bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic Prenatal Hypoxia Induces Epigenetic Programming of PKCε Gene Repression in Rat Hearts
Authors: Patterson Andrew J. , Chen Man , Xue Qin , Xiao Daliao , Zhang Lubo
Published: June 2010

Rationale:

Epidemiological studies demonstrate a clear association of adverse intrauterine environment with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease in adulthood. Hypoxia is a common stress to the fetus and results in decreased protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) expression in the heart and increased cardiac vulnerability to ischemia and reperfusion injury in adult offspring in rats.

Objectives:

The present study tested the hypothesis that fetal hypoxia-induced methylation of cytosine-phosphate-guanine dinucleotides at the PKCε promoter is repressive and contributes to PKCε gene repression in the heart of adult offspring.

Methods and Results:

Hypoxic treatment of pregnant rats from days 15 to 21 of gestation resulted in significant decreases in PKCε protein and mRNA in fetal hearts. Similar results were obtained in ex vivo hypoxic treatment of isolated fetal hearts and rat embryonic ventricular myocyte cell line H9c2. Increased methylation of PKCε promoter at SP1 binding sites, −346 and −268, were demonstrated in both fetal hearts of maternal hypoxia and H9c2 cells treated with 1% O
2
for 24 hours. Whereas hypoxia had no significant effect on the binding affinity of SP1 to the unmethylated sites in H9c2 cells, hearts of fetuses and adult offspring, methylation of both SP1 sites reduced SP1 binding. The addition of 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine blocked the hypoxia-induced increase in methylation of both SP1 binding sites and restored PKCε mRNA and protein to the control levels. In hearts of both fetuses and adult offspring, hypoxia-induced methylation of SP1 sites was significantly greater in males than in females, and decreased PKCε mRNA was seen only in males. In fetal hearts, there was significantly higher abundance of estrogen receptor α and β isoforms in females than in males. Both estrogen receptor α and β interacted with the SP1 binding sites in the fetal heart, which may explain the sex differences in SP1 methylation in the fetal heart. Additionally, selective activation of PKCε restored the hypoxia-induced cardiac vulnerability to ischemic injury in offspring.

Conclusions:

The findings demonstrate a direct effect of hypoxia on epigenetic modification of DNA methylation and programming of cardiac PKCε gene repression in a sex-dependent manner, linking fetal hypoxia and pathophysiological consequences in the hearts of adult offspring.
Off-Label Thrombolysis Is Not Associated With Poor Outcome in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Meretoja Atte , Putaala Jukka , Tatlisumak Turgut , Atula Sari , Artto Ville , Curtze Sami , Häppölä Olli , Lindsberg Perttu J. , Mustanoja Satu , Piironen Katja , Pitkäniemi Janne , Rantanen Kirsi , Sairanen Tiina , Salonen Oili , Silvennoinen Heli , Soinne Lauri , Strbian Daniel , Tiainen Marjaana , Kaste Markku
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Numerous contraindications included in the license of alteplase, most of which are not based on scientific evidence, restrict the portion of patients with acute ischemic stroke eligible for treatment with alteplase. We studied whether off-label thrombolysis was associated with poorer outcome or increased rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage compared with on-label use.

Methods—

All consecutive patients with stroke treated with intravenous thrombolysis from 1995 to 2008 at the Helsinki University Central Hospital were registered (n=1104). After excluding basilar artery occlusions (n=119), the study population included 985 patients. Clinical outcome (modified Rankin Scale 0 to 2 versus 3 to 6) and symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage according to 3 earlier published criteria were analyzed with a logistic regression model adjusting for 21 baseline variables.

Results—

One or more license contraindications to thrombolysis was present in 51% of our patients (n=499). The most common of these were age >80 years (n=159), mild stroke National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <5 (n=129), use of intravenous antihypertensives prior to treatment (n=112), symptom-to-needle time >3 hours (n=95), blood pressure >185/110 mm Hg (n=47), and oral anticoagulation (n=39). Age >80 years was the only contraindication independently associated with poor outcome (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.27 to 3.73) in the multivariate model. None of the contraindications were associated with an increased risk of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage.

Conclusions—

Off-license thrombolysis was not associated with poorer clinical outcome, except for age >80 years, nor with increased rates of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage. The current extensive list of contraindications should be re-evaluated when data from ongoing randomized trials and observational studies become available.
Ecological Analysis of Long-Term Exposure to Ambient Air Pollution and the Incidence of Stroke in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Authors: Johnson Julie Y.M. , Rowe Brian H. , Villeneuve Paul J.
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Long-term air pollution effects on stroke incidence have not been examined extensively. We investigated the associations between ambient pollution and the incidence of stroke, as well as stroke subtypes, in a northern Canadian city surrounded by energy-sector pollution sources.

