bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disuse Exaggerates the Detrimental Effects of Alcohol on Cortical Bone
Authors: Hefferan Theresa E. , Kennedy Angela M. , Evans Glenda L. , Turner Russell T. 
Published: April 2006

Background: Alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk for osteoporosis. However, comorbidity factors may play an important role in the pathogenesis of alcohol‐related bone fractures. Suboptimal mechanical loading of the skeleton, an established risk factor for bone loss, may occur in some alcohol abusers due to reduced physical activity, muscle atrophy, or both. The effect of alcohol consumption and reduced physical activity on bone metabolism has not been well studied. The purpose of this study was to determine whether mechanical disuse alters bone metabolism in a rat model for chronic alcohol abuse.Methods: Alcohol was administered in the diet (35% caloric intake) of 6‐month‐old male rats for 4 weeks. Rats were hindlimb‐unloaded the final 2 weeks of the experiment to prevent dynamic weight bearing. Afterward, cortical bone histomorphometry was evaluated at the tibia‐fibula synostosis.Results: At the periosteal surface of the tibial diaphysis, alcohol and hindlimb unloading independently decreased the mineralizing perimeter, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate. In addition, alcohol, but not hindlimb unloading, increased endocortical bone resorption. The respective detrimental effects of alcohol and hindlimb unloading to inhibit bone formation were additive; there was no interaction between the two variables.Conclusions: Reduced weight bearing accentuates the detrimental effects of alcohol on cortical bone in adult male rats by further inhibiting bone formation. This finding suggests that reduced physical activity may be a comorbidity factor for osteoporosis in alcohol abusers.
Alcohol, But Not Lipopolysaccharide‐Induced Liver Apoptosis Involves Changes in Intracellular Compartmentalization of Apoptotic Regulators
Authors: Deaciuc Ion V. , D'Souza Nympha B. , Burikhanov Ravshan , Nasser Munira S. , Voskresensky Igor V. , de Villiers Willem J. S. , McClain Craig J. 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: While alcohol‐induced augmentation of liver apoptosis has been demonstrated in humans and laboratory animals, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. This study addresses the question whether alcohol and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a putative mediator of alcohol effects on the liver, induce augmentation of liver apoptosis by intrinsic or extrinsic signaling pathways. This information may prove important for future design of therapies for alcoholic liver disease.Methods: Male rats were fed either an alcohol‐containing liquid diet or an isocaloric, control diet for 15–16 weeks. At the end of feeding period, the rats were treated with LPS (0.8 mg·kg−1 body weight) or sterile saline and killed 3 and 24 hr later. The liver and blood were sampled for histology and biochemical assays. Hepatocytes were isolated by collagenase perfusion and fractionated to yield mitochondria and cytoplasm. The propensity of mitochondria to undergo permeability transition in the presence of a Ca2+ overload was determined along with distribution of various apoptotic regulators (AIF, Smac2, Bax, cytochrome c, Bcl‐XL, Bfl‐1, and caspase‐2) between mitochondria and cytoplasmic fractions.Results: Increased liver apoptosis in alcohol‐treated rats was associated with translocation of several apoptotic regulators between mitochondria and cytoplasm in a manner suggesting that alcohol induces augmentation of apoptosis by recruiting intrinsic apoptotic signals. LPS treatment of rats counteracted alcohol‐induced changes in intracellular compartmentalization of apoptotic regulators despite an increased rate of apoptosis. LPS may, therefore, recruit extrinsic apoptotic signals, such as proinflammatory cytokines.Conclusions: Hepatocytes are to be able to mount an apoptotic response to both intrinsic and extrinsic signals. Alcohol increases liver apoptosis predominantly through an intrinsic signaling pathway while LPS recruits extrinsic signaling pathways.
Comparative Analyses of Four Different Methods of Genotyping ALDH2
Authors: Itoga Sakae , Nanmoku Toru , Uchimoto Takayuki , Sunaga Masahiko , Nezu Masahiko , Tomonaga Takeshi , Harada Shoji , Nomura Fumio 
Published: April 2006

