bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Relationship Between Recent Alcohol Use and Sexual Behaviors: Gender Differences Among Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic Patients
Authors: Hutton Heidi E. , McCaul Mary E. , Santora Patricia B. , Erbelding Emily J. 
Published: September 2008

Background: Binge drinking is associated with risky sexual behaviors and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Few studies have investigated this by gender or in an STD clinic. This cross‐sectional study examined the association between binge drinking and risky sexual behaviors/STDs among patients attending an urban STD clinic.Method: A total of 671 STD clinic patients were tested for STDs, and queried about recent alcohol/drug use and risky sexual behaviors using audio computer‐assisted‐self‐interview. The association between binge drinking and sexual behaviors/STDs was analyzed using logistic regression adjusting for age, employment, and drug use.Results: Binge drinking was reported by 30% of women and 42% of men. Gender differences were found in rates of receptive anal sex which increased linearly with increased alcohol use among women but did not differ among men. Within gender analyses showed that women binge drinkers engaged in anal sex at more than twice the rate of women who drank alcohol without binges (33.3% vs. 15.9%;p < 0.05) and 3 times the rate of women who abstained from alcohol (11.1%;p < 0.05). Having multiple sex partners was more than twice as common among women binge drinkers than women abstainers (40.5% vs. 16.8%;p < 0.05). Gonorrhea was nearly 5 times higher among women binge drinkers compared to women abstainers (10.6% vs. 2.2%;p < 0.05). The association between binge drinking and sexual behaviors/gonorrhea remained after controlling for drug use. Among men, rates of risky sexual behaviors/STDs were high, but did not differ by alcohol use.Conclusion: Rates of binge drinking among STD clinic patients were high. Among women, binge drinking was uniquely associated with risky sexual behaviors and an STD diagnosis. Our findings support the need to routinely screen for binge drinking as part of clinical care in STD clinics. Women binge drinkers, in particular, may benefit from interventions that jointly address binge drinking and risky sexual behaviors. Developing gender‐specific interventions could improve overall health outcomes in this population.
Adolescent but Not Adult Rats Exhibit Ethanol‐Mediated Appetitive Second‐Order Conditioning
Authors: Pautassi Ricardo Marcos , Myers Mallory , Spear Linda Patia , Molina Juan Carlos , Spear Norman E. 
Published: September 2008

Background:  Adolescent rats are less sensitive to the sedative effects of ethanol than older animals. They also seem to perceive the reinforcing properties of ethanol. However, unlike neonates or infants, ethanol‐mediated appetitive behavior is yet to be clearly shown in adolescents. Appetitive ethanol reinforcement was assessed in adolescent (postnatal day 33, P33) and adult rats (P71) through second‐order conditioning (SOC).Methods:  On P32 or P70, animals were intragastrically administered ethanol (0.5 or 2.0 g/kg) paired with intra‐oral pulses of sucrose (CS1, first‐order conditioning phase). CS1 delivery took place either 5–20 (early pairing) or 30–45 minutes (late pairing) following ethanol administration. The time interval between CS1 exposure and ethanol administration was 240 minutes in unpaired controls. On P33 or P71, animals were presented the CS1 (second‐order conditioning phase) in a distinctive chamber (CS2, second‐order conditioning). Then they were tested for CS2 preference.Results:  Early and late paired adolescents, but not adults, had greater preference for the CS2 than controls, a result indicative of ontogenetic variation in ethanol‐mediated reinforcement. During the CS1‐CS2 associative phase, paired adolescents given 2.0 g/kg ethanol wall‐climbed more than controls. Blood and brain ethanol levels associated with the 0.5 and 2.0 g/kg doses at the onset of each conditioning phase did not differ substantially across age, with mean blood ethanol concentration of 38 and 112 mg%.Conclusions:  These data indicate age‐related differences between adolescent and adult rats in terms of sensitivity to ethanol’s motivational effects. Adolescents exhibited high sensitivity for ethanol’s appetitive effects. These animals also showed ethanol‐mediated behavioral activation during the SOC phase. The SOC preparation provides a valuable conditioning model for assessing ethanol’s motivational effects across ontogeny.
Clinical Research in Interventional Pain Management Techniques: An Epidemiologist/Trialist's View
Authors: Taylor Rod 
Published: September 2008

