bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment Outcomes in Type A and B Alcohol Dependence 6 Months After Serotonergic Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Dundon William , Lynch Kevin G. , Pettinati Helen M. , Lipkin Craig 
Published: July 2004

Background: Evidence supporting the use of serotonergic medications for the treatment of alcohol dependence is available from studies where pharmacotherapy targeted specific alcoholic subtypes. We previously established with Babor's alcohol typology that type A “lower risk/severity” alcoholics (n= 55) had better treatment response to 14 weeks of sertraline (200 mg/day) than placebo, and this was not found for type B “higher risk/severity” alcoholics (n= 45). The purpose of this study was to assess in this original study group whether treatment gains in the type A alcoholics were maintained or whether treatment outcomes changed for the type B alcoholics after discontinuing pharmacotherapy.Methods: After the end of a 3‐month course of 200 mg/day sertraline, the subjects were interviewed at several time points about their alcohol drinking, if any, using the timeline follow‐back method. For 90% of the original study group, mixed effects and generalized estimating equation models were used to compare monthly drinking amounts over a 6‐month posttreatment period with drinking amounts in the last month of treatment.Results: We found that type A alcoholics who had been treated with sertraline, in contrast to placebo, maintained the good outcomes they had achieved during treatment for at least 6 months after pharmacotherapy. We found that type B alcoholics who had been treated with sertraline, in contrast to placebo, continued to show no advantage for pharmacotherapy in the 6 months after completing treatment. In addition, heavy drinking in type B alcoholics increased over the 6 months postpharmacotherapy in those initially treated with sertraline compared with placebo.Conclusions: These data support the importance of considering alcohol subtype when pharmacologically treating alcohol dependence.
Characterization of Acute Functional Tolerance to the Hypnotic Effects of Ethanol in Mice
Authors: Ponomarev Igor , Crabbe John C. 
Published: July 2004

Background: Acute functional tolerance (AFT) to ethanol‐induced hypnosis is one of the main factors that affect the duration of ethanol‐induced loss of righting reflex (LRR: “sleep time”). Investigators who use duration of LRR as a measure of ethanol‐induced sedation should consider the potential magnitude and time course of this neuroadaptation when interpreting their results. However, AFT to the hypnotic effects of ethanol has not been well characterized. The present study explored this form of AFT using a novel method of monitoring LRR in mice.Methods: Genetically heterogeneous mice were used to study effects of dose and time on the development of AFT. Mice were treated with different dose regimens and tested for LRR after hypnotic doses using a cylindrical restrainer. Measures of initial sensitivity and AFT to ethanol‐induced hypnosis were calculated and analyzed. Inbred strains of mice were then characterized for AFT magnitude after a single ethanol dose.Results: Results showed that (a) AFT developed in a dose‐dependent fashion but attained an apparent maximum value; (b) AFT to ethanol‐induced hypnosis could develop partially after a small, subhypnotic dose; (c) AFT developed very rapidly and approached its maximum for a given dose by the 10th min after injection of ethanol; and (d) AFT has a strong genetic component.Conclusion: Although specific for AFT to the hypnotic effects of ethanol, the present findings expand general knowledge about acute tolerance and should also be useful for investigators who use loss of righting reflex as a measure of ethanol sensitivity.
A Rat Model to Determine the Biomedical Consequences of Concurrent Ethanol Ingestion and Cigarette Smoke Exposure
Authors: Gentry‐Nielsen Martha J. , Top Elizabeth Vander , Snitily Mary U. , Casey Carol A. , Preheim Laurel C. 
Published: July 2004

