bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do maternal protective behaviors alleviate toddlers’ fearful distress?
Authors: Buss Kristin A. , Kiel Elizabeth J.
Published: October 2010

Parenting behaviors during times when young children may feel vulnerable, such as when encountering novelty, undoubtedly affect how children learn to regulate their reactions to these events. Theory suggests and some research supports the link between protective behavior—behaviors that shield the child from a potential threat—and regulation of emotions. Less is known, however, about the immediate effects of these behaviors on children’s distress. That is, do these protective behaviors alleviate distress in the moment? Presumably, this type of ‘‘successful’’ regulation of distress would be important for the development of successful regulation in other situations. To this end, the current study examined changes in the time course of toddlers’ fearful distress, when protective maternal behaviors were observed during a highly novel, fear-eliciting task. Analyses were conducted for two subgroups of dyads: one group where toddlers’ distress preceded mothers’ protective behavior, and one group where mothers’ protective behavior preceded toddler distress. When toddlers’ distress preceded mothers’ reactions, protective behaviors were found to be associated with less steep decreases in fear for toddlers who had the highest initial distress reactions. Results are discussed in the context of toddlers’ emerging ability to regulate emotions and the adaptive development of these skills.
Victims and their defenders: A dyadic approach
Authors: Sainio Miia , Veenstra René , Huitsing Gijs , Salmivalli Christina
Published: October 2010

This study focused on the dyadic defending relationships of victimized children in grades 3, 4, and 5 (N = 7481 children from 356 school classes, mean ages 10—12 years). Most of the victims (72.3%) had at least one defender. Being defended was positively related to victims’ adjustment and social status. Analyses on victim—defender dyads showed that they were usually same-gender relationships. Victims usually liked their defenders and perceived them as popular, although the latter effect was weaker. Also other classmates perceived defenders as popular, indicating that defenders enjoy a high status among their peers in general.
Living and coping with Parkinson’s disease: Perceptions of informal carers
Authors: McLaughlin Dorry , Hasson Felicity , Kernohan W George , Waldron Mary , McLaughlin Marian , Cochrane Barbara , Chambers Helen
Published: October 2010

A review of the literature highlights the important role informal carers play in the provision of palliative care in the community. In order to explore the caring experience of relatives with Parkinson’s Disease (PD), interviews were conducted with 26 informal family caregivers. Interviews were taped, transcribed and subjected to content analysis. All caregivers were spouses, the majority female ( n = 17) and all were responsible for providing physical, social and emotional care in the home. Although they viewed care giving as their role and duty, the results highlight the widespread burden of providing care on the emotional and physical health of the caregivers. The financial implications for providing care were outlined, with many reporting difficulty in accessing benefits. From the point of diagnosis, which had a huge emotional impact on relatives and carers, carers did not feel health professionals integrated them within the caring journey. Since diagnosis, carers commented on the lack of continued and coordinated care plans for relatives, resulting in symptoms being mismanaged and care opportunities for relatives and carers missed. Stereotypes of the meaning and timing of palliative care were common with many viewing it as being synonymous with cancer and not applicable to a person with PD. As the well-being of the informal carer directly influences the care of the person with PD, support interventions are required to relieve their burden, maximize outcomes and ensure targeting of services.
The incidence and associated risk factors for sudden unexplained death in psychiatric in-patients in England and Wales
Authors: Windfuhr Kirsten , Turnbull Pauline , While David , Swinson Nicola , Mehta Hetal , Hadfield Kelly , Hiroeh Urara , Watkinson Helen , Dixon Clare , Flynn Sandra , Thomas Simon , Lewis Glyn , Ferrier IN , Amos Tim , Skapinakis Petros , Shaw Jenny , Kapur Nav , Appleby Louis
Published: October 2010

Clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with sudden unexplained death (SUD) in the psychiatric population are unclear. Psychiatric in-patients (England, Wales) who met criteria for SUD were identified (1 March 1999–31 December 2005). Cases were matched with controls (in-patients alive on the day a SUD occurred). Data were collected via questionnaires. Some 283 cases of SUD were identified (41 annually), with a rate of 2.33/10,000 mental health admissions (in England). Electrocardiograms were not routine, cardiopulmonary resuscitation equipment was sometimes unavailable, attempts to resuscitate patients were carried out on one-half of all patients and post mortems/inquiries were not routine. Restraint and seclusion were uncommon. Risk factors included: benzodiazepines (odds ratio (OR): 1.83); ≥2 antipsychotics (OR: 2.35); promazine (OR: 4.02); diazepam (OR: 1.71); clozapine (OR: 2.10); cardiovascular disease (OR: 2.00); respiratory disease (OR: 1.98); diagnosis of dementia (OR: 2.08). Venlafaxine and a diagnosis of affective disorder were associated with reduced ORs (OR: 0.42; OR: 0.65). SUD is relatively rare, although it is more common in older patients and males. Prevention measures may include safer prescribing of antipsychotics and improved physical health care. The contribution of restraint or seclusion to SUD in individual cases is unclear. A uniform definition of SUD may help to identify contributing factors.
Treatment with paroxetine, but not amitriptyline, lowers levels of lipoprotein(a) in patients with major depression
Authors: Paslakis Georgios , Kopf Daniel , Westphal Sabine , Gilles Maria , Lederbogen Florian , Hamann Bettina , Heuser Isabella , Deuschle Michael
Published: October 2010

High lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)) levels constitute a major risk factor for vascular mortality. Major depression also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. We measured the concentrations of Lp(a) in depressed patients and controls and studied the effects of antidepressant treatment and treatment outcome. Lp(a) levels were analysed at baseline in 35 in-patients with DSM-IV major depression who were then treated in a randomized double-blind manner with amitriptyline ( n = 14) or paroxetine ( n = 21), as well as in 33 healthy controls. Lp(a) levels were re-assessed after 4 weeks of treatment. We found a significant decrease in Lp(a) in patients treated with paroxetine, but not in those treated with amitriptyline. Our results suggest that antidepressant treatment with paroxetine might contribute to a decrease in vascular mortality risk irrespective of treatment outcome.
Effect of isolation rearing on the expression of AMPA glutamate receptors in the hippocampal formation
Authors: Sestito Rodrigo S , Trindade Lucas B , de Souza Rodrigo G , Kerbauy Lucila N , Iyomasa Melina M , Rosa Maria LNM
Published: October 2010

Reduced glutamatergic signaling may contribute to cognitive dysfunction in schizophrenia. Glutamatergic synapses might be the site of primary abnormalities in this disorder with the dopaminergic changes being secondary to altered glutamatergic transmission. Isolation rearing of rats from weaning has been used as an experimental model for affective disorders like schizophrenia. In this immunohistochemistry study we evaluate the changes in the expression of GluR1 and GluR2 AMPA receptors in the hippocampus, amygdala and entorhinal cortex induced by isolation rearing. Two groups of Wistar rats (grouped and isolated, n = 6/each) were used. Isolation rearing induced a significant decrease in GluR1- and GluR2-immunopositive cells in the hippocampus. For GluR1 the reduction was 31% in the hilus of dentate gyrus ( p = 0.02) and 47% in CA3 ( p = 0.002). For GluR2 the reduction was 52% in the hilus of dentate gyrus ( p < 0.0001) and 29% in CA1 ( p = 0.002). Isolation rearing induced a non-significant decrease in GluR1-immunopositive cells in the basolateral amygdala ( p = 0.066) while no alteration was found in the lateral nucleus ( p = 0.657). For GluR2 no changes were induced by isolation in both nuclei of the amygdala. In the entorhinal cortex no apparent difference was seen in GluR1- or GluR2-immunopositive cells when isolated reared rats were compared to grouped rats. The results suggest that isolation rearing from weaning induces changes on the expression of AMPA glutamate receptors in the hippocampus similar to those reported for postmortem human brains with schizophrenia. These findings also contribute to additional evidence for using isolation rearing of rats from weaning as an animal model for schizophrenia.
Discriminative stimulus, subject-rated and cardiovascular effects of cocaine alone and in combination with aripiprazole in humans
Authors: Lile Joshua A , Stoops William W , Glaser Paul EA , Hays Lon R , Rush Craig R
Published: October 2010

Aripiprazole is a dopamine D2receptor partial agonist undergoing evaluation as a pharmacotherapy for stimulant-use disorders. Acutely administered aripiprazole attenuates the discriminative stimulus and other behavioral effects of d-amphetamine in humans; however, whether aripiprazole attenuates the effects of more commonly abused stimulants is unknown. The aim of this experiment was to assess the discriminative stimulus, subject-rated and cardiovascular effects of oral cocaine alone and following acute administration of aripiprazole in humans. Eight cocaine-dependent subjects learned to discriminate 150 mg cocaine from placebo. After acquiring the discrimination, the effects of cocaine (0, 25, 50, 100 and 200 mg) administered alone and in combination with aripiprazole (15 mg) were determined. Significant effects of cocaine were observed for the drug discrimination task, stimulant-like subject-rated effects and heart rate. Limited effects of aripiprazole were revealed. However, for most measures, fewer doses of cocaine were significantly greater than placebo when combined with aripiprazole, suggesting a reduction in the discriminative stimulus, self-reported and cardiovascular effects of cocaine. These data are consistent with previous studies that have tested acutely administered aripiprazole in combination with d-amphetamine and suggest that the ability of aripiprazole to modify stimulant effects is a function of the duration of treatment (acute vs. chronic).
Principles of Early Intervention Reflected in Toddler Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Schertz Hannah H. , Baker Crystal , Hurwitz Sarah , Benner Lauren
Published: October 2010