AbstractIn contrast to drug therapy, interventional pain therapies involve a complex “interaction” between the clinician (“the operator”), the clinical procedure and medical device/equipment. An appreciation of this interaction is fundamental to the understanding of the challenges of designing clinical trials for interventional procedures in chronic pain. This article overviews the evolving evidence requirements of healthcare policy makers and payers, discusses the specific challenges of designing clinical trials of interventional procedures, and outlines some potential clinical trial design solutions to these challenges.
Quality Assessment in Clinical Trials: Considerations for Outcomes Research in Interventional Pain Medicine*
Authors: Hartrick Craig T. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe assessment of quality in clinical trials involves multiple considerations. While compliance with both Good Clinical Practice and International Conference on Harmonisation guidelines is required, variations in many other factors contribute to the overall quality of the report. Principal among these factors is the development of a testable study question. Study questions that are feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, and relevant are desirable. The methodology used to answer the question should be described in sufficient detail and documented to provide for reproducibility and transparency. This is essential for both interpretation of the results and for assessing the applicability of the results to clinical practice. While randomized controlled trials (RCT) are currently the penultimate methodological standard for quality in research study design, they typically do not mimic clinical practice, which can present limitations to their value. This is particularly relevant with respect to interventional therapies, where RCT designs can be associated with scientific and ethical challenges. Well‐designed observational studies may overcome some of these drawbacks, but often require very large study populations. Technological advances in communication may permit the pooling of data and the emergence of new standards for interventional pain research.
Mechanical Ventilation Was Associated with Acidemia in a Case Series of Salicylate‐poisoned Patients
Authors: Stolbach Andrew I. , Hoffman Robert S. , Nelson Lewis S. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractObjectives: Despite little empiric evidence, mechanical ventilation (MV) in the setting of salicylate poisoning is considered by many to be harmful. When salicylate‐poisoned patients are ventilated at conventional settings, the respiratory alkalosis is abolished, more salicylate is able to pass into the central nervous system (CNS), and neurotoxicity worsens. The objective of this study was to identify a relationship between MV, acidosis, and outcome in salicylate‐poisoned patients.Methods: The authors electronically searched a poison control center (PCC) database (2001–2007) for patients with salicylate poisoning, defined as a serum concentration >50 mg/dL, who had MV listed as a therapy. For the 7‐year study period, a total of 3,144 salicylate‐poisoning cases were identified. Eleven patients met the inclusion criteria of having both salicylate concentrations >50 mg/dL and required MV; only 7 of them had post‐MV data available.Results: In all seven patients with post‐MV blood gas data, the post‐MV pH was <7.4. In five of six patients with recorded PCO2, the post‐MV PCO2was >50 mm Hg. Two of the seven patients in the study group died following intubation (two patients died within 3 hours [serum salicylate concentrations, 85 and 79 mg/dL, respectively]). Another patient sustained severe neurologic injury (serum salicylate concentration, 84 mg/dL). The other four patients were ultimately discharged home. In the three patients with the worst clinical outcome, deterioration was reported within hours of intubation.Conclusions: Inadequate MV of patients with salicylate poisoning is associated with respiratory acidosis, acidemia, and clinical deterioration in this series of cases. This supports warnings about the danger of improper MV in patients with salicylate poisoning. A prospective study should be performed.
International Emergency Medicine: A Review of the Literature from 2007
Authors: Levine Adam C. , Becker Joseph , Lippert Suzanne , Rosborough Stephanie , Arnold Kris ,   on behalf of the Emergency Medicine Resident Association (EMRA) International Emergency Medicine Literature Review Group
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe subspecialty of international emergency medicine (IEM) continues to grow within the United States, just as the specialty of emergency medicine (EM) continues to spread to both developed and developing countries around the world. One of the greatest obstacles, however, faced by IEM researchers and practitioners alike, remains the lack of a high‐quality, consolidated, and easily accessible evidence‐base of literature. In response to this perceived need, members of the Emergency Medicine Resident Association (EMRA) International Emergency Medicine Committee, in conjunction with members of the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine (SAEM) International Health Interest Group, have embarked on the task of creating a recurring review of IEM literature. This publication represents the third annual review, covering the top 30 IEM research articles published in 2007. Articles were selected for the review according to explicit, predetermined criteria that included both methodologic quality and perceived impact of the research. It is hoped that this annual review will act as a forum for disseminating best practices, while also stimulating further research in the field of IEM.
Pediatric Emergency Department Overcrowding and Impact on Patient Flow Outcomes
Authors: Timm Nathan L. , Ho Mona L. , Luria Joseph W. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractBackground:  Understanding the impact of overcrowding in pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) on quality of care is a growing concern. Boarding admitted patients in the PED and increasing emergency department (ED) visits are two potentially significant factors affecting quality of care.Objectives:  The objective was to describe the impact ED boarding time and daily census have on the timeliness of care in a PED.Methods:  Pediatric ED boarding time and daily census were determined each day from July 2003 to July 2007. Outcome measures included mean length of stay (LOS), time to triage, time to physician, and patient elopement during a 24‐hour period.Results:  For every 50 patients seen above the average daily volume of 250, LOS increased 14.8 minutes, time to triage increased 6.6 minutes, time to physician increased 18.2 minutes, and number of patient elopements increased by three. For each increment of 24 hours to total ED boarding time, LOS increased 7.6 minutes, time to triage increased 0.6 minutes, time to physician increased 3 minutes, and number of patient elopements increased by 0.6 patients.Conclusions:  ED boarding time and ED daily census show independent associations with increasing overall LOS, time to triage, time to physician, and number of patient elopements in a PED.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE: Effect of Progesterone on Proinflammatory Cytokine Production by Monocytes Stimulated with Pathogens Associated with Preterm birth
Authors: Peltier Morgan R. , Tee Siew C. , Smulian John C. 
Published: September 2008

