bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetaldehyde Adducts of Phospholipids
Authors: Kenney William C.
Published: February 2008

Incubation of rat liver microsomes with acetaldehyde followed by reduction with borohydride of the Schiff bases formed leads to the formation of the N‐ethyl derivatives of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine. Proof for this structure came from a comparison of these microsomal derivatives, and the nitrogenous bases derived therefrom by acid hydrolyses, with synthetic N‐ethylphosphatidytethanolamine, N‐ethylphosphatidylserine, N‐ethylethanolamine, and N‐ethylserine. Modification of membrane phospholipids by covalent binding of acetaldehyde to form Schiff bases may perturb some of the biochemical processes associated with membranes.
Human Aldehyde Dehydrogenase: Improved Purification Procedure and Comparison of Homogeneous Isoenzymes E1 and E2
Authors: Hempel John D. , Reed Donna M. , Pietruszko Regina
Published: February 2008

An improved purification procedure of human aldehyde dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.3) isoenzymes E1 and E2 is presented. This procedure employs only three chromatographic steps to produce homogeneous E1 and E2 isoenzymes at 60% overall yield. The isoenzymes have been tested for homogeneity by electrophoresis of native and denatured species, specific activity determinations following rechromatography, as well as mapping of tryptic and CNBr fragments. Total SH group analysis has also been done on each isoenzyme. The results show that both isoenzymes are homogeneous. Similarities between E1 and E2 isoenzymes are noted in the mobility of about 40% of tryptic fragments, total SH content, and the mobility of two CNBr fragments. The results also show considerable structural differences between the isoenzymes in that CNBr maps show fragments from E1 and E2 of different molecular weight and about 60% of tryptic fragments migrate to distinct locations. Only one of SH‐containing tryptic fragments migrates to the same location in both isoenzymes. E1 and E2 each consist of subunits which migrate as single bands in both sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and urea electrophoresis. While the mobility of E1 and E2 subunits in SDS gels is similar, it is different in urea, showing that subunits of E1 are distinct from those of E2 and that the isoenzymes do not share subunits. Structural similarity between isoenzymes must, therefore, result from sequence similarity within regions of distinct polypeptide chains composing E1 and E2 molecules. The results presented offer a simplified procedure for preparation of the homogeneous isoenzymes; they also suggest that E1 and E2 are products of distinct genes which probably diverged from a common genetic ancestor through gene duplication and compartmentation of the cell.
Quantitation of Alcohol Dehydrogenase in Human Tissue and Serum by an Enzyme‐Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
Authors: Bühler Rolf , von Wartburg Jean‐Pierre
Published: February 2008

An enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for human alcohol dehydrogenase (AOH) has been developed. The method is based on preventing anti‐ADH antibodies from binding to ADH‐coated polystyrene microliter wells by preincubation with serial dilutions of ADH‐containing samples. The test detects ADH below 50 ng/ml. The sensitivity of the assay is superior to the commonly used photometric method and is particularly useful to quantitate ADH in crude tissue homogenates and in serum. Enzymatically active as well as inactive ADH can be detected, shown by the longer half‐life of the ADH antigenicity (6.5 months) as compared to the half‐life of the enzymatic activity (3.5 months). Approximately 10% of the total soluble protein in liver homogenates was ADH protein. The specific activity was around 0.4 lU/mg. It was higher in “atypical” livers although the absolute amount of ADH protein in these livers was identical with that in normal livers. ADH protein paralleled ADH activity in liver, stomach, and kidney homogenates. Normal serum on the average contained 59±16 ng/ml ADH (n = 9). Activity at these levels lies beyond the limits of spectrophotometric detectability. Serum of patients with liver disease exhibited elevated ADH levels paralleled by increased y‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), glutamate oxalacetate transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), but not alkaline phosphatase (AP) activities.
Effects of Ethanol Administration on Platelet Function in the Rat
Authors: Littleton John M. , Fenn Christopher G. , Umney Nicholas D. , Yazdanbakhsh Maria
Published: February 2008

When ethanol is administered to rats chronically by inhalation for 5–7 days to produce a final ethanol concentration in plasma of about 50 TTIM platelet agggregation in vitro to collagen is markedly inhibited. Platelet aggregation to ADP is relatively unaffected and there is no evidence of thrombocytopenia or morphological change in platelets on scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The changed sensitivity to collagen is not simply due to the presence of ethanol in plasma during the in vitro tests because in vitro addition of a similar concentration of ethanol produces a much smaller inhibition of platelet aggregation to collagen in platelet‐rich plasma from control animals. The acute or subacute administration of ethanol either by injection (3 g/kg‐1 intraperitoneally) or by inhalation (4–6 h) produced very variable results, platelets from some animals being inhibited with respect to collagen as much as those from animals chronically exposed to ethanol, whereas others showed no inhibition other than that attributable to the presence of ethanol in plasma. When ethanol was administered chronically by inhalation for 30 days, thrombocytopenia was apparent and platelets from these animals were unresponsive to all aggregating agents tested. It is concluded that even relatively short periods of ethanol intake may lead to significant inhibition of platelet function, specifically aggregation to collagen. This may be of relevance to the suggested protective effect of ethanol intake in cardiovascular disease.
Sweat‐Patch Test for Alcohol Consumption: Rapid Assay with an Electrochemical Detector
Authors: Phillips Michael
Published: February 2008

