bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing and Reaching High‐Risk Drinkers Using Audience Segmentation
Authors: Moss Howard B. , Kirby Susan D. , Donodeo Fred 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Market or audience segmentation is widely used in social marketing efforts to help planners identify segments of a population to target for tailored program interventions. Market‐based segments are typically defined by behaviors, attitudes, knowledge, opinions, or lifestyles. They are more helpful to health communication and marketing planning than epidemiologically defined groups because market‐based segments are similar in respect to how they behave or might react to marketing and communication efforts. However, market segmentation has rarely been used in alcohol research. As an illustration of its utility, we employed commercial data that describes the sociodemographic characteristics of high‐risk drinkers as an audience segment, including where they tend to live, lifestyles, interests, consumer behaviors, alcohol consumption behaviors, other health‐related behaviors, and cultural values. Such information can be extremely valuable in targeting and planning public health campaigns, targeted mailings, prevention interventions, and research efforts.Methods:  We described the results of a segmentation analysis of those individuals who self‐reported to consume 5 or more drinks per drinking episode at least twice in the last 30 days. The study used the proprietary PRIZM™ (Claritas, Inc., San Diego, CA) audience segmentation database merged with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) database. The top 10 of the 66 PRIZM™ audience segments for this risky drinking pattern are described. For five of these segments we provided additional in‐depth details about consumer behavior and the estimates of the market areas where these risky drinkers resided.Results:  The top 10 audience segments (PRIZM clusters) most likely to engage in high‐risk drinking are described. The cluster with the highest concentration of binge‐drinking behavior is referred to as the “Cyber Millenials.” This cluster is characterized as “the nation’s tech‐savvy singles and couples living in fashionable neighborhoods on the urban fringe.” Almost 65% of Cyber Millenials households are found in the Pacific and Middle Atlantic regions of the United States. Additional consumer behaviors of the Cyber Millenials and other segments are also described.Conclusions:  Audience segmentation can assist in identifying and describing target audience segments, as well as identifying places where segments congregate on‐ or offline. This information can be helpful for recruiting subjects for alcohol prevention research as well as planning health promotion campaigns. Through commercial data about high‐risk drinkers as “consumers,” planners can develop interventions that have heightened salience in terms of opportunities, perceptions, and motivations, and have better media channel identification.
The Dopamine Response in the Nucleus Accumbens Core–Shell Border Differs From That in the Core and Shell During Operant Ethanol Self‐Administration
Authors: Howard Elaina C. , Schier Christina J. , Wetzel Jeremy S. , Gonzales Rueben A. 
Published: April 2009

Background: Ethanol self‐administration has been shown to increase dopamine in the nucleus accumbens; however, dopamine levels in the accumbal subregions (core, shell, and core–shell border) have not yet been measured separately in this paradigm. This study was designed to determine if dopamine responses during operant ethanol self‐administration are similar in the core, core–shell border, and shell, particularly during transfer from the home cage to the operant chamber and during consumption of the drinking solution.Methods: Six groups of male Long–Evans rats were trained to lever‐press for either 10% sucrose (10S) or 10% sucrose + 10% ethanol (10S10E) (with a guide cannula above the core, core–shell border, or shell of the accumbens). On experiment day, 5‐minute microdialysis samples were collected from the core, core–shell border, or shell before, during, and after drinking. Dopamine and ethanol concentrations were analyzed in these samples.Results: A significant increase in dopamine occurred during transfer of the rats from the home cage into the operant chamber in all 6 groups, with those trained to drink 10S10E exhibiting a significantly higher increase than those trained to drink 10S in the core and shell. No significant increases were observed during drinking of either solution in the core or shell. A significant increase in dopamine was observed during consumption of ethanol in the core–shell border.Conclusions: We conclude that dopamine responses to operant ethanol self‐administration are subregion specific. After operant training, accumbal dopamine responses in the core and shell occur when cues that predict ethanol availability are presented and not when the reinforcer is consumed. However, core–shell border dopamine responses occur at the time of the cue and consumption of the reinforcer.
