bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-chain carboxychromanols, metabolites of vitamin E, are potent inhibitors of cyclooxygenases
Authors: Jiang Qing , Yin Xinmin , Lill Markus A. , Danielson Matthew L. , Freiser Helene , Huang Jianjie
Published: December 2008

Cyclooxygenase (COX-1/COX-2)-catalyzed eicosanoid formation plays a key role in inflammation-associated diseases. Natural forms of vitamin E are recently shown to be metabolized to long-chain carboxychromanols and their sulfated counterparts. Here we find that vitamin E forms differentially inhibit COX-2-catalyzed prostaglandin E
2
in IL-1β-stimulated A549 cells without affecting COX-2 expression, showing the relative potency of γ-tocotrienol ≈ δ-tocopherol > γ-tocopherol ≫ α- or β-tocopherol. The cellular inhibition is partially diminished by sesamin, which blocks the metabolism of vitamin E, suggesting that their metabolites may be inhibitory. Consistently, conditioned media enriched with long-chain carboxychromanols, but not their sulfated counterparts or vitamin E, reduce COX-2 activity in COX-preinduced cells with 5 μM arachidonic acid as substrate. Under this condition, 9′- or 13′-carboxychromanol, the vitamin E metabolites that contain a chromanol linked with a 9- or 13-carbon-length carboxylated side chain, inhibits COX-2 with an IC
50
of 6 or 4 μM, respectively. But 13′-carboxychromanol inhibits purified COX-1 and COX-2 much more potently than shorter side-chain analogs or vitamin E forms by competitively inhibiting their cyclooxygenase activity with
K
i
of 3.9 and 10.7 μM, respectively, without affecting the peroxidase activity. Computer simulation consistently indicates that 13′-carboxychromanol binds more strongly than 9′-carboxychromanol to the substrate-binding site of COX-1. Therefore, long-chain carboxychromanols, including 13′-carboxychromanol, are novel cyclooxygenase inhibitors, may serve as anti-inflammation and anticancer agents, and may contribute to the beneficial effects of certain forms of vitamin E.
Word processing in the parafoveal region
Authors: Lee Chang Hwan , Kim Kyungill
Published: December 2008

This study examined the role of words viewed in the parafoveal region during reading. In contrast to previous work, the present experiments used a reading‐aloud paradigm that was postulated to encourage letter‐to‐sound processing, as is typical for beginning readers and for skilled readers who are reading difficult material. The three experiments in this study examined the role of orthographic and semantic information in the parafoveal region on the processing of a word in the foveal region. For this, two words, one in the foveal region and the other in the parafoveal region, were presented side by side to resemble normal reading. Participants were instructed to read aloud the word on the left side, ignoring the word on the right side. Experiments 1 and 2 showed that the presence of a word in the parafoveal region slowed naming of target words, and that this delay was attributable to linguistic interference. This pattern indicates that the information in the parafoveal region affect the processing of the target. Experiment 3 showed an effect of parafoveal semantic information on processing of the target word. In sum the results of the current study suggest that information in the parafoveal region appears to be linguistically processed but to a weaker degree than the focused word. In sum, the results of the experiments in the current study indicate that the influence of parafoveal information is quite lexical and semantic information in the parafoveal region affects processing of the target in the foveal region.
Alternative perspectives on learning outcomes: challenges for assessment
Authors: Daugherty Richard , Black Paul , Ecclestone Kathryn , James Mary , Newton Paul
Published: December 2008

In discussing the relationship between curriculum and assessment it is commonly argued that assessment should be aligned to curriculum or, alternatively, that they should be congruent with each other. This article explores that relationship in five educational contexts in the UK and in Europe, ranging across school education, workplace learning, vocational education and higher education. Four main themes are highlighted: construct definition, progression, assessment procedures, and system‐level accountability. What emerges from the five case studies under review is a multi‐layered process of knowledge being constructed in diverse ways at different levels in each context. The article concludes that, rather than thinking in terms of either alignment or congruence, these relationships are better understood in terms of non‐linear systems embracing curriculum, pedagogy and assessment.
A means of personalising learning: incorporating old and new literacies in the curriculum with mobile phones
Authors: Hartnell‐Young Elizabeth , Vetere Frank
Published: December 2008

This article explores a notion of ‘personalising learning’ which puts the learner at the centre, supported by mobile technology and teacher mediation. It reports a small study in the Northern Territory of Australia, with indigenous students who were given mobile camera phones to capture aspects of their everyday lives and bring them into school. It found that they created a range of narratives that linked their traditional literacies with ‘new literacies’. The article argues that, using tools like these, students can contribute to their curriculum. However, it raises issues of cultural differences between teachers and students, and the importance of developing critical literacy in conjunction with new communication forms and other new literacies. Finally it points to the important role of teachers in leading change in school cultures, and particularly assessment, that will allow these personal contributions to learners' curricula.
Let them eat Shakespeare: prescribed authors and the National Curriculum
Authors: Ward Sophie Claire , Connolly Roy
Published: December 2008