This review examines how recommended practices for toddlers with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are integrated into interventions in the first generation of research targeting toddlers with ASD. The purpose was not to review intervention effectiveness, which is addressed in other reviews; rather, it was to assess reported intervention methods in relation to principles distilled from early intervention policy and validated practice guidelines for toddlers and families. These principles include family-centered and family-supportive practice, natural environments, promotion of active child participation in learning, and functional and systematic practices that consider developmental readiness and unique variations in learning. A small minority of reported interventions (5 of 27) fully addressed each principle, revealing a substantial gap between principles and intervention research practices. The most pronounced gaps concerned natural/inclusive environments and family-centered/family-supportive practices. Recommendations for future research are presented.
Colorectal Hamartomatous Polyposis and Ganglioneuromatosis in a Dog
Authors: Bemelmans I. , Küry S. , Albaric O. , Hordeaux J. , Bertrand L. , Nguyen F. , Abadie J.
Published: October 2010

A 5-month-old female Great Dane puppy was treated for hematochezia, tenesmus, and rectal prolapse by resection of a 10-cm-long segment of colon and rectum. Grossly, the colorectal segment had diffuse mucosal and submucosal thickening with multiple polypoid nodules. The histologic diagnosis was colorectal hamartomatous polyps with ganglioneuromatosis. Duplication of PTEN was detected by quantitative multiplex polymerase chain reaction testing. The presence of 2 hamartomatous colorectal lesions with PTEN mutation is similar to human Cowden syndrome.
Rethinking International Constitutional Order: The Auto-immune Politics of Binding Without Binding
Authors: Arfi Badredine
Published: October 2010

The article proposes a deconstruction of Ikenberry’s theory of constitutional order via binding institutions. I argue that binding institutions are founded and conserved through an ‘arbitrary exercise of power’ which takes the form of an originary performative violence. The binding institutions become more or less legitimate as a result of retroactively effacing the originary violence. I also argue that the binding institutions are inherently auto-immune to their own logic and rules and that this condition makes the binding of constitutional order a binding without binding, that is, a binding which is marred with undecidability and hence an impossible politics of aporia. The latter is, however, the possibility condition for invention, change and transformation of the binding institutions beyond mere adjustments and adaptations to new contexts. I am thus calling for a recognition of the chance that inheres in the politics of aporia, the chance that would make continuously possible responsible decisions within a recast form of ‘binding institutions’. This implies that we need to rethink both the very notion of ‘binding’ as well as the logic of founding and conserving international order through binding institutions. In doing so, we would avoid creating a dichotomy between ethics/responsibility and politics since we would necessarily speak of responsibility (a responsibility which is much more than just a programme of cost—benefit calculation) as inherent to the decisions (through originary performativity) that found and legitimate the order. To this end, our thinking and analysis should be one of restlessly riding a ‘negotiating’ shuttle between possible theoretical formulations of world order and the impossibility of closing the theorising process.
War as an Institution of International Hierarchy: Carl Schmitt’s Theory of the Partisan and Contemporary US Practice
Authors: Ralph Jason
Published: October 2010

The purpose of this article is to consider what war might look like as an institution of international hierarchy. This might not seem all that challenging because we have a long history of pre-Westphalian warfare to draw on. The first section of the article examines that history to demonstrate how war was gradually transformed from an institution of hierarchy to an institution of international society. The second and third sections of the article are perhaps more challenging because they unsettle English School perspectives on war. This is not simply a reference to the use in the third section of Carl Schmitt to help us understand the evolution of irregular warfare and what that means for normative relationships between combatants. It is also a reference to the argument of the fourth section, which is that the legal regime advanced by the United States in the war on terror in effect globalises the legal hierarchy of civil war. This argument is made with reference to the Military Commissions Act and the case of Omar Khadr and Mohamed Jawad. The article concludes by noting that it is, under Obama, more likely that al Qaeda operatives will be tried in a civilian court and less likely that the detainee will be subjected to aggressive interrogation techniques. Yet to the extent that the 2009 Military Commissions Act holds open the possibility of prosecuting enemy combatants simply for engaging in hostilities, contemporary US practice continues to challenge our understanding of war as an institution of anarchical society.
Fred Halliday: Achievements, Ambivalences and Openings
Authors: Colás Alejandro , Lawson George
Published: October 2010

Fred Halliday was one of the most important scholars of his generation. This article examines Halliday’s intellectual influences, assesses his contribution to International Relations (IR) and probes the broader challenges which his work raises. Halliday had a direct impact on IR through his interventions in historical sociology, revolutions and gender studies, and through his capacity to intertwine analytical, normative and political registers. More indirectly, Halliday promoted a form of critical, engaged scholarship which stands as a model for the idea of academic life as a vocation. As such, his example has much to offer current students and scholars of IR.
Anarchy is What Anarchists Make of it: Reclaiming the Concept of Agency in IR and Security Studies
Authors: Rossdale Chris
Published: October 2010

