bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is ventilatory efficiency dependent on the speed of the exercise test protocol in healthy men and women?
Authors: Davis James A. , Sorrentino Kristin M. , Soriano April C. , Pham Patrick H. , Dorado Silvia 
Published: February 2006

SummaryIndices of ventilatory efficiency have proven useful in assessing patients with heart and lung disease. One of these indices is the slope of the ventilation (V̇E) versus carbon dioxide output (V̇CO2) relationship during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) for work rates where the relationship is linear. However, this relationship is defined not only by the slope but also by the y‐intercept. To examine whether this relationship is dependent on the speed of the CPET protocol, 30 healthy subjects (16 males) were administered a rapid CPET with 1‐min increment duration (1‐min CPET) to the limit of tolerance and a slow CPET with 4‐min increment duration (4‐min CPET) to the lactate threshold. Ventilation and the gas fractions for oxygen and CO2 were measured with a Vacumed metabolic cart. The average increment size of both protocols for both sexes was not significantly different (P>0·05). For the males, the mean (SD) slope for the 1‐ and 4‐min CPET was 20·12 (2·61) and 20·37 (2·41), respectively. The corresponding values for the y‐intercept were 4.·89 (2·08) and 5.·10 (2·00) l min−1. For the females, the mean (SD) slope for the 1‐ and 4‐min CPET was 23·90 (2·38) and 24·16 (2·55), respectively. The corresponding values for the y‐intercept were 3·93 (0·39) and 3·77 (0·71) l min−1. Paired t‐test analysis demonstrated for both sexes that the slopes and y‐intercepts were not different for the two protocols (P>0·05). The results of this study demonstrate that the V̇E versus V̇CO2 relationship is not dependent on the speed of the CPET protocol.
Nocturnal autonomic nervous system activity impairment in sickle cell trait carriers
Authors: Connes Philippe , Martin Cyril , Barthelemy Jean‐Claude , Monchanin Géraldine , Atchou Guillaume , Forsuh Anthony , Massarelli Raphaël , Wouassi Dieudonné , Thiriet Patrice , Pichot Vincent 
Published: February 2006

SummarySickle cell trait (SCT) is a genetic disease affecting the synthesis of normal haemoglobin (Hb) and marked by the heterozygous presence of HbA and HbS. Some studies have suggested that SCT carriers might be prone to vascular alterations, cardiac ischaemia and arrhythmias leading, in some subjects, to sudden death. It is well known that a loss or a disequilibrium of autonomic activity are powerful predictors of sudden cardiac death. We hypothesized that SCT subjects might exhibit alterations in the activity of the autonomic nervous system that could constitute further risk factors for cardiac complications. Resting haemorheological parameters (ηb, blood viscosity; ηp, plasma viscosity; Hct, haematocrit; Tk, red blood cell rigidity), and sympathetic and parasympathetic indices of nocturnal autonomic activity (temporal and frequency analysis of heart rate variability) were thus compared between a group of nine SCT subjects and a group of nine control subjects. ηb was higher in the SCT group than in the control group while Hct, ηp and Tk were not different. Global variability (SDNN, SDNNIDX) and parasympathetic (PNN50, RMSSD, HF) indices were significantly lower in the SCT group compared with the control group, while the LF/HF ratio was highly increased, underlining a major sympathetic shift. The autonomic imbalance in SCT subjects was mainly related to lowered parasympathetic activity. Thus, our study suggests an additional global decrease and imbalance of autonomic nervous system activity to biological disorders of SCT carriers, that may constitute further risk factors for cardiac complications in this population.
Arterial blood flow and autonomic function in full‐term infants
Authors: Gabai Nili , Cohen Ayala , Mahagney Ayed , Bader David , Tirosh Emanuel 
Published: February 2006

