bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin in Pregnancy and Maternal Risk of Breast Cancer
Authors: Toniolo Paolo , Grankvist Kjell , Wulff Marianne , Chen Tianhui , Johansson Robert , Schock Helena , Lenner Per , Hallmans Göran , Lehtinen Matti , Kaaks Rudolf , Wadell Göran , Zeleniuch-Jacquotte Anne , Lundin Eva , Lukanova Annekatrin
Published: August 2010

Full-term pregnancies are associated with long-term reductions in maternal risk of breast cancer, but the biological determinants of the protection are unknown. Experimental observations suggest that human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a major hormone of pregnancy, could play a role in this association. A case-control study (242 cases and 450 controls) nested within the Northern Sweden Maternity Cohort included women who had donated a blood sample during the first trimester of a first full-term pregnancy. Total hCG was determined on Immulite 2000 analyzer. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated through conditional logistic regression. Maternal breast cancer risk decreased with increasing hCG (upper tertile OR, 0.67; CI, 0.46–0.99), especially for pregnancies before age 25 (upper tertile OR, 0.41; CI, 0.21–0.80). The association diverged according to age at diagnosis: risk was reduced after age 40 (upper tertile OR, 0.60; CI, 0.39–0.91) and seemed to increase before age 40 (upper tertile OR, 1.78; CI, 0.72–4.38). Risk was reduced among those diagnosed 10 years or longer after blood draw (upper tertile OR, 0.60; CI, 0.40–0.90), but not so among those diagnosed within 10 years (upper tertile OR, 4.33; CI, 0.86–21.7). These observations suggest that the association between pregnancy hCG and subsequent maternal risk of breast cancer is modified by age at diagnosis. Although the hormone seems to be a determinant of the reduced risk around or after age 50, it might not confer protection against, or it could even increase the risk of, cancers diagnosed in the years immediately following pregnancy. Cancer Res; 70(17); 6779–86. ©2010 AACR.
HO-3867, a Synthetic Compound, Inhibits the Migration and Invasion of Ovarian Carcinoma Cells through Downregulation of Fatty Acid Synthase and Focal Adhesion Kinase
Authors: Selvendiran Karuppaiyah , Ahmed Shabnam , Dayton Alex , Ravi Yazhini , Kuppusamy M. Lakshmi , Bratasz Anna , Rivera Brian K. , Kálai Tamás , Hideg Kálmán , Kuppusamy Periannan
Published: August 2010

Fatty acid synthase (FAS) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which are overexpressed in a variety of human epithelial tumors, play a key role in the migration and invasion of cancer cells. Hence, strategies targeted at inhibiting the FAS/FAK proteins may have therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. The goal of the present study was to determine the effect of HO-3867, a synthetic compound, on the migratory ability of ovarian cancer cells and to understand the mechanistic pathways including the involvement of FAS, FAK, and associated signaling proteins. The study was done using two established human ovarian cancer cell lines, A2780 and SKOV3. Incubation with 10 μmol/L HO-3867 for 24 hours significantly inhibited the native as well as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)–mediated migration and invasion of the cells. HO-3867 significantly attenuated FAS and FAK protein levels apparently through accelerated ubiquitin-dependent degradation, as shown by a clear downregulation of isopeptidase USP2a. Exposure of cells to HO-3867 also significantly inhibited FAS activity and mRNA levels and a number of downstream proteins, including phospho-extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2, phospho-human epidermal growth factor receptor 1, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1, VEGF, and matrix metalloproteinase 2. Western blot and immunohistochemical analyses of A2780 xenograft tumors in mice treated with HO-3867 showed significant reduction in FAS, FAK, VEGF, and downstream protein levels when compared with the untreated control. Collectively, the results showed that HO-3867 suppressed the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by inhibiting the expression or activity of FAS and FAK proteins. The study suggests that molecular targeting of FAS and FAK by HO-3867 may be a potential strategy for ovarian cancer therapy. Mol Cancer Res; 8(9); 1188–97. ©2010 AACR.
Prevalence of Desmosomal Protein Gene Mutations in Patients With Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Elliott Perry , O'Mahony Constantinos , Syrris Petros , Evans Alison , Rivera Sorensen Christina , Sheppard Mary N. , Carr-White Gerald , Pantazis Antonios , McKenna William J.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy is a familial disorder in 25% to 50% of patients, but the genetic basis in the majority of cases remains unknown. Genes encoding desmosomal proteins, currently regarded as synonymous with another disorder, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, are known to cause left ventricular dysfunction, but their importance in unselected patients with unequivocal dilated cardiomyopathy is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of mutations in 5 desmosomal protein genes in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results—

We studied 100 unrelated patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy consecutively referred to a dedicated cardiomyopathy unit. Patients underwent clinical evaluation, ECG, echocardiography, exercise testing, 24-hour ambulatory ECG monitoring, and mutation screening of 5 genes implicated in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy: plakoglobin, desmoplakin, plakophilin-2, desmoglein-2, and desmocollin-2. Of the 100 patients (mean age at evaluation, 46.8±13.8 years; range, 17.0 to 72.8 years; male sex, 63%), 5 were found to carry pathogenic desmosomal protein gene mutations. An additional 13 patients had sequence variants of uncertain pathogenic significance and were excluded from further comparative analysis. Patients harboring desmosomal gene mutations had a phenotype indistinguishable from the 82 noncarriers, with the exception of exercise-induced ventricular ectopy, which was more frequent in the desmosomal mutation carriers (
P
=0.033). None of the 5 carriers of desmosomal mutations fulfilled current diagnostic criteria for arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, but 1 had fibrofatty change in the left ventricle at autopsy.

