bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering the relation between betel quid chewing and cigarette smoking in Taiwan
Authors: Wen C P , Tsai S P , Cheng T Y , Chen C-J , Levy D T , Yang H-J , Eriksen M P 
Published: May 2005

Objective:To describe the characteristics of betel quid chewers and to investigate the behavioural and mortality relations between betel quid chewing and cigarette smoking.Method:Prevalence and mortality risks of betel quid chewers by smoking status were calculated, based on the National Health Interview Survey in 2001 and a community based cohort, respectively. Cox’s proportional hazards model was used to adjust mortality risks for age, alcohol use, and education.Results:Almost all betel quid chewers were smokers, and most started chewing after smoking. Chewers were predominantly male, mostly in their 30s and 40s, more likely being among the lowest educational or income group, and residing in the eastern regions of Taiwan. On average, betel quid chewers who smoked consumed 18 pieces of betel quid a day, and smoked more cigarettes per day. Far more smokers use betel quid than non-smokers (27.5%v2.5%), but ex-smokers quit betel quid more than smokers (15.1%v6.8%). The significantly increased mortality of betel quid users who also smoked, for all causes, all cancer, oral cancer, and cancer of the nasopharynx, lung, and liver, was the result of the combined effects of chewing and smoking. Smokers who chewed betel quid nearly tripled their oral cancer risks from a relative risk of 2.1 to 5.9. Increasing the number of cigarettes smoked among betel quid chewers was associated with a synergistic effect, reflective of the significant interaction between the two.Conclusion:To a large extent, the serious health consequences suffered by betel quid chewers were the result of the combined effects of smoking and chewing. Betel quid chewing should not be considered as an isolated issue, but should be viewed conjointly with cigarette smoking. Reducing cigarette smoking serves as an important first step in reducing betel quid chewing, and incorporating betel quid control into tobacco control may provide a new paradigm to attenuate the explosive increase in betel quid use in Taiwan.
How effective are tobacco industry bar and club marketing efforts in reaching young adults?
Authors: Gilpin E A , White V M , Pierce J P 
Published: May 2005

Objective:Recently, the tobacco industry has focused marketing efforts on young adults through bar and club promotions, such as advertising and distribution of free cigarettes in these settings. This study estimates the fraction of the California young adult population that might be exposed and potentially influenced by these efforts.Design and participants:Data were from 9364 young adult (18–29 years) respondents to the cross sectional population based 2002 California Tobacco Survey. As background, we analysed social smoking (only smoke with other smokers), and enjoyment of smoking while drinking. Our main focus was on bar and club attendance, what was observed in bars and clubs, and how this might differ according to respondents’ risk for future smoking.Results:Social smokers comprised 30.0 (2.2)% of all current smokers, including experimenters. Nearly three quarters (74.5 (2.3)%) of current smokers/experimenters said they enjoyed smoking while drinking. About one third (33.8 (1.2)%) of all young adults said they attended bars and clubs at least sometimes; attendance was significantly higher among smokers and those at risk for future smoking. Close to 60% (57.9 (2.2)%) of bar and club attenders reported seeing cigarette advertising and promotions in these settings. Again, smokers and those at risk were more likely to report seeing such advertising and promotions in these settings.Conclusions:About 20% of all young adults and about 30% of those at risk for future smoking (including current smokers) were exposed to tobacco advertising and promotions in bars and clubs. These California results may be conservative, but nonetheless indicate that the group potentially influenced is sizable.
Adolescent smoking decline during California’s tobacco control programme
Authors: Pierce J P , White M M , Gilpin E A 
Published: May 2005