In this article, we examine the debate that surrounds prescribed reading lists in the English National Curriculum. In particular, we attempt to locate the role which ideas about heritage and social and moral values have played in constructing this debate. We begin by examining the English National Curriculum's origin in the 1980s as a conservative exercise in stemming cultural crisis, and the discourse about literature's role in the curriculum which this helped construct. We then examine how this discourse has influenced, and continues to influence, the educational policy of prescribing a list of authors and consider the assumptions that are embedded in this policy. Finally, we reflect upon how the material conditions of the classroom provide a site of resistance, or difficulty, for the officially sanctioned discourse concerning literature's role in the curriculum.
Portrayals of Print Literacy in Children's Television Programming
Authors: Moses Annie M. , Duke Nell K.
Published: December 2008

Television continues to be an important part of young children's daily lives. Therefore, an important question lies in how popular television programs depict aspects of children's development and learning, including literacy. Through a content analysis, this study analyzed the top 10 programs for viewers between the ages of 2 and 5 for portrayals of literacy, specifically looking at the amount of and affective qualities of print literacy events in these programs. Print literacy events were defined as any time print appeared and was read, written, or listened to by characters in the sample episodes. They were coded for characteristics of the print literacy events, the print used within events, and the literacy user(s). Major findings included: (a) little print included and used, (b) a limited variety of texts, and (c) a lack of gender or racial balance in the characters who interacted with print. Relatively few positive messages about literacy were found, and negative messages about literacy were observed. Missed opportunities to include print literacy in programs were also noted. These findings address gaps in current bodies of research on television, literacy, and young children. They also can help to inform decision-making by families, educators, producers, and policymakers about television and young children.
The Effects of Three Instructional Methods on the Reading Comprehension and Content Acquisition of Novice Readers
Authors: Scott Katherine A. Dougherty Stahl
Published: December 2008

This study explores the effects of 3 instructional methods: Picture Walks (Clay, 1991; Fountas & Pinnell, 1996), KWL (Ogle, 1986), and the Directed Reading-Thinking Activity (Stauffer, 1969) on the reading comprehension and science content acquisition of novice readers. The participants were 31 second-graders with an instructional reading level that was approaching grade level. A replicated Latin Square, within-subjects repeated measures design was employed that examined 4 treatments: 3 intervention groups (PW, KWL, DRTA) and a control group. The primary analysis evaluated treatment effects by conducting one-way repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVA) on all measures, using the group as the unit of analysis. Results indicated that the picture walk and DRTA yielded statistically significant effects on reading growth as measured by a timed maze task. Analysis of Cued Recall indicated that the DRTA yielded statistically significant effects in reading comprehension and science content acquisition. KWL did not yield significant effects on measures of comprehension or content acquisition. Student interviews provided evidence that the participants possessed declarative, procedural, and conditional knowledge of the strategic processes that are the foundation for the 3 interventions, activation of prior knowledge, and prediction. However, the likelihood of the participants putting that knowledge to effective use seemed to be dependent upon the amount of teacher scaffolding provided by the instructional procedure.
The structure and dynamics of Titan's middle atmosphere
Authors: Flasar F.M , Achterberg R.K
Published: December 2008

Titan's middle atmosphere is characterized by cyclostrophic winds and strong seasonal modulation. Cassini CIRS observations, obtained in northern winter, indicate that the stratosphere near 1 mbar is warmest at low latitudes, with the South Pole a few degrees colder and the North Pole approximately 20 K colder. Associated with the cold northern temperatures are strong circumpolar winds with speeds as high as 190 m s
−1
. Within this vortex, the mixing ratios of several organic gases are enhanced relative to those at low latitudes. Comparison with Voyager thermal infrared measurements, obtained 25 years ago in northern spring, suggests that the enhancement currently observed will increase as the winter progresses. The stratopause height increases from 0.1 mbar near the equator to 0.01 mbar near the North Pole, where it is the warmest part of the atmosphere, greater than 200 K. This implies subsidence at the pole, which is consistent with the enhanced organics observed. Condensate features, several still not identified, are also apparent in the infrared spectra at high northern latitudes. In many ways, the winter vortex observed on Titan, with cyclostrophic winds, resembles the polar winter vortices on the Earth, where the mean winds are geostrophic.
Sputtering and heating of Titan's upper atmosphere
Authors: Johnson Robert E
Published: December 2008

