bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeting the Renin Angiotensin System in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Cravedi Paolo , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Ruggenenti Piero 
Published: June 2011

AbstractPatients on chronic dialysis therapy have a dramatic excess cardiovascular risk compared to any other population, including those with overt diabetic nephropathy. Despite this, patients on dialysis are almost invariably excluded from trials evaluating the cardioprotective effect of novel treatments. Consistent evidence is available that inhibitors of the renin–angiotensin system, such as angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), are more cardioprotective than other antihypertensive agents in patients with chronic renal disease or diabetes (with or without renal involvement), but whether this applies also to patients on dialysis is unknown. However, clear evidence is available that ACE inhibitors and ARBs reduce morbidity and mortality in patients on dialysis with heart failure (HF) or atrial fibrillation (AF). Moreover, these drugs may preserve residual renal function in those with preterminal kidney failure as well as vascular access and peritoneal membrane function in those on extracorporeal or peritoneal dialysis, respectively. These drugs also show an excellent tolerability profile in this population. Thus, ACE inhibitors and ARBs are indicated in patients on dialysis with HF or AF. Available evidence suggests that they should be first‐choice therapy in patients on dialysis with hypertension, though trials are still needed to formally demonstrate their superior cardioprotective effect over other antihypertensives in this population.
Measures of Current Alcohol Consumption and Problems: Two Independent Twin Studies Suggest a Complex Genetic Architecture
Authors: Dick Danielle M. , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Rose Richard J. , Kaprio Jaakko , Kendler Kenneth S. 
Published: June 2011

Background:  Twin studies demonstrate that measures of alcohol consumption (AC) show evidence of genetic influence, suggesting they may be useful in gene identification efforts. The extent to which these phenotypes will be informative in identifying susceptibility genes involved in alcohol dependence depends on the extent to which genetic influences are shared across measures of AC and alcohol problems. Previous studies have demonstrated that AC reported for the period of heaviest lifetime drinking shows a large degree of genetic overlap with alcohol dependence; however, many studies with genetic material assess current AC. Further, there are many different aspects of AC that can be assessed (e.g., frequency of use, quantity of use, and frequency of intoxication).Methods:  Here, we use data from 2 large, independent, population‐based twin samples, FinnTwin 16 and The Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders, to examine the extent to which genetic influences are shared across many different measures of AC and alcohol problems.Results:  Genetic correlations across current AC measures and alcohol problems were high across both samples. However, both samples suggest a complex genetic architecture with many different genetic factors influencing various aspects of current AC and problems.Conclusions:  These results suggest that careful attention must be paid to the phenotype in efforts to “replicate” genetic effects across samples or combine samples for meta‐analyses of genetic effects influencing susceptibility to alcohol‐related outcomes.
Alcohol in Pregnancy: Attitudes, Knowledge, and Information Practice Among Midwives in Denmark 2000 to 2009
Authors: Kesmodel Ulrik S. , Kesmodel Pia S. 
Published: June 2011

Background:  Most pregnant women in Denmark say they have not talked to their midwives about alcohol in pregnancy, and they have mostly been advised that some alcohol intake is all right. From 1999 to 2007, the Danish National Board of Health advised pregnant women that some alcohol intake was acceptable. Since 2007, the recommendation has been alcohol abstinence. The aim of this study was to describe the attitudes toward, knowledge about, and information practice concerning alcohol drinking in pregnancy among midwives in Denmark in 2000 and 2009 and how their answers related to the 2 different official recommendations at the time.Methods:  In 2000, we invited all midwives in the antenatal care center at Aarhus University Hospital. Ninety‐four percent were interviewed about their attitudes toward and beliefs and knowledge about alcohol during pregnancy. Questions were also asked about information on alcohol provided to pregnant women. Identical questions were asked to all midwives (100%) in the antenatal care center in 2009.Results:  In 2000, most midwives (69%) considered some alcohol intake in pregnancy acceptable, mostly on a weekly level, and only 28% advised abstinence. Binge drinking, on the other hand, was considered harmful by most. There was considerable inter‐person variation in the participants’ attitudes and what they recommended to pregnant women. In 2009, substantially more midwives (48%) considered abstinence to be best, and significantly, more midwives (61%) gave this advice to pregnant women. Participants had received information on alcohol mostly in a professional context. Their knowledge about the official recommendations about alcohol was good, but many did not inform about the official recommendation.Conclusions:  The attitudes toward and beliefs and knowledge about drinking in pregnancy among midwives have changed along with a change in official policy. The change was mostly independent of personal characteristics of the midwives, including age, gender, and place of work.
Do Women Differ from Men on Alcoholics Anonymous Participation and Abstinence? A Multi‐Wave Analysis of Treatment Seekers
Authors: Witbrodt Jane , Delucchi Kevin 
Published: June 2011

