bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gendered Challenge, Gendered Response
Authors: Kelly Erin L. , Ammons Samantha K. , Chermack Kelly , Moen Phyllis
Published: May 2010

This article integrates research on gendered organizations and the work-family interface to investigate an innovative workplace initiative, the Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE), implemented in the corporate headquarters of Best Buy, Inc. While flexible work policies common in other organizations “accommodate” individuals, this initiative attempts a broader and deeper critique of the organizational culture. We address two research questions: How does this initiative attempt to change the masculinized ideal worker norm? And what do women’s and men’s responses reveal about the persistent ways that gender structures work and family life? Data demonstrate the ideal worker norm is pervasive and powerful, even as employees begin critically examining expectations regarding work time that have historically privileged men. Employees’ responses to ROWE are also gendered. Women (especially mothers) are more enthusiastic, while men are more cautious. Ambivalence about and resistance to change is expressed in different ways depending on gender and occupational status.
Arkansas Community Pharmacists’ Opinions on Providing Immunizations
Authors: Pace Anne C. , Flowers Schwanda K. , Hastings Jan K.
Published: May 2010

Objectives: To determine community pharmacists' attitudes and knowledge on providing immunizations including perceived barriers to immunizing. The study also examined the percentage of Arkansas pharmacists providing immunizations and the utilization of student pharmacists. Design: Survey. Setting: Arkansas community pharmacies from February to March 2009. Participants: Community pharmacists. Intervention: Mailed survey. Main Outcome Measures: Perceived barriers to providing immunizations, pharmacists' attitudes regarding immunizations, number of immunization-certified pharmacists, immunization administration rates within the last year, and senior student pharmacists utilization. Results: A total of 350 surveys were mailed, and 129 were returned. In all, 79% of the respondents believed administering immunizations has advanced or significantly advanced the profession. Being certified and attitude toward providing immunizations were correlated; 37% of the respondents held certification to immunize, of which 77% reported immunizing within the last year. Commonly reported barriers included time (76%) followed by reimbursement and legal liability. Only half the respondents realized fourth year student pharmacists could immunize and only 33% of certified pharmacists utilized student pharmacists to immunize. Conclusion: Pharmacists perceive many barriers to providing immunizations. Training student pharmacists to give immunizations may not result in them providing immunizations upon graduation. Additional education on overcoming potential barriers and using senior student pharmacists to administer immunizations is needed.
The (Im)possibilities of Feminist School Based Sexuality Education
Authors: Jackson Sue , Weatherall Ann
Published: May 2010

A feminist school based sexuality education needs to be both gender-focused and critical. In this paper, we investigate the (im)possibilities of feminist sexuality education by exploring instances of its practice in New Zealand. Using a poststructuralist discursive framework, we use the theoretical concepts of ‘doing’ and ‘undoing’ gender to examine how students (aged 13—16) responded to progressive and liberal ideas presented by sexuality educators. Our findings paint a complicated picture. On some occasions, participants used traditional discourses of sexuality to counter educators’ use of progressive notions. At other times liberal and feminist ideas were embraced by participants and resourced awareness of possibilities for positive female sexuality. Our work shows traditional sexuality discourses are a continuing limitation to incorporating a discourse of pleasure in sexuality education even in the presence of feminist content. Nevertheless feminist discourses were present and enabled students to think about female sexuality in new and encouraging ways.
Discourses of Friendship between Heterosexual Women and Gay Men: Mythical Norms and an Absence of Desire
Authors: Shepperd Dan , Coyle Adrian , Hegarty Peter
Published: May 2010

Gay men and heterosexual women may share some common interests in critiquing hetero-patriarchy. However feminism and gay liberationist politics do not always coincide and the role of individual subjectivities in recognising oppressive discourses of normativity remains debated. Interviews were conducted with seven friendship dyads of heterosexual women and gay men. Transcripts were subjected to discourse analysis, which suggested extensive management of heterosexist norms in the friends’ accounts of friendship. The analysis highlighted ambiguity over the ‘male’ status of gay men, a concern with constructing the friendships as legitimately asexual, and the use of parody in the face of homophobia to disrupt normative assumptions. Although we primarily considered the role of heterosexist discourses, there is also evidence that other dimensions of non-normativity (for example, gender and ethnicity) are implicated in friendships constructed around shared otherness and mutual non-normativity.
Queer(y)ing the Straight Researcher: The Relationship(?) between Researcher Identity and Anti-Normative Knowledge
Authors: Allen Louisa
Published: May 2010

This article considers whether ‘straight’ identified researchers can produce anti-normative knowledge. This question derives from debates around what (if any) contribution ‘straight’ researchers can make to queer theory/research. While recognizing that political and ethical decisions are integral to this discussion, I focus on the epistemological implications of straight researchers’ participation in queer theory/research. This discussion grapples with a wider issue within identity politics around the participation of researchers who are regarded as representing the ‘norm’. I trouble the relationship between identity and knowledge by arguing that sexual identity does not determine the production of anti-normative knowledge. Insights from queer theory are employed to interrogate the power of heteronormativity in generating ‘normative’ knowledge, and elucidating whether these practices are invested in particular sexual identities.
Claiming Volition and Evading Victimhood: Post-Feminist Obligations for Young Women
Authors: Baker Joanne
Published: May 2010

