bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative pulmonary imaging using computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: WASHKO GEORGE R. , PARRAGA GRACE , COXSON HARVEY O. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTMeasurements of lung function, including spirometry and body plethesmography, are easy to perform and are the current clinical standard for assessing disease severity. However, these lung functional techniques do not adequately explain the observed variability in clinical manifestations of disease and offer little insight into the relationship of lung structure and function. Lung imaging and the image‐based assessment of lung disease has matured to the extent that it is common for clinical, epidemiologic and genetic investigation to have a component dedicated to image analysis. There are several exciting imaging modalities currently being used for the non‐invasive study of lung anatomy and function. In this review, we will focus on two of them; X‐ray computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Following a brief introduction of each method, we detail some of the most recent work being done to characterize smoking‐related lung disease and the clinical applications of such knowledge.
The landscape of services for drug users in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: MORRISON CHRIS , KURNIASIH YACINTA , BARTON GREG 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims.Drug use has increased rapidly in Indonesia since the late 1990s. The formal drug treatment sector has grown within the bounds of available government funding; however, there is also a substantial informal sector which provides a range of services for current and former users. While information regarding the former is available from the provincial and national governments, there are few sources that detail the latter. The aim of the current study, therefore, is to document the drug treatment services in one Indonesian city, Yogyakarta.Design and Methods.This qualitative study utilised nine key informant interviews with drug treatment workers from nine government and non‐government treatment services. Transcripts were analysed thematically.Results.There exists a patchwork of enthusiastic yet under‐resourced non‐government services that complement the government rehabilitation and withdrawal programs in Yogyakarta. The focus of most such services is on abstinence (including several faith‐based residential rehabilitation programs); however, some harm reduction programs have emerged in recent years. Under‐utilisation is a feature of many non‐government services, and all respondents acknowledged a significant gap in service coordination.Discussion and Conclusions.Yogyakarta has a drug treatment sector in which most major treatment types are represented, and there appears to be potential for growth within many organisations. Nevertheless, the number and reach of the services are limited by a lack of resources and collaboration, and there are substantial cultural barriers to improving inter‐organisational coordination. This study suggests that Yogyakarta and greater Indonesia may benefit from greater service coordination facilitated by local government.[Morrison C, Kurniasih Y, Barton G. The landscape of services for drug users in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:95–100]
Early childhood experiences, parenting and the process of drug dependency among young people in Tehran, Iran
Authors: MIRLASHARI JILA , DEMIRKOL APO , SALSALI MAHVASH , RAFIEY HASSAN , JAHANBANI JAHANFAR 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. Substance abuse has become a major public health problem in Iran. The process of developing an addiction is complex and multifaceted. Early childhood experiences are thought to be one of the important determinants of addictive behaviour. The aim of this qualitative study is to explore the early childhood experiences, especially the experiences within the immediate family, of current substance‐using young adults in Iran.Design and Methods. The study is qualitative in nature. In‐depth interviews were conducted with 15 young men and women who were either in treatment for their addiction or were active drug users at the time of the interviews. Moreover, four interviews have been conducted with family members of participants.Results. The majority of the participants experienced traumatic events during childhood and came from dysfunctional families. There appears to be a significant disconnect between these individuals and their families. An obedience‐instilling parenting style and parents' knowledge and attitude toward drug using and prevention were also identified as important determinants of substance use.Discussion and Conclusions. The results of this research point out the need for early interventions for at‐risk families as well as at‐risk individuals.[Mirlashari J, Demirkol A, Salsali M, Rafiey H, Jahanbani J. Early childhood experiences, parenting and the process of drug dependency among young people in Tehran, Iran. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:461–468]
