This study was designed to determine whether the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory could successfully predict the outcome of rehabilitative treatment given 84 racially mixed male alcoholics having a mean age of 42.2 years who were admitted to the Wyoming State Hospital between September 1, 1965, and September 1, 1966. The subjects were given the MMPI before receiving 16 weeks of treatment consisting of education, group and individual psychotherapy, alcoholics anonymous, routine "ward treatment," disulfiram (antibuse), special ward unit, and special program without ward. After their release from hospital, the subjects were evaluated yearly for five years by relatives, employers, and themselves concerning vocational and familial responsibilities, sobriety, AA attendance, and drinking. Multiple regression analysis, a multivariate statistical technique was utilized to analyze the data from a systematic follow-up questionnaire. At the end of five years 32 of the original 84 subjects could be located. The study concluded that the MMPI cannot be used to predict successful treatment of alcoholics at Wyoming State Hospital.

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BACKGROUND: There has been renewed interest in the study of brown adipose tissue (BAT) as a potential therapeutic target for obesity, diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). There is now much evidence to suggest that BAT is not only important in thermogenesis but also plays an important role in metabolism. In adults, cold-induced BAT activation has led to a significant increase in insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure as well as decreased blood sugar levels. Thus, it is important to identify factors associated with these metabolic disorders such as the presence and activity of BAT to better understand if and how BAT can be targeted to treat these disorders. However, as a potential therapeutic target, it is important to develop accurate, precise, robust and reproducible non-invasive modalities to measure BAT. PROJECT OBJECTIVES: 1) Develop and assess protocols for the use of MRI in measuring BAT characteristics and activity 2) Examine the relationship between BAT MR outcomes and known covariates such as age, sex, body fat percentage and outdoor temperature in adult humans 3) Determine if there is any association between BAT outcomes and liver fat in adult humans, before and after adjusting for potential covariates of liver fat such as age, sex and body fat percentage METHODS: In total, 36 healthy participants (i.e. no conditions or medications that could influence BAT metabolism and/or liver disease) aged 18 to 60 years were recruited to this cross-sectional study. There were two study visits. In visit 1, anthropometrics (i.e. height, weight and waist circumference), blood pressure and body composition (via dual x-ray energy absorptiometry) were measured. Additionally, fasting bloodwork was collected and a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was administered. During visit 2, participants were exposed to a standardized cold exposure set at 18°C for 3 hours using a water-perfused suit. MRI scans were acquired to evaluate changes in fat-fraction (FF%) and T2* relaxation (T2*) (BAT MR outcomes), liver fat and abdominal fat after a cold exposure. During the cold exposure protocol, mean skin temperature (MST) was monitored using 12 wireless temperature loggers placed at different sites of the body while electromyography (EMG) was used to measure shivering intensity. RESULTS: In the current study, an MRI protocol capable of detecting BAT in the supraclavicular (SCV) region was developed. This protocol included the use of FF and T2* masks to more accurately characterize BAT in the SCV region. Additionally, the MR segmentation protocol was found to be very reliable, as demonstrated by excellent ICC values (i.e. ICCagreement and ICCconsistency ≥ 0.90) for all BAT MR outcomes irrespective of cold exposure. As expected, FF% (mean difference = -2.97; p < 0.0001*) and T2* (mean difference = -0.84; p < 0.0001*) values in the SCV significantly decreased after cold exposure, consistent with BAT activation. Furthermore, the decline in both FF% and T2* after cooling was specific to the SCV region, as these changes did not occur in the posterior neck fat. In examining the relationship between BAT MR outcomes and known covariates of BAT (i.e. age, sex, body fat percentage and outdoor temperature), it is important to note that lower FF% or T2* values are reflective of a browner phenotype while a greater reduction in FF% is indicative of higher BAT activity. BAT characteristics (A: pre-cold FF%; B: pre-cold T2*) and BAT activity (C: FF% reduction) were correlated with age (A: r = 0.54; p = 0.0007*; B: r = 0.42; p = 0.0112*; C: r = -0.39; p = 0.0213*) and body fat percentage (A: r = 0.83; p < 0.0001*; B: r = 0.58; p = 0.0002*; C: r = -0.64; p < 0.0001*). That is, higher age and body fat were associated with a less brown phenotype prior to cold exposure and with less BAT activity (i.e. lower FF% decline) in response to cold exposure. However, no associations were found between BAT MR outcomes and sex or outdoor temperature. Lastly, liver fat was associated with higher values of pre-cold FF% (r = 0.60; p < 0.0001*) and pre-cold T2* (r = 0.47; p = 0.0040*) while FF% reduction was inversely correlated with liver fat (r = -0.38; p = 0.0295*). Additionally, the relationship between BAT MR outcomes and liver fat still existed after adjusting for age and sex while its effects were mediated by adiposity. CONCLUSION: In this study, a highly reliable MR segmentation protocol was developed that is capable of measuring BAT characteristics and activity irrespective of cold exposure. Additionally, the cold exposure protocol used was sufficient to elicit changes in BAT MR outcomes, as demonstrated by significant changes in FF% and T2* after cooling. Consistent with previous studies, BAT outcomes (as measured by MRI) were associated with age and body fat percentage. Lastly, findings in this thesis provide strong supporting data that BAT may regulate liver lipid content, however, the extent and mechanisms remain to be determined. / Thesis / Master of Science (MSc)