The changing face of femininity is most commonly represented by a newly empowered young womanhood that is, above all else, imbued with post-feminist agency and distanced from outmoded notions of female disadvantage. This article argues that the discourse of such a highly individuated new femininity leaves little room to raise questions of gender inequality or to articulate the experience of difficulty and disadvantage. With reference to Australian empirical research, this article offers an exploration of some of the psychological strategies used by young women in their attempts to live up to these neoliberal, post-feminist strictures and to evade any notion of vulnerability or victimhood.
Cadmium chloride exhibits a profound toxic effect on bacterial microflora of the mice gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Fazeli M. , Hassanzadeh P. , Alaei S.
Published: May 2010

Cadmium (Cd2+), a naturally occurring heavy metal, is an important environmental pollutant and a potent toxicant to bacteria. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract microflora has a marked capacity to cope with the increased load of ingested metals. However, heavy metals may have harmful effects on GIT microflora. Under the conditions of experimental exposure to cadmium, changes in the population of intestinal microflora in healthy mice were examined. Five experimental groups received 23 to 50 mg kg-1 cadmium in drinking water and control group was given water free from cadmium for 45 days. Intestinal contents and biopsy samples were aseptically collected and bacterial counts were performed. The microflora of the intestine in control group was represented by bacteria of the genera Bacillus cereus, Lactobacillus spp., Clostridium spp., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp., Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp. and Proteus spp. As the result of dysbiosis induced by the introduction of cadmium, a sharp decrease in the population of all microbial species in the intestine was observed. The deleterious effect of cadmium appeared to be less in the large intestine and rectum than that of small intestine, suggesting a site-specific influence of cadmium. The gram-negative bacteria tested were less sensitive to cadmium compared to the gram-positive bacteria because of their possible different ability to uptake the metal ions.
Charcoal hemoperfusion in an infant with supraventricular tachycardia and seizures secondary to amitriptyline intoxication
Authors: Mutlu Mehmet , Karagüzel Gülay , Bahat Elif , Aksoy Ayşe , Güven Burcu , Dilber Beril , Dilber Embiya
Published: May 2010

Tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) overdose is one of the common causes of drug poisoning and it has cardiovascular, respiratory and neurological side effects. An 18-month male infant was admitted to our pediatric emergency service due to poisoning with amitriptyline. The infant was unconscious. Tachycardia, irregular and shallow breathing, and tonic-clonic seizures were observed on physical examination. An electrocardiogram displayed a narrow complex tachycardia that was consistent with re-entrant supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). Although antiarrhythmic and anticonvulsive agents were administrated, SVT and seizures persisted. Charcoal hemoperfusion (HP) was performed for 4 hours. The infant’s clinical condition has improved after the charcoal HP, seizures and SVT were not observed. It is concluded that charcoal HP can be used efficiently in patients with severe amitriptyline intoxication.
A new sighting study for the fixed concentration procedure to allow for gender differences
Authors: Stallard Nigel , Price Charlotte , Creton Stuart , Indans Ian , Guest Robert , Griffiths David , Edwards Philippa
Published: May 2010

The fixed concentration procedure (FCP) has been proposed as an alternative to the median lethal concentration (LC50) test (organisation for economic co-operation and development (OECD) test guideline [TG] 403) for the assessment of acute inhalation toxicity. The FCP tests animals of a single gender (usually females) at a number of fixed concentration levels in a sequential fashion. It begins with a sighting study that precedes the main FCP study and is used to determine the main study starting concentration. In this paper, we propose a modification to the sighting study and suggest that it should be conducted using both male and female animals, rather than just animals of a single gender. Statistical analysis demonstrates that, when females are more sensitive, the new procedure is likely to give the same classification as the original FCP, whereas, if males are more sensitive, the new procedure is much less likely to lead to incorrect classification into a less toxic category. If there is no difference in the LC50 for females and males, the new procedure is slightly more likely to classify into a more stringent class than the original FCP. Overall, these results show that the revised sighting study ensures gender differences in sensitivity do not significantly impact on the performance of the FCP, supporting its use as an alternative test method for assessing acute inhalation toxicity.
Protective effect of chokeberry on chemical-induced oxidative stress in rat
Authors: Kujawska Małgorzata , Ignatowicz Ewa , Ewertowska Małgorzata , Oszmiański Jan , Jodynis-Liebert Jadwiga
Published: May 2010

