real-world behavior into the laboratory create a “gap in abstraction,” which contributes to crucial differences in philosophy about the roles of deception and incentives in experiments and limits cross-pollination. We review two areas of common interest—altruism and group-based discrimination—which demonstrate this gap yet also reveal ways in which the two approaches might be seen as complementary rather than contradictory.
Capturing the Naturally Occurring Superior Performance of Experts in the Laboratory
Authors: Ericsson K. Anders , Ward Paul
Published: November 2007

Expertise researchers have traditionally shied away from studying the highest levels of achievement in favor of studying basic cognitive processes, such as memory and categorization. In this article, we present a different approach that is focused on capturing superior (expert) performance on representative tasks that reveal the essential characteristics of expertise in a given domain. In domains where expert performance is measurable, acquisition is gradual and the highest levels are only attained after 10 years of intense preparation—even for the most “talented.” Analyses of reproducibly superior performance show that it is mediated by physiological adaptations and cognitive skills acquired as a result of the cumulative effects of special practice activities (deliberate practice). It appears that the genes necessary to attain such adaptations and expert skills can be activated in healthy children—the only clear exceptions to date being genes that control body size and height. Our knowledge of how experts acquire their superior skills provides insights into the potential for human adaptation and skill acquisition and has important implications for theories of the structure of general and expert cognition, as well as for training interventions in applied psychology and education.
The Strength Model of Self-Control
Authors: Baumeister Roy F. , Vohs Kathleen D. , Tice Dianne M.
Published: November 2007

Self-control is a central function of the self and an important key to success in life. The exertion of self-control appears to depend on a limited resource. Just as a muscle gets tired from exertion, acts of self-control cause short-term impairments (ego depletion) in subsequent self-control, even on unrelated tasks. Research has supported the strength model in the domains of eating, drinking, spending, sexuality, intelligent thought, making choices, and interpersonal behavior. Motivational or framing factors can temporarily block the deleterious effects of being in a state of ego depletion. Blood glucose is an important component of the energy.
Google and the Mind
Authors: Griffiths Thomas L. , Steyvers Mark , Firl Alana
Published: November 2007

Human memory and Internet search engines face a shared computational problem, needing to retrieve stored pieces of information in response to a query. We explored whether they employ similar solutions, testing whether we could predict human performance on a fluency task using PageRank, a component of the Google search engine. In this task, people were shown a letter of the alphabet and asked to name the first word beginning with that letter that came to mind. We show that PageRank, computed on a semantic network constructed from word-association data, outperformed word frequency and the number of words for which a word is named as an associate as a predictor of the words that people produced in this task. We identify two simple process models that could support this apparent correspondence between human memory and Internet search, and relate our results to previous rational models of memory.
Language is not Just for Talking
Authors: Lupyan Gary , Rakison David H. , McClelland James L.
Published: November 2007

In addition to having communicative functions, verbal labels may play a role in shaping concepts. Two experiments assessed whether the presence of labels affected category formation. Subjects learned to categorize “aliens” as those to be approached or those to be avoided. After accuracy feedback on each response was provided, a nonsense label was either presented or not. Providing nonsense category labels facilitated category learning even though the labels were redundant and all subjects had equivalent experience with supervised categorization of the stimuli. A follow-up study investigated differences between learning verbal and nonverbal associations and showed that learning a nonverbal association did not facilitate categorization. The findings show that labels make category distinctions more concrete and bear directly on the language-and-thought debate.
The Other-Race Effect Develops During Infancy
Authors: Kelly David J. , Quinn Paul C. , Slater Alan M. , Lee Kang , Ge Liezhong , Pascalis Olivier
Published: November 2007

Experience plays a crucial role in the development of face processing. In the study reported here, we investigated how faces observed within the visual environment affect the development of the face-processing system during the 1st year of life. We assessed 3-, 6-, and 9-month-old Caucasian infants' ability to discriminate faces within their own racial group and within three other-race groups (African, Middle Eastern, and Chinese). The 3-month-old infants demonstrated recognition in all conditions, the 6-month-old infants were able to recognize Caucasian and Chinese faces only, and the 9-month-old infants' recognition was restricted to own-race faces. The pattern of preferences indicates that the other-race effect is emerging by 6 months of age and is present at 9 months of age. The findings suggest that facial input from the infant's visual environment is crucial for shaping the face-processing system early in infancy, resulting in differential recognition accuracy for faces of different races in adulthood.
Voluntary Action Influences Visual Competition
Authors: Maruya Kazushi , Yang Eunice , Blake Randolph
Published: November 2007