SummaryObjectives:  To investigate variations in the autonomic functions and blood‐flow velocity of the arteries supplying to the brainstem in supine and prone positions.Methods:  Forty‐one full‐term infants were studied at the age of 24–72 h. Each infant underwent respiratory, cardiac and eye movement analyses in supine and prone positions. In addition, blood‐flow velocity of the basilar and vertebral arteries was measured with a 2 MHz probe for 5 min in each position. Two time domain measures of heart rate variability (HRV) (Standard deviation of normal R–R intervals for long‐term and pNN50 for short‐term variability) were employed.Results:  Significantly decreased short‐ (P<0·001) and long (P = 0·003)‐term variabilities were observed in prone when compared with supine position. Increased short‐term variability in active sleep with no interaction with position was observed (P = 0·005). A significant decreased mean (P = 0·001) and peak (P = 0·001–0·003) blood‐flow velocity in prone when compared with supine position were measured in all three arteries supplying to the brainstem. No significant correlation between HRV and arterial blood‐flow velocity (ABFV) was observed in either position.Comment:  The results of the present study in agreement with previous studies reflect the vulnerability of infants in prone position as related to brainstem function. However, it appears that ABFV and autonomic functions as reflected by HRV are independent physiological measures, possibly indicating regulation autonomy of the central nervous system.
Forelimb postischaemic reactive hyperaemia is impaired by hypotensive low body negative pressure in healthy subjects
Authors: Charles Marc , Pichot Vincent , Barthelemy Jean‐Claude , Roche Frederic , Costes Frederic 
Published: February 2006

SummaryLocal metabolic conditions adapt blood supply to metabolic requirement by a direct effect on vascular smooth muscles and indirectly by modulating sympathetic vasoconstrictor effectiveness. During exercise, sympathetic nervous activity could in turn interfere on local metabolic control of vascular tone and restrain blood flow to active muscles. In order to investigate that interaction non‐invasively, we measured postischaemic reactive hyperaemia (RH) in the forelimb of eight healthy young men (22·7 ± 2·1 years) at rest and during two levels of sympathetic stimulation using low body negative pressure (LBNP −15 and −30 mmHg). During every stages, RH was measured after 40, 60, 90 and 180 s of arterial occlusion, respectively. In control conditions, RH rose with duration of ischaemia (18·9, 24·2, 30·4, 33·1 ml min−1 per 100 ml−1 for 40, 60, 90 and 180 s of ischaemia, respectively). During non‐hypotensive LBNP (−15 mmHg) sympathetic activation was associated with decreased forelimb blood flow (6·4 ± 0·9 versus 3·9 ± 0·6 ml min−1 per 100 ml−1, P<0·01), but RH were not significantly different from control conditions. During hypotensive tachycardia LBNP (−30 mmHg), RH were significantly lower than under the previous LBNP stage. This fall in RH was greater after the shortest gap of ischaemia and tapered off as arterial occlusion gap increased (−22·3, −13·1, −10·5 and −8·7% for 40, 60, 90 and 180 s of ischaemia, respectively). These results suggested that vascular tone adaptation to local metabolic conditions was modified by sympathetic nervous activation. This was particularly marked when an hypotensive‐mediated sympathetic stimulation was opposed to short gaps of ischaemia.
The relative severity of acts of physical violence in heterosexual relationships: An item response theory analysis
Authors: REGAN KATHERINE V. , BARTHOLOMEW KIM , KWONG MARILYN J. , TRINKE SHANNA J. , HENDERSON ANTONIA J. Z. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractThis study evaluated the structure of an expanded version of the physical violence scale of the Conflict Tactics Scales (CTS). A community sample of 1,092 randomly selected men and women reported on perpetration and receipt of 14 violent acts in their relationships. Item response theory analyses indicated that the violence items were unidimensional for recipient and perpetrator reports of men's and women's violence. There was convergence between severity of acts as reported by perpetrators and recipients for both men's and women's violence. Results indicated that adding together the number of different acts endorsed to form a total score is appropriate for both men's and women's violence. Total scores were strongly related to likelihood of injury, supporting the validity of CTS‐type measures to assess severity of violence.
Costs and satisfaction in close relationships: The role of loss–gain framing
Authors: BERGER ANDREA R. , JANOFF‐BULMAN RONNIE 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTwo studies were conducted to clarify the pattern of mixed results found in past research regarding the association between costs and satisfaction in close relationships. Insights from Prospect Theory (D. Kahneman & A. Tversky, 1979, 2000) suggested the importance of gain–loss framing in understanding costs. When costs are attached to valued outcomes, they are perceived as gains or investments; otherwise they are perceived as losses. Appreciation by one's partner for communal behaviors and family chores provided the basis for exploring costs as gains versus losses. We hypothesized that when costs were appreciated, the greater the costs, the greater the relationship satisfaction; whereas when they were not appreciated, the greater the costs, the lower the relationship satisfaction. Further, we expected appreciation to be associated with perceived motives for incurring the costs: positively with “want” perceptions and negatively with “should” perceptions. These hypotheses were supported in research with both dating couples and women in long‐term marital or cohabiting relationships and using two types of communal behaviors: Partner Favors and more tedious Family Chores. In general, the greater the number of communal behaviors and family chores, the greater the relationship satisfaction when appreciated; the greater the number, the lower the satisfaction when relatively unappreciated.
Let's be friends: Relational self‐construal and the development of intimacy
Authors: GORE JONATHAN S. , CROSS SUSAN E. , MORRIS MICHAEL L. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractTwo studies examined the role of relational self‐construal in the development and maintenance of intimacy in roommate relationships. In Study 1, 98 roommate pairs completed questionnaires assessing attitudes toward their relationship. Results showed that high relationals disclosed more personal information than lows, which was then associated with their roommates’ perceptions of relationship quality. In Study 2, 142 roommate pairs followed the Study 1 procedure with a 1‐month follow‐up session for the participants (86% returned). Results replicated the findings of Study 1 and showed reciprocated disclosure from the roommates, followed by increased disclosure by the participants at Time 2. These findings support the H. T. Reis and P. Shaver (1988) intimacy model and indicate the importance of the self‐construal in this interpersonal process.
The costs and benefits of practical and emotional support on adjustment: A daily diary study of couples experiencing acute stress
Authors: SHROUT PATRICK E. , HERMAN CRAIG M. , BOLGER NIALL 
Published: February 2006

