bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of tetrahydrocurcumin on tail tendon collagen contents and its properties in rats with streptozotocin–nicotinamide‐induced type 2 diabetes
Authors: Pari Leelavinothan , Murugan Pidaran 
Published: November 2007

AbstractChanges in the structural and functional properties of collagen caused by advanced glycation might be of importance for the etiology of late‐stage complications in diabetics. Curcumin is the most active component of turmeric. It is believed that curcumin is a potent antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory agent. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is one of the major metabolites of curcumin, exhibiting many of the same physiological and pharmacological activities of curcumin and in some systems may exert greater antioxidant activity than curcumin. In diabetic rats, hydroxyproline and collagen content as well as its degree of cross‐linking were increased, as shown by increased extent of glycation, collagen‐linked fluorescence, neutral salt collagen, and decreased acid and pepsin solubility. Administration of THC for 45 days to diabetic rats significantly reduced the accumulation and cross‐linking of collagen. The effects of THC were comparable with those of curcumin. In conclusion, administration of THC had a positive influence on the content of collagen and its properties in streptozotocin‐ and nicotinamide‐induced diabetic rats. THC was found to be more effective than curcumin.
Stress, sex, and satisfaction in marriage
Authors: BODENMANN GUY , LEDERMANN THOMAS , BRADBURY THOMAS N. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractUsing data from 198 couples, this study examines whether associations between stress occurring outside of the dyad and key indicators of relationship functioning are mediated by stress arising within the dyad. Findings suggest that relationship satisfaction and sexual activity are governed by hassles and problems experienced within the dyad that are in turn related to stress arising outside the dyad. Associations between external stress and relationship functioning are stronger for daily hassles than for critical life events. Higher levels of daily stress predicted less sexual activity for maritally dissatisfied women and more sexual activity for maritally dissatisfied men. Self‐reports of stress covaried with self‐reported indexes of satisfaction and sexuality, suggesting that contextual influences are broadly influential in intimate relationships.
Personality goes a long way: The malleability of opposite‐sex physical attractiveness
Authors: LEWANDOWSKI GARY W. , ARON ARTHUR , GEE JULIE 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThis study tested the influence of personality information on judgments of physical attractiveness. Employing a within‐subject design, 56 female and 22 male college students rated attractiveness of opposite‐sex photos; participated in a distraction task; viewed each photo again, along with personality information (desirable, undesirable, none); and then rated the photos for physical attractiveness, desirability as a friend, and desirability as a dating partner. Personality information produced significant changes in ratings of physical attractiveness for attractive, neutral, and unattractive targets. The pattern of results is consistent with a model in which desirability of the target’s personality leads to greater desirability as a friend, leading to greater desirability as a dating partner, leading to the target being judged as more physically attractive.
Clonazepam (Rivotril®) and Carbamazepine (Tegretol®) in Psychomotor Epilepsy: A Randomized Multicenter Trial
Authors: Mikkelsen Bent , Berggreen Peter , Joensen Poul , Kristensen Ole , Køhler Ole , Mikkelsen Birgit Ohrt 
Published: November 2007

Summary: The antiepileptic properties of carbamazepine (Tegretol®) and clonazepam (Rivotril®) were compared in a double‐blind randomized study comprising 36 patients with newly diagnosed, untreated psychomotor epilepsy (partial seizures with complex symptomatology). No significant differences were found between the two drugs during the 6 months of treatment. Measurements of concentrations in plasma confirmed that the patients exceeded the accepted lower limit for therapeutic range of the drugs.RESUMELes propriétés anti‐épileptiques de la carbamazépine (Tégrétol®) et du clonazépam (Rivotril®) ont été comparées en double‐aveugle chez 36 patients présentant une épilepsie psychomotrice nouvellement diagnostiquée et non encore traitée (épilepsie avec crises partielles à sémiologie complexe). Aucune différence significative n'a été trouvée entres les deux médicaments pendant les six mois de traitement. La mesure des concentrations plasmatiques a confirmé que la limite inférieure des taux thérapeutiques était dépassée chez tous les patients pour les deux médicaments.RESUMENSe compararon las propiedades anticomiciales de la carbamacepina (Tegretol®) y del clonacepan (Rivotril®) por medio de un estudio doble‐ciego al azar en un grupo de 36 pacientes en los que, en fecha cercana, se había hecho un diagnóstico de epilepsía psicomotora (crisis parciales con sintomatología compleja) y que no habían recibido tratamiento previo. No se encontró ninguna diferencia entre los dos fármacos durante un periodo de tratamiento de 6 meses. Las concentraciones plasmáticas confirmaron que los pacientos toleraron niveles mayores que los que se aceptan como limites inferiores terapéuticos de estos fármacos.ZUSAMMENFASSUNGDie antiepileptischen Eigenschaften von Carbamezepin (Tegretol®) Und Clonazepam (Rivotril®) wurden in einer randomisierten Doppelblindstudie untersucht, die 36 Patienten mit frisch diagnostizierter unbehandelter psychomotorischer Epilepsie umfasste (Partialanfälle mit komplexer Symptomatologie). Zwischen den beiden Medikamenten wurden während einer 6‐monatigen Behandlung keine signifikanten Unterschiede gefunden. Messungen der Plasmakonzentrationen bestätigten, daß die Patienten, die angenommene untere Grenze des therapeutischen Bereichs überschritten.
Seizure control in antiepileptic drug‐treated pregnancy
Authors: Vajda Frank J. E. , Hitchcock Alison , Graham Janet , O'Brien Terence , Lander Cecilie , Eadie Mervyn 
Published: November 2007

