bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
National patterns and correlates of mentholated cigarette use in the United States
Authors: Lawrence Deirdre , Rose Allison , Fagan Pebbles , Moolchan Eric T. , Gibson James Todd , Backinger Cathy L. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAim  To examine the patterns and correlates of mentholated cigarette smoking among adult smokers in the United States.Design  Cross‐sectional data on adult current smokers (n = 63 193) were pooled from the 2003 and 2006/07 Tobacco Use Supplements to the Current Population Survey.Measurements  The associations between socio‐demographic and smoking variables were examined with gender‐ and race/ethnicity‐stratified multivariate logistic regression models predicting current use of mentholated cigarettes.Findings  Multivariate logistic regression analyses demonstrated that black smokers were 10–11 times more likely to smoke mentholated cigarettes than white smokers men: odds ratio (OR): 11.59, 99% confidence interval (CI): 9.79–13.72; women: OR: 10.12, 99% CI: 8.45–12.11). With the exception of American Indian/Aleut/Eskimo smokers, non‐white smokers were significantly more likely to smoke mentholated cigarettes than were white smokers. Additional significant factors associated with mentholated cigarette smoking included being unmarried (never married: OR: 1.21, 99% CI: 1.09–1.34; divorced/separated: OR: 1.13, 99% CI: 1.03–1.23), being born in a US territory (OR: 2.01, 99% CI: 1.35–3.01), living in a non‐metropolitan area (OR: 0.87, 99% CI: 0.80–0.96), being unemployed (OR: 1.24, 99% CI: 1.06–1.44) and lower levels of education. Race/ethnicity‐stratified analyses showed that women were more likely than men to smoke mentholated cigarettes. Among black smokers, young adults (aged 18–24 years) were four times more likely to smoke mentholated cigarettes compared with individuals aged 65+.Conclusions  Race/ethnicity, gender and age are significant correlates of mentholated cigarette smoking among current smokers. Given the importance of menthol in the cigarette market and the potential untoward health effects of this additive, continued surveillance of the prevalence and correlates of mentholated cigarette use among diverse socio‐demographic groups is warranted to inform appropriate interventions.
Occupational status, work‐site cessation programs and policies and menthol smoking on quitting behaviors of US smokers
Authors: Alexander Linda A. , Crawford Tim , Mendiondo Marta S. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAim  This exploratory study sought to examine the relationships among occupational status, menthol smoking preference and employer‐sponsored smoking cessation programs and policies on quitting behaviors.Design  Data for this cross‐sectional study were obtained from the 2006 Tobacco Use Supplement to the Current Population Survey (TUS CPS), a large national survey representative of the civilian population, containing approximately 240 000 respondents. The total sample for the current study was 30 176.Measurements  The TUS CPS regularly collects data on cigarette prevalence, quitting behaviors, smoking history and consumption patterns. We performed a logistic regression with ‘life‐time quitting smoking for 1 day or longer because they were trying to quit’ as outcome variable. Independent variables included type of occupation, employer‐sponsored cessation programs and policies and menthol status.Findings  When controlling for occupational status and work‐place policies, there were no differences for menthol versus non‐menthol smokers on quitting behaviors [odds ratio (OR) = 0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.83, 1.15]. Service workers were less likely to quit compared with white‐collar workers (OR = 0.80; 95% CI = 0.69, 0.94), and those with no employer‐sponsored cessation program were less likely to quit (OR = 0.70; 95% CI = 0.60, 0.83). White‐collar workers, compared with blue‐collar and service workers, were more likely to have a smoking policy in the work area (93% versus 86% versus 88%, respectively).Conclusions  When occupational status and work‐place smoking policies are controlled for, smokers of menthol cigarettes in the United States appear to have similar self‐reported life‐time rates of attempts to stop smoking to non‐menthol smokers.
Pituitary adenylate cyclase‐activating peptide receptor 1 mediates anti‐inflammatory effects in allergic airway inflammation in mice
Authors: Lauenstein H. D. , Quarcoo D. , Plappert L. , Schleh C. , Nassimi M. , Pilzner C. , Rochlitzer S. , Brabet P. , Welte T. , Hoymann H. G. , Krug N. , Müller M. , Lerner E. A. , Braun A. , Groneberg D. A. 
