bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neonatal rat hypoxia–ischemia: Effect of the anti‐oxidant mitoquinol, and S‐PBN
Authors: Hobbs Catherine E. , Murphy Michael P. , Smith Robin A.J. , Oorschot Dorothy E.
Published: August 2008

Background: The production of oxygen free radicals after perinatal hypoxia–ischemia is thought to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of the brain injury. Administration of anti‐oxidants may thus be neuroprotective. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of a mitochondria‐targeted anti‐oxidant mitoquinol (mitoQ) administered in the form of the prodrug mitoquinone, and an extracellular anti‐oxidant N‐tert‐butyl‐(2‐sulfophenyl)‐nitrone (S‐PBN; Aldrich, St Louis, MO, USA), on neuronal survival in the rat striatum after acute perinatal hypoxia–ischemia.

Methods: Mitoquinone at 17 μmol/L (n = 6) or 51 μmol/L (n = 6), or its diluent (n = 12), was continuously infused over 3 days into the right striatum of Sprague–Dawley rats. Infusion was via an Alzet micro‐osmotic pump (Alza, Los Angeles, CA, USA), stereotaxically implanted on postnatal day (PN) 7 under anesthesia. In another experiment, S‐PBN (100 mg/kg) (n = 8) or its diluent (n = 8) was administered in six s.c. injections every 12 h from the evening of PN7. Hypoxia–ischemia was induced on PN8 by right common carotid artery ligation under anesthesia, followed 2.5 h later by exposure to 8% oxygen for 1.5 h. On PN14 the pups were euthanased and 40 μm serial sections were cut through the entire striatum. The total number of medium‐spiny neurons within the right striatum was stereologically determined using the optical disector/Cavalieri method.

Results: No significant difference was seen in the total number of striatal medium‐spiny neurons between the 17 μmol/L or 51 μmol/L mitoQ‐treated pups and their respective diluent‐treated controls. No significant difference was seen in the total number of striatal medium‐spiny neurons between the S‐PBN‐treated and diluent‐treated pups.

Conclusion: Solely targeting mitochondrial oxidants with mitoQ, or extracellular oxidants with S‐PBN, is not protective for striatal medium‐spiny neurons after perinatal hypoxia–ischemia.
Elevated serum soluble E‐selectin levels in Korean children with measles
Authors: Park Eun Y. , Shim Jung Y. , Kim Deok S. , Shim Jae W. , Jung Hye L. , Park Moon S.
Published: August 2008

Backgrounds: Measles is a highly infectious, acute viral illness characterized by high fever and generalized skin rash of which pathogenesis is uncertain. E‐selectin, a ligand of the cutaneous lymphocyte‐associated antigen (CLA)+ T lymphocytes is highly expressed on vascular endothelium in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis, but in the past there has been a lack of statistical data on its impact on patients with measles. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the serum soluble E‐selectin (sE‐selectin) levels are elevated in children with measles.

Methods: Twenty‐five children with measles, 33 children with atopic dermatitis, 20 with atopic asthma and 20 healthy controls were enrolled. Serum sE‐selectin and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels were measured using sandwich enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Serum levels of sE‐selectin were found to be significantly higher in children with measles than in children with atopic dermatitis, atopic asthma and healthy controls. But it was not significantly correlated with the duration of rash or with the presence of a complication in children with measles. Serum TNF‐α levels were higher in children with measles than in children with atopic dermatitis. There was no correlation between sE‐selectin and TNF‐α levels.

Conclusions: sE‐selectin levels are elevated in children with measles, which may imply that CLA+ T lymphocytes are associated with the development of measles rash.
Hypercholesterolemia in Thai primary school children: Relation to maternal and nutritional factors
Authors: Yamborisut Uruwan , Sungpuag Pongtorn , Wimonpeerapattana Wanphen
Published: August 2008

Background: There is evidence to show that atherosclerosis can occur in young children and that elevated total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations are risk factors for atherosclerosis. The aim of the present cross‐sectional study was to investigate the influence of maternal and nutritional factors on blood cholesterol in primary school children.

Methods: One hundred and ninety‐five population‐based mother–child pairs (obese child–overweight mother pairs, n = 60; obese child–normal‐weight mother pairs, n = 48; wasted child–overweight mother pairs, n = 37; normal‐weight child–normal‐weight mother pairs, n = 50), were enrolled in the study. Various anthropometric parameters were measured and serum lipids of subjects were further determined. Biological data and children’s eating behavior were obtained from the mothers through interviews.

Results: Hypercholesterolemia was found in 64.6–65% of obese children, 24.3% of wasted children and in 56% of the normal‐weight children; whereas the proportion of children in all groups who had normal blood cholesterol levels was in the lower range. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that mother’s serum cholesterol (odds ratio [OR], 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12–4.78), child obesity defined by weight‐for‐height Z‐score > +2SD (OR, 2.56; 95%CI: 1.33–4.98), and child’s energy intake ≥75th percentile (OR, 2.59; 95%CI: 1.01–6.66) were the significant factors associated with hypercholesterolemia in children.