Male Wistar rats were treated with chokeberry juice per os, 10 mL/kg/day, for 28 days and a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), 150 mg/kg, or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), 2 ml/kg. The level of hepatic microsomal lipid peroxidation, expressed as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), was increased in animals dosed with NDEA and CCl4. Juice pretreatment resulted in a significant decrease in TBARS by 53% and 92%, respectively. In rats administered juice alone, 50% decrease in TBARS was noted. The activities of all antioxidant enzymes were decreased in the liver of rats administered either toxicant by 29%—52% as compared to controls. Juice pretreatment resulted in an increase in the activity of catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase by 117%, 56% and 44%, respectively, only in rats challenged with NDEA. Although no response of plasma protein carbonyls to both toxicants was observed, the pretreatment with juice caused a 55% decrease of this parameter in CCl4—dosed rats. DNA damage in blood leukocytes induced by either toxicant was slightly reduced, by 24%, in the rats pretreated with juice and administered NDEA. The results of the study showed that pretreatment with chokeberry juice confers some protection against chemical-induced oxidative stress.
Modulatory effect of cod-liver oil on Na+-K+ ATPase in rats’ brain
Authors: Kumosani Taha A , Moselhy Said S
Published: May 2010

Omega-3 fatty acids were used in the treatment of psychiatric diseases such as bipolar disorder. Na+, K+-ATPase is also a well-known target for these fatty acids. In this study, we investigated the impact of cod-liver oil (CLO), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on Na+, K+-ATPase, cholinesterase activities, the levels of norepinephrine (NE) and acetylcholine in different regions of rat brain. Our results showed that DHA caused a significant depression in cerebellum Na+, K+-ATPase, whereas CLO activated it. In addition, CLO, EPA and DHA produced a significant activation in Na+, K+-ATPase activity in medulla, midbrain and hypothalamus. There were non-significant changes in the activity of cholinesterase enzyme in cerebellum and medulla, while in midbrain and hypothalamus the CLO, DHA and EPA enhanced the activity by 75%, 100% and 78%, respectively. The content of NE in hypothalamus showed slight increase in different regions of the brain of animals fed CLO, DHA or EPA. In conclusion, CLO, DHA or EPA supplementation had a beneficial effect that associated with a normalization of fatty acids incorporation into phospholipid membranes and a partial restoration of Na+, K+-ATPase activity, suggesting that CLO supplementation may improve fatty acid composition and moderately enhance Na+, K+-ATPase activity.
Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin is cytotoxic for human renal tubular epithelial cells
Authors: Fernandez Miyakawa Mariano E. , Zabal Osvaldo , Silberstein Claudia
Published: May 2010

Clostridium perfringens epsilon toxin (ETX) is responsible for a fatal enterotoxemia in different animal species, producing extensive renal damage, neurological disturbance and edema of lungs, heart and kidneys. However, there is no information about the susceptibility of humans to ETX. Here, we report that primary cultures of human renal tubular epithelial cells (HRTEC) exposed to ETX showed a marked swelling with subsequent large blebs surrounding most cells. The incubation of HRTEC with ETX produced a reduction of cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The CD50 after 1-hour and 24-hour incubation were 3 µg/mL and 0.5 µg/mL, respectively. The pulse with ETX for 3 min was enough to produce a significant cytotoxic effect on HRTEC after 1-hour incubation. ETX binds to HRTEC forming a large complex of about 160 kDa similar to what was found in the Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell line. The HRTEC could be a useful cell model to improve the understanding of the mechanisms involved on the cell damage mediated by ETX.
Sensitivity designs for preventing bias replication in randomized clinical trials
Authors: Berger Vance W , Grant William C , Vazquez Laura F
Published: May 2010

It is common, after a trial is completed, to employ sensitivity analyses to test the extent to which the results depend on various assumptions or conventions. There is a comparable benefit to employing sensitivity designs when planning a trial, so that features that cannot be varied at the analysis stage can instead be varied (e.g., across centres of a multi-centre trial) during the design stage. Design features amenable to such variation include: (1) the specific randomization methods, (2) the duration of follow-up and (3) the use or non-use of a surrogate endpoint as a replacement for a clinical endpoint. Generally, all centres in a given trial, and all trials in a given program, will employ identical protocols. This means that all will be vulnerable to the same types of biases, meaning that a single bias can by itself render all results unreliable. But by varying the randomization techniques, duration and primary endpoint, one can vary also the biases to which the site-specific results are vulnerable. This means that, if a significant result is found, then one can state that either the treatment worked or there were numerous biases (not just one) at play. This of course makes the attribution of the results to the treatments much more plausible and makes the findings much more robust to violations of assumptions.
AirAsia
Authors: Ahmad Rizal
Published: May 2010

This article details the development of AirAsia Malaysia from 2005 to 2008 and builds on a prior case, ‘AirAsia: The Sky’s the Limit’. Within only four years, AirAsia managed to expand its operations into another ten countries. In addition, through its associate company AsiaX, it launched long-haul low-cost air services from Malaysia to Australia and the United Kingdom. The article documents AirAsia’s marketing strategy and discusses its approach towards ‘market development’ and ‘product development’. The Blue Ocean Strategy concept is used as a tool to examine AirAsia’s strategic moves.
Comparing Learning and Knowledge Management Theories in an Australian Telecommunications Practice
Authors: Strang Kenneth David
Published: May 2010