Titan is an important endpoint for understanding atmospheric evolution. Prior to Cassini's arrival at Saturn, modelling based on Voyager data indicated that the hydrogen escape rate was large (1–3×10
28
 amu s
−1
), but the escape rates for carbon and nitrogen species were relatively small (5×10
26
 amu s
−1
) and dominated by atmospheric sputtering. Recent analysis of the structure of Titan's thermosphere and corona attained from the Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer and the Huygens Atmospheric Structure Instrument on Cassini have led to substantially larger estimates of the loss rate for heavy species (0.3–5×10
28
 amu s
−1
). At the largest rate suggested, a mass that is a significant fraction of the present atmosphere would have been lost to space in 4 Gyr; hence, understanding the nature of the processes driving escape is critical. The recent estimates of neutral escape are reviewed here, with particular emphasis on plasma-induced sputtering and heating. Whereas the loss of hydrogen is clearly indicated by the altitude dependence of the H
2
density, three different one-dimensional models were used to estimate the heavy-molecule loss rate using the Cassini data for atmospheric density versus altitude. The solar heating rate and the nitrogen density profile versus altitude were used in a fluid dynamic model to extract an average net upward flux below the exobase; the diffusion of methane through nitrogen was described below the exobase using a model that allowed for outward flow; and the coronal structure above the exobase was simulated by presuming that the observed atmospheric structure was due to solar- and plasma-induced hot particle production. In the latter, it was hypothesized that hot recoils from photochemistry or plasma-ion-induced heating were required. In the other two models, the upward flow extracted is driven by heat conduction from below, which is assumed to continue to act above the nominal exobase, producing a process referred to as ‘slow hydrodynamic’ escape. These models and the resulting loss rates are reviewed and compared. It is pointed out that preliminary estimates of the composition of the magnetospheric plasma at Titan's orbit appear to be inconsistent with the largest loss rates suggested for the heavy species, and the mean upward flow extracted in the one-dimensional models could be consistent with atmospheric loss by other mechanisms or with transport to other regions of Titan's atmosphere.
Storms, polar deposits and the methane cycle in Titan's atmosphere
Authors: Griffith Caitlin Ann
Published: December 2008

In Titan's atmosphere, the second most abundant constituent, methane, exists as a gas, liquid and solid, and cycles between the atmosphere and the surface. Similar to the Earth's hydrological cycle, Titan sports clouds, rain and lakes. Yet, Titan's cycle differs dramatically from its terrestrial counterpart, and reveals the workings of weather in an atmosphere that is 10 times thicker than the Earth's atmosphere, that is two orders of magnitude less illuminated, and that involves a different condensable. While ongoing measurements by the Cassini–Huygens mission are revealing the intricacies of the moon's weather, circulation, lake coverage and geology, knowledge is still limited by the paucity of observations. This review of Titan's methane cycle therefore focuses on measured characteristics of the lower atmosphere and surface that appear particularly perplexing or alien.
Interaction of Titan's ionosphere with Saturn's magnetosphere
Authors: Coates Andrew J
Published: December 2008

Titan is the only Moon in the Solar System with a significant permanent atmosphere. Within this nitrogen–methane atmosphere, an ionosphere forms. Titan has no significant magnetic dipole moment, and is usually located inside Saturn's magnetosphere. Atmospheric particles are ionized both by sunlight and by particles from Saturn's magnetosphere, mainly electrons, which reach the top of the atmosphere. So far, the Cassini spacecraft has made over 45 close flybys of Titan, allowing measurements in the ionosphere and the surrounding magnetosphere under different conditions. Here we review how Titan's ionosphere and Saturn's magnetosphere interact, using measurements from Cassini low-energy particle detectors. In particular, we discuss ionization processes and ionospheric photoelectrons, including their effect on ion escape from the ionosphere. We also discuss one of the unexpected discoveries in Titan's ionosphere, the existence of extremely heavy negative ions up to 10 000 amu at 950 km altitude.
Characterization of bacteriophages used in the Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage-typing scheme
Authors: De Lappe N. , Doran G. , O'Connor J. , O'Hare C. , Cormican M.
Published: December 2008

The 16 Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) typing phages (SETPs) used in the Laboratory of Enteric Pathogens (Health Protection Agency, London, UK) phage-typing scheme have not previously been characterized in detail. We have examined the adsorption properties of the phages with respect to a number of S. enterica serovars and defined phage morphology with electron microscopy. PFGE was used to estimate overall genome size and banding patterns generated by electrophoresis following restriction endonuclease digestion of the genome with HindIII were compared. PCR amplification and sequencing of selected genes was performed. The 16 phages comprise three morphotypes, Podoviridae (SETP1, 8, 10, 14, 15 and 16), Siphoviridae (SETP3, 5, 7, 11, 12 and 13) and Myoviridae (SETP2, 4, 6 and 9). All Podoviridae and Siphoviridae, but not Myoviridae, adsorbed to the O12 lipopolysaccharide antigen of Salmonella serogroups B (4,12) and D1 (9,12). The genome sizes for the Podoviridae and Siphoviridae (PFGE-A) were approximately 42 kb. The genome size for Myoviridae SETP2, 4 and 9 was 36.5 kb, and for myovirus SETP6 was 27 kb. HindIII digestion of phage DNA produced 9 distinct patterns of 8 to 11 bands. Relationships between phages based on digest patterns were consistent with those defined by morphology. The Podoviridae had homologues of several P22 genes while the Siphoviridae had homologues of several genes present in the sequenced siphovirus SETP3 (EF177456). This study represents an initial step in characterizing the molecular basis that underlies the widely used S. Enteritidis typing scheme.
Assessment of Chlamydia trachomatis infection by Cobas Amplicor PCR and in-house LightCycler assays using PreservCyt and 2-SP media in voluntary legal abortions
Authors: Sevestre Henri , Mention Jacques , Lefebvre Jean-François , Eb François , Hamdad Farida
Published: December 2008

