bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Change and the Construction of Gendered Selfhood among Mexican Men Experiencing Erectile Difficulty
Authors: Wentzell Emily
Published: February 2013

Cultural anthropologists disagree about how to define “the self,” debating whether it is an integrated or fragmented entity, and how people experience singular “selves” despite lived change. I argue that, rather than disrupting self‐making, experiences of social or embodied disjunction may become key elements of shifting but cohesive‐feeling selves, especially in cultural contexts in which change over time is expected. To do so, I examine the changes in selfhood lived out by Mexican men experiencing decreased erectile function, analyzing their narratives regarding their experiences of erectile difficulty and the social and physical changes, like aging and illness, that can cause it. I examine how men collaborated with women including wives, mistresses, and me to incorporate changes that rendered them unable to enact stereotypically macho or youthful masculinities into self‐consciously different selves, which made sense within local cultural calls for change in gender norms. [self, masculinity, aging, sexuality]
Power Struggles: The Paradoxes of Emotion and Control among Child‐Centered Mothers in the Privileged United States
Authors: Hoffman Diane M.
Published: February 2013

In the discourse on contemporary parenting in the United States, the parent–child “power struggle” is often spoken of as a common event in the everyday lives of parents and children. On the basis of ethnographic interviews with economically privileged white mothers of preschool and elementary‐age children, I analyze the power struggle as a cultural trope. Despite refusal to be considered “mainstream” and outright denigration of what they considered to be “mainstream” parenting, mothers’ discourse reveals cultural understandings about power and its relationship to the self that reflect broader themes of emotional control, choice, rationality, and individualism that are in fact characteristic of “mainstream” views of child development. Further, although mothers explicitly valued emotional connectedness and freedom of expression with their children, the actual strategies advocated for dealing with emotions during the power struggle are centered on control and constraint of emotional discourse and expression. The article explores this theme in the light of tensions surrounding parental identities in privileged communities in the contemporary United States [parenting, emotion, self, power, child development]
Pharmacokinetics of triamcinolone acetonide following intramuscular and intra‐articular administration to exercisedThoroughbred horses
Authors: Knych H. K. , Vidal M. A. , Casbeer H. C. , McKemie D. S.
Published: February 2013

Reason for performing study

The use of triamcinolone acetonide (TA) in performance horses necessitates establishing appropriate withdrawal times prior to performance.

Objectives

To describe the plasma pharmacokinetics ofTAand time‐related urine and synovial fluid concentrations following i.m. and intra‐articular administration to exercised Thoroughbred horses.

Study design

Block design.

Methods

Twelve racing fit adultThoroughbred horses received a single i.m. administration ofTA(0.1 mg/kg bwt). After an appropriate washout period, the same horses then received a single intra‐articularTAadministration (9 mg) into the right antebrachiocarpal joint. Blood, urine and synovial fluid samples were collected prior to, and at various times, up to 60 days post drug administration and analysed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Plasma data were analysed using noncompartmental analysis.

Results

Maximum measured plasmaTAconcentrations were 0.996 ± 0.391 at 13.2 h and 1.27 ± 0.278 ng/ml at 6.5 h for i.m. and intra‐articular administration, respectively. The plasma terminal elimination half‐life was 11.4 ± 6.53 and 0.78 ± 1.00 days for i.m. and intra‐articular administration, respectively. Following i.m. administration,TAwas below the limit of detection (LOD) byDays 52 and 60 in plasma and urine, respectively. Following intra‐articular administrationTAwas undetectable byDay 7 in plasma andDay 8 in urine. Triamcinolone acetonide was also undetectable in any of the joints sampled following i.m. administration and remained above the limit of quantitation (LOQ) for 21 days following intra‐articular administration.

Conclusions and potential relevance

This study extends previous studies describing the pharmacokinetics ofTAfollowing i.m. and intra‐articular administration to the horse and suggests that plasma and urine concentrations are not a good indicator of synovial fluid concentrations. Furthermore, results of this study supports an extended withdrawal time forTAgiven i.m.

TheSummary is available inChinese – seeSupporting information.
Innate immune signaling induces expression and shedding of the heparan sulfate proteoglycan syndecan‐4 in cardiac fibroblasts and myocytes, affecting inflammation in the pressure‐overloaded heart
Authors: Strand Mari E. , Herum Kate M. , Rana Zaheer A. , Skrbic Biljana , Askevold Erik T. , Dahl Christen P. , Vistnes Maria , Hasic Almira , Kvaløy Heidi , Sjaastad Ivar , Carlson Cathrine R. , Tønnessen Theis , Gullestad Lars , Christensen Geir , Lunde Ida G.
Published: February 2013

