bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cannabinoid receptor signalling in neurodegenerative diseases: a potential role for membrane fluidity disturbance
Authors: Maccarrone M , Bernardi G , Agrò A Finazzi , Centonze D 
Published: February 2011

Type‐1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1) is the most abundant G‐protein‐coupled receptor (GPCR) in the brain. CB1 and its endogenous agonists, the so‐called ‘endocannabinoids (eCBs)’, belong to an ancient neurosignalling system that plays important functions in neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. For this reason, research on the therapeutic potential of drugs modulating the endogenous tone of eCBs is very intense. Several GPCRs reside within subdomains of the plasma membranes that contain high concentrations of cholesterol: the lipid rafts. Here, the hypothesis that changes in membrane fluidity alter function of the endocannabinoid system, as well as progression of particular neurodegenerative diseases, is described. To this end, the impact of membrane cholesterol on membrane properties and hence on neurodegenerative diseases, as well as on CB1 signalling in vitro and on CB1‐dependent neurotransmission within the striatum, is discussed. Overall, present evidence points to the membrane environment as a critical regulator of signal transduction triggered by CB1, and calls for further studies aimed at better clarifying the contribution of membrane lipids to eCBs signalling. The results of these investigations might be exploited also for the development of novel therapeutics able to combat disorders associated with abnormal activity of CB1.LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids in Biology and Medicine. To view the other articles in this issue visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2011.163.issue‐7
Avoiding a Cutdown—Use of the Transcatheter Extractor in Removal of Tunneled Dialysis Catheters
Authors: Niyyar Vandana Dua , Work Jack 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe purpose of our study was to evaluate the use of a transcatheter extractor (TCE) device in removing cuffed tunneled dialysis catheters without a surgical cutdown. We report eight cases where a TCE was used to successfully remove cuffed tunneled dialysis catheters through the exit site that would have otherwise required a second incision. The cuff was above the clavicle in all cases and varied 3–5 cm from the exit site. The method included inserting the device over the catheter through the exit site and engaging it over the cuff. A to‐and‐fro motion was then used in the same plane as the catheter to dissect the cuff from the surrounding tissue. Once the cuff was freed, the catheter was removed easily without resistance. The fibrous cuff was removed intact in all cases. We conclude that the use of this device may help avoid a cutdown and minimize trauma to the patient. It is an effective technique to remove tunneled dialysis catheters and is particularly useful in catheters with ingrown cuffs further from the exit site.
Do Infertile Women and Government Staff Differ in the Evaluation of Infertility‐related Web Sites?
Authors: Takabayashi Chikako , Shimada Keiko 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the evaluation of local government Web sites carrying information on infertility by infertile women and by government staff. In particular, the study investigated whether the women and staff differed with respect to the information they rate as important and their self‐reported satisfaction with the Web sites.
Design and Sample: Cross‐sectional descriptive study. Sixty‐two local government staff members, of whom 46 were public health nurses managing subsidy programs for infertility treatment in the Hokuriku region of Japan, and 84 infertile women attending local clinics.
Measures: We measured the level of satisfaction with the local government Web sites and perceptions about the importance of each type of content. Data were descriptively analyzed, as well as by factor analysis and multiple regression analysis.
Results: Local government Web sites were analyzed with respect to information about the treatment, details of the subsidy program, psychological support, and procedures for making a subsidy application.
Conclusions: The women rated information on the treatment and details of the subsidy programs as important. There was no difference of satisfaction with the Web sites between the infertile women and the staff. Local government staff need to provide reliable data for women who are seeking information on infertility treatment.
Development and In Vitro Characterization of a New Artificial Flow Channel
Authors: Wendt Daniel , Stühle Sebastian , Hou Guojun , Thielmann Matthias , Tsagakis Konstantinos , Wendt Hermann , Jakob Heinz , Kowalczyk Wojciech 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTo date, cardiac valve diseases are considered as a major public health problem and most frequently, the aortic valve is affected. To treat high‐risk patients, catheter‐based techniques have been developed recently, avoiding open heart surgery and/or cardiopulmonary bypass. Although these sophisticated and rapidly emerging catheter‐based technologies do allow a minimally invasive treatment option of high‐risk patients on the one hand, further developments and in vitro testing under physiological conditions are necessary, on the other hand, in order to further optimize them for clinical routines. Therefore, we present the concept of a new multifunctional flow channel, offering (i) the possibility of transapical access; (ii) the simulation of physiological flow conditions; and (iii) the evaluation of the fluid flow by 2D particle image velocimetry within a wide range of parameters.
Alcohol Effects on Cerebral Blood Flow in Subjects With Low and High Responses to Alcohol
Authors: Tolentino Neil J. , Wierenga Christina E. , Hall Shana , Tapert Susan F. , Paulus Martin P. , Liu Thomas T. , Smith Tom L. , Schuckit Marc A. 
Published: February 2011

