bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative interviews with mentor mothers living with HIV: potential impacts of role and coping strategies
Authors: Dhlamini Lebohang , Knight Lucia , van Rooyen Heidi , van Heerden Alastair , Rotheram‐Borus Mary Jane
Published: July 2012

Introduction

In South Africa where HIV prevalence is high, mentor mother programmes have been used to promote the health and wellbeing of women enrolled in government programmes preventing vertical transmission. The Masihambisane Project trained mentors to be educators and facilitators as “expert patients” in self‐help groups. While this and other similar interventions demonstrate positive outcomes for mothers and their children, the long‐term repercussions for mentors delivering the intervention are seldom considered. This article explores the personal impact of being a mentor, the potentially traumatizing effects of repeatedly sharing their experiences of living with HIV and the coping strategies they adopt.

Results

Towards the end of the Masihambisane intervention, 10 semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with locally recruited mentors living with HIV and were thematically analysed. Mentors found the repeated telling of their stories a painful reminder of adverse personal experiences. In some cases, retelling caused a physical reaction. Mentors relied on coping strategies like taking breaks, writing their experiences down and debriefing sessions. Despite the difficulties associated with their role, some mentors found being advisors and the group sessions therapeutic and empowering.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that the inclusion of peer mentors comes with certain responsibilities. While the mentors were resilient and some found the experience therapeutic and empowering found creative ways to cope with secondary trauma, the negative implications cannot be ignored. To effectively deliver a mentor‐driven intervention to mothers enrolled in a programme to prevent vertical transmission, the possibilities of secondary trauma should be considered and mentors provided with ongoing counselling, training on coping skills and regular debriefing sessions.
Community strategies that improve care and retention along the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV cascade: a review
Authors: Marcos Yabsera , Phelps Benjamin Ryan , Bachman Gretchen
Published: July 2012

Introduction

While biomedical innovations have made it possible to prevent the vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child, poor retention along the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission (PMTCT) cascade continues to limit the impact of programmes, especially in low‐resourced settings. In many of the regions with the highest burden of HIV and the greatest number of new paediatric cases, the uptake of facility‐based care by pregnant women remains low. In such settings, the continuum of care for pregnant women and other women of reproductive age necessarily relies on the community. There is no recent review capturing effective, promising practices that are community‐based and/or employ community‐oriented groups to improve outcomes for the prevention of vertical transmission. This review summarizes those studies demonstrating that community‐based and community‐oriented interventions significantly influence retention and related outcomes along the PMTCT cascade.

Methods

Literature on retention within prevention of vertical transmission programmes available on PubMed, Psych Info and MEDLINE was searched and manuscripts reporting on key prevention of vertical transmission outcomes were identified. Short‐listed studies that captured significant PMTCT outcome improvements resulting from community‐based interventions or facility‐based employment of community cohorts (e.g. lay counsellors, community volunteers, etc.) were selected for review.

Results

The initial search (using terms “HIV” and “PMTCT”) yielded 430 articles. These results were further narrowed using terminology relevant to community prevention of vertical transmission strategies addressing retention: “community,” “PMTCT cascade,” “retention,” “loss to follow up” and “early infant diagnosis.” Nine of these reported statistically significant improvements in key prevention of vertical transmission outcomes while meeting other review criteria. Short‐listed articles reflect diverse study designs and a variety of effective interventions. Two interventions occurred exclusively in the community and four effectively employed community groups within facilities. The remaining three integrated community‐ and facility‐based components. The outcomes of the included studies focus on knowledge (n=3) and retention along the PMTCT cascade (n=6).

Conclusions

This review captures an array of promising community‐based and community‐oriented interventions that demonstratively improve key prevention of vertical transmission outcomes. Though the strategies captured here show that such interventions work, the limited number of rigorous studies identified make it clear that expansion of community approaches and complementary reporting and related research are sorely needed.
Facilitating HIV testing, care and treatment for orphans and vulnerable children aged five years and younger through community‐based early childhood development playcentres in rural Zimbabwe
Authors: Patel Diana , Matyanga Priscilla , Nyamundaya Tichaona , Chimedza Delia , Webb Karen , Engelsmann Barbara
Published: July 2012

Introduction

Early diagnosis of children living with HIV is a prerequisite for accessing timely paediatric HIV care and treatment services and for optimizing treatment outcomes. Testing of HIV‐exposed infants at 6 weeks and later is part of the national prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV programme in Zimbabwe, but many opportunities to test infants and children are being missed. Early childhood development (ECD) playcentres can act as an entry point providing multiple health and social services for orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) under 5 years, including facilitating access to HIV treatment and care.