AbstractEmotional support from intimate partners has been shown to have both costs and benefits for daily anxious and depressed moods (N. Bolger, A. Zuckerman, & R. C. Kessler, 2000). We examine whether similar costs and benefits are found for practical support, and when fatigue, vigor, and anger are outcomes. Results are based on daily diary reports from 68 recent law school graduates and their intimate partners during the month before the New York State bar examination. Partners’ reports of practical support provision to the examinee were beneficial in that they were associated with decreased examinee fatigue and increased examinee vigor. In contrast, examinees’ recognition of emotional support receipt was costly in that it was associated with increases in anger, as well as anxious and depressed mood. Results highlight the distinction between emotional and practical support and are consistent with findings that suggest that invisible (provided but not recognized) support leads to the best outcomes.
Predictors of Lamotrigine‐associated Rash
Authors: Hirsch Lawrence J. , Weintraub David B. , Buchsbaum Richard , Spencer Hilary T. , Straka Tara , Hager Melissa , Resor Stanley R. 
Published: February 2006

Summary:  Purpose: To determine the predictors of lamotrigine‐associated rash (LTG‐rash) and the incidence of serious and benign LTG‐rash to individualize risk assessment in a given patient. Methods: We reviewed the charts of all 988 outpatients seen at the Columbia Comprehensive Epilepsy Center between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2003, who received LTG. Charts were reviewed for documentation of rash developing from any medication, including antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and non‐AEDs, and including remote histories of drug‐related rashes. Demographics, medical history, and medication variables were tested as potential predictors of LTG‐rash. Results: Fifty‐six (5.7%) of 988 patients experienced rash attributed to LTG, and 39 (3.9%) discontinued LTG because of rash. No patients experienced toxic epidermal necrolysis or required hospitalization because of LTG‐rash. One case of mild probable Stevens–Johnson syndrome occurred. In multivariate analysis, a history of rash after another AED was the strongest predictor of LTG‐rash (13.9% vs. 4.6%; OR = 3.62; p < 0.001), with children younger than 13 years also experiencing significantly more LTG‐rash (10.7% vs. 4.3%; OR = 2.77; p < 0.001). In children with a rash attributed to another AED, 18.2% experienced LTG‐rash, whereas in adults without a rash from another AED, 3% experienced LTG‐rash. Conclusions: Based on this retrospective analysis, a history of another AED‐related rash is the greatest risk factor for developing rash to LTG; age younger than 13 years is also a risk factor. Severe rash is rare when using the currently recommended titration rate.
Absence of Seizures Despite High Prevalence of Epileptiform EEG Abnormalities in Children with Autism Monitored in a Tertiary Care Center
Authors: Kim Howard L. , Donnelly Joseph H. , Tournay Anne E. , Book Teri M. , Filipek Pauline 
Published: February 2006