Objective:California’s comprehensive tobacco control programme was 13 years old in 2002; by then, children entering adolescence at the start of the programme were young adults. This study examines whether adolescent smoking declined over this period, whether any decline carried through to young adulthood, and whether it was specific to California.Setting and participants:Most data were from the 1990–2002 California Tobacco Surveys (CTS) (adolescents 12–17 years, > 5000/survey, young adults 18–24 years, > 1000/survey). Additional data were from the national 1992/93–2001/02 Current Population Survey (CPS) (young adults 18–24 years, > 15 000/survey).Results:Over the 13 year period in California, ever puffing declined by 70% in 12–13 year olds, by 53% in 14–15 year olds from 1992–2002, and by 34% in 16–17 year olds from 1996–2002 (CTS). As noted, the decline commenced progressively later in each older group. Smoking experimentation (1+ cigarettes) and established smoking (> 100 cigarettes in lifetime) showed similar patterns. Compared to 1990, the percentage of California young adults (CTS data) who ever experimented declined by 14%, with half of the decline from 1999–2002. CPS young adult smoking prevalence (established and now smoke everyday or some days) was constant in the rest of the USA over the entire period, but California showed a recent 18% decline from 1998/99 to 2001/02.Conclusions:California’s comprehensive programme may have kept new adolescent cohorts from experimenting with cigarettes. Low young adolescent experimentation rates at programme start appeared to carry through to young adulthood, resulting in a recent drop in young adult smoking prevalence in California not observed in the rest of the USA.
Cigarette advertising in Mumbai, India: targeting different socioeconomic groups, women, and youth: Table 1
Authors: Bansal R , John S , Ling P M 
Published: May 2005

Background:Despite a recent surge in tobacco advertising and the recent advertising ban (pending enforcement at the time of this study), there are few studies describing current cigarette marketing in India. This study sought to assess cigarette companies’ marketing strategies in Mumbai, India.Methods:A two week field study was conducted in Mumbai in September 2003, observing, documenting, and collecting cigarette advertising on billboards, storefronts and at point of sale along two major thoroughfares, and performing a content analysis of news, film industry, and women’s magazines and three newspapers.Results:Cigarette advertising was ubiquitous in the environment, present in news and in film magazines, but not in women’s magazines or the newspapers. The four major advertising campaigns all associated smoking with aspiration; the premium brands targeting the higher socioeconomic status market utilised tangible images of westernisation and affluence whereas the “bingo” (low priced) segment advertisements invited smokers to belong to a league of their own and “rise to the taste” using intangible images. Women were not depicted smoking, but were present in cigarette advertisements—for example, a woman almost always accompanied a man in “the man with the smooth edge” Four Square campaign. Advertisements and product placements at low heights and next to candies at point of sale were easily accessible by children. In view of the iminent enforcement of the ban on tobacco advertisements, cigarette companies are increasing advertising for the existing brand images, launching brand extensions, and brand stretching.Conclusion:Cigarette companies have developed sophisticated campaigns targeting men, women, and children in different socioeconomic groups. Many of these strategies circumvent the Indian tobacco advertising ban. Understanding these marketing strategies is critical to mimimise the exploitation of loopholes in tobacco control legislation.
Rapid Effects of a Single High Dose of Simvastatin on C-Reactive Protein in Patients with Unstable Angina
Authors: Li Jian-Jun , Fang Chun-Hong , Chen Ming-Zhe , Chen Xin 
Published: May 2005

Background: Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) became widely accepted as a risk factor for a higher incidence of coronary events, and rapid lowering of CRP following the administration of drugs may result in early beneficial effects on the coronary endothelium in patients with coronary heart disease, and reduce angina and coronary events after revascularization. Limited information has been available, however, on the potential effect of a single, high dose of simvastatin on CRP in patients with unstable angina (UA) within 48 h. Hypothesis: The present study was performed to investigate whether a rapid CRP reduction can be achieved by a single, high-dose simvastatin therapy in patients with UA given immediately on admission. Patients and Methods: Forty-two patients with chest pain at rest were randomly assigned to a single placebo dose or 80 mg of simvastatin given at the time of admission in addition to standard therapy. Blood samples were also drawn on admission and 48 h following admission for serum CRP evaluation. Results: The results showed that a single, high dose of 80 mg simvastatin induced significant reductions in median serum CRP levels and in mean CRP levels 48 h following the administration of simvastatin (25.4 and 32.7%, respectively; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our data suggest that a single, high dose of simvastatin, given during admission, is an effective therapy for controlling inflammatory responses in patients with UA, and its beneficial effect on the vascular endothelium might be reflected by the immediate reduction in CRP levels in this high-risk subgroup, thus improving their prognosis.
No Effect of C-Reactive Protein on Early Atherosclerosis Development in Apolipoprotein E*3-Leiden/Human C-Reactive Protein Transgenic Mice
Authors: Trion A. , de Maat M.P.M. , Jukema J.W. , van der Laarse A. , Maas M.C. , Offerman E.H. , Havekes L.M. , Szalai A.J. , Princen H.M.G. , Emeis J.J. 
Published: May 2005

