bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Predicting in‐treatment performance and post‐treatment outcomes in methamphetamine users
Authors: Hillhouse Maureen P. , Marinelli‐Casey Patricia , Gonzales Rachel , Ang Alfonso , Rawson Richard A. ,   the Methamphetamine Treatment Project Corporate Authors
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTAims  This study examines the utility of individual drug use and treatment characteristics for predicting in‐treatment performance and post‐treatment outcomes over a 1‐year period.Design, setting and participants  Data were collected from 420 adults who participated in the Methamphetamine Treatment Project (MTP), a multi‐site study of randomly assigned treatment for methamphetamine dependence. Interviews were conducted at baseline, during treatment and during three follow‐up time‐points: treatment discharge and at 6 and 12 months following admission.Measurements  The Addiction Severity Index (ASI); the Craving, Frequency, Intensity and Duration Estimate (CFIDE); and laboratory urinalysis results were used in the current study.Findings  Analyses addressed both in‐treatment performance and post‐treatment outcomes. The most consistent finding is that pre‐treatment methamphetamine use predicts in‐treatment performance and post‐treatment outcomes. No one variable predicted all in‐treatment performance measures; however, gender, route of administration and pre‐treatment methamphetamine use were significant predictors. Similarly, post‐treatment outcomes were predicted by a range of variables, although pre‐treatment methamphetamine use was significantly associated with each post‐treatment outcome.Conclusions  These findings provide useful empirical information about treatment outcomes for methamphetamine abusers, and highlight the utility of assessing individual and in‐treatment characteristics in the development of appropriate treatment plans.
SHORT COMMUNICATION: Associations of BF2 alleles with antibody titres and production traits in commercial pure line broiler chickens
Authors: Ewald S. J. , Ye X. , Avendano S. , McLeod S. , Lamont S. J. , Dekkers J. C. M. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryThree commercial broiler pure lines were evaluated for associations of sire BF2 (major histocompatibility complex class I) alleles with progeny phenotypic traits. Significant BF2 associations with a subset of traits were observed in two lines. The BF2*21 allele was positively associated with antibody titre to infectious bursal disease virus in both lines. Other associations were line‐specific.
Single‐dose pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam in healthy Chinese male subjects
Authors: Zhao Qian , Jiang Ji , Li XiaoMing , Lu Zhihong (Sarah) , Hu Pei 
Published: February 2007

What is already known about this subject • Levetiracetam has been evaluated for epilepsy since 1992.• Pharmacokinetic studies of levetiracetam have been conducted in healthy volunteers, in adults, children and elderly patients with epilepsy, and in patients with renal and hepatic impairment.• Although this antiepileptic has been well studied in Western countries, this paper describes the first such trial of the drug in a Chinese population. What this study adds • Information is given on the pharmacokinetics, dose proportionality, safety and tolerability profile of levetiracetam in healthy male Chinese volunteers, and the results are compared with published data obtained in White subjects.• The pharmacokinetics and the pattern of adverse events of levetiracetam in Chinese subjects are similar to the data reported in White subjects.AimsThe main aims of this study were to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam in healthy male Chinese volunteers and to assess the dose proportionality between the 500‐mg and 1500‐mg single doses.MethodsThis was a randomized, single‐centre, single‐dose, two‐way crossover study. Twenty‐six healthy male Chinese subjects were enrolled. All subjects received a single dose of 500 mg or 1500 mg levetiracetam tablet(s) on the dosing day, and the wash‐out period was 7 days. Blood was obtained for a 36‐h pharmacokinetic evaluation.ResultsFollowing single‐dose administration of 500 mg and 1500 mg of levetiracetam, the median tmax was 0.5 and 0.5 h; t1/2 was 7.3 ± 0.8 and 7.3 ± 0.7 h; Cmax was 13.6 ± 3.2 and 47.1 ± 12.1 µg ml−1; AUC0–∞ was 109.3 ± 14.1 and 340.4 ± 50.6 µg h−1 ml−1; and AUC0–t was 105.7 ± 13.3 and 329.0 ± 47.9 µg h−1 ml−1, respectively.ConclusionsBoth Cmax and AUCs were dose‐proportional over the range of 500–1500 mg. The pharmacokinetic data obtained in these Chinese subjects were similar to the historical data from a matched group of White subjects.