Conclusions—

Heart failure caused by a dilated, poorly contracting left ventricle and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy have been considered distinct clinicopathologic entities. This study suggests that both clinical presentations can be caused by mutations in desmosomal protein genes.
Major Dietary Protein Sources and Risk of Coronary Heart Disease in Women
Authors: Bernstein Adam M. , Sun Qi , Hu Frank B. , Stampfer Meir J. , Manson JoAnn E. , Willett Walter C.
Published: August 2010

Background—

With the exception of fish, few major dietary protein sources have been studied in relation to the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). Our objective was to examine the relation between foods that are major dietary protein sources and incident CHD.

Methods and Results—

We prospectively followed 84 136 women aged 30 to 55 years in the Nurses’ Health Study with no known cancer, diabetes mellitus, angina, myocardial infarction, stroke, or other cardiovascular disease. Diet was assessed by a standardized and validated questionnaire and updated every 4 years. During 26 years of follow-up, we documented 2210 incident nonfatal infarctions and 952 deaths from CHD. In multivariable analyses including age, smoking, and other risk factors, higher intakes of red meat, red meat excluding processed meat, and high-fat dairy were significantly associated with elevated risk of CHD. Higher intakes of poultry, fish, and nuts were significantly associated with lower risk. In a model controlling statistically for energy intake, 1 serving per day of nuts was associated with a 30% (95% confidence interval, 17% to 42%) lower risk of CHD compared with 1 serving per day of red meat. Similarly, compared with 1 serving per day of red meat, a lower risk was associated with 1 serving per day of low-fat dairy (13%; 95% confidence interval, 6% to 19%), poultry (19%; 95% confidence interval, 3% to 33%), and fish (24%; 95% confidence interval, 6% to 39%).

Conclusions—

These data suggest that high red meat intake increases risk of CHD and that CHD risk may be reduced importantly by shifting sources of protein in the US diet.
Comparative Evaluation of Left and Right Ventricular Endomyocardial Biopsy
Authors: Yilmaz Ali , Kindermann Ingrid , Kindermann Michael , Mahfoud Felix , Ukena Christian , Athanasiadis Anastasios , Hill Stephan , Mahrholdt Heiko , Voehringer Matthias , Schieber Michael , Klingel Karin , Kandolf Reinhard , Böhm Michael , Sechtem Udo
Published: August 2010

Background—

Endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) represents the gold standard for diagnosing myocarditis and nonischemic cardiomyopathies. This study focuses on the risk of complications and the respective diagnostic performance of left ventricular (LV), right ventricular (RV), or biventricular EMB in patients with suspected myocarditis and/or cardiomyopathy of unknown origin.

Methods and Results—

In this 2-center study, 755 patients with clinically suspected myocarditis (n=481) and/or cardiomyopathy of nonischemic origin including those with infiltrative or connective tissue disease (n=274) underwent either selective LV-EMB (n=265; 35.1%), selective RV-EMB (n=133; 17.6%), or biventricular EMB (n=357; 47.3%) after coronary angiography and exclusion of significant coronary artery disease. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance, including late gadolinium enhancement, imaging was performed in 540 patients (71.5%). The major complication rate for LV-EMB was 0.64% and for RV-EMB, 0.82%. Considering postprocedural pericardial effusion that occurred after biventricular EMB, the minor complication rate for LV-EMB varied between 0.64% to 2.89% and for RV-EMB, between 2.24% and 5.10%. Diagnostic EMB results were achieved significantly more often in those patients who underwent biventricular EMBs (79.3%) compared to those who underwent either selective LV-EMB or selective RV-EMB (67.3%;
P
<0.001). In patients with biventricular EMB, myocarditis was diagnosed in LV-EMB samples in 18.7% and in RV-EMB samples in 7.9% (
P
=0.002) , and it was diagnosed in both ventricles in 73.4%. There were no differences in the number of positive LV-EMB, RV-EMB, or LV- and RV-EMB findings when related to the site of cardiovascular magnetic resonance–based late gadolinium enhancement.

Conclusions—

Both LV-EMB and RV-EMB are safe procedures if performed by experienced interventionalists. The diagnostic yield of EMB may be optimized when samples from both ventricles are available. Preferential biopsy in regions showing late gadolinium enhancement on cardiovascular magnetic resonance does not increase the number of positive diagnoses of myocarditis.
Arrhythmia Burden in Adults With Surgically Repaired Tetralogy of Fallot
Authors: Khairy Paul , Aboulhosn Jamil , Gurvitz Michelle Z. , Opotowsky Alexander R. , Mongeon François-Pierre , Kay Joseph , Valente Anne Marie , Earing Michael G. , Lui George , Gersony Deborah R. , Cook Stephen , Ting Jennifer Grando , Nickolaus Michelle J. , Webb Gary , Landzberg Michael J. , Broberg Craig S.
Published: August 2010

Background—

The arrhythmia burden in tetralogy of Fallot, types of arrhythmias encountered, and risk profile may change as the population ages.