Background:  Given the widespread use of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and other similar groups in the United States and the increasing membership of women, this study compares women with men on their meeting attendance and AA‐prescribed behaviors, factors associated with that AA participation, and tests how these relate to women’s and men’s abstinence across time.Methods:  All consecutive new admissions (age ≥ 18) from county‐wide public and private treatment programs representing the larger population of treatment seekers were approached to be in the study at treatment entry. Those consenting at baseline (n = 926) were sought for follow‐up interviews 1, 3, 5, and 7 years later. Generalized linear models were used to test whether various help‐seeking factors were associated with AA participation differentially by gender and, controlling for AA and other confounders, whether women differ from men on abstinence.Results:  At each follow‐up interview, women and men attended AA at similar rates and similarly practiced specific AA behaviors, and they were alike on most factors associated with AA participation and abstention across time including abstinence goal, drink volume, negative consequences, prior treatment, and encouragement to reduce drinking. Relative to men, women with higher drug severity were less likely to participate in AA. Although higher AA participation was a predictor of abstinence for both genders, men were less likely to be abstinent across time. Men were also more likely to reduce their AA participation across time.Conclusions:  These findings add to an emerging literature on how women compare with men on factors related to AA participation and subsequent drinking outcomes across time. Findings have clinical implications for service providers referring clients to such groups.
Index Insurance, Probabilistic Climate Forecasts, and Production
Authors: Carriquiry Miguel A. , Osgood Daniel E. 
Published: June 2011

AbstractIndex insurance and probabilistic seasonal forecasts are becoming available in developing countries to help farmers manage climate risks in production. Although these tools are intimately related, work has not been done to formalize the connections between them. We investigate the relationship between the tools through a model of input choice under uncertainty, forecasts, and insurance. While it is possible for forecasts to undermine insurance, we find that when contracts are appropriately designed, there are important synergies between forecasts, insurance, and effective input use. Used together, these tools overcome barriers preventing the use of imperfect information in production decision making.
Anaphylaxis: a history with emphasis on food allergy
Authors: Boden Stephen R. , Wesley Burks A. 
Published: June 2011

Summary:In the century since Paul Portier and Charles Richet described their landmark findings of severe fatal reactions in dogs re‐exposed to venom after vaccination with sea anemone venom, treatment for anaphylaxis continues to evolve. The incidence of anaphylaxis continues to be difficult to measure. Underreporting due to patients not seeking medical care as well as failure to identify anaphylaxis affects our understanding of the magnitude of the disease. Treatment with intramuscular epinephrine continues to be the recommended first‐line therapy, although studies indicate that education of both the patients and the medical community is needed. Adverse food reactions continue to be the leading cause of anaphylaxis presenting for emergency care. Current therapy for food‐induced anaphylaxis is built on the foundation of strict dietary avoidance, rapid access to injectable epinephrine, and education to recognize signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis. Investigation into therapy with oral and sublingual immunotherapy as well as other modalities holds hope for improved treatment of food‐induced anaphylaxis.
A Possible Coagulation‐Independent Mechanism for Pregnancy Loss Involving β2glycoprotein 1‐Dependent Antiphospholipid Antibodies and CD1d
Authors: Iwasawa Yuki , Kawana Kei , Fujii Tomoyuki , Schust Danny J. , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Kawana Yukiko , Sayama Seisuke , Miura Shiho , Matsumoto Junko , Adachi Katsuyuki , Hyodo Hironobu , Yamashita Takahiro , Kozuma Shiro , Taketani Yuji 
Published: June 2011