Methods

Sixteen rural community‐based, community‐run ECD playcentres were established to provide health, nutritional and psychosocial support for OVC aged 5 years and younger exposed to or living with HIV, coupled with family support groups (FSGs) for their families/caregivers. These centres were located in close proximity to health centres giving access to nurse‐led monitoring of 697 OVC and their caregivers. Community mobilisers identified OVC within the community, supported their registration process and followed up defaulters. Records profiling each child's attendance, development and health status (including illness episodes), vaccinations and HIV status were compiled at the playcentres and regularly reviewed, updated and acted upon by nurse supervisors. Through FSGs, community cadres and a range of officers from local services established linkages and built the capacity of parents/caregivers and communities to provide protection, aid psychosocial development and facilitate referral for treatment and support.

Results

Available data as of September 2011 for 16 rural centres indicate that 58.8% (n=410) of the 697 children attending the centres were tested for HIV; 18% (n=74) tested positive and were initiated on antibiotic prophylaxis. All those deemed eligible for antiretroviral therapy were commenced on treatment and adherence was monitored.

Conclusions

This community‐based playcentre model strengthens comprehensive care (improving emotional, cognitive and physical development) for OVC younger than 5 years and provides opportunities for caregivers to access testing, care and treatment for children exposed to, affected by and infected with HIV in a secure and supportive environment. More research is required to evaluate barriers to counselling and testing of young children and the long‐term impact of playcentres upon specific health and developmental outcomes.
Community action to end paediatric HIV infections
Authors: Richter Linda M
Published: July 2012

Virtual prevention of HIV transmission from parents to children is possible. This is cause for hope and renewed energy for prevention in general. The Global Plan is the most concerted and ambitious plan to date to protect children and to promote their care. But the inspiring and much appreciated global targets cannot be achieved, nor will they be realized in spirit in addition to form, without joint action between health services, affected women, their partners, families and communities and the wider society. In turn, this engagement is only possible under enabling political, legal, material and social conditions. Much has already been achieved, and community engagement can everywhere be seen in efforts to increase demand, to supply services and to create and improve enabling environments. Some of these initiatives are highly organized and expansive, with demonstrated success. Others are local but essential adjuncts to health services. The nature of this engagement varies because the challenges are different across countries and parts of countries. To be sustained and effective, community action must simultaneously be inclusive and supportive for those people who are affected, it must be appreciated and assigned a place within the broad systemic response, and it must promote and defend social justice.
Community voices: barriers and opportunities for programmes to successfully prevent vertical transmission of HIV identified through consultations among people living with HIV
Authors: Anderson Ginna , Caswell Georgina , Edwards Olive , Hsieh Amy , Hull Beri , Mallouris Christoforos , Mason Naisiadet , Nöstlinger Christiana
Published: July 2012

Introduction

In 2010, two global networks of people living with HIV, the International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW Global) and the Global Network of People living with HIV (GNP +) were invited to review a draft strategic framework for the global scale up of prevention of vertical transmission (PVT) through the primary prevention of HIV and the prevention of unintended pregnancies among women living with HIV. In order to ensure recommendations were based on expressed needs of people living with HIV, GNP+ and ICW Global undertook a consultation amongst people living with HIV which highlighted both facilitators and barriers to prevention services. This commentary summarizes the results of that consultation.

Discussion

The consultation was comprised of an online consultation (moderated chat‐forum with 36 participants from 16 countries), an anonymous online e‐survey (601 respondents from 58 countries), and focus‐group discussions with people living with HIV in Jamaica (27 participants). The consultation highlighted the discrepancies across regions with respect to access to essential packages of PVT services. However, the consultation participants also identified common barriers to access, including a lack of trustworthy sources of information, service providers' attitudes, and gender‐based violence. In addition, participant responses revealed common facilitators of access, including quality counselling on reproductive choices, male involvement, and decentralized services.

Conclusions

The consultation provided some understanding and insight into the participants' experiences with and recommendations for PVT strategies. Participants agreed that successful, comprehensive PVT programming require greater efforts to both prevent primary HIV infection among young women and girls and, in particular, targeted efforts to ensure that women living with HIV and their partners are supported to avoid unintended pregnancies and to have safe, healthy pregnancies instead. In addition to providing the insights into prevention services discussed above, the consultation served as a valuable example of the meaningful involvement of people living with HIV in programming and implementation to ensure that programs are tailored to individuals' needs and to circumvent rights abuses within those settings.
Community action to end new paediatric HIV infections
Authors: Sidibé Michel , Goosby Eric P.
Published: July 2012

Rebecca Awiti and her partner live in Nairobi's Kibera slums. Both are HIV positive like many of their neighbours. Still, they dreamed of having a healthy child together. Before Rebecca conceived, her doctor referred her to the Prevention of Mother‐to‐Child Transmission (PMTCT) programme at Kenyatta National Hospital. Clinicians provided her with antiretroviral therapy, which can prevent babies contracting HIV from their parents 98% of the time. Today, the couple are proud parents of healthy, HIV‐negative four‐year‐old triplets. Rebecca now also works for a non‐profit organization called Women Fighting AIDS in Kenya (WOFAK).
Axial velocity gradient effects in tubular loop polymerization reactors
Authors: Zheng Tao , Jiang Chong‐wen , Luo Zheng‐hong
Published: July 2012

