bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adolescent Same-Sex and Both-Sex Romantic Attractions and Relationships: Implications for Smoking
Authors: Easton Alyssa , Jackson Kat , Mowery Paul , Comeau Dawn , Sell Randall 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between smoking and romantic attractions and relationships. Methods. We used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to assess associations of smoking at Waves I and II with same-sex, both-sex, and opposite-sex romantic attractions or relationships as determined at Wave I. We used logistic regression to predict smoking at Wave II by sexual orientation. Results. Both adolescent boys and adolescent girls with both-sex attractions or relationships were significantly more likely than those with opposite-sex attractions or relationships to be current smokers. Adolescent boys and girls with both-sex attractions or relationships who were nonsmokers at Wave I were more likely to be current smokers at Wave II than those with opposite-sex attractions or relationships. Conclusions. Our findings support previous research on smoking among youths who report same-sex or both-sex romantic attractions or relationships and demonstrate the increased risk bisexual youths have for smoking initiation and smoking prevalence. Tobacco use prevention programs targeting gay and bisexual youths are warranted, particularly among adolescent girls and boys who have had both-sex romantic attractions or relationships.
Unfair Treatment, Racial/Ethnic Discrimination, Ethnic Identification, and Smoking Among Asian Americans in the National Latino and Asian American Study
Authors: Chae David H. , Takeuchi David T. , Barbeau Elizabeth M. , Bennett Gary G. , Lindsey Jane , Krieger Nancy 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined the relations of self-report of general unfair treatment and self-report of race/ethnicity-specific discrimination with current smoking among Asian Americans. We investigated whether ethnic identification moderated either association. Methods. Weighted logistic regressions were performed among 1977 Asian Americans recruited to the National Latino and Asian American Study (2002–2003). Results. In weighted multivariate logistic regression models including both general unfair treatment and racial/ethnic discrimination, odds of current smoking were higher among Asian Americans who reported high levels of unfair treatment (odds ratio [OR]=2.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.13, 6.95) and high levels of racial/ethnic discrimination (OR=2.40; 95% CI=0.94, 6.12) compared with those who reported no unfair treatment and discrimination, respectively. High levels of ethnic identification moderated racial/ethnic discrimination (F3 =3.25; P =.03). High levels of ethnic identification were associated with lower probability of current smoking among participants reporting high levels of racial/ethnic discrimination. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that experiences of unfair treatment and racial/ethnic discrimination are risk factors for smoking among Asian Americans. Efforts to promote ethnic identification may be effective in mitigating the influence of racial/ethnic discrimination on smoking in this population.
Gender Differences in the Association Between Morbidity and Mortality Among Middle-Aged Men and Women
Authors: Singh-Manoux Archana , Guéguen Alice , Ferrie Jane , Shipley Martin , Martikainen Pekka , Bonenfant Sébastien , Goldberg Marcel , Marmot Michael 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined gender differences in mortality, morbidity, and the association between the 2. Methods. We used health data from 2 studies of middle-aged men and women: the British Whitehall II cohort of employees from 20 civil service departments in London and the 1989 French GAZEL (this acronym refers to the French gas and electric companies) of employees of France's national gas and electricity company. Participants were aged 35 to 55 years when assessed for morbidity and followed up for mortality over 17 years. Results. Male mortality was higher than female mortality in Whitehall II (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.56; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.28, 1.91) and the GAZEL cohort (HR = 1.99; CI = 1.66, 2.40). Female excess morbidity was observed for some measures in the Whitehall II data and for 1 measure in the GAZEL data. Only self-reported sickness absence in the Whitehall II data was more strongly associated with mortality among men (P = .01). Conclusions. Mortality was lower among women than among men, but morbidity was not consistently higher. The lack of gender differences in the association between morbidity and mortality suggests that this is not a likely explanation for the gender paradox, which refers to higher morbidity but lower mortality among women than among men.