Background: Although scientists have used animal models for years to study the effects of ethanol (EtOH) ingestion on humans, the compounding effect of cigarette smoking has been virtually ignored. Because 80 to 95% of human alcoholics smoke, it is imperative to consider the added effects of smoking when trying to determine the consequences of excessive alcohol ingestion. We therefore have developed a rat model for studying the separate and combined results of smoking and drinking on human health.Methods: Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were exposed daily for 12 weeks in whole‐body chambers to cigarette smoke (smoke‐exposed) or room air (sham‐exposed). During the final 5 weeks of exposure, the rats were fed liquid diets that contained 0, 16, 26, or 36% EtOH calories. Smoke exposure was quantified by measurement of carboxyhemoglobin, nicotine, and cotinine levels. Body weights, food consumption, blood EtOH concentrations, and various assessments of liver damage and function also were followed.Results: Smoke exposure in this rat model approximates that of a moderate to heavy human smoker. Smoke‐exposed rats weighed significantly less and ate less food than sham‐exposed controls, but both groups ingested equivalent amounts of EtOH for their body weights and had comparable blood EtOH levels. Liver aspartate and alanine aminotransferase levels remained normal. There was an EtOH‐induced decrease in asialoglycoprotein receptor binding, but it was not exacerbated by smoke exposure. Alterations in blood cholesterol levels reflected what has been reported for humans, rising with increasing EtOH ingestion and decreasing with smoke exposure.Conclusion: Our rat model is relevant to what transpires in the vast majority of alcoholics. Both ethanol ingestion and smoke exposure can be manipulated to mimic light to moderate to heavy levels, making it appropriate for studying the separate and combined biomedical consequences of alcohol abuse and cigarette smoking.
HYPERTENSION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: Volume‐Independent Mechanisms of Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients: Clinical Implications
Authors: Blankestijn Peter J. , Ligtenberg Gerry 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTThe renin‐angiotensin and sympathetic nervous systems are often activated in hemodialysis (HD) patients; the pathogenesis of this condition is discussed. Medications aimed at reducing renin and sympathetic activity may improve the cardiovascular prognosis, independent of its effect on blood pressure. This knowledge has important implications for the choice of treatment in HD patients.
HYPERTENSION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: Dialysate Composition and Hemodialysis Hypertension
Authors: Flanigan Michael 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTDialysis prescriptions have evolved to take advantage of new technology and serve a burgeoning patient population. High‐sodium bicarbonate‐based dialysate was first formulated in 1982 to enable short, safe, comfortable, high‐efficiency hemodialysis (HD). Near‐universal adaptation of these high‐sodium formulas has virtually eliminated profound dialysis disequilibrium and greatly reduced dialysis discomfort, but has created a syndrome of dialysis salt loading with accentuated postdialysis thirst, interdialytic weight gain, and hypertension. Available technology will soon permit individuals to receive isonatremic dialysis with dialysate customized to the patient's serum sodium activity. Then, rather than choosing between comfortable, safe, high‐efficiency dialysis with salt loading; cramps, asthenia, and symptomatic hypotension using low‐sodium, high‐efficiency rapid HD to control blood pressure (BP) and weight gain; or comfortable, slow, low‐efficiency HD with BP control, physicians may be able to minimize symptoms and avoid dialysis salt loading while providing maximum time for rehabilitative activities. The current use of a single sodium activity for all patients ignores the inter‐ and intraindividual variability in serum sodium activity in our patients. This results in undesired consequences for 20–40% of patients. The application of even more severe salt loading through high‐salt sodium modeling only accentuates the long‐term problems of excessive thirst, weight gain, and hypertension.
HYPERTENSION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: Dietary Sodium Restriction for Hypertension in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Ahmad Suhail 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTA close relationship between sodium and hypertension exists and this relationship is even more pronounced in renal failure and dialysis patients. Hypertension is one of the strongest predictors of poor outcome in dialysis patients. Almost all end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients have hypertension and positive sodium balance, resulting in extracellular volume (ECV) expansion—the most important contributing factor to hypertension. Thus the effective management of hypertension requires normalization of the sodium balance and ECV. Two important methods to achieve this are limiting interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) and a dialysis process that is able to remove all IDWG and consistently attain dry weight. Since IDWG is directly dependent on sodium intake and the resulting thirst, sodium restriction is the most effective way to limit IDWG. Ultrafiltration and dialysate sodium concentration influence sodium removal, ECV control, and blood pressure (BP) control. Thus the dialysis session should be long enough to achieve dry weight and frequent enough to maintain appropriate BP.
HYPERTENSION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: Drug Therapy for Hypertension in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hörl Matthias P. , Hörl Walter H. 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTThe majority of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients are hypertensive. Drug therapy for hypertension in hemodialysis (HD) patients includes all classes of antihypertensive drugs, with the sole exception of diuretics. Angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers may decrease morbidity and mortality by reducing the mean arterial pressure (MAP), aortic pulse wave velocity, and aortic systolic pressure augmentation, as well as left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and probably reduction of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and oxidant stress. Potential risk factors include hyperkalemia, anaphylactoid reaction with AN69 membranes (particularly ACE inhibitors), and aggravation of renal anemia. β‐blockers decrease not only mortality, blood pressure (BP), and ventricular arrhythmias, but also improve left ventricular function in ESRD patients. Nonselective β‐blockers can cause an increase in serum potassium (particularly during fasting or exercise). Lisinopril and atenolol have a predominant renal excretion and therefore a prolonged half life in ESRD patients. Thus thrice‐weekly supervised administration of these drugs after HD can enhance BP control. The use of calcium channel blockers is also associated with lower total and cardiovascular‐specific mortality in HD patients. Minoxidil is a very potent vasodilator that is generally reserved for dialysis patients with severe hypertension. Hypertensive dialysis patients who are noncompliant with their medications may benefit from transdermal clonidine therapy once a week. The majority of dialysis patients need a combination of several antihypertensive drugs for adequate BP control.
HYPERTENSION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENTS: Hypertension Control with Daily Dialysis
Authors: Saad Ehab , Charra Bernard , Raj Dominic S. C. 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTHypertension is present in 60–90% of patients on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and it is an important cause of cardiovascular (CV) mortality and morbidity. Frequent and prolonged HD has been uniformly shown to control hypertension in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients more effectively than conventional HD. The etiology of hypertension is predominantly volume dependent, but in a subset of patients increased renin, sympathetic overactivity, and endothelial dysfunction may play a role. Intradialytic hypotension precludes attainment of dry weight and hence optimal control of hypertension in conventional HD is challenging. Frequent and prolonged dialysis with gentle and persistent ultrafiltration allows time for refilling of the intravascular compartment and permits normalization of extracellular volume. It is also possible that intensive dialysis enables removal of pressor molecules and improves endothelial function. Improved blood pressure control translates into regression of left ventricular hypertrophy in patients on daily HD. Thus prolonged and frequent dialysis permits better control of hypertension via volume and volume‐independent mechanisms and also improves cardiac geometry.
American Society of Diagnostic and Interventional Nephrology Section Editor: Stephen Ash: An Alternative Approach to the Central Circulation from Above the Diaphragm
Authors: Ross Jamie 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTThis is a review of a new fluoroscopically guided safe technique to place tunneled cuffed hemodialysis (HD) catheters via the supraclavicular location. Right supraclavicular catheters were placed in 12 patients who had no patent internal jugular veins. The placements were all successful and without serious complications. Over the 2 years of follow‐up, two episodes of thrombosis/stenosis (16.7%) resulted in catheter removal. The rate of infection was 8%, or one episode in 1204 patient‐days. The average length of use was 111 days. The average rate of blood flow was 354 cc/min. The right supraclavicular approach for tunneled HD catheters is safe and compares favorably to the internal jugular approach for patients with limited access options.
Special Article: National Surveillance of Dialysis‐Associated Diseases in the United States, 2001
Authors: Tokars Jerome I. , Finelli Lyn , Alter Miriam J. , Arduino Matthew J. 
Published: July 2004

