bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A secondary reflex suppression phase is present in genioglossus but not tensor palatini in response to negative upper airway pressure
Authors: Eckert Danny J. , Saboisky Julian P. , Jordan Amy S. , White David P. , Malhotra Atul
Published: April 2010

On the basis of recent reports, the genioglossus (GG) negative-pressure reflex consists initially of excitation followed by a secondary state-dependent suppression phase. The mechanistic origin and functional role of GG suppression is unknown but has been hypothesized to arise from transient inhibition of respiratory active neurons as a protective reflex to prevent aspiration, as observed in other respiratory muscles (e.g., diaphragm) during airway occlusion. Unlike GG, tensor palatini (TP) is a tonic muscle with minimal respiratory phasic activation during relaxed breathing, although both muscles are important in preserving pharyngeal patency. This study aimed to compare GG vs. TP reflex responses to the same negative-pressure stimulus. We hypothesized that reflex suppression would be present in GG, but not TP. Intramuscular GG and TP EMGs were recorded in 12 awake, healthy subjects (6 female). Reflex responses were generated via 250-ms pulses of negative upper airway pressure (approximately −16 cmH2O mask pressure) delivered in early inspiration. GG and TP demonstrated reflex activation in response to negative pressure (peak latency 31 ± 4 vs. 31 ± 6 ms and peak amplitude 318 ± 55 vs. 314 ± 26% baseline, respectively). A secondary suppression phase was present in 8 of 12 subjects for GG (nadir latency 54 ± 7 ms, nadir amplitude 64 ± 6% baseline), but not in any subject for TP. These data provide further support for the presence of excitatory and inhibitory components of GG (phasic muscle) in response to brief upper airway negative-pressure pulses. Conversely, no reflex suppression below baseline was present in TP (tonic muscle) in response to the same stimuli. These differential responses support the hypothesis that GG reflex suppression may be mediated via inhibition of respiratory-related premotor input.
Rituximab in Childhood Pemphigus Vulgaris: A Long-Term Follow-Up Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Fuertes Irene , Guilabert Antonio , Mascaró, Jr. Jose Manuel , Iranzo Pilar
Published: April 2010

Pemphigus vulgaris is an infrequent but life-threatening autoimmune blistering disease that is rare in the pediatric age. Although the mainstay of therapy for childhood pemphigus vulgaris (CPV) is steroids, adjuvant immunosuppressive drugs are often needed to control the disease. Thus, an important part of CPV morbidity can be related to treatment. We report the youngest CPV patient described in the English literature, an 18-month-old boy, who has been followed up for 16 years. During this period, the patient has received several immunosuppressive therapies with variable response. He has finally achieved a long-lasting and complete remission with rituximab. Successful treatment with rituximab has previously been reported in 6 cases of CPV, in whom rituximab presented a good side effect profile. Our patient has experienced a chronic and severe clinical course with multiple flares eventually developing vegetative lesions. Since he presented refractoriness to multiple therapies, we administered rituximab. The introduction of this drug led to a dramatic clinical response and a long-term clinical remission. Based on the experience of this case and the data reported in the literature, we believe that rituximab may be a safe and efficacious agent for the treatment of severe CPV.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa Complicating Naevus Comedonicus: The Possible Influence of Mechanical Stress on the Development of Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Authors: Dufour Deirdre Nathalie , Bryld Lars Erik , Jemec Gregor B.E.
Published: April 2010

Naevus comedonicus is a rare, benign hamartoma consisting of grouped abnormal hair follicles and, occasionally, associated with other diseases. We describe an infant who developed hidradenitis-like lesions in an inguinal naevus comedonicus following increased mechanical stress on the region. It is speculated that the degree of strain on a hair follicle is increased when its diameter is increased, leading to wall ruptures. We hypothesise that this serendipitous observation provides a model for the way mechanical stress can account for the development of hidradenitis suppurativa in some patients.
Opinions of Children about Participation in Medical Genetic Research
Authors: van der Pal S. , Sozanska B. , Madden D. , Kosmeda A. , Debinska A. , Danielewicz H. , Boznanski A. , Detmar S.
Published: April 2010

Aims: The objective was to evaluate children’s opinions about their participation in a large research project. Methods: Polish children between 6 and 14 years of age completed a questionnaire about their participation in the Polish Gabriel study (which aims to identify genetic and environmental causes of asthma). In total 706 questionnaires were collected. Results: Children’s main motivation for participation was wanting to know whether they were healthy or not. Most children could think of no reasons to reconsider participation. Children aged 6–10 years might reconsider participating because they did not know what was going to happen. A third of the children were not informed by anybody about the study. Especially the youngest children indicated a need for a tailored letter (42%). The youngest children were less often asked for their opinion about participation. All children preferred that both parents and children are asked for consent or assent. Children who were not informed or not asked for their opinion seemed less emotionally involved in the study. Conclusion: While researchers and parents tend to focus their information provision to older children and include them in decision-making, especially the younger children expressed a need for more tailored information and involvement in their participation in research.
The Storage and Use of Biological Tissue Samples from Minors for Research: A Focus Group Study
Authors: Hens K. , Nys H. , Cassiman J.-J. , Dierickx K.
Published: April 2010

