bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Epilepsy Intractability Predetermined or Acquired?
Authors: Abou-Khalil Bassel W.
Published: January 2007

How Long Does it Take for Epilepsy to Become Intractable? A Prospective Investigation Berg AT, Vickrey BG, Testa FM, Levy SR, Shinnar S, DiMario F, Smith S. Ann Neurol 2006;60:73–79.

Objective

To determine prospectively when in the course of epilepsy intractability becomes apparent.

Methods

Data are from a prospective cohort of 613 children followed for a median of 9.7 years. Epilepsy syndromes were grouped as focal, idiopathic, catastrophic, and other. Intractability was defined in two ways: (a) two drugs failed, 1 seizure/month, on average, for 18 months (stringent), and (b) failure of two drugs. Delayed intractability was defined as 3 or more years after epilepsy diagnosis.

Results

Eighty-three children (13.8%) met the stringent and 142 (23.2%) met the two-drug definition. Intractability depended on syndrome ( p < 0.0001): 26 (31.3%) children meeting stringent and 39 (27.5%) meeting the two-drug definition had delayed intractability. Intractability was delayed more often in focal than catastrophic epilepsy (stringent: 46.2 vs 14.3%, p = 0.003; two-drug: 40.3 vs 2.2%, p = 0.0001). Early remission periods preceded delayed intractability in 65.4–74.3% of cases. After becoming intractable, 20.5% subsequently entered remission and 13.3% were seizure free at last contact.

Interpretation

Intractable epilepsy may be delayed, especially in focal epilepsy. It often is preceded by a quiescent period, followed by further remissions. These findings help explain why surgically treatable epilepsies may take 20 years or longer before referral to surgery.
Do Early Hippocampal Imaging Changes Predict Later Sclerosis?
Authors: Burneo Jorge G.
Published: January 2007

Acute Symptomatic Seizures and Hippocampus Damage: DWI and MRS Findings. Parmar H, Lim SH, Tan NC, Lim CC. Neurology 2006;66:1732–1735. The authors describe diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) changes in the hippocampus within 48 h of acute symptomatic seizures or status epilepticus in 12 patients. DWI showed increased signal and a decreased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in all patients, with corresponding lactate detected on MRS in six patients and EEG seizure activity in nine patients. On follow-up, the atrophic hippocampus had an increased ADC in six patients. DWI and MRS may predict development of hippocampal sclerosis.
New Evidence Supports Cognitive Decline in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Harden Cynthia L.
Published: January 2007

Cognitive Prognosis in Chronic Temporal Lobe Epilepsy. Hermann BP, Seidenberg M, Dow C, Jones J, Rutecki P, Bhattacharya A, Bell B. Ann Neurol 2006;60:80–87.

Objective

First, to determine whether patients with chronic temporal lobe epilepsy have a different cognitive trajectory compared to control subjects over a prospective 4-year interval; second, to determine the proportion of patients who exhibit abnormal cognitive change and their profile of demographic, clinical epilepsy, and baseline quantitative magnetic resonance imaging characteristics; and third, to determine the most vulnerable cognitive domains.

Methods

Participants with chronic temporal lobe epilepsy ( N = 46) attending a tertiary referral clinic and healthy control subjects ( N = 65) underwent neuropsychological assessment and reevaluation 4 years later. Analysis of test–retest patterns identified individual patients with adverse cognition outcomes.

Results

The prospective cognitive trajectory of patients with chronic temporal lobe epilepsy differs from age- and sex-matched healthy control subjects. Lack of practice effects is common, but frank adverse cognitive outcomes are observed in a subset of patients (20%–25%), particularly in vulnerable cognitive domains that include memory. Cognitive declines are associated with a profile of abnormalities in baseline quantitative magnetic resonance volumetrics, lower baseline intellectual capacity, as well as longer duration of epilepsy and older chronological age.

Interpretation

Cognitive prognosis is poor for a subset of patients characterized by chronicity of epilepsy, older age, lower intellectual ability, and more baseline abnormalities in quantitative magnetic resonance volumetrics.
Persistent Sodium Current and Its Role in Epilepsy
Authors: Stafstrom Carl E.
Published: January 2007

Sodium currents are essential for the initiation and propagation of neuronal firing. Alterations of sodium currents can lead to abnormal neuronal activity, such as occurs in epilepsy. The transient voltage-gated sodium current mediates the upstroke of the action potential. A small fraction of sodium current, termed the persistent sodium current (INaP), fails to inactivate significantly, even with prolonged depolarization. INaPis activated in the subthreshold voltage range and is capable of amplifying a neuron's response to synaptic input and enhancing its repetitive firing capability. A burgeoning literature is documenting mutations in sodium channels that underlie human disease, including epilepsy. Some of these mutations lead to altered neuronal excitability by increasing INaP. This review focuses on the pathophysiological effects of INaPin epilepsy.
Respiratory Alkalosis: “Basic” Mechanism of Febrile Seizures?
Authors: Mazarati Andrey M.
Published: January 2007