Background:  Although there are multiple indications that alcohol can alter many physiological brain functions, including cerebral blood flow (CBF), studies of the latter have generally used small‐ or modest‐sized samples. Few investigations have yet evaluated how CBF changes after alcohol relate to subsets of subjects with elevated alcoholism risks, such as those with lower levels of response (LR) to alcohol. This study used arterial spin labeling (ASL) after alcohol administration to evaluate a large sample of healthy young men and women with low and high alcohol responses, and, thus, varying risks for alcohol use disorders (AUD).Methods:  Healthy young adult social drinkers with low and high LR (N = 88, 50% women) matched on demography and drinking histories were imaged with whole‐brain resting ASL ∼1 hour after ingesting ∼3 drinks of ethanol and after a placebo beverage (i.e., 178 ASL sessions). The relationships of CBF changes from placebo to alcohol for subjects with low and high LR were evaluated.Results:  CBF increased after alcohol when compared to placebo in 5 frontal brain regions. Despite identical blood alcohol concentrations, these increases with alcohol were less prominent in individuals who required more drinks to experience alcohol‐related effects (i.e., had a lower LR to alcohol). The LR group differences remained significant after covarying for recent drinking quantities.Conclusions:  The results confirm that alcohol intake is associated with acute increases in CBF, particularly in frontal regions. Less intense CBF changes were seen in subjects with a genetically influenced characteristic, a low LR to alcohol, that relates to the future risk of heavy drinking and alcohol problems.
Differential Expression of 14‐3‐3 Isoforms in Human Alcoholic Brain
Authors: MacKay Rachel K. , Colson Natalie J. , Dodd Peter R. , Lewohl Joanne M. 
Published: February 2011

Background:  Neuropathological damage as a result of chronic alcohol abuse often results in the impairment of cognitive function. The damage is particularly marked in the frontal cortex. The 14‐3‐3 protein family consists of 7 proteins, β, γ, ε, ζ, η, θ, and σ, encoded by 7 distinct genes. They are highly conserved molecular chaperones with roles in the regulation of metabolism, signal transduction, cell‐cycle control, protein trafficking, and apoptosis. They may also play an important role in neurodegeneration in chronic alcoholism.Methods:  We used real‐time PCR to measure the expression of 14‐3‐3 mRNA transcripts in both the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and motor cortex of human brains obtained at autopsy.Results:  We found significantly lower 14‐3‐3β, γ, and θ expression in both cortical areas of alcoholics, but no difference in 14‐3‐3η expression, and higher expression of 14‐3‐3σ in both areas. Levels of 14‐3‐3ζ and ε transcripts were significantly lower only in alcoholic motor cortex.Conclusions:  Altered 14‐3‐3 expression could contribute to synaptic dysfunction and altered neurotransmission in chronic alcohol misuse by human subjects.
Decision Making and Response Inhibition as Predictors of Heavy Alcohol Use: A Prospective Study
Authors: Goudriaan Anna E. , Grekin Emily R. , Sher Kenneth J. 
Published: February 2011