The objective of this thesis was to examine the demographic characteristics and the drink-related determinants of alcohol use among U.S. military personnel. The data were obtained from The 1985 Worldwide Survey of Alcohol and Nonmedical Drug Use among Military Personnel which included 17,328 active duty military personnel. Analysis of Variance and Pearson r were used to examine the zero-order relationships among all independent and dependent variables in the study. Multiple Regression and Path Analysis were used to reveal the relationships between demographic and drink-related variables in predicting alcohol use. Findings from bivariate analyses explored the zero-order relationships between alcohol use and demographic attributes as well as drink-related determinants. It was found that the following characteristics were more frequently associated with military personnel who used alcohol: male, black, younger, not living with a spouse, in lower military ranks and with lower educational attainment. Furthermore, personnel who were strongly influenced by their drinking peers, considered the positive personal benefits of alcohol use, had favorable attitudes toward alcohol use, and encountered more serious problem situations were found to exhibit higher levels of alcohol use. Findings from multiple regressions and path analyses indicated that personal benefit was the most important determinant in predicting alcohol use. lt was found that the effects of problem situations on alcohol use were largely mediated by personal benefit. Moreover, peer influence not only directly affected alcohol use, but also mediated the effect of age on alcohol use. Surprisingly, it was found that normative definition toward alcohol use was not a good predictor of alcohol use. Both direct and mediating effects of normative definition on alcohol use were weak and negligible. Based on the findings of the study, implications for academic research on alcohol use were also discussed in the thesis. / Master of Science

Finally, the hepatoprotection of the 50%EtWZ was evaluated using rat model. The results indicated that the 50%EtWZ possessed potent hepatoprotective activities. The protective effect of the extract against hepatotoxicity induced by long-term treatment with ethanol might be attributed to its inhibitory action on oxidative stress. Although multiple factors could be involved in the inhibition of oxidative injury in the liver, the inhibition of CYP2E1 pathway and the enhanced GSH-related antioxidant capacity might be responsible for the protective effect. In addition, the 50%EtWZ also produced anti-inflammatory effect partly by interfering Toll-Like-Receptor-4 (TLR-4)-mediated signal pathway and reducing the production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (INF-alpha) in Kupffer cells during long-term ethanol exposure. / First, in order to determine which kind of extract possesses the strongest hepatoprotective effect on ethanol-induced cytotoxicity, various extracts were screened for cytochrome P450 2E1 isoenzyme (CYP2E1) inhibitory activity using the fluorogenic CYP2E1 substrate and HepG2 cells overexpressing human CYP2E1. The results showed that all extracts (aqueous, 50% ethanol, and 90% ethanol) of WZ produced inhibitory effect on CYP2E1. The 50% ethanol extract of WZ (50%EtWZ) displayed a stronger CYP2E1 inhibition than the aqueous and 90% ethanol extracts. The aqueous extract and 50%EtWZ showed protective effect against ethanol-induced cytotoxicity at concentrations equivalent to 100 and 1000 mug raw herb/ml. At the same concentration of 100 1.1g/ml, the 50%EtWZ exhibited a more potent protective effect. Higher degree of cytotoxicity was found in the 90% ethanol extract of WZ. Thus, 50%EtWZ was chosen for further study. / In summary, all data suggest that the inhibition of CYP2E1 pathway and the inhibition of oxidative stress by the 50%EtWZ, together with the anti-inflammatory effect on Kupffer cells, may contribute to its hepatoprotection against chronic ethanol-induced liver injury. / Second, the chemical components of the 50%EtWZ were analyzed by chromatographic fingerprints. The fingerprint revealed six hepatoprotective compounds including schisandrin B, schisandrin, deoxyschisandrin, betaine, hyperin, and quercitrin in the formula. / Third, the protective mechanism of the 50%EtWZ was investigated in E47 cells model. The 50%EtWZ protected against CYP2E1-dependent toxicity and oxidative stress induced by ethanol. The mechanism of protection involved the decrease of reactive oxygen species production and the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The hepataprotection was associated with the maintenance of mitochondrial GSH. Pre-treating E47 cells with the 50%EtWZ significantly inhibited the expression of CYP2E1. Therefore, the protective effect of the 50%EtWZ was most likely attributed to its antioxidant activities and the inhibition of CYP2E1. In addition, the 50%EtWZ prevented ethanol-induced apoptosis and protected against oxidative damage to mitochondria which are critical for maintenance of cell viability. / Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan (WZ), a traditional medicinal formula, is used for treatment of male sexual dysfunctions. In this study, the hepatoprotection afforded by Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Wan treatment and its biochemical mechanism involved against chronic alcohol-induced injury were investigated. / Chen, Mengli. / "May 2008." / Adviser: Che Chun Tao. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 70-03, Section: B, page: 1609. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 157-179). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. [Ann Arbor, MI] : ProQuest Information and Learning, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in English and Chinese. / School code: 1307.