This article posits a point of entry for anarchist interventions in critical theories of international relations and security studies. It explores potential for an approach which begins with grass-roots direct action as a means to reforming dominant ontologies of agency. The article discusses the potential in a resistance which engages in perpetual struggle between a direct action rooted in positive constructions of alternative agencies, and a direct action which commits to an ongoing resistance to the imposition of order and control. This potential is explored through a sustained engagement with Simon Critchley and Gustav Landauer, arguing that the tensions between their positions might offer productive routes for anarchism to make an intervention in the field. This argument is taken forward through a case study of the ‘Raytheon 9’, an anti-arms trade group who offer powerful perspectives on the broader discussion here.
Health-related Quality of Life in Retired Older People in Tehran City
Authors: Vameghi Roshanak , Niksirat Zahra , Hatamizadeh Nikta , Kazemnejad Anoshiravan
Published: October 2010

Population aging has become an important social issue worldwide and the biggest challenge is improving older people’s quality of life. We aimed to determine the quality of life (QOL) of retired older adults in Tehran using the SF-36. About 321 men and 146 women, aged 60 to 69 (62%) and 70 or older (38%), participated. In the older group, the total QOL score was lower than in the younger group, but the older group scored higher in the mental domain. Education had a significant relationship with the mental domain of QOL, as did gender with the physical and mental domains. The income sufficiency state was significantly related to both domains of QOL. The findings can be useful in designing intervention studies that could eventually lead to application of strategies to promote QOL in retired older adults in Iran and other countries with similar sociocultural and economic backgrounds.
How Gender and Religion Influence Alcohol Use in Elderly Korean Immigrants
Authors: Kim Wooksoo
Published: October 2010

This study examined the effects of religion and gender on drinking behaviors among a sample of 148 older Korean immigrants living in a metropolitan area in Canada. Face-to-face interviews were conducted using standardized questions. The mean age of the participants was 74 years (range: 60-97 years). Logistic regression models were used to assess the effects of religion on drinking and heavier drinking and gender differences in correlates of current drinking and heavier drinking. Results revealed that being married and having lower religiosity were significant correlates that increased the odds of being a current drinker. Older Korean men tend to engage in heavier drinking behavior. Higher religiosity, not mere affiliation to Protestant churches, decreased the odds of heavier drinking for both men and women. The odds of heavier drinking increased for depressed men. Study limitations and implications are presented in a cultural context.
Social Engagement in Assisted Living and Implications for Practice
Authors: Park Nan Sook , Zimmerman Sheryl , Kinslow Kathleen , Shin Hae Jung , Roff Lucinda Lee
Published: October 2010

While it is known that social engagement is important for the well-being of older people, its role among residents in assisted living (AL) residences has not been well explored. The purposes of this study were to explore the experiences of social engagement among AL residents and explain its components and processes as unique to this setting. Qualitative data were collected via semistructured, in-depth interviews with 29 residents in four AL residences in a Southern state. Salient themes were derived using the grounded theory approach. Findings revealed the complexity of social engagement and were organized around five themes related to characteristics of desired social relationships, the perspective of time and loss, barriers to and resources for social engagement, and strategies to develop or modify relationships. AL providers could make concerted efforts to develop practices to provide residents with more social and emotional resources and help them engage in meaningful social interactions.
Prescribing Practices of Anticholinergic Medications and Their Association With Cognition in an Extended Care Setting
Authors: Drag Lauren L. , Wright Sara L. , Bieliauskas Linas A.
Published: October 2010

The current study examined prescribing patterns of anticholinergic (AC) medications and their association with cognitive function in 450 nondemented and nondelirious older adults hospitalized in a postacute extended care center. Participants completed a brief neuropsychological battery that included measures of general mental status, memory, judgment, and executive functioning as part of standard clinical care. An AC burden score was calculated for each participant based on medications taken the day of the testing using the Anticholinergic Drug Scale. Although use of AC medications was common, the majority of participants were taking medications with only minimal AC properties. AC burden and total number of AC medications were negatively correlated with age. AC burden was not associated with lower performance on any of the cognitive measures. In sum, current prescribing practices of AC medications are not associated with negative cognitive effects in a sample of older adults hospitalized in an extended care center.
Larimer County Alliance for Grandfamilies
Authors: Fruhauf Christine A. , Bundy-Fazioli Kimberly , Miller Jacque L.
Published: October 2010

Grandparents who raise grandchildren have needs that often are not met by service providers. In an effort to meet these needs in northern Colorado, a team of community members and grandparents established the Larimer County Alliance for Grandfamilies (LCAG). The LCAG’s mission is to support the health and well-being of grandfamilies through community education, development of support systems, and advocacy for change. To better understand the LCAG’s collaborative approach, an evaluation was conducted 13 months after the initiation of the Alliance. Responses to survey questions indicate that LCAG has benefited individuals who serve grandfamilies, the community, and grandparent providers by increasing community awareness and partnerships. Conclusions and suggestions are made for professionals seeking assistance to build sustainable community partnerships to support contemporary aging issues.
Bioconversion of herbal industry waste into vermicompost using an epigeic earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae
Authors: Kumari Mamta , Kumar Sudhir , Chauhan Rajinder Singh , Ravikanth K.
Published: October 2010