The sweat‐patch test monitors the amount of alcohol consumed over a number of days. A new method is described for rapid assay of ethanol in the sweat‐patch, using a hand‐held electrochemical detector (Alco‐Sen‐sor III). The head‐space assay technique is sensitive and highly linear, and may be used in an office setting with no additional laboratory equipment. Using this method, it is possible to obtain clinically useful information at the time of an office visit concerning the patient's alcohol consumption during the preceding week.
A Comparison of the Effects of Long‐Term Alcohol Abuse and Aging on the Performance of Verbal and Nonverbal Divided Attention Tasks
Authors: Becker James T. , Butters Nelson , Hermann Andrew , D'Angelo Nestore
Published: February 2008

The purpose of this study was to assess two versions of the hypothesis that alcohol abuse results in premature aging of the brain and of cognitive functioning. The performances of detoxified long‐term alcoholics was compared with that of nonalcoholic controls on three divided attention tasks known to be sensitive to aging. While both forms of the premature aging hypothesis predicted that alcoholics should perform more poorly than controls, the hypotheses differed in their predictions of the interactions between the effects of alcohol and normal aging. The results showed that while all three tasks were sensitive to age, only two were affected by long‐term alcohol abuse. On one of the tests affected by both age and alcohol abuse, the performance of both young and old alcoholics was equally impaired whereas on the other, only the older alcoholics had significant difficulties. Based on these findings it was concluded that there was only partial overlap between the effects of alcohol and aging, and that neither of the two forms of the premature aging hypothesis could predict the observed pattern of results.
Effects of Acute and Chronic Ethanol and Dihydroergotoxine (Hydergine) on Neurotransmitter Enzymes in Brain
Authors: Hsu Louise L. , Sarnorajski Thaddeus , Claghorn James L.
Published: February 2008

The effects of acute and chronic ethanol (ETOH) and dihydroerge toxine mesylate (DHET) alone or in combination on choline acetyl‐transferase (ChAT), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), acetylcho‐linesterase (AChE), and acetylcoenzyme A hydrolase (AcCoA‐H) were investigated in various brain regions of young adult male mice. Acute ETOH, an hour after a single dose of 2 g/Kg, did not affect these enzyme activities in any brain regions examined although it inhibited the locomotor activity of these animals. Acute DHET, an hour after a single dose of 2 mg/Kg, significantly increased (17%) ChAT activity in corpus striatum only and stimulated the locomotor activity of the mice. Acute ETOH + DHET had no effects on these enzymes either. Chronic ETOH significantly increased ChAT activity in cerebelium (45%), corpus striatum (21%), and hypothalamus (82%) but decreased the enzyme activity in hippocampus by 16%. Chronic DHET significantly increased ChAT activity in corpus striaturn (24%), hypothalamus (80%), and midbrain (16%), and significantly increased AChE in brainstem (20%) and corpus striatum (45%). Chronic ETOH + DHET significantly increased both ChAT (11%) and GAD (14%) activity only in corpus striatum. These results confirm the reported alterations of cholinergic and GABAnergic systems in brain after chronic administration of ethanol, and further support the morphologic changes observed in human mammillary body, corpus striatum, hippocampus, and cerebellum after chronic alcoholiam. In addition, these data also suggest that corpus striatum and hypothalamus are the brain areas most sensitive to chronic DHET exposure.
Effects of Ethanol on Cultured Human Fibroblasts
Authors: PhD Rachel B. Shireman. , Alexander Karen , Remsen Joyce F.
Published: February 2008

The effects of ethanol on cellular tunctions of growth and low density lipoprotein uptake were studied with cultured human fibroblasts, WI‐38. Cells were grown in basal medium for 24 hr, then incubated in medium containing 0, 100, or 500 mm ethanol for various times. Growth in 100 mM ethanol had little effect, but growth in 500 mM ethanol for 24 or more hours significantly decreased the number of cells per dish and increased the protein, but not the DNA content, per cell. Exposure to 500 mm ethanol had little effect on protein synthesis but significantly depressed DNA synthesis. It was also evident from microscopy that fewer but larger cells were present. There appeared to be no consistent acute effects of 500 mM ethanol on the uptake of lipoproteins by confluent monolayers of cells. After chronic exposure, uptake was comparable to that of 0 or 100 mm ethanol when expressed as nanogram of lipoprotein/ mg of cell protein but higher when expressed as picograms/cell. The results suggest that 500 mM ethanol decreased the rate of cell division but resulted in enlargement of cells.
Randomized Response Estimates of Problem Use of Alcohol among Employed Females
Authors: Volicer Beverly J. , Cahill Mary H. , Neuburger Evelyn , Arntz Gretchen
Published: February 2008

As part of the evaluation of an alcoholism orientation program conducted in 12 federal agencies, 378 female employees were asked to provide personal information about problems associated with their use of alcohol. The optimized form of the unrelated question randomized response technique (RRT) was used to provide for a comparison of estimates of frequency of problem drinking obtained with guaranteed confidentiality of response versus estimates obtained using a conventional anonymous questionnaire. The estimated proportion of alcoholics or possible alcoholics among participants in the orientation program was 34.3 % (±4.9) by the RRT and 21.9% (±3.6) by direct response. Significant underreporting of alcoholism was found among older respondents (±36 years), lower GS level respondents (<grade 6), those with low seniority (<8 years), and those never married. Further, significant underre porting was found among those who claimed they were told they had to attend the program versus others, and among those who claimed they were not curious about the topic of alcoholism versus others. The RRT is recommended for use in experimental situatlons where answers to sensitive questions are needed to evaluate program success. The necessity for caution in interpretation of apparent differences in respondent characteristics with respect to problems with alcohol use is discussed. Finally, the findings indicate the Importance of providing avenues by which confidential treatment for alcoholism can be obtained.
The Effects of Chronic Alcoholism on Development of Ischemic Cerebral Infarcts Following Unilateral Carotid Artery Ligation in Gerbils
Authors: Mandybur Thaddeus I. , Mendenhall Charles L.
Published: February 2008

To test if chronic alcoholism potentiates mortality and accentuates cerebral infarcts associated with ischemia, 32 male and 33 female Mongolian gerbils were chronically fed ethanol in their diet for 6 weeks. Cerebral ischemia was then induced by ligation and sectioning of the right common carotid artery.