Conclusion: Hypercholesterolemia in school children is associated with familial factor, bodyweight and nutrient intake. Elevated blood cholesterol was also found in some of the normal‐weight and wasted children. Effective family‐based intervention programs are urgently needed to modify risk factors predisposing to coronary heart disease.
Ecological and evolutionary consequences of niche construction for its agent
Authors: Kylafis Grigoris , Loreau Michel
Published: August 2008

Niche construction can generate ecological and evolutionary feedbacks that have been underinvestigated so far. We present an eco‐evolutionary model that incorporates the process of niche construction to reveal its effects on the ecology and evolution of the niche‐constructing agent. We consider a simple plant–soil nutrient ecosystem in which plants have the ability to increase the input of inorganic nutrient as an example of positive niche construction. On an ecological time scale, the model shows that niche construction allows the persistence of plants under infertile soil conditions that would otherwise lead to their extinction. This expansion of plants’ niche, however, requires a high enough rate of niche construction and a high enough initial plant biomass to fuel the positive ecological feedback between plants and their soil environment. On an evolutionary time scale, we consider that the rates of niche construction and nutrient uptake coevolve in plants while a trade‐off constrains their values. Different evolutionary outcomes are possible depending on the shape of the trade‐off. We show that niche construction results in an evolutionary feedback between plants and their soil environment such that plants partially regulate soil nutrient content. The direct benefit accruing to plants, however, plays a crucial role in the evolutionary advantage of niche construction.
Language and the nation‐state: Challenges to sociolinguistic theory and practice1
Authors: Heller Monica
Published: August 2008

Communities, identities, processes, and practices are key linked concepts of concern to research on the role of language in the construction of social relations within the nation‐state. In the current globalizing context, sociolinguistics has begun to recognize the need to reorient studies of language, community, and identity in the nation‐state away from autonomous structure and towards process and practice, in order to capture the ways in which linguistic variation is central to new forms of social organization. Such an approach examines the circulation of communicative, symbolic, and material resources, as well as the trajectories of social actors and of discursive spaces. The example of francophone Canada shows how dominant ideas about language as bounded systems, identities as stable social positions, and communities as uniform social formations are superseded by mobility and multiplicity. Sociolinguistics is well positioned to take on the challenge of addressing how social actors construct such flows and transformations and to contribute to a social theory of globalization, transnationalism, and the new economy.
Whydatnow?: Linguistic‐anthropological contributions to the explanation of sociolinguistic icons and change1
Authors: Woolard Kathryn A.
Published: August 2008

One way to renew conversation between linguistic anthropology and sociolinguistics is to bring concepts of linguistic ideology to the explanation of the iconization of specific sociolinguistic variables and associated sociolinguistic change. Sociolinguists such asEckert (2000)andMilroy (2004)have made provocative efforts to incorporate linguistic‐anthropological concepts into sociolinguistic explanation. What is still lacking is a full explanation of why specific linguistic variables emerge from the flow of speech and social life to become sociolinguistic icons or emblems and set off relatively rapid or intense changes. This article brings JosephErrington's (1985)use of the concept of pragmatic salience to bear on insights gleaned from vanguard sociolinguistic and linguistic‐anthropological work. Drawing on empirical examples from a spectrum of studies, a model is sketched from these elements to suggest an account of how an ideological bent directs linguistic change.
Taking Type‐B Materialism Seriously
Authors: LEVIN JANET
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Type‐B materialism is the thesis that though phenomenal states are necessarily identical with physical states, phenomenal concepts have no a priori connections to physical or functional concepts. Though type‐B materialists have invoked this conceptual independence to counter a number of well‐known arguments against physicalism (e.g. the conceivability of zombies, the ignorance of Mary, the existence of an ‘explanatory gap’), anti‐physicalists have raised objections to this strategy. My aim here is to defend type‐B materialism against these objections, by arguing that they share the common problem of not taking the central features of the view sufficiently seriously. However, I will end by noting that type‐B materialism raises other questions, and suggesting that what stands in the way of an adequate naturalistic account of phenomenal states may be the propensity to take type‐B materialism more seriously than it deserves.
Neutralizing antibodies against interferon beta: fluctuation is modest and titre dependent
Authors: Sominanda A. , Hillert J. , Fogdell‐Hahn A.
Published: August 2008

Background and purpose:  Neutralizing antibody (NAb) titres may vary over time and thereby some patients can either lose or regain therapeutic effect of interferon beta (IFNβ). We assessed NAb titres in a large sample of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients to identify the pattern of fluctuation during 1–3 years.

Methods:  Data from IFNβ‐treated MS patients who had been tested for NAbs twice (n = 822) were analysed. NAb titres were compared between the first and the second samples across the critical NAb level of 150 TRU/ml, which we have previously reported to correlate with loss of bioactivity.

