bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolution of fMRI Activation in the Perilesional Primary Motor Cortex and Cerebellum With Rehabilitation Training-Related Motor Gains After Stroke: A Pilot Study
Authors: Dong Yun , Winstein Carolee J. , Albistegui-DuBois Richard , Dobkin Bruce H.
Published: June 2007

Background. Previous studies report that motor recovery after partial destruction of the primary motor cortex (M1) may be associated with adaptive functional reorganization within spared M1. Objective. To test feasible methodologies for evaluating relationships between behavioral gains facilitated by rehabilitative training and functional adaptations in perilesional M1 and the cerebellum. Methods . Four patients with hemiparesis for more than 3 months after a cortical lesion partially within M1 and 12 healthy volunteers participated. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using a finger-tapping task and concurrent behavioral assessments, including the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment of the upper extremity and the Wolf Motor Function Test, were conducted before and after 2 weeks of arm-focused training; 2 patients were further examined 6 and 12 months later to evaluate long-term persistence of brain-behavior adaptations. Results. All patients showed higher activation magnitude in perilesional M1 than healthy controls before and after therapy. Further long-term functional gains paralleled the decrease of activation magnitude in perilesional M1 in the 2 more impaired cases. Conclusion. The evolution of suggestive correlations between serial scans of fMRI adaptive activity within the primary motor cortex and the cerebellum in relation to relevant behavioral changes over the course of 2 weeks of task-specific therapy and then no formal therapy suggests that repeated assessments may be best for monitoring therapy-induced neuroplasticity. This approach may help develop optimal rehabilitation strategies to maximize poststroke motor recovery as well as improve the search for brain-behavior correlations in functional neuroimaging research.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Versus Volitional Isometric Strength Training in Children With Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Stackhouse Scott K. , Binder-Macleod Stuart A. , Stackhouse Carrie A. , McCarthy James J. , Prosser Laura A. , Lee Samuel C. K.
Published: June 2007

Background. To date, no reports have investigated neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) to increase muscle force production of children with cerebral palsy (CP) using high-force contractions and low repetitions. Objective. The aims of this study were to determine if isometric NMES or volitional training in children with CP could increase muscle strength and walking speed and to examine the mechanisms that may contribute to increased force production. Methods. Eleven children with spastic diplegia were assigned to an NMES training group or to a volitional training group. Participants in the NMES group had electrodes implanted percutaneously to activate the quadriceps femoris and triceps surae muscles. The volitional group trained with maximal effort contractions. Both groups performed a 12-week isometric strength-training program. Maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) force, voluntary muscle activation, quadriceps and triceps surae cross-sectional area (CSA), and walking speed were measured pre- and post-strength training. Results . The NMEStrained group had greater increases in normalized force production for both the quadriceps femoris and triceps surae. Similarly, only the NMES group showed an increase in walking speed after training. Changes in voluntary muscle activation explained approximately 67% and 37% of the changes seen in the MVIC of the NMES and volitional groups, respectively. Quadriceps femoris maximum CSA increased significantly for the NMES group only. Conclusions. This study was the first to quantitatively show strength gains with the use of NMES in children with CP. These results support the need for future experimental studies that will examine the clinical effectiveness of NMES strength training.
Origin of Fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis: Review of the Literature
Authors: Kos D. , Kerckhofs E. , Nagels G. , D'hooghe M.B. , Ilsbroukx S.
Published: June 2007

Fatigue is one of the most common and most disabling symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS). Although numerous studies have tried to reveal it, no definite pathogenesis factor behind this fatigue has been identified. Fatigue may be directly related to the disease mechanisms (primary fatigue) or may be secondary to non—disease-specific factors. Primary fatigue may be the result of inflammation, demyelination, or axonal loss. A suggested functional cortical reorganization may result in a higher energy demand in certain brain areas, culminating in an increase of fatigue perception. Higher levels of some immune markers were found in patients with MS-related fatigue, whereas other studies rejected this hypothesis. There may be a disturbance in the neuroendocrine system related to fatigue, but it is not clear whether this is either the result of the interaction with immune activation or the trigger of this process. Fatigue may be secondary to sleep problems, which are frequently present in MS and in their turn result from urinary problems, spasms, pain, or anxiety. Pharmacologic treatment of MS (symptoms) may also provoke fatigue. The evidence for reduced activity as a cause of secondary fatigue in MS is inconsistent. Psychological functioning may at least play a role in the persistence of fatigue. Research did not reach consensus about the association of fatigue with clinical or demographic variables, such as age, gender, disability, type of MS, education level, and disease duration. In conclusion, it is more likely to explain fatigue from a multifactor perspective than to ascribe it to one mechanism. The current evidence on the pathogenesis of primary and secondary fatigue in MS is limited by inconsistency in defining specific aspects of the concept fatigue, by the lack of appropriate assessment tools, and by the use of heterogeneous samples. Future research should overcome these limitations and also include longitudinal designs.
Locomotor Training Remodels fMRI Sensorimotor Cortical Activations in Children After Cerebral Hemispherectomy
Authors: de Bode Stella , Mathern Gary W. , Bookheimer Susan , Dobkin Bruce
Published: June 2007