Chlamydial infection of the upper genital tract after abortion is well recognized, but routine screening for infection before termination is rare, and few centres are aware of the prevalence of post-abortion complications in their patient population. Knowledge of the patient population is the best guide for developing screening strategies. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of chlamydial infection in patients presenting for legal termination of pregnancy, and to assess the presence of Chlamydia trachomatis by PCR on specimens collected in either PreservCyt (ThinPrep) or 2-sucrose phosphate (2-SP) transport medium. Two hundred and eleven single, sexually active women, aged 15–26 years, attending the Gynaecology and Obstetric Hospital, Amiens, France, for surgical termination of pregnancy were enrolled in this study from June 2002 to June 2003. C. trachomatis detection using a Cobas Amplicor PCR test (Roche Diagnostics) targeting a 207 bp segment of the common cryptic plasmid and a quantitative LightCycler real-time PCR (LC-PCR) (Roche Diagnostics) targeting a 123 bp fragment within the highly conserved constant domain 3 of the single-chromosome-copy ompA gene were performed on endocervical swabs in 2-SP, and on specimens collected using a cytobrush and placed in PreservCyt medium. The in-house LC-PCR was used as a chromosomal diagnosis method and to determine the load of C. trachomatis. This method was able to detect the mutant Swedish variant with a deletion of 377 bp in the target area in the cryptic plasmid, which is the region targeted by the Cobas Amplicor PCR test. C. trachomatis was detected in 19/211 patients (9 %) by both PCR methods. Among the 19 infected women, C. trachomatis was detected by the Cobas Amplicor PCR in 16 specimens in PreservCyt (7.6 %) and in 12 endocervical swabs in 2-SP (5.7 %). Specimens from only nine women were PCR-positive in both PreservCyt and 2-SP media by this method. Cobas Amplicor PCR revealed that 10.9 and 2.3 % of the PreservCyt and 2-SP samples, respectively, contained inhibitors. The same 19 infected women were LC-PCR positive in both PreservCyt and 2-SP samples. No additional infected women were found by this last method; thus, it was concluded that none of the samples contained the new variant of C. trachomatis. The load in each sample varied from 102 to 107 copies ml−1.
Influence of surface porosity and pH on bacterial adherence to hydroxyapatite and biphasic calcium phosphate bioceramics
Authors: Kinnari Teemu J. , Esteban Jaime , Martin-de-Hijas Nieves Z. , Sánchez-Muñoz Orlando , Sánchez-Salcedo Sandra , Colilla Montserrat , Vallet-Regí María , Gomez-Barrena Enrique
Published: December 2008

Hydroxyapatite (HA) and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) ceramic materials are widely employed as bone substitutes due to their porous and osteoconductive structure. Their porosity and the lowering of surrounding pH as a result of surgical trauma may, however, predispose these materials to bacterial infections. For this reason, the influence of porosity and pH on the adherence of common Gram-positive bacteria to the surfaces of these materials requires investigation. Mercury intrusion porosimetry measurements revealed that the pore size distribution of both bioceramics had, on a logarithmic scale, a sinusoidal frequency distribution ranging from 50 to 300 nm, with a mean pore diameter of 200 nm. Moreover, total porosity was 20 % for HA and 50 % for BCP. Adherence of Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis was studied at a physiological pH of 7.4 and at a pH simulating bone infection of 6.8. Moreover, the effect of pH on the ζ potential of HA, BCP and of both staphylococci was evaluated. Results showed that when pH decreased from 7.4 to 6.8, the adherence of both staphylococci to HA and BCP surfaces decreased significantly, although at the same time the negative ζ-potential values of the ceramic surfaces and both bacteria diminished. At both pH values, the number of S. aureus adhered to the HA surface appeared to be lower than that for BCP. A decrease in pH to 6.8 reduced the adherence of both bacterial species (mean 57 %). This study provides evidence that HA and BCP ceramics do not have pores sufficiently large to allow the internalization of staphylococci. Their anti-adherent properties seemed to improve when pH value decreased, suggesting that HA and BCP bioceramics are not compromised upon orthopaedic use.
Characterization and genotyping of strains of Francisella tularensis isolated in Bulgaria
Authors: Marinov Krustyu T. , Georgieva Elena D. , Ivanov Ivan N. , Kantardjiev Todor V.
Published: December 2008

A tularaemia focus was detected in 1998 in Bulgaria, in an area where tularaemia had never been reported. The properties ofFrancisella tularensissubsp.holarcticastrains isolated from 1998 to 2005 were studied. The strains showed heterogeneity, based on acid production from glycerol and erythromycin susceptibility. Genotyping by analysis of seven loci containing variable-number tandem repeats showed four genotypes among eight strains.
Chronic prosthetic joint infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Kleemann Peter , Domann Eugen , Chakraborty Trinad , Bernstein Irene , Lohoff Michael
Published: December 2008