Background: A number of methods of genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are currently available, ranging from the traditional restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and single‐stranded conformational polymorphism (SSCP) to more sophisticated technologies. We determined the utility of three novel methods by genotyping aldehyde dehydrogenase‐2 (ALDH2).Methods: DNA was isolated from blood samples of 241 control subjects and 74 patients with esophageal cancer. The utility of three novel genotyping methods—melting curve analysis using a LightCycler, SNaPshot analysis using an ABI PRISM 310 genetic analyzer, and denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography using a WAVE DNA fragment analysis system—were compared with that of conventional fluorescent‐based polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐SSCP using an ALF express DNA sequencer.Results: The frequency of the mutant ALDH2*2 allele was significantly higher in patients with esophageal cancer (27.7%) than in control subjects (16.2%; p < 0.01; habitual alcohol drinkers). The melting curve analysis was accurate, more rapid, and easier to use than the SNaPshot analysis or denaturing high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. Fluorescent‐based PCR‐SSCP proved useful for analyzing a large number of samples.Conclusion: Melting curve analysis using the LightCycler is suitable for the genotyping of small numbers of samples in a routine clinical setting; fluorescent‐based PCR‐SSCP analysis using the ALF express DNA sequencer can be used for large‐scale genotyping in epidemiologic studies.
Isolation of Stimulants of Gastrointestinal Motility in Beer
Authors: Yokoo Yoshiaki , Fujii Wataru , Hori Hisako , Nagao Koji , Suwa Yoshihide , Taniyama Kohtaro , Tsuji Kuniro , Yoshida Toshiyuki , Nukaya Haruo 
Published: April 2006

Background: Among various alcoholic beverages, it has reported that beer has a potent activity to stimulate gastric emptying. Our previous studies showed that beer congener stimulated gastrointestinal motility by directly stimulating muscarinic M3 receptor, present in smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. However, active components that account for the action have yet to be identified. We attempted to isolate the stimulant(s) of gastrointestinal motility in beer.Methods: Beer congener was prepared from beer and used to separate and purify active components by a series of liquid chromatography using affinity to muscarinic M3 receptor as an index. Gastrointestinal motility‐stimulating activity was evaluated using a test for activity that causes contraction of longitudinal muscles in guinea pig ileum and a test for gastric emptying activity in mice.Results: The active components (compounds A and B) were purified and isolated from beer by four liquid chromatography steps. The IC50 values of two active isolates to muscarinic M3 receptor were 0.65 × 10−6 g/ml and 2.30 × 10−6 g/ml, respectively. The concentrations of compounds A and B contained in beer were sufficient to explain most of the muscarinic M3 receptor binding activity of beer. The active fraction that contained both compounds A and B (which was 10 times as active as beer congener in muscarinic M3 receptor binding activity) dose‐dependently contracted the longitudinal muscles of guinea pig ileum with an activity that was 20 times as potent as that of beer congener. The same active fraction significantly stimulated gastric emptying in mice with an activity 20 times as potent as that of beer congener.Conclusions: Two active components (compounds A and B) were isolated as gastrointestinal motility stimulants (muscarinic M3 agonists) in beer. These results suggest that the two isolated active components are the active entities of the gastrointestinal motility‐stimulating effect of beer.
Pioglitazone Prevents Acute Liver Injury Induced by Ethanol and Lipopolysaccharide Through the Suppression of Tumor Necrosis Factor‐α
Authors: Ohata Mitsuru , Suzuki Hideaki , Sakamoto Kazuhiko , Hashimoto Kenichi , Nakajima Hisato , Yamauchi Masayoshi , Hokkyo Ken , Yamada Hisashi , Toda Gotaro 
Published: April 2006