Converging lines of evidence point to a strong link between action and perception. In this study, we show that this linkage plays a role in controlling the dynamics of binocular rivalry, in which two stimuli compete for perceptual awareness. Observers dichoptically viewed two dynamic rival stimuli while moving a computer mouse with one hand. When the motion of one rival stimulus was consistent with observers' own hand movements, dominance durations of that stimulus were extended and, remarkably, suppression durations of that stimulus were abbreviated. Additional measurements revealed that this change in rivalry dynamics was not attributable to observers' knowledge about the condition under test. Thus, self-generated actions can influence the resolution of perceptual conflict, even when the object being controlled falls outside of visual awareness.
Moniker Maladies
Authors: Nelson Leif D. , Simmons Joseph P.
Published: November 2007

In five studies, we found that people like their names enough to unconsciously pursue consciously avoided outcomes that resemble their names. Baseball players avoid strikeouts, but players whose names begin with the strikeout-signifying letter K strike out more than others (Study 1). All students want As, but students whose names begin with letters associated with poorer performance (C and D) achieve lower grade point averages (GPAs) than do students whose names begin with A and B (Study 2), especially if they like their initials (Study 3). Because lower GPAs lead to lesser graduate schools, students whose names begin with the letters C and D attend lower-ranked law schools than students whose names begin with A and B (Study 4). Finally, in an experimental study, we manipulated congruence between participants' initials and the labels of prizes and found that participants solve fewer anagrams when a consolation prize shares their first initial than when it does not (Study 5). These findings provide striking evidence that unconsciously desiring negative name-resembling performance outcomes can insidiously undermine the more conscious pursuit of positive outcomes.
A Guide to Thinking about Emergence
Authors: Rue Loyal
Published: November 2007

A basic survey of the issues that arise in discussing emergence is presented, together with suggestions on how the concept should be approached. Emergence is an alternative to reductionism. The emergence story invites us to see that nothing transcends nature like nature itself; it is a radically new way to think about the natural order, and it reshapes our ideas of matter. Special attention is given to the idea of meaning in life. Three options are discussed for thinking about the meaning of life: that it is fundamental to the nature of things, that it is an illusion, and that it is an emergent property of matter. The third option is favored—that the universe has no telos, and yet makes possible the spontaneous emergence of purpose. Caution is advised against exploiting the idea of emergence. The most important task is to understand the science of emergence and only then to move into interpretations from the humanities and theology.
Robots and the Sacred in Science and Science Fiction: Theological Implications of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Geraci Robert M.
Published: November 2007

In science‐fiction literature and film, human beings simultaneously feel fear and allure in the presence of intelligent machines, an experience that approximates the numinous experience as described in 1917 by Rudolph Otto. Otto believed that two chief elements characterize the numinous experience: the mysterium tremendum and the fascinans. Briefly, the mysterium tremendum is the fear of God's wholly other nature and the fascinans is the allure of God's saving grace. Science‐fiction representations of robots and artificially intelligent computers follow this logic of threatening otherness and soteriological promise. Science fiction offers empirical support for Anne Foerst's claim that human beings experience fear and fascination in the presence of advanced robots from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology AI Lab. The human reaction to intelligent machines shows that human beings in many respects have elevated those machines to divine status. This machine apotheosis, an interesting cultural event for the history of religions, may—despite Foerst's rosy interpretation—threaten traditional Christian theologies.
A Prophetic Seer Potentiating Us in the Present
Authors: Thompson Curtis L.
Published: November 2007

In his book Radical Evolution Joel Garreau functions as a prophet and a seer. In presenting a narrative of the future that includes an optimistic view of human nature, he warns that because of the GRIN technologies (genetics, robotics, information technology, and nanotechnology) the quickening evolution of “The Curve” is upon us and could well soon culminate in the mind‐boggling social change of “The Singularity.” Garreau considers three scenarios of the technological future: the Heaven Scenario, the Hell Scenario, and the Prevail Scenario. The third wins favor because the heavenly envisionment with its evolution of a superintelligent human who could engineer a species with a greatly extended lifespan is too blissful and the hellish prognostication with its destruction of the human species within the next quarter century is too pernicious. Just right is the middle‐of‐the‐road perspective of the Prevail‐Transcend depiction of the future. This third view is indeed more appropriate than the first two scenarios, but a more nuanced form of the third perspective—emphasizing similarly the role of human freedom and responsibility in continuing to reshape human nature but drinking less deeply of the transhumanist elixir and more deeply of a pantransentheistic potion—would constitute a more suitable vision of the future.
Cottage industry, migration, and marriage in nineteenth‐century England
Authors: GOOSE NIGEL
Published: November 2007