Genetic research on pediatric stored tissue samples raises specific ethical questions that differ from those raised when adults are the donors. To investigate opinions on this matter, we conducted 10 focus group discussions. Five focus groups were conducted with adult participants and 5 had teenage participants between 15 and 19 years old. The discussions were analyzed with NVIVO 8 (qualitative research software). We found the following recurrent categories: the requirement that research should not pose any burden on children and that it should benefit other children, the trust people had in the role of parents, the need for information and the growth towards autonomy. Both the adults and teenagers we interviewed thought that the inclusion of tissue samples from minors in research had ethical implications. A major concern was that nontherapeutic research would pose no extra burden on children, which would assume the use of nonintrusive methods of gathering samples and the use of samples that were gathered in a diagnostic context. Participants, however, also understood the necessity of such research. The overall impression was that parents would be the best persons to make decisions on behalf of a small child and that the same parents would engage their children in the decision-making when they grew older. People thought that there was a duty to recontact minors when they reached the age of competence but on a best-effort basis.
Prevalence of Family History of Breast, Colorectal, Prostate, and Lung Cancer in a Population-Based Study
Authors: Mai P.L. , Wideroff L. , Greene M.H. , Graubard B.I.
Published: April 2010

Background: A positive family history is a known risk factor for several cancers; thus, obtaining a thorough family cancer history is essential in cancer risk evaluation and prevention management. Methods: The Family Health Study, a telephone survey in Connecticut, was conducted in 2001. A total of 1,019 participants with demographic information and family cancer history were included in this study. Prevalence of a positive family history of breast, colorectal, prostate, and lung cancer for first- and second-degree relatives was estimated. Logistic regression was used to compare prevalence by demographic factors. Results: A positive family history among first-degree relatives was reported by 10.9% (95% Confidence Interval, CI = 8.8–13.3) of respondents for breast cancer, 5.1% (95% CI = 3.9–6.7) for colorectal cancer, 7.0% (95% CI = 5.2–9.4) for prostate cancer, and 6.4% (95% CI = 4.9–8.3) for lung cancer. The reported prevalence of family history of specific cancers varied by sex, age and race/ethnicity of the respondents. Conclusion: Family history prevalence for 4 of the most common adult solid tumors is substantial and the reported prevalence varied by respondent characteristics. Additional studies are needed to evaluate tools to promote accurate reporting of family history of cancer.
Circulating Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 and Its Binding Protein-3
Authors: Lam Carolyn S.P. , Chen Ming-Huei , Lacey Sean M. , Yang Qiong , Sullivan Lisa M. , Xanthakis Vanessa , Safa Radwan , Smith Holly M. , Peng Xuyang , Sawyer Douglas B. , Vasan Ramachandran S.
Published: April 2010

Objective—

The metabolic and genetic correlates of circulating insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and its main circulating carrier, IGF-1-binding-protein-3 (IGFBP-3), are unclear.

Methods and Results—

We measured serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 concentrations in a sample of the Framingham Heart Study (N=3977, aged 40±9 years, 46% male) and evaluated their relations to cardiovascular risk factors using multivariable regression. Serum IGF-1 was inversely correlated with age, body mass index, total cholesterol, the presence of diabetes, alcohol consumption, and glomerular filtration rate (all
P
<0.01), whereas the ratio of IGF-1:IGFBP-3 was lower in women and inversely related to age, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and alcohol consumption (all
P
<0.0001). Circulating IGF-1 correlated negatively with insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment) (
r
=−0.1;
P
<0.0001) and was lower in participants with more components of the metabolic syndrome (Adult Treatment Panel III criteria) (
P
<0.0001). Additive genetic factors (heritability) accounted for 43% and 39% of the variation of IGF-1 and IGFBP-3, respectively (both
P
<10
−27
).

Conclusion—

Our cross-sectional observations in a large community-based sample link lower circulating IGF-1 to greater metabolic risk burden and underscore substantial genetic influences on IGF-1 concentrations. Prospective studies are warranted to elucidate whether lower IGF-1 concentrations predict greater metabolic risk longitudinally.
Short-Term Stimulation of Calcium-Permeable Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 5–Containing Channels by Oxidized Phospholipids
Authors: AL-Shawaf Eman , Naylor Jacqueline , Taylor Hilary , Riches Kirsten , Milligan Carol J. , O'Regan David , Porter Karen E. , Li Jing , Beech David J.
Published: April 2010

Objective—

To determine whether calcium-permeable channels are targets for the oxidized phospholipids: 1-palmitoyl-2-glutaroyl-phosphatidylcholine (PGPC) and 1-palmitoyl-2-oxovaleroyl-phosphatidylcholine (POVPC).