Results:  Of patients with NAb titres high enough to indicate loss of bioactivity (>150 TRU/ml) in the first analysis 15% showed titres low enough to indicate a regained bioactivity. Conversely, 6% of those without detectable NAbs or NAb titres below the critical level of 150 TRU/ml had shifted to titres above this limit, indicating potential loss of bioactivity. Fluctuation did not differ between IFNβ preparation used, treatment duration or sampling interval.

Conclusion:  A first NAb test is prognostic for the NAb status during the coming 1–3 years. Choice of IFNβ preparation had no influence on the chance of reverting to lower levels once NAb titres are high.
Disciplinary and Contextually Appropriate Approaches to Leadership of Teaching in Research‐Intensive Academic Departments in Higher Education
Authors: Gibbs Graham , Knapper Christopher , Piccinin Sergio
Published: August 2008

This paper reports aspects of an international study of leadership of teaching in 19 departments with outstanding teaching records in 11 research‐intensive universities. Leadership was found to take different forms in different discipline areas, in different organisational cultures, and in response to major problems affecting the department. While most of the heads conceived of leadership of teaching in similarly sophisticated ways, and there were other common themes across contexts, how these conceptions were evident in action to support and develop teaching was highly context‐dependent. To illustrate this point, two departments are contrasted in terms of leadership activities found most frequently across all 19 departments. It is clear from this comparison that teaching excellence was achieved in entirely different ways involving widely contrasting leadership behaviour. The paper argues that advice and guidance for heads of department on their leadership of teaching should pay careful attention to the context rather than make assumptions about the general applicability of leadership theory or advice.
Academics or executives? Continuity and change in the roles of pro‐vice‐chancellors1
Authors: Smith David , Adams Jonathan
Published: August 2008

The leadership roles of pro‐vice‐chancellors (PVCs) in the United Kingdom and elsewhere have evolved markedly over the last three decades while universities have been encouraged to shift towards more executive styles of leadership and decision‐making. The change does not only reflect changing institutional needs, however, but an accommodation of deeper historical continuities around institutional autonomy and academic values. Most PVCs are drawn from the ranks of professors; typically have an Oxbridge, London or big civic background; and most are male. The role gains authority through influence, rather than command, and depends on academic experience and credibility to be effective. PVCs maintain a complex corporate‐academic web balancing two, sometimes contradictory, roles: one firmly academic, concerning cross‐institutional responsibility for core academic values and mission; the other more bureaucratic or executive, focusing on the burgeoning demands of accountability. The research cautions against a simple model of executive leadership. Understanding the needs of academic leadership and the contours of its practices remains paramount.
Caffeic acid alleviates the increased lipid levels of serum and tissues in alcohol‐induced rats
Authors: Karthikesan Krishnamoorthy , Pari Leelavinothan
Published: August 2008

Ethanol is one of the most widely used and abused drugs that increases lipid levels in human and experimental animals. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of caffeic acid (CA) on alcohol‐induced alterations of lipid levels in serum, liver and kindey of Wistar rats. The alcohol toxicity was induced by oral administration of ethanol (7.9 g/kg/bw) for 45 days through intragastric intubation. The elevation in the levels of lipids upon alcohol administration was accompanied by a significant increase in the levels of cholesterol, phospholipids (PL), free fatty acids (FFA) and triglycerides (TG) in serum, liver and kidney. Oral administration of CA (12 mg/kg/bw) to alcohol fed rats significantly decreased the serum and tissue lipid levels to near those of the control rats. In conclusion, our study suggests that oral administration of CA to alcohol fed rats markedly reduced the accumulation of cholesterol, TG, FFA and PL in circulation, liver and kidney.
Cerebral malaria and epilepsy
Authors: Ngoungou Edgard Brice , Preux Pierre‐Marie
Published: August 2008

Summary

Malaria, one of the most common parasitic diseases worldwide, is responsible for more than one million deaths among African children every year. Its neurological form, known as cerebral malaria (CM) is a potential cause of epilepsy in malaria‐endemic regions of the world, primarily made up for the most part by the sub‐Saharan Africa. Herein, we review recent African studies that examine the association between CM and epilepsy. Three studies suggest a modestly strong association between CM and epilepsy. Furthermore, there appears little doubt that this association is causal. Speculative considerations that may explain this causal association are discussed in this review. Additional research is however required in order to determine the clinical and electrographic behavior, the underlying structural and molecular basis, and course and outcome of this condition.
Changes in GABAA receptor properties in amygdala kindled animals: In vivo studies using [11C]flumazenil and positron emission tomography
Authors: Liefaard Lia C. , Ploeger Bart A. , Molthoff Carla F. M. , De Jong Hugo W. A. M. , Dijkstra Jouke , Van Der Weerd Louise , Lammertsma Adriaan A. , Danhof Meindert , Voskuyl Rob A.
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  The purpose of the present investigation was to quantify alterations in GABAA receptor density in vivo in rats subjected to amygdala kindling.