There has been considerable debate concerning the impact of the industrial employment of women upon their demographic behaviour in nineteenth‐century England. This article assesses the impact of employment in the cottage industry of straw plait and hat making in the county of Hertfordshire, comparing and contrasting districts where the industry was prominent with those where it was not. It is discovered that in 1851 the availability of straw industry employment encouraged earlier marriage, most notably in those parishes where the industry was particularly heavily concentrated, although overall levels of nuptiality and proportions ultimately marrying were similar in straw and non‐straw areas alike. By 1871, however, the skewed sex ratio that such employment produced among young adults served to offset this positive effect. As the industry waned in the later nineteenth century, the experience of different regions of the county converged, while throughout the period the data suggest that urban/rural contrasts and the suburbanization of London produced more stark contrasts in female marriage patterns than did the availability of cottage industry employment.
A pilot study of pharmacokinetically guided dosing of oral methotrexate in the initial phase of psoriasis treatment
Authors: Hroch M , Chladek J , Simkova M , Vaneckova J , Grim J , Martinkova J
Published: November 2007

Background  Clinical studies of low‐dose oral methotrexate (MTX) in the treatment of psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis document a large interpatient variability in the pharmacokinetics of MTX, including its polyglutamates (MTXPGs) in erythrocytes (RBC). This can be a factor contributing to the variability of therapeutic and toxic effects.

Aim  This pilot trial aimed to investigate the MTXPG concentrations in RBC as well as their relation to therapeutic and adverse effects during the initial 4 months of pharmacokinetically guided therapy with a divided‐dose schedule (three doses of MTX separated by 12‐h intervals once a week).

Subjects and methods  Sixteen psoriatic patients (4 men and 12 women; mean age, 53 years; range, 28–69 years) with moderate‐to‐severe chronic plaque psoriasis [mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) = 24; range, 9–42] were enrolled in the study. Concentrations of plasma MTX and that of MTXPGs in RBC were assayed using liquid chromatography methods. The area under the concentration–time curve of plasma MTX in the interval 0–8 h post‐dose (AUC0–8 h) was measured after a test bolus dose of 10 mg, and the starting weekly dose was individualized in order to achieve the target AUC0–8 h of 1800 nmol·h/L. The PASI, biochemistry, and haematology tests and MTXPGs levels in RBC were evaluated at baseline and at 4‐week intervals.

Results  The AUC0–8 h achieved 1360 ± 425 nmol·h/L (mean ± SD: range, 778–2400 nmol·h/L). The mean (range) of individualized doses was 14.5 mg/week (7.5–22.5 mg). The mean (SD) steady‐state concentration of total MTXPGs observed between days 85 to 110 reached 113 (34.6) nmol/L (range, 66.1–174 nmol/L). The PASI decreased from 24·0 ± 8.0 (mean ± SD) at baseline to 8.0 ± 6.1 at day 110 (P < 0.001). Thirteen patients (87%) achieved a greater than 50% improvement in baseline PASI, and seven (47%) experienced a greater than 75% improvement. There was no relationship between the percent improvement from baseline PASI and the steady‐state concentration of MTXPGs in RBC. All patients tolerated MTX well. Throughout the study period, there was a continuous increasing trend in the geometric mean values of the mean corpuscular volume from 92.6 to 96.4 fL (P < 0.001) and of plasma homocysteine from 9.5 to 12.3 µmol/L (P < 0.005). The geometric mean serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity slightly increased from 0.49 to 0.80 µkat/L (P < 0.05). However, only two patients had the ALT activity transiently elevated above twice the upper limit of normal.

Conclusion  Results of this pilot trial show that the steady‐state levels of MTXPGs in RBC vary less than threefold between patients and did not correlate with the change in PASI observed after 4 months of therapy with an individualised weekly dose of MTX. Whether pharmacokinetically guided dosing can improve the results of psoriasis therapy with MTX should be prospectively tested in large controlled studies.
Anti‐inflammatory effect of pimecrolimus in the sodium lauryl sulphate test
Authors: Engel K , Reuter J , Seiler C , Mönting J Schulte , Jakob T , Schempp CM
Published: November 2007

Background  Pimecrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor used for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. We have shown previously that pimecrolimus cream is not effective on intact skin in the ultraviolet erythema test.

Objective  To test the anti‐inflammatory effect of pimecrolimus cream after damage of the skin barrier by sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) in a randomised, placebo‐controlled, observer‐blinded study.

Methods  SLS (3% v/v) was applied under occlusion on the back of 36 healthy volunteers for 24 h. Subsequently, the test areas were treated for 24 h with pimecrolimus cream, 1% hydrocortisone in a hydrophilic ointment, and the vehicle alone over three consecutive days. One control area remained untreated. The erythema index and the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) served as readout parameters to assess the SLS‐induced skin irritation.