Experimental Febrile Seizures Are Precipitated by a Hyperthermia-Induced Respiratory Alkalosis. Schuchmann S, Schmitz D, Rivera C, Vanhatalo S, Salmen B, Mackie K, Sipila ST, Voipio J, Kaila K. Nat Med 2006;12:817–823. Febrile seizures are frequent during early childhood, and prolonged (complex) febrile seizures are associated with an increased susceptibility to temporal lobe epilepsy. The pathophysiological consequences of febrile seizures have been extensively studied in rat pups exposed to hyperthermia. The mechanisms that trigger these seizures are unknown, however. A rise in brain pH is known to enhance neuronal excitability. Here we show that hyperthermia causes respiratory alkalosis in the immature brain, with a threshold of 0.2–0.3 pH units for seizure induction. Suppressing alkalosis with 5% ambient CO2 abolished seizures within 20 s. CO2 also prevented two long-term effects of hyperthermic seizures in the hippocampus: the upregulation of the Ih current and the upregulation of CB1 receptor expression. The effects of hyperthermia were closely mimicked by intraperitoneal injection of bicarbonate. Our work indicates a mechanism for triggering hyperthermic seizures and suggests new strategies in the research and therapy of fever-related epileptic syndromes.
Severe Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis in a Pregnant Woman
Authors: Reich Adam , Szepietowski Jacek C. , Baran Eugeniusz
Published: February 2007

A 23‐year‐old woman was admitted to the Department of Dermatology 4 days postpartum with multiple disseminated pustules. A week earlier, she had received 500 mg of amoxicillin with 125 mg clavulanic acid for pharyngitis. After three doses, she noticed the first pustules appear on the chest and back, and the antibiotic treatment was discontinued. Three days later, during the 37th gestational week, she delivered her second child prematurely, but in generally good condition. After delivery, her skin lesions began to spread, and the patient developed fever up to 39°C (102.2°F). Her medical history was significant for similar pustular lesions at age five, diagnosed as a bacterial skin infection despite negative skin cultures. Antibiotics were introduced with no clinical improvement over several months. Her skin lesions resolved after discontinuation of antibiotics. No personal or family history of psoriasis was present. On admission, generalized pustules and flaccid blisters with pus on an erythematous background were present (Figure 1). The patient complained of burning of the skin lesions and fever (38.2°C [100.8°F]) but was otherwise in good condition. Laboratory tests revealed leukocytosis (15,000/mL) with granulocytosis (82%) and an extremely high C‐reactive protein level (323.4 mg/L; normal range, 0–7 mg/L). Bacteriologic culture of the pus was negative. The histopathology revealed a subcorneal blister filled with neutrophils and a few epidermal cells. In the dermis, a scant perivascular inflammatory cell infiltrate was noted (Figure 2). Direct immunofluorescence revealed small amounts of IgM at the dermoepidermal junction. Because of the very diffuse distribution of pustules, two doses of hydrocortisone 200 mg IV b.i.d. for 2 days was administered, followed by prednisone 40 mg q.d. with rapid tapering. Rapid improvement of skin lesions was observed and the patient's skin practically cleared within 7 days. Corticosteroids were discontinued after 14 days.

Multiple nonfollicular sterile pustules on erythematous background located on the thighs

image

Histology: subcorneal blister filled with neutrophils and a few epidermal cells, hyperkeratosis and hypergranulosis of the epidermis, and perivascular infiltrate in the dermis (hematoxylin‐eosin stain, original magnification ×200)

image
Failure of Two TNF‐α Blockers to Influence the Course of Alopecia Areata
Authors: Abramovits William , Losornio Malakhat
Published: February 2007

Alopecia areata is a form of hair loss believed to be due to an anti‐hair‐bulb autoimmune process in which CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes affect the peribulb area. Alopecia universalis is the most severe form of alopecia areata and manifests itself as a complete loss of all body hair. The authors present the case of a 44‐year‐old psoriasis patient with a 20‐year history of alopecia universalis who failed to respond to etanercept in terms of skin psoriasis and alopecia universalis, while reporting improvement in arthropathy. While tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors succeeded in the treatment of some autoimmune disorders, reports of alopecia areata failures and this one of alopecia universalis demonstrate resistance to such treatment. Tumor necrosis factor‐α inhibitors seem to not represent an effective treatment modality for alopecia universalis. The understanding gained from this experience should redirect the aims of alopecia areata therapy toward alternate mechanistic interventions.
Interatrial Block: A Novel Risk Factor for Embolic Stroke?
Authors: Ariyarajah Vignendra , Puri Puneet , Apiyasawat Sirin , Spodick David H.
Published: February 2007

Background: Interatrial block (IAB; P wave ≥110 ms) is highly prevalent and is strongly associated with atrial tachyarrhythmias and left atrial dysfunction, making it a potential embolic risk.

Methods and Results: Among 293 neurological admissions over 2 years, 85 patients were diagnosed with embolic strokes and 208 with nonembolic strokes. Patients were then matched for stroke risk factors and evaluated for IAB. Eighty‐eight percent of probable embolic stroke patients showed sinus rhythm, demonstrating a 61% IAB prevalence. Only hypertension (P < 0.001; r = 0.3) and IAB (P < 0.006; r = 0.2) were significant and directly correlated.