Methods—

Stroke data from an administrative database from 2003 through 2007 were used to estimate annual incidence rates within small geographic regions within Edmonton, Canada. Air pollution levels for each region were estimated from continuous fixed-site monitoring stations in and around Edmonton. We fit models estimating stroke risk in relation to pollution levels; risks were adjusted for age, sex, income, social deprivation, and other factors.

Results—

Between 2003 and 2007, the average 5-year concentration of NO
2
and CO was positively associated with the incidence of stroke, particularly for hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic stroke subtypes (NO
2
: hemorrhagic stroke relative risk=1.46; 95% CI, 1.19–1.80; nonhemorrhagic stroke relative risk=1.36; 95% CI, 1.19–1.56). However, these estimates of risk diminished after controlling for the ecological measures of income and deprivation. Adjustment for ecologically derived indices of smoking, hypertension, and body mass index did not alter the estimates of risk in any meaningful way.

Conclusions—

Although long-term NO
2
and CO levels were positively associated with a higher incidence of stroke in the entire study area, the risk estimates were strongly attenuated by household income levels. Further research that incorporates individual-level risk factor data would improve our understanding of the relation of longer-term exposures to ambient air pollution and stroke outcomes.
Basilar Artery Atherosclerotic Plaques in Paramedian and Lacunar Pontine Infarctions
Authors: Klein Isabelle F. , Lavallée Philippa C. , Mazighi Mikael , Schouman-Claeys Elisabeth , Labreuche Julien , Amarenco Pierre
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Pontine infarction is most often related to basilar artery atherosclerosis when the lesion abuts on the basal surface (paramedian pontine infarction), whereas small medial pontine lesion is usually attributed to small vessel lipohyalinosis. A previous study has found that high-resolution MRI can detect basilar atherosclerotic plaques in up to 70% of patient with paramedian pontine infarction, even in patients with normal angiograms, but none has evaluated the presence of basilar artery plaque by high-resolution MRI in patients with small medial pontine lesion in the medial part of the pons.

Methods—

Consecutive patients with pontine infarction underwent basilar angiography using time-of-flight and contrast-enhanced 3-dimensional MR angiography to assess the presence of basilar artery stenosis and high-resolution MRI to assess the presence of atherosclerotic plaque. Basilar artery angiogram was scored as “normal,” “irregular,” or “stenosed” ≥30%” and basilar artery by high-resolution MRI was scored as “normal” or “presence of plaque.” Medial pontine infarcts were divided into paramedian pontine infarction and small medial pontine lesion groups.

Results—

Forty-one patients with pontine infarction were included, 26 with paramedian pontine infarction and 15 with small medial pontine lesion. High-resolution MRI detected basilar artery atherosclerosis in 42% of patients with a pontine infarction and normal basilar angiograms. Among patients with paramedian pontine infarction, 65% had normal basilar angiograms but 77% had basilar artery atherosclerosis detected on high-resolution MRI. Among patients with small medial pontine lesion, 46% had normal basilar angiograms but 73% had basilar artery plaques detected on by high-resolution MRI.

Conclusions—

This study suggests that medial pontine lacunes may be due to a penetrating artery disease secondary to basilar artery atherosclerosis. High-resolution MRI could help precise stroke subtyping.
Plasma VAP-1/SSAO Activity Predicts Intracranial Hemorrhages and Adverse Neurological Outcome After Tissue Plasminogen Activator Treatment in Stroke
Authors: Hernandez-Guillamon Mar , Garcia-Bonilla Lidia , Solé Montse , Sosti Victoria , Parés Mireia , Campos Mireia , Ortega-Aznar Arantxa , Domínguez Carmen , Rubiera Marta , Ribó Marc , Quintana Manolo , Molina Carlos A. , Alvarez-Sabín José , Rosell Anna , Unzeta Mercedes , Montaner Joan
Published: June 2010

Background and Purpose—

Vascular adhesion protein-1 (VAP-1) is a cell surface and circulating enzyme involved in recruitment of lymphocytes and neutrophils through its semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO) activity. We aimed to study plasma VAP-1/SSAO activity in relation to the risk for intracranial bleeding complications in patients with stroke treated with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the greatest safety concern with this treatment.

Methods—

In 141 patients with ischemic stroke, we measured VAP-1/SSAO activity in plasma taken before tPA administration. Hemorrhagic events were classified according to brain CT criteria and functional outcomes evaluated using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale. We also assessed the potential therapeutic effect of blocking VAP-1/SSAO activity in a rat embolic stroke model treated with tPA.

Results—

We saw significantly higher levels of plasma VAP-1/SSAO activity in patients who subsequently experienced hemorrhagic transformation. Elevated plasma VAP-1/SSAO activity also predicted worse neurological outcome in these patients. In the rat model, we confirmed that use of the inhibitor semicarbazide prevented adverse effects caused by delayed tPA administration, leading to a smaller infarct volume.