Sustained pressure overload induces heart failure, the main cause of mortality in the Western world. Increased understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is essential to improve heart failure treatment. Despite important functions in other tissues, cardiac proteoglycans have received little attention. Syndecan‐4, a transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycan, is essential for pathological remodeling, and we here investigated its expression and shedding during heart failure. Pressure overload induced by aortic banding for 24 h and 1 week in mice increased syndecan‐4 mRNA, which correlated with mRNA of inflammatory cytokines. In cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and lipopolysaccharide through the toll‐like receptor‐4, induced syndecan‐4 mRNA. Bioinformatical and mutational analyses in HEK293 cells identified a functional site for the proinflammatory nuclear factor‐κB transcription factor in the syndecan‐4 promoter, and nuclear factor‐κB regulated syndecan‐4 mRNA in cardiac cells. Interestingly, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β and lipopolysaccharide induced nuclear factor‐κB‐dependent shedding of the syndecan‐4 ectodomain from cardiac cells. Overexpression of syndecan‐4 with mutated enzyme‐interacting domains suggested enzyme‐dependent heparan sulfate chains to regulate shedding. In cardiac fibroblasts, lipopolysaccharide reduced focal adhesion assembly, shown by immunohistochemistry, suggesting that inflammation‐induced shedding affects function. After aortic banding, a time‐dependent cardiac recruitment of T lymphocytes was observed by measuring CD3, CD4 and CD8 mRNA, which was reduced in syndecan‐4 knockout hearts. Finally, syndecan‐4 mRNA and shedding were upregulated in failing human hearts. Conclusively, our data suggest that syndecan‐4 plays an important role in the immune response of the heart to increased pressure, influencing cardiac remodeling and failure progression.
Evaluation of the coordinated actions of estrogen receptors with epidermal growth factor receptor and insulin‐like growth factor receptor in the expression of cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans and cell motility in breast cancer cells
Authors: Tsonis Anastasios I. , Afratis Nikolaos , Gialeli Chrisostomi , Ellina Maria‐Ioanna , Piperigkou Zoi , Skandalis Spyridon S. , Theocharis Achilleas D. , Tzanakakis George N. , Karamanos Nikos K.
Published: February 2013

Estradiol (E2)–estrogen receptor (ER) actions are implicated in initiation, growth and progression of hormone‐dependent breast cancer. Crosstalk between ERs, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and/or insulin‐like growth factor receptor (IGFR) is critical for the observed resistance to endocrine therapies. Cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are principal mediators of cancer cell properties and the E2–ER pathway as well as those activated by EGFR and IGFR have significant roles in regulating the expression of certain cell surface HSPGs, such as syndecan‐2 (SDC‐2), syndecan‐4 (SDC‐4) and glypican‐1. In this study, we therefore evaluated the role of EGFR‐IGFR signaling on the constitutive expression and E2‐mediated expression of ERs and HSPGs as well as the effect of E2–ERs and IGFR/EGFR‐mediated cell migration in ERα+ (MCF‐7) and ERβ+ (MDA‐MB‐231) breast cancer cells using specific intracellular inhibitors of EGFR and IGFR. We report that the expression of ERα is mainly enhanced by IGFR, whereas ERβ expression is mainly coordinated by EGFR. Moreover, constitutive SDC‐2 expression in ERα+ and ERβ+ cells is mainly mediated through the IGFR, whereas in ERα+ E2‐treated cells EGFR is the active one. In contrast, SDC‐4 expression is regulated by IGFR in the presence and absence of E2. E2 also seems to diminish the inhibitory effect of EGFR and IGFR inhibitors in breast cancer cell migration. These data suggest that the coordinated action of ERs with EGFR and/or IGFR is of crucial importance, providing potential targets for designing and developing novel multi‐potent agents for endocrine therapies.
Effects of livestock breed and rearing experience on foraging behaviour of yearling beef cattle grazing unimproved grasslands
Authors: Orr R. J. , Tallowin J. R. B. , Griffith B. A. , Rutter S. M.
Published: February 2013

The relative importance of breed versus rearing experience on the grazing behaviour and diet selection of beef cattle when grazing unimproved grassland was examined over 4 years. Suckler‐reared calves of a traditional (T) breed (North Devon) or a commercial (C) breed (Simmental × Hereford Friesian) were cross‐fostered and then reared either extensively (E) on unimproved grassland or intensively (I) on agriculturally improved fertilized grassland. As yearlings, the four groups of calves (Traditional breed + Extensive rearing (TE); Traditional breed + Intensive rearing (TI); Commercial breed + Extensive rearing (CE) and Commercial breed + Intensive rearing (CI)) grazed unimproved grassland dominated by Molinia caerulea, for 2 months, and foraging behaviour was studied in a test phase. There was a breed effect on total (bites + chews; TJM) jaw movement rate (T, 78·2 vs. C, 76·5 min−1; F prob. = 0·041) during grazing and on the proportion of bites taken from plant communities with sward height ≥6 cm (T, 0·83 vs. C, 0·76; F prob. = 0·018). Rearing experience affected TJM rate in the first year in July (E, 80·0 vs. I, 76·8 min−1; F prob. = 0·015) and August (E, 78·5 vs. I, 75·5 min−1; F prob. = 0·046). The intensively reared animals grew less well on average during the test phase than those that had previous experience of the unimproved grassland as calves with their mothers (E, 0·16 vs. I, 0·09 kg day−1; F prob. = 0·033). Our findings indicate that the rearing experience of livestock appears to be as important as the breed when designing grazing managements for nature conservation areas.
NBS1 directly activates ATR independently of MRE11 and TOPBP1
Authors: Kobayashi Masahiko , Hayashi Naoyuki , Takata Minoru , Yamamoto Ken‐ichi
Published: February 2013