Summary This brief report covers an analysis of 7 years outcome data from the Australian Register of Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy. In studying the control of antiepileptic drug‐treated epileptic seizures during pregnancy, it was found that pregnancy had little influence on antiepileptic drug‐treated epileptic seizure disorders. Seizures during pregnancy occurred in 49.7% of 841 antiepileptic drug (AED) treated pregnancies in women with epilepsy. Epilepsies that were active in the year before pregnancy tended to increase the risk of intrapartum and postpartum seizures. The risk of seizures during pregnancy was 50–70% less if the prepregnancy year was seizure free, and decreased relatively little more with longer periods of prepregnancy seizure control. Once there had been 1 year's freedom from seizures there seemed relatively little further advantage in deferring pregnancy to avoid seizures returning while pregnant.
Spectrum of epilepsy in terminal 1p36 deletion syndrome
Authors: Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , Guttierrez‐Delicado Eva , Soufflet Christine , Rio Marlène , Cormier Daire Valérie , Lacombe Didier , Héron Delphine , Verloes Alain , Zuberi Sameer , Burglen Lydie , Afenjar Alexandra , Moutard Marie Laure , Edery Patrick , Novelli Antonio , Bernardini Laura , Dulac Olivier , Nabbout Rima , Plouin Perrine , Battaglia Agatino 
Published: November 2007

SummaryPurpose:Previous reports have summarized the seizures types occurring in 1p36 deletion syndrome. To better define the spectrum of epilepsy, we studied 91 patients (median age 7.8 years) with confirmed 1p36 deletion.Methods:Based on clinical charts, we retrospectively analyzed the evolution of both the EEG findings and seizures.Results:Epilepsy occurred in 53 patients (58.2%), with onset at a median 2.75 months. First seizures were generalized tonic (8 cases), tonic and clonic (6) or myoclonic (12), simple partial (6), or complex partial (14). Thereafter, 20 patients (21.9%) developed infantile spasms with hypsarrhythmia, at a median age of 5 months. High doses of oral steroids were tried in nine cases, with a prompt remission of seizures in six. Among them, five were seizure‐free at the time of evaluation. Conversely, two of three nonresponders to steroids developed severe and refractory epilepsy.At the time of evaluation, 32 patients were seizure‐free, from a median age of 1.8 years. Nineteen patients (20.9%) had developed refractory epilepsy with polymorphic seizures, including generalized tonic and tonic–clonic seizures (13) combined with myoclonic seizures (11) and atypical absences (3), atonic seizures (2), or complex partial seizures (3). The EEG showed focal, multifocal or generalized spikes, polyspike, and waves, with poverty of the usual background rhythmic activities.Conclusions:Early epilepsy is a frequent finding in 1p36 deletion syndrome with infantile spasms as of the most common features that can contribute to a poor clinical outcome. Early diagnosis and management of infantile spasm in this condition is mandatory.
Epilepsy and toxocariasis: a case–control study in Italy
Authors: Nicoletti Alessandra , Sofia Vito , Mantella Antonia , Vitale Giuseppina , Contrafatto Donatella , Sorbello Veronica , Biondi Roberto , Preux Pierre‐Marie , Garcia Hector Hugo , Zappia Mario , Bartoloni Alessandro 
Published: November 2007