Objective—C-reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with risk of cardiovascular disease. It is not clear whether CRP is causally involved in the development of atherosclerosis. Mouse CRP is not expressed at high levels under normal conditions and increases in concentration only several-fold during an acute phase response. Because the dynamic range of human CRP is much larger, apolipoprotein E*3-Leiden (E3L) transgenic mice carrying the human CRP gene offer a unique model to study the role(s) of CRP in atherosclerosis development.Methods and Results—Atherosclerosis development was studied in 15 male and 15 female E3L/CRP mice; E3L transgenic littermates were used as controls. The mice were fed a hypercholesterolemic diet to induce atherosclerosis development. Cholesterol exposure did not differ between E3L/CRP and E3L mice. Plasma CRP levels were on average 10.2±6.5 mg/L in male E3L/CRP mice, 0.2±0.1 mg/L in female E3L/CRP mice, and undetectable in E3L mice. Quantification of atherosclerosis showed that lesion area in E3L/CRP mice was not different from that in E3L mice.Conclusion—This study demonstrates that mildly elevated levels of CRP in plasma do not contribute to the development of early atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolemic E3L/CRP mice.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ2 P12A Polymorphism and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in US Men and Women
Authors: Pischon Tobias , Pai Jennifer K. , Manson JoAnn E. , Hu Frank B. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Hunter David , Rimm Eric B. 
Published: May 2005

Objective—Activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) improves insulin sensitivity and exerts antiatherogenic effects. A common alanine for proline substitution at codon 12 in thePPARG2gene is related to lower receptor activity. Studies suggest that the A12 allele is associated with reduced risk of type 2 diabetes; however, data on the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) are scarce and controversial.Methods and Results—We examined the relationship betweenPPARG2P12A and CHD risk in women (Nurses’ Health Study) and men (Health Professionals Follow-Up Study) in nested case control settings. Among participants free of cardiovascular disease at baseline, 249 women and 266 men developed nonfatal myocardial infarction (MI) or fatal CHD during 8 and 6 years of follow-up, respectively. Using risk-set sampling, controls were selected 2:1 matched on age, smoking, and date of blood draw. The relative risk (RR) of nonfatal MI or fatal CHD of carriers compared with noncarriers of the A12 allele was 1.17 (95% CI, 0.82 to 1.68) among women and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.00 to 2.07) among men (pooled RR, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.00 to 1.67]). We found a significantly increased risk associated with the A12 allele among individuals with a body mass index ≥25 kg/m2(women: RR, 1.88; 95% CI, 1.01 to 3.50; men: RR, 1.55; 95% CI, 0.92 to 2.60; pooled: RR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.13 to 2.50) but not among those <25 kg/m2(pooled RR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.37 to 1.97;Pheterogeneity overweight versus nonoverweight 0.16).Conclusions—These data do not support the hypothesis that the A12 allele is associated with a decreased risk of CHD. The potential interaction betweenPPARG2P12A, overweight, and increased CHD risk needs further evaluation.
Endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)–2 regulates angiogenesis
Authors: Huang Miao-Tzu , Mason Justin C. , Birdsey Graeme M. , Amsellem Valerie , Gerwin Nicole , Haskard Dorian O. , Ridley Anne J. , Randi Anna M. 
Published: May 2005

