bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endothelial Dysfunction and High Cardiovascular Risk Profile in Severe Alcoholics Improve Only Partially Following a Medium‐Term Alcohol Withdrawal
Authors: Di Gennaro Cristiana , Saccani‐Jotti Gloria , Pinelli Silvana , Venturi Nicola , Palombi Francesca , Manfredi Guido , Pellegrino Antonina , Bicchieri Lorenza , Sansoni Paolo , Montanari Alberto 
Published: October 2011

Background:  Little is known about brachial artery flow‐mediated vasodilatation (FMD) in active and medium‐term withdrawing heavy alcoholics (HA).
Methods:  FMD and some parameters of cardiovascular (CV) risk were measured in 29 HA (average alcohol intake 135, range 86 to 215 g per day) at baseline and after a 9 ± 7 months withdrawal and in 35 teetotalers.
Results:  HA showed baseline impaired maximal % FMD (8.5 ± 5.4 SD vs. 14.9 ± 7.4, <0.001 vs. teetotalers), higher systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure (+24 mm Hg, <0.001; +15 mm Hg, <0.01), uric acid (5.3 ± 1.1 vs. 4.4 ± 0.8 mg/dl, <0.05), high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP; 2.7 ± 2.0 vs. 1.0 ± 0.9 mg/l, <0.02), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1, 0.88 ± 0.36 vs. 0.37 ± 0.10 pg/ml,<0.001), asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA, 0.50 ± 0.21 vs. 0.41 ± 0.12 μmol/l, p < 0.001), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (2.3 ± 1.1 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4, <0.001), and urinary 8‐isoprostane (U8‐iso‐PGF2α) (237.2 ± 172.4 vs. 168.5 ± 96.6 pg/mg creatinine, <0.05). After withdrawal, SBP fell by 15 mm Hg, DBP by 11 mm Hg (p < 0.001), and hs‐CRP by 0.94 mg/l (p < 0.02), all remaining still higher than teetotalers (<0.05, 0.01, 0.05 respectively). ET‐1, HOMA‐IR, and U8‐iso‐PGF2α were unchanged (p = NS vs. baseline, <0.05 to 0.001 vs. teetotalers). Maximal % FMD rose (to 10.6 ± 6.2, p < 0.04), but it still remained impaired (<0.04 vs. teetotalers). ADMA increased further to 0.64 ± 0.15 μmol/l (<0.05 vs. baseline, <0.02 vs. teetotalers).
Conclusions:  HA show marked endothelial dysfunction (ED) and high BP, impaired insulin sensitivity, inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and elevated ET‐1 and ADMA, which are unaffected or only partially reversed by a medium‐term alcohol withdrawal. ED and related abnormalities persist in detoxified alcoholics, thus contributing to a greater CV morbidity and mortality.
Alcohol Consumption and Binge Drinking Among U.S.–Mexico Border and Non‐Border Mexican Americans
Authors: Caetano Raul , Mills Britain , Vaeth Patrice A. C. 
Published: October 2011

Background:  This paper examines differences in drinking and binge drinking between Mexican Americans living along the U.S.–Mexico border and those living in 2 metropolitan areas away from the border (Houston, Texas and Los Angeles, California).Methods:  Respondents in the non‐border area (Houston and Los Angeles) constitute a multistage probability sample (N = 1,288), who were interviewed as part of the 2006 Hispanic Americans Baseline Alcohol Survey (HABLAS). Respondents in the border area (N = 1,307) constitute a household probability sample of Mexican Americans living on the U.S.–Mexico border. In both surveys, data were collected during computer‐assisted interviews conducted in respondents’ homes. The HABLAS and the border sample response rates were 76 and 67%, respectively.Results:  There were no differences between border and non‐border Mexican American men in the proportion of drinkers, the proportion who binge drink at least once a year, and volume of alcohol consumption. However, within each location, there were significant differences in drinking by age, indicating that younger men drank more than men who were older. Border women showed significant differences across age‐groups in the proportion of drinkers, in binge drinking, and volume of alcohol consumption, which were not seen among non‐border women.Conclusions:  Women’s drinking seems to be more affected than men’s by their residence on or off the U.S.–Mexico border. This is seen most clearly among young women 18 to 29 years old, and it is associated with an increased proportion of drinkers, a higher volume of drinking, and an increased proportion of women who report binge drinking. Increased drinking in this group of younger women seems to be associated with drinking in Mexico.
Loss of Dopamine D2 Receptors Induces Atrophy in the Temporal and Parietal Cortices and the Caudal Thalamus of Ethanol‐Consuming Mice
Authors: Delis Foteini , Benveniste Helene , Xenos Michalis , Grandy David , Wang Gene‐Jack , Volkow Nora D. , Thanos Panayotis K. 
Published: October 2011