Methods and Results—

Oxidized phospholipids are key factors in inflammation and associated diseases, including atherosclerosis; however, the initial reception mechanisms for cellular responses to the factors are poorly understood. Low micromolar concentrations of PGPC and POVPC evoked increases in intracellular calcium in human embryonic kidney 293 cells that overexpressed human transient receptor potential canonical 5 (TRPC5) but not human TRP melastatin (TRPM) 2 or 3. The results of electrophysiological experiments confirmed stimulation of TRPC5. To investigate relevance to endogenous channels, we studied proliferating vascular smooth muscle cells from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. PGPC and POVPC elicited calcium entry that was inhibited by anti-TRPC5 or anti-TRPC1 antibodies or dominant-negative mutant TRPC5. Calcium release did not occur. The effect was functionally relevant because it enhanced cell migration. The actions of PGPC and POVPC depended on G
i/o
proteins but not on previously identified G protein–coupled receptors for oxidized phospholipids.

Conclusion—

Stimulation of calcium-permeable TRPC5-containing channels may be an early event in cellular responses to oxidized phospholipids that couples to cell migration and requires an unidentified G protein–coupled receptor.
Spark-Induced Sparks As a Mechanism of Intracellular Calcium Alternans in Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Rovetti Robert , Cui Xiaohua , Garfinkel Alan , Weiss James N. , Qu Zhilin
Published: April 2010

Rationale
:

Intracellular calcium (Ca) alternans has been widely studied in cardiac myocytes and tissue, yet the underlying mechanism remains controversial.

Objective
:

In this study, we used computational modeling and simulation to study how randomly occurring Ca sparks interact collectively to result in whole-cell Ca alternans.

Methods and Results
:

We developed a spatially distributed intracellular Ca cycling model in which Ca release units (CRUs) are locally coupled by Ca diffusion throughout the myoplasm and sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) network. Ca sparks occur randomly in the CRU network when periodically paced with a clamped voltage waveform, but Ca alternans develops as the pacing speeds up. Combining computational simulation with theoretical analysis, we show that Ca alternans emerges as a collective behavior of Ca sparks, determined by 3 critical properties of the CRU network from which Ca sparks arise: “randomness” (of Ca spark activation), “refractoriness” (of a CRU after a Ca spark), and “recruitment” (Ca sparks inducing Ca sparks in adjacent CRUs). We also show that the steep nonlinear relationship between fractional SR Ca release and SR Ca load arises naturally as a collective behavior of Ca sparks, and Ca alternans can occur even when SR Ca is held constant.

Conclusions
:

We present a general theory for the mechanisms of intracellular Ca alternans, which mechanistically links Ca sparks to whole-cell Ca alternans, and is applicable to Ca alternans in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Atheroprone Hemodynamics Regulate Fibronectin Deposition to Create Positive Feedback That Sustains Endothelial Inflammation
Authors: Feaver Ryan E. , Gelfand Bradley D. , Wang Chong , Schwartz Martin A. , Blackman Brett R.
Published: April 2010

Rationale
:

The extracellular matrix protein fibronectin (FN) is focally deposited in regions of atherosclerosis, where it contributes to inflammatory signaling.

Objective
:

To elucidate the mechanism by which FN deposition is regulated by local shear stress patterns, its dependence on platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1 mechanotransduction and the role this pathway plays in sustaining an atheroprone/proinflammatory phenotype.

Methods and Results
:

Human endothelial cells were exposed in vitro to atheroprone or atheroprotective shear stress patterns derived from human carotid arteries. Onset of atheroprotective flow induced a transient increase in FN deposition, whereas atheroprone flow caused a steady increase in FN expression and integrin activation over time, leading to a significant and sustained increase in FN deposition relative to atheroprotective conditions. Comparing FN staining in ApoE
−/−
and ApoE
−/−
PECAM
−/−
mice showed that PECAM-1 was essential for FN accumulation in atheroprone regions of the aortic arch. In vitro, small interfering RNA against PECAM-1 blocked the induction of FN and the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB by atheroprone flow, which was rescued by the addition of exogenous FN. Additionally, blocking NF-κB activation attenuated the flow-induced FN expression. Small interfering RNA against FN significantly reduced NF-κB activity, which was rescued by the addition of exogenous FN.

Conclusions
:

These results indicate that FN gene expression and assembly into matrix fibrils is induced by atheroprone fluid shear stress. This effect is mediated at least in part by the transcription factor NF-κB. Additionally, because FN promotes activation of NF-κB, atheroprone shear stress creates a positive feedback to maintain inflammation.
Short Communication: The Cardiac Myosin Binding Protein C Arg502Trp Mutation
Authors: Saltzman Adam J. , Mancini-DiNardo Debora , Li Chumei , Chung Wendy K. , Ho Carolyn Y. , Hurst Stephanie , Wynn Julia , Care Melanie , Hamilton Robert M. , Seidman Gregor W. , Gorham Joshua , McDonough Barbara , Sparks Elizabeth , Seidman J.G. , Seidman Christine E. , Rehm Heidi L.
Published: April 2010

Rationale
:

The myosin-binding protein C isoform 3 (
MYBPC3
) variant Arg502Trp has been identified in multiple hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) cases, but compelling evidence to support or refute the pathogenicity of this variant is lacking.