Problem A number of clinical trials have demonstrated that supplemental progesterone (P4) can prevent preterm birth. Although P4 can decrease the production of mediators of inflammation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐stimulated macrophages, a majority of infections associated with preterm birth are due to Ureaplasma urealyticum, which does not contain LPS. Therefore, we studied whether P4 could lower the production of proinflammatory cytokines by monocytes stimulated with U. urealyticum.Method of study Human monocytes (THP‐1 cells) were treated with P4 and then stimulated with heat‐killed Escherichia coli or U. urealyticum. Cytokine concentrations in the conditioned medium were then measured by ELISA and relative viability of the cells was assessed colorimetrically. The impact of P4 on interleukin (IL)‐1β, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and IL‐8 production was assessed by comparing levels across different P4 dosages and organism concentrations.Results Both organisms increased IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐8 production in a dose‐dependent manner. P4 enhanced the production of IL‐1β and IL‐8, but inhibited TNF‐α production by monocytes stimulated with either organism.Conclusion P4 modulates cytokine production by E. coli and U. urealyticum‐stimulated monocytes in a similar manner and is not strictly immunosuppressive. This suggests that P4 does not prevent preterm birth by simply suppressing bacteria‐stimulated cytokine production.
Ametor scabrosus(Horn) (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Hydrophilinae) new to Korea
Authors: LEE Dae‐Hyun , AHN Kee‐Jeong 
Published: September 2008

AbstractAmetor scabrosus(Horn) is identified for the first time in Korea. A habitus photo, a description, and illustrations of the diagnostic characters of species are provided.
First record of the genus Adelphocorisella Miyamoto and Yasunaga (Hemiptera: Miridae) from Korea
Authors: CHO Young Jae , KWON Yong Jung , SUH Sang Jae 
Published: September 2008