Plasma microparticles and vascular disorders
Authors: Lynch Susan F , Ludlam Christopher A 
Published: February 2007

SummaryMicroparticles are circulating, phospholipid rich, submicron particles released from the membranes of endothelial cells, platelets, leucocytes and erythrocytes. Investigation into their biological activity has revealed diverse actions in coagulation, cell signalling and cellular interactions. These actions are mediated through their phospholipid rich surfaces and the expression of cell surface molecules which reflect their cell of origin and its state of activation.Microparticle numbers are reported to be elevated in a number of conditions where vascular dysfunction and inflammation are important pathophysiological mechanisms, for example coronary artery disease or thrombotic microangiopathies. Currently, there are a variety of different methods used for the quantitation of circulating microparticles; however with standardisation their assessment may prove to be of clinical value, reflecting the state of the vasculature. Knowledge of the functional properties of microparticles will contribute to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying vascular dysfunction and prothrombotic states.
Robust, routine haematology reference ranges for healthy adults
Authors: WAKEMAN L. , AL‐ISMAIL S. , BENTON A. , BEDDALL A. , GIBBS A. , HARTNELL S. , MORRIS K. , MUNRO R. 
Published: February 2007

SummaryAccurate, reliable laboratory reference ranges are essential for effective clinical evaluation and monitoring. We present robust reference ranges established for haematology, coagulation and haematinic parameters using the Sysmex XE 2100, CA 1500 and Beckman–Coulter Access analysers. Blood samples were taken from 250 healthy laboratory personnel and routine haematology, coagulation and haematinic parameter analysis performed. Our data represent findings from an extensive study to establish reference ranges in healthy adults.
Effects of the route of oestrogen administration on IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 in healthy postmenopausal women: results from a randomized placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Sonnet Emmanuel , Lacut Karine , Roudaut Nathalie , Mottier Dominique , Kerlan Véronique , Oger Emmanuel 
Published: February 2007

SummaryObjective  Oestrogens can modulate the action or secretion of GH. Previous studies in postmenopausal women have shown a differential effect between transdermal 17β‐oestradiol and oral ethynyl‐oestradiol on GH and IGF‐1 concentrations. This secondary analysis, based on a large randomized trial, aimed to estimate the effect of the route of administration of 17β‐oestradiol in combined hormone replacement therapy with progesterone on IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 levels.Design  IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3 were evaluated in a randomized study of 196 healthy postmenopausal women who were randomly allocated to receive on a continuous basis either 1 mg of 17β‐oestradiol orally combined with a daily intake of 100 mg progesterone (group 1; n = 63), or 50 µg of 17β‐oestradiol transdermally combined with a daily intake of 100 mg progesterone (group 2; n = 68), or triple dummy placebo (group 3; n = 65) over a 6‐month period. IGF1 and IGFBP‐3 levels were available for 133 women.Results  Oral oestrogen significantly decreased IGF‐1 levels compared to placebo (P = 0·04) and transdermal oestrogen (P = 0·004), whereas transdermal oestrogen had no effect on IGF‐1 levels compared to placebo (P = 0·56). As regards IGFBP‐3, no significant difference was detected between the three groups.Conclusions  Our data indicate that the route of oestrogen administration can influence IGF‐1 levels. IGF‐1 concentrations decreased significantly with oral oestrogen, whereas no significant change was observed with transdermal oestrogen at 6 months. The clinical relevance of these differential effects remains to be determined, particularly with regard to the risk for cardiovascular diseases.