NBS1 plays unique and essential roles in ATM activation in response to DNA double‐strand breaks. We found that CHK1 phosphorylation and FANCD2 ubiquitination induced by various DNA replication‐stalling agents were abrogated in Nbs1 knockout DT40 cells but not in conditional Mre11 knockout cells, indicating an MRE11‐independent role for NBS1 in ATR activation. The results of in vitro ATR kinase assay indicated that the N‐terminal region of NBS1 directly activates ATR independently of TOPBP1, consistent with the findings that this region of NBS1 directly interacts with ATR. This conclusion was furthermore supported by the results of in vivo experiments; the expression of the N‐terminal region of NBS1 fused to PCNA induces ATR activation in Rad17 knockout cells, and the expression of the ATR activation domain of TOPBP1 fused to PCNA induces ATR activation in Nbs1 knockout cells. These results therefore indicate that NBS1 and TOPBP1 have the potential to activate ATR independently, although both are required for functional activation of ATR in vivo.
Hydromechanical Heterogeneities of a Mature Fault Zone: Impacts on Fluid Flow
Authors: Jeanne Pierre , Guglielmi Yves , Cappa Frédéric
Published: February 2013

In this paper, fluid flow is examined for a mature strike‐slip fault zone with anisotropic permeability and internal heterogeneity. The hydraulic properties of the fault zone were first characterized in situ by microgeophysical (VP and σc) and rock‐quality measurements (Q‐value) performed along a 50‐m long profile perpendicular to the fault zone. Then, the local hydrogeological context of the fault was modified to conduct a water‐injection test. The resulting fluid pressures and flow rates through the different fault‐zone compartments were then analyzed with a two‐phase fluid‐flow numerical simulation. Fault hydraulic properties estimated from the injection test signals were compared to the properties estimated from the multiscale geological approach. We found that (1) the microgeophysical measurements that we made yield valuable information on the porosity and the specific storage coefficient within the fault zone and (2) the Q‐value method highlights significant contrasts in permeability. Fault hydrodynamic behavior can be modeled by a permeability tensor rotation across the fault zone and by a storativity increase. The permeability tensor rotation is linked to the modification of the preexisting fracture properties and to the development of new fractures during the faulting process, whereas the storativity increase results from the development of micro‐ and macrofractures that lower the fault‐zone stiffness and allows an increased extension of the pore space within the fault damage zone. Finally, heterogeneities internal to the fault zones create complex patterns of fluid flow that reflect the connections of paths with contrasting properties.
Cancer patient and clinician acceptability and feasibility of a supportive care screening and referral process
Authors: Ristevski Eli , Regan Melanie , Jones Rebecca , Breen Sibilah , Batson Angela , McGrail Matthew R.
Published: February 2013

Background

Incorporating supportive care into routine cancer care is an increasing priority for the multi‐disciplinary team with growing evidence of its importance to patient‐centred care. How to design and deliver a process which is appropriate for patients, clinicians and health services in rural areas needs further investigation.

Objective

To (i) examine the patient and clinician acceptability and feasibility of incorporating a supportive care screening and referral process into routine cancer care in a rural setting, and (ii) explore any potential influences of patient variables on the acceptability of the process.

Methods

A total of 154 cancer patients and 36 cancer clinicians across two rural areas of Victoria, Australia participated. During treatment visits, patients and clinicians participated in a supportive care process involving screening, discussion of problems, and provision of information and referrals. Structured questionnaires with open and closed questions were used to measure patient and clinician acceptability and feasibility.

Results

Patients and clinicians found the supportive care process highly acceptable. Screening identified relevant patient problems (90%) and problems that may not have otherwise been identified (83%). The patient–clinician discussion helped patients realize help was available (87%) and enhanced clinician–patient rapport (72%). Patients received useful referrals to services (76%). Feasibility issues included timing of screening for newly diagnosed patients, privacy in discussing problems, clinician time and availability of referral options. No patient demographic or disease factors influenced acceptability or feasibility.

Conclusions

Patients and clinicians reported high acceptability for the supportive care process, although mechanisms for incorporating the process into health care need to be further developed.
Expectations and values about expanded newborn screening: a public engagement study
Authors: Hayeems Robin Z. , Miller Fiona A. , Bombard Yvonne , Avard Denise , Carroll June , Wilson Brenda , Little Julian , Chakraborty Pranesh , Bytautas Jessica , Giguere Yves , Allanson Judith , Axler Renata
Published: February 2013

Objectives

Newborn bloodspot screening (NBS) panels have expanded to include conditions for which treatment effects are less certain, creating debate about population‐based screening criteria. We investigated Canadian public expectations and values regarding the types of conditions that should be included in NBS and whether parents should provide consent.

Methods

Eight focus groups (FG; n = 60) included education, deliberative discussion and pre‐/post‐questionnaires. Data were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively.

Results

Quantitatively, the majority supported NBS for serious disorders for which treatment is not available (95–98, 82%). A majority endorsed screening without explicit consent (77–88%) for treatable disorders, but 62% supported unpressured choice for screening for untreatable disorders. Qualitatively, participants valued treatment‐related benefits for infants and informational benefits for families. Concern for anxiety, stigma and unwanted knowledge depended upon disease context and strength of countervailing benefits.