Objective
:

To determine the prevalence, origin and clinical significance of the
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp variant.

Methods and Results
:

The prevalence of
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp was ascertained in 1414 sequential HCM patients of primarily European descent.
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp was identified in 34 of these 1414 unrelated HCM patients. Segregation of
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp with clinical status was assessed in family members. Disease haplotypes were examined in 17 families using two loci flanking
MYBPC3
. Family studies identified an additional 43 variant carriers, many with manifest disease, yielding a calculated odds ratio of 11 000:1 for segregation of
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp with HCM. Analyses in 17 families showed at least 4 independent haplotypes flanked
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp. Eight individuals (4 probands and 4 family members) also had another sarcomere protein gene mutation. Major adverse clinical events occurred in approximately 30% of
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp carriers by age 50; these were significantly more likely (
P
<0.0001) when another sarcomere mutation was present.

Conclusions
:

MYBPC3
Arg502Trp is the most common and recurrent pathogenic mutation in a diverse primarily European descent HCM cohort, occurring in 2.4% of patients.
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp conveys a 340-fold increased risk for HCM by 45 years of age, when more than 50% of carriers have overt disease. HCM prognosis worsens when
MYBPC3
Arg502Trp occurs in the setting of another sarcomere protein gene mutation.
Dendritic Cell Function in Transplantation Arteriosclerosis Is Regulated by Heme Oxygenase 1
Authors: Cheng Caroline , Noorderloos M. , van Deel Elza D. , Tempel Dennie , den Dekker Wijnand , Wagtmans Kim , Duncker Dirk J. , Soares Miguel P. , Laman Jon D. , Duckers Henricus J.
Published: April 2010

Rationale
:

Heme oxygenase (HO)1 is an important modulator of physiological function with cytoprotective properties. Although HO1 has previously been associated with an improved survival of the vascular allograft in rat models in response to pharmaceutical induction of HO1 the exact mechanism by which HO1 exerts it protective function remains to be elucidated.

Objective
:

We sought to define the role of HO1 in dendritic cells (DCs) function that governs the alloimmune response underlying the development of transplantation associated vasculopathy.

Methods and Results
:

Loss of HO1 in DCs or by small interfering RNA silencing resulted in major histocompatibility complex class II (MHCII) upregulation by CIITA- driven transcriptional regulation and by STAT1 (signal transducers and activators of transcription 1) phosphorylation. As a result, increased MHCII alloantigen presentation by HO1
−/−
DCs directed the primary T-cell response preferentially toward a CD4
+
T-cell, rather than a CD8
+
T-cell reaction. In a murine model for transplantation arteriosclerosis, adoptive transfer of HO1
−/−
DCs before allograft transplantation was indeed associated with pronounced intragraft CD4
+
T-cell infiltration and increased IgG deposition, suggestive of an accelerated development of vasculopathy toward the chronic phase. The role of HO1 in DC-mediated T cell activation was further validated by inhibition of endogenous HO1 in allograft recipients. Inhibition of HO1 in DCs aggravated transplant arteriosclerosis development, by increasing intima hyperplasia, and by activation of a CD4
+
T cells allograft response, mediated by MHCII upregulation.

Conclusions
:

These findings demonstrate that HO1 plays an important role in the genetic regulation of the vascular alloimmune response elicited by DCs.
Clinical Outcomes in Middle Cerebral Artery Trunk Occlusions Versus Secondary Division Occlusions After Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Shi Zhong-Song , Loh Yince , Walker Gary , Duckwiler Gary R.
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—

The benefit of endovascular revascularization of patients with acute ischemic stroke with middle cerebral artery (MCA) secondary division (M2) occlusions as compared with MCA trunk (M1) occlusions is not known. In this analysis, we compared revascularization status and clinical outcomes in patients with angiographically confirmed MCA M1 versus isolated M2 occlusions treated with mechanical thrombectomy using the Merci Retriever devices.

Methods—

We retrospectively analyzed the pooled data of patients with MCA strokes from the Mechanical Embolus Removal in Cerebral Ischemia (MERCI) and Multi MERCI trials. Patient data were dichotomized into 2 groups: MCA M1 occlusions and isolated M2 occlusions. Baseline characteristics, revascularization rates, hemorrhage rates, complications, outcomes, and mortality were evaluated for both groups.