Background: Peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor‐γ (PPAR‐γ), which is a ligand‐dependent transcriptional factor, forms a heterodimer with retinoid X receptor (RXR) and controls many genes that are relevant to the regulation of lipid metabolism and insulin sensitization. Recent studies have shown that stimulation of PPAR‐γ inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines in monocytes and macrophages. Alcohol and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) have already been shown to induce liver injury through the activation of many inflammatory cytokines. Thus, the activation of PPAR‐γ by its ligand may represent a potential effect causing liver injury. In this study, we investigated the effects of pioglitazone, a ligand for PPAR‐γ, on acute liver injury induced by ethanol and LPS.Methods: Female Sprague‐Dawley rats that weighed 300 g were given ethanol (5 g/kg body weight) intragastrically and received an intraperitoneal injection of LPS 24 hr later. Subsequently, pioglitazone (1 mg/kg body weight) or vehicle alone was injected intraperitoneally 10 min and 24 hr after ethanol administration. Plasma levels of aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase were measured by spectrophotometer. Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were also determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma and hepatic levels of lipid peroxide were measured, and the histologic findings of the liver were examined. Reverse transcription–polymerase reaction analysis of TNF‐α, PPAR‐γ, RXR‐α, and β‐actin mRNA was performed. Western blot analysis using the p65 subunit of NF‐κB was also performed.Results: Pioglitazone prevented increase in plasma aspartate transaminase, alanine aminotransferase, and TNF‐α levels but had no effect on plasma and hepatic levels of lipid peroxide. Pioglitazone also prevented hepatic inflammation and necrosis induced by ethanol and LPS. Ethanol and LPS induction of TNF‐α mRNA in the liver was blunted by pioglitazone; however, RXR‐α mRNA was not affected. PPAR‐γ mRNA levels were suppressed by ethanol and LPS but recaptured by pioglitazone. Western blot analysis showed that pioglitazone did not inhibit translocation of NF‐κB to nuclei.Conclusion: These results suggest that pioglitazone may prevent liver injury induced by ethanol and LPS through the suppression of TNF‐α.
The Phosphodiesterase III Inhibitor Olprinone Decreases Sensitivity of Rat Kupffer Cells to Endotoxin
Authors: Enomoto Nobuyuki , Takei Yoshiyuki , Hirose Miyoko , Yamashina Shunhei , Ikejima Kenichi , Kitamura Tsuneo , Sato Nobuhiro 
Published: April 2006

Background: Sensitivity of Kupffer cells to endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] and overproduction of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) are critical for progression of alcoholic liver injury. Therefore, suppression of TNF‐α should prove useful for treatment of alcoholic liver injury. However, a transient increase of intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i) is required for LPS‐induced TNF‐α production by the macrophage cell line. The phosphodiesterase III inhibitor olprinone has been shown to suppress [Ca2+]i level in vascular smooth muscle cells. Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to determine whether olprinone could prevent sensitization of Kupffer cells to endotoxin.Methods: Kupffer cells were isolated by collagenase digestion and differential centrifugation. LPS was added to Kupffer cells 24 hr after incubation with or without olprinone (0.1 μmol/liter). After addition of LPS (10 μg/ml) to culture media, [Ca2+]i was measured using a fluorescent indicator, fura‐2.Results: LPS increased [Ca2+]i of Kupffer cells in control rats from basal levels (28 ± 4 nmol/liter) to 280 ± 14 nmol/liter. This increase was blunted by olprinone (91 ± 8 nmol/liter). Similarly, olprinone diminished the LPS (1 μg/ml)‐induced TNF‐α production by Kupffer cells by 30% (2220 ± 116 vs. 1386 ± 199 pg/ml; p < 0.05).Conclusions: These results indicate that olprinone decreases sensitivity of Kupffer cells to endotoxin.
Associations Between Serum Leptin Levels and Transaminase Activities and the Status of Lifestyle in Japanese Workers
Authors: Yokoyama Hirokazu , Hirose Hiroshi , Ohgo Hideki , Saito Ikuo 
Published: April 2006