Published: November 2010

Cite this as: H. D. Lauenstein, D. Quarcoo, L. Plappert, C. Schleh, M. Nassimi, C. Pilzner, S. Rochlitzer, P. Brabet, T. Welte, H. G. Hoymann, N. Krug, M. Müller, E. A. Lerner, A. Braun and D. A. Groneberg, Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 592–601.SummaryBackground
Bronchial asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and reversible obstruction. Since the gold standard of therapy, a combination of anti‐inflammatory corticosteroids and bronchodilatory β2 agonists, has recently been discussed to be related to an increased mortality, there is a need for novel therapeutic pathways.Objective
A new experimental concept that encompasses the vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylate cyclase activating peptide (PACAP) family of receptors by demonstrating the anti‐inflammatory effects of the PACAP receptor 1 (PAC1R) in a murine model of allergic asthma is described.Methods
PAC1R expression was investigated in lung tissue and isolated dendritic cells (DCs) via real‐time PCR. Ovalbumin (OVA)‐induced asthma models were used in PAC1R‐deficient mice and BALB/c mice treated with PAC1R agonist maxadilan (MAX). Bronchoalveolar lavages have been performed and investigated at the cellular and cytokine levels. Fluorescence staining of a frozen lung section has been performed to detect eosinophil granulocytes in lung tissue. Plasma IgE levels have been quantified via the ELISA technique. Lung function was determined using head‐out body plethysmography or whole‐body plethysmography.Results
Increased PAC1R mRNA expression in lung tissue was present under inflammatory conditions. PAC1R expression was detected on DCs. In OVA‐induced asthma models, which were applied to PAC1R‐deficient mice (PAC1R−/−) and to BALB/c mice treated with the specific PAC1R agonist MAX, PAC1R deficiency resulted in inflammatory effects, while agonistic stimulation resulted in anti‐inflammatory effects. No effects on lung function were detected both in the gene‐depletion and in the pharmacologic studies. In summary, here, we demonstrate that anti‐inflammatory effects can be achieved via PAC1R.Conclusion
PAC1R agonists may represent a promising target for an anti‐inflammatory therapy in airway diseases such as bronchial asthma.
Intralipid‐induced gastric relaxation is mediated via NO
Authors: MEULEMANS A. , SCHUURKES J. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractIn vitro, nitric oxide (NO) has been shown to be the neurotransmitter responsible for gastric relaxation. In vivo gastric relaxations can be controlled via reflex pathways originating in the duodenum. The aim of this study was to determine whether NO was involved in gastric relaxation in vivo in conscious dogs induced by intraduodenal administration of intralipid. Gastric tone was monitored with a flaccid bag introduced into the stomach via a gastric cannula and connected to a barostat. Intralipid administration into the duodenum caused a gastric relaxation (420 ± 11 ml, n = 6) sensitive to inhibition by nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NNA) (5 mg kg−1i.v.). This inhibitory effect of L‐NNA was reversed by L‐arginine (100 mg kg−1i.v.).In conclusion: intraduodenal administration of intralipid induces a gastric relaxation via a NO‐dependent mechanism.
5‐HT4receptors are not involved in the control of small intestinal transit in the fasted conscious rat
Authors: CLAYTON N. M. , GALE J. D. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractCisapride and metoclopramide are used clinically in the treatment of gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease and also in a variety of motility disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Their prokinetic effect is thought to be due to the augmentation of acetylcholine release from the myenteric plexus, an effect likely to be mediated through the stimulation of 5‐HT4receptors. The role of 5‐HT4receptors in the control of intestinal motility in man and animals is not clear, therefore we have investigated their role in the control of small intestinal transit in the rat.Radioactive microspheres were administered into the proximal duodenum of fasted conscious rats through an indwelling cannula. The extent of small intestinal transit was examined by determining the distribution of the microspheres within the intestine. Following i.p. injection small intestinal transit was inhibited (78%) by atropine (3 mg/kg), suggesting the presence of a basal cholinergic influence. Furthermore, in the presence of p‐amino clonidine intestinal transit was stimulated (126%) by bethanechol (3 mg/kg). The 5‐HT4receptor agonists cisapride (1.0 mg/kg) and zacopride (1.0 mg/kg) failed to increase small intestinal transit. The 5‐HT4receptor selective antagonist GR125487 (1 mg/kg) was also without effect.These data suggest that 5‐HT4receptors are not involved in the control of small intestinal transit in the fasted conscious rat.