Abstract Adelphocorisella lespedezae
Miyamoto and Yasunaga, 1993, which was previously known only from Japan, is reported from Korea for the first time and diagnosed. An image of its dorsal habitus as well as illustrations of the male genitalia are provided. The discovery of the mirid species also represents the first distributional record in Korea as well as the continental Palaearctic Region for the genus Adelphocorisella Miyamoto and Yasunaga, 1993.
Characterization of Australian fur seal vocalizations during the breeding season
Authors: Tripovich Joy S. , Canfield Rhondda , Rogers Tracey L. , Arnould John P. Y. 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe vocal repertoire, structure, and behavioral context of airborne vocalizations produced by Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) are described using recordings made at a breeding colony on Kanowna Island, Bass Strait, Australia. The study identified six different call types: three produced by males (bark, guttural threat, and submissive call); five produced by females (bark, guttural threat, submissive call, growl, and pup attraction call) and the female attraction call produced by pups and yearlings. Vocalizations were compared according to age and sex classes. The overall structure and function of the pup attraction and female attraction call produced by females, yearlings, and pups, was similar. However, while similar in their overall appearance, certain call types have a lower fundamental frequency when compared with other fur seals. In addition, the male bark call alters in rate of production according to the context used, where calls are slower when males are stationary and advertising their territorial status and faster when males are involved in confrontations with other males or actively herding females. Further research is required to investigate changes in environmental conditions and their effects on shaping the call structure and communication in Australian fur seals.
The Kenneth S. Norris Lifetime Achievement Award Lecture
Authors: Kasuya Toshio 
Published: September 2008

AbstractSince the early 20th century, Japanese cetacean biology relied heavily on fisheries for their materials. The work environment was challenging because research activities were controlled by industries and the fishery administration. I became a cetacean scientist in 1961 and worked mainly in the western North Pacific. There I witnessed the collapse of coastal populations of striped dolphins and sperm whales as a result of over‐hunting. Nonetheless, my research revealed fascinating aspects of cetacean biology, which still await explanation, such as the following: neighboring populations of the same species having different breeding seasons, the role of reproductively senescent females in some toothed whales, the role of “social sex” in short‐finned pilot whales, and the selective benefit of male Baird's beaked whales living longer than the females. New methodologies are required to address these questions. I propose to include the following aims for the conservation biology of cetaceans: to identify a community as a conservation unit, and to focus on conserving the cultural diversity and variability of such communities, and henceforth to focus increased research on understanding the contribution of individuals within a community. Today, marine mammal biologists of all fields need to pay more attention to conservation.
Evaluation of eosin‐5‐maleimide flow cytometric test in diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis
Authors: KAR R. , MISHRA P. , PATI H. P. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryA flow cytometry‐based test using eosin‐5‐maleimide (EMA) dye was used for diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis (HS). The mean fluorescence intensiy (MFI) of EMA tagged erythrocytes is lower in HS than that in other hemolytic and nonhemolytic anemias. We enrolled 114 subjects comprising 20 confirmed HS, 20 suspected HS/hemolytic anemia (HA), 20 normal controls, 20 other hemolytic anemias [13 autoimmune hemolytic anemia, three congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA), one pyruvate kinase deficiency, two microangiopathic hemolytic anemia], 18 microcytic anemia and 16 macrocytic anemia cases. All samples were subjected to flow cytometry as per standard protocol. The mean MFI of normal control subjects was 11 861.5 (SD 883.5) and of confirmed HS was 7949.3 (SD 1304.1). Using this test, of 20 patients suspected to be HS/HA but with no confirmatory diagnosis, eight patients were diagnosed as HS. Using logistic regression analysis, the optimum cut‐off MFI value between HS and normal controls was 10126. The area under the ROC curve was 0.99. The statistical significance of MFI values was obtained by t‐test or Wilcoxon rank sum test as applicable. Compared with normal controls, the MFI values in HS were lower and in megaloblastic anemia were higher which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.01), and the MFI values in CDA were lower which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). False‐positive values were obtained in three cases of AIHA and two cases of CDA. The sensitivity and specificity was 96.4% and 94.2% respectively. The EMA‐based flow cytometry test is a highly sensitive and specific method for the diagnosis of HS.
Intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment‐naïve subfoveal occult choroidal neovascularization in age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Furino Claudio , Boscia Francesco , Recchimurzo Nicola , Besozzi Gianluca , Cardascia Nicola , Sborgia Luigi , Niro Alfredo , Sborgia Carlo 
Published: September 2008

