bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epilepsy‐related Injuries
Authors: Wirrell Elaine C. 
Published: October 2006

Summary:  Only one prospective, controlled study has compared the risk of accidental injury in persons with epilepsy to controls without seizures. A mildly increased risk in the epilepsy group was found, predominantly due to injuries that result directly from a seizure. With regard to injury type, this study found significantly higher rates of only head and soft tissue injury; however, most injuries were minor. Several retrospective, population‐based studies have suggested increased rates of more serious injury types. Submersion injury has a high mortality; the risk of submersion in children with epilepsy is 7.5–13.9 fold higher than in the general population. The risk of fracture is elevated approximately twofold, either resulting directly from seizure‐induced injury or predisposed by drug‐induced reduction in bone mineral density. Burns due to seizures account for between 1.6% and 3.7% of burn unit admissions. The risk of motor vehicle accidents in drivers with epilepsy also appears increased, albeit marginally.Several factors predispose to a higher risk of injury among those with epilepsy. Seizures resulting in falls increase the risk of concussion and other injuries. Higher seizure frequency, lack of a prolonged seizure‐free interval, comorbid attention deficit disorder, or cognitive handicap may also increase the risk of injury.While some restrictions are necessary to protect the safety of the person with epilepsy, undue limitations may further limit achievement of independence. Given the high morbidity and mortality of submersion injury, those with active epilepsy should bathe or swim only with supervision; however, showering is a reasonable option. Appropriate vitamin D and calcium supplementation and periodic measurement of bone mineral density in those at risk for osteopenia are recommended.
Glutamate Decarboxylase Genes and Alcoholism in Han Taiwanese Men
Authors: Loh El‐Wui , Lane Hsien‐Yuan , Chen Chien‐Hsiun , Chang Pi‐Shan , Ku Li‐Wen , Wang Kathy H.T. , Cheng Andrew T.A. 
Published: October 2006

Objective:Glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), the rate‐limiting enzyme in the synthesis ofγ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), may be involved in the development of alcoholism. This study examined the possible roles of the genes that code for 2 forms of GAD (GAD1 and GAD2) in the development of alcoholism.Method:An association study was conducted among 140 male alcoholic subjects meeting the DSM‐III‐R criteria for alcohol dependence and 146 controls recruited from the Han Taiwanese in community and clinical settings. Psychiatric assessment of drinking conditions was conducted using a Chinese version of the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry. The SHEsis and Haploview programs were used in statistical analyses.Results:Nine single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the GAD1 gene were valid for further statistics. Between alcoholic subjects and controls, significant differences were found in genotype distributions of SNP1 (p=0.000), SNP2 (p=0.015), SNP4 (p=0.015), SNP5 (p=0.031), SNP6 (p=0.012), and SNP8 (p=0.004) and in allele distributions of SNP1 (p=0.001), SNP2 (p=0.009), and SNP8 (p=0.009). Permutation tests of SNP1, SNP2, and SNP8 demonstrated significant differences in allele frequencies but not in 2 major haplotype blocks. Three valid SNPs at the GAD2 gene demonstrated no associations with alcoholism. Further permutation tests in the only 1 haplotype block or individual SNPs demonstrated no significant differences.Conclusions:This is the first report indicating a possible significant role of the GAD1 gene in the development of alcohol dependence and/or the course of alcohol withdrawal and outcome of alcoholism.
Reduced Glial and Neuronal Packing Density in the Orbitofrontal Cortex in Alcohol Dependence and Its Relationship with Suicide and Duration of Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Miguel‐Hidalgo Jose J. , Overholser James C. , Meltzer Herbert Y. , Stockmeier Craig A. , Rajkowska Grazyna 
Published: October 2006