Generally, a comprehensively distributed reactor model must incorporate a momentum balance equation to calculate velocity gradient. However, the momentum balance equation also leads to the increasing complexity of the reactor model, which was neglected in previous works. In this work, issues whether the velocity gradient can be neglected or not are addressed. On the basis of mass, energy and momentum balances, polymerization kinetics as well as the thermodynamic state equations, two dynamically distributed reactor models either considering or neglecting axial velocity gradient are presented to examine its effect in tubular loop polymerization reactors. The results indicate that the axial velocity gradient has an important effect on the reactor flow‐field parameters (i.e. propylene concentration, catalyst concentration, hydrogen concentration, polypropylene concentration, temperature and pressure) at low recycle ratios (Rec < 50) and its effect on these aforementioned parameters can be neglected yet at high recycle ratios (Rec ≥ 50). Namely, herein, we suggest that the momentum balance equation must be incorporated into the reactor model at Rec < 50 and it can be neglected for the reactor model at Rec ≥ 50, which is helpful to the distributed modeling of the tubular loop polymerization reactor. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlated set coordination in fault tolerant message logging protocols for many‐core clusters
Authors: Bouteiller Aurelien , Herault Thomas , Bosilca George , Dongarra Jack J.
Published: July 2012

With our current expectation for the exascale systems, composed of hundred of thousands of many‐core nodes, the mean time between failures will become small, even under the most optimistic assumptions. One of the most scalable checkpoint restart techniques, the message logging approach, is the most challenged when the number of cores per node increases because of the high overhead of saving the message payload. Fortunately, for two processes on the same node, the failure probability is correlated, meaning that coordinated recovery is free. In this paper, we propose an intermediate approach that uses coordination between correlated processes but retains the scalability advantage of message logging between independent ones. The algorithm still belongs to the family of event logging protocols but eliminates the need for costly payload logging between coordinated processes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strength of density feedback in census data increases from slow to fast life histories
Authors: Herrando‐Pérez Salvador , Delean Steven , Brook Barry W. , Bradshaw Corey J. A.
Published: July 2012

Life‐history theory predicts an increasing rate of population growth among species arranged along a continuum from slow to fast life histories. We examine the effects of this continuum on density‐feedback strength estimated using long‐term census data from >700 vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. Four life‐history traits (Age at first reproduction, Body size, Fertility, Longevity) were related statistically to Gompertz strength of density feedback using generalized linear mixed‐effects models and multi‐model inference. Life‐history traits alone explained 10 to 30% of the variation in strength across species (after controlling for time‐series length and phylogenetic nonindependence). Effect sizes were largest for body size in mammals and longevity in birds, and density feedback was consistently stronger for smaller‐bodied and shorter‐lived species. Overcompensatory density feedback (strength <−1) occurred in 20% of species, predominantly at the fast end of the life‐history continuum, implying relatively high population variability. These results support the idea that life history leaves an evolutionary signal in long‐term population trends as inferred from census data. Where there is a lack of detailed demographic data, broad life‐history information can inform management and conservation decisions about rebound capacity from low numbers, and propensity to fluctuate, of arrays of species in areas planned for development, harvesting, protection, and population recovery.
Intermolecular hydrogen bond energies in crystals evaluated using electron density properties: DFT computations with periodic boundary conditions
Authors: Vener M. V. , Egorova A. N. , Churakov A. V. , Tsirelson V. G.
Published: July 2012

The hydrogen bond (H‐bond) energies are evaluated for 18 molecular crystals with 28 moderate and strong OH···O bonds using the approaches based on the electron density properties, which are derived from the B3LYP/6‐311G** calculations with periodic boundary conditions. The approaches considered explore linear relationships between the local electronic kineticGband potentialVbdensities at the H···O bond critical point and the H‐bond energyEHB. Comparison of the computedEHBvalues with the experimental data and enthalpies evaluated using the empirical correlation of spectral and thermodynamic parameters (Iogansen, Spectrochim. Acta Part A1999,55, 1585) enables to estimate the accuracy and applicability limits of the approaches used. TheVb−EHBapproach overestimates the energy of moderate H‐bonds (EHB< 60 kJ/mol) by ∼20% and gives unreliably high energies for crystals with strong H‐bonds. On the other hand, theGb−EHBapproach affords reliable results for the crystals under consideration. The linear relationship betweenGbandEHBis basis set superposition error (BSSE) free and allows to estimate the H‐bond energy without computing it by means of the supramolecular approach. Therefore, for the evaluation of H‐bond energies in molecular crystals, theGbvalue can be recommended to be obtained from both density functional theory (DFT) computations with periodic boundary conditions and precise X‐ray diffraction experiments. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transparent Hydrophilic Materials Containing Covalently Attached Phthalimide Azo Dyes
Authors: Maatz Gero , Ritter Helmut
Published: July 2012