Postoperatively, there was a mean difference in survival in the control versus the alcoholic gerbils. Whereas 76% of controls survived the operation, only 55% of alcoholic gerbils survived. Also, the alcoholic gerbils died earlier, usually in the initial 3 postoperation days.

The incidence of cerebral infarcts was identical (52%) in both control and alcohol‐treated gerbils. There was, however, a difference in the extent (size) of the infarcts and tolerance to them. The alcoholic gerbils fended to develop either large infarcts which were usually lethal, or smaller infarcts but with decreased tolerance. The cerebral infarcts in the controls tended to be smaller with better survival. These findings suggest that chronic alcohol consumption contributes significantly to the risk of mortality associated with ischemic brain infarction reported in human alcoholics, and indicate that the alcoholic gerbil is a good experimental model to study the pathophysiology of this phenomenon.
Behavioral and Physiological Effects of Ethanol in High‐Risk and Control Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: Behar David , Berg Carol J. , Rapoport Judith L. , Nelson William , Linnoila Markku , Cohen Martin , Bozevich Clara , Marshall Toni
Published: February 2008

Blood and breath acetaldehyde levels were measured following ethanol ingestion (0.5 ml/kg) In 11 boys familially at risk for alcoholism and 11 age‐matched controls. No significant differences were found between groups for acetaldehyde, objective, or subjective measures of intoxicatlon. Previous reports of acetaldehyde as a marker of risk for aloholism were not confined.

Baseline behavioral state predicted response to alcohol. Children tended to have a subjective response in a direction opposite from the baseline mood state.
Ethanol‐Induced Inhibition of Chick Brain Growth
Authors: Boyd John W. , Kalmus Gerhard W. , Pennington Sam N.
Published: February 2008

Retarded fetal brain growth is associated with a high incidence of mental retardation among the offspring of chronic alcoholic mothers. Research using an embryonic chick model suggests that ethanol exposure suppresses fetal development including suppression of brain growth. Total brain cyclic AMP content and endogenous brain protein kinase specific activity are not altered by ethanol; however, ethanol exposure does significantly stimulate kinase catalytic activity measured in the presence of saturating amounts of exogenous cyclic AMP.
Brain NaK‐ATPases in Mice Differentially Sensitive to Alcohols
Authors: Marks Michael J. , Smolen Andrew , Collins Allan C.
Published: February 2008

The isozymes of NaK‐ATPase were studied in the particulate fraction of homogenates prepared from cortex of LS and SS mice, two lines of mice that have been selectively bred for differential response to ethanol. In addition to a ouabain‐insensitive Mg‐ATPase, ouabain dose‐response curves have suggested the presence, in brain, of two NaK‐ATPase activities with different sensitivities to ouabain. These are designated low K, (4 times 10‐7 M) and high K1 (2 times 10‐4 M). Ethanol differentially inhibited the ATPases: The ouabain‐insensitive activity was less sensitive to ethanol inhibition than were the two ouabain‐inhibitable activities. The low K1 (brain specific) NaK‐ATPase was more sensitive than was the high K, activity. However, ethanol inhibited all three components of the ATPase activity in an identical fashion in the two mouse lines. The low K, activity was also more labile to thermal and p‐hydroxymercurobenzoate denaturabon than was the high K1 activity. These measures did not differ between the LS and SS lines. SDS‐polyacrylamide electrophoresis of particulate fraction of cortical homogenates obtained from LS and SS mice revealed the presence of two protein bands with similar 32P labeling in both lines. Given that etectrophoretic pattern and heat or p‐hydroxymercurobenzoate inhibition were identical, it seems unlikely that differences in ATPase activity, or inhibition by ethanol, are responsible for the different response of LS and SS mice to ethanol.
Alcohol Ingestion Does Not Cause Sleep‐Disordered Breathing in Premenopausal Women
Authors: Block A. Jay
Published: February 2008

Ingestion of 2 ml/kg of 100 proof vodka before bedtime did not cause sleep‐disordered breathing or nocturnal oxygen desaturation in 20 premenopausal women. These findings are opposite to the results of earlier studies of men, in which ingestion of the same amount of alcohol significantly increased these findings. Protection of young women from sleep‐disordered breathing or oxygen desaturation may be related to the respiratory stimulant effects of circulating progesterone.
Alcohol Preference and Voluntary Alcohol Intakes of Inbred Rat Strains and the National Institutes of Health Heterogeneous Stock of Rats
Authors: Ting‐Kai U , Lumeng Lawrence
Published: February 2008