Results  Pimecrolimus cream and 1% hydrocortisone cream significantly reduced the SLS‐induced erythema. The two test preparations did not have a significant effect on the TEWL.

Conclusion  After damage to the skin barrier by SLS, pimecrolimus seems to penetrate into the skin as shown by a reduction of the irritation‐induced erythma. These data further support the notion that pimecrolimus is selectively effective in the treatment of skin disorders with an impaired function of the epidermal barrier.
Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of ethanolic extract from dried calyx ofHibiscus sabdariffain alloxan‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Farombi E.O. , Ige O.O.
Published: November 2007

The present study investigated the hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of ethanolic extract ofHibiscus sabdariffaL (HSE) in rats treated with alloxan. The results were compared with the standard hypolipidemic drug lovastatin. HSE at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg elicited dose‐dependent effects on the biomarkers evaluated. In alloxan‐treated rats, HSE at the dose of 200 mg/kg significantly attenuated the elevated blood glucose concentration by 57%. Lovastatin (10 mg/kg) similarly reduced the glucose level in alloxan‐treated rats by 48%. HSE reduced the alloxan‐induced increases in cholesterol, very low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and atherogenic index by 29%, 36%, 40%, and 32%, respectively while lovastatin decreased the alloxan‐induced increases in the parameters by 25%, 23%, 28%, and 31%, respectively. HSE (200 mg/kg) and lovastatin (P < 0.01) decreased the alloxan‐induced increases in the lipid profiles both in the liver and the kidneys. HSE at 200 mg/kg attenuated the alloxan‐induced decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the level of glutathione (GSH) by 36%, 44%, and 64% in the liver and by 20%, 43%, and 85% in the kidney of rats. Lovastatin similarly increased SOD, CAT and GSH by 32%, 29%, and 64% in the liver and by 17%, 26%, and 73% in the kidney of alloxan‐treated rats. HSE (200 mg/kg) significantly decreased the alloxan‐mediated increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl (PC) levels in the liver by 44% and 43% and in the kidneys by 45% and 38%, respectively, while lovastatin decreased the alloxan‐induced elevation in MDA and PC in the liver by 42% and 41% and in the kidney by 45% and 33%, respectively. While HSE at a dose of 200 mg/kg and lovastatin normalized the activity of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase in the liver, the extract and lovastatin did not elicit significant changes in the kidney enzyme activity in rats treated with alloxan. Overall, our data demonstrate that HSE possesses strong hypolipidemic as well as antioxidant properties in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats and as suchHibiscus sabdariffacould be useful in preventing the development of atherosclerosis and possible related cardiovascular pathologies associated with diabetes.
Animal models of anxiety in mice
Authors: Bourin Michel , Petit‐Demoulière Benoit , Nic Dhonnchadha Brid , Hascöet Martine
Published: November 2007

Among the multiple possibilities to study human pathologies, animal models remain one of the most used pathways. They allow to access to unavailable answers in human patients and to learn about mechanisms of action of drugs. Primarily developed with rats, animal models in anxiety have been adapted with a mixed success for mice, an easy‐to‐use mammal with better genetic possibilities than rats. In this review, we have focused on the most used animal models in anxiety in mice. Both conditioned and unconditioned models are described, to represent all types of animal models of anxiety. Behavioural studies require strong care for variable parameters, linked to environment, handling or paradigm; we have discussed about this topic. Finally, we focused on the consequences of re‐exposure to the apparatus. Test–retest procedures can bring in new answers, but should be deeply studied, to revalidate the whole paradigm as an animal model of anxiety.
The mechanisms of vasorelaxant effect of leptin on isolated rabbit aorta
Authors: Şahin Ayşe Saide , Bariskaner Hulagu
Published: November 2007

In the present study, we analysed the effects of leptin on rabbit aorta and the mechanisms underlying these effects. Leptin (10−12–10−9 m) induced concentration‐dependent relaxation in intact rabbit aorta rings precontracted with phenylephrine (10−6 m). Removal of endothelium abolished the effects of leptin. Pretreatment of rings with Nω‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (10−4 m 20 min) or catalase (1200 U/mL 20 min) significantly reduced the relaxant response to leptin when compared with the control group. The incubation of brefeldin A (3.5 × 10−5 m 90 min), indomethacin (10−5 m 20 min), tetraethylammonium (10−4 m 20 min), and glibenclamide (10−5 m, 20 min) did not affect the leptin‐induced vasodilation. These results suggest that leptin relaxes the rabbit aorta. The relaxation is mediated by endothelium‐derived nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide.
Analysis of drug transporter expression in human intestinal Caco‐2 cells by real‐time PCR
Authors: Maubon Nathalie , Le Vee Marc , Fossati Lina , Audry Mathilde , Le Ferrec Eric , Bolze Sebastien , Fardel Olivier
Published: November 2007

