bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A framework for reporting outcomes in problem gambling treatment research: the Banff, Alberta Consensus
Authors: Walker Michael , Toneatto Tony , Potenza Marc N. , Petry Nancy , Ladouceur Robert , Hodgins David C. , El‐Guebaly Nady , Echeburua Enrique , Blaszczynski Alex 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTObjective  The objective is provide a framework concerning the minimum features of reporting efficacy of treatment in the problem gambling field. Research to date has not used uniform outcome measures and it is, therefore, difficult to compare the relative efficacy of various approaches. Some studies emphasize self‐reported behavioural measures such as frequency and intensity of gambling whereas others emphasise change with respect to the criteria used to diagnose problem gambling or use composite measures of symptom severity in multiple domains involving gambling‐related thoughts, urges, and behaviours.Methods  An expert panel consensus.Results  The proposed minimum features of reporting the efficacy of treatment outcome studies are: measures of gambling behaviour ‐ the net expenditure each month, the frequency (in days per month) with which gambling takes place, and the time spent thinking about or engaged in the pursuit of gambling each month; measures of the problems caused by gambling ‐ especially problems in the areas of personal health, relationships, financial, and legal; these measures can be complemented by additional measures of quality of life. measures of the processes of change ‐ whatever mechanisms of change are assumed to occur.Conclusions  We believe that these guidelines are broad enough to allow clinical research conducted from diverse perspectives to allow valid cross study evaluations of intervention studies. Such conditions will facilitate the development of empirically validated best practice guidelines for use by clinicians in the management of problem gambling.
Progression of oral snuff use among Finnish 13–16‐year‐old students and its relation to smoking behaviour
Authors: Haukkala Ari , Vartiainen Erkki , De Vries Hein 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTAims  To examine the progression of oral moist snuff use among adolescents and its relation to smoking behaviour and nicotine addiction.Design and setting  A 3‐year smoking prevention study in 27 schools of Helsinki, Finland, starting with the seventh grade to the ninth grade. Participants and measurements  Pupils (n = 2816) completed questionnaires four times, which included information on smoking behaviour, snuff experiments, nicotine addiction (Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire) and other activities.Findings  The prevalence of snuff experimentation rose among boys from 7% in the seventh grade to 43% 3 years later in the ninth grade, and among girls from 2% to 13% for the corresponding period. Among boys, smoking predicted later snuff use in all assessments and snuff experimentation predicted later weekly smoking. The impact of snuff experimentation upon later smoking experimentation was smaller than vice versa. Among boys active in sports, smoking was less common but snuff use was more common. Combined use was common; by the end of the follow‐up only 10% of weekly smokers had not tried oral snuff. Nicotine dependence scores increased linearly with snuff use among weekly smokers. Conclusions  Despite the European Union sales ban on oral snuff products since 1995, in Finland snuff use is common among boys. Although combined use of snuff and cigarettes is associated with higher levels of nicotine dependence among adolescent boys, the direction of causality is not known. Unlike cigarette smoking, oral snuff use was tried among boys who spent their free time with sports‐related activities.
Efficacy of maintenance treatment with naltrexone for opioid dependence: a meta‐analytical review
Authors: Johansson Björn Axel , Berglund Mats , Lindgren Anna 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTAims  To determine the efficacy of naltrexone in reducing illicit opioid use and the potential moderating role of treatment retention. Design  First, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the regimens of treatment using the opioid antagonist, naltrexone, with controls were analysed by meta‐analysis for treatment effect with regard to a range of outcome criteria. The degree of heterogeneity was also determined. The moderating effect of other interventions during naltrexone maintenance was then estimated, particularly with regard to their effect on treatment retention.Participants  Fifteen studies involving 1071 patients were found.Measurements  All available outcomes were analysed in 10 studies of naltrexone versus control (seven placebo) and six studies of randomized psychosocial/psychopharmacological interventions.Findings  Significant heterogeneity was found in the efficacy of naltrexone. Level of retention in treatment was found to be a moderator, explaining most of the heterogeneity found. Overall, naltrexone was significantly better than control conditions in reducing the number of opioid‐positive urines. This effect was only present in the high retention subgroup for differences in retention. Contingency management (CM) increased retention and naltrexone use, resulting in a reduced number of opioid‐positive urines.Conclusion  Retention is important to the effect of naltrexone in treating opioid dependence. Contingency management is a promising method of increasing retention.