Conclusions—

Our data demonstrate that baseline VAP-1/SSAO activity predicts parenchymal hemorrhage after tPA, suggesting the safety of thrombolytic agents could be improved by considering VAP-1/SSAO activity. Furthermore, anti-VAP-1/SSAO drugs given with tPA may prevent neurological worsening in patients with ischemic stroke.
Idealized Simulations of the Intertropical Convergence Zone and Its Multilevel Flows
Authors: Nolan David S. , Powell Scott W. , Zhang Chidong , Mapes Brian E.
Published: June 2010

A mesoscale numerical model with an idealized tropical channel environment is used to study the dynamics of intertropical convergence zones (ITCZs) and the recently identified shallow return flow (SRF) and midlevel inflow (MLI). Four idealized sea surface temperature (SST) distributions are used: a meridionally symmetric SST profile with a sharply peaked SST maximum at the equator, a similar profile with the maximum SST shifted off the equator, a cosine-shaped SST profile with zero gradient at the equator, and an idealized SST profile modeled after the observed SST of the eastern Pacific.

The simulations show that both the SRF and the MLI are robust features of the ITCZ. The prior result that the SRF is a sea-breeze-like response to surface temperature gradients is further supported, whereas the MLI is caused by the upper-level maxima in diabatic heating and vertical motion. Simulations with the SST maximum at the equator generate long-lasting, convectively coupled Kelvin waves. When the SST maximum is off the equator, the meridional circulations become highly asymmetric with strong cross-equatorial flow. Tropical cyclones are frequently generated by dynamic instability of the off-equatorial ITCZs.

The contributions of the multilevel circulations to regional budgets of mass, water, and moist static energy (MSE) are computed. About 10% of the total water transported into the ITCZ region is transported out by the SRF. The water transport of the MLI is minimal, but its mass and MSE transports are significant, accounting for about ⅓ of the mass and MSE entering the ITCZ region. Eddy fluxes are found to be a large component of the net vertically integrated transport of MSE out of the ITCZ.
Breaking of Progressive Internal Gravity Waves: Convective Instability and Shear Instability*
Authors: Liu Wei , Bretherton Francis P. , Liu Zhengyu , Smith Leslie , Lu Hao , Rutland Christopher J.
Published: June 2010

The breaking of a monochromatic two-dimensional internal gravity wave is studied using a newly developed spectral/pseudospectral model. The model features vertical nonperiodic boundary conditions that ensure a realistic simulation of wave breaking during the wave propagation. Isopycnal overturning is induced at a local wave steepness of sc = 0.75–0.79, which is below the conventional threshold of s = 1. Isopycnal overturning is a sufficient condition for subsequent wave breaking by convective instability. When s = sc, little primary wave energy is being transferred to high-mode harmonics. Beyond s = 1, high-mode harmonics grow rapidly. Primary wave energy is more efficiently transferred by waves of lower frequency. A local gradient Richardson number is defined as Ri = −(g/ρ0)(dρ/dz)/ζ2 to isolate convective instability (Ri ≤ 0) and wave-induced shear instability (0 < Ri < 0.25), where dρ/dz is the local vertical density gradient and ζ is the horizontal vorticity. Consistent with linear wave theory, the probability density function (PDF) for occurrence of convective instability has a maximum at wave phase ϕ = π/2, where the wave-induced density perturbations to the background stratification are the greatest, whereas the wave-induced shear instability has maxima around ϕ = 0 (wave trough) and ϕ = π (wave crest). Nonlinearities in the wave-induced flow broaden the phase span in PDFs of both instabilities. Diapycnal mixing in numerical simulations may be compared with that in realistic oceanic flows in terms of the Cox number. In the numerical simulations, the Cox numbers increase from 1.5 (s = 0.78) to 21.5 (s = 1.1), and the latter is in the lower range of reported values for the ocean.
Observations of Seven Atmospheric Density Current Fronts in Dixon, California
Authors: Mayor Shane D.
Published: June 2010

Seven atmospheric density current fronts are identified in sequences of ground-based, scanning aerosol backscatter lidar images and in situ micrometeorological time series data that were collected simultaneously and nearly continuously between 15 March and 11 June of 2007 in Dixon, California. The fronts, observed on different days, had the following features in common: 1) an increase in aerosol backscatter intensity, 2) a decrease in air temperature, 3) an increase in water vapor mixing ratio, 4) movement toward the north, 5) airflow from the south in the denser air mass, and 6) occurrence within a 3.5-h time span in the afternoon. The observations support the hypothesis that the fronts are the leading edges of shallow marine air masses advancing northward from the Sacramento–San Joaquin River Delta. The observations are used to test an empirical relationship between front speed, airmass density difference, depth of the dense air mass, and speed of the opposing flow. Prominent features of the fronts such as lobe and cleft structure, billows, and nose and head structure are described. Time-lapse animations of the lidar scans are available in the online version of this article.
Short-Term Longitudinal Relationships Between Children’s Peer Victimization/Bullying Experiences and Self-Perceptions
Authors: Boulton Michael J. , Smith Peter K. , Cowie Helen
Published: June 2010