Carisbamate, a Novel Antiepileptic Candidate Compound, Attenuates Alcohol Intake in Alcohol‐Preferring Rats
Authors: Rezvani Amir H. , Overstreet David H. , Vaidya Anil H. , Zhao Boyu , Levin Edward D. 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Since 1994, when naltrexone (Revia®) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of alcoholism, only 2 other drugs (Campral® and Topamax®) have been approved for alcoholism treatment. However, various experimental drugs, including antiepileptic medications, have been tested in both animal models and in humans with some promising results. The purpose of this project was to study the effect of the novel neuromodulator carisbamate, which is in development for epilepsy treatment, on alcohol intake in selectively bred alcohol‐preferring rats.Methods:  Male alcohol‐preferring inbred P rats were allowed to freely drink water or alcohol (10%, v/v) using a 2‐bottle choice procedure. After stable baselines for alcohol and water intakes were established, the acute effects of oral carisbamate (0, 10, 30, 45, 60, and 90 mg/kg) were assessed. Then, the chronic effect of the compound (60 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days) on alcohol intake was assessed in a separate group of male P rats. In another set of experiments, the effects of carisbamate and naltrexone on alcohol withdrawal‐induced elevated drinking of alcohol, an index of craving, were compared. Rats were withdrawn from alcohol for 24 hours and were given vehicle, 20 mg/kg naltrexone or 60 mg/kg carisbamate 30 minutes before re‐exposure to alcohol. Alcohol and water intake was measured 6 hours after alcohol re‐exposure. To determine the effects of carisbamate on saccharin preference, rats were put on a 2‐bottle choice of water versus a solution of 2% saccharin. Then, the effect of the highest dose of carisbamate (90 mg/kg) and naltrexone (20 mg/kg) and the vehicle on saccharin preference was determined.Results:  Our results showed that there was a selective dose‐dependent reduction in alcohol intake and preference in the alcohol‐preferring P rat after an acute oral administration of carisbamate. There were no significant effects on food or water intake. Chronic administration of carisbamate significantly reduced alcohol intake and preference initially, but partial tolerance developed after the 10th treatment. The degree of tolerance development was less than that observed for naltrexone. Acute administration of carisbamate was more effective than naltrexone in reducing enhanced alcohol intake after a period of alcohol deprivation. Compared with control vehicle neither carisbamate nor naltrexone had a significant effect on saccharin intake and preference.Conclusion:  The novel neuromodulator compound carisbamate has a favorable profile of effects on alcohol intake and related measures and should be considered for testing on human alcoholics.
Translating Effective Web‐Based Self‐Help for Problem Drinking Into the Real World
Authors: Riper Heleen , Kramer Jeannet , Conijn Barbara , Smit Filip , Schippers Gerard , Cuijpers Pim 
Published: April 2009

Background:  Drinking Less (DL) is a 24/7 free‐access anonymous interactive web‐based self‐help intervention without therapeutic guidance for adult problem drinkers in the community. In a randomized controlled trial (referred to here as DL‐RCT), DL has been shown effective in reducing risky alcohol consumption.Objective:  To assess whether the findings of DL‐RCT are generalizable to a naturalistic setting (DL‐RW) in terms of ability to reach the target group and alcohol treatment response.Methods:  Pretest–posttest study with 6‐month follow‐up. An online survey was conducted of 378 of the 1,625 people who used DL‐RW from May to November 2007. Primary outcome measures were (1) problem drinking, defined as alcohol consumption in the previous 4 weeks averaging >21 or >14 standard units (male/female) per week or ≥6 or ≥4 units (m/f) on 1 or more days per week; and (2) mean weekly alcohol consumption. DL‐RW and DL‐RCT data were compared and pooled. Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis was performed to analyze and compare changes in drinking from baseline to follow‐up.Results:  In the DL‐RW group, 18.8% (n = 71) were drinking successfully within the limits of the Dutch guideline for low‐risk drinking (p < 0.001) 6 months after baseline (ITT). The DL‐RW group also decreased its mean weekly alcohol intake by 7.4 units, t(377) = 6.67, p < 0.001, d = 0.29. Drinking reduction in DL‐RW was of a similar magnitude to that in the DL‐RCT condition in terms of drinking within the guideline [χ2(1) = 1.83, CI: 0.82–3.00, p = 0.18, RD = 0.05, OR = 1.55] and mean weekly consumption (a negligible difference of d = 0.03 in favor of DL‐RW group).Conclusion:  The results from DL‐RCT and DL‐RW were similar, and they demonstrate that web‐based self‐help without therapeutic guidance is feasible, well accepted, and effective for curbing adult problem drinking in the community.