Methods and Results—

The Alliance for Adult Research in Congenital Cardiology (AARCC) conducted a multicenter cross-sectional study to quantify the arrhythmia burden in tetralogy of Fallot, to characterize age-related trends, and to identify associated factors. A total of 556 patients, 54.0% female, 36.8±12.0 years of age were recruited from 11 centers. Overall, 43.3% had a sustained arrhythmia or arrhythmia intervention. Prevalence of atrial tachyarrhythmias was 20.1%. Factors associated with intraatrial reentrant tachycardia in multivariable analyses were right atrial enlargement (odds ratio [OR], 6.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8 to 13.6), hypertension (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 4.6), and number of cardiac surgeries (OR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.6). Older age (OR, 1.09 per year; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.12), lower left ventricular ejection fraction (OR, 0.93 per unit; 95% CI, 0.89 to 0.96), left atrial dilation (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.5 to 6.8), and number of cardiac surgeries (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.9) were jointly associated with atrial fibrillation. Ventricular arrhythmias were prevalent in 14.6% and jointly associated with number of cardiac surgeries (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.6), QRS duration (OR, 1.02 per 1 ms; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.03), and left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (OR, 3.3; 95% CI, 1.5 to 7.1). Prevalence of atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias markedly increased after 45 years of age.

Conclusions—

The arrhythmia burden in adults with tetralogy of Fallot is considerable, with various subtypes characterized by different profiles. Atrial fibrillation and ventricular arrhythmias appear to be influenced more by left- than right-sided heart disease.
Elevated Levels of Inflammatory Cytokines Predict Survival in Idiopathic and Familial Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Soon Elaine , Holmes Alan M. , Treacy Carmen M. , Doughty Natalie J. , Southgate Laura , Machado Rajiv D. , Trembath Richard C. , Jennings Simon , Barker Lucy , Nicklin Paul , Walker Christoph , Budd David C. , Pepke-Zaba Joanna , Morrell Nicholas W.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Inflammation is a feature of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and increased circulating levels of cytokines are reported in patients with PAH. However, to date, no information exists on the significance of elevated cytokines or their potential as biomarkers. We sought to determine the levels of a range of cytokines in PAH and to examine their impact on survival and relationship to hemodynamic indexes.

Methods and Results—

We measured levels of serum cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, interferon-γ and interleukin-1β, -2, -4, -5, -6, -8, -10, -12p70, and -13) using ELISAs in idiopathic and heritable PAH patients (n=60). Concurrent clinical data included hemodynamics, 6-minute walk distance, and survival time from sampling to death or transplantation. Healthy volunteers served as control subjects (n=21). PAH patients had significantly higher levels of interleukin-1β, -2, -4, -6, -8, -10, and -12p70 and tumor necrosis factor-α compared with healthy control subjects. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that levels of interleukin-6, 8, 10, and 12p70 predicted survival in patients. For example, 5-year survival with interleukin-6 levels of >9 pg/mL was 30% compared with 63% for patients with levels ≤9 pg/mL (
P
=0.008). In this PAH cohort, cytokine levels were superior to traditional markers of prognosis such as 6-minute walk distance and hemodynamics.

Conclusions—

This study illustrates dysregulation of a broad range of inflammatory mediators in idiopathic and familial PAH and demonstrates that cytokine levels have a previously unrecognized impact on patient survival. They may prove to be useful biomarkers and provide insight into the contribution of inflammation in PAH.
Aortic Root Remodeling Over the Adult Life Course
Authors: Lam Carolyn S.P. , Xanthakis Vanessa , Sullivan Lisa M. , Lieb Wolfgang , Aragam Jayashri , Redfield Margaret M. , Mitchell Gary F. , Benjamin Emelia J. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: August 2010

Background—

Aortic root remodeling in adulthood is known to be associated with cardiovascular outcomes. However, there is a lack of longitudinal data defining the clinical correlates of aortic root remodeling over the adult life course.

Methods and Results—

We used serial routine echocardiograms in participants of the Framingham Heart Study to track aortic root diameter over 16 years in mid to late adulthood and to determine its short-term (4 years; n=6099 observations in 3506 individuals) and long-term (16 years; n=14 628 observations in 4542 individuals) clinical correlates by multilevel modeling. Age, sex, body size, and blood pressure were principal correlates of aortic remodeling in both short- and long-term analyses (all
P
≤0.01). Aortic root diameter increased with age in both men and women but was larger in men at any given age. Each 10-year increase in age was associated with a larger aortic root (by 0.89 mm in men and 0.68 mm in women) after adjustment for body size and blood pressure. A 5-kg/m
2
increase in body mass index was associated with a larger aortic root (by 0.78 mm in men and 0.51 mm in women) after adjustment for age and blood pressure. Each 10-mm Hg increase in pulse pressure was related to a smaller aortic root (by 0.19 mm in men and 0.08 mm in women) after adjustment for age and body size.