Background: Reduced metabolism, blood flow, and tissue volume have been detected in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) of neurologically intact alcoholic subjects and these deficits are accompanied by lower density of neurons and glial cells. Another prefrontal region, the orbitofrontal cortex (ORB), functionally and structurally differentiated from the dlPFC, and heavily involved in decision‐making processes, also shows functional alterations in alcoholic subjects. However, it is unknown whether changes in the packing density of neurons or glial cells also occur in the ORB and whether that density may be related to the increased suicide probability of alcoholic subjects or to the duration of alcohol dependence.Methods: The present study used a 3‐dimensional cell‐counting method in postmortem brain tissue to determine the packing density of neurons and glial cells in the ORB (area 47) of 15 subjects with alcohol dependence (8 suicides, 7 nonsuicides) and 8 normal controls and to determine whether cell density is correlated with suicide and duration of alcohol dependence.Results: There was a significantly lower density of both neurons (by 27%) and glial cells (by 25%) in the ORB of alcoholic subjects compared with controls. Packing density of either neurons or glial cells was not significantly different in alcoholic suicides compared with alcoholic nonsuicides. Age was not correlated with neuronal or glial density in either group. However, the duration of alcohol dependence and the ratio of that duration to the length of life span were significantly and negatively correlated to the overall density of neurons.Conclusion: The present results indicate that alcohol dependence is associated with a decrease in the packing density of neurons and glia in the ORB and that the reduction in neuronal but not glial density progresses with the duration of alcohol dependence.
Fast Alcohol Consumption Evaluation: A Screening Instrument Adapted for French General Practitioners
Authors: Dewost Anne‐Violaine , Michaud Philippe , Arfaoui Sonia , Gache Pascal , Lancrenon Sylvie 
Published: October 2006

Background: To meet the needs of French general practitioners (GPs), we created a short (5 questions) interview/screening test for alcohol‐related problems that is similar to AUDIT in terms of (1) test values and (2) identification of 3 groups: (a) abstainers and low‐risk drinkers; (b) heavy drinkers; and (c) alcohol abusers or showing dependence.Method: Nine questions (from AUDIT, CAGE, TWEAK, Five‐shot Questionnaire) were given systematically to their patients (aged 18 or more) by 41 volunteer GPs. Before the consultation, patients confidentially completed the AUDIT questionnaire in the waiting room. After the consultation, an addiction specialist evaluated each patient's alcohol consumption and DSM‐IV criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence and these were used as gold standards.Results: The analysis included 564 patient records and used stepwise logistic regression to select 7 questions, from which a second selection resulted in a 5‐item questionnaire. These questions are: AUDIT questions 1 (Frequency) and 2 (Usual quantity), CAGE questions 2 (Annoyed) and 4 (Eye‐opener), and TWEAK question 5 (Black‐out), with each question scored 0 to 4. High levels of sensitivity and specificity were obtained for each diagnosis (sensitivity 75%–87.8%; specificity 74%–95.8%).Conclusion: FACE is an appropriate screening method for French general practitioners.
Low Alanine Aminotransferase Activity in Older People Is Associated with Greater Long‐Term Mortality
Authors: Elinav Eran , Ackerman Zvi , Maaravi Yoram , Ben‐Dov Iddo Z. , Ein‐Mor Eliana , Stessman Jochanan 
Published: October 2006

OBJECTIVES: To find possible association between liver enzymes and mortality in older people.DESIGN: A prospective cohort study.SETTING: Jerusalem.PARTICIPANTS: A systematically selected representative sample of 455 70‐year‐old ambulatory individuals was prospectively followed for 12 years.MEASUREMENTS: An extensive social and medical profile was developed at age 70 using a detailed interview and physical and ancillary examination. Information on mortality was obtained annually. Differences in survival between subjects stratified according to liver enzyme levels were assessed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Multivariable survival analyses using a Cox proportional hazards model were performed to determine the association between liver enzyme levels at age 70 and mortality over 12 years.RESULTS: Median alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity of the study population was 11.00 U/L for women and 13.00 U/L for men. Twelve‐year survival rates for women with ALT below and above the median levels were similar (78%). For men, these rates were 54% and 65%, respectively (P<.001). Proportional hazards models demonstrated that this greater mortality risk was independent of numerous common risk factors for mortality (hazard ratio (HR)=1.5, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.08–2.19). Adding an interaction between sex and low ALT to the model demonstrated a higher risk of mortality for men with low ALT levels (HR=2.42, 95% CI=1.15–5.08). No such risk was demonstrated for the other liver enzymes.CONCLUSION: ALT activity represents a strong and independent surrogate marker for mortality in community‐dwelling elderly men.
Autoantibodies and Prediction of Reproductive Failure
Authors: Shoenfeld Yehuda , Carp Howard J. A. , Molina Vered , Blank Miri , Cervera Ricard , Balasch Juan , Tincani Angela , Faden David , Lojacono Andrea , Doria Andrea , Konova Emiliana , Meroni Per Luigi 
Published: October 2006