Some characteristics of early‐onset injection drug users prior to and at the time of their first injection
Authors: Abelson Jeanne , Treloar Carla , Crawford June , Kippax Susan , Van Beek Ingrid , Howard John 
Published: February 2006

ABSTRACTAims  This paper examines differences between early‐ and late‐onset injection drug users (12–16 years versus 17–24 years) in terms of the antecedents and circumstances of first injection.Design  Cross‐sectional retrospective design, using logistic regression.Setting  Australia: Sydney, Brisbane, rural New South Wales.Participants  A total of 336 injection drug users aged 16–25 years at the time of interview.Measurements  Independent variables included family injection drug use, homelessness and other demographic variables, drugs used prior to the first injection, length of pre‐injection drug career, behaviours at time of first injection (e.g. drug injected, reasons/motives for the first injection, risk behaviours).Findings  Early‐onset injection was associated independently with: having a family who injected drugs, having left school early, an unreliable source of income, a short pre‐injection drug career, planning of the first injection, reliance on others for administration of the first injection and denial that experimentation was the motive for the first injection. In bivariate analysis, early‐onset injection was associated further with: homelessness, being an Indigenous Australian, omission of use of certain pre‐injection drugs, group presence at first injection, reliance on others for acquisition of the first needle and syringe and having injected the first time because an injection was offered.Conclusions  The research shows that early‐onset, compared with late‐onset injectors, are more likely to have an immediate family who inject drugs and other problematic beginnings in early life. They have an accelerated transition to injection, and differences in autonomy and motivation at first injection. These characteristics may make them more vulnerable to risk taking.
Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum) genes expressed during infection of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)†
Authors: MCFADDEN HELEN G. , WILSON IAIN W. , CHAPPLE ROBIN M. , DOWD CAITRIONA 
Published: February 2006

SUMMARYWe sought to identify Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum (Fov) genes that may be associated with pathogenicity. Initially we utilized microarray and Q‐PCR technology to identify Fov genes expressed in root and hypocotyl tissues during a compatible infection of cotton. We identified 218 fungal clones representing 174 Fov non‐redundant genes as expressed in planta. The majority of the expressed sequences were expressed in infected roots, with only six genes detected in hypocotyl tissue. The Fov genes identified were predominately of unknown function or associated with fungal growth and energy production. We then analysed the expression of the identified fungal genes in infected roots and in saprophytically grown mycelia and identified 11 genes preferentially expressed in plant tissue. A putative oxidoreductase gene (with homology to AtsC) was found to be highly preferentially expressed in planta. In Agrobacterium tumefaciens, AtsC is associated with virulence. Inoculation of a susceptible and a partially resistant cotton cultivar with either a pathogenic or a non‐pathogenic isolate of Fov revealed that the expression of the Fov AtsC homologue was associated with pathogenicity and disease symptom formation.
Use of tegaserod along with polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution for colonoscopy bowel preparation: a prospective, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: SANAKA M. R. , SUPER D. M. , MULLEN K. D. , FERGUSON D. R. , McCULLOUGH A. J. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryBackground  Polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution (PEG‐EL) used for colonoscopy preparation is not well tolerated by several patients. A significant number of patients have inadequate bowel preparation despite taking PEG‐EL.Aims  To determine the effect of prokinetic agent, tegaserod when given in addition to PEG‐EL on patient tolerance, quality of colonic preparation and adverse side effects experienced.Methods  In this prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind study, a total of 130 patients scheduled for colonoscopy were enrolled. They were instructed to take three pills of either tegaserod 6 mg each or placebo (one pill twice on the day prior to and third pill in the morning on the day of colonoscopy) in addition to standard 4L of PEG‐EL in the evening prior to the day of colonoscopy. Patient tolerance of preparation, quality of bowel preparation, overall satisfaction and adverse side effects were compared between the two groups.Results  Fifty‐five patients in placebo group and 58 patients in tegaserod group completed the study. There was no difference between the two groups in the tolerance of preparation, quality of bowel preparation, overall satisfaction and the side effects.Conclusion  Addition of tegaserod to polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution during colonoscopy preparation does not improve patient tolerance, quality of colonic preparation or the adverse side effects.