The synthesis of the new yellow and red polymerizable azo dyes 1‐[4‐(N,N‐dimethylaminophenyl)azo]‐4‐phthalimidopropylmethacrylate (9) and 2‐(4‐methylphenol)azo‐4‐phthalimidopropylmethacrylate (10) that are based on phthalimide derivates is described. The polymerization and crosslinking of the (meth)acrylated dyes are carried out. The covalent attachment and crosslinking properties of the dyes are proven by swelling and extraction with H2O/EtOH. A potential application of those polymerizable dyes for development of optical clear materials, for example, in the area of ophthalmology, is discussed.
Maximum carbonyl‐coordination number of scandium Computational study of Sc(CO)n (n = 1–7), Sc(CO)7− and Sc(CO)63−
Authors: Gao Si‐Meng , Guo Wen‐Ping , Jin Lin , Ding Yi‐Hong
Published: July 2012

Understanding the maximum bonding ability is very important with the potential both to design new compounds and to broaden chemists' imagination. While the coordination ability of the late transition metals has been richly understood, that of scandium is very poor. In this work, a detailed computational study on the equilibrium geometries, stability and vibrational frequencies of a series of Sc(CO)n (n = 1–7), Sc(CO) and Sc(CO) is reported using density functional theory functionals and the coupled cluster (single‐point) method with 6‐311+G(3df) basis set. It was shown that the obtained sequential and average CO binding energies of Sc(CO)n (n = 4–7), Sc(CO) and Sc(CO) are comparable to those of the experimentally known species, i.e., smaller Sc‐carbonyls (n ≤3) and the analog Ti(CO)7+. Thus, the studied high scandium carbonyls could all be experimentally accessible. In addition, the studied Sc(CO)n generally favor the low‐spin ground state (doublet) structures except ScCO and Sc(CO)3 that are in the quartet states. The previously uncertain spectrum bands were assigned to Sc(CO)4 and Sc(CO)5 in this work. In all, the appreciable stability suggested that the last 18‐electron first‐row transition metal carbonyls, that is, Sc(CO) and Sc(CO), could be accessible in experiment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exchange, correlation, and the effective mass m* of electrons in two‐dimensional layers calculated via a DFT‐based classical map
Authors: Dharma‐wardana M. W. C.
Published: July 2012

Density functional theory uses the electron density n(r), instead of the electronic wavefunction. We side‐step the kinetic energy functional by constructing a thermodynamically equivalent classical map (CM). A classical Coulomb fluid whose zeroth‐order pair‐distribution function (PDF) g0(r) that agrees with the quantum g0, and interacting via a “Pauli exclusion potential” reproduces the thermodynamics of the electron fluid, when the classical‐fluid temperature Tcf is chosen optimally. This Tcf is chosen so that the correlation energy of the classical fluid is the Kohn–Sham correlation energy. Then, the PDFs of the classical fluid closely agree with the PDFs of the two‐dimensional (2D) and 3D uniform electron systems. Can we calculate sensitive Fermi‐liquid properties (e.g., quasiparticle mass m*, Landé g‐factor) of interacting electrons via this CM? Given the wide interest in the effective mass m* of electrons in 2D layers, we chose the 2D system for this study. Analytical and numerical results are used to define a partially regularized m* valid to logarithmic accuracy in the sense of Landau for the Hartree–Fock (H–F) approximation. The resulting H–F m* decreases linearly with the electron‐disk radius rs. The m* including correlation is calculated via a physically transparent formula. This uses the CM of the 2D PDF and its finite‐T exchange‐correlation free energy Fxc(T). Our results for m* fall well within the results from recent quantum Monte‐Carlo simulations at T = 0, and other theoretical and experimental results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular modeling of bioactive neuropeptides: Substrates of angiotensin I‐converting enzyme
Authors: dos Santos Luísa Silva Nangi , Sonoda Milton Taidi , Gomes Roseli Aparecida da Silva , Abrahão Odonírio
Published: July 2012

Angiotensin I (Ang‐I)‐converting enzyme (ACE) is a chloride‐dependent zinc metallopeptidase that is important in the regulation of cardiovascular functions. In addition to Ang‐I and bradykinin, ACE is able to cleave several other peptides, such as neurotensin (NT), substance P, and Angiotensin‐(1‐7) (Ang‐1‐7). We have investigated by computational methods the structural and dynamical similarities among these peptides that could be responsible to their molecular recognition by ACE. Conformational and clustering analyses, semiempirical, and density functional theory calculations were performed; in addition, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of Ang‐1‐7 both in pure water and in saline conditions were undertaken. Backbones folding pattern between the conformers of each peptide was very similar, mainly sustained by noncovalent interactions, denoting high conservation of the cleavage site. Also, cleavage site showed high folding similarity between the three different substrates and could mean a structural pattern. Highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital showed no pattern between the substrates; however, NT‐(8‐13) HOMO is located at the cleavage site. MD studies showed that Ang‐(1‐7) has faster relaxation in saline system and less content of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which could explain the higher cleavage activity of this peptide by ACE in such conditions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence for the formation of dynamically created pre‐formed ions at the interface of isotopically enriched thin films
Authors: Lerach Jordan O. , Winograd Nicholas
Published: July 2012