Summary
Purpose: To assess the relationship between epilepsy and toxocariasis in adult subjects by means of a case–control study in Catania, Italy.
Methods: People with epilepsy (PWE) were randomly selected from the database of the center of epilepsy of our department. Epilepsy was diagnosed according to the definition proposed by the International League Against Epilepsy. One healthy control per each case was selected among subjects who went to the central laboratory for a hematological check. Control subjects underwent a complete neurological examination to exclude the presence of neurological disorders. PWE and controls were assessed serologically for antibodies against Toxocara canis (T. canis) by an immunoblotting assay.
Results: Two hundred thirty‐one PWE (110 men and 121 women) and 201 controls (126 men and 75 women) were enrolled in the study. Of the 231 PWE, 152 presented partial seizures. Antibodies anti‐T. canis were found in 38 PWE (16.4%) and in 13 controls (6.6%) giving a crude OR of 2.85 (95% CI 1.47–5.51). Adjusted OR estimated by logistic regression was 3.90 (95% CI 1.91–7.98). This association was mainly due to a significant association between Toxocara antibodies and partial epilepsy (adjusted OR 4.69; 95% CI 2.24–9.80), while a positive, but not significant, association was found with generalized seizures (adjusted OR 1.74; 95% CI 0.60–5.05).
Conclusion: We found a significant association between T. canis seropositivity and epilepsy and a stronger association was found with partial epilepsy. Our finding suggests that toxocariasis may increase the risk of epilepsy.
Molecular and Cellular Events in Alcohol‐Induced Muscle Disease
Authors: Fernandez‐Solà Joaquim , Preedy Victor R. , Lang Charles H. , Gonzalez‐Reimers Emilio , Arno M. , Lin J. C. I. , Wiseman H. , Zhou S. , Emery P. W. , Nakahara T. , Hashimoto K. , Hirano M. , Santolaria‐Fernández F. , González‐Hernández T. , Fatjó Francesc , Sacanella Emilio , Estruch Ramón , Nicolás José M. , Urbano‐Márquez Alvaro 
Published: November 2007

Alcohol consumption induces a dose‐dependent noxious effect on skeletal muscle, leading to progressive functional and structural damage of myocytes, with concomitant reductions in lean body mass. Nearly half of high‐dose chronic alcohol consumers develop alcoholic skeletal myopathy. The pathogenic mechanisms that lie between alcohol intake and loss of muscle tissue involve multiple pathways, making the elucidation of the disease somewhat difficult.This review discusses the recent advances in basic and clinical research on the molecular and cellular events involved in the development of alcohol‐induced muscle disease. The main areas of recent research interest on this field are as follows: (i) molecular mechanisms in alcohol exposed muscle in the rat model; (ii) gene expression changes in alcohol exposed muscle; (iii) the role of trace elements and oxidative stress in alcoholic myopathy; and (iv) the role of apoptosis and preapoptotic pathways in alcoholic myopathy. These aforementioned areas are crucial in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease. For example, there is overwhelming evidence that both chronic alcohol ingestion and acute alcohol intoxication impair the rate of protein synthesis of myofibrillar proteins, in particular, under both postabsorptive and postprandial conditions. Perturbations in gene expression are contributory factors to the development of alcoholic myopathy, as ethanol‐induced alterations are detected in over 400 genes and the protein profile (i.e., the proteome) of muscle is also affected.There is supportive evidence that oxidative damage is involved in the pathogenesis of alcoholic myopathy. Increased lipid peroxidation is related to muscle fibre atrophy, and reduced serum levels of some antioxidants may be related to loss of muscle mass and muscle strength. Finally, ethanol induces skeletal muscle apoptosis and increases both pro‐ and antiapoptotic regulatory mechanisms.
The Effects of Continuous and Intermittent Ethanol Exposure in Adolesence on the Aversive Properties of Ethanol During Adulthood
Authors: Diaz‐Granados Jaime L. , Graham Danielle L. 
Published: November 2007