Neighbourhood matters: Perceptions of neighbourhood cohesiveness and associations with alcohol, cannabis and tobacco use
Authors: LIN EN‐YI , WITTEN KAREN , CASSWELL SALLY , YOU RU QUAN 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIntroduction and Aims. To examine relationships between perceived neighbourhood cohesion and alcohol, tobacco and cannabis consumption in New Zealand.Design and Methods. A two‐level random intercept regression model was used to examine the extent to which perception of neighbourhood cohesion (at the individual and area level) was associated with the frequency of substance (alcohol, tobacco and cannabis) consumption, after controlling for demographics and deprivation. This study is based on data from two national Health Behaviours Surveys (Drugs and Alcohol) conducted in 2003 and 2004 in New Zealand. Data were collected by computer‐assisted telephone interviewing with two complementary computer‐assisted cellphone interviewing samples. The combined sample consists of 6346 men and 8411 women (n = 14 757) distributed across 1572 census area units.Results. Perception of neighbourhood cohesion was significantly associated with the level of alcohol, tobacco and cannabis consumption. Individuals who perceived their neighbourhood as more cohesive had higher annual frequency of alcohol consumption but lower consumption on a typical drinking occasion. Higher perceived neighbourhood cohesion was also associated with a decrease in the probability of tobacco and cannabis use and of the amounts consumed. Area‐level analysis suggested that aggregate census area unit‐level neighbourhood cohesion exerted a significant additional contextual effect on the frequency of tobacco and cannabis consumption over and above individual perceptions of neighbourhood cohesiveness.Discussion and Conclusions. This study provides empirical evidence that perceptions of the neighbourhood social environment are associated with people's substance consumption patterns. Increasing residents' sense of neighbourhood cohesion might prove a promising way to decrease health‐damaging consumption behaviours. [Lin E‐Y, Witten K, Casswell S, You RQ. Neighbourhood matters: Perceptions of neighbourhood cohesiveness and associations with alcohol, cannabis and tobacco use. Drug Alcohol Rev 2012;31:402–412]
Skin hardening effect in patients with polymorphic light eruption: Comparison of UVB hardening in hospital with a novel home UV‐hardening device
Authors: Franken S.M. , Genders R.E. , de Gruijl F.R. , Rustemeyer T. , Pavel S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  An effective prophylactic treatment of patients with polymorphic light eruption (PLE) consists of repeated low, gradually increasing exposures to UVB radiation. This so‐called UV(B) hardening induces better tolerance of the skin to sunlight.Objective  SunshowerMedical company (Amsterdam) has developed an UV (B) source that can be used during taking shower. The low UV fluence of this apparatus makes it an interesting device for UV hardening. In a group of PLE patients, we compared the effectiveness of the irradiation with SunshowerMedical at home with that of the UVB treatment in the hospital.Methods  The PLE patients were randomized for one of the treatments. The hospital treatment consisted of irradiations with broad‐band UVB (Waldmann 85/UV21 lamps) twice a week during 6 weeks. The home UV‐device was used each day with the maximal irradiation time of 6 min. The outcome assessment was based on the information obtained from patients’ dermatological quality of life (DLQI) questionnaires, the ability of both phototherapies to reduce the provocation reaction and from the patients’ evaluation of the long‐term benefits of their phototherapies.Results  Sixteen patients completed treatment with SunshowerMedical and thirteen completed treatment in hospital. Both types of phototherapy were effective. There was a highly significant improvement in DLQI with either treatment. In most cases, the hardening reduced or even completely suppressed clinical UV provocation of PLE. The patients using SunshowerMedical at home were, however, much more content with the treatment procedure than the patients visiting the dermatological units.Conclusions  Both treatments were equally effective in the induction of skin tolerance to sunlight in PLE patients. However, the home treatment was much better accepted than the treatment in the hospital.