Mitogenic Response and Cytokine Production Induced by Cramoll 1,4 Lectin in Splenocytes of Inoculated Mice
Authors: de Melo C. M. L. , Melo H. , Correia M. T. S. , Coelho L. C. B. B. , da Silva M. B. , Pereira V. R. A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractCramoll 1,4 is a lectin with specific glucose/mannose binding, which is extracted from seeds ofCratylia mollisMart. Many assays have shown the cytokine expression activity and anti‐inflammatory profile of this lectin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunostimulatory response,in vitro, of splenocytes in mice previously inoculated,in vivo, withC. mollis(Cramoll 1,4) andCanavalia ensiformis(Con A) lectins. Results demonstrated higher proliferation indexes induced by Cramoll 1,4 than Con A lectin in relation to all experimental groups. Cramoll 1,4 and Con A also induced high levels of IL‐2, IL‐6, IFN‐γ and nitric oxide production. Moreover, Cramoll 1,4 did not induce apoptosis and stimulated a significant number of cells in the S phase of the cell cycle. Results showed that Cramoll 1,4 lectin induces proliferative response and suggested that this lectin can be used as a mitogenic agent in immunostimulatory assays.
Short‐Term Metabolism of Radioactive Kinetin during Lettuce Seed Germination
Authors: MIERNYK J. A. , BLAYDES D. F. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractExogenously applied 8‐14C‐kinetin is rapidly taken up by seeds of lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. cv. Grand Rapids). Radioactive metabolites were extracted and purified by solvent fractionation, column and paper chromatography. The primary metabolite was identified as the 9‐riboside‐5′‐monophosphate. As germination proceeds, some kinetin is released from this bound storage form, giving a maximum level of free kinetin at 12 hours after imbibition. After this time the concentration of ribotide increases while the concentration of free base decreases. Other metabolites are the 9‐riboside, AMP and IMP.It is suggested that a required amount of free base cytokinin is necessary by 12 hours after imbibition. This concentration of free cytokinin may act as a physiological trigger for later events during germination.
Ethylene Production and Mycelium Growth of the Tulip Strain of Fusarium oxysporum as Influenced by Shaking of and Oxygen Supply to the Culture Medium
Authors: SWART ANNIE , KAMERBEEK G. A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe fungus Fusarium oxysporum Schlecht f. sp. tulipae Apt. can produce ethylene abundantly in vitro when grown in Pratt's liquid medium with glucose as the only organic substrate. This production starts after a lag phase of about 4 days, and peak production occurs when mycelium weight has reached its maximum value. For several days the rate of production is more or less linearly dependent on pO2. The total production is also dependent on the oxygen concentration, but pure oxygen inhibits the total production by about 50% as compared with 21% oxygen. The high production in shake cultures, as compared with the low production in stagnant cultures, is probably the result of a better oxygen supply in the culture medium. The mycelium weight proved not to be a valid referential basis for the production of ethylene.
Characterization of Cyclic Nucleotide Phosphodiesterase Activity in Sunflower Callus
Authors: JUNKER S. , VERBEEK‐WYNDAELE R. , TRUELSEN T. A. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA membrane‐bound and a soluble cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase from sunflower callus has been examined. Kinetic studies showed Km‐values in the range of 2.5‐5.0 mM with cyclic adenosine 3′,5′‐monophosphate (3′, 5′‐cAMP) as the substrate. The soluble cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase was characterized further: Optimal activity was at pH 6.5‐7.0 and at 40°C. The enzyme did not require divalent metal ions for maximal activity. It was inhibited by Cu2+ and slightly activated by Fe3+. Sodium fluoride, imidazole and theophylline did not affect the activity, but caffeine was slightly inhibitory. Its activity was strongly inhibited by ATP, AMP and Pi. The enzyme hydrolysed 3′,5′‐cAMP, 2′,3′‐cAMP and 3′,5′‐cGMP, while N6, O2′‐dibutyryl cyclic AMP (dBcAMP) was left unattacked. The soluble enzyme activity was influenced neither by callus age nor by plant growth substances added in vivo or in vitro.