Summary:  Purpose: Children with autism are commonly referred for video‐EEG monitoring to determine the precise nature of their seizure‐like events. Methods: We studied 32 children with autism by using continuous video‐EEG telemetry (VEEG) monitoring at a tertiary care referral center. Results: Of the 32 total patients, 22 were primarily referred for seizure evaluation and 10 for 24‐h interictal EEG recording. Studies in two additional patients were prematurely terminated because of intolerance (they are not included in the analyses). The median monitoring duration was 1 day (range, 1–7 days). Of 22 patients referred for seizure evaluation, 15 had recorded events, but none was an epileptic seizure; the other seven patients had no recorded events. Interictal epileptiform EEG abnormalities were detected in 19 (59%) of 32 patients. These abnormalities included focal sharp waves (in eight patients), multifocal sharp waves (in six patients), generalized spike–wave complexes (in 11 patients), and generalized paroxysmal fast activity/polyspikes (in two patients). Focal/multifocal and generalized epileptiform abnormalities coexisted in six patients. Notably, 11 (73%) of the 15 patients with nonepileptic events had interictal epileptiform EEG abnormalities. Conclusions
: Video‐EEG evaluation of children with autism reveals epileptiform EEG abnormalities in the majority. However, many recorded seizure‐like events are not epileptic, even in children with epileptiform EEG abnormalities.
School Performance of Nigerian Adolescents with Epilepsy
Authors: Adewuya Abiodun O. , Oseni Saheed B. A. , Okeniyi John A. O. 
Published: February 2006

Summary:  Purpose: The study assessed the school performance of Nigerian adolescents with epilepsy compared with healthy controls and examined the variables correlating with their academic difficulties. Methods: The school grades of adolescents with epilepsy aged 12 to 18 years (n = 73) over the past academic year were compared with the grades of their classmates of the same age and gender. Risk factors possibly associated with school performance, such as adolescent variables (age, gender, perceived stigma, attitude toward epilepsy, and psychopathology), seizure variables (age at onset of illness, years of illness, types of seizures, and frequency of seizures per month), drug variables [types of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), number of AEDs and side effects of AEDs], and family variables (family's socioeconomic status, family functioning, caretakers' psychopathology, and caretakers' perceived stigma) were assessed. Results: The mean school grades of adolescents with epilepsy are significantly lower than are those of their healthy controls (p < 0.001) in all the subjects. The variables that significantly predict poor school performance in adolescents with epilepsy include psychopathology in the caretaker (p < 0.001), adolescents' perceived poor family functioning (p = 0.002), adolescents' attitude toward the illness (p = 0.001), adolescents' felt stigma (p = 0.002), externalizing symptoms in the adolescents (p = 0.004), and duration of illness (p = 0.024). Conclusions: The determinants of poor school performance in adolescents with epilepsy in Nigeria are multivariate, with psychosocial factors most important. These should be noted for early identification and screening of those children at greatest risk for academic failure and the greatest need for appropriate educational remediation services.
Silymarin Protects Against Acute Ethanol‐Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice
Authors: Song Zhenyuan , Deaciuc Ion , Song Ming , Lee David Y.‐W. , Liu Yanze , Ji Xiaosheng , McClain Craig 
Published: February 2006