Background:  Alcohol abuse among adolescents is prevalent. Epidemiological studies suggest that alcohol abuse during the adolescent developmental period may result in long‐term changes such as an increased susceptibility to alcohol‐related problems in adulthood. Laboratory findings suggest that alcohol exposure during the adolescent developmental period, as compared with adulthood, may differentially impact subsequent neurobehavioral responses to alcohol. The present study was designed to examine whether ethanol exposure, continuous versus intermittent, during the adolescent developmental period would alter the aversive properties of ethanol in adult C3H mice.Methods:  Periadolescent (PD28) male C3H mice were exposed to 64 hours of continuous or intermittent ethanol vapor. As a comparison, adult (PD70) C3H mice were also exposed to 64 hours of continuous or intermittent ethanol vapor. Six weeks after ethanol exposure, taste aversion conditioning was carried out on both ethanol pre‐exposed and ethanol‐naive animals using a 1‐trial, 1‐flavor taste‐conditioning procedure.Results:  Ethanol exposure during the periadolescent period significantly attenuated a subsequent ethanol‐induced conditioned taste aversion, as compared with control animals. Adult animals exposed to chronic ethanol vapor during adolescence showed less of an aversion to an ethanol‐paired flavor than ethanol‐naive adults. Intermittent exposure to ethanol vapor during periadolescence produced a greater attenuation.Conclusion:  It is suggested that ethanol exposure during the periadolescent period results in long‐term neurobehavioral changes, which lessen a conditioned aversion to ethanol in adulthood. It is suggested that this age‐related effect may underlie the increased susceptibility to alcohol‐related problems which is negatively correlated with the age of onset for alcohol abuse.
Moderators of Naltrexone’s Effects on Drinking, Urge, and Alcohol Effects in Non‐Treatment‐Seeking Heavy Drinkers in the Natural Environment
Authors: Tidey Jennifer W. , Monti Peter M. , Rohsenow Damaris J. , Gwaltney Chad J. , Miranda Robert , McGeary John E. , MacKillop James , Swift Robert M. , Abrams David B. , Shiffman Saul , Paty Jean A. 
Published: November 2007

Background:  Naltrexone (NTX) has proven to be effective with alcoholics in treatment, with most controlled clinical trials showing beneficial effects on heavy drinking rates. However, little is known about the behavioral mechanisms underlying the effects of NTX on drinking, or about patient characteristics that may moderate NTX’s effects on drinking. In this study, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) techniques were used to investigate some of the putative mechanisms of naltrexone’s effects on drinking in heavy drinkers who were not seeking treatment for alcohol problems. Polymorphisms in the D4 dopamine receptor (DRD4) gene and the μ‐opiate receptor (OPRM1) gene, family history of alcohol problems, age of onset of alcoholism and gender were explored as potential moderators of NTX’s effects.Methods:  After a 1‐week placebo lead‐in period, heavy drinkers (n = 180), 63% of whom were alcohol‐dependent, were randomized to 3 weeks of daily naltrexone (50 mg) or placebo. Throughout the study, participants used EMA on palm‐pilot computers to enter, in real time, drink data, urge levels, and subjective effects of alcohol consumption.Results:  Naltrexone reduced percentage drinking days in all participants and reduced percent heavy drinking days in DRD4‐L individuals; NTX decreased urge levels in participants with younger age of alcoholism onset; NTX increased time between drinks in participants who had more relatives with alcohol problems; and NTX reduced the stimulating effects of alcohol in women. OPRM1 status did not moderate any of NTX’s effects.Conclusions:  These results confirm earlier findings of NTX’s effects on drinking and related subjective effects, and extend them by describing individual difference variables that moderate these effects in the natural environment, using data collected in real time.
Chronic Alcohol Accentuates Simian Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome‐Associated Wasting
Authors: Molina Patricia E. , Lang Charles H. , McNurlan Margaret , Bagby Gregory J. , Nelson Steve 
Published: November 2007

Background:  Survival following human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has improved significantly following the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy. A large percentage of HIV‐infected patients consume and abuse alcohol. Erosion of lean body mass is an important contributing factor to patient morbidity and mortality, and is a common feature of both chronic alcohol (ALC) consumption and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). We hypothesized that alcohol‐induced loss in lean body mass is likely to exacerbate the AIDS wasting syndrome, particularly at the terminal stage of AIDS (SAIDS).Methods:  This study examined the impact of chronic, intra‐gastric ALC (5 h/d × 4 d/wk; blood alcohol levels = 55 mM to 60 mM) administration on body composition and muscle mass in simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)‐infected male Rhesus macaques in contrast to SIV‐infected isocaloric (22 kcal/kg/d) sucrose (SUC)‐infused control animals at the terminal stage of SIV infection.Results:  At terminal stage, ALC/SIV+ animals had significantly lower body weight, body mass index, and limb muscle area than SUC/SIV+ animals. Both ALC/SIV+ and SUC/SIV+ animals had suppressed expression of insulin‐like growth factor‐I and increased expression of the ubiquitin ligase muscle‐specific RING finger‐1 mRNA. ALC increased mRNA expression of atrogin‐1 (pre‐SIV and at SAIDS) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (SAIDS). These changes were not associated with significant differences in fractional rates of muscle protein synthesis or in overall survival rate. These data show that chronic ALC exacerbated the loss of muscle mass at terminal SAIDS.Conclusion:  Our findings suggest the involvement of TNF‐α and increased muscle proteolysis via atrogin‐1 for the greater erosion of lean body mass at terminal SAIDS in ALC‐treated Rhesus macaques.
Chronic Ethanol Ingestion Increases Aortic Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase Expression and Nitric Oxide Production in the Rat
Authors: Kleinhenz Dean J. , Sutliff Roy L. , Polikandriotis John A. , Walp Erik R. , Dikalov Sergey I. , Guidot David M. , Hart C. Michael 
Published: November 2007