Low‐oxygen and high‐carbon‐dioxide atmosphere improves the conservation of hematopoietic progenitors in hypothermia
Authors: Jeanne Michel , Kovacevic‐Filipovic Milica , Szyporta Milène , Vlaski Marija , Hermitte Francis , Lafarge Xavier , Duchez Pascale , Boiron Jean‐Michel , Praloran Vincent , Ivanovic Zoran 
Published: April 2009

BACKGROUND: During short‐term storage of hematopoietic cells (HCs) at 4°C a substantial decline in number and in functional capacity of progenitors occurs after 3 days. We hypothesized that physiologic O2 and CO2 concentrations of hematopoietic tissue microenvironment (approx. 3% O2 and approx. 6% CO2) could improve cell viability and functionality during storage at 4°C.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Mobilized peripheral blood (PB) CD34+ cells from multiple myeloma or non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma patients were stored in flasks containing air (approx. 20% O2 and approx. 0.05% CO2) or 3% O2/6% CO2 atmosphere, for 3, 5, and 7 days at 4°C. The total number of cells, the number of cells in G0 or G1 phase of cell cycle, and the apoptosis rate were determined. The functional capacity of stored cells was assessed by the capacity of progenitors to form colonies in methylcellulose (colony‐forming cells [CFCs]) and of stem cells to repopulate the bone marrow (BM) of immunodeficient mice (SCID‐repopulating cell [SRC] assay).RESULTS: The total number of viable cells and cells in G1 phase as well as the number of total CFCs were significantly higher at 3% O2/6% CO2 than in air at all time points. Cells in G0 phase and SRC were equally preserved in both conditions.CONCLUSION: Atmosphere with low O2 and high CO2 concentration (3% O2/6% CO2) in hypothermia (+4°C) during 7 days of storage prevents cell damage and preserves a high number of functional HSCs and progenitors mobilized in PB by granulocyte–colony‐stimulating factor.
Synergistic Effects of Inward Rectifier (IK1) and Pacemaker (If) Currents on the Induction of Bioengineered Cardiac Automaticity
Authors: CHAN YAU‐CHI , SIU CHUNG‐WAH , LAU YEE‐MAN , LAU CHU‐PAK , LI RONALD A. , TSE HUNG‐FAT 
Published: April 2009

Introduction: Normal heart rhythms originate in the sinoatrial node. HCN‐encoded funny current (If) and the Kir2‐encoded inward rectifier (IK1) counteract each other by respectively oscillating and stabilizing the negative resting membrane potential, and controlling action potential firing. Therefore, IK1 suppression and If overexpression have been independently exploited to convert cardiomyocytes (CMs) into AP‐firing bioartificial pacemakers. Although the 2 strategies have been largely assumed synergistic, their complementarity has not been investigated. Methods and Results: We explored the interrelationships of automaticity, If and IK1 by transducing single left ventricular (LV) CMs isolated from guinea pig hearts with the recombinant adenoviruses Ad‐CMV‐GFP‐IRES‐HCN1‐ÄÄÄ and/or Ad‐CGI‐Kir2.1 to mediate their current densities via a whole‐cell patch clamp technique at 37°C. Results showed that Ad‐CGI‐HCN1‐ÄÄÄ but not Ad‐CGI‐Kir2.1 transduction induced automaticity (181.1 ± 13.1 bpm). Interestingly, Ad‐CGI‐HCN1‐ÄÄÄ/Ad‐CGI‐Kir2.1 cotransduction significantly promoted the induced firing frequency (320.0 ± 15.8 bpm; P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the firing frequency, phase‐4 slope and APD90 of AP‐firing LV CMs were correlated with If (R2 > 0.7) only when −2 >IK1 >−4 pA/pF but not with IK1 over the entire If ranges examined (0.02 < R2 < 0.4). Unlike If, IK1 displayed correlation with neither the phase‐4 slope (R2= 0.02) nor phase‐4 length (R2= 0.04) when −2 > If > −4 pA/pF. As anticipated, however, APD90 was correlated with IK1 (R2= 0.4). Conclusion: We conclude that an optimal level of IK1 maintains a voltage range for If to operate most effectively during a dynamic cardiac cycle.
