bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Deodorant effects of a supercritical hops extract: antibacterial activity against Corynebacterium xerosis and Staphylococcus epidermidis and efficacy testing of a hops/zinc ricinoleate stick in humans through the sensory evaluation of axillary deodorancy
Authors: Dumas Elizabeth R , Michaud Amy E , Bergeron Chantal , Lafrance Jennifer L , Mortillo Susan , Gafner Stefan 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground  There is little scientific evidence to support the efficacy of natural deodorants and therefore, such products may be perceived as inefficacious. The evaluation of the in vitro antibacterial activity of a hop extract and the evaluation of the odor‐reducing capacity of a hops/zinc ricinoleate‐containing product by a sensory evaluation panel is employed to verify deodorant performance.Aims  The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antibacterial activity of a hop extract against Corynebacterium xerosis and Staphylococcus epidermidis and to verify in vivo deodorant performance of a hops/zinc ricinoleate‐containing product.Methods  The hops extract was evaluated on a culture of an armpit swab from six volunteers. Furthermore, the extract was submitted to a zone of inhibition test and an agar‐dilution assay against two major odor‐causing bacteria. The clinical evaluation of the finished product was carried out according to a standard method for substantiating deodorant efficacy using trained odor judges for the assessment of axillary malodor (ASTM method E 1207‐87 Standard Practice for the Sensory Evaluation of Axillary Deodorancy).Results  The supercritical hops extract showed good antibacterial activities in all three tests. Minimum inhibitory concentration values of 6.25 and 25 μg/mL against C. xerosis and S. aureus, respectively, were obtained in the agar‐dilution assay. In the clinical underarm odor‐reduction evaluation, the mean malodor score dropped from 6.28 (±0.70) to 1.80 (±0.71) after 8 h of application. There was still a noticeable effect at both 12 and 24 h after the application, with a score of 1.82 (±0.74) and 2.24 (±0.77), respectively.Conclusion  The hops extract has good in vitro antibacterial properties and, in combination with zinc ricinoleate in an appropriate base, delivers in vivo odor reduction. The clinical efficacy is likely due to a combination of the base ingredients and the antibacterial actives.
Influence of long‐term oxygen therapy on heart rate and QT time‐series in hypoxic patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Lewis Michael J. , Annandale Joe , Lewis Keir E. 
Published: August 2009

SummaryBackground:  There is increasing interest in the cardiovascular pathology independently associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We examined the influence of long‐term oxygen therapy (LTOT) on heart rate (RR) and QT time‐series in COPD.Methods:  Ten hypoxic stable COPD patients underwent Holter ECG monitoring for 24 h and physical activity/energy expenditure monitoring for 5 days before and after LTOT. Variability of RR and QT time‐series was quantified using standard statistics and their structural (correlation/scaling) properties were assessed using multifractal analysis. Pre‐ and post‐LTOT cardiac/activity parameters were compared to examine the influence of oxygen therapy and circadian variation.Results:  PaO2 increased (P = 0·0004) whilst PaCO2 was unchanged (P = 0·56) following LTOT. Activity/energy expenditure estimates were also unchanged following LTOT (P = 0·64–0·99), but RR variability was increased during the morning (P < 0·05) and night (P < 0·1, trend only). Multifractality of RR and QT time‐series was not significantly changed following LTOT, although QT multifractality showed some time‐dependent fluctuations. Trends in RR and QT time‐series over 24‐h were similar pre‐ and post‐LTOT, indicating a generally normal circadian response.Conclusions:  An increase in HRV following LTOT (but notably in the absence of altered activity levels) provides tentative evidence that LTOT has a direct effect on heart rate control in COPD. This beneficial influence was expressed mainly during the morning, and the relevance of this diurnal variation in response requires further investigation. It was also confirmed that both RR and (to a lesser degree) QT time‐series in COPD have a multifractal structure, and this is not affected appreciably by LTOT.
Drinking Alcohol before Age 13 and Negative Outcomes in Late Adolescence
Authors: Peleg‐Oren Neta , Saint‐Jean Gilbert , Cardenas Gabriel A. , Tammara Hayley , Pierre Colbert 
Published: August 2009