Workplace Discrimination and Health Among Filipinos in the United States
Authors: de Castro Arnold B. , Gee Gilbert C. , Takeuchi David T. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined the association between work discrimination and morbidity among Filipinos in the United States, independent of more-global measures of discrimination. Methods. Data were collected from the Filipino American Community Epidemiological Survey. Our analysis focused on 1652 participants who were employed at the time of data collection, and we used negative binomial regression to determine the association between work discrimination and health conditions. Results. The report of workplace discrimination specific to being Filipino was associated with an increased number of health conditions. This association persisted even after we controlled for everyday discrimination, a general assessment of discrimination; job concerns, a general assessment of unpleasant work circumstances; having immigrated for employment reasons; job category; income; education; gender; and other sociodemographic factors. Conclusions. Racial discrimination in the workplace was positively associated with poor health among Filipino Americans after we controlled for reports of everyday discrimination and general concerns about one’s job. This finding shows the importance of considering the work setting as a source of discrimination and its effect on morbidity among racial minorities.
Emergence of Socioeconomic Inequalities in Smoking and Overweight and Obesity in Early Adulthood: The National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health
Authors: Yang Seungmi , Lynch John , Schulenberg John , Roux Ana V. Diez , Raghunathan Trivellore 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined whether socioeconomic inequalities in smoking and overweight and obesity emerged in early adulthood and the contribution of family background, adolescent smoking, and body mass index to socioeconomic inequalities. Methods. Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health we employed multinomial regression analyses to estimate relative odds of heavy or light-to-moderate smoking to nonsmoking and of overweight or obesity to normal weight. Results. For smoking, we found inequalities by young adult socioeconomic position in both genders after controlling for family background and smoking during adolescence. However, family socioeconomic position was not strongly associated with smoking in early adulthood. For overweight and obesity, we found socioeconomic inequalities only among women both by young adult and family socioeconomic position after adjusting for birthweight, other family background, and body mass index during adolescence. Conclusions. Socioeconomic inequalities in smoking emerged in early adulthood according to socioeconomic position. Among women, inequalities in overweight or obesity were already evident by family socioeconomic position and strengthened by their own socioeconomic position. The relative importance of family background and current socioeconomic circumstances varied between smoking and overweight or obesity.
Effects of Individual and Proximate Educational Context on Intimate Partner Violence: A Population-Based Study of Women in India
Authors: Ackerson Leland K. , Kawachi Ichiro , Barbeau Elizabeth M. , Subramanian S.V. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined the role of women’s education and proximate educational context on intimate partner violence (IPV). Methods. We examined a sample of 83627 married women aged 15 to 49 years from the 1998 to 1999 Indian National Family Health Survey. We used multilevel multiple logistic regression modeling to estimate the relative effect of women’s and their husband’s levels of education, spousal education differential, and community-level literacy on women’s risk of recent and lifetime IPV. Results. In adjusted models, odds of recent IPV among women without any education were 5.61 times (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.53, 8.92) those of college-educated women, and odds among wives of uneducated men were 1.84 times (95% CI=1.44, 2.35) those of wives of college-educated men. Women with more education than their husbands were more likely than those with educational parity to report recent IPV (odds ratio [OR]=1.18; 95% CI=1.05, 1.33). The results were similar for lifetime IPV. After we controlled for individual factors, as community male and female literacy levels increased, likelihood of IPV declined. Conclusions. Although increasing women’s levels of education is crucial to reducing IPV for women, proximate educational context is also an important factor in reducing this public health burden.
Disentangling the Effects of Racial and Weight Discrimination on Body Mass Index and Obesity Among Asian Americans
Authors: Gee Gilbert C. , Ro Annie , Gavin Amelia , Takeuchi David T. 