Increased gene expression of Toll‐like receptor 4 on peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Garcia–Rodriguez S. , Arias–Santiago S. , Perandrés–López R. , Castellote L. , Zumaquero E. , Navarro P. , Buendía‐Eisman A. , Ruiz J.‐C. , Orgaz‐Molina J. , Sancho J. , Zubiaur M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground  A role for the innate immune system in driving the autoimmune T cell cascade in psoriasis has been proposed. Toll‐like receptors‐(TLR)‐2 and ‐4 play a role in inflammation, atherosclerosis, and their specific role in psoriasis remains unclear.Objective  To evaluate TLR2 and TLR4 gene expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from psoriatic patients.Methods  Changes in TLR2/4 gene expressions were evaluated using quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, from twenty‐one patients with severe psoriasis, and analysed whether there was any correlation with cytokine plasma levels (T‐helper 0‐, T‐helper 1‐, T‐helper 2‐ or regulatory T cells‐type), or Calprotectin and with S100A8 and S100A9 gene expression levels. Eleven non‐psoriatic healthy controls were analysed.Results  A clear increase in TLR4 gene expression was observed (3.84 ± 0.93, n = 21) together with a moderate increase in TLR2 expression (1.522 ± 0.31, n = 21). Both TLR4 and TLR2 gene expressions were significantly augmented in psoriatic patients compared with controls (all P < 0.001). Correlations between TLR2 and S100A9 gene expressions (r = 0.5145, P = 0.0170, n = 21); and between TLR2 expression and plasma interleukin‐2 (r = 0.5667, P = 0.0074); interleukin‐4 (r = 0.4766, P = 0.0289), interleukin‐10 (r = 0.4355, P = 0.0484) and interleukin‐13 (r = 0.4603, P = 0.0358), were found. When patients with atheroma plaque were considered (n = 7), both TLR4 (3.47 ± 0.99, P = 0.0156) and TLR2 (1.63 ± 0.31, P = 0.0156) expressions were significantly increased vs. controls and correlated with plasma TNF‐α (r = 0.8929, P = 0.0123, in both cases).Conclusion  Differential TLR4/2 gene expressions on psoriatic peripheral blood mononuclear cells and correlations with regulatory and/or proinflammatory cytokines and/or damage‐associated molecular pattern molecule S100A9 emphasize innate immune response role in psoriasis.
Monitoring in the presence of species misidentification: the case of theEurasian lynx in theAlps
Authors: Molinari‐Jobin A. , Kéry M. , Marboutin E. , Molinari P. , Koren I. , Fuxjäger C. , Breitenmoser‐Würsten C. , Wölfl S. , Fasel M. , Kos I. , Wölfl M. , Breitenmoser U. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractInferring the distribution and abundance of a species from field records must deal with false‐negative and false‐positive errors. False‐negative errors occur if a species present goes undetected, while false‐positive errors are typically a consequence of species misidentification. False‐positive observations in studies of rare species may cause an overestimation of the distribution or abundance of the species and distort trend indices. We illustrate this issue with the monitoring of theEurasian lynx in theAlps. We developed a three‐level classification of field records according to their reliability as inferred from whether they were validated or not. The first category (C1) represents ‘hard fact’ data (e.g. dead lynx); the second category (C2) includes confirmed data (e.g. tracks verified by an expert); and the third category (C3) are unconfirmed data (e.g. any kind of direct visual observation). For lynx, which is a comparatively well‐known species in theAlps, we use site‐occupancy modelling to estimate its distribution and show that the inferred lynx distribution is highly sensitive to presence sign category: it is larger if based onC3 records compared with the more reliableC1 andC2 records. We believe that the reason for this is a fairly high frequency of false‐positive errors amongC3 records. This suggests that distribution records for many lesser‐known species may be similarly unreliable, because they are mostly or exclusively based on unconfirmed and thus soft data. Nevertheless, such soft data form a considerable part of species assessments as presented, for example in theInternationalUnion forConservation ofNatureRedList. However,C3 records can often not be discarded because they may be the only information available. When inferring the distribution of rare carnivores, especially for species with an expanding or shrinking range, we recommend a rigorous discrimination between fully reliable and un‐ or only partly reliable data, in order to identify possible methodological problems in the distribution maps related to false‐positive records.