The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential of bioconversion of industrial herbal waste to vermicompost using Eudrilus eugeniae. Vermibeds were made using a mixture of herbal waste and cowdung (1 : 1) in comparison with the use of cowdung alone as substrate, resulting in vermicomposts 1 and 2, respectively. Different parameters were studied and it was observed that the nutrient profile of vermicompost 1 strongly influenced the growth of pea ( Pisum sativum) and marigold plant ( Tagetus erectus). The dry and fresh weight of shoots and roots, number of flowers, total yield in terms of fruit showed significant increase with vermicompost 1. Furthermore, vermicompost 1 (herbal waste and cow dung as substrate) resulted in a significant reduction in TOC by 58% in comparison with vermicompost 2 (cowdung as substrate). The C : N ratio was less than 20 in vermicompost 1 as well as in vermicompost 2, which indicated an advanced degree of stabilization and mineralization. The ability of earthworms to survive, grow and breed in the vermibed fed with the herbal waste indicates the sustainability and efficiency of a heterogeneous kind of organic waste. The results of the study suggested that bulk industrial herbal waste can be utilized as a substrate for vermicomposting and this can be proposed as an alternative for waste disposal in a clean green manner, promoting the concept of organic farming.
Current organic waste recycling and the potential for local recycling through urban agriculture in Metro Manila
Authors: Hara Yuji , Furutani Takashi , Murakami Akinobu , Palijon Armando M. , Yokohari Makoto
Published: October 2010

Using the solid waste management programmes of three barangays (the smallest unit of local government in the Philippines) in Quezon City, Metro Manila, as a case study, this research aimed to further the development of efficient organic waste recycling systems through the promotion of urban agricultural activities on green and vacant spaces. First, the quantity of organic waste and compost produced through ongoing barangay projects was measured. The amount of compost that could potentially be utilized on farmland and vacant land within the barangays was then identified to determine the possibility of a local recycling system. The results indicate that, at present, securing buyers for compost is difficult and, therefore, most compost is distributed to large neighbouring farm villages. However, the present analysis of potential compost use within the barangay demonstrates that a more local compost recycling system is indeed feasible.
Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage in Zellweger Syndrome
Authors: Takenouchi Toshiki , Raju G. Praveen
Published: October 2010

A term male newborn was noted to have severe diffuse hypotonia, hyporeflexia, hepatosplenomegaly, and characteristic abnormal facies of Zellweger syndrome, the diagnosis of which was confirmed by identification of 2 mutations including Nt2098insT, a frameshift with premature stop codon in exon 13, as well as a novel second mutation at Nt3038G→A (Arg1013His) on skin fibroblast testing. His brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated bilateral germinolytic cysts with unilateral hemorrhagic transformation. Germinolytic cysts are one of the characteristic radiographic features of Zellweger syndrome, but germinal matrix hemorrhage has never been reported. Germinal matrix hemorrhage is common in premature infants, but found in only 4% of normal term infants. Germinal matrix hemorrhage was seen in a case of Zellweger syndrome with a novel mutation.
The Relationship Between Parental Concerns and Final Diagnosis in Children With Developmental Delay
Authors: Chung Chia-Ying , Liu Wen-Yu , Chang Chee-Jen , Chen Chia-Ling , Tang Simon Fuk-Tan , Wong Alice May-Kuen
Published: October 2010

Parental concern is a useful screening approach for early detection of children with developmental delay. We investigated the relationships among parental concerns, functional impairment, and final diagnosis of children (n = 273) with developmental delays. Of these, motor, language, and global delay were most common. Parental concerns, especially in language and motor development, were good predictors of children with language or motor delay, and provided reliable information for detection of children with delays in these domains. Parents were less likely to identify children with cognitive problems, global delay, or associated behavioral problems. Co-occurrence of developmental disorders was also recognized, especially in children with global delay. We conclude that parental concerns are useful information for detection of specific developmental problems in children. Because co-occurrence of developmental disorders is common, their early recognition would be helpful for better care of these children.
Public Opinion and Affordable Housing: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Tighe J. Rosie
Published: October 2010

Public support for planning programs and initiatives are an important component of its success but opposition can be a powerful impediment. When siting unwanted land uses such as affordable housing, neighborhood opposition can be a particularly effective barrier. Understanding the factors that influence opposition is a necessary precursor to successful planning initiatives. This review discusses how attitudes toward affordable housing are likely shaped by factors that influence other social policy attitudes— particularly ideology and stereotyping. The author concludes with recommendations and methods that planners can use to manage public opposition and influence attitudes toward affordable housing.
Selecting Benchmarking Services to Help Meet Fiduciary Requirements
Authors: Wagner Marcia S.
Published: October 2010

Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) of 1974, employers and other plan fiduciaries have a duty to ensure that all fees paid by the plan to its service providers are reasonable. Unfortunately, many plan sponsors are not equipped with the necessary expertise and resources to determine the reasonableness of the plan’s fees. This creates a serious problem for plan fiduciaries. A mounting number of lawsuits have been filed against employers on the grounds that plan fees are excessive. Although the current legal climate surrounding the 401(k) plan industry is litigious, plan fiduciaries must follow three primary rules to ensure fees paid to service providers are reasonable. Through benchmarking fees, plan fiduciaries can meet critical requirements under ERISA; however, fiduciaries need to select a reliable benchmarking service. Financial advisors can play a pivotal role in helping the plan sponsor incorporate these services into a prudent plan review process that is intended to satisfy the requirements of ERISA.
Anticoagulant Utilization Evaluation in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Khalili Hossein , Dashti-Khavidaki Simin , Talasaz Azita Haj-Hossein , Najmedin Farhad , Hosseinpoor Reza
Published: October 2010

Background and goal: Due to the importance of anticoagulation use along with the complications that deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) may bring about for the patients, in this study we decided to carry out a drug utilization evaluation on anticoagulants that are routinely administered in a tertiary teaching hospital. Method: Anticoagulants utilization was evaluated in 400 patients from 4 wards (infectious disease, cardiology, nephrology, and cardiac care unit) of a tertiary teaching hospital in a cross-sectional, prospective study. Results: According to the risk stratification, 220 (55%) of the evaluated patients have indication to receive anticoagulants as deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis. With definite diagnosis of DVT or PE, 169 (42.3%) patients have received anticoagulant therapy. In 11 (2.8%) cases, anticoagulants has been ordered inappropriately. In assessment of the anticoagulants regimens that were used as DVT prophylaxis doses of heparin and enoxaparin were appropriate in 75% and 79% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Despite the existence of comprehensive guidelines for the prevention and treatment of DVT and PE, it is not performed accurately.
Evaluation of Research Training and Productivity Among Junior Pharmacy Practice Faculty in the United States
Authors: Lee Kelly C. , El-Ibiary Shareen Y. , Hudmon Karen Suchanek
Published: October 2010

Objective: To evaluate the extent of research training and productivity among junior faculty in US schools of pharmacy. Methods: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted to characterize junior faculty’s ( a) research training and productivity, ( b) perceived ability to meet research demands, ( c) confidence and resources for research, and ( d) interest in receiving further research training. Main Results: Surveys were completed by 349 faculty members (36.7% response). More than 60% completed a pharmacy practice residency and fewer than 15% completed a fellowship. Respondents reported lack of formal training in most research skills during their postgraduate training. Most reported that they are able to meet the teaching, clinical, and service expectations of their departments; however, fewer than half believed that they are able to meet the research expectations. Conclusions: Study respondents reported lack of adequate research training during their postgraduate experiences and current faculty positions. Confidence among faculty to conduct research was also low compared to their confidence to fulfill other expectations of their position. Adequate preparation of current and future academicians is critical to ensuring the success and retention of faculty in the United States.
Clinically Significant Drug−Drug Interaction Between Tacrolimus and Phenobarbital
Authors: Siddiqi Nida , Marfo Kwaku
Published: October 2010

Purpose: The case of a 57-year-old male who experienced acute renal transplant rejection due to subtherapeutic tacrolimus levels as a result of drug interaction with phenobarbital. Summary: Drug interactions with tacrolimus due to its metabolism through the CYP 450 3A4 enzymatic pathway have led to several reports of altered tacrolimus levels, which can lead to acute rejection in renal transplant recipients. We describe the case of a 57-year-old male initiated on immunosuppressive therapy with tacrolimus in addition to his anticonvulsant medications. Conclusion: Upon tacrolimus dose increases, discontinuation of carbamazepine, and minimization of phenobarbital dose, effective tacrolimus trough levels were achieved in our patient. Identification and elimination of such drug−drug interactions is necessary to assure adequate immunosuppression in renal transplant recipients.
Combating Counterfeit Medications
Authors: Law Elaine , Youmans Sharon L.
Published: October 2010

The production and distribution of counterfeit medications has become a significant global public health issue and though not as rampant in the United States as in other parts of the world, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has seen a 10-fold increase in the number of cases investigated. The purpose of this study was to examine California pharmacist knowledge of counterfeit medications, impact of technology and barriers to pharmacist involvement, and potential roles pharmacists can undertake. Our results showed that 59.3% of respondents believe counterfeit drugs pose a problem to the profession, but most had little to no experience with counterfeit medications. For potential sources, 44.5% believe patient use of Internet pharmacies, 39.4% indicated professional counterfeiters, and 16.1% indicated importation. Pharmacist agreed lack of knowledge (46.8%) and resources (82.5%) were barriers to detecting the presence of counterfeits. Half of respondents were award of the CA board of pharmacy’s (BOP) future use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, but 43% did not believe RFID would be effective. Most pharmacists indicated lack of knowledge regarding new technologies but seemed willing to learn.
Linking tree-ring and sediment-charcoal records to reconstruct fire occurrence and area burned in subalpine forests of Yellowstone National Park, USA
Authors: Higuera Philip E. , Whitlock Cathy , Gage Josh A.
Published: October 2010