Purpose. This study examined whether locomotor training, which included body weight—supported treadmill therapy, improved walking and induced cortical representational adaptations using functional magnetic resonance imaging in the remaining sensorimotor network after cerebral hemispherectomy. Methods. Hemispherectomy patients (n = 12) underwent 2 weeks of gait training for at least 30 hours each. They were tested pre- and posttraining with the Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment, unassisted single-limb stance time, and usual and fastest walking speeds. Three patients performed voluntary ankle movements as the functional magnetic resonance imaging activation task pre- and posttraining. Control subjects included 5 healthy children tested 2 weeks apart, 2 of whom trained on the treadmill, and 2 hemispherectomy patients who received upper extremity rehabilitation and no gait therapy. Results. Although patients reported improvements with gait training, behavioral outcomes did not significantly change. Training was associated with increased volume and intensity of cortical activation in the primary sensorimotor (S1M1), supplementary motor, motor cingulate, and secondary somatosensory cortex for the paretic foot, along with greater overlap in the representation for each moving foot in S1M1 and the supplementary motor area of the remaining hemisphere. Control subjects showed a decrease in activation in these cortical regions after training. Conclusions. Locomotor training of hemispherectomy patients improved mobility subjectively in association with functional magnetic resonance imaging evidence of cortical remodeling with ankle dorsiflexion. These findings support the notion that hemispherectomy patients may respond to rehabilitation interventions through mechanisms of activity-dependent cortical plasticity. The authors hypothesize that developmentally persistent descending ipsilateral and contralateral corticospinal tracts may allow the remaining hemisphere to maintain bilateral lower extremity motor control after surgery.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Muscle Contraction to Enhance Stroke Recovery: A Randomized Proof-of-Principle and Feasibility Investigation
Authors: Pomeroy Valerie M. , Cloud Geoffrey , Tallis Raymond C. , Donaldson Catherine , Nayak Veena , Miller Simon
Published: June 2007

Objective. To explore the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and voluntary muscle contraction (VMC) to improve corticospinal transmission, muscle function, and purposeful movement early after stroke. Methods. Factorial 2 × 2 randomized single-blind trial. Subjects: n = 27, mean age 75 years, mean 27 days after middle cerebral artery infarct (24 subjects completed outcome measures). Procedure: after baseline measurement (day 1), subjects were randomized to 1 of 4 groups. Treatment was given for the next 8 working days, and outcome was measured on day 10. Interventions: (a) Real-rTMS + RealVMC, (b) Real-rTMS + PlaceboVMC, (c) Placebo-rTMS + RealVMC, and (d) Placebo-rTMS + PlaceboVMC. Real-rTMS consisted of 200 1-Hz stimuli at 120% motor threshold in 5 blocks of 40 separated by 3 minutes delivered to the lesioned hemisphere. Placebo-rTMS used a dummy coil. In RealVMC, the paretic elbow was repeatedly flexed/extended for 5 minutes. In PlaceboVMC, subjects viewed pairs of drawings of upper limbs and reported their likeness. Outcomes: frequency of motor-evoked potentials in biceps and triceps, muscle function (torque about elbow), and purposeful movement (Action Research Arm Test). Analysis: group mean changes (outcome — baseline) were compared. Results. In the Real-rTMS + RealVMC group, motor-evoked potential frequency increased 14% for biceps and 20% for triceps, whereas in the Placebo-rTMS + PlaceboVMC group, it decreased 12% for biceps and 6% for triceps. For other groups, there were changes of intermediate values. No meaningful differences were found for secondary outcomes. Conclusions . A positive trend for motor-evoked potential frequency was found for Real-rTMS + RealVMC, whereas a negative trend for motor-evoked potential frequency was found for Placebo-rTMS + PlaceboVMC.
Influence of Combined Afferent Stimulation and Task-Specific Training Following Stroke: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McDonnell Michelle N. , Hillier Susan L. , Miles Timothy S. , Thompson Philip D. , Ridding Michael C.
Published: June 2007

Background. Reorganization of the human motor cortex can be induced by specific patterns of peripheral afferent stimulation. The potential for afferent stimulation to facilitate the functional recovery associated with conventional rehabilitative techniques has not previously been investigated. Objective. The authors sought to determine whether combining appropriate afferent stimulation with task-specific training resulted in greater improvements than training alone in patients with impaired upper limb function in the subacute phase following stroke. Method. Twenty patients with hemiparesis due to stroke were allocated randomly to either a stimulation or control group. All received 9 sessions of task-specific physiotherapy training over 3 weeks. Prior to each training session, associative electrical stimulation of the motor point of 2 hand muscles was given in the stimulation group, whereas the control group received sham stimulation. Changes in dexterity were assessed using a grip-lift task, and standard measures of upper-limb function were made before and following the intervention. Corticospinal excitability was examined using transcranial magnetic stimulation. Results. Both groups showed comparable improvements in functional measures of upper-limb function. Of the 20 patients, only 14 could perform the grip-lift task, which is an objective measure of dexterity. Patients in the stimulation group From the Research Centre for Human Movement Control, School of exhibited significantly greater improvements in this task than the control group. There was no significant change in corticospinal excitability in either group. Conclusion. This pilot study provides preliminary data suggesting that targeted afferent stimulation may facilitate the response to conventional rehabilitation in patients with hemiparesis due to stroke, but these results need to be confirmed in a larger scale study.
Rhythmic Auditor y Stimulation Improves Gait More Than NDT/Bobath Training in Near-Ambulatory Patients Early Poststroke: A Single-Blind, Randomized Trial
Authors: Thaut M.H. , Leins A.K. , Rice R.R. , Argstatter H. , Kenyon G.P. , McIntosh G.C. , Bolay H.V. , Fetter M.
Published: June 2007