This study tested transactional models to explain the short-term longitudinal links between self-perceptions and involvement in bullying and victimization among 115 9- to 10-year-old children. Self-perceptions were measured with Harter’s Self-Perception Profile for Children (six sub-scales) and bullying/victimization by means of peer nominations. Data were collected at two points, separated by five months, within a school year. Earlier victimization significantly negatively predicted changes in Global self-worth, social acceptance and, for girls only, physical appearance scores, and earlier social acceptance scores significantly negatively predicted changes in victimization, and bullying. Additionally, earlier bullying positively predicted changes in scholastic competence scores, and among girls but not boys there was a near significant tendency for earlier bullying to negatively predict changes in behavioural conduct scores. These findings challenge a common view that victimization, and separately bullying, are responsible for low self-perceptions. Rather, they add to the view that negative peer experiences and maladjusted outcomes are mutually related over time. The theoretical and practical implications of such a view are discussed.
Community-based Diabetes Education for Latinos
Authors: Castillo Amparo , Giachello Aida , Bates Robin , Concha Jeannie , Ramirez Vanessa , Sanchez Carlos , Pinsker Eve , Arrom Jose
Published: June 2010

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to conduct a diabetes education program delivered by community health workers (CHWs) in community settings and to evaluate its effectiveness in improving glycemic control and self-management skills in Hispanics/Latinos with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Trained CHWs recruited Hispanic/Latino community residents with self-reported type 2 diabetes, implemented intervention in nonclinical locations, and collected data on diabetes knowledge, self-care behaviors, self-efficacy, depression, A1C, weight, and blood pressure. Classes applied participatory techniques and were delivered in 2-hour group sessions over 10 weeks. Two focus groups collected qualitative postintervention data.

Results

Seventy participants enrolled, and 47 completed pretest and posttest data. Improvements were significant for A1C (P = .001) and systolic blood pressure (P = .006). Other positive outcomes were diabetes knowledge, physical activity, spacing carbohydrates, following a healthy eating plan, and eating fruits and vegetables. Improved behaviors also included foot care, glucose self-monitoring, and medication adherence. Depressive symptoms showed a positive trend in intent-to-treat analysis (P = .07), but self-efficacy did not change significantly (P = .142). Qualitative information reported an increase in participants’ perceived competence in self-care and a positive influence of CHWs in participants’ compliance with the program.

Conclusions

A diabetes self-management education program for Hispanics/Latinos led by CHWs can be implemented in community settings and may effectively improve behavioral skills and glycemic control.
Personality development and problem behavior in Russian children and adolescents
Authors: Slobodskaya Helena R. , Akhmetova Olga A.
Published: June 2010

The aim of this study was to explore child and adolescent personality in the Russian culture, addressing gender and age differences, and to examine personality and family effects on children’s Internalizing and Externalizing problems. Parents of 1,640 Russian children aged 3—18 years completed the Inventory of Child Individual Differences measuring personality, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire measuring problem behavior, and reported about family background. Girls scored higher than boys on the Conscientiousness domain and on the Intelligent and Considerate scales, but lower on Activity. In younger children, Extraversion was higher; in older children, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Shyness were higher; Distractibility was highest in early adolescence. The gender and age differences were small. Personality explained about 30% of variance in children’s Internalizing problems, and 50% in Externalizing problems; family factors contributed less than 4%. Internalizing Problems were linked to higher Neuroticism and lower Extraversion; Externalizing Problems were linked to higher Extraversion, lower Conscientiousness and Agreeableness. For both types of problems, harsh parenting was a risk factor, while SES and family cohesion were associated with lower problem levels. Models linking personality with children’s problem behavior were similar in preschool, middle childhood, early and late adolescence.
Principal Self-Efficacy: The Effects of No Child Left Behind and Florida School Grades
Authors: McCullers J.F. , Bozeman William
Published: June 2010

This study examined how self-efficacy beliefs might be used to inform leadership regarding accountability. A survey of principals was used to investigate the degree to which they believed the goals of federal and state school measures were actually attainable, and to what degree they believed their leadership helped achieve these goals. The majority of respondents believed the state goals to be attainable, whereas only a small minority believed the federal goal could be attained.
Planning foot placements for a humanoid robot: A problem of inverse kinematics
Authors: Kanoun Oussama , Laumond Jean-Paul , Yoshida Eiichi
Published: June 2010

We present a novel approach to plan foot placements for a humanoid robot according to kinematic tasks. In this approach, the foot placements are determined by the continuous deformation of a robot motion including a locomotion phase according to the desired tasks. We propose to represent the motion by a virtual kinematic tree composed of a kinematic model of the robot and articulated foot placements. This representation allows us to formulate the motion deformation problem as a classical inverse kinematics problem on a kinematic tree. We first provide details of the basic scheme where the number of footsteps is given in advance and illustrate it with scenarios on the robot HRP-2. Then we propose a general criterion and an algorithm to adapt the number of footsteps progressively to the kinematic goal. The limits and possible extensions of this approach are discussed last.
The effect of musical fit on consumers’ memory
Authors: Yeoh Joanne P.S. , North Adrian C.
Published: June 2010