A community of practice in a communications company was examined to discover how design specialists learned and shared knowledge to produce innovative designs. Contemporary learning and knowledge management theories were used as the basis for comparison. The design team revealed how they applied learning and knowledge management principles during their internal processes. Action research, reflection inaction and nominal focus group techniques were used. Several workflow models were produced by the participants to explain and contrast learning and knowledge management as applied in e-business. The findings indicated that the team did not apply conventional learning or knowledge management methodologies, but instead used a modified learning model.
Maria B. Designs (Pvt.) Lt
Authors: Abdul Ghani Jawaid
Published: May 2010

Maria B. was a leading player in the fashion clothing industry of Pakistan. Her designs comprised women’s casual, formal and bridal wear. A consumer study found that purchase of casuals was impulsive, triggered by the start of a new season. Formal wear was bought for special occasions and festivals. The purchase process involved considerable window shopping and obtaining information on the latest trends from fashion magazines. The purchase of bridal wear was by far the most intense. Every bride-to-be wanted her wedding dress to be exclusive. The designer was expected to provide personal advice regarding the selection of fabric and design. Based on the study results, the company had to identify customer segments and decide which of the three product lines to focus upon. Should bridal wear be placed in the same outlet with other lines, or should it be handled exclusively? Maria B. was concerned whether the lower quality image of casuals might negatively impact the premium image and stringent quality standards associated with bridal wear.
Influence of Resin Type on the Delamination Behavior of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites Under Mode-II Loading
Authors: Argüelles A. , Viña J. , Canteli A.F. , Bonhomme J.
Published: May 2010

In this study, the delamination fatigue behavior of two different aeronautical quality composites under mode-II notched flexure loading has been experimentally investigated with the aim of analyzing the effect of the resin type used. Both composites contain the same unidirectional AS4 carbon reinforcement, though embedded in two different matrices: an 8552 epoxy with improved toughness and an unmodified brittle 3501-6 epoxy. The end notched flexure test was found suitable for promoting fatigue delamination under mode-II loading. First, the ΔG-N fatigue curves were determined as the number of cycles necessary for crack onset at a given energy release rate. Then the crack growth rate was obtained for different fractions of the critical energy release rates, Gcr. Calculations of the shear toughness were carried out in accordance with the methods proposed in the ESIS protocol. Critical experimental details are reviewed and the influence of the different procedures proposed for the data assessment of results is analyzed. The results confirm, on the one hand, the influence of the manufacturing process on fatigue crack initiation, and, on the other, the improved performance of the modified resin, both in terms of crack initiation and growth rate.
A Comparative Study of Meshfree Methods for Fracture
Authors: Gupta V. , Rajagopal S. , Gupta N.
Published: May 2010

We study the ability of different meshfree methods for modeling fracture problems. Since our final goal is modeling dynamic fracture, we limit our studies to the most popular methods in this field, that is, the material point method (MPM), smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) and element-free Galerkin (EFG) method. We demonstrate through several examples that Eulerian kernel formulation are not capable of modeling fracture correctly. Moreover, we show that it is not true that for such formulations fracture occurs naturally without any special treatment as often claimed in the literature. Moreover, we show the influence of several fracture criteria and post-localization models on the accuracy of the results.
Sensor-based Remote Quality Control Application in Automotive Components Assembly
Authors: Kwon Yongjin , Park Yongmin , Hong Jungwan , Park Sang C.
Published: May 2010

Many global enterprises are now operating their production facilities in foreign countries in an effort to capitalize on the merits that each country provides. In such environment, where design, production, supply chains, and other business functions are geographically separated, great challenges exist in terms of how to effectively measure, control, and monitor the product quality on remotely situated production lines. In this context, this article presents a novel, holistic, network-based quality control strategy, which is called EQM (short for e-quality for manufacture). With EQM, remotely situated designers can access real-time quality data and update quality control processes as changes in production occur. EQM also allows the quality data to be integrated within the company’s information network with other related business functions. Such integration enables instant generation of corrective actions, such as automatic notification to supply chains/vendors for nonconformities. EQM relieves human operators from laborious, tedious, and error-prone tasks of quality monitoring and sampling practices, hence greatly improves the overall efficiency of production operations. The proposed remote-quality control strategy has been tested using the networked-robotic cell, which produces automotive starter gear housing assemblies. The results vindicate the notion of EQM, manifesting many potential benefits for industry.
Behavioral and Emotional Strengths Among Youth in Systems of Care and the Effect of Race/Ethnicity
Authors: Barksdale Crystal L. , Azur Melissa , Daniels Amy M.
Published: May 2010