Abstract.Purpose:  This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of multiple injections of intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment‐naïve subfoveal occult choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods:  Twelve eyes of 12 patients (mean age 76 ± 6 years) with mean best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) of 20/100 and occult subfoveal CNV at fluorescein angiography (FA), indocyanine‐green (ICG) angiography and optical coherence tomography (OCT), showing intra‐ or subretinal fluid with or without retinal pigment epithelial detachment (PED), underwent multiple intravitreal injections (mean 2.4 ± 0.7) of 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) bevacizumab. Visual acuity and OCT findings were assessed at the end of follow‐up.Results:  After a mean follow‐up of 5.7 ± 2 months, BCVA improved from 20/100 (range 20/50–20/303) to 20/60 (range 20/28–20/200) (p = 0.038). Five eyes (42%) increased BCVA by ≥ 3 lines, six eyes (50%) increased BCVA by < 3 lines and one eye (8%) remained stable. Macular thickness decreased from 298 ± 71 μm to 223 ± 72 μm (p = 0.017). No ocular or systemic side‐effects were observed.Conclusions:  Short‐term results suggest that multiple intravitreal injections of 1.25 mg bevacizumab are well tolerated and associated with significant improvements in BCVA and decreased retinal thickness by OCT in most patients with treatment‐naïve occult CNV. Further evaluation of intravitreal bevacizumab for the treatment of occult CNV is warranted.
Analysis of Flow in Fractal Porous Media
Authors: Yu Boming 
Published: September 2008

AbstractThe flow in porous media has received a great deal of attention due to its importance and many unresolved problems in science and engineering such as geophysics, soil science, underground water resources, petroleum engineering, fibrous composite manufacturing, biophysics (tissues and organs), etc. It has been shown that natural and some synthetic porous media are fractals, and these media may be called fractal porous media. The flow and transport properties such as flow resistance and permeability for fractal porous media have steadily attracted much attention in the past decades. This review article intends to summarize the theories, methods, mathematical models, achievements, and open questions in the area of flow in fractal porous media by applying the fractal geometry theory and technique. The emphases are placed on the theoretical analysis based on the fractal geometry applied to fractal porous media. This review article shows that fractal geometry and technique have the potentials in analysis of flow and transport properties in fractal porous media. A few remarks are made with respect to the theoretical studies that should further be made in this area in the future. This article contains 220 references.
Matrix Gla-protein: The calcification inhibitor in need of vitamin K
Authors: Cranenburg Ellen C. M. , Vermeer Cees , Schurgers Leon J. 
Published: September 2008

SummaryAmong the proteins involved in vascular calcium metabolism, the vitamin K-dependent matrix Gla-protein (MGP) plays a dominant role. Although on a molecular level its mechanism of action is not completely understood, it is generally accepted that MGP is a potent inhibitor of arterial calcification. Its pivotal importance for vascular health is demonstrated by the fact that there seems to be no effective alternative mechanism for calcification inhibition in the vasculature. An optimal vitamin K intake is therefore important to maintain the risk and rate of calcification as low as possible. With the aid of conformation-specific antibodies MGP species in both tissue and the circulation have been detected in the healthy population, and significant differences were found in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Using ELISA-based assays, uncarboxylated MGP (ucMGP) was demonstrated to be a promising biomarker for cardiovascular calcification detection. These assays may have potential value for identifying patients as well as apparently healthy subjects at high risk for CVD and/or cardiovascular calcification and for monitoring the treatment of CVD and vascular calcification.