Conclusions—

These longitudinal community-based data show that aortic root remodeling occurs over mid to late adulthood and is principally associated with age, sex, body size, and blood pressure. The underlying basis for these differences and implications for the development of cardiovascular events deserve further study.
Cerebrovascular Damage in Late-Life Depression Is Associated With Structural and Functional Abnormalities of Subcutaneous Small Arteries
Authors: Greenstein Adam S. , Paranthaman Raghupathy , Burns Alistair , Jackson Alan , Malik Rayaz A. , Baldwin Robert C. , Heagerty Anthony M.
Published: August 2010

Late-life depression is increasingly viewed as a vascular illness because of patients exhibiting characteristic white matter brain lesions and in vivo large artery endothelial dysfunction. However, the “vascular depression” hypothesis pertains to the microvasculature, and this circulation has not been studied in this context. Our objective was to examine structure and function of small subcutaneous arteries in patients with late-life depression. Thus, 16 patients aged 71.8±4.0 years with late-life depression were compared with 15 control participants aged 72.1±5.9 years. There were similar cardiovascular profiles between the 2 groups. All of the participants underwent MRI brain scans and subcutaneous gluteal fat biopsy from which small arteries were isolated and studied using pressure myography. Cerebral microvascular damage in depressed patients was confirmed by assessment of basal ganglia Virchow-Robin space scores (depressed patients 3.9±1.7 versus controls: 2.5±1.6;
P
=0.01). Contractility to norepinephrine was equivalent in both groups, but relaxation of the small arteries to acetylcholine was significantly reduced in depressed patients (84.0±4.0%) compared with control participants (96.0±1.4%;
P
=0.012). This difference in arterial relaxation was reduced but not entirely eliminated when NO synthase was inhibited. Depressed patients also exhibited hypertrophic wall growth with an increase in medial cross-sectional area (
P
=0.035, multiple ANOVA and wall thickness;
P
=0.04, multiple ANOVA). In conclusion, despite similar cardiovascular profiles, depressed patients with cerebral microvascular damage show abnormalities of subcutaneous small artery structure and function.
Angiotensin (1-7) Receptor Antagonism Equalizes Angiotensin II–Induced Hypertension in Male and Female Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Sullivan Jennifer C. , Bhatia Kanchan , Yamamoto Tatsuo , Elmarakby Ahmed A.
Published: August 2010

Females are less sensitive to the hypertensive effects of angiotensin II compared with males, although the molecular mechanisms responsible are unknown. We hypothesize that differential activation of angiotensin II, angiotensin (1-7), angiotensin II type 1, angiotensin II type 2, andmaslevels in the renal cortex of male and female spontaneously hypertensive rats contribute to sex differences in the blood pressure response to angiotensin II infusion. Males had a greater increase in blood pressure after angiotensin II infusion than females (males: 150±2 to 186±3 mm Hg; females: 137±3 to 160±4 mm Hg;P<0.05). Angiotensin II infusion resulted in comparable increases in plasma and renal cortical angiotensin II levels in both sexes. Renal cortical angiotensin (1-7) levels were higher in female rats under basal conditions (195±10 versus 67±11 ng/g of cortex;P<0.05) and after angiotensin II infusion (281±25 versus 205±47 ng/g of cortex;P<0.05) compared with male rats. In the renal cortex of male rats, angiotensin II infusion decreased angiotensin II type 1 protein expression and increased angiotensin II type 2 expression with no change inmasexpression. In female rats there was an increase inmasreceptor protein expression with angiotensin II infusion, although angiotensin II type 1 and angiotensin II type 2 expressions were unchanged. Male and female rats were then treated with the angiotensin (1-7)masreceptor antagonist A-779 in the absence and presence of angiotensin II. A-779 equalized the blood pressure response to angiotensin II in males and females (blood pressure at the end of treatment: males, 166±4 mm Hg; females, 164±5 mm Hg). In conclusion, angiotensin (1-7) contributes to the sex difference in angiotensin II–induced increases in blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Top–Down Modulation of Human Early Visual Cortex after Stimulus Offset Supports Successful Postcued Report
Authors: Sergent Claire , Ruff Christian C. , Barbot Antoine , Driver Jon , Rees Geraint
Published: August 2010

Modulations of sensory processing in early visual areas are thought to play an important role in conscious perception. To date, most empirical studies focused on effects occurring before or during visual presentation. By contrast, several emerging theories postulate that sensory processing and conscious visual perception may also crucially depend on late top–down influences, potentially arising after a visual display. To provide a direct test of this, we performed an fMRI study using a postcued report procedure. The ability to report a target at a specific spatial location in a visual display can be enhanced behaviorally by symbolic auditory postcues presented shortly after that display. Here we showed that such auditory postcues can enhance target-specific signals in early human visual cortex (V1 and V2). For postcues presented 200 msec after stimulus termination, this target-specific enhancement in visual cortex was specifically associated with correct conscious report. The strength of this modulation predicted individual levels of performance in behavior. By contrast, although later postcues presented 1000 msec after stimulus termination had some impact on activity in early visual cortex, this modulation no longer related to conscious report. These results demonstrate that within a critical time window of a few hundred milliseconds after a visual stimulus has disappeared, successful conscious report of that stimulus still relates to the strength of top–down modulation in early visual cortex. We suggest that, within this critical time window, sensory representation of a visual stimulus is still under construction and so can still be flexibly influenced by top–down modulatory processes.
Incomplete Removal of Great Saphenous Vein Is the most Common Cause for Recurrent Varicose Veins
Authors: Joshi Dhiraj , Sinclair Amy , Tsui Janice , Sarin Sanjeev
Published: August 2010