Conclusion: IAB could indeed be a novel risk for embolic strokes and further investigation is warranted.
Application of a Pyroprobe to Simulate Smoking and Metabolic Degradation of Abused Drugs Through Analytical Pyrolysis*
Authors: Gayton‐Ely Melissa , Shakleya Diaa M. , Bell Suzanne C.
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACT: Smoking of illicit drugs can produce unique metabolic biomarkers. Smoking conditions can be partially modeled via pyrolysis, a process that decomposes a chemical compound by extreme heat. Pyrolytic decomposition was found to be useful as a limited metabolic mimic in that analytical pyrolysis can be used to generate some of the same compounds produced by metabolic degradation. This project focused on the pyrolysis of cocaine and methamphetamine using a pyroprobe coupled with a GC/MS and more generally, potential applications of pyrolysis to forensic toxicology. Common diluents including lidocaine, caffeine, and benzocaine were pyrolyzed in mixtures with cocaine and methamphetamine. Correlations between pyrolytic and metabolic degradations revealed that this method has the capability to produce some of the reported metabolites such as norcocaine and cocaethylene for cocaine, and amphetamine for methamphetamine. The results demonstrate that analytical pyrolysis has the potential to identify some metabolic products and to supplement in vivo and enzymatic studies.
Coronary Calcification in Body Builders Using Anabolic Steroids
Authors: Santora Lawrence J. , Marin Jairo , Vangrow Jack , Minegar Craig , Robinson Mary , Mora Janet , Frieds Gerald
Published: January 2007

The authors measured coronary artery calcification as a means of examining the impact of anabolic steroids on the development of atherosclerotic disease in body builders using anabolic steroids over an extended period of time. Fourteen male professional body builders with no history of cardiovascular disease were evaluated for coronary artery calcium, serum lipids, left ventricular function, and exercise‐induced myocardial ischemia. Seven subjects had coronary artery calcium, with a much higher than expected mean score of 98. Six of the 7 calcium scores were>90th percentile. Mean total cholesterol was 192 mg/dL, while mean high‐density lipoprotein was 23 mg/dL and the mean ratio of total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein was 8.3. Left ventricular ejection fraction ranged between 49$ and 68$, with a mean of 59$. No subject had evidence of myocardial ischemia. This small group of professional body builders with a long history of steroid abuse had high levels of coronary artery calcium for age. The authors conclude that in this small pilot study there is an association between early coronary artery calcium and long‐term steroid abuse. Large‐scale studies are warranted to further explore this association.
Involvement of the Pancreatic Renin‐Angiotensin System in Insulin Resistance and the Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Leung Po Sing , De Gasparo Marc
Published: February 2007

The cardiometabolic syndrome consists of several major components: hypertension, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia. Central to this syndrome are insulin resistance and generation of reactive oxygen species; these features are particularly prominent in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this context, large clinical trials have shown that blockade of the renin‐angiotensin system (RAS) is protective against type 2 diabetes. In spite of these solid clinical data, the mechanistic pathways by which RAS blockade achieves these protective effects have yet to be resolved. A recently identified local pancreatic islet RAS has, however, been implicated in this regard. Furthermore, RAS blockade was recently shown to enhance islet blood flow, oxygen tension, and insulin biosynthesis, thus improving β‐cell function and glucose tolerance. Meanwhile, RAS activation may also influence islet cell inflammatory responses, apoptosis, fibrosis, and superoxide anion production. This RAS‐associated oxidative stress can induce islet cell dysfunction in the pancreas and insulin resistance in peripheral tissues.
Metabolic Syndrome and Coronary Heart Disease Equivalent Conditions in Predicting Cardiovascular Events in Young to Middle‐Aged Adults
Authors: Akosah Kwame O. , McHugh Vicki L. , Mathiason Michelle A. , Kulkarni Amit , Barnhart Sharon I.
Published: February 2007

There are questions concerning the validity of the metabolic syndrome as a diagnostic entity and whether the syndrome predicts coronary heart disease (CHD) better than global risk stratification. The use of the metabolic syndrome as a potential adjunct to improve global risk stratification has received less attention. The authors evaluated the relationship between the metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease compared with coronary heart disease equivalent. Two hundred thirty‐six subjects undergoing elective coronary angiography had bilateral carotid ultrasound studies and global risk scores calculated. Mean total, low‐density lipoprotein, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride values were normal. The metabolic syndrome was associated with carotid atherosclerosis (odds ratio, 2.3; confidence interval, 1.2–4.2), coronary disease (odds ratio, 2.9; confidence interval, 1.6–5.4), and future cardiovascular events. Rates for future events and coronary and carotid atherosclerosis were similar for subjects with the metabolic syndrome compared with coronary heart disease equivalent. Combined, the two conditions identified 70% of subjects who developed events. The metabolic syndrome is associated with cardiovascular disease and provides additive information to clinical risk stratification.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Effects of Smokeless Tobacco
Authors: Arabi Ziad
Published: February 2007

The nation's largest cigarette companies are selling more smokeless tobacco (ST) products as more cities and states pass smoke‐free laws. ST use is already common and is expected to get more popular as a result of these recent changes. Unfortunately, the medical and public knowledge of its risks is inadequate. The literature on the cardiovascular side effects of ST is scant, and there are many controversies associated with its use, for various reasons. Study findings show that ST may modestly increase cardiovascular mortality and produces transient changes in heart rate and blood pressure; however, it does not increase the risk of atherosclerosis or myocardial infarction. The association between ST and diabetes, lipoproteins, and stroke is less clear. Quitting ST causes weight gain, but less so than smoking. Although ST appears to be associated with less cardiovascular risk than smoking, nicotine replacement therapy is a safer and more controlled substitute for smoking than ST; however, ST can be considered in high‐risk smokers in whom medicinal nicotine replacement therapy has failed.
Interparental Relations, Maternal Employment, and Fathering in Mexican American Families
Authors: Formoso Diana , Gonzales Nancy A. , Barrera Manuel , Dumka Larry E.
Published: January 2007