ABSTRACTIn December 2001, all U.S. chronic hemodialysis (HD) centers were surveyed regarding selected patient care practices and dialysis‐associated diseases. The results were compared with similar surveys conducted in previous years. During 1997–2001, the percentage of patients vaccinated against hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection increased from 47% to 60% and the percentage of staff vaccinated increased from 87% to 89%. In 2001, an estimated 65% of patients had been vaccinated for influenza and 26% for pneumococcal pneumonia. In 2001, routine testing for antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti‐HCV) was performed on staff at 42% of centers and on patients at 62% of centers; anti‐HCV was found in 1.5% of staff and 8.6% of patients. In 2001, the incidence of HBV infection was higher among patients in centers where injectable medications were prepared at the dialysis station, and both HCV prevalence and incidence were higher among patients in centers where injectable medications were prepared at the dialysis station compared to a dedicated medication room. During 1995–2001, the percentage of patients who received dialysis through central catheters increased from 13% to 25%; this trend is worrisome, as infections and antimicrobial use are higher among patients receiving dialysis through catheters. However, during the same period, the percentage of patients receiving dialysis through fistulas increased from 22% to 30%. In 2001, 25% of catheters were used for new patients awaiting an arteriovenous (AV) access, 28% for established patients with a failed access awaiting new AV access, 40% as an access of last resort, and 6% for other reasons, including patient preference. The percentage of centers reporting one or more patients infected or colonized with vancomycin‐resistant enterococcus (VRE) increased from 12% in 1995 to 31% in 2001.
Guttate psoriasis following Ecstasy ingestion
Authors: Tan Boon , Foley Peter 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY A 23‐year‐old man presented with the onset of a widespread pruritic eruption 4 days after ingestion of an Ecstasy tablet for the first time. The rash was characterized by small papules up to 10 mm in diameter distributed in a guttate pattern over most of his body and displaying the Köbner phenomena. Histology diagnosed a psoriasiform drug eruption. The eruption was not responsive to the initial treatment of topical betamethasone dipropionate 0.1% ointment and oral prednisolone. Prompt resolution was achieved with narrowband UVB treatment and avoidance of rechallenge.
Atrophic dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: An uncommon and misleading variant
Authors: Wu Jason K , Malik Mohsin M , Egan Conleth Anthony 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY A 23‐year‐old man presented with an atrophic lesion on his left anterior shoulder that had been present for at least 10 years. A previous biopsy had suggested a fibrohistiocytic origin; however, clinically it resembled morphoea or atrophoderma, and the lesion was observed. Fifteen months later, the lesion was noted to have grown slightly. A repeat biopsy showed dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, with a storiform spindle cell proliferation with positive CD34 staining. The lesion was excised with a 3‐cm margin. Awareness of this rare presentation may assist in earlier diagnosis.
Weathering of hair in trichoteiromania
Authors: Banky Jeremy P , Sheridan Adam T , Dawber Rodney PR 
Published: July 2004