Objective: Hie-tie and great saphenous vein (GSV) stripping decreases recurrence of varicose veins (VVs). However, varying lengths of residual-GSV are observed in patients with previous GSV stripping. This may explain high recurrence rates of VVs. The proportion of recurrent VV occurring secondary to suboptimal GSV stripping is calculated. Methods: Patients with recurrent VV (CEAP-class > C2) underwent venous duplex-ultrasound. Results: 419 limbs were investigated in 298 patients (189 women and 109 men); median age for women and men was 60 and 61 years, respectively; 32.2% had reflux in residual-GSV; 30.3% had groin-reflux; 20% had reflux in sapheno-popliteal confluence (SPC); 10.2% had primary segmental deep-venous incompetence (DVI), and 6.9% had reflux at multiple sites. The frequency of reflux in the residual-GSV was significantly greater than that of reflux in the SPC (P < .0001) and DVI (P < .0001) but not groin (P = .3652). Conclusion: Residual-GSV is an important cause for recurrent VV.
Residential Outcomes of Forced Relocation
Authors: Doff Wenda , Kleinhans Reinout
Published: August 2010

Fear of the detrimental effects of ethnic segregation has pervaded the debate on the population composition of cities and neighbourhoods. However, little is known about mechanisms underlying the spatial sorting of ethnic minorities. Hence, policies aimed at desegregation may result in exactly the opposite—that is, new ethnic concentrations and segregation. This paper studies the residential outcomes of 658 forced movers from urban restructuring areas in The Hague. Compared with ‘native’ Dutch (those with both parents born in the Netherlands), ethnic minorities report neighbourhood improvement less often and are more likely to stay within or move into other ethnically concentrated neighbourhoods. These differences are not fully explained by differences in individual characteristics, resources, institutional factors, pre-relocation preferences or other relocation outcomes. Ethnic specificities in neighbourhood choices thus remain a pressing issue for further research.
Searching for Economic Rationale behind Gated Communities
Authors: Cséfalvay Zoltán
Published: August 2010

As millions of people world-wide now live in residential areas with restricted access to the public, the ascent of gated communities can no longer be attributed to incidental or deviant development. Hence this paper makes an attempt to discover the economic rationale behind the gated community phenomenon; it discusses the mainstream theses and outlines 10 theorems for an alternative proposition based on theories of public choice and fiscal federalism. The core theorem asserts that a centrally featured system of government diminishes the ability of local municipalities properly to reflect citizens’ demands for local public goods and services, and that this constitutes a strong incentive for people to move into gated communities. In particular, gated and guarded residential developments represent an exit option when local municipalities fail to deploy vital governmental rules and instruments, such as fiscal equivalence and benefit taxation.
Laboring in Silence
Authors: Willis Paul
Published: August 2010

The workplace closet is a fundamental fixture in the working lives of many lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer (LGBQ)–identifying employees who do not feel safe for their sexual identity to be known in their place of employment. Previous research draws attention to the processes of identity management that some workers adhere to for ensuring that LGBQ sexual identities remain invisible during work hours. Although the stories of young workers have been largely absent from this field, this qualitative study sheds light on how younger employees (18 to 26 years) negotiate multiple closets within Australian work cultures. In the present study, the author examines the concealing practices of younger people seeking to stay invisible as LGBQ employees across diverse work settings. Findings illustrate how the workplace closet holds varying functions, both strategic and silencing, while providing young people with a protective space from which to assess work relationships and to decide if and how they discuss LGBQ identities at work.
Sex Trade Involvement in São Paulo, Brazil and Toronto, Canada
Authors: Kidd Sean A. , Liborio Renata Maria Coimbra
Published: August 2010

An extensive international literature has been developed regarding the risk trajectories of sex trade-involved children and youth. This literature has not, however, substantially incorporated the narratives of youths regarding their experiences. In this article, the contemporary literature on child and youth sex trade-involvement is reviewed and the findings of a qualitative analysis of the narratives of 14 youth from Sao Paulo, Brazil and 58 youth from Toronto, Canada are presented. Substantial similarities were found between the groups of narratives with respect to abusive and unstable home experiences, pathways into the sex trade, social exclusion, and the impacts of the sex trade on physical and mental health. Key areas of divergence included the roles of poverty and drug use in entering the sex trade. The implications of shared experiences of social exclusion and fragmented identity across differing sociocultural contexts for policy and intervention are discussed.
Adolescent Self-Perceptions and Attitudes Toward School as Determinants of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroid Risk Estimates and Normative Judgments
Authors: Denham Bryan E.
Published: August 2010