Background:  Research has shown that adolescents who begin drinking at an early stage in life are at greater risk of developing alcohol dependency, as well as a variety of negative outcomes, for instance, delinquent behavior. Most of these studies have focused on those who begin drinking in middle adolescence, but little attention has been paid to youth who initiate drinking under the age of 13. Twenty percent of adolescents have begun using alcohol by the age of 13. The purpose of the study is to examine whether initiating alcohol use before the age of 13 exacerbates negative outcomes in late adolescence.Methods:  Data for the study were derived from 2 school‐based statewide surveys conducted in Florida: the 2005 YRBS and the 2006 FYSAS. The sample included 12,352 11th and 12th grade students divided into 3 groups: students who initiated alcohol use under the age of 13, students who initiated alcohol use at age 13 or later, and students who never used alcohol.Results:  Results showed that after adjusting for gender, ethnicity/race, and grade, adolescents who initiated alcohol use before age 13 were more likely to report problems with school performance and display delinquent behaviors (carrying a gun, carrying a weapon to school, and recent marijuana use).Conclusion:  Although no temporal relationships can be determined between drinking alcohol before age 13 and delinquent behavior outcomes, the results suggested that adolescents under the age of 13 need to be included in national epidemiological surveys on alcohol use and more efforts need to be directed toward the implementation of prevention programs early in elementary and middle schools.
Alcohol Price and Intoxication in College Bars
Authors: O’Mara Ryan J. , Thombs Dennis L. , Wagenaar Alexander C. , Rossheim Matthew E. , Merves Michele L. , Hou Wei , Dodd Virginia J. , Pokorny Steven B. , Weiler Robert M. , Goldberger Bruce A. 
Published: August 2009

Background:  Many population studies find that alcohol prices are inversely related to alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related problems, including among college students and young adults. Yet, little is known about the “micro‐level” effects of alcohol price on the behavior of individual consumers in natural drinking settings such as college bars. Therefore, we assessed patron’s cost per gram of ethanol consumed at on‐premise drinking establishments and its association with intoxication upon leaving an establishment.Methods:  On 4 consecutive nights during April 2008, data were collected from 804 patrons exiting 7 on‐premise establishments in a bar district located adjacent to a large university campus in the southeastern United States. Anonymous interview and survey data were collected as well as breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) readings. We calculated each patron’s expenditures per unit of ethanol consumed based on self‐reported information regarding the type, size, number, and cost of consumed drinks.Results:  A multivariable model revealed that a 10‐cent increase in cost per gram of ethanol at on‐premise establishments was associated with a 30% reduction in the risk of exiting an establishment intoxicated (i.e., BrAC ≥ 0.08 g/210 l).Conclusions:  The results are consistent with economic theory and population‐level research regarding the price elasticity of alcoholic beverages, which show that increases in alcohol prices are accompanied by less alcohol consumption. These findings suggest that stricter regulation of the drink discounting practices of on‐premise drinking establishments would be an effective strategy for reducing the intoxication levels of exiting patrons.
Fetal Exposure to Moderate Ethanol Doses: Heightened Operant Responsiveness Elicited by Ethanol‐Related Reinforcers
Authors: March Samanta M. , Abate Paula , Spear Norman E. , Molina Juan Carlos 
Published: August 2009