Background:  Very few studies have investigated the “real world” prospective, predictive value of behavioral instruments used in laboratory studies to test decision‐making abilities or impulse control. The current study examines the degree to which 2 commonly used decision‐making/impulse control measures prospectively predict (heavy) alcohol use in a sample of college students.Methods:  Two hundred healthy young adults (50% women) performed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) and a StopSignal inhibition task in the second college year. At testing and at the end of the fourth college year, heavy alcohol use was assessed.Results:  Disadvantageous performance on the IGT was associated with higher scores on a heavy drinking measure and higher quantity/frequency of alcohol use 2 years past neurocognitive testing in male students even after controlling for prior drinking. These results were corrected for heavy drinking and alcohol use in the period before neurocognitive testing. Interactions with gender indicated that this general pattern held for male but not for female students. Level of response inhibition was not associated with either of the alcohol use measures prospectively.Conclusion:  These findings indicate that a neurocognitive decision‐making task is predictive of maladaptive alcohol use. Advantageous decision makers appear to show adaptive real‐life decision making, changing their drinking habits to the changing challenges of early adulthood (e.g., finishing college), whereas disadvantageous decision makers do not, and continue to drink heavily. These findings extend earlier findings of neurocognitive predictors of relapse in clinical substance‐dependent groups, to subclinical alcohol use and abuse.
Subcortical Volumes in Long‐Term Abstinent Alcoholics: Associations With Psychiatric Comorbidity
Authors: Sameti Mohammad , Smith Stan , Patenaude Brian , Fein George 
Published: February 2011

Background:  Research in chronic alcoholics on memory, decision‐making, learning, stress, and reward circuitry has increasingly highlighted the importance of subcortical brain structures. In addition, epidemiological studies have established the pervasiveness of co‐occurring psychiatric diagnoses in alcoholism. Subcortical structures have been implicated in externalizing pathology, including alcohol dependence, and in dysregulated stress and reward circuitry in anxiety and mood disorders and alcohol dependence. Most studies have focused on active or recently detoxified alcoholics, while subcortical structures in long‐term abstinent alcoholics (LTAA) have remained relatively uninvestigated.Methods:  Structural MRI was used to compare volumes of 8 subcortical structures (lateral ventricles, thalamus, caudate, putamen, pallidum, hippocampus, amygdala, and nucleus accumbens) in 24 female and 28 male LTAA (mean abstinence = 6.3 years, mean age = 46.6 years) and 23 female and 25 male nonalcoholic controls (NAC) (mean age = 45.6 years) to explore relations between subcortical brain volumes and alcohol use measures in LTAA and relations between subcortical volumes and psychiatric diagnoses and symptom counts in LTAA and NAC.Results:  We found minimal differences between LTAA and NAC in subcortical volumes. However, in LTAA, but not NAC, volumes of targeted subcortical structures were smaller in individuals with versus without comorbid lifetime or current psychiatric diagnoses, independent of lifetime alcohol consumption.Conclusions:  Our finding of minimal differences in subcortical volumes between LTAA and NAC is consistent with LTAA never having had volume deficits in these regions. However, given that imaging studies have frequently reported smaller subcortical volumes in active and recently detoxified alcoholics compared to controls, our results are also consistent with the recovery of subcortical volumes with sustained abstinence. The finding of persistent smaller subcortical volumes in LTAA, but not NAC, with comorbid psychiatric diagnoses, suggests that the smaller volumes are a result of the combined effects of chronic alcohol dependence and psychiatric morbidity and suggests that a comorbid psychiatric disorder (even if not current) interferes with the recovery of subcortical volumes.
Alcohol, Smoking, and Drug Use Among Inuit Women of Childbearing Age During Pregnancy and the Risk to Children
Authors: Muckle Gina , Laflamme Dominique , Gagnon Jocelyne , Boucher Olivier , Jacobson Joseph L. , Jacobson Sandra W. 
Published: February 2011