Results—

Of 178 patients with MCA occlusion treated in the MERCI and Multi MERCI trials, 84.3% had M1 lesions and 15.7% had isolated M2 lesions. Patients with isolated M2 occlusions were revascularized at a higher rate, required a lower mean number of passes, and were associated with a trend toward shorter mean procedure time than patients with M1 occlusions. No statistically significant differences were found between M2 and M1 groups for symptomatic hemorrhage, clinically significant procedural adverse events, favorable 90-day outcome, or 90-day mortality, although in all instances, the M2 outcomes were numerically better than those in M1 subjects. In multivariate analysis, final revascularization was the strongest independent predictor of good outcome at 90 days.

Conclusions—

Patients with both MCA M1 occlusions and isolated M2 occlusions can achieve a relatively high rate of revascularization and favorable clinical outcomes after mechanical thrombectomy. In fact, patients with isolated M2 occlusions had a higher rate of revascularization, required fewer passes, and had no increased complications compared with patients with M1 occlusions.
Lesion Load of the Corticospinal Tract Predicts Motor Impairment in Chronic Stroke
Authors: Zhu Lin L. , Lindenberg Robert , Alexander Michael P. , Schlaug Gottfried
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—

Previous studies have shown motor impairment after a stroke relates to lesion size and location, but unexplained variability in recovery still exists. In this study, we used lesion-mapping techniques in combination with diffusion tensor imaging to quantitatively test the hypothesis that motor recovery in patients with chronic stroke is inversely related to the proportion of the corticospinal tract (CST) affected by the lesion.

Methods—

We studied 50 patients with chronic stroke, all of whom presented with moderate to severe motor impairments in the acute stage, using high-resolution anatomic MRI. We evaluated the degree of motor impairment with the Upper Extremity module of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment. To analyze the relationship between CST damage and impairment scores, we calculated a CST-lesion load for each patient by overlaying the patient’s lesion map with a probabilistic tract derived from diffusion tensor images of age-matched healthy subjects.

Results—

CST-lesion load was a significant predictor of motor deficit. Infarct size, despite correlating with motor scores, did not significantly predict impairment.

Conclusions—

Our results show the degree of functional motor deficit after a stroke is highly dependent on the overlap of the lesion with the CST and not lesion size per se. In the future, automated calculation of CST-lesion load may allow more precise prediction of motor impairment after stroke.
Underestimation of Cognitive Impairment by Mini-Mental State Examination Versus the Montreal Cognitive Assessment in Patients With Transient Ischemic Attack and Stroke
Authors: Pendlebury Sarah T. , Cuthbertson Fiona C. , Welch Sarah J.V. , Mehta Ziyah , Rothwell Peter M.
Published: April 2010

Background and Purpose—

The Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) is insensitive to mild cognitive impairment and executive function. The more recently developed Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), an alternative, brief 30-point global cognitive screen, might pick up more cognitive abnormalities in patients with cerebrovascular disease.

Methods—

In a population-based study (Oxford Vascular Study) of transient ischemic attack and stroke, the MMSE and MoCA were administered to consecutive patients at 6-month or 5-year follow-up. Accepted cutoffs of MMSE <27 and MoCA <26 were taken to indicate cognitive impairment.

Results—

Of 493 patients, 413 (84%) were testable. Untestable patients were older (75.5 versus 69.9 years,
P
<0.001) and often had dysphasia (24%) or dementia (15%). Although MMSE and MoCA scores were highly correlated (
r
2
=0.80,
P
<0.001), MMSE scores were skewed toward higher values, whereas MoCA scores were normally distributed: median and interquartile range 28 (26 to 29) and 23 (20 to 26), respectively. Two hundred ninety-one of 413 (70%) patients had MoCA <26 of whom 162 had MMSE ≥27, whereas only 5 patients had MoCA ≥26 and MMSE <27 (
P
<0.0001). In patients with MMSE ≥27, MoCA <26 was associated with higher Rankin scores (
P
=0.0003) and deficits in delayed recall, abstraction, visuospatial/executive function, and sustained attention.

Conclusion—

The MoCA picked up substantially more cognitive abnormalities after transient ischemic attack and stroke than the MMSE, demonstrating deficits in executive function, attention, and delayed recall.
Reconstructing the Intellectual Discourse of Ancient Yehud
Authors: Ben Zvi Ehud
Published: April 2010

This article deals with ways in which historians may approach the task of reconstructing the intellectual discourse of ancient Yehud, as well as the feasibility of the project as a whole. It shows, in particular, how a comparative study of implied patterns of preference that shaped two sets of works that were separate in time and differentiated by literary genre, namely the prophetic books and the Book of Chronicles, contributes to this task. This article demonstrates that, despite all their differences, both sets of works shared a common, ideological, generative grammar. Certain issues tended to be raised, particular sets of ways of approaching and answering them to be used, and conceptually similar metaphors, and comparable fears and hopes, to shape the imagination of the literati for whom and by whom these books, with all their differences, were composed. This article then discusses the historical implications of this basically shared discourse and the ways in which a background of general discursive similarity makes instances of dissimilarity even more salient. A few examples of the latter are raised.
Facteurs contribuant à l’identité du prêtre de pèlerinage de Prayāga
Authors: Boisvert Mathieu
Published: April 2010