Glutamate Dehydrogenase Activity in Lemna perpusilla 6746: The Effects of Sucrose, Glucose and Fructose Addition to Growth Media
Authors: DUKE STANLEY H. , KOUKKARI WILLARD L. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractLemna perpusilla Torr, strain 6746 clones were maintained under conditions of continuous illumination with various concentrations of sucrose, glucose or fructose added to the growth, medium. After two weeks of growth, plants were harvested and either assayed for total glutamate dehydrogenase activity or fractionated into one chloroplast‐rich and one mitochondria‐rich preparation and then assayed for glutamate dehydrogenase activity. In all assays for glutamate dehydrogenase it was necessary to add bovine serum albumin to the extraction medium in order to obtain sufficient enzyme activity for accurate and reproducible results. The presence of sucrose in the growth medium reduced glutamate dehydrogenase activity in all studies. When samples containing intact organelles were assayed, sucrose inhibition of activity appeared to occur primarily in the chloroplast fraction. Glucose, on the other hand, increased glutamate dehydrogenase activity in the chloroplast‐rich fractions. Upon freeze‐thawing differences between the various treatments were less obvious. The results from these studies indicate possible differences in sugar uptake and/or utilization in Lemna perpusilla.
Team process in community‐based participatory research on maternity care in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Foster Jennifer , Chiang Fidela , Hillard Rebecca C , Hall Priscilla , Heath Annemarie 
Published: November 2010

FOSTER J, CHIANG F, HILLARD RC, HALL P and HEATH A. Nursing Inquiry 2010; 17: 309–316 Team process in community‐based participatory research on maternity care in the Dominican RepublicA cross‐cultural team consisting of US trained academic midwife researchers, Dominican nurses, and Dominican community leaders have partnered in this international nursing and midwifery community‐based participatory research (CBPR) project in the Dominican Republic to understand the community experience with publicly funded maternity services. The purpose of the study was to understand community perceptions of maternity services. This article highlights the activities that the research team carried out during each phase of the research process, and how they established team identity, team trust, and team efficacy. This research has created a platform for new avenues for health providers and community to partner to improve maternal‐newborn care. Community‐based participatory research is one way forward to address the past and present inequities constitutive of global health disparities.
Yoga for chronic pain management: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Tul Yvonne , Unruh Anita , Dick Bruce D. 
Published: November 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 435–443

Yoga for chronic pain management: a qualitative exploration Objective:  To explore patients’ perceptions of their pain while participating in a weekly yoga program.Methods:  A consecutive convenience sample was recruited from a Multidisciplinary Pain Centre. Seven adult patients (six women), agreed to participate in an 8‐week Hatha yoga program, including weekly group sessions and at‐home practice. Data were gathered from participant observation and in‐depth interviews. Interviews explored the experience of practicing yoga and its relationship to the participant’s pain experience. An inductive analysis of the interviews explored emergent themes from participants’ descriptions of their experience.Results:  Analyses identified three themes: renewed awareness of the body; transformed relationship with the body in pain; and acceptance.Discussion:  Participants’ data suggested that they reframed what it meant to live with chronic pain. Some participants reported that the sensory aspects of pain did not change but that pain became less bothersome. They were better able to control the degree to which pain interfered with their daily life. Other participants reported less frequent or less intense pain episodes because they could recognize body signals and adjust themselves to alleviate painful sensations. The findings suggest that patients who benefit from yoga may do so in part because yoga enables changes in cognitions and behaviours towards pain.
Occurrence of Incisional Complications and Associated Risk Factors Using a Right Ventral Paramedian Celiotomy Incision in 159 Horses
Authors: Anderson Stacy L. , Vacek John R. , MacHarg Margaret A. , Holtkamp Derald J. 
Published: November 2010

Objective:To evaluate the occurrence of, and variables associated with, incisional complications after right ventral paramedian celiotomy in horses.Study Design:Case series.Animals:Horses (n=159).Methods:Occurrence of incisional complications after right ventral paramedian celiotomy was determined in 159 horses (161 celiotomies) that survived at least 30 days after surgery at a private equine hospital (2003–2007). Follow‐up information for 121 horses was obtained ≥90 days after surgery. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate variables associated with incisional complications after celiotomy.Results:Of 161 celiotomies, ≥1 incisional complications occurred in 27 (16.8%) during hospitalization and/or after discharge, including: drainage (15.5%), skin dehiscence (3.7%), noticeable cutaneous scarring (1.9%), and herniation (0.6%). Variables significantly associated with incisional complications after multivariate analysis included: Quarter horse‐type breed (odds ratio [OR]: 3.9, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.3–11.7); use of an abdominal bandage (OR: 9.5, 95% CI: 2.9–30.8); and >4 postoperative febrile (>38.3°C) days (OR: 12.9, 95% CI: 2.8–58.2).Conclusions:Overall occurrence of incisional complications after right paramedian ventral celiotomy compared favorably to those reported for ventral median celiotomies. Several variables were associated with, but not necessarily predictive for, the occurrence of incision complications.