Behavioral and emotional strengths are important to consider when understanding youth mental health and treatment. This study examined the association between youth strengths and functional impairment and whether this association is modified by race/ethnicity. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to estimate the effects of strengths on impairment and examine whether race and ethnicity modified this relationship in 8,129 Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, and American Indian/Alaskan Native youth between 5 and 18 years of age. Results suggest that youth with average and above-average strengths were less likely to have impairment compared with youth with below-average strengths. Race and ethnicity modified this relationship in both expected and unexpected ways. Among youth with average and above-average strengths, racial and ethnic minority youth appear to have more impairment than Caucasian youth. However, among youth with below-average strengths, racial and ethnic minority youth have less impairment than Caucasian youth. Findings highlight the importance of incorporating strengths-based approaches in youth mental health treatment and the need for further research to understand the specific nature of strengths as it effects impairment across racial/ethnic groups. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
Enhancing the Reflexivity of System Innovation Projects With System Analyses
Authors: van Mierlo Barbara , Arkesteijn Marlèn , Leeuwis Cees
Published: May 2010

Networks aiming for fundamental changes bring together a variety of actors who are part and parcel of a problematic context. These system innovation projects need to be accompanied by a monitoring and evaluation approach that supports and maintains reflexivity to be able to deal with uncertainties and conflicts while challenging current practices and related institutions. This article reports on experiences with reflexive process monitoring (RPM)—an approach that has been applied in several networks in the Dutch agricultural sector, which strive for sustainable development. Particular attention is paid to conducting system analyses—a core element of the methodology. The first results show that system analyses indeed have the potential to enhance reflexivity if carried out collectively. However, regular patterns of thinking and acting within projects interfere in subtle ways with the new knowledge generated and limit the transformation of the reflexive feedback and insights into action.
A single case design evaluation of a software and tutor intervention addressing emotion recognition and social interaction in four boys with ASD
Authors: Lacava Paul G. , Rankin Ana , Mahlios Emily , Cook Katie , Simpson Richard L.
Published: May 2010

Many students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have delays learning to recognize emotions. Social behavior is also challenging, including initiating interactions, responding to others, developing peer relationships, and so forth. In this single case design study we investigated the relationship between use of computer software ( Mind Reading: The Interactive Guide to Emotions) and emotion recognition (ER) and social behavior change. After using Mind Reading for 7 to 10 weeks with a tutor, four boys with ASD improved ER scores and social interactions with peers. However, observed behavior changes were not strong enough to claim a causal relationship between variables. Findings, practice implications, and future research are discussed.
research with children: methodological issues and innovative techniques
Authors: Fargas-Malet Montserrat , McSherry Dominic , Larkin Emma , Robinson Clive
Published: May 2010

In the past few decades, a growing body of literature examining children’s perspectives on their own lives has developed within a variety of disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, anthropology and geography. This article provides a brief up-to-date examination of methodological and ethical issues that researchers may need to consider when designing research studies involving children; and a review of some of the methods and techniques used to elicit their views. The article aims to encourage researchers to critically reflect on these methodological issues and the techniques they choose to use, since they will have implications for the data produced.
transcription matters
Authors: Davidson Christina
Published: May 2010

The development of transcripts is central to the work of many researchers yet questions of what and how researchers transcribe, and why, receive little attention in research literature. Conversation analysis is one research approach that has consistently addressed the integral relationship between theoretical and methodological perspectives, transcript development and transcript analysis. This article considers that relationship. An analysis of classroom talk is used to establish how aspects of young children’s interactional competence are found in features of talk made available for analysis through transcription that deliberately and methodically seeks to record taken-for-granted features of social interaction.
narrative as a window to the inner mental world of young children: attachment representations, affect and memory
Authors: Priddis Lynn E. , Howieson Noel D.
Published: May 2010

This article describes a procedure which has proven useful in facilitating narratives about experience of everyday family situations in order to provide insights into the inner world of children around five—seven years. The Windows to Attachment in Young Children (WAYC) consists of the procedure itself and scoring frameworks through which the narrative is analysed. Reports from three studies demonstrate its success in generating rich narrative accounts from Australian children. A system for coding attachment representations shows promise. A system for coding quality of recall of episodic experience has enabled research into the relationship between children’s memory and parent—child communication.
Type 2 Diabetes Among Rural Hispanics in Washington State: Perspectives From Community Stakeholders
Authors: Livaudais Jennifer C. , Thompson Beti , Islas Ilda , Ibarra Genoveva , Godina Ruby , Coronado Gloria D.
Published: May 2010

During February-March 2006, elicitation interviews were conducted with 23 community stakeholders in the Yakima Valley, Washington State, to examine concerns about diabetes and to obtain recommendations for how to address concerns among Hispanics in this rural community. Using a snowball approach, stakeholders were identified from organizations providing care and outreach for Hispanics with diabetes. Interviews were guided by a social ecology approach and were conducted as part of a larger parent study using principles of community-based participatory research. Audiotaped interviews were transcribed and then coded by three staff members who identified common themes independently before meeting to reach consensus. Stakeholders represented health care delivery or social service organizations, churches, or local radio stations. Diabetes was perceived as an important problem among community members, who often underwent delayed diagnosis of the disease. Lack of disease knowledge, access to appropriate information or services, health insurance, and personal responsibility were perceived as barriers. Stakeholders recommended using exiting organizations and businesses as intervention channels, promoting cultural sensitivity of health professionals and volunteers, creating and distributing appropriate information, and organizing activities to promote awareness and disease management. Recommendations have informed the design of community interventions to lessen the impact of diabetes in the Yakima Valley.
The DeMarco Factor: Interview With a Health Policy Advocate
Authors: Jernigan David H.
Published: May 2010