Objectives. The effectiveness of 2 different types of gait training in stroke rehabilitation, rhythmic auditory stimulation (RAS) versus neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT)/Bobath− based training, was compared in 2 groups of hemiparetic stroke patients over a 3-week period of daily training (RAS group, n = 43; NDT/Bobath group =35). Methods. Mean entry date into the study was 21.3 days poststroke for the RAS group and 22.3 days for the control group. Patients entered the study as soon as they were able to complete 5 stride cycles with handheld assistance. Patients were closely equated by age, gender, and lesion site. Motor function in both groups was pre-assessed by the Barthel Index and the Fugl-Meyer Scales. Results. Pre- to posttest measures showed a significant improvement in the RAS group for velocity ( P = .006), stride length ( P = .0001), cadence ( P = .0001) and symmetry ( P = .0049) over the NDT/Bobath group. Effect sizes for RAS over NDT/Bobath training were 13.1 m/min for velocity, 0.18 m for stride length, and 19 steps/min for cadence. Conclusions. The data show that after 3 weeks of gait training, RAS is an effective therapeutic method to enhance gait training in hemiparetic stroke rehabilitation. Gains were significantly higher for RAS compared to NDT/Bobath training.
Relationship Between Interhemispheric Inhibition and Motor Cortex Excitability in Subacute Stroke Patients
Authors: Bütefisch Cathrin M. , Weβling Marion , Netz Johannes , Seitz Rüdiger J. , Hömberg Volker
Published: June 2007

Background. Studies of stroke patients using functional imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) of the primary motor cortex (M1) demonstrated increased recruitment and abnormally decreased short interval cortical inhibition (SICI) of the M1 contralateral to the lesioned hemisphere (contralesional M1) within the first month after infarction of the M1 or its corticospinal projections. Objective. The authors sought to identify mechanisms underlying decreased SICI of the contralesional M1. Methods. In patients within 6 weeks of their first ever infarction of the M1 or its corticospinal projections, SICI in the M1 of the lesioned and nonlesioned hemisphere was studied using paired-pulse TMS. Interhemispheric inhibition (IHI) was measured by applying TMS to the M1 of the lesioned hemisphere and a second pulse to the homotopic M1 of the nonlesioned hemisphere and vice versa with the patient at rest. The results were compared to M1 stimulation of age-matched healthy controls. Results. SICI was decreased in the M1 of lesioned and nonlesioned hemispheres regardless of cortical or subcortical infarct location. IHI was abnormally decreased from the M1 of the lesioned on nonlesioned hemisphere. In contrast, IHI was normal from the M1 of the nonlesioned on the lesioned hemisphere. Abnormal IHI and SICI were correlated in patients with cortical but not with subcortical lesions. Conclusions. In subacute stroke patients, abnormally decreased SICI of a contralesional M1 can only partially be explained by loss of IHI from the lesioned on nonlesioned hemisphere. As decreased SICI of the contralesional M1 did not result in excessive IHI from the nonlesioned on lesioned hemisphere with subsequent suppression of ipsilesional M1 excitability and all patients showed excellent recovery of motor function, decreased SICI of the contralesional M1 may represent an adaptive process supporting recovery.
Sensorimotor Cortical Plasticity During Recovery Following Spinal Cord Injury: A Longitudinal fMRI Study
Authors: Jurkiewicz Michael T. , Mikulis David J. , McIlroy William E. , Fehlings Michael G. , Verrier Mary C.
Published: June 2007