Ibutilide‐Induced Changes in the Temporal Lability of Ventricular Repolarization in Patients with and without Structural Heart Disease
Authors: CHENG ALAN , DALAL DARSHAN , FETICS BARRY J. , ANGKEOW PIAMSOOK , SPRAGG DAVID D. , CALKINS HUGH , TOMASELLI GORDON F. , BERGER RONALD D. 
Published: April 2009

Introduction: Ibutilide has been shown to prolong repolarization times and increase the risk of ventricular tachyarrhythmias particularly in patients with structural heart disease. The mechanisms underlying its proarrhythmic effects remain incompletely understood. We sought to define the effects of ibutilide on the temporal lability of ventricular repolarization in patients with and without structural heart disease. Methods: Twenty‐four patients referred for electrophysiology study underwent monophasic action potential (MAP) recordings in the right ventricle during sinus rhythm and random interval right atrial pacing (RIAP). Ibutilide was subsequently administered and the recordings repeated both in sinus rhythm and with RIAP. Digitized recordings were analyzed offline for calculation of the QT variability index (QTVI) based on surface ECG, and the MAP duration variability index (MAPDVI) based on the intracardiac MAP signal. Results: Of 24 patients enrolled, analyses were performed in 21 patients (mean age 59 ± 15 years, 38% women). In three patients, the data were not analyzed due to frequent premature ventricular complexes. Ibutilide resulted in significant changes in heart rate (mean difference: −7.4 ± 0.91 bpm, P < 0.0001) and the surface QT interval (mean difference: 59.6 ± 12.2 ms, P = 0.0001) during sinus rhythm. After ibutilide, QTVI remained unchanged from baseline during sinus rhythm but was significantly different in the setting of RIAP (mean difference: 0.345 ± 0.098, P = 0.0022). With subgroup analyses, these differences remained significant regardless of the presence or absence of heart disease. Conclusion: Ibutilide results in overall prolongation of ventricular repolarization and reductions in baseline sinus rates. Ibutilide increases temporal lability of repolarization only with enriched fluctuations in heart rate.
A Museum Exhibit Honoring Factory Workers
Authors: Dauria Susan R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThis photographic essay describes an innovative museum exhibit at the Walter Elwood Museum in Amsterdam, New York. The process of constructing and presenting a community's collective industrial history for the museum was multidimensional, using many different approaches to represent the industrial history of the town. New representation strategies, such as object theater, were utilized to re‐create space so that visitors can experience a discussion‐simulation of depicted settings through lighting and audio.
Subjective quality of life of Nigerian schizophrenia patients: sociodemographic and clinical correlates
Authors: Adewuya A. O. , Makanjuola R. O. A. 
Published: April 2009

Objective:  Subjective quality of life (QOL) is dependent upon culture and its evaluation based on one’s particular belief system. This study aimed to examine the subjective QOL of Nigerian out‐patients with schizophrenia and its correlates.Method:  Out‐patients with Schizophrenia (n = 99) completed the WHOQOL‐BREF as a measure of their subjective QOL. Sociodemographic, illness related and medication related details were also obtained.Results:  Overall, 21 patients (21.2%) were categorised as having ‘good’ and 36 (36.4%) as having ‘poor’ subjective QOL. ‘Poor’ subjective QOL correlated with anxiety/depression symptoms (OR 4.88, 95% CI 2.93–11.48), comorbid medical problems (OR 4.75, 95% CI 1.43–16.33), unemployment (OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.25–11.72) and poor social support (OR 4.60, 95% CI 1.49–14.28).Conclusion:  Efforts to improve the QOL of patients with schizophrenia in this environment should encompass the identified variables. Larger, longitudinal and multi‐centred studies are needed to adequately identify factors predicting QOL in this environment.