We report what is to the best of our knowledge the first case of persistent human listeriosis. A housewife underwent excision of a leiomyosarcoma and implantation of a prosthetic knee device. Infection of the device with Listeria monocytogenes occurred and persisted for 2 years. Despite having an allergy to ampicillin, the patient was cured solely by antibiotics and without surgery.
Rhinocerebral zygomycosis with pulmonary aspergillosis in a non-HIV-infected patient: an unusual case report from India
Authors: Malhotra Shalini , Duggal Shalini , Bhatia Nirmaljeet Kaur , Sharma Nishi , Hans Charoo
Published: December 2008

Zygomycosis and aspergillosis are two serious opportunistic fungal infections that are commonly seen in immunocompromised patients. Since both these fungi invade vessels of the arterial system, an early and rapid diagnosis by direct examination of KOH mounts of the relevant clinical sample can confirm the diagnosis. Here, we present an unusual case of a diabetic patient who presented with nasal blockade and bleeding for 2 months, along with occasional haemoptysis for 15 days. On investigation, the patient was diagnosed with a case of rhinocerebral zygomycosis and was treated with amphotericin B (1 mg kg−1 day−1), which was subsequently replaced with liposomal amphotericin B (2 mg kg−1 day−1). However, the patient did not completely respond to therapy as haemoptysis continued. Further investigations revealed the presence of Aspergillus flavus in respiratory specimens. Thus, a final diagnosis of rhinocerebral zygomycosis with pulmonary aspergillosis in a non-HIV-infected patient was made, but due to infection of two vital sites by these fungi, the patient could not be saved.
Prosthetic valve endocarditis caused by Pseudomonas mosselii
Authors: McLellan Elizabeth , Partridge David
Published: December 2008

We describe a case of Pseudomonas mosselii prosthetic valve endocarditis that was successfully treated with antibiotic therapy in the absence of valve replacement. P. mosselii is a highly unusual cause of endocarditis and there are few case reports of curative treatment of pseudomonal prosthetic valve endocarditis with antibiotics alone.
The subcutaneous inoculation of pH 6 antigen mutants of Yersinia pestis does not affect virulence and immune response in mice
Authors: Anisimov Andrey P. , Bakhteeva Irina V. , Panfertsev Evgeniy A. , Svetoch Tat'yana E. , Kravchenko Tat'yana B. , Platonov Mikhail E. , Titareva Galina M. , Kombarova Tat'yana I. , Ivanov Sergey A. , Rakin Alexander V. , Amoako Kingsley K. , Dentovskaya Svetlana V.
Published: December 2008

Two isogenic sets of Yersinia pestis strains were generated, composed of wild-type strains 231 and I-1996, their non-polar pH 6− mutants with deletions in the psaA gene that codes for its structural subunit or the whole operon, as well as strains with restored ability for temperature- and pH-dependent synthesis of adhesion pili or constitutive production of pH 6 antigen. The mutants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis of the psa operon and subsequent complementation in trans. It was shown that the loss of synthesis or constitutive production of pH 6 antigen did not influence Y. pestis virulence or the average survival time of subcutaneously inoculated BALB/c naïve mice or animals immunized with this antigen.
An inexpensive automatically operated device for the flash annealing of crystals of macromolecules
Authors: Giraud Thierry , Dobias Fabien , Gabadinho José , Rey-Bakaikoa Vicente , Nurizzo Didier , Leonard Gordon A. , Mueller-Dieckmann Christoph
Published: December 2008

In order to prolong the life-time of crystals in an X-ray beam, modern macromolecular crystallography is mainly performed using cryogenically cooled samples. However, in many cases flash cooling can degrade crystal quality if cryoprotection conditions are not ideal. Annealing or tempering of samples adversely affected by cryocooling can often, at least partially, restore diffraction quality and is now considered a standard technique in macromolecular crystallography. A small, inexpensive, automatically operated annealing device that is installed on all ESRF macromolecular crystallography beamlines is presented here. The device allows,viathe beamline control graphical user interface mxCuBE, the flash annealing of samples either from the beamline control cabin or by users accessing the beamline remotely.
Spherical harmonics preferential orientation corrections and structure solution from powder diffraction data – a possible avenue of last resort
Authors: Whitfield Pamela S.
Published: December 2008

Structure solution from powder diffraction data, from either real- or reciprocal-space methods, has generally been thought to require reliable relative intensities to yield a successful solution. An approach is described here which requires no input of the orientation direction when using simulated annealing. The simple addition of a keyword already present in theTOPASmacro language is all that is required to stabilize what otherwise seems like a guaranteed way to destabilize simulated annealing. A recent example with a simple molecular material showed that it is possible, but the more complicated example of triclinic 1A-wollastonite is used to demonstrate that the approach may be more generally applicable. The approach will not work in all cases, but may provide a possible approach of last resort for problems which might otherwise resist attempts at a solution.
Age–period–cohort modelling of alcohol volume and heavy drinking days in the US National Alcohol Surveys: divergence in younger and older adult trends
Authors: Kerr William C. , Greenfield Thomas K. , Bond Jason , Ye Yu , Rehm Jürgen
Published: December 2008

Aims  The decomposition of trends in alcohol volume and heavy drinking days into age, period, cohort and demographic effects offers an important perspective on the dynamics of change in alcohol use patterns in the United States.