This study investigated the impact of musical ‘fit’ on memory for items. Participants were asked to recall 20 items they had seen while listening to either rock music or classical music. Some of the 20 items were associated with either the rebellious stereotype of rock music or the affluent stereotype of classical music. More ‘rock items’ than ‘classical items’ were recalled when rock music was played, although a similar number of ‘classical items’ and ‘rock items’ were recalled when classical music was played. When rock music was played, participants recalled ‘rock items’ earlier than ‘classical items’ and the reverse was found when classical music was played. This suggests that musical ‘fit’ operates by raising the salience of items.
‘Love is in the air’: Effects of songs with romantic lyrics on compliance with a courtship request
Authors: Guéguen Nicolas , Jacob Céline , Lamy Lubomir
Published: June 2010

Previous research has shown that exposure to various media is correlated to variations in human behaviour. Exposure to aggressive song lyrics increases aggressive action whereas exposure to songs with prosocial lyrics is associated with prosocial behaviour. An experiment was carried out where 18—20-year-old single female participants were exposed to romantic lyrics or to neutral ones while waiting for the experiment to start. Five minutes later, the participant interacted with a young male confederate in a marketing survey. During a break, the male confederate asked the participant for her phone number. It was found that women previously exposed to romantic lyrics complied with the request more readily than women exposed to the neutral ones. The theoretical implication of our results for the General Learning Model is discussed.
Science as Thinking Reason
Authors: Parrini Paolo
Published: June 2010

The author discusses the evolution of Heidegger's conception of science and brings out its limits as well as its possible developments. An eminent representative of contemporary thinking in the theory of knowledge, Paolo Parrini stands in a line of critical realism in the Kantian neopositivist tradition. This paper returns to and develops the lectio delivered at the award of the ‘Giulio Preti’ Prize in November 2008.
The Question of Culture: Giulio Preti's 1972 Debate with Michel Foucault Revisited
Authors: Hacking Ian
Published: June 2010

Ian Hacking sets out a parallel between Michel Foucault's thought and that of Giulio Preti based on the debate between them that took place in 1971. This is the speech given at the award of the ‘Giulio Preti’ Prize in November 2008.
Helping Children To Philosophizing: State of the Art, Live Issues, Outcomes and Proposals
Authors: Tozzi Michel
Published: June 2010

The author discusses in detail the basic issues related to the practice of philosophical discussions with children. He identifies and problematizes the different methods or modalities for doing philosophy with children currently practised throughout the world. He presents a series of pedagogic and didactic issues and puts forward some proposals and directions for the future that might allow us to facilitate philosophy-oriented discussions with children.
Becoming Citizens: Youths’ Civic Uses of New Media in Five Digital Cities in East Asia
Authors: Lin Wan-Ying , Hope Cheong Pauline , Kim Yong-Chan , Jung Joo-Young
Published: June 2010

Asian youths are embracing communication technologies at a burgeoning rate, yet interesting differences in Internet access and use exist among this younger generation. Our empirical investigation provides a rich and comparative look into what Asian youths do online, with an emphasis on an understudied area: their civic uses of new media. Data collected among youths aged between 12 and 17 in Hong Kong, Seoul, Singapore, Taipei, and Tokyo in 2007 show that this ‘digital generation’ has grown up with computers and the Internet, with 96% of them being internet users, and having 6 years of computer experience on average. Our results suggest that the Internet may facilitate citizenship among Asian youths although entertainment-related activities such as downloading music or playing games remain the most popular activities online. Sixty-five percent of them read online news, almost half of them have ever cast a vote on the Internet, and every one in five has signed an online petition. Differences in Internet usage and civic behaviors among youths in five cities are presented, suggesting the contextual nature of Internet use influenced by civic culture.The paper concludes with a discussion of differences in Internet use among Asian youths between 2001 and 2007, together with research implications for better understanding this population.
Lead exposure and its adverse health effects among occupational worker’s children
Authors: Dilshad Ahmed Khan  , Qayyum Shazia , Saleem Shahid , Wafa Munir Ansari  , Farooq Ahmad Khan
Published: June 2010