Ethanol Inhibition of Up‐States in Prefrontal Cortical Neurons Expressing the Genetically Encoded Calcium Indicator GCaMP3
Authors: Woodward John J. , Pava Matthew 
Published: December 2011

Background:  The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is critically involved in working memory, cognition, and decision making; processes significantly affected by ethanol (EtOH). During quiet restfulness or sleep, PFC neurons show synaptically evoked oscillations in membrane potential between hyperpolarized down‐states and depolarized up‐states. Previous studies from this laboratory used whole‐cell electrophysiology and demonstrated that in individual neurons, EtOH inhibited PFC up‐states at concentrations associated with behavioral impairment. Although those studies monitored activity in 1 or 2 neurons at a time, it is likely that in vivo, larger networks of neurons participate in the complex functions of the PFC. In the present study, we used imaging and a genetically encoded calcium sensor to examine the effects of EtOH on the activity of multiple neurons simultaneously during up‐states.Methods:  Slice cultures of mouse PFC were infected with an AAV virus encoding the calcium indicator GCaMP3 whose expression was driven by the neuron‐specific synapsin promoter. After 2 to 3 weeks in culture, a fast CCD‐camera imaging system was used to capture changes in GCaMP3 fluorescence before, during, and after exposure to EtOH.Results:  PFC neurons displayed robust and reproducible changes in GCaMP3 fluorescence during evoked and spontaneous up‐states. Simultaneous whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording and GCaMP3 imaging verified that neurons transitioned into and out of up‐states together. Acute application of EtOH reliably depressed up‐state calcium signals with lower doses having a greater effect on up‐state duration than amplitude. These effects of EtOH on up‐state parameters were reversed during washout.Conclusions:  The results of the present study indicate that EtOH has profound effects on up‐state activity in prefrontal neurons and suggest that this action may underlie some of the cognitive impairment associated with acute alcohol intoxication.
Ethanol Exposure During Pregnancy Persistently Attenuates Cranially Directed Blood Flow in the Developing Fetus: Evidence from Ultrasound Imaging in a Murine Second Trimester Equivalent Model
Authors: Bake Shameena , Tingling Joseph D. , Miranda Rajesh C. 
Published: December 2011

Background:  Ethanol (EtOH) consumption during pregnancy can lead to fetal growth retardation, mental retardation, and neurodevelopmental delay. The fetal brain initiates neurogenesis and vasculogenesis during the second trimester, and depends on maternal‐fetal circulation for nutrition and growth signals. We used high‐resolution in vivo ultrasound imaging to test the hypothesis that EtOH interferes with fetal brain‐directed blood flow during this critical developmental period.Methods:  Pregnant mice were lightly anesthetized on gestational day 12 with an isoflurane/oxygen mixture. We assessed the effect of single and repeated binge‐like maternal EtOH exposures at 3 g/kg, administered by intragastric gavage or intraperitoneal injection, on maternal circulation and fetal umbilical, aortic, internal carotid, and middle cerebral arterial circulation.Results:  Binge maternal EtOH exposure, regardless of exposure route, significantly reduced fetal arterial blood acceleration and velocity time integral (VTI), from umbilical to cerebral arteries, without a change in fetal heart rate and resistivity indices. Importantly a single maternal binge EtOH exposure induced persistent suppression of fetal arterial VTI for at least 24 hours. Repeated binge episodes resulted in a continuing and persistent suppression of fetal VTI. Qualitative assessments showed that maternal EtOH exposure induced oscillatory, nondirectional blood flow in fetal cerebral arteries. Maternal cardiac and other physiological parameters remained unaltered.Conclusions:  These data show that binge‐type maternal EtOH exposure results in rapid and persistent loss of blood flow from the umbilical artery to the fetal brain, potentially compromising nutrition and the maternal/fetal endocrine environment during a critical period for neuron formation and angiogenesis in the maturing brain.