Methods:  The GABAA receptor density was quantified by conducting a [11C]flumazenil (FMZ) positron emission tomography (PET) study according to the full saturation method, in which each animal received a single injection of FMZ to fully saturate the GABAA receptors. Subsequently, the concentration‐time curves of FMZ in blood [using high‐pressure liquid chromatography with UV detector (HPLC‐UV) or high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)] and brain (with PET‐scanning) were analyzed by population modeling using a pharmacokinetic model, containing expressions to describe the time course of FMZ in blood and brain.

Results:  The GABAA receptor density (Bmax) in kindled rats was decreased by 36% compared with controls. This is consistent with a reduction of 28% in electroencephalography (EEG) effect of midazolam in the same animal model, suggesting that a reduced number of GABAA receptors underlies the decreased efficacy of midazolam. Furthermore, receptor affinity (KD) was not changed, but the total volume of distribution in the brain (VBr), is increased to 178% of control after kindling, which might indicate an alteration in the transport of FMZ across the blood–brain barrier.

Conclusions:  Both the GABAA receptor density (Bmax), and possibly also the blood–brain barrier transport of FMZ (VBr) are altered after kindling. Furthermore, this study indicates the feasibility of conducting PET studies for quantifying moderate changes in GABAA receptor density in a rat model of epilepsy in vivo.
Automated MRI analysis for identification of hippocampal atrophy in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Bonilha Leonardo , Halford Jonathan J. , Rorden Chris , Roberts Donna R. , Rumboldt Zoran , Eckert Mark A.
Published: August 2008

Background: Hippocampal sclerosis is frequently associated with hippocampal atrophy (HA), which is often observed on routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of patients with medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Manual morphometry of the hippocampus is sensitive to detecting HA, but is time‐consuming and prone to operator error. Automated MRI morphometry has the potential to provide rapid and accurate assistance in the clinical detection of HA.

Methods: We performed a voxel‐based morphometry analysis of 23 consecutive subjects with MTLE and 58 matched controls. Images from randomly selected 34 controls were used to create mean and standard deviation images of gray matter volume. Voxel‐wise standardized Z‐score hippocampal images from patients and the remaining 24 controls were cross‐checked with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to evaluate sensitivity versus one‐specificity rate for a binary classifier (atrophied versus normal hippocampi).

Results: The ipsilateral hippocampi of patients with MTLE displayed a significantly lower mean Z‐score compared to the hippocampi of controls [F(2,67)  = 33.014, p < 0.001, Tukey HSD < 0.001]. A classifier using the hippocampal gray matter Z‐scores to discriminate between atrophied and normal hippocampi yielded a fitted ROC = 97.3, traditionally considered an excellent discriminator, with a standard error of classification of 1.173 individuals if  100  patients and  100  controls are studied.

Conclusion: Automatic morphometry can be potentially used as a clinical tool to assist the detection of HA in patients with MTLE. It can provide a quantifiable estimative of atrophy, which can aid in the decision about the presence of clinically relevant HA.
Growth dependence on insulin‐like growth factor‐1 during the ketogenic diet
Authors: Spulber Gabriela , Spulber Stefan , Hagenäs Lars , Åmark Per , Dahlin Maria
Published: August 2008

Purpose:  To examine the influence of the ketogenic diet (KD) on linear growth and insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) levels in children with pharmacotherapy‐resistant epilepsy.

Methods:  A prospective study was designed to evaluate growth, serum IGF‐I levels, blood β‐hydroxybutyric acid (β‐OHB), and seizure frequency before and during KD in 22 children (median age 5.5 years). Growth was assessed by measurements of weight, height, body mass index (BMI), and height velocity. Standard deviation scores (SDS) were calculated for all measured parameters as well as for serum IGF‐I to eliminate the influence of age‐ and sex‐related differences among patients.

Results:  Fourteen of the 22 patients responded to the KD. Weight, height, BMI, and height velocity decreased significantly during the KD. We found that the KD had profound influence on growth and IGF‐I levels. No correlation was found between seizure response and growth alterations. Height velocity correlated negatively with β‐OHB during the KD. The slope of the regression of height velocity against IGF‐I decreased significantly during the KD.

Conclusions:  Height velocity was most affected in those with pronounced ketosis, which implies that, in clinical practice, the level of ketosis should be related to outcomes in seizure response and growth. Our data indicate that growth disturbances and the decreased sensitivity of growth to similar IGF‐I levels during KD are independent of seizure reduction. The metabolic status induced by KD may be the mechanism underlying both alterations of linear growth and seizure reduction.
Global Phosphorus Flows in the Industrial Economy From a Production Perspective
Authors: Villalba Gara , Liu Yi , Schroder Hans , Ayres Robert U.
Published: August 2008