Conclusions

Anticipated benefits of expanded infant screening were prioritized over harms, with information provision perceived as a mechanism for mitigating harms and enabling choice. However, we urge caution around the potential for public enthusiasm to foster unlimited uptake of infant screening technologies.
In vitro antimicrobial effects of two antihalitosis mouth rinses on oral pathogens and human tongue microbiota
Authors: Raangs GC , Winkel EG , van Winkelhoff AJ
Published: February 2013

Objectives

The aim of the study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of a mouth rinse containing chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride (MR1) with a stannous fluoride‐based mouth rinse (MR2) in vitro.

Materials and methods

Samples of the tongues from 10 subjects with and 10 subjects without halitosis were inoculated on blood agar plates. The agar was perforated, and the cylindrical holes were filled either with mouth rinse MR1 or with mouth rinse MR2. After incubation, inhibition zones of the whole tongue microbiota and Fusobacterium nucleatum were measured. In addition, MR1 and MR2 were applied in a short interval killing test (SIKT) on four oral pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, F. nucleatum and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. Total viable cell counts were made after two minutes of incubation with increasing concentrations of MR1 and MR2.

Results

MR1 showed a significantly higher in vitro antimicrobial activity against the whole tongue microbiota and F. nucleatum than MR2 in both groups of subjects. In the SIK test, MR1 showed a significantly greater killing capacity than MR2. The results show that a mouth rinse with low concentrations of chlorhexidine and 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride appears to be more effective in inhibiting growth of the human tongue microbiota in vitro than a fluoride/stannous fluoride‐containing mouth rinse.

Conclusion

This in vitro observation supports the use of chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium chloride in the treatment of oral halitosis.
Changes of biogenic amines in Chinese low‐salt fermented fish pieces (Suan yu) inoculated with mixed starter cultures
Authors: Zeng Xuefeng , Xia Wenshui , Yang Fang , Jiang Qixing
Published: February 2013

In this study, two groups of mixed starter cultures (S1, S2), which were isolated from Suan yu, were inoculated for this experimental product, and a batch without starters was used as the control. The effect of the mixed starter cultures on the suppression of biogenic amine (BA) produced during the ripening of Suan yu was investigated. Changes in BA, pH, total volatile base nitrogen (TVB‐N), microbial counts and free amino acids (FAA) contents were detected during ripening. The results show that the mixed starter cultures rapidly decreased pH, inhibited the growth of contaminant microorganisms emerged in the sample and drastically reduced the accumulations of tyramine, putrescine and cadaverine. However, histamine and spermine were not produced in any batch. Besides, pH, FAA and BA production were not directly correlated. The study suggests that inoculation with S1 and S2 inhibited BA, thereby improving the product safety.
A simple preparative method for isolation and purification of polysaccharides from mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaves
Authors: Jia Dongdong , Zhang Jun , Lan Rong , Yang Hongling , Sun Yongyue
Published: February 2013

An effective method for preparative extraction and purification of the polysaccharides from mulberry leaves was studied. Orthogonal experiment was carried out to get the optimal conditions (T = 70 °C, pH = 6, t = 60 min, D = 0.4 g g−1 material) of activated carbon decolorisation. The staged, isocratic and multiple ethanol precipitation procedures were also investigated. Through the activated carbon decolorisation and 20% ethanol precipitation procedure, the polysaccharides yield reached 2.91%, and the content of neutral sugar and uronic acid were improved to 21.87% and 57.43% respectively. This process was superior to the macroporous resin adsorption and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) methods. The structure analysis indicated that the purified mulberry leaves polysaccharide (MLP) was composed of Man, GalA and Rha in the ratio of 1.0:7.2:20.0. The molecular weight measured using GPC was approximately 557 062 D. The IR and 1H NMR spectra indicated that the MLP was mainly pectin, which was classified as high‐methoxyl pectin.
Difficulty and discrimination indices of multiple-choice examination items in a college of pharmacy therapeutics and pathophysiology course sequence
Authors: Caballero Joshua , Wolowich William R , Benavides Sandra , Marino Jehan
Published: February 2013

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify differences in difficulty and discrimination among multiple-choice examination items with regard to format and content in pharmacy therapeutics and pathophysiology (TP) courses.

Methods

Items from a TP course sequence were categorized by format and content by a faculty committee using the Delphi technique. Difficulty was not normally distributed; therefore, a logit transformation was employed. Difficulty and discrimination were analysed using one-way analysis of variance, with post hoc Bonferroni correction for pairs, to detect differences.

Key findings

A total of 516 items were included, with approximately 233 students answering each item. Case-based items were statistically more difficult than Standard (P = 0.0007) or Statement items (P = 0.001) and more discriminatory than Standard items (P = 0.015). Dosing items were more difficult (P = 0.013) and discriminating (P = 0.02) than therapeutics items.