Background. Although the consequences of spinal cord injury (SCI) within the spinal cord and peripheral nervous system have been studied extensively, the influence of SCI on supraspinal structures during recovery remains largely unexplored. Objective. To assess temporal changes in cortical sensorimotor representations beginning in the subacute phase following SCI and determine if an association exists between the plastic changes within cortical sensorimotor areas and recovery of movement postinjury. Methods. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to study 6 SCI patients for 1 year, beginning shortly postinjury, and 10 healthy control individuals. During fMRI, individuals performed a simple self-paced wrist extension motor task. Recovery of movement was assessed using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Standard Neurological Classification of SCI. Results. In the subacute period post-SCI, during impaired movement, little task-related activation within the primary motor cortex (M1) was present, whereas activation in associated cortical sensorimotor areas was more extensive than in controls. During motor recovery, a progressive enlargement in the volume of movement-related M1 activation and decreased activation in associated cortical sensorimotor areas was seen. When movement was performed with little to no impairment, the overall pattern of cortical activation was similar to that observed in control individuals. Conclusions . This study provides the first report of the temporal progression of cortical sensorimotor representational plasticity during recovery following traumatic SCI in humans and suggests an association between movement-related fMRI activation and motor recovery postinjury. These findings have implications on current and future rehabilitative interventions for patients with SCI.
Validity of the Walking Scale for Spinal Cord Injury and Other Domains of Function in a Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Ditunno John F. , Barbeau Hugues , Dobkin Bruce H. , Elashoff Robert , Harkema Susan , Marino Ralph J. , Hauck Walter W. , Apple David , Basso D. Michele , Behrman Andrea , Deforge Daniel , Fugate Lisa , Saulino Michael , Scott Michael , Chung Joanie
Published: June 2007

Objective. To demonstrate criterion (concurrent and predictive) and construct validity of the Walking Index for Spinal Cord Injury (WISCI) scale and other walking measures in the Spinal Cord Injury Locomotor Trial (SCILT). Design. Prospective multicenter clinical trial of a walking intervention for patients with acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). Participants/Methods. Body weight−supported treadmill training was compared to overground mobility training in 146 patients with incomplete SCI (C4 to L3) enrolled within 8 weeks of onset and treated for 12 weeks. Primary outcome measures were the Functional Independence Measure (FIM), 50-foot walking speed (50FW-S), and 6-minute walking distance (6MW-D), tested 3, 6, and 12 months after entry. Secondary measures were the Lower Extremity Motor Score (LEMS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), WISCI, and FIM locomotor score (LFIM), assessed at 6 centers by blinded observers. Data for the 2 arms were combined since no significant differences in outcomes had been found. Results. Correlations with WISCI at 6 months were significant with BBS ( r = .90), LEMS ( r = .85), LFIM ( r = .89), FIM ( r = .77), 50FW-S ( r = .85), and 6MW-D ( r = .79); similar correlations occurred at 3 and 12 months. Correlations of change scores from baseline WISCI were significant for change scores from baseline of LEMS/BBS/LFIM. Correlation of baseline LEMS and WISCI at 12 months were most significant ( r = .73). The R2 of baseline LEMS explained 57% of variability of WISCI levels at 3 months. Conclusion. Concurrent validity of the WISCI scale was supported by significant correlations with all measures at 3, 6, and 12 months. Correlation of change scores supports predictive validity. The LEMS at baseline was the best predictor of the WISCI score at 12 months and explained most of the variance, which supported both predictive and construct validity. The combination of the LEMS, BBS, WISCI, 50FW-S, and LFIM appears to encompass adequate descriptors for outcomes of walking trials for incomplete SCI.
Dynamic Course of Intracortical TMS Paired-Pulse Responses During Recovery of Motor Function After Stroke
Authors: Wittenberg George F. , Bastings Eric P. , Fowlkes Allison M. , Morgan Timothy M. , Good David C. , Pons Timothy P.
Published: June 2007

Background. Recovery of motor function after stroke may be associated with changes in inhibitory and facilitatory circuits within the motor cortex. Objective. We explored such changes longitudinally after stroke, using transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Methods. Subjects ( N = 27) with a single cerebral infarction affecting movement of either hand were studied at <10 days poststroke, 1 month, and 6 months. Age-matched control subjects ( N = 9) were studied at 2 times. Results. In contrast to previous studies, paired-pulse inhibition was increased in patients with a subcortical stroke compared to control subjects. After a cortical stroke, paired-pulse facilitation was also increased. Stroke location affected the time course of inhibition. Subcortical stroke resulted in increased inhibition initially that decreased over time, whereas cortical stroke had no significant effect on inhibition and a more immediate and lasting effect on facilitation. Conclusions. The time course of a decline in inhibition based on TMS after subcortical stroke followed the gain in motor recovery. Increased facilitation in cortical stroke patients is more likely to represent the effect of early cortical circuit disruption and may not play a role in subacute changes in motor function.
An Empirical Test of Feminist Theory and Research
Authors: Herzog Sergio
Published: June 2007

Feminist empirical research, which consistently shows a positive relationship between traditional gender-role attitudes toward women and tolerant perceptions of male violence against intimate female partners, ignores the heterogeneity of these attitudes. New scholarship reveals that they are not necessarily blatant, hostile, and negative but are more complex, involving covertly and even overtly benevolent references to women. A sample of Israelis were asked to evaluate the seriousness of and most appropriate punishment for hypothetical and multidimensional crime scenarios while their differing kinds of traditional gender-role attitudes toward women were assessed. Perceptions varied considerably as a function of the gender-role scale applied and respondents' scores.
Wife Abuse in Tajikistan
Authors: Haarr Robin N.
Published: June 2007