The entire dissertation/thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file (which also appears in the research.pdf); a non-technical general description, or public abstract, appears in the public.pdf file. Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on April 6, 2010). Vita. Thesis advisor: Shivendra D. Shukla. "August 2008" Includes bibliographical references

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Central Florida, 2009. / Adviser: Ty Matejowsky. Includes bibliographical references (p. 34-39).

Thesis (M.N.)--Memorial University of Newfoundland, School of Nursing, 2001. / Typescript. Bibliography: leaves 91-97.

La stéatose hépatique non alcoolique, regroupant la stéatose isolée (NAFLD) et la stéatohépatite non-alcoolique (NASH), est un enjeu de santé publique mondial en raison d’une incidence croissante, en grande partie expliquée par l’augmentation de la prévalence du diabète et de l’obésité. La stéatose hépatique prédit la survenue des complications métaboliques associées à l’insulinorésistance, comme le diabète ou les événements cardiovasculaires. La connaissance de l’histoire naturelle de la NAFLD comporte encore de nombreuses incertitudes. Actuellement le modèle explicatif repose sur une dichotomie entre la stéatohépatite (NASH), qui peut progresser vers la cirrhose et la stéatose isolée ou avec inflammation minime (NAFL) qui jusqu'à présent était considérée comme une condition non évolutive ne progressant pas vers la cirrhose et n'augmentant pas la morbi-mortalité d'origine hépatique. Cette dichotomie conditionne en grande partie la prise en charge de ces patients, ceux avec NAFL étant souvent rassurés par le praticien quant à leur devenir et ne bénéficiant pas d'une surveillance hépatique spécifique. La ponction biopsie du foie est considérée comme un examen de référence, mais son usage en pratique clinique reste limité en raison d’effets indésirables, d’erreurs d'échantillonnage et de la variabilité d’interprétation inter-observateur. Les méthodes non invasives de lésions hépatiques sont devenues une vraie alternative à la biopsie du foie pour la prise en charge des patients ayant une maladie chronique du foie, au cours des dix dernières années. / Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) covers a spectrum ranging from isolated steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and is becoming one of the most frequent causes of chronic liver disease, mainly because of its close association with the worldwide epidemic of diabetes and obesity. Liver steatosis can predict the occurrence of metabolic complications associated with insulin resistance, such as diabetes and cardiovascular events. Our understanding of the natural history of NAFLD is still incomplete. Currently, the explicative model is based on a dichotomy between steatohepatitis, considered the progressive form of the disease, which can lead to cirrhosis and isolated steatosis with or without minimal inflammation, which is considered a non-progressive condition that does not impact overall survival or result in liver-related mortality and morbidity. This dichotomy largely determines the management of NAFLD patients: patients without steatohepatitis usually do not undergo specific monitoring for liver disease progression. Liver biopsy is considered the reference diagnostic method but its implementation in clinical practice remains limited due to procedure complexity, invasiveness, cost, potential complications, sampling error and inter-observer variability. Non-invasive methods of hepatic injury have become a real alternative to liver biopsy for the diagnosis of patients with chronic liver disease in the past decade. The aims of this thesis were: 1) to better understand the histological course of the disease, to better identify patients at risk of histological progression based on initial histological findings and to establish a correlation between histological changes and the course of metabolic co-morbidities often associated with NAFLD : 2) to establish factors associated with short-term variability of repeated measurements of elastometry in patients with chronic liver diseases in order to understand how this non invasive procedure can be used for patient monitoring 3) to determine the diagnostic value and limitations of several steatosis biomarkers using liver biopsy as a reference standard in a large cohort of patients with suspected NAFLD. Our study shows that a fraction of patients with isolated steatosis can unambiguously evolve towards well-defined steatohepatitis, and in some of them, bridging fibrosis. The presence of mild lobular inflammation or any amount of fibrosis substantially increases the risk of histological progression in the mid-term while those with steatosis alone are at lowest risk. Patients with disease progression experienced a deterioration of cardio-metabolic risk factors. Our data if validated by independent studies, allow for better stratification of patients at risk of disease progression. The results of this study favor a change in the practices of monitoring and risk assessment of patients with steatosis but without steatohepatitis.