Reconstructing specific fire-history metrics with charcoal records has been difficult, in part because calibration data sets are rare. We calibrated charcoal accumulation in sediments from three medium (14—19 ha) and one large (4250 ha) lake with a 300 yr tree-ring-based fire-history reconstruction from central Yellowstone National Park (YNP) to reconstruct local fire occurrence and area burned within a 128 840 ha study area. Charcoal peaks most accurately reflected fires within 1.2—3.0 km of coring sites, whereas total charcoal accumulation correlated best with area burned within 6.0—51 km ( r2=0.22—0.62, p<0.05). To reconstruct area burned for the entire study area, we developed a statistical model based on a composite charcoal record. The model explained 64—79% of the variability in area burned from AD 1675 to 1960 and was robust to cross-validation. Reconstructed area burned from AD 1240—1975 was significantly higher during periods including extreme annual drought ( p=0.05), and area burned varied significantly at ~ 60 yr timescales ( p<0.05), similar to the variability in an independent precipitation reconstruction covering the same period. Widespread burning (>10 000 ha) occurred at 150—300 yr intervals, and at the site level, fire probability increased with stand age (composite Weibull c parameter = 1.61 [95% CI 1.36—2.54]), both suggesting that post-fire stand development played an important intermediary role between climate and fire by increasing fuel abundance and probability of fire spread. Our study illustrates the possibility of reconstructing area burned with multiple charcoal records, and results imply that future fire regimes in YNP will be governed by direct impacts of altered moisture regimes and by vegetation dynamics affecting the abundance and continuity of fuels.
Cardioprotective effect of lemon grass as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological changes in experimentally induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Gayathri K. , Jayachandran KS , Vasanthi Hannah R , Rajamanickam G. Victor
Published: October 2010

Isoproterenol is a synthetic catecholamine found to cause toxicity leading to severe stress in the myocardium of experimental animals. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the cardioprotective effect of Cymbopogon citratus, which is used as a culinary item and commonly known as lemon grass (LG), in isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity. Male Wistar albino rats were segregated into five different groups as follows. Groups I and II rats were treated with vehicle. Groups III and IV rats were treated with 100 and 200 mg/kg b.wt. of LG. Group V with 100 mg/kg b.wt. of vitamin E. Myocardial necrosis was induced in Groups II, III, IV and V on 58th and 59th day using isoproterenol at a dose of 85 mg/kg twice at 24-hour interval. Animals were sacrificed on the 60 th day. LG pretreatment exhibited cardioprotective activity as evidenced by decreased activity of cardiac markers in serum and increased the same in heart homogenate (p < 0.05). LG administration decreased the toxic events of lipid peroxidation (TBARS) in both serum and heart tissue, by increasing the level of enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants significantly in both heart homogenate and serum sample (p < 0.05). The histopathological observations also revealed that the cardioprotective effect of LG extract was observed at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt. The results of the present study reveal that LG is cardioprotective and antilipid peroxidative by increasing various antioxidants at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt., which is comparable with that of vitamin E.
Fulminant hepatic failure in woman with iron and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug intoxication
Authors: Magdalan Jan , Zawadzki Marcin , Sozański Tomasz
Published: October 2010

A 17-year-old, previously healthy female ingested 16,000 mg iron sulphate (96.15 mg of iron ions per kg of b.wt.) with a suicidal intent. The patient was admitted to a toxicology unit 10 hours after the drug ingestion. Serum iron concentration at admission was 2351 μg% (421.0 μmol/L). In the course of the intoxication, hemorrhagic gastritis, renal insufficiency and increasing signs of fulminant hepatic failure complicated with coagulopathy and encephalopathy were observed. Treatment with deferoxamine was started immediately after admission to the hospital and continued for 15 hours until the serum concentration of iron decreased to 145 μg% (25.9 μmol/L). Patient was qualified for liver transplant, therefore albumin dialysis as a bridge to liver transplantation was performed. In spite of two procedures of albumin dialysis using the Prometheus system, deep coma, shock and respiratory insufficiency developed. The patient died 80 hours after iron ingestion. In the presented case, the ingestion of a very high dose of iron and late introduction of deferoxamine treatment contributed to fulminant liver failure and fatal outcome of the intoxication.
Risk and Risk Management for Australian Sex Workers
Authors: Harris Margaret , Nilan Pam , Kirby Emma
Published: October 2010