In Tajikistan, wife abuse is a significant problem that has received virtually no attention from researchers or the government of Tajikistan. This descriptive study seeks to understand women's approval of wife abuse and the extent of wife abuse in Tajik women's lives. Four hundred women in three districts of Khatlon Oblast participated in this general population survey. Overall, most women approved of wife abuse by one's husband and/or mother-in-law and maintained that there were a wide range of so-called justifiable circumstances for wife abuse, particularly for behaviors that transgress expectations. A significant proportion of women also reported experiencing physical and sexual violence from their husbands, and a small proportion of women reported experiencing physical violence from their mothers-in-law. The study's implications for practice and future research on issues of wife abuse in Tajikistan are discussed.
Understanding How Masculine Gender Scripts May Contribute to Men's Adjustment Following Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Burns Shaun Michael , Mahalik James R.
Published: June 2007

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent solid tumor malignancy and second-leading cause of death from cancer for American men. As a consequence of treatment-related side effects, men living with prostate cancer experience various obstacles to positive mental health. Unfortunately, relatively little is known about factors that promote or impede men's adjustment to these obstacles. In this article, the authors identify three masculine gender scripts that may contribute to men's adjustment following treatment for prostate cancer. To organize the discussion, the authors review related literature and, through case examples, illustrate how masculine gender scripts may influence men's adjustment. Directions for gender-sensitive interventions and future clinical research are provided.
Correlates of HIV/AIDS Problem Behaviors and Incarceration Status Among Inmates in Georgia
Authors: Stephens Torrance T. , Braithwaite Ronald
Published: June 2007

This study examines the relationship between health self-efficacy, measures of sexual risk taking, health communication and negotiation skills, condom use, and substance use behaviors with history of prior incarceration among a sample of inmates in Georgia. The analysis herein is based on the completed survey responses from 188 inmates. The t test or simple chi-square tests were employed to examine differences in participant response means based on prior incarceration status and responses regarding HIV/AIDS problem behaviors for the entire population. The only statistically significant difference between first-time versus repeat offenders was the demographic variable age—meaning that repeat offenders were significantly older than were first-time incarcerated offenders ( p < .001). In summary, the authors acknowledge the significance in identifying how a multitude of factors can be explored regarding incarcerated populations to enhance infectious disease interventions for this population.
College Men's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs About Testicular Cancer
Authors: Daley Christine Makosky
Published: June 2007

There is a paucity of information about what college-age men know about testicular cancer, making targeted educational programs difficult. The most common age group affected by testicular cancer is 15- to 40-yearolds. Therefore, educating young men, including the college population, becomes paramount. Six focus groups were conducted with men between the ages of 18 and 23 years ( N = 31) at a large public university in the Northeast. Major topics included risk factors for testicular cancer, screening and diagnosis, treatments, psychological effects, and beliefs about prevention and cure. Focus groups revealed college students have poor knowledge and even less understanding of testicular cancer. Students were interested in learning about testicular cancer and other health topics affecting college men, such as healthy diet and exercise and common infectious diseases on college campuses. Simple means to educate college men included courses or assignments that focused on health issues, brief factual information, health fairs, peer educators, and celebrity guest speakers.
Male Preventive Health Behaviors: Perceptions From Men, Women, and Clinical Staff Along the U.S.—Mexico Border
Authors: Hunter Jennifer B. , Fernandez Maria Lourdes , Lacy-Martinez Charles R. , Dunne-Sosa Andrea M. , Coe M. Kathryn
Published: June 2007

Mexican American males have higher levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides, higher body mass indexes, and a higher prevalence of diabetes than do non-Hispanic White males. They are the least likely Hispanic subgroup to be insured, to have recently visited a physician, or to have preventive exams. To explore factors related to the use of preventive exams among mature men, and specifically among Mexican American men residing along the Arizona, United States/Sonora, Mexico border, information on barriers and motivating factors to male participation in preventive screening exams was collected. Interviews were conducted with mature men and women from a single border community and with clinical staff from three different border communities who deliver services to similar populations. Responses were triangulated. Common themes identified include health education/information/advertisement and female/family support as motivating factors and machismo/denial/fatalism as a barrier to male health-seeking behavior.
Mental Health Symptoms Among Male Victims of Partner Violence
Authors: Próspero Moisés
Published: June 2007

This study investigates mental health symptoms among female and male victims of intimate partner violence (IPV). More than 570 university students completed surveys that measured past IPV victimization and mental health symptoms. Cluster analyses were conducted to categorize frequency of victimization (high vs. low). Multivariate statistical analyses revealed that reporting higher number of mental health symptoms was significantly related to experiencing higher levels of IPV victimization but not to gender (female or male). This study found no statistically significant gender differences in reporting symptoms of anxiety, depression, hostility, or somatization among participants who reported high IPV victimization. The results have implications for practitioners who provide services to female and male victims of partner violence.
Men's Tobacco and Alcohol Use During and After Pregnancy
Authors: Everett Kevin D. , Bullock Linda , Longo Daniel R. , Gage Jeffrey , Madsen Richard
Published: June 2007