Changes of gastric mucosal architecture during long‐term omeprazole therapy: results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: LUNDELL L. , HAVU N. , MIETTINEN P. , MYRVOLD H. E. , WALLIN L. , JULKUNEN R. , LEVANDER K. , HATLEBAKK J. G. , LIEDMAN B. , LAMM M. , MALM A. , WALAN A. ,   THE NORDIC GERD STUDY GROUP
Published: February 2006

SummaryBackground  The impact of long‐term acid suppression on the gastric mucosa remains controversial.Aim  To report further observations on an established cohort of patients with gastro‐oesophageal reflux disease, after 7 years of follow‐up.Methods  Of the original cohort randomized to either antireflux surgery or omeprazole, 117 and 98 patients remained in the medical and surgical arms, respectively. Gastric biopsies were taken at baseline and throughout the study.Results  Fifty‐three antireflux surgery and 39 omeprazole‐treated patients had Helicobacter pylori infection at randomization. Eighty‐three omeprazole‐treated and 60 antireflux surgery patients remained H. pylori negative over the 7 years, and no change was observed in mucosal morphology except for a change in endocrine cell population (linear and diffuse hyperplasia, P = 0.03). During the 7‐year study many patients, who were initially H. pylori infected, had the infection eradicated leaving only 13 omeprazole and 12 antireflux surgery patients still infected. In these patients, omeprazole induced a deterioration of the mucosal inflammation scores (P = 0.01) with a numerical increase of glandular atrophy.Conclusions  Long‐term omeprazole therapy does not alter the exocrine oxyntic mucosal morphology in H. pylori‐negative patients, but mucosal endocrine cells appear to be under proliferative stimulation; in H. pylori‐positive patients there are changes in mucosal inflammation and atrophy.
Impact of spinal anaesthesia on peri‐operative lung volumes in obese and morbidly obese female patients*
Authors: Regli A. , von Ungern‐Sternberg B. S. , Reber A. , Schneider M. C. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryAlthough obesity predisposes to postoperative pulmonary complications, data on the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and peri‐operative respiratory performance are limited. We prospectively studied the impact of spinal anaesthesia, obesity and vaginal surgery on lung volumes measured by spirometry in 28 patients with BMI 30–40 kg.m−2 and in 13 patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg.m−2. Vital capacity, forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, mid‐expiratory and peak expiratory flows were measured during the pre‐operative visit (baseline), after effective spinal anaesthesia with premedication, and after the operation at 20 min, 1 h, 2 h, and 3 h (after mobilisation). Spinal anaesthesia and premedication were associated with a significant decrease in spirometric parameters. Spinal anaesthesia and premedication were associated with a significant decrease in spirometric parameters; mean (SD) vital capacities were − 19% (6.4) in patients with BMI 30–40 kg.m−2 and − 33% (9.0) in patients with BMI > 40 kg.m−2. The decrease of lung volumes remained constant for 2 h, whereas 3 h after the operation and after mobilisation, spirometric parameters significantly improved in all patients. This study showed that both spinal anaesthesia and obesity significantly impaired peri‐operative respiratory function.