SUMMARY A 74‐year‐old woman presented with an 18‐month history of broken vertex scalp hairs as a consequence of chronic rubbing. Light microscopy of the 1–2 cm hairs demonstrated distal brush‐like splitting. Education and behavioural therapy were instituted. After 4 months of reduced rubbing of the vertex scalp hairs, the hairs re‐grew with no evidence of persistent hair shaft abnormality.
The Transmission of Monetary Policy in the Euro Area: Are the Effects Different Across Countries?*
Authors: Peersman Gert 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThis paper analyses whether the effects of the monetary policy of the European Central Bank (ECB) may be different across Euro area countries. First, the limitations in the current empirical literature are highlighted. The paper then suggests how to deal with these limitations and provides new empirical evidence on the effects of a common monetary policy shock across individual member countries. Surprisingly, very similar output effects are found across countries.
From R&D to Productivity Growth: Do the Institutional Settings and the Source of Funds of R&D Matter?
Authors: Guellec Dominique , Van Pottelsberghe de la Potterie Bruno 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThis paper presents estimates of the long‐term impact of various sources of knowledge (R&D performed by the business sector, the public sector and foreign firms) on multifactor productivity growth of 16 countries from 1980 to 1998. The main results show that the three sources of knowledge are significant determinants of long‐term productivity growth. Further evidence suggests that several factors determine the extent to which each source of knowledge contributes to productivity growth. These factors are the absorptive capability, the origin of funding, the socioeconomic objectives of government support, and the type of public institutions that perform R&D.
Analysing I(2) Systems by Transformed Vector Autoregressions*
Authors: Kongsted Hans Christian , Nielsen Heino Bohn 
Published: July 2004