Men's health risk behaviors are rarely considered as a component of their partners' prenatal care. Men living with a pregnant partner completed telephone surveys at two time points, during pregnancy and postpartum, answering questions about tobacco and alcohol use behaviors and other sociodemographic variables. Men's smoking did not change significantly from pregnancy (46.9%) to postpartum (45.8%). Hazardous drinking (five or more drinks/day in a month) changed from 27.1% to 22.9%. Nonsmoking status of men was significantly related to a pregnant partner's quitting smoking during pregnancy and remaining quit at postpartum ( p = .019). Household prohibitions from indoor smoking increased from 62.5% at pregnancy to 76% postpartum ( p = .009). Pregnancy alone does not appear sufficient for men to quit smoking or change hazardous drinking. Continued exclusion of young men during prenatal care is a missed opportunity to address health risk behaviors and improve paternal, maternal, and family health.
Uncertainty and Quality of Life Among Men Undergoing Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer in the United States and Ireland
Authors: Hegarty Josephine M. , Wallace Meredith , Comber Harry
Published: June 2007

Background. Prostate cancer continues to be the most common site of male cancers, particularly among older men in Europe and the United States, and the second most common male cancer worldwide. Active surveillance involves the use of no local or systemic therapy once prostate cancer has been diagnosed. A description of uncertainty and quality of life among men undergoing active surveillance in samples from both the United States and Ireland has the potential to enhance global health care delivery. Methods. The specific aim of this study is to enhance the understanding of the experience of active surveillance for prostate cancer among Irish and American men by measuring quality of life and levels of uncertainty among men over the age of 65 in receipt of the active surveillance management option for prostate cancer. A quantitative, descriptive survey design was used. Results. Twenty-nine men completed questionnaires. The results reveal that men undergoing active surveillance in the United States have slightly higher levels of uncertainty. Primary appraisal, opportunity, and danger appraisal were consistent between samples from both countries. Total affective and health-related quality-of-life scores were similar among active surveillance participants in both countries, but subscale scores identified both similarities and differences. Irish men had lower mean role and social function than U.S. men, and higher general health and energy. Irish men reported more urine bother and less sexual bother than U.S. men. Conclusion. To assist men with prostate cancer who are treated with the active surveillance management option, health care professionals must develop an awareness of how prostate cancer affects the man's physical and psychological health care outcomes.
Exercise Effects on Two Men With Fibromyalgia Syndrome
Authors: Karper William B.
Published: June 2007

The primary purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an exercise program on physical fitness, psychosocial factors, and symptoms in two men with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). An interventional case study research design was used to collect data on physical fitness, psychosocial factors, and symptoms at intervals throughout a 14-month period. Raw scores and raw score averages, devoid of statistical manipulation, are presented to display real individual results. The secondary purpose of the study was to discuss how these two men tolerated the program in comparison to women in a similar program. This is important because data on men with FMS appear to be unavailable, because the greater majority of participants in FMS programs are women. Results support that these two men benefited from the program and that differences between men and women with FMS should be considered relative to the conduct of exercise programs for these groups.
Correlates of Putting Condoms On After Sex Has Begun and of Removing Them Before Sex Ends: A Study of Men Attending an Urban Public STD Clinic
Authors: Yarber William L. , Crosby Richard A. , Graham Cynthia A. , Sanders Stephanie A. , Arno Janet , Hartzell Rose M. , McBride Kimberly , Milhausen Robin , Brown Lindsay , Legocki Laurie J. , Payne Martha , Rothring Alexis
Published: June 2007

This study aimed to identify possible correlates of putting condoms on after sex has begun and taking them off before sex has ended among male patients of an urban, public sexually transmitted disease clinic. Participants responded to a questionnaire and were largely African American men, 18 to 35 years old, who had used a condom during penile-vaginal intercourse at least three times in the past 3 months. In controlled analyses, men who were not highly motivated to use condoms correctly were nearly twice as likely to put a condom on after sex had begun. Men who reported erection loss during sex were about twice as likely to remove condoms before sex ended. Men reporting difficulties with the fit and feel of condoms were 2.5 times more likely to remove condoms early. Identified correlates may be amenable to clinic-based education and counseling augmented by offering a variety of condom brands and sizes to patients.
Risks and Benefits of Multiple Sexual Partnerships: Beliefs of Rural Nigerian Adolescent Males
Authors: Otutubikey Izugbara Chimaraoke , Nwabuawele Modo Felicia
Published: June 2007

Drawing on interview data from rural Nigeria, the article explores male youth perceptions of the risks and benefits of multiple sexual partnerships. Participants associated having multiple sexual partners with several harmful health and nonhealth outcomes, including sexually transmitted infections, and frequently confirmed that the practice also bolsters their sense of maleness and boosts their acceptance and ranking among peers. Young males' involvement in multiple sexual partnerships should not be seen as always consequent on their ignorance of and/or indifference to the risks inherent in the behavior. It could also result from the integrality of the behavior to the social processes through which male youths validate their masculinity, mark their transition from boyhood to malehood, and configure their identities to gain acceptance into a local male peer community. Sexuality education curricula that ignore adolescents' understandings of the benefits of their sexual practices may not deliver expected objectives.
A Mixed Methods Investigation of Mixed Methods Sampling Designs in Social and Health Science Research
Authors: Collins Kathleen M. T. , Onwuegbuzie Anthony J. , Jiao Qun G.
Published: June 2007