An interview with Vincent DeMarco, President of the Maryland Citizen’s Health Initiative, reviews the history and strategies used to win victories for public health on gun policy and tobacco taxes and to seek passage of higher alcohol taxes in the state of Maryland. DeMarco emphasizes the need to build broad coalitions, to engage policy makers at election time and not just or primarily during legislative sessions, and to take advantage of the power of the news media as a microphone for reaching millions of possible supporters. The interview concludes with recommendations for public health training and practitioners in order to become successful policy advocates in a rapidly changing media and political landscape.
A major role of TGF-β1 in the homing capacities of murine hematopoietic stem cell/progenitors
Authors: Capron Claude , Lacout Catherine , Lécluse Yann , Jalbert Valérie , Chagraoui Hédia , Charrier Sabine , Galy Anne , Bennaceur-Griscelli Annelise , Cramer-Bordé Elisabeth , Vainchenker William
Published: May 2010

Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is a pleiotropic cytokine with major in vitro effects on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and lymphocyte development. Little is known about hematopoiesis from mice with constitutive TGF-β1 inactivation largely because of important embryonic lethality and development of a lethal inflammatory disorder in TGF-β1−/− pups, making these studies difficult. Here, we show that no sign of the inflammatory disorder was detectable in 8- to 10-day-old TGF-β1−/− neonates as judged by both the number of T-activated and T-regulator cells in secondary lymphoid organs and the level of inflammatory cytokines in sera. After T-cell depletion, the inflammatory disease was not transplantable in recipient mice. Bone marrow cells from 8- to 10-day-old TGF-β1−/− neonates showed strikingly impaired short- and long-term reconstitutive activity associated with a parallel decreased in vivo homing capacity of lineage negative (Lin−) cells. In addition an in vitro–reduced survival of immature progenitors (Lin− Kit+ Sca+) was observed. Similar defects were found in liver cells from TGF-β1−/− embryos on day 14 after vaginal plug. These data indicate that TGF-β1 is a critical regulator for in vivo homeostasis of the HSCs, especially for their homing potential.
Beta-escin has potent anti-allergic efficacy and reduces allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Lindner Ines , Meier Christiane , Url Angelika , Unger Hermann , Grassauer Andreas , Prieschl-Grassauer Eva , Doerfler Petra
Published: May 2010

Background

Type I hypersensitivity is characterized by the overreaction of the immune system against otherwise innocuous substances. It manifests as allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, allergic asthma or atopic dermatitis if mast cells are activated in the respective organs. In case of systemic mast cell activation, life-threatening anaphylaxis may occur. Currently, type I hypersensitivities are treated either with glucocorticoids, anti-histamines, or mast cell stabilizers. Although these drugs exert a strong anti-allergic effect, their long-term use may be problematic due to their side-effects.

Results

In the course of a routine in vitro screening process, we identified beta-escin as a potentially anti-allergic compound. Here we tested beta-escin in two mouse models to confirm this anti-allergic effect in vivo. In a model of the early phase of allergic reactions, the murine passive cutaneous anaphylaxis model, beta-escin inhibited the effects of mast cell activation and degranulation in the skin and dose-dependently prevented the extravasation of fluids into the tissue. Beta-escin also significantly inhibited the late response after antigen challenge in a lung allergy model with ovalbumin-sensitized mice. Allergic airway inflammation was suppressed, which was exemplified by the reduction of leucocytes, eosinophils, IL-5 and IL-13 in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Histopathological examinations further confirmed the reduced inflammation of the lung tissue. In both models, the inhibitory effect of beta-escin was comparable to the benchmark dexamethasone.

Conclusions

We demonstrated in two independent murine models of type I hypersensitivity that beta-escin has potent anti-allergic properties. These results and the excellent safety profile of beta-escin suggest a therapeutic potential of this compound for a novel treatment of allergic diseases.
Comprehensive profiling of DNA methylation in colorectal cancer reveals subgroups with distinct clinicopathological and molecular features
Authors: Ang Pei Woon , Loh Marie , Liem Natalia , Lim Pei Li , Grieu Fabienne , Vaithilingam Aparna , Platell Cameron , Yong Wei Peng , Iacopetta Barry , Soong Richie
Published: May 2010

Background

Most previous studies of the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer (CRC) have been conducted on a relatively small numbers of CpG sites. In the present study we performed comprehensive DNA methylation profiling of CRC with the aim of characterizing CIMP subgroups.