Ridge augmentation and maxillary sinus grafting with a biphasic calcium phosphate: histologic and histomorphometric observations
Authors: Friedmann Anton , Dard Michel , Kleber Bernd‐Michael , Bernimoulin Jean‐Pierre , Bosshardt Dieter D. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectives: This retrospective study reports on histologic and histomorphometric observations performed on human biopsies harvested from sites augmented exclusively by biphasic calcium phosphate [BCP: hydroxyapatite (HA)/ tricalcium phosphate (TCP) 60/40] and healed for a minimum of 6 months.Materials and methods: Five patients benefited from three augmentation regimens (i.e.: one‐stage lateral augmentation; two‐stage lateral augmentation; and two‐stage sinus grafting). In all patients, a degradable collagen membrane served as a cell‐occlusive barrier. Core biopsies were obtained from lateral as from crestal aspects 6–10 months after augmentation surgeries. For histologic and histomorphometric evaluations, the non‐decalcified tissue processing was performed.Results: The histological examination of 11 biopsies showed graft particles frequently being bridged by the new bone, and a close contact between the graft particles and newly formed bone was seen in all samples. The mean percentages of newly formed bone, soft tissue compartment, and graft material were 38.8% (±5.89%), 41.75% (±6.08%), and 19.63% (±4.85%), respectively. Regarding bone‐to‐graft contact values, the percentage of bone coverage of graft particles for all biopsies ranged from 27.83% to 80.17%. The mean percentage of bone coverage was 55.39% (±13.03%).Conclusions: Data from the present study demonstrated osteoconductivity scores for the BCP material (HA/TCP 60/40) in patients resembling those previously shown for grafting materials of xenogenic and alloplastic origin.
Early N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide measurements predict clinically significant ductus arteriosus in preterm infants
Authors: Ramakrishnan S , Heung YM , Round J , Morris TP , Collinson P , Williams AF 
Published: April 2009

AbstractWe report a blinded, prospective study of the diagnostic utility of N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) measurements for predicting clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and assessing closure.Methods:  Plasma NTproBNP was measured during the first week in 100 preterm babies (mean gestation 28.8 ± 2.9 weeks; mean birth weight 1224 ± 512 g). Echocardiography was performed between days 5 and 7 by operators, blinded to NTproBNP concentration.Results: NTproBNP peaked on days 2 and 3, declined by day 7. Twenty babies, later treated for PDA, had significantly higher NTproBNP levels throughout. Areas under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were 0.896, 0.897 and 0.931 on days 2, 3 and 7, respectively (p < 0.0001). A concentration > 2850 pmol/L had diagnostic sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 89% (95% CI: 68, 99; likelihood ratio 8.10). Ductal closure was associated with a fall in mean NTproBNP from 3003 to 839 pmol/L (p < 0.001).Conclusion:  N‐terminal pro B‐type brain natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) concentrations peaked and then declined in the first week but remained higher in preterm babies whose PDA required treatment. NTproBNP on day 3 predicted whether a neonatal physician blinded to results would treat a PDA. Fall in plasma NTproBNP indicated closure.
Costs of neonatal care for low‐birthweight babies in English hospitals
Authors: Mistry Hema , Dowie Robin , Franklin Rodney CG , Jani Bhavdeep R 
Published: April 2009

AbstractAim:  To estimate mean costs of neonatal care for babies with birthweights ≤1800 g in a regional Level 3 unit and three Level 2 units providing short‐term intensive care.Method:  Babies ≤1800 g admitted to units in four hospitals in England over 15 months in 2001–2002 were audited until discharge. Unit costs (2005–2006 prices) were attributed to their resource items, including neonatal cot occupancy, pharmaceuticals, blood products and ambulance transfers. Bootstrapped mean costs were derived for the Level 3 unit and the Level 2 units combined.Results:  The mean gestation period for 199 Level 3 babies was 29.5 weeks compared with 30.4 weeks for 192 Level 2 babies (p = 0.003). Mean costs excluding ambulance journeys were £17 861 per Level 3 baby and £12 344 per Level 2 baby. Level 3 babies <1000 g averaged £26 815, whereas Level 2 babies <1000 g were generally less costly than babies 1000–1499 g. Ambulances transported 76 Level 3 babies and 62 Level 2 babies; their adjusted mean costs were £18 495 and £12 881, respectively.Conclusion:  By comprehensively costing resource components, the magnitude of total costs for low‐birthweight babies has been revealed, thus demonstrating the importance of budgets for neonatal units being realistically determined by commissioners of neonatal services.