L’objectif premier de notre article est de cerner l’identité des prêtres de pèlerinage de Prayāga (Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, Inde). Cette identité est construite par la perception qu’entretiennent ces prêtres d’eux-mêmes, la perception de cette collectivité par autrui, les différentes fonctions et prescriptions déterminant leurs activités professionnelles, et les rapports qu’ils entretiennent avec les autres groupes sociaux. Nous discuterons de l’endogamie, de l’exclusivité de la profession, du commensalisme, des rites de perfectionnement ainsi que de certains éléments spécifiques au mode de vie des prayāgavāla qui unissent ces derniers aux pèlerins. Le présent article nous mènera à la conclusion que ces prêtres de pèlerinage constituent un groupe social relativement homogène et distinct dont l’identité est toujours fortement ancrée dans un schème traditionnel hindou.
Towards an Interfaith Ministry: Religious Adaptation and Accommodation in the Canadian Forces Chaplaincy
Authors: Benham Rennick Joanne
Published: April 2010

Historically, Canadian Forces Chaplains have demonstrated impressive adaptability in their attempts to remain relevant to the personnel they serve. However, their efforts do not always come without struggle. The struggles they now face are the result of modern forces such as secularization, religious pluralism, the loss of moral consensus, as well as the privatization of religion. As a result, chaplains who serve in the Canadian Forces must be increasingly open to a diversity of religious beliefs among military personnel. This article examines some of the challenges that face the predominantly Christian chaplains as they attempt to meet the spiritual needs of all military personnel regardless of their religious beliefs.
The strategic calculus of terrorism: Substitution and competition in the Israel—Palestine conflict
Authors: Clauset Aaron , Heger Lindsay , Young Maxwell , Gleditsch Kristian Skrede
Published: April 2010

Previous work on the dynamics of conflicts where we see terrorism has tended to focus on whether we see shifts in attack mode following government countermeasures. We contend that many factors other than counterinsurgency can influence whether groups resort to terrorism, including competition between groups, as well as their relationship to public opinion and other political events. Hence, understanding terrorist tactics in prolonged conflicts with multiple actors requires us to consider a more general framework of innovation, imitation, competition and dependence between actors. We use disaggregated data on terrorist attacks, counterterrorism and public opinion in the Israel—Palestine conflict to jointly evaluate predictions derived from several conventional theories of strategic behaviour. We find that the strategic calculus of Palestinian groups is complex and cannot be treated as time invariant. Our results suggest that factors such as the degree of public support, inter-group competition, the anticipation of countermeasures and non-trivial non-violent payoffs have an observable effect on the strategic behaviour of the Palestinian groups, and that structural relationships are often far from constant over time.
The European Union, borders and conflict transformation: The Case of Cyprus
Authors: Christou George
Published: April 2010

Much of the existing literature on the European Union (EU), conflict transformation and border dynamics has been premised on the assumption that the nature of the border determines EU intervention and the consequences that flow from this in terms of EU impact. The article aims to transcend this literature through assessing how domestic interpretations influence EU border transformation in conflict situations, taking Cyprus as a case study. Moreover, the objective is to fuse the literature on EU bordering impact and perceptions of the EU’s normative projection in conflict resolution. Pursuing this line of inquiry is an attempt to depart from the notion of borders being constructed solely by unidirectional EU logics of engagement or bordering practices to a conceptualization of the border as co-constituted space, where the interpretations of the EU’s normative projections by conflict parties, and the strategies that they pursue, can determine the relative openness of the EU border.
Realpolitik and international reaction to non-compliance with Liberal Democratic norms: Comparing EU and US response patterns
Authors: Warkotsch Alexander
Published: April 2010

This article probes the importance of various categories of security and economic concerns in EU and US responses to non-compliance with human rights and democracy norms in third countries. Two research questions guide the analysis. First, what concerns influence the determination of EU and US to respond to non-compliance? Second, to what extent is the EU’s response pattern different from that of the US? In answering these questions, the article uses bi- and multivariate regression analysis that builds on an original dataset of non-compliance events in over 40 target countries. Findings point to the fact that both actors are influenced, in particular, by similar security concerns, above all geographic proximity and threat-posing regimes. The US, however, responds more often and with more costly instruments to non-compliance and therefore seems to be more receptive to such concerns than the EU.
Effects of Area, Height, Elongation, and Color on Perceived Spaciousness
Authors: Stamps Arthur E.
Published: April 2010

This article reports findings from three experiments, covering 46 environments and 66 participants, on how strongly four properties of the physical environment influence perceived spaciousness.The properties were horizontal area, boundary height, elongation, and color. Ten original findings were reported. Overall, horizontal area had the strongest effect on perceived spaciousness ( r = .60; more floor area increases perceived spaciousness), followed by height ( r = —.22; lower boundaries increase perceived spaciousness). The effect of color on perceived spaciousness, when amount of light is controlled, was much smaller ( r = .14). Findings for elongation were different for concave and convex spaces ( r’s of —.22 and +.26). Quantitative syntheses of the current work with previous work are presented, as is numerical guidance for cost-effective future work.
Verbal versus numerical probabilities: Does format presentation of probabilistic information regarding breast cancer screening affect women’s comprehension?
Authors: Vahabi Mandana
Published: April 2010

Objective: To test whether the format in which women receive probabilistic information about breast cancer and mammography affects their comprehension.