Conclusions

Case-based items appear to have been more difficult than other items and may provide greater discrimination than Standard items.
Human metapneumovirus keeps dendritic cells from priming antigen‐specific naive T cells
Authors: Céspedes Pablo F. , Gonzalez Pablo A. , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: February 2013

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is the second most common cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections in children, causing a significant public health burden worldwide. Given that hMPV can repeatedly infect the host without major antigenic changes, it has been suggested that hMPV may have evolved molecular mechanisms to impair host adaptive immunity and, more specifically, T‐cell memory. Recent studies have shown that hMPV can interfere with superantigen‐induced T‐cell activation by infecting conventional dendritic cells (DCs). Here, we show that hMPV infects mouse DCs in a restricted manner and induces moderate maturation. Nonetheless, hMPV‐infected DCs are rendered inefficient at activating naive antigen‐specific CD4+ T cells (OT‐II), which not only display reduced proliferation, but also show a marked reduction in surface activation markers and interleukin‐2 secretion. Decreased T‐cell activation was not mediated by interference with DC–T‐cell immunological synapse formation as recently described for the human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV), but rather by soluble factors secreted by hMPV‐infected DCs. These data suggest that although hMPV infection is restricted within DCs, it is sufficient to interfere with their capacity to activate naive T cells. Altogether, by interfering with DC function and productive priming of antigen‐inexperienced T cells, hMPV could impair the generation of long‐term immunity.
HIV‐specific T‐cell responses detected in the genital tract of chronically HIV‐infected women are largely monofunctional
Authors: Bere Alfred , Denny Lynette , Naicker Prinola , Burgers Wendy A. , Passmore Jo‐Ann S.
Published: February 2013

HIV‐specific T cells that produce interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) are present in the genital tract of HIV‐infected women although these do not provide protection against genital HIV shedding. Because polyfunctional HIV‐specific T cells have been implicated in better HIV control than those with a single function, this study aimed to investigate whether polyfunctional T cells were present at the female genital mucosa. Cervical cytobrush‐derived T cells were obtained from chronically HIV‐infected women and compared with blood. CD3+ T cells from both compartments were expanded with Dynal anti‐CD3/CD28 expander beads for 14 days and flow cytometry was used to evaluate four T‐cell functions (CD107a, IFN‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α and macrophage inflammatory protein‐1β) from 16 women. The majority of Gag‐specific T‐cell responses in the female genital tract were monofunctional, although low frequencies of HIV Gag‐specific polyfunctional CD8+ T cells were detected at the cervix in 81·3% (13/16) of women. The ability of CD8+ T cells at both the cervix and in blood to express CD107a and to exhibit polyfunctional responses (two or more functions) following Gag stimulation was inversely associated with plasma viral load and positively associated with blood CD4 counts, suggesting that clinical status impacted on the functionality of HIV‐specific T cells at the mucosa, in a similar way to blood. HIV Gag‐specific cervical T cells were largely monofunctional. Polyfunctional T cells were detected at the cervix in women with high blood CD4 count and low plasma viral load but these did not protect from HIV genital shedding.
The CRTH2 agonist Pyl A prevents lipopolysaccharide‐induced fetal death but induces preterm labour
Authors: Sykes Lynne , Herbert Bronwen R. , MacIntyre David A. , Hunte Emma , Ponnampalam Sathana , Johnson Mark R. , Teoh Tiong G. , Bennett Phillip R.
Published: February 2013

We have previously demonstrated that the anti‐inflammatory prostaglandin 15‐deoxy‐Δ 12,14‐prostaglandin J2 (15dPGJ2) delays inflammation‐induced preterm labour in the mouse and improves pup survival through the inhibition of nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) by a mechanism yet to be elucidated. 15dPGJ2 is an agonist of the second prostaglandin D2 receptor, chemoattractant receptor homologous to the T helper 2 cell (CRTH2). In human T helper cells CRTH2 agonists induce the production of the anti‐inflammatory interleukins IL‐10 and IL‐4. We hypothesized that CRTH2 is involved in the protective effect of 15dPGJ2 in inflammation‐induced preterm labour in the murine model. We therefore studied the effects of a specific small molecule CRTH2 agonist on preterm labour and pup survival. An intrauterine injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was administered to CD1 mice at embryonic day 16, ± CRTH2 agonist/vehicle controls. Mice were killed at 4.5 hr to assess fetal wellbeing and to harvest myometrium and pup brain for analysis of NF‐κB, and T helper type 1/2 interleukins. To examine the effects of the CRTH2 agonist on LPS‐induced preterm labour, mice were allowed to labour spontaneously. Direct effects of the CRTH2 agonist on uterine contractility were examined ex vivo on contracting myometrial strips. The CRTH2 agonist increased fetal survival from 20 to 100% in LPS‐treated mice, and inhibited circular muscle contractility ex vivo. However, it augmented LPS‐induced labour and significantly increased myometrial NF‐κB, IL‐1β, KC‐GRO, interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α. This suggests that the action of 15dPGJ2 is not via CRTH2 and therefore small molecule CRTH2 agonists are not likely to be beneficial for the prevention of inflammation‐induced preterm labour.
Use of locally made off‐loading techniques for diabetic plantar foot ulcer in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Miyan Zahid , Ahmed Jameel , Zaidi Syed I , Ahmedani Muhammad Y , Fawwad Asher , Basit Abdul
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of applying locally made pressure off‐loading techniques on plantar foot ulcer in individuals with diabetes. This prospective study of 70 diabetic patients was conducted at the foot clinic of Baqai Institute of Diabetology & Endocrinology. Plantar foot ulcer, stages 1A and 2A according to the University of Texas classification, was treated by using three off‐loading techniques: modified foot wear (sandal), modified plaster of Paris cast with plywood platform and Scotchcast boot. The outcome was assessed at either complete wound healing (defined as complete epithelialisation) or at 12 weeks, whichever came first. Of the 70 patients, 24 were in modified foot wear group, 23 in modified plaster of Paris cast and 23 in Scotchcast boot group. There was almost equal proportion of patients healed within 12 weeks period treated with these three off‐loading techniques, i.e. 22 (95·7%) for modified foot wear group, 19 (95%) for modified plaster cast and 18 (94·7%) for Scotchcast boot group. No significant difference was observed in median healing time and cumulative wound survival at 12 weeks in the three off‐loading techniques. Modified foot wear group was the most cost effective ($7) amongst the three off‐loading techniques. It is concluded that in this cohort, no significant difference in healing time was observed in the three off‐loading techniques, although modified foot wear (sandal) was found to be a more cost‐effective treatment modality.
Relationship between serum fibronectin levels and carnitine administration: an experimental study in rats
Authors: Ozkan Omer F , Komurcu Erkam , Arik Muhammet K , Kemik Ahu S , Tas Sükrü , Nusran Gurdal
Published: February 2013