Methods

DNA methylation at 1,505 CpG sites in 807 cancer-related genes was evaluated using the Illumina GoldenGate® methylation array in 28 normal colonic mucosa and 91 consecutive CRC samples. Methylation data was analyzed using unsupervised hierarchical clustering. CIMP subgroups were compared for various clinicopathological and molecular features including patient age, tumor site, microsatellite instability (MSI), methylation at a consensus panel of CpG islands and mutations in BRAF and KRAS.

Results

A total of 202 CpG sites were differentially methylated between tumor and normal tissue. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering of methylation data from these sites revealed the existence of three CRC subgroups referred to as CIMP-low (CIMP-L, 21% of cases), CIMP-mid (CIMP-M, 14%) and CIMP-high (CIMP-H, 65%). In comparison to CIMP-L tumors, CIMP-H tumors were more often located in the proximal colon and showed more frequent mutation of KRAS and BRAF (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Comprehensive DNA methylation profiling identified three CRC subgroups with distinctive clinicopathological and molecular features. This study suggests that both KRAS and BRAF mutations are involved with the CIMP-H pathway of CRC rather than with distinct CIMP subgroups.
Lutein-fortified infant formula fed to healthy term infants: evaluation of growth effects and safety
Authors: Capeding Rosario , Gepanayao Connie P , Calimon Nerrisa , Lebumfacil Jowena , Davis Anne M , Stouffer Nicole , Harris Bruce J
Published: May 2010

Background/Objectives

Breast milk contains lutein derived from the mother's diet. This carotenoid is currently not added to infant formula, which has a small and variable lutein content from innate ingredients. This study was conducted to compare the growth of infants fed lutein-fortified infant formula with that of infants fed infant formula without lutein fortification.

Subjects/Methods

This 16-week study was prospective, randomized, controlled, and double-blind with parallel groups of healthy term infants fed either control formula (Wyeth S-26 Gold, designated as Gold) or experimental formula (Wyeth S-26 Gold fortified with lutein at 200 mcg/l, designated as Gold + Lutein). Two hundred thirty-two (232) infants ≤ 14 days postnatal age were randomized and 220 (94.8%) completed the study. Weight (g), head circumference (cm), and length (cm) were measured at Weeks 4, 8, 12, and 16. The primary endpoint was weight gain (g/day) from baseline to Week 16. Safety was assessed through monitoring of study events (SEs) throughout the study and evaluation of selected blood chemistry tests performed at Week 16.

Results

Infants in both treatment groups demonstrated appropriate growth. No differences between treatment groups were found in any of the measures of growth at any of the measurement time points. Both study formulas were well tolerated. The mean values of all measured blood chemistry parameters fell within the modified normal ranges for infants, and the values for both groups for any measured parameter were similar.

Conclusions

Infants fed lutein-fortified S-26 Gold demonstrated growth equivalent to that of infants fed unfortified lutein formula.
Built and socioeconomic environments: patterning and associations with physical activity in U.S. adolescents
Authors: Boone-Heinonen Janne , Evenson Kelly R , Song Yan , Gordon-Larsen Penny
Published: May 2010

Background

Inter-relationships among built and socioeconomic environmental characteristics may result in confounding of associations between environment exposure measures and health behaviors or outcomes, but traditional multivariate adjustment can be inappropriate due to collinearity.

Methods

We used principal factor analysis to describe inter-relationships between a large set of Geographic Information System-derived built and socioeconomic environment measures for adolescents in the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Wave I, 1995-96, n = 17,294). Using resulting factors in sex-stratified multivariate negative binomial regression models, we tested for confounding of associations between built and socioeconomic environment characteristics and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA). Finally, we used knowledge gained from factor analysis to construct replicable environmental measures that account for inter-relationships and avoid collinearity.

Results

Using factor analysis, we identified three built environment constructs [(1) homogenous landscape; 2) development intensity with high pay facility count; 3) development intensity with high public facility count] and two socioeconomic environment constructs [1) advantageous economic environment, 2) disadvantageous social environment]. In regression analysis, confounding of built environment-MVPA associations by socioeconomic environment factors was stronger than among built environment factors. In fully adjusted models, MVPA was negatively associated with the highest (versus lowest) quartile of homogenous land cover in males [exp(coeff) (95% CI): 0.91 (0.86, 0.96)] and intensity (pay facilities) [exp(coeff) (95% CI): 0.92 (0.85, 0.99)] in females. Single proxy measures (Simpson's diversity index, count of pay facilities, count of public facilities, median household income, and crime rate) representing each environmental construct replicated associations with MVPA.