Pharmacological prevention of atherothrombotic events in patients with peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Blinc A. , Poredoš P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPeripheral arterial disease (PAD) is strongly associated with atherosclerosis in the coronary and carotid arteries, leading to a highly increased incidence of myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and cardiovascular death. Fortunately, pharmacological interventions in large clinical trials have been as effective in subgroups of patients with PAD as in subjects with other atherosclerotic disease. Antiplatelet treatment is indicated in virtually all patients with PAD. Aspirin 75–325 mg day−1 is considered as first‐line treatment, and clopidogrel 75 mg day−1 is an effective alternative. Statin therapy is indicated to achieve a target low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level of ≤ 2·5 mmol L−1 in patients with PAD and there is emerging evidence that even lower levels are beneficial. Lowering of plasma homocysteine by supplementing folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 is not recommended in patients with mild to moderate hyperhomocysteinaemia in the 12–25 µmol L−1 range, since it does not reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events. Antihypertensive treatment is indicated to achieve a goal blood pressure of ≤ 140/90 mmHg or ≤ 130/80 mmHg in the presence of diabetes or chronic kidney disease. All classes of antihypertensive drugs are acceptable for treatment of hypertension in patients with PAD, but angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors ramipril or perindopril are especially appropriate because they reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events beyond their blood pressure‐lowering effects. Beta‐blockers should not be used as first‐line antihypertensive treatment. Diabetic patients with PAD should reduce their glycosylated haemoglobin to ≤ 7%. In conclusion, pharmacological secondary prevention of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with PAD should be as comprehensive as that in patients with established coronary or cerebrovascular disease.
Genetic and environmental determinants of the PON‐1 phenotype
Authors: Roest M. , Van Himbergen T. M. , Barendrecht A. B. , Peeters P. H. M. , Van Der Schouw Y. T. , Voorbij H. A. M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground  Paraoxonase (PON‐1) is a high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐associated enzyme that may protect against cardiovascular disease (CVD), because it hydrolyses oxidized phospholipids of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and therefore prevents the detrimental effects on the arterial wall. The current report describes the determinants of PON‐1 bioavailability and activity.Materials and methods  This is the largest (n = 1527) cross‐sectional evaluation performed on PON‐1 genotypes (Q192R, T‐107C and L55M) and environmental determinants to PON‐1 catalytic activity and bioavailability in serum of postmenopausal women. PON‐1 catalytic activity and PON‐1 bioavailability were measured, in vitro, with a paraoxon hydrolysis assay and a phenylacetate hydrolysis assay, respectively.Results  The major determinant of paraoxon hydrolytic activity is the Q192R genotype, but there was also a relation with the C‐107T and L55M genotype, HDL levels and alcohol consumption. Phenylacetate hydrolytic activity was most strongly affected by the C‐107T genotype followed by the L55M genotype, HDL levels, alcohol consumption and smoking.Conclusions  PON‐1 Q192R, C‐107T and L55M genotype, alcohol consumption, smoking and HDL levels are determinants of serum PON‐1 phenotype. The contributions of the genetic markers to the PON‐1 phenotype are stronger than the contributions of the lifestyle determinants.
