bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Arterial compliance and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation are independently related to coronary risk in the elderly: the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study
Authors: Lind Lars 
Published: June 2008

SummaryBackground:  Measurements of both arterial compliance and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation have previously been related to coronary risk factors, but not in the same study. In the Prospective Investigation of the Vasculature in Uppsala Seniors (PIVUS) study, we studied the interplay between arterial compliance and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation on coronary risk.Methods:  In the population‐based PIVUS study (1016 subjects aged 70 years), arterial compliance was determined by ultrasound in the carotid artery, by pulse wave analysis (augmentation index) and the stroke volume to pulse pressure ratio by echocardiography, while endothelium‐dependent vasodilation (EDV) was assessed by the invasive forearm technique with acetylcholine , brachial artery ultrasound [flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD)] and pulse wave analysis with terbutaline provocation [change in reflection index (RI)].Results:  Factor analysis disclosed three major factors. The first factor was reflecting the three arterial compliance methods, the second factor was reflecting EDV and the change in RI, while the third factor mainly was reflecting FMD. All these three factors were independently related to the Framingham risk score in multiple regression analysis (P<0·0001, P = 0·0002 and P = 0·0046, respectively).Conclusions:  In conclusion, both arterial compliance and endothelium‐dependent vasodilation were independently related to the Framingham risk score, suggesting that it is worthwhile to evaluate the parallel use of these two vascular characteristics in a prospective fashion.
Spatial Personas: A New Technique for Interpreting Colonial Encounters in Colonial North America
Authors: Chambers Ian 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article by proposing the theoretical tool of a ‘spatial persona’ hopes to situate space, its definition and movement within and across it, as a tool of understanding for the complex relations that exist within colonial contact. By taking a confused moment of interaction from the eighteenth century American southeast it will detail how spatial understandings can help unravel uncertainty to give a more nuanced explanation of European Native American interaction.
Differential Neural Response to Alcohol Priming and Alcohol Taste Cues Is Associated With DRD4 VNTR and OPRM1 Genotypes
Authors: Filbey Francesca M. , Ray Lara , Smolen Andrew , Claus Eric D. , Audette Amy , Hutchison Kent E. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Studies suggest that polymorphisms in the D4 dopamine receptor (DRD4) and opioid receptor, μ1 (OPRM1) genes are involved in differential response to the effects of alcohol and to alcohol cues. However, to date, the mechanisms that underlie these differences remain largely unknown.Methods:  Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, hemodynamic response in mesocorticolimbic structures after exposure to alcohol tastes was contrasted with a control taste and compared between DRD4 variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) genotypes and OPRM1 A118G genotypes. Additionally, the effects of a priming dose of alcohol on this response were examined.Results:  The results indicated that DRD4 VNTR >7 repeat individuals (DRD4.L) had significantly greater response to alcohol cues in the orbitofrontal cortex, anterior cingulate gyrus, and striatum compared with individuals with <7 repeats (DRD4.S) prior to a priming dose of alcohol (p < 0.05), but not after a priming dose. In the OPRM1 comparisons, results showed that individuals with at least 1 copy of the OPRM1 + 118 G allele had greater hemodynamic response in mesocorticolimbic areas both before and after priming compared with those who were homozygous for the OPRM1 + 118 A allele. For the DRD4.L and OPRM1 + 118 G groups, brain response in the striatum was highly correlated with measures of alcohol use and behavior such that greater activity corresponded with greater frequency and quantity of alcohol use.Conclusions:  The DRD4 VNTR and OPRM1 A118G polymorphisms are associated with functional neural changes in mesocorticolimbic structures after exposure to alcohol cues. This provides evidence for the contributions of the DRD4 and OPRM1 genes in modulating neural activity in structures that are involved in the motivation to drink.