Conclusions

Environmental characteristics are inter-related. Both built and SES environments should be incorporated into analysis in order to minimize confounding. Single environmental measures may be useful proxies for environmental constructs in longitudinal analysis and replication in external populations, but more research is needed to better understand mechanisms of action, and ultimately identify policy-relevant environmental determinants of physical activity.
Effects of unilateral robotic limb loading on gait characteristics in subjects with chronic stroke
Authors: Khanna Ira , Roy Anindo , Rodgers Mary M , Krebs Hermano I , Macko Richard M , Forrester Larry W
Published: May 2010

Background

Hemiparesis after stroke often leads to impaired ankle motor control that impacts gait function. In recent studies, robotic devices have been developed to address this impairment. While capable of imparting forces to assist during training and gait, these devices add mass to the paretic leg which might encumber patients' gait pattern. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the added mass of one of these robots, the MIT's Anklebot, while unpowered, on gait of chronic stroke survivors during overground and treadmill walking.

Methods

Nine chronic stroke survivors walked overground and on a treadmill with and without the anklebot mounted on the paretic leg. Gait parameters, interlimb symmetry, and joint kinematics were collected for the four conditions. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted to examine for possible differences across four conditions for the paretic and nonparetic leg.

Results

The added inertia and friction of the unpowered anklebot had no statistically significant effect on spatio-temporal parameters of gait, including paretic and nonparetic step time and stance percentage, in both overground and treadmill conditions. Noteworthy, interlimb symmetry as characterized by relative stance duration was greater on the treadmill than overground regardless of loading conditions. The presence of the unpowered robot loading reduced the nonparetic knee peak flexion on the treadmill and paretic peak dorsiflexion overground (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that for these subjects the added inertia and friction of this backdriveable robot did not significantly alter their gait pattern.
5'PPP-RNA induced RIG-I activation inhibits drug-resistant avian H5N1 as well as 1918 and 2009 pandemic influenza virus replication
Authors: Ranjan Priya , Jayashankar Lakshmi , Deyde Varough , Zeng Hui , Davis William G , Pearce Melissa B , Bowzard John B , Hoelscher Mary A , Jeisy-Scott Victoria , Wiens Mayim E , Gangappa Shivaprakash , Gubareva Larisa , García-Sastre Adolfo , Katz Jacqueline M , Tumpey Terrence M , Fujita Takashi , Sambhara Suryaprakash
Published: May 2010

Background

Emergence of drug-resistant strains of influenza viruses, including avian H5N1 with pandemic potential, 1918 and 2009 A/H1N1 pandemic viruses to currently used antiviral agents, neuraminidase inhibitors and M2 Ion channel blockers, underscores the importance of developing novel antiviral strategies. Activation of innate immune pathogen sensor Retinoic Acid Inducible Gene-I (RIG-I) has recently been shown to induce antiviral state.

Results

In the present investigation, using real time RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, immunoblot, and plaque assay we show that 5'PPP-containing single stranded RNA (5'PPP-RNA), a ligand for the intracytoplasmic RNA sensor, RIG-I can be used as a prophylactic agent against known drug-resistant avian H5N1 and pandemic influenza viruses. 5'PPP-RNA treatment of human lung epithelial cells inhibited replication of drug-resistant avian H5N1 as well as 1918 and 2009 pandemic influenza viruses in a RIG-I and type 1 interferon dependant manner. Additionally, 5'PPP-RNA treatment also inhibited 2009 H1N1 viral replication in vivo in mice.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that 5'PPP-RNA mediated activation of RIG-I can suppress replication of influenza viruses irrespective of their genetic make-up, pathogenicity, and drug-sensitivity status.
Influenza A viral loads in respiratory samples collected from patients infected with pandemic H1N1, seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 viruses
Authors: Ngaosuwankul Nathamon , Noisumdaeng Pirom , Komolsiri Pisut , Pooruk Phisanu , Chokephaibulkit Kulkanya , Chotpitayasunondh Tawee , Sangsajja Chariya , Chuchottaworn Charoen , Farrar Jeremy , Puthavathana Pilaipan
Published: May 2010

Background

Nasopharyngeal aspirate (NPA), nasal swab (NS), and throat swab (TS) are common specimens used for diagnosis of respiratory virus infections based on the detection of viral genomes, viral antigens and viral isolation. However, there is no documented data regarding the type of specimen that yields the best result of viral detection. In this study, quantitative real time RT-PCR specific for M gene was used to determine influenza A viral loads present in NS, NPA and TS samples collected from patients infected with the 2009 pandemic H1N1, seasonal H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. Various copy numbers of RNA transcripts derived from recombinant plasmids containing complete M gene insert of each virus strain were assayed by RT-PCR. A standard curve for viral RNA quantification was constructed by plotting each Ct value against the log quantity of each standard RNA copy number.

Results

Copy numbers of M gene were obtained through the extrapolation of Ct values of the test samples against the corresponding standard curve. Among a total of 29 patients with severe influenza enrolled in this study (12 cases of the 2009 pandemic influenza, 5 cases of seasonal H1N1 and 12 cases of seasonal H3N2 virus), NPA was found to contain significantly highest amount of viral loads and followed in order by NS and TS specimen. Viral loads among patients infected with those viruses were comparable regarding type of specimen analyzed.

Conclusion

Based on M gene copy numbers, we conclude that NPA is the best specimen for detection of influenza A viruses, and followed in order by NS and TS.