A sequential design utilizing identical samples was used to classify mixed methods studies via a two-dimensional model, wherein sampling designs were grouped according to the time orientation of each study's components and the relationship of the qualitative and quantitative samples. A quantitative analysis of 121 studies representing nine fields in the social or health sciences revealed that more studies utilized a sampling design that was concurrent (66.1%) than sequential (33.9%). Also, identical sampling designs were the most prevalent, followed by nested sampling, multilevel sampling, and parallel sampling, respectively. Qualitative analysis suggested that across a number of studies the researchers made statistical generalizations that were not sufficiently warranted—culminating in interpretive inconsistency and contributing to crises of representation, legitimation, integration, and politics.
A Recursive Approach to Mixed Methods Research in a Longitudinal Study of Postsecondary Education Disability Support Services
Authors: Christ Thomas W.
Published: June 2007

Mixed methods research has increased in popularity over the past 20 years. Literature reveals that exploratory qualitative analysis followed by confirmatory survey research is common and concurrent studies outnumber longitudinal design. Longitudinal studies using quantitative and qualitative methods in sequence for exploratory purposes are rare, and no studies were found that combine exploratory quantitative analysis followed by both an exploratory cross-case analysis, and an exploratory longitudinal analysis. This design was used in the present study of postsecondary disability support services, and it is being presented to highlight how recursive analysis at each stage can be used to refine subsequent research questions.
Unity and Concord: An Early Anglican ‘Communion’
Authors: Thomas Philip H.E.
Published: June 2007

The Anglican Communion did not come into being solely as a geographical extension of the Church of England. An agreement between episcopalian churches in Scotland and America in the eighteenth century represents a significant point in the development of Communion (koinonia) for Anglican ecclesiology. This essay traces the circumstances and the content of the agreement as an example of the way in which Anglicans have come, and are coming, to reconceive the way in which they participate in a global fellowship within the universal church of Jesus Christ.
Power, Order and Plurality: Getting Together in the Anglican Communion
Authors: Kaye Bruce
Published: June 2007

The present situation of global Anglicanism sharply highlights issues of plurality which have been created in part by the nature of the tradition and also by the history of its expansion. Plurality and difference inevitably call for some account of this in relation to the tradition. Recent work has often focused on koinonia as a way of dealing with the relationships involved in the church community. But many of our problems arise from an absence of a capacity to require actions of others. A better way into this precisely institutional question is through Richard Hooker's discussion of power and order. Such a consideration leads to the need to develop more effective adjacent connections, and thus to a regionalizing of the communion.
An NKT-mediated autologous vaccine generates CD4 T-cell–dependent potent antilymphoma immunity
Authors: Chung Yeonseok , Qin Hong , Kang Chang-Yuil , Kim Sanghee , Kwak Larry W. , Dong Chen
Published: June 2007

Relapses occurring in most patients with lymphoma after antibody or chemotherapy highlight a need for effective vaccination approaches. Autologous tumors are ideal sources of patient-specific tumor antigens for vaccines; however, their poor immunogenicity has been a major obstacle in practice. Natural killer T (NKT) cells have recently emerged as crucial regulators of autoimmunity and tumor immunosurveillance. Here, we show that an autologous lymphoma vaccine that activates NKT cells generated tumor-specific protective immunity in experimental mice. Single vaccination with α-galactosylceramide (αGC)-loaded A20 lymphoma cells elicited effective antitumor immunity against tumor challenge. This vaccination strategy also induced significant tumor regression in A20-bearing mice. Importantly, the survivors from primary tumor inoculation were all resistant to tumor rechallenge, indicative of established adaptive memory immunity. Depletion as well as adoptive transfer studies revealed an exclusive role of conventional CD4+ but not CD8+ T cells in mediating antitumor immunity. In addition, we found normal hematopoietic compartments in the vaccinated mice. Therefore, NKT ligand-loaded lymphoma elicits long-lasting and effective antitumor immunity, which can be further developed as patient- and tumor-specific immunotherapy against human lymphomas.
A quantitative view of the transcriptome of Schistosoma mansoni adult-worms using SAGE
Authors: Ojopi Elida PB , Oliveira Paulo SL , Nunes Diana N , Paquola Apuã , DeMarco Ricardo , Gregório Sheila P , Aires Karina A , Menck Carlos FM , Leite Luciana CC , Verjovski-Almeida Sergio , Dias-Neto Emmanuel
Published: June 2007

Background

Five species of the genus Schistosoma, a parasitic trematode flatworm, are causative agents of Schistosomiasis, a disease that is endemic in a large number of developing countries, affecting millions of patients around the world. By using SAGE (Serial Analysis of Gene Expression) we describe here the first large-scale quantitative analysis of the Schistosoma mansoni transcriptome, one of the most epidemiologically relevant species of this genus.