A novel approach to elucidate the ionization mechanism for the [M + H]+ molecular ion of organic molecules is investigated by molecular depth profiling of isotopically enriched thin films. Using a model bi‐layer film of phenylalanine (PHE) and PHE‐D8, the results show formation of an [M + D]+ molecular ion for the non‐enriched PHE molecule attributed to rearrangements of chemical damage due to successive primary ion impacts. The [M + D]+ ion is observed at the interface for 19.9 nm in the enriched‐on‐top system and 9.9 nm for the enriched‐on‐bottom system. This ion formation is direct evidence for dynamically created pre‐formed ions as a result of chemical damage rearrangement induced by previous primary ion bombardment events. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Introduction to manifold learning
Authors: Izenman Alan Julian
Published: July 2012

A popular research area today in statistics and machine learning is that of manifold learning, which is related to the algorithmic techniques of dimensionality reduction. Manifold learning can be divided into linear and nonlinear methods. Linear methods, which have long been part of the statistician's toolbox for analyzing multivariate data, include principal component analysis (PCA) and multidimensional scaling (MDS). Recently, there has been a flurry of research activity on nonlinear manifold learning, which includes Isomap, local linear embedding, Laplacian eigenmaps, Hessian eigenmaps, and diffusion maps. Some of these techniques are nonlinear generalizations of the linear methods. The algorithmic process of most of these techniques consists of three steps: a nearest‐neighbor search, a definition of distances or affinities between points (a key ingredient for the success of these methods), and an eigenproblem for embedding high‐dimensional points into a lower dimensional space. This article gives us a brief survey of these new methods and indicates their strengths and weaknesses. WIREs Comput Stat 2012 doi: 10.1002/wics.1222

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Dimension Reduction

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Manifold Learning

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Multivariate Analysis
Computational biology perspective: kernel methods and deep learning
Authors: Lodhi Huma
Published: July 2012

The field of machine learning provides useful means and tools for finding accurate solutions to complex and challenging biological problems. In recent years a class of learning algorithms namely kernel methods has been successfully applied to various tasks in computational biology. In this article we present an overview of kernel methods and support vector machines and focus on their applications to biological sequences. We also describe a new class of approaches that is termed as deep learning. These techniques have desirable characteristics and their use can be highly effective within the field of computational biology. WIREs Comput Stat 2012 doi: 10.1002/wics.1223

This article is categorized under:

Applications of Computational Statistics > Computational and Molecular Biology

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Neural Networks

Statistical Learning and Exploratory Methods of the Data Sciences > Support Vector Machines
Fetal and maternal hemodynamics in acute malaria during pregnancy
Authors: Rulisa Stephen , Kaligirwa Nadine , Agaba Steven , Karangayire Placide , Mens Petra F. , de Vries Peter J.
Published: July 2012

Objective

To measure maternal and fetal hemodynamics during acute malaria in pregnancy.

Methods

Time courses of maternal heart rate (MHR), maternal blood pressure (BP), and fetal heart rate (FHR) were performed until 56 days after initiation of anti‐malarial treatment with artemether–lumefantrine. Women with malaria were hospitalized for at least 3 days until recovery.

Results

Mean baseline characteristics of pregnant women with malaria (n = 38) versus pregnant women without malaria (n = 39) were as follows: gestational age (28.8 vs 24.6 weeks; P = 0.006); maximum FHR (165.3 vs 158.3 beats per minute [bpm]; P = 0.054); minimum FHR (137.6 vs 128.7 bpm; P = 0.016); mean BP (74.7 vs 80.9 mm Hg; P = 0.001); pulse pressure (40.3 vs 42.1 mm Hg; P = 0.300); and MHR (107.4 vs 81.3 bpm; P < 0.001). The geometric mean parasite count was 13 795 per μL. Complete time courses were collected from a subgroup of participants. For women with malaria, maternal body temperature and BP normalized within 24 hours and after 72 hours, respectively. The MHR among pregnant women without malaria showed a physiologic increase during pregnancy of approximately 7 bpm between days 0 and 56. The mean FHR among women with malaria normalized after 72 hours.

Conclusion

Acute malaria induces maternal and fetal hemodynamic changes.
The association between phthalate exposure and asthma
Authors: Tsai Ming‐Ju , Kuo Po‐Lin , Ko Ying‐Chin
Published: July 2012

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway, characterized by airway hyperresponsiveness. It is a disabling disease with an increasing prevalence, resulting in heavy social and economic burdens worldwide. Humans are extensively exposed to phthalates, and many epidemiological studies have shown a relationship between phthalate exposure and asthma in recent decades. Earlier experimental studies focused on inflammatory cells, demonstrating the adjuvant effects, immunomodulatory effects, or immunosuppressive effects related to phthalate exposure. Recent studies have shown that phthalates may have a direct effect on airway epithelial cells and contribute to airway remodeling, which is the cardinal pathologic characteristic of chronic asthma, with a high correlation with disease severity. Through these efforts, phthalates have been recognized as important environmental factors in the pathogenesis of asthma, but further studies are still required to elucidate the detailed mechanism. This review discusses the current status of human exposure to phthalates in Taiwan and summarizes the epidemiological and experimental evidence related to the roles of phthalate exposure in the development of asthma and associated diseases.
Stability of biomimetic membranes in DC electric fields
Authors: Seiwert Jacopo , Miksis Michael J. , Vlahovska Petia M.
Published: July 2012