Background:  Prenatal exposure to moderate ethanol doses during late gestation modifies postnatal ethanol palatability and ingestion. The use of Pavlovian associative procedures has indicated that these prenatal experiences broaden the range of ethanol doses capable of supporting appetitive conditioning. Recently, a novel operant technique aimed at analyzing neonatal predisposition to gain access to ethanol has been developed. Experiment 1 tested the operant conditioning technique for developing rats described by Arias and colleagues (2007) and Bordner and colleagues (2008). In Experiment 2, we analyzed changes in the disposition to gain access to ethanol as a result of moderate prenatal exposure to the drug.Methods:  In Experiment 1, newborn pups were intraorally cannulated and placed in a supine position that allowed access to a touch‐sensitive sensor. Paired pups received an intraoral administration of a given reinforcer (milk or quinine) contingent upon physical contact with the sensor. Yoked controls received similar reinforcers only when Paired pups activated the circuit. In Experiment 2, natural reinforcers (water or milk) as well as ethanol (3% or 6% v/v) or an ethanol‐related reinforcer (sucrose compounded with quinine) were tested. In this experiment, pups had been exposed to water or ethanol (1 or 2 g/kg) during gestational days 17 to 20.Results:  Experiment 1 confirmed previous results showing that 1‐day‐old pups rapidly learn an operant task to gain access to milk, but not to gain access to a bitter tastant. Experiment 2 showed that water and milk were highly reinforcing across prenatal treatments. Furthermore, general activity during training was not affected by prenatal exposure to ethanol. Most importantly, prenatal ethanol exposure facilitated conditioning when the reinforcer was 3% v/v ethanol or a psychophysical equivalent of ethanol’s gustatory properties (sucrose–quinine).Conclusions:  The present results suggest that late prenatal experience with ethanol changes the predisposition of the newborn to gain access to ethanol‐related stimuli. In conjunction with prior literature, this study emphasizes the fact that intrauterine experience with ethanol not only augments ethanol’s palatability and ingestion, but also facilitates the acquisition of response–stimulus associations where the drug acts as an intraoral reinforcer.
The Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome on Response Execution and Inhibition: An Event‐Related Potential Study
Authors: Burden Matthew J. , Andrew Colin , Saint‐Amour Dave , Meintjes Ernesta M. , Molteno Christopher D. , Hoyme H. Eugene , Robinson Luther K. , Khaole Nathaniel , Nelson Charles A. , Jacobson Joseph L. , Jacobson Sandra W. 
Published: August 2009

Background:  Both executive function deficits and slower processing speed are characteristic of children with fetal alcohol exposure, but the temporal dynamics of neural activity underlying cognitive processing deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder have rarely been studied. To this end, event‐related potentials (ERPs) were used to examine the nature of alcohol‐related effects on response inhibition by identifying differences in neural activation during task performance.Methods:  We recorded ERPs during a Go/No‐go response inhibition task in 2 groups of children in Cape Town, South Africa (M age = 11.7 years; range = 10 to 13)—one diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) or partial FAS (FAS/PFAS; n = 7); the other, a control group whose mothers abstained or drank only minimally during pregnancy (n = 6). Children were instructed to press a “Go” response button to all letter stimuli presented except for the letter “X,” the “No‐go” stimulus, which occurred relatively infrequently.Results:  Task performance accuracy and reaction time did not differ between groups, but differences emerged for 3 ERP components—P2, N2, and P3. The FAS/PFAS group showed a slower latency to peak P2, suggesting less efficient processing of visual information at a relatively early stage (∼200 ms after stimulus onset). Moreover, controls showed a larger P2 amplitude to Go versus No‐go, indicating an early discrimination between conditions that was not seen in the FAS/PFAS group. Consistent with previous literature on tasks related to cognitive control, the control group showed a well‐defined, larger N2 to No‐go versus Go, which was not evident in the FAS/PFAS group. Both groups showed the expected larger P3 amplitude to No‐go versus Go, but this condition difference persisted in a late slow wave for the FAS/PFAS group, suggesting increased cognitive effort.Conclusions:  The timing and amplitude differences in the ERP measures suggest that slower, less efficient processing characterizes the FAS/PFAS group during initial stimulus identification. Moreover, the exposed children showed less sharply defined components throughout the stimulus and response evaluation processes involved in successful response inhibition. Although both groups were able to inhibit their responses equally well, the level of neural activation in the children with FAS/PFAS was greater, suggesting more cognitive effort. The specific deficits in response inhibition processing at discrete stages of neural activation may have implications for understanding the nature of alcohol‐related deficits in other cognitive domains as well.
Appropriateness of fresh‐frozen plasma usage in hospital settings: a meta‐analysis of the impact of organizational interventions
Authors: Damiani Gianfranco , Pinnarelli Luigi , Sommella Lorenzo , Farelli Valentina , Mele Luca , Menichella Giacomo , Ricciardi Walter 
Published: August 2009