Background:  Alcohol consumption during pregnancy, a known teratogen often associated with drug use and smoking is a well‐known public health concern.Aim:  This study provides prevalence data for alcohol, smoking, and illicit drug use before, during, and after pregnancy among Inuit. Factors associated with alcohol use are also identified.Methods:  Two hundred and eight Inuit women from Arctic Quebec were interviewed at mid‐pregnancy, and at 1 and 11 months postpartum to provide descriptive data on smoking, alcohol, and drug use during pregnancy, and the year before and after pregnancy. Sociodemographic and family characteristics potentially associated with alcohol use were documented.Results:  Ninety‐two percent of the women reported smoking and 61% reported drinking during pregnancy. Episodes of binging during pregnancy were reported by 62% of the alcohol users, which correspond to 38% of pregnant women. Thirty‐six percent of the participants reported using marijuana during pregnancy. Alcohol use and binge drinking during pregnancy were more likely to be reported by women who lived in less crowded houses, had a better knowledge of a second language, drank alcohol more often and in larger amounts prior to pregnancy, and used illicit drugs. Binge drinkers were more likely to be single women and to have had fewer previous pregnancies. Postpartum distress and violence were more likely to be experienced by women who used alcohol during pregnancy. Binge drinking during pregnancy was best predicted by drinking habits before pregnancy, maternal symptoms of depression, the use of illicit drugs during pregnancy, and the number of young children living with the mother.Conclusions:  These results confirm that alcohol is a major risk factor to maternal and child health in this population, underscoring the need for culturally relevant and effective prevention programs.
A Higher than Expected Prevalence of AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in Patients Receiving Implantable Cardioverter‐Defibrillators
Authors: GOLDBERGER JEFFREY J. , PASSMAN ROD , ARORA RISHI , KADISH ALAN H. 
Published: February 2011

Background:
Epidemiologic studies have indicated that the prevalence of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is approximately two to three of 1000 persons, of whom 50–60% have atrioventricular node reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT). Although SVT has been reported to account for a significant portion of inappropriate shocks in patients receiving implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators (ICDs), the incidence of AVNRT is unknown.
Objective:
To define the incidence of AVNRT in patients with ICDs.
Methods and Results:
Of 426 patients followed with an ICD, 15 patients with AVNRT were identified (3.5%). AVNRT was noted preimplant in eight patients. One had remote AVNRT and had undergone radiofrequency (RF) ablation several years prior to ICD implantation. Three patients had known episodes and underwent RF ablation prior to ICD implant. Four had AVNRT induced at preimplant electrophysiology study and three had RF ablation prior to ICD implant. Seven patients had clinical episodes of AVNRT after ICD implant and six of seven received inappropriate ICD therapy for AVNRT. All seven patients underwent RF ablation for treatment of AVNRT. No patient who underwent RF ablation had further clinical episodes of SVT, and only one had further inappropriate ICD therapy for sinus tachycardia.
Conclusion:
The substantially higher prevalence of AVNRT in our followed ICD population (3.5%) compared to the general population may be due to detection bias or electroanatomic changes in the atrioventricular nodal area induced by the accompanying heart disease. In any case, further studies to evaluate the inducibility of AVNRT prior to ICD implant, its prognostic implications, and the role of RF ablation to prevent inappropriate shocks are warranted. (PACE 2011; 34:584–586)
Determination of vertical dimension of occlusion in dentate patients by cephalometric analysis – pilot study
Authors: Tavano Karine T. A. , Seraidarian Paulo I. , de Oliveira Dauro D. , Jansen Wellington C. 
Published: February 2011

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2011.00469.x

Determination of vertical dimension of occlusion in dentate patients by cephalometric analysis – pilot studyObjectives:  The concept of vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) refers to a measure in the vertical plane that establishes the relation between the maxilla and the mandible when the posterior teeth, both from the maxillary and from the mandibular arches, are occluded, regardless of whether they are natural or prosthetic, healthy or restored. This measure is subject to change, and when this occurs, it can compromise both the function and the facial aesthetics. This study proposed to develop a methodology based on cephalometric analysis by studying the 31 lateral teleradiographs of adult, dentate individuals to determine the VDO, based on bone structures that are not dependent on the presence or absence of posterior teeth. The final goal was to make this application accessible to individuals who have undergone alterations of the lower portion of the face.Materials and methods:  The cephalometric analysis of this study, called Seraidarian‐Tavano, was verified through facial angles (upper and middle angles) that, when correlated, determine the lower position of the face.Results:  The analysis of results showed that no statistically significant difference between the angles studied could be observed (superior angle 50.29 ± 3.35 e median angle 49.95 ± 3.37). In the same manner, no variation in the results regarding gender in the measure of these angles could be observed.Conclusion:  This cephalometric analysis can be applied to determine the VDO, regardless of the presence or absence of posterior teeth.
Review article: Management of dental emergencies by medical practitioners: Recommendations for Australian education and training
Authors: Skapetis Tony , Gerzina Tania , Hu Wendy 
Published: February 2011