The alcohol preference ratios and the daily free‐choice ethanol intakes (10% ethanol versus water) of the newly constituted National Institutes of Health (NIH) heterogeneous stock (N/Nih) rats, and of the eight inbred strains from which N/Nih derived, were measured. Among the eight inbred strains, ACI/N, WKY/N, F344/N, BUF/N, BN/ Ssn, WN/N, M520/N, and MR/N, the ACI exhibited the lowest preference and intakes and the MR and the M520 the highest The mean values for the N/Nih animals were intermediate among those of the inbred strains. The range of intake for the N/Nih rats was 0.06‐9.5 g/kg of body weight/day, indicating that they should serve as an appropriate foundation in selection studies for alcohol‐drinking preference.
Aspirin Reduces Alcohol‐Induced Prenatal Mortality and Malformations in Mice
Authors: Randall Carrie L. , Anton Raymond F.
Published: February 2008

Oral alcohol administration (5.8 g/kg) on gestation day 10 resulted in an increase in both prenatal mortality and birth defects as well as decreased fetal weight in C57BL/BJ mice. Aspirin pretreatment (150 mg/kg subcutaneously) significantly reduced the number of malformed pups and prevented the increase in prenatal mortality produced by alcohol. The mechanism of action remains to be elucidated.
Modification of Hemoglobin by Acetaldehyde: A Time Course Study by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography
Authors: Nguyen Lien B. , Peterson Charles M.
Published: February 2008

Acetaldehyde forms stable adducts with proteins, and rapidly eluting hemoglobins on cation exchange chromatography have been found to be elevated in persons consuming excess alcohol. Incubation of hemoglobin hemolysate with 5 mM acetaldehyde at 37°C for various time intervals resulted in linear increases in the amounts of hemoglobin (Hb)A1a+b and HbA1c fractions determined by cation exchange high pressure liquid chromatography. The rate of formation of the HbA1c fraction was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than that of the HbA1a+b fraction. No increases in the amounts of minor hemoglobins were observed when hemoglobin was incubated with 0.05 mM acetaldehyde. Incubation of hemoglobin with 5 m acetaldehyde followed by reduction with sodium borohydride (NaBH4.) resulted in a significant increase in both HbA1a+b and HbA1c fractions. The rate of formation of the HbA1c fraction was again significantly faster than that of HbA1a+b. Dialysis of nonreduced acetaldehyde‐ modified hemoglobin had no effect on the amounts of the two minor hemoglobin fractions. Dialysis of NaBH4‐reduced acetaldehyde‐modified hemoglobin resulted in decreased amounts of the HbA1a+b fractions but no changes in the HbAlc fractions. Incubation with sodium cyanoborohydride led to minimal changes in chromatographic properties of hemoglobin. The clinical utility of acetaldehyde‐modified hemoglobin eluting in the HbA1c fraction in the detection of excess alcohol consumption appears to be limited by the high concentration of acetaldehyde required. Furthermore, attempts to stabilize acetaldehyde‐Schiff base adducts of hemoglobin with reducing agents must include appropriate controls, since the reductive step alone may lead to changes in the chromatographic properties of hemoglobin.
Effect of Age on Metabolic Tolerance and Hepatomegaly following Chronic Ethanol Administration
Authors: Britton Robert S. , Videla Luis A. , Rachamin Gloria , Okuno Fumio , Israel Yedy
Published: February 2008

Chronic consumption of ethanol often results in an increased rate of ethanol metabolism (metabolic tolerance) and in hepatomegaly. However, the extent of these changes is highly variable. We have found that these two phenomena are greatly influenced by age. We studied the effect of age on the development of metabolic tolerance and hepatomegaly and on the increase in hepatic oxygen consumption produced by chronic ethanol administration. The latter has been proposed to contribute to metabolic tolerance to ethanol. Ethanol was administered to female Sprague‐Dawley rats with different initial ages (4, 6, 8, 11, and 17 weeks) for a 4‐week period in a high‐fat liquid diet Control animals were pair‐fed an isocaloric liquid diet in which ethanol was replaced with carbohydrate. Metabolic tolerance and hepatomegaly following chronic ethanol consumption were markedly dependent on the initial age of the animal, with young animals showing the largest increases. Although showing a similar general trend with age, the degree of metabolic tolerance was not linked proportionally with the degree of hepatomegaly. Perfused livers from young rats fed chronically with ethanol showed increases in ethanol metabolism and oxygen consumption, whereas no increases were observed in those from older animals. These findings support the hypothesis that an elevated rate of hepatic oxygen consumption contributes to metabolic tolerance. Total hepatic alcohol dehydrogenase activity was not increased by chronic ethanol consumption in any age group, demonstrating that an increase in the levels of this enzyme is not obligatory for metabolic tolerance. The influence of the initial age of the animal on metabolic tolerance, hepatic oxygen consumption, and hepatomegaly foflowing chronic ethanol administration may explain some of the conflicting reports in the literature regarding these parameters.
Increase in Fast Hemoglobin Concentration after Incubation with Acetaldehyde Detected by an Electrophoretic Method
Authors: Hawthorne G. C. , Moms T. C. M. , Fleming I. , Hayes J. R.
Published: February 2008

Incubation of acetaldehyde with hemoglobin has been shown by chromatographic methods to result in an increase in fast hemoglobin. We have studied this increase in fast hemoglobin concentration by, a gel electrophoretic method. Increases in fast hemoglobin concentration are detected following incubation with concentration8 of 100μm acetaldehyde and no further increase in yield occurs with concentrations greater than 7 mm acetaldehyde. The reaction is complete within 5 hr and the product is stable with a half‐life of greater than 12 days.
Static Ataxia: a Possible Marker for Alcoholism
Authors: Hegedus Andrea M. , Tarter Ralph E. , Hill Shirley Y. , Jacob Theodore , Winsten Nancy E.
Published: February 2008