Background:  The need of an animal model of alcoholism becomes apparent when we consider the genetic diversity of the human populations, an example being dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) expression levels. Research suggests that low DRD2 availability is associated with alcohol abuse, while higher DRD2 levels may be protective against alcoholism. This study aims to establish whether (i) the ethanol‐consuming mouse is a suitable model of alcohol‐induced brain atrophy and (ii) DRD2 protect the brain against alcohol toxicity.Methods:  Adult Drd2+/+ and Drd2−/− mice drank either water or 20% ethanol solution for 6 months. At the end of the treatment period, the mice underwent magnetic resonance (MR) imaging under anesthesia. MR images were registered to a common space, and regions of interest were manually segmented.Results:  We found that chronic ethanol intake induced a decrease in the volume of the temporal and parietal cortices as well as the caudal thalamus in Drd2−/− mice.Conclusions:  The result suggests that (i) normal DRD2 expression has a protective role against alcohol‐induced brain atrophy and (ii) in the absence of Drd2 expression, prolonged ethanol intake reproduces a distinct feature of human brain pathology in alcoholism, the atrophy of the temporal and parietal cortices.
The difference between fingerstick and venous hemoglobin and hematocrit varies by sex and iron stores
Authors: Cable Ritchard G. , Steele Whitney R. , Melmed Russell S. , Johnson Bryce , Mast Alan E. , Carey Patricia M. , Kiss Joseph E. , Kleinman Steven H. , Wright David J. ,   for the NHLBI Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study‐II (REDS‐II)
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: Fingerstick blood samples are used to estimate donor venous hemoglobin (Hb).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Fingerstick Hb or hematocrit (Hct) was determined routinely for 2425 selected donors at six blood centers, along with venous Hb. Using sex and measures of iron status including absent iron stores (AIS; ferritin < 12 ng/mL), linear regression models were developed to predict venous Hb from fingerstick.RESULTS: Across all subjects, fingerstick Hb was higher than venous Hb in the higher part of the clinical range, but lower in the lower part of the range. The relationship varied by sex and iron status. Across centers, a female donor had on average a venous Hb result 0.5 to 0.8 g/dL lower than a male donor with the same fingerstick Hb and iron status. Similarly, a donor with AIS had on average a venous Hb result 0.3 to 1.1 g/dL lower than an iron‐replete donor with the same fingerstick value and sex. An iron‐replete male donor with a fingerstick result at the cutoff (Hb 12.5 g/dL) had an acceptable expected venous Hb (12.8 to 13.8 g/dL). A female donor with AIS with a fingerstick result at the cutoff had an expected venous Hb below 12.5 g/dL (11.7 to 12.4 g/dL). Of females with AIS, 40.2% donated blood when their venous Hb was less than 12.5 g/dL.CONCLUSIONS: Fingerstick is considered a useful estimator of venous Hb. However, in some donor groups, particularly female donors with AIS, fingerstick overestimates venous Hb at the donation cutoff. This significant limitation should be considered in setting donor fingerstick Hb or Hct requirements.
Comparative in vitro evaluation of apheresis platelets stored with 100% plasma or 65% platelet additive solution III/35% plasma and including periods without agitation under simulated shipping conditions
Authors: Moroff Gary , Kurtz James , Seetharaman Shalini , Skripchenko Andrey , Awatefe Helen , Thompson‐Montgomery Dedeene , Myrup Andrew , Wagner Stephen J. 
Published: October 2011

BACKGROUND: A comparative study evaluated the retention of apheresis platelet (A‐PLT) in vitro properties prepared with PLT additive solution (PAS)‐III or 100% plasma and stored with continuous agitation (CA) and without continuous agitation (WCA).STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: PLTs collected with the Amicus cell separator (Fenwal, Inc.) were utilized to prepare two matched components, each with approximately 4 × 1011 PLTs. In the primary study, one component contained 65% PAS‐III/35% plasma and the other 100% plasma. Four storage scenarios were used, one with CA and three with periods without agitation under simulated shipping conditions. In vitro assays were used early and after 5 days of storage.RESULTS: pH levels after 5 days with CA were less with PAS‐III components than 100% plasma components, with levels always above 6.6 in any component. With CA, a number of other variables were reduced even early during storage with PAS‐III including morphology, extent of shape change, hypotonic stress response, adhesion, and aggregation. Storage WCA resulted in only a limited increase in the magnitude of the assay differences between PAS‐III and 100% plasma components. Periods WCA did not reduce the pH below 6.6. The thromboelastograph variable associated with the strengthening of clots by PLTs was essentially comparable with PAS‐III and plasma components throughout storage with CA or WCA.CONCLUSION: The data indicate that a 100% plasma medium provides for better retention of specific in vitro PLT properties, with CA and WCA, although the clinical significance of these in vitro decrements due to PAS‐III is unknown.
Motivation, Socialization, Correlation, Integration
Authors: Giltner Gwendolyn 
Published: October 2011