Expression of drug transporters corresponds to a crucial parameter in intestinal Caco‐2 cells widely used for investigating drug absorption. In order to characterize it in an accurate, reproducible and comparative manner, we analyzed mRNA levels of 19 influx and efflux drug transporters through real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays combined with the use of a total RNA reference standard. Profiles of transporter expression were found to be significantly correlated in two independent Caco‐2 cell clones and in human small intestine, which may support the use of Caco‐2 cells for investigating intestinal drug transport. Several transporters were nevertheless quantitatively expressed at higher (MRP2, MRP3, MRP4, MRP5, MRP6, OATP‐A, OATP‐B, OCT1 and MCT1) or lower (BCRP) levels in Caco‐2 cells comparatively to small intestine. Moreover, MDR1, MRP2, OATP‐A and PEPT1 mRNA relative expression were found to differ in the two analyzed Caco‐2 cell clones by at least a twofold factor, highlighting that some variations in transporter expression may occur in Caco‐2 cells depending on cell origin, and therefore underlining the interest of carefully characterizing transporter levels in any Caco‐2 cell clone before its use for drug transport assays.
Dose‐response effect of ellagic acid on circulatory antioxidants and lipids during alcohol‐induced toxicity in experimental rats
Authors: Devipriya Nagarajan , Sudheer Adluri Ram , Menon Venugopal P.
Published: November 2007

Ellagic acid (EA) is a naturally occurring polyphenolic compound that exhibits antioxidative, anti‐inflammatory, anti‐hyperlipidaemic and anticarcinogenic activities in a wide range of assays both in vitro and in vivo. It occurs in various foods such as strawberries, grapes, walnuts, etc. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of ellagic acid on alcohol‐induced changes in the circulatory antioxidative status, micronutrients and lipid levels in a dose‐dependent fashion. Female albino Wistar rats weighing 150–170 g were used to assess the effects of EA against alcohol‐induced damage. Three different concentrations of EA (30, 60 and 90 mg/kg body weight) were tested against 20% alcohol via intragastric administration. At the end of the experimental duration of 45 days, we evaluated endogenous antioxidants: both enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) and non‐enzymatic (vitamin C and E, and reduced glutathione) status, micronutrients, viz. copper and zinc, and lipids: cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids in the circulation. The body weight gain of both alcohol‐fed rats and EA‐treated rats were also inferred. EA significantly inhibits alcohol‐induced toxicity by improving body weight, restoring antioxidant status, modulating micronutrients and attenuating the lipid levels in the circulation. The greatest inhibitory effect was observed with 60 mg/kg body weight of EA in all the biochemical assessments. The results support the hypothesis that EA at the concentration of 60 mg/kg body weight decreases the intensity of alcohol‐induced toxicity and could be developed as a potential drug for alcohol abuse in the near future.
Differential parenting and sibling jealousy: Developmental correlates of young adults’ romantic relationships
Authors: RAUER AMY J. , VOLLING BRENDA L.
Published: November 2007

Data from a survey of 200 young adults assessed whether the early nonshared environment, specifically parental differential treatment, was associated with romantic relationship distress through its effects on sibling jealousy, attachment styles, and self‐esteem. Individuals who received equal affection from their parents in comparison to their sibling reported equal jealousy between themselves and their sibling, had higher self‐esteem, more secure attachment styles, and less romantic relationship distress. Receiving differential parental affection, regardless of whether the participant or their sibling was favored, was associated with more negative models of self and others, which in turn were associated with greater romantic relationship distress. Results indicate that early within‐family experiences may be particularly relevant for later healthy romantic relationship functioning.
Prevalence and cost of nonadherence with antiepileptic drugs in an adult managed care population
Authors: Davis Keith L. , Candrilli Sean D. , Edin Heather M.
Published: November 2007

Summary

Purpose: This study assessed the extent of refill nonadherence with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and the potential association between AED nonadherence and health care costs in an adult‐managed care population.

Methods: Retrospective claims from the PharMetrics database were analyzed. Inclusion criteria were: age ≥21, epilepsy diagnosis between January 01, 2000 and March 12, 2005, ≥2 AED prescriptions, and continuous health plan enrollment for ≥6 months prior to and ≥12 months following AED initiation. Adherence was evaluated using the medication possession ratio (MPR). Patients with an MPR <0.8 were classified as nonadherent. Multivariate regression was used to assess the effect of AED nonadherence on annualized cost outcomes. Regression covariates included patient demographics, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and follow‐up duration.