AbstractWe characterize the restrictions imposed by the minimal I(2)‐to‐I(1) transformation that underlies much applied work, e.g. on money demand relationships or open‐economy pricing relationships. The relationship between the parameters of the original I(2) vector autoregression, including the coefficients of polynomially cointegrating relationships, and the transformed I(1) model is characterized. We discuss estimation of the transformed model subject to restrictions as well as the more commonly used approach of unrestricted reduced rank regression. Only a minor loss of efficiency is incurred by ignoring the restrictions in the empirical example and a simulation study. A properly transformed vector autoregression thus provides a practical and effective means for inference on the parameters of the I(2) model.
A Comparison of Johansen's, Bierens’ and the Subspace Algorithm Method for Cointegration Analysis*
Authors: Wagner Martin 
Published: July 2004

AbstractThe methods listed in the title are compared by means of a simulation study and a real world application. The aspects compared via simulations are the performance of the tests for the cointegrating rank and thequalityof the estimated cointegrating space. The subspace algorithm method, formulated in the state space framework and thus applicable for vector autoregressive moving average (VARMA) processes, performs at least comparably to the Johansen method. Both the Johansen procedure and the subspace algorithm cointegration analysis perform significantly better than Bierens’ method. The real‐world application is an investigation of the long‐run properties of the one‐sector neoclassical growth model for Austria. The results do not fully support the implications of the model with respect to cointegration. Furthermore, the results differ greatly between the different methods. The amount of variability depends strongly upon the number of variables considered and huge differences occur for the full system with six variables. Therefore we conclude that the results of such applications with about five or six variables and 100 observations, which are typical in the applied literature, should possibly be interpreted with more caution than is commonly done.
Maspin expression in normal and neoplastic salivary gland
Authors: De Lima Navarro Ricardo , Trierveiler Martins Marília , De Araújo Vera Cavalcanti 
Published: July 2004

Background:  Maspin inhibits cell motility, invasion and metastasis. Loss or reduction in maspin expression has been associated with tumoral progression.Methods:  The presence of maspin was studied immunohistochemically in salivary gland tumours presenting cells with myoepithelial differentiation in their composition, and in normal salivary gland.Results:  Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) presented high expression of maspin, except in the spindle cells and occasional luminal cells. Epithelial–myoepithelial carcinoma and tubular adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) showed intense expression in all cells. Cribriform ACC evidenced only few positive cells of the luminal type, while solid subtype showed rare positive cells. Normal salivary gland tissue has shown low levels of maspin positivity.Conclusions:  Maspin has small participation in normal salivary gland, is increased in PA, and decreases as the histological malignancy raises. Hence, in salivary gland, its expression is not exclusive of myoepithelial cells; thus, it should not be used as a marker for this cell. Nevertheless, we believe it is an important marker of biological behaviour in these tumours.
Elevated serum levels of the apoptosis related molecules TNF‐α, Fas/Apo‐1 and Bcl‐2 in oral lichen planus
Authors: Sklavounou‐Andrikopoulou A. , Chrysomali E. , Iakovou M. , Garinis G. A. , Karameris A. 
Published: July 2004

Background:  The serum circulatory levels of apoptosis related molecules measured in patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) and healthy individuals in order to investigate possible alterations associated with the clinical forms of OLP.Methods:  Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, soluble Fas (sFas) and Bcl‐2 studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in whole blood samples in 13 OLP reticular, 13 OLP atrophic‐erosive form patients and 26 healthy subjects.Results:  Significantly elevated levels of TNF‐α and sFas detected in OLP patients as compared with controls. Serum concentrations of Bcl‐2 although increased in 17/26 patients, they were not statistically significant. Reticular OLP exhibited slightly elevated TNF‐α and significantly elevated Bcl‐2 serum levels, compared with erosive OLP.Conclusions:  These data suggest that a putative dysfunction in the Fas/FasL mediated apoptosis might be involved in the OLP pathogenesis. A downregulation of Bcl‐2 serum levels in the atrophic‐erosive OLP may be associated with promotion of the disease activity.