AbstractEndothelial junctions maintain endothelial integrity and vascular homeostasis. They modulate cell trafficking into tissues, mediate cell-cell contact and regulate endothelial survival and apoptosis. Junctional adhesion molecules such as vascular endothelial (VE)–cadherin and CD31/platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM) mediate contact between adjacent endothelial cells and regulate leukocyte transmigration and angiogenesis. The leukocyte adhesion molecule intercellular adhesion molecule 2 (ICAM-2) is expressed at the endothelial junctions. In this study we demonstrate that endothelial ICAM-2 also mediates angiogenesis. Using ICAM-2–deficient mice and ICAM-2–deficient endothelial cells, we show that the lack of ICAM-2 expression results in impaired angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. We show that ICAM-2 supports homophilic interaction, and that this may be involved in tube formation. ICAM-2–deficient cells show defective in vitro migration, as well as increased apoptosis in response to serum deprivation, anti-Fas antibody, or staurosporine. ICAM-2 signaling in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was found to activate the small guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Rac, which is required for endothelial tube formation and migration. These data indicate that ICAM-2 may regulate angiogenesis via several mechanisms including survival, cell migration, and Rac activation. Our findings identify a novel pathway regulating angiogenesis through ICAM-2 and a novel mechanism for Rac activation during angiogenesis.
Inhibition of EBF function by active Notch signaling reveals a novel regulatory pathway in early B-cell development
Authors: Smith Emma M. K. , Åkerblad Peter , Kadesch Tom , Axelson Håkan , Sigvardsson Mikael 
Published: May 2005

AbstractThe Notch signaling pathway is involved in several lineage commitment and differentiation events. One of these is fate determination of the common lymphoid progenitor, promoting T-cell development at the expense of B-cell differentiation. It has been suggested that this process relies on Notch's ability to inhibit E proteins, which are crucial for early B-cell development. Here, we report that Notch signaling also modulates the function of the transcription factor, early B-cell factor (EBF). Transient transfection of intracellular Notch1 (Notch1-IC) into a pre-B cell line resulted in the down-regulation of EBF-regulated promoters and diminished the capacity of EBF to activate these promoters in an epithelial cell line. This correlated with a reduction in the ability of EBF to bind DNA. Ligand-induced stimulation of endogenous Notch receptors with Delta4 mimicked the activity of Notch1-IC toward EBF. These data suggest that Notch signaling may affect B-versus T-lineage commitment by the targeting of both EBF and E2A.
Idiopathic portal hypertension complicating systemic sclerosis: a case report
Authors: Moschos John , Leontiadis Grigoris I , Kelly Clive , Henry James , Kadis Savvas 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
Patients with systemic sclerosis may develop mild abnormalities of liver function tests. More serious hepatic involvement has been well documented but is rare. Idiopathic portal hypertension had been reported only in a few female patients with systemic sclerosis.

Case presentation
An 82-year-old man with known systemic sclerosis presented with melaena. Urgent gastroscopy revealed oesophageal varices, which re-started bleeding during the procedure and were treated ensocopically, with Sengstaken tube and glypressin. Liver function tests and coagulation were normal. Non-invasive liver screen (including hepatitis viral serology and autoantibodies) was negative. Ultrasound scan of the abdomen revealed a small liver with coarse texture and no focal lesion. Hepato-portal flow was demonstrated in the portal vein. The spleen was enlarged. A moderate amount of free peritoneal fluid was present. A CT scan confirmed the absence of portal vein thrombosis. One month following discharge the patient had a liver biopsy. Histological examination showed essentially normal liver tissue; there was no evidence of any excess inflammation and no features to suggest cirrhosis or drug-induced liver disease. Taking into account the above evaluation we concluded that the patient had idiopathic portal hypertension.

Conclusion
Both male and female patients with systemic sclerosis may – rarely – develop idiopathic portal hypertension.
Salivary antibodies induced by the seven-valent PncOMPC conjugate vaccine in the Finnish Otitis Media Vaccine Trial
Authors: Nurkka Anu , Lahdenkari Mika , Palmu Arto AI , Käyhty Helena ,   the FinOM Study Group
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Mucosal antibodies have been suggested to have a role in defence against pneumococcal infections. We investigated here the ability of a seven-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, PncOMPC, to induce mucosal immune response.

Methods
Healthy Finnish children (n = 111), a subcohort of the Finnish Otitis Media Vaccine Trial, were recruited and 56 of them were immunised with the PncOMPC at the age of 2, 4, and 6 months. At 12 months of age, 49 of them received the PncOMPC and 7 were vaccinated with the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PncPS) as a booster. The control group of 55 children received a hepatitis B vaccine at the same ages. Salivary anti-Pnc IgG, IgA, IgA1, and IgA2 antibodies to serotypes 6B, 14, 19F, and 23F were measured in both groups at the age of 7 and 13 months.