Caffeic Acid Inhibits Acute Hyperhomocysteinemia‐Induced Leukocyte Rolling and Adhesion in Mouse Cerebral Venules
Authors: ZHAO HAI‐PING , FENG JUAN , SUN KAI , LIU YU‐YING , WEI XIAO‐HONG , FAN JING‐YU , HUANG PING , MAO XIAO‐WEI , ZHOU ZHOU , WANG CHUAN‐SHE , WANG XIAN , HAN JING‐YAN 
Published: December 2011

Please cite this paper as: Zhao H‐P, Feng J, Sun K, Liu Y‐Y, Wei X‐H, Fan J‐Y, Huang P, Mao X‐W, Zhou Z, Wang C‐S, Wang X, Han J‐Y. Caffeic acid inhibits acute hyperhomocysteinemia‐induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mouse cerebral venules. Microcirculation19: 233–244, 2012.AbstractObjective:  To investigate the effects and possible mechanisms of CA on acute HHcy‐induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in mouse cerebral venules.Methods:  Male C57 BL/6J mice were injected with DL‐Hcy (50 mg/kg) and CA (10 mg/kg). The effect of CA on HHcy‐induced leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral vessels was assessed using intravital microscopy. Plasma cytokines and chemokines were evaluated by cytometric bead array. ROS production in HUVECs and adhesion molecule expression on leukocytes were determined by flow cytometry. E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 expression in cerebrovascular endothelium was detected by immunohistochemistry. CD18 phosphorylation and the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes were determined by confocal microscopy and Western blot.Results:  CA inhibited HHcy‐elicited leukocyte rolling and adhesion, decreased ROS production in HUVECs, and reduced plasma KC, MIP‐2, and MCP‐1 levels. CA reduced the E‐selectin and ICAM‐1 expression on cerebrovascular endothelium and CD11b/CD18 on leukocytes caused by HHcy. Of notice, CA depressed CD18 phosphorylation and the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes.Conclusions:  CA inhibited HHcy‐provoked leukocyte rolling and adhesion in cerebral venules, ameliorating adhesion molecule expression and activation, which is related to the suppression of the Src/PI3K/Akt pathway in leukocytes.
Road connectivity, population, and crop production in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Dorosh Paul , Wang Hyoung Gun , You Liangzhi , Schmidt Emily 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis study adopts a cross‐sectional spatial approach to examine the relationship between transport infrastructure, population location, and agricultural production in Sub‐Saharan Africa using new data obtained from geographic information systems (GIS). We find that both population and agricultural production are spatially concentrated near large cities, with 41.4% of population and 23.6% of agricultural production (in value terms) within 2.5 hours travel time to large cities. Taking into account agroecological and other factors, we find a statistically significant association between travel time and agricultural production. Using coefficients estimated for Mozambique, we simulate the effects of hypothetical increases in road investments on travel times and agricultural production, suggesting that improvements in road infrastructure could facilitate a substantial increase in agricultural production.
Lateral ridge augmentation using a PCL‐TCP scaffold in a clinically relevant but challenging micropig model
Authors: Yeo A. , Cheok C. , Teoh S. H. , Zhang Z. Y. , Buser D. , Bosshardt D. D. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackgroundIn implant dentistry, there is a need for synthetic bone substitute blocks to support ridge augmentation in situations where large bone volumes are missing. Polycaprolactone‐based scaffolds demonstrated excellent results in bone tissue engineering applications. The use of customized polycaprolactone‐tricalcium phosphate (PCL‐TCP) displayed promising results from recent rat femur and rabbit calvaria studies. However, data from clinically representative models in larger animals do not exist.ObjectiveTo evaluate new bone formation in association with a novel PCL‐TCP scaffold in comparison with an autogenous bone block graft for the reconstruction of large dentoalveolar defects in a clinically relevant but challenging pig jaw model.Material and methodsChronic, non‐contained one‐wall defects were created in the mandible of micropigs and randomly assigned to receive one of the following guided bone regeneration (GBR) procedures for a period of 6 months. (A) Collagen membrane + autogenous block graft or (B) Collagen membrane + PCL‐TCP scaffold. Micro computed tomography (μ‐CT), histology and histomorphometry were used to assess new bone formation.ResultsAlthough μ‐CT and histomorphometric analysis demonstrated a slight discrepancy between the measurements, the group utilizing autogenous bone grafts consistently reported superior new bone formation as compared to PCL‐TCP scaffolds. When measured using μ‐CT, the ratio of bone volume fraction for PCL‐TCP scaffolds with respect to autografts yielded a mean efficacy of approximately 51%. Histological examination revealed that under favorable conditions, the new bone matrix and new bone marrow were in direct contact with the PCL‐TCP scaffold rods and invading the interstices, suggesting good biocompatibility and high osteoconductivity. Autograft block grafts demonstrated 48.5–57.4% of pronounced resorption after 6 months following ridge augmentation.ConclusionsPCL‐TCP scaffolds have demonstrated the potential application for lateral ridge augmentation following a healing period of 6 months in a micropig model.