Author's Summary— The newer trends in education demand that we reorganize our subject matter in such a manner that not only facts but desirable standards and attitudes be encouraged. In order to foster these standards and attitudes new techniques and materials must be developed. Methods employed in Spanish classes in Hirsh High School are used to illustrate the principles cited.)“Everybody talks about the weather but nobody does anything about it.”—
Hydration of Blended Portland Cements Containing Calcium‐Aluminosilicate Glass Powder and Limestone
Authors: Moesgaard Mette , Poulsen Søren L. , Herfort Duncan , Steenberg Mette , Kirkegaard Lise Frank , Skibsted Jørgen , Yue Yuanzheng 
Published: October 2011

This work investigates the hydration of blended Portland cement containing 30 wt% Na2O–CaO–Al2O3–SiO2 (NCAS) glass particles either as the only supplementary cementitious material (SCM) or in combination with limestone, using 29Si MAS NMR, powder XRD, and thermal analyses. The NCAS glass represents a potential alternative to traditional SCMs, used for reduction of the CO2 emission associated with cement production. It is found that the NCAS glass takes part in the hydration reactions after about 2 weeks of hydration and a degree of reaction of ~50% is observed after 90 days of hydration. The hydrated glass contributes to the formation of the calcium–silicate–hydrate (C–S–H) phase, consuming a part of the Portlandite (Ca(OH)2) formed during hydration of the Portland cement. Furthermore, the presence of the glass and limestone particles, alone or in combination, results in an accelerated hydration for alite (Ca3SiO5), the main constituent of Portland cement. A higher degree of limestone reaction has been observed in the blend containing both limestone and NCAS glass as compared to the limestone–Portland mixture. This reflects that limestone reacts with a part of the alumina released from the hydrating glass, forming the calcium monocarboaluminate hydrate phase. Moreover, it may explain the synergy effect of using a combination of these two SCMs on the late compressive strength which is significantly higher compared to similar Portland cement blends using only NCAS glass or limestone as an SCM.
The cytocompatibility and osseointegration of the Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces
Authors: Lee Sun‐Young , Yang Dong‐Jun , Yeo Shinil , An Hyun‐Wook , Ryoo Kyung Ho , Park Kwang‐Bum 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectivesThis study evaluated cytocompatibility and osseointegration of the titanium (Ti) implants with resorbable blast media (RBM) surfaces produced by grit‐blasting or XPEED® surfaces by coating of the nanostructured calcium.Material and methodsTi implants with XPEED® surfaces were hydrothermally prepared from Ti implants with RBM surfaces in a solution containing alkaline calcium. The surface characteristics were evaluated by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and surface roughness measuring system. Apatite formation was measured with SEM after immersion in modified‐simulated body fluid and the amount of calcium released was measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission. The cell proliferation was investigated by MTT assay and the cell attachment was evaluated by SEM in MC3T3‐E1 pre‐osteoblast cells. Thirty implants with RBM surfaces and 30 implants with XPEED® surfaces were placed in the proximal tibiae and in the femoral condyles of 10 New Zealand White rabbits. The osseointegration was evaluated by a removal torque test in the proximal tibiae and by histomorphometric analysis in the femoral condyles 4 weeks after implantation.ResultsThe Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces showed a similar surface morphology and surface roughness to those of the Ti implants with RBM surfaces. The amount of calcium ions released from the surface of the Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces was much more than the Ti implants with RBM surfaces (P < 0.05). The cell proliferation and cell attachment of the Ti implants showed a similar pattern to those of the Ti implants with RBM surfaces (P > 0.1). Apatite deposition significantly increased in all surfaces of the Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces. The removable torque value (P = 0.038) and percentage of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%) (P = 0.03) was enhanced in the Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces.ConclusionThe Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces significantly enhanced apatite formation, removal torque value, and the BIC%. The Ti implants with XPEED® surfaces may induce strong bone integration by improving osseointegration of grit‐blasted Ti implants in areas of poor quality bone.
Response of human bone marrow stromal cells, MG‐63, and SaOS‐2 to titanium‐based dental implant surfaces with different topography and surface energy
Authors: Hempel Ute , Hefti Thomas , Dieter Peter , Schlottig Falko 
Published: October 2011