This study examined independent and interactive relations between the interparental relationship and maternal employment in predicting fathering within low‐income, Mexican American two‐parent families (N = 115). Interparental conflict was negatively related to quality fathering, and these relations were noted only for single‐earner families. The parenting alliance was positively related to quality fathering irrespective of maternal employment. Fathering was associated with lower levels of child depression and conduct problems. Results suggest that bolstering quality fathering is a useful avenue for improving child well‐being and that strengthening the interparental relationship can support quality fathering and child mental health within Mexican American families.
Extended Family Integration Among Euro and Mexican Americans: Ethnicity, Gender, and Class
Authors: Sarkisian Natalia , Gerena Mariana , Gerstel Naomi
Published: January 2007

This article compares the extended family integration of Euro and Mexican American women and men and assesses the importance of class and culture in explaining ethnic differences. Using National Survey of Families and Households II data (N = 7,929), we find that ethnic differences depend on the dimension of integration. Mexican Americans exhibit higher rates of kin coresidence and proximity, but lower rates of financial support than Euro Americans. Two additional differences exist only among women: Mexican American women are more likely than Euro American women to give household or child care help. As to the explanation for these differences, social class is the key factor; cultural variables have little effect. Our findings support a theoretical framework attending to intersections among ethnicity, gender, and class.
Generalizability of Gottman and Colleagues’ Affective Process Models of Couples’ Relationship Outcomes
Authors: Kim Hyoun K , Capaldi Deborah M , Crosby Lynn
Published: January 2007

The generalizability of the affective process models of J. M. Gottman et al. (1998) was examined using a community‐based sample of 85 married or cohabiting couples with at‐risk backgrounds. Predictive associations between affective processes assessed at about age 21 years and relationship status and satisfaction assessed approximately 2.5 years later were examined. The major findings of Gottman et al. failed to replicate. In particular, men’s rejection of their partners’ influence, the lack of men’s de‐escalation of partners’ negative affect, and women’s negative start‐up were not predictive of relationship status. Further, differences in affective processes were found when comparing discussion sessions of the men’s versus the women’s chosen topics. The findings suggested that the validity and utility of the affective process models need further investigation.
Making the Best of a Bad Situation: Material Resources and Teenage Parenthood
Authors: Mollborn Stefanie
Published: January 2007

Past research has largely ignored the influence of material resources on teenage parents’ life outcomes. A lack of resources such as housing, child care, and financial support is hypothesized to explain the negative effect of teenage parenthood on educational attainment. Regression analyses use nationally representative data from the 1988 – 2000 National Education Longitudinal Study (N = 8,432, n = 356 teenage parents). Results support the hypothesis completely for the teenage fathers in the sample and partially for mothers: Resources substantially diminish the educational penalty teenage parents paid by age 26. Gender influences which types of resources are protective, providing policy implications. Help with child care is critical for teenage mothers, whereas housing and financial resources may be important for men.
The Well‐Being of Children Born to Teen Mothers
Authors: Levine Judith A. , Emery Clifton R. , Pollack Harold
Published: January 2007

Children born to early child bearers are more likely than other children to display problem behaviors or poor academic performance, but it is unclear whether early childbearing plays a causal role in these outcomes. Using multiple techniques to control for background factors, we analyze 2,908 young children and 1,736 adolescents and young adults in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY79) and the NLSY79 Children and Young Adults (CNLSY79) data sets to examine whether early childbearing causes children’s outcomes. We find evidence that teen childbearing plays no causal role in children’s test scores and in some behavioral outcomes of adolescents. For other behavioral outcomes, we find that different methodologies produce differing results. We thus suggest caution in drawing conclusions about early parenthood’s overarching effect.
Shift Work, Role Overload, and the Transition to Parenthood
Authors: Perry‐Jenkins Maureen , Goldberg Abbie E. , Pierce Courtney P. , Sayer Aline G.
Published: January 2007

This article examines how the work hours, work schedules, and role overload of working‐class couples are related to depressive symptoms and relationship conflict across the transition to parenthood. Data are from 132 dual‐earner couples interviewed 5 times across the transition. Multilevel modeling analyses revealed that working evening or night shifts, as opposed to day shifts, was related to higher levels of depressive symptoms. For mothers only, working rotating shifts predicted relationship conflict. Increases in role overload were positively related to both depression and conflict; working a nonday shift explained variance in depression and conflict above and beyond role overload. Results suggest that for new parents, working nonday shifts may be a risk factor for depressive symptoms and relationship conflict.
Nonstandard Schedules and Young Children’s Behavioral Outcomes Among Working Low‐Income Families
Authors: Joshi Pamela , Bogen Karen
Published: January 2007