Citation Iwasawa Y, Kawana K, Fujii T, Schust DJ, Nagamatsu T, Kawana Y, Sayama S, Miura S, Matsumoto J, Adachi K, Hyodo H, Yamashita T, Kozuma S, Taketani Y. A possible coagulation‐independent mechanism for pregnancy loss involving β2glycoprotein 1‐dependent antiphospholipid antibodies and CD1d. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 54–65Problem  β2glycoprotein1 (β2GP1)‐dependent antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) increase the risk for recurrent pregnancy loss. We address whether anti‐β2GP1 antibodies can interact with phosphatidylserine (PS)‐bearing CD1d on trophoblast cells and induce local inflammation.Methods  CD1d‐bearing choriocarcinoma cells were used in flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation experiments. CD1d‐mediated cytokine induction was assessed using antibody cross‐linking. Cytokine production during co‐culture of decidual lymphocytes with CD1d‐bearing cells was also examined.Results  Trophoblast surface‐expressed CD1d forms a complex with PS‐bound β2GP1. Anti‐β2GP1 mAb cross‐linking causes IL12p70 release from CD1d‐bearing cells. IL12p70 release from CD1d‐bearing trophoblast cells was also induced during co‐culture with human decidual lymphocytes. The addition of anti‐β2GP1 mAb to co‐cultures resulted in a three‐fold increase in IL12p70 secretion. IFNγ secretion from decidual lymphocytes was also induced during co‐culture with anti‐β2GP1 mAbs.Conclusions  β2GP1‐dependent IL12 release from CD1d‐bearing trophoblast in the presence of aPL may link the antiphospholipid syndrome to pregnancy loss via an inflammatory mechanism.
Comparing the performance of traditional direct laryngoscope with three indirect laryngoscopes: A prospective manikin study in normal and difficult airway scenarios
Authors: Ong Jiann‐Ruey , Chong Chee‐Fah , Chen Chien‐Chih , Wang Tzong‐Luen , Lin Chiu‐Mei , Chang Shi‐Chuan 
Published: June 2011

AbstractObjectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of three indirect laryngoscopes, Truview EVO2 laryngoscope, Clarus Levitan fiberoptic stylet and AirwayScope AWS, in comparison with direct Macintosh laryngoscope (ML) when performed in normal and difficult airway scenarios.Methods: This prospective comparative study recruited 30 emergency physicians familiar with direct laryngoscopic intubation. Intubations were performed on manikin and were repeated twice for both scenarios. The primary end points were intubation time and rate of failed intubation. Glottis visualization was graded on Cormack and Lehane score and VAS.Results: In normal airway scenario: AWS had shortest intubation time (6.0 s) followed by ML (8.7 s); VAS score of ML and AWS was lower (easier to use) than the other two devices; Cormack and Lehane score was similar for all devices. In difficult airway scenario: AWS had shortest intubation time (5.9 s); VAS score of AWS was lower than the other three devices; TVL, FOS, AWS had better Cormack and Lehane score than ML. Intubation time, rate of failed intubation, and Cormack and Lehane score were similar between attempts in both scenarios. Learning effect was significant in FOS in both scenarios and in TVL in normal airway scenario.Conclusions: AWS performed best in normal and difficult airways. ML performed better than TVL and FOS in normal airways. Performances of ML, TVL and FOS were similar in difficult airways. Skills with AWS could be mastered rapidly. TVL and FOS required more practice to gain expertise.
Evaluation of a four‐session cognitive–behavioural intervention for menopausal hot flushes
Authors: Hunter Myra S. , Liao K. Lih‐Mei 
Published: June 2011