A Preliminary Study on the Effect of Wounding on Transforming Growth Factor‐β1 and Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein Concentrations in the Skin of Horses
Authors: Dart Andrew J. , Dart Christina M. , Dudhia Jay , Perkins Nigel , Canfield Paul , Smith Roger K. W. 
Published: November 2010

Objective: To evaluate whether wound type or site influence the production of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1), and determine if there is a correlation between TGF‐β1and COMP during healing.Study Design: Experimental.Animals: Standardbred horses (n=6), 4–8 years old.Methods: Six, standardized, full‐thickness skin wounds (open, straight, and elliptical) were surgically created on the neck (n=3) and metacarpus (3) on each horse. Wounds were randomly allocated to site and side. Tissue samples were collected before creating wounds and on days 7, 14, and 42. COMP concentration (μg/g dry weight of tissue) was determined using a standard competitive ELISA and TGF‐β1 (ng/g dry weight of tissue) was determined using a commercially available sandwich ELISA.Results: COMP concentrations were higher in intact skin on the neck compared with the metacarpus (P=.02). There was no difference in COMP and TGF‐β1 concentrations between the different wound types or sites during healing. There was no correlation between TGF‐β1 and COMP during healing.Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study design, production of COMP during healing of skin wounds does not appear to be influenced by wound type or anatomic site, nor does it appear to be correlated with TGF‐β1 concentrations.
Why Are CEOs Rarely Fired? Evidence from Structural Estimation
Authors: TAYLOR LUCIAN A. 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTI evaluate the forced CEO turnover rate and quantify effects on shareholder value by estimating a dynamic model. The model features learning about CEO ability and costly turnover. To fit the observed forced turnover rate, the model needs the average board of directors to behave as if replacing the CEO costs shareholders at least $200 million. This cost mainly reflects CEO entrenchment rather than a real cost to shareholders. The model predicts that shareholder value would rise 3% if we eliminated this perceived turnover cost, all else equal. The model also helps explain the relation between CEO firings, tenure, and profitability.
The Net Benefits to Leverage
Authors: KORTEWEG ARTHUR 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTI estimate the market's valuation of the net benefits to leverage using panel data from 1994 to 2004, identified from market values and betas of a company's debt and equity. The median firm captures net benefits of up to 5.5% of firm value. Small and profitable firms have high optimal leverage ratios, as predicted by theory, but in contrast to existing empirical evidence. Companies are on average slightly underlevered relative to the optimal leverage ratio at refinancing. This result is mainly due to zero leverage firms. I also look at implications for financial policy.
Leverage Choice and Credit Spreads when Managers Risk Shift
Authors: CARLSON MURRAY , LAZRAK ALI 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTWe model the debt and asset risk choice of a manager with performance‐insensitive pay (cash) and performance‐sensitive pay (stock) to theoretically link compensation structure, leverage, and credit spreads. The model predicts that optimal leverage trades off the tax benefit of debt against the utility cost of ex‐post asset substitution and that credit spreads are increasing in the ratio of cash‐to‐stock. Using a large cross‐section of U.S.‐based corporate credit default swaps (CDS) covering 2001 to 2006, we find a positive association between cash‐to‐stock and CDS rates, and between cash‐to‐stock and leverage ratios.
Lucky CEOs and Lucky Directors
Authors: BEBCHUK LUCIAN A. , GRINSTEIN YANIV , PEYER URS 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTWe study the relation between opportunistic timing of option grants and corporate governance failures, focusing on “lucky” grants awarded at the lowest price of the grant month. Option grant practices were designed to provide lucky grants not only to executives but also to independent directors. Lucky grants to both CEOs and directors were the product of deliberate choices, not of firms’ routines, and were timed to make them more profitable. Lucky grants are associated with higher CEO compensation from other sources, no majority of independent directors, no outside blockholder on the compensation committee, and a long‐serving CEO.