This article focuses on how maternal employment in nonstandard schedules at night, on the weekends, or that rotate on a weekly basis influence preschoolers’ behavioral outcomes. Examining low‐income working mothers and their children aged 2 – 4 years from the Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three‐City Study (N= 206), we find that maternal nonstandard schedules are associated with negative behavioral outcomes for young children. There is some evidence that the negative effects of nonstandard schedules on behavior problems operate indirectly through increased parenting stress. Moderating influences of child gender and family composition are also detected. These findings are consistent with the small number of studies demonstrating the negative effects of nonstandard schedules on children of varying ages.
Proximity and Contacts Between Older Parents and Their Children: A European Comparison
Authors: Hank Karsten
Published: January 2007

Using data from the 2004 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, this article continues and extends recent cross‐national research on proximity and contacts of older parents to their children. In addition to a brief description of the geography of families in 10 continental European countries, determinants of intergenerational proximity and contacts are examined. Even when microlevel factors are controlled for, the Mediterranean peoples continue to exhibit closer family relations than their northern counterparts. I also find noteworthy systematic differences in the effects of some explanatory variables between traditionally weak‐ and strong‐family countries. When looking at the contemporary European picture as a whole, I find no indication for a decline of intergenerational relations.
Gender Dynamics in Stepfamilies: Adult Stepchildren’s Views
Authors: Schmeeckle Maria
Published: January 2007

This project explores gender relations in stepfamilies from the vantage point of adult stepchildren who acquired stepparents during childhood. Drawing from 2 rounds of interviews with 15 adult stepchildren systematically selected from the 1997 wave of the University of Southern California Longitudinal Study of Generations, 5 themes of gender dynamics in these families were identified. These were as follows: the persistence of traditional gender practices in the parenting and stepparenting of children, stepmothers as kinkeepers, the renegotiation of relationships with biological fathers once children reached adulthood, parents and stepparents as relationship gatekeepers, and gendered patterns in investment toward biological children and stepchildren. The results provided strong evidence that relationships in these stepfamilies were significantly affected by gendered social practices.
Timing Preferences for Women’s Family‐Life Transitions: Intergenerational Transmission Among Migrants and Dutch
Authors: De Valk Helga A. G. , Liefbroer Aart C.
Published: January 2007

This study examines the transmission of preferences regarding the timing of family‐life transitions of women among migrant and native Dutch families. We study how and to what extent parental preferences, migrant origin, and family characteristics affect the child’s timing preferences. We use parent and child data (N= 1,290) from the Netherlands Kinship Panel Study (2002, 2003) and the Social Position and Provisions Ethnic Minorities Survey (2002). Regression analyses reveal that parental timing preferences regarding family‐life transitions are strongly associated with the timing preferences of their children. Analyses also show that these preferences strongly vary by migrant origin, educational level, and religious involvement. The process of intergenerational transmission, however, is found to be very similar among migrants and Dutch.
The Treatment of Relationship Status in Research on Dating and Mate Selection
Authors: Surra Catherine A , Boettcher‐Burke Tyfany M. J. , Cottle Nathan R. , West Adam R. , Gray Christine R.
Published: January 2007

The relationship status of study participants (e.g., daters, cohabitors, marrieds, or unmarrieds) has implications for understanding dating and mate selection. Procedures used in studies may blur or ignore status distinctions. The authors examined methods used in 791 studies published from 1991 – 2001. Most commonly, status of participants is unspecified, and different statuses are collapsed for analysis. Status of participants is associated with recruitment method, and type (e.g., romantic, friendship) and form (e.g., perceived, current) of relationship measured. Unspecified samples are associated with research on the topics of universal properties or causal conditions, and specified samples with mate selection. The connection between status and topic is becoming more blurred over time. Recommendations for studying and reporting status are provided.
Maternal Cohabitation and Child Well‐Being Among Kindergarten Children
Authors: Artis Julie E.
Published: January 2007

Using data collected from 10,511 kindergarten children and their parents from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study—Kindergarten Cohort, this study examines child well‐being across cohabiting 2‐biological‐parent families; cohabiting stepfamilies; married stepfamilies; and married 2‐biological‐parent families. Findings indicate no differences in child well‐being for children living in cohabiting stepfamilies and cohabiting 2‐biological‐parent families. Multivariate models controlling for child characteristics, economic resources, maternal depressive symptoms, stability, and parenting practices show no significant differences across family types in child well‐being indicators, with the exception of reading skills. Important factors in explaining the link between cohabitation and child well‐being include economic resources, maternal depressive symptoms, and parenting practices.
More Kin, Less Support: Multipartnered Fertility and Perceived Support Among Mothers
Authors: Harknett Kristen , Knab Jean
Published: January 2007

Recent research has documented the high prevalence of having children with more than 1 partner, termed multipartnered fertility. Because childbearing is an important mechanism for building kin networks, we theorize that multipartnered fertility will influence the availability of social support for mothers. Analyzing 3 waves of data from the Fragile Families study (N = 12,259), we find that multipartnered fertility is negatively associated with the availability of financial, housing, and child‐care support. Our longitudinal evidence suggests a bidirectional relationship in which multipartnered fertility reduces the availability of support, and the availability of support inhibits multipartnered fertility. We conclude that smaller and denser kin networks seem to be superior to broader, but weaker kin ties in terms of perceived instrumental support.
Parents’ Expectations About Childrearing After Divorce: Does Anticipating Difficulty Deter Divorce?
Authors: Poortman Anne‐Rigt , Seltzer Judith A.
Published: January 2007