The interface defining a biological cell is a thin membrane, which acts as a leaky capacitor. We investigate the influence of capacitance and conductivity on the stability of a planar membrane subjected to a DC electric field. We develop a zero-thickness model of the membrane, in which the bilayer finite thickness is effectively accounted for by membrane electro-mechanical properties such as bending modulus, capacitance and conductance. The linear stability analysis shows that membrane conductance and asymmetry in the embedding electrolyte solutions destabilize the interface. However, the capacitive charging acts to stabilize the system under conditions where an ordinary fluid–fluid interface is unstable.
Tropical cyclogenesis and vertical shear in a moist Boussinesq model
Authors: Deng Qiang , Smith Leslie , Majda Andrew
Published: July 2012

Tropical cyclogenesis is studied in the context of idealized three-dimensional Boussinesq dynamics with perhaps the simplest possible model for bulk cloud physics. With low-altitude input of water vapour on realistic length and time scales, numerical simulations capture the formation of vortical hot towers. From measurements of water vapour, vertical velocity, vertical vorticity and rain, it is demonstrated that the structure, strength and lifetime of the hot towers are similar to results from models including more detailed cloud microphysics. The effects of low-altitude vertical shear are investigated by varying the initial zonal velocity profile. In the presence of weak low-level vertical shear, the hot towers retain the low-altitude monopole cyclonic structure characteristic of the zero-shear case (starting from zero velocity). Some initial velocity profiles with small vertical shear can have the effect of increasing cyclonic predominance of individual hot towers in a statistical sense, as measured by the skewness of vertical vorticity. Convergence of horizontal winds in the atmospheric boundary layer is mimicked by increasing the frequency of the moisture forcing in a horizontal subdomain. When the moisture forcing is turned off, and again for zero shear or weak low-level shear, merger of cyclonic activity results in the formation of a larger-scale cyclonic vortex. An effect of the shear is to limit the vertical extent of the resulting emergent moist vortex. For stronger low-altitude vertical shear, the individual hot towers have a low-altitude vorticity dipole rather than a cyclonic monopole. The dipoles are not conducive to the formation of larger-scale vortices, and thus sufficiently strong low-level shear prevents the vortical-hot-tower route to cyclogenesis. The results indicate that the simplest condensation and evaporation schemes are useful for exploratory numerical simulations aimed at better understanding of competing effects such as low-level moisture and vertical shear.
Relationship between maternal sodium intake and blood lead concentration during pregnancy
Authors: Lee Yo A. , Hwang Ji-Yun , Kim Hyesook , Kim Ki Nam , Ha Eun-Hee , Park Hyesook , Ha Mina , Kim Yangho , Hong Yun-Chul , Chang Namsoo
Published: July 2012

Pb is released from bone stores during pregnancy, which constitutes a period of increased bone resorption. A high Na intake has been found to be negatively associated with Ca and adversely associated with bone metabolism. It is possible that a high Na intake during pregnancy increases the blood Pb concentration; however, no previous study has reported on the relationship between Na intake and blood Pb concentration. We thus have investigated this relationship between Na intake and blood Pb concentrations, and examined whether this relationship differs with Ca intake in pregnant Korean women. Blood Pb concentrations were analysed in 1090 pregnant women at mid-pregnancy. Dietary intakes during mid-pregnancy were estimated by a 24 h recall method covering the use of dietary supplements. Blood Pb concentrations in whole-blood samples were analysed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Multiple regression analysis performed after adjustment for covariates revealed that maternal Na intake was positively associated with blood Pb concentration during pregnancy, but only when Ca intake was below the estimated average requirement for pregnant Korean women (P= 0·001). The findings of the present study suggest that blood Pb concentration during pregnancy could be minimised by dietary recommendations that include decreased Na and increased Ca intakes.
Anatomical variations of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in relation to the inferior constrictor muscle: cadaveric dissection study
Authors: Patnaik U , Nilakantan A , Shrivastava T
Published: July 2012

Objectives:

To determine anatomical variations in the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in relation to the inferior constrictor muscle, and to propose a rational approach for the preservation of the nerve in thyroid surgery based on anatomical principles.

Method:

A cadaveric dissection study of the anatomy of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve in relation to the inferior constrictor muscle was conducted. Twenty-nine formalin-fixed cadavers of both sexes (age 50–70 years), with normal necks, were examined.