Results
Salivary anti-Pnc IgG and IgA were detected more often in the PncOMPC than in the control group. However, the difference between groups was significant only for 19F and 23F IgA concentrations at the age of 7 months. At the age of 13 months, antibody concentrations did not differ between PncOMPC and control groups. The rises in IgA concentrations between 7 and 13 months of age were mainly of subclass IgA1. Further, there is a clear trend that PncPS booster induces higher salivary anti-Pnc PS antibody concentrations than the PncOMPC.

Conclusion
We found that PncOMPC can induce a mucosal IgA response. However, the actual impact of mucosal antibodies in protection against pneumococcal infections is not clear.
Antipsychotic monotherapy and polypharmacy in the naturalistic treatment of schizophrenia with atypical antipsychotics
Authors: Faries Douglas , Ascher-Svanum Haya , Zhu Baojin , Correll Christoph , Kane John 
Published: May 2005

Abstract

Background
Antipsychotic monotherapy is recognized as the treatment of choice for patients with schizophrenia. Simultaneous treatment with multiple antipsychotics (polypharmacy) is suggested by some expert consensus guidelines as the last resort after exhausting monotherapy alternatives. This study assessed the annual rate and duration of antipsychotic monotherapy and its inverse, antipsychotic polypharmacy, among schizophrenia patients initiated on commonly used atypical antipsychotic medications.

Methods
Data were drawn from a large prospective naturalistic study of patients treated for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders, conducted 7/1997–9/2003. Analyses focused on patients (N = 796) who were initiated during the study on olanzapine (N = 405), quetiapine (N = 115), or risperidone (N = 276). The percentage of patients with monotherapy on the index antipsychotic over the 1-year post initiation, and the cumulative number of days on monotherapy were calculated for all patients and for each of the 3 atypical antipsychotic treatment groups. Analyses employed repeated measures generalized linear models and non-parametric bootstrap re-sampling, controlling for patient characteristics.

Results
During the 1-year period, only a third (35.7%) of the patients were treated predominately with monotherapy (>300 days). Most patients (57.7%) had at least one prolonged period of antipsychotic polypharmacy (>60 consecutive days). Patients averaged 195.5 days on monotherapy, 155.7 days on polypharmacy, and 13.9 days without antipsychotic therapy. Olanzapine-initiated patients were significantly more likely to be on monotherapy with the initiating antipsychotic during the 1-year post initiation compared to risperidone (p = .043) or quetiapine (p = .002). The number of monotherapy days was significantly greater for olanzapine than quetiapine (p < .001), but not for olanzapine versus risperidone, or for risperidone versus quetiapine-initiated patients.

Conclusion
Despite guidelines recommending the use of polypharmacy only as a last resort, the use of antipsychotic polypharmacy for prolonged periods is very common during the treatment of schizophrenia patients in usual care settings. In addition, in this non-randomized naturalistic observational study, the most commonly used atypical antipsychotics significantly differed on the rate and duration of antipsychotic monotherapy. Reasons for and the impact of the predominant use of polypharmacy will require further study.
Pre-competition habits and injuries in Taekwondo athletes
Authors: Kazemi Mohsen , Shearer Heather , Su Choung Young 
Published: May 2005

Abstract
Background
Over the past decade, there has been heightened interest in injury rates sustained by martial arts athletes, and more specifically, Taekwondo athletes. Despite this interest, there is a paucity of research on pre-competition habits and training of these athletes. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess training characteristics, competition preparation habits, and injury profiles of Taekwondo athletes.

Methods
A retrospective survey of Canadian male and female Taekwondo athletes competing in a national tournament was conducted. Competitors at a Canadian national level tournament were given a comprehensive survey prior to competition. Items on training characteristics, diet, and injuries sustained during training and competition were included. Questionnaires were distributed to 60 athletes.

Results
A response rate of 46.7% was achieved. Of those that responded, 54% dieted prior to competition, and 36% dieted and exercised pre-competition. Sixty-four percent of the athletes practised between 4–6 times per week, with 54% practicing 2 hours per session. Lower limb injuries were the most common (46.5%), followed by upper extremity (18%), back (10%), and head (3.6%). The majority of injuries consisted of sprains/strains (45%), followed by contusions, fractures, and concussions. More injuries occurred during training, including 59% of first injuries.

Conclusion
More research needs to be conducted to further illustrate the need for appropriate regulations on weight cycling and injury prevention.