BACKGROUND: Transfusions of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP) are a worldwide ever‐growing practice. The most advanced health care organizations, to guarantee high‐quality standards of interventions and safe procedures, should disseminate scientific evidence for promoting the appropriateness of transfusions and reducing avoidable risks.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: We carried out a systematic review of scientific literature searching for studies focused on the implementation of different strategy of organizational interventions aimed at improving clinicians’ practice.RESULTS: Of 915 studies, 10 articles were included in our meta‐analysis of risk of inappropriate transfusion after the implementation of an organizational intervention. The risk ratio of inappropriate transfusions before organizational interventions was 2.02 (95% confidence interval, 1.44‐2.84) compared with after interventions.CONCLUSION: The organizational interventions showed a positive impact on the reduction of rates of inappropriate FFP transfusion episodes.
Multiple Vector Impedance Measurements During Biventricular Pacing: Feasibility and Possible Implications for Hemodynamic Monitoring
Authors: VALZANIA CINZIA , ERIKSSON MARIA J. , HOLMSTRÖM NILS , JÄRVERUD KARIN , GADLER FREDRIK 
Published: August 2009

Background:

Intracardiac impedance (ICZ) has been known to reflect contractile capacity of the heart, and a strong relationship has been documented between stroke volume and ICZ. In this pilot study, conducted in heart failure patients during implantation of a biventricular device, we investigated acute changes in multiple vector ICZ signals during different pacing modes, and whether ICZ can be used to monitor hemodynamic variations.
Methods:

Z1 and Z2 impedance signals were recorded in the right ventricle (RV), and between the left ventricle (LV) and RV, respectively, in 12 patients during four programming modes. ICZ signals were analyzed with respect to average and peak‐to‐peak (p2p) amplitude and systolic slope, and correlated with noninvasive hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables.
Results:

ICZ p2p amplitude decreased during LV stimulation both in Z1 and in Z2 configuration (P = 0.021 and P = 0.022 vs intrinsic conduction, respectively). No significant variations in average amplitude or systolic slope were observed. ICZ variables correlated directly with hemodynamic measures (r = 0.48, P < 0.05, between Z2 p2p amplitude and pulse pressure), LV ejection fraction (r = 0.32, P < 0.05, for Z1 average amplitude), RV ejection fraction (r = 0.75, P < 0.05, for Z1 p2p amplitude), and inversely with ventricular volumes.
Conclusions:

Variations in ICZ may be observed during different pacing modes and seem to correlate with hemodynamic and echocardiographic variables. Multiple vector ICZ measurement may be a feasible tool for hemodynamic assessment in patients treated with biventricular pacing.
Linear Radiofrequency Microcatheter Ablation Guided by Phased Array Intracardiac Echocardiography Combined with Temperature Decay
Authors: KEANE DAVID , HYNES BRIAN , LAMKIN ROBERT , HOUGHTALING CHRISTOPHER , ZHOU LI , ARETZ THOMAS , RUSKIN JEREMY 
Published: August 2009

Background:

Fluoroscopy‐guided catheter placement is limited in its ability to determine electrode‐endocardial contact and involves radiation exposure. We hypothesized that (1) intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) would provide superior assessment of linear electrode contact compared to fluoroscopy and (2) slow temperature decay upon discontinuation of the radiofrequency current (time for temperature to fall 90% after a 10‐second test application of the radiofrequency current T90) would indicate optimal electrode‐myocardial contact.
Methods:

Sixty endocardial lesions were created in the atria and ventricles of six goats by simultaneous delivery of the radiofrequency current through two linear electrodes of a microcatheter with a central interelectrode thermocouple. Catheter placement was guided by fluoroscopy. A 7.5‐MHz ICE transducer in the right atrium or ventricle assessed electrode contact. T90 and previously reported parameters of electrode contact and lesion formation were recorded. Histomorphometry was performed on the lesions.
Results:

T90 was 4.27 ± 4.98 seconds. Lesion depth significantly correlated with ICE assessment of electrode contact (r = 0.56, P = 0.001); T90 upon radiofrequency current offset (r = 0.48, P = 0.008), impedance fall upon radiofrequency current onset (r = 0.37, P = 0.008), bipolar pacing threshold preablation (r =−0.56, P = 0.001), bipolar electrogram amplitude preablation (r = 0.43, P = 0.02), but not with fluoroscopic assessment of the electrode contact (r = 0.18, n.s.). For the prediction of achieving a lesion depth of >2 mm, a T90 of >4.0 seconds yielded a specificity of 86% and a sensitivity of 52%, ICE yielded a specificity and sensitivity of 58% and 68%, respectively, while the specificity and sensitivity of fluoroscopy were 26% and 68%, respectively. Both ICE and T90 provide additional clinical relevance during guidance of cardiac microcatheter ablation.
The Relationship Between Electrogram Cycle Length and Dominant Frequency in Patients with Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: SINGH SHELDON M. , HEIST E. KEVIN , KORUTH JACOB S. , BARRETT CONOR D. , RUSKIN JEREMY N. , MANSOUR MOUSSA C. 
Published: September 2009

Introduction:
Sites of complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) with a short mean cycle length (MCL) and sites with a high dominant frequency (DF) have been advocated as targets for ablation in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). However, there are little data on the relationship between theses 2 markers. This study assessed the relationship between the DF and electrogram MCL after pulmonary vein (PV) isolation in patients with persistent AF.
Methods and Results:
A total of 44 patients with persistent AF were studied. Four‐second bipolar electrograms were obtained with a multielectrode mapping catheter at regions throughout the left atrium after isolation of the pulmonary veins, with analysis of the MCL and DF at each site. The DF was defined as the largest frequency peak within a 2.5‐ to 16‐Hz spectral profile generated with fast Fourier transformation of the electrogram. A total of 9,262 electrograms from the 44 patients were analyzed. The average MCL and DF post‐PV isolation were 135 ± 24 ms and 6.1 ± 0.6 Hz, respectively. There was a statistically significant but weak correlation between the MCL and DF (r = 0.21, P < 0.001). Additionally, analysis of this relationship within each patient did not demonstrate a strong correlation (range of r values per patient =−0.18 to 0.47).
Conclusions:
There is a poor correlation between the electrogram MCL and DF in patients with persistent AF. Ablation strategies targeting DF and those targeting CFAE are therefore unlikely to direct ablation toward similar left atrial sites. Comparative studies are necessary to determine the effectiveness of each strategy in guiding catheter ablation of persistent AF.
Mitochondrial accumulation of APP and Aβ: significance for Alzheimer disease pathogenesis
Authors: Pavlov Pavel F. , Petersen Camilla Hansson , Glaser Elzbieta , Ankarcrona Maria 
Published: September 2009

Abstract

Introduction
Age and AD related mitochondrial changes in brain and peripheral tissues
Effect of APP accumulation on mitochondrial function
Mitochondria as a target and mediator of Aβ toxicity
Conclusions

Accumulating evidence suggest that alterations in energy metabolism are among the earliest events that occur in the Alzheimer disease (AD) affected brain. Energy consumption is drastically decreased in the AD‐affected regions of cerebral cortex and hippocampus pointing towards compromised mitochondrial function of neurons within specific brain regions. This is accompanied by an elevated production of reactive oxygen species contributing to increased rates of neuronal loss in the AD‐affected brain regions. In this review, we will discuss the role of mitochondrial function and dysfunction in AD. We will focus on the consequences of amyloid precursor protein and amyloid‐β peptide accumulation in mitochondria and their involvement in AD pathogenesis.