Human activity has quadrupled the mobilization of phosphorus (P), a nonrenewable resource that is not fully recycled biologically or industrially. P is accumulated in both water and solid waste due to fertilizer application and industrial, agricultural, and animal P consumption. This paper characterizes the industrial flows, which, although smaller than the agricultural and animal flows, are an important phosphorus source contributing to the pollution of surface waters. We present the quantification of the network of flows as constrained by mass balances of the global annual metabolism of phosphorus, based on global consumption for 2004, all of which eventually ends up as waste and in the soil and water systems. We find that on a yearly basis, 18.9 million metric tons (MMT) of P is produced, of which close to 75% goes to fertilizer and the rest to industrial and others uses. Phosphoric acid is the precursor for many of the intermediate and end uses of phosphate compounds described in this study and accounts for almost 80% of all P consumed. Eventually, all of the P goes to waste: 18.5 MMT ends up in the soil as solid waste, and 1.32 MMT is emissions to air and water. Besides quantifying P flows through our economy, we also consider some possible measures that could be taken to increase the degree of recovery and optimization of this resource and others that are closely related, such as the recovery of sulfur from gypsum and wastewater (sludge), and fluorine from wet phosphoric acid production.
Sucrose Decreases Infant Biobehavioral Pain Response to Immunizations: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hatfield Linda A.
Published: August 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness and age‐related changes in analgesia of oral sucrose as a preprocedural intervention during routine immunizations in infants at 2 and 4 months of age. Design: A double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical trial of 40 healthy term infants scheduled to receive routine immunizations from a pediatric ambulatory care clinic during May 2005 to July 2005.

Methods: Infants received 24% oral sucrose solution or the control solution of sterile water 2 minutes before routine immunizations at both their 2‐ and 4‐month, well‐child visits. The University of Wisconsin Children's Hospital pain scale was used to measure serial acute behavioral pain responses at baseline, 2, and 5 minutes after administration of the solution. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to examine between‐group differences and within‐subject variability of the effects of treatment on overall behavioral pain scores.

Findings: Infants receiving oral sucrose (n=20) showed a significant reduction in behavioral pain response 5 minutes after administration compared to those in the placebo group (n=20). At 2 minutes following solution administration, both sucrose and sterile water showed the highest mean pain score (4.54 and 4.39 respectively) indicating a severe amount of pain. At 5 minutes, the sucrose group returned to near normal at 0.27 while the placebo group remained at 3.02 indicating a percentage difference in mean pain scores relative to sterile water pain scores of 90.9. No statistically significant age‐related change in behavioral pain response was noted between 2‐ and 4‐month‐old infants at 2 minutes and 5 minutes following treatment administration.

Conclusion: Sucrose is an effective preprocedural intervention for decreasing behavioral pain response in infants after immunizations.

Clinical Relevance: Efforts to decrease the pain associated with immunizations can promote parental adherence to recommended immunizations schedules, prevent a resurgence of vaccine‐preventable diseases and mitigate adverse neurologic outcomes in infants.
Responders and Nonresponders to a Walking Intervention for Sedentary Women
Authors: Nies Mary A. , Sun Yiyuan
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Increasing evidence has indicated that people might be differentially influenced by intervention programs. The purpose of this secondary analysis was to identify groups of women who responded differently to a walking intervention. Data used in this secondary analysis were collected in a longitudinal study of a counseling intervention to increase walking among 248 initially sedentary women.

Method: A latent growth‐mixture modeling approach was used to assess treatment effects on growth in physical activity and mood over time. Subgroups of participants who were responsive versus those who were nonresponsive to intervention were also identified. Logistic‐regression analysis was conducted to confirm group membership and identify predictors associated with the identified subgroups.

Results: Two subgroups (responders, nonresponders) were identified separately for physical activity and mood. Using several variables as predictors of group memberships, 92%–95% of the cases were correctly classified. The current study indicated that predictors for group membership were associated with the outcome variables.

Conclusions: These findings indicated that optimal interventions should be tailored to not only the physical, psychosocial, and environmental variables of each woman, but also to outcome variables of interest to the woman.

Clinical Relevance: Nurses practicing in community and public health settings should determine physical activity interventions that are based on scientific findings and on outcomes that are important for the individual woman.
Living With Gynecologic Cancer: Experience of Women and Their Partners
Authors: Akyüz Aygül , Güvenç Gülten , Üstünsöz Ayfer , Kaya Tülay
Published: August 2008

Purpose: To describe the experiences of Turkish women with gynecologic cancer and their partners.

Design and Methods: Qualitative research using a descriptive phenomenological approach.

Setting: Gynecologic oncology outpatient clinic of the Gulhane Military Medical Academy in Ankara, Turkey. Nineteen women with gynecologic cancer aged 43–70 years and 12 partners aged 46–73 years were recruited. Data were obtained through open‐ended and in‐depth, audio‐taped interviews which lasted approximately 35–45 minutes each.

Findings: Seven themes emerged from the participants' description of their experience: (a) experiences during the diagnosis period; (b) experiences during the treatment period; (c) the effect of cancer on family life; (d) changes in daily life; (e) coping methods and support sources; (f) the meaning of illness; and (g) experiencing the illness as a woman.