A comparison of the insertion characteristics of the laryngeal tube and the laryngeal mask airway: a study of the ED50 propofol requirements
Authors: Burlacu C. L. , Gaskin P. , Fernandes A. , Carey M. , Briggs L. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this prospective randomised double‐blind study was to determine the effective dose of propofol required for the successful first attempt insertion of the laryngeal tube compared with the laryngeal mask airway in patients co‐induced using alfentanil 5 μg.kg–1, undergoing short elective gynaecological procedures. The first patient in each group received propofol 2.5 mg.kg−1 for induction. In accordance with Dixon's up‐and‐down method, the dose of propofol for consecutive patients in each group was varied with increments or decrements of 0.5 mg.kg−1 based on the previous patient ‘all‐or‐none’ purposeful movement response to first attempt of insertion of the randomised device. The ED50 (SD) of propofol was 2.66 (0.86) mg.kg−1 and 2.33 (0.37) mg.kg−1 for the laryngeal tube and laryngeal mask patients, respectively, which did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.40). We conclude therefore that the insertion of the two airway devices requires similar bolus doses of propofol when alfentanil is used as the co‐induction drug.
Acute pain management for opioid dependent patients
Authors: Mehta V. , Langford R. M. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryPatients requiring acute pain management may be opioid dependent as a result of either recreational or therapeutic opioid use, including those in opioid addiction programmes. Pain in these patients is often under‐estimated and under‐treated. In addiction, drug‐seeking behaviour differentiates it from simple dependence. With few randomised controlled trials, current evidence predominantly consists of guidelines based on case reports, retrospective studies and expert opinion. Consensus recommendations include maintaining regular provision of the patient's pre‐existing opioid requirement, with additional analgesia, ideally multimodal, in appropriate combinations of short‐acting opioid (as required), local anaesthesia, and adjuvant anti‐inflammatory analgesics and paracetamol. Patient controlled analgesia with higher bolus doses and shorter lock‐out intervals is a recommended strategy. Transdermal opioid patches and implantable pumps will continue to deliver opioid, to which non‐opioid and short‐acting opioids may be added. Re‐exposure to opioid is ideally avoided in previously addicted patients, but if not feasible, opioid therapy should be prescribed.
The impact of a consultant anaesthetist led pre‐operative assessment clinic on patients undergoing major vascular surgery*
Authors: Cantlay K. L. , Baker S. , Parry A. , Danjoux G. 
Published: February 2006

SummaryPatients undergoing major vascular surgery are at high risk of peri‐operative morbidity and mortality owing to a combination of advanced age, significant co‐morbidity and the nature of the surgery. A consultant‐led pre‐operative assessment clinic provides an opportunity to stratify these patients on the basis of risk in advance of surgery, to make timely multidisciplinary referrals where appropriate, and to prescribe medical therapies according to the current best evidence. This results in fewer last‐minute cancellations for medical reasons and increased patient satisfaction, and may improve patient outcome. Such a clinic also provides an educational arena for nursing and trainee medical staff, and importantly allows those patients in whom the risks are felt to outweigh the potential benefits of surgery to be managed in a more fully informed manner.
Effect of perioperative steroids on renal function after liver transplantation*
Authors: Turner S. , Dhamarajah S. , Bosomworth M. , Bellamy M. C. ,   on behalf of the Leeds Liver Transplant Group
Published: February 2006

SummarySubclinical renal dysfunction is thought to occur as a systemic manifestation of ischaemia‐reperfusion injury of other organs. Liver transplantation is associated with major ischaemia‐reperfusion injury. Thirty‐four patients undergoing elective liver transplantation were randomly allocated to receive either saline or 10 mg.kg−1 methylprednisolone on induction of anaesthesia. Urine was taken for N‐acetyl‐β‐D‐glucosaminidase, creatinine and other markers of tubular function. Serum chemistry was measured for 7 days. Creatinine concentration increased in the saline group but not in the methylprednisolone group (p < 0.0001), with the greatest difference on the third postoperative day (mean (SD) 164.8 (135.8) μmol.l−1vs 88.5 (39.4) μmol.l−1, respectively). Similar changes were seen in postoperative alanine transferase (865 (739) U.l−1vs 517 (608) U.l−1, respectively; p < 0.0001) on the second postoperative day. Both groups exhibited increases in markers of renal tubular dysfunction and of glomerular permeability. Patients in the saline group sustained more adverse events (8/17 (47%) vs 2/17 (12%); p = 0.02). The data confirm increased proximal tubular lysosomal turnover, consistent with an increased tubular protein load, following liver transplantation, and suggest that methylprednisolone protects against renal and hepatic dysfunction.