Divorce is costly for parents because of the challenges of meeting children’s economic and socioemotional needs after separation. Using the National Survey of Families and Households (N= 1,935), we investigate whether expected economic and parenting costs deter divorce. Mothers expect higher economic costs than fathers, whereas fathers expect more parenting difficulties. Most parents, however, expect high economic and parenting costs. In a large minority of families, mothers and fathers differ in their expected costs. Parenting costs deter divorce, but economic costs do not once other family characteristics are controlled. When parents disagree, mothers’ parenting concerns are a greater barrier to divorce than fathers’ concerns. Finally, parenting costs are a greater barrier to divorce for unhappy than happy couples.
The two N‐glycans present on bovine Pofut1 are differently involved in its solubility and activity
Authors: Loriol Céline , Audfray Aymeric , Dupuy Fabrice , Germot Agnès , Maftah Abderrahman
Published: January 2007

O‐Fucosylation is a post‐translational glycosylation in which an O‐fucose is covalently attached to the hydroxyl group of a specific serine or threonine residue. This modification occurs within the consensus sequence C2X4−5(S/T)C3 present on epidermal growth factor‐like repeats of several proteins, including the Notch receptors and their ligands. The enzyme responsible for the addition of O‐fucose to epidermal growth factor‐like repeats is protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1. Protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1‐mediated O‐fucosylation is essential in Notch signaling, folding and targeting to the cell surface. Here, we studied the expression pattern of protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1 in cattle and showed that the active enzyme is present in all tissues examined from embryo and adult as a glycoprotein with two N‐glycans. By comparing protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1 sequences available in databases, we observed that mammalian protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1 enzymes possess two putative N‐glycosylation sites, and that only the first is conserved among bilaterians. To gain more insight regarding the significance of N‐glycans on protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1, we substituted, by site‐directed mutagenesis, bovine protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1 N65, N163 or both, with L or Q. We demonstrated that the loss of N‐glycan on N163 caused a slight decrease in protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1 activity. In contrast, glycosylation of N65 was crucial for protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1 functionality. Loss of glycosylation at N65 resulted in aggregation of protein O‐fucosyltransferase 1, suggesting that N‐glycosylation at this site is essential for proper folding of the enzyme.
Substrate specificity of the human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase UGT2B4 and UGT2B7
Authors: Barre Lydia , Fournel‐Gigleux Sylvie , Finel Moshe , Netter Patrick , Magdalou Jacques , Ouzzine Mohamed
Published: January 2007

The human UDP‐glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) isoforms UGT2B4 and UGT2B7 play a major role in the detoxification of bile acids, steroids and phenols. These two isoforms present distinct but overlapping substrate specificity, sharing common substrates such as the bile acid hyodeoxycholic acid (HDCA) and catechol‐estrogens. Here, we show that in UGT2B4, substitution of phenylalanine 33 by leucine suppressed the activity towards HDCA, and impaired the glucuronidation of several substrates, including 4‐hydroxyestrone and 17‐epiestriol. On the other hand, the substrate specificity of the mutant UGT2B4F33Y, in which phenylalanine was replaced by tyrosine, as found at position 33 of UGT2B7, was similar to wild‐type UGT2B4. In the case of UGT2B7, replacement of tyrosine 33 by leucine strongly reduced the activity towards all the tested substrates, with the exception of 17‐epiestriol. In contrast, mutation of tyrosine 33 by phenylalanine exhibited similar or even somewhat higher activities than wild‐type UGT2B7. Hence, the results strongly indicated that the presence of an aromatic residue at position 33 is important for the activity and substrate specificity of both UGT2B4 and UGT2B7.
Identification and characterization of multiple species of tenascin‐X in human serum
Authors: Egging D. F. , Peeters A. C. T. M. , Grebenchtchikov N. , Geurts‐Moespot A. , Sweep C. G. J. , den Heijer M. , Schalkwijk J.
Published: January 2007

We analysed the diversity of tenascin‐X (TNX) species in serum and studied parameters that could affect determination of TNX levels in serum. Using western blot analysis we identified at least seven distinct TNX species, ranging from 75 kDa to the presumably full‐length 450 kDa form. Purification of serum TNX followed by sequence analysis positively identified two major TNX species of 75 and 140 kDa. We found that serum TNX binds to tropoelastin but not to fibrillar collagens. We conclude that serum TNX is composed of distinct molecular species that retain functional activity.
Copper is required for prion protein‐associated superoxide dismutase‐l activity in Pichia pastoris
Authors: Treiber Carina , Pipkorn Rüdiger , Weise Christoph , Holland Gudrun , Multhaup Gerd
Published: January 2007

The prion protein (PrP) is the key protein implicated in transmissible spongiform encephalopathies. It is a metalloprotein that binds manganese and copper. The latter is involved in the physiological function of the protein. We have previously found that PrP expression in Pichia pastoris affects intracellular metal ion concentrations and that formation of protease‐resistant PrP is induced by additional copper and/or manganese. In this study, we show that heterologously expressed PrP is post‐translationally modified and transported to the cell wall. We found by combining three different test systems that PrP itself had gained superoxide dismutase‐like activity in P. pastoris. However, this activity could not be inhibited by KCN and depended on additional copper in the medium. Thus, this study defines the conditions under which PrP exhibits superoxide dismutase‐like activity by showing that copper must be present for the protein to participate in scavenging and detoxification of reactive oxygen species.
A novel HLA‐A2 variant, A*9203, identified by sequence‐based typing
Authors: Chu C.‐C. , Lee H.‐L. , Lin M.
Published: February 2007