Alcohol Sensitizes Cerebral Responses to the Odors of Alcoholic Drinks: An fMRI Study
Authors: Bragulat Veronique , Dzemidzic Mario , Talavage Thomas , Davidson Dena , O’Connor Sean J. , Kareken David A. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Small, priming doses of alcohol enhance desire to drink, and thus play a role in the loss of control of alcohol consumption. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we previously showed that alcoholic drink odors (AO; subjects’ drinks of choice) induce greater nucleus accumbens (NAc) activity than non‐appetitive odors (NApO; grass, leather) in subjects at risk for alcoholism. Here we hypothesized that priming exposure to alcohol would enhance responses to AO in the NAc and orbitofrontal cortex in comparison to NApO (grass, leather) and to the appetitive control odors (ApCO) of chocolate and grape.Methods:  Ten hazardous drinkers (mean age = 22.7; SD = 2.9, average drinks per drinking day = 5.9, SD = 2.3; drinking days/90 days = 50.4, SD = 13.7) were scanned on a 1.5T GE Signa MR scanner during intravenous infusion of lactated Ringer’s or 6% ethanol in lactated Ringer’s that was pharmacokinetically modeled to achieve a constant breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) of 50 mg% throughout imaging. During scanning, subjects sniffed AO, NApO, and ApCO.Results:  Alcohol infusion enhanced the contrast between AO and NApO in the NAc, and in orbitofrontal, medial frontal, and precuneus/posterior cingulate regions. The contrast between AO and appetitive control odors (ApCO; chocolate and grape) was similarly larger in the orbital, medial frontal, precuneus, and posterior cingulate/retrosplenial areas, with the most robust finding being a potentiated response in the posterior cingulate/retrosplenial area. The orbital region is similar to an area previously shown to manifest satiety‐related decreases in activity induced by food cues.Conclusions:  The results suggest that priming exposure to alcohol renders a limbic network more responsive to alcohol cues, potentially enhancing desire to drink.
Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Alcohol Use Disorders: A Potential New Endophenotype?
Authors: Meyerhoff Dieter J. , Durazzo Timothy C. 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Current effort is directed at defining new classification schemes for alcohol use disorders (AUD) based on genetic/biological, physiological, and behavioral endophenotypes.Methods:  We describe briefly findings of in vivo brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) studies in AUD and propose that they be further explored and expanded regarding their value as a potential endophenotype for AUD.Results:  In vivo 1H MRS, as part of the emerging field of “imaging genomics,” may provide readily accessible, objective, functionally significant and region‐specific neurobiological measures that successfully link genotypes to neurocognition and to psychiatric symptomatology in relatively small patient cohorts. We discuss several functional gene variants that may affect specific 1H MRS‐detectable metabolites and provide recent data from our own work that supports the view of genetic effects on metabolite measures.Conclusions:  MRS‐genetics research will not only offer clues to the functional significance and downstream effects of genetic differences in AUD, but, via monitoring and/or predicting the efficacy of pharmacological and behavioral interventions as a function of genotype, has the potential to influence future clinical management of AUD.
Development and Pilot Validation of Computer‐Assisted Self‐Infusion of Ethanol (CASE): A New Method to Study Alcohol Self‐Administration in Humans
Authors: Zimmermann Ulrich S. , Mick Inge , Vitvitskyi Victor , Plawecki Martin H. , Mann Karl F. , O’Connor Sean 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Human alcohol self‐administration studies employing oral intake are subject to high variability of the resulting blood alcohol concentrations because of idiosyncrasies of gastrointestinal absorption kinetics among subjects. We sought to improve the subjects’ opportunity to control their brain alcohol exposure by computer‐assisted i.v. self‐administration.Methods:  Instead of drinking, subjects could request increments of their arterial blood alcohol concentration (aBAC) of precisely 7.5 mg% at any time they wanted by pressing a button, provided their aBAC would not exceed 100 mg%. The latency between pushing the button and reaching the new aBAC peak was preset to be 2.5 minutes on the first day and was randomly changed to 1.5 or 3.5 minutes on days 2 and 3 in a crossover design. The necessary rate and amount of alcohol infusion was calculated by the software about once every second. Nine healthy social drinkers (4 females/5 males; mean age 25.0 ± 4.0 year) participated in 3 sessions each. Outcome measures were mean and maximum observed aBAC, and the number of alcohol requests.Results:  Maximum aBAC was 76.5 ± 26.3 mg% on average over all experiments. When grouping days 2 and 3 according to latency (1.5 vs. 3.5 minutes), maximum aBAC and the number of requests in the session were significantly higher with the faster rise and all 3 outcome measures were significantly correlated between days. No such correlations were found between the first and either of the following days.Conclusions:  These data suggest that CASE is practical and safe, and results in considerable alcohol exposure that can be manipulated with parameters chosen for the incremental exposure. Following 1 practice day, test–retest stability was good, suggesting a potential for use in scientific studies.