Background: Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that both oxidative stress and abnormal cytokine production, especially tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF), play important etiological roles in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Agents that have both antioxidant and anti‐inflammation properties, particularly anti‐TNF production, represent promising therapeutic interventions for ALD. We investigated the effects and the possible mechanism(s) of silymarin on liver injury induced by acute ethanol (EtOH) administration.Methods: Nine‐week‐old mice were divided into 4 groups, control, silymarin treatment, EtOH treatment, and silymarin/EtOH treatment, with 6 mice in each group. Because control and silymarin values were virtually identical, only control treatment is shown for ease of viewing. Ethanol‐treated mice received EtOH [5 g/kg body weight (BW)] by gavage every 12 hours for a total of 3 doses. Control mice received an isocalorical maltose solution. In the silymarin/EtOH group, silymarin was dissolved in the EtOH and gavaged simultaneously with EtOH at a dose of 200 mg/kg BW. At 4 hours after the last dosing, the mice were anesthetized and subsequent serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, hepatic lipid peroxidation, enzymatic activity of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1, hepatic TNF‐α, and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. Histopathological change was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.Results: Acute EtOH administration caused prominent hepatic microvesicular steatosis with mild necrosis and an elevation of serum ALT activity, induced a significant decrease in hepatic GSH in conjunction with enhanced lipid peroxidation, and increased hepatic TNF production. Supplementation with a standardized silymarin attenuated these adverse changes induced by acute EtOH administration.Conclusions: Silymarin protects against the liver injury caused by acute EtOH administration. In view of its nontoxic nature, it may be developed as an effective therapeutic agent for alcohol‐induced liver disease by its antioxidative stress and anti‐inflammatory features.
Gelatin “Shots” as a New Method for Alcohol Administration in a Laboratory Setting
Authors: Ralevski Elizabeth , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Limoncelli Diana D. , Husain Reema , Serrita Jane J. , Petrakis Ismene 
Published: February 2006

Background: This experiment was designed to compare gelatin “shots”—a new procedure for administering alcohol in a laboratory setting—to the alcohol beverage method. We proceeded to test whether the two methods were comparable in terms of alcohol absorption, metabolism, and effects on mood and whether gelatin “shots” were better than the beverage in disguising alcohol in a blind, placebo comparison.Methods: Healthy volunteers participated in a two‐phase trial. In the first phase they completed 2 days of testing during which the effects of alcohol—delivered in beverage (1 day) or gelatin “shots” (alternative day)—on blood and breathalyzer concentrations and mood were assessed. In the second phase participants completed 2 days of testing and were asked to identify if samples contained alcohol or placebo. The presentation of alcohol and placebo and the presentation of beverage or gelatin “shots” were random.Results: In the first phase there was a significant time‐by‐condition interaction in the blood alcohol concentration. Two‐and‐a‐half hours after the alcohol was administered, those given gelatin “shots” had slightly lower but statistically significant blood alcohol concentrations. There was a significant time effect for breathalyzer alcohol levels but no condition or condition‐by‐time interaction. There were no differences between the two methods on any of the subjective mood measures. In the second phase of the study there were differences in the ability to differentiate alcohol from placebo between the two conditions with significantly more participants making errors in the gelatin “shots” than in the beverage condition.Conclusions: Our findings indicate that gelatin “shots” are an effective method for delivering alcohol to humans in a laboratory setting. This method may be superior to the alcohol beverage mixture in a placebo‐controlled design because gelatin “shots” mask the alcohol much better than a beverage and are easier to administer.
Survivor Swaps
Authors: Dowd Kevin , Blake David , Cairns Andrew J. G. , Dawson Paul 
Published: February 2006

AbstractA survivor swap (SS) is an agreement to exchange cash flows in the future based on the outcome of at least one survivor index. This article discusses the possible uses of SSs as instruments for managing, hedging, and trading mortality‐dependent risks. SSs are especially useful for insurance companies, but also offer other interested parties low beta avenues into the acquisition of mortality risk exposure. The article also investigates vanilla SSs in some detail, and suggests how their premiums and values might be determined in an incomplete market setting.
To Hedge or Not to Hedge: Managing Demographic Risk in Life Insurance Companies
Authors: Gründl Helmut , Post Thomas , Schulze Roman N. 
Published: February 2006

AbstractDemographic risk, i.e., the risk that life tables change in a nondeterministic way, is a serious threat to the financial stability of an insurance company having underwritten life insurance and annuity business. The inverse influence of changes in mortality laws on the market value of life insurance and annuity liabilities creates natural hedging opportunities. Within a realistically calibrated shareholder value (SHV) maximization framework, we analyze the implications of demographic risk on the optimal risk management mix (equity capital, asset allocation, and product policy) for a limited liability insurance company operating in a market with insolvency‐averse insurance buyers. Our results show that the utilization of natural hedging is optimal only if equity is scarce. Otherwise, hedging can even destroy SHV. A sensitivity analysis shows that a misspecification of demographic risk has severe consequences for both the insurer and the insured. This result highlights the importance of further research in the field of demographic risk.