Results: Among patients meeting all inclusion criteria (N = 10,892), 58% were female, mean age was 44 years, mean CCI was 0.94, and mean follow‐up was 27 months. Mean MPR was 0.78 and 39% of patients were nonadherent. AED nonadherence was associated with an increased likelihood of hospitalization (odds ratio [OR]= 1.110, p = 0.013) and emergency room (ER) admission (OR = 1.479, p < 0.0001), as well as increased inpatient and ER costs of $1,799 and $260 (both p = 0.001), respectively, per patient per year. Outpatient and other ancillary costs were not significantly affected by nonadherence. A large net positive effect of nonadherence on total annual health care costs remained (+$1,466, p = 0.034) despite an offset from reduced prescription drug intake.

Discussion: Adherence with AEDs among adult epilepsy patients is suboptimal and nonadherence appears to be associated with increased health care costs. Efforts to promote AED adherence may lead to cost savings for managed care systems.
Valproate‐induced thrombocytopenia: a prospective monotherapy study
Authors: Nasreddine Wassim , Beydoun Ahmad
Published: November 2007

Summary

Purpose: The frequency of valproate (VPA)‐induced thrombocytopenia varied widely in previous studies, due to methodological differences. Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between trough VPA plasma levels and platelet counts and assess risk factors for the development of thrombocytopenia.

Methods: Patients with refractory partial epilepsy were enrolled in this double‐blind, multicenter, concentration–response trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of high versus low trough plasma VPA concentrations following administration of divalproex sodium as monotherapy. Trough VPA concentrations and concomitant platelet counts were drawn at baseline and intermittently throughout the 24‐week trial. Bivariate correlations and multivariate stepwise regression analysis were performed between platelet counts and multiple variables. A logistic regression analysis was done to determine the probability of developing thrombocytopenia at various VPA levels.

Results: A total of 851 VPA levels and concomitant platelet counts were analyzed in 265 patients. Of these, 17.7% of patients experienced at least one episode of thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤ 100,000/μl) after exposure to divalproex sodium. A significant negative correlation was found between VPA levels and platelet counts. Women were significantly more likely to develop thrombocytopenia. The probability of developing thrombocytopenia substantially increased at trough VPA levels above 100 μg/ml in women and above 130 μg/ml in men.

Discussion: Our data strongly support a causal relationship between rising plasma VPA levels and reduced platelet counts, with additional risk factors including female gender and lower baseline platelet counts.
EPSP depression following neocortical seizures in cat
Authors: Nita Dragos A. , Cissé Youssouf , Timofeev Igor
Published: November 2007

Summary

To study the possible mechanism(s) underlying unresponsiveness following neocortical seizures, we recorded excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) of cortical neurons evoked by ipsilateral cortical stimulation before and after spontaneous or elicited seizures. Regular‐spiking neurons (n = 32) were intracellularly recorded in association area five of cats under ketamine–xylazine or barbiturate anesthesia. Compared with control responses, cortically evoked EPSPs were characterized by decreased amplitude after electrographic seizures. Synaptic responses and intrinsic properties were measured by applying extracellular electrical stimuli followed by intracellular hyperpolarizing current pulses. The input resistance decreased during seizures but quickly recovered to control level after the paroxysms, whereas the amplitude of evoked EPSPs remained lower following seizures, generally for 2–12 min, suggesting that the decreased EPSPs were not due to an alteration of intrinsic response. Data demonstrate a long‐lasting decreased synaptic responsiveness following generalized spike‐wave seizures slowly recovering in time.
Alcoholism, Craving, and Hormones: The Role of Leptin, Ghrelin, Prolactin, and the Pro‐Opiomelanocortin System in Modulating Ethanol Intake
Authors: Wurst Friedrich Martin , Rasmussen Dennis D. , Hillemacher Thomas , Kraus Thomas , Ramskogler Katrin , Lesch Otto , Bayerlein Kristina , Schanze Anja , Wilhelm Julia , Junghanns Klaus , Schulte Tilman , Dammann Gerhard , Pridzun Lutz , Wiesbeck Gerhard , Kornhuber Johannes , Bleich Stefan
Published: November 2007

Evidence is growing that appetite regulating peptides such as leptin and ghrelin, but also other hormones including prolactin are altered in alcoholism. The brain pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) system which has important mediating roles in alcohol intake also has important functions in prolactin regulation and energy homeostasis. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated to be functionally integrated with leptin regulation. The satiety factor leptin seems to be counteracted by the gut‐derived peptide ghrelin which increases hunger and food intake. Consequently, the POMC system may have a role in integrating regulation of alcohol effects and these seemingly disparate regulatory systems. The goal of this mini‐review is to discuss the results of some recent investigations of the potential interactions of these systems with acute and chronic alcohol responses.
Acculturation and Alcohol Among Latino Adults in the United States: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Zemore Sarah E.
Published: November 2007

Background:  In light of the inconsistent evidence associating acculturation with drinking outcomes among Latinos in the United States, the current paper comprehensively reviews the literature on this topic.