Adolescent sons of alcoholic, depressed, and normal fathers were compared on a measure of static ataxia, or body sway. It was found that the young males at risk for developing alcoholism were more ataxic than the sons of depressed fathers and normal controls. The possibility that static ataxia may be a premorbid marker for detecting males at heightened risk for alcoholism is discussed.
Increased Urinary Folate Excretion and Decreased Plasma Folate Levels in the Rat after Acute Ethanol Treatment
Authors: McMartin Kenneth E.
Published: February 2008

A common complication of chronic alcohol abuse is folic acid deficiency, which can result from poor dietary intake and from a direct effect of ethanol on folate metabolism, such as the acute decrease in serum folate levels. Ethanol (4 g/kg body weight) was administered orally to male Sprague‐Dawtey rats to study the rat as a suitable animal model for the acute effects of ethanol. The concentration of folate in the urine, determined by Lactobacillus case/ assay, as well as the amount of urinary folate excretion were markedly increased 4 hr after ethanol administration. After 14 hr, the total plasma folate level was significantly depressed to 50% of control levels. No significant changes were observed in the total folate levels in the liver and red cell nor in the levels of individual hepatic folate monoglutamate derivatives determined by high pressure liquid chromatography assay. These results indicate that acute ethanol administration to rats produces a marked increase in the urinary excretion of folate compounds, which leads to a decrease in plasma folate levels. The acute decrease in plasma folate levels in ethanol‐treated rats is similar to that seen in humans and suggests that the rat is an appropriate model for the study of the acute effects of ethanol on folate metabolism
Adolescent Sons of Alcoholics: Neuropsychological and Personality Characteristics
Authors: Tarter Ralph E. , Hegedus Andrea M. , Goldstein Gerald , Shelly Carolyn , Alterman Arthur I.
Published: February 2008

Adolescent sons of alcoholics and nonalcoholics were compared on a battery of intellectual, neuropsychological, personality, and behavioral measures. The former group demonstrated certain neuropsychological deficits in perceptual‐motorability, memory, and language processing. They also had auditory and visual attertbonal impairments and a lower level of achievement in reading comprehension. In addition, the sons of alcoholics presented a more neurotic personality profile than sons of nonalcohoiics. They were, however, less impulsive than the comparison group. More developmental and familial problems were noted in the alcoholics' offspring as well. The implications of these findings for understanding the causes and consequences of alcoholism are discussed.
A Report of Unusually High Blood Ethanol and Acetaldehyde Levels in Two Surviving Patients
Authors: Watanabe Akiharu , Kobayashi Michio , Hobara Norio , Nakatsukasa Harushige , Nagashima Hideo , Fujimoto Akira
Published: February 2008

Two men with unusueity high blood acetaJdehyde levels of 750 and 2410 Mfl/dl presented only mMd symptomatology. Their blood ethanol levels, 730 and 1121 mg/dl, were also extraordinarily high. However, Iver function tests demonstrated no abnormalities.
Elevated Urinary Dolichol Levels in Chronic Alcoholics
Authors: Puflarkat Raju K. , Raguthu Simhacnalam
Published: February 2008

Urinary dolichol (long chain 2,3‐dihydropotyprenol) levels were determined in 23 chronic alcoholics and 15 normal subjects using high performance aquid chromatography. Normal dolichol levers were 4.7 12.8 ng/mi whereas, in chronic alcoholics, this value was Increased to 61.1 ±; 44.6 ng/mi. Stopping the intake of alcohol for a few weeks brought the urinary dolichol gradually to the normal level.
Cyclical Pattern of Blood Alcohol Levels during Continuous Intragastric Ethanol Infusion in Rats
Authors: Tsukamoto Hidekazu , French Samuel W. , Rektelberger Roger D. , Largman Corey
Published: February 2008

A rat model of chronic ethanol intoxication was developed to study the effects of complete control of ethanol and nutrient intake on maintenance of blood alcohol levels (BAL). Double gastrostomy cannulas were implanted in male Wistar rats (350–400 g) to penult continuous intragastric alimentation and infusion of ethanol solution. Blood samples were obtained dally from central venous cannulas for determination of BAL and calculation of alcohol elimination rates. The daily ethanol dose was adjusted between 8 and 12 g/kg in an attempt to maintain a high degree of ethanol intoxication with a BAL between 100 and 300 mg/100 ml. The BAL averaged 216 ± 120 (SD) mg/100 ml in 14 rats for 15–85 days, and exhibited a previously unreported, remarkable cyclical pattern independent of whether constant or variable dose was infused. In addition, the change in daily elimination rate of alcohol was significantly correlated (r = 0.67, p < 0.0001) with the previous day's BAL. Furthermore, we identified a threshold BAL for each animal, above which remarkable increase in elimination rate occurred. The variation in individual threshold levels (154.0–266.8 mg/100 ml) resulted in the wide range of mean BAL achieved. It appears that some secondary system or mechanism for alcohol metabolism is responsible for this cyclical phenomenon. We propose that this model will prove versatile and useful for further studies of In Wvo alcohol metabolism.
Dendritic Inclusions in the Cerebellar Granular Layer after Long Term Alcohol Consumption in Adult Rats
Authors: Tavares M. A. , Paula‐Barbosa M. M. , Gray E. G. , Volk B.
Published: February 2008