Results

After extracting mRNA from pooled male and female adult-worms, a SAGE library was constructed and sequenced, generating 68,238 tags that covered more than 6,000 genes expressed in this developmental stage. An analysis of the ordered tag-list shows the genes of F10 eggshell protein, pol-polyprotein, HSP86, 14-3-3 and a transcript yet to be identified to be the five top most abundant genes in pooled adult worms. Whereas only 8% of the 100 most abundant tags found in adult worms of S. mansoni could not be assigned to transcripts of this parasite, 46.9% of the total ditags could not be mapped, demonstrating that the 3 sequence of most of the rarest transcripts are still to be identified. Mapping of our SAGE tags to S. mansoni genes suggested the occurrence of alternative-polyadenylation in at least 13 gene transcripts. Most of these events seem to shorten the 3 UTR of the mRNAs, which may have consequences over their stability and regulation.

Conclusion

SAGE revealed the frequency of expression of the majority of the S. mansoni genes. Transcriptome data suggests that alternative polyadenylation is likely to be used in the control of mRNA stability in this organism. When transcriptome was compared with the proteomic data available, we observed a correlation of about 50%, suggesting that both transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation are important for determining protein abundance in S. mansoni. The generation of SAGE tags from other life-cycle stages should contribute to reveal the dynamics of gene expression in this important parasite.
Analysis of Chromobacterium sp. natural isolates from different Brazilian ecosystems
Authors: Lima-Bittencourt Cláudia I , Astolfi-Filho Spartaco , Chartone-Souza Edmar , Santos Fabrício R , Nascimento Andréa MA
Published: June 2007

Background

Chromobacterium violaceum is a free-living bacterium able to survive under diverse environmental conditions. In this study we evaluate the genetic and physiological diversity of Chromobacterium sp. isolates from three Brazilian ecosystems: Brazilian Savannah (Cerrado), Atlantic Rain Forest and Amazon Rain Forest. We have analyzed the diversity with molecular approaches (16S rRNA gene sequences and amplified ribosomal DNA restriction analysis) and phenotypic surveys of antibiotic resistance and biochemistry profiles.

Results

In general, the clusters based on physiological profiles included isolates from two or more geographical locations indicating that they are not restricted to a single ecosystem. The isolates from Brazilian Savannah presented greater physiologic diversity and their biochemical profile was the most variable of all groupings. The isolates recovered from Amazon and Atlantic Rain Forests presented the most similar biochemical characteristics to the Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472 strain. Clusters based on biochemical profiles were congruent with clusters obtained by the 16S rRNA gene tree. According to the phylogenetic analyses, isolates from the Amazon Rain Forest and Savannah displayed a closer relationship to the Chromobacterium violaceum ATCC 12472. Furthermore, 16S rRNA gene tree revealed a good correlation between phylogenetic clustering and geographic origin.

Conclusion

The physiological analyses clearly demonstrate the high biochemical versatility found in the C. violaceum genome and molecular methods allowed to detect the intra and inter-population diversity of isolates from three Brazilian ecosystems.
EcoTILLING for the identification of allelic variants of melon eIF4E, a factor that controls virus susceptibility
Authors: Nieto Cristina , Piron Florence , Dalmais Marion , Marco Cristina F , Moriones Enrique , Gómez-Guillamón Ma Luisa , Truniger Verónica , Gómez Pedro , Garcia-Mas Jordi , Aranda Miguel A , Bendahmane Abdelhafid
Published: June 2007

Background

Translation initiation factors of the 4E and 4G protein families mediate resistance to several RNA plant viruses in the natural diversity of crops. Particularly, a single point mutation in melon eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) controls resistance toMelon necrotic spot virus(MNSV) in melon. Identification of allelic variants within natural populations by EcoTILLING has become a rapid genotype discovery method.

Results

A collection ofCucumisspp. was characterised for susceptibility to MNSV andCucumber vein yellowing virus(CVYV) and used for the implementation of EcoTILLING to identify new allelic variants ofeIF4E. A high conservation ofeIF4Eexonic regions was found, with six polymorphic sites identified out of EcoTILLING 113 accessions. Sequencing of regions surrounding polymorphisms revealed that all of them corresponded to silent nucleotide changes and just one to a non-silent change correlating with MNSV resistance. Except for the MNSV case, no correlation was found between variation of eIF4E and virus resistance, suggesting the implication of different and/or additional genes in previously identified resistance phenotypes. We have also characterized a new allele ofeIF4EfromCucumis zeyheri, a wild relative of melon. Functional analyses suggested that this neweIF4Eallele might be responsible for resistance to MNSV.

Conclusion

This study shows the applicability of EcoTILLING inCucumisspp., but given the conservation of eIF4E, new candidate genes should probably be considered to identify new sources of resistance to plant viruses. Part of the methodology described here could alternatively be used in TILLING experiments that serve to generate neweIF4Ealleles.