AbstractObjectivesOsseointegration is dependent on different parameters of the implant surface like surface roughness and physicochemical properties. In vitro studies using a wide variety of surface parameters and cell lines make it difficult to address the influence of a single parameter. With this study the influence of surface topography and energy on different osteoblast derived cell lines, namely MG‐63 and SaOS‐2 and of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) were investigated.Material and methodsCells were cultured on polished (POL) and sandblasted/hot acid etched (SBA) titanium surfaces which were partly alkaline treated (SBA NaOH). Cell morphology, metabolic activity, tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNAP) activity and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) formation were determined.ResultsImpaired spreading was found on both SBA surfaces. Proliferation after 4 and 7 days increased on POL compared to both SBA surfaces. TNAP activity of hMSC and MG‐63 was increased on POL compared to both SBA surfaces whereas SaOS‐2 did not discriminate between the three surfaces. PGE2 formation of hMSC and MG‐63 was on both SBA surfaces after 2 days significantly higher than on POL.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that surface roughness has a distinct influence on proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts. However, variations in physicochemical properties seem to have little influence under the used experimental conditions. It is suggested that more sever and long‐lasting modifications of surface chemistry would have an influence on osteoblastic cells.
Polymorphisms of Dioxin Receptor Complex Components and Detoxification‐Related Genes Jointly Confer Susceptibility to Advanced‐Stage Endometriosis in the Taiwanese Han Population
Authors: Wu Cheng‐Hsuan , Guo Chao‐Yu , Yang Jyuer‐Ger , Tsai Horng‐Der , Chang Yu‐Jun , Tsai Pei‐Chien , Hsu Chao‐Chin , Kuo Pao‐Lin 
Published: October 2011

Citation Wu C‐H, Guo C‐Y, Yang J‐G, Tsai H‐D, Chang Y‐J, Tsai P‐C, Hsu C‐C, Kuo P‐L. Polymorphisms of dioxin receptor complex components and detoxification‐related genes jointly confer susceptibility to advanced‐stage endometriosis in the Taiwanese Han population. Am J Reprod Immunol 2012; 67: 160–168Problem  To establish a multilocus model for studying the effect of dioxin receptor complex components and detoxification‐related enzymes on advanced endometriosis.Method of study  Six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and two deletion polymorphisms from eight genes (CYP1A1, CYP1B1, GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, AhR, ARNT, and AhRR) were genotyped.Results  In the single SNP analysis, GSTM1 null type and AhRR variant type were associated with a significantly increased risk of endometriosis [odds ratio (OR) = 2.38 and 2.45, respectively]. Using multiple SNPs in the logistic regression for covariates, wild‐type AhR and mutant AhRR combination was significantly higher in patients (67.8%) than in controls (48.0%) (OR = 2.76). On the other hand, mutant AhRR in combination with GSTM1 null genotype was significantly higher in patients (35.5%) than in controls (19.3%) (OR = 6.12).Conclusion  Polymorphisms of dioxin receptor complex components and detoxification‐related genes jointly confer susceptibility to advanced‐stage endometriosis in the Taiwanese Han population.
Negative Emotions and Cytokines in Maternal and Cord Serum at Preterm Birth
Authors: Fransson Emma , Dubicke Aurelija , Byström Birgitta , Ekman‐Ordeberg Gunvor , Hjelmstedt Anna , Lekander Mats 
Published: October 2011

Problem  This study investigates whether affectivity differs between mothers delivering preterm and term and whether maternal and umbilical cord serum cytokines differ between these groups. Further, whether there are associations between mothers’ emotions and maternal and cord cytokines at preterm and term birth.Method of study  Twenty‐seven mothers delivering preterm and 37 mothers delivering at term reported positive/negative affect and previous depressive symptoms during pregnancy. Blood samples from mothers in labor and cord samples (23 preterm and 33 term) were analyzed for cytokines.Results  Maternal IL‐8 was lower at preterm delivery compared with term. In the preterm group only, associations were found between negative emotions and maternal IL‐6, IL‐8 and cord IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐13, and IL‐18.Conclusion  The findings indicate associations in preterm delivery between negative emotions and both maternal and neonate immune activity. Future studies should investigate whether such associations are part of the etiology of preterm delivery.
Active restoration of woody canopy dominants in degraded South African semi‐arid thicket is neither ecologically nor economically feasible
Authors: van der Vyver Marius L. , Cowling Richard M. , Campbell Eileen E. , Difford Mark 
Published: October 2011