Results:

In relation to the Friedman classification, three anatomical variations of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve were found. Type 1 variation was found in 57.1 per cent of cases, type 2 in 26.8 per cent and type 3 in 16 per cent.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of type 3 variation of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve suggests that the nerve will not be encountered in a certain percentage of individuals as it lies under the cover of the inferior constrictor. Therefore, there is no justification for attempting to identify the nerve in all cases.
First branchial arch abnormality: diagnostic dilemma and excision with facial nerve preservation
Authors: Joice P , Sudarshan T , Hussain S S M
Published: July 2012

Objective:

To report a case of first branchial arch abnormality and the problems associated with misdiagnosis. A succinct literature review is included.

Setting:

Teaching hospital in Scotland.

Methods:

A 10-year-old girl presented with localised erythema and swelling in the left parotid region. This was treated with antibiotics and incision and drainage. She re-presented four years later with a history of recurrent discharge. A first branchial arch abnormality was suspected and a magnetic resonance imaging scan arranged.

Results:

Imaging showed a fluid-filled sinus tract originating adjacent to the anterior wall of the cartilaginous left external auditory canal. The sinus tract was seen to extend anteriorly and inferiorly through the superficial lobe of the left parotid, and to open onto the left cheek lateral to the left masseter. The tract was explored and excised under general anaesthesia, via two separate incisions, with preservation of the facial nerve.

Conclusion:

The diagnosis of a first branchial arch abnormality is generally based on a high index of clinical suspicion, when a neck swelling is noted in a child. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful modality for investigation, and helps to delineate the position of the tract and its relationship to the facial nerve.
ON THE SEPARATION OF POWERS: LIBERAL AND PROGRESSIVE CONSTITUTIONALISM
Authors: Zuckert Michael
Published: July 2012

One of the main targets of Progressive constitutional critique was the system of separation of powers. Woodrow Wilson was especially critical of that feature of American constitutionalism. As has been noted by others, Wilson wanted to replace the separation of powers with the conceptual and institutional distinction between politics and administration. Wilson, however, had an extremely truncated and on the whole inaccurate view of the point and intended operation of separation of powers, as an examination of the doctrine in the philosophy of John Locke demonstrates.
Recloned transgenic pigs possess normal reproductive performance and stable genetic transmission capacity
Authors: Cao Zubing , Li Yan , Wen Xiao , Li Zhiyuan , Mi Changsheng , Zhang Zaihu , Li Ning , Li Qiuyan
Published: July 2012

The present study investigated whether a recloning procedure would affect the reproductive performance or the germline transmission capacity of recloned transgenic pigs. This study has also laid the foundation for the development of elite transgenic swine breeds in the future. Recloned transgenic pigs were developed from ear tissue fibroblasts of primary transgenic cloned pigs using a recloning procedure, and their reproductive performance and exogenous gene transmission were analyzed. Two transgenic cell lines with different genetic backgrounds (derived from a female miniature pig and a male Landrace pig) with stable expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) were established successfully. Furthermore, recloned transgenic embryos were developed to full term successfully. One female Chinese experimental miniature piglet (CEMP) (GFP+) and three male Landrace piglets (GFP+) were delivered naturally. Furthermore, the index values for the reproductive characteristics of the recloned transgenic pigs, such as puberty, gestation period, sperm volume and sperm concentration, were not significantly different from those of conventionally bred pigs. In addition, 53% of the F1 offspring of the recloned transgenic pigs were GFP positive. These results demonstrate that ear tissue fibroblasts from primary transgenic cloned pigs efficiently support the full-term development of recloned transgenic embryos. Furthermore, recloned transgenic pigs maintain normal reproductive performance and stable germline (genetic) transmission capacities.
Toxic effects of Hoechst staining and UV irradiation on preimplantation development of parthenogenetically activated mouse oocytes
Authors: Versieren Karen , Heindryckx Björn , Qian Chen , Gerris Jan , De Sutter Petra
Published: July 2012

Parthenogenetic activation of oocytes is a helpful tool to obtain blastocysts, of which the inner cell mass may be used for derivation of embryonic stem cells. In order to improve activation and embryonic development after parthenogenesis, we tried to use sperm injection and subsequent removal of the sperm head to mimic the natural Ca2+increases by release of the oocyte activating factor. Visualization of the sperm could be accomplished by Hoechst staining and ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation. To exclude negative effects of this treatment, we examined toxicity on activated mouse oocytes. After activation, oocytes were incubated in Hoechst 33342 or 33258 stain and exposed to UV irradiation. The effects on embryonic development were evaluated. Our results showed that both types of Hoechst combined with UV irradiation have toxic effects on parthenogenetically activated mouse oocytes. Although activation and cleavage rate were not affected, blastocyst formation was significantly reduced. Secondly, we used MitoTracker staining for removal of the sperm. Sperm heads were stained before injection and removed again after 1 h. However, staining was not visible anymore in all oocytes after intracytoplasmic sperm injection. In case the sperm could be removed, most oocytes died after 1 day. As MitoTracker was also not successful, alternative methods for sperm identification should be investigated.
Oxidative stress and fertility: incorrect assumptions and ineffective solutions?
Authors: Ménézo Yves , Entezami Frida , Lichtblau Isabelle , Belloc Stephanie , Cohen Marc , Dale Brian
Published: July 2012