Pharmacokinetics of subcutaneously administered etanercept in subjects with psoriasis
Authors: Nestorov Ivan , Zitnik Ralph , DeVries Todd , Nakanishi Arline M. , Wang Andrea , Banfield Christopher 
Published: February 2006

AimsTo present the results of the pharmacokinetic analysis of the concentration–time profiles of etanercept, a soluble receptor tumour necrosis factor (TNF) antagonist, in more than 1300 subjects with psoriasis.MethodsPharmacokinetic samples were collected in one phase‐2 and two phase‐3 placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trials. Study 1 evaluated a 25‐mg twice weekly (BIW) etanercept dosing regimen administered by subcutaneous (s.c.) injection for 24 weeks. Study 2 evaluated 25‐mg BIW and 50‐mg BIW s.c. doses for 12 weeks. Study 3 evaluated 25 mg once weekly (QW), 25 mg BIW and 50 mg BIW s.c. doses for 24 weeks.ResultsThe mean ± SD steady‐state predose serum concentrations of etanercept for the 25‐mg BIW arm at 12 weeks in study 1 were 1590 ± 885 ng ml−1. In study 2, mean ± SD etanercept steady‐state concentrations at 12 weeks were 1900 ± 1110 ng ml−1 in the 25‐mg BIW group and 3830 ± 1870 ng ml−1 in the 50‐mg BIW group. The mean ± SD steady‐state predose serum concentrations of etanercept at 12 weeks in study 3 were 768 ± 475 ng ml−1 for the 25‐mg QW regimen, 1990 ± 1030 ng ml−1 for the 25‐mg BIW regimen and 4020 ± 2100 ng ml−1 for the 50‐mg BIW regimen.ConclusionsPharmacokinetic results were highly consistent across clinical trials. The concentration–time profiles displayed dose proportionality. Etanercept concentrations in subjects with psoriasis are similar to the concentrations in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis.
Lack of sex‐related differences in saquinavir pharmacokinetics in an HIV‐seronegative cohort
Authors: Robertson Sarah M. , Formentini Elizabeth , Alfaro Raul M. , Natarajan Ven , Falloon Judith , Penzak Scott R. 
Published: February 2006

AimsTo examine the influence of sex on steady‐state saquinavir pharmacokinetics in HIV‐seronegative volunteers administered saquinavir without a concomitant protease inhibitor.MethodsThirty‐eight healthy volunteers (14 female) received saquinavir soft‐gel capsules 1200 mg three times daily for 3 days to achieve steady‐state conditions. Following administration of the 10th dose, blood was collected serially over 8 h for measurement of saquinavir plasma concentrations. Saquinavir pharmacokinetic parameter values were determined using noncompartmental methods and compared between males and females. CYP3A phenotype (using oral midazolam) and MDR‐1 genotypes at positions 3435 and 2677 were determined for all subjects in order to characterize possible mechanisms for any observed sex‐related differences.ResultsThere was no significant difference in saquinavir AUC0−8or any other pharmacokinetic parameter value between the sexes. These findings persisted after mathematically correcting for total body weight. The mean weight‐normalized AUC0−8was 29.9 (95% confidence interval 15.5, 44.3) and 29.8 (18.6, 40.9) ng h−1 ml−1 kg−1for males and females, respectively. No significant difference in CYP3A phenotype was observed between the groups; likewise, the distribution of MDR‐1 genotypes was similar for males and females.ConclusionIn contrast to previous study findings, results from this investigation showed no difference in saquinavir pharmacokinetics between males and females. The discrepancy between our findings and those previously reported may be explained by the fact that we evaluated HIV‐seronegative volunteers and administered saquinavir in the absence of concomitant protease inhibitors such as ritonavir. Caution must be exercised when extrapolating pharmacokinetic data from healthy volunteer studies (including sex‐based pharmacokinetic differences) to HIV‐infected populations or to patients receiving additional concurrent medications.