AbstractDental emergencies commonly present to EDs and primary care consultations. The medical practitioner is often ill‐prepared in the primary management of dental emergencies because of a lack of education in this field of practice. A published work review covering the nature, incidence, education and training surrounding this topic is presented together with recommendations for Australian practice.
Delays in presentation with acute coronary syndrome in people with coronary artery disease in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: McKinley Sharon , Aitken Leanne M , Marshall Andrea P , Buckley Thomas , Baker Heather , Davidson Patricia M , Dracup Kathleen 
Published: February 2011

AbstractObjectives: To report time from the onset of symptoms to hospital presentation in Australian and New Zealand patients with subsequently confirmed acute coronary syndrome, and to identify factors associated with prehospital delay time in these patients.Methods: Patients with coronary artery disease enrolled in a randomized clinical trial testing an intervention to reduce delay in responding to acute coronary syndrome symptoms had been followed for 24 months. In cases of admission to the ED for possible acute coronary syndrome, medical records were reviewed to determine the diagnosis, prehospital delay time, mode of transport to the hospital and aspirin use before admission. Clinical and demographic data were taken from the trial database.Results: Patients (n= 140) had an average (SD) age of 67.3 (11.5) years; 36% were female. Two‐thirds of patients went to hospital by ambulance and 89.3% had a final diagnosis of unstable angina. The median time from onset of symptoms to arrival at the ED was 2 h and 25 min (interquartile range 1:25–4:59); 12.1% arrived ≤ 1 h and 66% within 4 h. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that use of ambulance (Beta = 0.247, P= 0.012) and younger age (Beta = 0.198, P= 0.043) were independent predictors of shorter delay times.Conclusion: The time from the onset of symptoms to hospital presentation was too long for maximal benefit from treatment in most patients. Further efforts are needed to reduce treatment‐seeking delay in response to symptoms of acute coronary syndrome.
Preoperative circulating C‐reactive protein levels predict pathological aggressiveness in oral squamous cell carcinoma: A retrospective clinical study
Authors: Chen H.‐H. , Chen I.‐H. , Liao C.‐T. , Wei F.‐C. , Lee L.‐Y. , Huang S.‐F. 
Published: February 2011

Clin. Otolaryngol. 2011, 36, 147–153Objectives:  Previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between elevated serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and shorter survival in cancer patients. Few studies, however, have investigated the role of serum CRP levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma. The present study was conducted to analyze the relationship between preoperative CRP levels, clinicopathologic factors, and prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients.Design:  Retrospective clinical study.Setting:  University teaching hospital.Participants:  Eighteen oral cavity leukoplakia and 59 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients between November 2006 and November 2009 from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital.Outcome measures:  Clinicopathologic parameters, disease‐free survival and overall survival were correlated with CRP levels.Methods:  Serum CRP levels were measured preoperatively, and all oral cavity cancer patients underwent curative intent radical surgery with or without postoperative adjuvant therapy.Results:  The CRP levels in leukoplakia patients were used to analyze if factors (including diabetes and liver cirrhosis, smoking, alcohol drinking and areca quid chewing) influence CRP levels, and the results demonstrated they were not associated with CRP elevation (> 5.0 mg/L) (P > 0.05). In oral cancer patients, elevated CRP levels were associated with tumor status (P = 0.005), tumor stage (P = 0.054), bone invasion (P = 0.033), lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004) and lymph node extra‐capsular spread (P = 0.018). Patients with higher CRP levels showed poorer disease‐free survival (log rank test, P < 0.001) and overall survival (log rank test, P = 0.013).Conclusions:  Preoperative serum CRP levels are associated with advanced tumor stage, bone invasion, lymph node metastasis, lymph node extra‐capsular spread and patients’ survival. CRP is thus potentially a prognostic indicator, but studies with longer follow‐up will be needed to confirm its reliability.