Effect of Aldehyde Dehydrogenase‐2 Genotype on Cardiac Autonomic Nervous Responses to Moderate Alcohol Ingestion
Authors: Akamatsu Yasunori , Hayashi Tatsuya , Sakane Naoki , Moritani Toshio 
Published: June 2008

Background:  Asian people are divided into the individuals who can ingest alcohol and cannot because of the difference of aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2) genotype. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of ALDH2 genotype on cardiac autonomic nervous responses to moderate alcohol ingestion.Methods:  Subjects were 17 healthy male students at Kyoto University. According to the difference of ALDH2 genotype, they were divided into two groups: the STRONG (n = 10) and WEAK (n = 7) group. The subjects ingested 10 (the LITTLE trial) or 30 g (the MUCH trial) of pure alcohol on a separate day randomly. We collected ECG data and analyzed QT interval.Results:  ECG QT interval, the important marker for sudden cardiac death in cardiac patients as well as healthy people, of the STRONG group were not prolonged after alcohol ingestion, but that of the WEAK group were significantly prolonged, compared to control. Moreover, with respect to the comparison of the change of QT interval between the LITTLE and MUCH trials, there were also no significant differences in the STRONG group. In the WEAK group, however, the change was more marked at MUCH trial.Conclusions:  It is concluded that the cardiovascular response to alcohol ingestion is influenced by ALDH2 genotype and that the drinking assumed to be in moderation puts a strain on the hearts for the ALDH2‐deficient individuals. The results of this investigation show that moderate drinking does not have a good effect on everybody with respect to QT interval. This study also shows that moderate alcohol intake does not have a bad effect on the immune system regardless of ALDH2 genotype.
Treatment outcome of immediately loaded implants installed in edentulous jaws following computer‐assisted virtual treatment planning and flapless surgery
Authors: Komiyama Ai , Klinge Björn , Hultin Margareta 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectives: The objective was to evaluate the outcome of immediately loaded implants installed in edentulous jaws following computer‐assisted virtual treatment planning combined with flapless surgery.Material and methods: Twenty‐nine edentulous patients (9 females, 20 males, mean age of 71.5 years) were treated using the Nobel Guide™ protocol for surgical planning, fixture installation and immediate functioning of a prefabricated fixed implant prosthesis. One hundred and seventy‐six fixtures were installed to support 21 maxillary and 10 mandibular reconstructions. Patients were followed for up to 44 months.Results: Nineteen out of 176 fixtures were lost between 2 and 18 months after installation. Fixture survival rate was 89% (92% maxilla, 83% mandible). Implant‐supported suprastructures remained stable during the follow‐up period in 26 out of 31 jaws (90% maxilla, 70% mandible). Surgical or technical complications occurred in 42% of treated cases. Misfit of abutment‐bridge appeared in five cases, resulting in disconnection of the bridge in two patients where fixtures were left for unloaded healing. Fixture losses resulted in the removal of the suprastructure in three patients, who returned to removable dentures. Extensive adjustments of occlusion were made in 10% of the immediately connected bridges. Radiographic bone defects developed in three patients after drilling, which appeared in two cases after anchor‐pin drilling in the maxilla and another in a severely resorbed mandible.Conclusion: The patient's post‐operative discomfort such as swelling and pain was almost negligible. However, compared to conventional protocols, the occurrences of surgical and technical complications were higher, and thus this method must still be regarded to be in an exploratory phase.