Lead exposure is an important environmental health problem particularly affecting the children of occupational workers living in the lead-contaminated environment. The objectives of the study were to find out the frequency, potential sources and adverse health effects of elevated blood lead level (BLL) in the children of lead-related occupational workers. It was a comparative cross-sectional study. A total of two hundred forty six children aged 1—6 years, comprising an equal number (n = 123) from lead smelters/battery recycle plant workers living close to the industries at Wah/Gujranwala, Pakistan (lead-exposed group) and those living 30 km away from the industrial area (controls) were included. Demographic and clinical data of each subject was collected. Blood lead analysis was carried out by using kits on the lead analyzer (3010 B ESA, USA). Biochemical tests of renal and hepatic profile were analyzed on Selectra E auto analyzer. The median age of children was 4 years; comprising of 69 boys and 54 girls. The lead-exposed children had significantly high BLLs median (range) 8.1 (1—20.9) μg/dL as compared to controls 6.7 (1—13.3) μg/dL (p ≤ 0.01). The children of occupational workers had elevated BLL (>10 μg/dL) in 38 (31%) as compared with 14 (11%) in controls. Hematopoietic, renal, and hepatic functions were significantly impaired in the lead-exposed children. In conclusion, the children of lead-related occupational workers have significantly increased frequency (31%) of lead poisoning. The potential source of lead overexposure in these children may be indirect through father’s clothes and contaminated environment at home. Increased lead accumulation adversely affects health of these children.
The Multiple Self-Aspects Framework: Self-Concept Representation and Its Implications
Authors: McConnell Allen R.
Published: June 2010

The multiple self-aspects framework (MSF) conceives of the self-concept as a collection of multiple, context-dependent selves. From this perspective, five principles are derived, addressing issues such as how context activates particular regions of self-knowledge and how self-relevant feedback affects self-evaluations and affect. Support for these principles is discussed. Furthermore, the MSF advances several novel predictions, including how active self-aspects filter one’s experiences and perceptions, how the impact of chronic accessibility is more circumscribed than previously realized, and how self-concept representation modulates the experience of affect. In addition, the MSF helps integrate isolated lines of research within several diverse literatures, including self-regulation, stability and variability for the self, the integration of others into the self-concept, and several individual difference factors as well. Overall, the current work speaks to issues of relevance to several subdisciplines in psychology (e.g., cultural, developmental, personality, social) interested in the self, providing conceptual and methodological insights.
A shared experience of fragmentation: Making sense of foster placement breakdown
Authors: Rostill-Brookes Helen , Larkin Michael , Toms Amy , Churchman Clare
Published: June 2010

Multiple placement transitions have been associated with poorer psychosocial outcomes for children growing up in local authority care. However, although there is an expanding literature examining the risk and protective factors connected with placement breakdown, very few studies have explored the quality of the move experience for those most closely involved with it. Our study considered how young people, foster carers and social workers made sense of unplanned placements’ endings. Bringing together the lived experiences of these key stakeholders in the placement system added a novel dimension to existing research knowledge. What emerged from our analysis was evidence of a pervasive and shared emotional experience; all of the participants were affected by the breakdown irrespective of age, experience, or professional role. However, despite many commonalities, there was also a strong sense of fragmentation between the groups, which was characterised by discourses of mistrust and miscommunication. This meant that emotional reactions to the breakdown were often suppressed or dismissed, resentments built-up and attempts to find a solution were thwarted by silence or angry recrimination. These findings raise real challenges for practice and policy development. In particular, they stress the importance of shared and meaningful dialogue between all key stakeholders within the social care system, the need for more effective and timely support when placements are in crisis and opportunities for those most closely involved with the placement breakdown to process the emotional experience.
Power at the Table: Food Fights and Happy Meals
Authors: Wilk Richard
Published: June 2010

In family meals the normative and the performative are very far apart—though everyone likes to think of the family table as a place of harmony and solidarity, it is often the scene for the exercise of power and authority, a place where conflict prevails. My interest in this topic was sparked by research on middle-class parents’ struggles with their “picky eater” children. Besides narrating the way the dinner table became battleground with their own children, many parents also recalled their own childhood family meals as painful and difficult. From this very narrow focus on family struggles, I expand the discussion to the larger question of why this topic is relatively ignored in social science, and I question the sources of the normative power of the family “happy meal.” The ideological emphasis on family dinners has displaced social responsibility from public institutions to private lives, and the construction of normative family performances is part of a process that constructs different family types as deviant and delinquent.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers: Food, Feeding, and Power in Hospitals
Authors: Ferrie Suzie
Published: June 2010

Prominent among the changes in the health care industry over the past few decades is an increase in the use of technology to standardize hospital processes. Such newly standardized processes include food and feeding. The ways in which the hospital system exerts control over patients, the power relationships found within hospitals, and the effects of hospitalization on the patient, all are illustrated in an extreme manner by the food practices therein. No other aspect of the hospital experience has such wide-ranging implications for the individual. This article explores how this occurs and how it is exemplified even more dramatically in the case of artificial tube feeding. There may be a change in the power relationships during end-of-life care in hospital, and again nutrition may be a focus for this. Food may also be a powerful means by which the detrimental effects of hospitalization can be resisted or subverted.
High-Grade Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma of the Aortic Arch: A Case of Endovascular Therapy for Embolic Prophylaxis and Review of the Literature
Authors: Rusthoven Chad , Shames Murray L. , Bui Marilyn M. , Gonzalez Ricardo J.
Published: June 2010