We aimed to investigate the relationship between dorsal flap viability and serum fibronectin levels in carnitine‐administered rats. A total of 24 rats were equally divided into three groups and operated on. Group 1 (sham group n = 8): following surgery, no agent was given. Group 2 (control group, n = 8): following surgery, sterile saline solution at 0·9% with a dose of 100 mg/kg per day for 7 days was administered intraperitoneally. Group 3 (study group, n = 8): following surgery, carnitine with a dose of 100 mg/kg per day for 7 days was administered intraperitoneally. The flap model used was a 10 × 3 cm dorsal flap extending from the tip of the scapula to the hip joint. This was elevated, and then sutured back to its original site. At the end of postoperative day 8, the animals were anaesthetised and blood samples were collected from intracardiac space. Then, the animals were euthanised. Flap viability was then evaluated measuring the surviving area, using a transparent graph paper. Finally, excised tissue was examined histopathologically. The percentages of viable areas in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 64·68 ± 3·37%, 67·35 ± 5·82% and 75·15 ± 3·56%, respectively. The mean value of fibronectin levels in groups 1, 2 and 3 were 22·3 ± 3·5, 23·1 ± 3·5 and 31 ± 6·8 mg/dl, respectively. The results of this study demonstrated that 100 mg/kg carnitine administration led to an increase in flap viability, and increased serum fibronectin levels might have a role in this process.
Inflammation and prostate carcinogenesis
Authors: Nakai Yasutomo , Nonomura Norio
Published: February 2013

Quite a few epidemiological studies including meta‐analyses indicate that prostate inflammation is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. The cause of inflammation in the prostate is speculated to be several microorganisms that cause prostatitis or sexually transmitted infections. Other specific microorganisms, such as xenotropic murine leukemia virus‐related virus, are also reported to relate to the development of prostate cancer; however, the contribution of this microorganism to prostate cancer development needs to be carefully interpreted. Environmental factors, especially dietary factors, might also be associated with prostate cancer development. Among related dietary factors, charred meat carcinogen 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine might be a link between environmental factors and inflammation, because 2‐amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo[4,5‐b]pyridine has the potential to accelerate prostate inflammation through its estrogenic effect. In light of these findings, preventing or reducing prostate inflammation might be one strategy for chemoprevention of prostate cancer.
Effects of alternative elicitation formats in discrete choice experiments*
Authors: Scheufele Gabriela , Bennett Jeff
Published: February 2013

An elicitation format prevalently applied in discrete choice experiments (DCE) is to offer each respondent a sequence of choice tasks containing more than two choice options. However, empirical evidence indicates that repeated choice tasks influence choice outcomes through order effects. The study reported in this article employs a split sample approach based on field surveys to expand the research on effects of repeated‐binary DCE elicitation formats. A single‐binary elicitation format is used as the baseline. Our results indicate that choice outcomes may vary across the single‐binary and repeated‐binary elicitation formats. The choice between the two elicitation formats may imply a trade‐off between decreased choice precision in the single‐binary and order effects that may be explained by strategic misrepresentation of preferences, cost uncertainty effects and reference effects in the repeated‐binary elicitation format.
Your Life Chances Affect Where You Live: A Critique of the ‘Cottage Industry’ of Neighbourhood Effects Research
Authors: Slater Tom
Published: February 2013