Effectiveness of a Computer‐Based Educational Program on Nurses' Knowledge, Attitude, and Skill Level Related to Evidence‐Based Practice
Authors: Hart Patricia , Eaton LeeAnna , Buckner Marlette , Morrow Beth N. , Barrett Darcy T. , Fraser Danielle D. , Hooks Dwayne , Sharrer Rebecca L. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACT Purpose: To conduct a baseline assessment of nurses' perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to evidence‐based practice (EBP) and research utilisation; determine the level of organisational readiness for implementing EBP and research; and examine the effectiveness of a computer‐based educational program on nurses' perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and skill level related to EBP and research utilisation. Design: A descriptive, quasi‐experimental design with a one‐group, pre‐intervention survey, intervention, and post‐intervention survey method was used. A convenience sample of 744 nurses working in an integrated health care system was recruited. The study was conducted from May 2006 through November 2006. Methods: Data collection instruments were a demographic data questionnaire and the Evidence‐Based Nursing Questionnaire. An education intervention on principles of EBP and research utilisation was conducted via three computer‐based learning modules. Findings: Statistically significant differences in perceptions of knowledge, attitude, and skill level, as well as beliefs about organisational readiness were found after nurses participated in the computer‐based education intervention. Although nurses indicated having positive attitudes about using research to support best nursing practice, gaps in knowledge and skills in retrieving research publications, evaluating the evidence, and incorporating the evidence into practice remain. Nurses rated their managers, senior nursing administrators, and staff nurses on their unit higher than hospital managers in supporting changes to practice based on research. Conclusions: Nurses in clinical settings need to be able to use research findings and incorporate EBP into their nursing practice to promote positive patient outcomes. Appropriate organisational infrastructures are essential for promoting EBP and research utilisation in clinical settings. Diverse and effective methods are essential in educating and engaging nurses in EBP and research utilisation. Computer‐based education is an effective approach that can be used by nursing leaders in health care organisations to educate and engage nurses in EBP initiatives and research utilisation.
Accounting for Intraclass Correlations and Controlling for Baseline Differences in a Cluster‐Randomised Evidence‐Based Practice Intervention Study
Authors: Xie Xian‐Jin , Titler Marita G. , Clarke William R. 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTBackground:In health care and community‐based intervention studies, cluster‐randomised designs have been increasingly used because of administrative convenience, a desire to decrease treatment contamination, and the need to avoid ethical issues that might arise. While useful, cluster‐randomised designs present challenges for data analysis. First, because of dependencies that exist among subjects within a cluster, methods that account for intra‐class correlations have to be used. Second, on many occasions, because of unavailability of large numbers of clusters, lack of balance on baseline measures has to be carefully examined and appropriately controlled for.Aim/Methodology:Two strategies are presented that can be used when analysing data from a cluster‐randomised design; both account for baseline differences. Examples of these challenges are provided by a pain management intervention study designed to promote the adoption of evidence‐based pain management practices. One approach involves use of a mixed model via SAS PROC MIXED. The other approach involves use of a marginal model: Generalised estimating equations using SAS PROC GENMOD.Implications:In cluster‐randomised design, one must adjust for intra‐class correlation when evaluating the intervention effect. Although the parameter estimates and their standard errors might be comparable with both random effect and marginal strategies for certain link functions (identity link or log link only), the interpretations are quite different and the two approaches are suitable for indicating answers to different questions. If differences are present concerning baseline measures between experimental and control groups, accounting for baseline measures is important. The choice between a mixed model or marginal approach should be dictated by whether the primary interest is a population or individual.
Understanding consumers' perceptions of functional ingredients: Studies of selenium and protein
Authors: COX David N. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractConsumer research provides important information on perceptions that have relevance for nutritional guidance and the development of the food supply. The National Centre for Excellence in Functional Foods supported research projects in consumer understanding of selenium‐enriched foods and potential drivers of consumption of such foods. Second, research was undertaken on consumer understanding of the benefits of high‐protein foods for weight control. This paper briefly outlines the projects and comments on the findings. The selenium study found little knowledge of the relationship between particular nutrients and particular health outcomes. While promoting information about the substantiation of benefit claims and highlighting vulnerability may increase perceived ‘importance of Se enriched foods’, confidence and ability are likely to drive consumption; therefore, efforts to facilitate ease of consumption will be required. The protein research found a suggestion that participants possessed ‘attribute knowledge’ but not ‘consequence knowledge’ of high‐protein foods, indicating that there is incomplete knowledge or a belief that other factors may impact upon the weight control ability. There are implications for better communication strategies, so that consumers can make cognitive decisions to consume high‐protein diets with subsequent improvement in sustained use.