Grounded in symbolic interactionism and drawing on data gathered in the 2007 Monitoring the Future Study ( n = 2,201), this research examines how self-esteem and perceived intelligence, as well as attitudes and behaviors related to school environments, associate with perceptions of anabolic-androgenic steroids. With perceived risk and approval/disapproval of steroid use as dependent measures, logistic regression models identified explanatory effects for sex, race, newspaper exposure, and peer use of steroids, with males, Whites, those who seldom read the newspaper, and those with friends who had used steroids estimating lower levels of risk and indicating less disapproval. Those who viewed themselves as being more intelligent than their peers as well as those with higher levels of self-esteem estimated higher levels of risk and expressed greater disapproval, whereas those who indicated “hating” school and those who had skipped school the most estimated lower risk and less disapproval. Logit log-linear models identified the most parsimonious representations of variable relationships, demonstrating how the presence of a self-esteem index stands to reduce the centrality of sex and race as explanatory measures.
Studying cross-cultural differences in temperament in the first year of life: United States and Italy
Authors: Montirosso Rosario , Cozzi Patrizia , Putnam Samuel P. , Gartstein Maria A. , Borgatti Renato
Published: August 2010

An Italian translation of the Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) was developed and evaluated with 110 infants, demonstrating satisfactory internal consistency, discriminant validity, and construct validity in the form of gender and age differences, as well as factorial integrity. Cross-cultural differences were subsequently evaluated for matched samples of Italian and United States (US) (N = 110) 3—12-month-olds. Across infancy, parents of US infants reported higher levels of activity, high and low intensity pleasure, and vocal reactivity, whereas Italian infants, particularly males, were rated higher on cuddliness. In early infancy only, US infants were viewed as higher on high intensity pleasure and perceptual sensitivity.
‘Getting back to real living’: a qualitative study of the process of community reintegration after stroke
Authors: Wood Jennifer P , Connelly Denise M , Maly Monica R
Published: August 2010

Objectives: To examine the process of community reintegration over the first year following stroke, from the patient’s perspective.

Design: Qualitative, longitudinal, grounded theory study involving ten participants. During the first year post discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, 46 one-on-one semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants. Interviews were completed with participants before discharge from inpatient stroke rehabilitation and in their homes at two weeks, three months, six months and one year post discharge. Analysis was guided by grounded theory methods described by Corbin and Strauss.

Subjects: Four women and six men (mean age 59.6 ± 18.0, all with left hemiparesis and without aphasia) who had sustained their first hemispheric stroke and were returning to the community following inpatient rehabilitation.

Results: The process of community reintegration after stroke involved transitioning through a series of goals: gaining physical function, establishing independence, adjusting expectations and getting back to real living. The ultimate challenge for stroke survivors during this process of community reintegration was to create a balance between their expectations of themselves and their physical capacity to engage in meaningful roles.

Conclusions: Over the first year after stroke, participants reported that the process of community reintegration was marked by ongoing changes in their goals. Formal and informal caregivers need to work with stroke survivors living in the community to facilitate realistic and achievable goal setting. Tools which identify meaningful activities should also be incorporated to provide stroke survivors with the opportunity to contribute and engage with others in the community.
Comparing endurance- and resistance-exercise training in people with multiple sclerosis: a randomized pilot study
Authors: Sabapathy Nicole M , Minahan Clare L , Turner Grant T , Broadley Simon A
Published: August 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare adaptations in functional and quality of life measures following endurance- and resistance-exercise training in people with multiple sclerosis.

Design: Cross-over design with an eight-week washout period.

Setting: Community health centre.

Subjects: Sixteen individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Intervention: Subjects completed both an eight-week endurance- and an eight-week resistance-exercise training programme in a randomized order. The exercise training comprised individualized progressive programmes that were completed twice weekly in a supervised group setting.

Main measures: Grip strength, functional reach, four step square, timed up and go and six-minute walk tests, Multiple Sclerosis Impact and Modified Fatigue Impact Scales, Becks Depression Inventory and the Health Status Questionnaire Short Form-36.

Results: Sixteen of 21 (76%) subjects completed the study. Subjects attended 13.2 ± 1.6 endurance- and 15.8 ± 1.9 resistance-exercise training sessions. No adverse events were reported. No significant differences ( P < 0.05) in any outcome measures were observed between the two exercise training programmes either at baseline or following the completion of both training programmes.

Conclusion: Both endurance- and resistance-exercise training were well tolerated and appear to provide similar effects for people with multiple sclerosis, but larger studies are required to confirm these findings.
Cognitive stimulation therapy in the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer’s disease: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Niu Yi-Xuan , Tan Ji-Ping , Guan Jin-Qun , Zhang Zeng-Qiang , Wang Lu-Ning
Published: August 2010

Objective: To determine the efficacy of cognitive stimulation therapy (CST) in the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Design: A randomized, controlled, rater-blind clinical trial.

Setting: The military sanatorium.

Subjects: Thirty-two patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease exhibiting marked neuropsychiatric symptoms were included in the study.

Intervention: All 32 patients were randomly assigned to a cognitive stimulation therapy group (n = 16) or a control group (n = 16) for 10 weeks.