Primary malignant tumors of the aorta (PMTAs) are an extremely rare clinical entity. In most cases, the diagnosis is made either postmortem or late in the course of disease due to a low index of clinical suspicion and presenting symptoms that mimic far more common athero-embolic processes. Due to the intravascular origin of these tumors, peripheral and mesenteric embolic events represent a major source of morbidity and mortality. We present the first reported case of a patient with a diagnosed PMTA treated with an endovascular aortic stent for the purpose of embolic prophylaxis. The presentation, diagnosis, classification, and management of PMTAs in the world literature are also reviewed.
Early Weight Bearing of Calcaneal Fractures Fixated With Locked Plates
Authors: Hyer Christopher F. , Atway Said , Berlet Gregory C. , Lee Thomas H.
Published: June 2010

The use of locked plate technology in the calcaneus has been shown in previous studies to provide greater stability than that of nonlocking plates. The purpose of this study is to examine the radiographic effects of early weight bearing of calcaneal fractures repaired with locked plating. A retrospective review was performed of 17 calcaneal fractures repaired with locked plate fixation over a 2-year period. A chart and radiographic review evaluated the time the patient was kept non—weight bearing and the Bohler’s angle at first postoperative visit and final postoperative visit. Change in Bohler’s angle was used to evaluate for bone subsidence. Standard reduction and fixation techniques were performed to realign all components of the intra-articular calcaneal fracture using a titanium locking calcaneal fracture plate. Patients returned for follow-up examinations postoperatively and underwent radiographic examination. A weight-bearing short fracture walker boot was applied, and the patient began protected weight bearing at approximately 4 to 5 weeks. The charts and radiographs of 17 intra-articular fractures were reviewed. The average Bohler’s angle at first postoperative visit was 30.12° in comparison to the average at final visit of 28.47 ° . The average time the patient was kept non—weight bearing after the procedure was 4.8 weeks. The average time of follow-up was 237.7 days. There were no cases of significant bone subsidence or collapse noted. Calcaneal fractures can have significant morbidity associated with the injury and its care. This study examined early weight bearing of calcaneal fractures fixated with locked plating. Under radiographic review, there was no significant loss of calcaneal height, joint reduction, or fixation stability noted. These results are thought to be due to the inherent stability of the locked plate construct.
Procoagulant platelets: are they necrotic?
Authors: Jackson Shaun P. , Schoenwaelder Simone M.
Published: June 2010

Apoptosis and necrosis represent distinct cell death processes that regulate mammalian development, physiology and disease. Apoptosis characteristically leads to the silent destruction and removal of cells in the absence of an inflammatory response. In contrast, necrotic cell death can induce physiologic inflammatory responses linked to tissue defense and repair. Although anucleate, platelets undergo programmed cell death, with apoptosis playing an important role in clearing effete platelets from the circulation. While it has long been recognized that procoagulant platelets exhibit characteristic features of dying cells, recent studies have demonstrated that platelet procoagulant function can occur independent of apoptosis. A growing body of evidence suggest that the biochemical, morphologic and functional changes underlying agonist-induced platelet procoagulant function are broadly consistent with cell necrosis, raising the possibility that distinct death pathways regulate platelet function and survival. In this article, we will discuss the mechanisms underlying apoptotic and necrotic cell death pathways and examine the evidence linking these pathways to the platelet procoagulant response. We will also discuss the potential contribution of these pathways to the platelet storage lesion and propose a simplified nomenclature to describe procoagulant platelets.
Long-term follow-up and factors influencing outcomes after related HLA-identical cord blood transplantation for patients with malignancies: an analysis on behalf of Eurocord-EBMT
Authors: Herr Andrée-Laure , Kabbara Nabil , Bonfim Carmem M. S. , Teira Pierre , Locatelli Franco , Tiedemann Karin , Lankester Arjan , Jouet Jean-Pierre , Messina Chiara , Bertrand Yves , Díaz de Heredia Cristina , Peters Christina , Chaves Wagnara , Nabhan Samir K. , Ionescu Irina , Gluckman Eliane , Rocha Vanderson
Published: June 2010