Whorled multiplanal inclusions up to 1.5 μm in diameter were observed in dendrites of the cerebellar Goigi cells after 6 months of alcohol treatment, increasing in number with time. Inclusions are formed by apposed cytomembranes stacked parallel or In a twisted arrangement The paired membranes merged into a dense, finely textured material. A close relationship with dendritic smooth endoplasmic reticulum is apparent A correlation between chronic alcohol intake and the development of these inclusions is shown although, in common with many other types of neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions, their genesis and function remains to be determined.
EthanoPs Behavioral Effects May Be Partly Due to Increases in Brain Prostaglandin Production
Authors: George Frank R. , Collins Allan C.
Published: February 2008

Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors antagonize behavioral responses to ethanol. The dose of inhibitor (e.g., indomethacin or aspirin) required to block ethanol's effects is directly proportional to the ethanol sensitivity of the organism. Animals selectively bred for differential response to ethanol provide a useful tool in exploring the biochemical substrates of ethanol‐related behavior. This study snows that ethanol increases brain prostaglandin levels in a dose‐, sex‐, and genotype‐dependent manner consistent with the hypothesis that part of ethanol's mechanism of action is to increase the production of prostaglandins.
Effect of Chronic Ethanol Feeding upon the Catabolism of Protein and Lipid Moieties of Chylomicrons and Very Low Density Lipoproteins in Vivo and in the Perfused Heart System
Authors: Lakshmanan M. R. , Ezekiel Mildred
Published: February 2008

Effect of chronic ethanol feeding for 6 weeks to male Wistar rats upon the catabolism of rat chylomicrons and very low density lipoproteins was investigated both in vivo and in the perfused heart system. The exponential decay curves in the plasma compartment or in the perfused heart system of these lipoproteins labeled in the protein or triacylglycerol or cholesterol moieties were determined. It was found that chronic ethanol feeding inhibited the catabolism of both protein and triacylglycerol moieties by26–35%, whereas that of the cholesterol moiety was inhibited by67–71%. Since the catabolism of the triacylglycerol moiety takes place essentially in the extra hepatic tissues while that of the cholesterol moiety occurs in the liver, it is concluded that ethanol affects the catabolism of triacylglycerol‐rich lipoproteins in the liver more than in the extra‐hepatic tissues.
Comparison between Ballooned Hepatocytes Occurring in Human Alcoholic and Nonalcoholic Liver Diseases
Authors: Matsuda Yoshiro , Takada Akira , Sato Hiroyuki , Yasuhara Minoai , Takase Shujiro
Published: February 2008

To establish dearly what the pathogenetic differences are in the, hepatocytic ballooning, between human alcoholic and nonalcoholic] liver diseases, hepatic microtubules were examined by morphomet‐ric and biochemical methods, and staining of transferrin was carried out on liver sections immunohistochemicaHy. Microheterogeneity of serum transferrin was also detected by immunofixation after isoe‐] lectric focusing. Hepatic microtubules were significantly decreased in alcoholic liver disease, and transferrin was clearly stained in the ballooned hepatocytes of alcoholic liver disease but not in nonalcoholic tver disease. The degree to which transferrin was stained was related to hepatic microtubutar contents and also related to the appearance of the microheterogeneity of serum transferrin in alcoholic Uver disease. These findings indicate that ballooning of hepatocytes in alcoholic liver disease, but not in nonalcoholic liver disease, is caused by the accumulation of exportable proteins due to impairment of rmcrotubular polymerization. This accumulation might be related to the inhibition of gtycosytation and secretion of glycoproteins by the impairment of microtubular functions. From these results, it was determined that staining of transferrin in the liver may be useful for differentiation of the etiology of liver diseases.
Effects of Acute and Varying Amounts of Alcohol Consumption on Alkaline Phosphatase, Aspartate Transaminase, and γ‐Glutamyltransferase
Authors: Devgun M. S. , Dunbar J. A. , Hagart J. , Martin B. T. , Ogston S. A.
Published: February 2008

Acute alcohol consumption has no effect on the levels of enzymes in serum. Regardless of the amount consumed, no significant changes in serum enzymes were observed. Age‐related differences in γ‐glutamyltransferase were not apparent Peak blood alcohol concentration and consumption are not related to the body mass. Screening of drunk drivers for detecting problem drinkers could be undertaken by performing biochemical measurements of serum enzymes, especially γ‐glutamyftransferase.
Cellular Immune Functions, Endorphins, and Alcohol Consumption in Males
Authors: Watson Ronald Ross , Jackson J. C. , Hartmann B. , Sampliner Richard , Mobtey D. , Eskelson Cleamond
Published: February 2008