Background:  Chronic alcohol consumption perturbs cellular function in a variety of organ systems. Previous studies have suggested that moderate alcohol consumption reduces vascular disease, whereas heavier alcohol consumption may worsen it. The mechanisms for these vascular effects of chronic alcohol ingestion continue to be defined and constitute the focus of this study.Methods:  Male Sprague Dawley rats were fed an isocaloric, Lieber‐Decarli liquid diet containing either ethanol (36% calories) or Maltose–Dextrin (substituted for ethanol) for 6 weeks. Telemetric blood pressure measurements were taken before and after ethanol feeding. After the rats were killed, the aortas were analyzed for endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase expression and NO production.Results:  Chronic ethanol ingestion decreased mean arterial pressure and increased aortic NO production as demonstrated by direct ex vivo measurements using iron diethyldithio‐carbamic acid as well as analysis of nitrosyl‐hemoglobin (NO‐Hb) levels. Consistent with these assays of vascular NO production, endothelium‐dependent relaxation responses to acetycholine (Ach) were enhanced in ethanol‐fed animals. Aortic endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression was also increased by chronic ethanol ingestion.Conclusions:  These findings demonstrate that a regimen of chronic alcohol ingestion in the rat produced generally salutary effects in the systemic vasculature following a 6‐week treatment regimen. These findings extend previous in vitro studies to demonstrate that alcohol has potent effects on vascular endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, NO production, and vascular function. Consistent with previous reports, these findings confirm that alcohol‐induced alterations in the production of reactive nitrogen species play an important role in the pathogenesis of alcohol‐mediated tissue effects.
Geriatric Pain Measure Short Form: Development and Initial Evaluation
Authors: Blozik Eva , Stuck Andreas E. , Niemann Steffen , Ferrell Bruce A. , Harari Danielle , Renteln‐Kruse Wolfgang von , Gillmann Gerhard , Beck John C. , Clough‐Gorr Kerri M. 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVES: To develop and evaluate a short form of the 24‐item Geriatric Pain Measure (GPM) for use in community‐dwelling older adults.DESIGN: Derivation and validation of a 12‐item version of the GPM in a European and an independent U.S. sample of community‐dwelling older adults.SETTING: Three community‐dwelling sites in London, United Kingdom; Hamburg, Germany; Solothurn, Switzerland; and two ambulatory geriatrics clinics in Los Angeles, California.PARTICIPANTS: European sample: 1,059 community‐dwelling older persons from three sites (London, UK; Hamburg, Germany; Solothurn, Switzerland); validation sample: 50 persons from Los Angeles, California, ambulatory geriatric clinics.MEASUREMENTS: Multidimensional questionnaire including self‐reported demographic and clinical information.RESULTS: Based on item‐to–total scale correlations in the European sample, 11 of 24 GPM items were selected for inclusion in the short form. One additional item (pain‐related sleep problems) was included based on clinical relevance. In the validation sample, the Cronbach alpha of GPM‐12 was 0.92 (individual subscale range 0.77–0.92), and the Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between GPM‐12 and the original GPM was 0.98. The correlation between the GPM‐12 and the McGill Pain Questionnaire was 0.63 (P<.001), similar to the correlation between the original GPM and the McGill Pain Questionnaire (Pearson r=0.63; P<.001). Exploratory factor analysis indicated that the GPM‐12 covers three subfactors (pain intensity, pain with ambulation, disengagement because of pain).CONCLUSION: The GPM‐12 demonstrated good validity and reliability in these European and U.S. populations of older adults. Despite its brevity, the GPM‐12 captures the multidimensional nature of pain in three subscales. The self‐administered GPM‐12 may be useful in the clinical assessment process and management of pain and in pain‐related research in older persons.