We analyzed risk factors influencing outcomes after related (R) human leukocyte antigen-identical cord blood transplantation (CBT) for 147 patients with malignancies reported to Eurocord–European Group for Blood and Marrow Transplantation. CBT has been performed since 1990; median follow-up was 6.7 years. Median patient age was 5 years. Acute leukemia was the most frequent diagnosis (74%). At CBT, 40 patients had early, 70 intermediate, and 37 advanced disease. CB grafts contained a median of 4.1 × 107/kg total nucleated cells (TNCs) after thawing. The cumulative incidence (CI) of neutrophil recovery was 90% at day +60. CIs of acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) were 12% and 10% at 2 years, respectively. At 5 years, CIs of nonrelapse mortality and relapse were 9% and 47%, respectively; the probability of disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival were 44% and 55%, respectively. Among other factors, higher TNCs infused was associated with rapid neutrophil recovery and improved DFS. The use of methotrexate as GVHD prophylaxis decreased the CI of engraftment. Patients without advanced disease had improved DFS. These results support banking and use of CB units for RCBT. Cell dose, GVHD prophylaxis not including methotrexate, and disease status are important factors for outcomes after RCBT.
The consequences of including non-additive effects on the genetic evaluation of harvest body weight in Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
Authors: Gallardo José A , Lhorente Jean P , Neira Roberto
Published: June 2010

Background

In this study, we used different animal models to estimate genetic and environmental variance components on harvest weight in two populations of Oncorhynchus kisutch, forming two classes i.e. odd- and even-year spawners.

Methods

The models used were: additive, with and without inbreeding as a covariable (A + F and A respectively); additive plus common environmental due to full-sib families and inbreeding (A + C + F); additive plus parental dominance and inbreeding (A + D + F); and a full model (A + C + D + F). Genetic parameters and breeding values obtained by different models were compared to evaluate the consequences of including non-additive effects on genetic evaluation.

Results

Including inbreeding as a covariable did not affect the estimation of genetic parameters, but heritability was reduced when dominance or common environmental effects were included. A high heritability for harvest weight was estimated in both populations (even = 0.46 and odd = 0.50) when simple additive models (A + F and A) were used. Heritabilities decreased to 0.21 (even) and 0.37 (odd) when the full model was used (A + C + D + F). In this full model, the magnitude of the dominance variance was 0.19 (even) and 0.06 (odd), while the magnitude of the common environmental effect was lower than 0.01 in both populations. The correlation between breeding values estimated with different models was very high in all cases (i.e. higher than 0.98). However, ranking of the 30 best males and the 100 best females per generation changed when a high dominance variance was estimated, as was the case in one of the two populations (even).

Conclusions

Dominance and common environmental variance may be important components of variance in harvest weight in O. kisutch, thus not including them may produce an overestimation of the predicted response; furthermore, genetic evaluation was seen to be partially affected, since the ranking of selected animals changed with the inclusion of non-additive effects in the animal model.
Transcription profiling provides insights into gene pathways involved in horn and scurs development in cattle
Authors: Mariasegaram Maxy , Reverter Antonio , Barris Wes , Lehnert Sigrid A , Dalrymple Brian , Prayaga Kishore
Published: June 2010

Background

Two types of horns are evident in cattle - fixed horns attached to the skull and a variation called scurs, which refers to small loosely attached horns. Cattle lacking horns are referred to as polled. Although both the Poll and Scurs loci have been mapped to BTA1 and 19 respectively, the underlying genetic basis of these phenotypes is unknown, and so far, no candidate genes regulating these developmental processes have been described. This study is the first reported attempt at transcript profiling to identify genes and pathways contributing to horn and scurs development in Brahman cattle, relative to polled counterparts.

Results

Expression patterns in polled, horned and scurs tissues were obtained using the Agilent 44 k bovine array. The most notable feature when comparing transcriptional profiles of developing horn tissues against polled was the down regulation of genes coding for elements of the cadherin junction as well as those involved in epidermal development. We hypothesize this as a key event involved in keratinocyte migration and subsequent horn development. In the polled-scurs comparison, the most prevalent differentially expressed transcripts code for genes involved in extracellular matrix remodelling, which were up regulated in scurs tissues relative to polled.

Conclusion

For this first time we describe networks of genes involved in horn and scurs development. Interestingly, we did not observe differential expression in any of the genes present on the fine mapped region of BTA1 known to contain the Poll locus.
Use of silkworms for identification of drug candidates having appropriate pharmacokinetics from plant sources
Authors: Asami Yukihiro , Horie Ryo , Hamamoto Hiroshi , Sekimizu Kazuhisa
Published: June 2010

Background

We use silkworms to evaluate therapeutic effects of drug candidates. Our previous reports have revealed that there are common mechanisms of pharmacokinetics of chemicals in silkworms and mammals. In this report, we attempt to establish a method by using silkworms to identify chemicals from plant extracts which are absorbed from intestine and also stably exist in body fluids.

Results

Three compounds were detected in the silkworm hemolymph by HPLC analysis after midgut injection of acetone extracts of seihi, an herbal medicine obtained from orange peel. Analyses with MS and NMR revealed that the compounds were nobiletin, heptamethoxyflavone, and tangeretin. These compounds are reported to be stable in mammalian blood. The half-life of each of these compounds in the silkworm hemolymph was 18, 26 and 34 h, respectively.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that silkworms can be used as a model animal to easily identify compounds with appropriate pharmacokinetic behavior.