HLA‐A*9203, found in Taiwan using sequence‐based typing method, was identical to HLA‐A*0207 in exon 3 but differed in exon 2 by five nucleotide substitutions at positions 240–282 corresponding to three amino acid changes at codons 62, 66 and 70. Since this substitution motif is also seen in A*11 and A*03, it is likely that a gene conversion event from A*11 or A*03 to a A*0207 backbone may have been the process used in generating HLA‐A*9203.
EFFECTS OF COMBINED WATER COOKING–VACUUM COOLING WITH WATER ON PROCESSING TIME, MASS LOSS AND QUALITY OF LARGE PORK HAM
Authors: CHENG QIAOFEN , SUN DA‐WEN
Published: January 2007

The catering system of pork ham is normally a cook–chill system, which is based on the full cooking of pork ham followed by chilling. In order to obtain large pork ham with high quality and safety, a novel method was developed in this work, i.e., combined water cooking–vacuum cooling with water (immersion vacuum cooling) (WC+VW). The effects of WC+VW on processing time, mass loss and quality of large pork ham were evaluated by comparing them with those of four traditional pork ham processing methods, i.e., dry air cooking combined with air blast cooling (DAC+AB), dry air cooking combined with cold room cooling (DAC+CR), wet air cooking combined with air blast cooling (WAC+AB) and wet air cooking combined with cold room cooling (WAC+CR). WC+VW achieved the shortest processing time, resulting from the shortest time of vacuum cooling with water (308.0 min). Furthermore, present results showed that WC+VW could produce mass loss and quality of large pork ham comparable to those of the four traditional processing methods.
INFLUENCE OF GUMS ON DOUGH PROPERTIES AND FLAT BREAD QUALITY OF TWO PERSIAN WHEAT VARIETIES
Authors: TAVAKOLIPOUR HAMID , KALBASI‐ASHTARI AHMAD
Published: January 2007

The effects of separate mixing of two hydrocolloids carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC) at 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5% levels with Sardary and Sorkheh wheat flours (two native Persian varieties) were studied. Chemical and rheological (Farinograph and Extensograph) tests, staling and sensory evaluations were performed on the two flours, their dough and the resulting Lavash flat bread, respectively. On the basis of split‐plot experiment in a complete random design and using the Duncan's multiple range tests, the data were evaluated and the average of replicates was compared at the statistical level of 1% (α = 0.01). Although the CMC and HPMC gums enhanced significantly the dough quality of the two wheat varieties by increasing water absorption and reducing resistances after 90 and 135 min (compared with control), the effect of HPMC was more pronounced than CMC. Anti‐staling properties of HPMC were better than CMC, especially for Sardary flour. Separate addition of 0.5% CMC and HPMC gums to Sorkheh and Sardary flours significantly delayed the staling process of the resulting Lavash bread by more than 45 and 42%, respectively. Additionally, sensory evaluation scores of the Lavash bread made from either Sorkheh flour containing 0.3% CMC or HPMC or Sardary flour containing 0.5% HPMC were 50 and 120% higher than control bread samples, respectively.
MODEL OF MICROBIAL GROWTH ON FRESH‐CUT LETTUCE TREATED WITH CHLORINATED WATER DURING STORAGE UNDER DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES
Authors: LU ZHAOXIN , ZHANG LIKUI , LU FENXIA , BIE XIAOMEI , YU ZHIFANG
Published: January 2007

Various Gompertz models of the growth of bacteria on fresh‐cut lettuce were established in order to predict the shelf life of fresh‐cut lettuce untreated and treated with chlorinated water in storage under different temperatures. The sensory quality of fresh‐cut lettuce treated with water containing 75 µg/L of available chlorine was also examined during storage at 0, 4 and 25C, respectively. Bacteria growth on fresh‐cut lettuce in storage was analyzed to evaluate the effect of temperature, and the established model of predictive bacteria growth on fresh‐cut lettuce fitted the Gompertz modified model best. The lag timeλ, the asymptote A and maximum specific growth rateμmof the bacteria were calculated, according to Gompertz models. The value ofμmandAat 0C were lower than that at 4 and 25C, and the lag time was longer at a low temperature than at a higher temperature, indicating that the lower the storage temperature, the slower the growth of bacteria on lettuce, and the smaller the maximum bacteria number reached on the lettuce. The efficacy of preservation of fresh‐cut lettuce treated with chlorinated water was significantly better than that of nontreated lettuce under the same storage temperature. It was found that the final bacteria number predicted (S) on lettuce treated with chlorinated water was lower than that on nontreated lettuce, and that the higher the storage temperature, the higher the final bacteria number predicted (S). The established growth models at different temperature were able to predict the shelf life of fresh‐cut lettuce.
EFFECTS OF OHMIC PRETREATMENT ON OIL UPTAKE OF POTATO SLICES DURING FRYING AND SUBSEQUENT COOLING
Authors: SALENGKE S. , SASTRY S.K.
Published: January 2007