Background: Leptin has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. In this study, associations between serum leptin levels and serum transaminase activities and the statuses of various lifestyles, including that of ethanol consumption, were studied.Methods: Associations between these factors were statistically examined in 122 Japanese men on the basis of the data taken from their health checkups. Individuals with cirrhosis, hepatitis virus infection, and autoimmune liver diseases were excluded.Results: Spearman's simple regression analyses demonstrated that serum leptin levels correlated with serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (r= 0.174, p= 0.0382) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT; r= 0.336, p < 0.0001) but not with serum γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase activity (r= 0.155, p= 0.0656). In multiple regression analysis in which subjects’ age, levels of serum triglyceride, and insulin resistance index were adjusted, the logarithmic serum leptin level was significantly associated with logarithmic ALT activity (p= 0.004) but not with logarithmic aspartate aminotransferase activity (p= 0.134). ANOVA showed no significant association between serum leptin levels and total lifestyle status assessed by Breslow's index. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that normal body mass index and proper exercise were factors accounting for maintaining a normal leptin level, whereas the ethanol consumption level did not affect the serum leptin level. No significant association between ethanol consumption and serum leptin level was confirmed by single regression analysis as well as by Spearman's simple regression test.Conclusion: Increased serum leptin is related to morbid conditions increasing ALT. Because the association between the degree of ethanol consumption and the serum leptin level was not significant, the reported association between the serum leptin level and alcoholic liver disease should, at least, not be a feature of its early stage.
Alcohol Use and Suicidal Behavior in Women: Longitudinal Patterns in a U.S. National Sample
Authors: Wilsnack Sharon C. , Wilsnack Richard W. , Kristjanson Arlinda F. , Vogeltanz‐Holm Nancy D. , Windle Michael 
Published: April 2006

Abstract: Background: Much of the research on suicidality has focused on adolescents and completed suicides, with less attention to types of suicidal behavior (ideation and attempts) that are more common among women. Research has associated women's suicidality with hazardous drinking, adverse childhood experiences, relationship problems, depression, and earlier suicidal behavior. The longitudinal analyses here examine long‐term antecedents of suicidal ideation among women in the U.S. general population.Methods: We used 1981 and 1991 survey data to predict post‐1991 suicidal ideation in a 1996 national sample of 709 women aged 26 to 54 (538 current drinkers). Predictors included 1991 measures of hazardous drinking, depressive episodes, illicit drug use, general health, children at home, interaction with partner, and previous suicidal ideation. Predictors from childhood included recalled parental drinking, parental love or rejection, early drinking and sexual intercourse, and sexual abuse. Demographic predictors included age, education, and ethnicity. A three‐stage structural equation model that included these variables was evaluated with Mplus for women who were drinkers in 1991 and/or 1996.Results: Almost all women who attempted suicide also reported suicidal ideation. Among women drinkers, suicidal ideation before 1991 was more common in the following groups: Latinas, women who believed that their parents had rejected them, and women who reported childhood sexual abuse. Hazardous drinking and poorer health in 1991, childhood histories of sexual abuse and early drinking, and previous suicidal ideation predicted suicidal ideation after 1991. Domestic stressors in 1991 (inability to share feelings with a partner and having four or more young children at home) also predicted subsequent suicidal ideation, but depressive episodes did not. Suicidal ideation was less likely among women drinkers who reported past illicit drug use.Conclusions: Suicidal ideation among women drinkers was largely predictable from previous suicidal ideation, hazardous drinking, adverse childhood experiences, and domestic stressors. Higher rates of pre‐1991 suicidal ideation among Latinas indicate a need for further study of ethnic influences on suicidality. Reduced suicidal ideation among women with past illicit drug use suggests that conclusions about such use from shorter‐term studies may be oversimplified. Understanding women's suicidal ideation, as a precursor to suicidal actions, requires more detailed research on pathways by which hazardous drinking as well as combined distress from childhood experiences and adult domestic environments may increase women's despair and thoughts of suicide.
Valuation and Performance of Reacquisitions Following Equity Carve‐Outs
Authors: Gleason Kimberly , Madura Jeff , Pennathur Anita K. 
Published: April 2006

AbstractWhile existing literature reports a positive market reaction to parent companies conducting carve‐outs, we find that the response to carve‐outs that are ultimately reacquired is negative or insignificant. Reacquired units perform considerably worse than those that are not reacquired. Thus, parents may perceive that the market does not recognize the potential of these poorly performing units, and reacquires them to capitalize on the parents' private information. The reacquisition announcement results in a favorable market reaction for the parents and the units. However, parents experience negative long‐term buy‐and‐hold abnormal returns when they reacquire less than 100% of units' shares.
Cinnamic aldehyde in toothpaste. 1. Clinical aspects and patch tests
Authors: Magnusson B. , Wilkinson D. S. 
Published: April 2006