Conclusions: Receiving the diagnosis of gynecologic cancer was remembered as a very dramatic experience. The women and partners reported many physical and psychosocial difficulties relating to the treatment period. Healthcare professionals must understand and recognize cancer patients' and their partners' experiences to provide appropriate holistic care.

Clinical Relevance: Nurses can only provide effective and comprehensive nursing care to gynecologic cancer patients and their families if they fully understand the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual experiences in their lives.
The Meaning of Health Among Midlife Russian‐Speaking Women
Authors: Resick Lenore Kolljeski
Published: August 2008

Purpose: To explore the meaning of health among midlife Russian‐speaking women from the former Soviet Union.

Design and Methodology: A hermeneutic phenomenological design was used. Study participants included 12 Russian‐speaking women ages 40–61, who also spoke English and had migrated to the United States after 1991.

Findings: These themes were identified: health as being highly valued, though less of a priority during immigration; being a stranger and seeking the familiar; grieving and loss and building a new life; experiencing changes and transitions; trusting self; and the importance of hope.

Conclusions: Although health was less of a priority during the immigration process, the women valued and were knowledgeable about health, participated in self‐care practices, trusted their own abilities to make self‐care decisions, and sought health‐related information. This is a vulnerable population at risk for the onset of chronic medical conditions associated with the process of aging, past exposures, the tendency to avoid health screening, and current stressors related to immigration and family responsibilities. Implications include the need for interventions to build trust, assess self‐care practices, and understand values and beliefs concerning health screening. Future research recommendations include replication with other samples within this population and exploring curative beliefs and practices more fully. Ultimately, this study design could be applied to other immigrant populations in Western cultures.

Clinical Relevance: Midlife Russian speaking women from the former Soviet Union are a vulnerable group at risk for the onset of chronic medical conditions associated with aging, past exposures, the tendency to avoid health screening, and current stressors related to immigration and family responsibilities.
Conceptual Model of Symptom‐Focused Diabetes Care for African Americans
Authors: Skelly Anne H. , Leeman Jennifer , Carlson John , Soward April CM , Burns Dorothy
Published: August 2008

Purpose: Development of a conceptual model and description of its use to guide the content and format of a community‐based intervention.

Conceptual Model: We developed a symptom‐focused model for type 2 diabetes for older African American women based on the UCSF symptom management model. Key concepts in this model are symptom experience, symptom management, and health outcomes.

Methods: Review of literature, intervention protocol.

Conclusions: The symptom‐focused conceptual model is an innovative approach to tailoring care to a distinct population and to engaging participants in their own self‐care.

Clinical Relevance: Diabetes is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in African Americans; and diabetes self‐management is the cornerstone of care. To better meet the distinct needs of diverse populations and positively affect health outcomes, new tailored approaches should be developed that are culturally sensitive and acceptable.
Soldiers With Musculoskeletal Injuries
Authors: Jennings Bonnie M. , Yoder Linda H. , Heiner Stacy L. , Loan Lori A. , Bingham Mona O.
Published: August 2008

Purpose:To describe Soldiers' (e.g., U.S. Army personnel) perspectives of the effect of musculoskeletal injuries.

Design:Data were collected in the summer of 2003 using a prospective survey design. The survey was mailed to active duty Soldiers on modified work plans because of musculoskeletal injuries. These Soldiers were assigned to one Army installation in the US.

Methods:Responses to the survey questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The numerous handwritten comments were evaluated qualitatively.

Findings:Injuries most often involved the back and knees (18% each). At least 47% of the injuries were work related. Injuries interfered with Soldiers' abilities to perform military tasks such as road marching (80%) and organized physical training (69%). Although many respondents indicated they were not experiencing pain, at least some Soldiers reported mild pain for each of 19 anatomic locations. Severe pain was reported most often for the lower back (21%). In their written comments, Soldiers expressed a sense of frustration with their injuries, the healthcare system and providers, and their unit leaders.

Conclusions:Healthcare personnel are challenged to better manage Soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries and expedite their return to full duty. Unit leaders are challenged to create work environments that focus on injury prevention and allow injured Soldiers time to heal.

Clinical Relevance:The Soldiers in this study were often engaged in physically challenging work or sports activities when injured. Because people outside the Army engage in similar activities (e.g., construction workers, endurance athletes), the findings from this study might be applicable to nonmilitary communities. Additionally, with the number of Reserve and National Guard Soldiers currently on active duty, civilian nurses might be caring for Soldiers with musculoskeletal injuries.
Lessons Learned From China's Healthcare System and Nursing Profession
Authors: Ungos Kristin , Thomas Eileen
Published: August 2008

Purpose: To examine the healthcare policy and the nursing profession in China and to share insights learned from that country, which can be used to inform health‐policy decision makers in the US.

Organizing Construct: Despite their significant cultural, political, and historical differences, many healthcare issues are the same for China and the US. Both countries face rising healthcare costs and widening disparities between wealthy and poor individuals, and between urban and rural sectors.