Problem  To determine which autoantibodies are associated with reproductive failure.Method of study  Sera from 269 patients with autoimmune disease and/or reproductive failure were analyzed for anti‐phospholipid (aPL), anti‐annexin‐V, anti‐lactoferrin, anti‐thyroglobulin, anti‐thyroid peroxidase, anti‐prothrombin, anti‐nuclear, and anti‐saccharomycetes cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA), by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Patients were classified as: recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL), infertility, and autoimmune diseases. The results were compared with those of 120 healthy volunteers.Results  In autoimmune diseases, the prevalence of anti‐prothrombin, anti‐annexin, anti‐phospholipid and anti‐nuclear antibodies was significantly higher than in the control group, OR 11.0 [CI, 3.5–35.2], 33 [CI, 7.2–174.2], 13 [CI, 1.4–309.7], and 16.1 [CI 2.4–122], respectively. In infertility, the antibodies with significantly higher levels than controls were: aPL OR, 5.11 [CI 1.2–25.4], and anti‐prothrombin antibodies, OR, 5.15 [CI, 2.1–12.7]. In RPL, ASCA, anti‐prothrombin and aPL were more prevalent than in controls, OR 3.9 [CI, 1.5–10.6], 5.4 [CI, 2.4–12.5] and 4.8[CI, 1.2–22.2] for each antibody, respectively. Anti‐prothrombin antibodies and aPL were more significantly associated with late pregnancy losses than early losses.Conclusion  ASCA antibodies have not previously been described in RPL. Nor are anti‐prothrombin antibodies usually assessed in infertility or RPL. If these results are confirmed in further studies, these antibodies might be assessed routinely in reproductive failure.
Nonpalpable Scarring of the Penile Septum as a Cause of Erectile Dysfunction: An Atypical Form of Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Bella Anthony J. , Sener Alp , Foell Kirsten , Brock Gerald B. 
Published: October 2006

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Men with nonpalpable isolated septal scars (ISS) identified with color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) comprise a group of previously unrecognized patients with wide-ranging sexual concerns.

Aim
We aim to identify the clinical characteristics of patients presenting with this atypical form of Peyronie’s disease characterized by the absence of palpable deformity.

Materials and Methods
Of 482 consecutive patients who presented to a tertiary care erectile dysfunction (ED) clinic and underwent CDU after satisfying inclusion criteria, 27 (5.6%) men with nonpalpable ISS and no dorsal or ventral plaque were identified.

Main Outcome Measures
International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), CDU, and clinical characteristics.

Results
The median age of the men with nonpalpable ISS was 49 years. The length of time from onset of symptoms to presentation was 22 months, and the pretreatment IIEF score was 14. The remaining 455 men who underwent CDU were of similar age (48 years) but had a markedly lower IIEF score of 9.5 (statistical median). ISS patients presented with decreased penile rigidity (20), penile shortening (13), chronic pain with erection (13; mean 33 months), and the inability to maintain an erection (7). Fourteen men had failed phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor therapy, and four reported unsatisfactory results. Management options included retrial with oral agents, intracavernous pharmacotherapy, verapamil injections, and surgery.