This article advances a critique of the ‘neighbourhood effects’ genre in urban studies, by arguing that an acceptance of the ‘where you live affects your life chances’ thesis, however well‐intentioned, misses the key structural question of why people live where they do in cities. By examining the structural factors that give rise to differential life chances and the inequalities they produce, and by inverting the neighbourhood effects thesis to: your life chances affect where you live, the problem becomes one of understanding life chances via a theory of capital accumulation and class struggle in cities. Such a theory provides an understanding of the injustices inherent in letting the market (buttressed by the state) be the force that determines the cost of housing and therefore being the major determinant of where people live. The article draws on Marxist urban theory to contend that the residential mobility programs advocated by neighbourhood effects proponents stand on shaky ground, for if it is true that ‘neighbourhood effects’ exceed what would be predicted by poverty alone, moving the poor to a richer place would only eliminate that incremental difference, without addressing the capitalist institutional arrangements that create poverty.
Effects of Chronic Khat Use on Cardiovascular, Adrenocortical, and Psychological Responses to Stress in Men and Women
Authors: al'Absi Mustafa , Khalil Najat Sayem , Al Habori Molham , Hoffman Richard , Fujiwara Koji , Wittmers Lorentz
Published: February 2013

Background

Khat is a psychostimulant plant widely used in Africa and its use has been growing rapidly in Europe and North America.

Objectives

We investigated effects of chronic khat (Catha edulis) use on cardiovascular, adrenocortical, and psychological responses to acute stress.

Methods

Chronic khat users and nonusers were compared on physiological measures and mood reports in a cross‐sectional, mixed design. Measurements were conducted during 24‐hour ambulatory monitoring and during a laboratory session. A total of 152 participants (58 women) were recruited by flyers posted around Sana'a University campus and the surrounding community in Sana'a, Yemen. Salivary cortisol and self‐report measures were collected during a 24‐hour ambulatory period prior to a lab testing session. In addition, blood pressures (BP), salivary cortisol, and mood measures were assessed during rest and in response to acute mental stress.

Results

Khat users exhibited enhanced evening and attenuated morning cortisol levels, reflecting a blunted diurnal pattern of adrenocortical activity compared to nonusers. Khat users reported greater negative affect during the ambulatory period and during the laboratory session. In addition, they exhibited attenuated BP responses to stress.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

These novel results demonstrate altered adrenocortical activity and increased dysphoric mood among khat users. The extent to which these associations are due to effects of chronic khat use per se or instead reflect predisposing risk factors for khat use is yet to be determined. (Am J Addict 2013;22:99‐107)
A Novel Approach to Informing the Public about the Risks of Overdose and Nonmedical Use of Prescription Medications
Authors: Doyon Suzanne , Klein‐Schwartz Wendy , Anderson Bruce A. , Welsh Christopher
Published: February 2013

Background

Poison centers answer telephone calls from persons requesting identification of tablets. Many of these calls are from people for whom the tablets were not prescribed and potentially represent nonmedical use. Implementation of a telephone‐based program of overdose prevention and screening for nonmedical use of prescription medications is examined.

Methods

Social workers with experience in substance abuse disorders were hired by a poison center to answer telephone calls from persons asking for tablet identification. The social workers asked questions regarding demographics, provided the ingredients, provided overdose prevention/safety information, and offered referral to treatment to callers who desired it.

Results

A total of 17,616 tablet identification calls from the public were answered by the social workers during the 20‐month study period. Most callers were Caucasian with median age 33 years (range 18–93 years). Overdose prevention/safety information, aimed mostly at reducing polydrug use, was delivered to 6,635 (37.7%) callers.

Conclusions

Treatment resource information was provided to 3,775 (21.4%) callers. A telephone‐based service made up of social workers interacted with several thousand individuals potentially at risk for adverse outcomes from nonmedical use of prescription medications and delivered overdose/safety information. Although further study is needed, this type of service can complement existing state/community efforts aimed at education regarding the nonmedical use of prescription medications. (Am J Addict 2013;22:108‐112)
The Role of Diazepam Loading for the Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome in Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Muzyk Andrew J. , Leung Jonathan G. , Nelson Sarah , Embury Eric R. , Jones Sharon R.
Published: February 2013

Background

Alcohol withdrawal accounts for a significant amount of hospital admissions and can quickly progress to the development of delirium tremens (DTs), seizures, and death. Rapid identification and management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) is vital and can be managed with a number of different treatment strategies. Diazepam loading is a treatment strategy that utilizes the pharmacokinetics of this agent to achieve a rapid reduction in symptoms followed by sustained benefit over a period of days.

Objective

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the role of diazepam loading for AWS.

Methods

A literature search of four databases—Pubmed, PsychInfo, Biosis, and Embase—was conducted to identify publications between 1960 and August 2011 that described the use of diazepam loading for the treatment of AWS. Eight trials, both open‐label and controlled trials were identified. Only four randomized controlled‐trials (RCTs) have been published and they are reviewed in this paper.

Results

Included trials of hospitalized inpatients found that diazepam loading provided rapid symptom relief as well as reduced the incidence of seizures and duration of DTs. In patients diagnosed with severe DTs, rapidly administered doses of diazepam produced a quick calming effect. While no adverse events resulting from diazepam loading were noted, no formal assessment tool was used to evaluate its safety. Larger randomized controlled‐trials are needed to better evaluate safety outcomes.