Main measure: The efficacy measures included the Mini Mental State Examination and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory.

Results: Patients receiving cognitive stimulation therapy showed a greater improvement in the Neuropsychiatric Inventory total score (mean change — 2.06 points versus 0.00 points, t = -4.766, P<0.001) and in the Mini Mental State Examination total score (mean change 0.81 points versus —0.19 points, t =3.106, P =0.004) compared to control at week 10. Analysis of the individual Neuropsychiatric Inventory domains revealed a statistically significant benefit for cognitive stimulation therapy-treated patients in the areas of apathy (mean change —1.06 points versus —0.31 points, P =0.017) and depression/dysphoria (mean change —0.50 points versus 0.06 points, P =0.047). There were no statistically significant benefits for cognitive stimulation therapy-treated patients in the other individual Neuropsychiatric Inventory domains or in the caregiver distress score.

Conclusions: Cognitive stimulation therapy has significant efficacy in lowering apathy and depression symptomatology and in the Mini Mental State Examination in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.
Evaluation of an exercise concept focusing on eccentric strength training of the rotator cuff for patients with subacromial impingement syndrome
Authors: Bernhardsson Susanne , Klintberg Ingrid Hultenheim , Wendt Gunilla Kjellby
Published: August 2010

Objective: To evaluate the effect on pain intensity and function of an exercise concept focusing on specific eccentric strength training of the rotator cuff in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome.

Design: Single-subject research design with baseline and treatment phases (AB design).

Setting: Home-based training programme supervised and supported by visits to physiotherapy clinic.

Subjects: Ten patients, mean (SD) age 54 (8.6) years, symptom duration 12 (9.1) months.

Intervention: Daily eccentric strengthening exercises of the rotator cuff during 12 weeks.

Main measures: Primary outcome measures: Pain intensity, assessed with a visual analogue scale, and function, using the Patient-Specific Functional Scale. Secondary outcome measures: Shoulder function evaluated with the Constant score, and shoulder-related quality of life evaluated with the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index.

Results: Pain intensity decreased significantly in eight of the ten subjects. Function improved significantly in all ten subjects. Constant score increased in nine subjects and Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index increased in seven subjects. Mean Constant score for the whole group increased significantly from 44 to 69 points ( P = 0.008). Mean Western Ontario Rotator Cuff Index increased from 51 to 71% ( P = 0.021).

Conclusion: A 12-week eccentric strengthening programme targeting the rotator cuff and incorporating scapular control and correct movement pattern can be effective in decreasing pain and increasing function in patients with subacromial impingement syndrome. A randomized controlled trial is necessary to provide stronger evidence of the method.
Single- and Multi-Ideology Marketing in the Province of Quebec in the Early Twentieth Century
Authors: Baillargeon Lisa , Gélinas Patrice
Published: August 2010

In this article, the authors examine the marketing strategies that stove manufacturers implemented in the province of Quebec at the beginning of the twentieth century where the French and English Canadian nationalist ideologies coexisted. More specifically, the authors document evidence that a multi-ideology marketing framework mixing English and French Canadian nationalisms was used by French Canadian producers while English Canadian producers developed advertising campaigns exhibiting references to a single ideology. The analyses further suggest that the nationalist ideologies that producers tried to embed in stoves were consistent with their differentiation strategies. Overall, the authors conclude that advertising campaigns designed by members of a threatened ideological minority are more sensitive to all ideologies forming a population than are campaigns designed by members of an unthreatened ideological majority. More broadly, this study provides support for the widespread claim that the social context in which marketing is to occur ought to be taken into consideration.
An Overview of Global Family Policy: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Commuri Suraj , Gentry James W.
Published: August 2010

The authors briefly discuss the dynamic area of family globally and overview the issue’s articles dealing with the interface of family with public policy and marketing processes.
Knee Function and Prevalence of Knee Osteoarthritis after Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Øiestad Britt Elin , Holm Inger , Aune Arne Kristian , Gunderson Ragnhild , Myklebust Grethe , Engebretsen Lars , Aarsland Fosdahl Merete , Risberg May Arna
Published: August 2010

Background

Few prospective long-term studies of more than 10 years have reported changes in knee function and radiologic outcomes after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Purpose

To examine changes in knee function from 6 months to 10 to 15 years after ACL reconstruction and to compare knee function outcomes over time for subjects with isolated ACL injury with those with combined ACL and meniscal injury and/or chondral lesion. Furthermore, the aim was to compare the prevalence of radiographic and symptomatic radiographic knee osteoarthritis between subjects with isolated ACL injuries and those with combined ACL and meniscal and/or chondral lesions 10 to 15 years after ACL reconstruction.

Study Design

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2.

Methods

Follow-up evaluations were performed on 221 subjects at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 10 to 15 years after ACL reconstruction with bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft. Outcome measurements were KT-1000 arthrometer, Lachman and pivot shift tests, Cincinnati knee score, isokinetic muscle strength tests, hop tests, visual analog scale for pain, Tegner activity scale, and the Kellgren and Lawrence classification.