Conclusion
The clinician should be suspicious for nonpalpable ISS in men with sexual concerns who present with decreased penile rigidity, length loss, and chronic pain with erection. Our findings support the use of CDU for this patient group, particularly when previous treatment has failed, because men with ISS had a greater likelihood of having no palpable deformity or curvature and ongoing penile pain.
CYP2A6Genotype, Phenotype, and the Use of Nicotine Metabolites as Biomarkers duringAd libitumSmoking
Authors: Malaiyandi Viba , Goodz Shari D. , Sellers Edward M. , Tyndale Rachel F. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractCYP2A6 inactivates nicotine to cotinine and cotinine to 3-hydroxycotinine. We investigated which of plasma nicotine and metabolites were most related to CYP2A6 genotype and smoking levels. We assessed demographic and smoking histories in 152 Caucasian ad libitum smokers, measured breath carbon monoxide (CO) levels, and determined plasma nicotine, cotinine, and 3-hydroxycotinine by high-performance liquid chromatography and CYP2A6 genotypes by PCR. Cigarettes per day was most closely related to CO (r = 0.60, P &lt; 0.001) followed by plasma cotinine (r = 0.53, P &lt; 0.001), whereas plasma cotinine was most strongly correlated with CO levels (r = 0.74, P &lt; 0.001), confirming that cotinine is a good indicator of smoking levels; this was not limited by CYP2A6 variants. 3-Hydroxycotinine/cotinine is reported to be a good marker of CYP2A6 activity, and we found that the 3-hydroxycotinine/(cotinine + nicotine) ratio was most correlated with CYP2A6 genotype (r = 0.38, P &lt; 0.001). Inclusion of the CYP2A6*12A allele strengthened the correlation (r = 0.46, P &lt; 0.001), suggesting that the identification of novel alleles will continue to improve this relationship. Nicotine metabolism is slower in smokers, and we have shown that CYP2A6 is reduced by nicotine treatment in monkeys. Here, we found that plasma nicotine levels were inversely correlated with CYP2A6 activity (3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine, r = −0.41, P &lt; 0.001) among those without CYP2A6 variants, suggesting a reduction in metabolism with higher nicotine levels. Together, these findings (a) confirm the use of plasma cotinine and CO as indicators of Caucasians' smoking levels, and that this is not limited by CYP2A6 genetic variation; (b) indicate that 3-hydroxycotinine/cotinine and 3-hydroxycotinine/(cotinine + nicotine) are moderately good indicators of the CYP2A6 genotype; and (c) support that nicotine exposure may reduce its own metabolism. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1812–9)
Comparison of Age Distribution Patterns for Different Histopathologic Types of Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Anderson William F. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Dores Graça M. , Sherman Mark E. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Background: Historically, female breast carcinoma has been viewed as an etiologically homogeneous disease associated with rapidly increasing incidence rates until age 50 years, followed by a slower rate of increase among older women. More recent studies, however, have shown distinct age incidence patterns for female breast cancer when stratified by estrogen receptor (ER) expression and/or histopathologic subtypes, suggesting etiologic heterogeneity.
Materials and Methods: To determine if different age incidence patterns reflect etiologic heterogeneity (more than one breast cancer type within the general breast carcinoma), we applied “smoothed” age histograms at diagnosis (density plots) and a two-component statistical mixture model to all breast carcinoma cases (n = 270,124) in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program of the National Cancer Institute. These overall patterns were then reevaluated according to histopathologic type, race, and ER expression.
Results: A bimodal age distribution at diagnosis provided a better fit to the data than a single density for all breast carcinoma populations, except for medullary carcinoma. Medullary carcinomas showed a single age distribution at diagnosis irrespective of race and/or ER expression.
Conclusions: Distinct age-specific incidence patterns reflected bimodal breast cancer populations for breast carcinoma overall as well as for histopathologic subtypes, race, and ER expression. The one exception was medullary carcinoma. Of note, medullary carcinomas are rare tumors, which are associated with germ-line mutations in the BRCA1 gene. These descriptive and model-based results support emerging molecular data, suggesting two main types of breast carcinoma in the overall breast cancer population. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1899–905)
No Association Between 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Mammographic Density
Authors: Knight Julia A. , Vachon Celine M. , Vierkant Robert A. , Vieth Reinhold , Cerhan James R. , Sellers Thomas A. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThere is increasing evidence that vitamin D may protect against breast cancer. Some studies have suggested that dietary and supplemental vitamin D is associated with reduced mammographic density, which is highly associated with breast cancer risk, although this evidence is not entirely consistent. We investigated a possible association between circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), the best indicator of vitamin D status, and quantitative mammographic density in the Minnesota Breast Cancer Family Study. Mean values of mammographic density (both percent and area densities) and circulating levels of 25OHD were compared across categories of covariates using ANOVA. Models were adjusted for age and body mass index, as well as other covariates, and also stratified by dietary calcium intake, menopause, and season. Serum, mammographic density, and questionnaire data were available from 487 women [133 premenopausal and 354 postmenopausal; mean age, 56.4 years (range, 27-85 years)] without breast cancer, and for 73%, the blood was drawn within 1 year of their mammogram. No evidence was found for an association between 25OHD and either percent density or total dense area. There was also no evidence for any association when the data were stratified by season of sample (winter and summer) or menopause. However, both percent density and dense area were lowest among those in the highest vitamin D quartile with calcium intake above the median. Unlike some previous reports, vitamin D does not seem to be related to mammographic density in this cohort. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2006;15(10):1988–92)
Causes and consequences of sex-biased dispersal in Columbian ground squirrel, Spermophilus columbianus
Authors: Neuhaus Peter 
Published: October 2006