Design  The present study utilizes data from six National Alcohol Surveys conducted over the 26‐year period between 1979 and 2005.

Setting  United States.

Measurements  Alcohol volume and the number of days when five or more and eight or more drinks were consumed were derived from overall and beverage‐specific graduated frequency questions.

Results  Trend analyses show that while mean values of drinking measures have continued to decline for those aged 26 and older, there has been a substantial increase in both alcohol volume and 5+ days among those aged 18–25 years. Age–period–cohort models indicate a potential positive cohort effect among those born after 1975. However, an alternative interpretation of an age–cohort interaction where drinking falls off more steeply in the late 20s than was the case in the oldest surveys cannot be ruled out. For women only, the 1956–60 birth cohort appears to drink more heavily than those born just before or after. Models also indicate the importance of income, ethnicity, education and marital status in determining these alcohol measures.

Conclusions  Increased heavy drinking among young adults in recent surveys presents a significant challenge for alcohol policy and may indicate a sustained increase in future US alcohol consumption.
Policy implications of the widespread practice of ‘pre‐drinking’ or ‘pre‐gaming’ before going to public drinking establishments—are current prevention strategies backfiring?
Authors: Wells Samantha , Graham Kathryn , Purcell John
Published: December 2008

Aim  To describe the research, policy and prevention implications of pre‐drinking or pre‐gaming; that is, planned heavy drinking prior to going to a public drinking establishment.

Methods  The authors describe the phenomenon of pre‐drinking, motivations for pre‐drinking and its associated risks using available research literature, media and popular internet vehicles.

Results  Heavy drinking prior to going out has emerged as a common and celebrated practice among young adults around the world. Apparent motivations are: (i) to avoid paying for high priced drinks at commercial drinking establishments; (ii) to achieve drunkenness and enhance and extend the night out; and (iii) to socialize with friends, reduce social anxiety or enhance male group bonding before going out. Limited existing research on pre‐drinking suggests that it is associated with heavy drinking and harmful consequences. We argue that policies focused upon reducing drinking in licensed premises may have the unintended consequence of displacing drinking to pre‐drinking environments, possibly resulting in greater harms.

Conclusions  Effective policy and prevention for drinking in licensed premises requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the entire drinking occasion (not just drinking that occurs in the licensed environment), as well as the ‘determined drunkenness’ goal of some young people.
Ketamine use, cognition and psychological wellbeing: a comparison of frequent, infrequent and ex‐users with polydrug and non‐using controls
Authors: Morgan Celia J. A. , Muetzelfeldt Leslie , Curran H. Valerie
Published: December 2008

Introduction  Preliminary research has indicated that recreational ketamine use may be associated with marked cognitive impairments and elevated psychopathological symptoms, although no study to date has determined how these are affected by differing frequencies of use or whether they are reversible on cessation of use. In this study we aimed to determine how variations in ketamine use and abstention from prior use affect neurocognitive function and psychological wellbeing.

Method  We assessed a total of 150 individuals: 30 frequent ketamine users, 30 infrequent ketamine users, 30 ex‐ketamine users, 30 polydrug users and 30 controls who did not use illicit drugs. Cognitive tasks included spatial working memory, pattern recognition memory, the Stockings of Cambridge (a variant of the Tower of London task), simple vigilance and verbal and category fluency. Standardized questionnaires were used to assess psychological wellbeing. Hair analysis was used to verify group membership.

Results  Frequent ketamine users were impaired on spatial working memory, pattern recognition memory, Stockings of Cambridge and category fluency but exhibited preserved verbal fluency and prose recall. There were no differences in the performance of the infrequent ketamine users or ex‐users compared to the other groups. Frequent users showed increased delusional, dissociative and schizotypal symptoms which were also evident to a lesser extent in infrequent and ex‐users. Delusional symptoms correlated positively with the amount of ketamine used currently by the frequent users.

Conclusions  Frequent ketamine use is associated with impairments in working memory, episodic memory and aspects of executive function as well as reduced psychological wellbeing. ‘Recreational’ ketamine use does not appear to be associated with distinct cognitive impairments although increased levels of delusional and dissociative symptoms were observed. As no performance decrements were observed in the ex‐ketamine users, it is possible that the cognitive impairments observed in the frequent ketamine group are reversible upon cessation of ketamine use, although delusional symptoms persist.
Smoking, nicotine dependence and mental health among young adults: a 13‐year population‐based longitudinal study
Authors: Pedersen Willy , Von Soest Tilmann
Published: December 2008

Aims  To investigate prospectively the associations between daily smoking and nicotine dependence and anxiety, depression and suicide attempts.

Methods  Data were from the Young in Norway Longitudinal Study. A population‐based sample (n = 1501) was followed for 13 years from ages 13–27 years. Data were gathered on smoking patterns and nicotine dependence; and depression, anxiety and parasuicide. Extensive information on socio‐demographic factors, parental and family conditions, parental rearing practices, educational career, conduct problems, alcohol problems and use of illegal substances was also collected.