The effects of alcohol abuse on cellular immune functions were measured by various levels of alcohol use in adult men. Total lifelong abstainers were used as controls. Previous abusers, current abusers, and patients with alcoholic cirrhosis or pancreatitis were age‐matched to controls. T‐lymphocyte mitogenesis stimulated by phy‐tohemagglutmin and concanavaNn A was generally reduced in peripheral blood lymphocytes of current and previous alcohol consumers, although the decrease was not statistically significant B‐cefl mitogenesis stimulated by pokeweed mitogen was not changed by previous alcohol consumption. The number of T‐ceHs was not changed by either previous or current alcohol abuse. T‐helper cells were signiftcantty increased and T‐suppressor cefls increased only in the patients with alcoholic cirrhosis or pancreatitis. The percentage of T‐lymphocytes with T‐suppressor characteristics in controls was 27% while in alcoholic cirrhosis or pancreatitis subjects it was 16%. Plasma corticosteroid levels were significantly increased in people currently consuming alcohol (12.1 ± 1.1 mg/dl) compared to controls (7.7 ± 1.1). The corticosteroid levels were also higher in previous alcohol abusers although not statistically significant. Plasma endorphin levels were increased by severe alcohol abuse in the patients with cirrhosis or pancreatitis to 25.03 ± 6.74 from 11.85 ± 2.46 pg/ml in controls.
Canine Liver Aldehyde Dehydrogenases: Distribution, Isolation, and Partial Characterization
Authors: Sanny Charles G.
Published: February 2008

Canine liver aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDH) (aldehyde:NAO oxi‐doreductase; EC 1.2.1.3) tm analogous to enzymes identified in human and other mammalian liver tissue in regard to subcellular localization, affinity for substrates, inhibition by disutfiram, and effects of magnesium ions on enzyme activity. Aldehyde dehydrogenase activity is distributed in the mitochondrial, microsomal, and cytosolic fractions of the cell. Four isoenzymes designated ALDH IA, IB, HA, and IIB have been isolated from canine Kver via ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion‐exchange chromatography, and affinity chromatography. Based on cell fractionation followed by enzyme isolation, ALDH IA and IB appear to be extramitochondrial whereas ALDH HA and IIB appear to be mitochondrial in origin. ALDH IA has ‐a high Km for acetaldehyde (3 mM) and propionaldehyde (4 mM). ALDH IB and IIA have Km values for acetaldehyde and propionalde hyde in the range of 4–60 μM. ALDH IIB has the lowest Km of the four isoenzymes for acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde (1–3 μM). All four isoenzymes have Km values for NAD in the range of 4–70 MM. ALDH IB and IIA an sensitive to inhibition by disulfiram whereas ALDH IA and IIB are resistant Magnesium ions inhibit ALDH IA, IB, and IIA whereas ALDH IIB activity is stimulated approximately 2‐fold. Magnesium ions do not affect molecular weight estimates of the isoen zymes as determined by gel filtration chromatography.
Another example of a KEL1 variant red cell phenotype due to a threonine to serine change at position 193 of Kell glycoprotein
Authors: Lee‐Stroka Hallie , Slezak Stefanie L. , Adams Sharon , Martin Joshua , Robbins Fu‐Meei , Caruccio Lorraine , Byrne Karen M. , Stroncek David F.
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Healthy subjects whose red blood cells (RBCs) react variably with anti‐KEL1, but strongly express other Kell blood group antigens, have been described and called KEL1 variant. A 53‐year‐old Caucasian blood donor was identified whose RBCs reacted with three monoclonal and two polyclonal anti‐KEL1 and did not react with two monoclonal and one polyclonal anti‐KEL1. The molecular basis of this phenotype was investigated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Genomic white blood cell DNA was analyzed for KEL*1/2 genotype by utilizing sequence‐specific primers and polymerase chain reaction. In addition, the region of the KEL*1/2 polymorphism at position 578 of KEL was analyzed by DNA sequencing.

RESULTS: Genotyping of the donor with the KEL1 variant phenotype revealed that he was KEL*2 homozygous. Sequencing revealed one typical KEL*2 allele and a KEL*2 allele with an adenosine (A) to thymidine (T) substitution at position 577 that predicted a threonine to serine change at position 193.

CONCLUSION: It is not known if this phenotype is clinically relevant, but for at least some genotyping applications probes that identify this polymorphism should be used and anti‐KEL1 should be tested for reactivity to this allele.
Effect of screening for red cell antibodies, other than anti‐D, to detect hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn: a population study in the Netherlands
Authors: Koelewijn J.M. , Vrijkotte T.G.M. , Van Der Schoot C.E. , Bonsel G.J. , De Haas M.
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) is a severe disease, resulting from maternal red cell (RBC) alloantibodies directed against fetal RBCs. The effect of a first‐trimester antibody screening program on the timely detection of HDFN caused by antibodies other than anti‐D was evaluated.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Nationwide, all women (1,002 in 305,000 consecutive pregnancies during 18 months) with alloantibodies other than anti‐D, detected by a first‐trimester antibody screen, were included in a prospective index‐cohort study. In a parallel‐coverage validation study, patients with HDFN caused by antibodies other than anti‐D, that were missed by the screening program, were retrospectively identified.

RESULTS: The prevalence of positive antibody screens at first‐trimester screening was 1,232 in 100,000; the prevalence of alloantibodies other than anti‐D was 328 in 100,000, of which 191 of 100,000 implied a risk for occurrence of HDFN because the father carried the antigen. Overall, severe HDFN, requiring intrauterine or postnatal (exchange) transfusions, occurred in 3.7 percent of fetuses at risk: for anti‐K in 11.6 percent; anti‐c in 8.5 percent; anti‐E in 1.1 percent; Rh antibodies other than anti‐c, anti‐D, or anti‐E in 3.8 percent; and for antibodies other than Rh antibodies or anti‐K, in none of the fetuses at risk. All affected children, where antibodies were detected, were promptly treated and healthy at the age of 1 year. The coverage validation study showed a sensitivity of the screening program of 75 percent. Five of 8 missed cases were caused by anti‐c, with delay‐induced permanent damage in at least 1.