In this article, we address the experiences of female sex workers in urban Australia through analysis of interviews using a feminist approach. Although many previous studies have been conducted, our focus was on the voices of sex workers in an area that was rapidly gentrifying, leading to local community tensions. Intensive analysis of interview transcripts was employed to derive thematic codes for understanding how the women viewed and managed everyday risk in sex work. They were well aware of the health risks associated with sex work. For women working on premises, domain separation between sex work and other life domains was an important management strategy for maintaining self-esteem. For women working on the street, instincts honed by years of dangerous work provided a measure of safety. Our findings have implications for health and other agencies dealing with sex workers in situations in which community pressure is exerted to move sex workers away from the area.
“It’s One of the Better Drugs to Use”: Perceptions of Cocaine Use Among Gay and Bisexual Asian American Men
Authors: Fazio Adam , Hunt Geoffrey , Moloney Molly
Published: October 2010

Research on drug use among gay and bisexual men has primarily focused on examining the link between drug use— most notably, methamphetamine—sexual practices, and risk of HIV transmission. Drawing on in-depth qualitative data from 40 interviews with gay and bisexual Asian American men, we examine perceptions and meanings associated with cocaine use in the San Francisco Bay Area gay community. We found that the participants, in contrast to their negative perceptions of methamphetamine use, believed that cocaine enhanced sociability and was acceptable for use in most social situations. Furthermore, participants perceived little connection between cocaine use and risky sexual practices, emphasizing the drug’s safety relative to other illicit substances. Based on these findings, we suggest that an increase in the favorability of cocaine use might be an unintended consequence of methamphetamine prevention campaigns targeting the gay community, with their emphasis on the harmful effects of drug use, unsafe sex, and HIV risk.
Alternative Families in Recovery: Fictive Kin Relationships Among Residents of Sober Living Homes
Authors: Heslin Kevin C. , Hamilton Alison B. , Singzon Trudy K. , Smith James L. , Anderson Nancy Lois Ruth
Published: October 2010

Sober living homes are group residences for people attempting to maintain abstinence from alcohol and drugs in a mutually supportive setting. Residents typically develop strong psychological and economic ties and have been referred to as “alternative families,” thus evoking the anthropological concept of fictive kinship. We analyzed data from seven focus groups with sober living home residents to assess the prevalence and functions of fictive kinship in these settings. Results suggest that residents created kinship by exchanging various types of support, and by incorporating other residents into existing family relationships, particularly in homes where there were children. Residents perceived fictive kin as more supportive than actual kin, encouraging them toward greater individuation, in contrast with family backgrounds that were sometimes described as stifling. These accounts of the therapeutic qualities of fictive kin in sober living homes could inform the work of fair housing advocates and other community stakeholders.
Intersectionality in California’s Same-Sex Marriage Battles: A Complex Proposition
Authors: Wadsworth Nancy D.
Published: October 2010

This article employs what the author calls “foundational” intersectional analysis to investigate the coalitional and rhetorical strategies mobilized by Proposition 8, a 2008 ballot initiative in California designed to eliminate the right of same-sex marriage. The author argues that foundational intersectionality is the only method that sufficiently contextualizes the historical legacies constructing the political institution of marriage and that this method must incorporate the factor of religion, because religion is central to the politics of “moral values.” The first part of the article differentiates foundational intersectionality from identity intersectionality as a framework. The author then sketches how marriage is a political institution constructed in the United States through the simultaneous interactions of gender, sexuality, race, and religion. The second part of the article applies the framework to an empirical analysis of four discursive strategies employed by pro— and anti—same-sex marriage forces in California in order to “link their fate,” or sense of political alliance, to other groups.
A type of solid and liquid mixture isolator
Authors: Teng H.D. , Chen Q.
Published: October 2010

In this paper we describe a type of new vibration isolator that is based on solid and liquid mixture (SALiM). The SALiM consists of incompressible liquid and many compressible elastic solid elements. When under shocks or vibrations, the incompressible liquid can instantly pass the pressure on to all solid elements in the container of the isolator, which causes all the solid elements to compress and deform simultaneously. As a result it could greatly absorb and dissipate the energy of vibrations and shocks. If designed properly, the isolator could have an excellent performance on both vibration isolation and shock absorbing. This paper uses hollow rubber spheres as solid elements, and investigates the dynamic properties of an isolator, assuming that the solid elements undergo finite deformation. The nonlinear force— displacement relation of the isolator is investigated. The nonlinear equation of motion of a single degree of freedom system supported by the isolator is established. The frequency response functions are evaluated theoretically and measured on a test rig, which shows positive agreement on the nonlinear dynamic behaviors. It is concluded that the isolator responses are asymmetrical and the stiffness of the isolator has softening spring characteristics.
County Government Choices for Redistributive Services
Authors: Farmer Jayce L.
Published: October 2010

This article seeks to examine factors that influence county government preferences for redistributive policies. An analysis of county services in 2007 reveals that political economic and political institutional influences stimulate redistributive service choices. Not only do these influences promote the provision of redistribution, but they also carry important implications for choices to internalize versus outsource production efforts. State-level influences and the reformed government structure consistently stimulate both the provision and internal production of redistributive services. Moreover, the findings suggest that the politics of redistribution as commonly understood for cities has different implications when applied to the environments of counties.