Although cinnamon is known to cause dermatitis in bakers and confectioners, it has only rarely been reported as causing trouble in food or cosmetics. A newly‐formulated ‘spicy’ toothpaste containing cinnamon as a flavouring agent was the cause of oral symptoms in eight patients referred to clinics in Buckinghamshire and in Malmo and in a further eight patients discovered Subsequently.Similar symptoms and patch test results were observed independently at both centres. Positive reactions were obtained with 1 % cinnamic aldehyde in 15 out of 16 patients tested. Only one patient reacted to a standard sample of balsam of Peru (25 % in petrolatum).
The histopathology of fiberglass dermatitis in relation to von Hebra's concept of eczema
Authors: Cuypers J. M. C. , Hoedemaeker J. , Nater J. P. , de Jong M. C. J. M. 
Published: April 2006

A group of 36 normal control persons was patch‐tested with glass fibers. The tested filaments had a length of about 3 to 5 mm and a length of 9 to 13 μM. The glass fibers were obtained from the normal production process. They were coated with cured epoxy resin. A group of 29 normal control persons was tested with the Mime type of fibers from which the epoxy finish had been burned off. Another group of 36 persons was patch‐tested with ultrasmall glass globes with a diameter of 10 to 15 μM. Coated and uncoated glass globules were tested. On every person 5 patch tests with the same material were done. They were removed after 1, 5, 24, 48 and 72 h. On coated fiber, 12 of 36 tested people reacted with either a + or a ++ reaction. On the uncoated fibers a reaction could be noted in 10 out of 29 persons.The patch tests with coated as well as uncoated glass globules were all negative. A total of 60 biopsies was performed in those cases where + or ++ reactions were noted. The histological examination of the biopsies showed no differences between the reactions on coaled and uncoated fibers. The skin reactions to glass fiber showed, besides microtraumatic changes, several histological characteristics of an eczematous reaction, tike spongiosis and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration. The importance of these findings is discussed. It is emphasized that histological alterations are only one of the six points which must be taken into account when the diagnosis of eczema is considered.
Contact sensitivity to Irgasan DP 300
Authors: Roed‐Petersen Jytte , Auken Gunnar , Hjorth Niels 
Published: April 2006

Two persons had allergic contact dermatitis caused by Irgasan 0.2 % in a deodorant foot‐powder and 0.12 % in a deodorant stick respectively. Both had positive patch test reactions to Irgasan 2 % pet. One patient was further tested with Irgasan 1 % pet, and 0.5 % pet. She had positive reactions to these dilutions. In a blind half‐sided usage test, a soap bar containing 0.5 % Irgasan caused mild itching and a perceptible erythema, although the use of this soap was otherwise tolerated for one month. The soap bar without Irgasan caused no reactions.Although primary sensitization from Irgasan toilet soaps has not been reported, a previously sensitized person may react to the use of Irgasan in soaps.
Etiological factors in the denture sore mouth syndrome: an investigation of 24 patients
Authors: Wakkers‐Garritsen B. G. , Timmer L. H. , Nater J. P. 
Published: April 2006

A total of 24 patients, 19 women and 5 men, complaining of denture sore mouth, were studied. In 18 persons complaints had started with the wearing of the first prosthesis. In 12 patients complaints started within the first half‐hour of contact. Several prostheses had been manufactured for most patients without any beneficial result. The following investigations were performed: a. Mechanical factors were evaluated; b. Temperature was measured beneath the prosthetic denture; c. Yeast cultures were made; d. Patch tests with possible allergens were performed on the buccal mucosa and on the skin of the back.In all these investigations, there were no significant differences with the results obtained in a control group. Finally, the influence of possible psychosomatic factors is considered.
Results of routine office patch testing
Authors: Lepine Eugene M. 
Published: April 2006

The results of patch testing over the past 18 months in a general dermatology clinic are presented and compared with the data recently reported by the North American Contact Dermatitis Group. Good correlation exists between the results of the two studies for all the reported allergens except nickel sulfate and potassium dichromate. The increased incidence of sensitivity to these allergens reported in our series probably reflects the tendency for all metal related contact dermatitis to be referred to our clinic, even though recognized as such by the referring physician.The 16.8 % reactivity to a dye mix used in our screening kit, and not reported by others, proved most interesting. In the light of continuing reports of dye related allergic contact dermatitis, our experience prompts us to suggest that, a dye mix of some sort should be evaluated in future large‐scale studies of patch test screening kits.