Methods:  Studies were eligible for review if they (1) were published in a refereed journal, (2) were published in English, (3) sampled Latino/Hispanic adults aged 18+, (4) examined self‐reported drinking behavior, alcohol‐related problems, and/or alcohol abuse/dependence, and (5) reported original results or unique analyses from a larger dataset. The review includes only studies using composite scales of acculturation. Studies were identified via electronic databases (i.e., PSYCHINFO, ETOH, and PUBMED) using search terms, and combinations thereof, including “acculturat*,”“alcohol*,”“Latino,” and “Hispanic.” This search was supplemented by recursive checking and author searches. Thirty‐two articles were identified and coded on methodological characteristics; results from 24 disaggregating genders and using appropriate outcomes were summarized.

Results:  Higher acculturation was very consistently associated with higher odds of drinking among women, even controlling for demographic covariates. The evidence for women also suggested associations between higher acculturation and heavier drinking on other outcomes, including total volume, drinking frequency, typical quantity, heavy/problem drinking, drinking problems, and abuse/dependence, despite some null results. Relationships were weaker and ambiguous among men. Some evidence suggested that highly acculturated men are (compared with peers low on acculturation) more prone to drink, and perhaps as a result, can show higher consumption and problems. However, results also implied that, among male drinkers, higher acculturation may be associated with a lighter drinking pattern. Important study limitations were identified, including low power, aggregation of nondrinkers with drinkers, restrictive sampling, measurement issues, and analytical issues.

Conclusions:  The pattern of results suggests important associations between acculturation and drinking outcomes—particularly for women—but conclusions are tempered by serious methodological limitations. The review urges further research, particularly large‐scale, longitudinal studies, addressing these limitations.
fMRI BOLD Response to the Eyes Task in Offspring From Multiplex Alcohol Dependence Families
Authors: Hill Shirley Y. , Kostelnik Bryan , Holmes Brian , Goradia Dhruman , McDermott Michael , Diwadkar Vaibhav , Keshavan Matcheri
Published: November 2007

Background:  Increased susceptibility for developing alcohol dependence (AD) may be related to structural and functional differences in brain circuits that influence social cognition and more specifically, theory of mind (ToM). Alcohol dependent individuals have a greater likelihood of having deficits in social skills and greater social alienation. These characteristics may be related to inherited differences in the neuroanatomical network that comprises the social brain.

Methods:  Adolescent/young adult participants from multiplex AD families and controls (n = 16) were matched for gender, age, IQ, education, and handedness and administered the Eyes Task of Baron‐Cohen during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Results:  High‐risk (HR) subjects showed significantly diminished blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response in comparison with low‐risk control young adults in the right middle temporal gyrus (RMTG) and the left inferior frontal gyrus (LIFG), areas that have previously been implicated in ToM tasks.

Conclusions:  Offspring from multiplex families for AD may manifest one aspect of their genetic susceptibility by having a diminished BOLD response in brain regions associated with performance of ToM tasks. These results suggest that those at risk for developing AD may have reduced ability to empathize with others’ state of mind, possibly resulting in diminished social skill.
Rates and Correlates of Relapse Among Individuals in Remission From DSM‐IV Alcohol Dependence: A 3‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Dawson Deborah A. , Goldstein Risë B. , Grant Bridget F.
Published: November 2007

Background:  There is little information on the stability of abstinent and nonabstinent remission from alcohol dependence in the general U.S. population. The aim of this study was to examine longitudinal changes in recovery status among individuals in remission from DSM‐IV alcohol dependence, including rates and correlates of relapse, over a 3‐year period.

Methods:  This analysis is based on data from Waves 1 and 2 of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults aged 18 years and older originally interviewed in 2001 to 2002 and reinterviewed in 2004 to 2005. The Wave 1 NESARC identified 2,109 individuals who met the DSM‐IV criteria for full remission from alcohol dependence. Of these, 1,772 were reinterviewed at Wave 2, comprising the analytic sample for this study. Recovery status at Wave 2 was examined as a function of type of remission at Wave 1, with a focus on rates of relapse, alternately defined as recurrence of any alcohol use disorder (AUD) symptoms and recurrence of DSM‐IV alcohol dependence. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds of relapse among asymptomatic risk drinkers and low‐risk drinkers relative to abstainers, adjusted for a wide range of potential confounders.