Methods: A convenience sample of 180 women received pre-assembled randomized packages containing a breast health information brochure, with probabilities presented in either verbal or numeric format, and four questionnaires. Enclosed questionnaires assessed women’s knowledge of breast health, socio-demographic/ clinical characteristics, comprehension of breast health information brochure and format preference.

Results: Nearly two-thirds of the study participants reported a preference for the numeric format. However, the study results showed that comprehension was significantly higher among women who received probabilistic information in verbal format than those who received the information in numeric format. This higher degree of comprehension was sustained even if the verbal format was inconsistent with the respondents’ format preference, and even if the respondents’ educational background were relatively limited. Women’s comprehension was strongly associated with the interaction between received format and their format preferences as well as their education level and their perceived benefit of early detection of breast cancer.

Conclusion: The study demonstrates that comprehension of information depends on: (1) women’s readiness to receive information; and (2) their education and numeracy skills in processing and interpreting probabilistic information, particularly, when presented in quantitative format. Attention must be paid to these factors when designing or communicating breast health information in order to ensure full comprehension of information, and to avoid any potential discrimination which people may face relating to their poor education or numeracy skills. Systematic investigation into the relationships among readiness, numeracy problems, and format preferences could help build effective guidelines for providing women with appropriate and comprehensible information.
The great boundary crossing: Perceptions on training pharmacists as supplementary prescribers in the UK
Authors: Tann Jennifer , Blenkinsopp Alison , Grime Janet , Evans Amanda
Published: April 2010

Objective: To explore the perceptions of General Medical Practitioners and pharmacist supplementary prescribers of the training provided for qualification as a pharmacist supplementary prescriber, and the experience of pharmacist supplementary prescribers of subsequent continuing professional development in practice.

Design: A qualitative study of pharmacists from the first wave of those trained to become pharmacist supplementary prescribers, comprising interviews, focus groups and documentary analysis of recorded critical incidents.

Setting: The research was conducted in three general practices located in two primary care trusts in the UK Midlands. Each practice had a pharmacist supplementary prescriber. Eight pharmacist supplementary prescribers participated, seven of whom were prescribing, all in a general practice setting.

Method: A practice-specific focus group was held in each of the three general practices. Two focus groups were held for pharmacists and seven pharmacists were interviewed, six of whom provided two or more critical incidents.

Results: Pharmacists were critical of some aspects of the academic training but were unanimous in acknowledging the value of the period of learning in practice and the input of their Designated Medical Practitioner. Learning was recognized by both parties as being reciprocal. Pharmacists’ accounts illustrated a variety of ways in which they undertook continuing professional development, with learning on the job a key component. There was little consensus between General Practitioner partners in two of the practices on the appropriateness of pharmacist supplementary prescribing, discussion focusing on the acquisition of clinical skills. Some partners, particularly those who were Designated Medical Practitioners, saw potential benefits.

Conclusion: The coaching relationship between General Practitioner Designated Medical Practitioners and pharmacists served to embed skills and enhance confidence.The reflection skills gained by the pharmacist supplementary prescribers during their academic learning period appear to be important in their subsequent work-based learning.
Screen-related sedentary behaviours of school-aged children
Authors: He Meizi , Piché Leonard , Beynon Charlene , Kurtz Joanne , Harris Stewart
Published: April 2010

Objective: To solicit school principals’ and teachers’ perspectives on children’s screen-related sedentary behaviour and to identify possible solutions to reduce sedentary behaviours among school-aged children.

Method: In-person interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with school principals and grades five and six classroom teachers in 14 randomly selected elementary schools in London and Middlesex County, Ontario. Fourteen principals and 39 classroom teachers participated in the study. Inductive content analysis was performed independently by two researchers.

Results: Both principals and teachers were very concerned about children’s excessive screen viewing activities, but they did not perceive that they could play a key role in reducing these behaviours. Key barriers were identified to reducing screen-related sedentary behaviour and to children’s active living both at and away from school. They included competing demands from other subjects, limited gym resources/space within the school, a lack of control over the home environment, and a perception that parents were poor role models. Notwithstanding the above barriers, principals and teachers still recommended increasing children’s daily physical activity both within and outside of school hours. Furthermore, they stressed the need for parents to play a key role in reducing their children’s screen-related sedentary behaviours and increasing their level of physical activity.