AbstractDispersal is a fundamental process with wide ranging evolutionary consequences. In birds and mammals, members of one sex typically disperse more frequently, sooner and/or further than members of the other sex. The aim of this study was to examine factors affecting dispersal by yearling male and female Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus), and to determine whether inbreeding avoidance, competition or other factors can explain why inter-colony dispersal is more common in males than in females. Males who stayed in their natal colony as adults emerged as yearlings heavier and later from hibernation than males who disappeared in their yearling year, whereas for females, this was not the case. Males who had sisters emerging as yearlings in the same colony were not more likely to leave the colony than males who were alone or with brothers. Further, there was no significant difference in the probability that females would mate with an immigrant compared to a natal male. Finally, three-year-old males who stayed in the colony moved significantly further away from their natal burrow than females of the same age.I conclude that sex differences in inter-colony dispersal, while promoting outbreeding, are not directly due to inbreeding avoidance, but that inbreeding avoidance may play a role in governing intra-colony dispersal distances. Further, resource competition seems to play a minor role. Aggression by adults against yearling males and the acceptance of yearling females by their mothers may be the proximate cause for male bias in inter-colony dispersal in Columbian ground squirrels. To conclusively demonstrate this effect, however, we need to look at aggression in more detail.
What Blocked Heterosexual Women and Lesbians in Leaving Their Abusive Relationships
Authors: Patzel Brenda 
Published: October 2006

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the process of permanently separating from an abusive partner is in many ways similar for heterosexual women and lesbians. However, research suggests that factors that prevent women from leaving the relationship differ. OBJECTIVE: In this study, the component of ambivalence related to leaving the abusive relationship is referred to as “holding back.” Factors that contribute to “holding back” lesbians and heterosexual women leaving their abusive relationships are examined. DESIGN: Naturalistic inquiry is conducted on 10 heterosexual women and 20 lesbians who were able to leave their abusive relationships. RESULTS: Factors that contribute to the women’s staying in their abusive relationship are personal and situational, in additional to cultural factors such as homophobia and “lesbian ideals.” CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations include dissemination of information addressing the levels and complexity of abuse and the need for education regarding occurrence of abuse in both heterosexual and lesbian relationships.