Results  Young adults who were nicotine‐dependent had clearly elevated rates of anxiety, depression and parasuicide. These rates declined after controlling for a previous history of mental health problems and potential confounding factors. After adjustment, nicotine dependence was still associated with anxiety, depression and parasuicide. There was also a significant association with later depression in the group of non‐dependent daily smokers. Measures of reduced mental health did not predict later smoking initiation or the development of nicotine dependence.

Conclusions  Mental health was reduced more seriously in nicotine‐dependent smokers than in non‐dependent smokers. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that smoking, in particular nicotine dependence, influences mental health.
Substance use disorder among older adults in the United States in 2020
Authors: Han Beth , Gfroerer Joseph C. , Colliver James D. , Penne Michael A.
Published: December 2008

Aims  This study aimed to project the number of people aged 50 years or older with substance use disorder (alcohol/illicit drug dependence or abuse) in the United States in 2020.

Design  Logistic regression models were applied to estimate parameters predicting past‐year substance use disorder using the 2002–06 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data. We applied these parameters to the projected US 2020 population to estimate the number of adults aged 50 or older with substance use disorder in 2020.

Setting  Non‐institutionalized US residences.

Participants  Representative sample of the US civilian, non‐institutionalized population.

Measurements  Substance use disorder is classified based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition.

Findings  Due to the large population size and high substance use rate of the baby‐boom cohort, the number of adults aged 50 or older with substance use disorder is projected to double from 2.8 million (annual average) in 2002–06 to 5.7 million in 2020. Increases are projected for all examined gender, race/ethnicity and age groups.

Conclusions  Our estimates provide critical information for policymakers to allocate resources and develop prevention and treatment approaches to address future needs of the US older adult population with substance use disorder.
Effects of alcoholism severity and smoking on executive neurocognitive function
Authors: Glass Jennifer M. , Buu Anne , Adams Kenneth M. , Nigg Joel T. , Puttler Leon I. , Jester Jennifer M. , Zucker Robert A.
Published: December 2008

Aims  Neurocognitive deficits in chronic alcoholic men are well documented. Impairments include memory, visual–spatial processing, problem solving and executive function. The cause of impairment could include direct effects of alcohol toxicity, pre‐existing cognitive deficits that predispose towards substance abuse, comorbid psychiatric disorders and abuse of substances other than alcohol. Cigarette smoking occurs at higher rates in alcoholism and has been linked to poor cognitive performance, yet the effects of smoking on cognitive function in alcoholism are often ignored. We examined whether chronic alcoholism and chronic smoking have effects on executive function.

Methods  Alcoholism and smoking were examined in a community‐recruited sample of alcoholic and non‐alcoholic men (n = 240) using standard neuropsychological and reaction‐time measures of executive function. Alcoholism was measured as the average level of alcoholism diagnoses across the study duration (12 years). Smoking was measured in pack‐years.

Results  Both alcoholism and smoking were correlated negatively with a composite executive function score. For component measures, alcoholism was correlated negatively with a broad range of measures, whereas smoking was correlated negatively with measures that emphasize response speed. In regression analyses, both smoking and alcoholism were significant predictors of executive function composite. However, when IQ is included in the regression analyses, alcoholism severity is no longer significant.

Conclusions  Both smoking and alcoholism were related to executive function. However, the effect of alcoholism was not independent of IQ, suggesting a generalized effect, perhaps affecting a wide range of cognitive abilities of which executive function is a component. On the other hand, the effect of smoking on measures relying on response speed were independent of IQ, suggesting a more specific processing speed deficit associated with chronic smoking.
Hospitalizations for opioid poisoning: a nation‐wide population‐based study in Denmark, 1998–2004
Authors: Bjørn Anne‐Mette Bay , Jepsen Peter , Larsson Heidi Jeanet , Thomsen Henrik Frederik , Kieler Helle , Ehrenstein Vera , Christensen Steffen
Published: December 2008

Aims  To assess hospitalization rates (HR) for poisoning with heroin, methadone or strong analgesics and relate them to quantities of prescribed methadone and strong analgesics in Denmark between 1998 and 2004.

Design  Population‐based ecological study.

Settings  We extracted data on all emergency department visits and hospital admissions registered in the Danish National Patient Registry with a diagnosis of poisoning with heroin (n = 1688), methadone (n = 173) or strong analgesics (n = 384). To ascertain sale of prescribed medications we used data from the Danish Medicines Agency.

Measurements  Age‐ and gender‐standardized HR and defined daily doses (DDD) per 1000 people per day.

Findings  HR for heroin poisoning was 4.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.8–4.9] per 100 000 person‐years (p‐y) in 1998 and 4.6 (CI: 4.0–5.2) per 100 000 p‐y in 2004. HR for methadone poisoning increased from 0.1 (CI: 0.0–0.2) per 100 000 p‐y in 1998 to 1.1 (CI: 0.8–1.4) per 100 000 p‐y in 2004. HR for poisoning with strong analgesics increased from 0.6 (CI: 0.4–0.9) per 100 000 p‐y in 1998 to 2.1 (CI: 1.8–2.6) per 100 000 p‐y in 2004. The sale of prescribed strong analgesics (5.0 DDD per 1000 people per day in 1998 to 5.9 DDD in 2004) and methadone (3.0 DDD per 1000 people per day in 1998 to 3.4 DDD in 2004) increased slightly between 1998 and 2004.