Conclusions: Some of the ideas that can be gleaned from China's healthcare system include rewarding physicians for prescribing preventive services; using trained laypeople as gatekeepers to the healthcare system in rural areas; communicating to the public and to health‐policy decision makers the importance of nurses so that staffing, work conditions, and professional status can be improved; and including nurses in health‐policy decisions.

Clinical Relevance: Lessons learned from China's healthcare policy and healthcare system have implications for public health policy change that could lead to improved patient outcomes in the US. The current changing global health environment calls for healthcare providers to learn from and work with our international neighbors to improve health outcomes for all patients.
Morphology Transformation of Hematite Nanoparticles Through Oriented Aggregation
Authors: Wang Lili , Gao Lian
Published: August 2008

Hematite nanoparticles 30–45 nm in width and 15–25 nm in thickness were synthesized through oriented aggregation by a hydrothermal method. X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, high‐resolution TEM, selected area electron diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses were applied to characterize the nanocrystals. Morphology transformation of these hematite nanoparticles from irregularly shaped to flower like with the assistance of oleic acid was surveyed. Based on these results, possible formation mechanism of the hematite nanoflowers is discussed here.
Rapid Preparation and SEM Microstructural Characterization of Nickel–Yttria‐Stabilized Zirconia Cermets
Authors: Monachon Christian , Hessler‐Wyser Aïcha , Faes Antonin , Faes Antonin , Van Herle Jan , Tagliaferri Enrico
Published: August 2008

Sample preparation and scanning electron microscopy imaging methods were developed to characterize solid‐oxide fuel cell anodes made out of a nickel–yttria‐stabilized zirconia porous cermet. The sample preparation uses only tripod polishing and does not require any resin impregnation. To overcome surface damages induced by polishing, as well as to increase contrast between phases, high acceleration voltages were used. The method gave results of a small systematic increase of the measured nickel proportion due to imaging conditions. A quick image analyzing method is also presented.
Influence of Agglomeration on the Transparency of Yttria Ceramics
Authors: Mouzon Johanne , Lindbäck Ture , Odén Magnus
Published: August 2008