Vascular stiffness in familial hypercholesterolaemia is associated with C‐reactive protein and cholesterol burden
Authors: Cheng H. M. , Ye Z. X. , Chiou K. R. , Lin S. J. , Charng M. J. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractBackground  Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is characterized by very high serum cholesterol and premature coronary atherosclerosis. Arterial stiffness and atherosclerosis are two major underlying pathophysiologies of arterial disease that are predictive of future cardiovascular events. The aims of this study were to quantify atherosclerosis and arterial stiffness and to evaluate their relationship with high sensitive C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) and the level of exposure to high serum cholesterol in FH patients.Materials and methods  We measured traditional risk factors, hs‐CRP, intima‐media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery, and brachial‐ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in 35 heterozygous FH subjects and 17 healthy control subjects. Cholesterol‐year score (CYS) was calculated to estimate the lifetime cholesterol burden in FH subjects.Results  FH subjects had significantly elevated total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and carotid IMT compared with those without mutations. Among FH patients, the baPWV and carotid IMT were higher in cases with high cholesterol burden than those without. Similarly, the baPWV and carotid IMT were also higher in cases with elevated hs‐CRP (> 1 mg L−1) than those without. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated CYS and hs‐CRP were significant independent predictors of baPWV and IMT in FH patients.Conclusions  Both high cholesterol burden and vascular inflammation are not only associated with atherosclerosis, but also contribute to the development of arterial stiffness in FH patients. Early detection of hypercholesterolaemia in FH patients is warranted to prevent the untoward pathophysiologies.
Response to alkaline stress by root canal bacteria in biofilms
Authors: Chávez de Paz L. E. , Bergenholtz G. , Dahlén G. , Svensäter G. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  To determine whether bacteria isolated from infected root canals survive alkaline shifts better in biofilms than in planktonic cultures.Methodology  Clinical isolates of Enterococcus faecalis, Lactobacillus paracasei, Olsenella uli, Streptococcus anginosus, S. gordonii, S. oralis and Fusobacterium nucleatum in biofilm and planktonic cultures were stressed at pH 10.5 for 4 h, and cell viability determined using the fluorescent staining LIVE/DEAD BacLight bacterial viability kit. In addition, proteins released into extracellular culture fluids were identified by Western blotting.Results  Enterococcus faecalis, L. paracasei, O. uli and S. gordonii survived in high numbers in both planktonic cultures and in biofilms after alkaline challenge. S. anginosus, S. oralis and F. nucleatum showed increased viability in biofilms compared with planktonic cultures. Alkaline exposure caused all planktonic cultures to aggregate into clusters and resulted in a greater extrusion of cellular proteins compared with cells in biofilms. Increased levels of DnaK, HPr and fructose‐1,6‐bisphosphate aldolase were observed in culture fluids, especially amongst streptococci.Conclusions  In general, bacteria isolated from infected roots canals resisted alkaline stress better in biofilms than in planktonic cultures, however, planktonic cells appeared to use aggregation and the extracellular transport of specific proteins as survival mechanisms.
Vicariance patterns in the Mediterranean Sea: east–west cleavage and low dispersal in the endemic seagrass Posidonia oceanica
Authors: Arnaud‐Haond Sophie , Migliaccio Marianna , Diaz‐Almela Elena , Teixeira Sara , Van De Vliet Mirjiam Susanne , Alberto Filipe , Procaccini Gabriele , Duarte Carlos M. , Serrão Ester A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  The seagrass, Posidonia oceanica is a clonal angiosperm endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. Previous studies have suggested that clonal growth is far greater than sexual recruitment and thus leads to low clonal diversity within meadows. However, recently developed microsatellite markers indicate that there are many different genotypes, and therefore many distinct clones present. The low resolution of markers used in the past limited our ability to estimate clonality and assess the individual level. New high‐resolution dinucleotide microsatellites now allow genetically distinct individuals to be identified, enabling more reliable estimation of population genetic parameters across the Mediterranean Basin. We investigated the biogeography and dispersal of P. oceanica at various spatial scales in order to assess the influence of different evolutionary factors shaping the distribution of genetic diversity in this species.Location  The Mediterranean.Methods  We used seven hypervariable microsatellite markers, in addition to the five previously existing markers, to describe the spatial distribution of genetic variability in 34 meadows spread throughout the Mediterranean, on the basis of an average of 35.6 (± 6.3) ramets sampled.Results  At the scale of the Mediterranean Sea as a whole, a strong east–west cleavage was detected (amova). These results are in line with those obtained using previous markers. The new results showed the presence of a putative secondary contact zone at the Siculo‐Tunisian Strait, which exhibited high allelic richness and shared alleles absent from the eastern and western basins. F statistics (pairwise θ ranges between 0.09 and 0.71) revealed high genetic structure between meadows, both at a small scale (about 2 to 200 km) and at a medium scale within the eastern and western basins, independent of geographical distance. At the intrameadow scale, significant spatial autocorrelation in six out of 15 locations revealed that dispersal can be restricted to the scale of a few metres.Main conclusions  A stochastic pattern of effective migration due to low population size, turnover and seed survival is the most likely explanation for this pattern of highly restricted gene flow, despite the importance of an a priori seed dispersal potential. The east–west cleavage probably represents the outline of vicariance caused by the last Pleistocene ice age and maintained to this day by low gene flow. These results emphasize the diversity of evolutionary processes shaping the genetic structure at different spatial scales.