CONCLUSION: First‐trimester screening enables timely treatment of HDFN caused by antibodies other than anti‐D, however, with a sensitivity of only 75 percent. A second screening at Week 30 of c– women will enhance the screening program. Severe HDFN, caused by antibodies other than anti‐D, is associated with anti‐K, anti‐c, and to a lesser extent with other Rh‐alloantibodies.
Postoperative blood loss and transfusion associated with use of Hextend in cardiac surgery patients at a blood conservation center
Authors: Moskowitz David M. , Shander Aryeh , Javidroozi Mazyar , Klein James J. , Perelman Seth I. , Nemeth Jeffrey , Ergin M. Arisan
Published: February 2008

BACKGROUND: Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solutions are readily available colloids, but their widespread use is shadowed by controversies surrounding their effects on bleeding. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the relationship between Hextend (HEX; Hospira, Inc.) doses of 1 to 20 mL/kg and allogeneic transfusion and 24‐hour chest tube drainage (CTD) in cardiac surgeries at a blood conservation center.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: After institutional review board approval, data on 748 patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve, or combined CABG and valve surgeries were collected. Cases not receiving HEX (due to contraindications, e.g., renal failure, bleeding diathesis) or receiving more than 20 mL per kg HEX, not accepting transfusions, or requiring more extensive surgery were excluded, and the remaining 621 cases were analyzed.

RESULTS: Overall transfusion rate and mean CTD were 12.7 percent and 460.4 mL, respectively. Patients who received transfusions received more HEX (10.8 mL/kg vs. 9.8 mL/kg; p = 0.043) but HEX per kg was not associated with higher transfusion rates in multivariate analysis (p = 0.077). HEX per kg was associated with CTD in both uni‐ and multivariate analyzes (p < 0.001) with 1.66 percent increase in CTD for every 1 mL per kg increase in HEX.

CONCLUSIONS: Although HEX was associated with transfusion in univariate analysis and with CTD in uni‐ and multivariate analysis, the former was no longer significant when adjusted for other predictors of transfusion in our selected patient population at a blood conservation center. The clinical significance of the observed increase in CTD remains undetermined. To minimize transfusion and bleeding in these patients, it is recommended that HEX be used in amounts of not more than 20 mL per kg together with point‐of‐care coagulation tests and other blood conservation strategies.
Further Evidence on the Performance of Funds of Funds: The Case of Real Estate Mutual Funds
Authors: Chiang Kevin C.H. , Kozhevnikov Kirill , Lee Ming‐Long , Wisen Craig H.
Published: February 2008

Funds of funds (FOFs) are created when investment companies invest in other investment companies. Although the additional layer of fees incurred by FOFs has a negative effect on returns, there is empirical evidence that real estate FOFs generate superior performance net of fees and risk adjustments. The evidence is inconsistent with a growing consensus that most actively managed mutual funds do not, on average, generate excess returns after adjusting for fees and risk. This study explains this apparent contradiction and finds that most real estate FOFs do not outperform their benchmarks under alternative risk adjustment specifications.
Property Taxes and Residential Rents
Authors: Tsoodle Leah J. , Turner Tracy M.
Published: February 2008

Property taxes are a fundamental source of revenue for local governments, constituting 73% of local government tax revenue in the United States. In this article, we empirically investigate the impact of residential property taxes on residential rents. Using data from the American Housing Survey and the National League of Cities, we estimate numerous specifications of a hedonic rent equation with comprehensive unit‐level, neighborhood‐level and city‐level controls. We find that a one standard deviation increase in the property tax rate raises residential rents by roughly $400 annually.
Contingent Pathways from Joiner to Activist: The Indirect Effect of Participation in Voluntary Associations on Civic Engagement1
Authors: Walker Edward T.
Published: February 2008

Many analysts of civil society argue that the path from activity in voluntary associations to political participation is largely mediated—membership leads to unintentional political socialization through discussion and/or cognitive engagement, which then leads to participation. Others, however, have noted that groups are often effective in the direct mobilization of their members. This article tests these competing claims, while also considering the extent to which the mediation process relies on negative social capital (targeted requests for activity). Employing a series of structural equation models, I find strong support for the mediation argument, as well as for the perspective that negative social capital is a significant mediator in the pathway from social joiner to political activist.
Careers Open to Talent: Educational Credentials, Cultural Talent, and Skilled Employment1
Authors: Garnett Bruce , Guppy Neil , Veenstra Gerry
Published: February 2008

In the status attainment and social mobility literatures, “talent” is often conceptualized as educational attainment or mental ability. We adapt Bourdieu’s notion of embodied cultural capital and Goffman’s notion of “staging a character” into another dimension of talent, what we call “cultural talent,” and hypothesize that an ability to wield cultural talent in hiring or promotion scenarios facilitates attainment of skilled, complex jobs. Bivariate analyses and multiple regression modeling performed on data from an original survey show that educational credentials and cultural talent both predict occupational skill and complexity.
Prize Proliferation1
Authors: Best Joel
Published: February 2008

Recent decades have been characterized by growing numbers of awards, prizes, and honors distributed by a wide range of social worlds—prize proliferation. This article examines how claims for—and counterclaims against—establishing prizes lead to more awards being given. Unlike most constructionist analyses that explore how centralized claims‐making campaigns construct social problems, this study of prize proliferation illustrates how localized, independent social worlds can become arenas for claims, and how such largely unrelated efforts can shape broad social trends.