Published: January 2008

Objectives. We examined whether racial discrimination is associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and obesity among Asian Americans. Further, we explored whether this association strengthens with increasing time in the United States. Methods. We analyzed data from the 2002 to 2003 National Latino and Asian American Study (n=1956). Regression models tested whether reports of racial discrimination were associated with BMI and obesity, after accounting for weight discrimination, age, gender, marital status, ethnicity, generation, employment, health status, and social desirability bias (the tendency to seek approval by providing the most socially desirable response to a question). Results. We found that (1) racial discrimination was associated with increased BMI and obesity after we controlled for weight discrimination, social desirability bias, and other factors and (2) the association between racial discrimination and BMI strengthened with increasing time in the United States. Conclusions. Racial discrimination may be an important factor related to weight gain among ethnic minorities.
Ethics in Public Health Research
Authors: Kunitz Stephen J. 
Published: January 2008

Mortality rates for American Indians (including Alaska Natives) declined for much of the 20th century, but data published by the Indian Health Service indicate that since the mid-1980s, age-adjusted deaths for this population have increased both in absolute terms and compared with rates for the White American population. This increase appears to be primarily because of the direct and indirect effects of type 2 diabetes. Despite increasing appropriations for the Special Diabetes Program for Indians, per capita expenditures for Indian health, including third-party reimbursements, remain substantially lower than those for other Americans and, when adjusted for inflation, have been essentially unchanged since the early 1990s. I argue that inadequate funding for health services has contributed significantly to the increased death rate.
Getting Home Safe and Sound: Occupational Safety and Health Administration at 38
Authors: Silverstein Michael 
Published: January 2008

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHAct) declared that every worker is entitled to safe and healthful working conditions, and that employers are responsible for work being free from all recognized hazards. Thirty-eight years after these assurances, however, it is difficult to find anyone who believes the promise of the OSHAct has been met. The persistence of preventable, life-threatening hazards at work is a failure to keep a national promise. I review the history of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and propose measures to better ensure that those who go to work every day return home safe and sound. These measures fall into 6 areas: leverage and accountability, safety and health systems, employee rights, equal protection, framing, and infrastructure.
ACE2 Deficiency Modifies Renoprotection Afforded by ACE Inhibition in Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Tikellis Chris , Bialkowski Katarzyna , Pete Josepha , Sheehy Karen , Su Qui , Johnston Colin , Cooper Mark E. , Thomas Merlin C. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVE— The degradation of angiotensin (Ang) II by ACE2, leading to the formation of Ang 1–7, is an important step in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and one that is significantly altered in the diabetic kidney. This study examines the role of ACE2 in early renal changes associated with diabetes and the influence of ACE2 deficiency on ACE inhibitor–mediated renoprotection.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in male c57bl6 mice and ACE2 knockout (KO) mice. After 5 weeks of study, animals were randomized to receive the ACE inhibitor perindopril (2 mg · kg−1 · day−1). Wild-type mice were further randomized to receive the selective ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 (10 mg · kg−1 · day−1) and followed for an additional 5 weeks. Markers of renal function and injury were then assessed.
RESULTS— Induction of diabetes in wild-type mice was associated with a reduction in renal ACE2 expression and decreased Ang 1–7. In diabetic mice receiving MLN-4760 and in ACE2 KO mice, diabetes-associated albuminuria was enhanced, associated with an increase in blood pressure. However, renal hypertrophy and fibrogenesis were reduced in diabetic mice with ACE2 deficiency, and hyperfiltration was attenuated. Diabetic wild-type mice treated with an ACE inhibitor experienced a reduction in albuminuria and blood pressure. These responses were attenuated in both diabetic ACE2 KO mice and diabetic mice receiving MLN-4760. However, other renoprotective and antifibrotic actions of ACE inhibition in diabetes were preserved in ACE2-deficient mice.
CONCLUSIONS— The expression of ACE2 is significantly modified by diabetes, which impacts both pathogenesis of kidney disease and responsiveness to RAS blockade. These data indicate that ACE2 is a complex and site-specific modulator of diabetic kidney disease.