Conclusion  Increasing sale of prescribed methadone and strong analgesics coincided with increasing HRs of poisoning with these drugs, whereas HR of heroin poisoning varied. Further longitudinal studies are important for the guidance of future policy making.
Amitriptyline modifies the visceral hypersensitivity response to acute stress in the irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: THOUA N. M. , MURRAY C. D. R. , WINCHESTER W. J. , ROY A. J. , PITCHER M. C. L. , KAMM M. A. , EMMANUEL A. V.
Published: December 2008

Background  Acute physical stress causes alteration in gut autonomic function and visceral hypersensitivity in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We have developed a model to measure this stress response.

Aim  To assess whether treatment with a drug effective in treating IBS (amitriptyline) alters the response to acute stress in IBS patients.

Methods  Nineteen patients with IBS were given amitriptyline 25–50 mg. Patients underwent physical stress (cold pressor) test at baseline and after 3 months of treatment. Physiological parameters measured were: stress perception; systemic autonomic tone [heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP)]; gut specific autonomic innervation [rectal mucosal blood flow (RMBF)] and visceral sensitivity (rectal electrosensitivity).

Results  Fourteen of 19 (74%) patients improved symptomatically after 3 months of amitriptyline. Acute stress induced increased perception of stress and systemic autonomic tone and reduced RMBF in symptomatic responders and nonresponders (P > 0.05 for all). All nonresponders but only 3 of 14 responders continued to exhibit stress‐induced reduced pain threshold at 3 months (change from baseline −31% vs. +2%, P < 0.03 respectively).

Conclusion  In this open study, amitriptyline appears to decrease stress‐induced electrical hypersensitivity; this effect is independent of autonomic tone. The gut response to acute stress deserves further study as a model to study drug efficacy in IBS.
Genetic diversity of captive forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) inferred from the mitochondrial DNA control region
Authors: Peng H. , Liu S. , Zou F. , Zeng B. , Yue B.
Published: December 2008

Forest musk deer (Moschus berezovskii) were once distributed widely in China. However, wild populations have declined dramatically because of poaching and habitat loss. Captive breeding populations have been established for several decades, but the genetic backgrounds of most captive populations were unclear and the population sizes increased very slowly. To provide useful information for conservation and management of this species, we investigated the genetic diversity and population structure of forest musk deer by analysing a 582‐bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region (CR) in three captive breeding populations in Sichuan Province, China. Ninety‐four variable sites and 27 haplotypes were observed in 109 individuals, and the nucleotide and haplotype diversities were relatively high compared with those of other endangered mammals. Of the three investigated populations, the Maerkang population had the highest nucleotide diversity (π = 0.0568), haplotype diversity (h = 0.836) and average intra‐population genetic distance (0.062). The analysis of molecular variance demonstrated that most variation occurred within samples and that there was significant differentiation of the three populations. Estimates of gene flow indicated that there were few genetic exchanges among the three populations. Building pedigree records and increasing gene flow between populations will be helpful for conserving these populations and this species.
Controls on early post‐rift physiography and stratigraphy, lower to mid‐Cretaceous, North Viking Graben, Norwegian North Sea
Authors: Zachariah A.‐J. , Gawthorpe R. , Dreyer T. , Corfield S.
Published: December 2008

The transition from syn‐ to post‐rift is often poorly constrained and in contrast to syn‐rift systems, the controls on the development of post‐rift systems are poorly understood. This paper documents the timing of the post‐rift onset and discusses the controls that affected the subsequent development of the post‐rift infill of the North Viking Graben using an integration of seismic and well data. The study enhances our understanding of post‐rift system development in general and provides an analogue for other post‐rift systems. Within the early post‐rift infill of the North Viking Graben five key seismic surfaces were mapped [Base Cretaceous Unconformity (BCU), Intra‐Aptian, Top Albian, Top Cenomanian and Top Turonian], which divide the post‐rift interval into four key seismic stratigraphic units (K1–K4). The BCU has an intra‐Volgian age on the basin slopes and shelfal and terrace areas and is interpreted to mark the end of rifting in the study area. On the footwall crests adjacent to the graben the BCU represents a complex unconformity from the syn‐ and post‐rift combined, and in the graben it forms a conformable contact. Therefore, the BCU could not be used to date the onset of the post‐rift in these locations. The thickness variations and age relationships between the syn‐rift stratigraphy and the K‐units reveal that the early post‐rift infill of the North Viking Graben was dominantly controlled by the significant local syn‐rift topography, especially in the K1 and K2 stages. The Cretaceous post‐rift stratigraphy was also influenced by relative base level, which controlled the sediment source areas, the development of the basin geometry itself and subsequently the style of sediment deposition in the study area. Regional variations are also recognised in the post‐rift stratigraphy although these variances are strongly influenced by the local basin physiography.