In this work, five yttria powders with slightly different states of agglomeration, inherited from various procedures of dewatering the same precursor, were densified by a combination of vacuum sintering followed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP). In order to relate the densification behavior of each powder to its state of agglomeration, all powders were characterized by tap density measurements, X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, and laser scattering, while the microstructures of the corresponding densified samples were studied by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The five yttria powders produced sintered samples that differed remarkably from each other in terms of transparency. These discrepancies were related to the degree of fineness in the powders at two different levels. At the level of primary particles, fine and weakly agglomerated powder was very sinterable, causing abnormal grain growth to occur only in the very late stage of sintering. However, the resulting entrapped pores and reduction due to vacuum sintering were responsible for poor optical properties. At the agglomerate level, a bimodal size distribution was identified for all powders. For powders showing severe agglomeration of the primary particles, increasing the relative content of the smaller size population of agglomerates was found to trigger abnormal grain‐growth earlier during presintering. This was attributed to the density around large agglomerates exceeding a critical threshold in the green bodies. Finally, transparency was achieved in samples for which presintering was stopped before grain growth became abnormal. This confirmed that the key to successfully obtaining transparency was to keep porosity intergranular, which could be removed subsequently by HIP treatment.
Identification of an Eccentricity in the Date / Time Metadata of a PAL MiniDV Recording*
Authors: Lacey Douglas S. , Koenig Bruce E.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  A Phase‐Alternation Line (PAL) Mini Digital Video (MiniDV) recording and camcorder were provided by the Law Society of Singapore for forensic examination. During visual analyses of the submitted recording and a test recording produced on the submitted camcorder, the number of occurrences of each unique date/time stamp varied from the nominal value of 25 frames (the frame rate per second of PAL recordings), within a range of ±3 frames. This embedded date/time information is recorded in the digital bit stream along with the video and audio information and can be optionally displayed during playback. These visual observations prompted detailed analyses of the digital metadata of the recordings which consisted of locating the portions of the bit stream associated with the date/time information, and then identifying their redundancy characteristics, data structure, and encoding protocol. Automated scripts were developed using digital data analysis software to locate, extract, convert, and count all of the unique date/time stamps, and to provide an easily‐viewable output of the results. The application of the scripting process to both the submitted tape and the test recording produced on the submitted camcorder revealed that the date/time information on each exhibited a nonstandard but consistent timing pattern, which confirmed the visual observations and provided evidence that the submitted recording was consistent with having been produced on the submitted camcorder.
An Apple a Day Does not Always Keep the Doctor Away…
Authors: Dedouit Fabrice , Tournel Gilles , Robert Anne Bécart , Dutrieux Pierre , Hédouin Valéry , Gosset Didier
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  The authors describe a case of suicide in the workplace. A 45‐year‐old man employed by a fruit and vegetable packing company was found dead in a room containing a modified atmosphere for the packaging of fruits and vegetables. The rescue team measured the carbon monoxide (CO) concentration of the ambient air with a digital CO tester and found a level higher than 600 particles per million. Analysis of an arterial blood sample taken with an airtight syringe revealed the absence of CO but high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2). Autopsy revealed no significant injury and police investigators found a handwritten note of intent, describing a recent personal crisis. The authors concluded that the cause of death was suicide by asphyxiation secondary to CO2 intoxication and notably oxygen (O2) depletion. This manner of suicide is rare and most cases previously described in the literature were accidental intoxications. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of suicide by CO2 intoxication and O2 depletion in a room with a modified atmosphere.
Police Officers who Commit Suicide by Cop: A Clinical Study with Analysis
Authors: Arias Elizabeth A. , Schlesinger Louis B. , Pinizzotto Anthony J. , Davis Edward F. , Fava Joanna L. , Dewey Lauren M.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Suicide by cop has become a familiar topic among members of law enforcement, mental health professionals, and the general public. This paper presents two cases where police officers chose to commit suicide by getting other police officers to kill them. The two police officers studied, by examination of closed case files, were found to be similar to civilians who committed suicide by cop on several demographic (gender, age, history of mental illness, and suicide attempts), and situational (stress factors, trigger) variables. The cases help us to understand possible motives and management for individuals who choose to end their life in this manner.
Child Abuse: Practical Application of Autopsy, Radiological, and Microscopic Studies*
Authors: Dedouit Fabrice , Guilbeau‐Frugier Céline , Capuani Caroline , Sévely Annick , Joffre Francis , Rougé Daniel , Rousseau Hervé , Telmon Norbert
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  A 17‐month‐old male infant died at home. The infant’s right arm was immobilized because of a humeral fracture 1 month earlier. The circumstances of death appeared unclear to the police investigators and a medicolegal autopsy was carried out. External examination revealed diffuse ecchymoses of varying color. Postmortem imaging was performed prior to autopsy (X‐rays, multislice computed tomography [MSCT], and focused brain magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]). These investigations revealed four rib fractures of varying ages, one of which was posterior. Cerebral and pericerebral traumatic lesions were also diagnosed: bilateral subdural hematomas, intraventricular, meningeal, and interpedoncular hemorrhages. In the abdomen, fresh blood was visible within the anterior abdominal wall and the mesenteric root. Autopsy and microscopic study confirmed these lesions. This case report illustrates the valuable assistance rendered by MSCT and MRI to diagnose abuse when a child has died in unclear circumstances.
The Ultrastructure of Tissue Attached to Telogen Hair Roots
Authors: Linch Charles A.
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Most tissues encountered in forensic biology laboratories have been previously characterized with electron microscopy due to their medical importance. Anagen hair root cells, epithelial cells, erythrocytes, neutrophils, osteocytes, and spermatozoa have received considerable research attention at the ultrastructual level. There is no literature indicating that cells attached to removed telogen hair roots have been characterized with transmission electron microscopy. Nonetheless, telogen hairs are a frequent submission item to forensic laboratories for DNA typing. The amount of tissue attached to a telogen hair root usually determines whether that hair is suitable for nuclear DNA typing methods or mitochondrial DNA typing methods. This study used transmission and scanning electron microscopy to characterize the tissues found in three commonly occurring telogen hair root forms. The tissues were found to consist of keratinized remnant follicle, nonnucleated epithelial cells, nucleated epithelial cells, and trichilemmal keratin. These findings were consistent with the known principles of hair follicle regression. The recognition of the root structures that contain these specific tissue types may assist in the DNA typing of telogen hairs inasmuch as the quality of tissue present may be more important than the amounts of tissue present.
Treatment of gingival recession with coronally advanced flap procedures: a systematic review
Authors: Cairo Francesco , Pagliaro Umberto , Nieri Michele
Published: August 2008

Background: The treatment of buccal gingival recessions is a common requirement due to aesthetic concern or root sensitivity. The aim of this manuscript was to systematically review the literature on coronally advanced flap (CAF) alone or in combination with tissue grafts, barrier membranes (BM), enamel matrix derivative (EMD) or other material for treating gingival recession.

Material and Methods: Randomized clinical trials on treatment of Miller Class I and II gingival recessions with at least 6 months of follow‐up were identified. Data sources included electronic databases and hand‐searched journals. The primary outcome variable was complete root coverage (CRC). The secondary outcome variables were recession reduction, clinical attachment gain, keratinized tissue gain, aesthetic satisfaction, root sensitivity, post‐operative patient pain and complications.

Results: A total of 794 Miller Class I and II gingival recessions in 530 patients from 25 RCTs were evaluated in this systematic review. CAF was associated with mean recession reduction and CRC. The addition of connective tissue graft (CTG) or EMD enhanced the clinical outcomes of CAF in terms of CRC, while BM did not. The results with respect to the adjunctive use of acellular dermal matrix were controversial.

Conclusions: CTG or EMD in conjunction with CAF enhances the probability of obtaining CRC in Miller Class I and II single gingival recessions.