Association of NOS1AP Genetic Variants With QT Interval Duration in Families From the Diabetes Heart Study
Authors: Lehtinen Allison B. , Newton-Cheh Christopher , Ziegler Julie T. , Langefeld Carl D. , Freedman Barry I. , Daniel Kurt R. , Herrington David M. , Bowden Donald W. 
Published: January 2008

OBJECTIVES—Prolongation of the electrocardiographic QT interval is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Diabetic individuals are at increased risk for prolonged QT interval and SCD. We sought to replicate the finding that genetic variants in the nitric oxide synthase 1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) gene are associated with QT interval duration in a type 2 diabetes–enriched sample of European ancestry.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in NOS1AP were genotyped in 624 European Americans and 127 African Americans from 400 pedigrees enriched for type 2 diabetes. An additive genetic model was tested for each SNP in ancestry-specific analyses in the total sample and the diabetic subset (European Americans, n = 514; African Americans, n = 115), excluding from the analyses individuals taking QT-altering medications.
RESULTS—In European Americans, rs10494366 minor homozygotes had a 9.3-ms-longer QT interval compared with major homozygotes (P = 5.7 × 10−5); rs10918594 minor homozygotes had a 12.5-ms-longer QT interval compared with major homozygotes (P = 1.5 × 10−6). Restricting analyses to the diabetic European Americans strengthened the effect despite the reduction in sample size (11.3-ms difference, P = 5.1 × 10−5; 13.9-ms difference, P = 1.6 × 10−6, respectively). No association between the NOS1AP SNPs and QT interval duration was observed in the limited number of African Americans.
CONCLUSIONS—Two NOS1AP SNPs are strongly associated with QT interval duration in a predominately diabetic European-American sample. Stronger effects of NOS1AP variants in diabetic individuals suggest that this patient subset may be particularly susceptible to genetic variants that influence myocardial depolarization and repolarization as manifest in the QT interval.
Differential survival among life stages contributes to co‐dominance of Abies mariesii and Abies veitchii in a sub‐alpine old‐growth forest
Authors: Mori Akira S. , Komiyama Akira 
Published: January 2008

AbstractQuestions: Are there interspecific differences in mortality and recruitment rates across life stages between two shade‐tolerant dominant trees in a sub‐alpine old‐growth forest? Do such differences in demography contribute to the coexistence and co‐dominance of the two species?Location: Sub‐alpine, old‐growth forest on Mt. Ontake, central Honshu, Japan.Methods: From 1980 to 2005, we recorded DBH and status (alive or dead) of all Abies mariesii and A. veitchii individuals (DBH ≥ 5 cm) in a 0.44‐ha plot. Based on this 25 year census, we quantified mortality and recruitment rates of the two species in three life stages (small tree, 5 cm ≤ DBH < 10 cm; subcanopy tree, 10 cm ≤ DBH < 20 cm; canopy tree, DBH ≥ 20 cm).Results: Significant interspecific differences in mortality and recruitment rates were observed in both the small tree and sub‐canopy tree stages. In this forest, saplings (< 5 cm DBH) are mostly buried by snow‐pack during winter. As a consequence, saplings of A. mariesii, which is snow and shade tolerant, show higher rates of recruitment into the small tree stage than do those of A. veitchii. Above the snow‐pack, trees must tolerate dry, cold temperatures. A. veitchii, which can more readily endure such climate conditions, showed lower mortality rate at the subcanopy stage and a higher recruitment rate into the canopy tree stage. This differential mortality and recruitment among life‐stages determines relative dominance of the two species in the canopy.Conclusion: Differential growth conditions along a vertical gradient in this old forest determine survival of the two species prior to reaching the canopy, and consequently allow co‐dominance at the canopy stage.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Some Xanthone Derivatives for Anti‐Arrhythmic, Hypotensive Properties and Their Affinity for Adrenergic Receptors
Authors: Marona Henryk , Szkaradek Natalia , Kubacka Monika , Bednarski Marek , Filipek Barbara , Cegla Marek , Szneler Edward 
Published: January 2008