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a four‐session cognitive–behavioural treatment (CBT) for hot flushes—a symptom commonly experienced by menopausal women for whom hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been the main treatment option. A patient preference design was used to compare CBT (N = 24), HRT (N = 12) and no‐treatment (NT) (N = 16) groups, with a randomized comparison of CBT participants into treatment vs. waiting (followed by treatment) conditions. A monitoring control condition was also included.Hot flush measures did not change after monitoring, or after the wait condition, nor for the NT group. CBT and HRT significantly reduced hot flush frequency, but CBT also significantly reduced anxiety and hot flush problem ratings. Changes were maintained at three‐month follow‐up. The development of psychological treatments appears feasible and warranted in view of treatment effects and patient preferences.
Gender and consumption of alcohol: The impact of body composition, sensation seeking and coping styles
Authors: Watten Reidulf G. 
Published: June 2011

Objectives. To investigate the influence of body composition, sensation seeking and basic coping styles on gender differences in alcohol habits, i.e. (1) beverage preferences, (2) consumed amounts of alcohol per drinking occasion and (3) yearly consumption of alcohol.Design. Matched sample factorial design. A male and a female sample of adults were matched for age and education.Methods. The dependent variables were alcohol habits and the independent variables were body composition, basic coping styles and sensation seeking. Using factorial ANOVAs with the independent variables as covariates (regression approach), we tested possible differences in alcohol habits of the male (N = 132) and the female (N = 225) sample.Results. Controlling for gender differences in body composition and coping styles reduced considerably the male excess in consumption of beer and liquor per drinking occasion, while the female excess of wine increased. The male excess in total yearly consumption of beer was reduced, but not removed. There were no significant gender differences in total yearly consumption of alcohol after controlling for the independent variables.Conclusions. Controlling for total body water, basic coping styles and sensation seeking, reduces considerably, but does not remove, gender differences in alcohol habits. In future studies on gender and alcohol, coping styles and factors allowing calculation of body composition should be routinely registered.
The Well‐Being Questionnaire: Testing the structure in groups with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Pincus Tamar , Griffiths Jaynne , Isenberg David , Pearce Shirley 
Published: June 2011

Objectives. The Well‐Being Questionnaire, originally developed in groups with diabetes, is recommended by the World Health Organization for widespread use. This study investigates the validity of the WBQ in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) using structural equation modelling.Design. Two case‐control studies, comprising postal questionnaires are described.Method. Questionnaires completed by RA patients (377) and matched controls (282) were analysed using structural equation modelling.Results. The findings suggest that the full version of the WBQ is not suitable for use in RA populations. A shorter version, measuring positive and negative well‐being fits the data better. Comparisons with matched controls and against the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores suggest that anxiety is measured well, but that the depression factor does not perform well. Positive well‐being appears to be measured well.Conclusion. Further research is necessary before the WBQ can be utilized in groups with RA.
Attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioural control as predictors of women's intentions to take hormone replacement therapy
Authors: Quine Lyn , Rubin Rona 
Published: June 2011

Objectives. To examine women's attitudes towards the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and to predict intention to take it in a sample of 1200 women using the theory of planned behaviour (Ajzen, 1988) and a measure of similar prior behaviour.Design. The design was cross‐sectional. A postal survey was carried out.Methods. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of 1200 women aged between 38 and 58 generated from the Kent Family Health Services Authority records. Questions based on the theory of planned behaviour were used to predict women's intentions to take HRT. Information was also collected about the women's sources of information on the menopause, their experience of the menopause and the time leading up to it, their general health, and their sociodemographic circumstances.Results. Analysis was carried out on the responses of the 641 women who were not yet taking and had never taken HRT. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that similar prior behaviour made a small independent contribution to the prediction of behavioural intention when entered after the components of the model. Structural equation modelling was carried out to show the paths between the variables. When age was included, similar prior behaviour was shown to influence behaviour through perceived behavioural control and attitude.Conclusions. In predicting women's intention to take HRT, the beliefs of significant others, the women's personal beliefs, their degree of confidence in their ability to carry out the behaviour and the experience of similar prior behaviour are important considerations.
Chronic fatigue syndrome: Symptoms, appraisal and ways of coping
Authors: Knussen Christina , Lee Deborah 
Published: June 2011