One of the most important concerns in assisted reproduction (ART), and in particular ICSI, is the quality of sperm DNA. Oxidative stress is one of the major causes of damage to DNA and attempting to reduce generation of DNA damage related to reactive oxygen species (ROS) through consumption of antioxidants is often tempting. However, current antioxidant treatments, given irrespectively of clinically quantified deficiencies, are poorly efficient, potentially detrimental and over-exposure is risky. Here we discuss new treatments in relation to present day concepts on oxidative stress. This discussion includes stimulation of endogenous anti-ROS defense i.e. glutathione synthesis and recycling of homocysteine, the epicentre of multiple ROS-linked pathologies.
Explosions and Human Health: The Long-Term Effects of Blast Injury
Authors: Finlay Sarah E. , Earby Michelle , Baker David J. , Murray Virginia S.G.
Published: July 2012

The immediate patterns of injury from explosions are well documented, from both military and civil experience. However, few studies have focused on less immediately apparent health consequences and latent effects of explosions in survivors, emergency responders and the surrounding community. This review aimed to analyze the risks to health following an explosion in a civil setting.

A comprehensive review of the open literature was conducted, and data on 10 relevant military, civilian and industrial events were collected. Events were selected according to availability of published studies and involvement of large numbers of people injured. In addition, structured interviews with experts in the field were conducted, and existing national guidelines reviewed.

The review revealed significant and potentially long-term health implications affecting various body systems and psychological well-being following exposure to an explosion. An awareness of the short- and long-term health effects of explosions is essential in screening for blast injuries, and identifying latent pathologies that could otherwise be overlooked in stressful situations with other visually distracting injuries and, often, mass casualties. Such knowledge would guide responsible medical staff in implementing early appropriate interventions to reduce the burden of long-term sequelae. Effective planning and response strategies would ensure accessibility of appropriate health care resources and evidence-based information in the aftermath of an explosion.

Finlay SE, Earby M, Baker DJ, Murray VSG. Explosions and human health: the long-term effects of blast injury.Prehosp Disaster Med. 2012;27(4):1-7.
Effectiveness of an Individual School-based Intervention for Children with Aggressive Behaviour: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Stoltz Sabine , van Londen Monique , Deković Maja , de Castro Bram O. , Prinzie Peter , Lochman John E.
Published: July 2012

Background:For elementary school-children with aggressive behaviour problems, there is a strong need for effective preventive interventions to interrupt the developmental trajectory towards more serious behaviour problems.Aim:The aim of this RCT-study was to evaluate a school-based individual tailor-made intervention (Stay Cool Kids), designed to reduce aggressive behaviour in selected children by enhancing cognitive behavioural skills.Method:The sample consisted of 48 schools, with 264 fourth-grade children selected by their teachers because of elevated levels of externalizing behaviour (TRF T-score > 60), randomly assigned to the intervention or no-intervention control condition.Results:The intervention was found to be effective in reducing reactive and proactive aggressive behaviour as reported by children, mothers, fathers or teachers, with effect sizes ranging from .11 to .32. Clinically relevant changes in teacher-rated externalizing behaviour were found: the intervention reduced behaviour problems to (sub) clinical or normative levels for significantly more children than the control condition. Some aspects of problems in social cognitive functioning were reduced and children showed more positive self-perception. Ethnic background and gender moderated intervention effects on child and teacher reported aggression and child response generation.Conclusions:The results of this study demonstrate the effectiveness on outcome behaviour and child cognitions of an individual tailor-made intervention across informants under real-world conditions.
Kognitive, sprachliche, mathematische und sozial-emotionale Kompetenzen als Prädiktoren späterer schulischer Leistungen:
Authors: Gut Janine , Reimann Giselle , Grob Alexander
Published: July 2012

Zusammenfassung: Basierend auf der Annahme, dass Schulleistungen sowohl durch kognitive als auch sozial-emotionale Schülermerkmale bedingt sind, untersuchte die vorliegende Studie längsschnittlich anhand einer Stichprobe von 263 Kindern (M Alter = 7.4 Jahre, SD = 0.65 Jahre, Altersspanne 5–10 Jahre; 52 % Mädchen) ob kognitive, sprachliche, mathematische und sozial-emotionale Kompetenzen erfasst anhand der Intelligence Development Scales (IDS) die Schulnoten in den Fächern Mathematik, Deutsch und Sachkunde drei Jahre später vorhersagen können. Die Ergebnisse der Studie zeigten, dass sowohl die kognitiven, als auch die sprachlichen und mathematischen Kompetenzen zuverlässige Prädiktoren für die späteren Schulnoten in allen Fächern darstellten. Darüber hinaus bestätigte die Studie, dass hohe sozial-emotionale Kompetenzen relative Defizite in den kognitiven und sprachlichen Kompetenzen im Hinblick auf die Schulnoten zu kompensieren vermögen.