AbstractQuestionWill the planting of nursery‐propagated woody canopy species within severely degraded Arid Subtropical Thicket once dominated by the succulent shrub Portulacaria afra (Spekboom) be an efficient restoration strategy to employ in addition to the current restoration protocol of planting a monoculture of P. afra truncheons?LocationKrompoort, a farm located on the northern footslopes of the Groot Winterhoek mountains, near Kirkwood, Eastern Cape, South Africa.MethodsWe planted, in degraded, intact and three differently aged post‐restoration (P. afra truncheons) sites, nursery‐propagated individuals of two woody canopy dominants (Pappea capensis and Searsia longispina), and two inter‐canopy shrubs (Lycium ferocissimum and Rhigozum obovatum) in Sep 2008 (spring). The experiment was repeated again in May 2009 (autumn) and a succulent canopy species (P. afra) was added. We assessed restoration success in terms of the survival of planted individuals after 24 mo (spring planting) and 12 mo (autumn planting). The estimated cost of a restoration effort to establish two woody canopy dominant species with the large‐scale planting of P. afra was calculated and compared with that of the already established protocol of planting only P. afra truncheons.ResultsSurvival after spring (24 mo) and autumn (12 mo) plantings of the two woody canopy species was less than 5%, whereas survival of L. ferocissimum was low (19%), R. obovatum good (70%) and P. afra excellent (100%). Contrary to expectations, survival was not related to a gradient of intactness encompassing degraded, restoration and intact treatments that are associated with increasing biomass and soil carbon. The costs of incorporating the four woody canopy species into the restoration programme's protocol were 2.4 times the costs of restoring with P. afra alone.ConclusionsPlanting propagules of canopy species other than P. afra is likely to render the programme economically unfeasible, depending on the price of carbon. We conclude that biodiversity goals for the restoration programme are better achieved via spontaneous recruitment of woody canopy and other species, even though this may take more than 40 yr post restoration.
Clinical Evaluation of Immediate Loading of Electroeroded Screw‐Retained Titanium Fixed Prostheses Supported by Tilted Implant: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Acocella Alessandro , Ercoli Carlo , Geminiani Alessandro , Feng Changyong , Billi Mauro , Acocella Gabriele , Giannini Domenico , Sacco Roberto 
Published: October 2011

ABSTRACTStatement of problem: Immediate occlusal loading of dental implants in the edentulous mandible has proven to be an effective, reliable, and predictable treatment protocol. However, there is limited long‐term data available in the literature, when an electroeroded definitive cast‐titanium fixed prosthesis is used for this treatment protocol.Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of dental implants (Astra Tech Dental, Mölndal, Sweden) in the edentulous mandible immediately loaded with an electroeroded cast‐titanium screw‐retained fixed prosthesis.Materials and Methods: Forty‐five patients received five implants each in the interforaminal area. All the implants were inserted with torque up to 40 Ncm and the distal implants were distally tilted approximately 20 to 30 degrees to minimize the length of posterior cantilevers. Implants were loaded within 48 hours of placement with an acrylic resin‐titanium screw‐retained prosthesis fabricated by electroerosion.Results: Two of the 225 inserted implants failed after 3 and 16 months of healing, respectively, with a cumulative survival rate of 99.1% and a prosthetic survival rate of 97.8%.Conclusion: Immediate loading of tilted dental implants inserted in the edentulous mandible with a screw‐retained titanium definitive prosthesis fabricated with electrical discharge machining provide reliable and predictable results.
Description of the new allele HLA‐DQB1*04:03:02
Authors: Longhi E. , Frison S. , Mantovani M. , Carella G. , Malagoli A. , Poli F. 
Published: October 2011

SummaryA new variant of HLA‐DQB1*04:03 allele officially designated as HLA‐DQB1*04:03:02 was detected in two unrelated Caucasoid individuals by polymerase chain reaction‐sequence‐specific primers and SBT. The new allele nucleotide sequence differs from HLA‐DQB1*04:03:01 for a single silent point mutation in exon 2 at position 159, codon 21.