Objectives. The aim of the study was to investigate the contributions of measures of appraisal and ways of coping (relative scoring) to two clusters of symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS; fatigue and emotional disturbance), using multiple regression analysis.Design. A cross‐sectional design was employed within a framework provided by the Lazarus & Folkman model of stress.Methods. Participants (N = 81) were drawn from CFS support groups. Self‐report questionnaires were used, including measures of symptoms (Ray, Weir, Phillips & Cullen, 1992), ways of coping with CFS (Ray, Weir, Stewart, Miller & Hyde, 1993), and appraisal of the illness (Browne et al., 1988).Results. When symptoms of emotional disturbance were controlled, those experiencing more symptoms of fatigue were more likely to perceive CFS to be stressful, were less likely to feel that they could do anything about the illness, and were relatively more likely to cope through seeking information. Those experiencing more symptoms of emotional disturbance were less likely to have an optimistic outlook and were less likely to attempt to cope by accommodating to the illness, irrespective of symptoms of fatigue.Conclusions. The results confirmed the utility of the Lazarus & Folkman model of stress within this domain. The use of relative coping scores clarified the potential importance of accommodating to the illness. Overall, the results underlined the need to further develop measures and methodologies in this area.
Exploring ‘means to an end’: The application of Bagozzi's theory to riskier single‐occasion drinking
Authors: Murgraff Vered , White David , Phillips Keith 
Published: June 2011

Objectives. This is a preliminary study of the applicability of Bagozzi's goal‐directed theory (1992) to single‐occasion drinking. The hypothesis tested is that intentions to drink at lower limits are enacted when one appraises high levels of self‐efficacy, instrumental beliefs, and affect regarding the instrumental acts needed for goal achievement.Design. The study was based on a self‐reported questionnaire measured at two time intervals. At Time 1, measures of past single‐occasion drinking were collected along with self‐reactions and judgments about various strategies for refusing a drink and perceived likelihood of moderating drinking. Two weeks later measures of drinking behaviour were taken.Methods. The study included 158 undergraduate riskier single‐occasion drinkers. They were supplied with information about the health risks associated with moderate single‐occasion drinking. The outcome measure was riskier single‐occasion drinking at follow‐up.Results. High levels of self‐efficacy, instrumental beliefs and affect coupled with high intentions to drink at safer limits did not predict single‐occasion drinking frequency at follow‐up. Past drinking was the only significant predictor of riskier single‐occasion drinking at follow‐up. However, following the process of appraising different strategies for refusing a drink participants reported lower levels of drinking at follow‐up.Conclusions. Bagozzi's (1992) hypothesis was not supported in relation to higher risk single‐occasion drinking. However, the beneficial effects of the focus upon means and their appraisal for behaviour change promote the role of planning for goal achievement. The implications of these findings for behavioural change are discussed.
The theory of reasoned action and theory of planned behaviour as a function of job control
Authors: Bunce D. , Birdi K. S. 
Published: June 2011

Objectives. The predictive strength of the theory of reasoned action (TRA; Fishbein & Ajzen, 1975) was compared with that of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB; Ajzen, 1991) in relation to doctors' intentions to request hospital autopsies as a function of job control, the amount of workplace autonomy an individual possesses. Past behaviour was also taken into account.Design. Two groups of doctors took part: lower grade doctors (N = 70, house officers, senior house officers, and registrars) where job control (or work autonomy) is low, and senior doctors (N = 48, senior registrars and consultants) who possess greater job control.Method. Both groups were mailed a questionnaire measuring past behaviour, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control and intentions relating to requesting hospital autopsies.Results. Among lower grade doctors, perceived behavioural control strongly predicted intentions, whereas among senior doctors this association was weaker. In addition, we found that past behaviour independently predicted intentions among senior doctors.Conclusions. In circumstances of high behavioural control the TPB collapses to the TRA, and past behaviour is likely to have an independent influence on intentions in situations of high behavioural control where routine behaviour has developed.