AbstractA series of 2‐, 4‐ or 2‐methyl‐6‐substituted xanthone derivatives 8–17 containing selected piperazine moieties were synthesized and tested for their electrocardiographic, anti‐arrhythmic, and antihypertensive activity, as well as for the α1‐ and β1‐adrenoceptor binding affinities. Of the newly synthesized derivatives, 2‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐(2‐phenoxyethyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)propoxy)‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐one dihydrochloride 9, 4‐(2‐hydroxy‐3‐(4‐(2‐phenoxyethyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)propoxy)‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐one dihydrochloride 12, and 4‐(2‐(4‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)piperazin‐1‐yl)ethoxy)‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐one dihydrochloride 15 possessed significant anti‐arrhythmic activity in the adrenaline‐induced model of arrhythmia, with the ED50 values ranging 1.7–7.2 mg/kg. Compound 15 had the lowest ED50 value equaling 1.7 mg/kg, which was comparable with ED50 value of propranolol, which was used in this test as a reference compound. Compound 9 showed also the strongest hypotensive activity, which persisted for 60 minutes at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg. 2‐(2‐(4‐(2‐Phenoxyethyl)piperazin‐1‐yl)ethoxy)‐9H‐xanthen‐9‐one dihydrochloride 8 also significantly lowered blood pressure at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg but much weaker than compound 9. Binding studies are in agreement with our pharmacological results and could explain anti‐arrhythmic effect of compound 15 and anti‐arrhythmic and hypotensive effects of compounds 9 and 12.
Successful treatment of resistant pseudogout with anakinra
Authors: McGonagle Dennis , Tan Ai Lyn , Madden Julie , Emery Paul , McDermott Michael F. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe describe herein the case of a 63‐year‐old man with pseudogout affecting multiple joints that was resistant to treatment with allopurinol, steroids, and antiinflammatory drugs. Based on recent data on the molecular mechanism of pseudogout that demonstrated overproduction of interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), we treated the patient with anakinra, an IL‐1 receptor antagonist. The patient responded to treatment with anakinra within 2 weeks, with resolution of the signs and symptoms of pseudogout and normalization of levels of inflammation markers.
Morbidity and mortality in rheumatoid arthritis patients with prolonged therapy‐induced lymphopenia: Twelve‐year outcomes
Authors: Lorenzi Alice R. , Clarke Alexandra M. , Wooldridge Tom , Waldmann Herman , Hale Geoff , Symmons Deborah , Hazleman Brian L. , Isaacs John D. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo assess immunologically relevant outcomes in a cohort of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with prolonged therapy‐induced lymphopenia.MethodsMorbidity (infection or malignancy) and mortality were assessed in 53 RA patients who were treated with the lymphocytotoxic monoclonal antibody alemtuzumab between 1991 and 1994. Data were obtained by interview, medical record review, and Office for National Statistics mortality monitoring. Lymphocyte subsets were enumerated by flow cytometry. A retrospective, matched‐cohort study of mortality was performed with 102 control subjects selected from the European League Against Rheumatism database of patients with rheumatic disorders.ResultsLymphopenia persisted in the patients: median CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+, CD19+, and CD56+ lymphocyte counts measured at a median followup of 11.8 years from the first administration of alemtuzumab were 0.50 × 109/liter, 0.26 × 109/liter, 0.11 × 109/liter, and 0.09 × 109/liter, respectively. Twenty‐seven of 51 cases and 46 of 101 controls with available data had died, yielding a mortality rate ratio of 1.20 (95% confidence interval 0.72–1.98). Causes of death were similar to those that would be expected in a hospital‐based RA cohort. No opportunistic infections were noted, and only 3 infections were documented following 36 elective orthopedic procedures.ConclusionDespite continued lymphopenia 11.8 years after therapy, our patient cohort did not exhibit excess mortality or unusual infection‐related morbidity, and surgery was well tolerated. These data should be reassuring for clinicians and patients who are considering lymphocytotoxic or other immunomodulatory therapy for RA.