Conclusions

Diazepam loading is an effective treatment option for hospitalized patients experiencing AWS. Diazepam loading uses the concept of symptom‐triggered therapy, a mainstay of current AWS treatment, while exploiting its prolonged elimination half‐life and eliminating the need for additional pharmacologic therapy. Studies reviewed found diazepam loading significantly improved a number of important outcomes in AWS, including time in DTs, compared to traditional treatment strategies. (Am J Addict 2013;22:113‐118)
Alcohol Use among Recent Latino Immigrants Before and After Immigration to the United States
Authors: De La Rosa Mario , Dillon Frank R. , Sastre Francisco , Babino Rosa
Published: February 2013

Background

US‐born Latinos have higher rates of alcohol use than Latinos who have immigrated to the United States. However, little is known about the pre‐immigration drinking patterns of Latino immigrants or about the changes in their drinking behaviors in the 2 years post‐immigration.

Objectives

This article reports findings of a longitudinal study that compared rates of regular, binge, and heavy drinking among a cohort of recent Latino immigrants, ages 18–34, prior to immigration to the United States and in the 2 years post‐immigration.

Methods

Baseline data were collected on the drinking patterns of 405 Latino immigrants living in the United States for 12 months or less. A follow‐up assessment occurred during their second year in the United States.

Results

Findings indicate that number of days of drinking declined significantly post‐immigration. Binge alcohol use (five or more drinks on the same occasion during the past 90 days) significantly declined during the post‐immigration period. Heavy alcohol use (five or more drinks on the same occasion on five or more days during the past 90 days) also significantly decreased.

Conclusions

Results suggest a need for continued exploration of pre‐immigration drinking patterns and research to uncover underlying factors associated with declines in rates of problematic alcohol use among recent Latino immigrants.

Scientific Significance

The results of this study can aid in furthering our understanding of the alcohol use of Latino immigrants ages 18–34 prior to and post immigration to the United States to guide future research and the development of culturally tailored clinical interventions. (Am J Addict 2013;22:162‐168)
Spontaneous Development of IgM Anti‐Cocaine Antibodies in Habitual Cocaine Users: Effect on IgG Antibody Responses to a Cocaine Cholera Toxin B Conjugate Vaccine
Authors: Orson Frank M. , Rossen Roger D. , Shen Xiaoyun , Lopez Angel Y. , Wu Yan , Kosten Thomas R.
Published: February 2013

Background and Objectives

In cocaine vaccine studies, only a minority of subjects made strong antibody responses. To investigate this issue, IgG and IgM antibody responses to cocaine and to cholera toxin B (CTB—the carrier protein used to enhance immune responses to cocaine) were measured in sera from the 55 actively vaccinated subjects in a Phase IIb randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial (TA‐CD 109).

Methods

Isotype specific ELISAs were used to measure IgG and IgM anti‐cocaine and anti‐CTB antibody in serial samples collected prior to and at intervals after immunization. We assessed IgG anti‐cocaine responses of patients with pre‐vaccination IgM anti‐cocaine antibodies. Competitive inhibition ELISA was used to evaluate antibody specificity.

Results and Conclusions

Before immunization, 36/55 subjects had detectable IgM antibodies to cocaine, and 9 had IgM levels above the 95% confidence limit of 11 μg/ml. These nine had significantly reduced peak IgG anti‐cocaine responses at 16 weeks, and all were below the concentration (40 μg/ml) considered necessary to discourage recreational cocaine use. The IgG anti‐CTB responses of these same subjects were also reduced.

Scientific Significance

Subjects who develop an IgM antibody response to cocaine in the course of repeated recreational exposure to this drug are significantly less likely to produce high levels of IgG antibodies from the cocaine conjugate vaccine. The failure may be due to recreational cocaine exposure induction of a type 2 T‐cell independent immune response. Such individuals will require improved vaccines and are poor candidates for the currently available vaccine. (Am J Addict 2013;22:169‐174)
Brief Motivational Feedback May Enhance Treatment Entry in Veterans with Comorbid Substance Use and Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Lozano Brian E. , LaRowe Steven D. , Smith Joshua P. , Tuerk Peter , Roitzsch John
Published: February 2013

Background and Objectives

There are limited investigations of brief interventions to facilitate treatment entry among individuals with substance use disorders. This study investigated the effectiveness of brief motivational feedback (BMF) for increasing entry into intensive substance abuse treatment in veteran patients.

Methods

Veteran patients (N = 84) with substance use disorders referred for an intake assessment in a substance abuse specialty clinic received either (i) intake assessment plus BMF or (ii) intake assessment as usual (AAU). BMF consisted of brief motivational enhancement feedback pertaining to estimates of alcohol and drug consumption, money spent on drugs and alcohol, and self‐reported problems due to substance abuse. Primary outcome was entry in treatment groups in an intensive outpatient program for substance abuse.

Results

Patients in BMF and AAU conditions did not significantly differ on indices of treatment entry. However, among patients with comorbid substance dependence and psychiatric disorders, those who received BMF were significantly more likely to enter outpatient treatment groups.

Conclusions and Scientific Significance

The addition of motivational feedback to a standard intake assessment enhanced substance abuse treatment entry among veteran patients with comorbid substance use disorders and psychiatric disorders. These preliminary findings extend the use of motivational feedback to facilitate entry into substance abuse treatment among veteran patients with comorbid substance use and psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, they suggest opportunity for more effective patient‐treatment matching based on initial motivation and other individual factors such as psychiatric comorbidity. (Am J Addict 2013;22:132‐135)