The effect of ohmic pretreatment on the oil uptake of potato slices during frying and subsequent cooling was investigated. The treated potato slices were heated by either directly sandwiching the slices between two electrodes or by heating them in a 0.11% salt solution. The treatment was carried out using an alternating current field of 35.5 V/cm. Results of this study indicate that oil uptake during frying and subsequent cooling of potato slices was decreased by the ohmic pretreatment without involving a liquid medium (direct sandwiching). However, when the ohmic pretreatment was carried out in a liquid medium, the effect was not evident. This might be due to water absorption during the treatment, which increased initial moisture content as well as porosity of the treated samples.
CARBON SOURCES AND THEIR EFFECT ON GROWTH, ACETIC ACID AND ETHANOL PRODUCTION BY BRETTANOMYCES BRUXELLENSIS IN BATCH CULTURE
Authors: USCANGA M.G. AGUILAR , ABARCA B.I. ESCUDERO , RODRIGUEZ J. GOMEZ , GARCIA R. CORTES
Published: January 2007

The influence of available low‐cost carbohydrates as carbon sources on Brettanomyces bruxellensis growth, acetic acid and ethanol production was studied in order to ascertain the viability of this yeast to eventually become an industrial acetic acid producer. Six different raw materials were included as carbon sources (glucose, sugarcane molasses, refined cane sugar, pineapple, sugarcane and beet juices). B. bruxellensis develops in a complex culture medium like plant juices and sugarcane molasses better than in a medium with a simple carbohydrate such as glucose. The maximum acid acetic yield (0.24 g/g) and productivity (0.14 g/L/h) were attained in tests carried out with sugarcane molasses containing 60 g/L sucrose. The strain produced low levels of ethanol in a refined sugarcane medium, but was able to produce a substantial quantity of acetic acid (13 g/L).
HYDRATION KINETICS OF LUPIN (LUPINUS ALBUS) SEEDS
Authors: SOLOMON W.K.
Published: January 2007

The hydration kinetics of lupin (Lupinus albus) seeds was studied by soaking in water at temperatures of 20, 30, 40 and 50C (±1C) in constant‐temperature water bath for 9 to 12 h. The weight gain due to the hydration process was determined in terms of moisture content (% dry basis). Water absorption rate was high at the early stage of hydration (20–60 min depending on temperature) followed by a decreased rate and finally approaching equilibrium condition. Peleg's equation adequately described the hydration characteristics of lupin seeds under the experimental condition (R2 = 0.96 to 0.99). The Peleg rate constant k1 decreased from 2.537 to 0.241 min/%, while Peleg capacity constant k2 increased from 0.0036 to 0.0070/% significantly (P < 0.05) with an increase in temperature from 20 to 50C, demonstrating that the water absorption rate increased and water absorption capacity decreased with increase in temperature. The temperature dependence of k1 and k2 was described by Arrhenius type equation with R2 values of 0.98 and 0.97, respectively, and activation energy of 60.44 kJ/mol. The agreement between experimental and estimated values of the hydration data (R2 = 0.97 to 0.99) confirmed that Peleg's equation could be used to describe the hydration characteristics of lupin seeds under the experimental conditions considered.
STUDY ON IMPROVEMENT OF THE QUALITY IN CHINESE NEW‐TYPE LIQUOR BY PERVAPORATION WITH POLYDIMETHYLSILOXANE MEMBRANE
Authors: SHI ER , HUANG WEI‐XING , XIAO ZE‐YI , TANG XIAO‐YU , XU RONG‐QIANG , ZENG FAN‐JUN
Published: January 2007

A composite polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) membrane was used to separate aroma compounds from Chinese new‐type liquor by pervaporation at 30, 35 and 40C and 10‐mmHg downstream pressure. The gas chromatography analysis of aroma compounds in the retentate and permeate showed that PDMS membrane had excellent separation performance. Separation efficiencies for five kinds of esters (except ethyl lactate) and acetal in the original liquor are 100%, over 70% for alcohols (except methanol) and above 87% for aldehyde. The average flux for ethanol reached 3,539 g/m2 · h at 40C. Sensory analysis of the separated ingredients indicates that the sensory quality of the new liquor was significantly superior to that of the original liquor. Experiments suggest that pervaporation is a promising technique for the improvement of Chinese new‐type liquor in terms of its flavor.
NONCONTACT TEMPERATURE MONITORING OF A PELLETING PROCESS USING INFRARED THERMOGRAPHY
Authors: SALAS‐BRINGAS C. , JEKSRUD W.K. , LEKANG O.‐I. , SCHÜLLER R.B.
Published: January 2007

Contact methods are commonly used to determine temperature during food and feed manufacturing processes. This may, however, result in incorrect temperature measurements, because many food and feed materials easily agglomerate around the thermowell tip of the sensors, decreasing their time response; also, it is difficult to measure temperature from moving objects using contact methods. This article assesses the use of thermography to measure temperature throughout the manufacture of poultry feed. The experiment showed that precaution should be used when the temperature difference, between the meal at the outlet of the conditioner and pellets at the outlet of the pellet press, is associated with the temperature rise across the die. Precaution should also be used when the temperature of the pellets at the outlet of the pellet press is used as the peak temperature during the process. Temperature measurements through infrared emissions require improved instrument design to operate in a dusty, damp, steamy and oily environment.