Results:  By Wave 2, 51.0% of the Wave 1 asymptomatic risk drinkers had experienced the recurrence of AUD symptoms, compared with 27.2% of low‐risk drinkers and 7.3% of abstainers. Across all ages combined, the adjusted odds of recurrence of AUD symptoms relative to abstainers were 14.6 times as great for asymptomatic risk drinkers and 5.8 times as great for low‐risk drinkers. The proportions of individuals who had experienced the recurrence of dependence were 10.2, 4.0, and 2.9%, respectively, and the adjusted odds ratios relative to abstainers were 7.0 for asymptomatic risk drinkers and 3.0 for low‐risk drinkers. Age significantly modified the association between type of remission and relapse. Differences by type of remission were not significant for younger alcoholics, who had the highest rates of relapse.

Conclusions:  Abstinence represents the most stable form of remission for most recovering alcoholics. Study findings highlight the need for better approaches to maintaining recovery among young adults in remission from alcohol dependence, who are at particularly high risk of relapse.
The Relationship Between Alcohol Problems and Dependence, Conduct Problems and Diagnosis, and Number of Sex Partners in a Sample of Young Adults
Authors: Cavazos‐Rehg Patricia A. , Spitznagel Edward L. , Bucholz Kathleen K. , Norberg Karen , Reich Wendy , Nurnberger John , Hesselbrock Victor , Kramer John , Kuperman Sam , Bierut Laura Jean
Published: November 2007

Background:  Heavy drinking is associated with an increased number of sexual partners. This study examined the extent to which alcohol dependence and conduct disorder are associated with the number of sexual partners and membership in a risk group of having a high number of sexual partners (10 or more).

Methods:  Data were obtained by personal interview from 601 relatives (aged 18 to 25 years) of alcohol‐dependent probands who participated in the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) project. Analyses examined the independent contribution of problem drinking (defined as having at least one symptom of DSM‐IV alcohol dependence) and alcohol dependence, some conduct problems (defined as having at least one symptom of DSM‐IV conduct disorder), conduct disorder, family status (defined as whether participant lived with both biological parents during childhood), educational attainment, gender, race, age at first intercourse, and age at time of interview to the number of sexual partners and to having 10 or more sexual partners.

Results:  After controlling for other variables, alcohol dependence, problem drinking, race, age at first intercourse, and age at time of interview were significantly associated with number of sexual partners. The risk for having 10 or more sexual partners rose substantially for those who were alcohol dependent (OR = 2.5, 1.3–4.5, p = 0.004) and those with conduct disorder (OR = 1.8, 1.0–3.3, p = 0.041) after controlling for other variables. There is also a trend toward problem drinking and some conduct problems being associated with the risk of having 10 or more sexual partners though this did not reach statistical significance.

Conclusions:  These analyses demonstrate that alcohol‐dependent individuals and those with conduct disorder are at risk for increased number of sexual partners (10 or more). Sexually transmitted disease prevention efforts should target individuals with these two conditions to help decrease high risk sexual behaviors.
Ethanol Alters Production and Secretion of Estrogen‐Regulated Growth Factors That Control Prolactin‐Secreting Tumors in the Pituitary
Authors: Sarkar Dipak K. , Boyadjieva Nadka I.
Published: November 2007

Background:  Chronic administration of ethanol increases plasma prolactin levels and enhances estradiol’s mitogenic action on the lactotropes of the pituitary gland. The present study was conducted to determine whether ethanol’s lactotropic cell‐proliferating action, like estradiol’s, is associated with alteration in the production of 3 peptides that regulate cell growth: transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF‐β1), TGF‐β3 and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).

Methods:  Using ovariectomized Fischer‐344 female rats, we determined ethanol’s and estradiol’s actions on lactotropic cell proliferation and growth‐regulatory peptide production and release in the pituitary gland during tumorigenesis.

Results:  Ethanol increased basal and estradiol‐enhanced mitosis of lactotropes in the pituitary glands of ovariectomized rats. The level of growth‐inhibitory TGF‐β1 was reduced in the pituitary following ethanol and/or estradiol treatment for 2 and 4 weeks. In contrast, ethanol and estradiol alone as well as together increased levels of growth‐stimulatory TGF‐β3 and bFGF in the pituitary at 2 and 4 weeks. In primary cultures of pituitary cells, both ethanol and estradiol reduced TGF‐β1 release and increased TGF‐β3 and bFGF release at 24 hours. Ethanol’s effect on growth factor levels in the pituitary or growth factor release from the pituitary cells was less than that of estradiol. When ethanol and estradiol were applied together, their individual effects on these growth factors were amplified.

Conclusions:  These results confirm estradiol’s modulation of pituitary growth factor production and release, and provide evidence that ethanol, like estradiol, alters the production and secretion of growth‐regulatory peptides controlling lactotropic cell proliferation.