Results

One hundred eighty-one subjects (82%) were evaluated at the 10- to 15-year follow-up. A significant improvement over time was revealed for all prospective outcomes of knee function. No significant differences in knee function over time were detected between the isolated and combined injury groups. Subjects with combined injury had significantly higher prevalence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis compared with those with isolated injury (80% and 62%, P = .008), but no significant group differences were shown for symptomatic radiographic knee osteoarthritis (46% and 32%, P = .053).

Conclusion

An overall improvement in knee function outcomes was detected from 6 months to 10 to 15 years after ACL reconstruction for both those with isolated and combined ACL injury, but significantly higher prevalence of radiographic knee osteoarthritis was found for those with combined injuries.
Effects of extremely low magnetic field on the production of invertase by Rhodotorula glutinis
Authors: Canli Ozden , Erdal Serkan , Taskin Mesut , Kurbanoglu Esabi Basaran
Published: August 2010

Invertase is an important enzyme used in many fields especially in food industry to produce fructose syrups. The current study focused on increasing invertase production by exposing Rhodotorula glutinis to extremely low magnetic fields (ELMF; 0 and 7 mT). For this purpose, the microorganism was allowed to grow in normal magnetic field and ELMF for 72 hours at the same temperature (24 ± 2°C). The fermentation was carried out in submerged culture for 120 hours. The results showed that invertase production is strongly dependent on the growth conditions of the microorganism. Both of the different magnetic fields applied to R. glutinis increased invertase production ranged from 48%-67% when compared with the control. On the other hand, ELMF treatment increased biomass formation about 14%-28% when compared with the control. As a result, magnetic field treatment could effectively be used in the production of invertase by R. glutinis.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Cell Cycle/Apoptosis Regulators and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in Pediatric Intracranial Ependymomas
Authors: Alexiou George A. , Stefanaki Kalliopi , Moschovi Maria , Patereli Amalia , Prodromou Neofytos , Karentzou Ourania
Published: August 2010

Intracranial ependymomas are the third most common primary brain tumor in children. We set out to investigate the expression of p-53, p-27, bcl-2, and epidermal growth factor receptor in 13 pediatric infratentorial ependymomas, in correlation with Ki-67/ MIB-1 proliferation index and prognosis. The median progression-free survival was 37.5 months, and the 5-year overall survival was 50%. There was a statistically significant higher expression of Ki-67 and p-53 index in anaplastic tumors. There was also a higher expression of p-27, bcl-2, and epidermal growth factor receptor in anaplastic tumors, but the difference was not statistical significant. No significant correlation was found between overall survival and level of expression of Ki-67, p-53, p-27, bcl-2, and epidermal growth factor receptor. Epidermal growth factor receptor detection in a considerable number of ependymomas probably reflects its role in the neoplastic transformation and can serve as a therapeutic target.
Microsimulation of the Temporary Housing Situation Following an Urban Disaster: Case Study of an Anticipated Tokyo Metropolitan Earthquake
Authors: Sato Keiichi
Published: August 2010

At present, the expected occurrence of a massive earthquake in the Tokyo metropolitan area is a matter of concern for the Japanese Cabinet Office. In the event of a major urban disaster, it is unclear whether the present policy of housing assistance will work effectively. Microsimulation is a useful research approach to make preliminary proposals for concrete policy issues. To carry out a reliable microsimulation, a household’s behavior model was developed using an Internet-based questionnaire system. In addition, the microdata pertaining to rental housing and construction sites of prefabricated housing were generated. Based on these foundational works, a microsimulation model that illustrates the temporary housing situation following an urban disaster was developed. This article discusses (a) the microsimulation outline, (b) the results of calculations, and (c) the issues concerning and ways to enhance the developed model to resolve these issues.
Sliders for the Smart: Type of Rating Scale on the Web Interacts With Educational Level
Authors: Funke Frederik , Reips Ulf-Dietrich , Thomas Randall K.
Published: August 2010

Slider scales and radio buttons scales were experimentally compared in horizontal and vertical orientation. Slider scales lead to statistically significantly higher break-off rates (odds ratio = 6.9) and substantially higher response times. Problems with slider scales were especially prevalent in participants with less than average education, suggesting the slider scale format is more challenging in terms of previous knowledge needed or cognitive load. An alternative explanation, technology-dependent sampling (Buchanan & Reips, 2001), cannot fully account for the current results. The authors clearly advise against the use of Java-based slider scales and advocate low-tech solutions for the design of Web-based data collection. Orientation on screen had no observable effect on data quality or usability of rating scales. Implications of item format for Web-based surveys are discussed.
The Impact of Vote Differentiation on Investment Performance in Listed Family Firms
Authors: Bjuggren Per-Olof , Palmberg Johanna
Published: August 2010

This article investigates the effects of separation of ownership and control because of vote differentiation on listed family firms’ investment performance. The authors study the question of whether family-controlled firms have better investment performance than nonfamily firms and whether this investment performance is negatively affected by a separation of ownership and control because of vote differentiation. Marginal q is used as a performance measure. The empirical analysis shows that family control has a positive impact on investment performance when ownership and control are aligned, whereas separation of ownership and control in terms of vote-differentiated shares reduce investment performance.