Conclusion: School principals and teachers were very concerned about excessive screen-related behaviour among school-aged children when away from school and suggested that interventions should emphasize increasing daily physical education, promoting recreational sports at or away from school, and engaging parents in regulating screen time at home.
Evidence of secular changes in physical activity and fitness, but not adiposity and diet, in Welsh 12–13 year olds
Authors: Thomas Non E , Williams DRR , Rowe David A , Davies Bruce , Baker Julien S
Published: April 2010

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate secular trends in selected cardiovascular disease risk factors (namely adiposity, physical activity, physical fitness and diet) in a sample of Welsh 12—13 year olds between 2002 and 2007.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Setting: A secondary school based in South West Wales.

Method: Two studies in 2002 ( n = 71) and 2007 ( n = 83), were compared to evaluate changes in adiposity, physical activity, physical fitness and diet in school children. On both occasions testing was carried out in the same school and using identical procedures.

Results: Between the two time periods, mean adiposity levels remained stable. The percentage of school children who were classified as overweight or obese in 2002 was 39.4 per cent (boys) and 26.3 per cent (girls). In 2007, this was 21.3 per cent and 26.0 per cent respectively. Physical activity and fitness levels improved for boys and girls; however, 80.0 per cent of girls still did not meet the recommended one hour per day of moderate physical activity. For both sexes, there were no significant differences in dietary fat intake between 2002 and 2007 cohorts. Both boys and girls continued to consume a diet that was heavily reliant on foods that were high in saturated fat.

Conclusion: We identified a trend towards increased physical activity among 12—13 year olds but there were no changes in dietary habits or adiposity. The findings indicate that increased physical activity, used in isolation without dietary modification, has no effect on adiposity. This study has demonstrated a need for large-scale studies to better evaluate existing and future initiatives targeting obesity in young people.
Don’t forget the distributor! The importance of field testing draft educational materials with key gatekeepers before production and dissemination
Authors: Flores Alina L , Prue Christine E , Panissidi Paula
Published: April 2010

Objective: This article presents the results of testing draft folic acid educational materials with key gatekeepers, leading to the development of a Spanish-language print advertisement, poster, and radio public service announcement (PSA) aimed at promoting folic acid consumption among 18- to 25-year-old young Latina adults, as well as a Spanish-language print advertisement, poster, brochure, and radio PSA for 26- to 34-year-old Latina mothers.

Design: Individual in-person interviews yielded both qualitative and quantitative data.

Method: In-person interviews with key gatekeepers who work closely with Spanish-speaking Latinas.

Setting: Interviews were conducted in Miami, Florida; Chicago, Illionis; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Denver, Colorado; and San Antonio, Texas, USA.

Results: Overall, the gatekeepers’ ratings of the materials were high. Important concerns that emerged helped guide changes that were made to the materials to ultimately enhance their reach and effectiveness.

Conclusion: Testing draft educational materials with key gatekeepers who work closely with Spanish-speaking Latinas before final development and dissemination is a critical component of an educational outreach effort. Incorporating feedback from these professionals can help enhance the quality of the end product; such feedback can also help researchers assess whether and how the materials will be disseminated.
The Ecology of Human Development: Evolving Models for Cultural Psychology
Authors: Worthman Carol M.
Published: April 2010

The Whiting model aimed to provide a blueprint for psychocultural research by generating testable hypotheses about the dynamic relationships of a culture with the psychology and behavior of its members. This analysis identifies reasons why the model was so effective at generating hypotheses borne out in empirical research, including its foundational insight that integrated nature and nurture, its reconceptualization of the significance of early environments, and its attention to biopsychocultural dynamics active in those environments. Implications and the evolution of the ecological paradigm are tracked through presentations of three current models (developmental niche, ecocultural theory, bioecocultural microniche) and discussion of their related empirical literatures. Findings from these literatures converge to demonstrate the power of a developmental, cultural, ecological framework for explaining within- and between-population variation in cultural psychology.
John and Beatrice Whiting’s Contributions to the Cross-Cultural Study of Human Development: Their Values, Goals, Norms, and Practices
Authors: Weisner Thomas S.
Published: April 2010

The Whiting vision of a holistic, interdisciplinary, cross-cultural understanding of human development continues today. The Whiting team approach had an ethos, core intellectual projects, and ways of working-their practices, norms, goals, and values. The Whitings believed that the cultural learning environment (CLE) is a powerful influence on development, but not the only one. The Whitings asked descriptive, process, causal, and functional questions and worked with international teams on holistic studies of local communities which then were used for comparative studies. They were open to a wide range of theories, used integrated, mixed methods, shared their data, and included local students and researchers as apprentices or colleagues. Their research ethos was egalitarian, pragmatic, and generative. The articles in this special section exemplify the continuing relevance of this model. There are new units of analysis for understanding CLEs in globalizing settings across space and time, new biological measures, and new kinds of reciprocal international team collaborations. New technical aides to measurement are available, such as the use of digital video, the use of new research designs, and a greater concern with policy, practice, and intervention. The conceptual framework of the CLE continues to produce new empirical evidence in the United States, the European Union, and around the world.