Comparative historical biogeography of Plateumaris leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Japan: interplay between fossil and molecular data
Authors: Sota Teiji , Hayashi Masakazu 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAim  In an attempt to use molecular and fossil data interactively in historical biogeography, we studied the phylogeography of five Plateumaris leaf beetles in Japan using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) sequence data to explore interspecific differences in phylogeographical patterns and estimate the timings of colonization and geographical differentiation.Location  A total of 461 beetles from five species on Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu islands of Japan were analysed with 117 beetles from three conspecies and two congeners from the mainland (Russia, including Sakhalin; Korea; Mongolia; Belgium; France; hereafter, the continent).Methods  Using the sequence data from a 750‐bp portion of the COI gene, we studied the phylogeny of COI haplotypes, intraspecific population differentiation using analysis of molecular variance and the Mantel test, and intraspecific phylogeography using nested clade analysis. In addition, divergence times between the continental and Japanese lineages, as well as among the various Japanese lineages, were estimated using a Bayesian approach with node constraints based on fossil records of extant species.Results  Three widely distributed species showed different degrees of geographical differentiation corresponding to their different colonization history in Japan. Bayesian estimates of divergence time revealed that one of two endemic species, which originated before the late Pliocene, attained intraspecific differentiation through the Pliocene and Pleistocene, whereas another endemic species has been confined in one locality, and three non‐endemic species colonized Japan after the mid‐Pleistocene.Main conclusions  Molecular analyses of an insect group with relatively abundant fossil data can contribute greatly to the understanding of diverse biogeographical histories of related species in a region. Bayesian estimates of divergence time could be used to assess the variable evolutionary rates of the COI gene, and may be applied to other related insect species.
A Qualitative study explaining nurses’ perceptions of quality care for older people in long‐term care settings in Ireland
Authors: Murphy Kathy 
Published: February 2007

Aim. The aim of this research was to explore nurses’ perceptions of the attributes of quality care and the factors that facilitate or hinder high‐quality nursing care in long‐term care.Background. The quality of care for older people living in long‐term care has been identified as an issue of concern in many nursing research studies. While many factors have been identified, it is difficult to determine key factors from current research.Method. The study was a qualitative exploration of nurses’ perceptions of quality care for older people and the factors that facilitate or hinder quality care. It involved 20 interviews with nurses. Respondents were asked to illustrate their accounts with examples from practice. This phase of the research was guided by the principles of hermeneutic phenomenology and the analysis process by Van Manen.Findings. The findings indicated that nurses perceived quality care for older people in Ireland as holistic, individualized and focused on promoting independence and choice. The research revealed, however, that care in many practice areas was not individualized, patient choice and involvement in decision making was limited and some areas engendered dependency. While staffing was identified as a factor which had an impact on the provision of patient choice, other issues, such as the motivation of staff, the role of the ward manager and the dominance of routine were also highlighted.Conclusion. There is a need to review organizational approaches to care, develop patient centred approaches to care and provide educational support for managers.Relevance to practice. This research focuses on care for older people; it helps practitioners identify key factors in the provision of quality care for older people living in long‐term care.