Target Gene Activation of the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Nuclear β‐Catenin Accumulating Cells of Adamantinomatous Craniopharyngiomas
Authors: Hölsken Annett , Kreutzer Jürgen , Hofmann Bernd M. , Hans Volkmar , Oppel Falk , Buchfelder Michael , Fahlbusch Rudolf , Blümcke Ingmar , Buslei Rolf 
Published: June 2008

AbstractActivating β‐catenin (CTNNB1) mutations can be identified in the majority of adamantinomatous craniopharyngiomas (adaCP), suggesting an aberrant Wnt signaling pathway in this histopathologically peculiar tumor entity. However, there is no proven evidence that nuclear translocation of β‐catenin is associated with CTNNB1 mutations and target gene activation. We performed a laser‐microdissection‐based study comparing β‐catenin accumulating vs. non‐accumulating tumor cells. Mutational analysis and gene expression profiling using real‐time polymerase chain reaction were conducted in adamantinomatous and papillary tumor specimens. Target gene activation, that is, over‐expression of Axin2 could be detected in adaCP, especially in tumor cells with nuclear β‐catenin accumulation. In addition, increased expression of BMP4 was identified in the accumulating cell population, which supports the hypothesis of an oral ectodermal origin. Interestingly, accumulating and non‐accumulating tumor cell populations carried CTNNB1 mutations within exon 3. We extended the analysis, therefore, towards genetic regions encoding for membrane linkage and active/passive nuclear transport mechanisms (exon 4 and exon 8–13), but could not detect any alteration. This is the first report demonstrating an association between nuclear β‐catenin accumulation and target gene activation in adaCP. The results confirm the Wnt signaling pathway as molecular basis of the distinct and challenging clinical and morphological phenotype of adaCP.
Dopamine D1-Like Receptors Depress Excitatory Synaptic Transmissions in Striatal Neurons After Transient Forebrain Ischemia
Authors: Zhang Yuchun , Deng Ping , Ruan Yiwen , Xu Zao C. 
Published: June 2008

Background and Purpose—Spiny neurons in the neostriatum are highly vulnerable to ischemia. Despite an enormous body of research suggesting that dopamine is involved in ischemia-induced neuronal loss in the striatum, it remains unclear how dopamine interacts with the glutamatergic excitotoxicity that is widely accepted as a major cause of ischemic cell death. Our study was designed to investigate the effects of dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) activation on excitatory neurotransmission in postischemic striatal neurons.Methods—We used the 4-vessel occlusion ischemia model and brain slice preparations. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recording was performed on striatal neurons to measure excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs). Systemic administration of a D1R agonist after ischemia and hematoxylin/eosin staining were performed to evaluate the effects of D1R activation on ischemia-induced neuronal degeneration in the striatum.Results—D1R activation depressed EPSCs in postischemic striatal neurons. The depression was attributable to inhibition of presynaptic release. An activator of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A (PKA) mimicked the depressive effects of D1R activation. Bath application of a PKA inhibitor blocked the depression of EPSCs, whereas intracellular postsynaptic application of the PKA inhibitor had no effect. The D1R agonist failed to reduce EPSC amplitude in the presence of an adenosine A1 receptor antagonist. Systemic administration of a D1R agonist after ischemia significantly attenuated ischemia-induced cell death in the striatum.Conclusions—These results indicate that D1R activation presynaptically depresses excitatory synaptic transmission in striatal neurons after ischemia through activation of PKA and adenosine A1 receptors and thus demonstrate a novel mechanism of D1R-mediated protection against ischemia.